Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 May 2023
113. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if he was consulted or engaged by Garda management in respect of members of uniformed gardaí in 2021, 2022 and 2023 being deployed in France and in any other European Union member state. [26565/23]
View answerI am advised by the Garda authorities that request from the authorities, including the French authorities, are regularly discussed with An Garda Síochána. Such requests often involve a temporary assignment of a very small number of Gardaí to work in assisting Irish nationals visiting certain tourists areas during the summer, including France.
I understand the primary purpose of such a deployment to France is to assist French police in dealing with Irish nationals visiting the area. This is similar to arrangements in other areas of France involving the temporary deployment of German, Spanish and Dutch police officers.
If such a request approved, Garda members would patrol in uniform with French police officers and assist in the investigation of complaints by, or offences involving, Irish nationals.
I can assure the Deputy, such assignments are subject to approval by the Irish Government, and no approval has yet been sought.
