Garda told he had duty to reveal data files

A Garda whistleblower who provided a “box of evidence” allegedly containing information on widespread abuse of the penalty point system was advised by the Department of Justice he had a “duty” to bring any such information to the attention of the Oireachtas.

The Dáil’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has resisted a demand by Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan to hand over the dossier of files until it receives legal advice on whether it can examine its contents.

Mr Callinan has argued the files — believed to be from the Garda Pulse system — contain personal data which he is responsible for “and should be returned to me forthwith”.