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An internal garda investigation is underway at a social gathering at Tramore la garda station to celebrate the promotion of an officer.
The social gathering, which took place in mid-November at Co Waterford Station during Level 5 restrictions, is now being investigated by an out-of-district chief superintendent.
Two gardaí who attended the event later tested positive for Covid-19.
The senior investigating officer will attempt to establish whether the event was organized or impromptu. If it is deemed to have been organized, it is a violation of Covid-19 regulations under Level 5 restrictions and gardaí will consult with the DPP about possible sanctions.
It is understood that a large number of officers gathered at the station to celebrate the news of the promotion of a fellow officer. In the following days, two Gardaí tested positive for Covid-19. They did not contract Covid-19 at the garda social gathering, it was established later.
However, as part of the contact tracing process, the officers disclosed their attendance at the event. This led to garda management being informed of the meeting, prompting the high-level investigation.
It is not believed that any officer not working that day attended the celebration or that alcohol was consumed. A Garda spokesperson told the Sunday Independent that an internal investigation is now underway.
A source said the situation is embarrassing.
“This was not some kind of raging party at the station by any means. It was something that happened during a business day, which probably shouldn’t have happened.
“But the restrictions were in place then for a reason. Of course, it is extremely important that the Gardaí themselves set the highest standard and abide by the rules, as it is we who apply them to the rest of society.
“So this is somewhat embarrassing, especially considering that Gardaí is investigating RTÉ for a similar matter.”
A separate source said Garda management “had no problem” with initiating an immediate investigation.
Security sources acknowledge that there has been a “radical change” in the approach to discipline of An Garda Síochána under the command of Garda Commissioner Drew Harris.
“A chief superintendent has been appointed and is being investigated. The heart of the matter will be to establish whether the event was organized or not,” added a source.
The chief superintendent will seek to establish whether the event at the station may have violated Section 8 of the Health Act (1947) Temporary restrictions for the Covid-19 2020 regulations.
The law states that “a person shall not organize or cause to be organized” a social or recreational event unless it is held outdoors and “all reasonable measures” are taken to ensure that persons living in no more than two households attend. .
The penalties for the sentence for non-compliance with the regulations are a fine of up to € 2,500 and / or six months in prison.
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