Wednesday, 17 Sep 2014

Written Answers Nos. 556-584

Garda Station Closures

Questions (556)

John Deasy

Question:

556. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of rural Garda stations that have been shut down in the past five years and their locations. [32997/14]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

In 2012 the then Garda Commissioner, with the approval of the Minister, closed 39 Garda stations, many of which had not been opened for several years and most of which were closed for the most part of the day. In 2013, 100 Garda stations were closed. There are still 564 Garda stations in the State. The following tables set out all of the closed stations, both rural and urban.

2012

Region	Division	District	Station
Western Region	Clare	Kilrush	Carrigaholt
Western Region	Galway	Galway	Corrandulla
Western Region	Mayo	Bual an Mhuirthead	Bellacorick
Western Region	Mayo	Castlebar	Glenisland
Western Region	Mayo	Castlebar	Tourmakeady
Western Region	Mayo	Westport	Mulranny
Western Region	Ross/Long	Castlerea	Loughglynn
Western Region	Ross/Long	Boyle	Tarmonbarry*
Western Region	Ross/Long	Boyle	Cootehall
Southern Region	Limerick	Askeaton	Shanagolden
Southern Region	Limerick	Bruff	Doon
Southern Region	Cork North	Cobh	Glenville
Southern Region	Cork West	Clonakilty	Castletownsend*
Southern Region	Cork West	Clonakilty	Ballygurteen*
Southern Region	Cork West	Kanturk	Knocknagree
Southern Region	Cork West	Bandon	Ballyfeard
Southern Region	Cork West	Bantry	Goleen
Southern Region	Cork West	Macroom	Inchigeela
South East Region	Tipperary	Thurles	Ballinure*
South East Region	Tipperary	Nenagh	Ballinderry*
South East Region	Wexford	New Ross	Ballywilliam*
South East Region	Wexford	Wexford	Baldwinstown
Southern Region	Kerry	Listowel	Ballylongford
Southern Region	Kerry	Listowel	Moyvane
Southern Region	Kerry	Tralee	Clochan
Northern Region	Cav/Mon	Monaghan	Clonibret
Northern Region	Cav/Mon	Monaghan	Smithborough
Northern Region	Cav/Mon	Baileboro	Tullyvin
Northern Region	Donegal	Glenties	An Duchoraidh (Doochary)*
Northern Region	Donegal	Ballyshannon	Dunkineely
Northern Region	Donegal	Buncrana	Culdaff
Northern Region	Sligo/Leitrim	Ballymote	Bunnanadden
Northern Region	Sligo/Leitrim	Manorhamilton	Drumkeeran
Northern Region	Sligo/Leitrim	Manorhamilton	Kiltyclogher
Eastern Region	Laois/Offaly	Tullamore	Geashill*
Dublin Metropolitan Region	DMR South Central	Pearse St	Harcourt Terrace
Dublin Metropolitan Region	DMR North	Ballymun	Whitehall
Dublin Metropolitan Region	DMR North	Balbriggan	Rush
Dublin Metropolitan Region	DMR East	Dun Laoghaire	Dalkey

*Stations were non-operational

2013

Division	Current District	Station to Close	Closure Date
DMR East	Dun Laoghaire	Kill O'the Grange	27th April 20 13
DMR East	Blackrock	Stepaside	14th March 2013
Cork City	Anglesea Street	Barrack Street	10th November 2013
Limerick	Henry Street	Mary Street	10th November 2013
Cavan I Monaghan	Cavan	Redhills	10th November 2013
Galway	Galway	Kiltullagh	31 January 2013
-	Loughrea	Tynagh	31 January 2013
-	Loughrea	New Inn	31 January 2013
-	Gort	Shanaglish	31 January 2013
-	Gort	Kilchreest	31 January 2013
-	Gort	Kilcolgan	31 January 2013
-	Clifden	Leeane	31 January 2013
-	Ballinasloe	Menlough	31 January 2013
-	Tuam	Kilconly	31 January 2013
-	Tuam	Ballymoe	31 January 2013
Clare	Ennis	Quin	31 January 2013
-	Ennistymon	Lahinch	31 January 2013
-	Killaloe	Mountshannon	31 January 2013
-	Killaloe	Broadford	31 January 2013
-	Kilrush	Doonbeg	31 January 2013
-	Kilrush	Kilmihil	31 January 2013
-	Kilrush	Labasheeda	31 January 2013
Mayo	Castlebar	Ballyvary	31 January 2013
-	Castlebar	Ballyglass	31 January 2013
-	Ballina	Ballycastle	31 January 2013
-	Ballina	Lahardane	31 January 2013
-	Belmullet	Blacksod	31 January 2013
-	Claremorris	Hollymount	31 January 2013
Roscommon/Longford	Roscommon	Ballyforan	31 January 2013
-	Roscommon	Knockcroghery	31 January 2013
-	Castlerea	Ballintubber	31 January 2013
-	Longford	Newtowncashel	31 January 2013
-	Granard	Ballinalee	31 January 2013
-	Granard	Ardagh	31 January 2013
Cork City	Anglesea Street	Barrack Street	31 January 2013
-	Mayfield	McCurtain Street	31 January 2013
-	Mayfield	Mallow Road	31 January 2013
-	Gurranabraher	Rathdruff	31 January 2013
Cork West	Bandon	Ballinspittal	31 January 2013
-	Bantry	Adrigole	31 January 2013
-	Kanturk	Meelin	31 January 2013
Kerry	Tralee	Camp	31 January 2013
-	Tralee	Fenit	31 January 2013
-	Tralee	Abbeydorney	31 January 2013
-	Killarney	Beaufort	31 January 2013
-	Killarney	Lauragh	31 January 2013
-	Killarney	Kilgarvan	31 January 2013
-	Listowel	Brosna	31 January 2013
-	Cahersiveen	Valentia Island	31 January 2013
-	Cahersiveen	Ballinskelligs	31 January 2013
Limerick	Bruff	Galbally	31 January 2013
-	Bruff	Kilfinane	31 January 2013
-	Newcastle West	Castletownconyers	31 January 2013
-	Newcastle West	Kilmeedy	31 January 2013
-	Newcastle West	Tournafolla	31 January 2013
-	Henry Street	Mary Street	31 January 2013
Cavan/Monaghan	Monaghan	Newbliss	31 January 2013
-	Cavan	Stradone	31 January 2013
-	Ballyconnell	Bawnboy	31 January 2013
-	Carrickmacross	Corrinshigagh	31 January 2013
-	Cavan	Redhills	31 January 2013
-	Carrickmacross	Shantonagh	31 January 2013
Donegal	Buncrana	Malin	31 January 2013
-	Letterkenny	Na Brocacha	31 January 2013
-	Milford	Min An Labain	31 January 2013
-	Glenties	Gleann Cholm Cille	31 January 2013
-	Glenties	Annagaire	31 January 2013
Sligo/Leitrim	Ballymote	Aclare	31 January 2013
-	Ballymote	Easkey	31 January 2013
-	Ballymote	Ballyfarnon	31 January 2013
-	Sligo	Cliffoney	31 January 2013
-	Carrick on Shannon	Cloone	31 January 2013
-	Carrick on Shannon	Keshcarrigan	31 January 2013
-	Carrick on Shannon	Dromod	31 January 2013
-	Manorhamilton	Dromahair	31 January 2013
-	Manorhamilton	Glenfarne	31 January 2013
Tipperary	Nenagh	Terryglass	31 January 2013
-	Nenagh	Rearcross	31 January 2013
-	Cahir	New Inn	31 January 2013
-	Clonmel	Grangemockler	31 January 2013
-	Tipperary Town	Dundrum	31 January 2013
Waterford	Tramore	Stradbally	31 January 2013
-	Dungarvan	Ballyduff	31 January 2013
Wexford	Enniscorthy	Kiltealy	31 January 2013
Kilkenny/Carlow	Thomastown	Inistioge	31 January 2013
-	Kilkenny	Ballyragget	31 January 2013
-	Kilkenny	Johnstown	31 January 2013
-	Carlow	Leighlinbridge	31 January 2013
Wicklow	Baltinglass	Hollywood	31 January 2013
-	Baltinglass	Donard	31 January 2013
Westmeath	Athlone	Ballinahowan	31 January 2013
-	Mullingar	Castletown Geoghegan	31 January 2013
-	Mullingar	Finea	31 January 2013
Meath	Kells	Crossakiel	31 January 2013
-	Trim	Kilmessan	31 January 2013
Laois/Offaly	Portlaoise	Ballacolla	31 January 2013
-	Birr	Shannonbridge	31 January 2013
-	Portlaoise	Ballinakill	31 January 2013
Kildare	Kildare	Ballytore	31 January 2013
-	Naas	Kill	31 January 2013
-	Naas	Ballymore Eustace	31 January 2013

Garda Deployment

Questions (557)

John Deasy

Question:

557. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí currently serving in the different districts of Waterford city and county; and the number that were serving in those same districts five years ago. [32998/14]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel and vehicles, 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 personnel strength of the Waterford Garda Division on 31 July 2014, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 275. There were also 35 Garda Reserves and 30 Civilians attached to Waterford Division. The personnel strength of the Waterford Garda Division broken down by District on 31 December 2009 and on 31 July 2014 was as set out in the table.

District	2009	2014
Dungarvan	66	56
Tramore	53	44
Waterford	190	175

Criminal Prosecutions Data

Questions (558, 559)

John Deasy

Question:

558. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of prosecutions for possession and-or sale and supply of heroin that were recorded at courts in Waterford city and county in each of the past five years. [32999/14]

John Deasy

Question:

559. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of prosecutions for possession and-or sale and supply of cocaine that were recorded at courts in Waterford city and county in each of the past five years. [33000/14]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I propose to take Questions Nos. 558 and 559 together.

The Deputy will be aware that, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service and I have no role in the matter. Section 4(3) of the 1998 Act provides that the Courts Service is independent in the performance of its functions, which includes the provision of information on the courts system.

However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the following table provides details of prosecutions issued for offences involving the possession, sale and supply of drugs generally in Waterford, Dungarvan and Lismore courts in Co Waterford. The Courts Service has advised that they cannot provide figures for specific drugs.

Year	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013
Number of Offences	656	889	831	658	619

Road Traffic Offences

Questions (560)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

560. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide a breakdown, for the years 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014 and based on each court district, of the number of drivers disqualified from driving by orders of the courts. [33022/14]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Deputy will be aware that, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service and I have no role in the matter. Section 4(3) of the 1998 Act provides that the Courts Service is independent in the performance of its functions, which includes the provision of information on the courts system.

However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the following table provides details of the number of defendants disqualified from driving by District for the years 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014.

District No	2011	2012	2013	Jan – July 2014
District No: 1	288	209	191	165
District No: 2	384	239	218	161
District No: 3	254	153	173	99
District No: 4	403	284	309	203
District No: 5	546	390	355	182
District No: 6	583	348	263	156
District No: 7	446	339	296	189
District No: 8	307	187	172	135
District No: 9	479	261	290	206
District No: 10	480	253	276	143
District No: 12	483	336	338	201
District No: 13	812	591	549	282
District No: 15	457	346	336	214
District No: 16	495	350	331	154
District No: 17	329	241	188	118
District No: 18	343	251	241	110
District No: 19	1,118	1,020	794	476
District No: 20	488	303	265	190
District No: 21	305	216	188	140
District No: 22	455	347	255	139
District No: 23	490	425	375	210
District No: 24	311	241	196	94
District No: 25	484	348	283	202
Dublin Metropolitan District	3,887	2,834	2,368	1,375
Total	14,627	10,512	9,250	5,544

Note: If a defendant was disqualified more than once in a District for that year they are only included once on the Report.

If a defendant appeared in more than one district they will be included twice.

Garda Investigations

Questions (561)

Finian McGrath

Question:

561. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will investigate the appointment of a person to investigate 221 cases of Garda irregularity (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33031/14]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Deputy is referring to the mechanism established for the independent review of certain allegations of Garda misconduct, or inadequacies in the investigation of certain allegations, which have been made to me as Minister for Justice and Equality, or the Taoiseach, with a view to determining to what extent and in what manner further action may be required in each case. A panel consisting of two Senior and five Junior Counsel was established for the purpose. The person referred to by the Deputy is a member of this panel. The counsel appointed to the panel were all selected on the basis of their experience of the criminal justice system.

Having regard to the scope of the review, there is always the possibility that a conflict of interest may arise. The review of each complaint will consist of an examination of the papers in the complaint by a counsel from the panel. The counsel are all fully aware of and share my concerns that nothing arises which might in any way detract from the integrity of the review mechanism, including issues of conflict of interest. Arrangements have been put in place to ensure that if there is any conflict, or potential conflict, the particular counsel not only will not be involved in the particular case but also will not be aware of which counsel is reviewing it. This is normal professional conduct and there are sufficient counsel on the panel to ensure the practicality of this. Whatever steps are necessary will be taken to ensure there is no conflict of interest.

Anti-Social Behaviour

Questions (562)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

562. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her views regarding anti-social issues and crime and increasing the penalties for forecourt drive offs and better equip the gardaí to deal with the crime in a more expedient manner as well as introduce harsher penalties for retail crime and improve the enforcement of the current laws; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33067/14]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I have asked the Garda authorities for a report in relation to the issue of forecourt drive offs as described by the Deputy and I will contact him directly when this report is to hand.

More generally, there is a range of strong legislative provisions available to an An Garda Síochána to combat anti-social behaviour and crimes against retailers. I am advised that Gardaí engage locally with business and retail interests in relation to matters of concern and provide relevant crime prevention advice.

Cycling Policy

Questions (563)

Finian McGrath

Question:

563. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding cycling on footpaths; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33085/14]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Deputy will appreciate that I have no direct role in roads policing which is principally an operational matter for An Garda Síochána and will be aware that I previously brought his concerns surrounding cycling on footpaths at this location to the attention of the Garda authorities.

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that local Garda Management is aware that the area concerned is prone to traffic congestion arising from access to a shopping centre and local schools.

I am also informed that members of An Garda Síochána enforce the law on pedal cycling at this location as part of their normal duties on an ongoing basis. Regular patrols are conducted in the area augmented by the Divisional Traffic Unit and where breaches of the road traffic legislation are detected, members of An Garda Síochána, depending on the circumstances, may deal with the incident by way of advice or caution or by initiating criminal proceedings. I am advised that community Garda plan to visit the local secondary school to advise students of their responsibilities under the Road Traffic Acts with the overall objective of increasing awareness and compliance and that the situation will be kept under review.

Naturalisation Applications

Questions (564)

Brendan Ryan

Question:

564. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality in relation to an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied), the reason a decision has not yet been made despite her deferral of a final decision until April 2014; when a decision will be made on this application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33126/14]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I can inform the Deputy that the application has entered the final stage of processing and I intend to grant citizenship. A letter issued to the person referred to by the Deputy asking him to submit the prescribed fee and other documents, which have been received.

The person concerned will be invited to attend the next available citizenship ceremony at which he will make a declaration of fidelity to the Irish Nation and loyalty to the State and receive his certificate of naturalisation.

The Deputy may wish to note that 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 established specifically 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.

Equality Issues

Questions (565)

Finian McGrath

Question:

565. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding disabilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33147/14]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Employment Equality Acts prohibit direct or indirect discrimination on a range of grounds, including family status and disability. A person who considers that they have been discriminated against can bring a claim before the Equality Tribunal and can seek advice and assistance from the Equality Authority in relation to the taking of such a claim.

Humanitarian Assistance Scheme

Questions (566)

Michael McNamara

Question:

566. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a decision will be made on the refugees to be accepted under the Syrian humanitarian admission scheme this year; if persons with a connection to Ireland (details supplied) will receive preference; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33176/14]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

As the Deputy will be aware, the Syrian Humanitarian Admission Programme (SHAP), which was introduced following an approach by members of the Syrian community in Ireland, is intended to offer temporary Irish residence - rather than refugee status - to vulnerable persons present in Syria, or who have fled from Syria to surrounding countries since the outbreak of the conflict in March 2011, and who have close family members residing in the State.

The Programme allowed naturalised Irish citizens of Syrian birth and Syrian nationals already lawfully resident in the State to make an application for vulnerable close family members to join them in Ireland. All applications received are being examined based on the criteria set out in the programme, a key condition of which is that these persons should not become a burden on the State.

Beneficiaries who are admitted under the SHAP programme will be granted permission on a temporary basis for up to two years.

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the application referred to by the Deputy will be decided in the near future.

The Deputy may wish to note that 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 established specifically 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.

Graffiti Incidence

Questions (567)

Finian McGrath

Question:

567. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will support a matter (details supplied) regarding graffiti; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33187/14]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the areas referred to are within the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) North Garda Division. These areas are patrolled regularly by uniform and plain clothes units, including the Community Policing Unit.

I am further informed that graffiti may be regarded as criminal damage and is dealt with by An Garda Síochána under the provisions of the Criminal Damage Act 1991. A person found guilty under the Act may be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding €1,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or both.

I am advised that the Garda approach to countering this type of crime includes tasking local Community Policing Units with collating the different unique "tags" used in graffiti, to help compile information which might identify individuals associated with various graffiti incidents.

I have forwarded details of the Deputy's concerns to the Garda authorities and anyone who has further information in relation to these matters should, of course, report it directly to An Garda Síochána.

Departmental Staff Data

Questions (568)

Seán Fleming

Question:

568. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of staff who retired, left or otherwise departed from their employment from 1 July 2013 to 31 December 2013, and the expected annual savings arising therefrom; the number of staff expected to leave in 2014, and the annual expected savings therefrom; the number of staff expected to leave in 2015, and the annual savings therefrom; the number of staff expected to leave in 2016, and the annual savings therefrom; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33208/14]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am advised that the number of staff of my Department who retired, left or otherwise departed between 1 July 2013 and 31 December 2013 was 15.82 full time equivalents. The expected annual savings in a full year would be approximately €880,000 if none of these posts were filled.

The number of staff who have left and at this time are expected to leave in 2014 is 47.24 full time equivalents. The expected annual savings in the first full year of these posts not being filled would be €2,920,000 approximately.

The number of staff expected to leave in 2015 under their respective pension plans is 12.9 full time equivalents and the expected annual savings in the first full year of these posts being vacant would be €656,000 approximately. The number of staff expected to leave in 2016 under their respective pension plans is 14.5 full time equivalents and the expected annual savings for the first full year of these posts being vacant would be €822,000 approximately.

The savings outlined above assume posts are not filled. My Department, based on sanctions received from my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, has filled a range of priority posts. Such posts have been filled through a combination of redeployment of staff from other areas of the civil and public service and in a very limited number of cases by recruitment and promotions.

The numbers given above do not include staff who were employed by my Department on a temporary or fixed term contracts and who left when those contracts expired.

In the context of the numbers retiring, my Department's strategy has been to protect the front-line services as far as possible by deployment of resources from support and ancillary areas to critical front-line areas. My Department is also actively engaged in the public services reform process so as to make the best use of reducing human and other resources in the context of reduced resources generally.

Departmental Staff Data

Questions (569)

Seán Fleming

Question:

569. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of new staff employed since 1 July 2013 up to 31 December 2013 and the expected annual costs arising therefrom; the expected number to be employed in 2014 and the estimated annual cost arising therefrom; the expected number to be employed in 2015 and the estimated annual cost arising therefrom; the expected number to be employed in 2016 and the estimated annual cost arising therefrom; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33225/14]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The number of new staff employed in my Department between 1 July 2013 and 31 December 2013 was 1.8 full time equivalents and the expected annual cost in the first full year of their employment would be €107,000 approximately.

The number of new staff employed to date in 2014 is 7.5 full time equivalents and the expected annual cost will be approximately €286,000 in the first full year. My Department will shortly advertise for a number of posts in the Irish Prison Service and the Forensic Science Laboratory. In addition, as part of a major reform of how immigration controls operate at Dublin Airport my Department will recruit, through the Public Appointments Service, a number of Immigration Control Officers. The final figure for 2014 recruitments and associated costs will only become clear as the recruitments above progress and it may be 2015 before some assignments are made.

In addition to the above a number of staff joined the Department on transfer or through redeployment from other areas of the Civil and Public Service. A further number of temporary clerical officers were employed on short term contracts during 2013 and again in 2014. These are, by definition, short term contracts designed to meet seasonal peaks and facilitate staff who avail of the Shorter Working Year Scheme.

I am advised that it would be premature to predict at this time likely recruitment in 2015 or 2016. I am advised that recruitment continues to be the subject of a moratorium with recruitment only permitted with the sanction of my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

Departmental Staff Data

Questions (570)

Seán Fleming

Question:

570. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of staff who retired, left or otherwise departed from An Garda Síochána from 1 July 2013 to 31 December 2013 and the expected annual savings arising therefrom; the number of staff expected to leave in 2014 and the annual expected saving therefrom; the number of staff expected to leave in 2015 and the annual savings therefrom; the number of staff expected to leave in 2016 and the annual savings therefrom; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33231/14]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The information is currently being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is to hand.

Departmental Staff Data

Questions (571)

Seán Fleming

Question:

571. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of new staff employed in An Garda Síochána since 1 July 2013 up to 31 December 2013 and the expected annual costs arising therefrom; the expected number to be employed in 2014 and the estimated annual cost arising therefrom; the expected number to be employed in 2015 and the estimated annual cost arising therefrom; the expected number to be employed in 2016 and the estimated annual cost arising therefrom; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33232/14]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The information is currently being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is to hand.

Closed Circuit Television Systems Provision

Questions (572)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

572. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of CCTV cameras currently in operation throughout the State. [33236/14]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

CCTV systems installed for the purposes of crime prevention and as aids to policing in areas to which the general public routinely have access, such as town centres, fall into two distinct categories: Garda CCTV systems and community-based CCTV systems.

Garda CCTV systems are planned and implemented on the basis of an Garda Síochána's identified operational needs and priorities. Accordingly, decisions in relation to the introduction or extension of such systems are a matter for the Garda Commissioner. The number of Garda CCTV Schemes currently in operation is 32, comprising of 550 cameras.

The community-based CCTV Scheme was launched in 2005 to provide financial assistance towards the capital costs of establishing a community CCTV system. A total of 45 schemes were awarded substantive grants under the schemes. I am advised by Pobal, who administered the scheme on behalf of the Department, that there are approximately 344 cameras in operation.

Citizenship Applications

Questions (573)

Seán Fleming

Question:

573. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if applications for citizenship are generally postponed where the applicant is subject to court appearances regarding motor traffic offences such as speeding and drink driving; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33248/14]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

All applications for a certificate of naturalisation are processed and assessed individually in accordance with the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. Section 15 of the Act provides that I may, in my absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation if satisfied that certain statutory conditions are fulfilled. In particular, these conditions require that an applicant is of good character; has had a period of one year's continuous residency in the State immediately before the date of application and, during the eight years immediately preceding that period, has had a total residence in the State amounting to four years; that he or she intends in good faith to continue to reside in the State after naturalisation; and has made a declaration in the prescribed manner of fidelity to the Irish nation and loyalty to the State. A foreign national who is married to, or is the Civil Partner of, an Irish citizen for at least three years may apply for naturalisation under section 15A of the Irish Naturalisation and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, where they have been continuously resident in the island of Ireland for the year immediately prior to the date of their application and for two out of the four years prior to that year. The marriage or civil partnership must be subsisting and recognised under Irish law.

In a small number of cases, the Minister may in her absolute discretion defer making a decision on an application for a particular period of time, in order to consider that application further. This deferral is almost always to the advantage of an applicant whose application would otherwise have been refused, allowing them time to establish a more favourable track record. This practice enhances the fairness of the process. It would be inappropriate for me to indicate how specific offences will be considered in any future application as each application is considered on its merits based on the entirety of the case presented at that time. I can inform the Deputy that I am concerned to ensure that the threshold of what constitutes good character is, taking all things into account, maintained at an appropriate level and as such is fair to all applicants having regard to their particular circumstances.

The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and I know the Deputy will appreciate that it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.

Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal

Questions (574)

Seán Fleming

Question:

574. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the criminal injuries board will meet to deal with outstanding cases in view of the fact that a number of cases are over three years old and a chairman was appointed earlier this year and in the interest of persons who are waiting a long time for claims to be dealt with, that the board deal with its business; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33249/14]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I wish to inform the Deputy that under the terms of the Scheme of Compensation for Personal Injuries Criminally Inflicted that the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal is entirely independent in the matter of individual applications that fall to be considered under the Scheme and in this regard, it will be a matter for the Tribunal to make the necessary hearing arrangements in each case.

I can further inform the Deputy that a Tribunal Chairperson, Mr. John Cheatle, B.L. was appointed by my predecessor in October 2013. In April 2014 the then Minister sought expressions of interest from suitably qualified persons who wished to be considered for appointment as members of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal. I can also inform the Deputy that, as part of the on-going appointment process, I have considered the expressions of interest received and have in recent weeks appointed four new members of the Tribunal resulting in sufficient Tribunal members to allow appeal hearings to proceed in accordance with the provisions of the Scheme. The Deputy may wish to note that, under the terms of the Scheme, Tribunal members provide their services on a part-time basis. In this context, the hearing of appeals depends on the availability of three Tribunal members to sit as an appeal division of the Tribunal and, indeed, the availability of the applicant on that date. There is no set period during which the Tribunal sits as, for instance, happens in the Courts.

Legislative Reviews

Questions (575)

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

575. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the Coroners Bill published in 2007 will be reviewed and updated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33275/14]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Deputy will be aware that the Coroners Bill 2007 is before the Seanad, having been restored to the Order Paper on the initiative of my predecessor.

While I would wish to be in a position to progress this important Bill, it is not possible for me to indicate the likely timetable with any certainty at this point. However, I have requested my officials to complete the review of the Bill in order to set out a firm plan for progressing it, having regard to other pressing commitments. I then hope to be in a better position to clarify the matter in the coming months.

Gambling Legislation

Questions (576)

Michael McGrath

Question:

576. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if current gambling regulations permit bookmakers to offer roulette or other games of chance on licensed premises; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33280/14]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Gambling Control Bill will, when enacted, establish a single licensing authority for gambling, namely the Minister for Justice and Equality. There will be terms and conditions attaching to each licence issued, including those licences issued to betting operators. I am committed to publishing this legislation in early 2015.

However, pending the publication and enactment of the new legislation, the Betting Act 1931 (as amended) continues to be the basis for the licensing of bookmakers' shops. My colleague, the Minister for Finance, has primary responsibility under the Act, with the Revenue Commissioners issuing bookmakers' licences in accordance with the terms of the legislation.

The Betting Amendment Bill 2013, which will amend the 1931 Act, is currently before the Oireachtas. It is my understanding that the Minister for Finance intends to have this legislation enacted at the earliest possible opportunity.

Asylum Applications

Questions (577)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

577. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of potential asylum seekers who have been turned away from ports of entry over the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33328/14]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

Section 8(1)(a) of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) provides that a person who arrives at the frontiers of the State seeking asylum or the protection of the State against persecution or requesting not to be removed or returned to a particular country may apply to the Minister for a declaration of refugee status.

Any person who makes an asylum application at a port of entry must be given permission to enter and remain in the State until their application for international protection is determined.

I am not aware of any instance where a person seeking the State's protection has been refused entry at a port.

Child Care Services Regulation

Questions (578)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

578. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if An Garda Síochána is reviewing its use of section 12 of the Child Care Act 1991; and if the recommendations made by the Ombudsman for Children in her report under section 42 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (Special Inquiries relating to Garda Síochána) Order 2013 in terms of developing a protocol on the exercise of powers under section 12 is being prepared by An Garda Síochána. [33332/14]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Report of Ms Emily Logan identified a range of steps that need to be taken, including detailed issues that need to be addressed within An Garda Síochána and other bodies, as well as wider issues that relate to how public services generally engage with members of the Roma community.

I have established an Implementation Group, chaired by my Department, (comprising members from relevant agencies, including An Garda Síochána) tasked with ensuring that the recommendations are progressed as expeditiously as possible, including the recommendations which are the subject of the Deputy's Question. The Group is due to report back to me by the end of the year.

Questions (579, 589, 624, 637)

Finian McGrath

Question:

579. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will end the punitive direct provision and dispersal system which has children marginalised, stigmatised and living on €19.10 per week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33355/14]

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

589. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to review the direct provision system (details supplied). [33507/14]

Finian McGrath

Question:

624. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on the Irish immigrant support centre's proposals on direct provision. [33757/14]

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

637. Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps being taken to improve conditions and waiting times for those seeking a decision from immigration services while in direct provision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33902/14]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I propose to take Questions Nos. 579, 589, 624 and 637 together.

The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department is responsible for the accommodation of protection applicants in accordance with the Government policy of direct provision and dispersal. Direct provision provides for full board accommodation supports while a final decision is awaited by a person on their protection or any related leave to remain application. Currently, 4,311 persons are residing in 34 asylum accommodation centres under contract to RIA.

These questions broadly concern a review of the Direct Provision system and the waiting times for those asylum seekers seeking a decision on their immigration status. Both issues will be dealt with in the context of the commitments given in the statement of Government Priorities 2014-2016. The first commitment is to "...establish an independent Working Group to report to Government on improvements with the protection process, including Direct Provision and supports for asylum seekers". My intention is to proceed with the establishment of that Working Group in the near future whose mandate will include reporting back to Government on improvements in relation to direct provision. I am, in advance of the Working Group, holding a Round Table on 19 September to provide non-governmental organisations active in the field of asylum the opportunity to outline the key issues for them in relation to the State's current arrangements for asylum seekers. I also intend to use the outcome of that meeting to inform the terms of the Working Group.

Personal Insolvency Act

Questions (580)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

580. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to amend the Personal Insolvency Act 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33376/14]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I intend to bring forward a short Bill which will contain some purely technical drafting amendments to the Personal Insolvency Act 2012.

More broadly, I continue to keep all aspects of the personal insolvency legislation under careful ongoing review.

The Statement of Government Priorities 2014-2016 provides, in particular, for the completion of a review of the operation of the Insolvency Service by the end of this year to ensure that the Service has the powers needed to support families willing to work their way through their debt problems. This review is currently under way.

House Sales

Questions (581)

Michael McGrath

Question:

581. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the legal position that applies to the practice known as gazumping in relation to house purchases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33399/14]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

Gazumping normally arises where a non-enforceable agreement for the sale of property at a particular price is reached between a vendor and intending purchaser but subsequently the vendor refuses to complete a formal contract and sells the property to another purchaser for a higher price. The non-legal relationship between the original parties is preserved by use of the term "subject to contract".

The problems associated with gazumping were examined in detail by the Law Reform Commission in its 1999 "Report on Gazumping" (LRC 59-1999). The Commission noted that delays occurring between the conclusion of negotiations and completion of the formal contract were usually in the intending purchaser's interest, e.g. to ensure the availability of funding for that property, or to ascertain if there are any legal difficulties in relation to the title. The Commission concluded that the only practicable reforms were to improve the information available to intending purchasers and to regulate the terms according to which booking deposits are paid and accepted. It did not recommend any legislative changes to reform the legal framework within which gazumping can occur.

The issue was subsequently considered by the Auctioneering/Estate Agency Review Group in its 2005 Report to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The Review Group noted that intending vendors retain the right to raise or lower their asking price or to withdraw their property from sale, and purchasers can also reduce their offers or withdraw from an intended purchase at any time before the contracts are signed by both parties. The Group endorsed the conclusion of the Law Reform Commission that "the only practicable reforms are to take steps to inform buyers and, in that way, to protect them".

The Property Services Regulatory Authority, which has been established under the Property Services (Regulation) Act 2011, has published a detailed “Guide for Users of Property Services Providers in Ireland" which explains the legal position in relation to gazumping and related matters such as payment of deposits and signing of contracts. The Guide is available on the Authority's web site (www.psr.ie).

Illegal Moneylenders

Questions (582)

Michael McGrath

Question:

582. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of suspected cases of illegal moneylending that have been investigated by the Garda in the past three years; the outcome of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33402/14]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I wish to advise the Deputy that it is not possible to provide the data sought in the time available for reply. However, I have requested the Garda authorities to provide the requested information and I will arrange for all available information to be forwarded to the Deputy upon receipt.

Prisoner Data

Questions (583, 584)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

583. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide in tabular form a breakdown of the number of convicted persons imprisoned for less than one week; less than two weeks; less than three weeks; less than four weeks; less than five week; less than six weeks; less than seven weeks; less than eight weeks; less than nine weeks; less than ten weeks; less than 11 weeks; and less than 12 weeks in 2013. [33407/14]

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

584. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 210 of 16 July 2014, the position regarding the table contained within indicating the proportional distribution of the number of prisoners who served less than three months in prison; and if the majority of these were at the longer or shorter end of the scale. [33408/14]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I propose to take Questions Nos. 583 and 584 together.

As I set out in my reply to the Deputy's Question No 210 of 16 July 2014, there were 8,663 committals (69%) under sentence in 2013 for sentences of 12 weeks or less. This category includes those committed (7,940) as a consequence of the non-payment of a court ordered fine.

A breakdown of the length of sentence as requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table.

-	Committals
<1 week	3,607
1 week to <2 weeks	2,035
2 weeks to <3 weeks	1,394
3 weeks to <4 weeks	268
4 weeks to <5 weeks	574
5 weeks to <6 weeks	38
6 weeks to <7 weeks	288
7 weeks to <8 weeks	22
8 weeks to <9 weeks	418
9 weeks to <10 weeks	4
10 weeks to <11 weeks	14
11 weeks to <12 weeks	1
Total	8,663