Written Answers Nos. 616-643
616. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30916/15]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned was granted temporary permission to remain in the State for an initial two year period, on 21 February, 2006. This permission was renewed subsequently, with the latest permission due to expire 16 February, 2016.
I am further advised by the INIS that the processing of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person concerned is well advanced and the applicant will be informed of my decision in due course.
The Deputy will be aware that 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.
617. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30917/15]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that, in response to a notification pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned has submitted written representations.
These representations, together with all other information and documentation on file, will be fully considered, under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, in advance of a final decision being made.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department 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.
618. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current status in respect of an application for citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30918/15]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the processing of the application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy is ongoing and the case will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. While most cases are now generally processed within six months, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.
The Deputy may wish to note that 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 established specifically 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 INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
619. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who requires stamp 4 in order to obtain employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30921/15]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned was granted permission to remain in the State for an initial one year period to 20 August, 2016 and that decision was conveyed in writing on 20 August, 2015.
The Deputy will be aware that 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.
620. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in the determination of an application for citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30922/15]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy is being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation, such as good character and lawful residence. A letter issued to the person concerned on 16 September 2015 requesting certain information. Upon receipt of the requested information, or in the event that the person concerned does not respond, the case will be submitted to me for decision in due course.
The Deputy may wish to note that 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 established specifically 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 INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
621. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30923/15]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that, in response to a notification pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned has submitted written representations.
These representations, together with all other information and documentation on file, will be fully considered, under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, in advance of a final decision being made.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department 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.
622. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30924/15]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person referred to by the Deputy has immigration permission until 24 January 2016.
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.
623. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30925/15]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that, in response to a notification pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned has submitted written representations.
These representations, together with all other information and documentation on file, will be fully considered, under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, in advance of final decisions being made.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department 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.
624. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30949/15]
View answerI am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person referred to is the subject of a Deportation Order made on 25 November 2005 and therefore has no entitlement to residency in the State.
Representations were received from the person concerned pursuant to Section 3 (11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), to revoke the Deportation Order. The Deputy might wish to note that any such decision will be to 'affirm' or to 'revoke' the existing Deportation Order. In the mean-time, the Deportation Order remains valid and in place.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department 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.
625. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position in respect of an application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30969/15]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy is currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation, such as good character and lawful residence, and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. While most cases are now generally processed within six months, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.
The Deputy may wish to note that 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 established specifically 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 INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
626. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30971/15]
View answerI am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person referred to is the subject of a Deportation Order made on 15 December 2009 and therefore has no entitlement to residency in the State.
Representations were received from the person concerned pursuant to Section 3 (11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), to revoke the Deportation Order. The Deputy might wish to note that any such decision will be to 'affirm' or to 'revoke' the existing Deportation Order. In the mean-time, the Deportation Order remains valid and in place.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department 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.
627. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a site (details supplied) in County Laois has been examined as part of the programme for replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation around the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30986/15]
View answerThe programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation around the country is based on agreed accommodation priorities which are established by An Garda Síochána. This programme is progressed by the Garda Authorities in co-operation with the Office of Public Works (OPW), who have the responsibility for the capital expenditure in this area.
In that context, I am informed by the Garda authorities that a brief of requirements for the refurbishment and extension of the Garda station referred to by the Deputy has been sent to the OPW with a view to progressing this project on a phased basis. As regards the site mentioned by the Deputy the Garda authorities advise that land which is the property of the Reserve Defence Forces, adjacent to the Garda Station, is available to facilitate the expansion of the Garda Station and this will be factored into the overall plans.
Garda management advise that the project will be progressed in the context of An Garda Síochána's identified accommodation priorities and the availability of resources.
628. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in determination of representations submitted pursuant to section 3(11) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30998/15]
View answerI am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person referred to is the subject of a Deportation Order made on 18 December 2012 and therefore has no entitlement to residency in the State.
Representations were received from the person concerned pursuant to Section 3 (11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), to revoke the Deportation Order. The Deputy might wish to note that any such decision will be to 'affirm' or to 'revoke' the existing Deportation Order. In the mean-time, the Deportation Order remains valid and in place.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department 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.
629. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding rural Garda stations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31135/15]
View answerThe 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. The review concluded that a revised District and station network commensurate with the organisations resource base would best meet public demand. The revised structures continue to provide policing support through the restructuring of the station network. The centralisation of services facilitates the introduction of enhanced patrolling systems that are operational and intelligence led. This patrol system ensures that a high visibility and community oriented policing service continues to be delivered throughout the country and that 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
I am informed by the Garda authorities that Garda personnel assigned throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually monitored and reviewed and are determined by a number of factors including population, crime trends and as the policing needs of each individual Division dictates. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public.
I am further informed by the Garda authorities that they continue to have a focused, targeted and integrated approach to criminals involved in committing burglaries and will continue to develop and implement strategies available to dismantle and disrupt criminal networks, utilising advanced analytical and intelligence methods to facilitate targeted operations to enable early intervention and prevention of such crimes. Local Gardaí play a significant role in disrupting, preventing and detecting suspects and groups engaged in these criminal activities through focused and targeted roles and community policing initiatives including visible policing. Neighbourhood Policing fora are also used to highlight to residents incidents of burglary or other criminal activity in their locality.
630. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to address the issue of anti-social behaviour in Athlone (details supplied), County Westmeath. [31153/15]
View answerI am advised that An Garda Síochána proactively targets public disorder and anti-social behaviour and all such incidents, detected by members on patrol or reported to An Garda Síochána, are dealt with appropriately and the suspected offenders are dealt with in accordance with the law. Anyone with concerns in relation to crime and anti-social behaviour should, of course, contact their local Garda station.
The assignment of Garda personnel throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually monitored and reviewed. The resumption of Garda recruitment and the deployment of newly attested Gardaí are key components in providing visible policing in all areas of the country. Since September last year 400 new recruits have entered the Garda College in Templemore and a further 150 additional Garda recruits are expected to commence training during 2015. So far 290 of the new Gardaí have been assigned to stations throughout the country and these increased resources will undoubtedly support enhanced policing and community safety in all areas. I am assured by Garda management that the needs of all Garda Divisions, including Westmeath, are fully considered when allocating newly attested Gardaí.
631. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding immigration; the preparation in place to help tackle the crisis in Europe; and her plans for the future in this regard. [31154/15]
View answer644. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of refugees from Syria and other places in the Middle East and north Africa she intends to allow here. [31474/15]
View answer645. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to provide accommodation for refugees from the Middle East; if direct provision will not be used for these refugees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31475/15]
View answer648. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality with regard to the current refugee crisis facing every European member state, her plans to increase the staff levels at the offices of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service in order to ensure faster decision-making and turnaround for applicants in the system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31551/15]
View answer649. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the method by which accommodation will be procured for the refugees that the Government has decided to allow into the country as a result of the recent crisis in the Middle East and in Syria, in particular; if it will be by open tender; if the Office of Government Procurement will be handling the process; the way persons or companies with accommodation to offer should apply to make this accommodation available to her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31648/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 631, 644, 645, 648 and 649 together.
Ireland has always lived up to its international humanitarian obligations and we are fully committed to playing our part in addressing the current migrant crisis facing Europe.
The Government is committed to working at European level to find sustainable solutions to the migration crisis. This humanitarian crisis is an EU issue which requires a coordinated EU response and I have made it clear to our European partners that Ireland will work closely and collaboratively with them in this regard.
As part of the Government's response to the crisis, I brought proposals to Government which were considered and agreed at a special Cabinet meeting on 10 September. A multifaceted approach is being adopted including the following measures:
- establishing the Irish Refugee Protection Programme which will provide international protection for up to 4,000 persons overall under Resettlement and Relocation Programmes. It is expected that these numbers will be augmented by further family reunifications. The first arrivals under the Programme are expected by year end. The number of persons in need of international protection will be kept under review;
- establishing a new cross-departmental Taskforce, chaired by my Department, to deal with the operational and logistical aspects of the support programme. The Taskforce, which has already had its first meeting, will adopt a whole of Government approach and will work with NGOs, religious bodies, local authorities and the Red Cross to implement the Government's response to this crisis;
- engaging with the public on their pledges of support. The Red Cross will lead this task;
- establishing a network of Emergency Reception and Orientation Centres for the initial reception of those arriving under the relocation programme;
- introduce the International Protection Bill as a major priority; and
- providing an additional package of processing resources to deal with major increases in asylum and other immigration cases, including the relocation measure, preparation for the Single Protection application process and increased enforcement across a number of areas, including removals.
The resettlement programme for those coming from mostly Lebanon and predetermined as refugees by the UNHCR has already commenced and the first Syrians have arrived. The first group of Relocation asylum seekers from Italy and Greece are expected to arrive later this year. Of the first overall allocation of 40,000 formally approved at the Justice and Home Affairs Council on 14 September 2015, Ireland has agreed to take a total of 600.
Further discussions are ongoing at EU level and I will be attending a further emergency meeting of the Justice and Home Affairs Council today in advance of an EU Summit to be held tomorrow. At today's meeting it is hoped that agreement at EU level can be reached on the relocation of a further 120,000 asylum seekers from countries in Southern Europe. Ireland has indicated that it will, subject to Oireachtas approval, opt-in to this measure.
632. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the actions being taken to deal with the humanitarian situation in Europe (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31156/15]
View answerI would refer the Deputy to my composite response today to Parliamentary Questions 631, 644, 645, 648 and 649 which outlines the Government's comprehensive response to the current migration crisis.
633. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the proposals by An Garda Síochána in respect of a proposed new legislation to restrict the use of handguns which are currently licensed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31217/15]
View answerI am pleased to inform the Deputy that I announced a series of changes to the licensing of firearms last week. My announcement followed an extensive consultation process with key stakeholders and hearings by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Equality and Defence on a report from a Joint Garda Síochána/Department of Justice and Equality Working Group published in November 2014. The changes announced will address issues in the short term but also map out the longer term future for a licensing system which balances the rights of those who wish to pursue their interests with public safety, which has to be the paramount consideration.
I have announced my intention to make fundamental long term reforms in this area by proposing legislation for a Firearms Assessment and Appeals Authority. The primary function of the Authority will be to determine, on the basis of an objective assessment of all the issues, with safety of the public being paramount, whether particular forms of firearms may be licensed in the State, whether there should be any limit on the number of such firearms and what safety conditions might properly be applied to their licensing. Individual licensing decisions will continue to be made by members of An Garda Síochána in the light of the determinations made by the Authority but it is intended that the Authority will adjudicate on appeals from decisions by An Garda Síochána. This will offer an alternative to the current system of court appeals.
I have signed secondary legislation re-defining what constitutes a non-restricted handgun. The purpose of this legislation is to ensure persons who currently hold licences for handguns will be able to reapply for a license in the current licensing round. This legislation will clarify for An Garda Síochána what firearms may be considered by them for licensing.
I intend to monitor the number of 0.22 inch rim fire calibre handguns being licensed. In line with my commitment to prevent any proliferation of handgun availability in Ireland, if there is a significant increase in the number of applications for new certificates or import licence applications for these handguns, I will introduce priority legislation for a future cap.
I have also introduced an immediate temporary cap on the licensing of any new centre-fire semi-automatic rifles pending the establishment and determination of the Authority. Legislation will provide for the revocation of any licences issued between 18 September 2015 and the enactment of the legislation. The current arrangements introduced in 2008 whereby no new licences will be issued for centre fire handguns will remain in place.
I have also announced my intention to ask the Garda Inspectorate to review the administration of firearms licensing by An Garda Síochána when the Firearms Assessment and Appeals Authority has been in place for a period of 12 months.
I also intend to re-establish the Firearms Consultative Panel to examine general issues of common concern which could include issues such as the establishment of a ballistic record of certain firearms, updated storage conditions for firearms and the reloading of ammunition.
Finally, the Garda Commissioner intends to establish a centralised licensing system for restricted firearms, pending the establishment and determination of the Firearms Assessment and Appeals Authority.
634. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the funding provided in each of the past three years and to date in 2015 in respect of CCTV monitoring anti-social activities in urban areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31218/15]
View answer635. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to provide funding for a CCTV programme at junctions off the national motorways in view of concerns that persons exit the motorways and carry out crime in rural areas (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31219/15]
View answer636. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to provide funding to An Garda Síochána for CCTV monitoring for key locations in urban areas where there is anti-social behaviour with a view to the detection of crime, preventing crime and acting as a deterrent; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31220/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 634, 635 and 636 together.
CCTV systems installed for the purposes of crime prevention and as aids to policing in areas to which the general public routinely have access, such as town centres, fall into two distinct categories: Garda CCTV systems and community-based CCTV systems.
Garda CCTV systems are planned and implemented on the basis of the identified operational needs and priorities of An Garda Síochána. Accordingly, decisions in relation to the introduction or extension of such systems are a matter for the Garda Commissioner. The Garda authorities inform me that they keep the current Garda CCTV arrangements under ongoing review in the context of changing operational requirements. In this regard the most recent information I have from the Garda Commissioner is that there are no plans to extend existing Garda CCTV systems at present. The amount spent from within the Garda vote on Garda CCTV systems over the past three years is as follows:
2012 - €1.256m
2013 - €1.200m
2014 - €1.157m
2015 - €0.696m (as at end of August 2015)
As regards community-based CCTV, a scheme was launched in 2005 which provided financial assistance to qualifying local organisations towards meeting the capital costs associated with the establishment of a local community CCTV system. Two rounds of funding were advertised under that scheme, most recently in 2007. All of the funding provided under the previous two rounds has been fully allocated.
I am, however, very conscious of the value that communities place on CCTV and with this in mind I am giving consideration to having a review of the effectiveness of current community schemes carried out in conjunction with the Garda authorities. The outcome of this review will inform future decisions on the continuation of the scheme.
637. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps being taken to target the practice of sex trafficking here; the position regarding the general scheme of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31264/15]
View answerOn 16 September, the Government approved the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2015 for publication. The Bill includes wide ranging provisions to enhance the protection of children from sexual abuse and exploitation. When enacted, the Bill will facilitate full compliance with the criminal law provisions of a number of EU, UN and Council of Europe legal instruments as well as implementing the recommendations of a number of Oireachtas committees.
In addition, the Bill will provide for two new offences of purchasing, in the context of prostitution, sexual services. The first is a general offence of paying to engage in sexual activity with a prostitute which carries a penalty of a fine of up to €500 for a first offence and fines of up to €1000 for a second or subsequent offence. The second is the more serious offence of paying for sexual activity with a trafficked person, in the context of prostitution, and carries a potential penalty of up to 5 years imprisonment and/or a fine. In both cases, the person selling the sexual service will not commit an offence.
These proposals have been developed following extensive consultation, initiated by my Department, dating back to 2012. The new offences also implement the recommendation of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Equality and Defence which called for the introduction of an offence criminalising the purchase of sexual services.
The Bill is expected to be published in the coming days.
I would also draw the Deputy's attention to the existing legislative provisions addressing the trafficking of persons for the purpose of exploitation (including sexual exploitation) which can attract significant penalties. Under the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008, any person found guilty of trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation shall be liable to imprisonment for a period up to life. It is also an offence for a person to solicit or importune a trafficked person for the purposes of prostitution with a potential penalty of imprisonment for up to 5 years.
638. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to amend legislation in order that coroners would request that information be provided, where they are examining deaths by suicide, as to whether the person involved had been in contact with the mental health services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31275/15]
View answerUnder the Suicide Prevention Strategy 2015-2020, my Department is already engaging with the Department of Health, with coroners, the Garda Síochána, the Central Statistics Office and other relevant officials and bodies, to review and if necessary, revise current recording procedures for death by suicide.
Any issues emerging in the course of that review will be taken into account, as appropriate, for the review of the Coroners Bill, bearing in mind the coroner's independent quasi-judicial role in conducting an inquest.
639. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of members of An Garda Síochána who were injured in the course of duty or assaulted during the years January 2012 to January 2013, from January 2013 to January 2014; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31334/15]
View answerThe information sought has been requested from the Garda Commissioner and when it is to hand I will write directly to the Deputy.
640. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to introduce specific legislation to define strict sentencing terms for persons who assault a member of An Garda Síochána while they are in the course of their duty; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31335/15]
View answerThere is specific legislation in place to deal with assaults to front-line workers such as members of An Garda Síochána. Section 19 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 (as amended by section 185 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006) provides that any person who assaults a "peace officer", including members of An Garda Síochána, acting in the execution of their duty is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine or a term of imprisonment of up to 12 months or both, or on conviction on indictment to a fine or imprisonment for a term of up to 7 years or both. The maximum sentence was increased from 5 years to 7 years under the 2006 Act.
In addition, in the case of assault causing serious harm, an offender can be prosecuted under the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 and could be subject to a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
I am satisfied that the law already recognises the gravity of any attack on members of An Garda Síochána who are carrying out their duty and that the penalties in place reflect the seriousness with which such acts are viewed. I do not, therefore, have proposals for further legislation in this regard but the situation will be kept under review.
642. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to review the operation of the Statute of Limitations; if legislation is planned in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31409/15]
View answerThe operation of the law in relation to the Statute of Limitations is a matter of ongoing review at my Department. This process also takes account of the Law Reform Commission Report on the Limitation of Actions published in December 2011 (LRC 104 - 2011). In this Report, the Commission expressed the view that the principal legislation governing limitation of actions, the Statute of Limitations 1957 (as amended), is unnecessarily complex and in need of fundamental reform and simplification (Paragraph 1.21). The Commission made a series of recommendations in relation to enhancing the coherence of the broader limitation of actions regime including the introduction of a uniform two-year basic limitation period for common law actions. The basic limitation period is recommended to run from the 'date of knowledge' of the plaintiff, which should be calculated by reference to the date on which the plaintiff first knew, or ought reasonably to have known, the salient and actionable points in relation to the injury, loss or damage in question (Paragraph 2.67).
It will also be recalled that, along with this ongoing process of consideration of the broader limitation of actions regime, the Statute of Limitations (Amendment) Act 2000 made important changes to the 1957 Statute of Limitations in relation to the bringing of an action arising from acts of sexual abuse done to a person while a child. As a result, the three-year limitation period in such cases does not start to run until the victim concerned has recovered sufficiently from the psychological injury to be able to decide whether to bring the action.
In my Department's ongoing consideration of the operation of the law in relation to the limitation of actions, be that at the broad systemic level or in relation to specific areas of action, the core objectives of the Law Reform Commission Report will continue to apply, namely, that "a balance is struck between the competing rights of the plaintiff and the defendant, as well having regard to the public interest; in particular the right of the plaintiff of access to the courts and the right to litigate, the right of the defendant to a speedy trail and to fair procedures, as well as the public interest in the avoidance of delayed claims and the timely administration of justice." (Paragraph 1.85). As part of the ongoing review of the operation of the law in relation to the Statute of Limitations at my Department I will, therefore, continue to take account of the Commission's recommendations and other relevant developments in the bringing forward of any future proposals for legislation in this area including, possibly, as part of any new programme of legislation.
643. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on whether standards in the E wing in Portlaoise Prison are acceptable; her plans for the damp and leaking cells, the continued practice of slopping out, the poor ventilation and the fact that there is no regular doctor on duty, which has caused a number of concerns among prisoners; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31411/15]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Prison Service that the issue of eliminating slopping out within Portlaoise Prison has been included in the proposed 2017 refurbishment project for the prison.
At present, there are significant works in train to address water problems in the toilet areas including a deep clean of all areas affected by dampness and water leaks. The Irish Prison Service will continue to monitor these issues and take all reasonable action to address same.
I am further advised that General Practitioner services are normally provided in Portlaoise Prison by way of a permanent appointee to the post of prison doctor. Where the permanent prison doctor has been unavailable the Irish Prison Service has made arrangements for the delivery of those General Practitioner services by way of its contract agreement with a supplier of locum staff. The Irish Prison Service will continue to make all necessary arrangements to ensure that General Practitioner services are provided in Portlaoise Prison.
