The Government Chief Whip Regina Doherty has moved to defend Garda Commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan, saying Fine Gael and the Taoiseach had full confidence in her.

“I have every confidence in Nóirín O’Sullivan’s capabilities to carry out the recommendations of the O’Higgins report and in her ability to transform the culture of the Gardaí, as does Fine Gael and our Government,” she said.

“She has a willingness to change the culture (of the Gardaí).”

Meanwhile, the former head of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) said he believed the head of the new Policing Authority would change the culture of the Gardaí.

Josephine Feehily plans to call the Garda Commissioner before two public meetings to discuss the O’Higgins report into allegations of Garda malpractice.

The two met for a private meeting last week, following which the authority released a statement to outline serious concerns about the impact on victims and at what it said were systemic performance and management failures within in the force.

Fianna Fáil TD John McGuinness said he believed Ms Feehily would force necessary change.

“She has brought a breath of fresh air, and a very direct approach – one that I think will force the change that is necessary,” he said. “Whether the senior police officers in the force are up to it or not, we will see.”