Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
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584. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she is aware that a number of protesters were held against their will, unable to exit a small enclosure sealed by An Garda Síochána, during the unveiling of the statue in Ballymote, County Sligo, on 9 May 2015 dedicated to Irish men who fought for the union army during the American Civil War, despite there being co-operation up until that moment between the protesters, An Garda Síochána and attendees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22233/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of protests at the event to which the Deputy refers in his question. While supporting fully the right of individuals to protest, I am sure the House will agree that any protest must take place within the law and it must respect the rights of others. It is the responsibility of An Garda Síochána to put in place appropriate and proportionate operational plans for protests and similar events in the public arena, taking account of the needs of all stakeholders and having regard to the requirement to ensure public safety. I am informed by the Garda Authorities that limited restrictions on the movement of traffic and pedestrians at the event to which the Deputy refers were in place in this context.

The Garda Authorities make every effort to facilitate lawful protests and demonstrations while seeking also to provide a safe environment for participants and taking into account the rights of all the community. It is important, therefore, that any persons involved in demonstrations of the kind referred to would liaise closely with An Garda Síochána and be subject to their advice.