Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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27. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if the review of the rioting in Dublin has resulted in new approaches being put in place; and if there is a need to develop a wider range of policies to create a capacity for coordinated responses to potential problems. [26505/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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At the outset I am sure the Deputy would want to join me in paying tribute to the rapid response on 23 November of An Garda Síochána and the other emergency support services, which brought the unrest to a halt and quickly restored order to the city which has been successfully maintained since.

As the Deputy will have noted, the Gardaí continue their investigations and continue to bring people before the courts in relation to the series of serious public disorder events. To date a total of 40 people have been charged in connection with those incidents.

As the Deputy will appreciate the operational response is a matter for the Commissioner but I am aware that, following any emergency operation, An Garda Síochána’s practice is to conduct an operational debrief to identify any lessons to be learned and to inform the development of future policing operations and responses and that has been completed in this instance. Acting on that learning is a priority for An Garda Siochana and the Commissioner has already actioned a number of follow up actions, for example enhanced equipment has been provided to the Garda Public Order Unit, increased strength incapacitant spray was issued in February 2024. In addition, I understand that 600 round shields have been procured and provided to public order units. Three new public order vans have been commissioned and work is ongoing on a business case to procure two water cannons. Garda management are also considering any further actions deemed necessary on foot of the debrief.

As the Deputy will be aware, on 29 November last year I requested the Policing Authority to examine the public order capability and advise me as to what else might enhance policing performance and support the Gardaí in the exercise of their lawful powers in situations such as arose in Dublin on 23 November. I am advised by the Authority that it expects to report to me in the coming weeks.

Another important development is the introduction of the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Act 2023 which has been commenced providing for the deployment of body-worn cameras by Garda members. A pilot deployment proof of concept commenced last month in Dublin city centre and will be extended to Waterford and Limerick later this year, pending the full national roll-out next year.

The Government has also recently agreed to publish a general scheme of a new bill to provide for the use of facial recognition in detecting serious crime, including riot and violent disorder in a number of limited and defined circumstances.

The Garda budget is over €2.35 billion this year, the highest ever, which is supporting An Garda Síochána in relation to the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and personnel it needs to carry out its vital work. I was also pleased to note that 115 new Gardaí were assigned to the Dublin region in December and a further 101 were assigned in April of this year.