01/07/2014
Crime Stats 'Clear Message' That Investment Need In Policing - FF
The latest statistics on crime in Ireland has been described as a "clear message" that more resources and new investment is needed in frontline policing.
Figures from the Central Statistics Office show a 22.5% increase in homicides in the 12 months to March, with a 29% rise in threats to murder and a 19.5% in aggravated burglaries in the same period.
Fianna Fáil have said that the figures "underscore the need" for more investment in policing. The party's Spokesperson on Justice Niall Collins said: "I know there have been many headings under which crime has fallen, and this is very welcome, but the rise in certain violent crimes is a major concern. There were 65 recorded murder and manslaughter offences in the year and aggravated burglaries rose by almost a fifth.
"In the last three years Fine Gael and Labour have been undermining frontline policing, cutting garda resources, presiding over a garda fleet that's not fit for purpose and allowing morale in the force to slip to an all-time low. The Garda ranks need a boost. The Government needs to recognise that getting more for less only goes so far and that it is time for new investment in the Gardaí.
"The recruitment of new gardaí is welcome but there have been very clear warnings coming from garda representatives and most recently the head of the Garda Inspectorate about the resources officers have. Technology, equipment and the garda vehicles all need to be upgraded.
Mr Collins said that the government needed to "look seriously at its priorities", saying that expanding frontline policing and improving resources would "go a long way" towards not just reducing crime rates but also boosting garda morale and increasing the public confidence.
(MH/CD)
Figures from the Central Statistics Office show a 22.5% increase in homicides in the 12 months to March, with a 29% rise in threats to murder and a 19.5% in aggravated burglaries in the same period.
Fianna Fáil have said that the figures "underscore the need" for more investment in policing. The party's Spokesperson on Justice Niall Collins said: "I know there have been many headings under which crime has fallen, and this is very welcome, but the rise in certain violent crimes is a major concern. There were 65 recorded murder and manslaughter offences in the year and aggravated burglaries rose by almost a fifth.
"In the last three years Fine Gael and Labour have been undermining frontline policing, cutting garda resources, presiding over a garda fleet that's not fit for purpose and allowing morale in the force to slip to an all-time low. The Garda ranks need a boost. The Government needs to recognise that getting more for less only goes so far and that it is time for new investment in the Gardaí.
"The recruitment of new gardaí is welcome but there have been very clear warnings coming from garda representatives and most recently the head of the Garda Inspectorate about the resources officers have. Technology, equipment and the garda vehicles all need to be upgraded.
Mr Collins said that the government needed to "look seriously at its priorities", saying that expanding frontline policing and improving resources would "go a long way" towards not just reducing crime rates but also boosting garda morale and increasing the public confidence.
(MH/CD)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 May 2016
Taoiseach Makes Garda Commitments Following O'Higgins Report Publication
The Taoiseach Enda Kenny has committed to increase garda numbers to 15,000, double the number of garda reserve officers and increase the number of civilian workers in An Garda Síochána to free up officers for frontline policing. The Taoiseach made his comments in a statement addressing the newly published O'Higgins Commission Report.
Taoiseach Makes Garda Commitments Following O'Higgins Report Publication
The Taoiseach Enda Kenny has committed to increase garda numbers to 15,000, double the number of garda reserve officers and increase the number of civilian workers in An Garda Síochána to free up officers for frontline policing. The Taoiseach made his comments in a statement addressing the newly published O'Higgins Commission Report.
29 August 2019
Arrest As Guns Seized In Co Monaghan
Gardaí have arrested one man and seized four firearms in Co Monaghan. The Roads Policing Unit discovered the guns when a vehicle was stopped during speed checks on the N2. A roadside drugs test was carried out on the driver before a follow-up search of the car uncovered four loaded pistols and ammunition.
Arrest As Guns Seized In Co Monaghan
Gardaí have arrested one man and seized four firearms in Co Monaghan. The Roads Policing Unit discovered the guns when a vehicle was stopped during speed checks on the N2. A roadside drugs test was carried out on the driver before a follow-up search of the car uncovered four loaded pistols and ammunition.
10 October 2017
Funding Secured For Additional 800 Garda Officers
Funding has been secured to facilitate the recruitment of an additional 800 gardaí officers and some 500 civilian staff, as part of the Budget 2018.
Funding Secured For Additional 800 Garda Officers
Funding has been secured to facilitate the recruitment of an additional 800 gardaí officers and some 500 civilian staff, as part of the Budget 2018.
27 November 2018
Public Trust In Garda At Record High
Some 80% of respondents to the Garda Public Attitudes Survey have said that they are "satisfied" with their local garda service. The survey also found that 76% of respondents agreed that Gardaí in their area can be relied upon to be there when you need them, and 81% said that the Gardaí in their area listen to the concerns of local people.
Public Trust In Garda At Record High
Some 80% of respondents to the Garda Public Attitudes Survey have said that they are "satisfied" with their local garda service. The survey also found that 76% of respondents agreed that Gardaí in their area can be relied upon to be there when you need them, and 81% said that the Gardaí in their area listen to the concerns of local people.
12 October 2016
Justice And Equality Budget To Increase By €85m
The budget for the Justice and Equality sector is to be increased by €85 million, totalling €2.54 billion in 2017. Funding has been provided for the recruitment of 800 Garda recruits in 2017 and up to 500 civilians to support the wide ranging reform plan in train in An Garda Síochána. A total of €71.
Justice And Equality Budget To Increase By €85m
The budget for the Justice and Equality sector is to be increased by €85 million, totalling €2.54 billion in 2017. Funding has been provided for the recruitment of 800 Garda recruits in 2017 and up to 500 civilians to support the wide ranging reform plan in train in An Garda Síochána. A total of €71.