Denise Mitchell (Dublin Bay North, Sinn Fein)
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177. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if guidelines or restrictions exist on the use of electronic anti-loitering devices, commonly referred to as mosquito alarms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18625/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I can advise the Deputy that Section 2 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 sets out the offence of assault and refers to the application of "force". Noise is expressly included as being one of the types of "force" to which section 2 of the Act applies.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that an instruction issued to all member of An Garda Síochána and directs that any complaints received regarding the use of such devices will be fully investigated with a view to seeking the directions of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

If any person has concerns about the use of such devices in a particular locality, the matter should be reported to the Gardaí.