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Senior gardaí admit breath test scandal has damaged reputation of force

Senior gardaí admit the fake breath test scandal has 'damaged the reputation' of the force...
Newstalk
Newstalk

15.41 22 Sep 2017


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Senior gardaí admit breath tes...

Senior gardaí admit breath test scandal has damaged reputation of force

Newstalk
Newstalk

15.41 22 Sep 2017


Share this article


Senior gardaí admit the fake breath test scandal has 'damaged the reputation' of the force.

Management has been speaking as 181 new gardaí pass out at Templemore this afternoon.

In a speech to the new members of the force, Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan acknowledged the recent controversies in the force - saying he understood that some new members may be feeling a "little apprehensive" about the future. 

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It comes as the process to find a new Garda Commissioner continues following the recent retirement of embattled Noirín O'Sullivan.

The force has faced fresh scrutiny after an investigation recently discovered that almost 1.5 million false tests were recorded, and found some gardaí were exaggerating figures by 300%.

The Garda Representative Association (GRA), meanwhile, has recently claimed that rank and file members of An Garda Síochana did not falsify the figures, but were told to elevate them by senior officers.

Deputy Commissioner John Twomey says they are investigating those claims, saying they want the 'details and facts'.

He acknowledged that what happened with the breath tests has damaged An Garda Síochana.

Speaking at Templemore, he said: "This is an organisational issue, and it's one the organisation has to challenge. It's a behavioural issue that is not acceptable for members of An Garda Síochana.

"It has done damage to the reputation, and it's certainly something that the Acting Commissioner and the management team will work day & night to restore." 

Senior gardaí admit breath test scandal has damaged reputation of force

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Minister Flanagan also had his say on the GRA comments at today's ceremony.

He observed: "I felt the comments were premature. I was disappointed with the comments.

"That said, there is a process underway and I am awaiting the independent report I am expecting shortly from the Policing Authority."

He insisted he wants "all the skeletons out of all the cupboards".

In his speech to the new members of the force earlier, Minister Flanagan said: "An Garda Síochána will come through this period of controversy as a stronger, more cohesive, police service better equipped organisationally to meet the many complex challenges it faces day in and day out.

"There is a great energy here today and I know that each of you individually is going to make a huge contribution to the public good and also by embracing the change agenda in this great organisation."


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