WHAT IF?

liberties13

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Fr. Molloy. Email from a nephew to TD’S | Fr Niall Molloy

Fr. Molloy. Email from a nephew to TD’S | Fr Niall Molloy: “For almost 30 year, people have hidden behind a wall of silence, deceit, corruption and cover-up. Time for the light of justice to shine on them and reveal them to the people for what they are. Many, many people have gone to their graves overshadowed by this heartache.”?

ENCOURAGECHANGE.: Public Inquiry · Be very afraid

ENCOURAGECHANGE.: Public Inquiry · Be very afraid: Public Inquiry · Be very afraid: "To quote Brian Murphys Mother Mary”OUR CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM IS NOT FACILITATING JUSTICE NOR IS IT FACILITATING TRUTH”SUPT DECLAN COBURN WOULD KNOW ALL ABOUT THAT”?"CLOCK PUBLIC HOUSE THOMAS STREET?

Garda penalty points whistleblower lodges complaint with SIPO against Garda Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner - Page 17

Garda penalty points whistleblower lodges complaint with SIPO against Garda Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner - Page 17: Joan Collins is referring to a case of a Dr. Flaherty - concerned about beatings in cells - I think in Limerick - he has been harrassed and alleges assaulted by Gardaí.
It has taken 2 years and the hiring of a solicitor to get anywhere towards a GSOC investigation. GSOC ?crawling along on this.?PITY THERE ARE NOT A LOT MORE DOCTORS LIKE HIM?

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

The Case Of Shane O’Farrell | Broadsheet.ie

The Case Of Shane O’Farrell | Broadsheet.ie: I’d ask him to look at the Shane O’Farrell case, the 2nd of August, 2011, and find out what’s going on there. I’d also like, and I’ll be contacting the Minister for Justice again on this particular issue. But I’d like to ask what about Shane’s human rights? What about Shane’s constitutional rights?

ENCOURAGECHANGE.: December 2009

ENCOURAGECHANGE.: December 2009: Committee Reports - 14 January, 1987 - Report - English: "The Committee considers that there is a need for some mechanism to be established whereby the public can be assured that the decisions of the DPP are not beyond scrutiny."?REFORM 2014?

ENCOURAGECHANGE.: June 2012

ENCOURAGECHANGE.: June 2012: Public Inquiry · Response to Catholic militant, Mary Kenny: A child fondled can be more harmed than a child raped depending on that child’s previous experience, support or lack of support from those around her/him, development or emotional stability at the time of the act.?

ENCOURAGECHANGE.: June 2012

ENCOURAGECHANGE.: June 2012: "To my knowledge, despite years and years of tribunals and other sworn investigations in which lying under oath was the order of the day, not a single person from the political, business or media world has been charged with perjury."?READ MY LIPS"THE WORKING-CLASS"ARE ONLY PRISON FODDER FOR THE SAME ELITE?

Shatter receives Gary Douch report 7½ years after the violent killing - Crime & Law News from Ireland & Abroad | The Irish Times - Tue, Feb 11, 2014

Shatter receives Gary Douch report 7½ years after the violent killing - Crime & Law News from Ireland & Abroad | The Irish Times - Tue, Feb 11, 2014: Shatter receives Gary Douch report 7½ years after the violent killing

Inquiry under Gráinne McMorrow SC beset with delays?

Justice delayed is justice denied | Irish Examiner

Justice delayed is justice denied | Irish Examiner: “I haven’t been paid for three and a half years,” said Ms McMorrow, who herself suffered double tragedies this year, with the death of her husband and her mother.?

Boyd Barrett calls for investigation into 1973 baby death - Oireachtas News Updates | The Irish Times - Wed, Feb 26, 2014

Boyd Barrett calls for investigation into 1973 baby death - Oireachtas News Updates | The Irish Times - Wed, Feb 26, 2014: Independent TD Richard Boyd Barrett has called on Minister for Justice Alan Shatter to meet the legal representatives of Cynthia Owen, who alleged that as a 10-year-old child in she was raped and made pregnant by members of her family and that “senior gardaí were involved in that”.?

Inside Politics at The Irish Times

Inside Politics at The Irish Times: Why is the force not properly accountable and how can we make it fit for purpose? Will the current enquiries and investigations lead to real reform, or is the culture of silence too deeply entrenched? What does it all tell us about the Irish failure to set up proper regulatory structures across society because of vested interests and the lure of political patronage?

Monday, February 24, 2014

WHAT IF?: ENCOURAGECHANGE.: Medb Ruane: Misery isn't a strong enough word for the conditions in our mental health institutions - Medb Ruane, Columnists - Independent.ie

WHAT IF?: ENCOURAGECHANGE.: Medb Ruane: Misery isn't a strong enough word for the conditions in our mental health institutions - Medb Ruane, Columnists - Independent.ie: ENCOURAGECHANGE.: Medb Ruane: Misery isn't a strong enough word for the conditions in our mental health institutions - Medb Ruane, Columnists - Independent.ie: ."ADVANCING THE LINGUISTIC RIGHTS OF THE IRISH DEAF COMMUNITY,BY PAUL O CONNELL.(THE DESPAIR OF SILENCE)BY B.O'CONNELL?

Category: Maurice McCabe - johndeasytd.com

Category: Maurice McCabe - johndeasytd.com: Re: Correspondence, dated 31 January 2014, from Seán Costello & Co. solicitors regarding their client Sergeant Maurice McCabe.?

Our Work | Transparency International Ireland

Our Work | Transparency International Ireland: Our advocacy campaigns are based on international standards of research and draw attention to risks and identified cases of corruption in all its forms, while highlighting the costs of the abuse of power and the opportunities and benefits that arise when power is used in everyone’s interest.?

Public Inquiry · Who’s watching the watchers?

Public Inquiry · Who’s watching the watchers?: The justice system as a whole has always been representative of the privileged the rich and the well connected.judicial prejudices from my experiences was always a class factor?IF THE PEOPLE WHO'S STORIES MENTIONED BELOW DID NOT STAND A CHANCE OF EXPOSING THE TRUTH ABOUT WRONG-DOING,WHAT CHANCE DOES AN ORDINARY JOE SOAP HAVE?

Public Inquiry · Who’s watching the watchers?

Public Inquiry · Who’s watching the watchers?: “Is it normal in peacetime that the Army would access this information in this way?”

asked Pat Rabbitte after it was revealed that the army had used the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act to access the personal telephone records of Irish citizens last year.?

Whistleblowing: An inconvenient truth - Krank.ie

Whistleblowing: An inconvenient truth - Krank.ie: There will always be people brave enough that realise there is an alternative to silence. In 2001, Tom Clonan, a former sergeant in the Irish army revealed in his thesis on women in the military that bullying and sexual harassment in their workplace was rife. Upon hearing about his there was a scrambling cover up by Clonans colleagues in the army to cover their tracks. A character assassination ensued which decried Tom in the press as nothing but a mad renegade. “Friends stopped taking my calls. Officers abused me in the streets in front of my family. I was threatened with ‘every dirty trick in the book’,” he said on RTEs documentary ‘Whistleblowers’.?

PADDYWANTSTOKNOW?: ENCOURAGECHANGE.

PADDYWANTSTOKNOW?: ENCOURAGECHANGE.: ENCOURAGECHANGE.: This indeed will be the republic of 2016 – for politicians, bankers, the legal profession, senior civil servants, property developers and all the other individuals and groups who enjoy state protection as they plunder the State’s resources, legally and illegally.?

PADDYWANTSTOKNOW?: August 2013

PADDYWANTSTOKNOW?: August 2013: Public Inquiry · UK Parliament: Real democracy in action: It’s always refreshing to witness a real democracy at work.

The British Parliament defeated the Government on the question of military action against Syria.

It’s refreshing to see articulate, intelligent politicians debate the matter in front of a packed house without the crutch of zombie statements prepared by anonymous civil servants.

If the same situation existed in our gombeen parliament the decision would be made by three or four individuals behind closed doors covered by a blanket of absolute secrecy.

The Dail, Opposition and the people would then be informed of what action was going to be taken in their name.

And fuck anyone who had a problem with it.?

PADDYWANTSTOKNOW?: Press Statement: Case of Louise Bayliss intended to discourage whistleblo​wing | Joe Higgins.ie

PADDYWANTSTOKNOW?: Press Statement: Case of Louise Bayliss intended to discourage whistleblo​wing | Joe Higgins.ie: Press Statement: Case of Louise Bayliss intended to discourage whistleblo​wing Joe Higgins.ie: “Whistleblowers don’t just require protection but active encouragement. More timely whistleblowing by decent people in the financial sector, the Catholic church, the nursing homes, in the Garda Siochana and "Many Other Places" would have well served us in recent years.”?

ENCOURAGECHANGE.: Irish Red Cross whistleblower Noel Wardick to appeal decision to sack him « Whistleblowers Ireland

ENCOURAGECHANGE.: Irish Red Cross whistleblower Noel Wardick to appeal decision to sack him « Whistleblowers Ireland: Irish Red Cross whistleblower Noel Wardick to appeal decision to sack him « Whistleblowers Ireland: "THE Irish Red Cross whistleblower whose anonymous blog made allegations about financial irregularities at the charity has been sacked.
Noel Wardick, who was forced to out himself as the author of the blog after legal moves by the IRC, was informed by two board members that he has been found guilty of ‘gross misconduct’ and has been summarily dismissed"?MAYBE ANOTHER TRIBUNAL?

Whistleblower disputes being told to 'cooperate' - RTÉ News

Whistleblower disputes being told to 'cooperate' - RTÉ News: In a detailed statement seen by RTÉ’s Primetime, Sgt McCabe said he found the suggestion he had been instructed to cooperate with the inquiry carried out by Assistant Commissioner John O'Mahony “gravely misleading and false”.

He said: “I was never directed by the Commissioner to cooperate with the O'Mahony investigation as alleged.”?

Rising discontent

Rising discontent: He noted that the political parties would become:

“As reviled and mistrusted as their predecessors and that will leave Ireland in the interesting situation where the economic crisis has chewed up and spat out all of the state’s constitutional parties.”?

Democratic dissent is criticised in a culture that celebrates the whistleblower

Democratic dissent is criticised in a culture that celebrates the whistleblower: To suggest that dissent from the government view is a disservice to the Force, runs against the political elite’s current vogue of celebrating and protecting the whistleblower. This Association can be proud of speaking out whenever the reality on our streets does not correspond to the official propaganda of the minister and his spin doctors.?

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Point-scoring is obscuring the real issues in the Shatter row - Political News | Irish & International Politics | The Irish Times - Sun, Feb 23, 2014

Point-scoring is obscuring the real issues in the Shatter row - Political News | Irish & International Politics | The Irish Times - Sun, Feb 23, 2014: There are inevitable suspicions that the Garda and the department behaved in a manner similar to Catholic Church authorities when the initial claims of sexual abuse surfaced. It will be difficult to convince people that the desire to avoid a scandal that could damage vital institutions of the State did not take precedence over the requirement to get to the truth.?

Friday, February 21, 2014

Public Inquiry · Paul Williams: A pathetic toady for Shatter and Callinan

Public Inquiry · Paul Williams: A pathetic toady for Shatter and Callinan: It was astonishing to watch as this marauding group swooped to defend a UK security company – some of whose employees are former agents of the dreaded crown – that was used by GSOC.?

Thursday, February 20, 2014

WHAT IF?

WHAT IF?: MICHEAL Martin has claimed that he is in possession of documents that allege a series of murders, abductions and serious assaults that were not properly investigated.

The Fianna Fáil leader said he has sent the documentation containing the allegations to Taoiseach Enda Kenny.?

#rabbleRaker: Ireland’s Greatest Cover-Up? : rabble

#rabbleRaker: Ireland’s Greatest Cover-Up? : rabble: Much of the evidence that I handed over to the guards showed that the original investigation was profoundly flawed. We know that evidence was contaminated, we know that witness statements were not carried out in a way that was appropriate?

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

ENCOURAGECHANGE.

ENCOURAGECHANGE.: ENCOURAGECHANGE.: Seanad Éireann - Volume 110 - 20 November, 1985 - Report on Prison Reform: Motion.



ENCOURAGECHANGE.: Seanad Éireann - Volume 110 - 20 November, 1985 - Report on Prison Reform: Motion.: MY CONCERN WOULD BE THAT HIS PREDECSSOR THE LATE JUDGE DERMOT KINLEN'S RECOMMENDATIONS WERE IGNORED.JUDGE KINLEN TOLD IT AS IT IS NOT"WAS"WHEN HE COMPLAINED ABOUT THE WAY HE WAS TREATED BY THE MANDRINS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF "JUSTICE?"HE WAS RIGHT TO FLAG THE NEED FOR EXTERNAL EXPERTS TO SEE HOW THE DEPARTMENTS BUDGET WAS AND IS BEEN SPENT.?

WHAT IF?: ENCOURAGECHANGE.: ENCOURAGECHANGE.: Kinlen fired parting shot on jails weeks before death - National News, Frontpage - Independent.ie

WHAT IF?: ENCOURAGECHANGE.: ENCOURAGECHANGE.: Kinlen fired parting shot on jails weeks before death - National News, Frontpage - Independent.ie: Senior government and prison officials should face proceedings for criminal wrongdoing."?""

PADDYWANTSTOKNOW?

PADDYWANTSTOKNOW?: Public Inquiry · Who’s watching the watchers?



Public Inquiry · Who’s watching the watchers?: Expose the truth as to what really goes on in what is called the”system”a system that judge kinlen said thrives on a mindset of obsession with power,control and "secrecy".judge kinlen was not afraid to ruffle feathers in cosy high places by exposing the hidden appalling and inhumane conditions as well as the lack or non existent mental health care.?

Campus.ie - Ireland's Largest Student Website

Campus.ie - Ireland's Largest Student Website: MICHEAL Martin has claimed that he is in possession of documents that allege a series of murders, abductions and serious assaults that were not properly investigated.

The Fianna Fáil leader said he has sent the documentation containing the allegations to Taoiseach Enda Kenny.?

ENCOURAGECHANGE.

ENCOURAGECHANGE.: Garda whistleblower official ‘relieved of duties’ by Shatter - The Irish Times - Wed, Feb 19, 2014



Garda whistleblower official ‘relieved of duties’ by Shatter - The Irish Times - Wed, Feb 19, 2014: “The import of the transcript is such that the Garda whistleblower is frustrated and there is a sense of disbelief that his complaints are going nowhere.”

Mr Martin said the transcript revealed efforts, if not subtle threats, that if the material in the possession of the whistleblower ever got into the media, “Minister for Justice Alan Shatter would come after the whistleblower”.?

Curious reporting of 'news' from the Irish Independent | Direct Democracy IrelandDirect Democracy Ireland

Curious reporting of 'news' from the Irish Independent | Direct Democracy IrelandDirect Democracy Ireland: If this was clearly NOT a criminal matter then we must question how a ‘bank’ can possibly persuade a judge to use the Gardai in this way?

Monday, February 17, 2014

The Department of Justice and Equality: Appointment of members of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission - Consideration by Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality - Opening Remarks by Mr Alan Shatter TD Minister for Justice and Equality and Defence

The Department of Justice and Equality: Appointment of members of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission - Consideration by Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality - Opening Remarks by Mr Alan Shatter TD Minister for Justice and Equality and Defence: All of the Ombudsman Commission’s work is underpinned by its values of independence, impartiality and fairness. The organisation is provided with an annual budget of approximately €9 million and has a current staffing complement of 87, not including the three Commissioners and two senior Garda staff who are on secondment to the organisation.?

"ENCOURAGECHANGE"paddoconnell8@gmail.com: July 2009

"ENCOURAGECHANGE"paddoconnell8@gmail.com: July 2009: "How can kids from a disadvantaged background who spend years studying cope in irish society against a culture of 'legal corruption'that involves favours,vested interests,patronage,and "personal relationships"?

Ex garda fined for leaking report to newspaper | BreakingNews.ie

Ex garda fined for leaking report to newspaper | BreakingNews.ie: Now-retired Detective Sergeant Robert McNulty (aged 50) had been "obsessed" with restoring his reputation since coming under a 2006 public inquiry into the Dean Lyons case and had denied contacting reporter Mick McCaffrey, whose fingerprints were found on his copy of the draft report.?

New service to advocate for children in care | Irish Examiner

New service to advocate for children in care | Irish Examiner: The national advocacy service operated by EPIC (Empowering People In Care) will provide a one- to-one service exclusively for children in, and leaving the care system, operating in Dublin North East, Dublin Mid-Leinster, and Cork in HSE South.

The hands-on service aims to ensure that the views of the young person are heard, in addition to linking them to appropriate services and attending various meetings such as care reviews.?

Text Only | Irish Examiner

Text Only | Irish Examiner: While drawing a distinction between those in secure care and those on remand — welfare versus criminal — later on, he says that it is a "lottery" which side of the line some children happen to land. "A personal view, as opposed to a chief executive’s perspective, is that should be much more seamless," he says. "I think that the detention schools should be directly within this agency, I think it is a lottery that the distinction between whether or not young people are getting support as a consequence of the criminal justice system or the child welfare system, it’s the same young people, so if we distinguish as we are trying to do at the moment, between their needs, which is our side of the house, and their deeds the justice side of the house, we are not meeting all of their needs."?

Garda Ombudsman powers should be strengthened urgently, says O’Loan - Crime & Law News from Ireland & Abroad | The Irish Times - Sun, Feb 16, 2014

Garda Ombudsman powers should be strengthened urgently, says O’Loan - Crime & Law News from Ireland & Abroad | The Irish Times - Sun, Feb 16, 2014: Nuala O’Loan said it was “a matter of urgency” that the legislation underpinning the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission ought to be reviewed to grant powers of investigation to senior officers including the Commissioner.?

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Public Inquiry · Who’s watching the watchers?

Public Inquiry · Who’s watching the watchers?: .LEGISLATION does not cover destiny.as conor brady will find out 22\6\1992 this is 2007 where he now sits with carmel foley and judge kevin haugh on the garda ombudsman commission?DOUGLAS GAGEBY?

Public Inquiry · Who’s watching the watchers?

Public Inquiry · Who’s watching the watchers?: The “system”as a model of truth and honesty its nothing of the kind ,it is a contest between two sides{like the legal frame work}its played according to certain rules and if the truth happens to emerge as a result of the contest ,thats pure luck,but it is unlikely to,its not something the contestants are concerned with,they are concerned that the "game"" should be played according to the rules,there are many rules and one of them is that some questions which might provide a shortcut to the truth are not allowed to be asked,and those that are asked are not allowed to be answered,the result is that the guilt or innocence is often reached haphazardly,for the wrong reasonsin spite of the evidence,and may or maynot ciincide with the factual or literal truth?THEIR RULES?

Open Government: Where Are We Now? - The Office of the Ombudsman

Open Government: Where Are We Now? - The Office of the Ombudsman: And he concludes his piece with the remark that " [An] Garda Síochána has been a fortress, shut against outsiders, for 90 years. The 2005 Act sought to alter that. But while the Garda establishment seem to be able to accept this in their heads they appear to have difficulty doing so in their hearts."?

Expert Barrister - Garda highly secretive, says law expert

Expert Barrister - Garda highly secretive, says law expert: Garda highly secretive, says law expert

The Irish Police force Garda is one of the most secretive police forces in the world, according to a professor in criminal law. Prof Dermot Walsh, director of the Centre of Criminal Justice at the University of Limerick, was speaking at a conference on Police Governance and Accountability, organised and hosted by the University.

The Professors paper on Garda corruption and reform, stated that the Garda does not publish documents and policies that as a publicly accountable body it should do.

Orders covering all aspects of Garda management and practices are not publicly accessible. The same applies to the existence and contents of Garda policies.?

“Black Ops Being Run Off The Books” | Broadsheet.ie

“Black Ops Being Run Off The Books” | Broadsheet.ie: In the course of their conversation, Mr Mooney, who has been at the forefront of this story since it began, said Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan (top right), had questions to answer. He also said Justice Minister Alan Shatter, (top left), was politically compromised.?

Rabbitte | Broadsheet.ie

Rabbitte | Broadsheet.ie: In 2009, when in Opposition, Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Labour’s Pat Rabbitte were very concerned about the immunity granted to drug dealer Kieran Boylan.?

ENCOURAGECHANGE.: Garda highly secretive, says law expert - The Irish Times - Fri, Dec 04, 2009

ENCOURAGECHANGE.: Garda highly secretive, says law expert - The Irish Times - Fri, Dec 04, 2009: "For as long as such basic information is kept secret, transparent governance and accountability will remain elusive and the Garda will continue to be one of the most secretive police forces in the western world,”"?

ENCOURAGECHANGE.: December 2009

ENCOURAGECHANGE.: December 2009: "How it came about that Mr. Shortt was returned for trial on serious criminal charges at the suit of the DPP even though it was conceded in the Court of Criminal Appeal that there was then no sufficient case against him on the documents which had been produced."THE "REAL"REASONS PROJECT???????

Saturday, February 15, 2014

ENCOURAGECHANGE.

ENCOURAGECHANGE.: #rabbleRaker: Watching The Detectives : rabble



#rabbleRaker: Watching The Detectives : rabble: GSOC’s 600 page report was sent to the DPP just two weeks later.

The report is believed to be critical of Martin Callinan and to have questioned the reliability of information provided by the force to the DPP’s office after Boylan’s arrest. Senior gardaí are said to have made representations to the DPP about the case before the decision to drop charges against Boylan at a court hearing in July 2008.?

Friday, February 14, 2014

PADDYWANTSTOKNOW?

PADDYWANTSTOKNOW?: The vast majority of Noonan’s victims are likely to suffer trauma that will remain with them for the rest of their lives. Given the shock that’s about to be delivered to many of them it is quite likely that at least some will be pushed over the final edge.

But does a ruthless individual like Noonan, who first showed his true colours when he hounded Bridget McCole on her deathbed, care?

Hyperlinking Remains Legal in the EU - A Win for Internet Users and the Digital Economy | EurActiv PR

Hyperlinking Remains Legal in the EU - A Win for Internet Users and the Digital Economy | EurActiv PR: The Court held that there the authorization from rightholders to redirect users via hyperlinks to protected works that are freely accessible on another site is not required. Even though the provision of clickable links to protected content is an act of communication, it is not directed at a new public. Hence if anyone puts up content on the Internet that is freely accessible there is no way that person can prevent users from using hyperlinks to refer to that content.?

EU court agrees not to break the web (Wired UK)

EU court agrees not to break the web (Wired UK): Europe's highest court has ruled that it will not break the webin the name of EU copyright law. Specifically, it has ruled thatredirecting website visitors to other peoples' "protected" worksvia hyperlink does not constitute a legal breach.?

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Shatter awaiting outcome of GSOC investigation - RTÉ News

Shatter awaiting outcome of GSOC investigation - RTÉ News: He said both Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Mr Shatter were "talking nonsense" when they said GSOC should have reported events to Minister Shatter and Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan.

Mr Brady said there was no way GSOC could have done this because the minister and the commissioner are "joined at the hip".?

Coalition blind to big picture behind GSOC reticence | Irish Examiner

Coalition blind to big picture behind GSOC reticence | Irish Examiner: It misses the bigger picture: That the watchdog’s decision to ask a foreign private company to investigate whether it was the victim of spying — without telling either the Garda Síochána or the Minister for Justice — is a sign of just how little trust the vital independent body has in several institutions of State.?

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Dáil Éireann - Volume 348 - 28 February, 1984 - Private Members' Business. - Inquiry into Placing of Listening Devices: Motion.

Dáil Éireann - Volume 348 - 28 February, 1984 - Private Members' Business. - Inquiry into Placing of Listening Devices: Motion.: The Joint Fine Gael-Labour Programme for Government contained a specific pledge that there would be such an inquiry. The programme said that the inquiry would cover:

allegations of political interference with the gardaí, with terms of reference covering the past three years, and a remit to recommend any necessary action to ensure that such interference cannot take place in future.

This undertaking was repeated by the Minister for Justice in January last year when a series of disclosures led to the resignation of the two most senior Garda officers in the force. The plan for a judicial inquiry was supported at that time by Fianna Fáil. However, since then no action has been taken by the Coalition Government on this matter.?

The Garda Commissioner - A Profile of Lawrence Wren

The Garda Commissioner - A Profile of Lawrence Wren: If Wren is a man who arrives on the job promptly, he doesn't hang around when the working day is over, leaving his office at 5.30pm to head for his Castleknock home, his Galway-born wife, Maureen, and their two daughters. Apart from his home and family, his only known interest outside the job is his work for the St Vincent de Paul in the North Dublin area.?

Dáil Éireann - Volume 348 - 29 February, 1984 - Private Members' Business. - Inquiry into Placing of Listening Devices: Motion (Resumed).

Dáil Éireann - Volume 348 - 29 February, 1984 - Private Members' Business. - Inquiry into Placing of Listening Devices: Motion (Resumed).: “And other such incidences of telephone tapping or electronic eavesdropping which may be drawn to its attention; and to examine whether existing legislation offers sufficient protection to citizens against unwarranted intrusions into their privacy”.

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Press Releases, Houses of the Oireachtas

Press Releases, Houses of the Oireachtas: The meeting tomorrow is also expected to consider the challenges in the wider relationship between An Garda Síochána and GSOC. New protocols providing for enhanced co-operation between the Garda Síochána and the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission were agreed last September.

The meeting takes place tomorrow Wednesday 12 February in Committee Room 3, LH 2000 at 4 pm. The meeting can be viewed online via this link.

Media enquiries to:
Paul Hand,?

Independence of GSOC Must be Respected : Lucinda CREIGHTON TD

Independence of GSOC Must be Respected : Lucinda CREIGHTON TD: The Taoiseach yesterday announced that: “It’s a requirement of the law the GSOC report to the Minister for Justice in the event that something of unusual or extraordinary importance [happens].” This account of the law is inexcusably wrong and the Taoiseach’s statement represents an astonishing attack on the independence of the office of the Garda Ombudsman.?

Garda Síochána Act 2005, Section 80

Garda Síochána Act 2005, Section 80: The Ombudsman Commission "may" make any other reports that it considers appropriate for drawing to the Minister’s attention matters that have come to its notice and that, in its opinion, should, because of their gravity or other exceptional circumstances, be the subject of a special report to the Minister.?

Monday, February 10, 2014

Callinan has ‘grave concern’ over Garda ombudsman bugging statement - Crime & Law News from Ireland & Abroad | The Irish Times - Mon, Feb 10, 2014

Callinan has ‘grave concern’ over Garda ombudsman bugging statement - Crime & Law News from Ireland & Abroad | The Irish Times - Mon, Feb 10, 2014: Martin Callinan has expressed “grave concern” that a statement by the Garda ombudsman implied that An Garda Síochana was “in some way suspected of complicity”.?

Full statement : Garda Commissioner on GSOC - Crime & Law News from Ireland & Abroad | The Irish Times - Mon, Feb 10, 2014

Full statement : Garda Commissioner on GSOC - Crime & Law News from Ireland & Abroad | The Irish Times - Mon, Feb 10, 2014: I am now seeking clarification from the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission in respect of the following issues resulting from its statement:

1) The nature and extent of the anomalies identified by the UK security consultancy?

Shatter’s moves on Garda fall short of reform needed - Crime & Law News from Ireland & Abroad | The Irish Times - Mon, Feb 10, 2014

Shatter’s moves on Garda fall short of reform needed - Crime & Law News from Ireland & Abroad | The Irish Times - Mon, Feb 10, 2014: It allows the Garda to duck and dive behind the protective screen of “State security” whenever any embarrassing set of circumstances presents itself. And it means that decision-making at the highest levels in the national police force is effectively beyond independent scrutiny.?

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Shatter urged to comment on report of bugging at Garda Ombudsman office

Shatter urged to comment on report of bugging at Garda Ombudsman office: MINISTER FOR JUSTICE Alan Shatter has been urged to respond to a report today that claimed the Garda Síochana Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) headquarters in Dublin was bugged.?

Saturday, February 8, 2014

ENCOURAGECHANGE.

ENCOURAGECHANGE.: Garda commissioner vetoed complaint against his own office | Irish Examiner: A complaint against Commissioner Martin Callinan’s intentions to promote a senior officer who was under investigation was made in January 2012 through the confidential recipient system in place. The complaint was handed to the commissioner to deal with and he quickly responded that the complaint had no basis.?

Friday, February 7, 2014

Interview on Access to Justice with Professor Bill Bowring, Birkbeck College | The Law Society International Division

Interview on Access to Justice with Professor Bill Bowring, Birkbeck College | The Law Society International Division: Alastair is a retired solicitor who practised as a sole practitioner on the high street for 33 years and then as a Consultant for 6 years. His work encompassed the usual mix of work in a general practice but he specialised in family law and human rights. His work in human rights included over 100 applications to the ECHR to remedy denials of human rights to prisoners; many applications for Judicial Review, miscarriages of justice cases and pro bono work for domestic violence charities,?

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

CONNECT TO MY ANGELS

CONNECT TO MY ANGELS: 'In a world marked by profound class divisions and social inequality, to talk about “democracy”— without talking about the class nature of that democracy and which class it serves—is meaningless, and worse. So long as society is divided into classes, there can be no “democracy for all”: one class or another will rule, and it will uphold and promote that kind of democracy which serves its interests and goals.?

TD reveals 'frightening' transcipt of Garda whistleblower conversation | Irish Examiner

TD reveals 'frightening' transcipt of Garda whistleblower conversation | Irish Examiner: Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Brendan Howlin said that, under the Bill “protection will be afforded for a disclosure which is made on the basis of a reasonable belief, even if the information disclosed ultimately proves to be incorrect”.?

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Stardust families still fighting for justice | swp.ie

Stardust families still fighting for justice | swp.ie: ‘We have contained our anger and maintained our dignity over the years but we have compiled a list of names of officials in the Department of Justice and the Office of the Taoiseach office as well as Minister Shatter,’ Ms. Keegan continued, ‘and we shall report them to An Garda Shiochana this week for conspiring to pervert the course of justice if they fail to produce a submission of evidence that contradicts the evidence put into the public domain by the Foy Report, which is nothing but the truth.'?

ENCOURAGECHANGE.

ENCOURAGECHANGE.: - University of Limerick News



- University of Limerick News: 'Talking your way to the top' a sociological examination of the role of elite education in the reproduction of privilege in Irish society by Margaret Kennedy examines the role that elite schools play in the reproduction of privilege in Irish society. The author states; "Ireland's elite schools have very strong connections to the top of the social hierarchy with their alumni containing a disproportionate number of individuals in key leadership positions in Irish society. Yet to date, the role these schools play in determining who has access to power in our society has received little attention."?

How many of our Supreme Court Judges went to fee-paying Schools? - Page 2 - boards.ie

How many of our Supreme Court Judges went to fee-paying Schools? - Page 2 - boards.ie: Maybe so. The question then arises as to the dominance of Blackrock educated past pupils in the legal profession. One reason is that children of the upper middle classes begin reading and acquire a larger vocabulary earlier in life than children from working class homes. This is then accentuated in the educational system and the result is a bias in favour of middle class entrants to law faculties in the universities. On graduation the need for contacts in order to enter and progress within the legal profession as well as the economic resources needed to complete sufficient training mean the upper levels of the profession by ability are heavily weighted in favour of those from middle class backgrounds. Since Judges of the higher courts are chosen from this group it is not surprising that the membership of the courts reflects a middle class background. In order to change this one would have to start in the pre-schools. The chances of a child born into a home where the first book it sees and the first time it sees anyone reading is at school, in most unlikely to become a Supreme Court judge no matter what their native intelligence.?

"Mr Justice Dermot Kinlen", The Times | Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT)

"Mr Justice Dermot Kinlen", The Times | Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT): In 2004 officials in the Department of Justice refused to publish his annual report, which they said was defamatory of them. The Attorney General was consulted and an independent barrister had to be brought in to arbitrate before publication.?

We need a system to hold judiciary to account

We need a system to hold judiciary to account: I say "curiously", because so many judicial appointments, at all levels, are made on the basis of party affiliation and this present government, which promised an end to politics as it had been, has continued in the rut of politics as it has been and continued to use blatant party affiliation as a basis of appointment to the judiciary.?NOT TO MENTION STATE SOLICITORS?

Text Only | Irish Examiner

Text Only | Irish Examiner: Ms Keegan said they were now at the point where they were planning to report a number of officials in the Department of Justice and the Office of the Taoiseach, including Mr Shatter, to the gardaí "for conspiring to pervert the course of justice if they fail to produce a submission of evidence that contradicts the evidence put into the public domain by the Foy Report, which is nothing but the truth".?

Monday, February 3, 2014

Presentation to retired DPP - Independent.ie

Presentation to retired DPP - Independent.ie: "To listen to him talk about himself you would think that as a young fellow he was one of the greatest little villains ever to run around the streets of our town, and maybe he was...?PERCEPTION?

Alan Shatter still averting his gaze from the big picture - Independent.ie

Alan Shatter still averting his gaze from the big picture - Independent.ie: The report looks at politics, public administration, accountability of public spending, media, NGOs, the judiciary and the Garda Siochana. It is a condensed audit of Irish public life.?

Sunday, February 2, 2014

An unspeakable act of betrayal - Independent.ie

An unspeakable act of betrayal - Independent.ie: Then he witnessed the rabid might of institutions of the State and their agents who turned on her to silence the truth.?

An unspeakable act of betrayal - Independent.ie

An unspeakable act of betrayal - Independent.ie: The 72-year-old hill farmer had taken his own life five days before in a small lake beyond the crest of the road above the church at Lough Eagher. It was just a mile from his home in the village where he had lived all his life. It was a place of safety where his final worldly act would take him to be with his wife, Brigid, who died four years ago.?