Leo Varadkar has been formally questioned by Garda detectives in relation to his leaking of a confidential government document.
Meanwhile, a mobile phone belonging the Fine Gael boss has been retained by investigators as they prepare a file for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The Tánaiste and former Taoiseach is now front and centre in the criminal investigation into the sharing of a draft €210million GP contract in April 2019.
The recipient of the document, which was marked “Confidential, not for circulation”, was Dr Maitiú Ó Tuathail, head of the now defunct National Association of General Practitioners (NAGP).
This was a rival organisation to the official negotiators from the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) who were locked in talks with the Government at the time.
The Irish Mirror has confirmed that Mr Varadkar was interviewed on Friday, April 9th and that he came to meet gardaí by appointment.
And sources close to Dr Ó Tuathail confirmed to the Irish Mirror this morning that he has also been questioned and delivered a “voluntary statement” to officers.
The latest Garda moves have upped the ante for Mr Varadkar as the controversy comes to a head.
It has proved damaging to a political career that was relatively smear-free up to this, and has caused others in his own party to consider an alternative leader for the first time.
A spokesperson for Mr Varadkar told the Irish Mirror: “The Tanaiste met the Gardai voluntarily by appointment earlier this month. He made a full statement and answered all questions.
"On advice the Tanaiste cannot say anything further until the investigation is complete.
"He has made a full account to the Dail on this matter and looks forward to it being concluded.”
Former Health Minister and current Minister for Higher Education, Simon Harris, has also been questioned as part of the serious probe.
Mr Harris has been mentioned in political circles as a potential successor to Mr Varadkar as Fine Gael leader some day.
