Justice Minister Helen McEntee confirmed that six officers are currently suspended from service for more than four years, reports Breaking News.
In a written Dáil response to Carol Nolan TD, Ms McEntee stated that 108 people were currently suspended.
In addition to the six currently suspended for more than four years, the minister confirmed a further 18 suspended for three to four years and 20 suspended for two to three years.
The largest number of Gardaí officers – 37 – were suspended for a period of one to two years. About 27 were suspended in less than a year.
In her response, Ms McEntee said: “Some members are before the courts and are awaiting dates for trials and therefore discipline investigations have to be put into abeyance, pending conclusion of the criminal proceedings. In other cases discipline investigations are ongoing or the case may be subject to a hearing before a Board of Inquiry or Appeal Board, which all impact on suspensions,” reports Breaking News.
After suspension, the member receives a notice setting out the terms of the suspension and the suspended member’s rights.
Earlier this month at Ennis District Court, Judge Alec Gabbett gave a provisional trial date to a police officer charged with drunk driving and carelessness after being told that officers dismissed from service “face huge financial consequences”.
In court, Co Limerick Solicitor Aidan told the judge a trial date would be set for late March or April next year.
The judge said he had not previously been available for Ennis’ case due to professional commitments elsewhere.
Mr Kennelly’s lawyer, Darragh Hassett, said he could not agree to the case being postponed until March or April next year, reports Breaking News.
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