Vol. 509 No. 1
95 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason gardaí are being used in an industrial dispute between workers and an employer at the site of the new Dáil Éireann offices under construction. [19524/99]
114 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of requests received in 1999 by the Garda from a construction firm (details supplied) for Garda personnel to attend at the site of the new Dáil Éireann offices. [19525/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 114 together.
I have been advised by the Garda authorities that over the last two months the Garda has been called on 22 occasions to attend at the building site of the new Dáil Éireann offices.
I have also been informed that upon arrival at the site on each occasion, the Garda discovered the protesters walking in front of vehicles entering and leaving the site. I understand that when the protesters were asked to move away by gardaí, they did so, with the exception of one occasion on Monday, 4 October 1999. On this date, 19 protesters were arrested for wilful obstruction of a garda in the execution of his duty. I understand that the 19 protesters were released when their names and addresses were verified at Pearse Street Garda station and proceedings are to be instituted by way of summons.
As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the duty of the Garda to investigate any complaint made to it and enforce the law where necessary.
