The head of the Garda Anti-Racketeering Unit (ARU), which was set up in 1991 to combat racketeering by subversive organisations, told the High Court yesterday he had no prior knowledge of the decision taken in 1993 by senior Garda officers to disband the unit.
Chief Supt Ted Murphy, who oversaw the ARU in 1993, said he was still in charge of the unit when it was reconstituted with different personnel in February 1994.
He had no documents relating to the 1993 disbandment. When it was re-formed, it carried on with the work it had previously undertaken.
He was giving evidence on the sixth day of an action by a former member of the ARU, Garda Patrick Allen, now stationed in Cork, who is seeking damages against the State and the Garda Commissioner for alleged breach of contract.
Garda Allen claims that when he refused to accept new rostering arrangements in the ARU, he was transferred into a uniformed Garda position in Bray, although his status with the ARU was a permanent one.
Earlier this week, Mr Justice Butler dismissed a simultaneous action by Garda Allen alleging that his former superior in the ARU, Det Supt P.J. Browne (then an inspector) had defamed him in April 1993.
The case continued yesterday against the Garda Commissioner and State only. Chief Supt Murphy said that, although he oversaw the ARU in 1993, he had no input into its disbandment.
Det Sgt James Grehan (now retired) said he had helped Garda Allen get the job in the ARU in 1992. He denied ever acting as an emissary for the Garda Commissioner in any conversation he may have had with Garda Allen. Mr Michael A. Counihan SC, for Garda Allen, said his client's transfer to a uniformed Garda position in Bray was a move he did not deserve.
The hearing concluded yesterday and Mr Justice Butler reserved his judgment to Tuesday.