Written answers

Wednesday, 20 April 2016

Department of Justice and Equality

Garda Equipment

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

234. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she has been made aware of ongoing threats to members of An Garda Síochána, on and off duty; if she expects to be in a position to address this issue and the matter of ballistic protection, as has been set out in recent times; if steps are anticipated in the short term to address these issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7555/16]

Photo of Frances FitzgeraldFrances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am, of course, concerned about any instances of threats being made against members of the Garda Síochána, on or off duty, and I utterly condemn such cowardly behaviour.

The Deputy will appreciate that the allocation of resources for An Garda Síochána, including in relation to specialist clothing and equipment is a matter for the Garda Commissioner and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. In this regard the Deputy is aware of the extensive provisions for investments in policing resources which have been put in place since Budget Day 2015.

The Deputy will also appreciate that it would also not be appropriate for me to detail the operational measures that the Garda authorities may take, or would take generally in relation to threats against members of An Garda Síochána. However, I can assure the Deputy that whatever protective and detection measures are deemed appropriate by the Garda authorities are of course taken. More generally, tackling serious and organised crime and addressing the harms it gives rise to at all levels in our community is a central policing priority, and An Garda Síochána has my full support for the strategies it has in place to give effect to this commitment.

In conclusion I should also say that while the criminal law in this area is kept under ongoing review, there is a range of robust legislative provisions available to the Garda authorities in circumstances where threats or assaults are made against Gardaí.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.