Written Answers Nos. 30-61
30. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to request the Policing Authority to review the dispersement of Garda stations and to assess the impact of all station closures in north-west County Cork since 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10129/16]
View answerThe Programme for a Partnership Government recognises that community policing is the embodiment of An Garda Síochána, providing a means of recognising that every community – both urban and rural – has its own concerns and expectations.
It commits the Government to ensuring visible, effective and responsive policing in every community, including the most minimal response times possible.
In support of this objective, the Policing Authority will be asked to oversee a review of, among other things, both the boundaries of Garda districts and the dispersement of Garda stations in rural areas, and in developing urban and suburban areas, with a view to ensuring both an efficient and optimum geographical distribution of stations and minimal response times, including taking account of station closures since 2012.
Under the Programme, the Government is committed to launching a pilot scheme to reopen 6 Garda stations both urban and rural to determine possible positive impacts that such openings will have on criminal activity, with special emphasis on burglaries, theft and public order. This will be initiated within two months and I intend to consult with Commissioner and the Policing Authority to agree the process through which the Commissioner will identify the 6 stations that will be reopened under the pilot.
The Deputy will be aware that some 139 Garda stations were closed on foot of the implementation of the Garda District and Station Rationalisation Programme, which was implemented in 2012 and 2013, following the completion by An Garda Síochána of a comprehensive review of its district and station network.
As the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the effective and efficient use of the resources at her disposal, the review was undertaken with the objective of identifying opportunities to introduce strategic reforms to enhance service delivery, increase efficiency and streamline practices within the organisation. It concluded that a revised district and station network commensurate with the organisation’s resource base would best meet public demand.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the closures have allowed front line Garda to be managed and deployed with greater mobility, greater flexibility and in a more focused fashion particularly with regard to various targeted police operations.
While I welcome the beneficial outcomes that have accrued to An Garda Síochána arising from the Station Rationalisation Programme, the Programme for Government recognises that there is a need for a review along the lines that I have outlined to the House.
My officials will shortly be in contact with the Policing Authority with a view to putting in place the necessary arrangements for the review and I will ensure that the outcome of the review is put before the House.
31. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she is satisfied with the performance of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission in its role as a confidential recipient; if she will improve this arrangement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10131/16]
View answerPrior to the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 coming into operation, whistleblowing by members of the Garda Síochána was provided for under the Garda Síochána (Confidential Reporting of Corruption or Malpractice) Regulations 2007. These Regulations provided for the appointment of an independent Confidential Recipient to whom Garda members, and civilian support staff, could report, in full confidence, instances where they believed there may have been corruption or malpractice within the Garda Síochána.
This system was replaced by the Protected Disclosures Act 2014, which came into operation on 15 July 2014. The Act was part of the then Government's comprehensive approach to enhancing the protections available to whistle blowers, including members of the Garda Síochána. Under the Act, the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) is prescribed as a body authorised to receive protected disclosures on Garda matters. Accordingly, members of the Garda Síochána may communicate their concerns to the Garda Commissioner, as their employer if they so choose, or they may make a disclosure to GSOC, which is a statutorily independent body. Where a protected disclosure is made to GSOC the Act provides that GSOC may, if it appears to it desirable in the public interest to do so, investigate the disclosure. It is important to recognise the very significant fact that a member of the Gardaí who makes a disclosure in accordance with the Act is entitled to all the protections provided for whistleblowers in the Act. These protections include protection from having their identity revealed, protection from dismissal and protection from being penalised in their employment as a result of having made a protected disclosure.
So the Deputy will see that there have been very significant changes in to the regime for making protected disclosures by member of the Gardaí. I am satisfied that the legislative provisions now in place under the 2014 Act, including the protections afforded for whistleblowers, will prove to be an effective remedy for Garda members who wish to report their concerns regarding potential wrongdoing.
I am also satisfied that GSOC has the appropriate powers and experience to carry out its role in dealing with any protected disclosures made to them.
32. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the net increase in the number of gardaí in the Garda Síochána districts of Gort, Loughrea, Tuam and Ballinasloe in County Galway that will accrue from the recruitment campaign in 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9995/16]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and Districts. Garda management keeps 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.
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that on the 31 March 2016, the latest date for which figures are readily available, there were 78, 65 and 52 members assigned to the Districts of Loughrea, Tuam and Ballinasloe in the Galway Division, respectively. The Deputy should be aware that Gort station is a Sub-District of Loughrea District, and there are 28 members assigned to the station.
Since the Garda College was reopened in September 2014 there have been seven intakes of Garda Trainees giving a total intake of 700. A further 450 will be taken in this year. So far 395 of the new Garda Trainees have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream uniform duties in communities nationwide. The Garda Commissioner has informed me that 5 of these newly attested members have been assigned to the Galway Division.
It is expected that a further 300 trainees will attest by the end of this year which, taking account of projected retirements, will bring Garda numbers to around the 13,000 mark. I am assured by the Commissioner that the needs of all Garda Divisions are fully considered when determining the allocation of newly attested Gardaí.
This Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime. Key to achieving this goal is the commitment in the Programme for Government, "A Programme for a Partnership Government" to continue the ongoing accelerated Garda recruitment programme with a view to increasing Garda numbers to 15,000. We must, I believe, endeavour to make more rapid progress than this to reach our target of 15,000 and I will be engaging with my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, in relation to increasing the planned annual intake this year and in coming years.
33. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to end direct provision following the United Nations Universal Periodic Review. [10142/16]
View answerWhile I am aware that this issue was raised during submissions at the recent United Nations Universal Periodic Review, I have no plans to abolish the Direct Provision system which offers necessary and essential supports to those seeking international protection. The report of the Working Group to Government on Improvements to the Protection Process, including Direct Provision and Supports to Asylum Seekers, otherwise known as the McMahon Report, has set out a blueprint for a number of reforms in this area including a number which focus on the Direct Provision system itself.
The McMahon Report indicated a two-way approach towards improving the life of persons within the protection process by (i) improving the application process and thereby reducing the length of time spent by applicants in State provided accommodation and (ii) improving the quality of life of those in accommodation through improvements of services within the accommodation system itself but also the supports available through other agencies and bodies. That Report documented some 173 recommendations. To date, some 90 of the recommendations have been fully implemented and a further 26 are in the process of being implemented.
Major improvements are anticipated in the length of time that applicants spend in State provided accommodation once the International Protection Act 2015 has been commenced. Also, the continuing efforts made to address the situation of those who have been in the system for more than five years, another key recommendation in the Report, is already impacting positively on the numbers of persons in accommodation centres. The Citizens Information Board, supported by a range of other State agencies, is currently providing information sessions within accommodation centres to former asylum seekers who have permission to stay in the State and who are now moving out of the Direct Provision system.
While the Reception and Integration Agency continues to explore ways in which accommodation services can be improved, a number of the more relevant recommendations in this area require construction works which will require time and resources to implement.
34. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality given the Constitution only recognises the family unit as a married family, when unmarried couples and single-parent families, in particular, will receive the same recognition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10138/16]
View answerThere is extensive case law providing that the family referred to in the Constitution is the family based on marriage. A proposal to extend constitutional recognition to other family forms would most probably require an amendment to the Constitution to be put to the People by way of referendum. However, it is important to note that the constitution does recognise the fundamental rights of citizens to be held equal before the law. The constitutional context in relation to children has changed in the wake of the certification of the Children Referendum. Article 42A gives explicit recognition and protection to children. It is also a fundamental principle of public policy that children should be treated equally regardless of the marital status of their parents.
35. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will consider introducing legislation to rebalance liability when an accident occurs, notwithstanding the separation of the Judiciary and the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10158/16]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the courts are subject only to the Constitution and the Law and are independent in the exercise of their judicial functions. The conduct of any court case, including the determination of liability between the parties to an action concerning a personal injury is a matter entirely for the presiding judge and the Minister has no function in this matter. However, I wish to draw the Deputy's attention to a number of initiatives in the general area of compensation for personal injury. Legislation is currently being drafted to allow courts to make provision for periodic payment orders in circumstances where lump sums are currently awarded as a consequence of individuals suffering catastrophic injury because of the negligence of another. I hope to be in a position to publish the draft Bill in the next session of the Oireachtas.
The Legal Services Regulation Act 2015 includes provisions relating to the making of regulations for Pre-Action Protocols in cases of clinical negligence actions. Work has begun in my Department on framing these Regulations which are aimed at encouraging timely communications between parties and the early resolution of such actions. The Deputy may also wish to note that this Act also contains a number of measures relating to legal costs including the establishment of a new Office of the Legal Costs Adjudicator to replace the existing Taxing Masters Office; the introduction of new rules relating to the charging of types of fees by legal practitioners and advance notification of costs to their clients; and the introduction of a system of public complaints about all legal practitioners, including complaints as to costs, to be dealt with for the first time by an independent statutory authority, the new Legal Services Regulatory Authority.
The Mediation Bill, which is currently being drafted in the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel, will introduce an obligation on solicitors and barristers to advise any person intending to commence legal proceedings to give consideration to using mediation as an alternative means of resolving disputes. It is intended that this will help to reduce recourse to the courts, as well as the costs and delays which may arise during court proceedings. The Bill will also provide that a court may, following the commencement of any such proceedings, on its own initiative or at the request of a party to the proceedings, invite the parties to consider mediation as an alternative option and suspend the proceedings to facilitate that process. I expect to be in a position to publish this long-awaited Bill early in the next session.
In addition, I understand that my colleague, Richard Bruton, then Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, met with the Hon. Mr. Justice Peter Kelly, President of the High Court on the 29th January 2016. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the current review of the Book of Quantum.
It is understood that Personal Injuries Assessment Board hope to have the revised Book of Quantum ready as soon as possible. It should be noted that the Book of Quantum is not a recommendation for compensation levels but rather a reflection of the prevailing level of awards, that is: compensation values awarded by the courts; settlements agreed by the Insurance Industry; settlements agreed by the State Claims Agency and settlements agreed through the Personal Injuries Assessment Board process.
36. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to reform or abolish direct provision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10140/16]
View answerAs per the Programme for Government long durations in direct provision are acknowledged to have a negative impact on family life. We are therefore committed to reforming the Direct Provision system, with particular focus on families and children. The report of the Working Group to Government on Improvements to the Protection Process, including Direct Provision and Supports to Asylum Seekers, otherwise known as the McMahon Report, has set out a blueprint for a number of reforms in this area including a number which focus on the Direct Provision system itself.
The McMahon Report indicated a two-way approach towards improving the life of persons within the protection process by (i) improving the application process and thereby reducing the length of time spent by applicants in State provided accommodation and (ii) improving the quality of life of those in accommodation through improvements of services within the accommodation system itself but also the supports available through other agencies and bodies. That Report documented some 173 recommendations. To date, some 90 of the recommendations have been fully implemented and a further 26 are in the process of being implemented.
Major improvements are anticipated in the length of time that applicants spend in RIA accommodation once the International Protection Act 2015 has been commenced. Also, the efforts made to address the situation of those who have been in the system for more than five years, another key recommendation in the Report, is already impacting positively on the numbers of persons in accommodation centres. The Citizens Information Board, supported by a range of other State agencies, is currently providing information sessions within RIA centres to former asylum seekers who have permission to stay in the State and who are now moving out of the Direct Provision system.
While the Reception and Integration Agency continues to explore ways in which accommodation services can be improved, a number of the more relevant recommendations in this area require construction works which will require time and resources to implement.
37. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her views on the findings of the O'Higgins commission of investigation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10137/16]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, I published the report of the O'Higgins Commission of Investigation into certain matters relevant to the Cavan/Monaghan Division of the Garda Síochána on the 11th of May. I want, again, to record my thanks to Mr Justice O'Higgins and his team for carrying out their task so expeditiously and for the thorough and thoughtful report. It deserves the most careful consideration so that we can all do everything possible to avoid a repeat of the issues which gave rise to it in the first place.
Using the wide range of statutory powers available to it, the Commission of Investigation has established, as definitively as it is possible to do, the facts surrounding the difficult matters it was asked to examine. Inevitably, Mr Justice O'Higgins reaches a number of conclusions about the roles played by a number of persons in the events outlined in his report. I hope all those affected can accept, as I do fully, that Mr Justice O'Higgins looked at the facts fairly and dispassionately and made every effort to do justice to the position of all.
Whatever controversies might have surrounded some of the issues dealt with in the report we should not lose sight of one central and unpalatable fact: that victims were not best served by the Gardaí in a number of these cases. That is as unacceptable as it is disheartening and we must take all measures open to us to ensure that these shortcomings are not repeated. It is victims who should be our central concern.
Some of the events investigated by Mr Justice O’Higgins go back almost a decade. For my own part, I believe that it is abundantly clear that the system we had in place up to a couple of years ago to deal with reports of wrongdoing within the Gardaí served no-one particularly well: not the people making the reports, not the people the subject of those reports, not the Garda Síochána and, above all, not the public. This situation has been significantly transformed in a number of respects. In particular, the Protected Disclosures Act 2014, which was part of the previous Government's comprehensive approach to enhance the protection available to whistleblowers, provides a new mechanism for protected disclosures relating to An Garda Síochána. Now, a Garda member may make a protected disclosure to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, a statutorily independent body with a comprehensive range of powers available to it. The Ombudsman Commission may, if it believes it is in the public interest to do so, investigate such a complaint. The Act also provides Gardaí who make protected disclosures with all the protections set out in the Act, including protection from dismissal and protection from penalisation.
Furthermore, there has been an unprecedented programme of Garda reform which, having had the honour of being reappointed as Minister for Justice and Equality, I am determined to continue to progress.
For all those changes which have taken place or are underway, it is important that we look specifically at what the report by Mr Justice O'Higgins has to say. In this regard, I have asked the Garda Commissioner to examine the report and to indicate to me what further measures might be taken by An Garda Síochána to prevent a recurrence of the particular issues dealt with in the report.
I have also forwarded a copy of the report to the Policing Authority in the context of its statutory role in relation to oversight of An Garda Síochána.
I very much appreciate that the events outlined in the report have been traumatic for many people who have been affected by them. It would be an injustice to those who brought events to light in the public interest and those who have lived under the shadow of these events for a long time, if we do not take on board the lessons from these events. I hope they can take some reassurance from the fact that the examination of those events in this report will help serve to consolidate a programme of reform which will ensure we continue to have a Garda Síochána in which its members and the community it serves can take great pride.
38. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she has implemented each of the 173 recommendations of the McMahon report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10133/16]
View answerThe Report of the Working Group on Improvements to the Protection Process, including Direct Provision and Supports to Asylum Seekers, has implications for a number of Government Departments and services.
The 173 recommendations in the Report were taken forward by the Cabinet Committee on Social Policy and Public Service Reform. To date, some 90 of the recommendations have been fully implemented and a further 26 are in the process of being implemented. Work on implementing a further number of the recommendations is continuing. The International Protection Act 2015 responds to 26 of the Report's recommendations. The Act provides for the introduction of a single application procedure for international protection, which is specifically aimed at addressing the length of time persons spend in the protection process. The new procedure will significantly streamline and speed up the processing of protection applications and will reduce the length of time that persons spend in the Direct Provision system. Preparations for commencement of the single procedure are progressing.
At the end of April there were some 4,400 persons living in the direct provision system. This is a reduction from the figure of approximately 5,100 at the end of 2014 notwithstanding that the number of persons seeking asylum last year more than doubled compared with 2014. This reflects the significant progress made in processing cases on hand over this period, including in particular those over 5 years in the system, which is one of the key recommendations in the report.
39. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to acknowledge the new evidence that was presented to her before the dissolution of the Thirty-first Dáil in relation to the cause of the fire in the Stardust tragedy; to agree to the request of the Stardust families for a new commission of inquiry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10149/16]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, I have met with the Stardust Victims' Committee and I have appointed an official in my Department to liaise directly with them in relation to matters about which they have expressed concern.
There has been a significant degree of engagement between the Committee and my Department since the putting in place of that liaison arrangement. Following on from discussions between the Committee and my Department, a researcher associated with the Committee submitted material relating to these events. On foot of this a meeting was held on 23 April last year with this person and another researcher for the Committee. The official in my Department who liaises with the Committee undertook to examine this material and, following such an examination, a draft preliminary analysis was prepared and issued to the Committee in July of last year. The Committee was invited to examine and provide commentary on this preliminary analysis. The Committee's response was provided by way of a presentation made by researchers associated with the Committee on 30 September 2015. The views and materials presented at that meeting were examined in my Department and on 30 November last further documentation issued to the Committee in this connection.
While the Committee outlined its satisfaction with the documentation issued on 30 November last, a further submission outlining some additional matters was received earlier this year from the Committee for consideration. My Department has sought to engage further with the Committee and their researcher in relation to this additional material and this has been the subject of ongoing correspondence between the Committee and my Department.
The Programme for Government outlines that "Full regard will be had to any new evidence which emerges which would be likely to definitely establish the cause of the fire at Stardust" and my Department is committed to continued engagement with the Committee in that context.
I should also say that I am informed by the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána that a file has been submitted and is presently with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in relation to further allegations pertaining to the Stardust Fire.
40. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when the Garda Síochána districts in east County Galway will receive the full allocation of vehicles; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9994/16]
View answerI would refer the Deputy to my response to Parliamentary Questions no. 217 to 228 on 20 April 2016 providing detailed information in relation to the number of vehicles available to members of An Garda Síochána in Loughrea, Ballinasloe and Tuam Garda districts in Galway.
As the Deputy will appreciate 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 and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.
Since 2012, some €34 million has been invested in the Garda fleet, with over 720 new vehicles coming on stream since the start of 2015. This significant investment provides the Gardaí with additional high-powered vehicles, marked and unmarked patrol cars, and motorcycles for high-visibility road policing. Investment in a modern, effective and fit-for-purpose Garda fleet will continue under the Government’s Capital Plan 2016-2021 which provides €46 million for new Garda vehicles, ensuring that Gardaí can be mobile, visible and responsive on the roads and in the community to prevent and tackle crime.
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the allocation of Garda vehicles is monitored and reviewed on a continual basis and vehicles are allocated between districts as required by operational circumstances including, for example, when vehicles are required in other districts to substitute for vehicles under repair.
41. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to her announcement in September 2015, to comment on Ireland's progress of resettling refugees; her engagement with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in relation to this and, in particular, her progress in resettling unaccompanied minor refugees, which she highlighted as a special priority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10130/16]
View answerI assume that the Deputy is referring to the Government's decision to establish the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP) on 10 September 2015 as a direct response to the EU migrant crisis. Under the programme, Ireland has agreed to accept 4,000 persons in total under resettlement and relocation programmes within a two-year period. The figure of 4,000 includes approximately 2,600 asylum seekers to be taken in from migration hotspots in Italy and Greece under the new EU programme and 520 programme refugees from Lebanon, which the Irish Government has committed to taking in by the end of 2016 under Ireland's Refugee Resettlement programme. The mechanism by which the balance of the 4,000 will be admitted has yet to be decided by Government.
To date, a family of 10 Syrians has been relocated from Greece and very shortly another group of 31 Syrians will arrive in the State. A further 40 people are provisionally scheduled to arrive next month.
In relation to the Resettlement Programme, 263 programme refugees have been admitted to Ireland thus far. The balance of those being resettled in Ireland under this Programme were interviewed during a selection mission to the Lebanon in January 2016; they are currently being health-screened and are expected to arrive in Ireland between June and September 2016. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade was consulted, as is customary in all cases being considered for resettlement in Ireland. Unaccompanied minors are not a feature of the Resettlement Programme which focuses on families.
As regards unaccompanied minors, statutory responsibility for the care of unaccompanied minors rests with Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. My officials are in discussions with Tusla with a view to the State taking in unaccompanied minors under the EU relocation programme.
42. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the processing times for European Union treaty rights visa applications for qualifying family members; and the steps she is taking to ensure compliance with the requirement to process such applications on the basis of an accelerated procedure. [10157/16]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that visa applications from 'qualifying family members' who wish to travel to Ireland under the terms of 2004/38/EC Directive on the rights of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of Member States are processed in chronological order of receipt. While every effort is made to process these applications within a reasonable time frame, processing times generally will vary having regard to the volume of applications in each processing centre, their complexity and the resources available.
I am further advised that there has been an exponential increase in such applications since the second quarter of 2015. As proceedings in this regard are currently before the courts in a number of cases, the Deputy will appreciate that I am somewhat limited in what I can say on the matter. However, I can say that there are increasing concerns around potential abuse of the EU Directive in relation to such cases and the State has an obligation to take into account the overall integrity of its immigration system in dealing with applications. This also impacts on processing times.
43. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her views on the proceedings from the United Nations universal periodic review of Ireland's human rights record; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10134/16]
View answerAs I indicated in my remarks in Geneva Ireland places great importance on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). We consider the UPR process, by which the international community holds each UN Member State to account in relation to its individual human rights record, as a real and practical expression of the fact that human rights are not solely of domestic concern, but rather a legitimate concern of the international community. It is an important and complementary process to the other country-specific examinations and mechanisms of the United Nations, including within the Human Rights Council and the treaty bodies. Ireland has a domestic record of protecting and promoting human rights as well as our contribution to advancing human rights at an international level. We recognise that all of us can learn and benefit from dialogue with other States and indeed – at treaty level – with the Expert Committees of the UN system.
In this constructive spirit, Ireland engages actively in the UPR of other States and was pleased that 93 other States took the opportunity to intervene in the UPR of Ireland. I and the members of the delegation that I led listened carefully and with an open mind to all 262 recommendations made during the review of Ireland. We were able to confirm immediately that 152 recommendations have been accepted, 13 recommendations are not accepted and that we will constructively examine the remaining 97 recommendations and provide our responses for the 33rd Human Rights Council session in September 2016.
44. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to open an investigation into the disappearance and death of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10139/16]
View answerAs I indicated in my response to other questions on this case today, I am very conscious of the ongoing trauma and distress for the families and friends of persons who go missing and, in relation to the case referred to, I can assure the Deputy that I am aware of the various concerns which have been raised. I am also mindful of the sensitivity of the issues involved and, in this regard, I might add that I have previously met with the next of kin of the missing person, who is also the principal point of contact within the family for An Garda Síochána.
I am sure that the Deputy will appreciate that the investigation of a missing persons case is a matter for An Garda Síochána in the first instance. The disappearance of the person in question remains the subject of an ongoing Garda investigation. In these circumstances, I am sure that everyone in this House will understand that it would not be appropriate for me to comment on specific aspects of this case.
I am also mindful of the need to ensure that nothing is said which would add to the distress which the family in this case has already experienced.
However, I can confirm to the Deputy that I have given very close attention to correspondence received in my Department which raised issues in relation to the Garda investigation and also the question of holding an inquest.
In relation to the holding of an inquest, the Deputy may be aware that, under the Coroners Act 1962, as amended, a coroner is a statutory officer exercising quasi-judicial functions, in relation to which he or she is independent. A Coroner is responsible for the scheduling and conducting of inquests in his or her district and neither I nor my Department has any role in the conduct of an inquest in individual cases.
In relation to the Garda investigation, I am advised that a Garda Review Team is endeavouring to advance the investigation and that all avenues of inquiry are being fully being pursued. I also understand that two complaints in relation to the case have been investigated by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC). I am advised that no misbehaviour on the part of members of An Garda Síochána was identified by GSOC and the complainant was notified of these findings.
In conclusion, I can inform the Deputy that I have recently issued responses to correspondence which I received about certain aspects of this case and I have asked my officials and the Garda authorities to keep me updated on further developments in this matter.
45. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to introduce legislative provisions in the forthcoming legislation amending the powers of the Criminal Assets Bureau to direct moneys seized by the bureau back to the communities that are worst affected by crime. [10156/16]
View answerAll monies collected by the Criminal Assets Bureau are returned to the Exchequer in accordance with the provisions of the Proceeds of Crime Acts 1996 and 2005.
Such funds are paid into the Government’s Central Fund, from which the Government draws for expenditure on all necessary public services and investment.
From time to time, it has been suggested that such monies should be used to fund community projects.
While it has been accepted that there may be some symbolic value in the suggestion, it is considered problematic and raises a number of practical difficulties.
A policy of ring-fencing monies obtained by the Exchequer and the reallocation of these for a specific purpose runs contrary to the normal Estimates process. While allowing for a small number of very specific targeted exceptions, it is believed that earmarking revenues for a specific expenditure programme would, in general, constrain the Government in the implementation of its overall expenditure policy.
There is also the problem of additional costs which would accrue in the administration of any scheme to divert such funds to local projects and additional administrative costs without any additional revenues being generated.
It could also be argued that a significant proportion of the monies secured by the Bureau are already owed to the Exchequer as it often relates to non-payment of taxes and social welfare fraud.
In the current economic climate the Exchequer could not sustain a loss of revenue without making compensatory adjustments. If the monies collected by the Bureau were to be diverted to community projects, there would inevitably be implications for any other monies those projects received from the Exchequer. Alternatively, other public expenditure programmes would have to sustain the loss.
There are currently no proposals to change the existing arrangements concerning such monies.
46. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda stations and the number of gardaí in each station in the Dublin metropolitan region northern division on 31 March 2011 and on 31 March 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10002/16]
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, in summary, that there were 15 stations on 31 March 2011 with 800 members assigned to the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) North Division. On 31 March 2016 there were 13 stations in the DMR North Division with 675 Gardaí assigned to the Division.
As the Deputy will understand, there is a significant amount of information available down to station / sub-district level which he has requested. For ease of reference I have provided a breakdown of the detailed information requested overleaf for the record.
This Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime. Key to achieving this goal is the commitment in the Programme for Government, "A Programme for a Partnership Government", to continue the ongoing accelerated Garda recruitment programme with a view to increasing Garda numbers to 15,000.
As the Deputy will be aware, since the Garda College reopened in September 2014, a total of 700 Garda trainees have been recruited with a further 450 planned to be recruited during the remainder of this year. So far 395 of the new Garda trainees have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream uniform duties nationwide. I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that 30 newly attested Gardaí have been assigned to DMR North Garda Division.
It is expected that a further 300 trainees will attest by the end of this year which, taking account of projected retirements, will bring Garda numbers to around the 13,000 mark.
We must, I believe, endeavour to make more rapid progress than this to reach our target of 15,000 and I will be engaging with my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, in relation to increasing the planned annual intake this year and in coming years.
Dublin Metropolitan Region North 31 March 2016
|
District |
Station |
Total |
|
BALBRIGGAN |
69 |
|
|
GARRISTOWN |
2 |
|
|
LUSK |
10 |
|
|
SKERRIES |
9 |
|
|
BALBRIGGAN |
Total |
90 |
|
BALLYMUN |
124 |
|
|
DUBLIN AIRPORT |
20 |
|
|
SANTRY |
81 |
|
|
BALLYMUN |
Total |
225 |
|
COOLOCK |
102 |
|
|
MALAHIDE |
30 |
|
|
SWORDS |
70 |
|
|
COOLOCK |
Total |
202 |
|
CLONTARF |
65 |
|
|
HOWTH |
27 |
|
|
RAHENY |
66 |
|
|
RAHENY |
Total |
158 |
|
DMR North |
Total |
675 |
Dublin Metropolitan Region North 31 March 2011
|
District |
Station |
Total |
|
BALBRIGGAN |
69 |
|
|
GARRISTOWN |
3 |
|
|
LUSK |
7 |
|
|
RUSH |
5 |
|
|
SKERRIES |
11 |
|
|
BALBRIGGAN |
Total |
95 |
|
BALLYMUN |
121 |
|
|
DUBLIN AIRPORT |
25 |
|
|
SANTRY |
83 |
|
|
WHITEHALL |
45 |
|
|
BALLYMUN |
Total |
274 |
|
COOLOCK |
119 |
|
|
MALAHIDE |
37 |
|
|
SWORDS |
85 |
|
|
COOLOCK |
Total |
241 |
|
CLONTARF |
79 |
|
|
HOWTH |
36 |
|
|
RAHENY |
75 |
|
|
RAHENY |
Total |
190 |
|
DMR North |
Total |
800 |
47. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the measures she will take to ensure Garda numbers will rise to 15,000 over five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9972/16]
View answerThis Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime. Key to achieving this goal is the commitment in the Programme for Government, "A Programme for a Partnership Government" to continue the ongoing accelerated Garda recruitment programme with a view to increasing Garda numbers to 15,000.
As the Deputy will be aware since the Garda College reopened in September 2014, a total of 700 Garda trainees have been recruited with a further 450 planned to be recruited during the remainder of this year. So far 395 of the new Garda trainees have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream uniform duties and are on the ground in communities nationwide. It is expected that a further 300 trainees will attest by the end of this year which, taking account of projected retirements, will bring Garda numbers to around the 13,000 mark this year.
We must, I believe, endeavour to make more rapid progress than this to reach our target of 15,000 and I will be engaging with my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, in relation to increasing the planned annual intake this year and in coming years. In accelerating recruitment it is, of course, essential to ensure that An Garda Síochána has the capacity to train larger numbers without any diminution in the quality of its excellent Bachelor of Arts in Applied Policing, and to provide appropriate supervision and support to newly qualified Gardaí in to ensure that victims, and the public generally, are well served by their policing service. My officials will be engaging with Garda management and also with the Public Appointments Service as a matter of priority in relation to the preparation of a recruitment plan for the next five years that will deliver increased numbers of Gardaí without any compromise on the quality of those recruited or the training programme.
An accelerated programme of recruitment of trainee Gardaí is essential to ensuring a visible policing presence but it is not the only means. This is recognised in the Programme for Government which includes commitments to double the Garda Reserve to act in a supportive role undertaking local patrols and crime reduction measures. In this regard I understand that the Garda Commissioner intends to launch a fresh recruitment drive for Garda Reserves this year. The Programme also includes a commitment to increase further civilianisation to free up Gardaí to front-line policing duties. The civilian staff of An Garda Síochána make up approximately 14% of the organisation and fulfil a huge range of critical support roles. Further opportunities to increase the use of suitably qualified civilians and release Gardaí to front-line roles will be explored in the context of the on-going consideration of the Report of the Garda Síochána Inspectorate "Changing Policing in Ireland - Delivering a Visible, Accessible and Responsive Service" which makes a range of recommendations on this matter.
48. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of a Garda Síochána investigation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9997/16]
View answerAt the outset, I would like to say that I am very conscious of the ongoing trauma and distress for the families and friends of persons who go missing and, in relation to the case referred to by the Deputy, I can assure the House that I am fully aware of the various concerns which have been raised about it. I am also mindful of the sensitivity of the issues involved and, in this regard, I might add that I have previously met with the next of kin of the missing person, who is also the principal point of contact within the family for An Garda Síochána.
As I have outlined in responses to previous parliamentary questions in relation to this case, the disappearance of the person in question remains the subject of an ongoing Garda investigation. In these circumstances, I am sure that everyone in this House will understand that it would not be appropriate for me to comment on specific aspects of this case.
I am also conscious of the need to ensure that nothing we say would add to the distress which the family in this case has already experienced.
However, I can confirm to the Deputy that I have given very close attention to correspondence received in my Department which raised issues in relation to the Garda investigation and also the question of holding an inquest. In relation to the Garda investigation, I am advised that a Garda Review Team is endeavouring to advance the investigation and that all avenues of inquiry are being fully being pursued. I also understand that two complaints in relation to the case have been investigated by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC). I am advised that no misbehaviour on the part of members of An Garda Síochána was identified by GSOC and the complainant was notified of these findings.
In relation to the holding of an inquest, the Deputy may be aware that, under the Coroners Act 1962, as amended, a coroner is a statutory officer exercising quasi-judicial functions, in relation to which he or she is independent. A Coroner is responsible for the scheduling and conducting of inquests in his or her district and neither I nor my Department has any role in the conduct of an inquest in individual cases.
In conclusion, I can inform the Deputy that I have recently issued responses to the correspondence which I received about certain aspects of this case and I have asked my officials and the Garda authorities to keep me updated on further developments in this matter.
49. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda stations and the number of gardaí in each station in north County Cork on 31 March 2011 and on 31 March 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10128/16]
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, in summary, that there were 25 stations on 31 March 2011 with 307 members assigned to the Cork North Division. On 31 March 2016 there were 25 stations in the Cork North Division with 298 Gardaí assigned across its three Districts.
As the Deputy will understand, there is a significant amount of information available down to station / sub-district level which he has requested. For ease of reference I have provided a breakdown of the detailed information requested overleaf for the record.
This Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime. Key to achieving this goal is the commitment in the Programme for Government, "A Programme for a Partnership Government" to continue the ongoing accelerated Garda recruitment programme with a view to increasing Garda numbers to 15,000.
As the Deputy will be aware, since the Garda College reopened in September 2014, a total of 700 Garda trainees have been recruited with a further 450 planned to be recruited during the remainder of this year. So far 395 of the new Garda trainees have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream uniform duties nationwide.
It is expected that a further 300 trainees will attest by the end of this year which, taking account of projected retirements, will bring Garda numbers to around the 13,000 mark.
We must, I believe, endeavour to make more rapid progress than this to reach our target of 15,000 and I will be engaging with my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, in relation to increasing the planned annual intake this year and in coming years.
Cork North Division 31 March 2016
|
District |
Station |
Total |
|
BALLYNOE |
1 |
|
|
CASTLETOWNROCHE |
2 |
|
|
FERMOY |
54 |
|
|
KILDORRERY |
1 |
|
|
KILWORTH |
1 |
|
|
MITCHELSTOWN |
21 |
|
|
RATHCORMAC |
2 |
|
|
WATERGRASSHILL |
2 |
|
|
FERMOY |
Total |
84 |
|
BUTTEVANT |
1 |
|
|
CHARLEVILLE |
19 |
|
|
DONERAILE |
1 |
|
|
GLANTAINE |
1 |
|
|
KANTURK |
20 |
|
|
LISCARROLL |
1 |
|
|
MALLOW |
53 |
|
|
MILFORD |
1 |
|
|
NEWMARKET |
2 |
|
|
MALLOW |
Total |
99 |
|
BALLYCOTTON |
1 |
|
|
CARRIGTWOHILL |
2 |
|
|
CLOYNE |
1 |
|
|
COBH |
34 |
|
|
KILLEAGH |
1 |
|
|
MIDLETON |
52 |
|
|
WHITEGATE |
1 |
|
|
YOUGHAL |
23 |
|
|
MIDLETON |
Total |
115 |
|
Cork North Division |
Total |
298 |
Cork North Division 31 March 2011
|
District |
Station |
Total |
|
CARRIG NA BHFEAR |
1 |
|
|
CARRIGTWOHILL |
3 |
|
|
COBH |
39 |
|
|
GLANMIRE |
21 |
|
|
GLENVILLE |
1 |
|
|
WATERGRASSHILL |
1 |
|
|
COBH |
Total |
66 |
|
BALLYNOE |
1 |
|
|
CASTLETOWNROCHE |
2 |
|
|
FERMOY |
60 |
|
|
KILDORRERY |
1 |
|
|
KILWORTH |
2 |
|
|
MITCHELSTOWN |
23 |
|
|
RATHCORMAC |
1 |
|
|
FERMOY |
Total |
90 |
|
BUTTEVANT |
2 |
|
|
CHARLEVILLE |
16 |
|
|
DONERAILE |
2 |
|
|
GLANTAINE |
1 |
|
|
LISCARROLL |
1 |
|
|
MALLOW |
47 |
|
|
MILFORD |
1 |
|
|
MALLOW |
Total |
70 |
|
CLOYNE |
1 |
|
|
KILLEAGH |
1 |
|
|
MIDLETON |
54 |
|
|
WHITEGATE |
1 |
|
|
YOUGHAL |
24 |
|
|
MIDLETON |
Total |
81 |
|
Cork North Division |
Total |
307 |
50. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the steps she will take to combat the growing incidents of gang warfare; if the authorities are aware of the names of the members of the criminal gangs; to consider proscribing such membership in an effort to combat the obvious escalation of the activities of criminal gangs; if she has assessed the number of persons known to be involved or to be members of particular criminal gangs, including those not directly involved in gangland warfare; if drastic measures are necessary to deal with the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9980/16]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the Taoiseach and I met recently with senior Garda management in relation to these serious matters, and were briefed on the significant progress being made in investigations into recent organised crime related murders in the Dublin region. The Deputy will appreciate that as these appalling crimes are the subject of ongoing Garda investigations it would not be appropriate for me to make any more detailed comment at this time.
Similarly it would not be appropriate to engage in detailed discussion on the composition of particular criminal networks. However, I can assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána carefully monitor the activities of the criminal groups referred to and those associated with them and are implementing strong policing measures to disrupt and dismantle their networks.
However, we should not lose sight of the fact that An Garda Síochána has in the past successfully faced down criminal gangs who believed they were above the law. I can assure the Deputy that I remain committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána have the necessary resources to confront and oppose the violent thugs who seek to perpetrate such heinous crimes in our State.
At the request of the Commissioner earlier this year, the Government moved decisively to strengthen Garda resources to deal with gang related crime in the Dublin area, with a special allocation of €5 million to support concentrated policing measures, including steps to establish a dedicated Armed Support Unit (ASU) in the Dublin area. The Dublin ASU is in the process of being set up and trained. However, it must be clearly understood that pending the full establishment of the new unit arrangements have been put in place so that the necessary armed support is being provided on an overtime basis. I am being kept up to date on this work and I can assure the Deputy that the establishment of the Unit, including all of the necessary training and preparatory arrangements, is being progressed as a matter of priority. The Garda response includes highly visible policing, the use of armed checkpoints and targeted and intelligence based operations, to disrupt and prevent incidents as well as detecting and prosecuting those involved. I should add that, contrary to suggestions made in some quarters, there has been no diminution in these operations in recent weeks and the Garda authorities have assured me that the opposite is in fact the case. The Garda response includes highly visible policing, the use of armed checkpoints, and targeted and intelligence based operations, with a view to disrupting and preventing incidents as well as detecting and prosecuting those involved.
The Deputy will also be aware that under the new Programme for Government we are pressing forward with an accelerated programme of Garda recruitment with a view to achieving a Force of 15,000 members. This is a central element of the Government's anti-crime strategy and we have already made provision for the recruitment of 1,150 new Gardaí since we reopened the Garda College in Templemore in September 2014. I might add that the Programme for Government also commits to ensuring that Garda specialist units, such as the armed units which respond to gang-related violence, are enabled to operate at full strength.
The question of providing for an offence of membership of a criminal gang, in a manner similar to the approach taken in the Offences Against the State Acts with regard to membership of a proscribed organisation, has arisen from time to time. In this regard, it is important to understand the issues which arise in seeking to simply outlaw membership of a criminal gang in such a manner. Most significant is the fact that a criminal gang is not likely to have the permanency of organisation and structure that a subversive organisation or other more fixed group would have. I am advised that relationships in criminal gangs tend to be more fluid with shifting memberships, alliances and a membership which may depend on circumstance.
We already have in place a wide range of strong legislation to deal with gangland activities, including the provisions of the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009. I can, however, assure the Deputy that all legislation in this area is kept under review and I am in ongoing contact with the Garda Commissioner to ensure that our laws and policing strategies respond as effectively as possible to evolving crime trends.
51. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda stations and the number of gardaí in each station in west County Cork on 31 March 2011 and on 31 March 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10006/16]
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, in summary, that there were 39 stations on 31 March 2011 with 317 members assigned to the Cork West Division. On 31 March 2016 there were 30 stations in the Cork West Division with 277 Gardaí assigned across the Division.
As the Deputy will understand, there is a significant amount of information available down to station / sub-district level which she has requested. For ease of reference I have provided a breakdown of the detailed information requested overleaf for the record.
This Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime. Key to achieving this goal is the commitment in the Programme for Government, "A Programme for a Partnership Government" to continue the ongoing accelerated Garda recruitment programme with a view to increasing Garda numbers to 15,000.
As the Deputy will be aware, since the Garda College reopened in September 2014, a total of 700 Garda trainees have been recruited with a further 450 planned to be recruited during the remainder of this year. So far 395 of the new Garda trainees have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream uniform duties nationwide. I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that 5 newly attested Gardaí have been assigned to Cork West Garda Division.
It is expected that a further 300 trainees will attest by the end of this year which, taking account of projected retirements, will bring Garda numbers to around the 13,000 mark.
We must, I believe, endeavour to make more rapid progress than this to reach our target of 15,000 and I will be engaging with my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, in relation to increasing the planned annual intake this year and in coming years.
Cork West Division 31 March 2016
|
District |
Station |
Total |
|
BALLINEEN |
2 |
|
|
BALLINHASSIG |
2 |
|
|
BANDON |
81 |
|
|
INNISHANNON |
1 |
|
|
KILBRITTAIN |
1 |
|
|
KINSALE |
16 |
|
|
TIMOLEAGUE |
1 |
|
|
BANDON |
Total |
104 |
|
BANTRY |
33 |
|
|
CASTLETOWNBERE |
5 |
|
|
DRIMOLEAGUE |
1 |
|
|
DURRUS |
1 |
|
|
GLENGARRIFF |
1 |
|
|
KEALKIL |
1 |
|
|
SCHULL |
4 |
|
|
BANTRY |
Total |
46 |
|
BALTIMORE |
1 |
|
|
CLONAKILTY |
33 |
|
|
DRINAGH |
1 |
|
|
DUNMANWAY |
11 |
|
|
ROSSCARBERY |
1 |
|
|
SKIBBEREEN |
13 |
|
|
CLONAKILTY |
Total |
60 |
|
BAILE BHUIRNE |
2 |
|
|
BÉAL ÁTHA AN GHAORTHA |
2 |
|
|
BOHERBUE |
1 |
|
|
COACHFORD |
1 |
|
|
CROOKSTOWN |
10 |
|
|
MACROOM |
35 |
|
|
MILLSTREET |
13 |
|
|
RATHMORE |
1 |
|
|
STUAKE |
1 |
|
|
TARELTON |
1 |
|
|
MACROOM |
Total |
67 |
|
Cork West Division |
Total |
277 |
Cork West Division 31 March 2011
|
District |
Station |
Total |
|
BALLINEEN |
2 |
|
|
BALLINHASSIG |
2 |
|
|
BALLYFEARD |
1 |
|
|
BANDON |
85 |
|
|
INNISHANNON |
1 |
|
|
KILBRITTAIN |
1 |
|
|
KINSALE |
15 |
|
|
TIMOLEAGUE |
1 |
|
|
BANDON |
Total |
108 |
|
ADRIGOLE |
1 |
|
|
BALLYDEHOB |
1 |
|
|
BANTRY |
35 |
|
|
CASTLETOWNBERE |
4 |
|
|
DRIMOLEAGUE |
1 |
|
|
DURRUS |
1 |
|
|
GLENGARRIFF |
1 |
|
|
GOLEEN |
1 |
|
|
KEALKIL |
1 |
|
|
SCHULL |
4 |
|
|
BANTRY |
Total |
50 |
|
BALTIMORE |
1 |
|
|
CLONAKILTY |
29 |
|
|
DRINAGH |
1 |
|
|
DUNMANWAY |
8 |
|
|
ROSSCARBERY |
2 |
|
|
SKIBBEREEN |
10 |
|
|
CLONAKILTY |
Total |
51 |
|
BOHERBUE |
1 |
|
|
KANTURK |
33 |
|
|
KNOCKNAGREE |
1 |
|
|
MEELIN |
1 |
|
|
MILLSTREET |
11 |
|
|
NEWMARKET |
3 |
|
|
RATHMORE |
1 |
|
|
KANTURK |
Total |
51 |
|
BALLINGEARY |
1 |
|
|
BALLYVOURNEY |
3 |
|
|
COACHFORD |
2 |
|
|
CROOKSTOWN |
5 |
|
|
INCHIGEELA |
1 |
|
|
MACROOM |
43 |
|
|
STUAKE |
1 |
|
|
TARELTON |
1 |
|
|
MACROOM |
Total |
57 |
|
Total |
317 |
52. Deputy John Brassil asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda stations and the number of gardaí in each station in County Kerry on 31 March 2011 and on 31 March 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9974/16]
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, in summary, that there were 36 stations on 31 March 2011 with 333 members assigned to the Kerry Division. On 31 March 2016 there were 24 stations in the Kerry Division with 297 Gardaí assigned to the Division.
As the Deputy will understand, there is a significant amount of information available down to station / sub-district level which he has requested. For ease of reference I have provided a breakdown of the detailed information requested overleaf for the record.
This Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime. Key to achieving this goal is the commitment in the Programme for Government, "A Programme for a Partnership Government" to continue the ongoing accelerated Garda recruitment programme with a view to increasing Garda numbers to 15,000.
As the Deputy will be aware, since the Garda College reopened in September 2014, a total of 700 Garda trainees have been recruited with a further 450 planned to be recruited during the remainder of this year. So far 395 of the new Garda trainees have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream uniform duties nationwide. I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that 10 newly attested Gardaí have been assigned to Kerry Garda Division.
It is expected that a further 300 trainees will attest by the end of this year which, taking account of projected retirements, will bring Garda numbers to around the 13,000 mark.
We must, I believe, endeavour to make more rapid progress than this to reach our target of 15,000 and I will be engaging with my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, in relation to increasing the planned annual intake this year and in coming years.
Kerry Division 31 March 2016
|
District |
Station |
Total |
|
CAHERCIVEEN |
15 |
|
|
GLENBEIGH |
1 |
|
|
KENMARE |
11 |
|
|
KILLARNEY |
56 |
|
|
KILLORGLIN |
13 |
|
|
PORTMAGEE |
1 |
|
|
SNEEM |
1 |
|
|
WATERVILLE |
1 |
|
|
KILLARNEY |
Total |
99 |
|
BALLYBUNION |
7 |
|
|
BALLYDUFF |
1 |
|
|
BALLYHEIGUE |
1 |
|
|
KNOCKNAGOSHEL |
1 |
|
|
LISTOWEL |
39 |
|
|
LIXNAW |
1 |
|
|
TARBERT |
2 |
|
|
LISTOWEL |
Total |
52 |
|
AN DAINGEAN |
8 |
|
|
ANNASCAUL |
1 |
|
|
ARDFERT |
2 |
|
|
BAILE AN FHEIRTÉARAIG |
1 |
|
|
CASTLEGREGORY |
2 |
|
|
CASTLEISLAND |
33 |
|
|
CASTLEMAINE |
1 |
|
|
FARRANFORE |
2 |
|
|
TRALEE |
96 |
|
|
TRALEE |
Total |
146 |
|
Kerry Division |
Total |
297 |
Kerry Division 31 March 2011
|
District |
Station |
Total |
|
BALLINSKELLIGS |
1 |
|
|
CAHERCIVEEN |
24 |
|
|
CASTLEMAINE |
1 |
|
|
GLENBEIGH |
1 |
|
|
KILLORGLIN |
14 |
|
|
PORTMAGEE |
1 |
|
|
SNEEM |
2 |
|
|
VALENTIA ISLAND |
1 |
|
|
WATERVILLE |
1 |
|
|
CAHERCIVEEN |
Total |
46 |
|
BEAUFORT |
1 |
|
|
CASTLEISLAND |
11 |
|
|
FARRANFORE |
2 |
|
|
KENMARE |
9 |
|
|
KILGARVAN |
1 |
|
|
KILLARNEY |
70 |
|
|
LAURAGH |
1 |
|
|
KILLARNEY |
Total |
95 |
|
BALLYBUNION |
9 |
|
|
BALLYDUFF |
1 |
|
|
BALLYHEIGUE |
2 |
|
|
BALLYLONGFORD |
1 |
|
|
BROSNA |
1 |
|
|
KNOCKNAGOSHEL |
1 |
|
|
LISTOWEL |
38 |
|
|
LIXNAW |
1 |
|
|
MOYVANE |
2 |
|
|
TARBERT |
1 |
|
|
LISTOWEL |
Total |
57 |
|
ABBEYDORNEY |
1 |
|
|
ANNASCAUL |
1 |
|
|
ARDFERT |
2 |
|
|
BALLYFERRITER |
1 |
|
|
CAMP |
1 |
|
|
CASTLEGREGORY |
1 |
|
|
CLOCHAN |
1 |
|
|
DINGLE |
10 |
|
|
FENIT |
1 |
|
|
TRALEE |
116 |
|
|
TRALEE |
Total |
135 |
|
Kerry Division |
Total |
333 |
53. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to introduce new legislative measures to target gangland crime; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9970/16]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that addressing gangland crime remains a key ongoing priority for both the Government and for An Garda Síochána. As the Deputy is aware, the Taoiseach and I recently met with senior Garda management and were briefed on the significant progress being made in investigations into recent gang-related murders in the Dublin region. I can assure the Deputy that I, and the Government, remain committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána have the necessary resources, both legislative and financial, to confront and oppose violent criminal gangs.
We already have in place a wide range of strong legislation to deal with gangland activities, including the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009. In addition we have seen the introduction of landmark legislation in recent years in the field of forensic investigation. The Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Act 2014 facilitated the establishment of a new DNA database which has the capacity to link suspects to unsolved crimes and will greatly assist the Gardaí in the investigation of a range of serious offences. The Deputy may also be aware that a new Bail Bill is being drafted at present on a priority basis, with a view to strengthening the operation of the bail system so as to make the law as effective as possible in protecting the public against crimes committed by persons on bail.
In addition, the new Programme for Government includes a commitment to review the existing Proceeds of Crime legislation and to continue to support the work of the Criminal Assets Bureau in tackling money laundering and to target the proceeds of crime.
I can assure the Deputy that all legislation in this area is kept under review and I am in ongoing contact with the Garda Commissioner to ensure that our laws and policing strategies respond as effectively as we can to evolving crime trends.
54. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda stations and the number of gardaí in each station in County Tipperary on 31 March 2011 and on 31 March 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10008/16]
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, in summary, that there were 36 stations on 31 March 2011 with 383 members assigned to the Tipperary Division. On 31 March 2016 there were 29 stations in the Tipperary Division with 353 Gardaí assigned across the Division.
As the Deputy will understand, there is a significant amount of information available down to station / sub-district level which he has requested. For ease of reference I have provided a breakdown of the detailed information requested overleaf for the record.
This Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime. Key to achieving this goal is the commitment in the Programme for Government, "A Programme for a Partnership Government" to continue the ongoing accelerated Garda recruitment programme with a view to increasing Garda numbers to 15,000.
As the Deputy will be aware, since the Garda College reopened in September 2014, a total of 700 Garda trainees have been recruited with a further 450 planned to be recruited during the remainder of this year. So far 395 of the new Garda trainees have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream uniform duties nationwide. I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that 5 newly attested Gardaí have been assigned to Tipperary Garda Division.
It is expected that a further 300 trainees will attest by the end of this year which, taking account of projected retirements, will bring Garda numbers to around the 13,000 mark.
We must, I believe, endeavour to make more rapid progress than this to reach our target of 15,000 and I will be engaging with my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, in relation to increasing the planned annual intake this year and in coming years.
Tipperary Division 31 March 2016
|
District |
Station |
Total |
|
ARDFINNAN |
1 |
|
|
BALLYPOREEN |
1 |
|
|
CAHIR |
49 |
|
|
CASHEL |
12 |
|
|
CLOGHEEN |
1 |
|
|
CAHIR |
Total |
64 |
|
CARRICK-ON-SUIR |
15 |
|
|
CLONMEL |
50 |
|
|
FETHARD |
1 |
|
|
KILSHEELAN |
1 |
|
|
MULLINAHONE |
1 |
|
|
CLONMEL |
Total |
68 |
|
BORRISOKANE |
5 |
|
|
CLOUGHJORDAN |
1 |
|
|
LORRHA |
1 |
|
|
MONEYGALL |
1 |
|
|
NENAGH |
39 |
|
|
NEWPORT |
11 |
|
|
PORTROE |
1 |
|
|
ROSCREA |
17 |
|
|
TOOMEVARA |
1 |
|
|
NENAGH |
Total |
77 |
|
BALLINGARRY SOUTH |
1 |
|
|
BORRISOLEIGH |
1 |
|
|
KILLENAULE |
4 |
|
|
TEMPLEMORE |
22 |
|
|
TEMPLETUOHY |
1 |
|
|
THURLES |
74 |
|
|
THURLES |
Total |
103 |
|
BANSHA |
1 |
|
|
CAPPAWHITE |
1 |
|
|
GOLDEN |
1 |
|
|
TIPPERARY TOWN |
38 |
|
|
TIPPERARY TOWN |
Total |
41 |
|
Tipperary Division |
Total |
353 |
Tipperary Division 31 March 2011
|
District |
Station |
Total |
|
ARDFINNAN |
2 |
|
|
BALLYPOREEN |
1 |
|
|
CAHIR |
43 |
|
|
CASHEL |
14 |
|
|
CLOGHEEN |
1 |
|
|
NEW INN |
1 |
|
|
CAHIR |
Total |
62 |
|
CARRICK-ON-SUIR |
15 |
|
|
CLONMEL |
53 |
|
|
FETHARD |
3 |
|
|
GRANGEMOCKLER |
1 |
|
|
KILSHEELAN |
1 |
|
|
CLONMEL |
Total |
73 |
|
BORRISOKANE |
7 |
|
|
CLOUGHJORDAN |
1 |
|
|
LORRHA |
1 |
|
|
NENAGH |
38 |
|
|
NEWPORT |
11 |
|
|
PORTROE |
1 |
|
|
TOOMEVARA |
2 |
|
|
NENAGH |
Total |
61 |
|
BORRISOLEIGH |
2 |
|
|
MONEYGALL |
1 |
|
|
MOYNE |
1 |
|
|
REARCROSS |
1 |
|
|
ROSCREA |
19 |
|
|
TEMPLEMORE |
39 |
|
|
TEMPLETUOHY |
1 |
|
|
TEMPLEMORE |
Total |
64 |
|
BALLINGARRY SOUTH |
2 |
|
|
*G.C.V.U. |
5 |
|
|
HOLYCROSS |
1 |
|
|
KILLENAULE |
5 |
|
|
LITTLETON |
1 |
|
|
THURLES |
73 |
|
|
THURLES |
Total |
87 |
|
BANSHA |
1 |
|
|
CAPPAWHITE |
1 |
|
|
DUNDRUM |
1 |
|
|
EMLY |
1 |
|
|
GOLDEN |
1 |
|
|
TIPPERARY TOWN |
31 |
|
|
TIPPERARY TOWN |
Total |
36 |
|
Tipperary Division |
Total |
383 |
*the Garda Central Vetting Unit is not a station
55. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda stations and the number of gardaí in each station in County Kildare on 31 March 2011 and on 31 March 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10000/16]
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, in summary, that there were 18 stations on 31 March 2011 with 324 members assigned to the Kildare Division. On 31 March 2016 there were 15 stations in the Kildare Division with 312 Gardaí assigned across the Division.
As the Deputy will understand, there is a significant amount of information available down to station / sub-district level which she has requested. For ease of reference I have provided a breakdown of the detailed information requested overleaf for the record.
This Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime. Key to achieving this goal is the commitment in the Programme for Government, "A Programme for a Partnership Government" to continue the ongoing accelerated Garda recruitment programme with a view to increasing Garda numbers to 15,000.
As the Deputy will be aware, since the Garda College reopened in September 2014, a total of 700 Garda trainees have been recruited with a further 450 planned to be recruited during the remainder of this year. So far 395 of the new Garda trainees have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream uniform duties nationwide. I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that 20 newly attested Gardaí have been assigned to Kildare Garda Division.
It is expected that a further 300 trainees will attest by the end of this year which, taking account of projected retirements, will bring Garda numbers to around the 13,000 mark.
We must, I believe, endeavour to make more rapid progress than this to reach our target of 15,000 and I will be engaging with my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, in relation to increasing the planned annual intake this year and in coming years.
Kildare Division 31 March 2016
|
Kildare Division 31 March 2016 |
||
|
District |
Station |
Total |
|
ATHY |
27 |
|
|
CASTLEDERMOT |
3 |
|
|
KILDARE |
34 |
|
|
MONASTEREVIN |
4 |
|
|
NEWBRIDGE |
49 |
|
|
RATHANGAN |
2 |
|
|
KILDARE |
Total |
119 |
|
CARBURY |
8 |
|
|
CELBRIDGE |
11 |
|
|
KILCOCK |
9 |
|
|
LEIXLIP |
37 |
|
|
MAYNOOTH |
13 |
|
|
LEIXLIP |
Total |
78 |
|
CLANE |
7 |
|
|
KILCULLEN |
3 |
|
|
NAAS |
102 |
|
|
ROBERTSTOWN |
3 |
|
|
NAAS |
Total |
115 |
|
Kildare Division |
Total |
312 |
Kildare Division 31 March 2011
|
Kildare Division 31 March 2011 |
||
|
District |
Station |
Total |
|
ATHY |
32 |
|
|
BALLYTORE |
2 |
|
|
CASTLEDERMOT |
3 |
|
|
KILDARE |
28 |
|
|
MONASTEREVIN |
4 |
|
|
NEWBRIDGE |
47 |
|
|
RATHANGAN |
3 |
|
|
KILDARE |
Total |
119 |
|
CARBURY |
4 |
|
|
CELBRIDGE |
17 |
|
|
KILCOCK |
8 |
|
|
LEIXLIP |
36 |
|
|
MAYNOOTH |
14 |
|
|
LEIXLIP |
Total |
79 |
|
BALLYMORE EUSTACE |
2 |
|
|
CLANE |
11 |
|
|
KILCULLEN |
2 |
|
|
KILL |
2 |
|
|
NAAS |
104 |
|
|
ROBERTSTOWN |
5 |
|
|
NAAS |
Total |
126 |
|
Kildare Division |
Total |
324 |
56. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her views in relation to the difficulties being experienced by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission in investigating the allegations of Garda Síochána whistleblowers, given the lack of engagement or progress in one instance and the commission's failure to have the Garda deliver documentation in a timely fashion in the other instance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10049/16]
View answerI am assuming that the cases referred to by the Deputy are the same cases that were raised in Parliamentary Questions on 20 October, 26 May, and 1 December 2015. I would again make the point that all of us in this House must be very careful in discussing individual cases of whistleblowing. Protection for whistleblowers rightly prioritises the confidentiality of the process, which is central to the efficacy of the process so I do not propose to discuss individual cases.
Prior to the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 coming into operation, whistleblowing by members of the Garda Síochána was provided for under the Garda Síochána (Confidential Reporting of Corruption or Malpractice) Regulations 2007, which provided for the appointment of an independent Confidential Recipient to whom Garda members, and civilian support staff, could report, in full confidence, instances where they believed there may have been corruption or malpractice within the Garda Síochána.
This system was replaced by the Protected Disclosures Act 2014, which came into operation on 15 July 2014 as part of this Government's comprehensive approach to enhance the protection available to whistle blowers, including Garda whistleblowers. GSOC was prescribed under the Act as a body to receive protected disclosures on Garda matters. Under the Act, members of the Garda Síochána may now communicate their concerns to the Garda Commissioner, as their employer, or to GSOC as a prescribed body, and are entitled to the protections provided by the Act.
The protections available to whistleblowers under the 2007 Regulations continue to be afforded to whistleblowers under the 2014 Act. The confidentiality provisions also apply and so the identity of whistleblowers is not made known to me or my Department by GSOC.
I am satisfied that the legislative provisions now in place under the 2014 Act, including the protections afforded for whistleblowers, will prove to be an effective remedy for Garda members who wish to report their concerns regarding potential wrongdoing.
As I have previously advised the House in relation to these particular cases, I have no function in relation to criminal investigations and the submission of files to the DPP, or in relation to the investigation of complaints by GSOC. Those bodies are independent in carrying out their statutory functions and I know that neither the Deputy nor anyone in this House would suggest that I should have any power to interfere with that independence.
57. Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the net increase in the number of members of An Garda Síochána in the Dublin metropolitan region southern and eastern divisions that will accrue from the recruitment campaign in 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10047/16]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and Districts. Garda management keeps 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.
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that on the 31 March 2016, the latest date for which figures are readily available, there were 547 members assigned to the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) South Division and 373 assigned to DMR East Division.
Since the Garda College was reopened in September 2014 there have been seven intakes of Garda Trainees giving a total intake of 700. A further 450 will be taken in this year. So far 395 of the new Garda Trainees have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream uniform duties in communities nationwide. The Garda Commissioner has informed me that 30 and 10 of these newly attested members have been assigned to the Divisions of DMR South and DMR East respectively. It is expected that a further 300 trainees will attest by the end of this year which, taking account of projected retirements, will bring Garda numbers to around the 13,000 mark. I am assured by the Commissioner that the needs of all Garda Divisions are fully considered when determining the allocation of newly attested Gardaí.
This Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime. Key to achieving this goal is the commitment in the Programme for Government, "A Programme for a Partnership Government" to continue the ongoing accelerated Garda recruitment programme with a view to increasing Garda numbers to 15,000.
We must, I believe, endeavour to make more rapid progress than this to reach our target of 15,000 and I will be engaging with my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, in relation to increasing the planned annual intake this year and in coming years.
58. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the net increase in the number of members of An Garda Síochána in the Dublin metropolitan region western division that will accrue from the recruitment campaign in 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10051/16]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and Districts. Garda management keeps 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.
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that on the 31 March 2016, the latest date for which figures are readily available, there were 686 members assigned to the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) West Division.
Since the Garda College was reopened in September 2014 there have been seven intakes of Garda Trainees giving a total intake of 700. A further 450 will be taken in this year. So far 395 of the new Garda Trainees have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream uniform duties in communities nationwide. The Garda Commissioner has informed me that 35 of these newly attested members have been assigned to the Division of DMR West. It is expected that a further 300 trainees will attest by the end of this year which, taking account of projected retirements, will bring Garda numbers to around the 13,000 mark. I am assured by the Commissioner that the needs of all Garda Divisions are fully considered when determining the allocation of newly attested Gardaí.
This Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime. Key to achieving this goal is the commitment in the Programme for Government, "A Programme for a Partnership Government" to continue the ongoing accelerated Garda recruitment programme with a view to increasing Garda numbers to 15,000. We must, I believe, endeavour to make more rapid progress than this to reach our target of 15,000 and I will be engaging with my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, in relation to increasing the planned annual intake this year and in coming years.
59. Deputy James Browne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to request the Policing Authority to review the dispersement of Garda stations and to assess the impact of station closures in County Wexford since 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9979/16]
View answerThe Programme for a Partnership Government recognises that community policing is the embodiment of An Garda Síochána, providing a means of recognising that every community – both urban and rural – has its own concerns and expectations.
It commits the Government to ensuring visible, effective and responsive policing in every community, including the most minimal response times possible.
In support of this objective, the Policing Authority will be asked to oversee a review of, among other things, both the boundaries of Garda districts and the dispersement of Garda stations in rural areas, and in developing urban and suburban areas, with a view to ensuring both an efficient and optimum geographical distribution of stations and minimal response times, including taking account of station closures since 2012.
Under the Programme, the Government is committed to launching a pilot scheme to reopen 6 Garda stations both urban and rural to determine possible positive impacts that such openings will have on criminal activity, with special emphasis on burglaries, theft and public order. This will be initiated within two months and I intend to consult with Commissioner and the Policing Authority to agree the process through which the Commissioner will identify the 6 stations that will be reopened under the pilot.
The Deputy will be aware that some 139 Garda stations were closed on foot of the implementation of the Garda District and Station Rationalisation Programme, which was implemented in 2012 and 2013, following the completion by An Garda Síochána of a comprehensive review of its district and station network.
As the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the effective and efficient use of the resources at her disposal, the review was undertaken with the objective of identifying opportunities to introduce strategic reforms to enhance service delivery, increase efficiency and streamline practices within the organisation. It concluded that a revised district and station network commensurate with the organisation’s resource base would best meet public demand.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the closures have allowed front line Garda to be managed and deployed with greater mobility, greater flexibility and in a more focused fashion particularly with regard to various targeted police operations.
While I welcome the beneficial outcomes that have accrued to An Garda Síochána arising from the Station Rationalisation Programme, the Programme for Government recognises that there is a need for a review along the lines that I have outlined to the House.
My officials will shortly be in contact with the Policing Authority with a view to putting in place the necessary arrangements for the review and I will ensure that the outcome of the review is put before the House.
60. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the reason there has been no Reception and Integration Agency monthly report since September 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10132/16]
View answerThe Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department has, over the last number of months been focusing on putting in place the procedures and processes for the open competition for the management of State owned accommodation centres. As a consequence, the production of monthly statistical reports has been delayed. However, these reports will be available shortly and I have asked that the relevant reports are published as soon as possible after the end of each month.
61. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when she will ask the Policing Authority to oversee a review of the dispersement of Garda stations in rural areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9973/16]
View answerThe Programme for a Partnership Government recognises that community policing is the embodiment of An Garda Síochána, providing a means of recognising that every community – both urban and rural – has its own concerns and expectations.
It commits the Government to ensuring visible, effective and responsive policing in every community, including the most minimal response times possible.
In support of this objective, the Policing Authority will be asked to oversee a review of, among other things, both the boundaries of Garda districts and the dispersement of Garda stations in rural areas, and in developing urban and suburban areas, with a view to ensuring both an efficient and optimum geographical distribution of stations and minimal response times, including taking account of station closures since 2012.
Under the Programme, the Government is committed to launching a pilot scheme to reopen 6 Garda stations both urban and rural to determine possible positive impacts that such openings will have on criminal activity, with special emphasis on burglaries, theft and public order. This will be initiated within two months and I intend to consult with Commissioner and the Policing Authority to agree the process through which the Commissioner will identify the 6 stations that will be reopened under the pilot.
The Deputy will be aware that some 139 Garda stations were closed on foot of the implementation of the Garda District and Station Rationalisation Programme, which was implemented in 2012 and 2013, following the completion by An Garda Síochána of a comprehensive review of its district and station network.
As the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the effective and efficient use of the resources at her disposal, the review was undertaken with the objective of identifying opportunities to introduce strategic reforms to enhance service delivery, increase efficiency and streamline practices within the organisation. It concluded that a revised district and station network commensurate with the organisation’s resource base would best meet public demand.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the closures have allowed front line Garda to be managed and deployed with greater mobility, greater flexibility and in a more focused fashion particularly with regard to various targeted police operations.
While I welcome the beneficial outcomes that have accrued to An Garda Síochána arising from the Station Rationalisation Programme, the Programme for Government recognises that there is a need for a review along the lines that I have outlined to the House.
My officials will shortly be in contact with the Policing Authority with a view to putting in place the necessary arrangements for the review and I will ensure that the outcome of the review is put before the House.
