Jack Wall
Question:150. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the closure of rural Garda stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4927/13]
View answerGarda Stations Closures
Questions (150)
Oral answers (1 contributions)
Garda stations due to close under the 2013 Garda Síochána Annual Policing Plan form part of the portfolio of State properties owned and maintained by the Office of Public Works. Accordingly, it is for that Office to decide on the future of these properties and I do not have a role in relation to the matter. The Garda Commissioner has stated that the revised structures will continue to support the Garda community philosophy through the clustering of services at policing hubs. This centralisation of services will facilitate the introduction of enhanced patrolling arrangements which, in turn, will provide increased Garda visibility as well as maintaining existing Garda links with communities throughout the country. The objective will be to ensure that the best possible policing service will continue to be provided to our communities.
In addition, the Garda Síochána has recently acquired a number of vehicles which are being converted into mobile Garda offices and it is planned that they will be assigned to areas where Garda stations have been closed to ensure that members of the public can continue to conduct their business and interact with members of An Garda Síochána. Gardaí work closely with all communities to enhance community safety through a wide range of local fora such as Community Alert and Neighbourhood Watch. Neither I as Minister nor the Government will shirk in our responsibility to do everything we can to maintain the strong Garda connection with the Community and to ensure that to the maximum extent possible resources will continue to be made available to the Garda Síochána.
I am confident that the Garda Síochána will continue to provide a professional policing service right across the country in a manner that is effective and is consistent with the highest standards for which the Force is renowned.
Garda Stations Closures
Questions (151)
Michelle Mulherin
Question:151. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the annual running costs for the past five years of a Garda station (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4931/13]
View answerOral answers (1 contributions)
The Garda Commissioner is the Accounting Officer for the Garda Vote and I have been informed by the Garda authorities that financial cost statements are maintained at District Headquarters level rather than at Garda station level. In the circumstances the Deputy will appreciate that the specific financial information she has sought is not readily available and I understand that the provision of such information would involve a disproportionate amount of Garda time and resources which are required for other purposes.
As the Deputy will be aware, the station she has referred to is one of the stations identified for closure under the Garda Síochána Annual Policing Plan for 2013. In that regard I have been advised by the Garda authorities that the annual financial saving estimated to arise in respect of the closure of the stations involved is Euro 4,000 per station. To a large extent this estimate relates to heating and lighting costs and it does not take account of specific repair bills, which will vary from premises to premises.
The closure of the station referred to by the Deputy was proposed by the Garda Commissioner in his Policing Plan for 2013 and I would stress that the key objective involved is to promote the more efficient and effective deployment of resources rather than to secure modest cash savings. In this context the Commissioner has concluded in relation to certain stations that Garda resources could be better deployed and more effectively used on the front line if the stations no longer had to be staffed and maintained. In making his recommendations on the closure of Garda stations, the Commissioner reviewed all aspects of An Garda Síochána's policing model, including the deployment of personnel, the utilisation of modern technologies and the overall operation of Garda stations.
Furthermore, the Garda Commissioner has indicated he is confident that the implementation of the restructuring proposals contained in the 2013 Policing Plan will not lead to any diminution in the service provided by An Garda Síochána. In that regard he has stated that the revised structures will continue to support the Garda community philosophy through the clustering of services at policing hubs. This centralisation of services will facilitate the introduction of enhanced patrolling arrangements which, in turn, will provide increased Garda visibility as well as maintaining existing Garda links with communities throughout the country.
Garda Strength
Questions (152)
Pádraig MacLochlainn
Question:152. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the numbers of Garda personnel decreased under the most recent Government prior to the current one; and if so, the number by which it decreased. [4976/13]
View answerOral answers (1 contributions)
The Deputy will be aware that it was the previous Government which undertook to reduce Garda strength to 13,000, as part of its commitment to the Troika to reduce public service numbers overall. Garda strength is now just over 13,400 with an additional 2,000 civilian support staff and 1,000 Garda Reserves. Current numbers are at the level they were at in 2006/7. Garda strength has been reducing due to, on the one hand, the moratorium on public sector recruitment introduced by the previous Government and, on the other, the level of voluntary Garda retirements. The personnel strength of An Garda Síochána at the end of each of the last four years is shown on the following table:-
|
Year |
Strength |
|
2009 |
14,547 |
|
2010 |
14,377 |
|
2011 |
13,894 |
|
2012 |
13,424 |
On 31 March 2011, Garda strength was 14,327. I will remain in dialogue with my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on the issue of Garda resources.
Garda Strength
Questions (153)
Pádraig MacLochlainn
Question:153. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the most recent Government prior to the current one agreed to reduce the numbers of Garda personnel as part of the first Memorandum of Understanding with the Troika; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4977/13]
View answerOral answers (1 contributions)
The previous Governments National Recovery Plan covered in detail the reductions in public service numbers to be effected in the period 2010-2014. In relation to the Garda Síochána, the proposals outlined a reduction in Garda numbers from 14,500 on 31 December 2010 to 13,500 on 31 December 2011 with a further reduction to 13,350 to be effected by 31 December 2012. It further required reductions by 31 December 2013 to 13,150 and by 31 December 2014 to 13,000.
Garda Policing Plans
Questions (154)
Pádraig MacLochlainn
Question:154. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if any consultation took place with the Garda Representative Association in the drafting of the policing plan for 2013 which recommended the closure of 100 Garda stations here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4989/13]
View answerOral answers (1 contributions)
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that An Garda Síochána articulates its strategic plans by way of a Strategy Statement and an Annual Policing Plan. The Strategy Statement 2013-2015 which was published on 25 January 2013 will be actioned through a series of three annual Policing Plans, the first of which is the Policing Plan for 2013. A significant consultation process was undertaken in the preparation of the Strategy Statement 2013-2015 and this process included consultations with all the representative associations. I am also informed by the Garda authorities that all Garda staff associations were briefed on the Organisation Change and Development programme which included station closures and district amalgamations.
Garda Policing Plans
Questions (155)
Pádraig MacLochlainn
Question:155. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if any consultation took place with local communities in the drafting of the Policing Plan for 2013. [4990/13]
View answerOral answers (1 contributions)
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that An Garda Síochána articulates its strategic plans by way of a Strategy Statement and an Annual Policing Plan. The Strategy Statement 2013-2015 which was published on 25 January 2013 will be actioned through a series of three annual Policing Plans, the first of which is the Policing Plan 2013.
A significant consultation process was undertaken in the preparation of the Strategy Statement 2013-2015:
- A questionnaire was placed on the Garda website which was completed by 1,544 respondents.
- A questionnaire was placed on the Garda portal which was completed by 444 members of the Garda organisation
- Letters requesting submissions were sent to 159 organisations with whom An Garda Síochána interacts
- Face to Face interviews were held with in excess of 30 of the organisation’s key partners and stakeholders including selected community groups
- The views/proposals of all Assistant Commissioners and Executive Directors were requested and submitted in relation to the policing of the State for the next three years
The results of this extensive consultation were used to inform and develop the Strategy Statement 2013-2015 and the Policing Plan 2013.
Garda Stations Closures
Questions (156)
Pádraig MacLochlainn
Question:156. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to review progress after the closure of the 100 Garda Stations due to close as a result of the Policing Plan for 2013. [4991/13]
View answerOral answers (1 contributions)
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.
In relation to the closure of Garda stations in 2013, the Commissioner has concluded that resources could be better deployed and more effectively used on the front-line if particular stations no longer had to be staffed and maintained or if the public opening hours of other stations could be reduced at off-peak times. He has given a commitment that where a station will be closed local Garda management will consult with local communities on the alternative policing arrangements to be put in place in their area.
Garda Stations Closures
Questions (157)
Pádraig MacLochlainn
Question:157. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans for 100 buildings currently used as Garda stations which are due to be closed as a result of the Policing Plan for 2013. [4992/13]
View answerOral answers (1 contributions)
Garda stations to be closed under the 2013 Garda Síochána Annual Policing Plan form part of the portfolio of State properties managed by the Office of Public Works. Minister Hayes, who has responsibility for the Office of Public Works, has indicated that, if an appropriate community management structure is put in place, closed stations could be used for local community purposes.
Magdalen Laundries Issues
Questions (158)
Brendan Smith
Question:158. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when he proposes to release the report on the Magdalen laundries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5012/13]
View answerOral answers (1 contributions)
As indicated in my reply on Wednesday 16 January, 2013 to Parliamentary Question No. 774, it is my intention to bring the report to Government with a view to publication by next week. There has been a delay in finalising the report but I hope that will not upset the timetable envisaged.
QUESTION: * To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has received the final report from the Inter-Departmental Committee investigating State involvement with the Magdalene Laundries; if it has been submitted to the Government as per his announcement of 11 September 2012; and if he has received it when he intends to make it available to the families of and groups representing the survivors and when he will publish same; if he has not received it, the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. - Dara Calleary
* For WRITTEN answer on Wednesday, 16th January, 2013.
ANSWER
I expect to receive the final Report of the inter-Departmental Committee in the next few days. As soon as I have had an opportunity to read the report which I understand is substantial, I will bring it to Government with a view to publication. I would expect this process to be completed within the next two to three weeks.
Citizenship Applications
Questions (159)
Bernard Durkan
Question:159. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current position in regard to examination and determination of eligibility for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5035/13]
View answerOral answers (1 contributions)
I am advised by the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that an application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy in August, 2011. Section 15 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended, provides that the Minister may, in his absolute discretion, grant a certificate of naturalisation provided certain statutory conditions are fulfilled. One such condition is that the applicant intends in good faith to continue to reside in the State after naturalisation.
As the person referred to by the Deputy confirmed on his application form that he did not intend to reside in the State after naturalisation, one of the Statutory conditions for naturalisation, his application was deemed ineligible. The person concerned was informed of this in a letter dated 28 May 2012. It is open to any individual to lodge an application for citizenship if and when they are in a position to meet the prescribed statutory requirements.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.