Increase in breaches of barring orders in Galway

A 55% jump in the number of barring orders breached were recorded in the first ten months of this year.

Statistics presented by Galway’s most senior Garda, Chief Superintendent Tom Curley, to a County Joint Policing Committe meeting, showed 313 incidents of domestic disputes were reported to Gardaí, 66 more than last year – which is an increase of 27%.

Chief Supt Curley said this was an area he was satisfied that the Garda Síochána had adopted effective policies.

He recalled that 35 years ago when children had to be taken out of a dangerous situation they were brought to the Garda station where they had to remain while offenders were being dealt with.

“We now have call backs to victims. We try and go along confidentially and privately, using plain clothes and plain cars if necessary to avoid any stigma,” he told the annual public meeting of the County Joint Policing Committee.

Fianna Fáil Deputy Anne Rabbitte – the only Oireachtas member present – said while the high numbers of domestic incidents were worrying, it also gave comfort.

“More people are coming forward and there is support there from the Garda Síochána,” she stated.

She said a great deal of work by officers went into taking out barring, safety or protection orders and then monitoring any breaches.

It was the Gardaí who had to deal with the fallout of any breaches, particularly at night time and weekend when social services were unavailable, she added.