Matt Shanahan (Waterford, Independent)
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1080.To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the steps, if any, her Department has taken to prepare for any potential riots/civil unrest that could potentially occur in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter.[34294/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will appreciate, the operational response to any riot or civil unrest is a matter for the Garda Commissioner. I am informed by the Garda authorities 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.

Acting on learnings after any incidents of public disorder occur is a priority for An Garda Siochana and the Commissioner has already actioned a number of follow up actions, primarily providing additional and enhanced equipment to Garda members.

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.

Enhanced equipment has been provided to the Garda Public Order Unit, and increased strength incapacitant spray was issued to members 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 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. Officials within my department are now considering the report, as is the Garda Commissioner.

Social media has played a large part in the ability of individuals to seize on events and to agitate. The manifestation of on-line disinformation and incitement as violent action in the physical world is of particular concern to An Garda Síochána and part of the policing response to incidents of public disorder is to investigate the role of relevant online activity.

Another important development is the introduction of the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Act 2023 providing for the deployment of body-worn cameras by Garda members. A pilot deployment proof of concept commenced in Dublin city centre in May of this year and is now also running in Limerick and Waterford. We are already seeing the value of body-worn cameras as a tool used to police public order incidents. I understand that Gardaí from Store St. station who were equipped with body cameras were sent to assist during disturbances in Coolock early July. The Commissioner has acknowledged the value of body-worn cameras in providing protection to Gardai and assisting in investigations in such scenarios.

The Government has also recently published the 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.