Courts / Westmeath / Report

Whistleblower "jumping the gun" in criticism over welfare officer

Date
2020-01-22
Stage
Hearing Or Decision
Primary locality
Athlone
County
Westmeath

Summary

In a hearing before the Disclosures Tribunal, Judge Sean Ryan examined whether Garda Nicholas Keogh was targeted after making a protected disclosure in 2014. Keogh alleged that a senior member of the Athlone drugs unit, identified as Garda A, had an improper relationship with an alleged heroin dealer, Ms B. In March 2015, Sergeant Yvonne Martin was appointed to a welfare support role for Keogh, but he never accepted the offer. Keogh claimed the appointment was a form of micro‑management aimed at undermining him because of his whistleblowing. Martin testified that she had not contacted Keogh and that the appointment was intended as extra support during a stressful period. The tribunal found no evidence that Keogh's criticism of Martin was linked to the Maurice McCabe tribunal, and no basis existed to hold that view. Keogh maintained that the appointment was part of a broader effort to undermine him as a whistleblower.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Whistleblower "jumping the gun" in criticism over welfare officer. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

Why: Credit: Collins) By Paul Neilan A Garda whistleblower was "jumping the gun" when criticising the appointment of a superior officer to help him with work and welfare matters because of her "involvement" in the Maurice McCabe tribunal, a judge has heard. CNI source report

Case subjects

Ms B

Defendant

Places mentioned

Secondary Mention
Garda Station
  • after she joined Athlone Garda Station
  • Athlone

Topics

Drugs Stage Hearing Or Decision

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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