Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Nobody in the House would not be very concerned by the increase in violence aimed at members of An Garda Síochána that we can see on social media all the time. I am referring in particular to what new, young gardaí have to face. It is not always physical abuse. Some of the verbal abuse and harassment they endure is very worrying. I do not want to suggest a knee-jerk reaction. Increasing the penalties is not something anyone in the House would object to. Where there is a serious assault causing real harm, there has to be a significant penalty for it. There must be a different strategy to support young, new members of an Garda Síochána who face incredible intimidation on the streets, some of which we have seen on social media. I am interested in hearing the views of the Minister on this matter.

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