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An Garda Síochána

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 July 2021

Thursday, 8 July 2021

Questions (113, 116, 123, 135)

Matt Shanahan

Question:

113. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Justice the communication her Department has had with the Garda Commissioner in respect of the unanswered 999 calls which were largely in relation to domestic violence reports; her views on whether this could potentially point to a significant attitude with respect to domestic abuse within An Garda Síochána; the assurances the Commissioner has offered with a view to remediation in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36840/21]

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Bríd Smith

Question:

116. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice the nature of any investigation taking place into the cancellation of emergency calls by An Garda Síochána by her Department; the person or body that is undertaking the investigation; if such investigations will reveal the location and personnel involved in cancellation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36698/21]

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Ruairí Ó Murchú

Question:

123. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Justice the position in relation to the alarming cancellation of 999 calls; the actions taken in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36770/21]

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Paul Murphy

Question:

135. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the actions that are being taken to ensure no cancellations occur of emergency calls to An Garda Síochána at present; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36751/21]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 113, 116, 123 and 135 together.

Any inappropriate cancellation of 999 calls is a very serious issue. This falls significantly below the high standards that the public expect from the Gardaí and the high standards that An Garda Síochána set for themselves. I am particularly concerned that anyone experiencing domestic abuse, and indeed anyone in a vulnerable position, who summoned the courage to seek assistance may not have received it.

I welcome the apology that has been made by the Garda Commissioner and the Commissioner has assured me that when someone calls 999 now, they can expect and trust that An Garda Síochána will help. That should always be the case.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Policing Authority was asked by Minister McEntee to oversee the review being carried by An Garda Síochána in relation to this matter, and there have been a number of engagements between the Authority and An Garda Síochána since March of this year. This is of course in keeping with the role of the Authority in providing independent oversight of policing services, and reporting on and advising the Minister of the day.

As the Deputy is aware, the Commissioner met with the Policing Authority in public last month, where he gave a detailed account of these serious shortcomings and outlined what steps have been taken by Garda management to ensure it does not happen again. I understand he will be meeting the Authority again later this month.

It is vital that the best interests of victims and anyone whose calls were cancelled inappropriately are the priority and focus throughout this process. The Commissioner has informed me that Gardaí are currently contacting people whose 999 calls were cancelled in order to apologise and ask if they require help from An Garda Síochána. He has briefed me a number of times on the matter and he has assured me that this work will be completed quickly and that once that process is complete, he will give a full account to the Policing Authority.

When the Authority has completed its work and reported to me, I will examine its conclusions and take any action warranted on foot of its report.

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