Buck stops with garda commissioner, says Owen

RESPONSIBILITY for garda operations ultimately rests with the force’s most senior officer, former Justice Minister Nora Owen claimed yesterday.

Mrs Owen told the Morris Tribunal into allegations of garda corruption that the buck stopped with the commissioner in matters concerning personnel under his charge.

She told Anthony Barr BL, acting for the tribunal, that awarding promotions and handling intelligence were not the responsibility of a minister, but were internal matters for the force.