Garda fraud bureau loses top investigators
The early retirement of Det Supt Colm Featherstone follows the early retirement of Det Supt Pat Collins last January. That leaves both superintendent positions in the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation vacant and Chief Supt Dave Dowling in sole charge.
In a further blow, the bureau is also losing its most experienced detective as Det Insp Denis Heneghan retires. Both will leave next Friday. Det Insp Heneghan will leave the agency with four inspectors. The retirements will be a huge blow to the unit, given the loss of experience.
The duo are among 401 gardaí who are leaving this year. The bureau conducted the mammoth investigation into Anglo Irish Bank, led by Det Supt Featherstone. Last week, former chairman and chief executive Seán FitzPatrick, former finance director Willie McAteer, and the bank’s former managing director in Ireland, Patrick Whelan, were served with books of evidence.
Det Insp Heneghan was the longest serving and most experienced detective in the bureau and headed the stolen cheque/credit card/counterfeit currency unit.
Figures show 401 gardaí had left the force by Aug 31 or have declared their intention to retire between Sept 1 and December.
Justice Minister Alan Shatter said the Government has filled 51 positions at assistant commissioner, chief superintendent and superintendent levels.
It is understood the Government has given approval for a further limited appointment to superintendent level.
