Gardaí must punish force’s wrongdoers

IT is undeniably shocking that thousands of people in this country who have been the victims of criminality are having to accept the fact that those crimes were not properly dealt with and that now, at this remove, the majority of those cases will never be prosecuted.

Particularly when you consider that some of the crimes in question were far from petty, as evidenced by the fact that there is, for example, a victim of rape among those who find themselves in this appalling situation.

On the plus side in relation to the issue is the reaction of Garda Commissioner Drew Harris who has come out straightaway and apologised, declaring, indeed, that the force he commands has ‘let society down’.

Surely, once again, this is testament to the positive effects of bringing in an outsider who is not afraid to criticise past behaviours. Here, the Commissioner has been nothing but upfront, determining to tackle the situation and get to the truth of the matter rather than resorting to the ducking and diving modus operandi of previous regimes.

That he has apologised and that he has already set in motion an investigation which will review the actions of almost 25% of An Garda Síochána’s personnel is therefore extremely positive. And it is to be welcomed.

It is where this investigation leads, however, that must now be the focus of attention. It is one thing to launch a review, but another altogether to arrive at conclusions and to take appropriate action should any particular individuals be found wanting. It is the outcome of this investigative process that is now the most important issue.

That the scale of mismanagement in relation to criminality was so vast, and that so many victims were, in Mr Harris’s own words, ‘let down’, is of huge concern. The Commissioner’s approach is both correct and commendable. What we need now, however, are answers and accountability.