Collins contradicts Martin over FF’s knowledge of whistleblower allegations in 2009 – Flanagan

Fine Gael TD for Laois Offaly and Chairman of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party, Charlie Flanagan, has called on Fianna Fáil leader, Micheál Martin, to clarify what exactly then Minister for Justice, Dermot Ahern, knew about the allegations made by Sergeant McCabe in relation to Garda malpractice. This comes after totally conflicting versions of events from Fianna Fáil in recent days in relation to what Fianna Fáil in government knew about these allegations and when.

“On Tuesday night on the Six One News, Micheál Martin said that Sergeant McCabe’s allegations had not been brought to the attention of then Minister for Justice, Dermot Ahern.

“However on Morning Ireland this morning, Fianna Fáil’s Justice Spokesperson, Niall Collins directly contradicted his party leader and said that while Sergeant McCabe had in fact provided his allegations to Minister Ahern’s office that they had not been brought to the Minister’s attention. This reminds us of the ‘the file got lost behind the filing cabinet’ defence which Micheál Martin infamously resorted to while Minister for Health. 

“The actual truth, as confirmed by Minister Shatter in Dáil Éireann yesterday, was that Sergeant McCabe did in fact provide his allegations to Minister Ahern in 2009. Furthermore Minister Ahern replied to Sergeant McCabe that the conduct of the investigation was a matter for the Garda Commissioner, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act, 2005.

“Fianna Fáil has accused Minister Shatter of dragging Dermot Ahern into the matter and impugning his name. This is a total smokescreen. Minister Ahern’s response to Sergeant McCabe was entirely appropriate and there is no assertion of culpability on his part. It is deeply troubling that Micheál Martin misled the Dáil and the public by saying that the allegations were not brought to the attention of Minister Ahern.

“Micheál Martin also repeatedly alleged that Minister Shatter did not act for two years after receiving Sergeant McCabe’s allegations in 2012. However Minister Shatter debunked that assertion in Dáil Eireann yesterday and demonstrated that he responded swiftly and followed procedures in full on receiving Sergeant McCabe’s allegation in January 2012.

“Having waded in with all guns blazing, Fianna Fáil has now tied itself in knots over this issue. It is regrettable in the extreme that Micheál Martin made these claims against Minister Shatter in such a dramatic and public fashion without ascertaining the true facts of the matter.”

Ends
Contact:
Daniel Rowan
01 6183379  

Note to editors:
Contrary to Micheál Martin’s allegation, Minister Shatter confirmed the following to Dáil Eireann yesterday:
·    Minister Shatter received details of the allegations from the then Garda Confidential Recipient on the 23rd January 2012.
·    On 24th January he wrote to the Garda Commissioner seeking clarity on the matter.
·    On 30th January he received confirmation from the Commissioner about the series of investigations that had taken place in relation to Sergeant McCabe’s allegations – which were outlined in detail by Minister Shatter today.
·    On 7th February he informed the Garda Confidential Recipient of the outcome of his investigations into the matter.