Gardaí to speak to journalists after 'drug-takers protected' claim
Gardaí plan to speak to the journalists and editor of the Sunday Independent after reports in the newspaper that corrupt gardaí have "protected rich and public figures with drug habits, including Gerry Ryan".
The newspaper reported today that "senior figures in the Gardaí and Department of Justice privately believe that a small number of corrupt gardaí" in Dublin extended protection to high-profile drug-takers.
In a statement this evening, An Garda Síochána said: "We have no knowledge of any senior gardaí or officials who hold such views and none of the assertions contained in the article were put to An Garda Síochána for official comment prior to publication.
"The scenarios put forward in this morning's article fail to take account of An Garda Síochána's strong record in the fight against the importation of and dealing in illegal drugs, including cocaine…
"Clearly, we take any allegation of misconduct very seriously and anyone who has evidence of wrongdoing on the part of a member of the Gardaí or of any criminal activity on the part of any individual, should inform Gardaí in order that the matter can be thoroughly investigated."
The Gardaí are to task a Detective Superintendent to speak to the journalists and editor of the Sunday Independent about the allegations in today's newspaper.
"Gardaí can then examine whether there is any information supporting the allegations which merits further investigation," the statement said.
It is understood that a file in connection with the death of Gerry Ryan on April 30, 2010 was forwarded to the Dublin city coroner and that further garda inquiries arising from the contents of the toxicology report which formed part of the evidence at the inquest are ongoing.
RTE has said its notable lack of commentary regarding the drug-related death of Gerry Ryan was 'largely due out of respect' for its late colleague and out of sympathy and respect for his family.
In a statement, the national broadcaster says its has never been slow or late in addressing the subject of levels of drug abuse in Ireland, including cocaine.
In addition it states that routine checks by RTÉ security staff at its Donnybrook premises have been maintained over time and these confirm no ongoing traces of drug-related activity.
