Fate of May Day gardaí to be revealed in weeks

DECISIONS on possible disciplinary proceedings against gardaí arising out of the May Day clashes in 2002 are due to be made in the coming weeks.

The Garda Complaints Board (GCB) is expected to start ruling by the end of the year whether to haul gardaí through disciplinary tribunals, which can recommend penalties up to and including dismissal. The GCB is completing investigations into 18 complaints against gardaí, involving allegations of excessive use of force or removal of garda identification numbers.

A spokeswoman for the board said of the original 41 complaints made by members of the public against gardaí on duty during the Reclaim the Streets rally, 23 cases were closed.