Concerns were raised over role of garda unit at tribunal

Concerns were expressed in a government department about the setting up of a controversial unit in An Garda Síochána to liaise with the Disclosures Tribunal, according to documents seen by the Irish Examiner.

The unit was initially staffed by retired garda members who were known to be close to then commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan. The unit was effectively a filter operation for all information going from the force to the tribunal which is investigating alleged attempts to smear Sergeant Maurice McCabe.

According to correspondence seen by the Irish Examiner, officials in the Department of Public Expenditure were concerned the re-employment of the former members could contribute to the “issues that continue to impact on public trust and confidence in An Garda Síochána”.