The investigation of the leaking of a confidential Government document by then Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has been turned into a criminal probe.
There was uproar in the Dail when it emerged last year that the Tanaiste had leaked the Government's proposed contract with GPs in the IMO to head of the NAGP Maitiu O Tuathail in April 2019.
A motion of no confidence was tabled by Sinn Fein back in November after the leak was revealed.
Mr Varadkar apologised and has continuously said since the leak was revealed that he had "committed no offence" according to legal advice.
But now the garda investigation has been upgraded to a criminal probe while the Standards in Public Office Commission is suspending its look into the matter, the Sunday Independent reports.
Gardai have yet to speak to the Tanaiste or Dr O Tuathail as part of the investigation. Both have said they will fully comply with the investigation.
According to reports, Minister Simon Harris has provided a written statement to gardai, while the leak is being investigated to see if it breaches the Official Secrets Act.
For the latest news and breaking news visit dublinlive.ie/news.
Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @DublinLive - the official Dublin Live Twitter account - real news in real time.
We're also on Facebook/dublinliveonline - your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the capital.
