‘Severe concerns’ about challenges faced by Gardaí - Lowry

The Regional Group of TDs, of which Deputy Michael Lowry is a member, have published a Motion expressing severe concerns regarding the ongoing challenges faced by An Garda Síochána.

The Motion calls for an immediate review of the current Garda Síochána force with the engagement of all stakeholders. It calls for this Review to be chaired by An Taoiseach and recommendations be made within 12 weeks.

The Regional Group has sought this urgent intervention because An Garda SÍochána’s dedication, professionalism and commitment to serving the community are vital in creating a safe and secure environment for all in addition to deterring criminal activities.

‘This Review needs to immediately address declining morale within the Force and the issues around retention, the mandatory retirement age of 60 years, recruitment, transfers, rostering, entry-level pay and the need to improve work practices’ says Deputy Lowry.

Noting that members of the Garda Representative Association overwhelmingly voted No Confidence in the Force's most senior officer, the Garda Commissioner, other concerns raised by the Regional Group of TDs are the chronic shortage of resources and technology, lack of confidence in leadership and personnel issues within An Garda Síochána.

These issues directly impact the Garda Forces' ability to carry out its role. The Regional Group states the increasing assaults on Gardaí while on duty must be addressed.

‘We should get tougher on such crimes and create new legislation to act as a deterrent, with mandatory custodial sentences for the criminal action of purposefully causing injury to a Garda’ they state.

In their motion, the Regional Group TDs note the role of Community Policing in building solid relationships, fostering cooperation and proactively addressing local concerns.

‘We must ensure a baseline per capita Garda figure in each county to ensure that certain areas in the State are not under-policed’ they add.