I welcome the opportunity to raise this matter which relates to a couple who are getting on in years and should be able to enjoy the autumn of their lives.
Although this couple reside in Dublin 12 during the week they own a home in the south east where they spend a considerable amount of time. A lot of the harassment is centred on their country home and through telephone calls to their home in Dublin.
I first raised this matter early last year with the Garda authorities and I received an acknowledgement. These people received a threat that damage would be caused to their country home and this threat was fulfilled. There was damage to the exterior of the home and to plants. The threats continued and the perpetrator got bolder and started ringing the couple at home. This was extremely upsetting for the couple who have done nothing to deserve this treatment. Of late the perpetrator has not only taken to telephoning them, and they have a recording of his voice on their answering machine, he has started to write to them to taunt them about his deeds.
I again raised this with the Garda and was informed that there was an ongoing investigation. I received a similar response when I raised the matter in a parliamentary question. Almost a year later, I again raised it in a parliamentary question and was told that the investigation was ongoing. My constituents, who were hard working and should be enjoying their retirement, are at the end of their tether. They are extremely upset because of the harassment they are receiving.
The gardaí in Dublin 12 have been very helpful. However, the problem is not just in Dublin 12 but also in the south east and the area from where the telephone calls are sourced. This requires a co-ordinated approach. I do not raise such matters lightly in the Dáil. I handle a huge amount of constituency work each week and I rarely raise individual matters concerning the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. However, I feel obliged to raise this matter. I have raised it with the gardaí and with the Minister and the situation is going from bad to worse. I hope that the Minister of State is in a position to give some hope that Garda inquiries are progressing and that some relief is in sight for this couple so that the perpetrator of this harassment can be prevented from carrying out this heinous activity. It would be very upsetting for any of us, but is most upsetting for people who are at a time of their lives when they should be relaxing.
