Three-month extension for alleged Garda corruption inquiry

The Government has agreed to give the Commission of Investigation set up to examine allegations of corruption and malpractice in the gardaí a three-month extension for its work.

Former High Court judge Kevin O'Higgins has for the past 11 months been examining the allegations made by Sgt Maurice McCabe about the conduct of nine Garda investigations between 2007.

The commission was due to report next month but has sought a three-month extension until April 29th. The Cabinet at its meeting on Wednesday agreed to the extension.

Criminal investigations

The O’Higgins commission was established by the Government to look into allegations made by Sgt McCabe about the conduct of the nine criminal investigations in the Cavan-Monaghan division.

The commission arose following from the report of May 2014 by barrister Sean Guerin to the Taoiseach, concerning Sgt McCabe's claims.

The Government accepted Mr Guerin's recommendation that a Commission of Investigation was desirable in the public interest in order to ensure continuing confidence in the institution of the Garda Síochána and the criminal justice system.

The inquiry has heard from 97 witnesses, 30 of whom gave evidence on two or more modules over 33 days of hearings.

IT delay

In his interim report to the Government on Wednesday, Mr Justice O’Higgins said the work of the commission had been delayed by IT issues and the need to secure disclosure of documentation.

Mr O’Higgins said the commission is also waiting for a number of written submissions before it can complete its draft report.