Calls for independent investigation into Gsoc after resignation over Hutch party

(Sam Boal/PA)

The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) is calling for an external investigation to be carried out after one of Gsoc's investigators resigned having told people he attended a party for Gerry Hutch.

The gathering was held last Monday after Hutch was found not guilty of the murder of David Byrne, who was shot at a crowded boxing weigh-in event at the Regency Hotel on February 5 2016.

It's understood the officer, who has been involved in a number of high-profile investigations into garda misconduct, told a number of people he had attended the house party with the gangland crime boss on Monday night.

A Gsoc spokesperson did not confirm or deny reports that the former investigator was close to a female Hutch family member.

The spokesperson said they are not in a position to comment any further as investigations into the matter continue

Gsoc announced it is conducting an investigation but the AGSI has described the decision to launch a probe into itself as “unsatisfactory.” 

AGSI general secretary Antoinette Cunningham said: “In light of the resignation of a senior Gsoc investigator AGSI will be writing to the chair of Gsoc to seek clarity on the impact of this on any current investigations pertaining to our members. This development is a concern.” 

Justice Minister Simon Harris described the incident as a "serious matter which needs to be investigated".

In a statement, Mr Harris said: "That investigation is being considered by Gsoc, so it would not be appropriate for me to comment on it at this time.

"I have requested a report from the chairperson of Gsoc, which I expect to receive in the coming days," the statement read.

Mr Harris said that Gsoc has a "vital role in upholding confidence in policing in Ireland", adding that it is "incredibly important that public confidence in Gsoc be maintained".

However, Labour justice spokesperson Aodhán Ó Ríordáin echoed the AGSI’s call for an independent investigation into the “shocking” allegation saying confidence must be “restored”.

“I note from Minister Harris’ statement that he awaits a report from the Gsoc chairperson, and also goes on to say that confidence in Gsoc needs to be maintained.

“I think the minister needs to face the fact that we are in a situation where confidence must instead be restored,” he said.

He called on Mr Harris to ensure that an investigation, independent of Gsoc, is carried out “swiftly”, led by a Senior Counsel or a retired Judge in parallel to any internal process the Garda Ombudsman may conduct.

“Members of the Force must also be reassured that they will be treated fairly and in line with the Whistleblowing legislation should any member opt to come forward with additional information,” he said.

Mr Ó Ríordáin said the public deserves “immediate and full answers” concerning what occurred on Monday.

“If what is alleged happened, to describe it as shocking would be the understatement of the century,” he said before adding: “What is alleged goes to the heart of our democratic institutions. The public needs answers now.” 

Earlier today a government minister insisted the seriousness of revelations at the Garda Ombudsman are not being understated by his colleagues.

Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien told RTÉ it was a single matter which has been dealt with and he does not believe it will have a “contagion effect”.

“I don’t think we can read into that that it goes any further,” he said.

The minister said the Gsoc has a very important role, adding it has the full support of the Government.

Depending on what emerges from the Gsoc investigation, the matter may have to be referred for a full inquiry by An Garda Síochána, according to Minister of State Seán Fleming.

“It’s shocking and I think everybody was taken by surprise when we heard this, people couldn't believe it actually happened,” Mr Fleming said.

Gsoc must now investigate immediately and get the full facts of when, where and the extent of any contact, he added.

“The person has resigned, I understand, and it’s important that depending on what emerges from that, it might have to be referred to the gardaí for a full An Garda Síochána inquiry, at that stage.” 

“But in the meantime, while that's going on, it's not appropriate I think for anybody at Government level to interfere or make comment on is clearly a very urgent inquiry that's underway now.” 

The officer in question resigning will not constrain the ability of Gsoc to get to the bottom of what happened, Mr Fleming told RTÉ.

“Because if he was a serving member of the Gsoc inquiry team at the time this happened, and Gsoc doesn’t have the ability to [get through all these issues because he resigned], it would be a matter for An Garda Síochána to do the direct inquiry from there on in, and a retirement date doesn’t get you out of a garda inquiry.” Gsoc needs to give the information “quickly” he said, adding that this is a matter of grave concern to the general public.

“I think at that stage, I hope, we will be able to know the full facts or if An Garda Síochána have to do a far more detailed examination at that point.”