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Tuesday, 26 Mar 2013

Written Answers Nos. 431-447

Legislation on Prostitution

Questions (431)

Paschal Donohoe

Question:

431. Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when he expects the current review of our prostitution laws to be concluded; when he will be in a position to introduce new legislation based on the findings of the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14882/13]

View answer

Written answers

As part of the review referred to by the Deputy, in June 2012, I published a discussion document on the future direction of legislation on prostitution. The purpose of the discussion document is to facilitate a public consultation process. On its publication, I referred the discussion document to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality. The joint committee is conducting the consultation process independently and will report back to me when it has completed its work.

In addition, my Department hosted a conference in October to discuss the consultation paper.

The report of the joint committee and the views expressed at the October conference will be fully considered in the framing of any necessary legislative proposals to be submitted to Government in due course.

For further background for the Deputy, I am appending the text of my statement of 22 June last when publishing the discussion document.

Shatter Announces Publication of Discussion Document on the Future Direction of Legislation on Prostitution

The Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence today published a discussion document on the future direction of legislation on prostitution. Publication of the discussion document follows the Minister’s announcement that he would be arranging a public consultation process as part of the current review of prostitution legislation. Announcing publication of the discussion document, Minister Shatter said:

"The criminal law in this area is being reviewed primarily because of the changed nature of prostitution in Ireland. Prostitution was once mainly a street-based phenomenon. That is no longer the case. The organisation of prostitution is now much more sophisticated, highly mobile and is easily facilitated by the use of mobile phones and the internet.

There is, of course, already a clear consensus on the great evils of child prostitution and trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation. However, I am aware that there are differing and genuinely held views on the approach the criminal law should take to other aspects of prostitution. While there is a significant amount of criminal legislation in this area already, there is always scope for change and improvement. It is important to review the law periodically to ensure it is up to date and comprehensively responds to altered circumstances."

The Minister added that: "Prostitution is an issue which affects individuals, communities and society as a whole. It is important that I facilitate the expression of all views on this subject and that those views are examined in due course. Public debate should therefore, be open to the widest possible audience and I want to ensure that everyone who wishes to make a contribution to this important debate is given the opportunity to do so. It is for that reason I have decided on a consultation process before charting the way forward.

My Department will hold a conference in the autumn to discuss the document. The widest possible participation will be encouraged in order that we have an open and transparent discussion on all aspects of this very important issue.

This discussion document will now be referred to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Equality and Defence. Interested groups and members of the public, I expect, will be invited to make submissions to the Committee which will hold such hearings as it deems appropriate. I am asking Mr. David Stanton T.D., Chairman of the Joint Committee, that it publish its report and recommendations by the 30th November 2012 and that the report be furnished to me together with any submissions received. I expect it is likely that the Committee’s report will also be lodged in the Oireachtas Library and that a debate on it will subsequently take place in both the Dáil and the Seanad. The report received by me from the Joint Oireachtas Committee will be fully considered in the framing of any necessary new legislative proposals to be submitted to Government in due course.

I look forward to the results of the consultation process."

The discussion document is attached below and will be made available on the Department’s website, www.justice.ie

This discussion document does not favour any particular approach but simply tries to assist reflection. The arguments contained in the document are not exhaustive and the questions posed are not intended to limit in any way the range of questions readers might want to consider.22 June, 2012

Foreign Conflicts

Questions (432)

Gerald Nash

Question:

432. Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has raised the issue of the treatment of Palestinian children by the Israel military justice system in the West Bank at his recent meeting with the Israeli Justice Minister designate on his recent visit to that country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14942/13]

View answer

Written answers

My visits to Lebanon, Israel and Palestine were organised in conjunction with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and in particular with the help and advice of the Irish Embassy in Tel Aviv and the Representative Office in Ramallah.

In Israel I held meetings relating to my responsibilities as Minister for Defence, and for Justice and Equality, including sharing experiences on cybercrime and road safety. I met with Irish troops serving with UNDOF, the UN monitoring force on the Golan Heights, and was briefed on security issues in that area, especially the growing risks flowing from instability in Syria. I also engaged in trade promotion activities, attended a business breakfast organised by the IDA and the Embassy, and attended the Israel launch of the Ireland-Israel Business Network. I attended Saint Patrick’s Day events held in East Jerusalem and in Tel Aviv.

In relation to the general Israeli-Palestinian conflict, I received briefings and had a number of discussions on the overall political situation. In Israel I met with politicians including the outgoing and incoming Ministers for Justice, with Itzhak Herzog the Deputy Leader of the opposition Labour Party, and others. In the West Bank I met with senior PLO leader Nabil Shaath, with the Palestinian Minister for Justice. I was also briefed on the EU’s police training mission with the Palestinian police, which Ireland has strongly supported. I also had a breakfast meeting in Jerusalem with various NGOs and UN agencies.

My discussions were intended, both as a member of the Government and as a member of the Oireachtas with a long standing interest in the conflict, to explore informally the difficulties facing the parties and the peace process, and the prospects for renewed movement towards a comprehensive peace. I of course reiterated at all points the Irish Government’s strong and consistent support for a two state solution resulting in a sovereign State of Palestine existing peacefully alongside a secure Israel. I also stated the Government’s support for the resumption of talks between both sides.

The incoming Minister for Justice, Tzipi Livni, was the Foreign Minister during a previous serious effort at negotiations with the Palestinians, and is well known for her strong commitment to the peace process. She has been designated to lead the negotiations with the Palestinian side for the new Israeli Government. My discussions with her therefore focussed very much on this perspective, and were informative and encouraging. I did not raise with her aspects of specific policies in the military administration of the West Bank. I am aware that these issues have however been raised with the Israeli authorities by my colleague the Tánaiste and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, both bilaterally and through EU engagement.

Road Traffic Offences

Questions (433)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

433. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has requested a monthly breakdown by Garda district of the number of motorists who have been breath tested and have not been breath tested after a serious or fatal road collision. [14950/13]

View answer

Written answers

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the compilation of monthly information, by Garda District, relating to the breath testing of motorists following a serious or fatal collision, would necessitate a disproportionate expenditure of Garda time and resources.

The overall available information was set out in my reply to Question 130 of 7 February, 2013 as set out below.

PQ reply to Question 130 on 7 February, 2013.

As I indicated in my response to the Deputy on 13 January, to be of assistance, I have sought and received a full year set of figures for 2012 insofar as the Deputy's query is concerned.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that between 1 January, 2012 and 31 December, 2012, there were 208 drivers recorded as being involved in a fatal collision and 403 in a serious injury collision. The following table illustrates the number of drivers who provided a preliminary breath sample at the scene of a fatal or serious injury collision during that period.

-

Fatal Collision

Serious Injury Collision

Total no. drivers

208

403

Total no. drivers provided a preliminary breath sample at collision scene

80

144

I am further informed that analysis of incidents recorded show that 128 drivers involved in a fatal collision and 259 drivers involved in a serious injury collision were not tested at the roadside for a number of reasons. The following table sets out the reasons a preliminary breath sample was not taken at the roadside at the scene of a fatal or serious injury during the period 1 January, 2012 and 31 December, 2012.

Reason preliminary breath sample not taken at roadside

Fatal Collision

Serious Injury Collision

Driver deceased

74

-

Driver taken to hospital

35

136

Garda opinion - testing not required

9

52

Medical grounds

4

36

Insufficient time / Collision reported at Garda station

2

5

Serious injury of driver

1

12

Hit and run collision

1

6

Gardaí unable to ascertain driver identity

1

0

Sample to be taken at hospital

1

4

Sample to be taken at Garda station

0

3

No screening device available within allowed time (1 hour)

0

3

Scene of collision not a public place

0

1

Collision not investigated at scene

0

1

Total no. drivers who did not provide a preliminary breath sample at collision scene

128

259

I am advised that in respect of those drivers recorded as being involved in a fatal collision who were not tested at the scene of the collision, 14 drivers subsequently provided a blood/urine sample at the hospital and 3 drivers subsequently provided a sample at a Garda station. In total, 93 drivers are recorded as being tested either at the roadside, hospital, or Garda station.

I am also advised that in respect of those drivers recorded as being involved in a serious injury collision that were not tested at the scene of the collision, 48 drivers subsequently provided a blood/urine sample at the hospital and 10 drivers subsequently provided a sample at a Garda station. In total, 200 drivers were recorded as being tested either at the roadside, hospital or Garda station.

I am further advised by the Garda authorities that each collision can have a very contrasting set of circumstances and the preservation of life is paramount. In that regard, instructions have been issued to members of an Garda Síochána emphasising the mandatory requirement to breath test drivers at the scene of both fatal and serious injury collisions taking into account the particular circumstances arising in incidents of serious injury. I can also inform the Deputy that my colleague the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport and I have since received assurances from the Garda authorities that every effort is being made to ensure the relevant legislative provisions are fully complied with. These measures include communication with all Garda members through a series of instructions and Directives from Garda Headquarters as well as Monthly Tactical Assessments by Garda management on the level of compliance.

Naturalisation Applications

Questions (434)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

434. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if, in the determination of eligibility for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare, cognisance will be taken of the fact that the applicant made the relevant application for renewal of Stamp 4 in good time and for whatever logistical reasons, it was not found possible for the Immigration Officer to meet with the applicant and progress the application for sometime after their request which ultimately results in gaps in the required residency notwithstanding the fact that they were permanently resident and at work in this jurisdiction for more than five years; if the case might therefore be examined with a view to crediting the applicant with their full entitlement in respect of their residency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14973/13]

View answer

Written answers

An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) in July, 2012.

On examination of the application submitted it was determined that the person in question did not meet the statutory residency requirements as set out in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. The person concerned was informed of this in a letter issued to her on 13 July, 2012. There is no appeal in relation in relation to decisions on applications for a certificate of naturalisation. My officials inform me that should she lodge a new application for a certificate of naturalisation, the person concerned would now satisfy the residency conditions.

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.

Road Traffic Offences

Questions (435)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

435. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a new system has been put in place in terms of cases where a driving licence has not been produced in court; the reason there has been a delay in fully enforcing section 63 of the 2010 Act (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14983/13]

View answer

Written answers

As I previously advised the Deputy, the Courts Service has put in place arrangements to ensure that summonses issued since May 2012 include wording to advise persons charged with an offence under the Road Traffic Acts to bring their driving licence together with a photocopy of the licence when they are attending court. I am informed that the Courts Service has communicated with the judiciary to facilitate an arrangement that defendants who appear before the court are requested in court to produce their driving licence and a copy thereof to the court registrar for the purpose of having the driving licence number recorded. Additionally, Registrars have been requested to record whether or not the licence or a copy thereof was produced to the court. Where the driving licence number is recorded and on conviction the details are provided to the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. The Deputy will appreciate that the courts are, subject only to the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions and the conduct of any court case is a matter for the presiding judge.

In relation to cases where the driving licence number has not been produced, the Service has indicated that they are continuing to evaluate the systems introduced to ensure that they are fully functional to, in due course, provide An Garda Síochána with the necessary information to initiate the prosecutions. The Service has stated that work is ongoing in this area and it has, as I have already informed the Deputy, undertaken to provide a further update by the end of July 2013.

Naturalisation Applications

Questions (436)

Patrick Nulty

Question:

436. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if an application for naturalisation will be expedited in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15073/13]

View answer

Written answers

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that valid application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy in August, 2011. The application is at an advanced stage of processing and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.

As well as being a significant event in the life of its recipient, the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation as provided for in law is also a major step for the State which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.

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.

Garda Retirements

Questions (437)

Seán Kenny

Question:

437. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will increase the retirement age for members of An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15100/13]

View answer

Written answers

Retirement of members of An Garda Síochána is governed by statutory provisions which set the mandatory retirement age for all members at 60 years of age. I have no plans to extend that age at this time.

Garda Equipment

Questions (438)

Seán Kenny

Question:

438. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will allocate funding for the purchase of additional vehicles for the Garda Traffic Corps later this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15101/13]

View answer

Written answers

The financial provision in the Garda budget for the purchase and fit-out of Garda transport in 2013 is €5 million. The funding will enable An Garda Síochána to obtain and fit out a significant number of new vehicles and it is a matter which is under active consideration by the Garda authorities. At this stage, however, the specific details involved have yet to be finalised but the Deputy can be assured that the vehicles will be deployed as effectively as possible in line with operational circumstances, including the requirements of the Traffic Corps.

The allocation of the €5 million represents a very considerable financial investment in Garda transport, particularly at a time when the level of funding available across the public sector is severely limited. It is a clear indication of my commitment to ensure that, to the greatest extent possible, An Garda Síochána are provided with sufficient resources to enable them to provide an effective and efficient policing service.

Furthermore, as the Deputy will be aware, I made an additional €3 million available to An Garda Síochána towards the end of last year, enabling the Force to procure a total of 213 vehicles in 2012. In this context I understand that over 170 vehicles are in the process of being rolled out across the country, on the basis of a detailed analysis of the operational commitments of the Force.

Naturalisation Applications

Questions (439, 440, 443)

John Paul Phelan

Question:

439. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the purpose for which a variable fee is charged for citizenship under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Regulations 2011; the amount raised per year from these fees; and the way these funds are used. [15107/13]

View answer

Seán Crowe

Question:

440. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason foreign nationals living in Ireland, who are eligible for Irish citizenship through the naturalisation process, may pay up to €1,125 in fees to avail of this process; the breakdown of the costs incurred by his Department in facilitating a naturalisation request per person; his plans to reduce the fees paid by foreign nationals living here who want to become Irish citizens through naturalisation. [15108/13]

View answer

John Paul Phelan

Question:

443. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the purpose for which a variable fee is charged for citizenship under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Regulations 2011; the amount raised per year from these fees and the way these funds are used. [15116/13]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 439, 440 and 443 together.

The prescribed certification fees to be paid by applicants on the issue of a certificate of naturalisation were last increased by the Irish Nationality and Citizenship (Fees) Regulations 2008, which came into effect on 1st August 2008. The fee increases introduced at that time merely brought the amounts in line with inflation since the previous increase in 1993. The standard certification fee is €950 while a reduced fee of €200 applies in the case of an application made on behalf of a minor or in certain circumstances when the application is made by a widow, widower or surviving civil partner of an Irish citizen. In the case of refugees and stateless persons no certification fee is charged. I consider it appropriate that the fee is reduced or eliminated for these categories of applicants.

In November 2011, I signed into law Statutory Instrument 569/11, which introduced an application fee of €175 for new applications for a certificate of naturalisation. Managing and dealing with incomplete applications consumes scarce processing resources and the application fee is designed to recoup some of the costs associated with the application process. The application fee is also intended to help cover costs associated with the processing of unsuccessful applications that often consume more processing time and resources than successful applications, but which previously attracted no fee.

The costs incurred in facilitating each naturalisation request are very complex as multiple external agencies, such as the Gardaí, and divisions within my Department provide services at various times to the Citizenship Division. The fees are therefore designed to reflect the effort and cost involved in processing applications for a certificate of naturalisation. These costs cannot be readily identified without engaging in a major and time consuming exercise which I do not believe would be warranted at a time of shrinking resources.

Efforts to eliminate the backlog of applications, including allocation of additional resources to this work both within the Department and in external agencies, have been very successful and has resulted in an increase in fee revenue, with some €17 million being lodged to the Exchequer in 2012.

As the Deputy will be aware I have introduced formal citizenship ceremonies at no extra cost to applicants. These have been universally well received by participants as the ceremonies provide a sense of occasion that serves to underscore the importance to both the State and the applicant of the granting of Irish citizenship. I have no plans to alter either the application or certification fee at this time.

Asylum Applications

Questions (441)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

441. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress made to date in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who has been living here for the past three years and has completed their Leaving Certificate; if he will set out the procedure to be followed to regularise their position notwithstanding that they have been refused residency status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15110/13]

View answer

Written answers

The person concerned is a failed asylum applicant. Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 21st July, 2010, that the then Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making written representations to the then Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for subsidiary protection in accordance with the provisions of the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006. Written representations have been submitted by and on behalf of the person concerned.

The position in the State of the person concerned will now be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before a final decision is made. Once a decision has been made, this decision, and the consequences of the decision, will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the 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 the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Garda Vetting of Personnel

Questions (442)

Andrew Doyle

Question:

442. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the slow processing of Garda vetting applications for community and voluntary organisations; if measures have been put in place to speed up the process; if applications for clearance of persons who have been previously Garda vetted can be turned around in a quicker time frame; if measures have been put in place to enable applicants to be cleared for all groups in a specific time period rather than apply to be vetted for each organisation; the measures he is taking to clear the current three month backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15111/13]

View answer

Written answers

The Garda Central Vetting Unit provides employment vetting for approximately 20,000 organisations in Ireland, registered with the Unit, which employ personnel to work in a full-time, part time, voluntary or student capacity with children and / or vulnerable adults. The Unit processed approximately 328,000 vetting applications on behalf of these organisations in 2012.

The current average processing time for applications is approximately 12 weeks from date of receipt. However, seasonal fluctuations and the necessity to seek additional information on particular applications can result in this processing time being exceeded on occasion.

In order to observe equity and fairness in respect of all applicants for Garda Vetting, standard processing procedures are such that applications are processed in chronological order, from the date of receipt at the Central Vetting Unit. All organisations registered for Garda Vetting are aware of the processing time-frames for the receipt of Garda vetting and have been advised to factor this into their recruitment and selection process.

I should emphasise that the certificate is a disclosure to the requesting, registered organisation of the position at the time when it is issued. Each time a new vetting application is received, new and full vetting checks are conducted. This is to ensure that the most recent data available is taken into account. The non-transferability and contemporaneous nature of the certificate protects against the risk of fraud or forgery and is a guarantee of the integrity of the vetting system. The primary purpose of the vetting process is the protection of children and vulnerable adults. This must remain so.

It is my objective that processing times should be kept to a minimum, while maintaining the overall integrity of the vetting system. In that regard, following recent discussions with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, sanction was recently granted for an additional 25 staff to be re-deployed from the Department of Agriculture to the Garda Central Vetting Unit in the near future.

The Deputy may wish to note that Garda Central Vetting Unit will become the National Vetting Bureau under the provisions of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012 and will have a substantially expanded role under that legislation. I am currently engaged with An Garda Síochána and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in addressing the staffing issues relevant to the coming into force of the 2012 Act.

Question No. 443 answered with Question No. 439.

Prisoner Transfers

Questions (444, 445, 446)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

444. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the arrangements in place to deal with Irish citizens who are sentenced to terms of imprisonment in Britain and repatriated to serve their sentence here with regard to the issue of remission; if prisoners avail of the remission arrangements in place in Britain at the time of their sentence or the remission arrangements here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15167/13]

View answer

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

445. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if there has been any change in policy regarding remission for prisoners repatriated to Irish jails from prisons in Britain or other countries since he took office; if prisoners end up serving longer sentences here than would have been the case had they not been repatriated as a result of Irish policy on remission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15168/13]

View answer

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

446. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of prisoners that have been repatriated to Irish prisons from abroad in each year since 2000; if he will provide a breakdown of the country from which the prisoners were repatriated in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15169/13]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 444 to 446, inclusive, together.

I can advise the Deputy that the Transfer of Sentenced Persons Acts, 1995 and 1997 provide a mechanism whereby non-nationals serving sentences in Ireland may apply to serve the remainder of their sentences in their own countries and, similarly, Irish persons who are imprisoned overseas may apply to serve the remainder of their sentences in Ireland. Such transfers may be facilitated where the other country has ratified the Council of Europe Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons.

Transfer requests under the Convention are normally made by a prisoner through the governor of the prison in which he or she is detained. I decide on all such requests following the collation of a number of reports from various agencies setting out the consequences of such a transfer. The consent of all three parties in the process is required prior to any transfer, i.e. the sentencing state, the receiving state and the sentenced person.

Prisoners avail of the remission rate applicable in the country into which they are transferring. For prisoners transferring from Britain to the Republic of Ireland the Irish remission rate will be applied to the portion of their sentence which is outstanding.

I can confirm to the Deputy that there has been no change since I took office in the policy regarding remission for prisoner repatriated to Irish jails from prisons in Britain or other countries. It is possible that prisoners transferring to Ireland would serve longer sentences as the Irish remission rate is 25% and in Britain it is 50%.

The figures on the number of prisoners who have repatriated to Ireland from abroad is set out in the following table.

-

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

Total

UK

11

4

8

8

5

5

13

6

4

1

-

-

3

68

USA

-

-

-

-

1

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1

Panama

-

-

-

-

1

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1

Spain

-

-

-

-

-

-

1

1

-

1

-

-

-

3

Japan

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1

-

-

-

-

-

1

Northern Ireland

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1

-

-

-

-

1

Italy

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1

-

1

Total

11

4

8

8

7

5

14

8

5

2

0

1

3

76

Garda Vetting of Personnel

Questions (447)

Nicky McFadden

Question:

447. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has received correspondence from a company (details supplied) in relation to difficulties when seeking Garda vetting for prospective employees; if the matter will be resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15173/13]

View answer

Written answers

I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department did indeed receive correspondence from the company concerned. The matters raised in the correspondence were addressed in a reply issued to the company on 22nd March 2013.

In relation to vetting matters in general the Deputy will be aware that the Garda Central Vetting Unit provides employment vetting for approximately 20,000 organisations in Ireland, registered with the Unit for this purpose, which employ personnel to work in a full-time, part time, voluntary or student capacity with children and / or vulnerable adults. T he Unit processed approximately 328,000 vetting applications on behalf of these organisations in 2012.

In order to observe equity and fairness in respect of all applicants for Garda Vetting, standard processing procedures are such that applications are processed in chronological order, from the date of receipt at the Central Vetting Unit. All organisations registered for Garda Vetting are aware of the processing time-frames for the receipt of Garda vetting and have been advised to factor this into their recruitment and selection process.

It is my objective that processing times should be kept to a minimum, while maintaining the overall integrity of the vetting system. In that regard, following discussions with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, sanction was recently granted for an additional 25 staff to be re-deployed from the Department of Agriculture to the Garda Central Vetting Unit in the near future, which should have a positive impact on processing times.

The Deputy may also wish to note that the Garda Central Vetting Unit will become the National Vetting Bureau under the provisions of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012 and will have a substantially expanded role under that legislation. I am currently engaged with An Garda Síochána and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in addressing the staffing issues relevant to the coming into force of the 2012 Act.

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