Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

Extraordinary powers have been given to the State during this pandemic. Young people up and down the country, but especially in working class communities, are reporting an increased level of harassment by members of the Garda. In a recent report, the Policing Authority states: "Young people were reported as believing that COVID-19 [has] been used by ... Gardaí as an excuse to conduct more stops". The same report stated that student groups described policing in this State as intimidating and negative. It is a fact than more than 50% of Covid fines have been handed out to those aged between 18 and 25.

It is also a fact that we have seen very heavy-handed policing in recent weeks against protest, not least against the Debenhams workers in Waterford, Tralee, the Tánaiste's own area of Blanchardstown, and Henry Street. In a couple of weeks' time, these emergency laws face renewal. These laws are disproportionate and should not be renewed. We are not out of the woods yet on Covid but repression should not be the new normal. Will the Tánaiste indicate whether he will oppose the renewal of those laws?

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