Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Garda Ombudsman Offices, Dublin Sam Boal/Photocall Ireland

No request for Ombudsman investigation from Oireachtas

The Garda Ombudsman Commission has not been asked to investigate the penalty points controversy by an Oireachtas committee, a spokesman has told TheJournal.ie.

THE OIREACHTAS COMMITTEE on Justice is seeking legal advice on the penalty points controversy, but has not asked the Garda Ombudsman Commission to investigate, a spokesman has said.

Reports today claimed that the committee, which met in private yesterday, had referred a report on whistleblower allegations that gardai had inappropriately cancelled penalty points  to the commission, but a spokesman for the committee said that no such step had been taken.

“No decisions or actions have been taken at this point,” said Ciaran Brennan, spokesman for the Joint Oireachtas Committee.

“The committee is currently getting legal advice into what options it can consider, but no decision has been made at the minute,” added Brennan.

A spokesperson for the Garda Ombudsman Commission confirmed that nothing had been forwarded, telling TheJournal.ie:

We haven’t received anything as yet, but if and when we do, then it will be considered. As of now, we don’t know what that will be, so we will have to play it by ear.

Garda Commisioner Martin Callinan confirmed last week that a file will be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in relation to an alleged fraud, arising from the investigation into the cancelling of penalty points by members of An Garda Síochana.

Read: Greater protection for whistleblowers after penalty points furore

Read: Communications between Callinan and Shatter are ‘of a confidential nature’

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Author
Paul Hosford
View 9 comments
Close
9 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds