Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 9 Nov 1995

Vol. 458 No. 1

Written Answers. - Thomas Davis Commemoration Conference.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

36 Mr. E. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice if her attention has been drawn to the fact that two members of the Special Branch attended the Thomas Davis Commemoration Conference in Mallow, County Cork, opened by Deputy Bradford on Saturday, 14 October 1995, where there were speakers who were teachers and historians as well as speakers from a number of political parties including Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Sinn Féin; and whether she considers a Special Branch presence on that type of occasion to be justified and consistent with Government policy towards the peace process. [15449/95]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the presence of members of the Garda Síochána at the conference to which the question relates was, in accordance with established practice for all such occasions, for the purpose of ensuring that there was no unlawful interference with the conference or those attending it, and to preserve the peace.

The presence of members of the Garda Síochána at public events of this kind has no significance in so far as Government policy towards the peace process is concerned.