Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

In the policing of demonstrations, the Garda Síochána, while respecting the right of legitimate protest, has a duty to ensure as far as possible that peace is preserved and public order maintained, and that lives and property are protected. The safety of the gardaí involved is also an important consideration. In preparing for demonstrations, the Garda Síochána must take into account a number of important factors, including the anticipated numbers, the profile of those likely to be involved and any intelligence relating to the event. Once a protest starts, the Garda Síochána must constantly monitor and evaluate the situation and be ready to make tactical decisions based on the prevailing circumstances.

Public order training forms part of normal training and additional specialised training is provided for members selected for duty with divisional and regional public order units. Further training is provided for officers in the management of incidents requiring the deployment of public order units.

The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission is the statutory body charged with the independent oversight of policing in this jurisdiction. To date, it has received 36 complaints regarding the policing of the demonstrations. Of those 36 complaints, 20 have been determined to be admissible, 15 have been determined to be inadmissible and one complaint has been withdrawn. Admissibility is simply a neutral determination that a complaint meets the statutory criteria for investigation but has no other significance. A senior investigating officer has been appointed to oversee the investigation of these complaints. The Ombudsman Commission is fully independent in the exercise of its functions and it would be inappropriate for me to make any further comment at this stage.

As regards injuries sustained by gardaí during the protest, I am advised by the Garda Commissioner that one member required treatment in hospital for a broken nose, while a second member was hit in the face with a bottle.

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