Donegal has seen a decrease in stationed gardaí since 2009

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance, Pearse Doherty TD, said that the riots in Dublin last Thursday revealed a collapse in policing for which the Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee bears responsibility.

Speaking in the Dáil yesterday, the Donegal TD said recent events reflected the erosion of An Garda Síochána, including in Donegal, where Garda numbers have fallen under Fine Gael since 2009 and since this government took office.

“On Thursday Dublin was gripped with grief, and my thoughts are with those who were injured at Parnell Square, and we pray for their recovery,” Deputy Doherty said.

“In the hours that followed Dublin city was gripped by violence, destruction and fear.

“When a mob, without any regard for Dublin and our country, destroyed property, attacked gardaí and intimidated people on the streets.

“Those who took part in Thursday’s carnival of destruction must be subject to the full rigours of the law and pay the price for their disgraceful actions.

“People do not feel safe in Dublin, or indeed in other parts of the State, including Donegal.

“The Minister has been in a state of denial for some time – Thursday’s events make clear that she is now in a state of delusion.

“Fine Gael has made our communities less safe and more vulnerable.

“Less Gardaí on the street and less Garda stations in our communities.

“This is not restricted to Dublin - in Donegal, there are less stationed Gardaí now than in 2009, in the county overall and in every district.

“Since this Government took office, stationed Gardaí numbers in Donegal have fallen.

“Any attempt to deplete Garda numbers in Donegal or elsewhere to cover this Government’s failure in Dublin is not a solution and is not acceptable.

“Following Thursday’s events, it is clear that we need a change of leadership – the Minister is not the person to lead the Department of Justice.”