Fine Gael table motion to provide better training to Gardai to prevent attacks on LGBTQ+ community

An emergency motion has been tabled for this evening’s monthly Dublin City Council meeting calling for Gardaí to receive special training to deal more effectively with attacks on the LGBTQ+ community.

Tabled by the Fine Gael group on the council, the motion aims to prevent attacks on the LGBTQ+ community and provide specialist training to Gardaí to support the victims.

Speaking ahead of the motion councillor Danny Byrne, who represents the south inner city said “the message needs to get out loud and clear that this or any type of anti social behaviour is not welcome or acceptable in Dublin City.”

The motion reads: “That Dublin City Council, while acknowledging the steps and actions taken to date by the Minister for Justice and the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána, including ‘Operation Citizen’ (to focus on anti-social behaviour, public order and quality of life issues, assaults and high volume crimes in Dublin City), expresses deep concern regarding the safety of members of the public in Dublin City, especially attacks on members of the LGBTQIA+ community and other minorities.

Therefore, this Council requests the Minister for Justice and the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána to include but not limited to:

– Further increase visible Garda patrols in Dublin City, further support local policing initiatives and increase the overall number of An Garda Síochána to prevent anti-social behaviour, public order offences and assaults from happening.

– All members of An Garda Síochána to receive further comprehensive training regarding LGBTQIA+, trans/gender diversity issues and specifically receive training in dealing with and providing specialist support to victims of LGBTQ+ attacks.

– That each ‘LGBT Liaison Officer/Diversity Officer’ within An Garda Síochána be further supported to provide specialist assistance to members of the LGBTQ+ community and that an awareness campaign be established so that members of the public are aware of such role if they need to make contact with such a member of An Garda Síochána.