Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 May 2021
344. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice if the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission produces information literature translated into various languages in order that persons from diverse ethnic backgrounds can understand their rights in this regard and in order that they can fully engage with GSOC should they need to do so; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27370/21]
View answerI am informed by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC), that facilities are provided for customers to interact with the Commission in the language of their choice, including Irish. Arrangements are made for the provision of interpreters where necessary.
GSOC provides an online complaint form in several different languages allowing members of the public to make a complaint in a language other than English. The form is currently available in English, Irish, French, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Tagalog Language (Philippines), Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese and contains specific information on the process of submitting a complaint to GSOC.
I am further informed that, if the form is not available in a preferred language, GSOC offers customers a choice of methods to initiate contact, e.g. email, letter, telephone or in person. GSOC can provide translation, interpretation or other services required to assist communication between GSOC and the person about the complaints process and to enable GSOC to fully engage with its complainants at all stages throughout the complaints process.
