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O'Sullivan was abroad on day of alleged meeting, records show

Summary

The Charleton Tribunal continued its hearing, examining whether former Garda Commissioner Nóirín O'Sullivan relied on unjustified grounds to discredit Sergeant Maurice McCabe at the O'Higgins Commission. John Barrett, the executive director of Human Resources, testified that he attended a meeting with senior civil servant Cyril Dunne and Ms O'Sullivan, allegedly on May 13, 2015. Barrett stated that Dunne subsequently told him, "we are going after him [McCabe] in the commission." However, diary records indicate Ms O'Sullivan was in London on that date, a fact highlighted by her counsel, Conor Dignam SC. Barrett acknowledged the conflict, noting he arrived at the date through a "process of exclusion" and regretted not making a note at the time. Dunne denies making the comment. The tribunal is currently assessing the validity of the grounds used against McCabe, who had made complaints about policing matters and serious allegations against senior officers, including former Commissioner Martin Callinan. Barrett expressed surprise at the alleged remark, as his office was working to build engagement with McCabe. The matter remains under active examination, and the tribunal continues.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: O'Sullivan was abroad on day of alleged meeting, records show. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• May 13, 2015 Incident
• May 13 Other
• April 2017 Incident
• 2015 and 2016 Other
• 2018-02-02 Publication

Case subjects

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

Read the original CNI report