Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I dtosach, ba mhaith liom Cáisc faoi shéan agus faoi mhaise a ghuidhe leis na Seanadóirí agus leis an fhoireann ar fad a bhíonn linn anseo. Ócáid faoi leith í seo nuair a bhímid ag cuimheamh ar na laochra a d'imigh romhainn aimsir na Cásca 1916 agus a throid ar son saoirse na hÉireann in amannaí eile. Tá sé tábhachtach smaoineamh orthu sin.

The Acting Leader has a specific interest in legal issues. The whole idea of a constitutional right to freedom of association and organisation, as well as the right to freedom of speech, is something we all hold dear. In the context of the current situation concerning the Garda Síochána, and what I would term a peaceful protest that happened at the AGSI conference, I have called previously for a debate on peaceful protests and what should be legally allowed and acceptable in this context in the State.

I remember calling for such a debate when we had the "Occupy" camps in Galway, Dublin and elsewhere. Certain elements wanted the camps moved along quickly, while others said they had a right to protest peacefully. In a civilised society that is a principle we should hold dear. What the four gardaí did at the AGSI conference was a form of peaceful protest.

My understanding is that members of the Garda Síochána were not part of the Croke Park I or II negotiation system. They were handed a piece of paper telling them about the conditions they would have to accept. It is perfectly acceptable that gardaí, on whom we depend to defend our communities and work on our behalf, should be able to have some form of protest. I also note that it is something parliamentarians use on occasion. When the Gaeltacht Bill was being debated last year in the Dáil, Opposition politicians of all hues used the peaceful protest of walking out on the Minister of State, Deputy McGinley. I do not see the difference between the politicians who walked out there and the gardaí who walked out in protest at a Minister at the AGSI conference. I find it a bit rich that Deputy Niall Collins of Fianna Fáil has asked the gardaí in question to apologise. He should apologise to the gardaí for even asking them to apologise.