Public Order Offences.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 March 2006

Thursday, 9 March 2006

Ceisteanna (18, 19, 20, 21)

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

17 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his role in dealing with riot situations; if he is consulted or gives instructions or directions; if he has informed his Cabinet colleagues regarding any possible outbreak of violence; if he gave or received political advice as to the way in which to deal with such situations; if he has discussions or gave instructions to the Garda Síochána management prior to the recent rioting in the city centre; his precise role and function in dealing with such matters, having particular regard to established precedent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9614/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

173 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is satisfied that he took the necessary precautions to prevent the recent rioting in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9972/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

174 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he or his Department first became aware of the possibility of developments likely to cause the recent rioting in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9973/06]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

175 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action he has planned or measures put in place to prevent a recurrence of the recent rioting in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9974/06]

Freagraí scríofa

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 173 to 175, inclusive, together.

I refer the Deputy to my comprehensive statements to both Dáil and Seanad Éireann on 28 February and 2 March 2006, respectively.

It is the responsibility of the Garda Síochána and not I as Minister to put in place appropriate and proportionate operational policing plans for rallies, parades and similar events in the public arena. Such a comprehensive plan was prepared and in place in respect of the Love Ulster rally, and it was based on all information then available to the Garda authorities.

I was in regular touch with the Garda Commissioner and his senior officers throughout the weekend in question. As with the Garda authorities, neither my Department nor I had any credible advance warning of the appalling riots which took place.

The Garda Síochána is comprehensively reviewing events which occurred at the Love Ulster rally with a view to identifying lessons that can be learnt for other upcoming events in Dublin and elsewhere.

I am satisfied that an enormous amount of preparation was undertaken by the Garda authorities, and it is regretted that in the face of a reasonably low-key law enforcement approach such repugnant opposition was encountered.