WE CAN’T COP WITH REFUGEE CRISIS STRAIN
GRA warns over future problems
GARDAI do not have the resources to provide additional supports for refugees arriving in Ireland, it was warned yesterday.
GRA chair Brendan O’connor questioned a Government pledge for extra gardai and GPS for communities taking in large numbers of asylum seekers.
He said: “There are fewer gardai, we are struggling to retain the staff we have. We are struggling to recruit and we believe the capacity is not there within those existing resources.”
Speaking on RTE radio, he warned there are too few gardai and until that “nettle is grasped”, there will be continuous problems with the delivery of policing.
Meanwhile, assaults on gardai spiralled last year with 409 recorded attacks – an alarming 83% in four years.
The level of violence against officers is at an all-time high, rising steadily from 223 in 2020 to 343 in 2022 and up 19% on that figure last year.
Statistics in the December report of Garda Commissioner Drew Harris also reveal 169 gardai resigned in 2023, up from 108 in 2022 and 95 in 2021.
Garda representatives have warned that a depleted force puts members at greater risk, as was evident during the
Dublin riots last November.
During a night of violence sparked by a stabbing attack in Parnell Square 12 officers were injured and one had to have his toe amputated.
Garda overtime shot up to almost €184million last year, compared to €130m in 2022, €114m in 2021, and €98m in 2020.
In December 2023 there were 13,988 gardai, down from 14,133 in 2022, 14,235 in 2021, and 14,491 in 2020.
This means there were 503 fewer gardai, at all ranks, than four years ago – down 3.5%.
When it comes to frontline gardai the trend is even worse, with 684 fewer members, down 6%. Garda Representative Association president Brendan O’connor said the number of assaults was “extremely concerning”.
He added: “We have seen a focus of resources in reaction to increases in other crimes, so the question has to be asked whether garda victims are less of a priority?”
409 Recorded attacks on gardai in 2023 – up 83% in four years