Menu
31/03/2015
Cuts In Garda Resources Putting Communities At Risk - FF
Almost 6 out of every 10 requests for armed escorts for the transportation of dangerous criminals were denied last year, according to new figures obtained by Fianna Fáil.
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Justice Niall Collins questioned the Minister for Justice who confirmed that the prison service requested an armed garda escort for prisoner transfers on 166 occasions last week. Only 69 of these requests could be granted.
Deputy Collins has said it's another example of cuts in garda resources putting communities at risk.
He said: "It is shocking to think that so many violent prisoners are being transported through our streets without an armed guard. The requests for armed escorts are only made when the prison service believes that a convicted criminal is dangerous enough to attempt an escape or to pose a very serious threat to public safety. It is completely unacceptable that only 4 out of every 10 requests could be filled last year.
"This is clearly a resources issue. Garda resources have been slashed to the bone. Numbers in the force have fallen far below what the Government itself has admitted is a safe level. We are facing a retirement exodus from the force, with no new qualified gardaí ready to fill the major gaps in frontline policing. Taking into consideration the officers who are eligible to retire right now, the numbers who are on sick leave on any given day and the numbers on incentivised career breaks, the reality is that the number of active members on the force could drop way below 11,000 tomorrow."
(CD/MH)
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Justice Niall Collins questioned the Minister for Justice who confirmed that the prison service requested an armed garda escort for prisoner transfers on 166 occasions last week. Only 69 of these requests could be granted.
Deputy Collins has said it's another example of cuts in garda resources putting communities at risk.
He said: "It is shocking to think that so many violent prisoners are being transported through our streets without an armed guard. The requests for armed escorts are only made when the prison service believes that a convicted criminal is dangerous enough to attempt an escape or to pose a very serious threat to public safety. It is completely unacceptable that only 4 out of every 10 requests could be filled last year.
"This is clearly a resources issue. Garda resources have been slashed to the bone. Numbers in the force have fallen far below what the Government itself has admitted is a safe level. We are facing a retirement exodus from the force, with no new qualified gardaí ready to fill the major gaps in frontline policing. Taking into consideration the officers who are eligible to retire right now, the numbers who are on sick leave on any given day and the numbers on incentivised career breaks, the reality is that the number of active members on the force could drop way below 11,000 tomorrow."
(CD/MH)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 December 2019
Armed Man Steals Cash Box In Dublin
Gardaí are appealing for information following a cash-in-transit robbery in Dublin. The incident occurred at Cornmarket, Dublin 8, at approximately 5.20am when a lone male approached and threatened two security staff members as they delivered cash to an ATM outside a financial institution.
Armed Man Steals Cash Box In Dublin
Gardaí are appealing for information following a cash-in-transit robbery in Dublin. The incident occurred at Cornmarket, Dublin 8, at approximately 5.20am when a lone male approached and threatened two security staff members as they delivered cash to an ATM outside a financial institution.
15 January 2020
Gardaí Chase ATM Thieves Across Border
Thieves travelling with an ATM stolen from Co Louth travelled across the border this morning while being pursued by Gardaí. The culprits were intercepted on Dunleer Main Street at around 4.30am this morning, Wednesday 15 January, by patrolling members of the Garda Armed Support unit.
Gardaí Chase ATM Thieves Across Border
Thieves travelling with an ATM stolen from Co Louth travelled across the border this morning while being pursued by Gardaí. The culprits were intercepted on Dunleer Main Street at around 4.30am this morning, Wednesday 15 January, by patrolling members of the Garda Armed Support unit.
11 March 2008
Gunman Arrested In Dublin
Gardai in Dublin have arrested a man after an attempted armed robbery of a pub in Chapelizod, early this morning. Officers were called to The Villager pub at around 1am. The man, armed with a shotgun, was demanding cash from the barman when two gardai entered. The gunman turned his weapon on one of the officers, who disarmed him and made an arrest.
Gunman Arrested In Dublin
Gardai in Dublin have arrested a man after an attempted armed robbery of a pub in Chapelizod, early this morning. Officers were called to The Villager pub at around 1am. The man, armed with a shotgun, was demanding cash from the barman when two gardai entered. The gunman turned his weapon on one of the officers, who disarmed him and made an arrest.
09 December 2016
Garda Need 'Greater Support' To Tackle Drug Related Crime
Fianna Fáil has called for greater support for Gardaí tackling drug related crime.
Garda Need 'Greater Support' To Tackle Drug Related Crime
Fianna Fáil has called for greater support for Gardaí tackling drug related crime.
27 February 2020
Labour Call For Drug Addiction To Be Treated As A Health Issue
Drug addiction must be treated as a health issue and not a legal matter, Labour TD Aodhán Ó Ríordáin has said.
Labour Call For Drug Addiction To Be Treated As A Health Issue
Drug addiction must be treated as a health issue and not a legal matter, Labour TD Aodhán Ó Ríordáin has said.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:A band of heavy rain will cross from the west this morning, the odd rumble of thunder possible. Brighter conditions with a scattering of showers will follow for the afternoon. Breezy, strong coastal winds at first. Maximum temperature 16 °C.Tonight:A few showers around this evening, but becoming dry with clearing skies. Wind will ease leading to a few mist and fog patches by dawn. Minimum temperature 5 °C.
