McDowell 'happy' with Garda progress since Abbeylara

The Minister for Justice says that very substantial progress has been made in modernising the Garda since the fatal shooting of John Carthy in Co Longford six years ago.

Speaking this afternoon, Michael McDowell said the Garda is a hugely different force now to the one it was when the siege at Abbeylara took place.

He also said he was sure that Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy will 'share' in his apology to Mr Carthy's family when he has studied the Barr Report in full.