Strong State response led by Flanagan needed to QIH attacks
Labour Justice spokesperson Seán Sherlock has called on Minister Flanagan to outline in detail the strong response that he will lead to the outrageous attack on Kevin Lunney, what additional Garda resources will be committed to the region, and what cross border efforts will be made to end the long running campaign of intimidation focused around Quinn Industrial Holdings (QIH).
Answers are also needed on Garda overtime ban and if it will be lifted for Border region
Deputy Sherlock said:
“The disgusting and outrageous attack on Kevin Lunney, and the long running campaign of intimidation in the area must be swiftly tackled with a strong State response and the Minister for Justice, Charlie Flanagan should outline specifically what actions he will now take to address it.
“There must be no question of resource limits. Just this weekend we have seen reports of a cap on Garda overtime for the rest of year. The Minister should clarify if he has closed the chequebook for An Garda Síochána or if he will fight for the money needed to ensure a robust policing and security response can be put in place in Cavan and the broader Border area.
“In the coming weeks we could see a no deal Brexit, so the type of activity that has been going on around the former Quinn businesses also raises questions about the level of preparation and planning for the security and policing services in the region.
“The lack of prosecutions to date, and the ongoing campaign of intimidation is a direct threat to thousands of jobs, but also the authority of the State. The Minister for Justice must be seen to address this, and reassure public anxiousness about the disgusting attack carried out last week.
“I hope he will make a statement to the Dáil next week both on plans to police the area, clamp down on these activities, and re-assure frontline Gardaí that resources will be in place for policing operations.”