Eugene Murphy (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

One can have a disagreements with the Taoiseach on policy, or whatever else, but those people who are threatening him and his family in such a callous way should be called out and condemned. It is no way for any citizen of this country to treat another citizen of this country and I totally condemn it, as I am sure all Members would join me in that. We have all suffered from this from time to time in our lives, including myself. I am not worried about myself, as I am sure the Taoiseach is not worried about himself, but I am sure he is worried for his wife and children. We must always remember that it is our families who suffer in situations like this.

I congratulate the Deputy Leader on his appointment. I was not aware of it. I want to bring something to his attention and perhaps seek his advice on how we might go about this following matter.Several buildings that used to be Garda houses are vacant up and down the country. Of course, these are the property of the OPW and the State. It is horrific to see many of these houses vacant. I have seen one in Strokestown and another in Taghmaconnell. Like many Members of this House, I constantly have members of An Garda Síochána who are travelling long distances to work coming to me. They would be more than willing to rent those houses if they were to be made available. Obviously, repairs would have to be done to some of the houses, while others are in quite a good state.

Given there seems to be a great deal of difficulty with gardaí being able to get transfers closer to home now because it is a slow process due to the vacancies not being there, would it not make a great deal of sense if the journeys could be shortened for gardaí by enabling them to take up residence in these vacant houses? I am seeking advice on how we might handle this matter and talk to the OPW rather posing a question. As I said, there are several houses in this category and they would be a real benefit to gardaí concerned and their families. We should follow up on this potential and see if it may be possible to make it work for families.