Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 January 2013
62. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is concerned about party political demonstrations on PSNI headquarters following recent arrests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55218/12]
View answerThe completion of the devolution of policing and justice marked an important milestone in fulfilling the full vision of the Good Friday Agreement and closed the circle in the transformation of policing structures in Northern Ireland. All those involved in transforming policing and in changing attitudes around policing can be very proud of the changed service they have built and the new culture of policing. An important feature of the new dispensation is the presence of the Policing Board as an independent oversight mechanism for policing alongside an array of bodies guaranteeing public confidence in the new arrangements.
I believe that the right to peaceful assembly and to protest within the law is an important civil right in any democracy. However, I would hope that any such expression of protest against the actions of the PSNI would not be such as to undermine the progress that has been achieved on policing in Northern Ireland.
