The Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan TD has today briefed the Government on the second report from the Policing Authority in response to his request to report on the performance by An Garda Síochána of its policing role in the context of the Covid-19.
The Minister was keen to ensure regular independent assessment and reporting on the exercise by An Garda Síochána of additional temporary powers in support of public health restrictions on movement and gatherings.
Minister Flanagan said:
I welcome today’s detailed report from the Policing Authority. This regular engagement with the Commissioner and his team and the work of the Authority to assess and report on the enforcement provisions, as well as their outreach to civil society groups is important to the preservation of public confidence in An Garda Síochána and also to our shared understanding across society that these restrictions are being enforced fairly, proportionately and in a human rights compliant manner.
Minister Flanagan continued:
It is evident, from the Garda Commissioner’s weekly reports, that there continues to be a high level of compliance by the public with these restrictions. And I am also pleased to see the Authority’s independent assessment that An Garda Síochána are continuing to police this ongoing health crisis in a sensitive and proportionate manner and to use the temporary powers provided to them only sparingly.
These reports show us that, as a society and a State, we are acting within the law and working together in these difficult times to face down the threat of Covid-19 and keep our communities safe. It is important that we continue to do so.
The Policing Authority’s report specifically welcomed the Commissioner’s emphasis on the importance of the Garda Decision-Making Model, which has at its centre Human Rights and the Code of Ethics. It identified clear evidence of consistent application of the law and of policy throughout the country and in all circumstances.It found that these new powers are being applied proportionality by Gardaí, that a reasonable approach is being taken at checkpoints and that the proactive community engagement undertaken by An Garda Síochána has been very positive.
Minister Flanagan concluded by saying:
I want to pay tribute to the caring, professionalism and dedication which continues to be shown by the members of An Garda Síochána and other frontline services.
I also deeply appreciate the manner in which the Policing Authority, under its chairman Bob Collins, has taken on this important task and again quickly delivered a substantive report on the issues arising.
I am particularly pleased that the Authority is engaging widely in this task, including with the Garda Síochána Inspectorate, GSOC, the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, as well as NGOs such as the Irish Council for Civil Liberties. This diversity of experience and expertise is helpful in ensuring that we can develop a full and broad understanding of how the enforcement of these measures, which are necessary to ensure public health and safety, are impacting on the public. I look forward to continued assessment and reporting of this issue by the Authority in the coming weeks.
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.
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