Claims of ‘whispering campaign’ over Garda College scandal

One of the country’s most senior civilian gardaí has claimed he was subjected to a “whispering campaign” for highlighting the garda college financial scandal and that colleagues who raised similar concerns risked being demoted.

Garda civilian head of human resources John Barrett made the claims in an 80-page letter sent to the Dáil Public Accounts Committee (PAC) yesterday.

In correspondence to the committee as it prepares to finalise its report into the financial scandal and, as a separate damning letter from garda auditor Niall Kelly is expected to be received later today, Mr Barrett lashed out at his treatment by senior managers.