McEntee rules out mandatory sentences for assaults on Gardaí

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has ruled out handing out mandatory sentences to people who assault Gardaí.

Speaking at the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) conference in Westport, the Minister said the abuse and intimidation of Gardaí was increasing.

She added that the notion of “shoving camera phones into the faces of the Gardaí “has to stop.”

When asked if mandatory sentencing for assaults on Gardaí would deter would-be criminals, she said it would “overstep the mark.”

The Fine Gael Minister said she “hopes” to remain as Minister for Justice in a Cabinet reshuffle.

New Fine Gael leader Simon Harris is expected to shake up his Cabinet ahead of the upcoming general election.

When asked if she would like to keep her position, McEntee said it would be a “privilege.”

“I do want to stay here yes,” she said.

“It’s been a privilege to be appointed; it would be a privilege to be appointed again.”

She touted her record as Minister For Justice, saying she is “focusing on keeping our streets safe, our communities strong; making sure our policing bill is implemented, making sure we getbody cameras on Gardaí in the summer, making sure facial recognition legislation passes.”

“But of course, that’s a decision for any Taoiseach,” she said.