Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Nov 2003

Vol. 573 No. 3

Written Answers. - EU Presidency.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

552 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 475 of 7 October 2003, if there will be PSNI involvement in policing EU Presidency related events as provided for under the terms of the Garda Síochána (Police Co-operation) Act 2003; and the international police co-operation networks with which the Garda authorities have established contact in the matter of EU Presidency related policing. [24790/03]

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

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that while it is not the practice of the Garda Síochána to provide details of specific Garda operational plans in relation to such events contact has already been established and will continue to be maintained with other police forces with a view to ensuring the safety and security of those attending the various meetings being held during the Presidency.

The Garda Síochána (Police Co-Operation) Act 2003, which is not yet in force, provides for the appointment of members of the PSNI to certain ranks in the Garda Síochána and for the secondment of members of the PSNI to certain ranks in the Garda Síochána for a period of up to three years. While co-operation with other police forces, including the PSNI, in relation to the policing of EU Presidency related events will continue, the actual policing of the events will be carried out solely by members of the Garda Síochána.