Garda case settled - Confidence undermined

A SETTLEMENT was reached on the fourth day of a High Court action yesterday, in which three people sued the Garda commissioner, the Minister for Justice and Law Reform, Ireland and the Attorney-General for damages for alleged wrongful arrest, assault and malicious prosecution.

The terms of the settlement are to remain confidential, so we will never know who was wronged — the gardaí or the three people who took the case. The only thing we do know is that the taxpayer will pick up the tab.

This is most unsatisfactory because if the allegations are true the public is entitled to know what action will be taken against the gardaí involved and what the case cost.