The Justice Minister is briefing the Cabinet today on the bugging allegations - at the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission.

It comes amid opposition calls for an independent inquiry into the surveillence claims.

The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors is calling on the GSOC chairman Simon O'Brien to consider his position.

Meanwhile the Garda Commissioner is seeking clarifications from GSOC - after it said there was no evidence of Garda misconduct.

Our News Correspondent Fergal O'Brien reports: