Tribunal told of internal review

AN INTERNAL Garda review into allegations that members of the force colluded in IRA killings focused particularly on one named officer, the Smithwick Tribunal has been told.

Lionel Mullaly, a Garda sergeant who was detailed to assist the inquiry in 2000, said he was told intelligence documents should be checked for the name of Owen Corrigan, a former detective sergeant attached to Dundalk Garda station.

Mr Mullaly, who was attached to the Garda security and intelligence division, said the instruction was given to him by then detective inspector, now superintendent, Peter Kirwan. Mr Kirwan had in turn been detailed to assist Chief Supt Seán Camon in the review of Garda intelligence.

Mr Mullaly told the tribunal he was told to “look out” for Owen Corrigan’s name in the files.

The Garda review was carried out after a book, Bandit Country, The IRA and South Armagh, by Toby Harnden, as well as an article in The Irish Times by Kevin Myers, suggested collusion between gardaí in the Border area and the Provisional IRA.

The allegations of collusion related to the killings of a number of RUC officers; the Northern Ireland high court judge Lord Justice Gibson and his wife, Cecily; a Cooley farmer, Tom Oliver; and the Hanna family.

The Smithwick Tribunal is inquiring into suggestions that members of the Garda or other employees of the State assisted the IRA in the killings of senior RUC officers Harry Breen and Bob Buchanan in 1989. The review of internal Garda intelligence documents concluded there was no evidence of collusion on the part of the Garda. Mr Kirwan has previously told the tribunal he believed the allegations were the result of irresponsible journalism.

Mr Corrigan denies all allegations of collusion.

The tribunal continues today.