Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 May 2024
340. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice the steps she and her Department are taking to prevent further attacks on politicians, political candidates and campaigners; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23955/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile the vast majority of interactions that those in political life experience in the course of going about their work or campaigning are fair, friendly and productive, it is clear that they are facing increasing levels of personal intrusion and abuse, not just in Ireland, but internationally. Any threat to the safety of those in political life, electoral candidates or campaigners is a danger to our democracy and completely unacceptable.
I welcome the Report of the Task Force on Safe Participation in Political Life and the UCD Report on the findings of the Survey on the Abuse and Harassment of Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas and Political Staff which was published this month.
Nobody should have to endure behaviour that goes well beyond legitimate protest and which deliberately seeks to threaten and intimidate those individuals who participate in political life.
In that regard, there is a wide range of legislation under which attacks, threats and intimidation can be prosecuted, including the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Persons Act and Public Order legislation. If more is required, I have made it clear to the Garda Commissioner that every support, legislative or otherwise, will be provided to An Garda Síochána.
An Garda Síochána through proactive policing is working to identify, target and disrupt threats and is continuously enhancing its capacity through coordination, collaboration and information-led approaches. The Garda authorities have put in place a coordinated policing operation to collate any incidents reported to An Garda Síochána affecting persons in political life. This includes the identification of named Liaison Inspectors in each Garda Division along with the assistance of Divisional Crime Prevention Officers to support people in political life.
In addition, An Garda Síochána is actively engaging in outreach measures to provide information to those in political life and electoral candidates on crime prevention. On 9th May, An Garda Síochána launched a new guide for candidates running in the Local and European Elections, in partnership with 'Women for Election' and 'See Her Elected', with a focus on safety to give candidates the tools to recognise and respond to intimidatory or criminal behaviour. The guide is available on the Garda.ie website.
As the Deputy is aware, it would not be appropriate for me to detail the operational measures that the Garda authorities have taken or would take generally in situations where individual politicians are subject to threats or intimidation. I would encourage anyone with concerns to make contact with their local Liaison Inspector and they will be supported. I can assure the Deputy that whatever protective and detection measures are deemed appropriate by the Garda authorities have been and will certainly be taken.
