Three civil servants from the Department of Foreign Affairs were suspended amid a security investigation involving unauthorized access to a sensitive national passport database. Deputy Head Service Officer Declan Cosgrave was dismissed for allegedly breaching IT policies after sharing login credentials. The tribunal revealed sustained unauthorized access in 2022, with conflicting accounts of the incidents. The department emphasized the seriousness of the breach, affecting data of seven million citizens, while Cosgrave maintained his innocence, citing years of loyal service. The case highlights concerns regarding proper disciplinary procedures within the civil service.