Misconduct claims inquiry

It has understood that the Department of Justice is to establish a statutory inquiry into allegations of Garda misconduct made by a former head of the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association.

Frank Mulcahy was removed from his position as Isme chief executive in 1998. At the time there were allegations of fraud and claims about the submission of invoices prior to the expenses at issue actually being incurred.

The allegation was passed on to the gardaí and a file was sent to the DPP. Mr Mulcahy has said that happened without statements being taken from him or then Isme chairman Don Curry. He has maintained his innocence ever since and no charges were ever brought.

The department is launching the statutory inquiry following a recommendation from the Independent Review Mechanism.