The independent Policing Authority has been accused of “ratting out” two civilian Garda analysts to senior management in the force after they sought its help over false homicide figures.

The Policing Authority is to examine the dramatic comments on Garda homicide statistics by two Garda civilian experts at Wednesday’s Oireachtas justice committee and consider if “action is needed”.

The Tánaiste has insisted the Government is serious about Garda reform as he rejected claims of inaction on the misrecorded homicides controversy.

Once again the deep dysfunctionality within the gardaí has been laid bare, this time by two brave civilian members of the force, writes Political Editor Daniel McConnell.

The maltreatment of two civilian analysts working in An Garda Síochána by senior uniformed management has been called a “national scandal” after they raised concern over homicide figures.

Senior Garda management figures have been accused of a blatant “cover-up” and criticised for “attacking and belittling” two civilian officers over false homicide figures.