Minister to consider inquiry into garda gun holsters

Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan has stated he will consider a public inquiry into the supplying of allegedly faulty gun holsters to gardaí, in response to the family of murdered Detective Colm Horkan. The inquiry would only be considered after the completion of Det Horkan's inquest and after Stephen Silver's appeal against his murder conviction concludes.

The Horkan family called for the inquiry following revelations from RTÉ Investigates that several individuals had made protected disclosures regarding concerns surrounding the defective holsters. In a statement, the family expressed their desire for a public inquiry to ensure transparency and to provide answers regarding matters such as the procurement, use, and replacement of holsters, as well as the handling of disclosures within An Garda Síochána.

The Minister for Justice and other authorities are said to have no reason to fear a public inquiry, despite previous requests going unmet. Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly has contacted the Horkan family and plans to meet with them to address their concerns, though he does not have the authority to decide on the inquiry process.