Written Answers Nos. 343- 354
343. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to make senior appointments to An Garda Síochána on a time contractual basis in view of a recent resignation from a senior post two days after the appointment in question. [9177/15]
View answerI have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that all members of An Garda Síochána are entitled to retire having completed a stipulated period of service and fulfilling the requisite criteria. Notwithstanding that, they may continue to serve until they reach 60 years of age.
The statutory pension rights which each member of An Garda Síochána is entitled to receive are respected by the Commissioner. Accordingly the Commissioner has no plans to make senior appointments to An Garda Síochána on a time contractual basis.
344. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current annual cost per prisoner in the Irish Prison Service; and the way these costs changed each year from 2008 to 2015. [9178/15]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that the Irish Prison Service calculates the average cost of an available staffed prison space. This information is available on the Irish Prison Service's website www.irishprisons.ie.
It should be noted that the methodology for measuring costs across the prison estate was reviewed in 2008. The previous approach (Cost of Keeping an Offender) did not give consideration to the various factors that drive costs.
The revised methodology, which was introduced in 2009, is of greater benefit in the financial management of the Service than the one previously used as it facilitates the strategic measuring and comparing of costs across the prison estate. The methodology now used excludes costs which are not under the direct control of the Irish Prison Service. Therefore, the teachers' salary costs are excluded from this exercise as these costs are not provided for under the Prisons budget allocation. Similarly, capital expenditure, including building/equipment assets and small works, is excluded from the calculations in the interest of facilitating comparison between prison types.
The annual cost per available, staffed prison space since 2008 is outlined in the table. The 2014 figures will be published on the Irish Prison Service website when finalised and will be subject to audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General. The figures for available, staffed prison space are based on the average bed capacity in each institution for the year in question.
|
YEAR |
Cost per Available, Staffed Prison Space - (€) |
|
2008 |
92,717 |
|
2009 |
77,222 |
|
2010 |
70,513 |
|
2011 |
65,359 |
|
2012 |
65,404 |
|
2013 |
65,542 |
The following costs are included in the calculations:
Accommodation - Related Variable Costs – maintenance & repairs; light, heat & power; service contracts; cleaning & waste disposal; water charges; environmental and health & safety costs.
Prisoner - Related Variable Costs – catering; healthcare; prisoner gratuities; work training (excluding building/equipment assets and small works); clothing, bedding etc.; educational materials; motor vehicles (maintenance & fuel, etc.); recreational facilities; laundry; drug detection and visiting clergy.
Prisoner - Related Fixed Costs – custodial pay; travel; telecommunications; uniforms and office supplies, etc.
Non-Custodial Costs (incl. Prisoner Escorts) – non-custodial pay; non-custodial operations and administration costs and compensation payments.
345. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the cost per person per year of non-custodial sentences and rehabilitation programmes; and the way these costs changed each year from 2008 to 2015. [9179/15]
View answerA breakdown of the numbers of the different supervision orders is available in the Probation Service Annual Reports at www.probation.ie. An analysis of the unit costs was carried out using 2010 and 2012 data.
The unit cost of supervision orders based on 2010 data is set out in the table.
|
Probation Order |
Supervision during deferment of penalty |
Community Service Order |
Part Suspended Sentence Supervision Order |
Post Release Supervision Order |
|
€5,000 |
€6,200 |
€2,200 |
€5,500 |
€6,900 |
The current unit costs based on 2012 data is set out in the following table.
|
Probation Order |
Supervision during deferment of penalty |
Community Service Order |
Part Suspended Sentence Supervision Order |
Post Release Supervision Order |
|
€5,000 |
€5,300 |
€1,500 |
€5,000 |
€6,300 |
In respect of the cost of rehabilitation programmes the Department of Justice and Equality provides funding to Community Based Organisations through the Probation Service to support a range of services to adult offenders including training and education, offender management programmes, residential accommodation and drug/alcohol abuse programmes. It is not possible to provide the unit cost of these programmes but the annual budget allocation for the services is set out in the following table.
|
Year |
Funding Allocation (€000) |
|
2008 |
€14.393 |
|
2009 |
€13.501 |
|
2010 |
€12.801 |
|
2011 |
€11.522 |
|
2012 |
€11.172 |
|
2013 |
€10.572 |
|
2014 |
€10.732 |
|
2015 |
€10.732 |
346. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the budget allocation for the Garda witness protection programme in the years 2013, 2014 and 2015. [9180/15]
View answerThe information sought by the Deputy in respect of the Witness Security Programme is set out in the table.
|
Year |
Estimate Provision |
|
2013 |
€1.198m |
|
2014 |
€1.198m |
|
2015 |
€1.198m |
347. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if her Department or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of her Department use solicitors' firms (details supplied); the amount paid to these solicitors each year from 2011 to 2014 by her Department or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of her Department; the periods for which her Department or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of her Department are contracted to use these solicitors' firms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9198/15]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department and certain bodies under its aegis has engaged the services of the legal firms referred to during the stated period.
The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) has engaged the first named legal firm for the provision of legal services in the years 2011 to 2014. Expenditure in the period is as follows.
|
2011 (€) |
2012 (€) |
2013 (€) |
2014 (€) |
Total (€) |
|
|
First Named Legal Firm |
Nil |
30,837 |
59,395 |
331,139 |
421,372 |
The second named legal firm has been retained by the Insolvency Service of Ireland, the Courts Service and some areas of my Department (in respect of specific work) during the stated period. Expenditure in the period is as follows.
|
2011 (€) |
2012 (€) |
2013 (€) |
2014 (€) |
Total (€) |
|
|
Second Named Legal Firm |
169,424 |
639,382 |
747,037 |
760,831 |
2,316,674 |
The ISI may retain the services of the firm until October 2017.
The Courts Service retained second named legal firm on foot of a competitive public procurement exercise to provide legal advisory and drafting services to the court rules committees and advice on courts legislation. The contract is for a period of 5 years, having commenced on 1 January 2011 and expiring on 31 December 2015.
Three areas of my Department engaged the second named legal firm in 2011/12 for specific legal services and the work involved has now been completed. The services of the second named legal firm are no longer being used by my Department.
348. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on introducing a task force across the island to combat Border crime (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9227/15]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Government and I attach a high priority to combating crime of all sorts. Tackling organised crime in all its guises is a key priority for An Garda Síochána. This is clearly reflected in the Policing Plan for 2015 which sets policing commitments for the year ahead.
There is a priority operational and strategic focus from the Garda authorities on organised crime in this jurisdiction, including in the Border area, with a particular focus on fuel and tobacco fraud. The Gardaí work very closely on an ongoing basis with their counterparts in Northern Ireland and Great Britain in combating the activities of organised crime gangs who seek to exploit the Border.
The Revenue Authorities in both jurisdictions lead considerable, ongoing cross-border co-operation in tackling these illicit activities. A key feature of efforts in this regard is the interagency nature of the operational co-operation which involves the two customs services and the two police services on the island, the Criminal Assets Bureau and the UK National Crime Agency.
I am glad to inform the Deputy that there is already in place a Cross-Border Task Force on Fuel Laundering and Smuggling, which comprises representatives from An Garda Síochána, the Revenue Commissioners, the Police Service of Northern Ireland, HM Revenue and Customs, the UK’s National Crime Agency and the Criminal Assets Bureau. It has been instrumental in targeting groups involved in the laundering and distribution of illegal fuels, operating in both jurisdictions. There is also a similar interagency group, the Cross-Border Tobacco Enforcement Group, which is in place to target the activities of gangs engaged in tobacco smuggling.
Arising from the work of these joint Task Forces, a number of groups involved in the laundering and distribution of illegal fuels and/or in the illegal trade in tobacco operating in both jurisdictions, have been identified and are specifically targeted for investigation by all law enforcement agencies concerned. Successful actions continue to be taken against such groups involved in these activities.
A measure of the close North-South co-operation in combating organised crime is the annual Cross Border Organised Crime Conference which is organised jointly by the Gardaí and the PSNI and the two Justice Departments. The conference brings together law enforcement services from each jurisdiction including Police, Customs, Criminal Assets Bureau and UK National Crime Agency.
350. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if her attention has been drawn to an increasing level of violent crime against taxi drivers, including a high incidence of theft; the measures she plans to take to combat same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9269/15]
View answerI am advised that An Garda Síochána liaises with relevant agencies and stakeholders on a regular basis in relation to concerns about all categories of crime and road traffic matters.
I have sought a specific report from the Garda authorities in relation to the particular concerns expressed by the Deputy. I will contact the Deputy directly when I receive the Garda report.
351. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding plans to review firearms licensing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9286/15]
View answerIn light of public safety concerns highlighted by An Garda Síochána, a joint Department of Justice and Equality/ An Garda Síochána Working Group was established by the Department of Justice and Equality to review firearms licensing. The report of this Working Group was published on 13 November 2014 and submissions on the report were sought from stakeholders and the public by 31 January 2015. The consultation process gave individuals and groups an opportunity to contribute to the development of firearms policy and legislation and will enable consideration to be given to the future direction of such legislation.
The submissions received are currently being examined and incorporated into a report for me. The Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality has also sought submissions and held hearings with interested parties in relation to the Working Party report. It is expected that their report on the issue will be available shortly.
I have already given a commitment that I will not make any final decisions until I have considered all the submissions which have been made and have met the key stakeholders, including the organisations who represent those who use firearms for sporting purposes. These meetings will take place following receipt and consideration of both my Department’s and the Oireachtas Committee reports.
352. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in determining a request for a change of status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9385/15]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that an application for renewal of residency in the State arising from a change of circumstances was received from the person concerned on 5 January 2015. Further documentation was requested by INIS on 29 January 2015 and received on 18 February 2015. The application is currently receiving attention and it is expected that a decision will issue shortly.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
353. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will provide a clear timeframe for an early years strategy that will move Ireland from an investment position of 0.2% to 7% of gross domestic product per year on early childhood education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8857/15]
View answerMy Department supports the provision of early childhood care and education by providing annually in the region of €260 million to provide for three childcare support programmes that make childcare services more affordable and ensure that more than 100,000 children have access to quality childcare. This high level of support has been maintained despite the difficult budgetary situation that prevailed in recent years.
I wish to point out to the Deputy that, while the annual spend by my Department on childcare related programmes has been in the region of 0.2 per cent of GDP in recent years, there is expenditure by other Departments that relate to childcare provision. The largest element of this would be expenditure by the Department of Education and Skills on Junior and Senior Infants within primary schools and on the Early Start programmes in disadvantaged schools. When the full expenditure on preschool provision is taken into account, Ireland spends about 0.4% of GDP on childcare provision.
It is clear that accessibility, affordability and high quality childcare can play a critical role in achieving a number of Government priorities, including improving educational outcomes for children, reducing poverty and increasing parents' participation in the labour market.
I would like to be in a position to increase our investment in childcare-related programmes to be in line with the OECD average as resources allow. This will take time, as the benefits of growth generate the required resources. However, I am determined that all such spending, whether existing or additional, will be based on good evidence and co-ordinated strategically, so that we achieve the best possible benefits for children.
To this end, I have established an Inter-Departmental Group which will look at the provision right across the 0 to 6 age group as well as to consider the after-school needs of older school-going children. This new Group will include representatives of the Department of Education and Skills, the Department of Social Protection, the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the Department of Finance and the Department of the Taoiseach and will be led and supported by my Department. I have asked the Group to report to me by the Summer.
354. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his views on concerns (detailed supplied) that the entry rules for the free preschool year and primary school may incentivise parents, particularly in disadvantaged areas, to bypass the free preschool year and put their child into primary school as soon as the child turns four years of age, with the result that the child will miss out on the benefits of the free preschool year. [9037/15]
View answerChildren qualify for the free pre-school provision when they are within the qualifying age range which is 3 years and 3 months to 4 years and 7 months in the September of the relevant year. This means, for example, that children born between 1st July and 31st August 2011 qualify in the school year commencing in September 2015. There is no provision under the programme to enrol children who are below the qualifying age.
The objective of the ECCE programme is to make early learning in a formal setting available to eligible children in the year before they commence primary school. To achieve this, services participating in the pre-school year are expected to provide age-appropriate activities and programmes to children within a particular age cohort. For this reason, it is appropriate to set minimum and maximum limits to the age range within which children will qualify. I am satisfied that the qualifying age range for entry to the programme provides the optimum opportunity for children to participate in pre-school education and there are no plans to amend the age range at this time.
Situations will arise where children qualifying for the free pre-school provision are also eligible to commence primary school, and in such situations it is a matter for parents to decide on which option they wish to avail of.
