Written answers
Wednesday, 22 January 2025
Department of Justice and Equality
Policing Authority
Paul Donnelly (Dublin West, Sinn Fein)
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934. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when she expects to publish the Policing Authority report on Garda public order policing arising from the serious public order in Dublin in November 2023. [46396/24]
Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Following the serious public order incident in Dublin City Centre in November 2023, An Garda Síochána conducted an operational debrief to identify any lessons to be learned and to inform the development of future policing operations and responses. Additionally, I requested the Policing Authority to conduct a review and advise me on what else might enhance policing performance and support Gardaí in the exercise of their lawful powers in cases of serious public order incidents.
The Policing Authority conducted its review focusing on coordination, governance and clarity of decision making in relation to public order policing.
Arrangements are being made to bring the report to Cabinet prior to publication.
The Commissioner has also discussed the report with the Policing Authority.
For the Deputy’s information the Garda National Public Order Unit (GNPOU) has been issued with additional equipment in recent months, including:
- Mark 9 Incapacitant Spray Canisters and holsters which has been rolled out to GNPOU members since the serious public order disturbances in Dublin City in November 2023;
- Round public order/riot shields have been bought, delivered, and issued to the GNPOU;
- GNPOU are now being issued with ASP Trifold handcuffs which will allow for quicker application of restraints to arrested persons in the various challenging environments where Garda members are deployed.
- Work is also underway to procure two water cannons
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