How many reports do we need? Challenge failure to end dysfunction

WHEN, on Monday, he offered opening remarks at the tribunal considering allegations that there was a campaign led by senior garda officers to discredit whistleblower Sgt Maurice McCabe, Supreme Court judge, Mr Justice Peter Charleton, set some ground rules and underlined the absolute need for truthful testimony.

He pointed out that honesty is a bedrock of any functioning society. That he felt it necessary to make those remarks before he opened a tribunal that will deal with our police force’s behaviour and character is sobering.

Mr Justice Charleton is undoubtedly aware of the long history of controversy in the force and, like anyone else who has considered it, must conclude that there is something pretty close to a cultural expectation of immunity among some — but not all — of its members.