No date set for disciplining Donegal gardaí

THE Garda Síochána and Justice Minister Michael McDowell were both unable to say yesterday when disciplinary action would be taken against the officers criticised by the Morris Tribunal.

Mr McDowell yesterday announced a new garda watchdog in direct response to the tribunal's scathing interim report on corruption within the force in Donegal. However, following a graduation ceremony for 167 gardaí at the training college in Templemore, Co Tipperary, he said he was unsure when the officers involved would be dealt with.

It is considered highly unlikely that any of the officers will be prosecuted.

The Morris report branded Superintendent Kevin Lennon and Detective Garda Noel McMahon as corrupt liars who had orchestrated hoax finds of explosives to boost their careers.

It also criticised 17 other members of the force for negligence or dereliction of duty in failing to properly investigate the men's activities, or for obstruction of the tribunal.

Immediately on publication of the report in mid-July, gardaí established a top-level working group, led by Deputy Commissioner Peter Fitzgerald, to examine what, if any, disciplinary action should be taken. They said at the time that it would deal with the report's recommendations "as speedily as possible".

There has been no official announcement of disciplinary action, although Det McMahon has resigned and two officers have retired. When asked about the matter yesterday, Mr McDowell said it was an issue for the force. "It's a matter for the Commissioner to take disciplinary action. It's not a matter for me to do it."

Questions issued to Deputy Commissioner Fitzgerald's office had not been answered by the time of going to press, but a garda spokesman insisted the group was "working away" at its investigation. "This is far from just rhetoric," said Inspector Ray McHugh. "Whatever changes need to be made will be made. That's pretty stark."

Earlier, Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy told the 167 graduates at Templemore that the force would transform in light of the Morris report. "You can be sure that the Garda Síochána will change and change as required."

Leading gardaí of dubious conduct

Supt Kevin Lennon: Branded corrupt and a liar by the tribunal, which found he manufactured explosives finds in Donegal to boost his career. His fate lies with the Government, which decides on the fitness to serve of superintendents and higher rank officers. Suspended from duty.

Det Garda Noel McMahon: Similarly found guilty of corruption by the tribunal. Resigned last week.

Sean Ginty: Joined the Gardaí in 1957, rising to the rank of chief superintendent. Transferred to Letterkenny in July 1987. Tribunal found him guilty of negligence. Retired from the force in June 1995.

Chief Supt Denis Fitzpatrick: Joined the force in 1972, and promoted to superintendent in 1992, taking up duties in Letterkenny. Promoted again in 1994, before being transferred to traffic bureau at Garda HQ in Dublin in 2000. Tribunal found him guilty of negligence. Fate will rest with working group's recommendations.

Supt John P O'Connor: Joined the force in 1967, and transferred from Letterkenny to Buncrana upon his promotion to superintendent in 1992. Was transferred to Tralee, Co Kerry, in February 1996. Tribunal found him guilty of negligence. Fate also rests with working group.

Michael Duffy: Joined the Gardaí in 1959, and served in Ballyshannon in Donegal from 1981 onwards. Promoted to superintendent in 1989. Tribunal found him guilty of negligence. Had already retired in 1998.