Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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63. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her views on the ongoing level of instances of ramming of Garda vehicles; if it is considered further legislation is required in this area to deter such instances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42428/20]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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At the outset, I can assure the Deputy that officials from my Department and An Garda Síochána keep all criminal legislation under continuous review to see whether there might be a requirement to change the law.

As previously stated, I strongly condemn any assault on, or action that causes harm to, serving members of An Garda Síochána or any action that causes damage to Garda resources or public property.  An Garda Síochána perform a vital function in providing safety and security to our communities and should be applauded and supported for their service, not subject to assault or harm in the execution of their duties.

I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that incidents involving Gardaí in the line of duty are subject to investigation by the Gardaí in the first instance or, where appropriate, by GSOC, in accordance with the law.  These are operational matters for the Commissioner and the Ombudsman Commission and rest outside my remit as Minister.

The Garda authorities have advised that the table below, previously provided to the Deputy, provides the most up to date figures in relation to the number of collisions where a vehicle owned by An Garda Síochána was damaged based on operational data from PULSE. I would like to re-emphasise that these incidents do not necessarily involve the ramming of a Garda vehicle and should not be taken as a count of ramming incidents which are not specifically captured on PULSE.

* Figures up to and including 06^thof September 2020.