The report – which has been given to the Minister for Justice and the Garda Commissioner – uncovered financial irregularities and evidence that money was being spent on entertainment and gifts.
It also identified a large number of bank accounts as part of a non-transparent system of accounting. One of them – a laundry account – was not being used for that purpose.
The Garda Commissioner Nóirín O'Sullivan has previously described these as legacy issues, and that while the accounting practices would not be acceptable by today's standards, there was no misappropriation of money or misuse of public funds.
However, Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald told the Dáil last night that the report raises serious governance issues – it will be referred to both the Comptroller and Auditor General and the Public Accounts Committee.
Meanwhile the Justice Minister has strongly defended the Garda Commissioner in the face of continuing opposition calls for her to step down.
Frances Fitzgerald says an independent external investigation must find out if the controversies surrounding breath tests and speeding convictions were the result of carelessness or collusion.
In the Dáil last night, she said Commissioner Nóirín O'Sullivan is the best person to lead the force.
