An Garda Síochána

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 July 2021

Thursday, 8 July 2021

Questions (136)

James Lawless

Question:

136. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Justice if An Garda Síochána is suitably resourced, trained and equipped to implement the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020; if her attention has been drawn to reports that some Garda stations have advised they are not in a position to manage it yet; if a directive can be sent to the force in that regard to ensure the law is available to all who may need to rely on the protections within it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36781/21]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the general management and administration of the Garda organisation under the Garda Síochána Act 2005. This includes the deployment of members of An Garda Síochána throughout the State. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.

I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the Harassment, Communications and Related Offences Act 2020 was the subject of a HQ Directive 11/21, which issued in May 2021. The directive provides members with the necessary instruction regarding the implementation of the new offences.

The Commissioner further assures me that both the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau and the Garda National Protective Services Bureau are there should any Garda member require any assistance or support in prosecuting these offences.