Sinn Féin Justice and Equality spokesman Martin Kenny TD has condemned an armed attack on tourists near the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin yesterday.

Deputy Kenny said:

“We are hearing from the Garda Commissioner that his reorganisation of the Garda Siochána will increase visible garda presence on the streets of our towns and cities.

“Hovever, everyday I am hearing stories of a loss of confidence in the Gardaí, for the reason that they are not visible and not present when they are most needed – when citizens are under threat in public areas or in their homes.

“Armed thieves robbing tourists beside one of Ireland’s most-visited attractions demands urgent action, but so too does the protection of everyone on our streets, in the capital and all over the state.

“I call on the Minister for Justice to ensure that the necessary resources are available to the Commissioner to provide the protection that An Garda Siochána, the guardians of the peace, exists to provide.

“If it is the case that the resources are available but are not being used to provide the most basic policing of functions, then the Minister must act to speed up the reforms which promise to deal with this crisis in policing.

“People going about their lives in this state deserve to do so without fear of robbery and violence.”