Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 19 Jun 2003

Vol. 569 No. 1

Written Answers. - Garda Operations.

Seán Crowe

Question:

132 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to contacts that have taken place, at any rank and in either an informal or formal manner, between members of an Garda Síochána and the PSNI regarding the World Economic Forum to be held in Dublin in autumn 2003; if meetings have taken place to co-ordinate a joint response to security issues that might arise from political protests that may take place during the WEF; if consideration has been given or discussion has taken place regarding the possibility of the PSNI detaining political activists at the Border to prevent them travelling to the WEF as has occurred in other EU countries around similar summits; if members of the PSNI will be drafted into Dublin for the duration of the WEF to provide extra resources for the Garda; if the Garda and the PSNI are sharing information regarding anti-globalisation activists with a view to preventing political protests in and around the WEF; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17263/03]

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

The matters referred to by the Deputy are operational matters for the Garda Síochána. I am advised by the Garda authorities, however, that it is not the practice to publicly disclose details of such matters as to do so would seriously compromise their effectiveness. The Garda authorities have further advised me that they have established contact with the necessary international police co-operation networks with a view to ensuring that the safety and security of those attending the forum will be guaranteed.