Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 134: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is satisfied that adequate State support is provided to the families of gardaí who are killed in the line of duty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21143/08]

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 195: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the response of the State on occasions when gardaí are killed in the line of duty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21142/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 134 and 195 together.

I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the Employee Assistance Programme in An Garda Síochána provides a confidential support and referral service to both serving and former members of An Garda Síochána, their immediate families, and to students. The service is available to help resolve work or personal issues that are causing stress, worry or disruption to an individual's life, including death and bereavement. Part of the role of the Employee Assistance Programme is to liaise with and arrange follow up visits with the next of kin of recently deceased members.

The Garda Employee Assistance Service also provides a referral service to specialist agencies, where appropriate, and where necessary in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer or the individual's G.P. The service is available to families of members for referral purposes.

Special provisions are also in place for financial support for families of Gardaí killed in the line of duty, including death gratuities, transitional payments, spouses pensions and children's allowances. The Garda Síochána Compensation Acts 1941-1945 also apply to the families of members who have died as a result of injuries maliciously received in the course of their duty.

I am sure that the Commissioner will keep under continuing review the adequacy of the arrangements for the support of families of Gardaí who are killed in the line of duty and I will listen carefully to any further advice he may have in the future.