Attacks on gardai are a feature of the job now... this just can't be tolerated

AN Garda Siochana play a vitally important role in society. They are on the front lines, keeping people safe and serving communities. They do this at great personal risk to themselves.

In recent years, attacks verbal or physical on officers have become a regular feature of the job.

We have seen a number of incidents in recent weeks where gardai have been seriously injured.

We have also seen threatening behaviour from people intent on sowing division in our society.

They have not only intimidated and threatened people who are seeking our help, they have, in some instances, sought to intimidate and threaten gardai.

This will not be tolerated.

Our gardai will always have our full support. During my time as Justice Minister, I am absolutely determin

STRENGTH

The first step is to increase strength and over the course of the year, we will welcome over 1,000 officers to the training college in Templemore.

The second is the introduc of body-worn cameras.

This week, I introduced legislation to the Dail to allow for gardai to wear body cameras.