Gardaí call for thugs who attack them to be given mandatory jail terms

The annual Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) conference will see calls for mandatory sentences to be handed out to those who attack gardaí.

This is just one of the many issues thought to be raised at the second day of the AGSI's annual conference which takes place this Tuesday, March 26 in Westport, Co Mayo. 

Both the Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee and Garda Commissioner, Drew Harris will be in attendance. Among topics to be discussed include calls for those who attack gardaí, physically or verbally, to be given mandatory sentencing.

Minister McEntee increased the sentences for attacks on emergency personnel and is expected to remind the conference that the government increased the maximum sentence for assaulting a garda from seven to 12 years.

However, the AGSI has said offenders are walking free from courts and are calling for the introduction of mandatory sentences.

As well as this, accommodation, uniforms and disciplinary action within the force will be discussed across the day.

There are calls for exclusive accommodation to be designated for gardaí who are relocated across the country, as there have been cases where guards have resigned their post due to lack of accommodation.

"Some people are transferred to other sides of the country and the problem is there is no place to rent," said a member of the AGSI.

"We are asking the Minister to give consideration to give capital funding to build or purchase accommodation for newly promoted gardaí, because they have nowhere to live."

Uniforms which are "too hot indoors and too cold outdoors" are set to be addressed, too.