Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 17: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his role in dealing with riot situations; if he is consulted or gives instructions or directions; if he has informed his Cabinet colleagues regarding any possible outbreak of violence; if he gave or received political advice as to the way in which to deal with such situations; if he has discussions or gave instructions to the Garda Síochána management prior to the recent rioting in the city centre; his precise role and function in dealing with such matters, having particular regard to established precedent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9614/06]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 173: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is satisfied that he took the necessary precautions to prevent the recent rioting in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9972/06]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 174: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he or his Department first became aware of the possibility of developments likely to cause the recent rioting in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9973/06]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 175: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action he has planned or measures put in place to prevent a recurrence of the recent rioting in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9974/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 173 to 175, inclusive, together.

I refer the Deputy to my comprehensive statements to both Dáil and Seanad Éireann on 28 February and 2 March 2006, respectively.

It is the responsibility of the Garda Síochána and not I as Minister to put in place appropriate and proportionate operational policing plans for rallies, parades and similar events in the public arena. Such a comprehensive plan was prepared and in place in respect of the Love Ulster rally, and it was based on all information then available to the Garda authorities.

I was in regular touch with the Garda Commissioner and his senior officers throughout the weekend in question. As with the Garda authorities, neither my Department nor I had any credible advance warning of the appalling riots which took place.

The Garda Síochána is comprehensively reviewing events which occurred at the Love Ulster rally with a view to identifying lessons that can be learnt for other upcoming events in Dublin and elsewhere.

I am satisfied that an enormous amount of preparation was undertaken by the Garda authorities, and it is regretted that in the face of a reasonably low-key law enforcement approach such repugnant opposition was encountered.