Criminal charges ‘used to silence’ garda whistleblowers, McDowell tells Seanad

This is the first time there has been an allegation that criminal prosecutions have been taken against a member of the force because they effectively blew a whistle.

Criminal and disciplinary proceedings have been taken against gardaí who have raised concerns about malpractice in the organisation, it has been claimed.

Senator Michael McDowell told the Senate on Thursday a senior garda “of the upmost integrity” had been sidelined because he made a number of protected disclosures.