The Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee TD, has welcomed the sixth report from the Policing Authority on the performance by An Garda Síochána of its policing role in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Minister McEntee said:
I am very pleased that the latest report from the Policing Authority continues to note a high quality policing response by An Garda Síochána and an exemplary level of public service. This reports notes the very positive social outcomes from the outreach efforts by the women and men of An Garda Síochána to actively engage with communities across Ireland throughout the pandemic.
I am particularly heartened that the report notes the ‘recognition and the appreciation of the effort, approach and willingness with which the Garda Síochána has engaged with the health emergency remains palpable’.
The work of An Garda Síochána in recent months encompassed many crucial elements, such as Operation Faoiseamh, which aimed to prevent loss of life and to ensure that victims of domestic abuse were supported and protected.
The Authority notes the view expressed to it that ‘the policing response to domestic abuse is the best it has ever been in Ireland’, and consideration can be given to what elements of recent operations can now be embedded in An Garda Síochána practice and policy.
I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation for the professionalism and dedication which continues to be shown by the members of An Garda Síochána and other frontline services. Ours is truly a community police service of which I am very proud.
Since the easing of the temporary powers under the Health Act on 8 June, An Garda Síochána have relied largely on their existing pre-COVID policing powers. Nonetheless, An Garda Síochána still have a crucial role to play in our national effort to suppress the pandemic. The Minister therefore noted the continued relevance of the Authority’s reports. In line with the easing of restrictions, the reports of the Policing Authority will now continue on a monthly basis.
Minister McEntee added:
While the demands, as we move through the Roadmap to Reopen Ireland, are described as ‘increasingly complex and challenging’, I have no doubt An Garda Síochána will rise to that challenge.
I am very grateful to the Policing Authority for their commitment and diligence to reporting on policing the pandemic. In my recent meeting with the Chair of the Policing Authority, Bob Collins, on 15 July last I expressed my support for this important function being provided by the Authority in these extraordinary times. I emphasised how important it is for these reports to continue to be produced while we progress through the stages of the public health guidelines and I look forward to the future monthly reports of the Authority, which are critical and important to proper democratic oversight in these extraordinary times.
I am also grateful to the Garda Commissioner and his team for the frequent engagement with the Authority to assess and report on the enforcement provisions. These efforts contribute greatly to public confidence that these restrictions are being enforced sensibly and in the context of protecting human rights.
Notes for Editors
Additional powers were provided for An Garda Síochána in support of public health related restrictions on movement and gatherings, through legislation and regulations by the Department of Health – namely the Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Act 2020, which amends the Health Act 1947, and associated regulations. These powers are temporary in nature and expired on 8 June 2020.
An Garda Síochána rely largely on their pre COVID-19 set of powers with some notable exceptions where penal provisions for non-compliance were provided for:
· S.I. 181 of 2020 sets out regulations for international travellers to the State requiring them to provide information on their location during their stay within the State and made non- compliance with this a penal provision.
· S.I. 206 of 2020 introduced a limited range of additional penal restrictions focussed on the organisation and undertaking of events, and access to business premises.
· S.I. 234 of 2020 allowed pubs serving a substantial meal and restaurants to open with certain restrictions and penal provisions.
· On 13th July, S.I. 244 of 2020, setting out regulations surrounding the wearing of protective face coverings on public transport, was enacted. Failure to comply with the regulations is a penal provision providing the Garda Síochána with the additional powers referred to earlier.
Additional information on the use by An Garda Síochána of these powers and associated monitoring by the Policing Authority is available on the website of the Department of Justice and Equality, at the following link:
http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Use_of_Covid-19_related_powers_by_An_Garda_S%C3%ADoch%C3%A1na