It has been confirmed gardaí have launched an investigation into how plans to arrest more than 20 people were leaked to the media.

A Garda spokesperson says the force won't be commenting further on the issue - but confirmed an investigation into the leak is underway.

Socialist TD Paul Murphy said he had lodged formal complaints to the offices of the DPP, the Garda Commissioner and GSOC over the leaking of the information about plans to bring criminal charges against anti-water charge protesters.

It emerged earlier this week that more than 20 demonstrators will be charged over the Jobstown protest last year - which left Tánaiste Joan Burton trapped in her car for over two hours.

Paul Murphy expects to be among those charged and has accused the gardaí of political policing - he has described it as 'incredible' that the media was told about the charges before the protesters.

The charges brought against protesters are expected to include false imprisonment and violent disorder.

You can listen to his interview with Shane Coleman on Newstalk Breakfast below:

And the Sinn Féin Justice spokesperson, Padraig MacLochlainn, says he is deeply concerned.

Garda Whistleblower John Wilson told Newstalk Lunchtime this information should not have been leaked.

"In relation to the political policing aspect, I have no doubt that the arrest of the anti-water charge protesters as a result of that protest was very heavy-handed."

"I have no doubt that the Minister for Justice and the Garda Commissioner have discussed the anti-water charges movement but I don't accept that they're on the phone every five minutes to discuss individual protests."

On the leak of the information, Mr Wilson said: "The source of the leak may or may not have come from within an Garda Síochana. It could have very well have emanated from a high level from the office of the DPP."

"It's very unprofessional. This information should not have been leaked."

You can listen to his interview here: