Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 32:

In page 49, between lines 21 and 22, to insert the following:“(6) In making a determination under this section, the Garda Commissioner shall have due regard to the capacity of An Garda Síochána to fulfil its regular functions.”.

Section 43 makes provision for policing services to be provided for private events by An Garda Síochána. I refer to events like concerts, sporting events, festivals and conferences. This amendment simply inserts a qualifier stating that in making a determination in respect of a request for policing services "the Garda Commissioner shall have due regard to the capacity of An Garda Síochána to fulfil its regular [everyday] functions".

While I am sure it is the case that the policing of private events is facilitated through the use of Garda overtime, etc., I think it worthwhile to acknowledge the potential impact that private events could have on everyday policing matters and to ensure the Commissioner would consider this prior to agreeing to a private request for policing services.