GARDAÍ RESOURCES MUST BE PROTECTED FROM BUDGET CUTS

It’s now one year on from the shooting in the Regency Hotel, with reports today that the Government plans to use public pay deals to deliver fresh cuts across Departments.

Labour spokesperson for Dublin Senator Kevin Humphreys says the Government must ensure Gardaí in Dublin are adequately resourced to deal with crime and that frontline services are protected.

Senator Humphreys said:

“It’s now a year on since the shocking attack in the Regency Hotel, and the extra resources that have been provided to Gardaí have made an impact with major progress against organised crime.

“However, we cannot get complacent. The warnings today that public services may be reduced to cover pay deals within each Department area will cause unnecessary fears for those who rely on frontline services.”

“It is irresponsible of the Government to use public pay talks to raise fears about the impact on public services but if they insist on that path, they need to let us know what they plan to cut.

“Warnings that Ministers will have to find savings within their own budgets is concerning.

“The most likely target will the resources most recently committed to frontline services.

“Gardaí must have the resources they need to keep our streets safe, prevent attacks and monitor suspects, as well as investigate and prosecute crimes.

“For months the Labour Party has called on the Government to open structured talks on a successor to the Lansdowne Road agreement.

“Instead the scattergun approach they have adopted is now being used as a battering ram to reduce public services.

“I am calling on the Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald to ensure sufficient resource are available to An Garda Síochána.

“Major progress has been made in the greater Dublin area and we cannot put that at risk.”