Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Question:654. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the total savings to her Department resulting from the closure of Garda stations from 2011 to 2015. [31726/15]
View answerGarda Station Closures
Questions (654)
Written answers
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 primary objective of the programme was to identify opportunities to introduce strategic reforms to enhance service delivery, increase efficiency and streamline practices within the organisation. In its review of the Garda Station Network that informed the rationalisation programme, Garda management concluded in relation to certain stations that Garda resources could be better deployed and more effectively used on the front line if those stations no longer had to be staffed and maintained. In reaching these conclusions, Garda management reviewed all aspects of An Garda Síochána's policing model, including the deployment of personnel, the utilisation of modern technologies and the overall operation of Garda stations.
The Garda authorities advise me that policing services in all areas continue to be provided as required through the revised structures. In addition, the centralisation of services will facilitate the introduction of enhanced patrolling systems that will be operational and intelligence led. This patrol system will ensure that a high visibility and community oriented policing service continues to be delivered throughout the country and will yield 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.
An Garda Síochána is committed to providing the best possible policing service to the people of Ireland within the resources available. An Garda Síochána regularly reviews and assesses the capabilities and the deployment of Garda resources to provide a policing service that meets the needs of the community. The ability of the organisation to contribute to Public Safety, Public Service and Community Protection remains the foremost consideration of An Garda Síochána.
The estimated savings on utilities and maintenance as a result of the closure of each station building is approximately €4,000 per annum. The closure of 139 Garda Stations has resulted in an estimated total saving to the state of €556,000 per annum. However, as I have stated, the key objective involved when closing Garda stations was to promote the more efficient and effective deployment of resources rather than to secure modest cash savings.
Immigration Status
Questions (655)
Bernard Durkan
Question:655. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in determination of application for stamp 4 visa in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31732/15]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person mentioned by the Deputy entered the State on 24 May 2008 as a student and currently has permission, as a student, in the State until 27 February 2016.
All non-EEA students resident in the State are subject to the student immigration rules set out under the "new immigration regime for full time non-EEA students" which was published in September 2010 and has been in effect since 1 January 2011. These rules stipulate that non-EEA nationals may reside in Ireland as degree students, subject to the provisions of the new regime, for a maximum period of seven years. Three years are permitted at non-degree level. The person referred to by the Deputy arrived in the State in May 2008 and will have accumulated 7 years as a student in 2016. As such they do not qualify for Stamp 4 status. They are advised to look at the "student pathway" on the Department's website www.inis.gov.ie to see whether there are any post-study pathways available to them.
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.
Naturalisation Applications
Questions (656)
Bernard Durkan
Question:656. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in determination of an application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31798/15]
View answerWritten answers
I 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.
Closed-Circuit Television Systems Provision
Questions (657)
Tony McLoughlin
Question:657. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality in view of the reduction in the number of gardaí available to police rural towns, such as those in Dromahair, Kinlough, Kiltyclogher, Glenfarne and Drumkeerin in County Leitrim, and as this reduction has left residents of these villages feeling vulnerable, together with the alarming rise in burglary rates, his plans to install cost-effective CCTV systems in these locations, similar to that already in place in Manorhamilton; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31831/15]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and Districts, and I as Minister have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keep this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.
Specifically with regard to personnel, I can confirm that this Government is committed to the recruitment of new Gardaí, and to this end the first intake since 2009 of new recruits commenced training at the Garda College, Templemore, in September of last year. Overall a total of 550 new Garda recruits will have commenced training by the end of this year. On attestation, all new Probationer Gardaí are dispersed to Garda stations throughout the country, where they are assigned to mainstream policing duties; I am assured by Garda management that the needs of all Garda Divisions, including the Sligo/Leitrim Division, are fully considered when allocation newly attested Gardaí.
The latest figures to hand indicate that there are 97 members of An Garda Síochána assigned to the Leitrim Garda District. The efforts of these Gardaí assigned to the District are supported by ten members of the Garda Reserve and six civilian staff. When necessary, the work of the Gardaí in Leitrim District is augmented by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NBCI), and the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB). Organised criminal activity is currently being targeted by An Garda Síochána on a number of fronts, including the use of focused intelligence-led operations by specialist units such as the Drugs and Organised Crime Unit and the Criminal Assets Bureau.
CCTV systems for the purposes of crime prevention and as aids to policing fall into two distinct categories - Garda CCTV systems and community-based CCTV systems. The CCTV system in Manorhamilton was established as part of the Community Based CCTV scheme which was launched in 2005 and 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.
Deportation Orders
Questions (658)
Bernard Durkan
Question:658. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current and-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. [31834/15]
View answerWritten answers
The person concerned arrived in the State on 17 March 2008, and applied for asylum on the following day. She also gave birth to a child in the State on 14 June 2008, whom she also claimed asylum for. Both asylum applications were ultimately refused. On 23 August 2010, the person concerned was invited to make an application for Subsidiary Protection, as well as make representations as to why a Deportation Order should not be made.
The person concerned made subsequent applications for Subsidiary Protection for herself and on behalf of her child. Both applications were refused on 17 January 2011. Further, the person concerned made representations against proposed Deportation Orders for herself and her child. Following consideration of these representations, Deportation Orders were signed in respect of herself and her child on 26 January 2011.
The person concerned instituted Judicial Review proceedings on 10 February 2011 challenging the refusal of her and her child's respective Subsidiary Protection applications as well as the Deportation Orders made in respect of her and her child. Accordingly, as the matter is sub judice, I do not propose to comment further.
I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.
Leave to Remain
Questions (659)
Bernard Durkan
Question:659. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in determination of application for leave to remain in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31835/15]
View answerWritten answers
I understand that, following the withdrawal of their application for subsidiary protection, the options now available to the person whose details were supplied will be communicated to them shortly.
Should the person concerned opt at that stage to apply for leave to remain in the State on humanitarian grounds, that application will be afforded due consideration.
Prison Staff
Questions (660)
John McGuinness
Question:660. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the timeframe for payment of arrears of the environmental allowance to staff members at Portlaoise Prison, County Laois; the date from which arrears will be paid; if a separate payslip will be issued for this payment; and if the universal social charge and pension related deductions will be applied only to the years from the introduction date of these deductions. [31864/15]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that arrangements are being finalised with Payroll Shared Service Centre to pay the arrears of the Environmental Allowance referred to by the Deputy. It is anticipated that the these payments will be made, barring any unforeseen complications, by end October 2015. Payments made will be included in the employee’s regular payslip and will be identifiable on the payslip.
I can further advise the Deputy that these payments are subject to the Universal Social Charge, in line with the Department of Revenue Guidance, any queries on this aspect are a matter for the Revenue Commissioners, more information, if required, is available on www.revenue.ie/en/tax/usc/universal-social-charge-faqs.pdf. The public service Pension Related Deduction is a deduction from the remuneration of pensionable public servants since 1 March 2009 and will be applied on that basis.
Naturalisation Applications
Questions (661)
Bernard Durkan
Question:661. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in determination of application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31915/15]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the processing of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy is well advanced and the applicant will be informed of my decision in due course.
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.
Pension Provisions
Questions (662)
Billy Timmins
Question:662. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of annual pension payments made by her Department that exceed €60,000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32009/15]
View answerWritten answers
The Financial Shared Services Centre of my Department makes pension payments to retired members of An Garda Síochána, and to spouses and children in respect of deceased members. This expenditure is reflected in the vote for An Garda Síochána. There are in the region of 38 on-going pension payments made annually which exceed €60,000. This excludes once-off lump sum gratuity payments made to members on retirement.
Garda Data
Questions (663)
Brendan Griffin
Question:663. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the length of time a Garda entry into the PULSE system in respect of persons remains on record; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32020/15]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Consultancy Contracts
Questions (664)
Niall Collins
Question:664. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to previous correspondence (details supplied), if she can confirm that the outstanding amounts will be paid to this service provider; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32101/15]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has been in contact with the Financial Shared Services section in relation to the matter raised by the Deputy. It appears that the invoices from the service provider in question have not been received. The service provider should contact the instructing solicitor in relation to the matter.
Data Protection
Questions (665)
Michael McGrath
Question:665. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the use of security cameras by private citizens is subject to regulation in terms of protecting the privacy of residents in adjoining properties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32103/15]
View answerWritten answers
While the Deputy will appreciate that I am not in a position as Minister of State of Justice and Equality to interpret the law, or to provide advice on a particular case in response to a Parliamentary Question, I can say that the provisions of the Data Protection Acts 1988 and 2003 generally apply to personal images recorded by means of video cameras unless the recording activity relates to an individual's own personal, family or recreational activities.
Useful information is available on the website of the Data Protection Commissioner concerning both the statutory obligations placed on those who use CCTV systems to collect personal data and the rights of, and redress mechanisms available to, those whose personal data are processed collected by such means (www.dataprotection.ie).
In cases in which the Data Protection Acts do not apply, i.e. because data are not recorded and retained, the possibility of legal proceedings on the basis of an infringement of constitutional or common law rights to privacy may, depending on the circumstances, arise.
Garda Transport Provision
Questions (666)
Finian McGrath
Question:666. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of additional marked and unmarked Garda cars and vans that were allocated to each Garda district in the Dublin region in the years 2014 and to date in 2015; if any Garda districts will receive additional vehicles between now and year end; and if so, which districts. [32121/15]
View answerWritten answers
Decisions 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.
The Deputy will be aware that to date, this Government has invested nearly €29 million in new Garda vehicles since 2012, marking a massive increase on the €4.8 million provided for by the previous Government in Budgets 2009-2011. The latest 370 new Garda vehicles have begun coming on stream since the start of this year. In addition, I recently allocated a further €700,000 for new specialised vehicles to support Gardaí in responding to current and emerging crime threats, including those committed by highly-mobile gangs.
In that context, I am advised by the Garda authorities that the information requested by the Deputy is as shown in the following table:
DMR - 2014 ALLOCATIONS
|
- |
CARS |
CARS |
VANS |
TOTAL |
|
- |
MARKED |
UNMARKED |
||
|
TOTAL: |
72 |
2 |
3 |
77 |
|
DMR EAST |
10 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
|
BLACKROCK |
5 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
|
DÚN LAOGHAIRE |
5 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
|
DMR NORTH |
15 |
1 |
1 |
17 |
|
BALBRIGGAN |
3 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
|
BALLYMUN |
6 |
0 |
1 |
7 |
|
COOLOCK |
3 |
1 |
0 |
4 |
|
RAHENY |
3 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
|
DMR NORTH CENTRAL |
7 |
0 |
1 |
8 |
|
BRIDEWELL |
2 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
MOUNTJOY |
2 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
STORE STREET |
3 |
0 |
1 |
4 |
|
DMR SOUTH |
10 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
|
CRUMLIN |
3 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
|
TALLAGHT |
3 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
|
TERENURE |
4 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
|
DMR SOUTH CENTRAL |
6 |
0 |
1 |
7 |
|
DONNYBROOK |
2 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
KEVIN STREET |
3 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
|
PEARSE STREET |
1 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
|
DMR TRAFFIC |
7 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
|
DMR TRAFFIC-DUBLIN CASTLE |
7 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
|
DMR WEST |
17 |
1 |
0 |
18 |
|
BLANCHARDSTOWN |
8 |
0 |
0 |
8 |
|
CLONDALKIN |
5 |
1 |
0 |
6 |
|
LUCAN |
4 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
DMR - 2015 ALLOCATIONS
|
- |
CARS |
CARS |
VANS |
TOTAL |
|
- |
MARKED |
UNMARKED |
||
|
TOTAL: |
33 |
30 |
6 |
69 |
|
DMR EAST |
5 |
4 |
0 |
9 |
|
BLACKROCK |
3 |
1 |
0 |
4 |
|
DÚN LAOGHAIRE |
2 |
3 |
0 |
5 |
|
DMR NORTH |
6 |
7 |
0 |
13 |
|
BALBRIGGAN |
0 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
|
BALLYMUN |
2 |
3 |
0 |
5 |
|
COOLOCK |
2 |
1 |
0 |
3 |
|
RAHENY |
2 |
1 |
0 |
3 |
|
DMR NORTH CENTRAL |
6 |
2 |
1 |
9 |
|
BRIDEWELL |
1 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
|
MOUNTJOY |
2 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
STORE STREET |
3 |
1 |
1 |
5 |
|
DMR SOUTH |
6 |
6 |
2 |
14 |
|
CRUMLIN |
1 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
|
TALLAGHT |
4 |
3 |
1 |
8 |
|
TERENURE |
1 |
2 |
1 |
4 |
|
DMR SOUTH CENTRAL |
2 |
4 |
1 |
7 |
|
DONNYBROOK |
2 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
KEVIN STREET |
0 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
|
PEARSE STREET |
0 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
|
DMR TRAFFIC |
3 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
|
DMR TRAFFIC-DUBLIN CASTLE |
3 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
|
DMR WEST |
5 |
7 |
2 |
14 |
|
BLANCHARDSTOWN |
2 |
4 |
2 |
8 |
|
CLONDALKIN |
2 |
2 |
0 |
4 |
|
LUCAN |
1 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
I am further advised by the Garda authorities that the allocation of resources at both Divisional and District level, is subject to ongoing analysis and review.
Public Procurement Contracts
Questions (667)
Finian McGrath
Question:667. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the contract for the supply of fuel to the vehicles of An Garda Síochána was last put out to tender; when this contract is next due for renewal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32122/15]
View answerWritten answers
The distribution of resources including the provision of fuel for Garda vehicles is an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner.
In that context I am advised by the Garda authorities that the contract for the supply of fuel for the vehicles of An Garda Síochána was put out to tender by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) in 2013. The contract was awarded by the OGP and began on 1 February 2014. This contract expires on 31 January 2016.
Garda Vetting Applications
Questions (668)
Sean Fleming
Question:668. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when Garda clearance vetting will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32262/15]
View answerWritten answers
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that a vetting application in respect of the person to whom the Deputy refers was received by the Garda Central Vetting Unit on 1 September 2015. This application was processed and returned to the registered organisation on 17 September 2015.
In general, applications for Garda vetting are processed on a first come, first served basis in chronological order from date of receipt. This is with a view to observing equity and fairness in respect of all vetting subjects. 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.
Prison Regulations
Questions (669)
Finian McGrath
Question:669. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on concerns expressed about the treatment given to certain prisoners (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32285/15]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to advise the Deputy that no prisoner in custody in Mountjoy Prison receives any special treatment or privilege by virtue of being a member of a criminal gang.
Prisons in the Irish prison system are managed in accord with relevant legislative provisions and measures. These provisions and measures are applied equally across the Estate and no prisoners receive privileges, concessions or any other sentence management incentives as a consequence of being a member of a criminal gang.
Income Inequality
Questions (670)
Finian McGrath
Question:670. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the perceived gender pay gap; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32286/15]
View answerWritten answers
Figures published by Eurostat indicate that the gender pay gap (defined as the difference between the average gross hourly earnings of male and female paid employees as a percentage of average gross hourly earnings of male paid employees) in Ireland was 14.4% in 2012, below the EU average of 16.4%. This is the most recent data available on the gender pay gap in Ireland.
The gender pay gap is of concern because it impacts on women’s lifelong earnings, economic independence, private pension provisions and risk of poverty in older years. There are many complex causes of the gap, including women’s increased likelihood to work part-time; to work in particular sectors; to play a disproportionately large role in the provision of caring within the family; to be under-represented in leadership and management roles and to experience discriminatory and gender-biased workplace practices and pay systems. The undervaluing of women’s work and the under-utilisation of women’s skills is also a lost resource for the economy and for society.
Reviewing and closing the gender pay gap remains a key element in the work of my Department. The National Women’s Strategy includes a commitment to address the gender pay gap. Work ongoing in my Department includes fostering the advancement of women into decision-making roles and examining the possibilities of sharing maternity leave between parents and introducing paternity leave.
Immigration Status
Questions (671)
Bernard Durkan
Question:671. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32331/15]
View answerWritten answers
I 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, on a stamp 4 basis, on 11 April, 2008. This permission was subsequently renewed with the latest permission granted up to 23 April, 2018.
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.