While the committee meeting was held in private, Garda Commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan this evening acknowledged her concern for a female Garda member who was knocked unconscious during the incident and also acknowledged the restraint and professionalism demonstrated by the Gardaí at the scene.
Garda Commissioner O’Sullivan stated:
"I’d like to thank the members of the Committee for their comments and concerns. An Garda Síochána are committed to ensuring that the constitutional rights of the members of the Houses of Oireachtas, and their staff working in Leinster House are upheld. ”
Speaking at Garda Headquarters she called for close planning between An Garda Síochána and any group organising a protest:
"An Garda Síochána around the country, and especially in Dublin, facilitate protests on a weekly basis. The vast majority of these protests are conducted peacefully.”
"The theme that runs between all successful protests is one of close co-operation between the organisers and their local Gardaí. The organisers of protests should consult with Gardaí to ensure that the event they organise is peaceful, successful and passes off with the minimum of disruption to the general public.”
In conclusion Commissioner O’Sullivan said:
"I wish to commend the professionalism and restraint demonstrated by the Gardaí on duty at Leinster House in carrying out their duties.”
It should be remembered that Wednesday saw two distinct protests carried out at Leinster House, and the majority of people who attended behaved in a peaceful manner. However, a small minority of individuals went beyond what could be described as a peaceful protest and engaged in the type of behaviour which resulted in the injury of a female Garda.
Given the significant increase in the number of protests in recent times, a review is being conducted to ensure the safety of the general public and members of An Garda Síochána is balanced with the democratic right to protest.”
