Seems that the Loyalist terrorist has put manners on them:
https://www.thesun.ie/news/7182253/gra-atmosphere-fear-disciplinary-action-prevents-gardai-discretion/?utm_campaign=native_share&utm_source=sharebar_native&utm_medium=sharebar_nativeFEAR FACTOR GRA head says ‘atmosphere of fear’ and threat of disciplinary action prevents gardai from using discretionCraig Farrell Stephen Breen
21:21, 22 Jun 2021 Updated: 21:21, 22 Jun 2021
AN atmosphere of fear and the potential for disciplinary action is preventing gardai from using discretion, according to the head of the Garda Representative Association.
GRA president Frank Thornton said the message to rank and file members has been “loud and clear” that gardai must act if they “observe any breach in the law” or face the risk of “disciplinary action”.
This comes after Garda Commissioner Drew Harris issued an instruction for gardai to use discretion in relation to outdoor drinking
The directive was issued after gardai said over the weekend that the serving of alcohol in temporary outdoor areas was not permitted, unless specifically provided for in a liquor licence obtained in court or where by-laws permitted the drinking of alcohol in public.
Last Thursday, several pubs and restaurants in Galway received visits by gardai and were informed them they were in breach of the law.
Mr Thorton welcomed the Commissioner and Justice Minister Heather Humphreys “acknowledging the rights of members to utilise discretion when dealing with outdoor dining” - but said such powers “are being eroded in practice”.
ATMOSPHERE OF FEARHe said: “In recent times the message is coming to our members loud and clear that should you observe any breach in the law there has to be direct action or else the gardai concerned may face disciplinary action.
“The common sense approach is one that has always been applied with strong and sound policing, yet this recent atmosphere of fear has adversely affected the ability of our frontline gardai to safely manage this.
“The reality for frontline gardai is that they will inevitably find themselves dealing with situations under the policing of current public health guidelines armed with little more than their own operational experience and professional judgment.
“The question being asked by the members we represent is whether this instruction applies only to the isolated issue of unlicensed outdoor drinking or is applicable to other spheres of policing.”
Despite the discretion directive from the top cop, it is understood that primary legislation will be needed to ensure that pubs and restaurants can continue to serve alcohol outdoors.
It follows ongoing discussions between Minister Humphreys and the Attorney General on the issue.
It is expected that legislation will be quickly progressed through the Dail and Seanad - most likely next week - to bring clarity to the issue, as licensing laws cannot be dealt with through regulations.
