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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation

Dublin disorder and Garda bill

Summary

Deputy Bruton condemns the violent disorder in Dublin and asks about tackling misinformation and organisers of such protests. Deputy Durkan links this to the delayed Garda Síochána compensation bill. The Tánaiste says the Garda bill will be published this session, unlawful gatherings must be policed, and online platforms should remove violent content.

Chonaiceamar radharc uafásach an tseachtain seo caite ar shráideanna Bhaile Átha Cliath. We were all appalled by the scenes on the streets in Dublin last weekend and the violent disorder targeted at the Garda, which has served us so well in this very difficult pandemic. It showed total disregard for the more than 4,000 people who have lost their lives. How can we prevent a repeat of this sort of incident? Can we look at the role of social media and the misinformation that is being spread encouraging people to join such protests? Can we move against those organising such displays of violence and disorder?

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Bernard Durkan Deputy Bernard J. Durkan Fine Gael

On a related issue, I have raised the Garda Síochána compensation (malicious injuries) Bill many times. The Bill appears to have become more urgent and important following the events on the streets last week. Can a special effort be made to expedite its enactment?

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Leo Varadkar The Tánaiste Fine Gael

Gabhaim buíochas leis na Teachtaí as a gcuid ceisteanna. I am told the Garda Síochána Bill will be published in this session, an seisiún seo. On Deputy Bruton's question, there are two ways we can deal with this. In the first instance, it is a question of Garda action. It is unlawful both to organise and participate in these gatherings so Garda action to prevent them and police them is part of the solution. Another part is putting pressure on digital platforms to take down sites that promote violence or encourage people to break the public health regulations. I have made contact with the platforms on that and, in fairness to some of them, they have already taken action and taken down some of the sites.

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