Use of force and non-lethal equipment by Gardaí to be reviewed after Dublin riots

Justice minister Helen McEntee and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris.

Clarity on the use of force, non-lethal equipment and stronger Garda vehicles will be reviewed by the Policing Authority following last week’s riots in Dublin.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee will update Cabinet on Tuesday morning on the policing response during riots in Dublin last Thursday and outline supports that will be available to Gardaí dealing with public order incidents.

This will include clarity on the use of force.

More than 40 people were arrested last week following large-scale protests on O’Connell Street. Garda cars, trams and buses were set alight while a number of shops were looted.

Minister McEntee has now asked the Policing Authority to review how frontline Gardaí dealing with serious public order events following the riots can be further supported.

This will include a review of equipment they need in such circumstances, such as non-lethal equipment, stronger vehicles, resources, the use of the dog unit, training and powers, including the use of their coercive powers where necessary.

Government sources told the Irish Mirror on Monday evening that Minister McEntee “believes that Gardaí should not have to look over their shoulder or second guess themselves in circumstances where the use of force is warranted and necessary”.

She also will inform Cabinet that An Garda Síochána has been asked to consider how it can fast-track the purchase of bodycams.

Legislation on bodycams is due to pass through all stages in the Oireachtas this week and it is expected they will be rolled out by the middle of next year.

The Minister is understood to want all options examined to speed up this process.

Minister McEntee has also instructed her officials to expand the scope of Facial Recognition Technology legislation to include riot and violent disorder. This legislation will be drawn up in the coming weeks.

Elsewhere, Tánaiste Micheál Martin will seek approval for the Defence Forces’ continued participation in two missions abroad.

This will include a provision of up to five members of the Defence Forces to continue in the UN-authorised mission Operation ALTHEA in Bosnia and Herzegovina until December 31, 2024, as well as participation in the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) in Entebbe, Uganda.

Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris will inform his Cabinet colleagues of €70 million in joint funding to create two new research centres. This will bring together academics, industry and policymakers across the Irish Government, UK Government and Northern Ireland Executive.

Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue will ask the Government to note that both ‘Irish Grass Fed Beef’ and ‘Achill Island Sea Salt’ are due to be registered as an all-island Protected Geographical Indication under the EU Quality Schemes.

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