New witnesses possible at GSOC inquiry

The independent inquiry into allegations of bugging at the Garda Ombudsman will have the power to hear new witnesses.

New witnesses possible at GSOC inquiry

The independent inquiry into allegations of bugging at the Garda Ombudsman will have the power to hear new witnesses.

The terms of reference for the investigation, published last night, give retired judge John Cooke the power to hear whatever oral evidence he needs.

On Tuesday in the Dáil, Enda Kenny appeared to suggest that the independent inquiry would not have the power to compel witnesses or hear new evidence.

But the terms of reference, officially published last night, give the inquiry that right.

It means the inquiry will be able to call in security experts to get to the bottom of whether GSOC was the subject of a bugging attempt.

It also raises the prospect that members of GSOC, the Minister for Justice Alan Shatter, and the Garda commissioner Martin Callinan could all be asked to give new evidence.

Justice Cooke will be asked to report back on his findings within eight weeks, and will be able to recommend extra security measures, or changes to the law around the Garda Ombudsman.

more courts articles

Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother
Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van
Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman

More in this section

Irish homelessness Government criticised for missing social and affordable housing targets
National Risk Assessment for Ireland Tánaiste urges Israel ‘to show humanity’ and allow more aid into Gaza
Lego set based on RNLI lifeboat could soon become a reality Lego set based on RNLI lifeboat could soon become a reality
War_map
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited