Written Answers Nos. 129 - 150
129. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the procedure a person (details supplied) must follow to update residency status; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15944/16]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned has already been granted permission to remain in the State for the period to 4th November, 2018. This decision was conveyed in writing to the person concerned by letter date 27th October, 2015. This position is consistent with the permission to remain granted to the mother of the person concerned.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department 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.
130. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the implementation of the recommendations of the working group on improvement to the protection process including the direct provision scheme and support to asylum seekers. [15956/16]
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 more than 30 others 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 a key recommendation of the Report. The single procedure 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.
My Department continues to actively co-ordinate implementation of the Working Group's Report and has also recently engaged with relevant stakeholders to provide a progress update for the 173 recommendations in the Report.
131. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of new vehicles supplied to Garda Síochána stations in the Naas divisional district in the past 24 months; if and when she will supply public order unit vehicles to the Leixlip district in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15958/16]
View answerAs 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 advised by the Garda Authorities that the number of new vehicles assigned to the Kildare Division over the past 24 months is set out as follows:
VEHICLES ALLOCATED TO THE KILDARE DIVISION FROM 1/1/2014 to 10-6-2016
|
CARS |
CARS |
VANS |
MOTORCYCLES |
4 x 4 |
Total |
|
|
MARKED |
UNMARKED |
|||||
|
KILDARE DISTRICT |
9 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
16 |
|
LEIXLIP DISTRICT |
2 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
|
NAAS DISTRICT |
5 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
9 |
|
TOTAL |
16 |
9 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
30 |
I am also 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. In that context, I am advised that a purchase order has been placed for Public Order Vans for the Eastern Region in which the areas the Deputy referred to are located.
132. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality why discrimination cases arising from provisions of social protection legislation are excluded from the remit of the cases that may be investigated by the equality authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15971/16]
View answerOn 1 November 2014, the Equality Authority was merged with the Irish Human Rights Commission to form the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC). IHREC has a very wide mandate from which issues in relation to social welfare legislation are not excluded. However, it may be that the Deputy's Question relates to restrictions on the circumstances in which cases can be taken to the Workplace Relations Commission (which incorporates the former Equality Tribunal). The essential point is that any action mandated or required by legislation is not deemed to be discriminatory. I would refer the Deputy to Section 14(a)(i) of the Equal Status Act 2000 in that regard. As the Deputy will be aware, there is an independent Appeals Office within the Social Protection system which adjudicates on appeals taken in relation to social welfare issues.
133. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of recruits to An Garda Síochána and the number of recruits who dropped out, by district and by station, in 2015 and in 2016 to date. [15972/16]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware the Garda College reopened in September 2014 with the first intake of new recruits since the introduction of the moratorium in 2009. To date there have been seven intakes of Garda trainees, giving a total intake of 700, broken down as follows, 200 in 2014, 350 in 2015 and 150 so far this year. Three further in-takes are scheduled for the remainder of this year including later this month, and in September and November. This will bring the number of new recruits to 1,150 by the end of 2016. So far 463 of the new Garda trainees have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream uniform duties nationwide. Another 76 will attest on the 7 July with 150 more to attest in November. I have requested the specific information sought by the Deputy from the Garda Commissioner concerning the number of new recruits who have left An Garda Síochána and I will write directly to the Deputy when it is to hand.
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. Taking account of projected retirements, the current rate of recruitment 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 am 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.
134. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when she will fill the post of inspector in Bailieborough Garda Síochána station in County Cavan following the relocation of a senior inspector to another neighbouring division (details supplied). [15982/16]
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 taking into account all relevant factors including crime trends, demographics, and security assessments relating to the area in question so as to ensure optimal use is made of Garda human resources.
Appointments to the rank inspector are a matter for the Commissioner under section 14 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005. I am further informed that a competition in accordance with the Garda Síochána (Promotion) Regulations 2006 Regulations for the selection of persons for appointment to the rank of inspector is to be concluded shortly and that the needs of all Garda Divisions will be considered when assigning the successful candidates.
The area mentioned by the Deputy is in the Cavan/Monaghan Division. I am informed by the Commissioner that, on the 30 April 2016, the latest date for which figures are readily available, there were 314 members assigned the Division, of which 62 members were assigned to the Bailieboro Garda District. The following table sets out in detail the rank and location of these members.
The O'Higgins report identified a number of weaknesses in the conduct of Garda investigations in the Cavan Monaghan District of the Garda Síochána in the period 2007/8. I am advised by the Garda Commissioner that under new supervisory arrangements daily Performance Accountability and Learning Framework (PALF) meetings take place at which incidents which have occurred in the previous 24 hours are discussed by the District Superintendent with Gardaí and supervisors. Directions and instructions are provided on matters under investigation. In a further recent development (PULSE Release 6.8) a nominated supervisor is allocated to all matters under investigation. Required actions are marked on associated PULSE incidents under investigation and must be attended to by investigating Gardaí. All incidents are reviewed by managers to ensure all actions and investigations are progressed. The Commissioner has assured me that the new supervisory arrangements in place should ensure that, as far as possible, there is no recurrence of the types of incidents which feature in the O'Higgins report.
CAVAN/MONAGHAN Garda Division 30 April 2016
|
District |
Station |
GD |
SG |
IN |
SU |
CS |
AC |
Total |
|
BAILIEBORO |
29 |
8 |
1 |
38 |
||||
|
BALLYJAMESDUFF |
3 |
1 |
4 |
|||||
|
COOTEHILL |
6 |
6 |
||||||
|
KINGSCOURT |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|||||
|
MULLAGH |
1 |
1 |
||||||
|
SHERCOCK |
1 |
1 |
||||||
|
VIRGINIA |
9 |
1 |
10 |
|||||
|
BAILIEBORO |
TOTAL |
50 |
11 |
1 |
62 |
|||
|
BALLYBAY |
3 |
1 |
4 |
|||||
|
CARRICKMACROSS |
30 |
9 |
1 |
1 |
41 |
|||
|
CASTLEBLANEY |
23 |
5 |
28 |
|||||
|
ROCKCORRY |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|||||
|
CARRICKMACROSS |
TOTAL |
57 |
16 |
1 |
1 |
75 |
||
|
ARVA |
2 |
1 |
3 |
|||||
|
BALLINAGH |
1 |
1 |
||||||
|
BALLYCONNELL |
14 |
2 |
16 |
|||||
|
BELTURBET |
5 |
1 |
6 |
|||||
|
BLACKLION |
2 |
1 |
3 |
|||||
|
CAVAN |
52 |
6 |
1 |
1 |
60 |
|||
|
DOWRA |
1 |
1 |
||||||
|
KILLESHANDRA |
1 |
1 |
||||||
|
KILNALECK |
2 |
1 |
3 |
|||||
|
SWANLINBAR |
1 |
1 |
||||||
|
CAVAN |
TOTAL |
81 |
12 |
1 |
1 |
95 |
||
|
CLONES |
3 |
1 |
4 |
|||||
|
EMYVALE |
2 |
1 |
3 |
|||||
|
MONAGHAN |
56 |
13 |
2 |
2 |
73 |
|||
|
SCOTSTOWN |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|||||
|
MONAGHAN |
TOTAL |
62 |
16 |
2 |
2 |
82 |
||
|
DIVISIONAL TOTAL |
250 |
55 |
4 |
5 |
314 |
136. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of community gardaí in each of the districts of the Naas division in County Kildare; if she will increase the number of community gardaí in these districts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16044/16]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including Community Gardaí, 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 taking into account all relevant factors including crime trends, demographics, and security assessments relating to the area in question so as to ensure optimal use is made of Garda human resources.
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that, as of the 30 April 2016, the latest date for which figures are readily available, there were 311 members assigned to the Kildare Division. Of these 114 are assigned to the Naas District and, while there are currently no Community Gardaí attached to the Naas District, the Commissioner has advised that it is, of course, the case that all Gardaí have a role to play in addressing community policing issues as and when the need arises. In that sense, community policing involves far more than a single unit within An Garda Síochána, a point highlighted by the Garda Inspectorate in their third report entitled "Policing in Ireland—Looking Forward" in which they stated that community policing is a fundamental policing philosophy and that there is a strong foundation for it in Ireland.
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 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 to continue the ongoing accelerated Garda recruitment programme with a view to increasing Garda numbers to 15,000 as well as doubling the Garda Reserve and increasing the number of civilian staff so as to free-up Gardaí for front-line policing.
The Garda Commissioner's Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021, published on 9 June 2016, places a strong emphasis on developing and supporting the community policing ethos of the organisation and enhancing the current delivery model so that Gardaí spend more time in the community, gaining public confidence and trust and providing a greater sense of security. I welcome in particular, the proposal to establish local Community Policing Teams (CPTs) headed by an inspector and made up of Gardaí from across a range of areas to work with the community to prevent and detect crime. The CPTs will take proactive measures to prevent crime from happening in the area. This will entail a combination of crime prevention advice, targeting and disrupting criminals through operations and patrols, and where possible diverting people from committing crime. I also welcome the proposal to establish Community Safety Fora in every District comprising local Gardaí, local communities and key stakeholders. The implementation of these initiatives has started and will be rolled out nationwide.
137. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when the Garda Commissioner's group will conclude a review of the youth diversion programme; the group's members and terms of reference; and when the review will be published. [16053/16]
View answerI am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the review will be completed in the fourth quarter of the year. The Review Group is chaired by retired Judge Gillian Hussey and consists of representatives from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Probation Service, the Irish Youth Justice Service, University College Cork and An Garda Síochána.
The terms of reference of the Review Group are to:
(i) examine the application and administration of the Diversion Programme;
(ii) examine relevant legislation;
(iii) research international best practice on juvenile diversion; and
(iv) make recommendations.
138. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 127 and 171 of 31 May 2016, the manner in which the Irish Youth Justice Service is engaged with An Garda Síochána in relation to the experience of the diversion programme for persons under 18 years of age. [16054/16]
View answerAs indicated in my reply on 31 May 2016, the Irish Youth Justice Service (IYJS) is currently engaged with An Garda Síochána in relation to the recommendation of the Penal Policy Review Group. The National Director of the IYJS has written to the Garda Commissioner asking that consideration be given to the recommendation having regard to the experience of the existing Diversion Programme, including before it was placed on a statutory footing. The Commissioner was also asked to consider the issues arising from An Garda Síochána's perspective and how the recommendation might best be progressed, having regard to the fact that the existing Diversion Programme for young people under eighteen years of age was already the subject of an ongoing review by a group established by the Commissioner. I have provided the Deputy with details of the membership of that group and its terms of reference in my reply to Question No. 137 of today's date. The Deputy will note that the IYJS is represented on the group.
Pending completion of the review of the existing Diversion Programme, the outcome of which will assist with the consideration of the Penal Policy Review Group's recommendation, the IYJS and An Garda Síochána will continue to consider the detailed implications of implementing the recommendation, including for An Garda Síochána and for diversionary projects and programmes that may be required to support the operation of a new Diversion Programme. In this latter regard, the Deputy will be aware that the Programme for Government states that the Government will support the expansion of Local Drug Taskforce projects and Garda Youth Diversion Programmes for young people promoting restorative justice, and other voluntary organisations that contribute to our young people’s future direction.
139. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 109 of 31 May 2016, the officials within her Department tasked with undertaking a review of the funding in relation to Traveller and Roma initiatives for 2017; if she will guarantee that there will be no loss in funding to the sector; when she will complete the review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16056/16]
View answerAs mentioned in the response to the previous Parliamentary Question, the total funding available to my Department in respect of Traveller and Roma initiatives for 2016 is €2,205,000, of which €1,350,000, in respect of funding for Traveller community groups and national-level NGOs, transferred to my Department from the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government on 1 January 2016. This was in addition to a sum of €550,000 which transferred to my Department from the Department of Social Protection (for the Special Initiative for Travellers) on 1 January 2015.
The officials in the Equality Division of my Department will be responsible for the review referred to, which will be completed in time for consideration in the context of the 2017 Estimates process. Details of any adjustments to the current allocation for Traveller and Roma initiatives will be announced in due course in the normal way as part of the 2017 Estimates. As the Deputy will be aware, I am not in a position to pre-empt the 2017 Budget at this stage, but I can say that the new National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy is intended to make a substantial difference to how issues of concern to the Traveller community are addressed, including ensuring a sustained effort to tackle key issues in partnership with Travellers and the organisations that represent them.
140. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of review groups and working groups operating in her Department; the number of reviews they are engaged in and the subjects of these reviews, in tabular form. [16057/16]
View answerI wish to inform the Deputy that it has not been possible to provide the information required in the time available. The information will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is to hand.
141. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number and details of reports and reviews she is waiting for from statutory bodies; and when she will receive these reports [16058/16]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that I am currently awaiting a number of reports from statutory bodies, the details of which are given in the following table:
|
1 |
The Office of the Inspector of Prisons is a statutory independent office established under the Prisons Act, 2007. Since 1 January, 2012, the death of any prisoner in custody or on temporary release is the subject of an independent investigation by the Inspector of Prisons. I understand that there are ongoing investigations into a number of deaths in custody. Once received these reports will be published on my Department's website. |
|
2 |
Pursuant to section 31 of the Prisons Act, 2007 I asked the Inspector of Prisons to carry out an independent investigation into all the circumstances surrounding the recording of telephone conversations between prisoners and their solicitors. I understand that the Inspector's report is nearing completion and will be published when received. |
|
3 |
I have granted a further extension of time to the MacLochlainn Commission of Investigation, which was established to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting of Mr Ronan MacLochlainn by An Garda Síochána in Co. Wicklow in May 1998. On foot of a previous extension, the Commission was due to submit its final report to me by 31 May 2016. However, an application has been made to the High Court by a person who is named in the Commission’s final report, and the Commission must await the conclusion of those court proceedings before presenting its final report to me. The Commission is now required to report to me within one month of the perfection of the final order arising from the High Court proceedings. |
|
4 |
Following publication of the O'Higgins Report, I have requested the Policing Authority, pursuant to Section 62O(6), to prepare a report on the arrangements in relation to protected disclosures in An Garda Síochána. |
|
5 |
In line with Section 36 of the Charities Act 2009, the Charities Regulator is currently preparing a report for me on the topic of Charitable Fund-raising. A Consultative Panel on Fund-raising has been established by the Authority to look into this issue and it is envisaged that this report will be finalised and submitted to me later in the year. |
142. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 156 of 31 May 2016, for further details on the ongoing consideration of the governance arrangements and relationship between her Department and the Irish Prison Service; if she is considering this; if she has examined a proposal to establish the Irish Prison Service as an independent prisons authority on a statutory basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16059/16]
View answerThe position has not changed since my reply to you in Parliamentary Question No.156 of 31 May 2016: "The question of the governance arrangements and relationship between my Department and the Irish Prison Service remains under consideration."
143. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the resources allocated to the money laundering investigation unit of the Garda Síochána Bureau of Fraud Investigation; and the number and rank of gardaí and of civilian staff allocated to this unit. [16060/16]
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 Units 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 taking into account all relevant factors including crime trends, demographics, and security assessments relating to the area in question so as to ensure optimal use is made of Garda human resources.
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that as of the 30 April 2016, the latest date for which figures are readily available, there were 51 members assigned to the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation Division. I have requested from the Commissioner the specific information sought by the Deputy and when this is to hand I will write directly to the Deputy.
144. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of road traffic offences related to alcohol, by Garda Síochána division, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16075/16]
View answer145. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of road traffic deaths related to alcohol, by Garda Síochána division, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16076/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 144 and 145 together.
I have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the matters referred to by the Deputy and will contact the Deputy directly as soon as the report is to hand.
146. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of personnel attached to the Garda Síochána national drugs unit at national, regional and divisional levels; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16077/16]
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 Units 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 taking into account all relevant factors including crime trends, demographics, and security assessments relating to the area in question so as to ensure optimal use is made of Garda human resources.
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that, as of the 30 April 2016, the latest date for which figures are readily available there were 244 members assigned to the various Drugs Units throughout the State. The following table gives a breakdown of the number of Garda members assigned to each unit.
It is important to note that all Gardaí have a responsibility in the prevention and detection of criminal activity whether it be in the area of drug offences or otherwise. I can assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána continues to pro-actively and resolutely tackle all forms of drug crime in this jurisdiction. The Garda National Drugs Unit works closely with dedicated Divisional and District Drug Units and other national units, including the Organised Crime Unit, as well as the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) in targeting persons involved in the illicit sale and supply of drugs.
As the Deputy will be aware, when the financial crisis hit, the Government of the time introduced a moratorium on recruitment and the four year National Recovery Plan, published in 2010, envisaged a steady reduction in Garda numbers. Thankfully, in a recovering economy, we were able to reopen the Garda College in September 2014, and 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 463 of the new Garda trainees have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream uniform duties nationwide. Another 76 will attest on the 7 July with 150 more to attest in November.
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. Taking account of projected retirements, the current rate of recruitment 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 am 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.
|
Drugs Unit Personnel at 30/04/2016 |
|
|
Division |
Total |
|
Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) Sth. Central |
16 |
|
D.M.R. Nth Central |
19 |
|
D.M.R. North |
24 |
|
D.M.R. East |
9 |
|
D.M.R. South |
17 |
|
D.M.R. West |
24 |
|
DMR Region |
109 |
|
Waterford |
5 |
|
Wexford |
6 |
|
Kilkenny/Carlow |
5 |
|
Tipperary |
8 |
|
South Eastern Region |
24 |
|
Cork City |
16 |
|
Cork North |
5 |
|
Cork West |
4 |
|
Kerry |
5 |
|
Limerick |
11 |
|
Southern Region |
41 |
|
Donegal |
7 |
|
Cavan/Monaghan |
0 |
|
Sligo/Leitrim |
6 |
|
Louth |
6 |
|
Northern Region |
19 |
|
Clare |
6 |
|
Mayo |
5 |
|
Galway |
11 |
|
Roscommon/Longford |
6 |
|
Western Region |
28 |
|
Westmeath |
7 |
|
Meath |
4 |
|
Kildare |
8 |
|
Laois/Offaly |
0 |
|
Wicklow |
4 |
|
Eastern Region |
23 |
|
Total |
244 |
147. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the funding provided to the Criminal Assets Bureau in each of the years 2006 to 2016 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16078/16]
View answer148. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the personnel numbers allocated to the Criminal Assets Bureau in each of the years 2006 to 2016 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16079/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 147 and 148 together.
I can inform the Deputy that in accordance with section 21 of the Criminal Assets Bureau Act 1996, an annual report on the activities of the Criminal Assets Bureau is prepared and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. This report sets out matters relating to resources allocated to the Bureau and sets out in detail the activities of the Criminal Assets Bureau during the period.
The Annual Report for 2015 is currently being finalised and will be made available in due course.
For the Deputy's information, the following table sets out funding and personnel numbers allocated to the Criminal Asset Bureau from 2006 to 2016.
|
Year |
Funding |
Staff levels |
|
2016* |
€7,042,000 |
71 |
|
2015* |
€7,073,000 |
71 |
|
2014 |
€6,654,000 |
71 |
|
2013 |
€6.455,000 |
71 |
|
2012 |
€6,410,000 |
70 |
|
2011 |
€6,673,000 |
70 |
|
2010 |
€6,531,000 |
69 |
|
2009 |
€6,877,000 |
69 |
|
2008 |
€7,509,000 |
68 |
|
2007 |
€5,108,000 |
59 |
|
2006 |
€5,205,000 |
55 |
* Budget allocation figures only pending publication of final expenditure figures.
149. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the funding provided and personnel allocated to the Garda Síochána divisional profiles unit in each of the years 2006 to 2016 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16080/16]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner has responsibility for the distribution of resources, including personnel and budgets, and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the information requested by the Deputy regarding the resources available to the Criminal Assets Bureau in terms of manpower, including Divisional Profilers and budgets, are published in the Annual Reports of the Bureau which are publicly available online, for each of the years since the establishment of the Bureau.
I understand that to achieve nationwide coverage, the Criminal Assets Bureau has for some considerable time maintained a presence in each of the Garda Divisions through the operation of the Divisional Assets Profiler Programme.
Under this Programme asset profilers are providing a criminal asset profiling service across the Garda Divisions in relation to persons or suspects operating within the area, with particular reference to those involved in serious and organised crime. The Bureau utilises the local knowledge supplied to it by the asset profilers which allows the Bureau to target the proceeds of crime in local communities. They also assist the Bureau with preparatory groundwork in advance of a full investigation and have recourse to the expertise and advice of the Bureau.
In this context, I am informed by the Garda authorities that, as at end April 2016, the most recent date for which figures are available, the number of trained Garda Asset Profilers is 200 as well as 15 Revenue Customs and 3 Social Protection trained asset profilers making a total of 218 operating throughout the country.
150. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of security screening in prisons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16081/16]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Prison Service that a wide range of security measures, including security screening, are operational across the Prison estate.
The Operational Support Group (OSG) oversees the Security Screening Unit, the Canine Unit and the Operational Support Unit, and has responsibility for screening all persons entering the prison, using scanning equipment such as airport style walk through detectors. X-ray scanners are also provided in each closed prison and all hand bags, briefcases, packages, coats etc. are subject to screening. Stricter searching is carried out on all persons committed to custody and prisoners returning from court, temporary release, after visits or on receipt of intelligence.
Other security measures include the installation of nets over exercise yards to prevent access to contraband items, including mobile phones and drugs. The use of phone detectors and blocking technology, the introduction of hand held metal detectors and the introduction of Body Orifice Security Scanner (BOSS) Chairs are also used to prevent access to contraband in prisons. The introduction of booked visits, greater use of screened visits, greater vigilance in examining mail by prison censors and searching of other items entering the prison also contribute to preventing the entry of contraband into prisons.
On 6 July 2015 the Irish Prison Service launched the Irish Prison Service Confidential anti-trafficking telephone line. The telephone line was introduced to provide Staff, members of the general public and prisoners with a means to call the Prison Service with information about any matter relating to smuggling or attempts at smuggling of prohibited articles such as drugs, weapon and mobile phones.
