Garda corruption inquiry begins

A tribunal of inquiry into allegations of corruption against members of the Garda Siochana was opening today in Co Donegal.

Presided over by former High Court President Mr Justice Frederick Morris, the investigation is set to last up to two years.

The tribunal was authorised by the Government earlier this year after renewed controversy about the activities of certain officers in Co Donegal that was initially sparked by a garda investigation into the death of cattle dealer Richie Barron, who was found dead at a roadside in the county eight years ago.

The inquiry was also set to probe aspects of the handling of the affair by the Garda Complaints Board.

Allegations against officers include claims of criminal and unethical behaviour on the part of some members of the Garda Siochana.

For the first time in legal history, the tribunal is to have the assistance of independent investigators, one of them from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police force.

The inquiry was opening in Donegal, but was expected to switch to a Dublin venue for the public hearing of witnesses early in the New Year.

But a family caught up in the affair, and one of the main complainants against the police, was not planning to attend the hearings.

Members of the McBrearty family, from Raphoe, Co Donegal, rejected representation at the tribunal unless its terms of reference were widened to cover a range of State functions and provision was made for their legal costs.