Call for investigation into handling of garda disclosures

The Seanad has heard calls for a full, independent investigation into the handling of protected disclosures within An Garda Síochána, following revelations that two individuals who handled such disclosures have themselves blown the whistle. These whistleblowers allege that reforms introduced to protect those who speak out have been undermined by senior management.

Independent Senator Michael McDowell stated that he had predicted this major scandal would be covered up by An Garda Síochána management. The Minister for Justice, Jim O Callaghan, has so far rejected calls for a public inquiry into the whistleblower allegations, but Senator McDowell emphasized the need for an independent investigation to examine the issues and restore public confidence in the force and its supervision.

Opposition politicians have called for both former Justice Minister Helen McEntee and current Minister for Justice Jim O Callaghan to answer questions before the Dáil on the handling of allegations by garda whistleblowers. However, Ms McEntee has indicated she has already said all she can on the controversy. The careers of honorable people serving Ireland have been blighted and destroyed by these illegal countermands, according to Senator McDowell.

Brief written by urgent.news from RTE News's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.