Marathon Garda corruption probe to publish last reports

The work of the longest garda corruption inquiry in the history of the state will wind to a close next week when its final reports are published.

The Morris Tribunal began its sittings in March 2003 and heard evidence from more than 1,000 witnesses over 685 days until it concluded in December 2007.

The final two of the total of eight reports were sent to the Justice Minister Dermot Ahern on September 25 and will be published next week, the Dail heard today.

The inquiry focused on the garda investigation into the death of cattle dealer Richie Barron, in Raphoe, Co Donegal in October 1996.

Labour Party leader Eamon Gilmore today reiterated calls for a full Dail debate on the Tribunal’s findings.

The Government previously promised that the issue would be discussed in parliament when all reports were published.

Tanaiste Mary Coughlan said today: "I did give an undertaking that there would be a full debate on the House. We expect publication next week, if at all possible."

She said she would ask the party whips to meet to decide the details of holding a full Dail debate.

The seventh report deals with allegations of garda harassment of the McBrearty family, who were suspected of involvement in the death of Mr Barron.

The eighth report focused on anonymous allegations about the murder investigation received by Labour TD Brendan Howlin and current Fine Gael MEP Jim Higgins.

The death of Mr Barron remains unsolved.

Last May, the sixth report found rogue detectives conjured up evidence and made bogus arrests during the botched Barron murder investigation.

Judge Frederick Morris also found that officers had cheapened justice and damaged the reputations of innocent families.

The report was published on the same day that Taoiseach Brian Cowen assumed office in the Dail and Justice Minister Brian Lenihan denied opposition claims that he was trying to “bury” its findings.

Earlier this year Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy said he profoundly regretted that members of the extended McBrearty family were mistreated by the force.

Mr Murphy said he was deeply disappointed that the Tribunal also found that some of his officers did not co-operate fully with the inquiry.