Video - Opposition walkout of Dáil as Garda malpractice debate cancelled

OPPOSITION parties stormed out of the Dáil on Wednesday afternoon after a scheduled debate into the Guerin Report, which looked into allegations that serious crimes were not investigated properly by gardaí, was cancelled.

Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams led the walkout with Fianna Fáil and the Technical Group, consisting of Independent and TDs from smaller parties, also leaving.

A two-day debate on the issue had been scheduled, but has now been cancelled.

Speaking to reporters on the plinth at Leinster House, the Opposition leaders condemned the Government's actions.

Gerry Adams said to not allow the Oireachtas debate such serious issues was "absolutely unacceptable":

"I gave the Taoiseach ample opportunity to reschedule this debate. He persisted in a bull-headed way to use his majority to push this through and that's why I called upon the opposition TDs to withdraw. There are serious issues here of public confidence", he said

The Guerin Report findings led to the retirement of the Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan and the resignation of the then Minister for Justice Alan Shatter.