The National Public Order Protester Removal Team is a small unit dedicated to dealing with demonstrators engaging in “direct action” by taking over an area and refusing to leave. In the past decade, 162 gardaí have completed training in this area during 11 protester removal courses, according to data released under Freedom of Information legislation. Training for protester removal specialists includes how to cut safety chains and locks and remove glue and other adhesives from demonstrators. Sources said the protester removal team was not used during domestic evictions or against squatters in residential settings as these were generally considered civil rather than criminal matters. As well as increasing the size of the protester removal team, Garda management is drafting in additional public order gardaí to police demonstrations with the potential for violence.

Source: The Irish Times February 22, 2024 17:51 UTC