The Garda Síochána Representative Association (GRA) has criticized an attempt to charge a Garda on duty in connection with a fatal collision, reports RTE.
A dispute broke out today between the Garda Síochána Association of Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) and the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) after it was revealed that the Garda were to be charged in connection with a fatal crash that left three men dead.
The three men, who were members of a gang of burglars, died after driving the wrong way into a lorry on the N7 two years ago.
Dean Maguire, Carl Freeman and Graham Taylor died when the BMW they were in caught fire after driving in the wrong direction on the N7 and crashing into a truck.
A GSOC officer told the inquiry yesterday that a Garda was to be charged, but it emerged that the Garda had not been told of the offence(s) he was to be charged with, and had not been charged.
Today the AGSI described this as “scandalous”, reports RTE.
The association calls for a complete overhaul of the GSOC and the way it operates.
However, in a statement this afternoon, the GSOC said their legal representative had informed the Garda concerned that the Director of Public Prosecutions intended to press charges before the coroner’s hearing.
It stated that the issue that had yet to be resolved was the formal application that had yet to be issued and as this was not a matter for the GSOC but for the Director of Public Prosecutions/DPP, this limited the GSOC’s ability elaborated further yesterday to answer it, reports RTE.
The GSOC officer told the coroner yesterday that he expects to be able to present the details of the charges to the coroner and the bereaved within two weeks.
In a statement this afternoon, the GRA said: “The news that any member would face the threat of criminal charges for any actions while carrying out their duty for the protection of the public has come as a shock and is extremely concerning for our members. However, as we do no know the details or context of any possible charges, it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this time except to say that the association will be providing any assistance and supports we can to our colleague at this time,” reports RTE.
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