GRA president tells Government: We need action, not words

The Government should not "rob Peter to pay Paul" in dealing with the recent spike in killings nationwide, a spokesman for gardaí has said today.

President of the Garda Representative Association John Parker has called on the Government to increase the overall Garda budget.

The Taoiseach and the Minister for Justice have promised resources to deal with violent crime, calling it a priority.

Five people have died in violent incidents since the weekend, including two murders believed to be connected to gangland crime.

"Words are one thing, actions are another," said Mr Parker.

"To say that gardaí have resources over the number of years was always a bit of a 'three-card trick' - moving resources from one place to another, robbing Peter to pay Paul, putting gardaí and members of the public at risk.

"With every major incident that resources have to be pumped into, the overall Garda budget suffers and diminishes.

"I would hope that what the Taoiseach is actually stating is that additional funding will be provided to the Garda budget."