Sir, – The latest brutal attack in Dublin city centre, this time on an American tourist, makes one wonder whether the Government has lost its focus on law and order, a basic responsibility for the State and the Minister for Justice.
For a period of a year, since 2021, the Government took the view that the justice portfolio could be undertaken on a part-time basis by another Minister. During that time, Garda recruitment has fallen 30 per cent short of target and violent crime has risen, also by 30 per cent. The political priority for the Government appears to be to introduce legal remedies for individuals who need to enforce their rights in areas relating to civil law rather than prioritising the safety of our citizens and introducing much-needed reform of our criminal law.
Surely there is a need for a balanced approach to ensure that, at the very least, our streets are safe and our criminal laws can deal effectively with what has become an unacceptable level of street violence. – Yours, etc,
MARTIN McDONALD,
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Dublin 12.
A chara, – Further to “McEntee pledges to address violence after tourist assault” (News, July 21st), surely it’s more than a little disingenuous for the Minister for Justice to declare that “we will not tolerate this thuggery” following the savage assault on an American tourist?
It seems that “tolerate” is precisely what we’ve been doing for too long a time. – Is mise,
PETER DECLAN O’HALLORAN,
Belturbet,
Co Cavan.
Sir, – I am a regular visitor to Dublin. Attending musical events at night can necessitate walking down O’Connell Street.
It can be frightening. Apart from the addicts and dealers, you will encounter young thugs just looking to cause trouble. Some of these people are reared to violence and they get their kicks from inflicting violence on others. I do not have a solution to this problem. However, I find it pretty dispiriting that the centre of our capital city is nearly a no-go area at night. – Yours, etc,
ANTHONY HANRAHAN,
Renvyle,
Co Galway.
Sir, – The anti-social behaviour that occurs in the city centre has become so prevalent as to be entirely normalised. How much longer will the deplorable situation be tolerated? – Yours, etc,
PATRICK ROGERS,
Finglas,
Dublin 11.
Sir, – People need to be protected from violent criminals and offenders who have been given numerous chances involving juvenile diversion, suspended sentences, early release, concurrent sentences, etc. We need to reach a point where society through the courts imposes appropriate consecutive sentences with the sole purpose or taking them off the streets in order to protect citizens and visitors to this country.
We deserve no less and people are entitled to the full protection of the law.
If repeat offenders do not wish to avail of the very many chances and opportunities offered to them by society then society has no choice but to lock them up for the greater good. – Yours, etc,
HUGH PIERCE,
Celbridge,
Co Kildare.
Sir, – The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar says that “Dublin has a problem with public order offences” and he says this happens in other countries, which is true (News, July 21st). However, unlike the capitals of other countries, Dublin city centre has a serious problem with a lack of police on the street to deter this problem.
Just putting a Garda office on O’Connell Street doesn’t deter anyone. – Yours, etc,
MARY MURPHY,
Dublin 11.
Sir, – Now that a US tourist has been savagely attacked, maybe the Government and Garda Commissioner will wake up to the lack of Garda foot patrols in Dublin city centre.
Otherwise embassies and travel sites will advise tourists to avoid Dublin city centre as a “no-go” area. – Yours, etc,
ALAN McCARTHY,
Dublin 6.
Sir, – How many more people are to be maimed, murdered or left with life-changing injuries in our capital city before something is done? This situation should not be tolerated in a so-called civilised society. – Yours, etc,
ANN CARROLL,
Carbury,
Co Kildare.
Sir, – One of the key factors that needs immediate attention is the presence of law enforcement. More gardaí should be deployed on bicycles, scooters and in cars. This will not only act as a visible deterrent to potential criminals but also provide a sense of security to those exploring our cities.
Additionally, it is imperative to review and enforce stricter laws to deal with such acts of violence.
By implementing tougher penalties, we can send a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated.
Lastly, the installation and utilisation of modern surveillance technology, including CCTV cameras, play an essential role in deterring crime and providing crucial evidence for investigations.
Expanding the coverage of CCTV in public areas, particularly tourist hotspots, will aid in the identification and apprehension of criminals, promoting a safer environment for all.
As concerned citizens, it is crucial for us to address this issue collectively and demand action from those in authority.
We need to hold our elected officials accountable for implementing adequate measures to ensure public safety.
I believe that by raising awareness and collectively demanding change, we can bring about the necessary improvements to create a safer environment for both residents and visitors alike. – Yours, etc,
PETER MALBASHA,
Booterstown,
Co Dublin.