Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 13 May 2003

Vol. 566 No. 3

Written Answers. - Garda Operations.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

393 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the inappropriate issuing of a threat by gardaí to have a car facilitating a peaceful demonstration by the Galway Alliance Against War towed away when it had been made clear that its presence was only required for a few minutes to play a tape of historical significance, President de Valera's address on neutrality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12870/03]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that on 20 April 2003 a number of people from Galway Alliance Against War congregated around the Liam Mellows statue, Eyre Square, Galway. A member of the Garda Síochána on duty observed a vehicle parked illegally on double yellow lines and partly on a footpath. The driver indicated that the vehicle was required to provide power for a public address system being used in connection with the meeting. The driver was requested to remove the vehicle on a number of occasions but refused. The Garda issued an on-the-spot notice and affixed it to the vehicle and requested a tow truck to remove the obstructing vehicle. Prior to the arrival of the tow truck, the vehicle was removed by the driver. In all, the vehicle was parked illegally for 30 minutes.