Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 November 2020
741. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice if consideration has been given to banning the use of the so-called mosquito alarms that emit high pitched sounds to discourage persons gathering in a vicinity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38581/20]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that Section 2 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 sets out the offence of assault and refers to the application of "force". Noise is expressly included as being one of the types of "force" to which section 2 of the Act applies.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that an instruction has issued to all members of An Garda Síochána which directs that any complaints received regarding the use of such devices will be fully investigated with a view to seeking the direction of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
I would note that if any person has concerns about the use of such devices in a particular locality, the matter should be reported to the Gardaí.
