The Indo Daily: Garda clashes, alleged leaks and 'civilian interference' - Inside the CEA, Ireland's 'toxic' corporate watchdog

"There have been allegations of a toxic work culture, and a detective has even claimed that important files weren't being sent on to the DPP. The detective, who was on secondment to CEA, has claimed his tenure there was ended after he raised these concerns with senior officials. The Department of Enterprise has been given a copy of the detective's exit interview with the corporate watchdog."

"Over the past year, there have been accusations that management have been inserting themselves into criminal prosecutions. A source who has seen the exit interview said it contains "explosive" allegations that the detective's work on investigations was being interfered with by some members of management he said had no experience in pursuing criminal charges."

"While there was no accusation that CEA staff were trying to tamper with garda investigations, it is understood that the detective feared the involvement of some individuals had the potential to throw a possible criminal prosecution off course. The Authority has also made a complaint to Gardai, over alleged leaks to journalists, despite the story containing a clear public interest."

A detective on secondment to the Corporate Enforcement Authority alleges a toxic work culture and claims important investigative files were not forwarded to the DPP. The detective says his tenure ended after he raised concerns with senior officials and that the Department of Enterprise has received his exit interview. Accusations over the past year claim management has been inserting itself into criminal prosecutions. A source described the exit interview as containing "explosive" allegations of interference by managers lacking criminal-prosecution experience. There is no allegation of Garda tampering, but the detective feared managerial involvement could derail prosecutions. The Authority has complained to Gardaí about alleged media leaks despite asserted public interest.

Read at Irish Independent