Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 8 Apr 2003

Vol. 564 No. 5

Written Answers - Garda Deployment.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

407 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the guidance or direction which was given to Garda that resulted in the unnecessary and excessively aggressive use of force against peaceful anti-war protesters exercising their democratic rights outside the gates of Leinster House on 2 April; the reason gardaí were again deployed without their identification numbers displayed following the controversy surrounding last year's Reclaim the Streets protest; if, in future, no direction will be given to deploy the public order unit against non-violent demonstrators to allow TDs to move their cars; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9929/03]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I refer the Deputy to my speech in the House on the Adjournment on Thursday, 3 April.

As regards identification, all Garda personnel who performed duty at Leinster House for the duration of the protest were identifiable by way of their district numbers which are borne on the shoulders of uniform and fluorescent jackets, apart from members of the public order unit who do not have numbers on the special clothing worn. Both the Garda Commissioner and I agreed that a means would be found to address this issue. A suitable type of identification number has now been identified and ordered. It is expected that the items will be delivered this week and issued immediately upon receipt.