It is deeply disturbing that a garda investigation was carried out into the source of reports in the Irish Times concerning the case of a serving member of the force charged with domestic violence against his ex-wife, according to Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon.
Deputy Gannon, who is the party’s spokesperson on justice, said:
“Last week, Garda Trevor Bolger received a fully suspended three-month sentence after pleading guilty to assaulting his then wife in 2012.
“I am troubled by so many aspects of this case, not least the length of time it took his former wife to receive even a semblance of justice before the courts. This stands in stark contrast with the speed of garda efforts to uncover a journalist’s sources when first reports of the court case appeared in the Irish Times more than five years ago.
“It is baffling that gardaí would be so concerned with such information when the media was fully entitled to cover a case already before the courts, albeit with some reporting restrictions.
“I am highly dismayed by garda attempts – although ultimately unsuccessful – to obtain details of a respected reporter’s sources. This approach has a chilling impact on journalism and can have a corrosive effect on one of our core democratic pillars.
“It further heightens concerns about the Garda Síochána (Powers) Bill (2025), which was quietly announced by the government over the Christmas holidays. There are growing fears within media circles that gardaí will have new powers to seize journalists’ phones or devices under the proposed legislation.
“However, despite repeated calls, the Minister for Justice has so far failed to clarify if this will be case.
“Today’s story in the Irish Times raises serious questions about the culture within An Garda Síochána that allowed it to launch an investigation into a journalist’s sources. Minister Jim O’Callaghan must make a statement in the Dáil on this matter and give assurances that it will not happen again.”
January 20, 2026