Gardaí welcome bill as more resources sought

RANK and file gardaí yesterday gave a cautious welcome to new legislation aimed at crime gangs though they warned that basic resources were still outstanding for the force.

As debate continued over new measures to tighten suspects getting bail and their right to silence, gardaí greeted the legislative package announced by Justice Minister Michael McDowell with a mixed reaction.

The Garda Representative Association (GRA) called for the delivery of fundamental resources such as garda numbers, communications and equipment.

A statement by the GRA said: “The proposals will no doubt aid our members in serious crime prevention but we need a faster delivery of resources than the current pace allows for.”

GRA president John Egan said: “Many of the issues we raised last year remain outstanding particularly in relation to a secure and modern garda communications system as well as the standard of garda accommodation. While we are aware of the efforts being made on these fronts, delivery is really the key issue.”

While a new garda radio system is still going through a tendering process, gardaí say it should be fast-tracked.

Despite commitments by Justice Minister Michael McDowell gardaí say that promised bullet-proof vests, extendable batons, anti-stab vests and pepper sprays have still not been made available to gardaí on the street.

Members of the force are also keen to see research mooted by the Garda Inspectorate come to fruition.

“We were promised an optimum number survey by the Garda Inspectorate and would wish to know at what stage this is at currently,” added Mr Egan.

Kathy O’Toole has pledged to carry out an audit of garda resources, particularly numbers, in comparison to population figures. The research would look at other international policing-population ratios.