Court order for GSOC to see files on Maurice McCabe

The Garda Ombudsman will have to obtain a High Court order to access documents from the O’Higgins Inquiry after the Department of Justice told the watchdog that it was legally prevented from releasing documents to it.

The latest blow comes after the Irish Examiner reported on Monday that the Garda Ombudsman had hit a legal barrier in initiating its public interest investigation because it could not access relevant documents.

Last June, GSOC was requested by Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald to carry out an investigation into matters regarding Sergeant Maurice McCabe arising out of the O’Higgins Commission of Investigation.