Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 373: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person whose house was burgled having notified the Gardaí was told that as they would have to collect a Garda herself as no transport was available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33469/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Decisions in relation to Garda operations and the deployment of Garda resources are a matter for the Garda Commissioner.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that the burglary referred to by the Deputy was reported in person at around 10pm at a Garda station in Co Donegal. Rather than wait for the return of the local patrol car, which was on patrol in the locality, and given that the premises was around 700 metres from the station, the Garda member on duty immediately accompanied the victim of the crime in her car to check out the premises and to expedite the Garda inquiries into the burglary. Additionally, the member sought to reassure the victim with his immediate presence.

While care must be taken in relation to publicly commenting on individual cases, and while nothing should be said that intrudes into individual privacy, I do feel it appropriate to say that in the light of the circumstances I have outlined, I believe that the action of the Garda member in this case demonstrated the determination of An Garda Síochána to serve the community in the most effective and practical way possible.

More generally, I am, of course, happy to express my appreciation and support for the work of An Garda Síochána on my own behalf, that of the Government, and, in particular, on behalf of the communities they serve.