Acting Garda Commissioner reneges on his promise to PAC on station closure criteria

» John Hedges

An Phoblacht Editor

‘How was the decision arrived at to recommend Stepaside Garda Station as against other Garda stations across the state?’ – Mary Lou McDonald

THE Acting Garda Commissioner’s U-turn on his commitment to give the Public Accounts Committee the criteria for reopening Garda stations is “unacceptable”, PAC member and Sinn Féin TD Mary Lou McDonald has said.

There was controversy this summer when it was announced that Stepaside Garda Station would be reopened in Minister Shane Ross’s Dublin constituency after many public demands by him while scores of others were left closed.

On 13 July, Acting Garda Commissioner Dónal Ó Cualáin promised to provide a report to the committee. Now he has told the PAC that, instead, he will send a report to the Minister for Justice and the PAC can ask for the information then.

An annoyed Mary Lou McDonald said on Thursday:

“Just to be clear: We are looking for the data, for the fact and figures, the rationale that was applied as to which Garda stations should be reopened.

“I think we are entitled to that and I see absolutely no reason why they should be fudging or delaying on this.

“What criteria were applied? How was the decision arrived at to recommend Stepaside Garda Station as against other Garda stations across the state?

“Acting Commissioner Ó Cualáin’s late refusal to provide this information is unacceptable. He is accountable to the PAC. The committee has today agreed to call in the Acting Commissioner to next week’s meeting to deal with this issue.

“It was hoped that past controversies and experiences would inform a step-change at the highest ranks of the An Garda Síochána and their attitude to accountability.

“It is disappointing to see the Acting Commissioner adopt an approach of ‘business as usual’.”

RTÉ reported that PAC Chairperson Seán Fleming (Fianna Fáil) said he will write to the Acting Commissioner asking for a copy of the report prepared by An Garda Síochána, not what is in the Department of Justice or going to Cabinet, by Friday evening.

The committee will also request for the Acting Commissioner to attend the PAC next Thursday.