Garda Commissioner Drew Harris faced tough questioning from TDs regarding the circumstances surrounding Evan Fitzgerald's shooting incident at the Fairgreen centre. Concerns were raised about police protocols, particularly whether undercover officers had engaged with Fitzgerald prior to a controlled delivery of weapons obtained via the Dark Web. Former Labour Party leader Alan Kelly pressed the Commissioner for clarity on the nature of this engagement and the police's decision to allow Fitzgerald bail, given his prior history with firearms and explosives that ultimately culminated in his tragic end.
In other jurisdictions, "controlled delivery" can mean that weapons are supplied to suspects by undercover officers. This raises serious questions about police methods in the Fitzgerald case.
Commissioner Harris stated, "I would say that controlled delivery is very sensitive police methodology. We use it for both organised crime and for our terrorist defence." This emphasizes the complexity of police operations.
Former Labour Party leader Alan Kelly raised significant concerns, stating, "An Garda Síochána agreed to his bail, and subsequently he killed himself. I have serious concern in relation to all of that."
Kelly questioned the Garda’s role in the Fitzgerald incident, asking if they engaged with him face-to-face prior to the delivery, highlighting the need for accountability in police actions.
Collection
[
|
...
]