asked the Minister for Justice if he will state with reference to the reported threatened dismissal of Garda James Travers whether any charges were preferred against him; if so, if he will give full details of the charges; what period of time he was given to answer the said charges; and whether he was allowed an opportunity to consult independent legal advice.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Charges against Garda.
49.
Mr. Ryan
The information asked for by the Deputy has been obtained from the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána, and is as follows:
In accordance with the provisions of the Garda Síochána (Discipline) Regulations, 1926, five charges were preferred against the Garda in question, one of discreditable conduct, two of insubordinate or oppressive conduct and two of disobedience to orders.
No limit was placed on the time given to the member to answer the set charges nor was there anything to prevent him from taking legal advice if he wished.
Mr. Ryan
Would it be true to say that the real charge was that he displayed an excess of zeal in the execution of his duty and that because he did so, a vexatious order was given to him which invited insubordination and that the man, who fulfilled his duty properly, was punished as a result?
That is, of course, a preposterous suggestion. I will be dealing fully with it later on in reply to another question by the Deputy.
Mr. Ryan
Since the Minister uses the word "preposterous," there must be more than a grain of truth in it.