Gardaí patrolling the streets should be issued with stun guns in a bid to prevent them being attacked, the Garda Representative Association has said.
Commenting after two of its members were set upon by a gang while on foot patrol in Dublin’s north inner city, the association said such attacks were becoming an unacceptable occupational hazard.
It was "absolutely incensed" to hear about what it called the "savage" attack on the two gardaí, one male and one female, on Manor Street, Stoneybatter, in the early hours of Friday morning.
It said that incident had followed Garda members in Co Kildare receiving death threats last week and other members being rammed in a Garda vehicle while pursuing suspects for a post office robbery in Co Kerry on Wednesday.
“This incident shows the perils gardaí face on a daily basis,” it said of the Dublin attack, perpetrated by a group of young people.
“We have no idea what lies ahead of us when we arrive at work every day,” the association added in its statement.
Foot patrol
"These gardaí were on foot patrol protecting the community when they were targeted, and it's clear that those responsible have no respect for the law or members of An Garda Síochána. "
The GRA added the recent violence aimed at members of the force “illustrates the difference between the jobs of gardaí and those of other public sector” employees.
“No other members of the public sector are required to wear stab vests to work or carry batons as a matter of course,” it said.
“In light of these recent events, it’s vital that the use of Tasers is seriously examined as a deterrent for use by front-line members working 24/7 in An Garda Síochána.”
The association also wants gardaí to be issued with body-worn cameras in order that abuse received could be recorded, and called for minimum sentences for those who assaulted front-line emergency workers.
The two gardaí injured in the incident in Dublin were treated at the Mater Hospital but have since been discharged.
Gardaí are investigating the matter and believe they know the identity of some of those involved.
There has been one arrest to date, with a juvenile being questioned at the Bridewell Garda station tonight.
