GARDA COMMISSIONER Fachtna Murphy has apologised to a group of people who were arrested and mistreated by gardaí in the Donegal division during the investigation into the death of Richie Barron in Raphoe in 1996.
The apology, which is the strongest statement of regret from the Garda so far, was made following the publication yesterday of the sixth report from the Morris tribunal. Mr Murphy said he "fully accepts" the tribunal's findings.
He described as "deeply disappointing" the conclusion by the tribunal that some members of the force were less than forthright in their evidence before it.
The report, published yesterday, specifically deals with the arrest and detention of a group of people, including the McBreartys, for questioning about Mr Barron's death and related issues. Mr Murphy said the power of arrest and detention carried profound responsibility. The community was entitled to expect those powers to be used appropriately.
It was a matter of "profound regret" this had not been the experience of those people questioned in Donegal.
"I want to take this opportunity to apologise to those people," he said in a statement issued by Garda Headquarters, Dublin.
Mr Murphy said the report and those already published had identified Garda failings that the force was now addressing. The deficiencies identified in the latest report would inform new initiatives in the area of training.
These included the recently established review of training and development, the new crime training faculty and the specialised training of dedicated senior investigating officers.
He noted the latest report has particular bearing on regulations and systems for the protection of people while in Garda custody. He said practices in this area were constantly under review. Revised guidelines had recently been issued to Garda members incorporating recent legislative changes.
"The emphasis in these revised guidelines is on the requirement to promote respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms," he said.
However, while these steps were warranted following the findings of the tribunal, Mr Murphy believed the "vast majority" of gardaí performed their duties ethically and without abusing their authority.
"The small minority who fail to observe those professional standards do a grave disservice to their colleagues and dishonour the history and tradition of a proud organisation," he said.