Written Answers Nos. 325-346
325. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of a request for permission to remain by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if she has received documentation concerning this request, which was sent on 17 September 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42652/15]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the correspondence in question is receiving attention.
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 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 Question 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.
326. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will increase the number of mountain bicycles allocated to the Garda Síochána R district; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42653/15]
View answerDecisions in relation to the provision and allocation of policing resources, including Garda transport, are an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner in the light of her identified operational demands and the availability of resources.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are currently 12 official issue mountain bikes allocated to the DMR North Division. The breakdown of which is as follows:
|
Garda Station |
No of Mountain Bikes |
|
Coolock Garda Station |
6 |
|
Swords Garda Station |
4 |
|
Malahide Garda Station |
2 |
An additional 100 mountain bikes have been purchased by An Garda Síochána recently and will be allocated across the country as determined by the Garda Commissioner having regard to operational requirements.
327. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she is aware of a new strain of the drug cannabis that makes persons more violent; the current strategies used to combat drug-related crimes and violence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42723/15]
View answerI understand the Deputy's question to relate in part to the ongoing emergence of new synthetic cannabinoid type substances as witnessed here and abroad.
Undoubtedly the dynamic world market in new synthetic cannabinoid type substances, the effects of the use of which are still often unknown, presents key challenges for the international and national control mechanisms.
In this regard, it is the Department of Health which examines on an ongoing basis the need to bring emerging substances under the drug control framework provided by way of the Misuse of Drugs legislation.
As my colleague Minister of State Aodhán Ó Ríordáin T.D. has indicated work is under way in the Department of Health on the preparation of a Bill the purpose of which is to strengthen the Misuse of Drugs Act so as to clarify the provisions under which Ministerial orders and regulations are made, and which will facilitate the further controlling of new psychoactive substances when deemed necessary.
More generally, the Deputy will be aware that the Government's overall response to the problem of drug misuse is set out in the National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016 which adopts a comprehensive and pillar based approach to the problem of drug misuse across the five pillars of drug supply reduction, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and research. The Strategy is being led out under the stewardship of my colleague Minister of State Ó Ríordáin T.D.
In targeting the problems of drug related crime and associated violence, An Garda Síochána is continuing to target individuals and organisations involved in the trafficking and distribution of psychoactive substances at all levels utilising the Misuse of Drugs legislation, the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Act 2010 and the full range of criminal justice legislation underpinning the response of An Garda Síochána to serious crime, where applicable.
I can also advise the Deputy that under the National Drugs Strategy, An Garda Síochána have in partnership with the national community based Family Support Network organisation introduced a national reporting framework to strengthen the response in dealing with issues of drug related intimidation and violence experienced in our local communities.
328. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress of legislation for the recognition of Irish Sign Language. [42731/15]
View answerThe Programme for Government includes a commitment to "examine different mechanisms to promote the recognition of Irish sign language" and this process has already commenced. The National Disability Authority (NDA) facilitated consultations with the Deaf Community in Ireland in 2012 at the Department's request in relation to actions that could make improvements in the lives of deaf people and submissions received from them were considered for inclusion where possible and appropriate in the National Disability Strategy Implementation Plan (NDSIP) which was published in July 2013.
As part of the follow-up to that initiative, the first special themed meeting of the National Disability Strategy Implementation Group (NDSIG) focussed on the issue of Irish Sign Language on 28 November 2013. This meeting brought together representatives of relevant Departments, the NDA, the Deaf Community and other relevant stakeholders with a view to further progressing the implementation of the NDSIP in this regard.
The meeting reviewed the current situation across Government Departments and their Agencies with regard to promoting recognition of Irish Sign Language including in-service provision and provided the Deaf Community with the opportunity of presenting their experience of interaction with the Public Sector. It also provided a useful opportunity to examine mechanisms which could promote the further use and recognition of Irish Sign Language and understand practical implications for service users. Further to this meeting, the Deaf Community prepared a report to reflect their views on key actions and priorities. The intention is that the recommendations from this report will be reflected in the new National Disability Inclusion Strategy, through the incorporation of new actions and related performance indicators and timelines as appropriate. Progress on all relevant actions will then be monitored as part of the Inclusion Strategy's monitoring process. The focus therefore remains on the identification of mechanisms for the further promotion and recognition of Irish Sign Language with a view to promoting and supporting its use, thereby improving service delivery on the ground, rather than on the introduction of legislation or its designation as an official language.
It should be noted that the existing supports for use of Irish Sign Language in Ireland give a level of recognition and practical measures equal to, or above that, in countries which have formally recognised sign language.
329. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current allocation of gardaí for the area covered by Cabra Garda Síochána station; if she will address the need for additional resources for this area as this station supplies gardaí for Áras an Uachtaráin, the American ambassador's residence and Farmleigh House, and for events taking place in the Phoenix Park in County Dublin; and her views on the current numbers and the need for additional resources given the extent of the roles of gardaí in this station. [42758/15]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of personnel, among the Garda Regions, Divisions, and Districts. Garda management keep this distribution under continuing review taking into account crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the best possible use is made of these resources.
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of Gardaí assigned to Dublin Metropolitan Region (D.M.R.) West on the 31 October 2015, the latest dates for which figures are readily available are 692 of which 68 are assigned to Cabra Garda station. There are also 56 Garda Reserves and 43 Civilians attached to the DMR West Garda Division.
I am further informed that local Garda management is satisfied that a full and comprehensive policing service is being delivered to the communities in the area concerned and that current structures in place meet the requirements of the delivery of an effective and efficient policing service.
This Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the capacity to provide effective, visible policing throughout the country. A crucial element of the Government's strategy is ongoing seamless recruitment to renew An Garda Síochána. With this in mind Budget 2016 made provision for the recruitment of 600 new Gardaí next year bringing to 1,150 the number of new Gardaí that will be recruited since the reopening of the Garda College in Templemore in September 2014. So far 295 of those new recruits are fully attested and are on the ground in communities nationwide. On attestation, new probationer Gardaí are assigned to stations throughout the country by the Garda Commissioner, where they are assigned to mainstream uniform policing duties. I am assured by Garda management that the needs of all Garda Divisions are fully considered when determining the allocation of newly attested Gardaí and that 30 of these newly attested Gardaí have been assigned to the DMR West Garda Division.
I was very pleased to announce the commencement of the recruitment campaign for 2016 last Friday, 27 November. It is being organised by the Public Appointments Service on behalf of the Garda Commissioner. Applications must be made through www.publicjobs.ie. The closing date for applications is Tuesday 5 January 2016. Successful candidates can expect to enter the Garda College from June 2016 onwards.
330. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality why the associated researchers of the Stardust tragedy have not been given recognition in the Stardust submission; when the final submission will be released in accordance with transparency and accountability guidelines (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42761/15]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, following my meeting with the Stardust Victims Committee last year I appointed an official in my Department to liaise with them in relation to matters about which they have expressed concern.
A researcher associated with the Committee submitted material relating to these events to my Department and a meeting was held with them and another researcher associated with the Committee, on 23 April this year. Following an examination of the material presented, a draft preliminary analysis was prepared in my Department and this draft was issued to the Committee in July of this year. The Committee were invited to examine this draft analysis and provide any commentary they wished to make on it. The Committee's response to this draft analysis was provided by way of a presentation made by researchers associated with the Committee; this presentation was made on 30 September 2015. The views and materials presented at that meeting have now been examined in my Department and on 30 November further documentation was issued by my Department to the Committee in this connection; it is understood that the Committee will be responding to it in due course.
With regard to the concern expressed in relation to failure to give recognition to researchers associated with the Committee in any submissions, I can inform the Deputy that these researchers are mentioned by name in the most recent documentation issued to the Committee.
331. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if there are ongoing negotiations to house refugees with the owners of a property (details supplied) in County Kildare. [42767/15]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the Government has established an Inter-Departmental and Inter-Agency Task Force to coordinate Ireland's response to the migrant crisis.
My Department has received offers of accommodation and services from commercial suppliers. These offers are being assessed at the moment taking into account a range of factors. I wish to inform the Deputy that for reasons of commercial confidentiality it would not be appropriate to make any further comment at this time.
332. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will identify all sites being examined for housing refugees, temporarily or in the long term. [42768/15]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP) was approved by Government Decision on 10 September 2015 in response to the migration crisis which has developed in Southern Europe and as an act of solidarity with other Member States Under this decision, the Government confirmed that Ireland will take in up to 4,000 persons over the next two years in order to give to give effect to the EU legal instruments it has opted into, with approval of the Oireachtas, in respect of relocation and the solemn commitments Ireland has also entered into in respect of resettlement refugees.
Among the measures agreed under the Programme was the establishment of a Network of Emergency Reception and Orientation Centres (EROCs) which would be used to provide temporary accommodation in order to meet the basic needs of asylum seekers relocated from hotspots in Italy and Greece while their applications for refugee status are processed. Under the provisions of the EU relocation programme, persons considered for relocation who will be accommodated in EROCs upon arrival, must be from countries with a recognition rate for asylum of at least 75%. Accordingly, the expectation is that a large proportion of relocated persons will qualify for refugee status within a very short time and will leave the EROCs.
In addition, the Government has committed under the Programme to take in additional resettlement refugees who must also be temporally accommodated in EROCs for the purposes of reception, orientation and integration training, prior to being resettled in communities across Ireland.
Officials in my Department, responsible for implementing the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP), were tasked with the sourcing of suitable accommodation and orientation services for the proposed network of EROCs. This involves an assessment of information regarding available State properties provided by the Office of Public Works and a request for expressions of interest from commercial accommodation providers. The commercial expressions of interest are being evaluated alongside the information provided by OPW in respect of State properties. This process remains ongoing and it would not be appropriate for reasons of confidentiality and commercial sensitivity to identify the sites being considered or examined.
As the Deputy may be aware, independent of the commitments under the above Government Decision, the numbers of persons applying for protection in the State has already significantly increased this year and this has placed great pressure on available accommodation. There is now a need to provide temporary accommodation for the new cohort of asylum seekers and programme refugees who are due to arrive in the State over the next two years under the IRPP. Ireland has always ensured that persons who applied for international protection were never left without bed and board by virtue of an inability to provide for themselves. If Ireland is to maintain this honourable practice then the State must be in a position to enter into contracts to give effect to its commitments and to avoid a situation where those seeking international protection and who cannot provide for themselves are effectively rendered homeless.
It is important to stress that under the IRPP the accommodation being sought for persons is for the limited period of time sufficient to determine their application for asylum and necessary orientation following the attainment of refugee status or in the case of resettlement refugees to allow for a period of orientation prior to resettlement. A sub-group of the Taskforce established by the Government to oversee the implementation of the Programme is considering how persons temporarily accommodated in EROCs are to be moved from EROCs and housed in communities across Ireland. I am informed that this sub-group is expected to report to the Taskforce in the near future. This aspect of the work of the Taskforce is being led by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government.
333. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will examine an application for temporary and limited leave to remain in the State by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry given that all requested documents have been submitted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42780/15]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that correspondence is due to issue shortly in this case.
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 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 Question 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.
334. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she has any plans to prepare draft legislation to put in place procedures that would facilitate the Comptroller and Auditor General in auditing the wards of court funds, as recommended in the report of the Committee of Public Accounts on 6 July 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42783/15]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, jurisdiction in Wards of Court matters is vested in the High Court. Section 4(3) of the Courts Service Act 1998 provides that the Courts Service is independent in the performance of its functions, which are specified in section 5, and includes the management of the Courts. Court funds which are held for the benefit of Wards of Court are private funds under the control of the Courts Service which, through its offices in the High, Circuit and District Courts, has responsibility for the management and investment of funds in court.
The investment arrangements for all court funds operate under a structured framework. The Investment Committee of the Courts Service has an advisory role and its main function is to devise investment policy for court funds, oversee the recommendations received from its investment advisors, and to ensure compliance with best practice in the management of court funds. The Committee comprises members of the judiciary, representatives from the Courts Service and independent members. The Committee is chaired by the President of the High Court and is also supported by external investment advisors. The Courts Service also produces annual financial statements and is subject to both internal and external audit. The audited financial statements are published each year in accordance with the Superior Court Rules and published on the Courts Service website at www.courts.ie.
The Comptroller and Auditor General is not currently empowered to audit Ward of Court funds. There was a proposal to appoint the Comptroller and Auditor General as auditor of the funds included in a draft Bill in 2010. However it was not subsequently progressed as ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities led to the drafting of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Bill 2013 which will, when enacted, abolish the wards of court system. This Bill is scheduled to go before the Seanad for Committee Stage on 9 December 2015 and the aim is that the Bill will be enacted by the end of this year.
335. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the Coroner's Bill; when it will be progressed through the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42797/15]
View answerAs the Deputy will know, the Coroners Bill 2007 provides for a comprehensive reform of the Coroners Act 1962 and of the existing coroner system, including the establishment of a new Coroner Service. It incorporates many of the recommendations made by the Coroners Review Group in 2000, and by the Coroners Rules Committee in 2003, as well as a detailed review of reforms to coronial systems in other common-law jurisdictions (particularly New Zealand and Northern Ireland).
The 2007 Bill needs review in the light of:
- the changed public finances;
- the increased emphasis on delivering leaner, better integrated and more customer-focused public services; and
- developing coroner practice and caselaw, particularly on the application to coroners’ inquests of Art. 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
I can confirm to the Deputy that a review of the Coroners Bill 2007 has commenced, at my request, with a view to developing a plan for its progression.
As finalising the review is dependent on competing legislative priorities, I am not in a position, at present, to give a definitive indication on a timeframe for this project.
336. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Question No. 114 of 7 October 2015 regarding the number of drug seizures by An Garda Síochána in the R district in 2014 and in 2015 to date, and the type and the monetary value of these, if the information is now available and if she will forward it to the Deputy before the Christmas recess in 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42804/15]
View answerOn foot of a report received from the Garda authorities in the matter I wrote directly to the Deputy on 26 November 2015 providing the data sought in Parliamentary Question of 7 October 2015.
337. Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of arrests made by An Garda Síochána in each Dublin station under Operation Thor since its start date, in tabular form, and the number of arrests nationally under this operation. [42825/15]
View answerSince it was launched on 2 November Operation Thor has led to a number of important arrests in various locations around the country, as well as the seizure of firearms and illegal drugs, since it was launched on 2 November 2015.
I have requested a report from the Garda authorities along the lines requested by the Deputy and will contact him directly when the report is to hand.
338. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Questions Nos. 192 and 193 of 17 April 2014, the status of her request to An Garda Síochána for a report on the status of this case (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42832/15]
View answerIn reply to the Deputy's Questions of 17 April 2014 it was stated that many of the recommendations made by the Oireachtas Committee had been followed through. It was also stated that further information was being sought from the Garda authorities and that further communication would be made with the Deputy when the information was to hand. I received further information from the Garda authorities relating to the case to which the Deputy refers and I regret the delay that has arisen in finalising a reply to the issues raised which is due to an administrative oversight.
Following the Barron Inquiry's report, a dedicated team of Gardaí was appointed to re-examine the case to see if there was any possibility of bringing any or all of the four suspects who had come to light to justice. I am informed by the Garda authorities that all mechanisms were fully utilised by the Gardaí to liaise with the RUC and, later, the PSNI in respect of the investigation, including requests made in the framework of Mutual Legal Assistance. Liaison was established with the PSNI who co-operated fully with the Garda investigation team.
A number of new investigative lines of inquiry were developed and explored and a file on the matter was forwarded subsequently to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) recommending prosecutions. However, the DPP directed on 8 October 2008 that no prosecutions should be taken on the basis of the evidence available. You will appreciate, of course, that the DPP is independent in the performance of her functions in accordance with the provisions of the Prosecution of Offences Act 1974.
I am further informed that the investigating Gardaí sought information and clarification in respect of a number of matters from the authorities in Northern Ireland, through the PSNI's HET and through the established Mutual Legal Assistance mechanism. The investigating Gardaí inquired into the circumstances in which the authorities in Northern Ireland received early information on suspects in the murder and in this regard the Garda authorities are satisfied that they received full co-operation from the PSNI.
While it is a matter of regret that those responsible for this case have not been brought to justice, I would reiterate that the Garda investigation file remains open and any credible new information that is brought to attention will be pursued vigorously by the investigators.
339. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans for the development of Gorey Garda Síochána station in County Wexford and for making it more accessible for those with disabilities or mobility difficulties. [42847/15]
View answerThe programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation around the country is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the Office of Public Works (OPW), which has the responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána has provided the OPW with a prioritised list of Garda Stations, including Gorey Garda Station, which require universal access works.
340. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a copy of a statement given to An Garda Síochána by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will be made available to that person; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42851/15]
View answerThe position is as stated in my reply to Parliamentary Question 313 of 17 November 2015.
The person to whom the Deputy refers has been notified of the outcome of the review of her complaint under the Independent Review Mechanism. The person has been informed, amongst other things, of the position of any witness making a statement to An Garda Síochána who subsequently requests a copy of such a statement. As I have previously explained, beyond that, I have, as Minister, no function in relation to the matter raised by the Deputy.
341. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she is satisfied with the adequacy of the facilities available to An Garda Síochána to tackle modern crime, with particular reference to vehicles, electronic equipment and any other facilities that are required by police forces internationally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42908/15]
View answerUnder the Garda Síochána Act 2005 the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of available Garda resources. This includes personnel, Garda vehicles and the various technologies utilised to support front-line Gardaí and intelligence-led operations against organised crime. This process takes account of annual policing priorities determined by me as Minister for Justice in consultation with the Garda Commissioner as provided for under section 20 of the Garda Síochána Act, 2005.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that they are continually looking to ensure that the latest information, communications and forensic technologies are sourced and deployed to achieve their strategic objectives as set out in the context of their annual policing plans, as provided for in section 22 of the 2005 Act. This policy is designed to ensure that the Garda Síochána will be properly resourced to meet the evolving needs of a modern effective police force and take advantage of proven up to date technological developments in crime detection and prevention as they occur.
More generally, it is also the case that the Garda Síochána Inspectorate, in its reports on An Garda Síochána, benchmarks the performance of the An Garda Síochána with best international policing practice.
In terms of existing technology, the Deputy will be aware that a considerable amount of new Garda ICT solutions has been delivered over the past number of years. These include the deployment of a secure national digital radio system (NDRS), the deployment and support of Garda and Community CCTV systems, an automated number plate recognition (ANPR) system, and the addition of many new functions to the PULSE system, which itself is further supported by a dedicated Garda data entry service in Castlebar. The substantial additional investment of €205 million in new technology and systems for An Garda Síochána provided under the Capital Plan 2016-2021 will facilitate progress on further important reforms arising from the Garda Inspectorate's report on Crime Investigation. Examples of the new systems to be developed through this investment include:
- new computer-aided dispatch to ensure responsive and coordinated deployment of Gardaí in the community;
- mobile technology to give the Gardaí secure mobile access to critical information when and where they need it;
- investigations management systems to ensure enhanced management of crime investigations; and
- upgrading the ANPR to enhance policing of road safety and compliance.
The 2016 Budget allocation of €1.5 billion for An Garda Síochána includes over €67 million in additional funding which will allow the recruitment of 600 new Gardaí next year on top of the 550 Gardaí recruited since this Government reopened the Garda College in September 2014. It will also provide additional funding for Garda surveillance, special operations and targeted, intelligence-led policing. This additional recruitment and budget allocation builds on the current high level of investment in Garda vehicles. We have invested over €34 million in new Garda vehicles since 2012 with over 640 new vehicles coming on stream in 2015, ranging from more Garda patrol cars to high-powered vehicles for armed units. The Government's Capital Plan 2016-2021 provides for a further €46 million of investment in vehicles, as well as investment in airborne surveillance. Taken together, this step-change in investment in policing will ensure that the Gardaí can be mobile, visible and responsive, on the roads and in the community.
In the area of forensics, the Garda authorities currently employ state-of-the-art automated fingerprint and ballistics identification systems which I am informed are at least on a par with those used by police forces in other EU jurisdictions. The Deputy will also be aware of the recent launch of the national DNA database which has capacity to revolutionise the investigation of crime in Ireland.
These and other new technological solutions, as well as the investment in resources, will ensure that An Garda Síochána has the capacity to provide effective policing services in respond to the evolving challenges of modern day criminal activity.
342. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she is satisfied with the strength of the emergency response unit, with particular reference to the need to meet the threat of urban crime and acts of terrorism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42909/15]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of personnel, among the Garda Regions, Divisions, and Districts. Garda management keep this distribution under continuing review taking into account crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the best possible use is made of these resources.
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that for security and operational reasons, it is Garda policy not to comment on the number of Gardaí assigned to the Emergency Response Unit.
However, I have been informed by the Commissioner that the Emergency Response Unit has a national remit and is a highly trained and equipped specialist intervention unit capable of responding to crime in both urban and rural communities and preventing and responding to acts of terrorism.
343. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she is satisfied that sufficient resources are available to augment the appropriate intelligence unit of An Garda Síochána, having particular regard to the potential threat of terrorist activity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42910/15]
View answer344. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she is satisfied that An Garda Síochána can provide a sufficiently rapid response to a terrorist threat or to a hostage situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42911/15]
View answer345. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which any augmentation of intelligence and surveillance facilities available to an Garda Síochána is required; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42912/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 343 to 345, inclusive, together.
In taking steps to deal with any threat to this State, An Garda Síochána deploys a strong intelligence base with a well-trained, armed special intervention and support capacity, and a range of other local and national policing and investigative resources.
Developing good intelligence domestically and enhancing intelligence-sharing internationally are essential in countering terrorism and An Garda Síochána has specialist units dedicated to this. The Garda authorities work closely with their EU and other international counterparts, including Europol and Interpol, in the exchange of intelligence. In this regard, as part of the major programme of investment in An Garda Síochána that I am bringing forward there will be considerable investment in Garda information and communications technology, including connecting to the European Schengen Information System. In the order of €330 million will be allocated over the lifetime of the Government's Capital Programme to support crime investigation and to enhance intelligence-led policing.
The primary special intervention capability is the Garda's armed Emergency Response Unit, which is specifically trained in counter-terrorism responses and hostage-type incidents. The armed Garda Regional Support Units can provide further support in such incidents, as well as the providing regionalised armed support to other policing operations. The Garda national units, including the Special Detective Unit, Organised Crime Unit and National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, play a key role in countering terrorism and serious crime and this is supported by the day-to-day policing work of every Garda member. As the Deputy will know, Ireland benefits greatly from having An Garda Síochána as both its national police and intelligence service.
The Garda authorities have the appropriate resources available to them to tackle threats from these sources but given the evolving nature of the terrorist threat and the need to adapt to respond to them, the Garda Commissioner is carrying out a review at present and will let me know of any additional requirements that may arise.
346. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the strength of An Garda Síochána in each of the past ten years to 2015 to date; the extent to which she will be in a position to augment the numbers in line with the improved economic situation in the coming years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42913/15]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of personnel, including new probationer 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 strength of An Garda Síochána for 31 December 2005 to 31 December 2014 and 31 October 2015, the latest date for which figures are readily available are as set out in the table.
This Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the capacity to provide effective, visible policing throughout the country. A crucial element of the Government's strategy is ongoing seamless recruitment to renew An Garda Síochána. With this in mind Budget 2016 made provision for the recruitment of 600 new Gardaí next year bringing to 1,150 the number of new Gardaí that will be recruited since the reopening of the Garda College in Templemore in September 2014. So far 295 of those new recruits are fully attested and are on the ground in communities nationwide.
I was very pleased to announce the commencement of the recruitment campaign for 2016 last Friday, 27 November. It is being organised by the Public Appointments Service on behalf of the Garda Commissioner. Applications must be made through www.publicjobs.ie. The closing date for applications is Tuesday 5 January 2016. Successful candidates can expect to enter the Garda College from June 2016 onwards.
Strength of An Garda Síochána
|
Year |
Strength |
Reserve |
|
31/12/2005 |
12,264 |
N/A |
|
31/12/2006 |
12,954 |
30 |
|
31/12/2007 |
13,755 |
205 |
|
31/12/2008 |
14,412 |
319 |
|
31/12/2009 |
14,547 |
478 |
|
31/12/2010 |
14,377 |
700 |
|
31/12/2011 |
13,894 |
877 |
|
31/12/2012 |
13,424 |
991 |
|
31/12/2013 |
13,093 |
1,164 |
|
31/12/2014 |
12,799 |
1,124 |
|
31/10/2015 |
12,866 |
988 |
