Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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138. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality his views on whether it is normal practice for An Garda Síochána to monitor the activities of political parties (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53434/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I can assure the Deputy that is it is not the normal practice for An Garda Síochána to monitor the activities of political parties.

The functions of An Garda Síochána in respect of providing policing and security services to the State are set out in the Garda Síochána Acts 2005-2015.  In conducting those functions, there may on occasion be a requirement for policing deployments in respect of managing public gatherings or demonstrations that are political in nature that might include monitoring such gatherings or demonstrations in order to ensure public or road safety or to facilitate the conduct of such meetings or demonstrations.

I should emphasise, of course, that if persons involved in political parties were suspected of engaging in unlawful activity the Gardaí would have a duty to pursue them for that activity as they would pursue any other person suspected of unlawful activity.

In respect of the particular event to which the Deputy refers in her Question, I have sought a report from the Garda Authorities and I will communicate further with her directly when that information is to hand.