LAST UPDATE | 22 Apr 2023

AN INVESTIGATOR WITH the Garda Ombudsman (GSOC) has resigned following concerns over a “potential conflict of interest” at the body. 

It is understood it arose out of the investigator allegedly attending a party attended by Gerard “The Monk” Hutch after Hutch was cleared by the Special Criminal Court of taking part in the murder of David Byrne at the Regency Hotel in 2016.

In a statement to The Journal last night, a spokesperson for GSOC said it had commenced an internal investigation into the issue, but that the officer has now notified it of his resignation.

The statement said: “GSOC became aware in recent days of a potential conflict of interest involving a staff member.

“GSOC immediately commenced an internal investigation into the matter.”

“The officer concerned has now submitted their resignation and GSOC’s investigation is ongoing. GSOC has no further comment at this time.”

The Department of Justice confirmed that the minister and the department were notified by GSOC of “an issue with a staff member” earlier this afternoon.

“It would not be appropriate to comment on individual cases,” the department said.

Justice Minister Simon Harris said in a statement today: “I have requested a report from the Chairperson of GSOC, which I expect to receive in the coming days.

“I will say that GSOC has a vital role in upholding confidence in policing in Ireland, and it is incredibly important that public confidence in GSOC be maintained.”

Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien earlier told RTÉ it was a single matter which had been dealt with and he did not believe it would have a “contagion effect”.

“I don’t think we can read into that that it goes any further,” he said.

Additional reporting by PA