Jim O’Callaghan has said that neither the Government nor gardaí know who was behind drones flown near Dublin during the visit of Volodymyr Zelensky last December, reports RTE.
Speaking at the annual conference of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors in Westport, Co Mayo, the minister said he was confident gardaí have the necessary technology, personnel and skills to manage the “huge policing task” of the upcoming EU presidency, reports RTE.
An investigation was launched after unidentified drones were spotted near Dublin during President Zelensky’s visit, but Mr O’Callaghan said those responsible have still not been identified.
He added that he is confident gardaí can respond to potential security threats, noting that an additional €125 million has been allocated for policing the EU presidency, reports RTE.
The minister said new technology has been provided to the force and assured that all required resources will be made available for the operation.
The AGSI has raised concerns about the strain the EU presidency will place on Garda resources, warning of “unprecedented pressure” between July and December, reports RTE.
The association said that “crime will not stop” during this period and warned that officers are already under significant pressure.
It is seeking assurances from both the Government and Garda management that policing capacity will be sufficient without affecting routine duties, reports RTE.
The group also highlighted the impact of the housing crisis on gardaí, saying more members are relying on Housing Assistance Payments due to difficulties securing accommodation.
This situation is also affecting staff retention within the force, it said, reports RTE.
The AGSI has called on the Government to consider reintroducing housing supports to ensure members can live in the communities they serve.
It suggested reviewing past arrangements where An Garda Síochána provided accommodation and members lived in stations, reports RTE.
The association is also seeking full vetting of all new recruits before they begin training in Templemore, along with changes to road traffic laws.
It wants legislation amended to allow samples to be taken from suspected intoxicated drivers within five hours of driving, instead of the current three-hour limit, reports RTE.
Separately, when asked why Martina and Ammi Burke had not been detained four weeks after a High Court order for their arrest, Mr O’Callaghan said there are many individuals subject to warrants.
He said gardaí must prioritise cases and added that he would not direct the Commissioner on which warrants should be executed, reports RTE.
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