Wednesday, 10 Jun 2015

Written Answers Nos. 114-119

Garda Misconduct Allegations

Questions (114)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

114. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will report on the workings of the review mechanism in respect of a complaint from a person (details supplied); if she will confirm that all relevant files in the Department of the Taoiseach, the Department of Finance, the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and her Department will be considered in the course of this review, and that the professional staff reviewing this complaint will meet the complainant in question; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22645/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The particular case to which the Deputy refers is among 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, or other public representatives 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 consists of an examination of the papers in each complaint by a member of the Panel. The Panel is not an investigative body for the re-investigation of crimes or allegations of criminal behaviour. It does not involve, and never envisaged, interviews or meetings with complainants or any other form of investigation. Its purpose is to triage these allegations to see if further investigations are needed.

The person referred to by the Deputy has asked whether it is open to him to make a new full submission of the material he wanted considered. He was advised that it was open to him to do so if he wished.

Following the review of the complaint by counsel in this particular case a recommendation will be made to my Department.

Northern Ireland

Questions (115)

Niall Collins

Question:

115. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she has raised the matter of alleged impunity granted to members of terror groups who acted as informers in Northern Ireland during the Troubles with her British and Northern Irish counterparts; if she has contacted a person (details supplied) regarding these matters; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22653/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am aware of the allegations which have been made recently in a television programme to which the Deputy refers in his question. I have not had contacts with the persons referred to by the Deputy in relation to these matters but he will be aware that the Stormont House Agreement proposes a number of mechanisms for dealing with the difficult issues arising from the troubled past on this island. My Department will play its full part in taking these measures forward.

Regulation of Charities

Questions (116)

Niall Collins

Question:

116. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to set out the number of staff assigned to the regulator's office at the time of its establishment; the number of staff currently employed there; if any additional staff are scheduled for appointment, and when they will be assigned; if she is satisfied that the regulator's office has sufficient legal and other expertise to undertake its work effectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22654/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I understand that the Deputy's Question relates to the Charities Regulatory Authority (CRA). The aim of the Charities Regulatory Authority, established on 16 October 2014 under the provisions of the Charities Act 2009, is to provide for better regulation of charitable organisations through a framework of registration, regulation and support. Since its establishment, the Authority has:

- published a Register of Charities, containing information on some 8,500 CHY charities with tax exemption status;

- made contact with all charities on the register requesting them to supply additional information and legal documentation required to support their registered status;

- developed an online system for organisations to apply for inclusion in the Register of Charities; and

- provided – through its website and active programme of stakeholder engagement - extensive information to the charities sector on their obligations and duties under the new regulatory regime.

I am informed that at the time of its establishment in October 2014 the CRA had eleven staff. Sanction was granted recently for new staff members who are currently being put in place and this will bring the total staffing complement up to 20 and support the Authority in carrying out its statutory functions. Work is progressing on plans to seek sanction for further recruitment of specialist resources for the Authority.

Garda Operations

Questions (117)

Clare Daly

Question:

117. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she is aware of allegations of misappropriation of funds of a support group (details supplied); the action she has taken; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22657/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

This Group has not received any Departmental funding and my Department has no role in its affairs. Any allegation with regard to the misappropriation of funds should be reported to An Garda Síochána for investigation.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (118)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

118. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to set out the cost of providing satellite imagery to her Department during the past four years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22983/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

My Department has not incurred any costs for the provision of satellite imagery during the last four years.

Child and Family Agency Expenditure

Questions (119)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

119. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to explain the reason for the withdrawal of funding in respect of an organisation (details supplied) in Dublin 5, given the support this organisation provides to bereaved persons in the local community; if this decision can be urgently reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22644/15]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

Since its establishment, Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, has been engaged in a comprehensive and much needed programme of reform across our child welfare and protection system. In this regard, Tusla must ensure that it makes the most effective use of its resources in a way that is efficient, equitable proportionate and sustainable.

Tusla's budget is now being directed towards services which are best aligned to those outcomes in Tusla's Corporate Plan, with priority being given to front line services.

The service referred to by the Deputy was in receipt of funding from Tusla but unfortunately, Tusla is not in a position to continue to fund this service.

Tusla very much appreciates the work undertaken by the group in question over the years.