Disclosures Tribunal examining fresh statements from Gardai

 

The Disclosures Tribunal is examining fresh statements from gardai, based on new evidence.
The Chairman of the Tribunal requested the additional documents yesterday, saying things could have been done a lot better.
This module is examining contacts between senior gardai and Tusla about Garda Keith Harrison.
 
On October 8th 2013, gardai convened a meeting in Letterkenny to discuss a statement made two days earlier by Marisa Simms, following an argument she’d had with her partner, Keith Harrison.
On foot of that, a referral was made to Tusla, which eventually led to a meeting and home visit by a social worker, a referral was also made to GSOC.
Yesterday it emerged that phonecalls were made to two senior gardai prior to the Letterkenny meeting, and who have not yet given statements to this module of the Tribunal.
Tribunal Peter Charleton said he had asked at the outset for cooperation, and for people who knew things to tell what they knew.
Mr Charleton said he didn’t know if there was a conspiracy against Garda Harrison, or any concealment or deviousness, but he said things could have been done a lot better and they ought to be done now.
He asked for revised statements from Chief Superintendent Terry McGinn who was at the meeting, and Superintendent Eugene McGovern, as well as statements from Assistant Commissioner Kieran Kenny and Chief Superintendent Tony McLaughlin who were referred to in a diary note ahead of the meeting.
It’s understood that Judge Charleton is considering three statements furnished to him this morning, and will resume proceedings at 1:30.