Written Answers Nos. 565-584
565. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the prison system has engaged or assisted in recent times in any research programmes in the areas of treating challenging behaviour, self destruction, violent behaviour or mental health; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21920/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Prison Service that it supports the delivery of two intensive therapeutic programmes (Building Better Lives Programmes) which target serious violent and sexual offending. These are located at Wheatfield Prison and Arbour Hill prison respectively. In addition the Irish Prison Service supports the collaborative work of services, including the Probation service, to provide assessment, intervention and through-care for prisoners engaged in serious offending.
The Irish Prison Service also supports the delivery of programmes to prisoners, such as Anger Management programmes and the Alternative to Violence Programme which operate in many prisons.
The Irish Prison Service continues to work with the Health Service Executive/National Forensic Mental Health Service to ensure the appropriate provision of Psychiatric services to those in custody with mental health needs in all closed prisons.
I am further advised by the Irish Prison Service that it supports and assists research which is of value to the organisation. Applications to carry out research involving prisoners are considered from an ethical perspective by the Research Officer in conjunction with the Research Advisory Panel. Applications are also evaluated under a number of criteria including; the value of the research to the Irish Prison Service (IPS), the current demands on the time and resources of locations and the current demands on particular populations in terms of time/effort and volume of research being undertaken.
The following research has been completed, is ongoing or is under consideration:
Completed and Published Research
Dr Claire Milner: The Psychology of the Life Sentence: The subjective experiences of life sentence prisoners.
Dr Danny O' Sullivan: A study of the relationship between attributional style and depressive symptoms in a prison sample.
Dr Laura Brennan: Effectiveness of group cognitive behavioural intervention in reducing anxiety in Irish prisoners: Quantitative and qualitative analysis.
Louise Doyle: A pre/post evaluation of a one day Wellness Programme on participants knowledge of and attitude towards mental health issues.
Completed Research
Impacts of incarceration and criminal behaviour of a father on the lives of sons.
Prison Officer: Mental Health and Wellbeing.
Exploring Mental Health Awareness and Attitudes of Prison Officers.
To what degree has horticulture been developed within the Irish Prison system and how can it assist in the rehabilitation of prisoners.
An analysis on the psychological impact of working in a penal institution in the Republic of Ireland.
Ongoing Research
Situating Psychopathic Discourse - A Psychoanalytic Investigation.
What Values matter to Prisoners and Staff within the Irish prison system.
The effectiveness of and Exercise Referral Programme as an intervention for prisoners with mental health problems.
Death and the Prison Officer: A study of Irish Prison Officers experience of prisoner fatalities.
Changed by the Job. Prison Officers in Ireland: Culture and Identity in Prison Work.
A qualitative exploration of the experience of a Mindfulness Based Intervention (MBSR) with prisoners in an Open facility.
Proposed Research
Cross-Cultural Suicide and Self-Injury Prison Survey–testing the Integrated Motivational–Volitional Model.
566. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline her plans to introduce legislation to deal with debt collection; if such legislation will apply to all debts; when she anticipates that such legislation will be operative; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21953/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 153 on 26 May 2015 which was as follows:
"Responsibility for the licensing of the financial activity of debt collectors does not come within the area of responsibility of my Department. However, I am assuming that the Deputy is referring to my proposal, approved by Government on 6 May 2015, for the drafting of the Civil Debt (Procedures) Bill which will provide for the introduction of additional measures for the enforcement of civil debt.
The proposed Bill will implement a number of recommendations of the Law Reform Commission (LRC) in relation to the enforcement of debt. The LRC Report published in 2010 on Personal Debt Management and Debt Enforcement made a number of recommendations for wide scale reform of the existing personal insolvency and debt enforcement regimes. Key elements of that Report were implemented through enactment of the Personal Insolvency Act 2012.
The new Bill seeks to implement further recommendations of the Report aimed at enforcement and recovery of debts which could be developed to streamline the existing enforcement procedures. Under the proposed Civil Debt (Procedures) Bill, creditors may apply to the court for an order enabling either attachment of earnings or deductions from social welfare payments, as appropriate, for the purpose of enforcement of debts to which the legislation will apply. Attachment of earnings would arise where a court orders the debtor’s employer to deduct specified sums from the debtor’s earnings to pay over to the creditor. Deduction from social welfare payments would arise where the court orders the Department of Social Protection to deduct specified sums from the debtor’s social welfare payments to pay over to the creditor. However, these provisions will be subject to a number of safeguards for debtors and will have regard to the debtor's capacity to repay the amount owed.
Importantly, the Bill will also make provision to provide for the abolition of imprisonment of debtors except in the case of maintenance arising from family law proceedings. This implements one of the key recommendations of the Law Reform Commission in this area. Under existing law, arrest and imprisonment remains a possibility as an enforcement mechanism of last resort in cases where a creditor has proved beyond all reasonable doubt the judgment debtor has failed to comply with an instalment order due to his or her wilful refusal or culpable neglect. The proposed Bill removes this possibility for the vast majority of debtors."
The Bill is currently being drafted. It is expected to be published this month with a view to enactment before the Summer recess.
567. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to set out the total funding provided for each of the years 2009 to 2014, inclusive, and for 2015 to date by her Department to a refuge (details supplied) in Dublin 17. [21971/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe organisation in question was granted €3,000 in funding in 2009 by my Department through Cosc, the National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence. The funding was towards awareness-raising activities. No funding was provided to this organisation for the years 2010 to 2015 inclusive.
However, the Deputy may be aware that core funding for women's refuges is provided through Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, which is the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. Some further funding for the provision of refuge accommodation my also be paid for and recouped by the local authority in which a refuge operates. The recoupment comes from the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government.
568. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will confirm the strength of the Cork city Garda traffic corps as at 1 June 2013, 31 December 2013, 1 June 2014, 31 December 2014 and 1 June 2015. [21986/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of 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.
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of Cork City Garda Traffic Corps on the 1 June 2013, 31 December 2013, 1 June 2014, 31 December 2014 and 30 April 2015 the latest date for which figures are readily available are as set out in the following table.
Cork City Garda Traffic Corps
|
- |
June |
December |
April |
|
2013 |
41 |
40 |
- |
|
2014 |
39 |
38 |
- |
|
2015 |
- |
- |
38 |
569. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to set out her views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the justice system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22008/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe particular case to which the correspondence refers is amongst those being considered under the mechanism established for the independent review of certain allegations of Garda misconduct, or inadequacies in the investigation of certain allegations, which have been made to me as Minister for Justice and Equality, or the Taoiseach, or other public representatives with a view to determining to what extent and in what manner further action may be required in each case. A panel consisting of two Senior and five Junior Counsel was established for the purpose, all selected on the basis of their experience of the criminal justice system. Following the review of the complaint by counsel in this particular case a recommendation will be made to my Department.
I also understand that the person concerned has recently commenced a civil action against the State in respect of issues raised in the complaint. The Deputy will appreciate that in these circumstances it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on any particulars of this matter.
570. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will issue a report on the findings of the review mechanism into the tragic death of a person (details supplied) in 2008; and the proposed action that will be taken in this case in view of the severe pressure and stress that the family have been under. [22014/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe particular case to which the Deputy's question refers is amongst those being considered under the mechanism established for the independent review of certain allegations of Garda misconduct, or inadequacies in the investigation of certain allegations, which have been made to me as Minister for Justice and Equality, or the Taoiseach, or other public representatives with a view to determining to what extent and in what manner further action may be required in each case. A panel consisting of two Senior and five Junior Counsel was established for the purpose, all selected on the basis of their experience of the criminal justice system.
While the review of all the cases referred to the panel is not yet completed, my Department has received the recommendations of counsel in a significant number of cases. I will consider the recommendations of counsel extremely seriously, and as a general comment let me say that I cannot easily imagine circumstances where I would not follow such recommendations.
Having received the first batch of submissions on those cases which were completed, I was anxious not only to set out the recommendation of counsel and my decision on it, but to outline as far as possible the reasons for the recommendation, subject to any legal constraints there may be. Great care will have to be taken in setting out the main points made by counsel in a way which respects the rights of everyone concerned and ensures the independence and objectivity which have been the hallmark of this process to date. I have therefore decided to appoint a former judicial figure to advise on the preparation of the letters. Retired High Court Judge Mr Justice Roderick Murphy has agreed to undertake this task. I believe that Mr Justice Murphy's involvement in the process will offer additional reassurance to those whose cases were considered by the Panel.
I believe it is better to take that time now so as to provide complete reassurance on the probity and independence of this entire process, from start to finish.
571. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to set down the date for the commencement of the new courthouse in Letterkenny, County Donegal; her views on whether the car parking provision for the new courthouse is adequate; and the plans in place for the existing courthouse. [22046/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts, including the provision of accommodation for court sittings, is the responsibility of the Courts Service which is independent in exercising its functions.
However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the construction of a new courthouse in Letterkenny is one of seven courthouse construction and renovation projects currently being procured via Public Private Partnership as part of the Government's Infrastructure Stimulus programme. The Courts Service has informed me that procurement of these projects is at an advanced stage. It is anticipated that a contract for the Courts projects will be concluded later this year and that construction will commence shortly after the contract has been agreed.
I am informed that the design for the new courthouse includes on-site secure parking which will resolve some of the parking issues experienced at the existing courthouse which is not regarded as having adequate parking to cater for the Gardaí, Irish Prison Service and the Judiciary on court sitting days. The site of the new courthouse is also close to the town's public parking facilities. I am also informed that the existing courthouse is in the ownership of Donegal County Council and therefore any plans for its future use would be a matter for the Council.
572. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she proposes to appoint a High Court judge to preside over an inquiry into a recent death (details supplied) as requested by the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22078/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra585. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to set out her views on an incident involving the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (details supplied); her views on whether the commission acted appropriately in this case; if she has sought an explanation from the commission on the delay in issuing correspondence; and if she will agree to an external inquiry into the commission's handling of the issue. [22246/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 572 and 585 together.
First and foremost, let me again express my deepest sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of the late Garda Sgt. Michael Galvin.
I met with the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) and the Association of Garda Sergeants & Inspectors (AGSI) on 4 June, 2015. Having consulted with GSOC at my meeting with them in accordance with Section 109 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, I announced subsequently my decision to initiate an inquiry by an independent judicial figure into the conduct of the original GSOC investigation under section 109. Accordingly I have requested the Chief Justice to invite a judge to inquire into the matter and to report to me as Minister.
In the circumstances I do not propose to comment further on the matter at this time.
573. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide figures for the health care budget allocated to the prison service as a whole in each of the years 2012 to 2014, inclusive; the health care budget allocated to Mountjoy Prison and Wheatfield Prison in the same years; how these figures compare with comparative health care spend in total as well as in each named facility; the respective data per head of prisoner population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22119/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been advised by the Irish Prison Service that its healthcare budget was €7.3million in 2012, €8.3million in 2013, and €7.5million in 2014. The daily average number of persons in custody in 2012 was 4,318, resulting in a budget per head of population of €1,690.60. The daily average number of persons in custody in 2013 was 4,158, with a budget per head of population of €1,996.15, and the daily average in 2014 was 3,915 with a budget per head of population of €1,915.70.
The Irish Prison Service has also confirmed that the healthcare budget is not allocated separately to the individual prison institutions, and it expends the overall healthcare budget in its delivery of appropriate healthcare services to the entire prison population. It is the policy of the Irish Prison Service that all persons in custody are provided with services and standards equivalent to those available in the general community.
574. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide an update on the procedures for Form 104 reporting by gardaí to the Central Statistics Office, particularly the manner in which the procedures apply to the recording of suicide statistics; if any difficulties have been identified by Garda management with either the reporting process or the use of the classification system for identifying cause of death; if there are reporting timelines; if there has been any recent study into the overall effectiveness of this element of suicide reporting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22121/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the issues referred to by the Deputy. I will contact the Deputy directly when the report is to hand.
575. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to set out the cause of death determination process in use to record causes of death in prisons; the process involved in recording and conveying cause of death statistics from the prison service to the Central Statistics Office, including the timelines involved; if any recent review of the effectiveness of the process has been undertaken; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22122/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Prison Service has advised that all deaths in custody are the subject of an internal investigation by the Prison Governor, a Garda investigation, and a Coroners inquest. In addition, all deaths in custody are also subject to an independent investigation by the Inspector of Prisons, which is published.
The Irish Prison Service has confirmed that the circumstances of each death in custody is subject to an internal investigation conducted by the Governor in charge of the institution concerned. The report of each investigation, which must be concluded within two months, is considered by the National Suicide and Harm Prevention Steering Group, which is chaired by the Director General of the Irish Prison Service.
The Irish Prison Service has also advised me that it does not convey cause of death statistics to the Central Statistics Office.
576. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to detail the number of deaths by suicide in Irish prisons in each of the years 2012 to 2014, inclusive; the number of deaths by suicide of released former prisoners on temporary release or remission in the same years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22123/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Prison Service has advised that there were two confirmed deaths by suicide in its institutions during 2012, and two confirmed deaths by suicide in 2013.
The Coroners verdict as to the cause of deaths in custody in 2014 is still awaited, it is not possible to confirm the number of these were deaths by suicide.
The Irish Prison Service has confirmed that there have been no deaths by suicide recorded for persons who died while on temporary release for the period in question.
577. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the heads of the criminal law (sexual offences) (amendment) Bill 2014 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22133/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 27 November, I published the General Scheme of a Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill which includes two new offences of purchasing, in the context of prostitution, sexual services.
The first is a general offence of purchasing sexual services which carries a penalty of a fine of up to €500 for a first offence and fines of up to €1000 for a second or subsequent offence. The second is the more serious offence of purchasing a sexual service from a trafficked person and carries a potential penalty of up to 5 years imprisonment and/or a fine. In both cases, the person selling the sexual service will not be subject to an offence.
As an additional means of combating the exploitation which is associated with prostitution, these offences will target the demand side of prostitution. However, there is already legislative provisions addressing the trafficking of persons for the purposes of exploitation (including sexual exploitation) which can attract significant penalties. I would draw the Deputy's attention to the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008 which prohibits trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation. Any person found guilty of such an offence shall be liable to imprisonment for life or a lesser term, and at the discretion of the court, to a fine. It is also an offence for a person to solicit or importune a trafficked person for the purposes of prostitution with a potential penalty of imprisonment for up to 5 years and/or a fine.
I would also like to advise the Deputy of existing laws in the area of prostitution. Under section 6 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 1993, it is an offence to solicit in a street or public place for the purpose of prostitution. It is also an offence under the 1993 Act to organise prostitution, to knowingly live on the earnings of a prostitute or to keep or manage a brothel. In addition, public order legislation prohibits the advertising of brothels and prostitution.
The Bill is priority legislation and is currently being drafted. It is my intention to publish the Bill in the current parliamentary session.
578. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline her views regarding the issue of a person who is concerned with section 4 of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Bill 2013, which relates to non-therapeutic sterilisation; the purpose of said section; if she will outline whether non-therapeutic sterilisation happens in cases where capacity is lacking at present; whether this practice follows international trends; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22134/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Bill 2013 is to support a person to exercise autonomy in terms of decision-making to the greatest extent possible and to put safeguards in place where decisions are made on a person's behalf. Section 4(2)(a) of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Bill, as published, provides that the High Court shall have jurisdiction relating to every matter in connection with non-therapeutic sterilisation. The provision recognises that any decision in relation to non-therapeutic sterilisation where that might involve a person lacking capacity is of such seriousness as to warrant the jurisdiction and protection of the High Court. I cannot comment on the Deputy's question as to whether non-therapeutic sterilisation happens in cases of persons lacking capacity. That is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Health.
579. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the closed-circuit television footage available relating to the alleged assault and death of a person (details supplied) in 2002 at Portlaoise Garda station will be made available to the family's legal team, or if the footage can be viewed by the family's legal team; if she will outline the regulations, protocols or legislation that allows the Garda or the State to withhold such information; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22149/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe examination of any evidence in the context of a criminal investigation is an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner. I have no function in this regard and accordingly it would not be appropriate for me to comment.
I can however advise that the particular case to which the Deputy refers is amongst those being considered under the mechanism established for the independent review of certain allegations of Garda misconduct, or inadequacies in the investigation of certain allegations, which have been made to me as Minister for Justice and Equality, or the Taoiseach, or other public representatives with a view to determining to what extent and in what manner further action may be required in each case. A panel consisting of two Senior and five Junior Counsel, all selected on the basis of their experience of the criminal justice system, was established for the purpose.
I have already indicated that I have decided to appoint a former judicial figure to advise on the preparation of notification letters to those whose cases were referred to the Panel in relation to the recommendations made by counsel. Retired High Court Judge Mr Justice Roderick Murphy has agreed to undertake this task.
580. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will prioritise the joint family visa application in respect of a child (details supplied) in Dublin 15 as the child is due to start school in September 2015. [22193/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the visa application referred to by the Deputy was received in the Beijing Visa Office on 30 April 2015. It is currently being examined and a decision is expected shortly.
Queries in relation to general immigration matters may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
581. Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide figures in respect of crime rates in the Stepaside area of Dublin south by type of crime for the periods March 2011 to March 2013 and March 2013 to March 2015; the number of arrests made following these crimes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22225/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose.
I have requested the CSO to provide relevant available statistics directly to the Deputy.
582. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice and Equality in view of the fact that the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service only lists seven deportations on 11 March 2015, when the remaining 118 persons were deported and what method of transport was used for same; if Frontex or the United Kingdom Border Agency were used; if these persons were deported on regular flights; the reason there is no mention of these 118 deportations on the service's website; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22231/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the INIS website is currently being updated and is expected to be re-launched later this year.
However, in any event, details of all deportations are not individually listed on the INIS website given that, in general, removals are carried out using scheduled commercial flights, which usually involves transit through other European airports as Ireland does not have direct flights to most of the countries of return. As a result, the identification of each individual deportation by scheduled commercial flight could lead to identification of the individuals in question. Accordingly, it is generally only where Ireland leads on or participates in a deportation charter that a limited amount of detail is published on the INIS website.
In enforcing the law in respect of deportations, Ireland is no different to other countries who also remove individuals who have no lawful right to remain within their territory. Ireland, like other EU member states, uses deportation of illegal immigrants and failed asylum seekers as the policy of last resort. The process leading to a deportation is extensive with many avenues of appeal, including judicial review in the High Court, open to persons subject to Deportation Orders. It should also be noted that a Deportation Order requires a person to remove themselves from the State and it is only where they fail to do so that the State is forced to remove them and enforce the rule of law.
583. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reasons some 3,003 persons were refused entry into the country; the nationalities of those refused entry; if she will provide a breakdown of the number refused entry at each port of entry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22232/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe figure provided to the Deputy of 3,003 persons refused entry into the country in reply to Dáil Question No. 476 of 26 May 2015 is for a 13 month period from April 2014 to April 2015 inclusive.
In the time available it has not been possible to obtain all the information requested by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. I will write to the Deputy in due course on the matters raised. I should point out that while every effort will be made to provide the information sought, it is possible that some of the information will not be available in the form requested by Deputy and/or could only be obtained by the disproportionate expenditure of time and resources relative to the information sought.
For the Deputy's information, I would draw his attention to the fact that since 2011, my Department issues a press statement in early January each year which is available on the Departments website www.justice.ie. The Statement gives a review of the main developments in the previous calendar year in the immigration and asylum areas and provides key figures on activity during the year concerned including numbers of all removals from the State broken down further to show total numbers of those refused permission to enter the State.
584. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she is aware that a number of protesters were held against their will, unable to exit a small enclosure sealed by An Garda Síochána, during the unveiling of the statue in Ballymote, County Sligo, on 9 May 2015 dedicated to Irish men who fought for the Union Army during the American Civil War, despite there being co-operation up until that moment between the protesters, An Garda Síochána and attendees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22233/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of protests at the event to which the Deputy refers in his question. While supporting fully the right of individuals to protest, I am sure the House will agree that any protest must take place within the law and it must respect the rights of others. It is the responsibility of An Garda Síochána to put in place appropriate and proportionate operational plans for protests and similar events in the public arena, taking account of the needs of all stakeholders and having regard to the requirement to ensure public safety. I am informed by the Garda Authorities that limited restrictions on the movement of traffic and pedestrians at the event to which the Deputy refers were in place in this context.
The Garda Authorities make every effort to facilitate lawful protests and demonstrations while seeking also to provide a safe environment for participants and taking into account the rights of all the community. It is important, therefore, that any persons involved in demonstrations of the kind referred to would liaise closely with An Garda Síochána and be subject to their advice.
