Parliamentary Question addressed to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence

To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if Gardaí will remove those occupying Dame Street, Dublin, in view of the fact that the occupation is damaging local businesses and will not present Ireland favourably abroad on St. Patrick’s day when the Central Bank of Ireland plaza is prominent on worldwide TV screens; and if he will make a statement on the matter?

Reply

The Deputy will appreciate that the policing of protests is an operational matter for An Garda Síochána. I am informed that the group referred to is currently encamped on private property which is within Pearse Street Garda District where Garda management has been addressing the situation. They are aware, in particular, of issues surrounding the St. Patrick’s Festival.