Vol. 538 No. 3
290 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will consider the possibility of transferring responsibility for the stewarding and closing off of streets to traffic on the occasion of major matches in Croke Park to traffic wardens or local unemployed people in order that the large number of gardaí involved can concentrate on crime prevention. [17979/01]
The transfer of responsibility from the Garda Síochána to another agency or group for the stewarding and closing-off of streets to traffic in respect of Croke Park would be an unwarranted step for the policing of major events at this and other venues. The successful running of such events is heavily reliant on integrated and interdependent approaches to the enforcement of public order legislation, preparation of emergency plans, interface with local residents and prevention of crime in the surrounding areas. I am informed by the Garda authorities that to allow a possibly inexperienced group or agency, devoid of police powers, to play a vital constituent role in terms of the overall policing of match days at Croke Park would not be advisable. I am assured by the Garda authorities that the Garda operation at Croke Park is successful on match days and that local residents have considerable trust in the Garda Síochána to police these events effectively.
