And this is the head of Templemore who Nóirín promoted – AFTER the commissioner knew of concerns at the college

THE promotion of people involved in managing the Garda College, after financial irregularities there became known, has been criticised by Garda HR chief John Barrett.

In comments which can be taken to refer to Assistant Commissioner Ann Marie McMahon who was codirector of Templemore in 2015 when the issues began to be uncovered by Mr Barrett, he said: ‘It seems that participation and involvement in this maladministration was no historic or contemporary impediment to promotion. The universality of promotion in a ranks organisation as a message of approval and endorsement is unique.

‘It is the unequivocal statement of approval. It is the most public of endorsements and, in circumstances like this, it also communicates silent words of comfort and approval to the insider and cognoscenti. It says aloud and for all to hear that maladministration, the compromise of accounting rules, the infringement of Department of Justice, Department of Finance regulations is not important. It is no impediment to advancement.’

Ms McMahon was among the last senior gardaí promoted by Ms O’Sullivan in late May 2016, from Chief Superintendent to Assistant Commissioner, weeks before the Policing Authority assumed responsibility for promotions.

Ms McMahon had previously been Director of Training and Development at the Garda Training College in Templemore.