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.

Eamonn Farrell/Rollingnews.ie

Garda whistleblower Keith Harrison welcomes terms of reference for Tribunal

Investigations will be made on the contacts between An Garda Síochana and Tusla in Harrison’s case.

GARDA WHISTLEBLOWER KEITH Harrison has welcomed the terms of reference for the Charleton Tribunal, which will include an investigation into smear campaigns made against him, as well as against Maurice McCabe.

He thanked several TDs in a statement, including Katherine Zappone, Clare Daly and Mick Wallace for their efforts in his case, and said he especially wanted to thank Alan Kelly who “helped ensure the ill-treatment of my family and I was brought to public attention and ultimately included” in the terms of reference.

Earlier today, the government agreed the terms of reference for the tribunal into the Maurice McCabe scandal.

The resolution will have to pass the Dáil and Seanad before the tribunal is established under the chairmanship of Supreme Court Justice Peter Charleton.

The Dáil resolution (which can be read here) says that the tribunal will investigate:

“Allegations that senior members of An Garda Síochána sought to discredit Sergeant Maurice McCabe because of complaints he made about the performance of An Garda Síochána.”

It goes on to say the tribunal will investigate the protected disclosure by former head of the Garda Press Office David Taylor. Taylor alleged he was told to discredit McCabe by “spreading rumours about his professional and personal life”.

Keith Harrison is named explicitly twice within the terms of reference. Justice Charleton has tasked with investigating contacts between members of An Garda Síochána and Tusla in relation to him, as well as:

…bearing in mind allegations that there may have been inappropriate contacts between An Garda Síochána and Tusla in relation to Sgt McCabe, Garda Keith Harrison and concerns that such contacts may have also taken place in relation to other members of An Garda Síochána who had made allegations of wrongdoing within An Garda Síochána

The Tribunal will investigate whether there is any pattern of Tusla files being created in relation to whistleblowers, and them subsequently being used to discredit those members.

Harrison said that he trusts “the inquiry will establish the truth and bring about a change within senior management of An Garda Síochana”.

He added that he would make no further statements on the matter.

Read: Charleton Tribunal will examine allegations of ‘inappropriate contacts’ between gardaí and Tusla

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.

Close
15 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tweety McTweeter
    Favourite Tweety McTweeter
    Report
    Apr 20th 2018, 7:43 AM

    Washington street is one of the main thoroughfares through the city and its a bit run down in places. It’d be great to see an injection of life into it

    82
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute prop joe
    Favourite prop joe
    Report
    Apr 20th 2018, 11:19 AM

    @Tweety McTweeter: they did a nice job on the old factory on the coal quay where tk Mac is. Surely that can be replicated.

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Vote Tá For All Mná
    Favourite Vote Tá For All Mná
    Report
    Apr 20th 2018, 8:30 AM

    Huge shortage of accommodation in Cork and he’s complaining his students won’t have a nice view……

    40
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Finbarr Dowling
    Favourite Finbarr Dowling
    Report
    Apr 20th 2018, 7:01 AM

    Fabric my h0le. That building is disgusting

    72
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute The Dons
    Favourite The Dons
    Report
    Apr 20th 2018, 9:10 AM

    I agree with Hurley on many of those points but in fairness she’s OTT too. I mean its only a portion of the entire street not a whole section of the city no matter what the history and admits the planners were admirable in their plans anyway. Its seems hard to get anything done these days when its badly needed. The ongoing saga of the old Beamish brewery is a complete farce at this stage too.

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Hatchjaw
    Favourite Hatchjaw
    Report
    Apr 20th 2018, 9:38 AM

    You can see a pic of the proposed development below. We like bland boring architecture in this country.
    http://www.irishexaminer.com/property/planning-notes-go-ahead-for-further-student-digs-468578.html

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute The Dons
    Favourite The Dons
    Report
    Apr 20th 2018, 10:34 AM

    @Hatchjaw: A Peugeot 206??… Interesting plan!

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Niall Brew
    Favourite Niall Brew
    Report
    Apr 20th 2018, 11:23 AM

    @Hatchjaw: its bland because people object to anything different

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dr Richard DeWitt
    Favourite Dr Richard DeWitt
    Report
    Apr 20th 2018, 11:40 AM

    Generally student ghettos tend to be the worst kind of housing ghettos when it comes to antisocial behaviour, noise, late night partying, abandoning cars everywhere, putting furniture on the streets, not taking care of rubbish, et cetera. And that’s before we even think about so-called RAG week. Until we educate our youth about community living and values, who could blame anyone not wanting them anywhere near them? Parents really need to take more responsibility.

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Vote Tá For All Mná
    Favourite Vote Tá For All Mná
    Report
    Apr 20th 2018, 11:58 AM

    @Dr Richard DeWitt: what college are you hanging out near?! Went to college in Cork ten years ago, still live near UCC and I’ve never seen anything like that. There’s parties occasionally but they’re all gone out around 11. Rag week is a little messy but there’s no badness in it. You sound like a grumpy old fart. Maybe you should partake in rag week and enjoy yourself

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dr Richard DeWitt
    Favourite Dr Richard DeWitt
    Report
    Apr 20th 2018, 4:01 PM

    @Vote Tá For All Mná: And…another oxygen thief graces cyberspace.

    1
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Vote Tá For All Mná
    Favourite Vote Tá For All Mná
    Report
    Apr 20th 2018, 4:44 PM

    @Dr Richard DeWitt: pr!ck. Have a lovely day.

    4
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