Courts / Westmeath / Report

Chief superintendent denies "whistleblower" became focus for gardai

Summary

In a 2019 hearing before the Disclosures Tribunal, Chief Superintendent Mark Curran denied that Garda whistleblower Nicholas Keogh became the focus of investigations simply because he made a protected disclosure. The tribunal, chaired by Judge Sean Ryan, examined whether Keogh was targeted, harassed or bullied after he alleged Garda collusion in the drugs trade on 8 May 2014. Curran explained that the investigation began with a report written by Garda Aidan Lyons, which was later read by Curran. The report described an alleged interaction between Keogh and a man who claimed Keogh had encouraged complaints against Gardaí. Curran stated that the inquiry was directed at the named man and Keogh, not at other Gardaí, and that Keogh had denied any wrongdoing. He maintained that the focus on Keogh was a result of the allegations made in the report, not of Keogh's whistleblowing.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Chief superintendent denies "whistleblower" became focus for gardai. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• 8 May Other
• 31 May Other
• 2019-11-14 Publication

Why: "Gda Lyons is only a messenger, or a transmitter, I needed to go and ask because all I have is what [the named man] is alleged to have said. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Hearing Or Decision

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Read the original CNI report