A report from the Morris tribunal which features the role of Det Sgt John White, who was acquitted by a jury yesterday, could be published within 10 days, writes Mark Hennessy, Political Correspondent
Minister for Justice Michael McDowell will to go the High Court today to seek permission to publish the tribunal's report which he received last May.
The document deals with the Garda investigation of the death of Donegal cattle-dealer Richie Barron, particularly the arrest and detention of Mark McConnell and Michael Peoples.
In addition, Mr Justice Frederick Morris reached conclusions on the Garda inquiry into an arson attack on a mobile telephone mast in Ardara, Co Donegal, and the arrest in 1998 of seven people in Burnfoot.
The High Court told the Minister for Justice in May not to publish the document until given permission, because of the danger of prejudicing the trial of Sgt White.
Saying the Minister intended to return to the High Court "as a matter of urgency", his spokeswoman added: "Now that the criminal trial has taken place it is appropriate to reapply.
"Subject to the direction of the court . . . it is the Minister's intention to lay the report before the Oireachtas as soon as possible."
Sgt White's solicitors have already warned the State they would oppose publication of the report, arguing that their client has the right to his good name.
The Morris tribunal ruling that Donegal-based Supt Kevin Lennon had faked explosives finds during the early 1990s to boost his reputation in the force, forced the resignation of Mr Lennon and Det Garda Noel McMahon.
Mr Justice Morris has also been highly critical of the conduct of the investigation into Mr Barron's death, which gardaí wrongly blamed on Raphoe publican Frank McBrearty.
Sgt White went all the way to the Supreme Court in an unsuccessful attempt to stop the tribunal from investigating the Burnfoot arrests until his court case was finished.
He was one of the first gardaí to investigate the Ardara mobile telephone mast arson attack, which led to the arrest of three men, including Hugh Diver - though no prosecutions followed.
He was also one of the interrogators of Mr McBrearty and his son, Frank jnr. Mr Justice Morris found Sgt White "must have known" that the statements made by Mr McBrearty juand Mr McConnell were false.