Written Answers Nos. 289-302
289. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the funding available to support the installation of CCTV cameras in an area (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44058/14]
View answerThe community-based CCTV Scheme was launched in 2005 to provide financial assistance to qualifying local organisations towards meeting the capital costs associated with the establishment of a local community CCTV system. To date two major rounds of funding have been advertised, in 2005/6 and 2007 seeking applications from interested groups.
The current position is that all available funding provided under the previous two rounds has been fully allocated and there are currently no plans to further extend the Scheme. However, the matter will continue to be kept under review in the context of overall policy considerations and the availability of funding.
290. Deputy Eamonn Maloney asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to the announcement of budget 2015, the number of, and when, new Garda vehicles will be allocated to Tallaght Garda station, Dublin 24. [44075/14]
View answer292. Deputy Eamonn Maloney asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to the announcement of budget 2015, the number of, and when, new Garda vehicles will be allocated to Rathfarnham Garda station, Dublin 14. [44077/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 290 and 292 together.
The provision and allocation of Garda transport is a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the light of identified operational circumstances and the availability of resources.
In that context, the Deputy will be aware that I recently secured an additional €10 million for investment in the Garda fleet. This funding will provide for a significant number of new Garda vehicles. I am advised by the Garda authorities that, to date, an order for 370 new vehicles has been placed. These vehicles will be allocated over the coming months, following fit out, in accordance with the Garda Commissioner's identified operational requirements.
I understand that the specific details in relation to the deployment of the these new vehicles have yet to be finalised but the Deputy can be assured that they will be allocated as effectively as possible in line with operational circumstances, including the requirements of the areas referred to by the Deputy.
291. Deputy Eamonn Maloney asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to the announcement of budget 2015, the number of, and when, new Garda recruits will be allocated to Tallaght Garda station, Dublin 24. [44076/14]
View answer293. Deputy Eamonn Maloney asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to the announcement of budget 2015, the number of, and when, new Garda recruits will be allocated to Rathfarnham Garda station, Dublin 14. [44078/14]
View answer308. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda graduates of the most recent graduate class who will be sent to the Kilmainham district (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44279/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 291, 293 and 308 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, one of the primary functions of the Garda Commissioner under the Garda Síochána Acts, is to direct and control An Garda Síochána. In this regard, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of all resources, including fully sworn members and Reserve Gardaí, among the Garda Regions, Divisions and Districts. Garda management keep this distribution under continuing review in the context of security assessments, 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 Tallaght, Rathfarnham and Kilmainham Garda Stations on 30 September 2014, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was as set out in the table.
|
Station |
Garda |
Reserve |
Civilian |
|
Tallaght |
171 |
12 |
12 |
|
Rathfarnham |
72 |
6 |
1 |
|
Kilmainham |
72 |
9 |
2 |
As you will be aware the first intake since 2009 of 100 new recruits entered training at the Garda College in Templemore on Monday, 15th September 2014. This marked a positive step forward for policing in Ireland. Furthermore, as provided for in Budget 2015, the process of recruiting 200 new Gardaí to the force will continue over the next few months. The situation will be kept under review and when these additional personnel next become available the needs of Tallaght, Rathfarnham and Kilmainham Garda Stations will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda Stations throughout the country.
It is my intention that there will be ongoing recruitment and I am discussing the details of this with my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
294. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide an update on the recommendations that criminal proceedings be issued against a named garda following the investigation by GSOC into the criminal activities of the gardaí who were involved in a case (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44096/14]
View answerThe first thing I want to emphasise is that I as Minister for Justice and Equality have no role in relation to prosecutions or decisions whether or not to initiate a prosecution.
In May 2013, the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) made a Report to my predecessor under Section 80(5) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 following its investigation into allegations of collusion between an individual and members of the Garda Síochána.
In its letter accompanying the report GSOC stated that a file relating to its public interest investigation was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions. Having considered the file the DPP advised that the file did not warrant prosecution of any individual. Thereafter GSOC considered and decided against launching any investigation of matters which may constitute indiscipline.
The Report by GSOC also contained a series of recommendations related to informant handling procedures within An Garda Síochána, oversight of those procedures, as well as intelligence handling and information exchange between GSOC and An Garda Síochána.
At the time my predecessor sought the observations of the Garda Commissioner on the Report and its recommendations. In response, the Garda Commissioner pointed out that following the putting in place of a code of practice for the management of Covert Human Intelligence Sources many of the recommendations made by GSOC were already incorporated into Garda procedures. The Commissioner also emphasised that informants are clearly instructed that they may not commit crimes or act as agents provocateur.
I should emphasise that there has been, since 2010, an independent, external oversight mechanism in place to ensure compliance with the code of practice. The current holder of this appointment is Mr. Justice Thomas Smyth, former judge of the High Court. Mr. Justice Smyth's report for 2012 has been published and I am currently making arrangements to publish his reports for 2013 and 2014. I am pleased to note that the Judge has indicated that he received full co-operation from relevant members of An Garda Síochána in compiling his report and he records substantial compliance with the code of practice by An Garda Síochána.
I should mention that the recent Inspectorate report makes a number of recommendations in relation to the handling of information and these will be addressed.
A Memorandum of Understanding, Protocols and Agreement on Operational Matters, agreed by the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána and the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC), has been in place between An Garda Síochána and GSOC since the establishment of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission in 2007. However, a new Memorandum of Understanding, Protocols and Agreement on Operational Matters has been agreed between An Garda Síochána and GSOC and was signed by the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána and the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission on 23rd September, 2013. The Memorandum of Understanding agrees protocols for operational matters between An Garda Síochána and GSOC, including the provision of information to GSOC by An Garda Síochána.
There is continued ongoing co-operation between An Garda Síochána and GSOC to address any issues that arise during the course of an investigation. A working relationship is maintained between the two organisations with regular formal and informal meetings between senior management representatives. In addition, the Garda Commissioner has established a dedicated office (GSOC Liaison Office) to process and monitor all such requests and ensure that all correspondence with GSOC is attended to in a timely manner.
In the context of Garda oversight generally, the Deputy will be aware that I recently introduced the Garda Síochána (Amendment) (No. 3) Bill 2014. The main purpose of the Bill is to amend the Garda Síochána Act 2005 to expand the remit and powers of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC). The Bill will bring the Garda Commissioner within the remit of GSOC for the first time. It will also ensure that An Garda Síochána provides information sought by GSOC for an investigation as soon as practicable.
295. Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the children and family relationships Bill; when it is expected to come before Dáil Éireann; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44106/14]
View answer310. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the children and family relationships Bill; if progress has been delayed; and when the legislation will be enacted. [44301/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 295 and 310 together.
The Children and Family Relationships Bill is currently being drafted, and I and my officials are working closely with other relevant Ministers and their officials and with the Attorney General to ensure its publication in the coming weeks. I expect that it will be brought before the Oireachtas as soon as possible thereafter.
296. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of staff that are drawing down retirement pensions from the public sector or Civil Service and that have been brought back on contract work or temporary contracts to work in her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44120/14]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that from 2012 to date, no individuals on public or civil service retirement pensions have been brought back on contract or temporary contract work.
A limited number of former public or civil servants are re-engaged from time to time on a short term basis because of their knowledge and expertise in a particular area, for example to serve on interview boards, audit committees or investigations.
It should also be noted that a small number of Temporary Clerical Officers have been recruited to provide cover for priority vacancies, or additional resources for priority short-term projects that could not be managed within existing resources. Only one of those appointed (in 2013) was in receipt of a Civil/Public Service pension while two others had preserved pensions in respect of previous service. Of the cohort of temporary clerical officers engaged in 2014 and based on the information available none are retired civil or public servants.
297. Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to pass into law the children and family relationships Bill before the proposed referendum on civil marriage for same-sex couples; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44128/14]
View answerThe Children and Family Relationships Bill, currently being drafted, is a high legislative priority. I intend to commence the legislative process on the Bill as soon as possible. It will ultimately be a matter for the Houses of the Oireachtas, in their debate on and examination of the Bill, to determine the timing of its passage. The intention is that this would be achieved well in advance of the proposed referendum.
298. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the redress for women who were in certain institutions Bill; when the Bill will be adopted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44150/14]
View answerThe Redress for Women who Were in Certain Institutions Bill is at an advanced stage of drafting and I hope to publish it during the current Oireachtas session. With the co-operation of the Oireachtas, I hope to have it enacted without delay.
299. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the acquisition of a new premises for a Garda station (details supplied) in County Cork. [44153/14]
View answerThe programme of replacement and refurbishment 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 (OPW), which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation.
I have been advised by the Garda authorities that the purchase of a premises for a new Garda station referred to by the Deputy is currently the subject of legal proceedings. Accordingly, I am not in a position to provide any further information in relation to this matter.
300. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to provide more community liaison officers to improve policing in communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44247/14]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of personnel, including community Gardaí, 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.
The Deputy will be aware that all Gardaí have responsibility, inter alia, to deal with community policing issues as and when they arise. Community policing is the underpinning philosophy and ethos through which An Garda Síochána delivers a service across the country. In that context, I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that there are 878 Gardaí specifically assigned to community policing duties throughout the State and 116 Juvenile Liaison Officers.
302. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will ensure that more gardaí are visible on the beat and not in Garda stations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44249/14]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of personnel, including community Gardaí, 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 however been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of An Garda Síochána on 30 September 2014, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 12,861. There are also 1,112 Garda Reserves and over 2,000 Civilians.
The key objective of the station closures in 2012 and 2013 was to promote the more efficient and effective deployment of resources. In this context the Commissioner concluded that Garda resources could be better deployed and more effectively used on the frontline if these particular stations no longer had to be staffed and maintained. The Commissioner estimated that there are 61,000 more man hours available for frontline services following the station closures.
There are currently over 2,000 full-time-equivalent civilian support staff in the Garda Síochána. Civilian staff provide vital support services in a wide range of areas, such as human resources, training and development, IT and telecommunications, finance and procurement, internal audit, research and analysis, accommodation and fleet management, scene-of-crime support and medical services. In doing so, they release highly trained Gardaí from administrative tasks to operational policing.
The Haddington Road Agreement provides that a Review of An Garda Síochána will be undertaken to “review and make recommendations on the use by An Garda Síochána of the resources available to it, with the objective of achieving and maintaining the highest levels of efficiency and effectiveness in its operation and administration". The review which is under way will provide an opportunity to consider the scope for further civilianisation in An Garda Síochána. It is expected that the review will be completed at an early date.
One hundred (100) new recruits commenced their training in the Garda College on 15 September 2014. Furthermore, the process of recruiting 200 new additional Gardaí to the force will continue over the next few months.
The first batch of recruits will attest as members of the Garda Síochána in May of 2015 and will be assigned to Garda Stations throughout the country by the Garda Commissioner.
