Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
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29. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she has any role in the allocation of Garda resources in an industrial relations dispute. [29879/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that the allocation of resources and the direction and control of Garda resources is a matter for the Garda Commissioner under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 - 2007 and I have no direct function in such matters.

Where appropriate, An Garda Síochána attend the scene of incidents where protests, including industrial relations disputes, are taking place. The role of An Garda Síochána in such instances is to prevent a breach of the peace.

The strategic objectives of An Garda Síochána with regard to the policing of any protests are to :

i. Facilitate a peaceful protest

ii. Provide a safe environment for participants, public and Gardaí

iii. Minimise disruption to the life of the residential and business community

iv. Minimise disruption to air, rail, vehicular and pedestrian traffic

v. Provide a co-ordinated response to incidents

vi. Preserve public order and minimise opportunity to commit crime and take proportionate steps to deal appropriately with offenders if crime is committed

It is the aim of An Garda Síochána to uphold and protect the human and constitutional rights of everyone by providing a high quality, effective policing service in partnership with the community and in co-operation with other agencies.