Garda whistleblower challenges exclusion of media from Workplace Relations hearing

Acting head of the Garda National Technical Bureau made claims regarding 'unsafe and defective' gun holsters

The acting head of the Garda National Technical Bureau is seeking to quash a ruling by the WRC from last month, when the adjudicating officer acceded to a Garda submission that his case contained 'sensitivities' that should not be made public. Picture: Dan Linehan

Wed, 04 Mar, 2026 - 20:29

The acting head of the Garda National Technical Bureau, who has raised safety concerns that 'defective' gun-holsters used by armed gardaí could lead to accidental deaths, is challenging a decision by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) that excludes the media from his hearing.

At the High Court on Wednesday, counsel for Det Supt Brian O'Reilly, Conor Duff, successfully applied to have an expedited leave application heard on Thursday that challenges the WRC decision to hear the superintendent’s matter behind closed doors.