Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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222. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality her views that the status of An Garda Síochána as an impartial, neutral and non-political organisation is being threatened by the perception of uniformed members of An Garda Síochána recently supporting a political position, specifically, taking part in events organised by the Yes campaign for the forthcoming same-sex marriage referendum; her further views regarding the Garda press office statement that such actions are inappropriate and wrong; the measures that can be taken by her to ensure that such inappropriate actions do not recur; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16630/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that on 19 April, 2015, a Garda from Pearse Street Garda station participated in a photo-call with a retired Supreme Court Judge at the front of Pearse Street Garda Station to highlight the fact that people should register to vote for the upcoming referenda. While the event was held in good faith to promote the fact that people can register at Garda stations to vote in the upcoming referenda, it was not appropriate for this kind of photo call to take place given the status of An Garda Síochána as an apolitical and impartial organisation.

I have been informed that the Garda authorities are continuing to examine the circumstances behind the photo call that Sunday.

The Garda Commissioner has made clear publicly that Garda participation in the event outside Pearse Street Station - or any event like it - is inappropriate. As the person with statutory responsibility for the control and direction of the Force it is a matter for the Commissioner to examine the circumstances which arose and any action that might be necessary.

To avoid any recurrence of this behaviour, the Garda Commissioner has informed me that she has now issued an instruction reminding all members of An Garda Síochána of the necessity for members not to be associated with any political movement or viewpoint.