Tribunal chairman says he needs information about gardai and false McCabe allegation

The Charleton Tribunal, examining allegations that sexual abuse claims were weaponised against garda whistleblower Sergeant Maurice McCabe, heard evidence on the handling of a false allegation originating from Bailieboro Garda Station in County Cavan in 2013. Justice Peter Charleton stated he required information about how gardaí discovered the allegation was erroneous and how it subsequently reached senior officers in Sligo and Dublin. The tribunal also examined a 2015 letter from Tusla to Sergeant McCabe regarding his children. Counsel for the Garda Commissioner indicated that while Superintendent Leo McGinn initially believed the report warranted external investigation, it was rapidly established as a repeat of a 2006 matter requiring no further action. A director of counselling with RIAN testified about incorrect records sent by HSE Child & Family Services in error, confirming the information stemmed from a cut-and-paste error. The witness acknowledged the gravity of the mistake for Sergeant McCabe's reputation but stated the agency had not contacted him about the allegations.