Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I was going to ask about wards of court so I am glad Ms Denning answered that for me. Something that comes up quite regularly for me is when someone needs sign language or the person does not have English. As the witnesses are aware, whether that be through Women's Aid, you have to apply to court for funding to get someone who is accredited with a language. This is a significant issue. My understanding is that while the funding is there if you apply to court for it, the number of people who are in place to provide the service has become a significant issue. Will the witnesses come back to me on that because I have been dealing with some of that recently? I know Ms Denning mentioned 117 courthouses. How many of them have wheelchair accessibility because this is another issue that needs to be addressed?

I have been fighting for the next topic for the past few years so the witnesses might work with me on it. Carlow is one of the fastest growing towns in the country. Since the previous census was carried out, it has grown by 9%. Carlow Garda station is a very busy station and everyone is so nice to work with but it has no lift. It has one of the busiest stations but there is no lift for a person with a wheelchair. I can assure the witnesses that I have been in contact with the Minister on several occasions about this. The gardaí have been asking for it themselves. What can An Garda Síochána do to help us get this lift for Carlow Garda station?

If someone goes to the Garda in any station and there is a language barrier or the person needs sign language, how is that monitored? How does An Garda Síochána deal with that? The biggest issue is we do not have enough gardaí. I know gardaí are under pressure. I read the report from An Garda Síochána today and it is very welcome. I see the different programmes it has and its work in different areas. One of the nicest involves engaging with empathy and respect and being friendly, approachable and open. That is what our motto should always be so I welcome that. Will the witnesses come back to me regarding the questions I asked?