Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

There is ongoing training of Garda personnel, normal personnel and specialised units with regard to public order. The Garda Síochána reviews and learns from the situation every time an event such as this takes place. Each situation dictates the type of response from the moment it occurs. Due to a number of incidents, the Garda Síochána had to engage with those causing trouble but it did a great disservice to those who were there legitimately and peacefully to protest.

I discuss these issues on a regular basis with Garda Síochána management. I will be liaising with the Garda Commissioner when he has an overview of the incident that took place.

See this speech in context