Written Answers Nos. 629-655
629. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if her Department has renegotiated external IT consultancy contracts and costs since March 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29177/14]
View answerMy Department's IT Shared Service has not re-negotiated any external IT consultancy contracts and costs since March 2011.
630. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide in tabular form the number of appointments to State boards under her Department's remit made from March 2011 to date; the number of vacancies on State boards under her Department's remit from March 2011 to date; the number of vacancies on State boards under her Department's remit publically advertised from March 2011 to date; and the number of appointments to State boards under her remit drawn directly from the public advertisement process. [29195/14]
View answerI am interpreting the Deputy’s question in a broad manner so as to provide the information which I believe he is seeking. The term State Boards is somewhat imprecise as it includes bodies with a wide and diverse range of functions many of which would not fall into the more commonly understood definition of Board which is a body with a governance oversight of an organisation. To be of assistance to the Deputy I have interpreted his question as embracing all bodies called Boards, irrespective of their functions, as well as other bodies with a governance remit whose title does not include the term “Board”. Details of all appointments and vacancies which occurred since March 2011 are set out below along with details of those cases where expressions of interest were sought.
Charities Regulatory Authority Board
On 30 April 2014, my predecessor Alan Shatter, T.D. announced sixteen appointments to the Board of the Charities Regulatory Authority that is to be established later this year under the terms of the 2009 Charities Act. These appointments followed a selection process facilitated by the Public Appointment Service.
Children Detention Schools Board of Management
One appointment was made to the Children Detention Schools Board of Management. The position was not advertised as the appointment was made under Section 167(4)(a) of the Children Act 2001 as amended, which requires at least one officer of the Minister. The person appointed was a civil servant. The Deputy should note that responsibility for the Children Detention Schools Board of Management moved to the Department for Children and Youth Affairs on 1 January 2012.
Classification of Films Appeal Board
There are currently nine vacancies on the Classification of Films Appeal Board. Following an invitation to the public to submit expressions of interest, a total of 44 applications were received. I expect to make appointments to these positions in the near future.
Courts Service Board
The Courts Service Board has 17 members, it is chaired by the Chief Justice and includes eight other judges, the CEO of the Courts Service, persons nominated by the Law Society, Bar Council and ICTU, an elected staff representative and three persons nominated by the Minister for Justice. Nineteen vacancies occurred. There have been 19 appointments, three of which were individuals nominated by my predecessor Mr. Alan Shatter, T.D. including a civil servant from my Department.
Garda Síochána Arbitration Board
The Garda Síochána Arbitration Board is appointed by the Government and consists of a Chairperson, a member nominated by the representatives associations and a member nominated by the Government. The Chairperson is appointed on the nomination of the Ministers for Justice & Equality and Public Expenditure & Reform in agreement with the representative associations. Four vacancies occurred and four appointments were made to the board.
Garda Síochána Complaints Board
Nine appointments were made to board on 10 April, 2012. These positions were not advertised. Eight of the outgoing members were re-appointed as the Board, which has been replaced by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, only had a few outstanding cases on hands at that time. The outstanding cases have now been finalised and the necessary steps to close the Board are now being put in place. The 9th appointee is a civil servant.
Judicial Appointments Advisory Board
Twelve vacancies occurred. Eleven appointments were made to the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board. The Board consists of 10 members, it is chaired by the Chief Justice and includes three other judges, the Attorney General, persons nominated by the Law Society and Bar Council and three persons nominated by the Minister for Justice and Equality. Five of the appointments were individuals nominated by myself or my predecessor Deputy Shatter.
Legal Aid Board
Fifteen vacancies occurred. Of the 15 appointments to this Board, nine were civil or public servants.
Mental Health (Criminal Law) Review Board
Four vacancies occurred. Four appointments were made to the Mental Health (Criminal Law) Review Board.
National Disability Authority (NDA)
One vacancy occurred in 2013. One appointment was made to the board of the National Disability Authority (NDA). The appointment was made after seeking expressions of interest of which my Department received 12 applications. This appointment was from a public applicant.
There are 13 current vacancies i.e. for 12 ordinary members and a chairperson. An invitation for expressions of interest was placed on my Department's website and the appointment of board members is imminent.
Parole Board
Eleven vacancies occurred. There were eleven appointments made to the Parole Board.
Private Security Appeal Board
Four vacancies occurred. The Government appointed four people on 3 April, 2012. The proposed Chairperson appeared before the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality and Defence.
Private Security Authority (PSA)
Eleven vacancies occurred. Eleven appointments were made out of which seven positions were advertised as the remaining four positions, in accordance with the relevant legislation, are to be nominated representatives from my own Department, the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, An Garda Síochána and the PSA itself. Following an invitation for expressions of interest, a total of 29 applications were received. Six of the seven appointments made following public advertising were drawn for the applications received.
Property Registration Authority
Three vacancies occurred. Three appointments were made to the Property Registration Authority, of which, in accordance with the legislation, one is a nominee of the Law Society, one is a nominee of the Bar Council and the 3rd the elected Property Registration Authority staff representative.
Property Services Appeal Board
The Government made six appointments after seeking expressions of interest of which my Department received 41 applications. Those appointed were public applicants. The proposed Chairperson appeared before the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality and Defence.
Property Services Regulatory Authority
Eleven appointments were made to the Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA). My Department received 114 applications after seeking expressions of interest from members of the public. Nine of those appointed were public applicants, one is a civil servant and the Chairperson, who was a member of the Property Services Regulatory Authority Implementation Team, was appointed in order to provide continuity to the Authority which had operated on a non-statutory basis for a number of years. The proposed Chairperson appeared before the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality and Defence.
Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission
On 8 September 2011, the Government decided to merge the Human Rights Commission and the Equality Authority to establish a new Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) to promote human rights and equality issues in a more efficient, effective and coherent way.
The 14 outgoing members of the Equality Authority accepted reappointment in September 2011 for a further term which concluded at the end of July 2012.
In the case of the Human Rights Commission 3 Commissioners were appointed by a Government Decision on the 20 December 2011 and their term expired on 31 May, 2012. The Working Group established to advise on the practical issues in relation to the establishment of a new merged Commission recommended that an Independent Selection Panel be set up for the purpose of appointing new and future members of this Commission. This is in line with a fundamental requirement of the Paris Principles that the members of the IHREC be independent and that the selection process be independent of Government.
In November 2012, advertisements inviting expressions of interest for the position of Chief Commissioner and of "ordinary" members appeared in the media. The Independent Selection Panel forwarded its recommendation of 14 names in March 2013. While the persons recommended cannot be appointed to the IHREC in advance of the required legislation being enacted and commenced, the Government has appointed 14 individuals as members of the Human Rights Commission and subsequently they will be appointed as members of the IHREC when the legislation is enacted, on a 3 year and 5 year basis to ensure that the terms of office of all members of the new Commission will not come to an end at the same time so as to preserve institutional continuity.
On 31 May, 2013, my predecessor Mr Alan Shatter, T.D. appointed 12 of their number to the Board of the Equality Authority, under the Employment Equality Act 1998, as amended, on an interim basis of 3 years, but which will otherwise expire when the Bill to establish the IHREC is enacted and commenced and the two Bodies are dissolved. Future selection of persons to serve as members of the IHREC will be vested in the Public Appointments Service (PAS) as provided for in the IHREC Bill which is currently before the Seanad.
Finally, I wish to advise the Deputy that expressions of interest are not sought in every case from members of the public who wish to be appointed to State Boards. Some of the reasons for this are outlined above for example, (i) no expressions of interest were sought in respect of the Garda Síochána Complaints Board who were dealing with outstanding old cases while the remainder of their work had transferred to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, (ii) some of the members appointed must be officers of the Minister for Justice and Equality (see Property Services Regulatory Authority and Courts Service Board) and (iii) the Human Rights Commission and the Equality Authority appointments were made on a temporary basis, for continuity reasons, in advance of the introduction of imminent new legislation.
631. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide an update on the building plans for a headquarters (details supplied); when she expects progress to be made; if the project has gone to tender; the expected cost of the project; the stage at which the PPP process is at; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29200/14]
View answerThe programme of refurbishment and replacement of Garda stations is based on accommodation priorities which are established by An Garda Síochána. The programme is advanced in close co-operation with the Office of Public Works, which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. Funding for such works is met by the Office of Public Works. I am advised that whilst, initially, this project was to be financed by way of public private partnership (PPP), the Office of Public Works (OPW) has recently been requested to develop the new facility by way of a traditional procurement process. I am further informed that planning for the provision of this new Garda headquarters is at an advanced stage and that the Office of Public Works expect to begin the formal tender process in the near future. Subject to the completion of that process, it is anticipated that a contract for the construction of the Garda headquarters referred to will be awarded towards the end of 2014. The Deputy will appreciate that as the formal tender process has not yet begun, it would not be appropriate to disclose the estimated cost of the project at this time.
632. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the restrictions and or guidelines in place for persons who have been convicted of sex offences seeking housing within communities after release from prison; if, for example, there are proximity regulations with regard to living next to schools; the legislation currently in place to ensure that communities are protected whilst also maintaining the rights of the person to live their life after serving their sentence. [29280/14]
View answerThe Sex Offenders Act 2001 introduced a wide range of measures aimed at reducing the risk to the public from convicted sex offenders. Those measures include the notification system, also known as the "sex offenders' register", post-release supervision and sex offender orders. Section 10 of the 2001 Act requires a convicted sex offender to notify his or her name and home address to the Garda Síochána within 7 days of becoming subject to the notification requirement. Any change of name or address must also be notified to the Gardai within 7 days.
Section 29 of the Sex Offenders Act 2001 allows a court to impose a post-release supervision order as part of a sentence. Indeed, when determining the sentence to be imposed on a convicted sex offender, the court is obliged by section 28 of the Act to consider whether to include post-release supervision. The court is required to have regard to the need for such supervision by the Probation Service, the need to protect the public from serious harm from the offender, the need to prevent the commission of further sexual offences by the offender, and the need to rehabilitate or further rehabilitate the offender.
For the period of post-release supervision, the offender is required to comply with such conditions as are specified in the sentence for securing supervision by a probation officer. In addition, the court can include a condition prohibiting the offender from doing anything it considers necessary for the purpose of protecting the public. In addition, upon the application of the Garda Siochana, the Circuit Court can make a sex offender order under section 16 of the 2001 Act at any time after an offender's release from prison (or a sentence otherwise ceases to be in force) prohibiting him or her from doing one or more things specified in the order.
Probation Service protocols for the management of sex offenders in the community set out procedures for effective supervision of sex offenders following release from custody. In managing these cases, the Probation Service works closely with the Gardaí and other partner agencies to ensure the co-operation of and compliance by the offender with supervision in the interests of community safety. The multi-agency Sex Offender Risk Assessment and Management (SORAM) model has been established to support enhanced levels of co-operation and co-ordination between the key statutory organisations involved in managing the risk posed to the community by convicted sex offenders. SORAM is steered by the National SORAM Committee comprised of personnel from the Irish Prison Service, the Probation Service, the Garda Síochána and the Child and Family Agency. Local SORAM committees case manage individual offenders using risk assessment instruments. While the appropriateness of accommodation options are considered by the committees in the course of their work, it is primarily the responsibility of the local authorities to respond to accommodation issues for persons leaving prison.
633. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Bills her Department has published since March 2011; the number of regulatory impact assessments her Department has published since March 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29297/14]
View answerI wish to inform the Deputy that the information sought concerning the number of Bills and Regulatory Impact Assessments published by my Department since March 2011 is outlined in the following tables.
|
Year |
Details of Bills published since 9 March 2011 |
|
2011 |
Criminal Law (Defence and the Dwelling) Bill 2011 |
|
Criminal Justice Bill 2011 |
|
|
Criminal Justice (Community Service) (Amendment) Bill 2011 |
|
|
Twenty-Ninth Amendment of the Constitution (Judges' Remuneration) Bill 2011 |
|
|
Services Regulation Bill |
|
|
Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions Bill) |
|
|
2012 |
Criminal Justice (Spent Convictions) Bill 2012 |
|
National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Bill 2012 |
|
|
Europol Bill 2012 |
|
|
Criminal Justice (Search Warrants) Bill 2012 |
|
|
Criminal Justice (Withholding of Information on Offences against Children and Vulnerable Adults) Bill 2012 |
|
|
European Arrest Warrant (Application to Third Countries and Amendment) and Extradition (Amendment) Bill 2012 |
|
|
Equal Status (Amendment) Bill 2012 |
|
|
Personal Insolvency Bill |
|
|
2013 |
Criminal Justice (Money Laundering & Terrorist Financing) (Amendment) Bill 2013 – (later the Criminal Justice Act 2013) |
|
Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) (Amendment) Bill 2013 |
|
|
Courts Bill 2013 (later the Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2013) |
|
|
Prison Development (Confirmation of Resolutions) Bill 2013 |
|
|
Thirty-third Amendment of the Constitution (Court of Appeal) Bill 2013 |
|
|
Fines (Payment and Recovery) Bill 2013 |
|
|
Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Bill 2013 |
|
|
Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Bill |
|
|
Assisted Decision-Making Capacity Bill |
|
|
2014 |
Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Bill 2014 |
|
Court of Appeal Bill 2014 |
|
Year |
Details of Regulatory Impact Assessments published since 9 March 2011 |
|
2011 |
Criminal Justice (Community Service) Bill 2011 |
|
Criminal Justice Bill 2011 |
|
|
Services Regulation Bill |
|
|
Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions Bill) |
|
|
2012 |
National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Bill 2012 |
|
Criminal Justice (Search Warrants) Bill 2012 |
|
|
Criminal Justice (Withholding Information on Crimes against Children and Vulnerable Adults) Bill 2012 |
|
|
Criminal Justice (Spent Convictions) Bill 2012 |
|
|
Criminal Justice (Corruption) Bill 2012 |
|
|
Equal Status (Amendment) Bill 2012 |
|
|
A Regulatory Impact Assessment for the draft general scheme on the Garda Síochána (Compensation for Malicious Injuries) Bill 2012 was published in July 2012. |
|
|
Personal Insolvency Bill |
|
|
2013 |
Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Bill 2013 |
|
Fines (Payment and Recovery) Bill 2013 |
|
|
Courts Bill 2013 (later the Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2013) |
|
|
Criminal Justice (Money Laundering & Terrorist Financing) (Amendment) Bill 2013 (later the Criminal Justice Bill 2013) |
|
|
Assisted Decision-Making Capacity Bill |
|
|
2014 |
Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Bill 2014 |
|
Court of Appeal Bill 2014 |
634. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of bicycle thefts per annum per Garda district for the past five years; her plans to address this problem; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29307/14]
View answer635. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of convictions for bicycle theft per Garda district in the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29308/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 634 and 635 together.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that a range of operational measures are pursued to combat bicycle theft and to target those who may engage in it, and there is ongoing provision by An Garda Síochána of crime prevention information, and awareness raising among the general public in relation to bicycle theft. Insofar as the statistics sought are concerned, the Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. I have requested the CSO to provide statistics directly to the Deputy.
636. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide in tabular form per annum and per prison the total number of violent criminal incidents in prisons here in 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014. [29318/14]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy on the number of assaults by prisoners per annum and per prison for 2011, 2012 and 2013 is set out in the following table.
|
Prison/Place of Detention |
Number of assaults by prisoners 2013 |
Number of assaults by prisoners 2012 |
Number of assaults by prisoners 2011 |
|
Arbour Hill |
7 |
4 |
1 |
|
Castlerea |
115 |
80 |
78 |
|
Cloverhill |
88 |
106 |
144 |
|
Cork |
38 |
50 |
90 |
|
Dóchas Centre |
28 |
28 |
22 |
|
Limerick |
36 |
55 |
78 |
|
Loughan House |
0 |
1 |
4 |
|
Midlands |
95 |
78 |
113 |
|
Mountjoy (Male) |
141 |
111 |
177 |
|
St.Patrick's Institution |
106 |
192 |
415 |
|
Portlaoise |
8 |
12 |
19 |
|
Shelton Abbey |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Training Unit |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Wheatfield |
87 |
104 |
129 |
|
PSEC |
9 |
0 |
4 |
|
Total |
758 |
822 |
1274 |
I can advise the Deputy that the number of assaults by prisoners in each prison for January to June 2014 is not yet available. The Information is being collated by the Irish Prison Service and I will forward a reply to the Deputy as soon possible. No level of inter prisoner violence or assaults on staff is acceptable.
Every effort is made by prison staff and management to limit the scope of acts of violence. However, no regime can completely eliminate the possibility of violent incidents happening in a prison setting where a large number of dangerous and violent offenders are being held. As the Deputy can see from the figures there were 758 incidents of violence recorded in prisons during 2013 and this includes very minor incidents. This amounts to an average of 2.1 incidents per day among a population of approximately 4,000. The Irish Prison Service has successfully introduced a number of measures across the prison estate such as, hand-held metal detectors, netting over prison yards, boss chairs and security screening machines to detect and prevent weapons from entering the prison to limit the scope of acts of violence.
In addition, new prisoner programmes have been introduced such as the Incentivised Regimes policy which provides for a differentiation of privileges between prisoners according to their level of engagement with services and quality of behaviour. The objective is to provide tangible incentives to prisoners to participate in structured activities and to reinforce good behaviour, leading to a safer and more secure environment. As a result, I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the figures for 2013 represent an 8% decrease on the 2012 total of 822 and a 40% decrease on the 2011 total of 1274.
637. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of small area policing projects in operation; the total spend per project; the future plans for the projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29321/14]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of personnel among the Garda Regions, Divisions and Districts. Garda management keep this distribution under continuing review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the best possible use is made of these resources.
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the Small Areas Policing Programme, being developed within the Dublin Metropolitan Region, is a Community Policing Areas Project. The Dublin Metropolitan Region will be divided into a series of Community Policing Areas (CPA's) with a view to allocating responsibility for a specific geographical area to a team of nominated Community Gardaí. These Community Policing Areas are in line with the CSO Small Area Populations (SAP’s), Electoral Areas (EA’s) and Garda District and Sub-District boundaries. This particular project is in its infancy and considerable work is required before it can be rolled-out operationally. This model is being developed specifically within the Dublin Metropolitan Region, and in particular in the North Inner City, to learn from the process.
There are no intrinsic costs associated with this project, other than costs associated with normal policing functions. Initial work to be conducted in each Community Police Area (CPA) will include:
- Liaison with the Community
- Provision of a consistent Community Policing Service to that particular area
- Identification of stakeholders and the creation of a stakeholder database within the CPA
- Development of profile of areas requiring attention within the CPA
- Identification of local community groups
- Development of an ethnic and cultural profile of CPA.
Each Community Policing Team will be responsible for all policing within their assigned areas including monitoring crime trends.
638. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if her Department or agencies under its auspices have engaged the services of a debt collection agency in pursuing moneys owed to them; if her Department has guidelines regarding hiring such agencies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29334/14]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that neither my Department nor any agencies under its remit engage the services of debt collection agencies.
639. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 153 of 4 June 2014, when she expects a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the matter to be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29380/14]
View answerI have recently received the requested report and am informed by the Garda authorities that reports pursuant to Section 33AK of the Central Bank Act 1942 which are forwarded to An Garda Síochána are referred to the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation (GBFI). These reports refer to a wide area of regulation such as the European Communities (Market in Financial Instruments) Regulations, the EC Insurance Mediation Regulations, the Building Societies Acts, the Credit Union Acts and other Regulations. I am further advised, however, that the majority of reports received by the GBFI from the Central Bank under section 33AK of the Central Bank of Ireland Act 1942 are dealt with by the Central Bank following consultation with the GBFI, in accordance with the Central Bank Administrative Sanction Procedure or other enforcement power.
Where other suspected offences outside the investigative remit of the Central Bank are identified, An Garda Síochána assesses these matters with a view to identifying criminality. Where criminal behaviour is identified, the matter is investigated and a file forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). In this regard, reports pursuant to Section 33AK of the Central Bank Act 1942 received at the GBFI would also assist in relation to ongoing investigations at the GBFI at the time of the report. I am advised that, for the time period specified, reports from the Central Bank under section 33AK of the Central Bank Act 1942 have resulted in two prosecutions and one conviction during the period referred by the Deputy. One other case is currently before the Courts.
640. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason Land Registry is reluctant to provide deeds to a property (details supplied) in Dublin 2 even though they have a copy of the original deeds from the local authority; if the matter can now be expedited; if she will outline what needs to be done to have the matter resolved and new deeds provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29390/14]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that under the Registration of Deeds and Title Act 2006, the Property Registration Authority (PRA) was established as and from 4 November 2006. The PRA replaces the Registrar of Deeds and Titles as the registering authority in relation to property registration in Ireland and, subject to the above Act, is independent in the performance of its functions. The Deputy will be aware of the service to Deputies and Senators which provides information on the current status of applications, such as the subject of this question, which was introduced in May 2006. The service provides a speedier, more efficient and more cost effective alternative to submitting Parliamentary Questions. It is operated by the PRA and is available all year round. I can further inform the Deputy that his query has been forwarded to the PRA for attention and direct reply via the above mentioned service.
641. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the Legal Services Bill 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29437/14]
View answerThe Legal Services Regulation Bill 2011, which has completed both Second and Committee Stages in the Dáil, is due to commence Report Stage in the Dáil on 16 July 2014. It is intended that the Bill be enacted by the end of this year and that the new Legal Services Regulatory Authority come into operation early in 2015.
642. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will outline in tabular form the funding and staff levels of GSOC; the number of cases dealt with by GSOC on an annual basis from 2007 to date in 2014; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29446/14]
View answerThe following table sets out the number of complaints received, complaints closed, the funding and staffing levels for the Garda Siochána Ombudsman Commission from 2007 to date.
|
- |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
|
Complaints received |
2084 |
2681 |
2097 |
2258 |
2275 |
2089 |
2027 |
1097 |
|
Complaints closed |
470 |
2249 |
2905 |
2412 |
2544 |
2207 |
2072 |
1001 |
|
Budget/ Funding |
€17.027 m^ |
€11.645m |
€9.558m |
€10.242m |
€9.242m |
€8.731m |
€8.021m |
€7.924m |
|
Staff |
75 |
92 |
88 |
87.2 |
83 |
79 |
77.6 |
77.8 |
^included one-off set-up costs.
The above staffing figures do not include the three members of the Commission or the two members of the Garda Síochána at Superintendent level who are on secondment with the Ombudsman Commission. Additional information on the work of the Ombudsman Commission is available from the organisation's annual reports which are published on its website, www.gosc.ie.
643. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of life sentenced prisoners released and the number of life sentenced prisoners recalled to prison in 2013; the average length of time served by these prisoners in prison prior to their release in 2013; the number of recalls to prison involving the revocation of temporary release that related to the following categories, failure to keep the peace, failure to be of good behaviour, failure to be of sober habits, charged with an additional offence and other reason; the charges preferred by category for those charged with an additional offence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29534/14]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that there was only one recall of a life sentenced prisoner in 2013 due to breach of conditions of temporary release. This prisoner had their temporary release revoked and is still in custody. In addition, one other prisoner was returned to custody in 2013 having been unlawfully at large for a period of time. This prisoner also remains in custody at this time.
I can advise the Deputy that life sentenced prisoners who are released into the community continue to serve their sentences, subject to a number of stringent conditions. While in the community, a life sentenced prisoner will be on reviewable temporary release under the supervision of the Probation Service. Reviewable temporary release is where a prisoner is granted a specific period of temporary release from prison. This can be at varying intervals, for example, weekly, monthly or annually. The period of release is reviewed when the prisoner returns to prison and a decision is made whether to refuse or grant a further period of Reviewable Temporary Release.
The Probation Service provide progress reports to the Irish Prison Service outlining resettlement and reintegration progress and will report on any risk management concerns a Life Sentenced prisoner may present. Where it is reported to the Irish Prison Service that the prisoner in the community is failing to abide by the conditions of their release, that person may be refused a further period of temporary release and be taken back into custody. An Garda Síochána may return a prisoner to prison where they are of the view that the prisoner is in breach of their temporary release conditions. When this happens, the Governor will conduct an oral hearing into the allegation. If the Governor is satisfied, taking into account evidence presented and comments made, that a breach of temporary release conditions has occurred the prisoner should be notified accordingly. The reviewable temporary release is then revoked and the prisoner is taken back into custody.
644. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount of funding allocated to an organisation (details supplied) in County Cork for each year since the commencement of the project; if her Department obtains a comprehensive financial report each year from the organisation; if the assets are listed in the name of her Department or the orgainsation; if the funding granted by her Department is allocated thereafter on the basis of set guidelines; if her Department is satisfied that these guidelines are being observed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29540/14]
View answerI wish to refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 555 of 17 June 2014. The position remains unchanged:
I wish to inform the Deputy that there have been no instances of my Department providing funding to the organisation concerned.
645. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in determination of an application for subsidiary protection in a case (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29545/14]
View answerAs I informed the Deputy in response to Question No. 182 on 26 June last, in respect of the person whose details were supplied, if the person has made an application for asylum or subsidiary protection, it is not the practice to comment on such applications for so long as they remain in the protection process.
646. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in determination of an application for subsidiary protection in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29548/14]
View answerAs I informed the Deputy in response to Question No. 183 on 26 June last, in respect of the person whose details were supplied, if the person has made an application for asylum or subsidiary protection, it is not the practice to comment on such applications for so long as they remain in the protection process.
647. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide the name, position and annual salary awarded to each of her special advisers; if she will provide details of any request made for an increase above the special adviser pay cap set by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the amount of the increase sought. [29607/14]
View answerIn my capacity as Minister for Justice and Equality, I have appointed three Special Advisors as follows: Marion Mannion, Niamh Connolly and William Lavellle. Ms. Connolly and Mr. Lavelle work on a half time basis each. Each is paid at the Principal Officer standard scale on a pro-rata basis to a full time officer where appropriate. At the time of their appointments, the salary scale was €75,647 - €92,550. I have made no requests for salary increases for any of the three individuals concerned. The salaries of my Special Advisors are in accordance with the applicable pay scales as set down by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in June 2013.
648. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if it is possible for an Irish national to hold dual Hungarian and Irish citizenship and for a Hungarian national to hold dual Hungarian and Irish citizenship; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29653/14]
View answerUnder Irish law it is possible for an Irish national to hold dual Hungarian and Irish citizenship. The acquisition of Irish citizenship is not contingent on the renunciation of the citizenship of another jurisdiction.
649. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason Gardaí were called out to police a SIPTU picket on a company (details supplied) in County Limerick; if it was the former Garda Commissioner who made the request; the reason a Garda car is parked at the company in County Roscommon in a supervision role; and if it is normal that An Garda Síochána get involved in industrial relations. [29662/14]
View answerI have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the matter referred to by the Deputy. I will contact the Deputy directly as soon as the report is to hand.
650. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding traffic pile up limiting access to the beaches (details supplied) on the northside of Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29689/14]
View answerThe Deputy will appreciate that I have no direct role in the enforcement of road traffic legislation which is a matter for the Garda authorities. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the location referred to is within the Raheny Garda District and Local Garda management are aware of difficulties in relation to parking and traffic congestion arising from increased numbers of people accessing the area during the recent good weather. I am assured that the Garda authorities have liaised with Dublin City Council with regard the specific management of particular traffic issues which have arisen at this location.
To address immediate concerns, 'no parking' cones have been positioned at the Causeway with the overall objective of alleviating traffic congestion and deterring illegal parking. I am further informed that An Garda Síochána regularly conduct enforcement operations to ensure that road traffic legislation is complied with at this location and members of An Garda Síochána issue fixed charge notices to vehicles that are parked illegally or causing obstructions. I am also assured that local Garda management will continue to monitor patrols and other road traffic enforcement strategies in place in this area in conjunction with crime trends and the policing needs of the community to ensure the optimum provision of public service and use of Garda resources.
651. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason Dun Laoghaire courthouse is being considered for closure in view of the fact that it will result in a breakdown of the administration of justice and increase financial costs for the State in the long run; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29692/14]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts, including the provision of accommodation for court sittings, is the responsibility of the Courts Service which is independent in exercising its functions. However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and I have been informed that following a review undertaken in 2013 into the delivery of court services in the greater Dublin Area, the proposals which have recently been published by the Courts Service include a proposal to close the District Court venue in Dun Laoghaire. The purpose of the review was to examine options to ensure that the Courts Service can continue to maintain an appropriate level of front line services to court users throughout Dublin city and county. The review has been the first comprehensive assessment of the delivery of court services in Dublin in many decades. In addition, the proposals arising from the review are designed to ensure the maximum utilisation of court accommodation and resources while at the same time providing opportunities for efficiencies across the justice system.
The Courts Service recognises that the proposal to close the court venue in Dun Laoghaire would inevitably have an impact on a range of organisations and courts users. In this context, I welcome the consultative approach which is being adopted by the Courts Service in seeking submissions on the proposal from any interested parties or local interests. The Courts Service had originally sought submissions by the end of June but it has now agreed to extend the timeframe for submissions to early September to allow for the fullest possible consultation. I have been assured by the Courts Service that all submissions received on the proposal will receive consideration. It is intended that proposals arising from the review including the closure of the court venue in Dun Laoghaire will be considered by the Courts Service Board at a meeting in October. I have been assured that any impacts on the administration of justice and/or any possible increased costs to the State will be among the matters which will be taken into consideration by the Courts Service Building Committee and the Board when considering the proposals. It should, of course, be noted that the final decision in relation to the closure of any court venue is a matter for the Board of the Courts Service.
652. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide in tabular form the number of public order offences prosecuted in Dublin city centre between July 2012 to date in 2014; if she will provide a breakdown of the areas of the city where these offences have occurred; and the type of offences. [29747/14]
View answer653. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the consideration that has been given and the action taken to implement the recommendations of the Lord Mayor of Dublin's Commission on Anti-Social Behaviour report presented to her Department in 2012. [29748/14]
View answer654. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if any anti-crime prevention and detection strategy is currently in operation in Dublin city centre; her plans to introduce such a strategy in consultation with both local business owners and the community. [29749/14]
View answer655. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the action that is being taken to combat anti-social behaviour around the Temple bar area between Westmoreland Street and Wellington Quay in Dublin city which is negatively impacting on local traders and visitors to the area. [29750/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 652 to 655, inclusive, together.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the current Dublin City Centre Policing Plan has been operational since June 2013 and includes dedicated high visibility patrols in key commercial and public thoroughfares. These patrols are informed by crime trends, demand led studies and footfall in the areas in question. An Garda Síochána engages extensively with business and community interests in the city centre area with respect to crime prevention, enforcement and policing concerns.
In relation to the specific issues raised concerning the Temple Bar area, in addition to the patrols referred to above, I am advised that additional plain clothes foot patrols are assigned to the area and adjoining streets each Friday and Saturday night under Operation Aughrim. A dedicated Public Order Van is also deployed to the area during the weekend. In addition, a number of other city centre policing operations impact on adjoining areas of the city, notably Operation Pier, which concentrates high visibility patrols on the South Quays and Temple Bar area. I can further inform the Deputy that in addition to these overall operational measures, two members of the Community Policing Unit at Pearse Street Garda Station are specifically assigned to the Temple Bar area and maintain liaison with the residents and other stakeholders in the area. In this regard, I am advised that ongoing consultation is maintained with the Temple Bar Traders association and Dublin Business Improvement District (BID) and that the policing needs of the area are kept under ongoing review.
In so far as the particular report referred to by the Deputy is concerned, he will be aware that a number of issues concerning a range of policies spanning a number of Departments emerged from its work. My predecessor as Minister for Justice and Equality welcomed the report and forwarded it to relevant Ministerial colleagues for their consideration as part of the ongoing development of policy in relevant areas. The relevant issues raised in the report have also fed into Garda enforcement and prevention measures in the city centre, including those referred to above.
With regard to the Deputy's request for specific information regarding public order offences in Dublin City Centre, the Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. I have requested the CSO to provide statistics directly to the Deputy.
