Morris Tribunal: A claim that a senior Donegal garda gave a witness information to make "17 false statements" was described as extraordinary and extravagant by tribunal chairman Mr Justice Frederick Morris.
Mr Frank McBrearty jnr said that a retired garda had told him that "17 statements" were made by Mr Noel McBride, a key witness in the investigation into the death of Richie Barron, and that Supt John McGinley was the man giving him the false information.
"Well I don't know how many statements he made, but you're certainly wrong about the second part," said Supt McGinley.
"Who was that retired guard?" asked the tribunal chairman.
"Jim Madigan," said Mr McBrearty.
"You're making the most extraordinary, extravagant allegations," Mr Justice Morris said. "Please continue to ask questions and I will ensure that you get answers for them, but it is not fair to make accusations of that nature."
He warned Mr McBrearty not to revisit points already put to witnesses in previous cross- examinations, saying their value had to be weighed against the cost to the public purse.
Mr McBrearty jnr said: "I've pointed out valuable points and described it in detail more than your counsel described."
Mr Justice Morris replied: "Whether you like it or not, I'm giving a ruling in this matter, and that is, that you're not to revisit matters already dealt with not only by counsel for the tribunal but also by Mr [ Mark] McConnell [Mr McBrearty's cousin] unless you have something new to offer to the tribunal."