Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

If they know anyone in their local community, we are talking about training people in that area. We have talked to the gardaí about this. The gardaí are prepared to meet people, not necessarily in their own home but in a place where it is not obvious they are meeting the gardaí, because their biggest challenge is that they are afraid of being seen going into a Garda station and they are afraid of the gardai calling to their house. It can be established at a neutral venue so they can sit down and talk to people. The gardaí have become involved in an amazing number of cases over time after people did not go to the gardaí on the first day but went to one of the other State agencies for help. Then the State agency worked with them and eventually gave them the confidence to meet the gardaí privately and to move on from there. It is important that people who feel intimidated and that they are on their own know that they are not on their own and that support will be provided. It is important that we spread the message that support will be provided in the community and also by the gardaí. People who are intimidating others are taking advantage of the situation. In some cases I have come across, they are alleging that money is owed, when in fact no money is owed at all, but they have realised that the person is vulnerable and are taking advantage of the situation.