Rank and file gardaí have expressed serious concerns regarding a lack of sufficient resources to police the upcoming EU Presidency, warning that the Commissioner may be forced to declare it an exceptional policing event. These warnings were highlighted during the Garda Representative Association (GRA) annual conference in Westport, Co Mayo.
Resource Strains and the EU Presidency
The GRA is concerned that the necessity to comprehensively police events surrounding the EU Presidency, which runs from July to Christmas this year, could lead to a rise in “exceptional event” declarations. Such a move would be a repeat of recent actions taken during fuel protests.
During those protests, the Garda Commissioner declared an exceptional event for the first time, resulting in the cancellation of all rest days and annual leave to ensure adequate staffing levels. To avoid this, Deputy General Secretary James Morrisroe has stated that a national policing plan is required for the upcoming events.
Recruitment and Vetting Concerns
Concerns were likewise raised regarding the integrity of the recruitment process at the Garda College in Templemore. Officers claim that vetting is often not completed by the time recruits start their training.
This delay has reportedly led to instances where candidates failed their vetting the week before graduation, despite having already gained access to confidential information and police procedures. Garda Ness Durkan of Co Louth has called for all vetting to be finalized before admission to the college.
Operational Safety and AI Threats
The conference addressed the require for updated training and protection for officers. Garda Mark Ferris from Blanchardstown argued that all gardaí should be trained to pursue criminals and scramblers, similar to the training provided to police in the UK, and suggested the issuance of work-specific driving licenses.
The GRA also highlighted the emergence of digital threats. Garda Peter Firth detailed a case in Waterford where a colleague’s photograph was altered by AI and posted online, accompanied by the publication of the officer’s home address and threats against his family.
The officer was also the target of a false accusation involving the pepper spraying of a child. These threats and abuses are currently the subject of a criminal investigation.
Major Investigative Successes
Despite these challenges, the GRA welcomed the arrest of Daniel Kinahan in Dubai, describing the move as a significant achievement. Officers who have spent a decade policing the Hutch-Kinahan feud noted that they and their communities have moved from a state of “despair to repair.”
GRA Vice President Niall Hodgins, based at Mountjoy Garda Station, paid a poignant tribute to the late Assistant Commissioner John O’Driscoll, whose investigative work was instrumental in the Kinahan arrest. Hodgins described O’Driscoll as a “fantastic policeman.”
The GRA also commended Commissioner Justin Kelly and the investigation team. With the arrival of a new management team, members expressed hope for the direction the new Commissioner will bring to the force.
Read more: GRA conference hears call to tackle threats on gardaí
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are gardaí concerned about the EU Presidency?
Rank and file officers fear You’ll see insufficient resources to police the events from July to Christmas, which may force the Commissioner to declare an exceptional policing event and cancel leave.
What is the issue with recruit vetting at Templemore?
Vetting is reportedly not completed before recruits start training, meaning some candidates have accessed confidential police procedures only to fail their vetting the week before graduation.
Who was credited with the arrest of Daniel Kinahan?
The investigative work of the late Assistant Commissioner John O’Driscoll was singled out as leading to the arrest, with further commendations given to Commissioner Justin Kelly and the investigation team.
How can police forces better balance the demand for high-profile event security with the personal wellbeing and safety of their officers?
