Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said he has "no problem in apologising" to Garda whistleblower Sgt Maurice McCabe that the issues he raised were not dealt with speedily.

Mr Kenny said “I’ve already spoken of the importance and the right of people to bring issues to public notice that should be brought to public notice”.

He said Sgt McCabe is “vindicated in the decisions he has made”. Mr Kenny told the Dáil the Protective Disclosures Bill or the Whistleblowers Bill as it is known would be back in committee stage in the House tomorrow.

“So in that regard I have no problem in apologising to Sgt McCabe for the issues that he raised and for the fact that his raising these matters wasn’t dealt with more speedily in the first instance.”

Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams had asked the Taoiseach: "Would you on behalf of the Sate and the Government apologise to Sgt Maurice McCabe for the way he is being treated for doing his duty."

Mr Adams said he welcomed the Taoiseach’s apology “although what happened to Sgt McCabe was a lot more than you just acknowledged”.

Mr Kenny said “I’ve already said that those people have issues need to be brought to public that they do a service and we will treat them with the respect that this deserves.”

Mr Adams said the Taoiseach had attacked the Opposition for asking legitimate questions. “You and your Government bear responsibility for what has happened. Mr Rabbitte met Mr McCabe two years ago. Sgt McCabe wrote to you some long time ago.”

He said: “Alan Shatter was not on his own.”

The Taoiseach said the Government had responded decisively and clearly to have the commission of investigation established in response to the Guerin report on the file of cases of inadequate Garda investigation.

Mr Kenny said all the cases were historic and they had to put a process in place to deal with them.

He said the Government would proceed speedily to address the issues and put a timeline in place.