Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 144: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality with regard to the deployment of gardaí at District Court cases, the position of Garda Síochána policy with regard to the presence of gardaí during sittings of District Court cases; if there is ever a situation where a District Court sitting is not supervised by gardaí; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29227/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that while there is no legislative provision for members of An Garda Síochána to perform duty in the Courts, it is organisational policy for members of An Garda Síochána to be deployed to supervise district court sittings. The member-in-charge of the Garda sub-district where a courthouse is situated will detail a sufficient number of members of An Garda Síochána to keep order during the court hearings, to ensure that proceedings are not disturbed and to enforce any order or direction of the Judge regarding conduct in the court. Where there is a jury, a Garda member is detailed specifically to take charge of it.