Latest news with #AnGardaSiochána
Sunday World
3 days ago
- Sunday World
Man dead and child injured after shots fired in Carlow shopping centre
A lone gunman is believed to have discharged a number of shots, but was later declared dead at the scene A man has died following a shooting incident at a shopping centre in Carlow, while the bomb squad has also been called. A nine-year-old child was also shot in the leg during the terrifying incident this evening. Gardaí were alerted to reports of shots being fired at the Fairgreen Shopping Centre in Carlow shortly after 6pm. A lone gunman is believed to have discharged a number of shots, but was later declared dead at the scene. A suspicious device was also found on the man, which necessitated the Army bomb squad to be called to the scene. A nine-year-old shot was in the leg, and it is understood their injuries are non-life threatening. No other injuries have been reported. A statement from An Garda Siochána said: 'Gardaí are currently at the scene of an incident at a retail premises in Carlow town. The alarm was raised shortly after 6.15pm. 'The premises has been evacuated and the scene is preserved. The Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team has been requested to attend. Stock image News in 90 Seconds - June 1st 'At this time, there is no further concern for public safety.' Gardaí added that anyone who may have recorded footage of the incident is urged not to share it on social media platforms or messaging apps, but instead to provide it to Gardaí at Carlow Garda Station. Anyone with information is asked to contact Carlow Garda Station at 059-9136620 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111. Fine Gael councillor Fergal Browne told the Irish Independent he had heard extensive unconfirmed reports. But he urged calm in the community. 'I've heard unconfirmed reports that sound like a very serious incident here in Carlow this evening,' Cllr Browne said. 'The community is in shock at such a disturbance on a bank holiday Sunday. The town was busy. My friend was at the bottle bank and heard three gun shots go off. They thought it was fireworks. 'My thoughts are with anyone who witnessed this incident. I compliment the gardaí and emergency services who rushed to this scene. We are still learning more, so I urge calm.' More to follow
RTÉ News
7 days ago
- Health
- RTÉ News
A stressful job: why gardaí struggle with mental health issues
Analysis: The mental wellbeing of those who protect and serve us is a public issue of major concern and needs to be properly supported and resourced The impact of the policing role on the mental health of members of An Garda Siochána is more than an issue for their workplace; it is also a public issue of major concern. The mental wellbeing of those who protect and serve us can influence how they will engage with the public, how they respond to crisis situations and how they develop and sustain their own careers. In recent years it has been reported that an increasing number of Gardai have been referred for psychiatric or psychological assessment or other mental health care. Several studies in the past few years offer a sobering look at the realities faced by members of An Garda Síochána. They highlight not just the everyday stress of the job, but also deeper, systemic barriers to seeking help, both of which are linked with an increasing number of Gardai resigning from the force. These studies paint a picture of a profession under pressure—and a culture struggling to respond. From RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland, gardaí feel they can not speak out about policing problems Trauma is a part of the job Let's start with the obvious: being a police officer means that you are going to encounter violence, trauma, and high-pressure situations on an almost daily basis. These include road traffic fatalities, suicides, assaults and sexual offences. These are what researchers call operational stressors, and they are the parts of policing most of us think about when we consider the toll it takes on mental health. It is estimated that a police officer will encounter between 400 to 600 traumatic incidents during an average career, compared with the three to four traumatic events typically thought to be experienced by the public. But here's the twist: research has consistently shown that it's not just these operational stressors that wear police officers down. In fact, many said they expected and accepted that part of the job. What they find harder to cope with are things like workplace bullying, shift work, excessive workloads, limited resources, and unrealistic public expectations. These are known as organisational stressors and they are persistent, frustrating, and—crucially—preventable. From RTÉ Radio 1's Today with Claire Byrne, how gardaí prepare to give families devastating news Research by the Garda Representative Association has found that issues related to bullying, mental health and excessive workload have all contributed to increasing number of resignations from An Garda Siochana, as well as contributing to officer burnout. However, the current Garda Commissioner has denied that these issues are impacting on Gardai. Presenteeism and pressure: mental health behind the uniform One of the more troubling findings is how many Gardaí keep showing up for duty even when they're not mentally well enough to do so. This phenomenon, known as presenteeism, can be damaging for the individual, their colleagues and the public. But it's not just about bravado or dedication. Officers often feel they have no other choice. So why do they do this? Because talking about mental health at work still feels risky for some gardaí. Despite some progress in recent years, policing is an occupation where a culture persists which associates struggling with weakness, and where seeking support might make you look unreliable or unfit for duty. From RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland, the annual conference of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) hears calls for more to be done to keep members in the force Even though support is available through an Employee Assistance Programme and an online service called KOPS, many gardaí do not use these services when they are struggling. This is often explained by a lack of trust in internal support systems, a worry about confidentiality, the negative impact on careers and a fear of being labelled. Stigma is still the strongest barrier Being stigmatised for speaking about mental health is also a major concern in policing. This is not just among management, but between peers too. There's still a sense that "real" officers can handle whatever comes their way, without complaint or counselling. And for those who do reach out? There's often a fear that it won't stay private. Many Gardaí said they'd prefer external, independent services where they could speak freely, without fear of judgment or repercussions. This distrust reflects a wider cultural challenge. Policing in Ireland—and elsewhere—has long been shaped by values of stoicism and toughness. But those same values can become barriers when it comes to mental health. From RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland, Garda Representative Association annual delegate conference to hear that policing model is not fit for purpose What needs to change? The research findings are clear: support needs to be accessible, trusted, and genuinely confidential. That means better training for managers, more visible support from leadership, and above all, an end to the silence and stigma. But there's a deeper issue here too. Aside from facing personal struggles, gardaí are also navigating a system that often makes things worse. From endless paperwork to unpredictable rosters and limited time off, the structure of policing itself is causing harm. Fixing this isn't about yoga classes or free mindfulness apps (though those can help). It's about systemic change: resourcing stations properly, listening to frontline staff, and creating a culture where mental health is taken seriously—not just in policy, but in practice. If we want Gardaí to look after us, we need to look after them It's easy to say we support gardaí, but real support is demonstrated by more than words. It means ensuring they have the tools, resources and respect they need to stay mentally and physically well. Right now, too many officers feel they can't speak up. Too many work through burnout and trauma in silence; and too many feel like asking for help is a risk they can't afford to take. These recent studies don't just highlight the problem but offer a roadmap forward. They call for trusted, independent support services, better training and communication and a culture that values well-being as much as performance. If we want Gardaí to look after us, we need to look after them.
Agriland
20-05-2025
- Agriland
Man released from custody in Kerry farmer murder case
A man in his 50s, who had been arrested in connection with the investigation into the murder of Kerry farmer, Michael Gaine, has been released without charge from the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984. Search operations, supported by local, regional, and national garda units, other emergency services and the Defence Forces, are ongoing at Carrig East, Kenmare, Co. Kerry. A spokesperson for An Garda Siochána said that the family of Michael Gaine have been kept informed of this update and gardaí continue to support Michael's family through a Family Liaison Officer. The family have requested privacy at this time. Gardaí continue to appeal to the public for assistance in this investigation. The garda investigation team can be contacted at Killarney Garda Station on 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or speak with any member of An Garda Síochána. Disappearance of Kerry farmer Michael Gaine was reported missing from his home near Kenmare on Friday, March 21, 2025. The suckler and sheep farmer was last seen in Kenmare town on Thursday, March 20, 2025. A major search operation was initiated at the time with the assistance of neighbours, locals and friends within the Kenmare community. Gardaí later updated the investigation from a 'missing person' case to 'homicide' providing authorities with further powers and resources. Last Friday (May 16), gardaí declared a crime scene as part of the investigation, and subsequently announced the discovery of partial human remains, while slurry was being spread on fields close to Michael Gaine's farmyard. Searches continued to recover any further human remains. DNA analysis is being carried out to formally identify the recovered remains which are thought to be that of the missing farmer. A man in his 50s was subsequently arrested for questioning but gardaí have confirmed he has now been released without charge.
Irish Examiner
17-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Shops in Ireland openly sell HHC drug linked to ‘devastating addiction and psychosis'
In glass cabinets in shops on main streets of towns the length and breadth of the country sit a bewildering range of flavoured vapes and jellies, many laced with a substance suspected of causing teens to suffer serious health emergencies. One shop in the East Cork town of Midleton has a flashing neon sign in the window advertising the sale of hexahydrocannabinol, known as HHC, within. Other shops in other towns and villages are less overt with their advertisements. The product, a semi-synthetic version of a natural cannabinoid found in cannabis, can be used in vapes or in jelly edibles. It emulates the effects of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the narcotic component present in cannabis plants. Readily available In one shop, a query from this would-be customer for the product as to whether it is legal comes with a blunt 'I don't know' response from the one staff member on duty. However, in a vape shop in Mallow, a sign says '21' over the HHC products leads us to query why, to be told that it is an effort to deter teenagers from trying to purchase the products. Others assure me that the product is legal — despite An Garda Siochána saying that a number of investigations are currently ongoing into the sale of HHC products under legislation around psychoactive substances introduced to outlaw head shop products. Whether it's via vape or gummies, products containing HHC are readily available to buy in Ireland. Stock picture: Eddie O'Hare Within minutes of entering the shops, this reporter left with different versions of HHC — including one in a reggae-inspired box giving the flavour as 'zkittles'. Sold with the promise of offering a relaxing experience, the product warns on the back to 'use with caution', adding that it is not to be used by pregnant women and is for over-18s. It reads: 'This HHC cartridge can be intoxicating to some people. Do not drive or operate any machinery while using this product. Consult a doctor before using this product.' Another product called Blue Dream carries similar warnings, while also adding that it is 'THC-free'. The ingredients for both products are listed as 95% HHC distillate (hemp derived), 5% terpenes. A different strawberry-flavoured product only has information in German, although it lists its ingredients as 95% 10HC-blend (a form of HHC) and 5% terps (terpenes). Incidents in West Cork The test purchases carried out by the Irish Examiner come in the wake of two incidents in West Cork recently highlighted by the Social Democrats councillor Isobel Towse. She told how a 12-year-old child in Clonakilty could not remember his mother's name while another had to be admitted to a psychiatric hospital after vaping the cannabinoid. HHC was also linked to an incident in another Cork town in November 2023 in which four young people were hospitalised. It is understood that up to one fifth of teenagers being treated in addiction services are there because of chemically modified cannabis products found in vapes and edibles, including HHC. Expert views Bobby Smyth, a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist and clinical professor at Trinity College Dublin, said: 'Lots of young people who use it regularly report a lot of mental health symptoms associated with it, both when using it heavily and when they stop using it. Consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist Bobby Smyth says HHC is Ireland's second most common cause of drug-induced psychosis. File picture 'The most common is a real flat sort of depressed mood. That is the bigger issue we would see. We are not clinically dealing with lots of young people developing psychosis but we are dealing with the aftermath of that. Those young people would not attend our services in the first instance. 'They get admitted to hospital and get treated there, and are then referred out to us for a bit of support helping avoid a return to HHC use.' Prof Smyth added: 'HHC use now, as far as I understand it, is the second most common cause of drug-induced psychosis in new episodes in Ireland, after cannabis. 'It is causing way more psychotic episodes at this stage than cocaine or MDMA or other drugs.' Despite concerns about the substance, it continues to be sold in shops across the country because it is not included in the list of prohibited drugs in Ireland under the Misuse of Drugs Act and there appears to be confusion on whether or not the product is legal among different retailers. HHC not on schedule of controlled drugs Both the Department of Justice and the Department of Health say HHC is currently covered by legislation on psychoactive substances. Yet moves are also in place to include HHC on the list of controlled drugs, under the Misuse of Drugs Act, according to the Department of Health. In reply to a parliamentary question on April 30, health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said: 'While I cannot give a precise timeline I am informed by officials it is expected to go Government in the coming weeks'. Prof Smyth believed the products containing HHC would have been removed from the shelves under the legislation for psychoactive substances. But he said: 'There seems to be a wariness around using that particular piece of legislation.' He says Ireland will be forced to tackle the issue now, following a decision taken in March by the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs to list the substance as a controlled one, following a recommendation by the World Health Organization. The WHO said of HHC: 'There is sufficient evidence that HHC is used in ways to constitute a public health and social problem, warranting placement under international control.' Although he welcomes the UN's move, Prof Smyth warned: 'That will be grand and will sort out HHC but the shops are already preparing for that. The next line of drugs will already be in the warehouses to put up on the shelves.' Psychiatrists' report This echoes a paper published by the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland last September which warned that adding HHC to the Misuse of Drugs Act would not be a panacea. Instead, it said 'that the shops [currently profiting from sale of HHC] could simply switch to importing and selling a similar but not yet banned drug'. The College called on the Government to 'urgently intervene to ban the distribution and sale of all semi-synthetic cannabis and tackle the issue of its harms' and said an 'explosion' of addiction presentations across the country involved the man-made drug. Drugs easily available online Currently, the substance is offered for sale without inhibition across the internet. A quick perusal opens a virtual shop door very quickly. While all websites visited by the Irish Examiner asked the user to confirm if they are over 18, a simple click of a button to say they are means they are in without much bother, no matter what age. One site boasts of offering a discreet express delivery and it says: 'With us, you can legally order cannabinoids online. Fast delivery from the EU in 1-4 days, right to your front door.' It lists a wide list of products. Many of those on the site are noted to be 'sold out', with a 'notify me' button available to click if the shopper wants to get a notification when the product becomes available again. One product is advertised as 'the highest potent HHC cartridges on the market'. It is referred to as an 'innovative HHC vape' which 'uses premium 95% HHC distillate, paired with amazing terpene strains to give a potent and powerful mental and physical buzz'. The site boasts that it is the ultimate destination for 'an unparalleled vaping experience infused with the power of HHC'. Gift cards and popular flavours It continues: 'We've curated a top-tier collection of HHC vapes that is taking the cannabis community by storm.' Another site offers a gift card facility in increments of €10, €20, €30, €50, €75 and €100 which can only be used in physical stores and not online. It does contain a health proviso, noting: 'The most common types of side effects reported by people who use vaping products are throat and mouth irritation, headache, cough, and nausea. More research is needed to establish the risks of long-term vaping product use on developing cancer, cardiovascular, respiratory, and other diseases.' Flavours range from lemon, blueberry, and pineapple to more unusual tastes such as 'Gorilla Glue' and 'amnesia'. One retailer offers a vegan product in a range of different flavours. They are currently sold out. 'Special offers' are promoted on another site. Colin O'Gara's view Colin O'Gara is a consultant psychiatrist who serves as the head of addiction services at St John of God University Hospital and is clinical professor of psychiatry at University College Dublin. He deals with adults in his field and says that use of HHC is not restricted to young teens. 'From testimony from both patients and otherwise, it is not uncommon for dinner parties — I have been told that a non-drug- using cohort would have gummies in a middle-aged grouping because they see it as legal and see nothing wrong. 'The product is toxic and it is harmful, just like alcohol, just like substances, and just like gambling. Everybody is vulnerable to HHC. 'In the case of HHC, the first step is nailing down the fact that we are dealing here with a harmful substance that clearly should be classified as both psychoactive and included in the Misuse of Drugs Act.' Prof O'Gara said the most serious cases he has seen involved 'very devastating addiction and psychosis, real devastation from the point of view of occupation with sick leave from work, family out of their minds with worry, delusional ideas, and strong lowering of mood with suicidal thoughts, and a strong possibility of risk of acts of self-harm'. He added: 'I am almost 20 years here, I have seen patterns over the years. I am just surprised with HHC that it hasn't been locked down quicker.' 'People don't have a clue what is in them' David Lane is the general manager of social inclusion in Cork Kerry Community Healthcare, and HSE drug and alcohol services co-ordinator. HSE drug and alcohol services co-ordinator David Lane: People are 'getting into difficulty with small quantities of new psychoactive substances'. File picture: Gerard McCarthy He says that while there is not a big influx of people seeking treatment in relation to HHC use, 'there certainly are issues both locally, regionally, and nationally'. 'What we have been seeing for well on 10 years is synthetic drug use among a wide range of people who use our services — not just under-18s,' says Mr Lane. 'The big challenge for us is that, from a potency point of view and an ingredients point of view, people who are buying them do not have a clue what is in them. "What we have seen over a number of years is people who actually have significant enough addictions and using some of these substances and getting into difficulty with small quantities of new psychoactive substances. 'These substances are being produced in labs in various parts of the world and are not on the schedule for the Misuse of Drugs Act.' Forensic Science Ireland report Last August, the annual report from Forensic Science Ireland for 2023 raised concerns about the emergence of HHC. It said: 'Cannabis and related cannabinoid products accounted for 42% of all cases analysed by FSI in 2023. The traditional cannabis market is no longer a homogenous arena and is now a dynamically evolving space with ongoing rapid emergence of a dizzying array of synthetic cannabinoid products — it is truly the wild west of the drug marketplace.' It said a review of 114 jelly, sweet, and chocolate products analysed in 2023 showed that 36% contained synthetic cannabinoid products, including HHC. Describing it as 'semi-synthetic', the report said: 'HHC can be synthesised from CBD [cannabidiol]. HHC is chemically similar to THC and appears to have relatively similar physiological effects. 'Unlike THC, HHC is not a controlled substance in most European countries and worryingly is being sold as a safe or legal replacement in conventional THC products.' Prof Smyth said the focus of drug policy in Ireland 'remains completely dominated by the concerns around heroin which really goes back a couple of decades, and there is some around crack cocaine as well which is largely confined to the same population who developed the heroin problem'. He added: 'When it comes to cannabis or cannabis-related products, it is generally just a shoulder shrug is the typical response.' Use of the drug is leaving young men in particular with severe psychosis, requiring lengthy hospital admissions for recovery. Prof Smyth believes an opportunity was lost in not tackling the emergence of the product immediately under the psychoactive substances legislation. He said: 'There is no evidence that it is being taken seriously. The only thing that indicates that something is being taken seriously is if they do something about it and a decision appears to have been taken to do nothing.'
Irish Examiner
16-05-2025
- Irish Examiner
'Serious welfare incident' at greyhound kennels believed to have left many dogs dead or missing
A serious animal welfare incident at a kennels in the west of the country is believed to have left many greyhounds dead and many more missing. Industry body Greyhound Racing Ireland (GRI) said a 'serious welfare incident' involving greyhounds had been uncovered at a registered premises in late April. It is understood many animals were found dead at the location. Following a number of welfare inspections of the site, GRI said 'concerns escalated in late April', which prompted an 'immediate intervention" by GRI officers and and veterinary professionals. The body said it had issued a welfare notice to the owner of the premises prohibiting the keeping of greyhounds to remove any further threat or risk to their welfare. GRI said it 'continues to engage with the relevant authorities, including An Garda Siochána" in relation to the incident. 'As the matter is currently under investigation and involves a deeply sensitive personal situation, no further comment is being provided at this time," it said. However, when the Irish Examiner contacted gardaí, a spokesperson said: "I have carried out inquiries and can find no incident matching that description at this time." A GRI spokesperson said its designated welfare officers investigate all reports of alleged mistreatment of animals, adding some 2,500 welfare checks are carried out on greyhound premises each year. It is unclear how and when the issue first came to light. GRI was queried to that effect, and as to precisely how many animals had died, but did not directly respond to the query. An Garda Siochána was likewise asked about the status of its investigation of the matter, but had not responded at the time of writing. It is also unclear whether or not the animals at the premises in question are subject to GRI's traceability system, as many of the dogs involved, while born in Ireland, had since been exported to Britain before being returned for breeding. It is understood some of the missing animals involved are worth thousands of pounds. The traceability system, known as RCETS, was first introduced in 2021 amid the fallout from an RTÉ documentary, Running for their Lives, which alleged as many as 6,000 greyhounds in Ireland were being culled each year due to their not being fast enough. Nuala Donlon, spokesperson for advocate body Greyhound Action Ireland, called for the power to investigate allegations of cruelty to be removed from Greyhound Racing Ireland. '[It should be] given to the lSPCA and An Garda Síochána, as is the case with every other breed of dog in this country,' she said.
