Law and Order and Defence

A safe and secure Ireland

Building strong and safe communities

Fine Gael is the party of law and order. We are the party that founded An Garda Síochána, that founded the Criminal Assets Bureau.

We are the party that will ensure your family, your community, and our country is secure from crime and external threats.

We know that people want to see more Gardaí on our streets, they want anti-social behaviour to be tackled, to have a justice system that is efficient and effective.

Fine Gael is committed to building safer communities by:

Strengthening An Garda Síochána, expanding resources, and modernising support to effectively combat crime.
Providing additional prison capacity to ensure public safety, facilitating rehabilitation, and addressing the needs of individuals within the justice system.
Establishing a modern courts and legal system – vital for ensuring fair access to justice, improving efficiency, and enhancing the overall experience for all users.
Prioritising children in our family law system to look after their well-being and safeguard their rights during legal proceedings.
Addressing retail crime to protect businesses, ensure consumer safety, and maintain the integrity of our communities.
Establishing a zero-tolerance approach to domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence.

Fine Gael’s law and order priorities are

More Investment in An Garda Síochána: Fine Gael will provide funding for 6,000 new Garda recruits over  the next 5 years to ensure we have a strong and visible Garda presence.  
Speed up the Criminal Justice System: Fine Gael will appoint 20 more judges in 2025, building on the 31  new judges already appointed – to speed up criminal trials and cut waiting times. More investment into the  Director of Public Prosecutions, as well as the faster collection of evidence through Body Cams and facial  recognition technology, will deliver a faster and more efficient criminal justice system.
More Prison Spaces: Fine Gael will deliver 1,500 additional prison spaces from within the existing prison  estate and construct a new prison on the Thornton Hall site. This builds on 200 spaces already delivered  and will ensure that our prison estate has adequate capacity, while working to rehabilitate prisoners and  reduce re-offending.
Domestic Sexual and Gender Based Violence and Family Reform a Top Priority: Eradicating domestic,  sexual and gender based violence and reform of the family law system will remain top priorities for Fine  Gael. We will implement the Zero Tolerance Plan, invest to double the number of refuge spaces, increase  sentences for child sexual abuse, create specialised DSGBV judges, amend the law on counselling notes,  and establish dedicated family courts.

Protecting and Investing in An Garda Síochána

Fine Gael will ensure our Gardaí are equipped, supported, and empowered to build stronger and safer communities across Ireland.

We will

Fund 6,000 New Garda Recruits: Provide funding to recruit 6,000 additional Garda recruits over the next  five years.
Better Garda Training Facilities: Expand Templemore Garda Training College and establish a new Garda  satellite training college to ramp up the number of Garda recruits each year.
Double Garda Training Allowance: Make the Gardaí more attractive to new recruits and supporting  those in training.
Rewarding Long Service: Introduce a new Garda allowance to incentivise Gardaí to stay in the force for  longer, building on recent increases in the retirement age to 62.
Civilianisation of Non-Core Tasks: Reassign at least 500 Gardaí to front-line duties by transferring  non-core tasks to civilian staff.
Introduce Garda Deployment Targets: Increase Garda visibility through deployment targets to  guarantee a minimum number of Gardaí on patrol.
Expand the Garda Reserve: Increase the Garda Reserve to 3,000 members, creating a stronger  community policing presence.
Upgrade Garda Stations Nationwide: Implement a new Garda Capital Plan to deliver modern, well equipped Garda stations across the country.
Introduce Garda Transport Hubs at Key Public Transport Stations: Introduce Garda Transport Hubs  based at busy bus and train stations to ensure Gardaí can rapidly respond to incidents on public transport  and to support private security.
Strengthen the Garda Dog Unit: Expand the Garda Dog Unit with at least 200 trained dogs, boosting  capabilities in drug detection and other specialised areas.
New Search Powers for Digital Devices: Legislate to give Gardaí the authority to request passwords for  electronic devices when serving a search warrant.
Strengthen Public Order Acts: Review and update Public Order Acts to give Gardaí the power they  need to manage public order situations effectively.
Strengthen the Criminal Assets Bureau: Expand the powers of the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and  consider the introduction of unexplained wealth orders.
Enhanced Protective Equipment: Equip Gardaí for high-risk situations with body armour as well as  additional vehicles, water cannons, and a helicopter.
Ban Intimidating Masks at Protests: Ban the wearing of masks at protests intended to intimidate and  implement a ban on protests outside private homes.
Roll Out Body-Worn Cameras: Equip every Garda on the beat with body-worn cameras to improve  accountability and safety.
Introduce Facial Recognition Technology (FRT): Deploy FRT for serious crimes with a maximum  sentence of five years or more and for missing persons cases, with strict safeguards.
Introduce Live Facial Recognition for Specific Threats: introduce the use of live FRT in cases of  terrorism, national security, and missing persons, with strict safeguards.

Delivering Adequate Prison Capacity

The following measures proposed by Fine Gael will create a safer society by reducing crime rates, improving rehabilitation outcomes, and promoting successful reintegration for former offenders:

Fine Gael will

Construct a new prison at Thornton Hall and expand existing prison facilities: Building at least one  new prison on the site of Thornton Hall and adding 1,500 spaces to current prisons will increase capacity  and improve facilities for inmates.
Recruit additional prison officers: Hiring more prison officers will enhance security and ensure a  supportive environment for both staff and inmates.
Implement electronic tagging for monitoring: Operationalising electronic tagging to monitor sex  offenders effectively is crucial for enhancing community safety and preventing reoffending.
Introduce minimum tariffs for life sentences: Enacting legislation to establish minimum tariffs for any  crime that carries a life sentence will ensure fairness and consistency in sentencing.
Implement an employment strategy for former offenders: Implement a strategy focusing on  education and upskilling opportunities to equip former offenders with skills for successful reintegration  into the workforce, thereby reducing recidivism and promoting positive contributions to society.
Establish a high dependency unit for mental health: Creating a high dependency unit to address  severe mental health and addiction challenges to provide appropriate care and support for vulnerable  individuals.
Implement recommendations on mental health and addiction: Acting on the recommendations  from the High Level Task Force regarding mental health and addiction challenges will improve support  and treatment for affected individuals, ensuring a more effective and compassionate approach to these  critical issues.

A Modern Courts, Legal and Inquest System:

We need an effective justice system, with timely access to legal support while prioritising the needs of victims and the integrity of the legal process.

We will

Appoint additional judges: An increase of 20 judges will be made in the first year of office to improve  access to justice, with plans for further increases to meet growing demands.
Establish an institute of judicial training: We will create an institute under the Judicial Council to  support ongoing training and continuous professional development for judges, ensuring they remain  well-equipped to deliver justice effectively.
Resourcing the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP): Continue to increase investment into the DPP  to ensure the speedy delivery of justice, building on the 40% increase in recent years.
Update the Judicial Council Act: We will provide a new power to the Minister to ask the Council to draw  up sentencing guidelines for a particular crime area within a particular timeframe.
Review the Courts Service and the Legal Services Regulatory Authority: A thorough review will be  conducted to ensure that our courts and legal system are modern, cost-effective, and focused on the  needs of victims.
Create a modern coronial system: Legislation will be introduced to establish a modern, fit-for-purpose  coronial system, improving the processes surrounding inquests and investigations.
Publish an Action Plan on criminal justice efficiencies: We will complete a comprehensive review of  the criminal justice system to remove inefficiencies, speed up criminal trials and cut waiting times. We will  publish an action plan within nine months.

Tackling Crime in the Community

Fine Gael will build stronger and safer communities across Ireland, enhancing overall community safety and trust.

Fine Gael will

Publish a new Rural Safety Plan: Focus on Community Safety, Burglary and Theft, Roads Policing,  Animal Crime, and Heritage Crime.
Establish Community Safety Partnerships: Create at least one in every Local Authority Area, with a  new statutory obligation to deliver community safety, and increase the Community Safety Fund to €12m.
Roll out “see something, say something”: Implement this confidential text alert service nationwide.
Expand mobile Garda clinics: Increase the use of mobile Garda clinics, including additional community  engagement vans.
Prioritise community policing: Ensure each community policing area has a dedicated community  garda, so everyone knows their local officer and how to contact them, ensuring high visibility.

Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour and Drug use

Fine Gael is committed to tackling anti-social behaviour and drug use to create safer, more secure communities and public spaces across Ireland.

Fine Gael will

Strengthen Anti-Social Behaviour legislation: Introduce legislation to enhance the use of Anti-Social  Behaviour Warnings (ASBWs) and Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) to tackle public order offences  and anti-social behaviour.
Enact a Community Sanctions Bill: Extend the use of community sanctions, including increasing the  use of community service orders (e.g., carrying out unpaid work).
Review laws on E-Scooters and scramblers: Ensure Gardaí have sufficient powers to tackle the misuse  of E-scooters and scramblers.
Combat the drugs epidemic: Dismantle criminal gangs and tackle the drugs epidemic.
Strengthen vetting requirements: Expand the list of offences leading to permanent disqualification for  transport drivers.
Support CCTV in taxis: Enhance safety by supporting the provision of CCTV in taxis.

Tackling Retail Crime

Retail workers and customers need a safe retail environment to protect businesses from crime and enhance the overall economic health of our communities.

Fine Gael will

Publish a Retail Crime Strategy: This comprehensive strategy will outline targeted actions to reduce  retail crime and support affected businesses.
Introduce a specific offence of assaulting a retail worker: To ensure those who perpetrate these  crimes face justice.
Increase the use of community sanctions: We will expand community sanctions, such as unpaid work.
Enact legislation to Provide for Exclusion Orders: We will update the Public Order Acts to allow a  prolific offender of retail crime to be excluded from a premises for a certain period of time.
Support Garda Operations to tackle retail crime: Enhanced support for Garda operations will include  utilising organised crime and proceeds of crime legislation to disrupt criminal activities.
Identify and target prolific offenders: We will employ facial recognition technology to identify and  focus on habitual offenders, improving response and prevention efforts.
Introduce a new grant scheme for anti-theft measures: A grant scheme will be established to help  retailers install effective anti-theft measures, safeguarding their businesses and assets.
Improve data sharing between retailers and Gardaí: We will enhance the systems through which  retailers provide data, intelligence, and evidence to Gardaí, fostering better collaboration in crime  prevention.
Enact the Defamation (Amendment) Bill 2024: This legislation will reform and modernise defamation  laws, including a new statutory defence for ‘retail defamation’ cases to address the rise in claims made  against retail businesses.

Zero Tolerance of Domestic, Sexual, and Gender-Based Violence

Fine Gael will take action to create a safer environment for all individuals, ensuring that victims receive the support they need while holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.

We will

Fully implement the Zero Tolerance Plan 2022–2026: We will ensure the full implementation of this  plan and develop a new plan for 2026–2030 to continue our commitment to addressing violence against  women and vulnerable individuals.
Increase the number of refuge spaces: We will provide 280 refuge spaces by 2026, and ensure that  there is a refuge in every county along with additional safe homes for those in need.
Support individuals experiencing violence: We will enable individuals experiencing sexual or domestic  violence to remain safely in their own homes through the use of removal orders, whenever possible.
Amend laws on counselling notes disclosure: We will revise the law concerning the disclosure of  counselling notes to ensure that victims can access therapy without fearing that their private records will  be used against them.
Review breach of orders laws: The law regarding breaches of orders will be reviewed to ensure that bail  can be limited in cases where there is a history of violence, enhancing victim protection.
Strengthen laws against drink spiking: We will introduce stronger laws to combat the spiking of drinks.
Increase prison sentences for child sexual abuse: We will increase the maximum sentences available  for offences related to child sexual abuse, underscoring our commitment to protecting vulnerable  children and ensure the punishment always matches the crime.
Create specialised judges for DSGBV cases: We will establish specialised judges to handle domestic,  sexual, and gender-based violence cases and invest in training for Gardaí and the DPP to better support  victims.
Identify and protect victims of human trafficking: We will implement the Human Trafficking Action  Plan to identify and safeguard victims of human trafficking effectively.
Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme: We will work with An Garda Síochána to ensure a person in  an intimate relationship can be informed of a serious risk to them where a new partner has a history of  domestic violence. 

Children at the Heart of our Family Law System

We must create a more child-centred family law system, ensuring that the rights and needs of children are prioritised and protected throughout the legal process.

Fine Gael will

Implement the Family Justice Strategy 2022-2025: We will fully enact this strategy and publish a  successor plan to enhance the family law system in the best interests of children.
Commence a new Family Court system: A new Family Court system will be established to ensure that  the best interests of children are at the forefront of all family law proceedings.
Complete a purpose-built Family Law Court complex: We will finish constructing a dedicated Family  Law Court complex at Hammond Lane in Dublin, providing a suitable environment for family law cases.
Strengthen enforcement of Child Maintenance orders: We will enhance the enforcement  mechanisms for Child Maintenance orders to ensure that children receive the financial support they need  from both parents.
Regulate and fund Voice of the Child and Welfare Reports: We will ensure proper regulation and  funding for Voice of the Child and Welfare Reports, giving children a voice in legal proceedings that affect them.

Strengthening National Security

Enhancing national security is essential for protecting citizens, maintaining public order, and ensuring the safety of our communities.

Fine Gael will

Publish a National Policy Statement on National Security: This all-of-government statement, led by  the Taoiseach, will provide a clear framework for our national security strategy and priorities.
Establish a Cabinet Committee on National Security: We will strengthen the co-ordination role  played by the Department of An Taoiseach in relation to National Security issues, and establish a Cabinet  Committee on National Security to ensure political oversight.
Retain the Special Criminal Court: This court will remain a vital tool in our fight against organised crime,  terrorism, and paramilitary activity, ensuring justice can be delivered effectively.
Align national security infrastructure: The National Centre for Cyber Security and the National  Security Authority will be brought under the remit of the Department of Justice to streamline  coordination and improve response capabilities.
Annually renew key legislative provisions: We will renew the provisions of the Offences Against the  State Act 1998 and the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009 each year to maintain robust measures  against threats to national security.
Consider the report on the Offences Against the State Act: This report will be considered as part of  the National Policy Statement on National Security.
Enact the Terrorism Offences Bill: New legislation will be introduced to combat terrorism, including  offences related to travelling to commit terrorist acts, facilitating such travel, and receiving training for  terrorism.
Establish new Data Retention and Interception laws: Updated laws for data retention and  interception will include provisions for over-the-top and encrypted services to enhance our ability to  combat security threats.

Strengthening Ireland’s Security and Defence

Fine Gael recognises the need to strengthen our security and defence capabilities in a world facing increased physical, cyber, and hybrid threats to our people, our territory, and our critical infrastructure.

We will work to ensure that Ireland is prepared to address these challenges independently while also collaborating with our allies to maintain national safety. Fine Gael’s ambition for Ireland is to develop the capability and personnel necessary to safeguard against direct, hybrid, and cyber attacks in an increasingly complex global environment.

Fine Gael is committed to strengthening Ireland’s defence capabilities while preserving our long-standing policy of active military neutrality.

We will support all those who serve, or have served, in our full-time Defence Forces, our Reserve Defence Forces, and volunteer in the Civil Defence, ensuring we attract and retain the talent necessary to safeguard Ireland’s security.

Fine Gael’s defence and security priorities are:

We will implement measures that enhance the recruitment and retention of men and women in Óglaigh  na hÉireann, reaching the target of 11,500 personnel. We will ensure that those who protect our people,  land, air, and sea are better rewarded and recognised for their vital work.
Alongside our full-time Defence Forces, Fine Gael fully supports the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) and  will ensure they are equipped, supported, and integrated into our national defence strategy.
Fine Gael recognises the vital role of Civil Defence in supporting communities through the dedication  of volunteers. It also serves as an important pathway towards careers in the Defence Forces and  Emergency Services.
With approximately 145,000 veterans in Ireland, Fine Gael is committed to providing better support  for those who have served in the Defence Forces, as well as for retiring members, their spouses, and  families—particularly those facing challenges after service.
These initiatives will enhance Ireland’s defence capabilities and ensure the safety and security of our  nation and its people in a changing global landscape.

Fine Gael will

Preserve Ireland’s policy of active military neutrality: We recognise that while we maintain military  neutrality, we are not politically neutral and will engage with international partners when necessary.
Continue modernising the Defence Forces: We will align our modernisation efforts with the  recommendations from the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
Prioritise achieving Level of Ambition 2: Our goal is to achieve Level of Ambition 2 (LOA2) as a priority,  with a vision of progressing to Level of Ambition 3 (LOA3), which entails developing full-spectrum  defence capabilities comparable to similar-sized countries in Europe.
Increase Defence spending: We commit to steadily increasing our Defence budget to approximately  €3 billion per annum by 2033, ensuring we maximise our capabilities across land, air, sea, and cyber  protection.
Commit to reviewing the ‘On Duty’ rate of pay: We will continue to review the ‘On Duty’ rate of pay  in the context of our public pay agreement. This is to ensure we fairly compensate Defence Forces  personnel for their dedication and service.

Investing in Defence

Fine Gael will

Propose a dedicated Minister for Defence: We will ensure that the Defence Portfolio continues to be  represented by a Senior Minister at Cabinet, highlighting the importance of defence in government.
Support active military cooperation: We will enhance cooperation between our Defence Forces and  international partners, including the United Nations, European Union, and NATO
Equip the Navy appropriately: We will ensure that the Navy is equipped to protect vital marine  infrastructures.
Provide resources for the new East Coast Naval Base: We will allocate the necessary funding to  deliver a new East Coast Naval Base.
Develop accommodation and facilities at Casement Aerodrome: We will invest in significant  upgrades to the accommodation and facilities at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel to support our  Defence Forces.
Resource cyber security defences adequately: We will ensure that Ireland’s cyber security defences  are resourced to protect our digital infrastructure.

Supporting our Defence Forces & Veterans

Fine Gael will

Ensure the implementation of the Working Time Directive: Giving Defence Forces and their families  better certainty and security.
Strengthen the Personnel Support Service (PSS): We will enhance the PSS, which provides essential  support to the families of Defence Forces members.
Consider expanding eligibility criteria for enlistment: We will explore options to broaden the eligibility  criteria for those wishing to enlist in the Defence Forces.
Create a more welcoming environment for female recruits: We will work towards making the Defence  Forces a more inclusive organisation for female recruits and cadets, promoting diversity within our ranks.
Establish an Office of Veterans Affairs (OVA): This office will act as a one-stop shop for ex-service  members and their families, providing information and support services tailored to their needs.
Prioritise assistance for transitioning personnel: We will focus on helping serving personnel as  they transition to civilian life, ensuring they have the resources and support necessary for a successful  adjustment.
Support veterans with housing and specialised services: We will enhance access to housing,  emergency accommodation, and support centres that offer specialised services, including mental health  care and assistance for substance misuse and addictions.

Refreshing Ireland’s Reserve Defence Forces

Fine Gael will

Work to better protect workers serving in the Reserve Defence Forces: We will implement measures  that safeguard the rights and interests of individuals who choose to serve in the Reserve Defence Force.
Introduce a Flat Rate Expense for RDF members: We will establish a Flat Rate Expense to compensate  RDF members for expenses incurred while serving.
Engage with employers to boost participation: We will collaborate with employers to encourage  greater participation in the RDF by workers possessing critical skills and experience and introduce  financial supports for SMEs to enable and encourage volunteerism among their employees.
Support the introduction of a ‘cyber reserve’: We will advocate for the creation of a cyber reserve to  bolster our capabilities in digital defence.
Ensure access to necessary equipment for RDF trainees: We will guarantee that RDF trainees have  access to essential equipment, including personal protective gear and health and safety equipment.
Explore the use of public buildings for training: We will investigate the possibility of using public  buildings for training and classes, maximising available resources.
Establish new Naval Reserve training bases: We will work towards the establishment of new Naval  Reserve training bases around the island to enhance our maritime capabilities.

Robust Approach to Ireland’s Security Intelligence

Fine Gael will

Ensure a whole-of-Government approach to defence and deterrence: We will implement a  coordinated strategy to address future threats from extremists and malicious actors effectively.
Commence a structured review of Ireland’s Military Intelligence: This review will be conducted to  ensure that our intelligence services are positioned to protect national security while upholding the  rights of citizens. We will also assess current oversight mechanisms at operational, judicial, and political  levels to confirm they are sufficient for ensuring lawful action by intelligence services and maintaining  public confidence.

Other Policies

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Children

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