Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 Feb 1995

Vol. 449 No. 4

Written Answers - Response to Complaint.

Tony Gregory

Question:

133 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice if she will ask the Garda their response to the complaint by the Dorset Street residents association that the Garda failed to respond to a telephone call for assistance made at 9.10 p.m. on Monday 6 February 1995 by a person (details supplied). [3697/95]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the following is their response to the complaint.

A call was received from the person in question at 9.15 p.m. requesting the Garda to move on a number of youths who had gathered at the caller's location. The call was passed on to a patrol car from the Bridewell Station. This car had been dispatched to a more serious incident at 9.15 p.m. At 9.39 p.m., when this incident had been dealt with, the patrol car was directed to the caller's location.

While on their way to this location, the crew of the patrol car encountered a disturbance which necessitated the arrest of a person who had to be conveyed to the Bridewell. When this incident had been dealt with, the patrol car proceeded to the location, arriving at the scene at 9.55 p.m. By the time they arrived the youths who had been gathering earlier had dispersed.

It is regretted that the Garda were not in a position to respond more quickly to the original call, for the reasons I have outlined. I am seeking more information on the incident and will communicate with the Deputy again on the matter.