2,411 Gardaí Assaulted While on Duty

2,411 Gardaí Assaulted While on Duty – Tóibín

2,411 Gardaí have been assaulted while on active duty over the last 10 years. Aontú Leader and Meath West TD Peadar Tóibín received startling information from the Minister for Justice by way of an Answer to a Parliamentary Question. Responding An Teachta Tóibín stated;

“These figures are deeply shocking. We are talking about hundreds of Gardaí being assaulted every year while serving their communities. These men and women put themselves in great danger to keep our communities safe. It shows that the Cherry Orchard event is not an isolated incident. Similar is happening every other day some where in this state. There is a serious crisis in the Garda force at the moment”.

“Another PQ answer that we received from the minister showed that 400 Gardaí have resigned from the force in just the last year. We also received information back from the Minister just this week which showed that only 24 Gardaí have actually commenced training at Garda College so far this year. It’s down from 795 Garda commencing training in 2018. It compares to hundreds of Gardaí retiring every year from the force. Another answer to a PQ that we received shows that the Garda Reserve has shrunk from 1164 in 2013 to under 400 people this year. Research we have carried out shows that Ireland has one of the lowest numbers of police per capita in the EU with just 280 Garda per 100,000 currently. This is practically the same per capita figure as in 2016 which was especially low due to 5 years of austerity”.

“And all the while, many people especially those living in rural areas are living in fear. Many people in urban areas are afraid to use public transport and many town centres and our main streets including O Connell Street at night feel like off limits.

According to the CSO, detection rates for crimes such as burglary are as low as 14%. Indeed a district in the Minister for Justice’s own constituency had a zero detection rate for the first half of this year”.

“The Minister for Justice seems to be asleep at the week. She seems detached from the reality of so many people. Extending alcohol licencing laws in these circumstances create question marks over where the Minister’s priorities are. The firsts responsibility of the Minister for Justice is to make sure that citizens are safe and to make sure the Gardaí are properly resourced to ensure this happens. It is quite clear that this is not happening”.

CRÍOCH

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.