Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 September 2022
372. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Justice if her attention has been drawn to recent media, TV recordings of arrangement and incitement proceedings has clearly identified investigating Gardaí in numerous minutes of television and on-screen video coverage, while at the same time, defendants are allowed to cover their faces (details supplied). [46655/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána.
I greatly value the role of the media in providing objective reporting, and that in my experience, the media are professional in how they undertake their duties.
We are all immensely grateful to members of An Garda Síochána for their outstanding dedication and commitment to serving the public and for the important role that they play in our society. I condemn, in the strongest possible way, any attacks, threats or intimidation of the men and women serving in An Garda Síochána and indeed other frontline services.
While the criminal law in this area is being kept under ongoing review, there are a range of robust legislative provisions available to the Garda authorities in circumstances where threats or assaults are made against Gardaí.
The Deputy may also be interested to know that the identity of a person convicted of a crime is protected in certain circumstances, for example, in the case of rape where the identification of the perpetrator would lead to the identification of the victim.
