Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In respect of the task force, as a long-standing Member of the House, Deputy Sherlock will be aware that these are operational issues for An Garda Síochána. I assure the Deputy and the House that, from my personal knowledge and my discussions and meetings with the Commissioner and his Garda team, every effort is being made on the part of An Garda Síochána to deal with the serious criminal issue in Drogheda. That will continue until such time as the small number responsible are brought to justice.

With regard to Deputy Sherlock's earlier point in respect of undocumented persons, my message is clear: anybody who regards himself or herself as undocumented need have no fear in seeking medical attention during the current Covid emergency. It is important that everybody in the State benefit from appropriate medical treatment.

Deputy Sherlock mentioned the role of the Policing Authority and other human rights-based organisations with regard to the Garda restrictions. Again I stress that the Government considers these restrictions necessary having regard to the public health emergency. They are provided for by law passed in this House. I assure Deputy Sherlock that the operational guidelines with which An Garda Síochána is engaging are grounded in human rights obligations and a strict code of ethics. I am very pleased that the Garda Commissioner reports to my Department weekly and that the Policing Authority, in response to a request from me, is engaging with the Garda Inspectorate, GSOC, the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission and NGOs including those mentioned by Deputy Sherlock. I have asked that the authority report on these issues and that there be a clear focus on the application of the emergency powers by An Garda Síochána and on any particular impact that may be felt by groups in society that might regard themselves as being in some way vulnerable.

I wish to assure the Deputy of clear accountability and transparency in this regard.

The duration of the regulations is subject to ongoing consideration by the Government in line with the advice of the public health experts. I want to be clear that the Government makes the decisions; NPHET and other public health groups give advice. Of course, I would be happy to keep the Deputy and the House fully informed of any changes under consideration. As of now, the regulations are firmly in place.

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