Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I am not aware of a particular area giving cause for concern. The complaints are well spread around parts of the country. Obviously, this is an issue the new members of the ombudsman commission may consider, but there was certainly nothing in the report laid before the Houses that indicated there was a substantial problem in a particular identifiable part of the country that would give rise to concern. It is desirable that the number of complaints be reduced. In particular, it is important that members of An Garda Síochána who have an extremely difficult job and operate frequently in difficult circumstances regarding certain individuals with whom they come into contact show appropriate courtesy in their interaction with the general public. Some 11% of the complaints made related to discourtesy. I hope this issue can be readily addressed. It is important that, when ordinary members of the public are in contact with the Garda, they feel they have been dealt with courteously.

One of the issues the new ombudsman commission is examining is whether there could be a different approach to what I describe as service level complaints, as opposed to complaints of alleged misconduct. It is often the case that people who have made a telephone call do not believe they have received the immediate service they want. In such cases, there is no issue of misconduct. In the context of the communication I received, dated 31 May, and to which I want to give detailed consideration, the new ombudsman commission will examine the issue. It could be to the benefit of both An Garda Síochána and the public.

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