The Taoiseach has agreed to a request from former minister for justice Alan Shatter to correct the Dáil record on the Garda whistleblower controversy.

Enda Kenny was opening a debate on Wednesday on the O’Higgins Commission of Investigation into allegations by Sgt Maurice McCabe of malpractice in the Cavan-Monaghan Garda division.

He recalled Mr Shatter had resigned as minister following the Guerin report on the allegations which preceded the O’Higgins commission.

“In response to a request from the former minister, I would also like to take the opportunity to correct the Dáil record of May 7th, 2014,” he added.

“I am happy to state, on the record, that the former minister in resigning did not in fact accept responsibility for criticism made in the Guerin report of the adequacy of the department and the minister for justice and equality in responding to allegations made by Sgt McCabe .

“The former minister set out his reasons clearly in his letter of his resignation. I am very pleased to acknowledge that the O’Higgins report has found clearly he acted properly at all times in relation to the handling of allegations made by Maurice McCabe.’’

Mr Kenny said in recent correspondence Mr Shatter had raised a number of serious issues regarding the Guerin report which related to ongoing litigation in the court. For that reason, Mr Kenny said it was no possible for him to respond to those points until that process was completed.

“The Government will respond when that litigation is resolved, taking account of the relevant court judgements,’’ he added.