Cabinet looks toinquiry to restore public confidence

The Cabinet will next week discuss the setting up of a statutory inquiry into unresolved complaints by garda whistleblower Sgt Maurice McCabe amid efforts to restore confidence in the force and the justice system.

The Commission of Investigation could be widened to include even more allegations relating to gardaí, Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald admitted yesterday.

Investigating barrister Seán Guerin yesterday recommended that a series of reforms were needed in the force and that unresolved allegations against gardaí needed to be investigated.

Responding to the Guerin report, Ms Fitzgerald said: “The Cabinet will be discussing the report on Tuesday. It’s too early to say what the exact terms of reference will be or whether it will extend beyond the recommendations in this report or issues beyond this report. There is a possibility that it may.”

Her comments follow suggestions by Taoiseach Enda Kenny this week that matters concerning a separate probe into claims of bugging of the garda ombudsman may be added to the promised commission of investigation.

Mr Kenny, speaking in Galway yesterday, also said that the terms of reference and structure of the inquiry would be finalised in the coming weeks.

He described the setting up of a commission as a “deep and far-reaching process”.

Mr Guerin said a full inquiry was needed to investigate unresolved issues arising out of complaints made by Sgt McCabe and examined in his report.

“Such a commission is, in my opinion, desirable in the public interest to ensure continuing confidence in the institution of An Garda Síochána and the criminal justice system,” he said.

The inquiry needed to examine specific cases highlighted by Sgt McCabe, Mr Guerin said.

Mr Guerin recommended a review of how gardaí and the justice minister dealt with Sgt McCabe’s complaints. He also suggested a review of how gardaí and the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission handled disciplinary issues arising out of cases complained about.