COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF JOINT POLICING COMMITTEE

Friday, September 11, 2009

QUESTION NO.

QUESTION: Councillor P. Rabbitte, TD

To ask Garda Management to respond to claims that Gardai interfacing with young males do not always demonstrate the kind of restraint calculated to improve relations between alienated youth and the Garda Siochana.

REPLY:

Gardai interfacing with young males are obliged to perform there duties in compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights Act, 2003. An Garda Síochána must provide a professional service to the Community operating within the parameters of its lawful mandate and as such each member must consciously and diligently uphold the principles of legality, necessity, proportionality, accountability and non discrimination.

Gardai are also obliged to adhere to the Garda Customer Charter by providing a service with courtesy, respect, helpfulness and professionalism.

Gardai who fail to uphold standards are subject to investigation by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission and the Garda Síochána (Disciplinary) Regulations.

It must be pointed out that Garda members frequently face violent and confrontational situations often associated with alcohol and / or drugs particularly during the hours of darkness. These situations are particularly prevalent at weekends in the vicinity of nightclubs and when large numbers of young people congregate. The Garda actions must be balanced between the need to uphold the law and due consideration for the rights of the individual concerned.