Joe Higgins
Ceist:465 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason a private investigator was allowed to wear a balaclava while entering a Garda station (details supplied) in County Kerry. [9614/99]
Written Answers. - Garda Station Protocol.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the person to whom the question refers was not wearing a balaclava while entering the Garda station on the date in question. I understand, however, that while he was entering the station he held the balaclava which he had been wearing earlier, up to his face. The gardaí had no reason to prevent him from taking such a course of action as the wearing of a balaclava of itself, is not a criminal offence.