SENIOR gardai are to carry out an investigation into allegations of abuse and ill treatment at Henry Street Garda station Limerick.
They were made by a number of people arrested following the murder of Det Garda Jerry McCabe in Adare last month.
Acting Chief Superintendent Noel Smith confirmed yesterday that allegations had been made and were being investigated.
He said "We would not condone any misconduct by any members of the force and complaints will be strongly investigated. We as a force will not stand over the type of conduct alleged, if it did happen. Despite what happened to Detective McCabe, there is no excuse for anyone going over the top."
The chief superintendent added that anyone who felt they had a complaint could go to the Garda authorities or use the provisions of the complaints Act.
He said. "There have been some complaints, and I cannot say how many. Each complaint will be taken individually and we will not drag our heels in carrying out the investigation. We will not condone any misconduct by but if there are allegations, then we must hear the other side, too."
His remarks follow the revelation that the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) is preparing a dossier on the allegations which will be presented to the Minister for Justice.
Ms Liz Egan of the council said her organisation wanted an independent investigation if there was any basis for the allegations.
The allegations include physical abuse and range from punches and kicks, being forced to stand against a wall for long periods, verbal abuse, being threatened with re-arrest and with violence to their family members.
She revealed that some of the prisoners had made complaints to the Garda Complaints Board and some to gardai during their detention.
A total of 31 people have been arrested in connection with the McCabe killing and the wounding of Det Garda Gerry O'Sullivan, when they were accompanying a post office van carrying cash.