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Public have "patriotic duty" to come forward with information, tribunal chairman says

Summary

In a June 2018 hearing, Mr Justice Peter Charleton, chairman of the Disclosures Tribunal, urged anyone with information relevant to the inquiry's terms of reference to come forward, stressing a "patriotic duty" to the country. The tribunal is examining allegations that senior Gardaí, including former commissioner Martin Callinan, smeared whistleblower Sergeant Maurice McCabe by spreading claims of child abuse to politicians, journalists and others. Journalist Alison O'Reilly testified that she was told by colleague Debbie McCann that McCabe was a "child abuser", but clarified that she had not received a negative briefing. McCann's legal representatives denied any confirmation of such allegations. Other witnesses, including RTÉ journalist Philip Boucher‑Hayes and journalist Justine McCarthy, recounted conversations suggesting McCabe had psychological issues and that negative briefings may have been issued. The tribunal continues to gather statements and will proceed with its investigation on Tuesday.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Public have "patriotic duty" to come forward with information, tribunal chairman says. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial

When:

• February 2017 Other
• 17 December 2013 Other
• January 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
• December 17 Other
• Christmas Other
• 2018-06-01 Publication

Why: He said that he had not mentioned earlier that he had these conversations because they would be hearsay, not direct evidence. CNI source report

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Charge Or Pretrial

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Read the original CNI report