I see the Minister for Justice is here so she might be able to respond to this. I raised with the Taoiseach a few months ago, before the Dáil recess, the issue of individuals or groups wearing masks during protests, thereby preventing identification by CCTV, Garda body cameras or eyewitnesses in the event of criminal behaviour being alleged against them, or even detection by An Garda Síochána and follow-up with prosecutions. The Taoiseach shared my concern at the time. However, I have read some media reports lately and am looking for a progress report. Will the Minister inform the House whether any progress has been made on dealing with the matter, which seems to be a growing habit during public protests?

I have consistently engaged with the Garda Commissioner and colleagues on what more can be done to support An Garda Síochána in its work and efforts to combat and deal with what have become more violent and more challenging protests. No stone should be left unturned. Certainly, while every individual has the democratic right to protest peacefully, there is no reason people should have their faces covered. It obstructs An Garda Síochána in its work. I have engaged extensively with the Garda Commissioner, the Attorney General and the Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP, about this and I intend to bring proposals to the Cabinet in the coming weeks to progress the matter.