asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that, in some cases in which the Gardaí wish to interview a person in connection with a case, they do so at his place of employment; and whether, in view of the embarrassment which can be caused to innocent persons by this practice, he will ensure that in future Gardaí interview people in the privacy of their homes.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Interviews by Gardaí.
55.
The general rule is that the Garda Síochána do not interview witnesses or suspected persons at their places of employment. On the other hand, cases arise where the public interest requires that this rule be departed from, as, for instance, where the making of inquiries is a matter of urgency or where it is impracticable to contact a person at his home. Moreover, there are cases where persons do not want to be interviewed at home and prefer to be approached at their place of employment and to make a statement there or to arrange to go to the Garda station to make it.
The standing instructions to the Force emphasise that in all cases the interview should take place out of sight and out of hearing of others and that every effort should be made to avoid interruption of employment.