The government is to set up a Commission of Investigation into claims of bugging of phone calls at Garda stations.
The government was informed of the new allegations at its cabinet meeting today.
A sensational government statement says the allegations - surrounding the recording of telephone calls in and out of Garda stations - are a source of "extreme concern".
It says the information came to light as a result of ongoing legal proceedings in a particular case, and that it is not clear why this practice was in operation.
The practice of making recordings was in place 'for many years' and was only discontinued last November.
The government says it has asked for a full and detailed report from the Gardaí so that an informed decision can be made on the legal and other consequences.
The Taoiseach has been holding a private briefing with opposition leaders to inform them about the allegations.
The government says that because the matter is currently before the courts, it cannot make any further comment.
The cabinet has also accepted the retirement of Martin Callinan as Garda Commissioner, and appointed Noirin O'Sullivan to his position in an acting capacity.
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The government statement in full
At its meeting today, the Government considered a new and very serious issue relating to An Garda Síochána.
The implications of this matter are potentially of such gravity that the Government has decided to set up a statutory Commission of Investigation into this matter of significant public concern. It will be chaired by a senior serving or retired member of the Judiciary.
In the context of ongoing legal proceedings in a particular case, the Government has learned that a system was in place in a large number of Garda stations whereby incoming and outgoing telephone calls were taped and recorded. The Government was informed of this new information at its meeting today.
As the matter is before the Courts, it is not appropriate to make any further comment on the specific case.
From the information available, the practice of making recordings was in place for many years and was discontinued in November of 2013. It is not yet clear why this practice was in operation.
The Government is extremely concerned about this information.
The Government has asked for a full, detailed report on all aspects of this matter from An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice and Equality, so that an informed decision can be made on the legal and other consequences, with the assistance of the Attorney General.
The terms of reference for the Commission of Investigation will be decided shortly, once a full report on the circumstances has been made available to the Government.
The Government also decided to agree to the retirement of Mr Martin Callinan from the position of Commissioner of An Garda Síochána.
The Government thanked the Commissioner for his long and dedicated service to the State.
In accordance with the relevant provisions of the Garda Síochána Act, 2005, Deputy Commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan has been appointed as interim Garda Commissioner.
Arrangements will be put in place for an open competition for a permanent appointment to the post of Garda Commissioner as soon as is practicable.
The Government reiterated its commitment to its extensive programme of reform, including the passing of the Government legislation to protect whistleblowers and to extend freedom of information.
It also reiterated its commitment to the reform of Garda oversight and accountability. This will include the establishment of an independent Garda authority, which is appropriate to Ireland’s needs and which will maintain appropriate democratic accountability to the Oireachtas.
The Government will bring forward the full detail of its comprehensive reform proposals in the coming months.
This will be done following the completion of the current inquiries by Judge Cooke and Mr Guerin, the forthcoming hearings by the Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality and the Review of the Garda Síochána which is currently underway under the Haddington Road Agreement.
