The Justice Minister has admitted a garda whistleblower was not ordered to cooperate with an investigation in claims of corruption - but was invited to do so.

It is the first concession from Alan Shatter who had insisted in the Dáil that Sergeant Maurice McCabe had failed to co-operate with an inquiry when directed to do so.

However Alan Shatter says he expected Sergeant Maurice McCabe to make direct contact with the assistant commissioner carrying out the inquiry last year.

A day of statements and questions on the alleged claims have now ended.

Minister Shatter also rounded on Sergeant McCabe's recording of conversations with other officers.

There have also been renewed calls for the Garda Commissioner to resign over his handling of a whistleblower who claimed misconduct in the investigation of a number of serious crimes.

Independent TD Shane Ross says there is a need for a resignation.