Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 April 2022
1283. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Justice if she will ensure a permanent presence of gardaí with Ukrainian language skills in Lisdoonvarna, County Clare given the increase in population numbers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20193/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, under Section 33 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the deployment of An Garda Síochána throughout the State. Additionally, the Commissioner is responsible under Section 26 of the Act for the management and administration of Garda business, including the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that Gardaí, along with the Community Garda from Ennistymon Garda Station, are providing support to Ukrainian families in Lisdoonvarna and liaison groups. I am further advised that currently there are no members of An Garda Síochána with Ukrainian language skills attached to the Clare Division, however, in circumstances where a need arises, An Garda Síochána engage the services of an interpreter for interviewing victims of crime, providing legal rights and procedures to a detained person, interviewing suspects, identification parades, witness statements and specialist interviews.
I am informed that last month, Garda authorities developed and circulated an information leaflet for the Ukrainian Community in Ireland. This leaflet is available in Ukrainian, Russian and English and has been distributed to the Ukrainian families in Lisdoonvarna.
The leaflet can also be found at the following link on the Garda website and is available for distribution by Community Gardaí across the Country:
www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/office-of-corporate-communications/news-media/information-for-the-ukranian-community-25-3-22.html.
