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A senior garda has been suspended after attending a high-profile press conference last month while awaiting the result of a Covid-19 test.
The garda was present at an event in Newbridge, Co Kildare to announce the opening of a murder investigation into the case of the Kilkenny woman, JoJo Dullard, who disappeared 25 years ago.
Shortly after the briefing concluded, the garda was informed that he had tested positive for Covid-19.
The event was attended by 15-20 reporters, photographers and videographers, as well as gardaí, theater staff and Dullard family members.
Some of the attendees were forced to self-isolate and it is understood that one later tested positive for the virus, although it cannot be said if they contracted it at the event.
Masks were mandatory and attendees were informed about social distancing regulations. However, social distancing was sometimes not observed during the briefing that lasted about 15 minutes. The event was held indoors due to weather conditions.
An internal investigation led by a chief superintendent is underway to determine why the senior garda attended the event.
A source said the Garda is “very interested in finding JoJo’s killer” and that this may have influenced their decision to attend.
The Gardaí had previously distributed the HSE Covid-19 guidelines and the Garda Medical Director’s guidance to all staff on numerous occasions.
“A Garda Síochána can confirm that a member of An Garda Síochána who attended a press conference while awaiting the result of a Covid-19 test has been suspended pending the outcome of an internal disciplinary investigation,” a spokeswoman said on Sunday.
“A Garda Síochána does not comment on their rank or gender in case they are inadvertently identified. An internal disciplinary investigation is underway on the matter. “
Violent death
In February, the Garda Serious Crime Review Team (SCRT) initiated a review of the Dullard case. This led to the determination that the 21-year-old Kilkenny woman died violently at the hands of another sometime after 11:57 p.m. on November 9, 1995.
No one has ever been arrested in connection with the disappearance of Ms. Dullard, and Gardaí hopes that the initiation of a murder investigation will motivate potential witnesses to come forward.
Detective Superintendent Desmond McTiernan said the SCRT is “quite pleased that JoJo is dead and has met her death by violent means.”
Ms. Dullard’s sister, Kathleen Bergin, used the briefing to issue a new request for information on the disappearance.
He called for people with information to “find it in their heart” to come forward. “We understand if fear has been holding them back. Please believe us. We just want JoJo to be brought home. You will not be judged. “
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