SF hypocrisy on Garda numbers exposed – Rock

Fine Gael TD for Dublin North West, Noel Rock has slammed Sinn Féin for its hypocrisy in relation to Garda numbers.

“Earlier this week Sinn Féin called on the Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald to explain the increase in Garda overtime figures, saying the public are entitled to know what the reason is for this sharp increase.

“Now, in the wake of the latest brutal gangland killing, they’re calling for a robust and resourced policing response.

“What exactly is it that they want? More or less Gardaí on the streets? I’m confused.

“The truth is that the public is tired of Sinn Féin’s kind of populist and attention seeking politics, where everything is opposed, for opposition’s sake.

“What people want is action and results, and that is what the Government is committed to delivering.

“Under the new Programme for Government we are pressing forward with an accelerated programme of Garda recruitment, with a view to achieving a Force of 15,000 members. This is a central element of the Government’s anti-crime strategy and we have already made provision for the recruitment of 1,150 new Gardaí since the reopening of the Garda College in Templemore in September 2014.

“We are working to increase Garda numbers, but this takes time, so while we train Gardaí we will be paying overtime to ensure there are Gardaí on the streets. This makes sense.

“The Programme for Government also commits to ensuring that Garda specialist units, such as the armed units which respond to gang-related violence, are enabled to operate at full strength.

“The Tánaiste, on behalf of the Government, remains in close contact with the Garda Commissioner and will respond promptly if she feels there are further measures that could be taken to oppose and dismantle these criminal networks.”