Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I absolutely believe in democratic oversight and oversight structures with regard to An Garda Síochána and our justice system - of course, I do. However, I am also conscious that when we talk about this subject in the House, we are talking about pieces of information we see. An Garda Síochána has a helicopter view of information and of intelligence and in terms of its assessment of the security situation and the individual judgment of the garda when he or she is on the front line of what can often be, as the Deputy has been kind enough to acknowledge, a very challenging situation. I am satisfied An Garda Síochána takes the threat of the far right in Ireland extraordinarily seriously. I am confident there are policing plans in place. The Government and I are in regular and ongoing engagement with An Garda Síochána to ensure a regular flow of information. The flow of information, providing for policing input and advance notification of where accommodation centres will be established in order that An Garda Síochána can be prepared with to a policing plan is important. I am also satisfied - this is true - there have been arrests and prosecutions. I expect that as a result of a number of other live investigations, there will be further arrests and prosecutions.

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