The inquiry into the handling of the Garda investigation into Richie Barron's death is part of a wider investigation into alleged Garda corruption in Donegal.
To date just one garda has been charged as a result of the Carty inquiry, which was set up under Assistant Commissioner Mr Kevin Carty in 1999. Five civilians, four in Co Donegal and one in Co Sligo, have been charged with making false statements to the Garda.
A member of the Garda S∅ochβna has been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, as part of the investigation.
The inquiry was set up to examine a range of allegations. Some of these related to the handling of the investigation into Mr Barron's death and there were also claims that explosives were stolen from Garda care and rehidden in caches, one over the Border, so that certain officers would get credit for these finds.
Mr Barron's body was found on a roadside not far from his home in Raphoe shortly after 1 a.m. on October 14th, 1996. He had suffered severe head injuries.
It was initially assumed that he was the victim of a hit-and-run and the State Pathologist was not called to conduct a post-mortem examination.
Crucial evidence may have been lost because garda∅ failed to preserve the scene of death. By the time the area was cordoned off the following morning, neighbours had innocently washed the blood off the roadside.
A murder inquiry was later opened and a local publican, Mr Frank McBrearty, and members of his family were arrested and questioned. No member of the family was charged in connection with Mr Barron's death, although it subsequently emerged that the Garda had possession of an alleged confession to murder which they claimed was made and signed by Mr Frank McBrearty jnr. He has denied making such a statement.
The McBrearty family alleged that they were the victims of Garda harassment and in June of last year more than 150 summonses against them were dropped without explanation in the District Court. These related to minor offences under road traffic, public order and licensing legislation.
The McBrearty family are now pursuing a case in the High Court for damages against the State for false imprisonment, malicious prosecution and breach of constitutional rights.
In July of this year, the body of Mr Barron was exhumed to allow a second autopsy to be carried out.