FRONTLINE GARDA SERVICES IN DUBLIN SHOULD NOT BE REDUCED

Labour spokesperson for Dublin Senator Kevin Humphreys has warned that any cut to Garda frontline services in Dublin to cover the cost of the Labour Court agreement should be resisted.

Senator Humphreys said:

“With up to €25 million euro to be cut from the Garda operational budget I am calling for the Minister for Justice to ensure resources are maintained to deal with the drug cartels in our cities and towns.

“A cut in Garda overtime at this time will be a step backwards and could see a return to the level of violence witnessed on our streets earlier this year.

“This is not the time to reduce operational funding and we need to continue to invest in new recruits, additional Garda cars, training and technical resources.

“Garda services must not be reduced. We have seen the positive outcome from Operation Thor which has reduced burglaries across Ireland.

“The Minister should ensure frontline Garda services are enhanced, not reduced.”