Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice, Pa Daly TD, has said that today’s ‘Day of Action’ on anti-social behaviour on public transport exposes how badly Fine Gael have mishandled the Justice Department and left communities feeling unsafe.

The day of action, ‘Operation Twin Tracks’, will see gardaí perform patrols on Dart and Luas services in Dublin and some intercity services.

Teachta Daly said:

“Communities don’t just need a ‘day of action’, they need a government of action that ensures they are safe 365 days of the year. A government that stands up for communities and ensures they can feel safe and protected. That is the government that Sinn Féin would lead, if given the chance by the people in this election.

“Fine Gael have been responsible for the Justice Department for the last 14 years. In this time, they have brought policing to breaking point, with a real-term drop in Garda numbers and less visible policing.

“The number of Gardaí in the city is no higher now than when Fine Gael took over the Justice Ministry in 2011, despite the massive increase in population. Our Gardaí do excellent work in very difficult circumstances, as they work tirelessly for communities. However, they feel let down and overstretched.

“Sinn Féin would set up a retention and recruitment taskforce, add extra Garda training places, take action on non-core duties and stem the tide of departures which is keeping Garda numbers stagnant. A Sinn Féin government would be committed to ensuring that everyone can feel safe and protected in our capital city.

“At the upcoming election, the people will have a clear choice. A government of more of the same from Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil. Of under-funded services and a struggling police service. Or a government of change with Sinn Féin, that invests in the Garda to ensure that communities can feel safe and protected.”