Former Justice Minister Alan Shatter is launching a High Court challenge over a decision by the Data Protection Commissioner that he breached the law by disclosing information about Independent TD Mick Wallace on live television.

Mr Shatter, now a Fine Gael backbencher, landed himself in hot water after he revealed on RTE's 'Primetime' that Mr Wallace was shown discretion by gardai after he was stopped while driving on a mobile phone.

The Data Protection Commissioner ruled that Mr Shatter was breach of data protection laws - prompting him to launch a challenge to the circuit court, which ruled against him last month.

Independent.ie has learned that Mr Shatter has appealed the decision and will take the case to the High Court.

Former Data Protection Commissioner Billy Hawkes found that Mr Shatter breached the Data Protection Act by revealing during the programme that Mr Wallace had been cautioned by gardai for using his mobile phone while driving.

The information divulged by Mr Shatter was received from former Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan, who has been cleared of any wrongdoing.

A date for the High Court has yet to be set.

Online Editors