Zero tolerance on attacks on gardaí

“I will meet with the Courts Service and move matters on. I expect a decision between now and the end of this year. The officers of court are clear they want to retain the building. I am impressed at the strong case made to me by lawyers and the business people. However, to ensure we have state-ofthe-art facilities will involve a square footage or square meterage which is considerably greater than we have at moment,” he said.

“I want great facilities for the people of Kerry. I want a family law suite, I want a vulnerable witness suite, I want separate entrances for juries; I want prisoners to be treated in a way that has been described as humane; and I want parking. The challenge is going to be to ensure that we can have all these services that the people deserve. I’m not in a position to make any decision today.”

Minister Flanagan also met with Superintendent Jim O’Connor while on his visit to Tralee. When questioned about assaults on gardaí – an issue raised in The Kerryman in recent weeks – he said that he would not arm rank and file gardaí despite calls to do so.

“Stun guns are firearms under the Firearms Act. Specific units are equipped and I don’t intend amending this at legislation. However, I am anxious to ensure that society has zero tolerance to any attack on gardaí. I am concerned about attacks and I am satisfied that the court are dealing strenuously with those convicted of assaulting gardaí.”