Justice system creaking under Fine Gael’s watch
- Policing Authority must be compelled to intervene on Garda dispute as per Section 62H(2) of the Garda Siochana Act
Speaking in the Dáil today during Leaders’ Questions, Labour justice spokesperson Aodhán Ó Ríordáin accused Fine Gael of being asleep at the wheel on all matters relating to justice.
Deputy Ó Ríordáin said:
“Fine Gael have had control of the Justice portfolio for over 12 years. During this time, there has been an utter dereliction of duty to the people of Ireland to provide for a functioning justice system.
“Gardaí, in dispute with management, are effectively on a work to rule every Tuesday for the next month. In the context of a force with depleting numbers, alarm bells are ringing in communities nationwide who fear they will be left unprotected. The blame for this lies firmly at the Minister’s feet.
“Fine Gael continue to act as bystanders,, hoping against hope that someone will solve the problem. After 12 years in control of the brief, the buck should stop with the Taoiseach and his cabinet colleagues.
“Under questioning from the Labour Party today, the Taoiseach had no meaningful solutions to the crisis we now find ourselves in. Unfortunately, it is communities nationwide that will pay the price for the latest Government incompetence.
“We in Labour are urging the Government to instruct the Policing Authority to intervene in the dispute over Garda rostering. It is an issue of managing and deploying Garda resources, so it lies within the remit of the Authority as per Section 62H(2) of the Garda Síochana Act. Why the delay in taking action for our communities?”