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An Garda Síochána

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 October 2021

Thursday, 21 October 2021

Ceisteanna (127)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

127. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice the steps she has taken to address the management and cancellation of computer-aided despatch incidents and 999 calls by An Garda Síochána as outlined by the Policing Authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51719/21]

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Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy will be aware, I consider any inappropriate cancellation of 999 calls a very serious matter. 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, or indeed anyone in a vulnerable position, who summoned the courage to seek assistance may not have received it.

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.

I share the Authority’s concern about the continuation of what appear to be inappropriate cancellation and classification of calls since the introduction of the new procedures. These circumstances will of course be considered by the Authority as part of their continuing oversight of the Garda review of this matter, and will be taken into account in the work being carried out by an external policing expert who has been appointed to assist the Authority in this task. I await the outcome of the Authority's work in this regard.

My Department has ongoing engagement with the Garda authorities in relation to their work to address the issues which have arisen in respect of management of 999 calls. I will of course consider any recommendations the Authority choses to make regarding the future management of these matters.

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