In an effort to boost public confidence in his force after months of allegations about Garda practices in Co Donegal, the Garda Commissioner, Mr Pat Byrne, last night announced the transfer of five officers. They are the chief superintendent of the division, two superintendents and two officers of garda rank.
It is the first time for almost 20 years that gardai in such numbers and of such rank have been transferred following internal inquiries.
Mr Byrne issued a statement saying his action "should not be seen as an indication of any wrongdoing by those directed on transfer". This was supported by senior Garda sources who pointed out that at least two of the transfers were to postings considered highly prestigious in the force.
According to sources, the outgoing Donegal chief superintendent has welcomed his transfer to head of the National Traffic Policy Bureau in Dublin. Chief Supt Denis Fitzpatrick is viewed as one of the rising stars in the force. He was the youngest chief superintendent in the force when he was promoted in 1991 and sent to Co Donegal.
Donegal's Det Supt John McGinley is regarded within the force as having been one of the most effective operational officers in the Garda campaign against the Provisional IRA. He is being transferred to a newly created position of detective superintendent in Galway.
The other senior officer is Supt Kevin Lennon who had been based in Letterkenny and who is being transferred to Garda Headquarters in Phoenix Park where he will operate as a staff officer responsible for administrative duties.
It was not clear last night to where the two officers of garda rank will be transferred.
In his statement, the Garda Commissioner said there "may be a perception that public confidence may have been somewhat undermined by events in the Donegal division".
"It is of utmost importance that the unique interaction that exists between the Garda Siochana and the community is maintained and enhanced. It is also vital that performance of the members in this division be recognised and that morale of the Donegal gardai is in no way jeopardised."
The transfers were "in both the public interest and the interests of the Garda Siochana and should not be seen as an indication of any wrongdoing by those directed on transfer".
Last night, the Fine Gael spokesman on justice, Mr Alan Shatter, said the Commissioner's statement and action in transferring the officers did not adequately address public concern over events in Co Donegal. He called on the Minister for Justice, Mr O'Donoghue, to publish the internal Garda report on allegations made against gardai in Co Donegal.
The report will now be sent to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to see if charges will be brought against any members of the force.