E-Scooters: Give The Gardai More Power To Enforce A Ban. Episode 826

Niall speaks to Fatima Gunning, journalist with Gript Media, and Noel O’Flynn about calls for Gardaí to receive greater legal protection when pursuing suspected criminals.

Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan says he wants legislation progressed to protect Gardaí involved in pursuits of cars, scramblers, e-bikes and e-scooters. Pointing to the UK, where police officers have “specific statutory protections” when pursuing suspects during the course of their work, O’Callaghan said: “I would like to see something like that within the Irish legal system.”

The debate comes as Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly revealed that ten Garda members are currently before the courts over alleged careless or dangerous driving incidents arising during the course of their duties.

Niall, Fatima and Noel ask whether criminals are exploiting Garda reluctance to give chase, knowing that officers could face prosecution, lose their driving licences or even destroy their careers if a pursuit goes wrong.

However, greater legal protection cannot mean complete immunity. If a Garda drives recklessly and an innocent pedestrian or motorist is seriously injured or killed, who should be held responsible? Should the law judge a Garda’s driving against the actions of an appropriately trained police officer facing the same circumstances, as happens in Britain?

Should Gardaí acting in good faith be protected from prosecution, or could the proposed legislation place innocent members of the public at greater risk? Details of Jim O’Callaghan’s remarks