Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2024
527. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice if she has received the report from the Policing Authority regarding public order training arising from last November's serious riots in Dublin City Centre; and if this report will be published. [36669/24]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including all operational policing. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.Following the serious public order incident in Dublin City Centre in November 2023, An Garda Síochána conducted an operational debrief to identify any lessons to be learned and to inform the development of future policing operations and responses. Additionally, I requested the Policing Authority to conduct a review and advise me on what else might enhance policing performance and support Gardaí in the exercise of their lawful powers in cases of serious public order incidents.The Policing Authority conducted its review focussing on coordination, governance and clarity of decision making in relation to public order policing, and will discuss its report with the Garda Commissioner as part of his public engagement with the Policing Authority.
I received a copy of the Authority's report in August and can confirm that the findings, which include an update on the recommendations of the 2018 Garda Inspectorate report, are currently being considered within my Department. I will give due consideration to publication of the report once this work is complete.
For the Deputy’s information the Garda National Public Order Unit (GNPOU) has been issued with additional equipment in recent months, including:
• Mark 9 Incapacitant Spray Canisters and holsters which has been rolled out to GNPOU members since the serious public order disturbances in Dublin City in November 2023;
• Round public order/riot shields have been bought, delivered, and issued to the GNPOU;
• GNPOU are now being issued with ASP Trifold handcuffs which will allow for quicker application of restraints to arrested persons in the various challenging environments where Garda members are deployed.
