Garda checkpoints inhibit mass goers

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Written by Administrator

Wednesday, 10 January 2007

Early morning Garda checkpoints are inhibiting people en route to morning mass and people endeavouring to get to work on time.

That's according to Galway East TD Paddy McHugh, who said that scarce Garda manpower was being wasted on morning checkpoints, when in many cases people are not engaged in any more offensive behaviour than attempting to get to mass on time.

"People on their way to mass are not known for their propensity to cause carnage on our roads and statistics would not suggest that mass goers are the type of people who drive at dangerous speeds.

"Garda management should focus their efforts on targeting the habitual law breakers and leave people who wish to attend religious service, or do an honest day's work, to do so. It is important that the Gardaí would retain the confidence of the general public, to ensure that they are effective in carrying out their role as law enforcers and crime detectors," he said.

"The retention of that confidence is dependent to a large degree on the public being convinced that Garda action is relevant and meaningful. Garda management should ensure at all times that actions of the force are measured and appropriate," he added.