The Irish police, known as An Garda Siochána, have concluded that Taoiseach Leo Varadkar’s donation issue does not qualify for a criminal probe, and thus have returned the case to the Standards in Public Office (SIPO) for further scrutiny. This decision followed a complaint lodged earlier this year by Hazel De Nortúin, a People Before Profit council member, regarding three of Mr Varadkar’s contributions.
Senior An Garda Síochána officers reviewed the complaint, but it was concluded that it did not meet the necessary criteria for a criminal investigation. There will be no criminal inquiry into the matter, as verified by an An Garda Siochána representative. He also highlighted that they don’t discuss complaints involving specific individuals.
Last year, Mr Varadkar confirmed that SIPO had raised questions about contributions he received. His representative stated that regular interactions between politicians and SIPO often involve such inquiries. The questions pertained to fundraisers organised by Mr Varadkar in 2018 and 2022.
The Taoiseach accepted a €1,033 contribution from Dr Ray Power, a co-founder of Centric Health and a practicing physician. Since the contribution exceeded the legal single individual donation limit by €33, Mr Varadkar returned the excess amount. Uncertainty over whether attendees who used tickets from PR firm Edelman had reimbursed the firm led to the company receiving refunds for two contributions.
By law, SIPO must be informed of any donations exceeding €600. As of now, An Garda Síochána has not been in touch with Mr Varadkar concerning the matter, according to his spokesperson.
Critics of the Taoiseach often lodge grievances against him with Sipo, the courts, the Gardaí, and even the Medical Council. The Taoiseach has ensured full compliance with the guidelines set by the Standards in Public Office Commission concerning political contributions. He has been notified that there are no unresolved inquiries or questions from Sipo. Furthermore, the Taoiseach has had no communication from the Gardaí on this subject. Sipo has been asked for their opinion on this matter.