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Irish Examiner
31-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Drop in drug searches linked to 'less gardaí on the streets'
There were over 7,000 fewer drug searches carried out last year, compared to 2022, with the sharpest reductions in the garda southern region, figures show. The Garda Representative Association (GRA) said the reduction was clearly linked to their being 'less gardaí on the streets'. Drug searches dropped 15% for the entire country, but by as much as 43% in Clare/Tipperary and 34% in Cork City. The GRA said it as a matter of 'extreme concern', and warned that almost 1,900 members are eligible to take up retirement in the coming three years. The Government has pledged to recruit 5,000 gardaí over five years, with the target of reaching a force of 15,000. Garda strength stood at 14,198 at the end of May, and a further 120 attested from the Garda College in June. Figures supplied by justice minister Jim O'Callaghan to the Dáil show there was a total of 40,642 searches under the Misuse of Drugs Acts, covering suspected possession and supply, in 2024. This compared to 47,780 in 2022, a reduction of 15%. Of the four garda regions, the biggest drops were in the southern region (-30%) and the eastern region (-20%). They contrast with the Dublin region (-8%) and the north-western region (-4%). A breakdown in the southern region shows: A 43% reduction in Clare/Tipperary (2,726 in 2022 to 1,546 in 2024); A 34% drop in Cork City (3,279 to 2,157); A 29% fall in Cork county (2,218 to 1,515); A 17% reduction in Limerick (2,201 to 1,825); An 8% fall in Kerry (778 to 713). Five of the six Dublin divisions saw a drop in searches (41% in Dublin East), but there was an 18% increase in searches in Dublin North Central. This could reflect the transfer of gardaí from elsewhere in Dublin to the north inner city in response to outcries about the level of drug dealing and open use and the impact on people living in nearby communities, as well as workers and tourists. The Louth/Cavan/Monaghan Division saw a significant reduction (-41%) in drug searches. 'Extreme concern' GRA general secretary Ronan Slevin said: "A reduction in drug searches by 15% points clearly at the fact that there are simply less gardaí on the streets to carry out such searches, and this is a matter of extreme concern for the association." He said this was a symptom of the wider pressure on frontline gardaí in recent years. Official figures show that the garda strength stood at 14,283 in August 2022 and, despite recruitment, has remained largely unchanged. "We have waved red flags every year that this Government has promised an extra 1,000 gardaí with the target of reaching 15,000 members by the end of this year and up to 18,000 by 2028,' Mr Slevin said. The truth is that garda numbers have hardly moved one jot in the last seven years, despite a booming population and an unprecedented budget allocation to policing He was concerned at the separate figures released by Mr O'Callaghan, which show the sharp increase in garda numbers eligible to retire in the coming years: 888 in 2025, rising to 1,108 by 2026, to 1,466 by 2027, with a cumulative total of 1,878 by 2028. The minister pointed out that the numbers reflect those eligible to retire, but it does not mean they will retire. Divisions set to be hardest hit include Clare/Tipperary (42 in 2005 and 96 by 2028), Cork City (39 and 101), Cork county (45 and 113), Kerry (16 and 47), Limerick (29 and 61), and Waterford/Kilkenny (35 and 78). Mr Slevin said: "The fact that almost 1,900 gardaí are eligible to take up retirement over the next three years means that the number of 15,000+ gardaí is now just a pipedream, a number plucked from obscurity. "The GRA has presented a plan which we believe will boost garda numbers and make the job a more attractive one to potential recruits but we have been met with a wall of silence and indifference. ' With the imminent appointment of a new [Garda] Commissioner, it is imperative that he/she addresses the serious issue of morale within An Garda Síochána and the culture of excessive use of discipline and suspension.'
Extra.ie
30-07-2025
- Extra.ie
Garda was stabbed by 23-year-old Irish citizen
A garda yesterday became the victim of an unprovoked knife attack by a 23-year-old Irish citizen. The incident happened at around 6pm on Capel Street on Dublin's northside. A video showed the man swinging a knife wildly at the two gardaí who were trying to subdue him. It also shows a garda being attended to by colleagues as emergency services rushed to his aid. It is understood he suffered injuries to his arm and to his side. A garda yesterday became the victim of an unprovoked knife attack by a 23-year-old Irish citizen. The attacker has since been arrested and can be held for up to 24 hours. Videos of the attack showed officers using their batons to detain the man as several units rushed to support them. In a statement, the Garda Representative Association said: 'The GRA has been shocked by another seriously violent and unprovoked attack on one of our members while defending the public on Dublin's Capel Street tonight. 'We wish you a strong recovery and commend your colleagues who came to your aid. These attacks must stop.' Gardaí were last night taking statements from a large number of witnesses. They will also be reviewing CCTV from local businesses to establish what happened. The guard was stabbed in an unprovoked attack. Pic: Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images A Garda statement said: 'Earlier this evening, Tuesday, July 29, 2025, while on routine high-visibility patrol in the Capel Street area of Dublin 1, a member of An Garda Síochána was subjected to an unprovoked assault by a male [who was arrested at the scene]. 'The member of An Garda Síochána who sustained injuries has been taken to a hospital in Dublin for the treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. No further information is currently available.' Sources have described how a large Garda presence was called to the scene to quell any potential further disturbance after the man was apprehended. 'What appears to have happened is that two members were on the beat walking down Capel Street carrying out their normal duties,' a source said. 'They were both in uniform. Then it appears that one of the gardaí noticed someone behind him and was attacked. 'The attacker was armed with a blade, something along the lines of a kitchen knife, and just kept going for the gardaí. They managed to apprehend him at the end after they took out their batons. 'One garda was injured as a result of it all. He got hit by the knife during one of the swings and needed medical attention. He is expected to make a full recovery following the incident.' Senior Government figures were briefed by An Garda Síochána last night about the attack. They were told the suspect is a 23-year-old Irish citizen.
RTÉ News
30-07-2025
- RTÉ News
Man arrested after probationer garda stabbed in Dublin city centre
A man in his 20s has been arrested after a probationer garda was attacked in Dublin city centre this evening. The incident took place on Capel Street just after 6pm. The garda who was on a high visibility patrol was attacked and stabbed in what gardaí say was an unprovoked attack. He was taken to hospital to be treated for injuries described as non-life-threatening. The garda has since been discharged following treatment. In a post on X, An Garda Síochána said: "There is no ongoing threat to public safety." A man has been arrested and is being detained in connection with the attack. The man, who is an Irish citizen and born in Ireland, can be questioned for up to 24 hours. In a statement, the Garda Representative Association's Vice President Niall Hodgins said: "This young probationary member was subject to a quite terrifying and unprovoked attack and only for his bravery and that of his colleagues this incident could have resulted in far worse and unthinkable consequences. "Our job is tough. Our members continually run towards situations that others must flee from. But there is never, ever, an excuse for being exposed to such acts of random violence. "The attacks being visited upon our members is shocking and we will never accept that being assaulted is being part of our job. More needs to be done to create a safer working environment where the risk of assault is reduced." Speaking tonight, Assistant Commissioner for the Dublin Metropolitan Region, Paul Cleary said: "I speak for all of An Garda Síochána in Dublin when I say that our thoughts are very much with our colleague who is recovering tonight. "This evening's unprovoked assault is indicative of what gardaí can face when they go out on duty to keep people safe. "There is not always video footage or content shared online, but we experience it in our day-to-day duties and it's a difficult aspect of the job. Assaults of this nature will never be acceptable or tolerated. "Our colleague has our full, steadfast support and the range of welfare services will be extended to him when he feels up to it," said Asst Comm Cleary. Taoiseach 'appalled by, shocking, unprovoked' attack The Taoiseach said he is "appalled by the shocking" attack. In a post on X, Micheál Martin said: "Appalled by the shocking unprovoked attack on a garda on duty on Capel Street in Dublin this evening. "My thoughts are with the injured garda and his colleagues at this time. I wish him a quick recovery. I urge anyone with information to contact the gardaí." Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan condemned the attack which he described as unacceptable. Mr O'Callaghan also said attacks on gardaí will not be tolerated. Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said the attack on the garda was "utterly unacceptable". In a statement, Ms McDonald said: "I condemn the shocking attack on a garda on patrol on Capel Street in Dublin's city centre earlier this evening. The Dublin Central TD said: "It is utterly unacceptable that a garda working to keep our city safe was subject to such an unprovoked assault."
The Journal
26-07-2025
- The Journal
Garda warns of serious flaw in car chase policy as 'no drivers' trained in pursuit skills
THERE IS A serious flaw in the new garda pursuit policy as no garda is specifically trained to chase fleeing criminals in cars, a garda representative has claimed. Mark Ferris, who is a detective garda and an official with the Garda Representative Association (GRA), has gone public with serious concerns around the strategy used by An Garda Síochána to pursue vehicles. Ferris, writing in the latest quarterly Emergency Services Ireland magazine , has outlined that there is a gap in garda training. The detective said that gardaí are trained to respond rapidly to calls, known as response driving, but they are not specifically trained to deal with the rigours and danger of a pursuit. Since 2019 gardaí who are permitted to drive patrol cars have been trained and cleared through a qualifications known as Competency Based Driving (CBD). CBD One allows them drive but not respond on lights and sirens – CBD Two allows them to drive with the lights and sirens. Gap in training What Ferris has identified is a gap in training that while some members are qualified to drive fast and rapidly through traffic they are not trained in the specific skillset needed to manage a pursuit. 'There is no member of An Garda Siochana trained and appropriately authorised in pursuit driving which renders the policy inoperable. 'Competency Based Driving 2 (CBD2) drivers (which make up the vast majority of response drivers) are not trained in any element of pursuit. 'Response driver training, as governed by the Emergency Services Driving Standard (ESDS) in An Garda Síochána, is frequently conflated with pursuit driving, highlighting a misalignment between organisational policy, operational implementation and public messaging. 'Driving to an emergency situation such as an armed robbery in progress with blue lights and sirens on is not, and should not, be confused with pursuit driving,' he said. Ferris has outlined the differences between response driving and pursuit driving. 'While pursuit driving requires active evasion and awareness of a driver's refusal to stop it also requires a level of competence to engage, while response driving is a distinct driving activity that allows trained members, for example under CBD2, to exceed normal driving standards when responding to emergency incidents. 'These fundamental differences highlight how the two activities should never be confused or conflated,' he said. Ferris said the College of Policing (the UK police training centre) has advised that non-pursuit trained drivers must not continue pursuits. Advertisement 'On closer view, the entire CBD driver training model also has no element of pursuit driving incorporated across any of its facets. Tactical vehicle containment or the use of vehicle stopping devices do not constitute pursuit driving techniques or the required level of competence with which to engage in pursuit driving,' he added. Ferris said Britain's College of Policing's pursuit framework 'explicitly stipulates' that all personnel involved in pursuit management, including control room staff, tactical advisors, and drivers, MUST undergo standardised training. The detective garda said this is not an advisory comment in Britain but is a 'foundational governance requirement' for lawful pursuits in the UK. Ferris said that the garda policy directive must be invalidated to prevent unacceptable risks to members of the public, gardaí and the organisation. A garda car at the scene of an incident in County Galway. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo The garda response Speaking at the Oireachtas Justice Committee in June , Commissioner Drew Harris addressed the issue of training but said that a policy had been implemented to manage pursuits. 'There is more training that needs to be done in respect of pre-planned pursuit. If there is a spontaneous pursuit, the obligation on the garda member is to report what is happening to control. 'A risk assessment is then conducted by qualified individuals in the control room. There is no blanket policy against pursuit. What we have put in place is a policy to empower and enable but there is specific training required,' he said. A garda spokesman said the force introduced a 'spontaneous pursuit' policy in December 2024 following consultation with the garda representative associations. 'Where feasible, the first priority should be to prevent a pursuit from taking place,' the spokesman said. The garda statement said that the decision to engage in a pursuit must be done in the interests of public safety, to prevent crime and to apprehend offender. 'A key consideration is to ask if the pursuit is necessary and balanced against threat, risk and harm for which the subject driver is being/about to be pursued,' he said. The garda spokesman said that gardaí must comply with 'fundamental principles, of legality, necessity, proportionality and accountability' as well as in keeping with international human right laws. The spokesman said that An Garda Síochána has previously been subject of 'adverse criticism' that the previous pursuit policy was too restrictive. The spokesman said current documents provide guidance to gardaí in the use of pursuit tactics and pursuit management in order to reduce the risk, rather than 'a prescriptive process'. It is understood that the policy does not specifically require pursuits to be halted in the absence of either a pursuit trained driver or a serious incident dispatcher. The garda statement did not specifically address the training standards. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
BreakingNews.ie
07-07-2025
- Politics
- BreakingNews.ie
GRA criticises 'take in first, ask questions later' approach to Garda trainee vetting
The Garda Representative Association (GRA) has criticised the 'take in first, and ask questions later' approach to admitting trainees at the Garda College. It comes after an Freedom of Information request, released to , revealed 76 trainees were rejected after first being admitted to the Garda College in the past year. Advertisement This occurred after a change to the rules after backlogs, which allowed applicants to be admitted to the Garda College in Templemore while their vetting was still ongoing. The change was made as some applicants had been left waiting months, or even years, to hear back regarding their vetting. The 76 trainees were "deemed unsuccessful" for "Vetting, Medical, Physical Competence Test and Drug test". In response to the story, GRA president Mark O'Meara told : "This is another example of a botched, failed and embarrassing answer to a serious problem with Garda recruitment and retention. Advertisement 'It was unsustainable to continue with the huge delays and backlogs in garda vetting of potential recruits which led to many applicants simply running out of patience and finding another career path. 'But the answer was to expedite the vetting process to help the recruitment process, rather than a 'take in first, and ask questions later' approach." Mr O'Meara added: "The GRA have previously raised concerns about any changes to the normal vetting process and this vindicates our position. 'This will disappoint and even enrage many serving members as it once again shows a clear lack of joined up thinking when tackling the recruitment and retention crisis.'
