The Taoiseach has paid tribute to the former justice minister Alan Shatter, and says he has no regrets in appointing him.

Enda Kenny’s defence comes as the official terms of reference are published for an inquiry into Garda mishandling of crime in Cavan-Monaghan.

The inquiry follows the allegations raised by Garda whistleblower Maurice McCabe - which eventually forced Alan Shatter’s resignation.

But the Taoiseach has defended his performance, and admits he himself could have contributed to Alan Shatter’s heavy workload: