Tuesday, 22 Sep 2015

Written Answers Nos. 596-615

Prison Medical Service

Questions (596)

Ruth Coppinger

Question:

596. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if there is an automatic external defibrillator available for cases of emergency in prisons here. [30565/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that all prisons have access to an automatic external defibrillator, which is ordinarily situated in the healthcare unit of the prison concerned, and is available for use in the case of a medical emergency if the need arises.

Garda Misconduct Allegations

Questions (597, 653)

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

597. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the independent review; the number of cases that have been examined and if there is a decision made as to whether allegations of Garda misconduct or inadequacies are upheld or rejected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30568/15]

Clare Daly

Question:

653. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons who have been contacted by the Independent Review Mechanism informing them of the outcome of their case; the number of those cases where follow-on action was recommended; the nature of that further action; and the reason other cases have not been communicated with. [31684/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I propose to take Questions Nos. 597 and 653 together.

The Deputies are referring to 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.

The panel of barristers established to conduct the review has provided recommendations to me in all 320 cases submitted to them and has therefore largely concluded its work. The process of the Independent Review has not been to act as a Commission of Inquiry or Investigation designed to make findings. Its purpose has been to triage the allegations to see if further investigations are needed.

I am mindful that all complainants are anxious to know the outcome of the review of their case and every effort is being made to conclude the process. In each case a submission will be prepared. Mr Justice Roderick Murphy will review the summary of the conclusion and the letter of notification drafted to ensure that they are a fair and accurate reflection of the recommendation.

The issuing of notification letters to complainants commenced on 29 June. Letters will continue to issue to all complainants until the process is completed. To date, notification letters have issued to approximately 120 complainants. In each case the notification letter sets out counsel’s summary of the issues, counsel's recommendations and the matters taken into account by counsel in arriving at this view (including such matters as the statutory independence of various bodies with whose decisions I, as Minister, cannot interfere).

I have accepted counsels' recommendations in all cases considered. In 15 cases to date, I have taken further action in accordance with provisions of the Garda Síochána Act 2005. In 6 cases, I have sought a report from the Garda Commissioner (pursuant to section 41(2) of the Act). In a further 9 cases, I have requested the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission to investigate complaints (pursuant to section 102(5) of the Act). In addition, a further 3 cases, although I have not taken any further formal action, I have requested the Garda Commissioner to communicate with the complainant and where appropriate to appoint a liaison officer.

Visa Applications

Questions (598)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

598. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding an application for a de facto visa by persons (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30569/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I have been informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned was refused permission to remain in the State, on the basis of their De Facto relationship with an Irish national, on 9 June 2015.

In accordance with the Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification dated 31 December 2013, where an application is refused, the applicant may appeal to INIS. An appeal will be considered by a different officer and, where possible, one who is more senior than the original decision maker.

The officer determining the appeal may:

- confirm the decision, or

- confirm the decision and impose conditions or amended conditions, or

- set aside the decision and substitute his or her determination of the application

An appeal of the decision to refuse the De Facto Relationship Immigration Permission application was received by INIS for consideration on 21 July 2015, which is being dealt with in chronological order of receipt. It is expected that the appeal will be processed shortly.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to 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 Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Garda Vetting Applications

Questions (599)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

599. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will review the rules governing Garda vetting (details supplied) in order to avoid needless duplication of vetting processes, the wasteful allocation of Garda resources associated with this duplication practice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30603/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

As the Deputy will appreciate, the primary purpose of the Garda employment vetting service is to seek to ensuring the safety of children and vulnerable adults. Accordingly, the vetting process demands rigorous procedures to ensure its integrity and to maintain the highest level of confidence by the public and organisations availing of the service. Full vetting checks are conducted by the Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) for each new vetting application received to ensure that the most recent data available in respect of an individual is taken into account. In respect of cases such as that which the Deputy raises the current procedures for vetting are designed to ensure the integrity of the system. Once there has been any significant lapse of time between one employment and another, the original Garda Vetting Disclosure must be revised to take account of any changes in information, such as more recent criminal convictions.

Furthermore, under the Data Protection Acts, any sensitive personal data which employers use in regard to their employees must be current, accurate and up-to-date. The general non-transferability and contemporaneous nature of the current process also protects against the risk of fraud or forgery and is a guarantee of the integrity of the vetting service. Such procedures are in line with best practice internationally.

There are, however, certain limited circumstances where organisations can share a single vetting disclosure where this is agreed to by the vetting applicant. For example, persons involved in voluntary work may be doing work with more than one voluntary organisation at the same time, and may agree with the vetting applicant to share a single vetting disclosure. Similar arrangements arise in the health sector in regard to persons working as locums, agency nurses or other temporary employees in a number of different organisations, or in the education sector where substitute teachers are on panels for substitute teaching in more than one school.

The current average processing time for vetting applications is four weeks. However, in some individual cases additional enquiries may be necessary and this may result in processing times in excess of the average.

Garda Misconduct Allegations

Questions (600)

Finian McGrath

Question:

600. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on correspondence regarding the death of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30624/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The correspondence supplied by the Deputy contains a request by a third party to have the particular case reviewed under the Independent Review Mechanism set up to consider allegations of Garda misconduct and inadequacies in the investigation of such allegations.

The Independent Review Mechanism was set up for the specific purpose of considering matters of, or relating to, Garda misconduct and was only ever intended as a temporary measure. I have received the recommendations of counsel in all of the 320 cases which were referred to the Independent Review Mechanism and I am in the process of issuing notification letters to the complainants in all 320 cases.

I should remind the Deputy that the Garda Síochána (Amendment) Act 2015 provided for the broadening of the scope for me as Minister to request GSOC to investigate any matter that gives rise to a concern that a member of the Garda has committed an offence or behaved in a manner that would justify disciplinary proceedings.

In this particular case a member of the Garda Síochána was charged with assault in relation to the incident. He was, however, acquitted by the Courts. As the Deputy is aware the position is that the Courts are, subject only to the constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions and the conduct of any court case is a matter entirely for the presiding judge. It is therefore not open to me as Minister to comment or intervene in any way in relation to how particular proceedings are conducted or on the outcome of those proceedings. In the circumstances I do not believe that a referral by me to GSOC, or any other action on my part, would be appropriate.

A copy of the correspondence was also forwarded to my Department by the Department of the Taoiseach and a reply has issued.

Victim Support Services

Questions (601)

Finian McGrath

Question:

601. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans for persons who suffer intimidation but are afraid to report incidents to the Garda; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30654/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am assured by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána are committed to maintaining a helpful and supportive relationship with victims of crime, including instances of intimidation. Gardaí aim to be courteous, helpful, respectful and professional and to respond to the needs of victims in a caring and sensitive manner.

An Garda Síochána have recently taken a range of measures which will improve the experience of people reporting crime. These include the establishment of 28 Garda Victim Service Offices in each Garda Division to provide advice, information and support to victims. The offices are staffed by dedicated, specially trained personnel who will keep victims informed of all significant developments in their case. In addition a new Garda National Protective Services Bureau has been established, led by a Chief Superintendent.

Gardaí engage closely with many community groups and fora as part of their commitment to community policing and this includes encouragement to help support people who may feel reluctant to report a crime. In addition, the Garda confidential line, 1800 666 111, provides a ready means of communicating information to the Gardaí anonymously.

My Department funds 50 organisations who provide support and assistance to victims of crime. These organisations are willing to assist victims who suffer intimidation and to encourage them to report any crime which has been committed against them to the Garda Síochána.

In July I published draft legislation – the Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Bill – that will put victims at the heart of the Justice system. Under the Bill a victim of a crime will have a wide range of rights. These include provision for a victim to be accompanied by a person of their choice when making a complaint to a member of An Garda Síochána, unless the member taking the complaint reasonably believes that the presence of that person would hinder the taking of the complaint or could prejudice the investigation or the criminal proceedings or would not be in the best interests of the victim.

I am also progressing legislation in the area of domestic violence which will improve the protections available to victims. Amongst the measures in the draft legislation is the right to be accompanied to court by a family member or friend, the ability to give evidence by televisual link so as to reduce the risk of intimidation and a limit on those entitled to attend Court proceedings.

Garda Deployment

Questions (602)

Gerry Adams

Question:

602. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of community gardaí allocated to the Drogheda area, County Louth, in each year since 2012; the number of community gardaí who have been seconded out of the Drogheda area to other areas in each year since 2012; and the average period for which these gardaí are seconded in each year since 2012. [30666/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

As 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 continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the best possible use is made of resources.

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the number of dedicated Community Gardaí in the Drogheda Garda District Division on 31 December 2012 to 31 December 2014 and on 31 July 2015, the latest date for which figures are readily available is set out in the following table:

Drogheda Garda District	31/12/2012	31/12/2013	31/12/2014	31/07/2015
Community Gardaí	6	5	5	5

It is, of course, the case that all Gardaí have a role to play in addressing community policing issues as and when the need arises. In that sense, community policing involves far more than a single unit within the Garda Síochána, a point highlighted by the Garda Inspectorate in their third report entitled "Policing in Ireland—Looking Forward" in which they stated that community policing is a fundamental policing philosophy and that there is a strong foundation for it in Ireland.

The Garda Síochána now operates a new model of Community Policing which aims to build upon and enhance progress made so far. I fully support this renewed emphasis on Community Policing particularly in light of the priority given to this in the Programme for Government. The model is about renewing, reinvigorating and restructuring the community policing function within An Garda Síochána to deliver a consistent national structure to the community policing function, a more co-ordinated and efficient Garda service to the community and a spread of good practice and quality of service in community policing on a national basis.

In relation to the information sought by the Deputy regarding the number of Community Gardaí seconded, I have requested that information from the Garda Commissioner and will write directly to the Deputy on receipt of same.

Naturalisation Certificates

Questions (603)

Paul Murphy

Question:

603. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 478 and 479 of 14 July 2015, which indicated that in respect of approximately 7,300 of the 76,600 naturalisations from 2012 to mid-2015, 9.53% were by persons who were nationals of other European Union states, and in view of the census 2011 figures showing approximately 69.75% of non-Irish citizens are nationals of European Union states, if she will revise her view that the fee for the nationalisation certificate is a barrier to persons becoming citizens; if she will reduce the naturalisation certificate fee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30684/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Regulations 2011 set out the prescribed fees to be paid by an applicant for a certificate of naturalisation. An application fee of €175 is payable on application for a certificate of naturalisation and a fee is payable by applicants on the issue of a certificate of naturalisation. The standard certification fee is €950, while a reduced fee of €200 applies in the case of an application made on behalf of a minor or in certain cases where the application is made by a widow, widower or surviving civil partner of an Irish citizen. In the case of refugees and stateless persons the certification fee is nil.

The standard fees payable by an applicant are designed to reflect the effort and cost involved in processing applications for a certificate of naturalisation. Every application must be assessed to establish if the statutory requirements are met. All of the fees payable under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 are kept under ongoing review by my Department.

While EEA Nationals are entitled under the Free Movement Directive to come to Ireland for work and other purposes, this does not mean that they all wish to become Irish citizens. Clearly many do not.

I do not accept that the fees related to naturalisation are a barrier to migrants in the State becoming Irish citizens, as evidenced by the significant increase in application volumes since 2011, neither can I accept the suggestion that EU Nationals are less able to afford the naturalisation certification fee than nationals of other countries.

Peace Commissioners Data

Questions (604, 606)

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

604. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of peace commissioners appointed since 2011; if she will provide in tabular form a breakdown of this information by Garda administrative area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30685/15]

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

606. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide, in tabular form, the number of peace commissioners in the State by Garda administrative area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30687/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I propose to take Questions Nos. 604 and 606 together.

My officials are currently collating the information requested which will be forwarded to the Deputy shortly.

Peace Commissioners Appointments

Questions (605)

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

605. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the criteria for being appointed a peace commissioner; if background checks, vetting and so on are carried out; if these persons can charge for their services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30686/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I can advise the Deputy that Peace Commissioners are appointed under section 88 of the Courts of Justice Act, 1924. The Office of Peace Commissioner is an honorary appointment and Peace Commissioners receive no remuneration or compensation by way of fees or expenses for their services. An application for appointment may be submitted by a person who is interested in obtaining an appointment or a third party may submit a nomination in respect of a person considered suitable for appointment. Nominations are generally received from public representatives. A local Garda Superintendent sometimes requests an appointment in a particular area in the public interest.

There is no qualifying examination involved but appointees are required to be of good character and they are usually well established in the local community. Persons convicted of serious offences are considered unsuitable for appointment. Persons who are members of professions or employed in occupations which engage in legal work or related activities and members of the clergy are, as a matter of practice, not appointed because of their occupation and civil servants are usually only appointed where the performance of their official duties requires an appointment (i.e. ex officio).

Finally, I can confirm that a background check on nominees is carried out by An Garda Síochána.

Question No. 606 answered with Question No. 604.

Prison Medical Service

Questions (607)

Clare Daly

Question:

607. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 468 and 469 of 14 July 2015, if all staff providing medical and psychological services to a person (details supplied) have received psychiatric training. [30711/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that Inreach Mental Health Services are provided by appropriately qualified, and trained Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses [CPNs] from the National Forensic Mental Health Service.

All Psychologists employed by the Irish Prison Service are recognised by the Psychological Society of Ireland and are also appropriately qualified and trained.

In addition, all prison nursing staff employed in the Irish Prison Service receive mental health training.

Direct Provision System

Questions (608, 647)

Clare Daly

Question:

608. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality in view of the 30 June 2015 publication of the working group report on the protection process, which made a key recommendation for immediate implementation that persons in the system for five years or more would be granted status within six months subject to certain minimal conditions, the reason there has been no development of this critical solution to address the issue of length of time; when implementation will take place, given the absence of any legal or operational barriers and the fact that it was agreed by consensus by the working group, which contained representatives from all relevant Government Departments. [30715/15]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

647. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality in view of the fact the working group report on direct provision has been published and is before Cabinet, her plans to implement the recommendations of this working group; and if she plans to do so, when. [31514/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I propose to take Questions Nos. 608 and 647 together.

The Report of the Working Group on the Protection Process, which was published on 30 June 2015, contains 173 recommendations many which have implications for a number of Government Departments and services.

The Government in its decision of the 30 June 2015 recommended that the Report of the Working Group on the Protection Process should in the first instance be the subject of a detailed discussion at the Cabinet Committee on Social Policy and Public Service Reform. The Committee agreed that my Department should prepare a report for the Cabinet Committee, in conjunction with relevant Departments, on the legal financial and practical implications of the Report's recommendations.

Each Department is currently examining the recommendations to determine timescales for implementation and any impacts and issues that may arise. My Department will be working with Departments on an overall response in the coming weeks.

The Cabinet Committee also decided that the Minister of State for New Communities, Culture and Equality convene a Taskforce, as recommended in the Report, to examine the mechanisms and supports for the transitioning of persons granted status from the Direct Provision system. The Taskforce has met on a number of occasions and has progressed a number of matters including, requesting the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government to indicate what accommodation is available. It is also finalising an information pack on the range of services and supports that are available for those in the system with status to assist them in the transition from Direct Provision accommodation and plans to run a Pilot Information Programme for persons granted status in a number of areas of the country.

The work of the Taskforce is key as it is essential that persons who are granted status are supported in transitioning out of the Direct Provision system and thus do not spend any longer than is necessary in the system once a positive decision on their case has been made.

Question No. 609 answered with Question No. 595.

Garda Station Closures

Questions (610)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

610. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on the closure of Garda stations in County Kerry having a direct link with the increase in crime (details supplied) in County Kerry; her plans to address this problem; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30741/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The formulation of proposals in relation to the opening and closing of Garda stations is a matter, in the first instance, for the Garda Commissioner in the context of annual policing plans, as provided for in section 22 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005.

The Garda District and Station Rationalisation Programme was implemented in An Garda Síochána during 2012 and 2013. The objective of the review was to identify opportunities to introduce strategic reforms to enhance service delivery, increase efficiency and streamline practices within the organisation. There were 12 station closures in County Kerry in 2012 and 2013 and Garda management inform me that the policing service provided by them to the Kerry Division through the restructuring of the Garda station network is delivering greater efficiencies in the deployment of personnel and other resources.

I am further informed that the restructured station network continues to provide the necessary levels of policing services through a centralisation of services which in turn has facilitated the introduction of enhanced patrolling systems that are operational and intelligence led. This helps ensure that a high visibility and community oriented policing service continues to be delivered throughout Divisions nationwide, including Kerry and yields the following benefits:

- Increased Garda visibility and patrol hours

- Increased mobility and flexibility within an area resulting in an improved policing service to the public

- Enhanced co-ordination of Garda activity resulting in a greater visibility and presence in the communities

- More effective use of limited resources across a wider area

- Continued Garda presence in communities

In accordance with Section 22(1) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, any further organisation development initiatives will be outlined in future Policing Plans.

Figures provided for August 2015 for the same offence shows a Divisional figure of 36 Burglaries, which is a 43% decrease on the June figure of 63. Of the 63 burglaries that occurred in June 2015, only two of these were committed in areas in which Garda Stations have closed – namely Moyvane and Cloghane.

I can assure the Deputy that tackling organised crime in all its guises is a key ongoing priority for both the Government and An Garda Síochána and this is clearly reflected in the Policing Plan for 2015. Garda management advise that they are continuing to vigorously tackle organised crime through a range of targeted activities designed to disrupt and dismantle the operations of criminal organisations. This includes the use of advanced analytical and intelligence methods in support of operations that enable early intervention and the prevention of such crimes.

While we should not underestimate the difficulties which the Garda authorities face in tackling organised crime activity, we continue to see the significant results of their efforts in the arrests made and persons being brought before the Courts.

Finally I have been assured by the Garda authorities that local Garda Management closely monitors the allocation of all resources in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a District, Divisional and Regional level, to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public. In that regard, ten newly appointed Probationer Gardaí have been allocated to the Kerry Division since May 2015. As additional personnel and resources become available, the needs of the Kerry Division will continue to be reviewed within the context of the overall needs of the Garda organisation.

Prison Accommodation Standards

Questions (611)

Clare Daly

Question:

611. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason she has not requested the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment to publish the report of its visit to prisons here in September 2014; if she will request immediate publication of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30747/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I can confirm that the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) submitted its formal report on 18th March 2015 following its sixth visit to Ireland in September, 2014. The Government has until 16th October 2015 to respond to the CPT on the findings contained in their report.

My Department has a co-ordinating role in the compilation of the State's comprehensive response to the CPT which is currently being finalised. The report and proposed responses to the findings will be brought to Government shortly.

As with the publication of previous reports and in the interest of openness, transparency and accountability, the Government will request that the CPT publish simultaneously its report and Ireland's response.

Garda Complaints Procedures

Questions (612)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

612. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will address a matter regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30759/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I replied to correspondence from the person to whom the Deputy refers on 8 October 2014. In respect of the matters raised, it was advised that in respect of any breach of the law it was open to them to bring the matter to the attention of An Garda Síochána or if they wished to complain as to the conduct of members of An Garda Síochána they could register a complaint with the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC).

The Deputy will wish to note that the Interception of Postal Packets and Telecommunications Messages (Regulation) Act 1993 provides the legislative basis for the lawful interception of postal packets and telecommunications messages. Authorisations for lawful interception may only be granted in limited circumstances for the investigation of serious crime or in the interests of the security of the State to the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána or the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces.

The Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Act 2009 provides a legislative basis for covert surveillance activities. Authorisations under the 2009 Act are granted by a Judge of the District Court on application by a superior officer of An Garda Síochána or the Revenue Commissioners or the Defence Forces. As Minister for Justice and Equality I have no role in that process.

The 1993 and 2009 Acts make provision for independent judicial oversight of their operation by a serving Judge of the High Court who is designated for this purpose. The Designated Judge reports at least annually to the Taoiseach on the operation of the legislation and these reports are laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. The Acts also provide for a complaints mechanism whereby an individual who believes he or she has been the subject of an authorisation under the relevant provisions of the Acts may apply to the independent Complaints Referee for an investigation into the matter. The Complaints Referee is Judge John Hannan of the Circuit Court who may be contacted at the Office of the Complaints Referee, Áras Uí Dhálaigh, Inns Quay, Dublin 7.

Prisoner Data

Questions (613)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

613. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of the 49 prisoners released under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement who were serving life sentences; the number of those released serving life sentences through this process who were subsequently re-called to prison for breach of a condition following their release; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30774/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I wish to advise the Deputy that in total there were 57 releases following consideration by the Release of Prisoners Commission and as a result of the Good Friday Agreement. Twenty of those persons were serving life sentences, none of whom have been returned to prison custody following their release.

Garda Expenditure

Questions (614)

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

614. Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the total amount of expenditure on external ICT resources by An Garda Síochána for the years 2011 to 2014; the number of external ICT resources engaged by An Garda Síochána in those years; the names of the consultancy companies awarded contracts; the steps which have been taken to reduce the expenditure on consultancy and the reliance on consultants by An Garda Síochána in these years and for the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30795/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I have asked the Garda authorities for the information requested and I will revert to the Deputy as soon as I have this information to hand.

Garda Complaints Procedures

Questions (615)

Finian McGrath

Question:

615. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 466 of 14 July 2015, her views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the case of a person; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30799/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

As I have previously advised the Deputy in relation to this particular case, the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) is the appropriate body to handle complaints made by members of the public concerning members of the Garda.

I understand from correspondence submitted that GSOC has deemed this complaint to be inadmissible as it was received outside the statutory time period. Furthermore, GSOC does not consider that there are good reasons to extend the time in which a complaint can be made.

GSOC is independent in the exercise of its functions and I have no role in its consideration of complaints. It would appear from the correspondence submitted that the individual concerned believes that there has been a misunderstanding by GSOC of his complaint. I can only suggest that he address these concerns directly to GSOC.