Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern has said he has no role in deciding if gardaí should investigate the expenses claims of Senator Ivor Callely (FF) because the matter was one “entirely for the gardai”.
He said it was not the duty of any minister for justice to direct the Garda to investigate and prosecute any individual.
When asked if he believed there was a prima facia case against Mr Callely, relating to the suspected defrauding of State money, that warranted investigation, Mr Ahern said: “First of all I don’t know enough about it. In fact I was away when it was happening before the (Seanad) committee.”
“It is not for me to determine. I am not going to give you a personal opinion on an issue that, under legislation, is a matter for the gardaí to determine.”
Mr Ahern was speaking to the media at the passing out ceremony for 263 new gardaí at the Garda College, Templemore, Co Tipperary.
Today’s passing out will be followed by another in October. From that date the Garda College will be empty because no new recruits have been taken in for almost two years as a result of the Garda recruitment moratorium.
Mr Ahern said plans were already in place to begin recruitment again. However, the timing of the new recruitment drive and the number to be hired had not yet been determined.
While the Republic was in a challenging economic position the Government was committed to maintaining Garda numbers has high as possible.
Mr Ahern said the decision not to continue funding the Justice For the Forgotten group, which campaigns for victims of the Troubles and their families, the agency had received substantial funding over a long period.
“While it’s a difficult decision, these things have to come to an end at some time. We’re in difficult circumstances with the resources we have.”
The 263 gardaí, 112 women and 151 men, that graduated today will now be posted to Garda stations nationwide.
The Commissioner’s Medal, awarded to the student garda who achieves the highest academic scores during training, was awarded to Garda Majella O’Sullivan. From Clonmel, Co Tipperary, she will be stationed in Tallaght, Dublin.
The Gary Sheehan Memorial Medal, awarded for the best all-around student, went to Garda Maureen Finnerty. From Kiltormer, Co Galway, she will be based in Tullamore, Co Offaly.
The Templemore Town Council Medal, awarded for outstanding achievement in the area of social sciences, has been won by Garda Cathal Murphy. From Bishopstown, Co Cork, he will now be based in Bantry, Co Cork.
