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.

Equally, if the allegations don’t stand up, the gardaí are innocent and are entitled to their good name. Public confidence in the force would be enhanced.

Unfortunately, this is not the first time a case taken against gardaí in circumstances like this has disappeared from public view. If they are to do their job properly the gardaí need to have the full confidence of the community they serve. Decisions like this do nothing other than undermine that confidence.

After all, justice must be seen to be done.