Commissioner points to ‘dramatic changes’ to Garda interviews

Dramatic changes have been made to ensure the safety of those being questioned by Gardaí, it emerged tonight.

Speaking out for the first time over the Morris Tribunal, Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy admitted he was very disappointed that Garda officers in Donegal mistreated and abused two women in custody.

Mr Conroy stressed that such behaviour was not common practice.

“Of course it worries me,” he said. “But I have been an operational policeman for many, many years and I can say that isn’t common as far as I’m concerned.

“If for instance we know of any similar situations of course we will investigate them and we will deal with them in accordance with our disciplinary procedure and that is as it should be and will be in the future.”

Garda John Dooley and Detective Sergeant John White recently admitted at the tribunal the psychological torture meted out to Katrina Brolly and Roisín McConnell.

Both officers have apologised for the hurt and pain they caused.

The woman allege they were called “lying bitches”, shown graphic pictures of a post mortem examination, and that Mrs Brolly’s hair was pulled, all while they were being questioned in Letterkenny garda station in December 1996 about the activities of a suspect in relation to the death of local cattle dealer Richie Barron.

Garda Joan Gallagher, who is also accused of mistreating the woman, this week denied any role in the incident, insisting that she could not recall any abuse.

The Commissioner, and Minister for Justice Michael McDowell, say the introduction of audio visual recordings, new custody records and higher levels of accountability in recent years are safeguarding those being questioned from such abuse of power.

Mr McDowell added: “I think we have reached already over 96% recording of interviews, and the 4% consists of incidents where the recording machinery didn’t work or alternatively when the accused opted not to be recorded.”

“With very few exceptions all major stations are properly equipped to deal with the matter.

“The fact that 96% of all interviews are recorded is a dramatic change.”