Justice Minister pushed for promotions amid scandals

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald pushed for a "package of promotions" for her staff at the height of a series of scandals in justice and policing to replace officials who were retiring or taking three-year career breaks.

While the Department of Justice was attempting to examine serious complaints against 120 gardaí, Ms Fitzgerald made urgent attempts to promote staff so as not to lose “the best and brightest”.

The Irish Examiner has obtained details which show the extent to which the department tried to cope with the fallout from the garda whistleblower revelations and justice-related scandals.