The Minister of Justice, Dermot Ahern TD, has defended the Garda Siochana in a response to the Celtic League. The League had written to outline concerns about what it perceived as heavy-handed policing of demonstrations in north Mayo against the Corrib Gas Plant.

Minister Ahern (via his private secretary) advises that the Garda operation in the area is to ensure that those engaged in the work on the development can 'go about out their lawful business in conditions of safety and good order'.

The Minister seems to be unaware of recent judgements in a United Kingdom court case where protesters were cleared of criminal damage charges arising from protests at the Kingsnorth coal fired power plant.

Attitudes in Europe are changing towards the multi-nationals and corporations who despoil the environment, Irish police should be facilitating the right of Mayo people to protest not defending a corporation which pose a threat in the long term to Irelands environment.

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform letter set out in full below:

"Rhisiart Tal-e-bot General Secretary Celtic League

1st October, 2008

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am directed by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr. Dermot Ahern T.D. to refer to your recent letter to him with regard to the Corrib Gas Project in County Mayo.

The Minister fully shares your view that persons have a democratic right to express their views peacefully through legal means. The ongoing Garda operation in the area is directed at ensuring that right and ensuring that public order is maintained.

The Garda operation is also to allow those engaged in the work on this development to go about out their lawful business in conditions of safety and good order, as is their entitlement.

Yours sincerely,

Private Secretary"

See related Celtic News articles on this subject at:

(voir le site) (voir le site) (voir le site) (voir le site) (voir le site) (voir le site) (voir le site) (voir le site) (voir le site) (voir le site) (voir le site)

J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League

01/10/08

• Emmanuel Grégoire et l’abbé Macron  par David Grosclaude le 23/11/2024
• Pays de Redon. La Bogue d’or, rendez-vous du « génie populaire » par Le blog de paul Molac le 05/11/2024
• Catherine Vautrin en Corse : Régions et Peuples Solidaires appelle l’Etat à enfin aboutir sur l'autonomie par RPS le 25/10/2024
• Gouvernement Barnier : des nominations inquiétantes par RPS le 24/09/2024
• Quelle future gouvernance en France ? par Marcel Berrou le 08/07/2024
• Après deux cycles de trois ans du Parlement de Bretagne réveillé, voici venir le troisième cycle ! par KAD le 01/07/2024
• Résolution pour la Réunification de la Bretagne à la XIXème Assemblée Générale de l'UNPO à Munich, les 11 et 12 mai 2024 : par KAD le 07/05/2024
• TER Nouvelle Aquitaine : quelle honte !   par David Grosclaude le 18/04/2024
• Les Braises de la Rencontre, le 5 mai 2024, sur le parc de sculptures mémorial de MAB Koad Sav Pell ! par MAB, Musée Archipel Breton le 16/04/2024
• Koun Breizh s’indigne : Non ! les festoù-noz ne sont pas des lieux réservés aux « attardés » ! par Koun Breizh - Bertaign Tenant - Mémoire-de-Bretagne le 07/01/2024