Dooley calls for inclusion of damaged private property in Garda Compensation Bill

Fianna Fáil TD for Clare, Timmy Dooley, has called on the Government to fast track the Garda Síochána (Malicious Injuries) Compensation Bill in light of the shocking attack on a Garda’s private car in Scarriff this week.

Deputy Dooley raised this issue in the Dáil today and called on the Minister for Justice to outline if the private property of Gardaí that is maliciously damaged will be included in the Bill.

“Moral in An Garda Síochána has never been lower; yesterday we saw members of the Garda Representative Association (GRA) picket the Dáil in opposition to the shocking treatment they have received at the hands of Minister Alan Shatter.

“To add insult to injury, Gardaí have also had their premium pay targeted in the new Croke Park deal proposals. Frontline workers should be exempt from these cuts because they put their lives at risk on a daily basis protecting each and every citizen in Clare and throughout the country.

“The dangers that face our Gardaí on a daily basis was highlighted in the early hours of yesterday when the private car of a member of the Gardaí was targeted and deliberately set on fire in Scarriff.

“This Bill has been promised by the Government since they came into office and Minister Shatter must make a provision in the Bill to have the private property of Gardaí included in compensation.

“The Gardaí deserve more respect than they have been receiving from the Government and this Minister. Hopefully he can see sense on this and include compensation for Gardaí’s private property in the Bill.”