Garda Chief Supt was 'taken aback' at Sergeant's medical cert, Disclosures Tribunal told

Gda Sgt Paul Barry's medical certificate said he was fit to return to work but should not attend at Fermoy Garda Station

Retired Garda Sergeant Paul Barry (pictured) made a 2012 complaint that the proper investigation of a child sexual assault allegation was prevented as the investigation allegedly found that one of the alleged suspects was connected to two senior gardaí. File picture: Gareth Chaney/ Collins Photos

A Garda Chief Superintendent has told the Disclosures Tribunal that he was "taken aback" by a medical certificate issued to a sergeant that cleared him as being fit for work but also meant he was unable to attend one of his workplaces. The Chief Supt told the tribunal of the "frustrating" situation caused by the certificate and that he had never seen one like it in 34 years. 

The tribunal is investigating the claims made by retired Gda Sgt Paul Barry, formerly of Mitchelstown Garda Station in Co. Cork, who made a 2012 complaint that the proper investigation of a child sexual assault allegation was prevented by Supt Michael Comyns, who he says also bullied and harassed him. The Director of Public Prosecutions later directed there be no prosecution of the child sex assault allegation.