Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister says gardaí should not be targeted by protesters. We agree 100%, and under no circumstances would we target gardaí, but nor should gardaí have been exposed to this. I would like to know who sent them in there. I do not believe for a second that Commissioner Harris did so, nor do I believe it was his decision that they wear balaclavas. I am sure he has better things to do than engage in incidents such as this. We would, however, like to know who took these decisions and whether anyone will be held responsible for them. I know the Commissioner is having his own investigation into the matter. I know the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, GSOC, cannot carry out a section 102 investigation without the Commissioner or the Minister authorising it, just as GSOC was not allowed to investigate the Corrib gas incident. This incident, however, should be investigated in the interest of An Garda Síochána. We want the public to trust An Garda Síochána 100%. For that to happen it is important that when incidents such as this arise, they be investigated thoroughly, and I ask the Minister to facilitate this.

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