Garda Complaints chairman worried by retirement loophole

The chairman of the Garda Complaints Board has said he believes it's wrong that the State pays pensions to gardaí who retire before serious complaints against them are investigated.

The Board's annual report shows three cases referred to the Tribunal last year never proceeded because it has no power to pursue gardaí after they retire.

The Minister for Justice said the loophole will be closed off with the introduction of the new Garda Ombudsman.

Gordon Holmes said it's wrong that taxpayers must foot the bill when a garda has deliberately avoided answering the case against him.

“There have been extremely worrying cases,” he said today.

“One that arose some time ago, that caused me very great concern, where a matter was adjourned and adjourned. And eventually, just before the hearing had been heard, the garda in fact retired, thus depriving us of the opportunity of investigating the matter.”