The Irish Council of Civil Liberties (ICCL) said there was clear evidence of in-built biases in facial-recognition technology which impacts trust between police and communities.

Civil liberties groups have previously voiced worries over surveillance and discrimination

Ray Wims, representing the Sligo-Leitrim Division, told the Garda Representative Association conference  a conversation is needed on whether gardaí “can continue to police by consent” and can continue to carry out their duties while unarmed. Photograph: iStock

Unarmed gardaí putting lives at risk to detain suspects spurs call for review of Armed Support Unit

Damien McCarthy of the Garda Representative Association (pictured) told the organisation’s annual conference in Westport that online child abuse has ‘spiralled out of control in the last number of years’. Photograph: Paul Mealey

Delegates told that lack of resources has led to three year backlog in examining devices

French ambassador  Vincent Guérend said Ireland’s neutrality should be ‘adapted to a new environment’.   Photograph: French Embassy

Ireland’s stance must ‘evolve’ in the face of new international threats

GRA delegates are also scheduled to debate whether frontline gardaí should be issued with Tasers for protection. File photograph: Getty

Garda Representative Association also concerned about ‘downward trend’ of recruitment

This feeling of unease has been expressed by others who spoke to The Irish Times, including homeless people, members of the LGBT community and business owners. Photograph: Getty

Many believe there has been an increase in assaults in the capital – and some think there are fewer gardaí on the streets

Daniel Kinahan is the registered owner of an office on the 30th floor of the Jumeirah Bay X3 Tower in Dubai  used  by Ducashew, a company  listed by the US last month as being subject to sanctions

Apartment near top of Elite Residence Tower one of many properties connected to the family

The Eir flaw affects iPhone users, even if they have up to date security settings on their phone. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw

Flaw potentially allows cybercriminals to intercept customer data

Gardaí search a supermarket car park following the shooting on St Margaret’s Road in Finglas, Dublin. Photograph: Damien Storan

Victim being treated in hospital after suffering non-life threatening injuries

Gardaí suspect Lia Thompson may have struck up some new relationships over the last six to 12 months and that these may hold the key to her murder. Photograph: Garda/PA Wire

Inquiry into violent attack on 52-year-old in Ballymun ‘casting a very wide net’

The investigation was assisted by the Garda liaison officer in Washington DC and the FBI’s legal attache in London. File photograph: Getty

During Cork operation a 40-year-old man and 42-year-old woman arrested

A girl aged 17 has died after  single-car collision  at 9.15pm last Sunday at Meenformal, Glen, Carraig Airt, Co Donegal (general view above). Photograph: Google Street View

Girl (17) was seriously injured in single-car collision in Carraig Airt over a week ago

The building is being used to provide shelter and services for Ukrainians on a short-term basis. File photograph: Getty

Building now being used as temporary accommodation for Ukrainian refugees

The Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile has been invoked in a Russian broadcast simulating attacks on the ‘British Isles’. Photograph: Roscosmos Space Agency Press Service via AP

‘I think it reflects a mindset that is worrying and not in touch with reality,’ says Martin

The Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile has been invoked in a Russian broadcast simulating attacks on the ‘British Isles’. Photograph: Roscosmos Space Agency Press Service via AP

Putin associate speaks of attacks on ‘British Isles’ amid UK support for Ukraine

Portloaise Prison  in Co Laois is one of two prisons where prisoners are still forced to use a bucket as a toilet before emptying in the morning. Photograph: Laura Hutton

Requirement for in-cell sanitation will mean less room for prisoners in E Block

A Casa CN235 and a Pilatus PC-9M from the Air Corps fly over the Dublin Spire in O’Connell Street. Photograph: Aidan Crawley

Potential pilots must now only attain a minimum weight of 53kg to be safe

An increase in defence spending is also required under the EU’s Strategic Compass which was endorsed by member states last month after several years of negotiation. Photograph: Alan Betson

Current proposals are to increase spending over the course of several years

It is understood the decision was based on the fact that the patient left the hospital of his own free will. File photograph: The Irish Times

Video footage showed unwell man being encouraged to leave Letterkenny hospital

Willie McGee, retired second-in-command of the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation, with copies of The Irish Times  from 1979-80 containing ads used by the State to communicate with a blackmail gang.  Photograph: Alan Betson

Retired garda Willie McGee’s book details investigations of major scams from the past

The GRA said the Building Momentum deal includes a provision to activate a review if the agreement is impacted by ‘unexpected change’. Photograph: iStock

Gardaí join Ictu in seeking fresh negotiations over 2020’s Building Momentum deal

This year’s campaign aims to recruit 800 gardaí, particularly from diverse backgrounds. Photograph: Brenda Fitzsimons

Applications from Black, Asian and Traveller communities increase dramatically

An interim report summarising the complaints has now been made to Minister for Defence Simon Coveney. Photograph: Colin Keegan/Collins Dublin

Interim report containing testimonies of serving and ex-members sent to Minister

A hearing of the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee has heard ‘significant progress’ has been made in finalising the claims. Photograph: iStock

Almost three-quarters of 2,272 legal claims have been completed, committee told

Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney said Ireland would be making significant financial decisions on raising its level of expenditure on defence.  Photograph: Gareth Chaney/ Collins Photos

Proposal to spend extra €500m a year falls short of most ambitious commission target

Fifty-six per cent of victims of sexual violence were under 18, and 82 per cent were female, the CSO said

82% of victims were female, and more than a quarter of crimes were over a decade old

According to one count, Pte McCarthy allegedly falsely imprisoned Pte Canty in the recruit accommodation at about 9.30pm before assaulting him. File photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times

Alleged incident occurred in accommodation at Sarsfield Barracks in Limerick last year

A robot, developed by Remada Technology in Cork, was used to inspect the Douglas Shopping Centre in the county after it was gutted by fire in 2019. File photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill

Fast-growing Irish defence industry is creating jobs but provoking human rights concerns

Sources say these visits were ordered based on the activities of the individuals. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire

At least six individuals visited by Special Detective Unit members in recent months

Gardaí outside the gates of Seán Quinn’s home outside Ballyconnell, Co Cavan, as the businessman’s home is searched on Wednesday morning. Photograph: Lorraine Teevan

Businessman’s home searched in investigation of alleged criminal activity in Border region

MTK Global, a boxing management and promotions company, was founded by Daniel Kinahan under the name MGM in 2012. File photograph: Collins

MTK Global says promoters will no longer work with them after US sanctions bulletin

 Gardaí  outside the gates of the home of Seán Quinn in Ballyconnell, Co Cavan on Wednesday. Photograph: Lorraine Teevan

Businessman tells BBC NI operation apparently linked to ‘coercion, deception, harassment’

Under the Defence Amendment Act (1990) both organisations will have to receive permission of Minister for Defence Simon Coveney before affiliation can take place. File photograph: Tom Honan

If approved by Government, the decision will allow Raco to participate in public pay talks

Devices such as Alexa, above, and Google Nest are capable of recording at all times. Photograph: iStock

Use of emerging technologies must be legislated for, says human rights commission

Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney (centre) being shown the site of mass graves in Bucha this week while accompanied by members of the Garda’s Emergency Response Unit. Photograph:

Defence Forces told there were legal concerns about sending unit overseas

Gardaí at the scene on Connaughton Road in Sligo where Michael Snee died due to significant injuries on Tuesday night. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Tributes paid to Aidan Moffitt (42) and Michael Snee (58) by Ministers

Gardaí remove the body of Michael Snee from his home in Connaughton Road, Sligo, following his murder. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Detectives try to locate members of gay community who may have interacted with suspect (22)

Gardaí at the scene of the killing at Seville Place in Dublin 1.  Photograph: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos

Gardaí arrest female suspect (40s) believed to have been known to victim

Gardaí at the scene on Connaughton Road in Sligo where Michael Snee died due to significant injuries  on Tuesday night. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Michael Snee (59) was killed in his house on Tuesday, Aidan Moffitt (42) on Monday

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence Simon Coveney at the commissioning ceremony of the 97th Cadet Class and 11th Potential Officers Class at Collins Barracks in Dublin last week. Photograph: Tom Honan

The matter is currently the subject of a military police investigation

One line of investigation is that Aidan Moffitt met his killer on a dating app or online at sometime on Sunday evening and then let them into his home. Photograph: Via Facebook

Aidan Moffitt’s badly mutilated body was found in his home in Sligo

The conference heard that when the DPSU was set up more than a year ago it inherited all the child sexual abuse investigations which were being carried out by the Child Protection Unit. File photograph: The Irish Times

Unit focused on domestic violence forced to prioritise child sex abuse cases, forum told

The RCC Faire, which was purchased in 2009, pictured at sea in 2019.

The two cutter vessels are expected to cost between €8 and €10 million each

Aidan Moffitt:  found dead  in his home in Cartron, Sligo. Photograph via Facebook

Victim named as Aidan Moffitt, a Fine Gael activist who worked in property sector

Irish Army soldiers taking part in a military exercise in the the Glen of Imaal, Co Wicklow. Photograph: Eric Luke

Training of country’s police forces will continue, Department of Defence says

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee addressing delegates at the AGSI conference in The Great Southern Hotel, Killarney on Monday. Photograph: Don MacMonagle

Evidence to be used as part of potential International Criminal Court prosecutions

An example of a body camera used by police in the UK. Photograph: iStock

Cameras will be deployed in pilot project in several divisions

Cash seized by Cab

Applications for the funding open from today, with investment to start at €2m a year

Gardaí move trucks to the side to allow a Luas to pass at Dawson Street at a previous protest against fuel prices takes place. Photograph: Alan Betson

People of Ireland Against Fuel Prices seeks fuel price caps and Eamon Ryan’s resignation

A protester holding a photograph of George Nkencho during a rally outside Blanchardstown Garda station after the 27-year-old was fatally shot by a member of the force’s Armed Support Unit.  Photograph: Nick Bradshaw

Armed garda shot 27-year-old during incident at his home in Clonee in December 2020

Barry Andrews said Finland, another neutral country, has just announced a 70 per cent increase in its defence spending. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw

Barry Andrews says current defence spending is ‘virtually negligent’

The Gsoc chairman  said there had been a 12% annual increase in complaints about alleged Garda misconduct last year. File photograph: Nick Bradshaw/The Irish Times

Total number of such inquiries is equivalent of 10% of the force being under investigation

Conversion therapy has been called unethical and potentially harmful by a wide range of health authorities and advocacy groups, including the NHS. Photograph: iStock

The practise will be banned but not for transgender people

Among the reasons given for cases being closed were victims declining to engage with gardaí and gardaí being unable to identify or get in contact with victims. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Complaints include claims of sexual and physical abuse and illegal medical treatments

The report raised the possibility of foreign gangs attempting to take over the lucrative cocaine trade in Ireland, as has happened in the UK. Photograph: iStock

Irish gangs now sourcing drugs directly from mainland Europe, says British embassy-commissioned report

People who have fled the war in Ukraine in Przemysl in Poland: Irish officials say 14,611 refugees had arrived by Tuesday, with three-quarters needing accommodation. Ireland could have 30,000 arrivals by the end of April. Photograph: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty

Bill for refugee accommodation, health and education may hit €1.7bn for 2022

The Rathgar embassy has been focal point for demonstrations against Russia since its invasion of Ukraine on February 24th. Photograph Nick Bradshaw

Orwell Road embassy suspected of being a front for intelligence gathering since 1970s

Det Supt Catharina Gunne: Organised criminals are using fixed matches to “gain illicit funds” and launder money. Photograph: Gareth Chaney

Bribery and corruption threaten Ireland’s public and private spheres, detectives say

The Russian Embassy on Orwell Road in Dublin. Photograph: Alan Betson

Russian embassy rejects asssertion that activities of staff ‘not in accordance with international standards’

Fraud offences, particularly those involving unauthorised card and account transactions, have been rising in recent years. Photograph: Getty

Significant decline noted in homicide figures but incidents of fraud continue to increase

LÉ Orla: The age of it, LÉ Eithne  and LÉ Ciara means the department may opt to sell them for scrap although all three are believed to be seaworthy.

Three ageing vessels may be gifted to friendly nation, scrapped or sold

 Fox News cameraman Pierre Zakrzewski with colleagues in Kyiv: He  will be buried in Dublin following a funeral Mass at 10am on Tuesday morning. Photograph: Fox News via  New York Times

Pierre Zakrzewski and colleague died when car hit by Russian shelling outside Kyiv

Thomas Kavanagh relied on a network of Irish criminals who had relocated to the UK to escape the notice of gardaí.

Career criminal set to serve about half of the 21-year sentence handed down on Monday

In most business email fraud cases the money is transferred abroad before being quickly withdrawn by the criminals. File photograph: Getty

Criminals more sophisticated at defrauding firms and citizens, says economic crime unit

Thomas Kavanagh has been sentenced to 21 years. Photograph: PA

Kinahan cartel imported drugs inside machinery, then exported machines full of cash

The Strategic Compass seeks to encourage increased co-operation between EU member state’s militaries and to allow the EU to respond to international incidents. Photograph: Defence Forces

A key feature of the Strategic Compass is the development of an EU Rapid Deployment Capacity

A tent being erected at Gormanston Camp. The Defence Forces is to provide heated tents  for 320 people at the Co Meath camp

Emergency accommodation may be offered in arenas, conference centres and even tents

Misinformation about the census, which takes place on April 3rd, is being spread on large social media groups

Covid conspiracy groups have provided a ready-made infrastructure for the spread of census misinformation

Flypast  marks the 100th anniversary of the Irish Air Corps at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw

Nine new pilots receive their wings at Casement Aerodrome event to mark centenary

Diarmuid Rossa Phelan is a senior counsel and law lecturer.

Diarmuid Rossa Phelan ‘not entitled to any greater consideration than any other accused’

The Garda investigation into the fatal shooting of Sandra Boyd is focused on establishing who brought the gun into the Boyd house.

Community around Finglas is ‘shocked, saddened and numb with grief’

Retired Vice-Admiral Mark Mellett calls the Russian embassy on Orwell Road, which is believed to host a significant espionage and intelligence gathering operation, an aircraft carrier. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw

Naval exercises off south coast a ‘classic’ example of information warfare

Military Judge Colonel Michael Campion fined the solider 14 days wages, about €1,350, and imposed forfeiture of 10 years seniority. File photograph: Collins

Women of Honour group says ‘99.99%’ of cases do not even result in court martial

Nóirín O’Sullivan stepped down as Garda commissioner in 2017 amid a series of controversies in the force and now works for the UN. Photograph: Laura Hutton

Nóirín O’Sullivan recounts incident during address to women in police conference

The scene at the Russian embassy in Dublin on Monday. Photograph Nick Bradshaw/The Irish Times

Drew Harris made comments at a Women in Policing conference in Dublin

Daniel Kinahan has been named in court as a leading figure in the Kinahan Organised Crime Group - a vast multinational drugs operation. Photograph: Collins

Gardaí building a case for extradition of organised crime boss to Ireland to face charges

‘I want the ambassador and his colleagues to leave this country, leave this free country’: Desmond Wisley speaks to protesters at the embassy. Image: Lukasz Ryz

‘I’ve done my bit, lads,’ says Leitrim businessman Desmond Wisley

Garda Padraig Scott was found along with his patrol car in Cavanon February 28th after colleagues used the car’s GPS tracker to locate him.

Garda Padraig Scott has little memory of the attack which occurred in Cavan last week

The Courts of Criminal Justice, Dublin. Photograph: Dave Meehan

Three-year strategy to review ways of dealing with minor crimes aside from prosecutions

Though it is seldom publicised, Ireland’s military non-alignment has already been stretched, both through our EU membership and bilateral co-operation with Nato. Photograph: Colin Keegan/Collins Dublin

The ground has shifted and Ireland’s approach to military defence will come under scrutiny like never before

The  Romanian-Ukrainian border crossing point in Siret, northern Romania. Photograph: Robert Ghement/EPA

Infants united with Irish parents after medics brought them to Ukraine’s western border

 The United Nations has opened a formal investigation into allegations of sexual offending and misconduct by Irish soldiers. Photograph: Eric Luke

Inquiry follows correspondence from retired army sergeant and whistleblower

Military sources say the Army possesses about 1,800 Swiss-made AT-4 anti-tank weapons. Photograph: Defence Forces

Many in military believe Ireland should supply lethal weapons in fight against Russia

A Troxler nuclear moisture density gauge. Photograph: An Garda Síochána

Gardaí issue appeal as item containing potentially dangerous material is stolen

A woman aged in her 50s died in a Garda station on Wednesday, February 23rd, after being detained. Gsoc is investigating.

Death occurred last Wednesday in a Garda station in Co Carlow

The Russian embassy on Orwell Road as staff try to remove  red paint thrown at the entrance in protest at events in Ukraine. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw

Claims Orwell Road site used for spying as calls grow for expulsion of ambassador

A uniformed member of An Garda Síochána was assaulted in the early hours of Monday morning. Photograph: iStock

Uniformed member of the force left disoriented in early morning attack in Cavan

A Russian Aeroflot airlines aircraft. Photograph: Daniel Slim/AFP via Getty

Nearly all Europe’s airspace to be closed to Russian aircraft as other countries join ban

A couple at the entrance to the Russian embassy in Dublin on Sunday afternoon where another protest against the invasion of Ukraine took place. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw

Ambassador’s residence and Russian embassy both the focus of anger

Soldiers load an airplane with humanitarian aid at the Athens International Airport, Greece, on Sunday. Like Ireland, Greece will be sending defence material and medical supplies to Ukraine. Photograph: Alexandros Beltes / EPA

Protective, medical and other items part of wider EU package agreed by member states

Liisa Talonpoika and Jarmo Sareva. Finland’s defence budget is about five times the size of Ireland’s and has mandatory military service for males over 18. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw

Finns take a ‘whole of society approach’ to security, says ambassador on hybrid threats

Deputy Garda Commissioner Shawna Coxon was previously deputy chief of the Toronto Police Service.

More gardaí are now coming forward to identify wrongdoing, says Shawna Coxon

 Graduation ceremony at the Garda College in Templemore: Foreign nationals make up about 13 per cent of the population. Their representation in the Garda is far lower. Photograph: Brenda Fitzsimons

To what extent is the rich variety of Irish society reflected in backgrounds of gardaí?

The fatal shooting of David Byrne  at the Regency Hotel, Dublin was a game changer for today’s gardaí, forcing them to beef up units to tackle gangland and embark on a relentless pursuit of the feuding gangs. Photograph: Gareth Chaney/ Collins

Policing set to become more complex in better educated and more diverse Republic

When Drew Harris became Commissioner in September 2018, his immediate priority was to steady the ship after years of battering controversy. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw

The Irish police force, now 100 years old, is undergoing its biggest transformation

Residents who get the virus will only have to isolate for 10 days, as long as they are vaccinated. Photograph: iStock

Nursing home restrictions to be significantly relaxed from Monday, Department of Health says

Ciarán Mulholland of Mulholland Law in Dundalk, Co Louth, was told he might be in breach of advertising regulations and might be bringing the profession into disrepute with printed face masks.

Dundalk lawyer informed in 2020 after masks became obligatory in certain areas

A 2019 handout photo made available by the British National Crime Agency showing guns recovered hidden in  a car driven by Robert Keogh after it arrived at the Port of Dover from Calais. Photograph: EPA

Government has missed deadline to pass restrictions on blank firing weapons

McKee Barracks, Dublin: The officer became drunk during the afternoon and evening and fell asleep. Two female soldiers attempted to bring him to bed at which point he allegedly groped one of the women’s breasts.

Investigators hear claims soldier offered vouchers to complainants after a party at McKee Barracks

Cathal Brugha Barracks, Rathmines, Dublin. The Defence Forces said on Sunday it could not comment on the alleged incident at the weekend. File photograph: Dave Meehan

Defence Forces spokeswoman says ‘matter remains subject of an ongoing investigation’

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