GRA: Nearly 1,000 gardaí assaulted each year
The Garda Representative Association says up to 1,000 officers are being assaulted every year.
The figure was revealed ahead of the start of the GRA's annual conference in Killarney, Co Kerry, which begins today.
The rank and file Garda body is calling for new legislation with tougher penalties to deter people from attacking Gardaí.
The GRA Deputy General Secretary John Healy says a new reporting system, introduced in October, shows cases on the rise.
The rank and file body wants the Department of Justice and Garda management to publish details on the number and severity of incidents annually.
Delegates will also debate motions on recruitment and equipment.
Meanwhile the GRA says Noirin O'Sullivan has the association's 100% backing to become the next Garda Commissioner.
