Calls to widen remit of Morris Tribunal
Opposition parties last night expressed doubts about tribunal's ability to conduct a full inquiry without the involvement of the extended McBrearty family, who have opted out in protest over restrictions on the inquiry's terms of reference.
Fine Gael described the tribunal as an "insufficient vehicle" to investigate the allegations while Labour voiced "deep concern" that key witnesses felt so strongly about deficiencies in the tribunal that they would not take part.
The Government is also known to be lukewarm in its enthusiasm for this latest in the growing series of tribunals.
It had hoped to have legislation in place for the setting up of an Independent Garda Inspectorate in time to investigate both the Donegal allegations and the shooting dead of John Carthy by gardaà at Abbeylara. A year on from announcing the inspectorate, however, the publication of draft legislation is still months away and a statutory inquiry into Abbeylara has had to be established in the meantime.
Officially, Garda bodies have welcomed the Morris Tribunal but privately members are aggrieved that the terms of reference do not include the role of the Garda Commissioner as sought by the McBrearty family as there is a perception among the force that rank and file members have come under increasing public scrutiny while senior management escape the spotlight.
The McBreartys, who are taking a case to the European Court of Human Rights, have also sought the inclusion of former minister for justice John O'Donoghue.
A spokesman for Justice Minister Michael McDowell said Mr Dowell had made it clear the tribunal could approach him to seek an extension of the terms of reference if it was considered necessary.
The tribunal is headed by former High Court president Mr Justice Frederick Morris.
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