The Clare member of the Oireachtas Justice Committee says the Garda Commissioner has questions to answer over the latest breath test scandal.
It’s emerged that an additional 500,000 fake tests were carried out by Gardaí between 2009 and 2016 – bringing the total number to 1.5 million.
Some have said it’s time for Nóirín O’Sullivan to step down, as Clare FM’s Fiona McGarry reports:
It came to light last year that a million false breath tests were recorded on the Garda computer system between 2011 and 2016 – despite never having been carried out.
But today it has emerged that a further 500,000 have been discovered, in the period from 2009 to 2016, in an internal investigation into the issue. That puts the total at 1.5 million.
The report also found some gardaí were making up the figures and in some cases were exaggerating them by as much as 300%.
Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald, who was Justice Minister when the issues first emerged, sys it’s deeply disturbing.
Her Fine Gael colleague, Ennistymon Senator Martin believes public faith in the Gardaí is damaged.
The Oireachtas Justice Committee member wants her to answer further questions.
The news is the latest in a series of controversies within the Gardaí that have led for calls for the Garda Commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan to step down from her role.
Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan is briefing the cabinet on the scandal today, as our TDs return from the summer recess.
