Written Answers Nos. 68-88
68. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the heavy goods vehicle permit system for Dublin city, including the number of permits issued in 2014 to 2016 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11210/16]
View answer69. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number and results of discrete heavy goods vehicles stopping and checking operations An Garda Síochána has carried out to detect the permit status of heavy goods vehicles requiring a permit in each of the years 2014 to 2016 to date; the number of multi-agency checkpoint stoppings conducted with An Garda Síochána, the Health and Safety Authority and the Road Safety Authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11211/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 68 and 69 together.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) permit system, which is administered by Dublin City Council under its HGV Management Strategy, continues to operate within Dublin City Centre from Monday to Friday, during the hours 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The system requires HGVs utilising 5 axles to obtain a permit to travel inside a designated cordon area to conduct business or make deliveries. HGVs using 4 axles do not require a permit to enter the cordon area. Details of the number of permits issued are a matter for Dublin City Council.
I am further informed by the Garda authorities that Garda checkpoints cover all areas of road traffic legislation and roads policing, including HGV requirements. However, specific details on the number of such checkpoints are not available, with the exception of Mandatory Alcohol Testing Checkpoints and Truck/HGV Checkpoints, which are recorded on PULSE. In the period 2014 - 19 May 2016, An Garda Síochána has conducted 3,763 Truck-HGV Checkpoints. I am advised by An Garda Síochána that these figures are provisional, operational and subject to change. An Garda Síochána has further advised that multi-agency checkpoints with other agencies, including the Road Safety Authority, are not separately recorded on the Garda PULSE System.
70. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the Garda Síochána stations she will re-open as per the programme for Government; if Rush Garda Síochána station will be among the pilot stations she will re-open; the criteria she will use for deciding on which stations will be chosen; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11242/16]
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 dispersal 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.
The Deputy will appreciate that the Garda Commissioner is primarily responsible for the effective and efficient use of the resources available to her. This includes responsibility for the formulation of proposals in relation to the opening and closing of Garda Stations, taking into account crime trends and policing priorities, so as to ensure that the best possible use is made of these resources. Indeed, this was the basis on which the Garda District and Station Rationalisation Programme 2012-2013 was developed and implemented.
The Programme for a Partnership Government commits the Government 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 the 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.
71. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she is aware that persons who have residency rights, but who have family members who would qualify for refugee status, are precluded from applying for a family reunification; the reason for this; and if she will reform this legislation. [11262/16]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that it is open to family dependent members to apply to join their non-EEA family members who are employed and resident in the State. An application can be made in accordance with the Family Reunification Policy document, details of which are published on the INIS website, www.inis.gov.ie. The dependent family members who meet the criteria as set out in this document may apply from outside the State for the relevant visa (if visa required) to enter the State to join their family. If they are not a visa required national they may apply when they arrive in the State.
Any person who wishes to claim asylum must be present in the State. Their application will then be assessed on its merits by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC).
72. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she has considered the actions of insurers since the passing of the spent convictions legislation; if it will continue to be acceptable for insurers to seek information regarding previous motoring offences; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11305/16]
View answerThe Criminal Justice (Spent Convictions and Certain Disclosures) Act 2016 provides that convictions that are eligible to be spent no longer have to be declared. Under the Act, where a person is asked a question seeking information in relation to the person's past convictions or the circumstances ancillary to them, that question shall be understood as not applying to a conviction that is spent and the person may reply accordingly. The convicted person will not be penalised in law or incur any liability for failing to disclose a spent conviction.
A specific limitation applies, however, where a person has a conviction for fraud or deceit or dishonesty in respect of a claim under a policy of insurance. In this circumstance the person is not excused from disclosing such a conviction on an insurance proposal form.
The following convictions which are more than 7 years old are now regarded as spent:
All convictions in the District Court for motoring offences, with the proviso that spent convictions for dangerous driving are limited to a single conviction.
All convictions in the District Court for minor public order offences.
In addition, where a person has one, and only one, conviction (other than a motoring or public order offence) which resulted in a term of imprisonment of less than 12 months (or a fine) that conviction is also spent after 7 years. This can be a District Court or Circuit Court conviction.
73. Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to update the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 to allow for members of the Irish diaspora to apply for citizenship as in the case of a person with an Irish father who did not register the birth with the foreign births office, and, therefore, the child cannot apply for Irish citizenship as the birth registration has skipped a generation; her plans to allow for members of the Irish diaspora to register their birth through their great-grandparents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11350/16]
View answerI have no plans at present to amend the Citizenship laws in this regard. However I would ask the Deputy to send the details of this case to my office for further examination.
74. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 303 of 14 April 2016, if and when she will issue a birth affidavit to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11351/16]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that on 13 April 2016 the birth affidavit was posted to the person concerned to the address stated on her application. This was returned by An Post marked "gone away". However, a new application for a certificate of naturalisation has since been received from the person concerned and the birth affidavit has now re-issued to the address as stated on her current application.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
75. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to ensure that all ranks in An Garda Síochána are diligent in taking proper units, and that unit sergeants regularly monitor the performance of their unit members in this regard, as set out in the recommendations of the Commission of Investigation (Certain Matters relative to the Cavan/Monaghan Division of the Garda Síochána) Final Report. [11383/16]
View answerIssues of supervision by Garda Sergeants and poor note taking by members were at the heart of a number of the Garda investigations which were considered by Mr Justice Kevin O'Higgins in his investigation which was carried out under the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004. Chapter 15 of the Commission's report contains recommendations, including recommendations to address these two matters.
My Department is examining the Report very closely in order to ensure that the failings it identifies are fully understood and resolved with a view to ensuring that we avoid a repetition of the type of difficulties outlined in the report. However, it is important to remember that the incidents at issue took place some time ago and there have been widespread reforms and improvements to Garda practices in the intervening years.
The new Garda training programme which is being rolled out to recruits since 2014 will significantly address the supervision and note taking weaknesses which Mr Justice O'Higgins found. Under the Trainee/Probationer Programmes in phase 2 of the training programme, the trainee Gardaí are allocated to stations with a permanently appointed supervisory Sergeant who is thoroughly familiar with their responsibilities. In addition, the new training provides for enhanced opportunities to equip the trainees in the full range of policing skills, including opportunities to solve authentic policing problems. In Phase 3 of the Programme, a module is specifically devoted to Crime and Incident Policing.
There are comprehensive procedures around the supervision of front-line Gardaí. The ranks of Garda Sergeant and Inspector have primary responsibility for Garda front line supervision, and their roles are set out clearly in the Garda Code. In a recent development a nominated supervisor is allocated to all matters under investigation.
The Deputy may be aware that I have asked the Garda Commissioner to examine the Report of the O'Higgins Commission and to indicate to me what further measures might be taken to prevent the type of difficulties outlined in it in relation to An Garda Síochána arising again and her proposals to respond to the recommendations which are related to the Garda service. I await the Garda Commissioner's response to the report which is likely to assist with the identification of further measures to ensure that our citizens can enjoy effective policing.
The Policing Authority received a copy of the report in the context of its statutory role in relation to oversight of An Garda Síochána and I understand that the Authority will be discussing the Report with the Commissioner at their meeting on Thursday next.
76. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of an application by a person (details supplied) for a visa; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11408/16]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the visa application referred to by the Deputy was received by the Visa Office in Dublin on the 18th of January 2016. Applications of this type are typically processed by the Dublin Visa Office within 6 months of receipt. The applicant can expect a decision by the end of July 2016.
The Deputy may wish to note that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
In addition, applicants may themselves e-mail queries directly to INIS (visamail@justice.ie).
77. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the annual rental value of each vacant property and land holding of her Department. [11424/16]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that there is one such vacant property in respect of my Department's Vote.
However, I am unable to comment any further in respect of this matter, as the lease agreement is currently the subject of legal proceedings.
78. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to draft and implement hate crime legislation, given the recent recommendations contained in Ireland's United Nations' universal periodic review, and recognising that Ireland is among a small number of member states of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development without it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11449/16]
View answerOn 11 May, I was delighted to lead the Irish delegation at our Cycle 2 Universal Periodic Review (UPR) interactive dialogue in Geneva. 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.
In this constructive spirit, Ireland engages actively in the UPR of other States and we were 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.
As mentioned in Ireland’s National and Interim Reports, the Government is firmly committed to combatting and challenging any and all manifestations of racism. We recognise that the impact of hate crime is devastating; being the target of a crime simply for being who you are, or for being perceived as “other” is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated.
There are robust mechanisms in place in legislation to deal with discrimination, hate speech and racist crime. The Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act 1989 makes it an offence, inter alia, to use words, publish or distribute written material, or broadcast any visual images or sounds which are threatening, abusive or insulting and are intended, or, having regard to all the circumstances, are likely to stir up hatred. The word "hatred" is defined as "hatred against a group of persons in the State or elsewhere on account of their race, colour, nationality, religion, ethnic or national origins, membership of the Travelling community or sexual orientation".
In addition, where criminal offences such as assault, criminal damage, or public order offences are committed against a person based on their race, religion or belief, the offences are prosecuted as generic offences through the wider criminal law. However, a racist or religious motivation, for example, may be taken into account as an aggravating factor at sentencing.
As Minister for Justice and Equality, I recently approved a review of the Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act 1989 in the light of reports by civil society, international obligations and the experience of other jurisdictions, given the age of the legislation, the changes in Irish society and the use of the internet and social media since its enactment. The outcome of this review will inform the case for legislative change.
79. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of an application by a person (details supplied) for naturalisation status; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11451/16]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the processing of the application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy is ongoing, with a view to establishing whether the conditions for naturalisation, such as good character and lawful residence are satisfied and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. While most cases are now generally processed within six months, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.
The Deputy may wish to note that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been established specifically for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
80. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when she will bring the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 into effect; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11497/16]
View answerThe Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 was signed into law by the President on 30 December 2015 but has not yet been commenced. New administrative processes and support measures, including the setting up of the Decision Support Service within the Mental Health Commission, must be put in place before the legislation comes into force. The Mental Health Commission is an agency under the Department of Health, and the Department of Justice & Equality will be liaising with the Department of Health in bringing the service into operation, including in respect of the financial implications. It was indicated during the debates on the Bill in the Seanad that commencement of this Act is planned for the latter half of 2016 and this remains the position.
The Deputy will appreciate that careful planning and groundwork has to be put in place to ensure the commencement of the legislation is correctly, appropriately and effectively handled. In this regard, my Department recently engaged in a high level meeting with the Department of Health in order to progress the process of getting the Decision Support Service up and running as soon as possible through co-operation between the two Departments.
81. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to reform the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act to prevent the repossession of family homes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11549/16]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware of the commitments in the new Programme for Government including in relation to keeping families in their homes and avoiding repossessions insofar as is possible, establishment of a new national service to standardise supports available to borrowers in mortgage arrears, establishment of a dedicated new court to handle mortgage arrears and other personal insolvency cases, review of the thresholds and processes for Personal Insolvency Arrangements and review the Central Bank's Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears. I will be working closely with my Government colleagues in the coming months towards achievement of these aims.
The position is that the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act, which came into operation on 1 December 2009, applies only to mortgages created after that date and any amendments to this legislation would not be effective in dealing with cases of mortgage arrears which are coming before the courts. For that reason, I would like to draw to the Deputy's attention that a number of measures have already been put in place with the aim of providing assistance to those finding themselves in mortgage arrears. These include:
- enactment on 28 July 2015 of the Personal Insolvency (Amendment) Act 2015, and commencement on 20 November 2015 of the new Court review procedure under section 115A which applies to cases in which lending institutions refuse a personal insolvency proposal on the borrower’s home;
- development of the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) as the Government’s ‘one-stop shop’ point of information and guidance for homeowners in mortgage arrears, working closely with the Insolvency Service;
- establishment and staffing of Dedicated Mortgage Arrears MABS centres in key locations with nationwide coverage, which offer specialised expertise on mortgage debt; and
- the presence of MABS and the Insolvency Service at courthouses to provide information and ‘signposting’ support for householders issued with repossession proceedings involving their homes (operating nationwide since 1 October last, following a successful pilot in July 2015). This initiative is facilitated by the Courts Service, and is currently provided for all Circuit Court repossession hearings.
In addition, the Government will shortly be putting in place a new Government-funded Scheme to help those who are insolvent, and in mortgage arrears on their home, to access independent expert financial and legal advice. The new scheme has 3 components:
Provision of financial advice and assistance
This involves the provision of advice and assistance from a Personal Insolvency Practitioner, or other financial adviser as appropriate, drawn from panels agreeing to provide specified levels and amounts of services under the Scheme at fixed cost. This will be provided without cost to an insolvent borrower, under a ‘voucher’ system, and will be accessed through MABS working in conjunction with the Insolvency Service and the accountancy bodies.
Provision of legal advice and assistance
This involves the provision of advice and assistance from a solicitor, drawn from panels to be set up by the Legal Aid Board, who agrees to provide specified levels and amounts of services under the Scheme at fixed cost. The scheme will provide assistance and representation for insolvent borrowers in repossession proceedings involving their home, via a panel of ‘duty solicitors’ at repossession hearings, operated by the Legal Aid Board.
Again, this assistance will be provided without cost to an insolvent borrower, under a ‘voucher’ system, and will be accessed through MABS, working in conjunction with the Legal Aid Board.
Provision of legal aid
This involves the provision for legal aid for insolvent borrowers seeking the new Court review under s. 115A Personal Insolvency Acts, where a borrower’s proposal for a Personal Insolvency Arrangement including mortgage arrears on their home is refused by their creditors. This component will be operated by the Legal Aid Board.
The overall objective of the new Scheme is to help those who are unable to pay their debts in full as they fall due and are in serious mortgage arrears on their homes, to access independent expert financial and/or legal advice and assistance, which will help them to find the best possible solutions, with the aim of remaining in their homes where possible.
82. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of an application by a person (details supplied) for naturalisation status; if all required documentation has been submitted; when she will make a decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11565/16]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the processing of the application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy is ongoing and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible. No further information is required from the person at this time.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. While most cases are now generally processed within six months, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.
The Deputy may wish to note that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been established specifically for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
83. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when further training will commence for applicants to An Garda Síochána Reserve. [11606/16]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, the recruitment and training of the Garda Reserve is a matter for the Garda Commissioner and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that, as of the 31 March 2016, the strength of the Garda Reserve stood at 908 with 18 reserves in training.
Applications to become a member of the Garda Reserve can currently be made through the Public Appointments Service (PAS) website. The PAS processes applications on behalf of An Garda Síochána and admission to become a reserve member is subject to the provisions of the Garda Síochána (Reserve Members) Regulations 2006.
The Garda Reserve makes a real and tangible contribution to the policing of communities right across the country. This is recognised in the Programme for Government "A Programme for a Partnership Government" which includes a commitment 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 expansion of the Garda Reserve will complement the commitments in the Programme to continue the ongoing accelerated Garda recruitment programme with a view to increasing Garda numbers to 15,000 and also to increase further civilianisation to free up Gardaí to front-line policing duties. The delivery of these measures over the lifetime of the Government will ensure a visible policing presence in communities nationwide.
84. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to clarify the requirement of Garda Síochána vetting for community responders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11625/16]
View answerThe National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012-2016 which commenced on 29 April 2016 provides a statutory basis for the vetting of persons carrying out relevant work with children or vulnerable persons.
The National Vetting Bureau of the Garda Síochána (formerly the Garda Central Vetting Unit) conducts Garda vetting on behalf of registered organisations in respect of persons seeking employment in Ireland where that employment involves substantial, unsupervised access to children or vulnerable adults. It is a service designed to enhance the protection of children and vulnerable persons. The Act stipulates that a relevant organisation shall not permit any person to undertake relevant work or activities on behalf of the organisation, unless the organisation receives a vetting disclosure from the National Vetting Bureau in respect of that person.
In essence, the National Vetting Bureau provides potential employers and voluntary sector organisations with relevant criminal history information on individuals applying for relevant work. It issues disclosures which give details of an individual’s criminal convictions or state that they have none. Using these disclosures will assist a potential employer or voluntary organisation in their recruitment decision, helping to protect children and vulnerable persons.
The Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to provide any comment on the vetting requirements of individual employers or organisations. This is a matter to be determined by the employer or organisation concerned.
85. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to her response to Parliamentary Question No. 38 of 17 May 2016, the status of the 173 recommendations including if they have been implemented and the stage of implementation each recommendation is at in tabular form. [11656/16]
View answerThe Programme for Government acknowledges that long durations in direct provision have a negative impact on family life. The new Government, as set out in our Programme for a Partnership Government, is “committed to reforming the Direct Provision system, with particular focus on families and children”.
As outlined in my response to Parliamentary Question 38 of 17th May, the 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. Following its publication, the Report was the subject of detailed discussion by the Cabinet Committee on Social Policy and Public Service Reform. The Committee agreed that my Department should prepare a report for the Committee, in conjunction with relevant Departments and agencies on the legal, financial and practical implications of the Report's recommendations. Relevant Government Departments and Offices were contacted seeking their views on the Report's recommendations and asking them to identify any impacts and issues that may arise and timescales for implementation. An analysis of responses was presented to the Committee which subsequently advised that recommendations should be progressed, where possible, with those requiring further consideration to be afforded such consideration as soon as practicable.
My Department has since been in regular contact with the relevant Departments and Agencies with a view to progressing the recommendations in line with the advice from the Cabinet Committee. My Department continues to actively co-ordinate implementation and has also recently engaged with relevant stakeholders to provide a progress update for the 173 recommendations in the Report. This information is currently being compiled and I will arrange for it to be forwarded to the Deputy.
86. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to request the Garda Commissioner to reopen Cloughjordan Garda Síochána station in County Tipperary on a 24-hour, seven-day basis, as provided for in the programme for Government. [11672/16]
View answerThe Deputy will appreciate that the Garda Commissioner is primarily responsible for the effective and efficient use of the resources available to her, including the formulation of proposals in relation to the opening and closing of Garda Stations, and I, as Minister, have no direct role in this matter.
The 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 dispersal 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 the 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.
87. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to investigate and expedite a Garda Síochána clearance query (details supplied). [11699/16]
View answerI am informed by the Garda Authorities that a Data Protection Access Request in respect of the person referred to was received by the National Vetting Bureau. On 19 May 2016 the application was processed and returned to the individual concerned.
88. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the deployment of members of An Garda Síochána by region, division and district; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11770/16]
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. I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that the allocation of Gardaí is continually monitored and reviewed so as to ensure optimal use is made of Garda human resources. The deployment of members of An Garda Síochána in the various Regions, Divisions and Districts 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 area in question.
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that as of the 31 March 2016, the latest date for which figures are readily available, there were a total of 12,862 members of An Garda Síochána. The specific information on the deployment among the various Regions, Divisions and Districts is currently being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy on completion.
