Varadkar says Ireland is still safe following recent street violence

Varadkar said that Government was taking firm action in light of the incidents, with more Gardaí being deployed to address street violence and public order incidents.

He insisted that “Ireland remains a very safe country to visit, with travel advice by foreign embassies reflecting that fact.”

“I do consider Ireland to be a safe country, but no country is 100% safe, and sadly assaults happen in all cities in Ireland and all cities around the world.”

Discussing the recent advisory from the American embassy that advised tourists to keep a low profile in Dublin, Varadkar said “what is being issued in advice from embassies is largely standard advice – the US, for instance, considers Ireland to be a Level One country, that is the safest type of country that exists, but even in a Level One country they would advise people not to carry large amounts of cash on them, not to have visible jewelry – that’s common sense advice.”

“The advice they are giving is Level One advice which is what they issue for countries they consider to be in the category that is most safe.”

Varadakar said that the Government and Gardaí were taking recent street attacks and public order incidents very seriously, and increasing Garda recruitment and establishing a more visible presence on streets was a “priority goal.”

“I took the opportunity last week to have a meeting with the Garda Commissioner Drew Harris along with Justice Minister Helen McEntee, and a real focus of the meeting was very much on public order.”

“We had some very good discussions with him on what can be done to have more visible policing on our streets which is what people want – and is what makes them feel safer, and is what makes them safer.”

“But there are other things that can be done too – certainly local authorities have a role to play in terms of CCTV, in terms of lighting, and with the new community security partnerships there are also going to be street wardens.”

Discussing the street warden initiative, Vardkar says it would provide a community-based security presence and would supplement the work of Gardaí.

“They won’t be Gardaí but they will be people who are employed to have a presence, if you like, on the streets and we think those things will help.”

Varadkar said that in this instance, the issue can’t be solved by new legislation alone, but by the enforcement of existing regulations and directing resources to highlighted areas.

“Enforcement is a big part of making our roads and cities safer, and that means more visible policing.”