Gardaí announce new safety measures for Irish Jewish community after Bondi Beach shooting
Gardaí say they will increase the number of patrols at centres and events for the Irish Jewish community
Gardaí are to increase the number of patrols at centres and events for members of the Irish Jewish community.
The decision comes in the aftermath of the fatal terrorist attack on members of the Jewish community on Bondi Beach in Sydney this morning.
As part of the new safety measures, liaison inspectors have also been appointed to ensure An Garda Síochána continues its on-going engagement with the Jewish community to provide them with re-assurance and support.
Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly is scheduled to speak to the Chief Rabbi of Ireland Yoni Wieder this Sunday to express his sympathies to the Irish Jewish community and to peak about the newly-announced measures.
Officials in Australia have said the Bondi Beach shooting was a terrorist attack targeting the Jewish who were reportedly celebrating Hanukkah in the area.
Two shooters opened fire on the beach killing a dozen people and wounding multiple others who were brought to various hospitals in the vicinity.
New South Wales Police have said that one of the shooters was killed and the other is in critical condition.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee said her department are not aware of any Irish citizens directly impacted by the shooting.
She stated: "At this point, we are not aware of any Irish citizens who have been impacted directly by these awful events."
"Our Consulate in Sydney is continuing to monitor events and will remain in close contact with Irish citizens and the community locally."