WHILE here on an EU mission, the Tanaiste, Mr Spring, has joined his Government partners and spoken out in support of the Minister for Justice, Mrs Owen.
Speaking to reporters in Moscow, Mr Spring said that from what he knew of the events he saw "no need for her to resign in this situation".
However, he repeatedly described the events that led to the release and rearrest of 16 prisoners as embarrassing.
"When a situation like this occurs it is embarrassing for the Government," he said, "and for all members of the Government."
Mr Spring spoke to the Taoiseach on the telephone about the matter yesterday and said he would be speaking to him again over the next 24 hours.
"We are having discussions in relation to the format of that investigation at the present time. We want to establish all the facts. Until we establish the facts one cannot arrive at a conclusion.
"But we want to make sure that there is no repetition of what is an embarrassing series of events."
Mr Spring said the Government would be asking for the report to be provided "as soon as possible".
