Escalating drug epidemic threatens communities, says Tipperary TD

Tipperary TD and leader of the Rural Independent Group, Mattie McGrath, has accused the Justice Minister and the Garda Commissioner of neglecting the escalating drug crime epidemic, endangering every community by persisting with a plan of unworkable new Garda roster arrangements.

As a result, he says that the Tipperary Garda Drugs Squad faces disbandment, leaving towns and families defenceless against the alarming rise in drug availability.

Deputy McGrath stated: "It is abundantly clear that the Fine Gael Justice Minister has no interest in preventing serious crime within our communities.

"Her recent announcement expressing 'absolute confidence' in a Garda Commissioner who has lost the trust of the force is an alarming signal. The proposed unworkable roster arrangements pose grave consequences for public safety and community welfare.

"The Commissioner's ill-advised new rosters, set to take effect on November 6, will disrupt the current four-on four-off 12-hour shift rotation for Gardaí, forcing them onto a six on four-off 10-hour shift roster.

"This short-sighted move will compromise the well-being of Garda members and severely limit officers on patrol, especially in already depleted rural areas, making recruitment of new Gardaí even more challenging.

"Currently, we have nearly 1,000 fewer officers patrolling our streets compared to when Helen McEntee assumed office as Justice Minister.

"Tipperary has experienced the loss of more than 32 Gardaí during this period and towns like Clonmel, Cahir and Carrick-on-Suir are facing catastrophic drops in 'boots on the ground'.

The dire consequence of this neglect from both the government and the Commissioner is the imminent disbandment of the Tipperary Garda Drugs Squad, with other specialised task forces likely to follow."

"Families are enduring heart-wrenching turmoil due to the presence of drug dealers and substances in their communities, causing immeasurable harm.

"Many towns across Tipperary are grappling with a serious drug problem, demanding a robust response from the Garda Drugs squad, but instead we witness their dissolution and that of other critical crime units due to a lack of personnel.

"In some Tipperary towns, we now witness brazen drug gangs operating openly on the streets. Only the unwavering dedication of the rank-and-file members of the Gardaí has kept the situation from escalating further.

"However, the lack of resources and limited Garda numbers have hamstrung their efforts, and now the Commissioner's decision to disband the specialised drugs unit exacerbates the issue.

“I am again calling for the immediate resignation of the Garda Commissioner and urging the government to offer retiring Garda members the option to extend their service for five years.

"Additionally, raising the mandatory retirement age to 65 will help retain valuable experience and bolster the force as we face the impending retirement of almost 2,500 Gardaí by 2033.

"Decisive actions are crucial to address the escalating recruitment and retention crisis and safeguard our communities,” concluded Deputy McGrath.