Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2018
338. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a report on the involvement of members of An Garda Síochána in an incident (details supplied) will be sought; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37792/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the Deputy is referring to the protest that took place on North Frederick Street on 11 September 2018.
As the Deputy will be aware, the removal of individuals from property is not conducted by An Garda Síochána. In this instance I am advised by the Garda authorities that a removal was conducted on behalf of the property’s owner who had obtained an injunction order from the High Court directing people who had been occupying the premises to vacate it. The action was taken by a private firm acting for the owner of the premises on foot of this High Court Order.
The law and procedures governing the execution of Court Orders are contained in the Enforcement of Court Orders Acts and the Rules of Court made thereunder and any dispute in relation to the enforcement of a Court Order is solely a matter for the Courts.
Operational issues are a matter for An Garda Síochána and I am informed that the role of the Gardaí who were in attendance at the scene that evening was to uphold the law in facilitating the High Court order being carried out safely, to ensure public order and to facilitate peaceful protest. I understand that Community Gardaí were deployed, and later based on the situation on the ground, supported by a Garda Public Order Unit, to allow the High Court order to be enforced, keep the peace and facilitate a public protest.
While I understand the discomfort at seeing Gardaí working with their faces covered – and the Garda Commissioner has made a statement on this issue - we must be conscious also of the difficulties the Gardaí face in managing protests and enforcing the law, including racial abuse and online threats and intimidation that came to light at the weekend. Such threats are utterly unacceptable and are, rightly, being investigated. The Gardaí, who work on our behalf, need support from the public not abuse and intimidation.
I know that everyone in this House will agree that the right to protest is a fundamental one in any democracy, and one which must be protected and facilitated. However, we must not lose sight of the fact that the Gardaí involved were enforcing the law.
The Garda Commissioner has made a statement in relation to the protest and I understand he has requested a report from the Assistant Commissioner, Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR), to see what lessons can be learned from the event. I also note that the Policing Authority will be discussing this matter with An Garda Síochána. I have asked the Garda authorities to bring any additional relevant information to my attention.
