GRA demands pepper spray and anti-stab vests

GARDA representatives yesterday demanded pepper sprays and anti-stab vests to combat violent assaults.

The Garda Representative Association (GRA) strongly criticised Justice Minister Michael McDowell for failing to address the problem.

GRA president Dermot O’Donnell said: “The minister just doesn’t get it. The issue here is the safety of our members, it’s of paramount importance. Until he sees that, he is not addressing the modernisation of An Garda Síochána.