Written Answers Nos. 218 - 237
218. Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment of ewe premium for 2014 will be issued in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19696/15]
View answerAn application under the 2014 Grassland Sheep Scheme was received from the person named on 7 April 2014. Payment has not issued to the person named as the holding concerned has not satisfied the Scheme minimum eligibility requirements namely, the submission of the annual sheep census form prior to the extended closing date of 14 February 2014. The Sheep Census form in respect of the person named was not received by my Department until 3 June 2014 which is outside the deadline fixed under the Scheme.
219. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide, in tabular form, the board members of the Irish Greyhound Board, who also serve as directors of subsidiary companies of the board; when the recommendations of Indecon, in this regard, will be fully implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19763/15]
View answerFollowing the publication of the Indecon Report in July 2014, Bord na gCon submitted an action plan with timelines for implementing the 27 recommendations in the Indecon Report dealing with governance, finance, regulation and welfare. This action plan has been published on the Bord na gCon website.
Bord na gCon has assured my Department that it has assiduously followed up on the undertakings included in its response to the Indecon Report.
Table: Board Members of the Bord na gCon Board who also serve as Directors of Subsidiary BNG Companies
|
Galway Greyhound Stadium Limited |
Cork Greyhound Race Company Limited |
Kingdom Greyhound Racing Company Limited |
Dublin Greyhound & Sports Association Limited |
Shelbourne Greyhound Stadium Limited |
The Waterford Greyhound Race Company 1953 Limited |
The Youghal Greyhound Race Company Limited |
The Limerick Greyhound Race Track Limited |
The Clonmel Greyhound Racing Company Limited |
Mullingar Greyhound Racing Company Limited |
|
Phil Meaney |
Phil Meaney |
Phil Meaney |
Phil Meaney |
Phil Meaney |
Phil Meaney |
Phil Meaney |
Phil Meaney |
||
|
William O’Dwyer |
William O’Dwyer |
William O’Dwyer |
William O’Dwyer |
William O’Dwyer |
William O’Dwyer |
William O’Dwyer |
William O’Dwyer |
William O’Dwyer |
|
|
Tony McNamee |
Tony McNamee |
Tony McNamee |
Tony McNamee |
Tony McNamee |
Tony McNamee |
Tony McNamee |
Tony McNamee |
Tony McNamee |
|
|
Mattie Murphy |
Mattie Murphy |
Mattie Murphy |
Mattie Murphy |
Mattie Murphy |
Mattie Murphy |
Mattie Murphy |
Mattie Murphy |
||
|
Riona Heffernan |
Riona Heffernan |
Riona Heffernan |
Riona Heffernan |
Riona Heffernan |
Riona Heffernan |
Riona Heffernan |
Riona Heffernan |
Riona Heffernan |
|
|
Tim Gilbert |
Tim Gilbert |
Tim Gilbert |
Tim Gilbert |
Tim Gilbert |
Tim Gilbert |
Tim Gilbert |
Tim Gilbert |
Bord na gCon have informed me that the introduction of The Companies Act 2014, which was signed into law on 23 December 2014 and which will commence on 1 June 2015, will influence the planned restructuring of the subsidiary companies, including the composition of the board of directors for subsidiary companies. BNG have advised that it expects the re-structuring process to be completed but by early 2016.
220. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if funding or supports will be provided by his Department in respect of a project (details supplied) that has considerable economic potential; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19786/15]
View answerI understand from my trade missions to China that there are significant opportunities for the development of exports of sport horses to that country.
Earlier this year, I launched the Strategic Plan for the sport horse sector that was drawn up by Horse Sport Ireland, Teagasc and the Royal Dublin Society. The Strategy Report highlights the need to improve the marketing and sales capacity across the industry and emphasises the need to grow exports of sport horses to a range of markets, including China.
Horse Sport Ireland participated in a trade mission to China which I undertook in November 2014 and has advised me that as a result of this initiative a number of sport horses were exported to China having been first quarantined in Ireland.
In addition to the annual grant that I provide to Horse Sport Ireland, and the funding allocated to them under the Equine Infrastructure Scheme, I have provided HSI with an extra allocation of €600,000 this year to facilitate the implementation of their programme including enhancing their marketing strategy.
Horse Sport Ireland is in the process of establishing an International Marketing Division and a new International Marketing Director will take up duty in the organisation next month.
The individuals involved in the project referred to by the Deputy may wish to make contact with the new appointee in due course.
221. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 122 of 30 April 2015, if there are Common Security and Defence Policy measures in north Africa he is opposed to if proposed by High Representative Mogherini; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19218/15]
View answerAt a joint meeting of Foreign and Interior Ministers, held in Luxembourg on 20 April, the Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship Commissioner presented a 10 point plan of immediate action to be taken in response to the crisis situation in the Mediterranean. The key focus of the plan is on preventing loss of life. The 10-point action plan was considered by the Heads of States and Government at a Special European Council meeting on 23rd April. At the meeting of the Council, the Heads of State and Government committed to a comprehensive range of commitments, including at least tripling financial resources for Operations Triton and Poseidon, thereby enabling an increase in the search and rescue possibilities within the mandate of FRONTEX. EU leaders also committed to actions to prevent illegal migration flows, to reinforce internal EU solidarity and responsibility in relation to the processing of asylum applications and relocation of migrants, and to combat traffickers in accordance with international law. In addition, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy was invited to start preparations for a possible CSDP operation.
Following the announcement made by An Taoiseach at the meeting on 23 April, and Government approval and agreement with the Italian authorities last week, the L.E. EITHNE, with a crew of sixty-eight (68) personnel of the Permanent Defence Forces, departed the Naval Base in Haulbowline on Saturday, 16 May 2015, to assist the Italian authorities in humanitarian search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean. The despatch of an Irish naval vessel represents a tangible and valuable Irish national contribution to assisting the Italian authorities in the humanitarian search and rescue operation and highlights our commitment to assist with efforts to prevent further tragedy and loss of life at sea.
At the formal Meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council with Ministers of Defence in Brussels on 18 May, a Council Decision to establish a European Union military operation, EUNAVFOR Med, in the South Central Mediterranean was adopted. The Mission’s mandate will be implemented in sequential phases. The first phase of the operation will support the detection and monitoring of migration networks through information gathering and patrolling in accordance with international law. A second phase, involving the targeting, seizure and possible destruction of the vessels and assets of human traffickers will only begin once appropriate UN Security Council authorisation is in place. The third phase is an operational/disruption phase, and the fourth and final phase is a mission withdrawal and completion phase.
While we are focused on the search and rescue mission, on the basis that the first phase of the CSDP operation will be carried out in full accordance with international law, Ireland has supported this aspect of the operation. In relation to further phases of the CSDP operation, we believe that many elements of the proposed action will require a UN Security Council Resolution. The Permanent Defence Forces will not be participating in the mission in the absence of such a resolution.
Ireland supports the actions of the Union to address the major challenge of migration in the Mediterranean. We cannot allow criminal gangs and smugglers to continue to exploit people at risk.
222. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence his plans to expand the role of the Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19493/15]
View answerThe White Paper on Defence (2000) sets out the current defence policy framework. The role of the Air Corps as set out in the White Paper is to provide a range of military and non-military services in support of the State. These supports include maintenance of a general helicopter capability for a variety of tasks, including support to An Garda Síochána, as well as provision of a maritime patrol service, a ministerial air transport service, an air ambulance service on the basis of agreed arrangements with the Department of Health, and the provision of assistance to the principal response agencies, including the Irish Coast Guard, in relation to civil emergencies.
The preparation of a new White Paper on Defence is one of my key priorities. The White Paper process, which is ongoing, is intended to provide an opportunity to examine critically future demands and consider how to best meet associated operational requirements across the Defence Forces.
Working groups comprising civil and military representatives from the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces are considering likely future operational demands and the defence capabilities to meet these demands. The question of the future operational roles of the Air Corps is being considered in this context.
I anticipate that the final draft of the White Paper will be submitted to Government by the end of July.
223. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence his future plans for Custume Barracks, Athlone, County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19494/15]
View answerI am aware that there have been recent rumours that there are plans to close Custume Barracks. These rumours cause unnecessary worry to military personnel and their families and are totally unfounded. I would like to reassure all concerned that there are no plans to close any barracks. Custume Barracks, Athlone is and will continue to be an important operational military barracks.
There has been considerable capital investment at Custume Barracks, Athlone in recent years, amounting to some €6.38m from 2009 to date. The most recent major projects undertaken at the barracks include investment of €932,000 in the construction of Armoured Vehicle Garaging facilities, €1.8 million investment in a Gymnasium and an upgrading of gas and water main facilities including the provision of new underground services and associated works, at a cost of €597,000.
In addition to the major capital projects as outlined above, there are ongoing works required to ensure the upkeep and repair of buildings and provide facilities generally for personnel.
224. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Defence if consideration will be provided to a proposal with regard to the sale of Magee Barracks (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19805/15]
View answerIn July 1998, the Government approved a programme of evacuation and sale of six army barracks considered surplus to military requirements. Magee Barracks was one of the barracks identified for closure and disposal. On 1st July 2003 the Government decided the former Magee Barracks in Kildare Town would be among the State lands released to Kildare County Council for inclusion in the Sustaining Progress Affordable Housing Initiative. On foot of this Government decision Kildare County Council prepared a local area plan for the site which encompassed a range of uses including community use. Following discussions between the Department, Kildare County Council and the then Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, and in accordance with the terms of the Housing Initiative, it was agreed that the entire site would be transferred to Kildare County Council. A final Contract for transfer was issued to Kildare County Council in January 2009. However, the Council advised the Department that it no longer wished to take possession of the property.
In September 2011, the Department, in response to a request from the Council seeking submissions for the proposed Local Area Plan for Kildare Town, advised the Council of the intention to sell the site. The Department also advised the Council that it recognised the site provides a unique opportunity for the development of Kildare Town and remains prepared to facilitate this subject to achieving a satisfactory return for the property in order to provide revenue for reinvestment in the Defence Forces. The Kildare Town Local Development Plan 2012-2018 has made provision for substantial community developments on the barracks site which undoubtedly will be reflected in the value of the site to a developer.
It is now proposed to dispose of the remaining c. 54 acres of the Barracks by public auction later this year. While the future development of the site is a matter for Kildare County Council and any future owner, in accordance with the provisions of the Local Development Plan for Kildare Town, the Department will discuss further the issue of any possible community use of the site at the upcoming meeting with representatives from Kildare County Council.
225. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the laws concerning Alzheimer's disease; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19751/15]
View answerMy Department is currently preparing for Committee Stage of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Bill 2013 which sets out a new legal framework for facilitating and supporting decision-making by adults who have difficulty in making decisions unaided.
The Bill provides for the replacement of the adult Wards of Court system with a less intrusive system that offers a continuum of options to support people in maximising their decision-making capability. The Bill will provide greater options to address the decision-making needs of a range of vulnerable adults such as persons with Alzheimer’s, intellectual disability or mental illness and also persons who have acquired brain injuries through trauma or accident. Its enactment will be a key element in enabling Ireland to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Where a person is suffering from Alzheimer's disease and lacks the capacity to make decisions without some form of assistance, there will be a number of support options available. The court will be able to appoint a decision-making representative to take specified decisions on the person's behalf where the court finds that the person lacks capacity to take such decisions. A person will also be able voluntarily to appoint a co-decision-maker to take decisions jointly with him or her. In addition, a person will be able, as at present, to appoint an attorney under an enduring power of attorney to take decisions once the person no longer has capacity.
Where the court has appointed a decision-making representative or where an enduring power of attorney has been registered, it will no longer be possible for the person with Alzheimer's disease to take decisions or to sign documents in relation to the decisions for which a decision-making representative or an attorney have been appointed. Similarly, the person will have to take decisions and to sign documents jointly with the co-decision-maker on matters encompassed by the co-decision-making agreement.
Decision-making representatives, attorneys and co-decision-makers will all be answerable to the Office of the Public Guardian and will be required to submit annual reports, including details of any expenditure made from the person's finances.
Committee Stage is scheduled for 17 June and it is my expectation that the Bill will be enacted this year.
226. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she is aware of the circumstances of a person (details supplied); if she will make arrangements to ensure this person's personal safety; her views on meeting with this person, the person's family and representatives, as soon as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19194/15]
View answerThe case to which the Deputy refers is amongst those being considered under 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, all selected on the basis of their experience of the criminal justice system. The review of each complaint consists of an examination of the papers in the complaint by a counsel from the Panel. Following the review of each complaint a recommendation will be made as to whether any further action is desirable and could practicably be taken.
The independent review is at an advanced stage, with some recommendations now returned to my Department. I have started the process of preparing notification letters to the persons concerned of the outcome of the review in their cases and the person concerned will be notified in due course.
In the meantime I am aware that this person has expressed concerns as to his personal safety directly to my Department. Matters of this nature are the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner, who has the necessary facilities to assess any risk to this person's safety and to put in place any appropriate precautions to safeguard it. Accordingly he has been advised that he should bring his concerns to the attention of the Garda Síochána. At the same time, the Garda Síochána have also been made aware of this person's concerns and have been requested to make contact with him.
In these circumstances, it is not appropriate for me to meet with the person concerned.
227. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will contact a person (details supplied) in County Cork with a view to meeting with that person as soon as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19195/15]
View answerIn the context of the publication of Mr McGinn's report, I indicated to family representatives, including the person referred to, that I am available to meet with them should they so wish, and my office has provided relevant contact details in this regard.
228. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the calculated losses to Garda pensioners, when those who are currently paid under the advance payment system are moved to an arrears payment system; the mechanisms that will be put in place to mitigate these losses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19254/15]
View answerTo date no proposals have been agreed to change the process by which retired members of An Garda Síochána are paid their pension from the current method of payment in advance. I can, however, state that consideration of this matter is at an exploratory stage. It should be emphasised that there is no consideration being given to changing the amount of pension payments that retired Garda members receive. Whatever solution is reached on the issue will be the subject of discussions with the relevant bodies concerned and with a view to causing the least possible disruption to the personal circumstances of retired members.
229. Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the works currently being undertaken at Dundrum Garda station, Dublin 14, will be completed; the estimated final cost of the works; if she will provide details on the new facilities that will result from these works; and the additional technology that will be available as a result to the gardaí stationed in Dundrum. [19287/15]
View answerThe programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is based on accommodation priorities which are established by An Garda Síochána. The programme is advanced in close cooperation with the Office of Public Works (OPW), which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. Funding for such works is provided for in the Vote of the OPW.
In that context, I am advised that the programme of works at Dundrum Garda Station is being carried out in two phases. The first phase, which involved the refurbishment of the former Dundrum Courthouse in order to provide additional accommodation for An Garda Síochána, was completed in March 2013.
The contract for the second phase which will provide for a new public office, parade room, custody suite, office accommodation as well as male and female changing facilities and a canteen, was awarded in May 2014. It is anticipated that this final phase will be completed towards the end of 2015.
The estimated total cost for both phases is expected to be in excess of €3 million.
230. Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number and category of crimes committed in the Stepaside area, County Dublin, in each of the years between 2005 and 2014; and the crimes committed in 2015 to date. [19288/15]
View answerThe Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose.
I have requested the CSO to provide relevant available statistics directly to the Deputy.
231. Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of new patrol cars made available to members of An Garda Síochána undertaking policing within the south Dublin constituency, in the period March 2011 to date in 2015; and the total number of patrol cars attached to each of the relevant Garda stations, as of this date, as compared to those so attached in 2010. [19289/15]
View answerDecisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda vehicles are a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the light of her identified operational demands and the availability of resources. 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 advised by the Garda authorities that the information in the format, as requested by the Deputy, in relation to a breakdown of the fleet by electoral constituency, is not readily available and would require a disproportionate use of Garda time and effort to extract the relevant information and cannot be justified at this time.
I have however been informed by the Garda authorities that the number of new vehicles allocated within the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) in the period concerned is as set out in the table.
New allocations DMR (March 2011 - May 2015)
|
2011 ALLOCATIONS |
TOTAL |
|
DMR EAST |
3 |
|
DMR NORTH |
3 |
|
DMR NORTH CENTRAL |
2 |
|
DMR SOUTH |
1 |
|
DMR SOUTH CENTRAL |
2 |
|
DMR TRAFFIC |
3 |
|
DMR WEST |
3 |
|
TOTAL: |
17 |
|
2012 ALLOCATIONS |
TOTAL |
|
DMR EAST |
2 |
|
DMR NORTH |
3 |
|
DMR NORTH CENTRAL |
1 |
|
DMR SOUTH |
3 |
|
DMR SOUTH CENTRAL |
1 |
|
DMR TRAFFIC |
5 |
|
DMR WEST |
2 |
|
TOTAL: |
17 |
|
2013 ALLOCATIONS |
TOTAL |
|
DMR EAST |
9 |
|
DMR NORTH |
7 |
|
DMR NORTH CENTRAL |
2 |
|
DMR SOUTH |
6 |
|
DMR SOUTH CENTRAL |
4 |
|
DMR TRAFFIC |
3 |
|
DMR WEST |
8 |
|
TOTAL: |
39 |
|
2014 ALLOCATIONS |
TOTAL |
|
DMR EAST |
11 |
|
DMR NORTH |
17 |
|
DMR NORTH CENTRAL |
8 |
|
DMR SOUTH |
10 |
|
DMR SOUTH CENTRAL |
7 |
|
DMR TRAFFIC |
13 |
|
DMR WEST |
18 |
|
TOTAL: |
84 |
|
2015 ALLOCATIONS |
TOTAL |
|
DMR EAST |
6 |
|
DMR NORTH |
5 |
|
DMR NORTH CENTRAL |
5 |
|
DMR SOUTH |
9 |
|
DMR SOUTH CENTRAL |
4 |
|
DMR TRAFFIC |
3 |
|
DMR WEST |
8 |
|
TOTAL: |
40 |
Comparison of vehicles allocated to the DMR in 2010 and 2015.
DMR REGION 2010
|
DIVISION |
|
|
DMR EAST |
55 |
|
DMR NORTH |
138 |
|
DMR NORTH CENTRAL |
81 |
|
DMR SOUTH |
90 |
|
DMR SOUTH CENTRAL |
79 |
|
DMR TRAFFIC |
65 |
|
DMR WEST |
120 |
|
TOTAL: |
628 |
DMR REGION AS AT MAY 2015
|
DIVISION |
|
|
DMR EAST |
57 |
|
DMR NORTH |
113 |
|
DMR NORTH CENTRAL |
70 |
|
DMR SOUTH |
93 |
|
DMR SOUTH CENTRAL |
68 |
|
DMR TRAFFIC |
49 |
|
DMR WEST |
120 |
|
TOTAL: |
570 |
The Deputy will be aware that I recently secured a further €10 million for investment in the Garda fleet of which €7 million was made available in 2014. This funding brings the total investment in the Garda fleet in 2014 to €11 million. The remaining €3 million is being made available for the purchase and fit out of additional Garda vehicles in 2015.
In October, 2014, an order was placed for 370 new vehicles. These vehicles were delivered towards the end of 2014, and following fit out, are being allocated in accordance with the Garda Commissioner's operational requirements.
232. Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of members of the Garda Reserve currently attached to each of the Garda stations engaged in policing within the Dublin South constituency area, compared to the numbers so attached to those stations in 2010. [19290/15]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of personnel, including the Garda Reserve, 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 Garda Reserve strength for the Dublin Metropolitan Regional (DMR) South Central and DMR South and DMR East Divisions for the year ending 31 December 2010, and on 31 March 2015, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was as set out in the table.
Garda Reserve
|
DMR South Central |
2010 |
2015 |
|
Kevin Street |
8 |
16 |
|
Kilmainham |
5 |
8 |
|
Pearse Street |
18 |
35 |
|
Harcourt Terrace |
3 |
Closed May 2012 |
|
Donnybrook |
4 |
8 |
|
Irishtown |
1 |
7 |
|
Total |
39 |
74 |
|
DMR South |
||
|
Crumlin |
6 |
8 |
|
Sundrive Road |
7 |
6 |
|
Tallaght |
9 |
10 |
|
Rathfarnham |
6 |
5 |
|
Rathmines |
8 |
6 |
|
Terenure |
7 |
6 |
|
Total |
43 |
41 |
|
DMR East |
||
|
Blackrock |
5 |
5 |
|
Dundrum |
2 |
6 |
|
Cabinteely |
0 |
0 |
|
Kill O'Grange |
0 |
Closed April 2013 |
|
Dalkey |
0 |
Closed June 2012 |
|
Stepaside |
0 |
Closed March 2013 |
|
Dun Laoghaire |
10 |
7 |
|
Shankill |
3 |
2 |
|
Total |
20 |
20 |
233. Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons granted citizenship in each of the following periods: 1 May 2011 to 30 April 2012; 1 May 2012 to 30 April 2013; 1 May 2013 to 30 April 2014; and 1 May 2014 to 30 April 2015. [19291/15]
View answerThe number of certificates of naturalisation granted in each of the periods 1 May 2011 to 30 April 2012, 1 May 2012 to 30 April 2013, 1 May 2013 to 30 April 2014 and 1 May 2014 to 30 April 2015 are 16,000, 23,300, 28,200 and 17,300 respectively.
The numbers of certificates granted in each period reflects both the number of applications received and the backlogs that had existed at the time and which had to be processed.
In 2011 there was a backlog of approximately 22,000 applications, of which 17,000 were awaiting a decision for more than 6 months.
The backlog of applications had decreased significantly to 8,200 in 2014, of which only 2,100 were awaiting a decision for more than 6 months.
In addition, application volumes have decreased from 19,400 for the period 1 May 2011 to 30 April 2012; to 14,400 for the period 1 May 2014 to 30 April 2015.
234. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she is aware of complaints regarding infestations of vermin in Garda stations in Glanmire and Macroom, County Cork; her views on the health and safety risks to the public, as a result; and her plans to renovate these stations. [19311/15]
View answerI am advised by the Garda authorities that administrative measures are in place to deal with a range of accommodation issues including instances of vermin infestation in Garda stations.
These measures are designed to ensure that such matters are dealt with promptly. Where instances of infestation are identified to local Garda management they advise Garda Housing Division. One of the following options is then pursued:
- Local management are authorised to contact a local pest control company to deal with the matter
- Local Management contact the OPW maintenance helpline who then arrange for a pest control company to deal with the infestation.
In that context I am advised that there have been two instances of vermin infestation in Macroom within the last year, both of which were dealt with by a pest control company. I am further advised that there have been no instances of vermin infestation in Glanmire in 2014/2015.
The programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is based on requirements which are established by An Garda Síochána. This programme is advanced in close co-operation with the Office of Public Works, which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. Provision for expenditure on capital projects, including the provision of Garda accommodation, is provided for in the Vote of the Office of Public Works.
In that context, I have been advised by the Garda authorities that the purchase of a site for the provision of a new Garda station in Macroom has recently been completed.
With regard to Glanmire, I have been advised by the Garda authorities that the purchase of a premises for a new Garda station is currently the subject of legal proceedings. Accordingly, I am not in a position to provide any further information in relation to this matter.
An Garda Síochána has requested the OPW to bring forward proposals to improve the accommodation situation at Glanmire in the immediate term pending the outcome of the High Court proceedings in relation to the site acquisition at the premises at Glanmire Industrial Estate.
The provision of a new Garda station at Macroom and Glanmire will be progressed in the context of An Garda Síochána’s identified accommodation priorities and the availability of funding within the Vote of the OPW.
235. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding immigration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19416/15]
View answerImmigration into Ireland takes a wide range of forms including EU citizens and their families exercising the right to free movement, work permit holders and their families, students, persons granted refugee status and their families and many other categories.
Not all immigrants into Ireland engage or interact with my Department. For example, EU/EEA citizens have the right of free movement across the EU and, therefore are not subject to any entry or exit controls; nor are they required to register their presence in the State with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB). Accordingly, my Department does not maintain figures in relation to the number of immigrants from EU/EEA countries in the State. Separately, of the categories of non-Irish nationals, who are required to register with the GNIB for stays of longer than three months, persons under 16 years of age are exempt.
Therefore, the likely best overall source of information on the number of non-Irish nationals in the State is the data produced by the Central Statistics Office in the census and published on the CSO website. For the information of the Deputy, however, I have set out the number of non-EEA nationals who were registered with the GNIB at the end of each of the last five years.
|
Year |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
|
No. registered |
134,044 |
128,836 |
121,009 |
107,435 |
106,598 |
236. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the quantity and details of new vehicles supplied to An Garda Síochána in the Sligo-Leitrim division since 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19444/15]
View answerDecisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda vehicles are a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the light of her identified operational demands and the availability of resources. 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. In that context, 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.
As regards the Sligo/Leitrim Division I have been informed by the Garda authorities that, as of 14 May 2015, the number of new vehicles supplied is as follows:
|
2011 |
3 |
|
2012 |
3 |
|
2013 |
9 |
|
2014 |
13 |
|
14/5/2015 |
5 |
|
TOTAL: |
33 |
The Deputy will also be aware that I recently secured a further €10 million for investment in the Garda fleet of which €7 million was made available in 2014. This funding brings the total investment in the Garda fleet in 2014 to €11 million. The remaining €3 million is being made available for the purchase and fit out of additional Garda vehicles in 2015.
237. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the new Gardai Síochána recruitment campaign, which will be announced soon, will be open to members of the general public, or if it will only be selected from a panel of unsuccessful candidates from other previous Garda Síochána recruitment campaigns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19448/15]
View answerThe Public Appointments Service (PAS) is managing the recruitment process for the Garda Commissioner and I have no direct involvement in the matter. I understand, however, that candidates who fail any stage of the process are eliminated from the competition.
The position in relation to the current competition is as follows: Following receipt of 24,000 applications, PAS invited candidates to complete Stage 1 of the competition which consisted of an assessment questionnaire and reasoning tests which were undertaken on-line. I understand that around 18,000 candidates completed this stage and fewer than 13,000 candidates reached a satisfactory standard. Those who did achieve a satisfactory standard were placed in three bands determined by their overall scores. 5,000 candidates (i.e. those in Band 1) were invited to take a subsequent series of tests and of that number, just over 3,000 were successful. To date the top 2,000 approximately from that group have been invited to supervised assessments and interviews. These interviews are ongoing and the details of successful candidates are forwarded to the Garda Commissioner. Those remaining from Band 1 will be brought forward for further assessment and depending on the Commissioner’s recruitment needs, PAS will then move to those in Band 2 and possibly Band 3, if necessary.
While it is the Government's intention that there will be ongoing seamless recruitment to the force, there are no plans at present for a new recruitment campaign.
