Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism John O'Donoghue has said statements in the media about the Bord na gCon issue are "very damaging to due process" and has asked the parties involved to desist from further comment.
Mr O'Donoghue has asked the parties involved to desist from further comment.
In a statement from his Department this evening, Mr O'Donoghue confirmed that, in accordance with the advice of the Attorney General, copies and in some cases extracts, of the report on the greyhound racing body had been sent to persons referred to.
These were sent on a confidential basis in order to afford these individuals an opportunity to return comments to him by May 31 st, after which the Government will decide on further action, the Minister said.
"The Minister has already made it clear on several occasions that all parties involved should desist from further comment until the process has been completed.
"Against that background he wishes to deplore in the strongest possible terms the manner in which his wishes have been disregarded.
"Statements in the media from whatever source on the contents of the report are very damaging to due process. Once again, therefore, he calls on all concerned to respect his wishes in this matter," the statement concluded.
The chairman of Bord na gCon claimed last night that the report into the dismissal of its chief executive Aidan Tynan, states it is "wrong" to suggest it was caused simply by a dog-doping row earlier this year.
However he admitted it did say that it was a factor in the board's decision to dismiss Mr Tynan last January, the same month in which the doping controversy blew up.
Paschal Taggart issued a statement last night, saying he had received a copy of the report by former Department of Justice chief Tim Dalton.