State Papers – 1977: Jack Lynch set up Garda brutality inquiry

JACK LYNCH’S government established a committee to inquire into Garda brutality following a damning inquiry by Amnesty International.

Reports of “heavy gang” activity by detectives led to the human rights group visiting Ireland in mid-1977, interviewing alleged victims, lawyers and examining medical reports.

By the mid-1970s, government officials noted it was “necessary to initiate a complaints procedure for alleged offences” against gardaí. Concerns and criticisms were being made by community groups and county council officials among others.