Higgins: Whistleblowers know suspects were framed

MEP Jim Higgins yesterday said he has brought what he considers "genuine" complaints from two garda whistleblowers to the attention of the Department of Justice and the new minister, Frances Fitzgerald.

The sitting Fine Gael MEP for Midlands-North West said he was “always cautious” when approached by apparent whistleblowers, adding he had “form” in revealing high-profile cases, particularly in Donegal.

He, along with Labour TD Brendan Howlin, first highlighted the Garda scandals in Donegal, which eventually resulted in the Morris Tribunal.

Mr Higgins said when he met the two whistleblowers about seven weeks ago, he felt they had a “genuine complaint”.

“When I met the whistleblowers, they presented me with very real and shocking information,” he said.

Mr Higgins said the accusations contained in the files were extremely serious: “I’m talking the planting of drugs, framing of suspects, and extreme bullying, with tragic consequences, for those who don’t play ball.”

Mr Higgins said whistleblowers previously brought their complaints to Garda management and the Garda Ombudsman Commission, but that they were unhappy with their responses.

“In desperation, they came to me,” he said, adding that he contacted ex-justice minister Alan Shatter.

“He responded immediately and arranged for a senior official to meet one of the gardaí in Dublin,” said Mr Higgins. “They had a meeting over five hours.”

Mr Higgins said one whistleblower, a retired rank-and-file garda, spoke on behalf of both of them — the other being a serving sergeant.

He said he had spoken to the official since, who said he had sent his report to justice secretary general Brian Purcell. Mr Higgins urged the official that the minister also be informed.

“At present, I am working with both the whistle-blowers and Minister Fitzgerald to ensure that their accusations are investigated in a fair and immediate manner,” said Mr Higgins.