Thursday, 17 Dec 2015

Written Answers Nos. 362-373

Garda Reports

Questions (363)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

363. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on the Changing Policing in Ireland report and if she will address the major concerns raised therein. [46204/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Report of the Garda Síochána Inspectorate "Changing Policing in Ireland - Delivering a Visible, Accessible and Responsive Service", which I published on 9 December, examines the operation and administration of An Garda Síochána and is one part of a review of An Garda Síochána required to be undertaken under the Haddington Road Agreement. The other part, which relates to the pay and conditions of members and appropriate industrial relations mechanisms, is ongoing under the stewardship of Mr Ray McGee, formerly of the Labour Relations Commission. I should mention that I have arranged for the report to be sent to Mr McGee in order that he may take it into account in completing his part of the review.

The report will make an important contribution to the on-going reform agenda in An Garda Síochána. It identifies scope for broad-ranging reforms in relation to the structures of An Garda Síochána, its deployment practices, culture, human resources practices and financial management. Clearly, a report of this nature requires a considered response. Some of the recommendations are far-reaching and, if implemented, would involve a fundamental restructuring of An Garda Síochána across the country. It is, therefore, important that the full implications of the recommendations and the analysis underpinning them are considered in detail before any decisions are taken. The Government is determined that whatever action might ultimately be taken in response will not interfere with the closeness of the relationship between An Garda Síochána and the communities it serves. In fact many of the recommendations are aimed at enhancing and developing frontline policing and community supports. With these considerations in mind, I have put in place a process to seek the views of the Garda Commissioner and other bodies to whom recommendations are directed. I have requested them to respond within a reasonably short period of time, having regard to the size and scope of the report. The report will also be considered by the Cabinet Committee on Justice Reform in the New Year.

When considering the report it is important to contextualise the recommendations. Many of them arise from historical underfunding of, for example, critical ICT infrastructure which the Government has sought to rectify by providing an additional €205 million over the next number of years. It is also important to keep in mind the excellent work that members of An Garda Síochána do day in and day out to ensure the safety of our citizens throughout the State. Undoubtedly, the report identifies scope for broad-ranging reform but the need for on-going reform is a challenge that all organisations face, a fact acknowledged by the Inspectorate in the report itself. In this regard I welcome the Garda Commissioner’s intention to publish a Strategic Transformation Programme for An Garda Síochána shortly. I understand that the Programme will address many of the themes covered by the Inspectorate report and will also be sufficiently flexible to take on board any other agreed reforms.

Question No. 364 answered with Question No. 338.

Garda Retirements

Questions (365)

Niall Collins

Question:

365. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí that left the force in each year since 2011. [46236/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I have requested the information sought from the Garda Commissioner regarding the total number of Garda that left the Service in each year since 2011 and I will write directly to the Deputy on receipt of same.

Appointments to State Boards

Questions (366)

Robert Troy

Question:

366. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of appointments to State boards under the aegis of her Department and the number of appointments that have been advertised on her Department's website since March 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46258/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I wish to advise the Deputy that it has not been possible to provide the information sought in the time available for reply.

I will arrange for the requested information to be forwarded to the Deputy in the near future.

Appointments to State Boards

Questions (367)

Robert Troy

Question:

367. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of chairpersons appointed to State boards under the aegis of her Department who have appeared before the relevant joint Oireachtas committee since March 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46273/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I wish to advise the Deputy that fourteen chairpersons appointed to State Boards under the aegis of my Department have appeared before a Joint Oireachtas Committee since March 2011. The details are set out in the table:

Name of Board	Chairperson	Date Appointed
Private Security Appeal Board	Graham Hanlon	3 April 2012
Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission	Emily Logan	01 October, 2014
National Disability Authority	Helen Guinan	28 July 2014
Parole Board	John Costello	26 July 2011, reappointed 26 July 2014
Private Security Authority	Noel Lappin*	22 July 2013
Property Services Regulatory Authority	Geraldine Clarke	3 April, 2012
Property Services Appeal Board	Patricia O’Connor	24 July, 2012
Censorship of Publications Board	Shane McCarthy	25 March, 2014
Charities Regulatory Authority	Patrick Hopkins	13 July, 2015
Property Services Appeal Board	Anthony Ensor	23 November, 2015
Classification of Films Appeal Board	Margaret Taylor	December, 2015
Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission	Emily Logan	01 October, 2014
National Disability Authority	Helen Guinan	28 July 2014
Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission	Mr Simon O'Brien	December 2011

*The current Chairperson of the Private Security Authority (PSA), Mr. Noel Lappin, met with the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality on 3 July 2013. However Mr. Lappin had not been formally appointed either as a member of the Board of the PSA or its Chairperson at that time and he appeared before the Committee in accordance with Government Decision of 12th April 2011 (Reference S180/20/10/1424), which requires the Chair Designate of any Board to make himself available to the Joint Committee. Mr Lappin as the proposed Chairperson was informed of this requirement in advance and arrangements were accordingly made with the Clerk to the Oireachtas Committee in order to facilitate this meeting. Mr. Lappin was formally appointed to the Board of the PSA on 22 July 2013 and was appointed as its Chairperson on that date also.

Commencement of Legislation

Questions (368)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

368. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the details of the Acts currently in force for which she has lead responsibility and that have parts or sections yet to be formally commenced, including the purpose of same, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46288/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department is unable to provide the requested information in the time allowed. As soon as these details become available, they will be forwarded to the Deputy directly.

Garda Data

Questions (369)

Micheál Martin

Question:

369. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda Síochána stations and the number of gardaí in each in County Wicklow on November 2010 and on 1 November 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46367/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of personnel, including community Gardaí, among the Garda Regions, Divisions, and Districts. Garda management keep this distribution under 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 number of Garda stations and the number of Gardaí in the Wicklow Garda Division on the 31 October 2010 and on 31 October 2015, was as set out in the tables.

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 am assured by Garda management that the needs of all Garda Divisions are fully considered when determining the allocation of newly attested Gardaí.

I was very pleased to announce the commencement of the recruitment campaign for 2016 on 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.

Wicklow Division 31 October 2010

Division	District	Station	Total
		BALTINGLASS	39
		BLESSINGTON	17
		CARNEW	4
		DONARD	1
		DUNLAVIN	2
		HOLLYWOOD	1
		SHILLELAGH	1
	BALTINGLASS	TINAHELY	2
	Total		67
		BRAY	136
		ENNISKERRY	6
		GREYSTONES	37
	BRAY	NEWTOWNMOUNTKENNEDY	3
	Total		182
		ARKLOW	37
		ASHFORD	12
		AUGHRIM	2
		AVOCA	3
		RATHDRUM	5
		ROUNDWOOD	4
	WICKLOW	WICKLOW	48
WICKLOW	Total		111
Total		19 Stations	360

Wicklow Division 31 October 2015

Division	District	Station	Total
		BALTINGLASS	33
		BLESSINGTON	20
		CARNEW	4
		DUNLAVIN	2
		SHILLELAGH	1
	BALTINGLASS	TINAHELY	2
	Total		62
		BRAY	126
		ENNISKERRY	4
		GREYSTONES	30
	BRAY	NEWTOWNMOUNTKENNEDY	4
	Total		164
		ARKLOW	33
		ASHFORD	9
		AUGHRIM	2
		AVOCA	2
		RATHDRUM	4
		ROUNDWOOD	3
	WICKLOW	WICKLOW	41
WICKLOW	Total		94
Total		17 Stations	320

Garda Data

Questions (370)

Micheál Martin

Question:

370. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda Síochána stations and the number of gardaí in each in counties Sligo and Leitrim on 1 November 2010 and on 1 November 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46368/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of personnel, including community Gardaí, among the Garda Regions, Divisions, and Districts. Garda management keep this distribution under 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 number of Garda stations and the number of Gardaí in the Sligo/Leitrim Garda Division on the 31 October 2010 and on 31 October 2015, was as set out in the tables.

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 am assured by Garda management that the needs of all Garda Divisions are fully considered when determining the allocation of newly attested Gardaí and I have been informed that 5 Probationer Garda have been assigned to the Sligo/Leitrim Division.

I was very pleased to announce the commencement of the recruitment campaign for 2016 on 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.

Sligo/Leitrim Division 31 October 2010

Division	District	Station	Total
SLIGO/LEITRIM	BALLYMOTE	ACLARE	2
		BALLYFARNAN	1
		BALLYMOTE	28
		BUNNANADDEN	1
		EASKEY	2
		ENNISCRONE	4
		GURTEEN	2
		RIVERSTOWN	2
		TUBBERCURRY	7
	Total		49
	CARRICK-ON-SHANNON	BALLINAMORE	6
		CARRICK-ON-SHANNON	45
		CARRIGALLEN	1
		CLOONE	1
		DROMOD	1
		KESHCARRIGAN	1
		MOHILL	5
	Total		60
	MANORHAMILTON	DROMAHAIR	3
		DRUMKERRIN	3
		DRUMSHAMBO	4
		GLENFARNE	1
		KILTYCLOGHER	2
		KINLOUGH	5
		MANORHAMILTON	21
	Total		39
	SLIGO	CLIFFONEY	1
		COLLOONEY	5
		COOLANEY	1
		GRANGE	2
		ROSSES POINT	2
		SKREEN	1
		SLIGO	166
	Total		178
Total		30 Stations	326

Sligo/Leitrim Division 31 October 2010

Division	District	Station	Total
SLIGO / LEITRIM	BALLYMOTE	BALLYMOTE	28
		ENNISCRONE	7
		GURTEEN	2
		RIVERSTOWN	3
		TUBBERCURRY	8
	Total		48
	LEITRIM	BALLINAMORE	8
		CARRICK-ON-SHANNON	47
		CARRIGALLEN	2
		DRUMSHAMBO	6
		KINLOUGH	5
		MANORHAMILTON	22
		MOHILL	6
	Total		96
	SLIGO	COLLOONEY	5
		GRANGE	6
		ROSSES POINT	1
		SKREEN	1
		SLIGO	138
	Total		151
		17 Stations	295

Dublin-Monaghan Bombings

Questions (371)

Finian McGrath

Question:

371. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the Dublin and Monaghan bombings in 1974; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46370/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The troubles on this island brought with them a tragic human cost in terms of the lives lost, the people injured and the families bereaved by the many acts of violence, such as the bombings in Dublin and Monaghan.

Mr. Justice Henry Barron carried out a detailed independent inquiry into those awful events and other atrocities that took place between 1972 and 1976 in which so many innocent people lost their lives. Related matters were also investigated by the McEntee Commission of Investigation. Arising from the report of the Barron Inquiry and the report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women’s Rights the Garda Commissioner appointed a dedicated liaison officer for the victims of the bombings in Dublin in 1972 and 1973 and in Dublin and Monaghan in 1974. This dedicated liaison service has been in place since then and it is currently provided by a Garda Superintendent based at the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation in Dublin.

It is the policy of An Garda Síochána to provide effective liaison with the victims of crime and their families. The Garda authorities are strongly aware of the importance of victims in the criminal justice system and will continue to make efforts to ensure their needs are met, particularly in respect of making information available to them. The Garda authorities are conscious of the need to ensure that the liaison process is operated in order to best address the needs of the individual victims while at the same time ensuring that criminal investigations would not be in any way compromised.

In achieving this and in the interests of operational effectiveness, Garda liaison with the victims of serious crime and their families is provided directly to them from the Garda Division and investigation team which is investigating the case at hand. The Gardaí in the Division which is investigating a case are in possession of the detailed and up-to-date information with regard to it and are, therefore, best placed to interact with the victims and their families. Such interaction is done directly by or under the supervision of the relevant Garda Superintendent. I am sure the Deputy will agree that we must always be conscious that the victims of crime are individuals with individual needs and that any approach must take into account their specific requirements.

Garda Misconduct Allegations

Questions (372)

Finian McGrath

Question:

372. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will address further concerns on the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46375/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The particular case to which the Deputy refers is amongst those considered under the mechanism established for the independent review of certain allegations of Garda misconduct, or inadequacies in the investigation of certain allegations, which have been made to me as Minister for Justice and Equality, or the Taoiseach with a view to determining to what extent and in what manner further action may be required in each case. A panel consisting of two senior and five junior counsel was established for that purpose.

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question 598 of 3 November 2015 and advise that, apart from the fact that 306 complainants have now been informed of the outcome of their cases considered by the Independent Review Mechanism, the position has not changed.

I can confirm, however, that a letter notifying the person concerned of the outcome of the consideration of her complaint by the Independent Review Mechanism issued earlier this week.

Family Reunification Applications

Questions (373)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

373. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a carer's allowance and a domiciliary carer's allowance will be taken into consideration for the purposes of calculating a sponsor's income for an application for a visa pursuant to the policy document on non-European Economic Area family reunification. [46376/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the position on such applications is set out in the Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification published by my predecessor on 31 December 2013.

In general, the sponsor must be in a position to support family members wishing to reside in Ireland without undue reliance on benefits from the Irish State. Minimum levels of earnings have been established for eligibility as a sponsor. These levels have been established at a cumulative gross total of €40,000 over a three year period where the sponsor is an Irish citizen. Where the sponsor is an non-EEA citizen the level is set at the minimum salary for which an employment permit would issue, i.e. €30,000 per annum. This income level must have been achieved in each of the two years prior to the application. Social welfare payments are not reckonable as earnings for this purpose.

The State cannot be regarded as having an obligation to subsidise family members if they are to be permitted to come to Ireland. A person who is unable to support her/himself cannot expect the State to assume the necessary financial obligations on his/her behalf.

Declared and verified savings by the applicant may be taken into account in assessing cases which fall short of the income threshold.

The financial capacity is just one of the conditions that is considered when making a determination on a family reunification application and the circumstances of the parties concerned are considered in the round on a case by case basis.