The Morris Tribunal which investigated complaints concerning certain members of the Gardaí in Donegal, released yesterday its sixth report focusing on the detention of ‘suspects’ following the death of the late Richard Barron on the 14th of October 1996 and related detention issues.
Speaking yesterday, the Garda Representative Association President Michael O’Boyce condemned the action of the Gardaí involved and said that it was a terrible outcome.
He said: “It is a matter of profound regret to me and to An Garda Síochána that this was not the experience of the individuals whom this report finds to have been mistreated by members of the organisation as identified by Mr. Justice Morris. I want to take this opportunity to apologise to those people.
It is also deeply disappointing that the Tribunal found that some members of An Garda Síochána were less than forthright in their dealings with the Tribunal.”
The findings of the report have revealed that a number of people were arrested and detained unlawfully and several people were mistreated whilst in Garda custody both verbally and in some cases through physical abuse.
“It’s an appalling indictment on some of our members,” Mr. O’Boyce stated.
The Commissioner continued: “This report together with previous reports from the Morris Tribunal, have identified significant failings which An Garda Síochána is addressing.
However,Mr O’Boyce added that he was determined that lessons have already been learned and this will continue to be the case.
“Our resolve to do so is evidenced by the extensive change and modernisation programme upon which we have embarked in recent years. This reform programme has been greatly assisted by recommendations from the Morris Tribunal and further steps will be guided by the firm recommendations of this report.
“In recent months we have issued revised guidelines on the rights and protection of persons in custody to all members, which have been extensively updated to incorporate recent legislative changes and to reflect best practice.
“The emphasis in these revised guidelines is on the requirement to promote respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms. A new information leaflet for persons in custody is being circulated and work has also been completed on a revised Garda Síochána Custody Record.”