Amidst controversy surrounding Garda suspension policies, former Assistant Garda Commissioner Fintan Fanning has made a generous donation too charity. This article explores the details of Fanning’s case and the current scrutiny of the Garda’s disciplinary actions, offering insights into the evolving landscape of law enforcement in Ireland. Read on to understand the implications of the ongoing legal battles and the impact of the controversial suspensions.
Ex-Garda Commissioner Donates Settlement Funds to Charity Amidst Suspension Controversy
April 13, 2025
Fintan Fanning, a former Assistant Garda Commissioner, has donated a notable portion of his settlement from a wrongful suspension case to local and homeless charities. This act of generosity comes amidst ongoing scrutiny of Garda commissioner Drew Harris’s suspension policies.
the Fanning Case: A Timeline
- January 2019: Drew Harris suspended Fintan Fanning, then Assistant commissioner in charge of the Eastern Region, following a protected disclosure and subsequent investigation by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC).
- February 2019: Fanning was reinstated after challenging his suspension in the High Court. GSOC informed the Commissioner that Fanning was no longer under criminal investigation.
- March 4, Last Year: A High Court case was scheduled, but a settlement was reached out of court.
- Settlement Terms: The settlement included damages and legal costs, estimated to have cost the State around €250,000. A non-disclosure agreement prevents the release of specific details regarding the use of public funds.
Fanning, now retired and studying to become a deacon in the Catholic Church, has consistently maintained that his suspension was unlawful, unprecedented and bizarre.
Charitable Donation
Despite the non-disclosure agreement surrounding the settlement, sources confirm that Fanning has donated a substantial amount to local and homeless charities.
As a deacon, Fanning will be permitted to administer three sacraments: baptism, the Eucharist, and marriage.
Garda Headquarters’ Response
Garda Headquarters issued a statement, saying that without commenting on or confirming any specific matter, in general, where there is a confidentiality arrangement then as per the stated nature of such arrangements there is a preclusion on commenting on such matters.
Criticism of Suspension Policies
The Garda Representative Association (GRA) has voiced strong criticism of Commissioner Harris’s approach to discipline and suspension within the Gardaí.
Key concerns include:
- Excessive suspensions: The GRA argues that too many Gardaí are suspended for extended periods.
- “Spurious” grounds: Suspensions are frequently enough based on questionable justifications, according to the GRA.
A particularly controversial case involved a Garda suspended for four years for loaning a farmer an unclaimed bicycle during the pandemic. The Garda has since been reinstated. Drew Harris later acknowledged the difficulties faced by the Garda and his family, expressing a desire to learn from the situation.
Drew Harris subsequently said he recognised how arduous it must have been for the garda and his family and wanted to see what lessons could be learned.
Other challenged Suspensions
Fanning’s case is not isolated. Several other Gardaí have challenged their suspensions by Commissioner Harris in the High Court.
- Pat Diskin: The State settled a case last year with former Chief Superintendent pat Diskin, who also challenged his suspension. Details of the settlement remain undisclosed.
- Ongoing Cases: At least two other serving and former Gardaí are currently pursuing legal action against Commissioner Harris regarding their suspensions.
