GSOC and Garda investigation
Deputy McDonald raised concerns about the handling of information after Tony Golden’s killing and criticised the Tánaiste’s inaction. The Chair ruled it outside promised legislation, and the Tánaiste said GSOC and Garda investigations were under way and should be allowed to continue.
In 2015, Garda Tony Golden was shot dead and Ms Siobhán Phillips, his partner at the time, was also shot and grievously injured by an individual known to An Garda Síochána, Crevan Mackin. Four days after the shooting Deputy Gerry Adams was in receipt of disturbing information as regards this individual and his relationship with An Garda Síochána. He wrote to the Tánaiste eight times and to the Taoiseach four times. The Tánaiste did nothing on the case. He then made a complaint to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, GSOC.
It falls very short of the kind of investigation this very disturbing and serious case demands. So far, the Taoiseach has given a deaf ear to the family of Siobhán Phillips who called for a public inquiry. When will the Tánaiste give an account of these events to the Dáil and answer questions about this serious turn of events? I believe that needs to happen without delay and should happen next week when the Dáil is in session.
Comment on this
The matter was dealt with in a Topical Issue matter yesterday and the Taoiseach addressed it fully earlier this week. A GSOC investigation is under way in regard to the issues the Deputy raised and a comprehensive Garda investigation is also taking place. Both of those should be allowed to take their course and we should get the facts before further action is taken.