Courts / Ireland / Report

"Rumours" circulated in Garda HQ about whistleblower, senior officer tells tribunal

Summary

During the Charleton tribunal, a senior Garda officer, Detective Superintendent Frank Walsh, confirmed that rumours circulated in Garda Headquarters about whistleblower Sergeant Maurice McCabe while he was employed there. Walsh, who had served as the commissioner's private secretary until 2016, noted that the rumours were widespread and that a correspondence file from McCabe, which had grown to about 3,500 pages, was involved. The file also contained a summary of McCabe's career and, in May 2014, a false sexual‑assault allegation that had been added erroneously. When the mistake was discovered a few weeks later, it was not reported to Garda HQ. Walsh said the incorrect allegation remained on McCabe's file until the tribunal began in early 2017, and he could not confirm whether any discussions had taken place with the commissioner about the allegation.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: "Rumours" circulated in Garda HQ about whistleblower, senior officer tells tribunal. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• May 2014 Incident
• 7 August 2014 Other
• 5 June 2013 Other
• 9 August Other
• 2017-07-25 Publication

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision Violent Crime

Read the original CNI report