Retired garda civil servant denies "going after McCabe" remark

A retired garda civil servant has denied telling a colleague that the garda legal team was "going after" Sergeant Maurice McCabe, a garda whistleblower. The Charleton Tribunal, examining whether former garda commissioner Nóirín O'Sullivan inappropriately relied on unjustified grounds to discredit Sgt McCabe during the O'Higgins Commission of Investigation, heard evidence from both men on 7 February 2018. Garda human resources executive John Barrett previously testified that Cyril Dunne, then his superior, made the alleged remark in May 2015. Mr Dunne, a civilian administrator who held a post equivalent to deputy garda commissioner, stated he never made such a comment and that Commissioner O'Sullivan had demonstrated concern for Sgt McCabe's welfare and was keen to establish the truth. He said he was not involved in operational policing or commission preparations. Mr Dunne continues his testimony on a subsequent date.