BOTH Garda Michael Fitzpatrick and the Minister were drunk, Garda John Scanlon alleged in a statement read by Mr O'Connell.
It stated "I remember the [Garda] Fitzpatrick asking Minister Barrett about the home allowance paid to Irish police serving in Cyprus. The Minister seemed to become upset and accused Garda Fitzpatrick of being obsessed with money. Garda Fitzpatrick then remarked that perhaps if Fianna Fail were in power they would increase this allowance. The Minister then became very irate and said Garda Fitzpatrick was a disgrace. Both Garda Fitzpatrick and the Minister had a lot of alcohol consumed and both were drunk ... Some Army officers then intervened and asked me to remove Garda Fitzpatrick from the room."
Garda Fitzpatrick's official report to his superiors was also read to the court by his counsel, Mr O'Connell. It stated I was in the company of P.O. Padraig O'Reilly, Garda John Scanlon and Insp Liam Conlon. Minister Sean Barrett joined us. Recently we had been discussing at work the subject of our home allowance payment and what could be done to have them increased. I foolishly took it upon myself to ask Minister Barrett if he could do anything to have them increased.
"Minister Barrett told me I was getting more than the Irish Army UN personnel and I should be happy in Cyprus. I replied jokingly, Ah well, if Fianna Fail were in power they would change them. Minister Barrett became very angry and told me I had insulted him. I later apologised to him. I now formally apologise to Minister Barrett for my actions."
The statement of Garda Padraig O'Reilly was also read to the court. It stated
"Garda Fitzpatrick remarked to the Minister could there be something done in relation to the Home Allowance. The Minister became irate at this comment but informed Garda Fitzpatrick that he should be happy to be in Cyprus and that Garda Fitzpatrick appeared to be obsessed about money. Garda Fitzpatrick then remarked in jest to the Minister that if Fianna Fail were in power they would probably be able to increase the Home Allowances. After this comment the Minister became more irate and used some strongly worded comments towards Garda Fitzpatrick. The Minister appeared to be very upset and was shaking. . . Garda Fitzpatrick was requested to leave the room, which he did in my company. Before he left the room he apologised . .
Mr O'Connell told Judge Carney that Garda Insp W. (Liam) Conlon had also made a statement. It stated "I noticed Mr Barrett and Garda Fitzpatrick engaged in what appeared to be a heated exchange. I moved closer and then Mr Barrett turned and, said to me, Inspector, you are in authority here. What are you going to do about this? I said to the Minister that I was not aware of the incident. (I) . . . discovered in the ensuing conversation that Garda Fitzpatrick had been speaking to Mr Barrett about allowances and had made a verbal political remark concerning Fianna Fail's return to power which incensed the Minister. Mr Barrett was very angry at this stage. I apologised to him for the offending remark made by Garda Fitzpatrick but as he was so angry I do not believe he heard my apology.