Full statement : Garda Commissioner on GSOC

Below are comments issued by Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan in relation the Garda Síochana Ombudsman Commission’s statement on bugging.

Speaking this evening at Garda HQ, Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan commented: “I have read very carefully the contents of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission’s statement this evening and note in particular the assertion that there was no evidence of Garda misconduct.

It is a cause of grave concern that the GardaSíochána Ombudsman Commission’s statement contains a clear indication that An Garda Síochána was in some way suspected of complicity in this matter despite GSOC’s overall finding that the existence of technical and electronic anomalies could not be conclusively explained.

I am now seeking clarification from the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission in respect of the following issues resulting from its statement:

1) The nature and extent of the anomalies identified by the UK security consultancy?

2) Do these anomalies amount to a security breach and is a criminal offence suspected?

3) The basis for the suspicion of Garda misconduct?

4) Whether any matters identified now require investigation by An Garda Síochána?