Courts / Ireland / Report

List of potential "nasty questions" prepared for garda commissioner, tribunal told

Summary

In October 2016 a document listing "nasty questions" that Garda Commissioner Nóirín O'Sullivan might face was prepared for the Garda press office. Superintendent John Ferris, who worked in the press office, said the list was created at the request of either himself or Andrew McLindon, the force's director of communications. The document was produced by a consultant providing press‑office expertise. Barrister Michael McDowell, representing whistle‑blower Sergeant Maurice McCabe, argued that the list showed the press office was aware of and discussing issues surrounding McCabe, rather than merely issuing bland statements. The Charleton tribunal is examining allegations that senior Gardaí smeared the whistle‑blower to politicians, journalists and others. The DPP had directed no prosecution after a 2006 sexual‑assault allegation against McCabe, stating no offence had been disclosed. Ferris was questioned about queries sent to the press office in 2016 and 2017 concerning McCabe.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: List of potential "nasty questions" prepared for garda commissioner, tribunal told. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• October 2016 Other
• 31 October 2012 Other
• January 2014 Other
• December 2012 Other
• 2016 and 2017 Incident
• 2018-06-06 Publication

Why: Mr O'Mahony said he felt "precluded" from speaking to the whistleblowers because of the laws around confidential reporting. CNI source report

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision Violent Crime

Read the original CNI report