The Tanaiste and Minister for Justice has now referred a report into the circumstances surrounding the death of the late Donegal-based Sergeant Michael Galvin to GSOC for consideration.
Last June Frances Fitzgerald launched an inquiry following the tragic death of Sergeant Galvin who took his own life at Ballyshannon Garda Station in May of last year.
He had been the subject of a GSOC investigation inconnection with the circumstances surrounding the death of Ms. Sheena Stewart in the early hours of New Years morning 2015.
The Minister has published the first part of the report by Mr. Justice Frank Clarke.
It makes a number of findings including that a criminal investigation was not warranted in this particular case and that Sergeant Galvin was not made aware that he had been cleared of any wrongdoing.
It makes a number of recommendations including on the legislation governing GSOC investigations and the procedures and practices used by GSOC to determine how investigations are designated as criminal or disciplinary.
The Tánaiste stated that those recommendations relating to the legislation will be examined carefully to see what changes are necessary and appropriate, and that she had no doubt that GSOC would similarly wish to consider the recommendations relating to its practices and procedures.
Addressing the report, the Tánaiste said that ‘Sergeant Galvin’s death was a tragedy for his wife and family, for his Garda colleagues and for his community. This week I again met Mrs. Galvin, along with her family and solicitor. I know that no words of mine can heal the hurt that so many feel at his loss.”
The inquiry was conducted by Mr Justice Frank Clarke of the Supreme Court.
