Traffic gardaí 'letting their colleagues down' if they aren't 'doing their jobs', says Tánaiste
It follows Garda Commissioner Drew Harris’ comments on a report that found some gardaí showed a "blatant disregard" for roads policing duties while they knew their actions were being reviewed. File picture
Traffic gardaí “not doing their jobs” and showing “no interest” are “letting their colleagues down”, Tánaiste Simon Harris has said.
It follows Garda Commissioner Drew Harris’ comments on a report that found some gardaí showed a "blatant disregard" for roads policing duties while they knew their actions were being reviewed.
The Tánaiste said he would like to read the report and said it is “surprising” that the Government had not seen it.
“Any member of An Garda Siochana who is acting in the way that the commissioner outlined is seriously letting their colleagues down in the first instance, colleagues who work every day to keep us safe,” Mr Harris said.
“[They] would absolutely be undermining our road safety efforts. In this country, there are far too many empty seats at far too many kitchen tables.”
Mr Harris, who is also defence minister, confirmed that he will meet with Sean Rooney’s mother, Natasha, next week.
Pte Rooney was killed while on UN peacekeeping duty in Lebanon in December 2022. On Monday, a tribunal sentenced the main defendant in the case, Mohammad Ayyad, to death. He remains at large however.
In a statement, Ms Rooney criticised the Irish government and Mr Harris, suggesting he should have spoken to her, and not for her. Mr Harris said he will not comment further until he meets with her next week.
“Natasha is a grieving mother fighting for justice for her son who died while serving with absolute distinction wearing the uniform of Óglaigh na hÉireann,” he said. “He has my absolute and total respect, as does his family.”
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