Gardaí left ‘without adequate back up’

BUDGET cuts and a failure to follow through with promises of extra gardaí has left members on the beat without adequate back up, it was claimed yesterday.

President of the Garda Representative Association (GRA) Michael Kirby launched a scathing attack on the Government following the publication of proposals for the most wide ranging reform of the force in recent years.

Justice Minister Michael McDowell published the ‘heads of bill’ on Wednesday. The key proposals are the introduction of a Garda Inspectorate and the setting up of a reserve force.