Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 October 2004
183 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will make a statement on the recent crisis at Dunsink Lane, Dublin; if he has satisfied himself that the Garda response was proportionate throughout the crisis; and the other follow-ups on this incident which will be undertaken by officials in his Department. [25924/04]
View answerI have been informed by the Garda authorities that members of the Garda Síochána have assisted in the enforcement in the Dunsink Lane area by the local authorities of the provisions of the Waste Management Act 1996 and the Waste Management (Amendment) Act 2001. I am further informed that as a result of petrol bombs, fireworks and firework rockets being directed at gardaí on patrol in the area, an investigation was launched to identify those involved. During the course of searches a considerable amount of power tools, a spear gun, an imitation handgun, a bullet proof vest, two bows and arrow, fireworks, a DVD burner, DVDs, a colour printer and other assorted items were seized. Six persons were also arrested during the course of the operation. General inquiries are continuing in respect of the property recovered and the persons arrested.
I am also informed by the Garda authorities that the unrest and protest at Dunsink Lane was policed by gardaí to ensure that there were no obstruction to the roads and to prevent breaches of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994. I am assured by the Garda authorities that sufficient gardaí were kept on duty for this purpose and that the Garda response throughout was proportionate. I have been further informed that gardaí were subjected to missile throwing and ongoing provocation.
