Written Answers Nos. 1 - 33
12. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans for a specific action plan to address the particular needs of women offenders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39347/12]
View answerI am advised by the Director General that the recently published the Irish Prison Service 3 year Strategic Plan contains a commitment to develop a number of specific strategies for certain categories of prisoners including women offenders. Work is in progress to develop a strategic action plan targeted at meeting the specific needs of female offenders. The two agencies involved, the Irish Prison Service and the Probation Service, are working together to develop a women centred holistic strategy that seeks to address those factors that lead some women to come in contact with the criminal justice system while also seeking to provide better outcomes for those women whom the courts deem that a custodial sanction is warranted. The strategy aims to ensure a more targeted response which takes into consideration the particular issues that pertain to female offending including: the pathways into crime for women may be different to that for men; the profile of women offenders can be different to male; offenders; the nature and range of offences committed by women can be different to those committed by men; female offending can be multifaceted and complex and factors such as poverty, homelessness, mental and physical health, abuse, domestic violence and substance misuse are often significant causal factors for female offending.
The overall aims of the action plan will be to identify and divert those women at risk of a custodial sentence through greater use of community supports and inter-agency co-operation; improve the outcomes for those women in custody; reduce recidivism; strengthen early intervention measures through adopting a co-ordinated, multi-agency approach; and explore the potential of alternatives to custody. The action plan is expected to be finalised by the end of the year. Finally, in line with the recommendations in the Report of the Thornton Hall Project Review Group, the establishment of a group to carry out an all encompassing strategic review of penal policy has just been announced. That group will look at this issue.
13. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 8 of 20 June 2012, the current status of the Garda review of the murder of Fr. Niall Molloy in Clara, County Offaly in July 1985; if he will accede to the request by the family for an independent inquiry into the priest's violent death; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39114/12]
View answerThe examination referred to by the Deputy is ongoing. Since the response to the Deputy of 20 June, the Minister was informed that further potential lines of enquiry have been identified on foot of information brought to the attention of the Garda authorities and that these are now being progressed to a conclusion. As the Minister has indicated previously, upon receipt of a final report from the Commissioner he will review the situation.
The Minister understands that the officers carrying out the examination have met with the family members of the deceased on a number of occasions, including very recently, and that the family was updated on the examination of the issues being undertaken. The Minister fully appreciates the family's continuing concerns regarding these issues, but hopes that the Deputy will agree that, in the first instance, we need to allow the present Garda examination proceed to a conclusion.
14. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to review the judicial appointments system; the timeframe for such a review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39100/12]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that under the Irish Constitution judges are appointed by the President on the advice of the Government. Such appointments are dealt with by the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board which was established pursuant to the Courts and Court Officers Act 1995. Under section 16 of the Act, where a judicial office stands vacant or before a vacancy in a judicial office arises, the Advisory Board submits to the Minister for Justice and Equality the names of the persons whom it recommends for appointment. The Minister then brings the names to Government. Section 17 of the same Act provides that these procedures shall not apply where the Government propose to advise the President to appoint a serving judge.
A review of the current appointment procedure is ongoing and the matter will be considered further on completion. The review is wide-ranging and includes consideration of the following issues: the need to ensure and protect the principle of judicial independence; eligibility for appointment; composition of the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board; the appointments process; accountability in respect of its functioning; and promoting equality and diversity.
Any proposal to revise the current system of judicial appointments would involve amendment of the legislation and would, of course, be a matter for consideration by Government in due course.
15. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the handling of the attempted move of asylum seekers from Lisburn Houses in Galway; and if he will outline his plans in relation to the residents. [39372/12]
View answerThe Reception and Integration Agency of my Department is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers in accordance with the Government policy of direct provision and dispersal. Lisbrook direct provision accommodation centre in Galway is part of RIA's portfolio of direct provision accommodation. RIA made a decision to close the Lisbrook accommodation centre on the expiry of its 18 month contract with its operator. This was done principally for two reasons: to enable RIA to remain on budget this year and subsequent years and a reflection of the fact that the demand for RIA services has fallen sharply. At the end of 2010, RIA was accommodating 6,107 persons. At 9 September, 2012 this figure had reduced to 4,996 persons, a decline of 1,111 persons or 18%. This year alone there has been a drop of 8% in the number of persons in direct provision accommodation.
The decline in 2012 is part of a continuing trend and it should be noted that, in the period 2009 to date, RIA has reduced its accommodation portfolio from 60 centres to 36. In relation to budgetary issues, RIA like all Department of Justice and Equality bodies must operate in a significantly lower financial envelope and cannot countenance an overspend or the continuation of contracts which may no longer be required. In this context it should be noted that the actual budget of RIA declined by €28 million in the period 2008 to 2012.
In the light of representations received primarily expressing concern about the dislocation of school-going children, the Minister has directed that the background circumstance of the decision to close the centre be re-considered. Therefore, arrangements for the transfer of residents from Lisbrook accommodation centre have been suspended, pending further consideration of a number of issues, including the impact on school children of such a closure, as well as the broader financial restrictions within which RIA must operate, as well as the need for it to manage its diminishing budget efficiently in the current critical economic situation.
As part of any planned accommodation centre closure, RIA does work to retain as many families as possible in the same catchment area for schools, and for those residents who are linked to critical medical services locally. This practice was underway at Lisbrook as part of any planned closure. The review exercise now being undertaken on the non-renewal of the contract is aimed at striking a balance between budget realities and the reasonable need of individuals, families and children, in particular at the start of the school year.
16. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans for Garda numbers by the end of 2012, 2013 and 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39108/12]
View answerAs of the 31 July 2012 there were 13,547 members of the Garda Síochána, along with 911 Reserve Gardaí and over 2,000 civilian staff. As the Deputy will be aware, public expenditure must be reduced to a sustainable level. This means, among other things, reducing expenditure on public service pay, whether by reducing headcount or otherwise. This is particularly so in those public service bodies where pay forms an especially large part of overall expenditure, such as the Garda Síochána where 90% of expenditure is on pay and pensions.
The current and projected Garda budgets will therefore necessitate a significant reduction in Garda expenditure. This will undoubtedly require further reductions in Garda numbers. This has been well known for some time, dating right back to when the last Government was in office and the question of the exact level of the reductions required will depend on the potential for alternative savings which could mitigate the scale of the reduction in head count required. In this context, the Department of Justice and Equality is engaging in consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on this matter and it would not be appropriate to comment further on this at this point in time.
It is important to emphasise that the reduction in Garda strength is being accompanied by real reform which is designed to introduce new efficiencies into the delivery of the policing service. New Garda rosters commenced at the end of April 2012 on a national pilot basis. The new rosters are designed to better match the availability of Gardaí with policing demands at national and local level, while also safeguarding the welfare of members. Steps have also been taken to rationalise the Garda station network, so that the right balance is struck between the optimum number of Garda stations and the most effective deployment of Gardaí on operational duties. These and other reforming measures seek to maximise the efficiency of the Garda Síochána so that, even with reduced strength, an effective policing service will continue to be delivered across the country.
17. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when he will publish his strategic review of penal policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39335/12]
View answerYou may be aware that the establishment of a working group to conduct a strategic review of penal policy has just been announced. The establishment of this group is in line with the recommendations of the Thornton Hall Project Review Group which published its Report last year. The Thornton Group recommended that an all encompassing strategic review of penal policy should be carried out. The Review will examine all aspects of penal policy including prevention, sentencing policies, alternatives to custody, accommodation and regimes, support for reintegration and rehabilitation and the issue of female offenders. I expect the Group to report by mid 2013 and it would be the intention to publish their report.
18. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of asylum seekers residing in direct provision accommodation broken down by location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39328/12]
View answerThe Reception & Integration Agency of my Department is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers while their application for protection in the State is being processed. Since end 2010, the number of persons availing of direct provision services has reduced from 6,107 person to 4,996 persons at 9 September 2012, a drop of 1,111 persons or 18%. There has been an 8% drop in the number of persons in direct provision in 2012 alone. In line with this decline in demand for direct provision accommodation, RIA has reduced the number of bed spaces in its portfolio. Since the beginning of 2009, RIA has reduced the number of direct provision accommodation centres from 60 to 36.
In response to the Deputy's question, I am providing a separate table with the information requested. The Deputy may also wish to know that, on its website: www.ria.gov.ie, RIA publishes monthly statistical information similar to that requested in this PQ. The information contained on the website includes statistics on new applications, country of origin, age profile, family status, duration of stay, dispersal details of asylum seekers, charts and table showing occupancy trends among other information.
RIA Accommodation as at 9th September 2012
|
- |
COUNTY |
LOCATION |
ADDRESS |
CURRENT CONTRACTED CAPACITY |
|
1 |
Clare |
Knockalisheen (*) |
Meelick |
250 |
|
2 |
Cork |
Ashbourne Hse |
Glounthaune |
111 |
|
3 |
Kinsale Road (*) |
Cork City |
275 |
|
|
4 |
Glenvera |
Wellington Road |
110 |
|
|
5 |
Millstreet |
Millstreet |
300 |
|
|
6 |
Clonakilty Lodge |
Clonakilty, Co. Cork |
110 |
|
|
7 |
Donegal |
Cliffview |
Donegal Town |
61 |
|
8 |
Dublin |
Viking Lodge |
Francis Street, Dublin 8 |
55 |
|
9 |
The Towers |
The Ninth Lock, Clondalkin, D. 22 |
250 |
|
|
10 |
Georgian Court |
77-79 Lower Gardiner St. Dublin 2 |
110 |
|
|
11 |
Staircase |
21 Aungier Street, Dublin 2 |
33 |
|
|
12 |
Hatch Hall |
28 Lower Hatch Street, Dublin 1 |
175 |
|
|
13 |
Galway |
Eglinton * ** |
The Proms, Salthill |
200 |
|
14 |
Great Western House |
Eyre Square |
140 |
|
|
15 |
Lisbrook House |
Headford Road, Galway |
284 |
|
|
16 |
Kerry |
Atlas House (Killarney) |
Killarney |
90 |
|
17 |
Atlas House (Tralee) |
Tralee |
90 |
|
|
18 |
Johnston Marina |
Tralee |
90 |
|
|
19 |
Park Lodge |
Killarney |
55 |
|
|
20 |
Kildare |
Eyrepowell |
Newbridge |
90 |
|
21 |
Laois |
Montague |
Emo, Portlaoise |
180 |
|
22 |
Limerick |
Hanratty's |
Glentworth Street, Limerick |
118 |
|
23 |
Westbourne |
Dock Road |
90 |
|
|
24 |
Mount Trenchard |
Foynes, Co. Limerick |
70 |
|
|
25 |
Mayo |
The Old Convent |
Ballyhaunis |
297 |
|
26 |
Meath |
Mosney |
Mosney |
600 |
|
27 |
Monaghan |
St. Patrick's |
Monaghan |
200 |
|
28 |
Sligo |
Globe House |
Chapel Hill |
190 |
|
29 |
Tipp. South |
Bridgewater House |
Carrick-On-Suir |
120 |
|
30 |
Waterford |
Atlantic House |
Tramore, Co. Waterford |
65 |
|
31 |
Ocean View |
Tramore, Co. Waterford |
60 |
|
|
32 |
Birchwood |
Ballytruckle Road |
148 |
|
|
33 |
Viking House |
Coffee House Lane |
90 |
|
|
34 |
Westmeath |
Athlone ** |
Athlone |
300 |
19. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of illegal money lenders being brought to the attention of the Financial Services Regulator; the number that have been brought to the attention of the Gardaí; and the number being prosecuted. [37875/12]
View answerOffences relating to illegal money lending are currently provided for in Part VIII of the Consumer Credit Act 1995. Persons who engage in money lending and who do not hold the necessary licence granted by the Central Bank are committing an offence under section 98 of the Act, which provides for a prohibition on engaging in the business of money lending without a licence. A person who is found guilty of an offence under the Act is liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding €3,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or both, or on conviction on indictment, to a fine not exceeding €100,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or both.
I am informed that the latest available figures provided by the Courts Service indicate that no prosecutions for such an offence have been recorded over the past seven years. However, the Minister has been informed by the Garda authorities that where offences under section 98 are disclosed, and are reported to An Garda Síochána, the matter will be the subject of investigation under the direction of the local District Officer, with relevant expert assistance available from the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation. The Minister has also been informed by the Garda authorities that their records indicate that no proceedings have been recorded for offences relating to the Consumer Credit Act 1995 for the period 2009 to date.
The Minister would therefore encourage those who may have information concerning the operation of unlicensed money lenders in particular circumstances to make that information available to An Garda Síochána who will take all measures open to them to enforce the law in this area. With regard to the number of illegal money lenders being brought to the attention of the Financial Services Regulator, the Regulator does not operate under the auspices of the Minister's Department and, accordingly, this is a matter which would be more appropriately addressed to the Minister for Finance.
20. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which Garda strength and the operation of various Garda stations throughout the country continues to be monitored with particular reference to the need to ensure the retention of the maximum spread and location of Garda stations and personnel to ensure the adequacy of the authorities to deal with modern criminality with particular reference to the need to have a strong and visible presence in both urban and rural areas given the mobility of modern criminal elements to locate where a Garda presence is needed; if he will ensure that any revision or reorganisation of structures will have due regard for such fundamental issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39325/12]
View answerThe Garda Commissioner is committed to introducing reforms and efficiencies in the Garda Síochána with the objective of continuing to deliver an effective policing service within current budgetary constraints. New Garda rosters have been introduced, better matching the availability of Gardaí with policing demands. The Garda station network is being rationalised so as to strike the right balance between the optimum number of Garda stations and the most effective deployment of Gardaí on operational duties. New efficiencies are being introduced in the organisation of Garda Districts. In developing these and other reforms, and in the day-to-day management of the Force, the Garda Commissioner and senior Garda management are of course carefully monitoring the level, trend and distribution of crime.
21. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the protection regime in St. Patrick's Institution, Dublin, which can see children locked up for up to 23 hours a day with little access to education, physical activity and association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33341/12]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that on 18 September, 2012, there were 28 prisoners aged 17 detained in St Patrick's Institution and of these 2 prisoners were subject to a restricted regime. Persons under protective custody (Rule 63) must be interviewed and reviewed by prison management each month. The findings and comments of the prisoners are recorded each and every month along with the decision of the Governor and the reasons why this rule is being applied. Every effort is made to ensure that those prisoners who cannot associate freely with the general prison population have the greatest possible access to services. The Deputy will appreciate the overriding responsibility that the Prison Service has in relation to the provision of safe and secure custody and that there are a small number of prisoners who must serve their sentence or part thereof without contact from other prisoners for very specific reasons.
22. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will ensure that there will be no further closures of Garda stations in view of the fact that 39 have already been closed in the past year and other stations have had significantly reduced operating hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39079/12]
View answer24. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to close Garda stations; the number of closures; the stations that will be closed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39113/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 24 together.
The Garda Commissioner is currently engaged in an assessment of the potential for improved efficiencies in the structure and organisation of the Garda Síochána as part of the preparation of the draft policing plan for 2013, which under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 is due to be submitted to me by the end of October this year. While I expect that the policing plan for 2013 will contain proposals for the further rationalisation of Garda stations and Districts, it would be premature, in advance of its submission, to speculate on specific measures which it might contain.
23. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will consider increasing the period of permissible Garda detention when dealing with white collar crimes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39244/12]
View answerPersons suspected of involvement in white collar crime may be detained under section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 for up to 24 hours (excluding night-time rest periods) where this is necessary for the proper investigation of the offence concerned. As the Deputy will be aware the introduction of the Criminal Justice Act 2011 has facilitated more effective use of the detention period under section 4 in the case of complex investigations into white collar crime. It has done so by making it possible for persons arrested and detained for questioning to be released and their detention suspended so that further enquiries can be conducted during the suspension period. While these developments have been of some assistance to the investigating authorities, I am open to making further changes to the law if that is deemed necessary. To that end, I have asked my officials - who are currently undertaking a review of detention powers generally - to specifically consider the position in relation to white collar crime. I expect that the review will be completed before the end of the year and I can assure the Deputy that any necessary changes identified by the review will be prioritised.
25. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the further progress that has been made in white dollar crime investigations into Anglo-Irish Bank; his views on the pace of progress being made; the number of gardaí involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39093/12]
View answerThe Garda Commissioner has advised me that the Garda investigations in relation to Anglo Irish Bank are substantially complete. A number of Garda investigation files have been submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions and in July 2012, following her directions, three persons were charged with several breaches of the Companies Act 1963. Further directions are awaited from the Director of Public Prosecutions in relation to the other strands of the investigation. A full investigation team, comprising 23 members of An Garda Síochána, remains assigned to the investigation to conduct necessary follow up and other enquiries.
Deciding on the initiation of a prosecution or prosecutions is a matter for the independent judgement of the D.P.P., based on the files and all additional information furnished to her. Like everyone else, I am anxious that clarity be brought to these crucial matters as soon as possible. However, what is important now is that nothing be said which would in any way risk the possibility of prejudicing any criminal proceedings which might arise.
26. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will ensure that the current residents of Lisbrook centre, Galway are enabled to remain in residence in view of the serious disruption to their lives that dispersal would mean. [39288/12]
View answerThe Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers in accordance with the Government policy of direct provision and dispersal. In relation to the RIA's decision not to renew the contract for direct provision services at Lisbrook accommodation centre, Galway, the background circumstances relating to that decision are being considered in the light of representations received and bearing in mind the need for RIA to manage its diminishing budget efficiently in the context of the current critical budgetary situation. Arrangements for the transfer of residents from Lisbrook accommodation centre have been suspended, pending further consideration of a number of issues, including the impact on school children of such a closure as well as the broader financial restrictions within which RIA must operate.
27. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the practice of taking into account previous good behaviour, character references and future potential to commit crimes when sentencing convicted criminals; if he has any intentions to introduce legislative reforms in this area [37877/12]
View answerThe Deputy will appreciate that judges are independent in the matter of sentencing as they are in other matters concerning the exercise of judicial functions, subject only to the Constitution and the law. In accordance with this principle, the traditional approach to sentencing is for the Oireachtas to lay down the maximum penalty and for a court, having considered all the circumstances of the case, to impose an appropriate penalty up to that maximum. The court is required to impose a sentence which is proportionate not only to the crime but to the individual offender, in that process identifying where on the sentencing range the particular case should lie and then applying any mitigating factors which may be present.
There are, of course, a small number of situations where statute has created important exceptions to this approach most notably by providing for mandatory sentences for murder and presumptive minimum sentences in the case of certain firearms and drug trafficking offences. As you may already be aware, I announced only yesterday, an all encompassing strategic review of penal policy. I have established a working group to carry out this review in line with the recommendations of the Thornton Hall Project Review Group which published its report last year. The review will examine all aspects of penal policy including sentencing policies. I expect the Group to report by mid 2013 and the intention would be to publish their report. I will give careful consideration to any recommendations of the report when it is received. In advance of the report’s publication, it would be premature to propose any possible legislative changes.
28. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the action needed by the Garda Síochána and the security forces of this State to ensure that the type of funeral that took place in Donaghmede, Dublin, last week which showed a public demonstration by the IRA of the illegal use of weapons does not occur again; the number of gardaí that were involved in policing this event; the pre-planned surveillance; the person who made the decision not to intervene the reasons for same; the cost to the State of such an illegal act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39245/12]
View answer30. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on whether there is adequate legislation in place to ensure that the Gardaí will not tolerate any illegal use of weapons which was demonstrated recently at an IRA funeral in Donaghmede, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39246/12]
View answer31. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the action needed by the Garda Síochána and the security forces of this State to ensure that the type of funeral that took place in Donaghmede, Dublin, last week which showed a public demonstration by the IRA of the illegal use of weapons does not occur again; the number of gardaí that were involved in policing this event; the pre-planned surveillance; the person the decision not to intervene and the reasons for same; the cost to the State of such an illegal act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39247/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 28, 30 and 31 together.
I am sure Deputies will agree that these so-called 'dissident republicans' are no more than criminal terrorists using violence in pursuit of their own, often personal, ends. These groups maintain more than just a nodding acquaintance with organised criminals in funding themselves and their activities. Indeed, these paramilitaries are deeply involved in criminal activities. Countering the threat from terrorists has always been a priority for the Garda Síochána and nothing has changed in that regard. Despite the positive developments there have been in recent years in the North, the Gardaí have never let up in their efforts to counteract these groups.
For obvious reasons I will not comment on details of Garda operational matters nor on security related measures. Nevertheless in relation to the incidents mentioned by the Deputies, it must be accepted that the Garda members present, in taking appropriate operational decisions had, above all else, a particular responsibility to ensure the safety of the public in what was a crowded environment. The possibility that there may have been an effort to provoke the Gardaí into taking action with a view to generating public disorder and greater publicity for those involved, cannot be discounted. We should not underestimate the difficulties faced on the ground by Gardaí dealing with this type of situation and it is all too easy for people who do not have to make these decisions to say what should or should not have been done.
As the Deputy will now be aware, the Garda Commissioner has set up a dedicated operation, “Operation Ambience”. As a result, numerous searches were conducted of various locations in Dublin and surrounding counties and a substantial number of arrests were also made. Three people have been charged with membership of an unlawful organisation under the Offences Against the State Act and Garda inquiries into the matter are ongoing.
I am strongly committed to ensuring that the Gardaí have the necessary resources they need, not just in terms of manpower and equipment, but also in terms of legislative provisions, to bear down on these so-called dissident groups. As recently as last June, I obtained the approval of the Oireachtas to renew certain provisions of the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act 1998. These provisions include those of directing an unlawful organisation, unlawful collection of information and training in the use of firearms. I should mention, specifically, that firearms legislation contains very heavy penalties in relation to the illegal use of firearms.
29. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide details of the number of armed robberies in each county for each of the years 2009, 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012; and his plans to resource gardaí to combat these in future. [39336/12]
View answerThe Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. I have requested the CSO to provide relevant statistics directly to the Deputy.
An Garda Síochána's Policing Plan for 2012 reflects the priorities which I have set for the current year and includes as a strategic goal the objective of confronting serious crime in all its forms. The Gardaí employ multi-disciplinary, intelligence-led approaches to ensure the activities and resources of individuals and groups involved in all criminal enterprises, including armed robbery, are effectively targeted. A wide range of legislative powers are in place to support the investigation and detection of serious crime, including by means of covert surveillance, and very serious penalties have been introduced for firearms and organised crime offences.
Serious criminals are being brought before the Courts on a regular basis and substantial sentences handed down. At the present time, the Garda authorities have in place a number of intelligence led operations focusing on violent organised crime groups, as a direct result of which a number of individuals are before the courts charged with serious offences, up to and including murder. I want to restate my appreciation of the efforts of An Garda Síochána to counteract this type of crime and of the many achievements which they have had in this regard. The Gardaí are devoting all the necessary resources to the investigation of the serious crimes referred to by the Deputy and have my full support.
32. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the additional resources he plans to allocate to the Family Court Service in order to deal with any increase in prosecution of child-related offences as a result of mandatory reporting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39333/12]
View answerSeveral pieces of legislation have implications in terms of mandatory reporting of child protection concerns. The Criminal Justice (Withholding of information on offences against children and vulnerable adults) Act 2012 was commenced on 1 August 2012 making it an offence for a person to fail to notify the Garda Síochána if they know or believe that a serious offence has been committed against a child or vulnerable person. Separately, my colleague the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs has announced that she is preparing legislation to place the Children First Guidelines on a statutory basis. Under this proposed legislation organisations and named professionals will have statutory responsibility to report information about abuse or significant neglect to the Health Service Executive.
It is anticipated that any legal cases arising from the reporting requirements under either piece of legislation would likely impact on the criminal court rather than the family courts. It is not envisaged that the legislation will have any significant impact on the caseload of the family court system. I am conscious, however, that increases in referrals would have implications for other services concerned with child protection. The Deputy will be aware that the Government, at its meeting on 17 July 2012, approved, in principle, proposals for reforms to our courts structures which will, in due course, require the holding of a Constitutional referendum. The proposed reforms would, if approved by the People in a referendum, facilitate the establishment of a new separate Family Courts structure.
33. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the measures he has taken in order to reduce the amount of funds being paid to private operators of direct provision accommodation for asylum seekers. [39329/12]
View answerThe Reception & Integration Agency of my Department is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers while their application for protection in the State is being processed. Since end 2010, the number of persons availing of direct provision services has reduced from 6,107 person to 4,996 persons at 9 September 2012, a drop of 1,111 persons or 18%. There has been an 8% drop in the number of persons in direct provision in 2012 alone. In line with this decline in demand for direct provision accommodation, RIA has reduced the number of bed spaces in its portfolio. Since the beginning of 2009, RIA has reduced the number of direct provision accommodation centres from 60 to 36.
Due to the exceptionally difficult state of the national finances and in response to the need for all government departments to achieve reductions in all areas of Government spending, the Department of Justice and Equality has urged all spending areas to reduce its spending and to monitor all expenditure closely. RIA is actively engaged in addressing the efficiencies outlined in the Value for Money & Policy Review of the Asylum Seeker Accommodation Programme (VFM) - primarily that of:
- reducing vacant bed capacity to a maximum of 10%
- preparing for a major procurement project in order to "robustly test" the rates obtained.
The Reception & Integration sought and achieved a reduction in its spending by an overall 6% from April to December 2009 (equivalent to 8% over a full year). These savings continued to be implemented throughout 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012 with rate and bed reductions achieved under this exercise instigated wherever possible in furtherance of the VFM and budgetary objectives while at the same time ensuring that high standards of accommodation and services are maintained. RIA has reduced the number of contracted bed spaces across its portfolio from January 2010 to January 2012 by 30% with further reductions in bed spaces to date in 2012.
In relation to the State-owned centres RIA has monitored closely the cost of utilities – in particular, energy costs at State-owned centres. Since de-regulation of the sector, RIA has actively sought out alternative electricity suppliers. The National Procurement Service (NPS - in OPW) recently completed a new round of contracts in this area and RIA engaged with the selected energy provider to transfer its accounts to that new provider (operating under Energia). In 2011, RIA’s expenditure was €69.5m while in 2012, RIA’s budget allocation is €63.5m and it is anticipated that the RIA will operate within this budget allocation.
