The O'Higgins Commission of Investigation

A commission of investigation was established in February 2015 to investigate and report on certain matters relative to the Cavan/Monaghan Division of the Garda Síochána. Mr Justice Kevin O’Higgins is the Commission’s sole member.

The Commission arose from the report of May 2014 from Mr Sean Guerin, SC, to the Taoiseach concerning allegations made by Sergeant Maurice McCabe. The government accepted Mr. Guerin’s recommendation that a Commission of Investigation was desirable in the public interest in order to ensure continuing confidence in the institution of the Garda Síochána and the criminal justice system.

The terms of reference for the Commission are set out in the order establishing the Commission (SI No. 38 of 2015): SI No. 38 of 2015

The Commission commenced its work in February 2015 and was due to report within one year. The Commission submitted an Interim Report on 14 December 2015 requesting an extension to 29 April 2016 to complete its investigation. The Minister has agreed to this request.

Link to the Commission’s Interim Report - Commission of Investigation Interim Report

The following Iris Oifigiúil notices were published relating to this Commission:

• the establishment notice of 6 February 2015 (page 209)
• the extension notice of 2 February 2016 (page 196)

The Commission presented its report to the Minister on 25 April 2016. Having ascertained that the publication of the report would not interfere with any criminal proceedings, the Minister published the report on 11 May 2016.

The Commission’s final report is available here: Commission of Investigation final report