*Garda Commissioner, Drew Harris. Photograph: Eamon Ward
Garda Commissioner, Drew Harris has yet to be briefed on the findings of a report by retired District Court Judge Patrick Clyne into the Garda investigation and internal Garda disciplinary inquiries that took place following the death of Sixmilebridge man, Patrick Nugent.
A fortnight ago, members of the Nugent family met with officials in the Department of Justice to “to explain the next steps” regarding the report.
It has emerged that the report was only provided to the family on the basis that they do not disclose its contents.
This has raised further questions, Clare TD Michael McNamara (IND) has said, “I find it hard to believe if the inquiry found the Garda investigation into Pat Nugent’s death was conducted in an exemplary manner, it would be published at this stage. If the Garda investigation hasn’t been carried out in an exemplary manner, then a proper investigation needs to be carried out for every crime in this country, particularly when it results in someone’s death. If this is the case, then this new investigation needs to start very quickly in view of the fact this incident took place more than 36 years ago”.
Following a meeting of the Clare Joint Policing Committee (JPC) on Monday, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris outlined that he had yet to be briefed on the 111 page report which was submitted to the Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee (FG) last November.
“I’ve to receive a briefing in respect of that so I’m not able to comment in respect of those tragic circumstances,” Commissioner Harris told The Clare Echo.
Such a briefing has not been scheduled, he confirmed. “With all of these reviews there is a process that is ongoing, whenever the matter has been subject to an examination and it has come to conclusion, those are brought to me and I presume it will be in the next couple of months”.
