Garda college officials knew of ‘laundry’ account

Senior officials at the crisis-hit garda college were told nine years ago the facility’s “laundry” account and certain learning grants were being used for officer loans, bonuses and entertainment costs for unknown reasons.

The damning conclusion, seen by the Irish Examiner, is contained in a copy of the 2008 McGee internal audit report which failed to be acted on when it was provided to authorities almost a decade ago.

A copy of the 53-page document leaked last night amid a flurry of fresh revelations and as garda officers are set to clarify today if the college’s secret bank accounts were tax compliant shows officials were told of serious concerns over the facility’s financial actions nine years ago.