Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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206. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if An Garda Síochána has any involvement in the attempted repossession of a farm (details supplied) in County Kildare; if she is aware of local concerns at the involvement of a private security firm in the attempted repossession; if she is aware of local concerns that up to 50 uniformed personnel, some wearing balaclavas and others with guard dogs, were involved in the repossession effort; if she is further concerned that efforts would be made to effect a High Court order for repossession between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m.; if she considers it acceptable that those involved in this endeavour would trespass on adjoining property, effectively terrorising local residents; if she will arrange to have these events investigated immediately; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16258/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I hope the Deputy will appreciate as the case in question is the subject of court proceedings, I am limited in the comments I can make regarding the matters raised. I do not have a role in the appointment of receivers, whether by the courts or otherwise, and the enforcement of court orders is a matter for the courts to oversee and for the parties to address in the proceedings in question.

It is important that I clarify, however, that the role of the Gardaí in relation to the incident referred to was solely to ensure there was no breach of the peace. The Gardaí were not present as a party to the proceedings or to enforce a court order, nor did they have a role as an arbiter in a dispute which has been before the courts.

If any individual has a concern that a criminal action may be have been committed by any person in the course of this incident then this is a matter which An Garda Síochána will of course investigate. Furthermore, if a person believes that they have a complaint to make against the behaviour of any member of An Garda Síochána in the course of this incident or otherwise, it is open to them to contact the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission in this regard.