Garda Criticised by the Morris Tribunal Given a New Job

Retired Superintendant John Fitzgerald was strongly criticised by the Moris Tribunal for his role in interviewing Frank McBrearty and other issues relating to the Garda investigation of the death of Ritchie Baron.

Many outsiders might think that this would damage Fitzgerald's standing within the force. Not so, it would appear! John Fitzgerald has been given the task of interviewing potential recruits for the Garda Reserves in Co. Sligo.

GardaWatch wonders who interviewed Fitzgerald for this position and deemed him an appropriate judge of who should be appointed to the Garda Reserves.

Law to be Tightened on UK Sex Offenders

There's been lots of concern in the media recently, that Ireland is a safe haven for convicted sex offenders from the UK. Michael McDowell has signed a memo of understanding with the UK, which will help enforce the law in this area. Although Gardai do currently share information on sex offenders with their UK counterparts, this is on an informal basis only. The new memo ensures that information will officially be shared between the Gardai and police from both Northern Ireland and the UK.

A new law currently being proposed will allow the Gardai to arrest a sex offender from Britain or across the border if they fail to sign the sex offender's register here. The penalty for not signing the register will be increased to five years imprisonment. If introduced, this law will allow the Gardai to automatically arrest a person for this offence. At present Gardai must get a summons before proceeding with these matters.

The Gardai UFO Watch

The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors have surprised and amused many, by including an ad for for the UFO Society of Ireland in their official 2007 diary. The ad asks that any unusual sightings are reported to the Co Roscommon society.