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.

Mr O’Donnell said a month had passed since gardaí Dave Comer and James Hendricks were attacked with knives.

“They were lucky to escape with their lives, but received very serious injuries. They could have been left for dead and went very close to it.”

The north Dublin-based gardaí were responding to a burglary in Raheny, where two Chinese men held up several other Chinese. Gda Comer was stabbed in the chest, back and liver. Gda Hendricks was stabbed trying to rescue his colleague.

Gda Comer came close to fatal injuries but pulled through after treatment in Beaumont Hospital.

“They responded bravely and courageously but without pepper spray or anti-stab vests.”

Introducing pepper spray or other equipment “would make it far easier to subdue dangerous and violent people without the need for force”, Mr O’Donnell said.

He said there was a stark contrast between Mr McDowell’s inaction on this area and his enthusiasm for strict new discipline codes within the force.

“In fact there’s a total disregard for health and safety of our officers.”

Stab vests were tested in Dublin, but worn under clothing which gardaí found uncomfortable. Mr O’Donnell said this was overcome in Britain by issuing over-garment vests.

A spokesman for Mr McDowell said: “The acquisition of equipment for use by members of An Garda Síochána is, in the first instance, a matter for the garda authorities.

“Any proposal for additional equipment necessary for members of the force to undertake their duties, received from garda authorities, will certainly be considered by the minister.”