Arguably one of Ireland’s most hated politicians in history, Eamon Ryan must have been received a lot of abuse on the streets over the past while.
Green Party leader Eamon Ryan will receive a cyclist protection officer when he cycles around Dublin while on ministerial duty.
Mr Ryan has confirmed the move to the Irish Independent. His protection officer will be cycling as Mr Ryan does not use a ministerial car, unlike other cabinet members.
However, the protection detail of him is occasionally found on a Garda car depending on operational needs.
Expressions of interest in holding the position appear to have been solicited in recent days by members of the Garda.
Pedalling personal safety is no stranger in some countries on the continent.
“There was a decision made by An Garda Síochána that we all now (as ministers in Cabinet) will have protection officers,” Mr Ryan said, reports Independent.
His understanding was that there would not necessarily always be cycling officers when he cycled, and the Garda car was occasionally used.–
“Not necessarily (will it be a bike). It will depend on the circumstances,” said the minister, reports Independent.
Separately, Fianna Fáil judiciary spokesman Jim O’Callaghan raised questions about the number of people who applied to An Garda Síochána in response to a recruitment campaign last year but failed the suitability test.
“The rate of fitness test failures is affecting the drive to boost falling garda numbers,” he said, reports Independent.
He said that as of early December, 55 out of 315 applicants had failed the Physical Competency Test (PCT).
A new recruiting campaign will be launched early this year.
O’Callaghan said: ““I am concerned that the fitness test is too demanding, out of step with other jurisdictions and is becoming a growing factor blocking recruitment. I believe that the time limits we are placing on trainees to complete the PCT is contributing to the failure of meeting recruitment targets, and this should be reviewed as a matter of urgency,” reports Independent.
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