Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies for their questions. Deputy McDonald raised the very sad case of Shane O'Farrell who was killed in a road traffic collision, many years ago now. I again send my condolences to his mother and family. A scoping report has been carried out. It is very detailed and very comprehensive. The Minister, Deputy Harris, has met with the family about it. We would very much like to see it published as soon as possible. When it is published, I would ask people to read it and to reserve judgment on any further steps until they have had a chance to read it. I do not believe this is an unreasonable request, with respect to all of the people involved.

Deputy Dillon raised the issue of the Mayo-Roscommon policing division. As the House will be aware, the assignment of gardaí and the assignment of gardaí of particular ranks is a matter for the Garda Commissioner. It is not a matter for the Minister for Justice or for the Taoiseach, and I do not think it should be, quite frankly. It is important the Garda Commissioner has that delegated function and the freedom to deploy gardaí as he sees fit. I will ensure the Garda Commissioner is aware of Deputy Dillon's feelings on the matter. I meet the Garda Commissioner regularly and I will be certain to pass that on.

Deputy Barry and others made a number of allegations against the gardaí and the way they have policed anti-racism protests. I do not know if those allegations are true and I am not sure if it is appropriate to make them in the Dáil, but the Deputies have done so. Others would be accused of abusing privilege if they did that. I will not accuse the Deputies of doing that but I will make the point that allegations made in the House have a certain nature. These would have to be raised with the gardaí. I was not there and I cannot account for what happened or what did not happen.

Finally, with regard to any mass anti-racism movement, any such movement should be broad-based and by definition it should include anyone who is opposed to racism. If it does not do that, then it is not really doing what it says on the tin.

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