Written Answers Nos. 57-61
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.
58. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if performance-related pay has been paid to any of her staff or staff in her Department for the years 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014; if so, the number of staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39399/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that no such payments have been made to any staff in my Department during the years in question. The Performance-related Awards Scheme, which applied to staff at Assistant Secretary, Deputy Secretary and equivalent grades in the Civil and Public Service, was abolished in 2009.
59. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if GMC Sierra or Uisce Éireann are contributing financially towards the cost of the Garda mobilisation into the north east of the city of Dublin to enforce the installation of water meters in the face of organised protests in those communities. [39454/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra60. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if Irish Water is making a financial contribution towards the payment for policing services of members of An Garda Síochána who have been present for a number of days at a housing estate (details supplied) in Dublin 13 where meters are being installed by Irish Water contractors. [39461/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 59 and 60 together.
The Garda Commissioner is the Accounting Officer for the Garda Vote.
In that context I am informed by the Garda authorities that neither GMC Sierra nor Uisce Éireann are contributing financially towards the costs incurred by An Garda Síochána policing protests in respect of the installation of water meters.
The Garda Commissioner may direct members of An Garda Síochána, in compliance with the statutory functions laid down under section 7 of the Garda Síochána Act, 2005, to attend scenes of protest as required in order to prevent a breach of the peace.
61. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding concerns of commuters; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39490/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the matter referred to by the Deputy. I will contact the Deputy directly as soon as the report is to hand.
