A decision to send uniformed gardai to Disneyland Paris to patrol the tourist hotspot has been likened to a “fairytale.”
Social Democrats justice spokeswoman Catherine Murphy hit out at the move – first reported in the Irish Mirror on Thursday – describing it as “farcical”.
An exchange scheme introduced last year is to be expanded with gardai spending July and August patrolling the French areas of Disneyland, Giverny and the Loire Valley.
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Deputy Murphy told the Irish Sunday Mirror: “Correct me if I am wrong, but Disneyland Paris is hardly regarded as a hotbed of crime.
“I wasn’t aware that Irish people who travelled to see Mickey and Minnie Mouse were becoming victims of crime in disproportionately large numbers.
“Should we really be using our expertly qualified gardai as glorified interpreters and tour guides?” The party co-founder and former co-leader has submitted a number of parliamentary questions to the Minister for Justice on the issue.
She said: “We need to know if Garda management consulted with the minister about uniformed members being deployed to France or any other EU country.
“I have also asked for clarification on what procedures and protocols are in place for the operational use of members of An Garda Siochana outside of this jurisdiction.
“There are, of course, instances where the deployment of gardai to other countries is fully justified and appropriate.
“However, the notion that creating or maintaining a garda presence at Disneyland should be some kind of priority for the force is farcical.”
When the issue was raised with Tanaiste Micheal Martin in the Dail on Thursday he started laughing.
Deputy Murphy added: “Maybe, like many of us, he first assumed it was a joke.
“This kind of scheme would not seem quite so bizarre if An Garda Siochana was not dealing with the biggest recruitment and retention crisis in its 100-year history.
“Just 116 gardai were recruited to the force last year – out of a target of 800.”
Justice Minister Simon Harris this week said there were plans to recruit an additional 1,000 gardai this year, though intake levels are running 33% behind target.
Garda representative bodies have expressed concern over the rise in far-right protests and anti-migrant violence.
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