Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 104: To ask the Minister for Defence if the task force on emergency planning has discussed the response to the recent riots in Dublin; if the task force has made recommendations with regard to the planning for future marches; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11828/06]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The response to the recent riots in Dublin were discussed in detail in the House on 28 February 2006 during the debate on public order offences, which included detailed statements by my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

The Government task force on emergency planning last met on 9 March 2006. This was a specifically convened meeting of the task force for the sole purpose of receiving updated briefings from the Department of Agriculture and Food with regard to avian flu and from the Department of Health and Children with regard to preparations for a possible human influenza pandemic. The response to the recent riots was not discussed at this meeting.

The maintenance of public order is a matter for the Garda authorities and the Government task force on emergency planning is not involved in such operational matters. I would, however, as chairman of the Government task force, condemn the behaviour of those involved in the rioting on the day in question and, on behalf of the Government and this House, commend the bravery of the members of the Garda Síochána in exercising its public order duties.