Gardai are to consider the need for an investigation into the Willie O’Dea affair.

The Garda commissioner says consideration will be given to the matter – after the former minister revealed that a garda passed on sensitive information to him, which he used to smear a political rival.

The Green party leader John Gormley has confirmed that he told the Taoiseach he considered Deputy O’Dea’s position to be untenable.

Minister Gormley said it was now up to the Gardai to decide on the whether the issue should be brought any further.

“Look, as far as I’m concerned this matter is now closed” he said.

“I’m saying to you as far as I’m concerned the Minister has resigned – I’m talking about political issues here – and as far as we are concerned the matter is now closed”.

When pushed on whether or not it should be investigated by Gardai, the Minister replied “That’s a matter for the Gardai”.