Other Questions
66Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the resignation of the chief executive of the National Women’s Council, the 35% reduction in their budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6563/12]
View answer91Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will guarantee that there will be no further cuts to the current 35% funding cut from his Department to the National Women’s Council of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6549/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 66 and 91 together.
I wish to clarify for the House that the National Women's Council of Ireland is wholly independent of my Department. However, my Department will make up to €350,000 available to the council towards its core funding and to deliver a programme of activities in 2012. This represents a decrease of 35% on the Department's provision in 2011 and reflects the need to achieve savings of €100 million in the justice group of Votes.
Funding for the council comes from a number of sources, not only from the Department but also from the HSE and subscriptions from member and philanthropic organisations. I understand from the council that it received Exchequer funding of €571,000 in 2011, of which €528,000 came from the Department. The council has been very successful in accessing funding for special projects from a number of philanthropic organisations and other sources.
The council is undertaking a gender mainstreaming project on behalf of the HSE for which it is receiving €130,000 in the two year period 2011 to 2012. Atlantic Philanthropies has awarded €770,000 to the council for two projects beginning in early 2012. The first project, for which more than €560,000 was received, will run for a period of three years, while the second, for which €190,000 was received, will run for a period of a year and a half. These projects are contemporaneous. The Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust has also awarded financial support of almost €130,000 to the council for another special project which will run for two years and which began in September 2011. The Peace 3 programme is also funding a project being delivered at a cost of over €57,000. With the exception of the Peace 3 project, all other projects will make a contribution to the core costs of the council, totalling over €85,000 in 2012.
As a membership organisation, the council also receives contributions from its constituent members which number about 166. This membership income fluctuates but typically exceeds €25,000 per annum.
In setting priorities for expenditure in the Department this year I decided that I would favour those organisations providing services over those providing, in the main, advocacy or research services. Implementation of this decision has meant some difficult choices, involving, in certain cases, the complete elimination of funding altogether and the closure of some projects.
Accompanied by officials from my Department, I met the chairperson and CEO of the council on 19 January to discuss the matter, following on correspondence with the CEO after the budget announcement. During the course of the meeting I emphasised my continued support and that of the Government for the council and my belief the council could continue to play a key role in achieving positive changes in the area of women's rights and equality. I was subsequently advised that the CEO did not feel able to continue in her post as, in her view, the €350,000 provided by the Department for this year made it impossible for her to do her job properly. The executive board of the council has appointed an acting CEO.
I have every confidence, as I said, that the council will continue to play a key role in promoting women's rights and equality and that the working relationship between the Department and the council will be maintained. It is worth noting that the council has available to it very substantial sums for 2012, with further guaranteed sums for 2013, from philanthropic organisations and also has available to it moneys for its activities which, overall, substantially exceed the moneys that may have been available to it for many years in the past.
The Minister obviously made a big impression at the meeting because the chief executive officer resigned after it. She has stated it was her personal view that the Government had shown scant regard for women's rights and her resignation was a personal protest against its indifference. This year the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, will introduce legislation on gender quotas and all political parties are committed to increasing the number of female candidates in 2014. The Minister has emphasised that the organisation is independent of the Department and it is this independence which enables it to obtain external funding. For the Minister to impose a 35% cut completely disregards other Government strategies. When did the council communicate the chief executive officer's resignation to him? What is the average reduction to other organisations which receive funding from the Department?
As the Deputy may be aware, the Government has a substantial programme in the area of women's rights. Unlike the Deputy's party, we will put in place legislation to ensure greater participation by women in electoral politics, in particular in general elections. This is legislation that would never have been contemplated by the Deputy's party in government. A very successful conference was held in Dublin Castle organised by my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch; there were so many women present that we had to provide a room to cater for the overflow of those who wished to participate. I note what the Deputy said was the statement of the chief executive officer of the council. No such statement was made by or on behalf of the board of the council. In the current financial climate €350,000, by way of a grant to an organisation which has substantial additional funds made available to it, amounts a very substantial grant.
It is how the Minister is choosing to use it.
The Deputy cannot have it both ways. He is a member of a party which destroyed the economy of the country. He knows there are substantially fewer resources available to my Department. In circumstances where I have €100 million less to meet expenditure incurred through my Department-----
The Minister makes the choices.
-----the Deputy constantly pretends there can be no reduction, regardless of the areas in which it is made.
On funding, we all know what has happened and it is regrettable that the chief executive officer felt it necessary to resign over this issue. The one aspect we could examine is multi-year funding which might alleviate some of the concerns because it is very difficult for groups which are trying to operate on a yearly budget to plan and strategise. The Department might examine the possibility of providing multi-annual funding because at least people would then know what was coming down the line and plan accordingly. If it were possible to do this, we might be able to overcome some of the concerns raised.
I do not want to comment on the resignation of the chief executive officer.
I appreciate that.
She had her own reasons for resigning. All I can say is that a very successful conference was held in Dublin Castle to address serious issues to give women an opportunity to engage in electoral politics to a far greater extent. The Government is committed to women's rights and ensuring greater participation in a broad range of areas. The Deputy might have noticed in the many appointments I have made that there has been a substantial gender rebalancing in the context of ensuring an equal number of men and women are appointed. I have been redressing imbalances in some areas in which clearly there has been a substantial number of men in circumstances where there are women available who are equally qualified. We will continue to work along these lines to achieve objectives. There is no reason the National Women's Council, as an advocacy and research body, with the funding available to it, cannot fully meet all of its commitments in 2012 and 2013.
In fairness, the question had to do with the provision of multi-annual funding.
We have to examine whether we can fund some of these organisations on a multi-annual basis. As we go through the three difficult years of 2012, 2013 and 2014 choices will have to be made as between organisations which provide services for women and those which advocate such services should be provided. We need to monitor what will happen during the course of the year to ensure we get our funding position right. Last July, conscious of the financial difficulties we would have in 2012, I wrote to the National Women's Council of Ireland to advise it in advance that it was likely its funding for 2012 would be substantially below the figure allocated in 2011. Therefore, it received a substantial warning of where the matter was going.
67Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plan for garda promotions in 2012; the number of anticipated promotions; when this matter will be brought to Cabinet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6584/12]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, today I secured Cabinet approval for the appointment of two assistant Garda commissioners, eight chief superintendents and 23 superintendents, giving a total of 33 appointments to senior Garda ranks. All of the consequential vacancies at sergeant and inspector ranks will also be filled.
I was very glad to secure the agreement of my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, and the Cabinet as a whole for such a significant number of appointments. In seeking these promotions I was conscious of the need to enable the Garda Commissioner to fill key positions in the senior ranks and maintain both the investigative and also the management and supervisory capacity of the force.
With clarity emerging on the final number of retirements expected by the end of this month, I will be discussing with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the case for filling outstanding vacancies in the senior ranks.
I welcome the fact that the Minister eventually got around to getting Cabinet approval for that and that he has got agreement to fill the consequential vacancies down the line. What is the timeframe for the filling of those consequential vacancies?
To return to a previous question, is there a transition team in place in the Department of Justice and Equality? If so, who is on it, and when was it established to manage all these retirements and the consequences of them for An Garda Síochána and for the other organisations that come under the Minister's remit?
On the question of when the other appointments will be made, I have had discussions with the Garda Commissioner - I talked to him today after these appointments were announced - and I understand he will put in place the appropriate procedures for the making of the appointments. I do not want to give an exact date because it is a matter for him in the context of his managerial function of the force, but I understand he will proceed with all appropriate speed in that regard.
I answered the question the Deputy has again raised regarding transitional arrangements in my Department. We took a very comprehensive overview, at a very early stage after my appointment, of the different steps to be taken in dealing with the different issues that would come up, including the position with regard to Garda retirements and where we would be at 29 February. It was deemed appropriate that these promotions would be announced today. Other senior members of the force will retire on 29 February and those positions are the subject of conversations between myself and the Minister, Deputy Howlin, and I expect that appropriate decisions will be made in that regard.
There is no transition team in place
I will eventually get to that.
I call Deputy Buttimer. He has one minute. The Deputies will have to change Standing Orders.
Bring back the Leas-Cheann Comhairle.
I very much welcome the news by the Minister of the appointment of people to 33 positions, in particular those of 23 superintendents and eight chief superintendents, and the fact that consequential posts will be filled. That will augment the force, the members of which are doing great work. As a consequence of the new slimmed-down public service, are there plans to create new Garda divisions and structures in the Garda Síochána, the members of which are doing great work in our communities?
Today was a good news story for the Garda.
Hear, hear.
It is important that at a time of financial difficulty, we approach-----
The Minister was shamed into it by the Commissioner.
Allow the Minister to continue without interruption.
-----the issue of the use of resources effectively.
They had to come in and beg.
The Garda Commissioner would have known a little time ago that these matters would come before the Cabinet this week.
Hear, hear.
They were supposed to come forward in January.
There is no difference of any description between myself and the Garda Commissioner-----
Deputy Calleary is disappointed that the positions are being filled.
The Minister to continue without interruption.
-----who is doing a tremendous job.
Hear, hear.
No thanks to the Minister.
In the ongoing issue of ensuring maximum efficiencies, there will be a look at the current structure of the Garda force to determine whether further efficiencies can be effected and resources targeted in a manner that is to the benefit of the Garda and the general community. That is ongoing work that will continue during the course of this year both within the force and in the context of any other structure that may be put in place.
For the record of the House, it should be noted that the Garda Commissioner was forced to come to the Committee of Public Accounts meeting last Thursday to ask for these vacancies to be filled.
He was not forced to come to it last Thursday; he was due to come to it.
Deputy Calleary to continue without interruption. He might put a question to the Minister.
There is no good news about being embarrassed into it.
That is more nonsense.
Is there a transition team in place in the Department of Justice and Equality-----
All the Deputy wanted to do was to give out in the hope that the positions would not be filled.
-----such as that announced by the Taoiseach?
There is a transition team in place at Government level which covers a broad range of Departments and deals with any issues that may arise as a result of the retirements. As I keep on telling the Deputy, however, who seems to think there is something mysterious about this, in the context of the Department of Justice and Equality, we have, in consultation with the Garda Commissioner and throughout the period since I was appointed, looked at the developments, the areas where vacancies would arise, predicted where we might be at the end of February, and made decisions accordingly.
The Minister said the Commissioner was aware these appointments were going to be before the Cabinet today. When did he become aware that the appointments were to be made?
The memo on the matter, without breaching the concept of Cabinet confidentiality, would have been prepared - if it is of assistance to the Deputy to know this - before last week. Appropriately the matter was before the Cabinet today.
Will the Minister allay the suspicions of Deputy Dara Calleary by confirming that the announcements made today will lead to enhanced policing and that they will not in any way diminish-----
The time allowed for this question is diminished. We must move on.
The world will not end on 29 February.
It is important that we confirm for Deputy Dara Calleary who constantly thinks the world is about to end - every weekend he seems to issue a statement suggesting the end of the world is nigh-----
I took lessons from the Minister.
-----that the world will continue beyond 29 February right into March, April and May. The Government will continue to make positive decisions to the benefit of the country, not just in the areas of justice and defence but also across the broad range of areas in which my colleagues in government work.
68Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the date on which he will publish a new consolidated Prevention of Corruption Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6543/12]
View answerThe heads of a Bill to reform and consolidate the Prevention of Corruption Acts 1889 to 2010 are being developed within my Department and I hope to bring them to the Government before Easter for approval and publication. It is my intention to publish and refer them to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality prior to the drafting of the Bill. Given that the shape of the proposed legislation is not yet in its final form and that the Government has not yet had sight of the new proposals, I do not wish to comment in any detail on the content of the proposed legislation at this juncture. However, my overall objective is to clarify, consolidate and reform the provisions contained in the seven enactments that make up the Prevention of Corruption Acts 1889 to 2010.
The State is party to a number of international instruments in this area, including the Council of Europe Criminal Law Convention on Corruption and the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions. Last November, following the approval of the Dáil, I made arrangements to have the UN Convention against Corruption ratified by the State. Ireland's full participation in the convention is important in demonstrating our commitment to tackling corruption within the State and in a global context. The State is also an active participant in the OECD working group on bribery in international business transactions and the Council of Europe group of states against corruption.
The new Bill will make corruption legislation more accessible by replacing seven overlapping statutes with one consolidated measure. It will also afford an opportunity to review and improve the legislation in this area in the light of our experience as a member of the international anti-corruption groups. I look forward to publication of the heads of the Bill which will allow all interested parties to make an input to this important anti-corruption measure.
I hope the number of Bills we intend to give to the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality for consideration does not overwhelm its capacity to do its work, but I am looking forward to the input tDeputies Calleary, O'Brien and others may make to the development of that legislation.
I thank the Minister. The reason I have tabled this question is that we are considering the whistleblower legislation and I thought this Bill was essential to complement it. It would not make sense to have one without the other. I welcome the announcement that the committee will see the heads of the Bill before Easter. Getting the heads of the Bill before we get the Bill is very welcome; this has proved to be productive in the case of other legislation. The programme of legislation was set out in this area included a consolidation Bill, but the Minister has said today that he is also considering reforming and improving the law in this regard, which is welcome. As we are now in a completely different situation, this legislation needs to move beyond consolidation. However, I welcome the improvements and reform.
I thank the Deputy for his positive comments. As should be obvious at this stage, there is substantial work ongoing in my Department in modernising various areas of the law and consolidating legislation. This area is particularly important; we need to ensure we have a coherent, accessible body of law to deal with corruption issues and the broad range of white-collar crimes, to which the Bill will make a substantial contribution. I hope it will also make life somewhat easier for An Garda Síochána and the Director of Public Prosecutions in addressing issues that arise to which the legislation is relevant. As I said - I genuinely mean this - I look forward to the input of Members on the heads of the Bill. If the heads are placed before the committee either just before or shortly after Easter, we should be in a position, certainly by the summer vacation, for the committee to report back in order that we can develop the Bill further with the assistance of the Office of the Attorney General.
I compliment the Minister on the initiative of placing the heads of Bills before committees which will make the legislative process a lot easier. Would he consider also giving the Bill to the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform and perhaps the Joint Committee on Jobs, Social Protection and Education to get their input? We would probably have a finer process at that stage.
The formula used in the House is that a Bill goes to the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality, but, as Members know, it is open to any Member to participate in a committee's deliberations on a Bill. The membership of a committee is only relevant in the case of a vote; this would not arise in the consideration of the heads of a Bill. It is completely open, for example, to the Chairman of the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality to have a joint meeting with the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, where that is seen to be appropriate, or to ask that or any other committee to make an input into its deliberations in order that when the committee reports, it can embrace the views of other Members of the House. That is a matter for the discretion of the Chairman. It is important that we ultimately receive feedback or a view from the main committee rather than obtaining a series of diverse views from other committees which may not engage in dealing with the legal complexities involved. However, I would certainly encourage the holding of a joint committee meeting if it was the view of members of the justice committee and the Chairman that it would be appropriate to have such a meeting.
69Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which the necessary personnel, general resources, communications, mobile equipment, intelligence and forensic facilities continue to be available to gardaí to tackle the on-going activities of criminal gangs; the extent to which the activity of such gangs continues to be monitored at present with a view to taking steps to de-commission them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6517/12]
View answer398Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which adequate provision is being made to tackle organised crime with particular reference to surveillance and monitoring the activities of criminal gangs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6921/12]
View answer399Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which it is expected to concentrate the resources available to the Garda Síochána on the activities of organised crime; the efforts being made to identify the level and scale of such activity with a view to taking measures likely to detain such persons in the public interest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6922/12]
View answer400Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he is satisfied that adequate resources can be made available to the Garda Síochána to meet the on-going and increasing threat arising from the activity of criminal gangs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6923/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 69 and 398 to 400, inclusive, together.
The Deputy will be aware from the replies I have provided for him in response to a number of recent parliamentary questions of my determination to ensure the necessary resources and measures will be in place to deal with organised crime, the fight against which is one of a number of priorities I have specifically set for the Garda Síochána in the Garda policing plan for 2012.
The issue of organised crime on the island of Ireland was also one of the subjects discussed at the tripartite meeting held on Wednesday last involving the Northern Ireland Minister of Justice, Mr. Ford, and the Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Justice, at which we considered the interaction between organised crime in Ireland and Scotland and what could be done to achieve better co-ordination in these areas.
The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the allocation of resources, including personnel, within the force; this is a function which is exercised in close consultation with his senior management team. The Commissioner has indicated that the Garda Síochána deploys significant resources for operations and strategies aimed at targeting, dismantling and disrupting criminal networks using advanced analytical and intelligence-led methodologies. Moreover, he has confirmed that this is a process that will be maintained.
In implementing Garda actions a multi-agency law enforcement approach is used as part of which Garda national units from the national support service work together to combat those involved in organised crime. Furthermore, the multi-agency operations are supported by Garda personnel at divisional and district level. The multi-disciplinary approach also plays a key part in targeting the assets of individuals and groups involved in criminal enterprises. This includes the ongoing work of the Criminal Assets Bureau, the use of proceeds of crime and money-laundering legislation, and co-operation between the Garda and external agencies such as the Revenue Commissioners, the Customs service and international law enforcement agencies. This comprehensive approach has led to many successes in combating organised gangs, depriving them of their financial resources and bringing individuals involved in such groups before the courts.
I appreciate that the Deputy has asked a number of specific questions about how the Garda Síochána operates in the fight against organised crime. Perhaps we will might back to these in a supplementary question.
Additional Information not given on the floor of the House
Owing to the nature of the relevant Garda activities, I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to go into detail on the measures the Garda is adopting. I can, however, confirm that they are extensive and have proved to be very successful. In the circumstances, I hope the Deputy will appreciate the extent to which measures have been put in place to combat criminal gangs. The Commissioner has indicated that the pressure being put on gangs will continue. They will be monitored and kept under constant review, as will the level and nature of Garda resources required to continue to target their activities.
I commend the Garda on its ongoing efforts to tackle the problem. The issue I raise is specifically related to organised crime. Has the Minister identified a number of measures which might have the effect of decommissioning, for want of a better description, highly organised criminal gangs which seem to have ready access to firearms and be the only groups in society not suffering in the recession?
Further, in identifying issues to address these matters has the Minister considered the punishment that follows prosecutions and whether that is in line with what is required at present given the threat presented by organised criminals?
Obviously the Garda deploys a range of different strategies in targeting organised crime, those engaged in drug crime and those who use firearms, and the Deputy would not expect me to reveal those strategies in the House. However, I share the concern of every Member about the extent to which those engaged in organised crime are using firearms, their lack of respect for human life and their capacity to cause serious injury not only to those engaged in competitive crime gangs but also to the general community.
The Garda has been very successful in bringing prosecutions against many of those who have been involved in violence. Our legislation prescribes a variety of sentences for conviction of a broad range of offences. It is not for me to comment on sentences passed by our courts because they are independent. However, it is very important that the sentence passed fits the crime that has been committed and for which an individual has been found guilty.
The Minister previously indicated his intention to discuss with his European colleagues an extension of the Criminal Assets Bureau, CAB, model on a European basis. Can he update the House on how that is progressing? Second, with regard to the Minister's meeting with the Northern Ireland Minister for Justice, Mr. Ford, last week, are there any priorities for cross-Border co-operation in this area at present?
Has the Garda Commissioner asked for any resources that we have been unable to provide due to the economic circumstances?
Will the Minister indicate the extent to which information is available to the Garda on the total number of people involved in organised crime who have not been brought before the courts, with obvious consequences?
I will take the questions in reverse order. There is substantial information available to the Garda on a broad range of individuals who might be engaged in criminality. I do not wish to say more than that. As to those who have not been brought before the courts on criminal prosecution, the Criminal Assets Bureau has performed a very important function in targeting assets that appear to have no legitimate origin and that are clearly the proceeds of crime. That is a hugely important mechanism.
On Deputy Calleary's question, I am happy to confirm that matters are advancing substantially in Europe with regard to a framework of criminal assets bureaus across Europe. I expect some announcements from initial work done in this area at Commission level to be made within the next two to three months. I have had direct discussions on this issue with Commissioner Reding, who is co-ordinating with other colleagues in the Commission. It will be a substantial priority of the Irish Presidency of the EU next January.
Dealing with organised crime is a specific matter of conversation between myself and the Northern Ireland Minister for Justice, Mr. Ford, and between the two police forces, North and South. There is huge co-operation in these areas. There have been substantial drug finds as a consequence of that co-operation and laundered fuel has been seized. More recently, major hauls of tobacco and cigarettes brought illegally into the State were derived from co-operation in the area of organised crime between the Police Service of Northern Ireland, PSNI, and the Garda Síochána.
70Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the results of the Irish Prison Service comprehensive review of the pilot project which involved electronically tagging and monitoring 31 prisoners on release; and the date on which this review will be published. [6535/12]
View answerPart 10 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 provides for the introduction of electronic monitoring, or tagging as it is also known, in this jurisdiction. My predecessor made the relevant order in 2010 commencing the provisions in the context of a restriction of movement condition applying to the granting of temporary release.
A project board was set up at the time to examine the area of electronic monitoring, EM. The board recommended that a pilot project be initiated to test EM technology in this jurisdiction and assess its value for money in the management of offenders. This recommendation was accepted and a decision was taken to explore, on a pilot basis, the use of global positioning system, GPS, satellite tracking monitoring technology on a small number of volunteer prisoners.
Following a public tender competition, the Irish Prison Service tested the use of this technology on a small number of prisoners, 31 in all, who were given temporary release. The test phase began in August 2010 and ran until Christmas 2010. The group of prisoners involved were carefully selected having regard to a range of criteria, including the nature of the offence, public safety and overall conduct in prison. I am informed that prisoner compliance was high and only one prisoner was recalled due to a curfew violation.
Following the pilot project, the Irish Prison Service, IPS, has undertaken a review of its viability in the management of offenders along with a cost benefit analysis. That review will be considered in the context of the IPS draft strategic plan for 2012 to 2014 which I expect will be submitted to me at the beginning of April. Finally, in line with the recommendations in the report of the Thornton Hall project review group, the Deputy will know that I am establishing a group to carry out an all-encompassing strategic review of penal policy. That group will also look at this issue. We might be in a position to make some further decisions on this matter when the strategic plan has been finalised.
The review will be available in April - possibly - and the penal policy group will be examining this. Does the Minister not agree that electronic tagging has its limitations? It might show where a person is but it does not show what they are up to or with whom they are associating. In the wider policy on rehabilitating prisoners before releasing them back into the community, there are pre-release programmes and peer support programmes. Will a holistic approach be taken to this issue or is it being looked at in isolation as something the Department wishes to implement?
We are not looking at it in isolation. We have some pre-release programmes and there are a number of organisations, funded through the Department, that also look after prisoners following their release. The Probation Service engages with a considerable number of prisoners before they are released. Tagging is just one of a number of options available. It has proved useful in other jurisdictions but I am anxious to see what is reported back as a result of the initial pilot scheme, on which the work has been done, and in the strategic review. I expect it might have a role in the future but, again, there are resource issues with it. No final decision has been made as to whether we will proceed further with tagging in 2012 or 2013 or whether priority will be given to other forms of intervention.
71Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will outline on a county basis the number and name of each additional garda station that will close or will have its opening hours restricted during 2012, 2013 or 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6551/12]
View answerThe names of the Garda stations which are scheduled to close in 2012 have been provided to the House in the policing plan for An Garda Síochána which I lodged with the House last December. For ease of reference for the Deputy I am circulating with this answer a table containing the names of those stations together with the names of the stations which will have reduced opening hours. This is information that has previously been published and circulated.
In relation to closures in future years, the position is as set out in the Garda Síochána Act 2005. Under the Act, the Garda Commissioner must submit to me, by the end of October of each year, a draft policing plan for the following year. That plan must contain, among other items, any proposals the Commissioner has for the closure of Garda stations or for amending district or divisional boundaries. The Deputy will appreciate, therefore, that I cannot comment on the likely contents of policing plans for the years 2013 and 2014 as they have not yet been drafted. However, I have stated that I expect it is likely that the plan will include provision for some further closures.
|
Table A: Garda stations proposed for closure |
|||
|
Region |
Division |
District |
Station |
|
Western Region |
Clare |
Kilrush |
Carrigaholt |
|
Western Region |
Galway |
Galway |
Corrandulla |
|
Western Region |
Mayo |
Beal an Mhuirthead |
Bellacorick |
|
Western Region |
Mayo |
Castlebar |
Glenisland |
|
Western Region |
Mayo |
Castlebar |
Tourmakeady |
|
Western Region |
Mayo |
Westport |
Mulranny |
|
Western Region |
Ross/Long |
Castlerea |
Loughglynn |
|
Western Region |
Ross/Long |
Boyle |
Tarmonbarry* |
|
Western Region |
Ross/Long |
Boyle |
Cootehall |
|
Southern Region |
Limerick |
Askeaton |
Shanagolden |
|
Southern Region |
Limerick |
Bruff |
Doon |
|
Southern Region |
Cork North |
Cobh |
Glenville |
|
Southern Region |
Cork West |
Clonakilty |
Castletownsend* |
|
Southern Region |
Cork West |
Clonakilty |
Ballygurteen* |
|
Southern Region |
Cork West |
Kanturk |
Knocknagree |
|
Southern Region |
Cork West |
Bandon |
Ballyfeard |
|
Southern Region |
Cork West |
Bantry |
Goleen |
|
Southern Region |
Cork West |
Macroom |
Inchigeela |
|
South East Region |
Tipperary |
Thurles |
Ballinure* |
|
South East Region |
Tipperary |
Menagh |
Ballinderry* |
|
South East Region |
Wexford |
New Ross |
Ballywilliam* |
|
South East Region |
Wexford |
Wexford |
Baldwinstown |
|
Southern Region |
Kerry |
Listowel |
Ballylongford |
|
Southern Region |
Kerry |
Listowel |
Moyvane |
|
Southern Region |
Kerry |
Tralee |
Clochan |
|
Northern Region |
Cav/Mon |
Monaghan |
Clonibret |
|
Northern Region |
Cav/Mon |
Monaghan |
Smithborough |
|
Northern Region |
Cav/Mon |
Baileboro |
Tullyvin |
|
Northern Region |
Donegal |
Glenties |
An Duchoraidh (Doochary)* |
|
Northern Region |
Donegal |
Bally shannon |
Dunkineely |
|
Northern Region |
Donegal |
Buncrana |
Culdaff |
|
Northern Region |
Sligo/Leitrim |
Ballymote |
Bunnanadden |
|
Northern Region |
Sligo/Leitrim |
Manorhamilton |
Drumkeeran |
|
Northern Region |
Sligo/Leitrim |
Manorhamilton |
Kiltyclogher |
|
Eastern Region |
Laois/Offaly |
Tullamore |
Geashill* |
|
Dublin Metropolitan Region |
DMR South Central |
Pearse St |
Harcourt Terrace |
|
Dublin Metropolitan Region |
DMR North |
Ballymun |
Whitehall |
|
Dublin Metropolitan Region |
DMR North |
Balbriggan |
Rush |
|
Dublin Metropolitan Region |
DMR East |
Dun Laoghaire |
Dalkey |
* Non-operational
Table A lists four Garda stations located within the Dublin metropolitan region and 35 stations located outside the Dublin metropolitan region identified which are scheduled to close this year.
|
Table B: DMR stations identified for reduced opening hours |
||
|
Division |
District |
Stations |
|
DMR East |
Blackrock |
Stepaside |
|
DMR East |
Dun Laoghaire |
Cabinteely |
|
DMR East |
Dun Laoghaire |
Kill O Grange |
|
DMR South |
Crumlin |
Sundrive |
|
DMR South |
Terenure |
Terenure |
|
DMR West |
Blanchardstown |
Cabra |
|
DMR North |
Coolock |
Malahide |
|
DMR North |
Ballymun |
Santry |
|
DMR North |
Raheny |
Howth |
|
DMR South Central |
Donnybrook |
Donnybrook |
Table B lists the ten Garda stations identified within the Dublin metropolitan region which will have their public opening hours reduced in 2012 from a 24 hours service to being open between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. only.
Does the Minister take independent advice apart from that given by the Garda Commissioner when he recommends station closures? Does he take advice from people in his party who are local representatives or from local community organisations? One of the stations that will be closed is Mulranny Garda station in my constituency of County Mayo, which is also the Taoiseach's constituency. It is a small village but the opening of the Great Western Greenway will put some 50,000 people per year through the village. The Garda Commissioner, however, with the Minister's approval, has closed the Garda station. With this extra volume of people - I hope there will be many more - concern is being expressed in the community about the loss of the Garda station which is now open for two hours a day. This does not make sense to the people of Mulranny. One might have made an argument for the closure of the station three years ago, before the Great Western Greenway was developed, but not now. The same could apply all over the country. Does the Minister take independent soundings before he brings the argument in favour of closing Garda stations to the Cabinet?
This is a management issue for the Garda Commissioner. It is something that can be the subject of a conversation between us, but the Garda Commissioner has a statutory function in this regard. It would not be appropriate, therefore, for the Minister to designate or identify particular stations for closure.
The Deputy has made the case for closure. He is talking about a Garda station that is only open for two hours a day. Many police stations are in place for historical reasons; there was no overall policing strategy. They were built before all the modern systems of technology became available and before we had internal Garda communications systems or mobile phones. They date back to a time when there were not many cars on the road. If we are to provide an effective policing service, we must do it using modern technology and communications systems.
It is difficult to argue that a Garda station that is open for only two hours a day plays a major security role for any local community. What is important is that the local gardaí in the overall district know the areas of difficulty and are able to respond when an incident occurs or to prevent one occurring.
The Minister does not get it. He does not understand this is not just a security issue. He is living in Dublin. Any Dublin Deputy will not understand that more than security is at stake. In a village to which 50,000 people are brought every year there may be a greater need for security, although we hope not.
Extra information is available with which the Minister should be provided by the Commissioner independently. I accept that the Minister does not wish to involve himself in a management decision. However, he should consider independent views.
72Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he is satisfied with the current practice by coroners in relation to the reporting of suicide; if there is a need for a review of our coroner’s service; his plans to review the legislation governing the practice of coroners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6510/12]
View answerUnder the Coroners Act 1962, a coroner is an independent officeholder with responsibility under law for the medico-legal investigations of the circumstances of sudden, unexplained, violent and unnatural deaths. Regrettably, there is an increasing number of cases in society that involve suicide and fall to be investigated by coroners. In the conduct of that investigation I am mindful that coroners bear a heavy duty in reaching the verdict of suicide. However, a coroner must be sure as to the cause of death. He or she cannot rush to a judgment, even though on first consideration the conclusion of suicide may be very much apparent. In that regard, I am satisfied that appropriate verdicts in relation to suicide are being recorded.
Coroners must ensure a proper public investigation is seen to take place in order to reassure the public as to the cause of death in all cases of reportable death. I am aware that it is the practice of coroners to be especially sensitive in so far as possible to the needs of families in the handling of all inquests, particularly so where suicide may be in question. I am aware of the hurt and trauma involved for family members and relatives in all tragic deaths but perhaps especially so in regard to suicide.
In regard to suicide, preventive measures and interventions can assist a person in distress from taking that very final step. In that regard, I pay tribute to the Deputy's work on behalf of Pieta House.
The Coroners Bill 2007 is before the Seanad, having been restored to the Order Paper on my initiative. The Bill is in the course of being reviewed in my Department with a view, among other matters, to making it as cost-effective as possible. As published, it provides for the comprehensive reform of existing legislative structures relating to coroners and the establishment of a new Coroner Service. It incorporates many of the recommendations made by the coroners review group in 2000 and the coroners rules committee in 2003 and aims to fulfil various obligations placed on the State by the European Convention on Human Rights, particularly the Article 2 requirement in relation to the investigation of deaths of persons involving the State. The Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011 provides for some early reforms in coronial matters, including an amalgamation of the Dublin county and city coronial districts. It is my hope to progress the Coroners Bill before the end of the year.
I thank the Minister for his kind comments. I am pleased that there is greater debate across the floor of the House on the issue of suicide and the need for increased resources for suicide prevention measures. The Coroner Service is at the heart of my question. Is the Minister aware that there is no consistency among coroners when it comes to reporting deaths by suicide? Is he aware that the coroner in County Roscommon, for example, will not report such deaths? Is he that the profession is well served by the legislation governing the practice of coroners? Coroners should have a facility to prepare people who have to attend a Coroners Court to give evidence when a tragic death takes place, whether by road accident or suicide. A liaison officer should meet family members and those giving evidence to assist and support them through the process. There is a need for a directive from the Minister to establish standard operational procedures whereby coroners could respond in a correct manner in order that there would not be different standards of reporting in different counties.
The Deputy will appreciate that, because of the independence of coroners, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the approach taken by an individual coroner. The duty of a coroner is to accurately record the cause of death and it is crucially important that he or she do so.
In so far as reform is required in this area of the law, the Bill my predecessor published is being reviewed in my Department. The Deputy is welcome to make a contribution to its further development because some aspects need to be amended, while further reforms will be brought forward.
It is important that family members are treated with insight and sensitivity when a death occurs, whether as a result of suicide or otherwise. Services are, of course, available within the HSE to provide assistance and counselling for families who suffer bereavement as a consequence of suicide.
I would welcome the Deputy's contributing to the work we are doing on the Coroners Bill. I would be happy to engage with him in that context.
I thank the Minister. I will be happy to take up his offer to participate in the review.
Written Answers follow Adjournment.
