Tuesday, 6 Nov 2012

Written Answers Nos. 784-800

Prisoner Discipline

Questions (784)

Paschal Donohoe

Question:

784. Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will outline the number of prisoners in prisons here who have been subjected to 56 days disciplinary punishment in 2012; and if he will indicate what entitlements are withdrawn during this period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47780/12]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

As the Deputy may be aware Part 3 of the Prisons Act, 2007 provides a basis in primary legislation for disciplinary procedures applicable to prisoners. Section 12 provides for an inquiry to be held by a prison governor if a prisoner is alleged to have committed a breach of discipline. The governor will record the finding and the sanction, or record that the allegation was unsubstantiated. Section 13 lists the sanctions that may be imposed.

Under Section 14, a prisoner who is found by a governor to have committed a breach of prison discipline and on whom a sanction under Section 13 has been imposed, may within 7 days of its imposition, submit a petition to me. I can then either affirm, modify, suspend or revoke the sanction imposed.

Prior to March 2012 the record of each disciplinary inquiry was retained on each individual prisoner file. Therefore, it is not possible to provide the Deputy with the information prior to March as this would require the manual examination of individual records to determine the number who were specifically sanctioned for 56 days. Such an examination would require a disproportionate and inordinate amount of staff time and effort and can not be justified in current circumstances where there are other significant demands on resources.

However, a new Prisoner Information Management System (PIMS) came into operation in all prisons at the beginning of March 2012 and all disciplinary inquiries are now recorded on this system. Accordingly, I can confirm that since the 2nd March 2012 to date a total of 282 prisoners were subjected to a sanction of 56 days loss of privileges as a disciplinary punishment. The entitlements which are withdrawn during this punishment period include all or part of the following; loss of gym facilities, tuck shop, personal phone calls, personal visits excluding family, receiving or sending personal letters and loss of evening recreation.

The Deputy may be aware the Irish Prison Service has recently introduced new Guidelines on the Imposition of Disciplinary Sanctions in Accordance with the Prison Rules 2007 to provide uniformity in the use of disciplinary sanctions and procedures throughout the Irish Prison Service. Under these guidelines prisoners should not lose the right to communicate with their families and the loss of family visits is not employed as a sanction in response to a breach of prison discipline.

Garda Transport Expenditure

Questions (785, 786)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

785. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality in view of the fact that the Garda Representative Association estimate that a one fifth of the Garda fleet amounting to 500 vehicles will need to be replaced by the end of the year and the money proposed to be spent on the Garda fleet will only buy 170 patrol cars, unmarked cars and vans, his plans to make up the shortfall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47817/12]

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

786. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the allocation of Garda cars in rural areas (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47818/12]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I propose to take Questions Nos. 785 and 786 together.

The Deputy will appreciate that the withdrawal of Garda vehicles from service is an on-going process. In the overall context I am very pleased that arrangements have been put in place, with special funding being made available for that purpose, to allow the Garda authorities to purchase a significant number of new vehicles. This has been done at a time of severe budgetary constraints and it represents a substantial investment in Garda transport. I have no doubt that the provision of the additional 170 vehicles, which will be commissioned in December/January, will considerably strengthen the overall effectiveness of the Force in delivering a policing service throughout the country.

The allocation of Garda transport is a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the context of his operational requirements. In turn, at Garda Divisional level, the allocation of Garda vehicles is a matter for the Chief Superintendent who may make and revise arrangements for the deployment of vehicles throughout a Division in response to policing demands. This flexibility in allocating and re-allocating vehicles among stations, so as to best match resources with policing priorities, is crucial to the efficient management of the Garda fleet.

I am assured by the Garda authorities that the deployment of all vehicles is subject to on-going analysis and review to ensure that available resources are allocated throughout the Force to meet policing demands as efficiently as possible, including the policing requirements of rural communities.

Question No. 787 answered with Question No. 772.

Garda Investigations

Questions (788)

James Bannon

Question:

788. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will have the case of a serious injury assault with a chain saw reviewed in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47875/12]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am informed that the incident referred to by the Deputy was fully investigated at the time by members of An Garda Síochána and a file was prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) who directed a prosecution in the case. The case in question was heard before Cavan District Court on the 26th of February 2009 where applications to bind certain individuals to the peace were dismissed. As the Deputy is aware, the DPP and the Courts are independent in the execution of their functions. Accordingly, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the matter.

Decentralisation Programme Staff Transfers

Questions (789)

Denis Naughten

Question:

789. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the decentralisation of the Property Registration Authority offices to Roscommon town will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47899/12]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Deputy should be aware that the offices of the Property Registration Authority (PRA) in Roscommon Town have opened and that 77 staff have been accommodated into the building. I am informed that the PRA is not currently in a position to assign further staff to Roscommon, due to the necessary staff recruitment and promotion restrictions that apply generally as well as to changing business needs and practices of the organisation.

I am further advised that 3 staff from the County Enterprise Board have also been accommodated in this building and that approximately 50 staff will re-locate from the Department of Agriculture and Food to this building in early December 2012.

Garda Investigations

Questions (790)

Dessie Ellis

Question:

790. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the forensic files relating to the attempted bombing of the Widow Scallan's pub and the murder of person (details supplied) will be released for scrutiny to his family. [47946/12]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am informed by the Garda authorities that it is not the practice to provide documentation of the kind outlined by the Deputy, which has been acquired in the course of a criminal investigation.

Missing Children

Questions (791)

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

791. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality in view of the recent abduction and disappearance of children in other jurisdictions, if additional legislation, powers or resources are required to be given to the relevant authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47950/12]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I can advise the Deputy that An Garda Síochána has put in place Child Rescue Ireland (CRI) Alert, to enable the Gardaí seek the assistance of members of the public in circumstances where a child has been abducted and there is a reasonable belief that there is an immediate and serious risk to the health or welfare of a child. The system was launched by myself and the Garda Commissioner on 25 May, 2012, International Missing Children Day.

CRI Alerts may be initiated by an Assistant Commissioner of An Garda Síochána when the following criteria are met: 1. The child is under the age of eighteen years; 2. There is a reasonable belief that the child has been abducted; 3. There is a reasonable belief that there is an immediate and serious risk to the health or welfare of a child; and 4. There is sufficient information available to enable the public to assist An Garda Síochána in locating the child.

The Garda Missing Persons Bureau, which is responsible for all data relating to missing persons, provides expert assistance and advice in all high risk missing persons cases. The Garda authorities are satisfied that adequate resources, including staff and technology, are in place to deal with this issue and investigations are carried out in line with best international practice. The services of Interpol and Europol can also be availed of during such investigations, if necessary.

The relevant legislation relating to abduction in this State is to be found in the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997. Section 16 of the Act provides for an offence of abduction of a child by a parent where it is an offence for a person to take, send or keep a child under the age of 16 years out of the State or cause a child to be so taken in defiance of a court order or without the consent of each person who is a parent, guardian or a person granted custody of the child by a court unless a court has consented. This section does not apply to a parent who is not a guardian of the child. Section 17 of the Act provides for an offence of abduction of a child by other persons, where a person other than a person to whom section 16 applies, intentionally takes or detains a child under 16 years of age or causes such a child to be taken or detained, in order to remove the child from, or keep the child out of, the lawful control of any person having such control. The legislation in this regard is being kept under ongoing review.

Garda Deployment

Questions (792)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

792. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the total number of Gardaí stationed in each district and division for the years 1961, 1971, 1981, 1991, 2001 and 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47961/12]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Deputy will be aware that the Commissioner is responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, throughout the organisation and I have no direct function in the matter. This allocation of resources is constantly monitored in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a District, Divisional and Regional level to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength of An Garda Síochána broken down by District and Division for the years 1961, 1971, 1981 and 1991 is not readily available.

I have however, been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the overall personnel strength of An Garda Síochána on the 31 December for the years 1961, 1971, 1981, 1991, 2001 and 2011 was as set out in the table.

1961	1971	1981	1991	2001	2011
6,640	6,703	9,933	10,776	11,815	13,894

In addition, the personnel strength broken down by Station, District and Division for the years 2001 and 2011 was as set out in the table.

Region/Division/District	Strength 31/12/01	Region/Division/District	Strength 31/12/2011
D.M.R.South Central		D.M.R.South Central
District "A"		District "A"
Kevin St.	117	Kevin St.	153
Kilmainham	76	Kilmainham	74
District "B"		District "B"
Pearse St	216	Pearse St	255
Harcourt Tce.	80	Harcourt Tce.	79
District "E"		District "E"
Donnybrook	116	Donnybrook	122
Irishtown	54	Irishtown	52
TOTAL	659	TOTAL	735
D.M.R. North Central		D.M.R. North Central
District "C"		District "C"
Store St.	228	Store St.	274
District "D"		D/Dock Immigration	6
Bridewell	155	District "D"
Fixed Penalty Office		Bridewell	167
District "U"		Fixed Penalty Office	0
Fitzgibbon St.	112	District "U"
Mountjoy	77	Fitzgibbon St.	113
TOTAL	572	Mountjoy	100
D.M.R.South		TOTAL	660
District "G"		D.M.R.South
Crumlin	86	District "G"
Sundrive Rd.	58	Crumlin	102
District "M"		Sundrive Rd.	71
Rathfarnham	67	District "M"
Tallaght	159	Rathfarnham	73
District "P"		Tallaght	194
Rathmines	81	District "P"
Terenure	66	Rathmines	66
TOTAL	517	Terenure	99
D.M.R.North		TOTAL	605
District "H"		D.M.R.North
Santry	83	District "H"
Whitehall	40	Ballymun	113
Ballymun	64	Dublin Airport	33
Dublin Airport	58	Santry	81
District "R"		Whitehall	44
Coolock	85	District "R"
Malahide	43	Coolock	117
Swords	54	Malahide	35
District "J"		Swords	77
Raheny	61	District "J"
Clontarf	60	Clontarf	77
Howth	39	Howth	39
District "Y"		Raheny	68
Balbriggan	32	District "Y"
Skerries	11	Balbriggan	70
Lusk	4	Garristown	3
Rush	5	Lusk	6
Garristown	3	Rush	5
TOTAL	587	Skerries	11
D.M.R.West		TOTAL	779
District "K"		D.M.R.West
Blanchardstown	124	District "K"
Cabra	76	Blanchardstown	186
Finglas	78	Cabra	75
District "Q"		Finglas	120
Lucan	75	District "Q"
Leixlip	18	Lucan	72
Ronanstown	66	Ronanstown	97
District "L"		District "L"
Ballyfermot	75	Ballyfermot	96
Clondalkin	66	Clondalkin	98
Rathcoole	23	Rathcoole	27
TOTAL	601	TOTAL	771
D.M.R.East	-	D.M.R.East	-
District "F"	-	District "F"	-
Dun Laoghaire	109	Cabinteeley	38
Dalkey	23	Dalkey	31
Kill-O-Grange	33	Dun Laoghaire	104
Cabinteeley	41	Kill-O-Grange	29
District "N"	-	Shankhill	57
Bray	77	District "W"	-
Enniskerry	6	Blackrock	91
Shankhill	48	Dundrum	73
Greystones	26	Stepaside	29
District "W"	-	TOTAL	452
Blackrock	74	Eastern Region	-
Dundrum	62	Louth	-
Stepaside	37	District: Drogheda	-
TOTAL	536	Clougherhead	4
Eastern Region	-	Drogheda	98
Louth/Meath	-	Dunleer	5
District: Drogheda	-	District: Ardee	-
Drogheda	89	Ardee	28
Castlebellingham	4	Castlebellingham	4
Clougherhead	3	Collon	7
Dunleer	3	Louth	1
Laytown	8	District: Dundalk	-
District: Dundalk	-	Blackrock	5
Dundalk	99	Carlingford	6
Carlingford	3	Dromad	6
Hackballscross	14	Dundalk	130
Dromad	14	Hackballscross	6
Omeath	13	Omeath	5
Louth	2	TOTAL	305
Blackrock	4	Meath	-
District: Kells	-	District: Kells	-
Kells	33	Athboy	3
Crossakeel	1	Crossakeel	1
Athboy	5	Kells	54
Oldcastle	4	Oldcastle	3
Nobber	3	District: Trim	-
District: Trim	-	Ballivor	3
Trim	25	Enfield	7
Kilmessan	1	Kilmessan	1
Summerhill	2	Longwood	2
Longwood	0	Summerhill	3
Enfield	19	Trim	31
Ballivor	2	District: Ashbourne	-
District: Ashbourne	-	Ashbourne	47
Ashbourne	36	Dunboyne	13
Dunboyne	16	Dunshaughlin	21
Dunshaughlin	11	District: Navan	-
Kilcock	6	Navan	76
District: Navan	-	Nobber	4
Navan	44	Slane	4
Ardee	9	District: Laytown	-
Collon	3	Duleek	4
Duleek	4	Laytown	25
Slane	4	TOTAL	302
TOTAL	484	Kildare	-
Carlow/Kildare	-	District: Naas	-
District: Naas	-	Ballymore Eustace	2
Naas	76	Clane	11
Celbridge	19	Kilcullen	2
Clane	6	Kill	2
Kill	3	Naas	101
Maynooth	14	Robertstown	6
District: Kildare	-	District: Kildare	-
Kildare	29	Athy	31
Robertstown	3	Ballytore	2
Kilcullen	3	Castledermot	3
Monasterevan	3	Kildare	26
Newbridge	30	Monasterevan	5
Rathangan	2	Newbridge	47
Carbury/Derrinturn	2	Rathangan	3
District: Carlow	-	District: Leixlip	-
Carlow	46	Carbury/Derrinturn	4
Leighlinbridge	1	Celbridge	17
Ballon	1	Kilcock	9
Myshall	1	Leixlip	34
Muinebheag	7	Maynooth	13
Athy	18	TOTAL	318
Castledermot	1	Laois/Offaly	-
District: Baltinglass	-	District: Portlaoise	-
Baltinglass	23	Clonaslee	1
Blessington	14	Mountmellick	6
Dunlavin	1	Mountrath	3
Hollywood	1	Portarlington	14
Donard	1	Portlaoise	101
Shillelagh	1	Stradbally	2
Tinahely	2	District: Abbeyleix	-
Hacketstown	2	Abbeyleix	24
Rathvilly	1	Arles	2
Ballymore Eustace	1	Ballacolla	1
Tullow	8	Ballinakill	1
Ballytore	1	Ballylinan	3
TOTAL	321	Borris-On-Ossory	1
Laois/Offaly	-	Durrow	2
District: Portlaoise	-	Rathdowney	4
Portlaoise	99	District: Birr	-
Mountmellick	6	Banagher	5
Mountrath	3	Birr	29
Portarlington	9	Cloghan	1
Stradbally	3	Ferbane	5
Clonaslee	3	Kilcormac	2
District: Abbeyleix	-	Kinnitty	1
Abbeyleix	25	Shannonbridge	1
Ballacolla	1	Shinrone	2
Durrow	2	District: Tullamore	-
Rathdowney	3	Clara	5
Ballylinan	3	Clonbologue	1
Arles	1	Daingean	2
Ballinakill	1	Edenderry	12
Borris-On-Ossory	1	Geashill	0
District: Birr	-	Rhode	2
Birr	24	Tullamore	71
Banagher	6	TOTAL	304
Cloghan	1	Westmeath	-
Ferbane	5	District: Mullingar	-
Kilcormac	2	Ballynacargy	2
Kinnitty	2	Castlepollard	4
Shinrone	2	Castletowngeoghegan	1
Shannonbridge	1	Delvin	16
Lorrha	2	Finea	1
District: Tullamore	-	Killucan	5
Tullamore	45	Kinnegad	5
Clara	7	Mullingar	123
Clonbologue	1	Multyfarnham	1
Daingean	3	Rathowen	1
Edenderry	14	Rochfortbridge	4
Rhode	1	District: Athlone	-
Geashill	1	Athlone	66
TOTAL	277	Ballinahown	1
Longford/Westmeath	-	Ballymore	1
District: Mullingar	-	Glasson	2
Mullingar	73	Kilbeggan	5
Killucan	2	Moate	17
Kinnegad	6	TOTAL	255
Rochfortbridge	3	Carlow/Kilkenny
Castletowngeoghegan	1	District: Carlow	-
Delvin	3	Ballon	1
District: Athlone	-	Borris	2
Athlone	49	Carlow	77
Ballinahown	1	Hacketstown	1
Ballymore	1	Leighlinbridge	2
Glasson	1	Muinebheag	12
Kilbeggan	3	Myshall	1
Moate	4	Rathvilly	1
Ballymahon	3	Tullow	17
District: Longford	-	District: Kilkenny	-
Longford	33	Ballyragget	1
Ardagh	1	Callan	6
Drumlish	1	Castlecomer	14
Kenagh	1	Freshford	1
Newtowncashel	1	Johnstown	2
Lanesboro	7	Kilkenny	98
Tarmonbarry	1	Urlingford	1
District: Granard	-	District: Thomastown	-
Granard	26	Ballyhale	1
Ballinalee	1	Bennetsbridge	1
Edgeworthstown	4	Glenmore	0
Smear	1	Goresbridge	2
Ballynacargy	2	Graiguenamanagh	5
Castlepollard	3	Inistioge	0
Multyfarnham	2	Kilmacow	1
Rathowen	1	Kilmoganny	1
TOTAL	235	Mooncoin	14
South Eastern Region	-	Mullinavat	1
Wicklow/Wexford	-	Piltown	1
District: Wexford	-	Stoneyford	1
Wexford	70	Thomastown	38
Taghmon	3	TOTAL	303
Baldwinstown	0	Roscommon/Longford	-
Castlebridge	1	District: Boyle	-
Kilmore Quay	2	Boyle	25
Glynn	1	Cootehall	0
Rosslare Strand	2	Elphin	1
Rosslare Pier	10	Keadue	1
District: Gorey	-	Roosky	3
Gorey	42	Strokestown	3
Bunclody	4	Tarmonbarry	2
Courtown Harbour	4	District: Castlerea
Arklow	25	Ballaghaderreen	8
Carnew	1	Ballinlough	2
District: Enniscorthy	-	Ballintubber	0
Enniscorthy	32	Castlerea	33
Blackwater	6	Frenchpark	2
Ferns	2	Loughglynn	0
Kiltealy	1	Tulsk	1

Region/Division/District	Strength 31/12/01	Region/Division/District	Strength 31/12/2011
D.M.R.South Central	-	D.M.R.South Central	-

Oylegate	1	District: Granard	-
Oulart	0	Ardagh	1
Clonroche	2	Ballinalee	1
District: New Ross	-	Drumlish	2
New Ross	32	Edgeworthstown	8
Ballycullane	2	Granard	28
Carrick-On-Bannow	1	Smear	1
Duncannon	2	District: Longford	-
Carrickbyrne	2	Ballymahon	6
Campile	2	Kenagh	1
District: Wicklow	-	Lanesboro	6
Wicklow	40	Longford	60
Ashford	1	Newtowncashel	1
Rathdrum	4	District: Roscommon	-
Newtownmountkennedy	4	Athleague	1
Avoca	3	Ballyforan	1
Roundwood	4	Clonark	7
Aughrim	2	Knockcroghery	1
TOTAL	308	Roscommon	79
Waterford/Kilkenny	-	Taughmaconnell	1
District: Waterford	-	TOTAL	286
Waterford	130	South Eastern Region	-
Dunmore East	3	Wexford	-
Ferrybank	6	District: Wexford	-
Passage East	1	Baldwinstown	1
Mooncoin	2	Castlebridge	2
Glenmore	1	Glynn	1
Kilmacow	1	Kilmore Quay	2
District: Dungarvan	-	Rosslare Pier	6
Dungarvan	36	Rosslare Strand	2
Cappoquin	2	Taghmon	3
Tallow	3	Wexford	92
Ballymacarberry	2	District: Gorey	-
Aglish	0	Bunclody	8
Ring	2	Courtown Harbour	4
Lismore	4	Gorey	50
District: Tramore	-	District: Enniscorthy	-
Tramore	28	Blackwater	3
Kill	1	Clonroche	2
Kilmacthomas	3	Enniscorthy	40
Kilmeaden	2	Ferns	3
Portlaw	3	Kiltealy	1
Rathgormack	1	Oulart	1
Leamybrien	1	Oylegate	2
District: Kilkenny	-	District: New Ross	-
Kilkenny	66	Ballycullane	2
Freshford	1	Ballywilliam	0
Callan	4	Campile	1
Castlecomer	7	Carrickbyrne	2
Ballyragget	1	Carrick-On-Bannow	1
District: Thomastown	-	Duncannon	4
Thomastown	20	New Ross	40
Goresbridge	0	TOTAL	273
Bennetsbridge	2	Wicklow	-
Graiguenamanagh	6	District: Baltinglass	-
Stonyford	1	Baltinglass	37
Ballyhale	1	Blessington	17
Inistioge	1	Carnew	4
Kilmoganny	1	Donard	1
Mullinavat	1	Dunlavin	2
Borris	2	Hollywood	1
TOTAL	346	Shillelagh	1
Tipperary	-	Tinahely	2
District: Thurles	-	District: Bray	-
Thurles	62	Bray	125
Ballingarry South	1	Enniskerry	6
Holycross	2	Greystones	35
Killenaule	3	Newtownmountkennedy	4
Ballinure	1	District: Wicklow	-
Johnstown	2	Arklow	33
Urlingford	2	Ashford	11
Littleton	1	Aughrim	2
G.C.V.U.	N/A	Avoca	2
District: Clonmel	-	Rathdrum	5
Clonmel	40	Roundwood	4
Kilsheelan	1	Wicklow	47
Mullinahone	2	TOTAL	339
Grangemockler	1	Tipperary	-
Fethard	3	District: Thurles	-
Carrick-On-Suir	16	Ballingarry South	2
Piltown	2	Ballinure	0
District: Cahir	-	G.C.V.U.	NA
Cahir	25	Holycross	0
Ardfinnan	2	Killenaule	4
Ballyporeen	1	Littleton	1
New Inn	1	Thurles	74
Cashel	12	District: Clonmel	-
Clogheen	1	Carrick-On-Suir	16
District: Nenagh	-	Clonmel	52
Nenagh	29	Fethard	3
Ballingarry North	1	Grangemockler	1
Borrisokane	6	Kilsheelan	1
Cloughjordan	2	Mullinahone	1
Dolla	1	District: Cahir	-
Portroe	2	Ardfinnan	2
Toomevara	1	Ballyporeen	1
Terryglass/Ballinderry	1	Cahir	42
District: Templemore	-	Cashel	14
Templemore	25	Clogheen	1
Templetuohy	1	New Inn	1
Roscrea	18	District: Nenagh	-
Moyne	2	Ballingarry North	0
Templederry	2	Borrisokane	6
Borrisoleigh	1	Cloughjordan	1
Shevry	1	Dolla	0
Moneygall	1	Lorrha	1
District: Tipperary Town	-	Nenagh	38
Tipperary Town	28	Newport	11
Dundrum	1	Portroe	1
Emly	1	Terryglass/Ballinderry	0
Golden	1	Toomevara	2
Cappawhite	2	District: Templemore	-
Bansha	2	Borrisoleigh	2
Oola	1	Moneygall	1
Doon	1	Moyne	1
Galbally	1	Rearcross	1
TOTAL	313	Roscrea	19
Southern Region	-	Shevry	0
Cork City	-	Templederry	0
District: Anglesea Street	-	Templemore	40
Anglesea Street	208	Templetuohy	1
Barrack Street	24	District: Tipperary Town	-
Bridewell	30	Bansha	1
Blackrock	29	Cappawhite	0
District: Gurranabraher	-	Dundrum	1
Gurranabraher	44	Emly	1
Blarney	15	Golden	1
Ballincollig	21	Tipperary Town	31
Rathduff	2	TOTAL	376
District: Mayfield	-	Waterford	-
Mayfield	35	District: Dungarvan	-
McCurtain Street	35	Aglish	1
Watercourse Road	31	Ardmore	2
Mallow Road	6	Ballyduff	1
District: Togher	-	Ballymacarberry	1
Togher	53	Cappoquin	2
Douglas	23	Dungarvan	46
Bishopstown	25	Lismore	4
Carrigaline	17	Ring	1
Passage West	5	Tallow	3
Crosshaven	2	District: Tramore	-
TOTAL	605	Kill	1
Cork North	-	Kilmacthomas	5
District: Fermoy	-	Kilmeaden	1
Fermoy	44	Leamybrien	1
Mitchelstown	17	Portlaw	2
Ballynoe	2	Rathgormack	1
Kilworth	1	Stradbally	-
Kildorrery	2	Tramore	36
Castletownroche	3	District: Waterford	-
Rathcormack	2	Dunmore East	3
Ballyduff	2	Ferrybank	6
District: Cobh	-	Passage East	1
Cobh	30	Waterford	172
Carrig na Bhfear	2	TOTAL	290
Carrigtwohill	3	Southern Region	-
Glanmire	15	Cork City	-
Watergrasshill	2	District: Anglesea Street	-
Glenville	1	Anglesea Street	274
District: Midleton	-	Barrack Street	22
Midleton	35	Blackrock	29
Ardmore	2	Bridewell	24
Ballycotton	2	District: Gurranabraher	-
Cloyne	1	Ballincollig	25
Youghal	23	Blarney	17
Whitegate	3	Gurranabraher	55
Killeagh	4	Rathduff	2
District: Mallow	-	District: Mayfield	-
Mallow	31	Mallow Road	5
Buttevant	2	Mayfield	53
Doneraile	2	McCurtain Street	0
Milford	2	Watercourse Road	52
Charleville	15	District: Togher	-
Glantane	1	Bishopstown	24
Liscarroll	1	Carrigaline	20
TOTAL	250	Crosshaven	3
Cork West	-	Douglas	27
District: Bandon	-	Passage West	3
Bandon	68	Togher	55
Ballineen	2	TOTAL	690
Ballinhassig	2	Cork North	-
Ballinspittle	0	District: Fermoy	-
Ballyfeard	1	Ballynoe	1
Innishannon	1	Castletownroche	2
Kilbrittan	1	Fermoy	56
Kinsale	12	Kildorrery	1
Timoleague	1	Kilworth	2
District: Bantry	-	Mitchelstown	23
Bantry	24	Rathcormack	1
Adrigole	1	District: Cobh	-
Ballydehob	1	Carrig na Bhfear	1
Castletownbere	5	Carrigtwohill	3
Drimoleague	1	Cobh	38
Durrus	1	Glanmire	22
Glengarrif	2	Glenville	1
Goleen	1	Watergrasshill	1
Kealkil	1	District: Midleton	-
Schull	4	Ballycotton	1
District: Clonakilty	-	Cloyne	1
Clonakilty	21	Killeagh	1
Ballygurteen	1	Midleton	51
Baltimore	1	Whitegate	1
Castletownsend	1	Youghal	24
Drinagh	1	District: Mallow	-
Dunmanway	4	Buttevant	1
Roscarbery	2	Charleville	17
Skibereen	9	Doneraile	2
District: Kanturk	-	Glantane	1
Kanturk	25	Liscarroll	1
Ballydesmond	1	Mallow	49
Boherbue	1	Milford	2
Knocknagree	1	TOTAL	304
Meelin	1	Cork West	-
Millstreet	6	District: Bandon	-
Newmarket	4	Ballineen	2
Rathmore	2	Ballinhassig	2
District: Macroom	-	Ballinspittle	0
Macroom	25	Ballyfeard	1
Ballingeary	1	Bandon	84
Ballyvourney	2	Innishannon	1
Coachford	2	Kilbrittan	1
Crookstown	4	Kinsale	15
Inchigeela	1	Timoleague	1
Stuake	2	District: Bantry	-
Tarelton	1	Adrigole	1
TOTAL	248	Ballydehob	0
Kerry	-	Bantry	35
District: Tralee	-	Castletownbere	4
Tralee	85	Drimoleague	1
Ardfert	2	Durrus	1
Fenit	1	Glengarrif	1
Abbeydorney	1	Goleen	1
Dingle	9	Kealkil	1
Clochan	1	Schull	4
Castlegregory	2	District: Clonakilty	-
Annascaul	1	Ballygurteen	0
Ballyferriter	1	Baltimore	1
Camp	1	Castletownsend	0
District: Caherciveen	-	Clonakilty	28
Caherciveen	20	Drinagh	1
Ballinskelligs	1	Dunmanway	9
Valentia Island	1	Roscarbery	2
Glenbeigh	3	Skibereen	10
Portmagee	1	District: Kanturk	-
Killorglin	9	Ballydesmond	0
Waterville	2	Boherbue	1
Sneem	2	Kanturk	33
Castlemaine	1	Knocknagree	1
District: Killarney	-	Meelin	1
Killarney	48	Millstreet	9
Kilgarvan	1	Newmarket	3
Kenmare	6	Rathmore	1
Castleisland	10	District: Macroom	-
Farranfore	2	Ballingeary	1
Barraduff	1	Ballyvourney	3

Region/Division/District	Strength 31/12/01	Region/Division/District	Strength 31/12/2011
D.M.R.South Central	-	D.M.R.South Central	-

Beaufort	1	Coachford	2
Lauragh	1	Crookstown	5
District: Listowel		Inchigeela	1
Listowel	30	Macroom	42
Ballyheigue	2	Stuake	1
Ballylongford	1	Tarelton	1
Ballybunion	8	TOTAL	312
Ballyduff	2	Kerry	-
Brosna	1	District: Tralee	-
Knocknagoshall	1	Abbeydorney	1
Lixnaw	2	Annascaul	1
Moyvane	1	Ardfert	2
Tarbert	1	Ballyferriter	1
TOTAL	263	Camp	1
Limerick	-	Castlegregory	2
District: Henry Street	-	Clochan	1
Henry St	181	Dingle	10
Mary St	5	Fenit	1
Castleconnell	4	Tralee	109
Ardnacrusha	3	District: Caherciveen	-
Mayorstone Pk.	39	Ballinskelligs	1
District: Roxboro Road	-	Caherciveen	21
Roxboro Rd	93	Castlemaine	1
Patrickswell	5	Glenbeigh	1
Ballyneety	2	Killorglin	12
Caherconlish	2	Portmagee	1
District: Askeaton	-	Sneem	2
Askeaton	21	Valentia Island	1
Adare	4	Waterville	1
Pallaskenry	2	District: Killarney	-
Croom	4	Barraduff	0
Foynes	3	Beaufort	1
Glin	1	Castleisland	11
Shanagolden	1	Farranfore	2
Rathkeale	7	Kenmare	9
District: Bruff	-	Kilgarvan	1
Bruff	17	Killarney	66
Kilfinane	2	Lauragh	0
Ballylanders	2	District: Listowel	-
Hospital	3	Ballybunion	7
Bruree	2	Ballyduff	1
Kilmallock	5	Ballyheigue	2
Pallas	4	Ballylongford	1
Cappamore	3	Brosna	1
Murroe	1	Knocknagoshall	1
District: Newcastlewest	-	Listowel	38
Drumcollogher	1	Lixnaw	1
Newcastlewest	26	Moyvane	1
Abbeyfeale	13	Tarbert	1
Ballingarry	1	TOTAL	314
Tournafulla	1	Limerick	-
Athea	1	District: Henry Street	-
Kilmeedy	1	Ardnacrusha	4
Castletown	1	Castleconnell	5
TOTAL	461	Henry St	252
Western Region	-	Mary St	18
Clare	-	Mayorstone Pk.	84
District: Ennis	-	District: Roxboro Road	-
Ennis	78	Ballyneety	2
Crusheen	1	Caherconlish	3
Lissycasey	1	Patrickswell	1
Newmarket On Fergus	4	Roxboro Rd	142
Quin	1	District: Askeaton	-
Shannon	45	Adare	2
Sixmilebridge	3	Askeaton	20
Immigration Office	-	Croom	4
District: Kilrush	-	Foynes	1
Kilrush	23	Glin	1
Carrigaholt	1	Pallaskenry	1
Doonbeg	1	Rathkeale	7
Kilmihil	1	Shanagolden	1
Labasheeda	1	District: Bruff	-
Kildysart	3	Ballylanders	1
Kilkee	3	Bruff	24
District: Killaloe	-	Bruree	1
Killaloe	22	Cappamore	2
Broadford	1	Doon	1
Newport	3	Galbally	1
Scariff	6	Hospital	1
Mountshannon	1	Kilfinane	1
Tulla	1	Kilmallock	6
Rearcross	1	Murroe	3
District: Ennistymon	-	Oola	1
Ennistymon	22	Pallas	2
Ballyvaughan	2	District: Newcastlewest	-
Corofin	3	Abbeyfeale	10
Inagh	1	Athea	1
Lahinch	1	Ballingarry	1
Lisdoonvarna	2	Castletown	1
Miltown Malbay	3	Drumcollogher	2
TOTAL	235	Kilmeedy	1
Galway West	-	Newcastlewest	28
District: Galway	-	Tournafulla	1
Galway	163	TOTAL	637
Oranmore	4	Western Region	-
Carndolla	2	Clare	-
Lough George	2	District: Ennis	-
Headford	5	Crusheen	1
Athenry	4	Ennis	119
Monivea	2	Immigration Office	5
Kiltullagh	1	Lissycasey	1
District: Clifden	-	Newmarket On Fergus	3
Clifden	17	Quin	1
Recess	1	Shannon	62
Letterfrack	1	Sixmilebridge	4
Lennaun	1	District: Kilrush	-
Carna	2	Carrigaholt	0
Maam	1	Doonbeg	0
Roundstone	1	Kildysart	1
District: Loughrea	-	Kilkee	2
Loughrea	30	Kilmihil	1
Tynagh	1	Kilrush	32
Killimor	1	Labasheeda	0
Woodford	1	District: Killaloe	-
New Inn	1	Broadford	1
Eyrecourt	1	Killaloe	33
Portumna	8	Mountshannon	1
Kilrickle	1	Scariff	5
District: Salthill	-	Tulla	2
Uachtarard	7	District: Ennistymon	-
Moycullen	2	Ballyvaughan	1
Carraroe	6	Corofin	1
Ros Muc	1	Ennistymon	25
Inverin	0	Inagh	1
Spiddle	3	Lahinch	2
Leitir Mor	1	Lisdoonvarna	1
Salthill	38	Miltown Malbay	3
Cill Ronain	3	TOTAL	308
District: Gort	-	Galway	-
Gort	20	District: Galway	-
Ardrahan	2	Athenry	5
Craughwell	2	Carndolla	1
Kinvara	3	Galway	210
Kilchreest	1	Kiltullagh	1
Peterswell	0	Lough George	4
Kilcolgan	1	Monivea	1
Shanaglish	1	Oranmore	35
TOTAL	342	District: Clifden	-
Roscommon/Galway East	-	Carna	2
District: Roscommon	-	Clifden	28
Roscommon	51	Lennaun	1
Athleague	2	Letterfrack	1
Knockcroghery	1	Maam	2
Strokestown	2	Recess	1
Ballyforan	1	Roundstone	1
Creggs	1	District: Loughrea	-
Ballygar	3	Eyrecourt	1
District: Ballinasloe	-	Killimor	0
Ballinasloe	38	Kilrickle	1
Ahascragh	1	Loughrea	40
Kilconnel	1	New Inn	1
Kiltormer	1	Portumna	8
Menlough	1	Tynagh	1
Mountbellew	9	Woodford	1
Taughmaconnel	1	District: Salthill	-
Clonark	1	Carraroe	6
Moylough	1	Cill Ronain	3
District: Boyle	-	Inverin	1
Boyle	26	Leitir Mor	1
Ballyfarnan	3	Moycullen	2
Cootehall	1	Ros Muc	1
Elphin	3	Salthill	55
Frenchpark	2	Spiddle	3
Keadue	1	Uachtarard	6
Tulsk	2	District: Gort	-
District: Castlerea	-	Ardrahan	1
Castlerea	30	Craughwell	6
Ballaghadereen	6	Gort	31
Ballinlough	2	Kilchreest	1
Loughlynn	2	Kilcolgan	1
Ballintubber	1	Kinvara	1
Ballymoe	1	Peterswell	0
District: Tuam	-	Shanaglish	0
Tuam	42	District: Ballinasloe	-
Williamstown	1	Ahascragh	0
Milltown	2	Ballinasloe	46
Kilconly	1	Ballygar	1
Glenamaddy	3	Creggs	1
Dunmore	3	Kilconnel	1
Corofin	1	Kiltormer	0
Barnadearg	1	Menlough	0
TOTAL	249	Mountbellew	8
Mayo	-	Moylough	1
District: Castlebar	-	District: Tuam	-
Castlebar	56	Ballymoe	0
Ballyvary	1	Barnadearg	1
Ballyglass	2	Corofin	2
Balla	1	Dunmore	6
Partry	2	Glenamaddy	1
Glenisland	1	Headford	5
Tourmakeady	1	Kilconly	0
Garda Info Services	-	Milltown	1
District: Ballina	-	Tuam	55
Ballina	38	Williamstown	1
Killala	2	TOTAL	595
Ballycastle	1	Mayo	-
Bonnicconlon	1	District: Castlebar	-
Crossmolina	4	Balla	2
Lahardane	1	Ballyglass	1
Enniscrone	3	Ballyvary	1
Easkey	3	Castlebar	76
District:Belmullet		Garda Info Services	0
Belmullet	16	Glenisland	0
Blacksod	2	Partry	2
Bellacorrick	1	Tourmakeady	1
Bangor Erris	3	District: Ballina
Ballycroy	1	Ballina	49
Glenamoy	1	Ballycastle	1
District: Claremorris		Bonnicconlon	1
Claremorris	22	Crossmolina	4
Kilmaine	1	Killala	1
Ballindine	1	Lahardane	1
Knock	4	District:Belmullet	-
Ballinrobe	8	Ballycroy	1
Cong	1	Bangor Erris	2
Shrule	3	Bellacorrick	1
Hollymount	1	Belmullet	23
District: Swinford	-	Blacksod	0
Swinford	19	Glenamoy	1
Kiltimagh	4	District: Claremorris	-
Charlestown	4	Ballindine	1
Kilkelly	2	Ballinrobe	9
Ballyhaunis	9	Claremorris	36
Foxford	3	Cong	1
District:Westport	-	Hollymount	1
Westport	24	Kilmaine	0
Newport	2	Knock	1
Achill Sound	5	Shrule	1
Mulranny	1	District: Swinford	-
Louisburgh	2	Ballyhaunis	10
Keel	0	Charlestown	5
TOTAL	257	Foxford	3
Northern Region.	-	Kilkelly	8
Sligo/Leitrim	-	Kiltimagh	2
District: Sligo	-	Swinford	26
Sligo	113	District:Westport	-
Collooney	4	Achill Sound	3
Skreen	2	Keel	1
Coolaney	2	Louisburgh	1
Cliffoney	2	Mulranny	1
Rosses Point	2	Newport	2
Grange	3	Westport	29
District: Ballymote	-	TOTAL	309
Ballymote	20	Northern Region.	-
Tubbercurry	5	Sligo/Leitrim	-
Gurteen	2	District: Sligo	-
Riverstown	2	Cliffoney	1
Aclare	1	Collooney	5
Bunnanadden	1	Coolaney	0
District: Carrick On Shannon	-	Grange	5
Carrick-On-Shannon	26	Rosses Point	2
Cloone	2	Skreen	1
Dromod	1	Sligo	150
Drumshambo	4	District: Ballymote	-
Keshcarrigan	1	Aclare	2

Region/Division/District	Strength 31/12/01	Region/Division/District	Strength 31/12/2011
D.M.R.South Central	-	D.M.R.South Central	-
Mohill	5	Ballyfarnan	1
Roosky	3	Ballymote	29
District: Manorhamilton	-	Bunnanadden	1
Manorhamilton	25	Easkey	2
Kiltyclogher	2	Enniscrone	5
Drumkerrin	3	Gurteen	2
Kinlough	10	Riverstown	2
Glenfarne	1	Tubbercurry	6
Dromahair	3	District: Carrick On Shannon	-
Dowra	3	Ballinamore	6
Blacklion	13	Carrick-On-Shannon	45
TOTAL	261	Carrickallen	2
Donegal	-	Cloone	1
District: Letterkenny	-	Dromod	1
Letterkenny	92	Keshcarrigan	1
Carrigans	9	Mohill	6
Castlefin	5	District: Manorhamilton	-
Brocach	1	Dromahair	2
Newtowncunningham	3	Drumkerrin	3
Raphoe	7	Drumshambo	5
Lifford	17	Glenfarne	1
Ballybofey	23	Kiltyclogher	2
Convoy	4	Kinlough	4
District: Buncrana	-	Manorhamilton	20
Buncrana	37	TOTAL	313
Burnfoot	19	Donegal	-
Carndonagh	5	District: Letterkenny	-
Clonmanny	3	Ballybofey	24
Malin	3	Brocach	1
Culdaff	0	Carrigans	5
Moville	9	Castlefin	4
Muff	3	Convoy	3
District: Milford	-	Letterkenny	104
Milford	17	Lifford	17
Carrigart	3	Newtowncunningham	3
Kerrykeel	3	Raphoe	3
Kilmacrennan	2	District: Buncrana	-
Churchill	1	Buncrana	50
Dunfanaghy	2	Burnfoot	6
Craosloch	1	Carndonagh	4
Falcarragh	7	Clonmanny	2
Ramelton	4	Culdaff	0
Rathmullen	1	Malin	3
District: Glenties	-	Moville	7
Glenties	18	Muff	4
Annagry	2	District: Milford	-
Ardara	3	Carrigart	3
Bunbeag	7	Churchill	1
Burtonport	2	Craosloch	1
Clougher	1	Dunfanaghy	2
Doochary	1	Falcarragh	9
Dungloe	6	Kerrykeel	4
Carrick	2	Kilmacrennan	2
Gleann Cholmcille	2	Milford	27
District: Ballyshannon	-	Ramelton	2
Ballyshannon	34	Rathmullen	1
Ballintra	2	District: Glenties	-
Bundoran	14	Annagry	1
Donegal Town	34	Ardara	3
Pettigo	4	Bunbeag	15
Dunkineely	2	Burtonport	1
Na Cealla Beaga	6	Carrick	2
Mountcharles	3	Clougher	1
TOTAL	424	Doochary	0
Cavan/Monaghan	-	Dungloe	8
District: Monaghan	-	Gleann Cholmcille	1
Monaghan	101	Glenties	25
Clones	17	District: Ballyshannon	-
Newbliss	2	Ballintra	2
Clontibret	2	Ballyshannon	47
Scotstown	10	Bundoran	6
Emyvale	12	Donegal Town	33
Smithboro	1	Dunkineely	0
District: Carrickmacross	-	Mountcharles	1
Carrickmacross	39	Na Cealla Beaga	6
Ballybay	5	Pettigo	0
Castleblaney	28	TOTAL	444
Shantonagh	2	Cavan/Monaghan	-
Corrinshigagh	1	District: Monaghan	-
Rockcorry	1	Clones	7
District: Cavan	-	Clontibret	0
Cavan	55	Emyvale	4
Ballinagh	2	Monaghan	86
Arva	2	Newbliss	1
Stradone	2	Scotstown	3
Redhills	1	Smithboro	0
Kilnaleck	2	District: Carrickmacross	-
Finea	2	Ballybay	5
District: Baileboro	-	Carrickmacross	46
Baileboro	24	Castleblaney	24
Kingscourt	4	Corrinshigagh	1
Mullagh	2	Rockcorry	1
Shercock	2	Shantonagh	2
Tullyvin	0	District: Cavan	-
Virginia	3	Arva	3
Cootehill	7	Ballinagh	2
Ballyjamesduff	3	Cavan	62
District: Ballyconnell	-	Kilnaleck	4
Ballyconnell	24	Redhills	1
Belturbet	2	Stradone	1
Swanlinbar	11	District: Baileboro	-
Killeshandra	2	Baileboro	40
Bawnboy	1	Ballyjamesduff	4
Ballinamore	6	Cootehill	9
Carrigallen	1	Kingscourt	6
TOTAL	379	Mullagh	2
-	-	Shercock	2
-	-	Tullyvin	0
-	-	Virginia	5
-	-	District: Ballyconnell
-	-	Ballyconnell	28
-	-	Bawnboy	1
-	-	Belturbet	4
-	-	Blacklion	3
-	-	Dowra	1
-	-	Killeshandra	1
-	-	Swanlinbar	1
-	-	TOTAL	360

Deportation Orders

Questions (793)

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

793. Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide a breakdown by nationality of the almost 3,700 people who, accordingly to figures released by the Department of Justice, were refused leave to land and removed from the State in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47994/12]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I refer the Deputy to my response to PQ No 518 of 21st February 2012, as follows, which outlines the overall removals from the State in 2011, including those referred to by the Deputy.

In 2011, the number of persons removed from the State on foot of Deportation Orders made under Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 was 280. These persons included those whose applications for asylum were refused as well as those who were in breach of the provisions of immigration legislation.

In addition during 2011, just under 3,700 refusals of entry into the State for one or more reason in respect of 2,768 persons were recorded by the Garda National Immigration Bureau at airports and other ports of entry to the State. The number of persons removed under this category, excluding those who having been refused entry subsequently claimed asylum, together with other persons who were transferred under the Dublin Regulation to the EU member state in which they first applied for asylum and EU nationals who were returned to their countries of origin on foot of an EU Removal Order was 2,719.

In all cases, removals from the State, whether in respect of those who are removed on arrival at ports of entry or those already in the State, are conducted in accordance with the law. Removals are essentially operational matters for the Garda National Immigration Bureau who work closely with immigration officials of my Department in arranging the necessary travel documents and other papers required. In keeping with standard practice in other jurisdictions, some individuals are escorted to their country of origin or to a connecting hub. Chartered aircraft as well as scheduled commercial aircraft and ferries are used to effect removals.

The removal of illegal immigrants from the State is a necessary feature of the enforcement of immigration legislation with the purpose of upholding the integrity of the immigration system. In enforcing the law in this respect, Ireland is no different from other countries who also remove individuals who have no lawful right to remain within their territory.

The principal nationalities of persons refused leave to enter the State and subsequently removed were China, Brazil, Bolivia, South Africa, Albania and Nigeria.

Garda Vetting of Personnel

Questions (794)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

794. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason for the delay in processing an application submitted to the Garda Central Vetting Unit in July 2012 in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48005/12]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am informed by the Garda authorities that a vetting application on behalf of the person concerned was received by the Garda Central Vetting Unit. The application was processed and returned to the registered organisation involved on 2 November 2012.

Garda Vetting of Personnel

Questions (795)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

795. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of applications currently held by the Garda Central Vetting Unit; the current processing times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48006/12]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am informed by the Garda Authorities that there are currently 50,000 applications held by the Garda Central Vetting Unit. Over 270,000 applications have been processed so far this year. Over the past few years the numbers of cases has risen from 218,404 in 2008 to 315,100 in 2011. The expected out turn for 2012 is 350,000.

The current average processing time for vetting applications is 8 weeks. However, seasonal fluctuations and the necessity to seek additional information on particular applications can result in this processing time being exceeded on occasion.

I am very conscious of the need to keep this processing time to a minimum. I am confident that the current average processing time will be reduced over the coming months as a number of measures to ensure improvements in the time it takes for the processing of vetting applications take effect. Most recently, there has been a redeployment of staff from another Government Department and the opening of a second vetting centre in Ennis, Co. Clare.

Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission

Questions (796)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

796. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on Garda operation Aughrim; the number of persons arrested and charged to date; the number of successful convictions obtained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48020/12]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am informed by the Garda authorities that Operation Aughrim commenced on 18 June, 2012. This initiative is designed to ensure a focused and consistent approach in targeting criminals involved in committing theft and robbery from the person in the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) with a particular focus on the city centre districts of Pearse Street and Store Street. The operation includes the monitoring of prolific criminals and I understand that some significant results have been achieved whereby such offenders have had multiple charges brought together and dealt with by a single Judge, resulting in increased sentences.

I am further informed that there have been 297 persons arrested and 854 charges have been proffered associated with Operation Aughrim. Full data on convictions to date is not available as the majority of these cases remain sub-judice or may have been taken into consideration with other charges which were proffered before the courts in advance of the commencement of Operation Aughrim.

Garda Transport Provision

Questions (797)

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

797. Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if an Garda Síochána are required to use marked cars and not to use unmarked cars when deploying speed cameras; if such cars are required to be visible to oncoming traffic or may they be concealed; the other requirements that apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48030/12]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there is no legal requirement for members of An Garda Síochána to use marked vehicles when conducting speed enforcement, or that the vehicles be visible to on-coming traffic. As a matter of Garda policy, safety camera vans operated by the service provider, GoSafe, are fully marked. Garda safety vans are used both overtly and covertly. Similarly, speed enforcement may be carried out by Garda personnel when using marked and unmarked cars and marked motorcycles.

Crime Prevention

Questions (798)

James Bannon

Question:

798. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to increase the roll out of the text alert scheme to rural areas in view of the fact that where it is operating, burglaries have reduced by 30%; the stage of his proposal for CCTV projects in the towns of Granard and Edgesworthstown, County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48081/12]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. I will be in contact with the Deputy when this information is to hand.

Restorative Justice

Questions (799)

Seamus Kirk

Question:

799. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding restorative justice in relation to community offenders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48097/12]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

My Department, through the Probation Service, provides funding to three restorative justice initiatives based in Tallaght, Nenagh, and Limerick. Further information is set out in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 5 on 24 October last, which is as follows.

The Probation Service, in partnership with community based organisations, is engaged in the promotion, development and delivery of restorative justice initiatives.  Extending the range of restorative justice schemes is a strategic priority for the Probation Service.

As regards adult offenders, the Probation Service has expanded the Restorative Justice Service based in Tallaght to the Criminal Courts of Justice and the Courts in South County Dublin, while the Nenagh Community Reparation project has been extended to the Courts in North Tipperary. Both services are operated through community based organisations. This has been done following a 12 month pilot which the Probation Service commenced in June, 2011 to test a range of restorative interventions based on the recommendations contained in the report of the National Commission on Restorative Justice. A restorative justice project focussing on young offenders has also been developed in partnership with the voluntary and community sector in Limerick.

For my part, my focus is to encourage the use of, to the greatest extent possible, the menu of non-custodial options available to the courts. I believe the restorative justice concept has a place in that range of available options and it is my intention to build on the progress being made.

Tobacco Smuggling

Questions (800)

Seán Kyne

Question:

800. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality in view of his public statement in the aftermath of the recent Crumlin shooting that the gangs responsible were likely to be involved in cigarette smuggling, if he intends to conduct a review with the Gardai on the measures they have in place for enforcement against this ongoing problem; if his attention been drawn to the fact that the Department of Health supports international developments in relation to plain or standardised packaging for tobacco products; if he will confirm whether he has already, or will in the future, enquire with the Gardai whether the introduction of plain or standardised packaging for cigarettes here could have a negative impact on the illicit cigarette trade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48112/12]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I can advise the Deputy that the lead role in combating cigarette smuggling in this jurisdiction rests with the Customs Service, in the context of the investigation of revenue offences which occasion significant financial losses to the Exchequer. Revenue has adopted a comprehensive tobacco strategy which is published on Revenue’s website www.revenue.ie. The strategy includes a number of programmes, which are designed to complement each other in targeting the supply and demand sides of the market for contraband tobacco in Ireland.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána provides ongoing support to the Revenue Commissioners in tackling this form of criminal activity and there continues to be close and effective liaison in this regard. As a feature of this, An Garda Síochána continues to proactively target groups and individuals engaged in organised criminal activities, which includes those engaged in smuggling cigarettes.

A Cross-Border Task Force, comprising of representatives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland, HM Revenue Customs, the Serious Organised Crime Agency (UK), An Garda Síochána and the Criminal Assets Bureau, which is chaired by the Revenue Commissioners is also in place to address this form of criminality. Given all of the above, I have no current plans to conduct a review with the Gardaí on the measures they have in place for enforcement in this area.

I can assure the Deputy that the issue of cigarette smuggling remains one of priority for our law enforcement agencies and that significant successes continue to be made in tackling this illegal trade. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that, in the period from January to October this year, a total of 91m cigarettes and almost 4,000 kgs of tobacco have been seized by Revenue. In addition, during that period there were over 100 convictions for smuggling or selling of illicit tobacco products.

With regard to the introduction of plain or standardised packaging for tobacco products I am advised by my colleague, the Minister for Health, that the Department of Health will continue to monitor recent international developments in this area which together with the forthcoming revision of the EU Tobacco Products Directive will inform future policy in this area.

Given that the introduction of such packaging internationally is still at a relatively recent stage it would be speculative at this point to consider any impact its introduction might have on the illegal trade in tobacco products. However, what I can say in this regard is that An Garda Síochána would welcome any appropriate initiative that would assist in further curtailing such activity.