Justice Minister told Taoiseach that Phil Hogan was stopped by Gardai for using phone while driving

The revelation drove another nail into the former EU Commissioner’s political coffin as he reeled from the ‘golfgate’ dinner scandal.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee said it was her “duty” to inform the Taoiseach that Phil Hogan had been stopped by Gardai for using a phone while driving.

The revelation drove another nail into the former EU Commissioner’s political coffin as he reeled from the ‘golfgate’ dinner scandal.

There were questions over how the motoring offence went up the chain of command from the Garda who stopped Mr Hogan to Taoiseach Micheal Martin.

It sparked concern when it emerged Garda Commissioner Drew Harris decided to inform the Justice Minister himself.

Commissioner Harris used the controversial Section 41 clause in the Garda Siochana Act which allows him to brief the Government on any matters he decides are relevant to issues such as peace, security or the accountability of the Government.

Speaking on RTÉ radio, Ms McEntee said she had a “duty” to inform the Taoiseach.

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She said the Garda Commissioner has the power under various pieces of legislation to pass on information.

A Garda spokesman told the Irish Mirror: “The Commissioner has a duty under law to keep the Minister of Justice and the Secretary General of the Department of Justice informed of any matters as outlined in Section 41.

She said: “When the Garda Commissioner informs me and informs government, I believe it’s my duty then to inform the Taoiseach.”

“Otherwise, the Minister is kept apprised of matters routinely as required.”

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