I have been informed by the Garda authorities that it is not the practice of the Garda Síochána to provide details of specific Garda operational plans in relation to such events. While the rights of citizens to protest or demonstrate in a peaceful fashion will be respected and facilitated, it is incumbent on the Garda Síochána to ensure the safety of all citizens and the safety of those attending these EU meetings.
The Garda authorities have established contact with the necessary international police co-operation networks with a view to ensuring the safety and security of those attending the various meetings being held during the Presidency. The resources required for the policing of events associated with the EU Presidency will vary and can only be truly identified as the information on possible protests or demonstrations becomes available.
I have also been informed that there are no training programmes in place, at present, associated with the use of less than lethal weapons. Proposals to have Garda personnel undergo such training to instructor level are currently under consideration by Garda management. These trained personnel will then be tasked with developing and delivering a training programme in the use of the selected less than lethal weapons.
I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that three members of sergeant rank completed a public order tactical instructors course with the greater Manchester police in September 2002. These personnel subsequently developed a public order instructors course within the Garda Síochána. Public order training has devolved to the Garda regions so that each region can be self sufficient in the provision of public order training for its personnel. There are currently 756 personnel, all ranks, trained as public order operatives to date.
