Gino Kenny (Dublin Mid West, People Before Profit Alliance)
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42. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the actions that she has taken and plans to take in response to the substantial shortcomings found on handling of 999 calls; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52404/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Any inappropriate cancellation of 999 calls is a very serious issue which falls significantly below the high standards that the public expect from Gardaí and the high standards that An Garda Síochána set for themselves.

I welcome the publication of the final report by independent expert, Derek Penman which was commissioned by the Policing Authority in July 2021.

The most important thing now is that we consider the report and learn from it so that no person who falls victim to a crime, or finds themselves in any emergency situation, ever has any reason to feel less than 100% confident in contacting the emergency services.

I welcome the apology that has already been made by the Garda Commissioner on this matter and the fact that AGS has accepted the findings of the Report. I am advised by the Garda authorities that an appropriate disciplinary process is being followed in respect of certain aspects of the issues identified.

The Commissioner has further assured me that when someone calls 999 now, they can expect and trust that An Garda Síochána will help. New measures and controls are in place to ensure that callers receive the service they deserve and that call-takers have access to all the supports they need to carry out their challenging roles appropriately. This will continue to be the subject of close attention by Garda management.

Gino Kenny (Dublin Mid West, People Before Profit Alliance)
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43. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if her attention has been drawn to the fact that an organisation (details supplied) has submitted a report to the UN highlighting the case of a person, recommending that the investigation include consideration of issues of race and discrimination; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52408/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I want to once again extend my sympathies to the family concerned on the tragic death of their son and brother. I am aware of the report referred to by the Deputy.

As the Deputy will be aware, the shooting of Mr. George Nkencho is being fully investigated by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC), which is the independent statutory body established to investigate such incidents. This is the case with every incident involving the Gardaí that results in the death or serious harm of a person. I understand this investigation is ongoing.

I am advised by GSOC that it has deployed significant resources to this investigation. I am further advised that the investigation is at an advanced stage, but that it is not possible at this time to give an estimate of the time that the remaining steps in the investigation will take.

I am further advised that legal proceedings have been initiated against the State in this case and in these circumstances it would not be appropriate for me to comment further.