Claims against Gardaí cost €650,000

THE State has paid out almost €650,000 this year to members of the public who took legal action against the gardaí.

By early April, 35 people had begun civil actions, including 12 who allege they were assaulted by officers, and six who say they were unlawfully arrested.

In the year to date, the State has settled three cases out of court, the biggest of which involved a payout of €35,000 for assault.