No files portraying whistleblower and former press officer as targets, tribunal told

The Charleton tribunal was told that no files exist on garda computer systems portraying whistleblower Sergeant Maurice McCabe or former press officer Superintendent David Taylor as targets or suspects. Peter Kirwan, a former detective chief superintendent who worked in the Security and Intelligence Section, conducted searches of garda databases and systems at the tribunal's direction. His report confirmed there were no documents presenting either man in a derogatory light. Files in the intelligence section referenced Sergeant McCabe only in connection with his participation in a drugs operation in Clones in 2002 and a smuggling investigation in 1989. The tribunal also heard that no lawful authorisation for telephone interception was applied for on Sergeant McCabe between January 2009 and November 2016. The inquiry is examining allegations by Superintendent Taylor that he was directed by former garda commissioner Martin Callinan to brief media negatively on Sergeant McCabe, claims Mr Callinan denies. The tribunal continues next week with Superintendent Taylor's evidence.