Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
Updated: 16:55
GARDA COMMISSIONER NOIRÍN O’Sullivan used a private gmail account to discuss garda business, it was confirmed tonight.
A statement from the garda press office said she occasionally used the other email address “due to restrictions with the garda email system such as e-mail size and storage”.
The statement added: “The Commissioner occasionally used a gmail address to ensure that garda business has been discharged effectively.
At all times, there has been due regard to the sensitivity of any information being transmitted in this way. Such issues with the garda email system were identified by the Garda Inspectorate 2015 Report and are currently being addressed as part of the organisation’s mobility strategy.
The alleged activity emerged in a Sunday Times report yesterday which suggested the Commissioner’s private email account was compromised by a data hack of Dropbox (a cloud platform) in 2012.
But this evening’s statement said it is “standard procedure” for garda personnel to have gmail “accounts installed on these devices by garda ICT security personnel to ensure such devices are constantly secured and correctly configured”.
The garda spokesman added:. “The Commissioner takes all recommended security measures when using gmail such as regularly changing the password, using a mix of letters, numbers and symbols for the password, and independent device authentication.”
The Policing Authority has now confirmed in a statement that it will deal with the matter with gardaí this week:
“We are aware of news reports. However, we are not in a position to comment, as we have not received any information or statement about the matter from An Garda Síochána.”
We will follow this up with the Garda Síochána and brief ourselves during the course of the week.
The alleged theft of O’Sullivan’s login details was not confirmed until August of this year.
It is against Garda regulations to use such commercial email accounts for official business.
Yesterday’s report suggests that O’Sullivan’s private email included a signature detailing her name and rank, and that her username (which was not disguised) and password are included on a list of such data posted online.
“An Garda Síochána is satisfied that the Commissioner’s devices are secure and are not compromised,” a Garda spokesperson said this morning in a statement.
An Garda Síochána has strict security controls in relation to the use of and access to Garda IT systems. Devices issued to the Commissioner are secured by secure connections and utilise strong encryption technologies.
The spokesperson added that access to the Garda PULSE database is “segregated by secure containers which do not store any Garda data on the device”.
“This is coupled with strong user password policies and strong authentication,” they added.
O’Sullivan ascended from the rank of Deputy Commissioner following the resignation of Martin Callinan in early 2014. She was officially confirmed as Garda Commissioner in November of that year.
With reporting by Garreth MacNamee
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
He still has a belly and everything? How is that possible haha
I think it’s swollen from hunger.. You know how we see pics of the African kids… That’s what I thought it might be?
He probably ate his friend, that would explain it.
He pushed his dead friend into the sea. OR His friend started to look a lot like a tortilla. You decide.
So obviously a fraud.
Maybe I’m naive but what do you mean? Is it fake?
He’s looking a bit too well fed to have spent 16 months lost at sea. And too sane, if you truly had had that experience you’d have lost your marbles as well as your sense if direction
Leg of teenager served on a bed of raw bird flesh with turtle purée.
Keep any man alive sure!!!
He must of been away ages that whole Jim Morrison look is out
Where is the compassion? I sincerely hope that none of you ever fake getting castaway.
There’s something fishy about all of this, it wouldn’t surprise me if it turns out to be a tall tale. I mean how does one get lost in a 24-foot fibreglass boat.
Lol!
you sir have made me look like a complete idiot…. laughing my bollx off here on the train!
He turned Ginger !
He also ate an entire teenager and mr Wilson…
The Sun the sea the sky the sea the sky the sea the sky the sea !
I would probably die of sun burn in half a week :(
The sump on him!
Looks like he ate at a chipper for the year!
He looks too damm healthy! What size will he be after a few weeks of tortillas and chicken!
Val Kilmer getting ready for the role of ‘Cannibal Castaway’
“Was able to stand so still so as to catch birds” – Can u get birds in the middle of an ocean casually flying about. I know you’ll have migrating birds but they tend to go over land points
I’d say he was necknominated to do it and now he is too embarrassed to own up.
You nearly had me.
It was the coconut juice that did it for me.
I dunno I think he looks too well fed!! Chubby cheeks and bit of a belly! Sounds suspicious
You can hear fat? Class
Unless a mermaid shows up and claims he’s the father of her ginger squawk, I don’t believe him….
A 24 foot boat that has fishing equipment (they were shark fishing) yet the teenager dies because he can’t eat bird flesh. Ever heard of sushi?? They coulda been living it up! :)
Something not quiet right about this! He is way too plump! You would expect skin and bone! Very very strange
It does sound fishy (no pun intended) he does appear to be in remarkably food condition. Would have imagined that his skin would have suffered badly from exposure. If it is true though the best of luck to him for the future
Something not right about this one!
Looks like its true. Eating man flesh keeps you young and healthy.
Check out the look on the other two lads helping. Is this the 2nd coming?
have your say