Vol. 544 No. 3
420 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that it is very difficult for members of the public to contact the Garda Carriage Office as the telephone is rarely answered and there is no facility to leave a voicemail; his proposals to improve access for the public to the carriage office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28729/01]
I am informed by Garda authorities that due to the large volume of telephone inquiries to the Garda Carriage Office, members of the public may at times experience delays. There are seven direct telephone lines to the office, five of which are directed to the general office. This office is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is staffed by gardaí and civilian clerical personnel. Outside office hours, two of the telephone lines have a voicemail facility installed where members of the public can leave a message. I am further informed by Garda authorities that the provision of an auto attendant system for the carriage office is currently under review.
