GARDA COMMISSIONER Martin Callinan has confirmed he has been consulting with the Director of Public Prosecutions over the possibility of launching a criminal investigation into issues covered by the Moriarty Tribunal.

The Tribunal found that former former minister and current TD Michael Lowry had had an “insidious and pervasive” influence over the awarding of a second mobile phone licence in Ireland. It was awarded to Denis O’Brien’s company Digifone in 1996. The Tribunal also found a financial link between O’Brien and Lowry.

Callinan addressed the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors’ conference yesterday, saying that a criminal investigation into the Tribunal has not begun.

In an interview with RTÉ’s Paul Reynolds which aired on Morning Ireland this morning, Callinan confirmed he was in communication with the DPP on the issue.

He said that “matters contained with that [Tribunal] report are hugely complex”, adding that the Tribunal had taken a “considerable length of time” to gather its evidence and hear from witnesses.

Callinan said there was precedence in the Garda Commissioner consulting with the DPP before an investigation had begun, saying that this had been the case in the Anglo investigation and in other instances.

He said the move “doesn’t happen often”, but said “it’s right and prudent that I would engage with the DPP before launching an investigation” on Moriarty Tribunal issues.

Previously: Garda Commissioner says Moriarty review will look for criminal offences >