Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

Of course, the Deputy is ignoring the fact that, for many years, members of the Garda Síochána had the use of batons to protect themselves. Some people would be of the view that the use of pepper spray by a member of the force under attack is better than using a baton, in that the spray does not do any permanent damage or serious injury to a member of the community who is attacking a garda. Pepper spray is an alternative mechanism available to a member of the Garda Síochána.

If individuals are engaged in peaceful protest, they do not attack members of the Garda. If individuals do not attack members of the general community who are not engaged in whatever protest is taking place, there is no particular reason that batons or pepper spray would ever be used. However, it is important that members of the force have at their disposal the means to protect themselves when under attack. We have in this country some individuals who engage in protests, intend to incite violence and are themselves violent and have no sense of the fundamental rights of ordinary individuals going about their business. It is important that the Garda have available to it whatever is necessary to protect its members in those circumstances.

There are some individuals who would like to see anarchy on our streets. It is the job of the Garda Síochána to maintain law and order and to protect the wider community. I will support it in that context.

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