Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Socialist Party) | Oireachtas source

Is the Taoiseach at all concerned about the increasingly blatant political policing directed against those who challenge the austerity policies of the Government? First is the unprecedented situation where those who are due to be charged with serious criminal offences for their involvement in a protest find out through the media that is the case. This would appear to be a serious infringement of their right to privacy and an interference with the administration of justice. Does the Taoiseach think that is acceptable? Is he concerned about it?

Second is the denial of a collection permit to the Anti-Austerity Alliance by a chief superintendent on the grounds that the proceeds would be used to encourage the commission of an unlawful act, in particular because the chief superintendent in question, Orla McPartlin, believes, "That the proceeds of the collection would be used to facilitate protests sponsored by the Anti-Austerity Alliance." This could be straight out of the pages of 1984, whereby a party is not allowed to fund-raise because it might organise protests. With one act, the right to protest and the presumption of innocence have been unceremoniously thrown out of the window. Does the Taoiseach agree with that decision and does he think it is appropriate that a chief superintendent has the power to make such a decision?

Third, and most serious, are the revelations about what is reported as being called Operation Mizen, a secret Garda spying operation including the highest level of surveillance which is directed against water charges protestors, including myself. It is reportedly an information-gathering operation directed by the husband of the Garda Commissioner. The only basis on which to target these individuals seems to be the fact that they are water charges protestors. Does the Taoiseach consider that at all sinister? Is he or members of his Cabinet aware that the Garda unit is in operation? Was he consulted about its foundation or operation? Was any report made to the Department of Justice and Equality or the Government about the operations of the unit?

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