Confusion over Nóirín O’Sullivan holidays

There was confusion last night as to when Garda Commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan received sanction from the Department of Justice to take a six-week holiday.

The department said Ms O’Sullivan had notified it “earlier this year of her attention to take holidays in July/August”, while the Policing Authority said she had informed it at its May 25 meeting that she would miss the scheduled July 27 meeting.

The department declined to say when the commissioner applied for the leave or when it was granted, nor would it give the start and finish dates of the holidays.