Justice minister reveals number of gardai injured in assaults during Dublin riots
One member of An Garda Síochána had to have his toe amputated after being attacked at the height of the violence on November 23
by Darragh Mc Donagh · Irish MirrorA total of 12 gardaí were injured as a result of being assaulted during the Dublin riots last month, the minister for justice has confirmed.
The riots, which took place on November 23 in the wake of a knife attack at a school in the capital, were described by gardaí as the most violent in modern history of the state.
The number of members of An Garda Síochána who were injured in assaults during the unrest has been revealed by Minister for Justice Helen McEntee, who confirmed that 12 sustained injuries as a result of attacks.
“At the outset, I would like to condemn in the strongest possible terms any attack on a member of An Garda Síochána or any front-line worker,” she said.
“The rioting and violent disorder in Dublin on November 23 was disgraceful and I commend Garda members and all emergency services for their quick response.”
Ms McEntee said 12 incidents of assault in which a garda was the injured party were recorded on the PULSE system in the Dublin Metropolitan Region North Central Division on the night of the riots.
Among those injured was a garda who lost a toe after rioters threw a heavy object at him at the height of the violence. The Irish Mirror revealed that he was rushed to hospital and underwent surgery, but his toe had to be amputated.
It is understood that he will be off-duty for a considerable length of time as he recovers from the life-altering injury.
A range of additional powers and supports for front-line gardaí have been announced following the riots. These include the provision of stronger incapacitant spray, and an expansion of the Garda dog unit.
Members will also undergo increased public-order training, and will be issued with Tasers for public-order policing. Front-line units will also be issued with hand-held video cameras.
“I am committed to supporting An Garda Síochána in their mission of keeping people safe,” Ms McEntee said in response to a parliamentary question from Green Party TD Patrick Costello.
“The unprecedented allocation of €2.3 billion for 2024 to An Garda Síochána has provision for the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and personnel it needs to carry out vital policing work.”
Legislation has also been passed providing for body-worn cameras for gardaí, as well as the use of Garda CCTV and automatic number plate recognition technology.
“The crucial introduction of body-worn cameras is being accelerated through a separate proof of concept project involving the deployment next year of body-worn cameras in Dublin city centre,” the minister added.
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