Call for investigation into handling of garda disclosures

The Seanad has heard calls for a full, independent investigation around the handling of protected disclosures within An Garda Síochána.

RTÉ Investigates reported last week that two people who handled protected disclosures made by garda whistleblowers have themselves blown the whistle, alleging that reforms introduced to protect those who speak out have been undermined by senior management.

Speaking in the Seanad, Independent Senator Michael McDowell stated: "I predicted that garda management would attempt to cover up this major scandal only part of which is in the public domain."

Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan has so far rejected calls for a public inquiry into the whistleblower allegations but Mr McDowell told the Seanad that the "issues need to be fully investigated so that public confidence in An Garda Síochána and its supervision at force and ministerial level can be examined independently".