Written Answers Nos. 474-484
474. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide a breakdown, in tabular form, of the most up-to-date numbers of gardaí by district and division; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1757/15]
View answerOne of the primary functions of the Garda Commissioner under the Garda Síochána Acts, is to direct and control An Garda Síochána. 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.
The Deputy will appreciate that, as with any large organisation, on any given day the number of Gardaí assigned to any Division may fluctuate due, for example, to promotion, transfer, retirements and resignations. I have received the information from the Garda Commissioner on the personnel strength by Station, District and Division. I have arranged that this information which is set out in large spreadsheets to be sent to the Deputy directly.
475. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide a list in tabular form, of all Garda vehicles by vehicle type in each Garda district; the number of vehicles of each type that were retired from service in 2014; the number of new vehicles of each type that were introduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1758/15]
View answerThe 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, responsibility for the efficient deployment of Garda vehicles in each Division lies with the Divisional Officer, who may allocate vehicles between stations as required based on operational needs. The Deputy will appreciate that a degree of flexibility in allocating and re-allocating vehicles among stations is essential in order to effectively align resources with policing priorities and manage the Garda fleet efficiently. As a consequence, it is not possible to provide a breakdown of Garda vehicles precisely as requested by the Deputy.
However, details of the Garda fleet as of 31/12/2014 are being collated and will be issued directly to the Deputy.
476. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide in tabular form the number of gardaí in County Longford per station from 2008 to date in 2015; the number of vehicles for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1768/15]
View answerOne of the primary functions of the Garda Commissioner under the Garda Síochána Acts is to direct and control An Garda Síochána. 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.
The Deputy will appreciate that, as with any large organisation, on any given day the number of Gardaí assigned to any Division may fluctuate due, for example, to promotion, transfer, retirements and resignations. I have received the information relating to the personnel strength of the Roscommon/Longford Garda Division by Station and District from the Garda Commissioner. I have arranged that this information which is set out in large spreadsheets to be sent to the Deputy directly.
In relation to the number of vehicles, responsibility for the efficient deployment of Garda vehicles in each Division is assigned to the Divisional Officer, who may allocate vehicles between stations, as required by operational circumstances. The Deputy will appreciate that a degree of flexibility in allocating and re-allocating vehicles among stations, so as to best match the allocation of resources with policing priorities, is essential to the efficient management of the Garda fleet. In that context I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of cars for County Longford for the years referred to was:
VEHICLES IN COUNTY LONGFORD 2008 - 2015
|
- |
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
2012 |
2011 |
2010 |
2009 |
2008 |
|
Total |
17 |
18 |
13 |
13 |
14 |
16 |
18 |
17 |
477. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to address the increasing concerns surrounding illegal drug use in County Longford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1769/15]
View answerThe Deputy will appreciate that tackling the problem of drug misuse remains one of the most complex challenges that we face.
The Government's overall response to the problem is set out in the National Drugs Strategy for the period 2009-2016. The Strategy provides a co-ordinated and comprehensive response founded on a partnership approach.
The Strategy, which is being delivered under the stewardship of my colleague Minister for Health, Mr. Leo Varadkar T.D., adopts a pillar based approach to the problem, involving the implementation of a wide range of measures across the five pillars of drug supply reduction, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and research.
The involvement of my Department and that of An Garda Síochána under the Strategy is primarily, although not solely, concerned with the drug supply reduction pillar.
With regard to the particular matter raised by the Deputy, I am advised by the Garda authorities that the combating of illegal drug use is an ongoing priority for An Garda Síochána in the Longford area. The problem of drug misuse is being addressed through a range of measures being taken by An Garda Síochána in partnership with other agencies and services locally.
A partnership approach is being facilitated by the work of the Midland Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force so as to address the problem of substance misuse in a co-ordinated way across the Midland region.
An Garda Síochána community policing personnel and the Juvenile Liaison Officer attached to the Longford District also form part of the Longford Local Drugs Network.
I am further advised by the Garda authorities that the involvement of An Garda Síochána in these fora allow for ongoing daily interaction and co-operation between the statutory and non-statutory agencies at local level and that this approach is of assistance in tackling illegal drug activity in the area.
Finally, I can assure the Deputy that my Department and its agencies continue to fully support the implementation of the National Drugs Strategy in targeting drug misuse nationwide.
478. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to involve communities further in crime prevention measures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1770/15]
View answerAn Garda Síochána places great emphasis on the importance of the partnership between An Garda Síochána and the community in preventing and detecting crime, and maintaining a safe environment for everyone. In this regard the Garda National Model of Community Policing plays a key part in responding to crime by taking into account and responding to local conditions and needs. Under this model there is a community policing team in each District, headed up by a Sergeant. Clear objectives are set, such as high visibility in the community, ease of contact by members of the public, and enhanced support for crime prevention strategies. Within this framework, An Garda Síochána continues to tackle local crime issues including public disorder and anti-social behaviour by working with communities and business groups, including the hospitality industry, to reduce crime and enhance community safety. This approach includes a strong focus on quality of life issues and collaboration with local authorities to help address the causes of anti-social behaviour and related criminality.
Particular developments in recent years includes the national ‘Garda Supporting Safer Communities Campaign’ which reaffirms the community policing ethos through the hosting of various local activities and as part of which Gardaí give important Crime Prevention and Road Safety Advice. In addition, new Garda Community Crime Prevention Guidelines, which build on the work of existing partnership programmes such as Neighbourhood Watch and Community Alert, were published in January 2013. The guidelines give information and advice to help establish new community “watch” groups and also to revitalise existing groups where necessary.
Furthermore, a new Garda Text Alert Scheme, which was launched in September 2013, was piloted initially in a number of locations and developed in cooperation with Muintir na Tíre, Neighbourhood Watch, the Irish Farmers Association and related stakeholders. It provides a further mechanism for Gardaí to provide crime prevention information to community contacts who in turn forward the information to all members of a community groups. This initiative has developed as an important crime prevention mechanism with over 500 local groups involving in excess of 100,000 subscribers and with an estimated 200,000 text messages sent each month under the scheme. I am informed that every Garda Division, rural and urban, now offers the text alert service and An Garda Síochána have published guidelines to assist in the establishment and operation of local groups.
I am pleased to say that my Department continues to provide funding for the Community Alert programme, administered by Muintir na Tíre in partnership with the Gardaí, which supports the operation of over 1,300 local groups. An Garda Síochána also supports the operation of approximately 2,500 Neighbourhood Watch groups countrywide.
In August last year, in line with the commitments in the Programme for Government, I published new guidelines for the operation of Joint Policing Committees (JPCs) which have an important role in supporting local community policing partnerships. The guidelines were finalised following a wide ranging consultation process and take account of the general reforms in local government structures. The new JPC guidelines emphasise the need for collaborative approaches between all stakeholders to address local issues. They also underline the need for enhanced communication between JPCs, which have a strategic coordinating role, and the full range of local and community based fora which can contribute to the enhancement of community safety and support effective policing responses.
I can assure the Deputy that I share the Commissioner's commitment to proactive engagement with communities in addressing crime prevention and community safety issues, and that the arrangements and measures in place are under continuous review and development.
479. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide in tabular form the number of EU directives which remain to be implemented within her Department; the names of these directives; the timeframe for the implementation of these directives; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1797/15]
View answerThe EU Directives currently awaiting implementation in my Department, and the timeframes currently anticipated in each case, are as set out in the table below.
|
Directive |
Anticipated Timeframe for Implementation |
|
Directive 2013/29/EU on the harmonisation of the laws relating to the making available on the market of pyrotechnic articles (recast) |
By third quarter 2015 |
|
Directive 2014/58/EU setting up, pursuant to Directive 2007/23/EC, a system for the traceability of pyrotechnic articles |
By fourth quarter 2016 |
|
Directive 2014/28/EU on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to the making available on the market and supervision of explosives for civil uses (recast) |
By second quarter 2016 |
|
Directive 2012/29/EU establishing minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime |
By fourth quarter 2015 |
|
Directive 2011/93/EU on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography |
Necessary provisions are included in the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill. The legislation is currently being drafted with a view to the publication of the Bill in 2015 and enactment as soon as possible thereafter. |
|
Directive 2013/40/EU on attacks against information systems |
By third quarter 2015 |
|
Directive 2014/42/EU on the freezing and confiscation of instrumentalities and proceeds of crime in the European Union |
By fourth quarter 2016 |
480. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide in tabular form the number, names and dates of Bills initiated in her Department that have been subject to the pre-legislative scrutiny procedure in the Oireachtas. [1818/15]
View answerFive Bills in my Department initiated in the Dáil or Seanad were subject to the pre-legislative scrutiny procedure in the Oireachtas.
Bills initiated in Dáil/Seanad that were subject to pre-legislative scrutiny
|
Bill Number |
Bill Name |
Date Referred to Committee |
|
No. 32 of 2012 |
Criminal Justice (Withholding Information on crimes against Children and Vulnerable Adults) Bill |
29/07/11 |
|
No. 71 of 2012 |
National Vetting Bureau Bill |
28/07/11 |
|
No. 83 of 2013 |
Assisted Decision-making (Capacity) Bill 2013 (previously Mental Capacity Bill) |
In 2012 the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality invited written submissions on the Scheme of the then-entitled Mental Capacity Bill and held public hearings on the proposed legislation on 22/29 February 2012. The Committee issued its report in May 2012. The Bill was published in July 2013 as the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Bill and, as it differed in certain respects from the original scheme, the Joint Committee, in April 2014, invited further written submissions from interested parties, which it forwarded to the Department. |
|
No. 20 of 2014 |
Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Bill 2014 (Enacted 2014) |
04/06/12 |
|
No. 96 of 2014 |
Personal Insolvency (Amendment) Bill 2014 |
26/01/12 |
As the Deputy is aware, under Dáil Standing Order 123 A and prior to its presentation or introduction to the Dáil, the General Scheme or draft Heads of a Bill shall, (save in exceptional circumstances), be given by a member of Government or a Minister of State to the Committee empowered under Standing Order 82A for their consideration. Nine such Schemes/draft Heads were also sent for pre-legislative scrutiny.
General Schemes/draft Heads sent for pre-legislative scrutiny
|
Bill Number |
Bill Name |
Date Referred to Committee |
|
N/A |
Criminal Justice (Corruption) Bill |
20/06/12 |
|
N/A |
Mediation Bill |
05/03/13 |
|
N/A |
Gambling Control Bill |
15/07/13 |
|
N/A |
Children and Family Relationships Bill |
30/01/14 |
|
N/A |
Criminal Justice (Community Sanctions) Bill (previously Probation Service Bill) |
07/02/14 |
|
N/A |
Garda Síochána (Policing Authority and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill (previously the Policing Authority Bill & Garda Síochána (Amendment) Bill) |
07/04/14 |
|
N/A |
Criminal Procedure Bill |
25/06/14 |
|
N/A |
Hague Convention (Choice of Court) Bill |
08/12/14 |
|
N/A |
Amendment of the Constitution (Marriage Equality Referendum) Bill |
19/12/14 |
481. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide in tabular form the number, names and dates of Bills initiated in her Department since September 2013. [1833/15]
View answerSince September 2013, eight Bills in my Department were initiated in the Dáil or Seanad (three of these have since been enacted).
Bills initiated in Dáil/Seanad since September 2013
|
Bill Number |
Bill Name |
Date Initiated in Dáil/Seanad |
|
No. 93 of 2013 |
Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Bill 2013 (Enacted 2014) |
09/09/2013 |
|
No. 20 of 2014 |
Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Bill 2014 (Enacted 2014) |
19/03/2014 |
|
No. 68 of 2014 |
Court of Appeal Bill 2014 (Enacted 2014) |
02/07/2014 |
|
No. 82 of 2014 |
Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) (Amendment) Bill 2014 |
15/08/2014 |
|
No. 83 of 2014 |
Garda Síochána (Amendment) (No. 3) Bill 2014 |
18/08/2014 |
|
No. 84 of 2014 |
Criminal Justice (Mutual Assistance) (Amendment) Bill 2014 |
18/08/2014 |
|
No. 96 of 2014 |
Personal Insolvency (Amendment) Bill 2014 |
21/10/2014 |
|
No. 111 of 2014 |
Redress for Women Who Were In Certain Institutions Bill 2014 |
10/12/2014 |
482. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of secondments from her Department to external private firms in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and to date in 2015; the firms involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1847/15]
View answer483. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of secondments based in her Department from external private firms in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and to date in 2015; the firms involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1861/15]
View answer484. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if her Department has a policy regarding secondments between her Department and external firms; when the policy was initiated and last updated; the details of the policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1875/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 482 to 484, inclusive, together.
There were no secondments from my Department to external private firms in the years specified in your question.
My Department had three short term secondments from external firms in the years in question. There was one secondment from Grant Thornton Corporate Finance Limited for the period 12 November 2012 to 11 January 2013; one from KPMG for the period 10 December 2012 to 9 February 2013; and one from Deloitte for the period 4 February 2013 to 12 April 2013. The individuals concerned provided expert assistance on the establishment of the Insolvency Service of Ireland and their services were provided on a pro bono basis.
The Deputy should note that my Department is also involved in secondments, in and out, between other Departments and public sector organisations and has approximately 90 such secondments at the present time. Typically these officers are seconded to serve in Visa Offices in Irish Embassies abroad or to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform regarding the establishment of Shared Service Centres. Officers are seconded into the Department principally from the Courts Service to serve in the Insolvency Service of Ireland and from the Central Statistics Office.
A Staff Exchange Scheme between the Civil Service and the Private Sector, administered by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, is designed to enhance communication, cooperation and understanding between the Civil Service and the Private Sector and to provide staff development opportunities for participants through new work experiences and project based assignments. My Department nominated a member of staff for participation in the scheme in 2013 who was ultimately not facilitated with an actual secondment.
Other secondments can also arise to address specific business needs which can be considered on a case by case basis.
