Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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369. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide details of all arrests made as a result of water protests connected to the installation of water meters; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24749/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will appreciate that the policing of water protests is an operational matter for An Garda Síochána and that, in the circumstances, it would not be appropriate for me to provide details in relation to all such arrests as requested by the Deputy.

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. In the context of these functions it has been necessary for the Garda authorities to deploy Gardaí routinely at water meter installations and protests. The role of An Garda Síochána in such instances is to ensure, insofar as it is possible, that members of the public may go about their lawful business. Indeed, the presence of An Garda Síochána is also essential to ensure the safety of protesters in such circumstances.

An Garda Síochána always endeavours as best it can to facilitate peaceful protests and demonstrations. However, it is always unfortunate when a small number of individuals resort to means other than peaceful ones to express their views, to intimidate others or to engage in protest. We have, unfortunately, seen examples of this in respect of some of the protest actions against water charges and the installation of water meters.

Of course, it is open to anyone to complain about the behaviour of an individual member of An Garda Síochána through the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) where they feel that such complaint is warranted. The 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.