Garda chief 'hurt' by Morris Tribunal findings
Recent critical findings from the Morris Tribunal have disturbed and hurt Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy and his officers, but the force is rapidly changing for the better, he said today.
Three reports issued last month by Justice Frederick Morris detailed insubordination and lack of discipline among gardaí during the investigation of the death of cattle dealer Richie Barron in Co Donegal in the 1990s.
In his first official response to the findings, Mr Conroy insisted there had been recent radical changes within his organisation to build an efficient and diligent force with the highest levels of integrity.
“It does cause me hurt and I’ve no doubt that a lot of fine officers in all ranks, including retired officers, are actually hurting at this moment,” he told a news conference at Garda HQ in the Phoenix Park.
“I talk to members, both serving and retired, and they have clearly indicated to me that they are disturbed at what is coming out from the Tribunal.
“But the work of this Tribunal will in the long term improve us as an organisation and its service to the people. That’s what we want to do.”
He added: “At the end of the day, it is the public that judge us, and if we were not providing a proper service, I would expect the public to let us know.”
He continued: “I would like to acknowledge the fine work of the vast majority of men and women who make up the Garda service and who carry out their duties diligently, efficiently and with the highest levels of integrity, day in, day out throughout the country.”
He added: “We all can be duped, and no doubt about it, there are devious people out there, in every organisation. That is why good training and good management is so important.”
Mr Conroy said he was currently taking legal action on the case of Detective John White who was heavily criticised in Judge Morris’s findings.
Mr Conroy also said he sympathised with the McBrearty family and other people at the centre of the events investigated by the Tribunal.
“I feel sorry for them. They were put through a situation that should never have happened.”
The Commissioner said that recent negative publicity had not affected the number of recruits joining the force, which was increasing.
He also referred to the 4,000 people who applied to take part in the Garda Reserve Force.
