Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 December 2015
453. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the prohibition of peaceful demonstrations in France and the measures taken by the police authorities to break up peaceful demonstrations; if he has raised any concerns regarding the matter with the French authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43717/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the horrific attacks of 13 November in Paris in which 129 people were killed, and more than 350 injured, President François Hollande declared a State of Emergency. On 19 November the French Parliament, definitively adopted the three-month extension and expansion of the State of emergency.
The French Government decided that in order to avert possible further terrorist attacks, and to protect public safety, some restrictions on demonstrations and public gatherings were necessary. While such restrictions are a serious matter in any society, the terrible circumstances which gave rise to them has to be taken into consideration.
Every government has a responsibility to balance the duty to protect its citizens with their entitlement to freedom of assembly. I have no doubt that the French Government is fully sensitised to the need for such balance.
