Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Oct 1992

Vol. 424 No. 1

Written Answers. - Garda Attendance at Courts.

Ivor Callely

Question:

95 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice the measures, if any, he has taken recently to reduce the amount of time spent by Gardaí in court; the other proposals, if any, he has to ensure that Gardaí can be utilised to their best advantage in combating crime, particularly in the Dublin metropolitan area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Justice (Mr. Flynn)

It is my policy and that of the Garda authorities to maximise the amount of time which members of the Garda Síochána spend on outdoor operational duties.

A number of measures have already been implemented to minimise Garda attendance at Court. These include the following:—

—the computerised scheduling of Court cases so that cases dealt with by a particular Garda are listed together for hearing.

—the vehicle rectification scheme in the Dublin Metropolitan Area which allows motorists to repair vehicle faults within a specified period as an alternative to prosecution and attendance in Court.

—increased use in the Dublin Metropolitan Area of the summons as an alternative to the charge procedure.

Part II of the Criminal Evidence Act, 1992 which provides for the admissibility in certain circumstances of documentary evidence will also release some members from attending Court.

Other measures proposed which would reduce the amount of Garda time spent on administrative duties include:—

—the service, by recorded delivery, of summonses by post. The new arrangements, when introduced, will release a substantial number of Gardaí for other duties, the majority of whom would be serving in the Dublin Metropolitan Area.

—work is proceeding in my Department as a matter of urgency on proposals to achieve savings in Garda time through changes in procedure in criminal cases. These measures will reduce significantly the demands made on the Gardai in relation to certain Court attendances.

In addition to the above measures more Gardaí are being released for operational duties by the employment of civilians in the Garda Síochána. At present there are some 650 civilian clerical staff employed in the Garda Síochána and this will rise to almost 700 by the end of this year. In this regard an additional 20 clerical civilian staff will be assigned to Garda stations in the City Centre area of Dublin in the near future, thus releasing an equivalent number of Gardaí for outdoor police duties. The Garda authorities are carrying out a general review at present to identify additional posts which would be suitable for civilianisation. I believe that there is scope for significantly increased civilianisation in the Garda Síochána.

The policing needs of particular areas are continuously kept under review by the Garda authorities. In addition, policing methods are reviewed on a regular basis and new strategies to combat crime are implemented when appropriate. Examples of new policing methods which were recently introduced are the Rural Policing Scheme which improves the level of policing in remote areas and the Community Policing Scheme which provides for a more visible Garda presence in urban communities.

On the crime prevention front the Garda authorities plan to extend the Garda Schools Project to all schools in Dublin and to Cork and Limerick. This project was established to help young people to develop positive attitudes towards the Gardaí and the environment. The school children are also made aware of the grave risks to young people from alcohol and drug abuse.

I am also anxious that the Garda have sufficient powers to combat urban crime and street violence. Proposals for legislation to enhance Garda powers to deal with offences such as threatening or abusive behaviour in a public place, disorderly conduct etc. are at an advanced stage of preparation in my Department at present.

I am confident that through the measures already taken and those proposed the members of the Garda Síochána are and will continue to be utilised to the best advantage in combatting crime throughout this State.