Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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440. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if gardaí have access to interpreter services on a 24-7 basis on the roadside when dealing with members of the public who speak little or no English; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43050/20]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including personnel matters and deployment of resources. The allocation of Garda resources is made in light of identified operational demand, including deployment of personnel among Divisions. As Minister, I have no direct role in this matter. I am assured that Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review to ensure optimum use.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána have a contract in place to provide interpretation services which is available on a 24 hour/365 days a year basis with uninterrupted service over all public holidays, including the Christmas holiday period.