The Daily Star Ireland
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has said that the recent spate of assaults against members of the Indian community in Ireland stems from a combination of racism, opportunistic criminality, and the deliberate targeting of vulnerable individuals. He confirmed that investigations are advancing under close supervision at the highest levels within An Garda Síochána, but voiced concern about the apparent participation of juveniles in these incidents.
Final Graduation for Harris Before Retirement
The Commissioner was speaking at the graduation ceremony of 154 new gardaí at the Garda College in Templemore, the last he will oversee before stepping down next week. The graduates, representing 26 nationalities, included both the youngest—19-year-old Hannah Egan, who sat her Leaving Certificate two years ago—and the oldest, 50-year-old Michael Connolly, a League of Ireland referee from Tyrone.
Five recruits due to graduate were suspended after an alleged bullying incident in which a fellow trainee was assaulted and handcuffed in the showers. Harris described the episode as an “aberration,” stressing that An Garda Síochána demands the highest standards from all recruits.
The latest intake strengthens Garda numbers to 14,408 sworn officers. Of those graduating, 66 will serve in the south, including 20 in Cork city, while over 100 new gardaí have already been assigned to Dublin in recent months.
Harris Reflects on His Tenure
Harris, who will be succeeded by Justin Kelly on September 1, described his appointment as Commissioner as the highlight of his policing career. He said the organisation has modernised significantly in equipment, performance, and its approach to crime, particularly in areas such as domestic violence, sexual abuse, and human trafficking.
Reflecting on the challenges he faced when he joined, Harris acknowledged that An Garda Síochána had previously been accused of systemic corruption. However, he rejected that label:
“You find all human life, and regrettably some individuals drift into criminality, but I don’t believe it’s systemic.”
He emphasised that the force is now united and continues to enjoy strong political backing.
Government Response and Future Recruitment Plans
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan paid tribute to Harris, thanking him for his service, and said he remained “optimistic” about meeting the Government’s target of recruiting 5,000 new gardaí within five years. A departmental review group will present recommendations in early September, which may include opening a second Garda training college to meet future demand. However, O’Callaghan stressed that Templemore will remain the primary training hub, with the capacity to take in 200 recruits per intake.
The minister also addressed safety concerns in the capital, particularly following the recent attacks on Indian nationals. While acknowledging community concerns, he rejected claims that Dublin is unsafe or under-policed:
“A large capital city will always have incidents of criminal behaviour, but my own view is Dublin is getting safer. I’m happy to walk around Dublin day or night and I would like the message to get out that Dublin is safe.”
He added that official figures show a decline in the number of assaults compared to previous years.
