Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 37: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has read the report Breakdown of Trust - A Report on the Corrib Gas Dispute; and if he will accede to the earlier existing Garda Ombudsman Commission request to be allowed to conduct a general investigation into policing of the protest there. [19657/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The report in question is a contribution to the debate on all the issues surrounding the opposition by some to the Gas Project in North Mayo.

While the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission has not been asked to carry out a policy and practices review, it is the case that GSOC has investigated a large number of complaints related to policing of the protests. In the vast majority of these cases it is important to emphasise that there has been no action recommended against the Gardaí.

The policing of the protests against the project has been onerous and difficult for the Gardaí involved. However, the Gardaí are tasked with preserving law and order, without fear or favour, and with ensuring that people can go about their lawful business, including access to their work place. They will continue to uphold that principle while defending and maintaining the human rights of all involved.