Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Justice and Equality, Jim O’Callaghan has highlighted the significant delay in establishing a Dublin Armed Response Unit, which was committed to by Government earlier this year.
Speaking in response to Deputy O’Callaghan’s questions on the matter in the Dáil, Minister for Justice, Francis Fitzgerald confirmed that the recruitment process has not yet been completed and that it is hoped the Dublin Armed Response unit will be in place ‘later this year.’
Deputy O’Callaghan said, “Some two months ago we were assured by Government that the new Armed Regional Support Unit would be in place and operational by this month and would contribute to the armed policing response which is urgently required to tackle the challenges faced by Gardaí in the capital and surrounding area.
“While the work of the Gardaí is ongoing, the residents of Dublin must see the battle against these criminal gangs intensified, to prevent further attacks and put a halt to the cycle of revenge and retaliation.
“This unit which was also sought by some members of the Garda Representative Association, if adequately resourced, could spearhead the fight against these crime gangs.
“It is simply unacceptable that we have been forced to experience a delay of this length. The government must consider the creation of this unit as a matter of urgency. As gun related crime continues to escalate, there has never been a more critical need for this Government to ensure that this unit is fully operational in order to protect the people of Dublin,” concluded Deputy O’Callaghan.
