Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 April 2014
626. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he is giving consideration to the need for an urgent and comprehensive independent inquiry into the policing of the Corrib gas project in view the recent calls by AFRI, Front Line Defenders and Archbishop Tutu to name but a few; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19618/14]
View answerSignificant protest activity over a number of years has occurred in the North Mayo area connected with the development of a very important natural resource. This has necessitated the temporary redeployment of large numbers of Gardaí, including specially trained personnel, from throughout the Western Region into the Belmullet District. It is deeply regrettable that so much Garda resources have to be tied up in the policing of protest activity at this location. However, this is absolutely necessary in view of the actions of some of the protestors, many of whom, as I have said previously, are not from the area and engage in acts of public disorder as well as damage to property. Indeed between 2011 and 2013, 38 defendants were brought before the courts for public order offences, criminal damage and assault on Gardaí. Such actions cannot be tolerated. The aim of the policing measures currently in place is to prevent public order offences and to ensure that people can go about their lawful business.
In relation to any independent inquiry, I would point out that the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission which is wholly independent in the performance of its statutory role has investigated in the region of 124 complaints against members of the force arising from policing at this location and that other matters remain under investigation by it. The Deputy may wish to note, however, that in excess of 100 of these complaints have either been found by GSOC to be inadmissible or not to have disclosed breaches of discipline on the part of the members complained of, and that those that did indicate a breach of discipline on the part of the Garda member concerned related to the behaviour of the individual member rather than practices, policies or procedures within An Garda Síochána. Given these circumstances I do not see a necessity for an independent inquiry into the policing operation in north County Mayo.
The total cost of policing these protests has now reached in excess of €16m. This does not include the significant cost of the basic salaries of the members of An Garda Síochána who have performed duties at the Corrib Gas Project as these arise in the normal course. Such expenditure comes at a time of economic difficulty for the State and when such resources could be put to far better use elsewhere.
