Originally published 15.11

Sergeant Maurice McCabe is “still isolated” inside An Garda Siochana, and viewed by his superiors as someone who “perhaps should not have done what he did”, according to Public Accounts Committee chairman John McGuinness.

McGuiness said Sgt McCabe’s actions, in highlighting abuses and corruption with the police force, “is not fully appreciated” and McCabe continues to face isolation at work.

“What he has done in the interest of the gardai and the state is not fully appreciated and he is still isolated, he is still looked upon by the senior members of the force as someone who stood out form the force and perhaps should not have done what he did,” McGuinness said.

McGuinness noted that “when you tell the truth” it can be “a lonely place”.

McGuinness said the penalty points system is still being abused, despite a series of overhauls.

Mr McGuinness says the most recent allegations by Sergeant Maurice McCabe show there is a broader culture of abuse which needs to be changed.

He was speaking as the committee published its report into the penalty points affair, claiming Ireland loses millions of euro every year because of abuse in the system.

Mr McGuinness says the recent changes to the system have not stopped the problem.

“The fact that there are repeat offenders within and outside of the force - those that are quashing the points and those that are having the points quashed - it must be of concern to those that are managing the garda force.”