Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have to hand an e-mail of 23 March 2009 directed by Sergeant McCabe to my predecessor, Mr. Dermot Ahern. It reads as follows:

Dear Minister,

My name is Maurice McCabe. I am a member of An Garda Síochána with the rank of sergeant. As you are probably aware, I have made a complaint in relation to malpractice and corruption in Bailieborough Garda district, Cavan-Monaghan, and these issues are being investigated at present. A preliminary report has been forwarded to Garda headquarters by the investigation team which states that there were indeed bad practices and bad procedures uncovered as a result of my complaint.

On 12 March 2009, on the front page of the Anglo Celt, it was reported that the chief superintendent for Cavan-Monaghan [he here names the individual] stated publicly at a public forum to elected representatives that the issues in Bailieborough were absolute rubbish and that he had been briefed on a number of issues and there was no criminality involved. How can he possibly say such a thing when he is one of the Garda management complained of? The investigation into my complaint is ongoing and for the chief superintendent for Cavan-Monaghan to openly speak about the investigation and conclude that all issues were absolute rubbish is appalling. Certain serious matters have been uncovered during the investigation. To call them absolute rubbish is Donegal all over again.

My e-mail to you is to ask for an independent person to oversee the investigation because the whole investigation has been tainted and undermined by his comments. I feel it is the only way that the truth will be uncovered. The chief superintendent remaining in charge of Cavan-Monaghan while the investigations are ongoing is severely hampering potential Garda witnesses to come forward and tell the truth as they afraid to do so.

He then concludes:

I am sorry for annoying you, but I am at a loss as to where to turn to. Certain spin can be offered by certain Garda management, but the facts and evidence that I have... will show that the public and victims of crime were treated very badly by certain gardaí. This behaviour was allowed to happen and continue by Garda management.

On 11 May 2009, there was a brief response to Garda McCabe's letter of 23 March 2009, as follows:

Dear Sergeant McCabe,

I am directed by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr. Dermot Ahern, to refer to your e-mail regarding alleged malpractice and corruption in Bailieborough Garda district (Cavan-Monaghan) and ongoing investigation into same. The conduct of an investigation is a matter for the Commissioner in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 and the Minister has no role in directing him in such operational matters. The Minister believes that in the circumstances, the most appropriate action for now is to allow the Commissioner to complete his work and let due process take its course. I hope the foregoing is of assistance.

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