John Carthy death inquiry to call its first witness

The Dáil sub committee inquiry into the death of John Carthy in Abbeylara last year will call its first witnesses later this morning.

Garda commissioner Pat Byrne will be the first of six senior Gardai to face the seven-member committee today.

The Dáil committee inquiry got underway on Tuesday last and will last for 10 days over a three-week period.

Objections from lawyers representing certain gardaí and the Carthy family addressing fairness and procedures were raised - however these were rejected by the committee.

Following a visit by the inquiry team to Abbeylara yesterday, the first batch of witnesses will be called today.

First to appear will be Garda Commissioner Pat Bryne who will be questioned about the police operation at Abbeylara on April 19 and 20 of last year.