Partner tells tribunal that garda did not want whistleblower fame

At the Charleton tribunal in Dublin, the partner of Garda Keith Harrison testified that he did not seek recognition as a whistleblower. Ms Marisa Simms rejected suggestions her partner was motivated by attention-seeking when he made a protected disclosure in May 2014. Ms Simms described serious harassment, including garda vehicles with flashing lights following her into shops and near her home, as well as death threats received by the couple. She denied changing her complaint after speaking with Garda Harrison, stating her original statement to gardaí was intended confidentially. The tribunal is examining alleged contacts between gardaí and child welfare services involving Garda Harrison, which he claims constitute an abuse of power. Social work representatives testified that welfare agencies consult with gardaí but do not accept direction from them on investigations. A notification regarding the Simms children was received by the HSE in October 2013, though the case was subsequently closed following a social worker's visit in February 2014.