Inquiry to probe 'police corruption'

Garda officers search for weapons caches

The Irish Government has announced it is to set up a Tribunal of Inquiry into allegations of misconduct by some members of the police in County Donegal.

It will examine allegations of harassment and claims that officers divided up IRA arms finds, later reburying them and faking discoveries to improve promotion prospects.

One of the alleged finds was across the border in Northern Ireland at Strabane in County Tyrone.

The inquiry, announced on Tuesday, will centre on allegations of how police handled a suspicious death in Donegal. It will also look at allegations of planting of evidence.

'Harassment'

The body of Richie Barron - a local cattle dealer - was found on a roadside nearly six years ago.

The inquiry aims to restore public confidence in the police

John O'Donoghue,
Irish Justice Minister

At first the police treated it as a hit-and-run. But it soon became a murder inquiry.

The police investigation focused on one family - the McBreartys.

They denied any involvement and said they were the victims of police harassment. They are now suing the state.

Frank McBrearty, a publican from the town of Raphoe, said he was framed for the murder of Mr Barron.

He was also served with 160 summonses for licensing and traffic offences, which were later dropped.

The McBrearty family welcomed news of the tribunal.

Evidence

The circumstances of Mr Barron's death are still unclear.

However, the focus has turned from his death to allegations of police misconduct and an allegation of the illegal bugging of members of the McBrearty family and their lawyers at a police station in County Donegal.

Explosives were put on show after "finds"

The inquiry is expected to get under way in the summer.

It was announced by Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern following a meeting of the Irish cabinet on Tuesday.

However, for the tribunal to proceed, legislation governing such inquiries may be necessary as part of the evidence is likely to be heard in private.

This is because the evidence may form the basis of any future criminal or civil proceedings.

The tribunal will be headed by a senior judge - former High Court President Mr Justice Frederick Morris.

Armed Garda officer on surveillance duties

Justice Minister John O'Donoghue said the inquiry aimed to restore public confidence in the police and ensure anyone who transgressed was punished.

The tribunal will also examine the linked case of Frank Shortt, who was jailed for three years for drugs offences but was later freed when his conviction was overturned.

He has since alleged there was a criminal conspiracy against him and that drugs were planted on his premises.