Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 October 2014
57. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she is satisfied that the numbers of gardaí and tactics deployed were appropriate during their attendance at protests against the installation of water meters. [39376/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the installation of water meters is governed by the Water Services Act, 2007 to 2013. An Garda Síochána has no role in the installation of these meters under the 2007 to 2013 Act. Where complaints are made regarding criminal activity or a breach of the peace and to comply with its statutory function under section 7 of the Garda Síochána Act, 2005, the Garda Síochána will attend. The strategic objectives of An Garda Síochána with regard the policing of any protests include:
i. Facilitate a peaceful protest
ii. Provide a safe environment for participants, public and Gardaí
iii. Minimise disruption to the life of the residential and business community
iv. Minimise disruption to air, rail, vehicular and pedestrian traffic
v. Provide a co-ordinated response to incidents
vi. Preserve public order and minimise opportunity to commit crime and take proportionate steps to deal appropriately with offenders if crime is committed.
An Garda Síochána in ensuring the above strategic objectives are met when policing a protest will enforce all relevant legislation which includes the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994, Criminal Damage Act 1991, Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997, Criminal Justice Act 2006 and Road Traffic Acts.
As the Deputy will be aware, one of the primary functions of the Garda Commissioner under the Garda Síochána Acts, is to direct and control An Garda Síochána. In this regard, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of all resources, including personnel, among the Garda Regions, Divisions and Districts. Garda management keep this distribution under continuing review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the best possible use is made of these resources.
