‘Gardaí should not be protected from prosecution’

A retired high-ranking garda has said the investigations into alleged wrongdoing in the force should be criminal inquiries rather than civil commissions.

Retired detective chief superintendent John O’Brien said the decision to set up commissions of investigation or tribunals meant that those responsible would not be held accountable.

He said by establishing civil inquiries the result was a mass of detail but no concrete action being taken against people who did wrong.