Written Answers Nos 491-517
491. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda stations; the number of gardaí in each station in Waterford on 1 January 2011 and on 1 January 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1082/16]
View answerThe 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 Garda resources.
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the number of Garda stations and the number of Gardaí in the Waterford Garda Division on 31 December 2010 and on 30 November 2015 (the latter being the latest date for which figures are readily available) was as set out in the tables below.
This Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the capacity to provide effective and visible policing throughout the country. A crucial element of the Government's strategy is ensuring ongoing seamless recruitment to renew An Garda Síochána. With this in mind Budget 2016 made provision for the recruitment of 600 new Gardaí this year bringing to 1,150 the number of new Gardaí who will have been recruited since the reopening of the Garda College in Templemore in September 2014. So far 295 of these new recruits have been fully attested and are undertaking Garda duties 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 in this context 14 Probationer Gardaí have been assigned to the Waterford Division.
I am very pleased that the 2016 recruitment campaign announced last November and which closed on 6 January has attracted strong interest with in the region of 16,500 applications received by the Public Appointments Service which is organising the competition on behalf of the Garda Commissioner.
Waterford Garda Division 31 December 2010
|
Division |
District |
Station |
Total |
|
- |
- |
AGLISH |
1 |
|
- |
- |
ARDMORE |
2 |
|
- |
- |
BALLYDUFF |
1 |
|
- |
- |
BALLYMACARBERRY |
2 |
|
- |
- |
CAPPOQUIN |
2 |
|
- |
- |
DUNGARVAN |
50 |
|
- |
- |
LISMORE |
5 |
|
- |
- |
RING |
1 |
|
- |
DUNGARVAN |
TALLOW |
3 |
|
- |
Total |
- |
67 |
|
- |
- |
KILL |
1 |
|
- |
- |
KILMACTHOMAS |
5 |
|
- |
- |
KILMEADEN |
2 |
|
- |
- |
LEAMYBRIEN |
1 |
|
- |
- |
PORTLAW |
3 |
|
- |
- |
RATHGORMACK |
1 |
|
- |
TRAMORE |
TRAMORE |
38 |
|
- |
Total |
- |
51 |
|
- |
- |
DUNMORE EAST |
3 |
|
- |
- |
FERRYBANK |
7 |
|
- |
- |
PASSAGE EAST |
1 |
|
- |
WATERFORD |
WATERFORD |
173 |
|
- |
Total |
- |
184 |
|
WATERFORD |
Divisional Total |
20 Stations |
302 |
Waterford Garda Division 30 November 2015
|
Division |
District |
Station |
Total |
|
- |
- |
AGLISH |
1 |
|
- |
- |
AN RINN |
1 |
|
- |
- |
ARDMORE |
2 |
|
- |
- |
CAPPOQUIN |
2 |
|
- |
- |
DUNGARVAN |
41 |
|
- |
- |
LISMORE |
4 |
|
- |
DUNGARVAN |
TALLOW |
3 |
|
- |
Total |
- |
54 |
|
- |
- |
KILMACTHOMAS |
10 |
|
- |
TRAMORE |
TRAMORE |
34 |
|
- |
Total |
- |
44 |
|
- |
- |
DUNMORE EAST |
2 |
|
- |
- |
FERRYBANK |
5 |
|
- |
- |
PASSAGE EAST |
1 |
|
- |
WATERFORD |
WATERFORD |
176 |
|
- |
Total |
- |
184 |
|
WATERFORD |
Divisional Total |
13 Stations |
282 |
492. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will formally rescind the deportation order on a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1096/16]
View answerI am aware of the case referred to by the Deputy and have asked officials of my Department to examine the original papers on the matter.
Obviously the approach taken by the State in the 1930’s to such matters is very different to what we would do today. There are a number of aspects to consider including an examination of the legislation as it existed at the time.
493. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will ensure that this State rescinds the deportation of a person (details supplied) from Ireland. [1139/16]
View answerI am aware of the case referred to by the Deputy and have asked officials of my Department to examine the original papers on the matter.
Obviously the approach taken by the State in the 1930’s to such matters is very different to what we would do today. There are a number of aspects to consider including an examination of the legislation as it existed at the time.
494. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality how long it takes for international student visa applications to be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1152/16]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that student visa applications are generally processed within 8 weeks from the date on which the application is lodged at the Visa Office/Embassy/Consulate.
Processing times can vary over the year and between countries due to volumes received. In addition, some applications may take longer to process where particular issues arise in individual applications or if all the necessary supporting documentation has not been submitted or the supporting documentation requires verification.
495. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if there are plans to review the international student visa application process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1153/16]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the immigration regime for international students from non-EEA countries is under continuous review and my Department works closely with the Department of Education and Skills in this regard.
The objective is to develop Ireland's international education sector on the basis of quality. In May of last year the Government published a policy document setting out a series of reforms of the non-EEA student regime aimed at improving learner protection, quality and immigration compliance. A copy of this document can be obtained on the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) at http://www.inis.gov.ie. Implementation of these reforms is continuing.
It should also be noted that, outside of major policy initiatives, there is capacity to implement day to day operational changes as necessary. If the Deputy has particular issues in mind in that regard I can arrange for them to be forwarded to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service for consideration.
496. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality why international student visa applications are not processed through Irish embassies and consulates in Asia; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1154/16]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that there are eight dedicated INIS visa offices in operation. They are located in Dublin, China, India, Nigeria, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and the United Kingdom. Student visa applications are processed in each of these offices. The Dublin Visa Office processes applications that have been submitted directly by applicants from designated countries and is also responsible for most applications that have been referred by an Irish Mission, Embassy or Consulate, to Dublin for a decision.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade process 'short stay' visa applications on behalf of my Department under delegated sanction. Most 'study' visa applications are long term in nature and require more detailed processing. Therefore decisions on such applications are taken by staff in INIS offices only.
497. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will re-open the Garda stations that have been closed since 2011; if she will re-instate Sundrive Road Garda station as a full-time station; and if she will clarify if Ballyfermot Garda station is being considered for closure. [1155/16]
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.
In this regard the Deputy will be aware that the Garda Síochána carried out a comprehensive review of its district and station network in 2012 and 2013. The objective 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 organisation resource base would best meet public demand. The resulting Garda District and Station Rationalisation Programme led to the closure of 139 Garda Stations and the amalgamation of 32 Garda districts during the course of 2012 and 2013.
I am advised by the Garda Commissioner that the restructuring of the station network has facilitated 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, yielding 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; and
- Continued Garda presence in communities
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are no proposals to either re-open or close any Garda station, including the ones referred to by the Deputy. Any further organisation development initiatives will similarly be outlined in future Policing Plans.
498. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of vehicles seized by An Garda Síochána in the R district for having no valid insurance in 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1166/16]
View answerIn relation to the matter referred to I have requested a report from the Garda authorities and I will contact the Deputy directly when the report is to hand.
499. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of persons (details supplied) awaiting vetting by An Garda Síochána; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1175/16]
View answerThe 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. Any vetting process will take a certain minimum amount of time to complete and, taking into account the need to protect children and vulnerable adults while providing an effective and efficient service, I do not think that this period is unreasonable.
In the case of the person to whom the Deputy refers, I am informed by the Garda authorities that a vetting application was received by the Garda Central Vetting Unit on 26 November 2015. The application was processed and it was returned to the registered organisation concerned 18 days later on 14 December 2015. In the circumstances the applicant is advised to contact the registered organisation to ascertain the current position.
500. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which she will further augment Garda Síochána strength throughout County Kildare, with particular reference to those areas which may have experienced increased levels of criminal activity over the past year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1266/16]
View answerAs 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 I as Minister have no direct role in the matter. The allocation of Gardaí is continually monitored and reviewed so as to ensure optimal use is made of Garda human resources. As with all other Divisions, the deployment of members of An Garda Síochána and of the Garda Reserve in the Kildare Division is considered as part of a distribution model that takes into account all relevant factors including crime trends, demographics, and security assessments relating to the Division in question.
There are currently 313 members of An Garda Síochána assigned to the Kildare Division, supported by 31 members of the Garda Reserve and 29 full-time equivalent (FTE) civilian staff. When appropriate, the work of local Gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NBCI), the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation (GBFI), and the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).
This Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the capacity to provide effective and visible policing throughout the country. A crucial element of the Government's strategy is ensuring ongoing seamless recruitment to renew An Garda Síochána. With this in mind Budget 2016 made provision for the recruitment of 600 new Gardaí this year bringing to 1,150 the number of new Gardaí who will have been recruited since the reopening of the Garda College in Templemore in September 2014. So far 295 of these new recruits have been fully attested and are undertaking Garda duties 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 in this context 15 Probationer Gardaí have been assigned to the Kildare Division.
As Minister for Justice and Equality, I share the Deputy's concern over the incidents of crime in both rural and urban areas. In relation to emerging crime trends, Operation Thor, which was launched by the Garda Commissioner last year, is a multi-stranded national operation which builds on previous and current Garda operations to tackle crime, particularly burglaries the number of which, as we know, increase with the advent of the long winter nights, in both urban and rural communities nationwide. Operation Thor is made possible by the increased investment in policing by this Government, including an allocation of €5 million to specifically support this new Operation. It entails a broad range of activities to tackle burglars, organised crime gangs and prolific offenders as well as working with communities to prevent crime. These activities include: additional high-visibility patrols in identified burglary hot-spots; increased use of checkpoints to tackle the criminal gangs using the national road network; the use of new high powered vehicles by the armed Regional Response Units; efforts to disrupt the stolen goods market; programmes to help reduce re-offending by prolific offenders; a high-profile national crime prevention awareness campaign; and targeted crime prevention advice for local communities and enhanced supports for victims. I am confident that this comprehensive operation by An Garda Síochána, supported by Government investment in Garda resources and personnel, will disrupt the activities of burglars, organised crime gangs and prolific offenders and will improve the safety of all our communities across the country.
501. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current number of gardaí stationed in Clondalkin, Ronanstown and Lucan Garda stations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1296/16]
View answerThe 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 current number of personnel stationed in Clondalkin, Ronanstown and Lucan Garda stations on the 30 November 2015, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was as set out in the table below.
This Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the capacity to provide effective and visible policing throughout the country. A crucial element of the Government's strategy is ensuring ongoing seamless recruitment to renew An Garda Síochána. With this in mind Budget 2016 made provision for the recruitment of 600 new Gardaí this year bringing to 1,150 the number of new Gardaí who will have been recruited since the reopening of the Garda College in Templemore in September 2014. So far 295 of these new recruits have been fully attested and are undertaking Garda duties 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 in this context I have been informed by the Commissioner that of these newly attested Probationer Gardaí, 5 have been assigned to each of the stations mentioned.
I am very pleased that the 2016 recruitment campaign announced last November, and which closed on 6 January, has attracted strong interest with in the region of 16,500 applications received by the Public Appointments Service which is organising the competition on behalf of the Garda Commissioner.
|
D.M.R. West |
Garda |
|
Clondalkin |
196 |
|
Ronanstown |
72 |
|
Lucan |
94 |
502. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will allocate additional resources to Tallaght Garda station to allow for effective action to be taken in respect of the increase in house burglaries in recent times; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1304/16]
View answerThe 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 number of stations and the number of Gardaí assigned to Tallaght Garda station on the 30 November 2015, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 176.
This Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the capacity to provide effective and visible policing throughout the country. A crucial element of the Government's strategy is ensuring ongoing seamless recruitment to renew An Garda Síochána. With this in mind Budget 2016 made provision for the recruitment of 600 new Gardaí this year bringing to 1,150 the number of new Gardaí who will have been recruited since the reopening of the Garda College in Templemore in September 2014. So far 295 of these new recruits have been fully attested and are undertaking Garda duties 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 in this context I have been informed by the Commissioner that of these newly attested Probationer Gardaí, 19 have been assigned to the DMR South, with 5 stationed in Tallaght.
I am very pleased that the 2016 recruitment campaign announced last November and which closed on 6 January has attracted strong interest with in the region of 16,500 applications received by the Public Appointments Service which is organising the competition on behalf of the Garda Commissioner.
As Minister for Justice and Equality, I share the Deputy's concern over the incidents of crime in both rural and urban areas. In relation to emerging crime trends, Operation Thor, which was launched by the Garda Commissioner last year, is a multi-stranded national operation which builds on previous and current Garda operations to tackle crime, particularly burglaries the number of which, as we know, increase with the advent of the long winter nights, in both urban and rural communities nationwide. Operation Thor is made possible by the increased investment in policing by this Government, including an allocation of €5 million to specifically support this new Operation. It entails a broad range of activities to tackle burglars, organised crime gangs and prolific offenders as well as working with communities to prevent crime. These activities include: additional high-visibility patrols in identified burglary hot-spots; increased use of checkpoints to tackle the criminal gangs using the national road network; the use of new high powered vehicles by the armed Regional Response Units; efforts to disrupt the stolen goods market; programmes to help reduce re-offending by prolific offenders; a high-profile national crime prevention awareness campaign; and targeted crime prevention advice for local communities and enhanced supports for victims. I am confident that this comprehensive operation by An Garda Síochána, supported by Government investment in Garda resources and personnel, will disrupt the activities of burglars, organised crime gangs and prolific offenders and will improve the safety of all our communities across the country.
I am especially conscious of the distress that burglary-related crime can cause to householders as well as the broader impact that the fear of crime can have in our communities, both urban and rural. In response to these issues, Criminal Justice (Burglary of Dwellings) Bill 2015 has now been enacted and will be commenced in the very near future. This Act seeks to ensure that prolific burglars can be refused bail in appropriate cases. The key objective of this legislation is to target a cohort of persistent offenders who prey on law-abiding householders and clearly have no concern for the damage and distress that they inflict on other people. The Act is designed to keep these repeat burglars off the streets and to improve the safety of our communities.
503. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of day gun licences issued by An Garda Síochána to a gun club (details supplied) in County Sligo during the 2014 season and during the 2015 season; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1342/16]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that since 1 August 2009, all firearm certificates are issued for a period of three years from the date of grant, unless otherwise revoked. The only exception to three year firearm certificates are firearm certificates granted to non residents of this state which issue for a period of one year from the date of grant. A non resident may apply to the Superintendent of the Garda District where the applicant first proposes to shoot.
Applications for non resident firearm certificates are made on the Non Resident Firearm Certificate Application form and are considered under Section 2 of the Firearms Certificates for Non Residents Act 2000. A person who is granted a non resident firearm certificate may shoot at any time or times for a period of one year provided he/she complies with the conditions of grant of the certificate.
An Garda Síochána advises that no day gun licences were issued by the Sligo/Leitrim Division during the 2014 or the 2015 season.
504. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the discussions her Department has had with suppliers or service contractors to her Department or to agencies of her Department to ensure employees of such suppliers and contractors are paid the living wage of €11.50 per hour; the cost of implementing this wage for these employees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1376/16]
View answerStandard procurement terms and conditions for goods and services are prepared by the Chief State Solicitor and published by the Office of Government Procurement. These ensure that public service organisations fully discharge their legal obligations including those under employment law. Acceptance of these conditions is a qualification requirement before vendors can be awarded a contract by my Department. As the Deputy will be aware, the setting of Ireland’s statutory National Minimum Wage is a matter for the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.
The Living Wage, because it is a voluntary initiative cannot be imposed on suppliers or contractors.
