Length of Garda probe 'put enormous pressure on families'

Taoiseach rules out supporting public inquiry after gardaí had been accused of perverting the course of justice in relation to road traffic offences

Taoiseach Micheál Martin: 'We have to be careful about having public inquiries on so many issues. Public inquiries take an enormous length of time, cost an enormous amount of money, and often do not give solace to those who sought them in the first instance.' File picture: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said the six‑year duration of the Limerick Garda probe “put enormous pressure on families and people”, as he ruled out supporting a public inquiry.

Speaking in Limerick after a graduation ceremony at the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) Moylish campus on Friday, he addressed mounting calls for an inquiry into the garda ticket‑fixing investigation.

The pressure has intensified after charges were dropped against three gardaí who had been suspended from duty in 2020.

A jury in Limerick Circuit Court last week acquitted gardaí Paul Baynham, Peter O'Donnell, and Niall Deegan, who had been accused of perverting the course of justice in relation to road traffic offences.

Mr Martin said he opposed the idea of a public inquiry, and pointed out that such situations should be reviewed “with the existing mechanisms and institutions”.

“We have to be careful about having public inquiries on so many issues. Public inquiries take an enormous length of time, cost an enormous amount of money, and often do not give solace to those who sought them in the first instance,” Mr Martin said.

Asked about his own concerns regarding the situation, he said he didn’t have the “full background".

“Decisions were taken by An Garda Síochána in relation to this. The DPP followed up on it but the court took its decision.

“The length of time this took put enormous pressure on families and people,” he added.

It comes as Tánaiste Simon Harris said there does need to be a form of examination or inquiry into the case.

“In the first instance, it is a matter for my colleague, the minister for justice," said Mr Harris. 

"I haven’t had a chance to discuss it with him, but I share the view of the Taoiseach. I can only imagine the lives put on hold, the stress, and the strain that this has put on people, and these people deserve answers,” Mr Harris said in response to a question by Labour TD Alan Kelly, who has repeatedly raised the case in the Dáil.