Tribunal may recall senior gardai after discovery of new documents

The Charleton tribunal may recall several senior gardaí and a Tusla official following the discovery of two previously undisclosed documents relating to whistleblower Garda Keith Harrison and inter-agency communications in Donegal. The first document records a November 2013 meeting of senior Donegal gardaí attended by Tusla official Gerry Hone to discuss referral procedures. The second, a November 2013 regional management meeting minute, notes that Chief Superintendent Terry McGinn updated colleagues on an investigation into Garda Harrison. Both documents relate to a period when a statement by Garda Harrison's partner prompted a child welfare referral to the HSE, later closed without findings of concern. Tribunal chairman Mr Justice Peter Charleton directed that comprehensive searches of records from October 2013 to March 2014 be conducted to identify further material. Potential witnesses for recall include Chief Superintendents McGinn and Sheridan, Superintendent Eugene McGovern, and retired assistant commissioner Kieran Kenny. The inquiry adjourned, resuming 24 October.