Rabbitte warns against Garda reforms

Proposed Garda reforms will leave the force more remote than ever, it was claimed today.

Labour Party leader Pat Rabbitte accused the Government of failing to disclose how wide-ranging proposals on the future of the force would affect the public.

He claimed ministers had dodged the issue and tried to suppress a new report until after the elections.

It is understood a major new report has recommended severe cuts in the Garda Siochana and greater centralisation in the force.

Mr Rabbitte said the coalition had failed on its promise to recruit 2,000 extra gardaí and opted for a nationwide downgrading of the force.

“It is now clear that plans are under way for major changes to Garda structures that would leave the force more remote from the people than ever,” he said.

“What is of particular concern is that some of the stations being targeted for closure are in areas experiencing the most serious levels of crime.

“This simply does not make any sense.”

The report, compiled for Justice Minister Michael McDowell, called for greater centralisation in the State’s police force, and reductions in station opening hours.

The Implementation Steering Group report on the Review of Garda Structures and Organisations recommended that the 130 Garda districts should be cut by 20 to 32.

And Garda divisions, headed by Chief Superintendents, should be down from 22 to 17. The number of regions could be cut by one.

The report also called for improved allocation and management of resources, with districts rather than stations in control of all resources.

Opening hours could also be slashed in many of the country’s 706 stations, with 17 divisional and district headquarters operating on a 24 hour basis.