Written answers

Tuesday, 25 November 2014

Department of Justice and Equality

Garda Operations

Photo of Finian McGrathFinian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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284. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide details of the incidents that occurred during the recent water charges protests (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45175/14]

Photo of Frances FitzgeraldFrances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The statutory functions of An Garda Síochána include the preservation of peace and public order, protecting life and property and vindicating the human rights of individuals. Accordingly, Gardaí have attended routinely at water meter installations and protests where it has been necessary to perform these functions.

Members of An Garda Síochána are trained to defuse confrontation using a range of proportionate methods. It is important, nevertheless, that where required and appropriate, members should have access to equipment to ensure their own safety and that of the public who may come to harm arising out of the actions of others. The deployment of such equipment in specific circumstances is an operational decision for the members of An Garda Síochána.

However, there are well established procedures where anyone can complain against the behaviour of an individual member of An Garda Síochána through the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC). The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) is an independent body which was set up to receive complaints made by members of the public concerning allegations of misconduct by members of the Garda Síochána. Any evidence to support these claims should also be brought to the attention of GSOC.

An Garda Síochána endeavour as best they can to facilitate peaceful protests. Witness for example, the type of protest we had some weeks ago, facilitated by members of An Garda Síochána, when tens of thousands people across the country protested with dignity against water charges. Contrast that event with other forms of protest carried out by a small few where people have been intimidated and prevented from going about their lawful business. It is always unfortunate when a small number of individuals resort to such means. However, I have no doubt that in upholding the rule of law, An Garda Síochána have the support of the vast majority of people in the country.

With regard to charges or prosecutions against persons engaged in unlawful acts, that is a matter primarily for An Garda Síochána in the first instance and for the DPP in relation to whether there should be prosecutions.

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