Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 375: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the legal and policy issues that need to be surmounted before the Garda can be given the power to enter unoccupied homes to turn off house alarms; if he is engaging in discussions with the Garda on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32963/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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My Department is currently examining options to strengthen legislation on noise pollution, with a view to meeting the Programme for Government commitment to publish comprehensive legislation on noise pollution as a matter of priority. A consultation paper was published on 27 August 2008 which outlines possible future measures which could be introduced to further alleviate noise nuisance. These include the possibility of extending improved powers of local authorities to An Garda Síochána as well as direct intervention in certain cases.

As part of this general public consultation process, my Department has written separately to the key stakeholders, including Government Departments, the Office of the Attorney General and An Garda Síochána, to ascertain their views on the issues raised in the consultation paper. Any views received will be followed up in more detailed discussions as appropriate. The deadline for submissions on the consultation paper is 31 October, 2008.