Rory Hearne (Dublin North-West, Social Democrats)
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708. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the current Garda guidelines for engaging with peaceful protests;; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16905/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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Under section 9 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, one of the functions of An Garda Síochána as the State's national police service is to preserve peace and public order.

The right to protest is enshrined in the Constitution and in law and it is a legitimate part of our democracy. It is, however, a right to peaceful protest and it is the responsibility of everyone who wishes to engage in protest to do so in a peaceful manner, which doesn't impact the safety and rights of others.

As is the case with all operational policing matters, the Garda authorities are responsible for monitoring protests, including the maintenance of public order. I am informed by Garda management that their approach to policing protests is predicated on keeping people safe, preventing anti-social and criminal behaviour, and the management of traffic. We must rely on Garda operational management and frontline Gardaí to use their discretion and judgment.

An Garda Síochána's human rights based approach to policing provides general guidance to Garda members and Garda staff so that they are aware of how human rights are to be observed in the course of their work.

Additionally, Garda Public Order policy outlines that it is the aim of An Garda Síochána to uphold and protect the human and constitutional rights of everyone by providing a high quality, effective policing service in partnership with the community and in co-operation with other agencies.

In carrying out their duties, members of An Garda Síochána must, as far as practicable and in so far as the circumstances dictate, consider non-physical means before resorting to the use of force in the resolution of public order incidents.