Widen inquiry - Whistleblower crisis

THERE can be little doubt that the scope of the inquiry into Garda whistleblower allegations by retired High Court judge Iarfhlaith O’Neill ought to be widened to include the protected disclosure of Garda Keith Harrison. 

Since Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has left the decision in the judge’s hands especially, he is expected to investigate the circumstances behind that document along with two others as an integral part of the examination.

However, the risk of broadening its scope is that the probe could drag on for 18 months or more, thus putting back the ultimate findings by an unacceptable time span. That makes it vital to establish a reasonable deadline for the judge to complete his scrutiny of this whole affair which goes to the heart of the justice system. At the root of the allegations by the garda concerned is an all too familiar story of the whistleblower enduring a campaign orchestrated by senior members of the force to undermine his credibility since he made the protected disclosure over two years ago. The sooner this matter is cleared up the better.