Reputation of Irish Justice Dept and Police in Catastrophic Meltdown
By John Donovan
Most visitors to this website are probably fed-up with our coverage of events in Ireland stemming from allegations made against Shell and the Garda by a whistleblower company – OSSL – that worked as a Mr Fixit for Shell.
However, remarkable related events continue to unfold.
OSSL says that it purchased and distributed free booze at Christmas time to Irish police officers on behalf of Shell. As part of a cover-up, Shell issued a press statement several months ago (above) denying OSSL allegations.
It is confirmed that Shell did give wine packs as Christmas gifts to members of the Irish news media.
The Irish police have carried out two internal and one internal/external investigation (currently underway by the Police Ombudsman) into OSSL allegations.
The credibility of the investigations is obviously dependent on the credibility of the Irish Justice Department, the Irish Police and the Irish Police Ombudsman.
Unfortunately the credibility of all three parties is at an all time low.
Multiple articles have been published today by the Irish Times that further undermine public trust in those responsible for policing in Ireland. The Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan and the Irish Justice Minister, Alan Shatter, have already resigned.
The latest articles provide evidence that the Garda SíochánaOmbudsman Commission (GSOC), which has an oversight responsibility for the Garda, is also mired in cover-up and incompetence.
The GSOC has supposedly been investigating the OSSL allegations for the last eight months, apparently without ever obtaining testimony under oath from accused Garda officers, nor interviewing third parties with direct knowledge of what happened?
The senior officer in charge of the GSOC investigation - Johan Groenewald – is in a very difficult situation, which is perhaps making him increasingly nervous. He has taken the unusual step of sending me a blunt written message via OSSL. His reputation and career are at risk if he delivers a verdict that later unravels.
He is bound to be anxious at the prospect of publishing his findings at a time when the reputation of the Irish Justice Ministry, the Garda and the GSOC is all shot to pieces in a multi-faceted national scandal of unprecedented dimensions.
In view of recent shocking developments reported in the articles, the detail of the OSSL/Corrib investigation by the GSOC and its findings, are going to receive far more scrutiny than would otherwise apply.
ARTICLES PUBLISHED SAT 10 MAY 2014 BY THE IRISH TIMES
Extract:Pointed criticism of Department of Justice and Garda management
RELATED ARTICLES
Investigation to be set up following Guerin Report: RTE.ie-May 9, 2014
Guerin report calls for comprehensive commission of inquiry: Irish Times 9 May 2014
Guerin report finds inadequate investigation of whistleblower claims: Irish Times 9 May 2014
Guerin report: main findings: Irish Times (blog)-May 9, 2014
Shocked Varadkar admits Garda Siochana are in crisis: Independent.ie 11 May 2014
Extract: Transport Minister Leo Varadkar says An Garda Siochanais “in crisis” and that he is deeply shocked by the wave of allegations.Mr Varadkar severely criticised An Garda SiochanaOmbudsman Commission (GSOC) which he branded a “toothless dog if ever there was one” which was not fit for purpose.”
The TRUTH will set you FREE.
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