Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring:

In response to the question about the retired gardaí, it is a problem because when they retire they are technically not subject to the disciplinary regulations that attach to serving members. How we deal with that is not a matter for us but for the gardaí. They would have a very valid argument to say what can be done to them. They are no longer gardaí and no longer subject to disciplinary investigation. A criminal investigation is separate. Being retired does not protect one from a criminal investigation. In so far as it is a disciplinary issue, that is a practical problem and any suggestions are welcome.