Gardaí have confirmed a full investigation is under way into the leaking of a confidential GP contract by Leo Varadkar.
The Tánaiste sent a copy of the proposed new GP deal negotiated with the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) to the head of a rival doctors' group in 2019.
Mr Varadkar, who was Taoiseach at the time, apologised to the Dáil in November for his ‘errors of judgment’ in sharing the confidential Government document with the head of the rival National Association of General Practitioners (NAGP), Dr Maitiú Ó Tuathail.
He insisted there was "nothing corrupt or illegal" in his decision to share the agreement, that he had not handed the NAGP any unfair commercial advantage and that he was working to get as much support for the deal among doctors as possible.
He said there was “nothing inappropriate” about his informal contact with the NAGP but admitted it was an error of judgement to share the document without telling any of his Government colleagues.
Last month, the Tánaiste offered to meet Gardaí over the leaking of the document, adding that he is aware of the complaint against him and noting that the Gardaí “have to do their job and investigate.”
It was confirmed today that a Garda inquiry into the leak has been upgraded to a full investigation.
A spokesperson for Mr Varadkar said that the Gardaí "have not been in contact with the Tánaiste about this matter".
They added: "Last month, on foot of media reports, his solicitors contacted the Gardaí to confirm his willingness to meet them and provide a statement.
"His legal advice is that he has committed no offence and looks forward to the matter being concluded."
Gardaí said they do not comment on any ongoing investigations.
