asked the Minister for Justice if he is fully aware of the vandalism and misbehaviour which occured prior to the rock concert in Slane in 1984; the steps he is taking to ensure that a similar occurrence does not take place at the proposed concert there in June 1985; the steps he will take to safeguard the residents of Slane and their property on this occasion; and the numbers of gardaí who will be assigned to Slane prior to, and for the duration of, the concert.
Written Answers. - Proposed Slane Concert.
627.
Limerick East): Security arrangments for events of the kind referred to in the Question are an operational Garda matter. I am informed by the Garda authorities that full account will be taken of the incidents that occured at the rock concert in Slane in 1984, when arrangements are being made for policing the village and surrounding areas in the event of a similar concert being held there again this year. They have assured me that should the proposed concert take place there will be a substantially increased number of gardaí on duty at Slane before, during and after the concert and all reasonable steps will be taken to safeguard the residents of Slane and their property during the period of the event.
I cannot give any further information for the obvious reason that it is not in the public interest to disclose the precise arrangements for any operational policing matter. There is also the consideration that it is rarely possible for the Garda authorities to be able to implement a predetermined plan since the essence of good policing on occasions such as this is the adoption of a flexible approach involving a preparedeness to change tactics at any time to suit developments.