Awards against gardaí soar by 500%

COMPENSATION awards to civilians in settlement of legal actions against gardaí soared by over 500% in 2005, to almost €6 million from just over €1.1m the previous year.

In all, over €9.2m in compensation and legal fees was paid to civilians and gardaí last year arising out of accidents and material damage caused by members of the force — over double the 2004 figures.

Figures provided in the latest annual report by the Comptroller & Auditor General show that the State made a total of 88 payments in 2005 to individuals who sued gardaí over actions taken in the performance of their duties.