Patrick Costello
Question:16. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice the measures being taken to protect public and civil servants from far Right demonstrations. [44125/23]
View answerWednesday, 11 October 2023
Questions (16)
Written answers
At the outset I would like to say that threats against the safety of those who work in our public services, including Gardaí, local authority employees, public representatives and our staff, and indeed any member of the public, are completely unacceptable. This is something I have discussed with the Garda Commissioner and which he regards with the utmost seriousness. Individuals who engage in illegal threatening behaviour will face the full rigour of the law. Some demonstrations have engaged in what could be deemed intimidation rather than legitimate protest and there can be no place for this in our society.
The right to protest is enshrined in the Constitution and in law. It is a legitimate part of our democracy. It is, however, a right to peaceful protest and it comes with responsibility. It is the responsibility of everyone who wishes to engage in protest to do so in a peaceful manner and never in a way that infringes on the safety and rights of others.
Those who are intent on confrontation, rather than peaceful demonstration, go beyond the bounds of what is acceptable in a democratic society. In these circumstances, members of An Gardaí Síochána will protect the public and uphold the law.
As is the case with all operational policing matters, the Garda authorities are responsible for monitoring protests, including the maintenance of public order. I am informed by Garda management that their approach to policing protests is predicated on keeping people safe, preventing anti-social and criminal behaviour, and the management of traffic.
In response to these demands, Gardaí may deploy an increased presence or other physical measures, as deemed operationally necessary.
Gardaí have shown exceptional professionalism and restraint in dealing with situations and that is to be welcomed. That does not mean the law will not be enforced. Far from it. We have seen people brought before the courts in relation to incidents earlier this year. We must rely on Garda operational management and frontline Gardaí to use their discretion and judgment and they have my support in that.
I am satisfied there is a wide range of legislation under which threats and intimidation can be prosecuted, including the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Persons Act and Public Order legislation.
The law is kept under review and the Deputy will be familiar with the provisions of the new Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences) Bill, which is currently before these Houses and strengthens the provisions of the longstanding legislation in this area. I hope this will be enacted later this year.