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Garda checkpoints in the Phoenix Park in Dublin Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie

'New level of respect and acceptance' experienced by gardaí during Covid-19 restrictions

The Policing Authority published its fourth report into the use of new garda powers since 8 April.

THE POLICING AUTHORITY has said that “concerns remain” over how the use of emergency powers by gardaí during Covid-19 restrictions have been reported.

In the authority’s fourth report into the use of the powers since 8 April, it noted that gardaí continued to report comprehensively on their use, but said the data only reflected formal enforcement or non-compliance with Covid-19 regulations.

Concerns have also been raised about the vulnerability of the victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence while restrictions have been in place.

However, the authority’s chairman Bob Collins noted that gardaí had experienced a new level of appreciation during the crisis, which it was vital to continue into the future.

Under the powers, gardaí may direct a person to comply with the regulations and demand a person’s name and address.

An individual may be arrested them for failing to comply with either of these demands, as well as for failure to comply with the regulations.

Since their introduction, the Policing Authority has carried out reports into whether these powers have been used by gardaí proportionately and only when necessary.

Information has been requested from An Garda Síochána as to how many times each of the five powers under the emergency legislation were used.

There were 289 uses of the powers up to midnight on Saturday 30 May, an average of less than six times each day.

Meanwhile, anti-spit hoods were used in four incidents in the week to 30 May, bringing the total number of uses since 8 April to 64, including two incidents involving children.

The report also noted that 9 gardaí were spat at in the week up to 30 May, down from 11 the week before, bringing the total number of gardaí spat at since 12 April to 88.

However, the authority said the figures only reflect formal enforcement or non-compliance with Covid-19 regulations and not where the powers have been used by way of a direction that resulted in compliance by an individual.

“This may become either increasingly important or redundant in the coming weeks and months depending on how the phased return to normality progresses,” the report said.

Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan welcomed the report, but said he remained “very concerned” for victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence.

“I want the message to clearly go out to the women and men who suffer these dreadful crimes that supports and services are still available despite the pandemic,” he said.

“The civil and criminal justice system will continue to prioritise your support and safety.”

Chairperson Bob Collins noted in his introduction that there was the perception of a new tone in the approach of gardaí to members of the public and that members of the force perceived a new level of respect and acceptance towards themselves.

“It is a really important development that this is happening but even more important for the potential that it has for the future,” he said.

“It will not always be possible for the Garda Síochána to deploy gardaí in such numbers and in precisely the same way as now. But it will be possible for the same attitudes, tone and mutual respect to continue into the future.”

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27 Comments
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    Mute Quinny
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    Jun 30th 2024, 4:22 PM

    Adeleke is a Superstar, I’m looking forward to seeing her in the Olympics.

    335
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    Mute Sergio Reddan
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    Jun 30th 2024, 4:33 PM

    @Quinny: yes she is amazing but let’s put this in perspective : 11.33 is the 184th fastest time this year / she still has a good bit to go to be in contention for an Olympic medal at 100m

    55
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    Mute Shaun Gallagher
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    Jun 30th 2024, 5:13 PM

    @Sergio Reddan: She is not taking part in the 100m in Olympics. It’s not her event

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    Mute airedezamba
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    Jun 30th 2024, 5:31 PM

    @Sergio Reddan: I think there is a typo…it shd be 11:13

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    Mute Sergio Reddan
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    Jun 30th 2024, 5:41 PM

    @Shaun Gallagher: my bad

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    Mute Kevin Dillon
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    Jun 30th 2024, 9:51 PM

    @Sergio Reddan: she is running the 400m in the Olympics and is one of the favourites. Hopefully she’ll go a bit better than her fourth place in the world champs.

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    Mute Philip Johnson
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    Jun 30th 2024, 4:59 PM

    She is something else delighted for her and all her hard work prevailing keep it up so proud of you

    144
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    Mute Robert Halvey
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    Jun 30th 2024, 4:52 PM

    When one takes into account it’s the 400 meter race that she is her natural distance . The fact that she now holds the irish record in the 100,200 and 400 meter races is class

    148
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    Mute Ray Buckley
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    Jun 30th 2024, 6:47 PM

    What a woman , fantastic achievement .

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    Mute Niall Murphy
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    Jun 30th 2024, 5:42 PM

    A fantastic athlete, roll on the Olympics and medal(s).

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    Mute Fergus O'Donnell
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    Jun 30th 2024, 6:44 PM

    She’s brilliant!

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    Mute john kenny
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    Jun 30th 2024, 7:08 PM

    Delighted for her. Great turnout for the games to watch our Irish superstars . Roll on Paris.

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    Mute denis silver
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    Jun 30th 2024, 4:27 PM

    Waits on the closure of the thread and comments like she’s not even Irish from the usual

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    Mute Brian I
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    Jun 30th 2024, 4:43 PM

    @denis silver: why would you then proceed to be the first to bring it up, absolutely pointless.

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    Mute denis silver
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    Jun 30th 2024, 4:52 PM

    @Brian I: except I wasn’t the first as someone said great to see all the Irish names

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    Mute another one? what's going on is the semi state sec
    Favourite another one? what's going on is the semi state sec
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    Jun 30th 2024, 6:48 PM

    @Brian I: They’ve been reported and removed by the mods

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    Mute Sarah O'Sullivan
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    Jun 30th 2024, 8:30 PM

    @denis silver: Why even mention that nonsense? Stop giving it oxygen!

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    Mute Kevin Dillon
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    Jun 30th 2024, 9:53 PM

    @denis silver: DYK

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    Mute Patrick K
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    Jul 1st 2024, 12:55 AM

    @denis silver: looks like your the only one of them creeps on here

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    Mute Patrick O'Leary
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    Jul 1st 2024, 12:34 AM

    She’s pretty phenomenal.

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    Mute Padraig O'Brien
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    Jul 1st 2024, 12:40 AM

    Different class!

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    Mute bernadette gleeson
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    Jul 1st 2024, 10:34 AM

    She is a great girl, representing her country so well.

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