Mr Michael McDowell T.D., Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, noted with grave concern the renewed allegations of Garda misconduct which emerged this morning during the course of the Opening Statement read out by Counsel to the Morris Tribunal in relation to the "Detention Module" of its work.

The latest statement made by a member of An Garda Síochána is characterised in the Opening Statement as marking "a significant breaking away from the culture of lies and deceit and the unwillingness to reveal a truth adverse to a colleague that has been an unfortunate feature of this enquiry."

The allegations and indeed other allegations contained in the opening statement - if true - raise issues which can only be described as shocking about abuse and ill treatment of persons in custody, deliberate violation of a detainee's right of access to and privacy of communications with a solicitor, and gross abuses of constitutional rights of individuals.

The Minister said: "These issues have profound implications for our legal system and strike at the very heart of the democratic principles on which this State is founded.    The people of Ireland, through Dáil and Seanad Éireann have charged the Hon. Mr Justice Morris with the important and difficult task of getting to the truth of these matters.  It is vitally important that everyone involved understand the importance of getting to the absolute truth.  Let there be no doubt that it is the solemn duty of all those involved to assist the Tribunal in whatever way they can and I reiterate and fully support its call this morning for that assistance." 

21 March 2006.