asked the Minister for Justice if he will consider providing the Garda Síochána with proper protection against physical injury from missiles et cetera such as sticks and stones during unruly demonstrations; and if he will make a general policy statement in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Síochána Protection.
44.
The Garda authorities have not asked for special equipment of the kind referred to. It is the considered view of the Garda authorities that the methods they have evolved for policing demonstrations are adequate and that the deployment of special equipment, in the absence of a clearly established need for it, could have the effect of making some demonstrators more aggressive with the consequent danger of serious injury to persons.
I will of course, always be ready to consider any proposals the Garda authorities may make in this regard, but I hope, as they do, that the need for special equipment of this kind will not arise.