Written Answers Nos. 48-57
48. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda Síochána stations, and the number of gardaí in each, in County Galway on 30 April 2011 and on 30 April 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17089/16]
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 53 stations on 30 April 2011 with 607 members assigned to the Galway Garda Division. On 30 April 2016 there were 43 stations in the Galway Garda Division with 558 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 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, 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. I am assured by the Commissioner that the needs of all Garda Divisions are fully considered when determining the allocation of newly attested Gardaí and that 5 newly attested Gardaí have been assigned to the Galway Garda Division to date.
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.
My officials are also engaging with Garda management 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 Garda without compromising the quality of the training and supervision of new recruits.
Division of Galway 30 April 2016: Total = 558
|
GALWAY |
BALLINASLOE |
AHASCRAGH |
Members |
|
558 |
BALLINASLOE |
40 |
|
|
BALLYGAR |
1 |
||
|
CREGGS |
1 |
||
|
KILCONNELL |
1 |
||
|
MOUNT BELLEW |
7 |
||
|
MOYLOUGH |
1 |
||
|
BALLINASLOE Total |
52 |
||
|
CLIFDEN |
AN MÁM |
3 |
|
|
CARNA |
2 |
||
|
CLIFDEN |
26 |
||
|
CLOCH NA RÓN |
1 |
||
|
LETTERFRACK |
1 |
||
|
SRAITH SALACH |
1 |
||
|
CLIFDEN Total |
34 |
||
|
GALWAY |
ATHENRY |
5 |
|
|
GAILLIMH |
212 |
||
|
LOUGH GEORGE |
1 |
||
|
MONIVEA |
1 |
||
|
ÓRÁN MÓR |
41 |
||
|
GALWAY Total |
260 |
||
|
LOUGHREA |
CRAUGHWELL |
4 |
|
|
EYRECOURT |
1 |
||
|
GORT |
28 |
||
|
KILLIMOR |
1 |
||
|
KILRICKLE |
1 |
||
|
KINVARA |
2 |
||
|
LOUGHREA |
33 |
||
|
PORTUMNA |
7 |
||
|
WOODFORD |
1 |
||
|
LOUGHREA Total |
78 |
||
|
SALTHILL |
AN CHEATHRÚ RUA |
5 |
|
|
AN SPIDÉAL |
2 |
||
|
CILL RÓNÁIN |
4 |
||
|
INDREABHÁN |
1 |
||
|
LEITIR MÓIR |
1 |
||
|
MAIGH CUILINN |
1 |
||
|
ROS MUC |
1 |
||
|
SALTHILL |
51 |
||
|
UACHTARARD |
3 |
||
|
SALTHILL Total |
69 |
||
|
TUAM |
BARNADERG |
1 |
|
|
COROFIN |
1 |
||
|
DUNMORE |
6 |
||
|
GLENAMADDY |
1 |
||
|
HEADFORD |
2 |
||
|
TUAM |
53 |
||
|
WILLIAMSTOWN |
1 |
||
|
TUAM Total |
65 |
Division of Galway 30 April 2011: Total = 607
|
Division |
District |
Station |
Members |
|
BALLINASLOE |
47 |
||
|
BALLYGAR |
2 |
||
|
CREGGS |
1 |
||
|
KILCONNELL |
1 |
||
|
MENLOUGH |
1 |
||
|
MOUNT BELLEW |
10 |
||
|
MOYLOUGH |
1 |
||
|
GALWAY |
BALLINASLOE |
Total |
63 |
|
CARNA |
2 |
||
|
CLIFDEN |
30 |
||
|
LENNAUN |
1 |
||
|
LETTERFRACK |
1 |
||
|
MAAM |
2 |
||
|
RECESS |
1 |
||
|
ROUNDSTONE |
1 |
||
|
CLIFDEN |
Total |
38 |
|
|
ATHENRY |
5 |
||
|
CARN DOLLA |
1 |
||
|
GALWAY |
216 |
||
|
LOUGH GEORGE |
1 |
||
|
MONIVEA |
1 |
||
|
ORANMORE |
34 |
||
|
GALWAY |
Total |
258 |
|
|
ARDRAHAN |
1 |
||
|
CRAUGHWELL |
6 |
||
|
GORT |
31 |
||
|
KILCHREEST |
1 |
||
|
KILCOLGAN |
1 |
||
|
KINVARA |
2 |
||
|
SHANAGLISH |
1 |
||
|
GORT |
Total |
43 |
|
|
EYRECOURT |
1 |
||
|
KILRICKLE |
1 |
||
|
LOUGHREA |
39 |
||
|
NEW INN |
1 |
||
|
PORTUMNA |
8 |
||
|
TYNAGH |
1 |
||
|
WOODFORD |
1 |
||
|
LOUGHREA |
Total |
52 |
|
|
CARRAROE |
4 |
||
|
CILL RONAIN |
3 |
||
|
INVERIN |
1 |
||
|
LEITIR MOR |
1 |
||
|
MOYCULLEN |
2 |
||
|
ROS MUC |
1 |
||
|
SALTHILL |
58 |
||
|
SPIDDLE |
3 |
||
|
UACHTARARD |
6 |
||
|
SALTHILL |
Total |
79 |
|
|
BALLYMOE |
1 |
||
|
BARNADERG |
1 |
||
|
COROFIN |
2 |
||
|
DUNMORE |
6 |
||
|
GLENAMADDY |
1 |
||
|
HEADFORD |
5 |
||
|
KILCONLY |
1 |
||
|
MILLTOWN |
1 |
||
|
TUAM |
55 |
||
|
WILLIAMSTOWN |
1 |
||
|
TUAM |
Total |
74 |
49. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her discussions with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on establishing a system for processing applications for asylum by unaccompanied minors in Calais and Dunkirk in France; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17107/16]
View answerThe ongoing migration crisis is a serious and extremely complex challenge facing the EU with numerous pressure points and it is important that there be a coherent and coordinated response. In that respect I do not see that a unilateral initiative from Ireland would be appropriate in this case, not least given the fact that this is a delicate situation involving the borders between two other Member States. We also need to bear in mind that a defining characteristic of the people in Calais and Dunkirk has been their very strong desire to go to the UK as their ultimate destination and that this is unlikely to change. Persons who are currently in another EU Member State, including those in the camps in Calais and Dunkirk, and who are in need of international protection, are entitled to make an application for asylum in that country, should they wish to do so.
I share the concerns in relation to unaccompanied minors as an especially vulnerable group and expect this issue to remain high on the agenda at EU level. As regards unaccompanied minors in the State, statutory responsibility for the care of unaccompanied minors in Ireland rests with Tusla, the Child and Family Agency.
As I informed the Deputy in my response to Parliamentary Question No. 64 of 17 May, 2016, staff of my Department, including staff working on the Irish Refugee Protection Programme, are in routine ongoing contact with colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on a range of issues relating to the Relocation Programme. This contact extends to issues relating to the wider migration crisis.
50. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the numbers in the prison population; the main categories under which current prisoners are incarcerated; and if she has projected a decrease or an increase in the prison population in the next five years. [17112/16]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that the Irish Prison Service publish the capacity of its prisons and the numbers in custody on a daily basis on their website (www.irishprisons.ie).
I can further advise that a breakdown of the offence groups for which individuals were incarcerated on 31 May 2016, the latest date for which an offence breakdown is available, is included in a table.
|
Offence Group Description |
|
|
GP01 Homicide Offences |
448 |
|
GP02 Sexual Offences |
397 |
|
GP03 Attempts/Threat to Murder |
575 |
|
GP04 Dangerous or Negligent Acts |
100 |
|
GP05 Kidnapping and Related Offences |
43 |
|
GP06 Robbery, Extortion and Hijacking Offences |
126 |
|
GP07 Burglary and Related Offences |
374 |
|
GP08 Theft and Related Offences |
792 |
|
GP09 Fraud, Deception and Related Offences |
65 |
|
GP10 Controlled Drug Offences |
417 |
|
GP11 Weapons and Explosives Offences |
138 |
|
GP12 Damage to Property and the Environment |
80 |
|
GP13 Public Order and Social Code Offences |
50 |
|
GP14 Road and Traffic Offences |
59 |
|
GP15 Offences re Gov, Justice and Organ Crime |
68 |
|
GP16 Offences Not Elsewhere Classified |
30 |
|
Grand Total |
3762 |
My Department is currently examining the possibility and feasibility of conducting a long term prisoner population project.
51. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans in respect of commencing the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17139/16]
View answerAs previously conveyed to the House, preparations for the phased commencement of the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015 are already underway. A necessary first step in preparation for these commencements is the appointment of the Legal Services Regulatory Authority after which the Authority will appoint its own Chief Executive. I can confirm that nominations to the new Legal Services Regulatory Authority have been received from the relevant nominating bodies as set out in the Legal Services Regulation Act. The appointment by Government of the relevant nominees under the various criteria set out in the Act will then be subject to approval by resolution of both Houses of the Oireachtas. The Government will appoint one of the lay members of the Authority, which will also have a lay majority, to be Chairperson. Preparations are also being made in support of the public recruitment, by the new Regulatory Authority, of its Chief Executive whose terms and functions are similarly set out in the 2015 Act. A start-up support team is being established and a suitable premises is being identified from which the new Authority can commence its operations.
These are the initial steps that will enable the members and Chief Executive of the new Regulatory Authority to spear-head the coming into operation of the new legal services regulatory regime. This stage will also include the phased commencement of the Parts of the Act such as those dealing with legal costs, the new Office of the Legal Costs Adjudicator, the Roll of Practising Barristers and Pre-Action Protocols. Under section 7 of the 2015 Act, I will also, by order, appoint a day to be the establishment day for the purposes of the Act.
Following establishment of the Authority and appointment of a Chief Executive the key provisions centred around Part 6 of the Act dealing with the new public complaints and professional conduct and disciplinary procedures, and the appointment of the new Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal, will be commenced. The managed commencement of these functions is planned for the Autumn in order to allow adequate time and preparation to ensure their effectiveness and success as crucial components of the new regulatory framework. It should be noted that, under the relevant transitional provisions contained in the 2015 Act, complaints already made to the Law Society under the Solicitors Acts will be brought to completion under that framework and existing law.
In support of the planned and managed commencement of the relevant Parts of the 2015 Act proposed, as I have outlined, between now and the end of this year, an allocation of €1 million has been made under the Justice Vote for 2016 as set-up support for the new Regulatory Authority. Any funding advanced from this allocation will be provided on a recoupable basis. As an independent corporate body under statute the new Authority will have the power to manage the conduct of its affairs and its finances. Once in operation, the new regulatory regime will be self-funding by means of a levy on the regulated legal professions. The levy will be applied under the terms set out for that specific purpose in Part 7 of the 2015 Act.
52. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the supports in place for children who are housed in direct provision units throughout the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14831/16]
View answerAll children living in direct provision accommodation are in the company of their parents or legal guardians - there are no unaccompanied minors in direct provision accommodation as they are the legal responsibility of Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. These parents and guardians have the primary responsibility for the care and welfare of their children who reside with them and in that respect the safety of all residents – especially children – is at the forefront of RIA’s operations. RIA affords the highest priority to the safeguarding and protection of children and is fully compliant with all relevant legislative requirements. The Child and Family Services Unit in RIA includes a suitably qualified member of staff on secondment from Tusla and the role of the unit is to manage, deliver, coordinate, monitor and plan all matters relating to child and family services for all residents in the direct provision system.
RIA's Child Protection and Welfare Policy is based on the Department of Children and Youth Affairs' “Children First - National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children”. This guidance document was developed to assist people in identifying and reporting child abuse and welfare concerns. The protection and welfare policy emphasises that the needs of children and families must be central to child care, child protection and welfare. RIA's policy was reviewed and updated in 2014 and now contains a practice document to make it more user friendly. This document is published on RIA’s website www.ria.gov.ie.
Each accommodation centre has a designated Child Protection Liaison Person who has undertaken Children First – Keeping Safe Training. When a child protection or welfare incident arises in a RIA centre it is the function of that Liaison Person to contact the local Social Work Team to inform it of his or her concern and to liaise with the RIA Child and Family Services Unit.
RIA's Child Protection and Welfare Policy complements other child related policies and procedures in place, viz:
- Garda Vetting Policy. All staff in centres under contract to RIA are Garda vetted.
- RIA Policy and Practice Document on safeguarding RIA residents against Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence & Harassment.
- RIA Code of Practice for Persons Working in Accommodation Centres and RIA Staff.
- Policy on Accommodation of Aged Out Minors in RIA Accommodation Centres.
Apart from the foregoing, main stream education and health services are provided to children and many centres have pre-school groups, after school clubs and other related activities for the benefit of children.
53. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will bring forward an expanded recruitment programme in order to ensure that numbers in An Garda Síochána will rise to 15,000 over five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17123/16]
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.
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.
The Programme for Government, "A Programme for a Partnership Government" commits to continuing 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.
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 training programme, and to provide appropriate supervision and support to newly qualified Gardaí to ensure that victims, and the public generally, are well served by their policing service. My officials are also engaging with Garda management 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. I expect to be in position to bring my proposals in this regard to Government before the Summer.
54. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will bring unaccompanied children here as part of the Irish refugee protection programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17110/16]
View answerThe Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP) was established by Government decision on 10 September 2015 as a direct response to the humanitarian crisis that developed in Southern Europe as a consequence of mass migration from areas of conflict in the Middle East and Africa. In announcing the Programme, the Government assigned special priority to the plight of unaccompanied children. However, as has been widely reported, the pace of the relocation programme in Ireland and across the European Union has been hampered by significant operational delays and technical issues due to the sheer numbers involved and other logistical difficulties that have arisen at migration hotspots.
A team of officials from my Department, including the Director of the Irish Refugee Protection Programme, travelled to Greece earlier this month to meet with Irish embassy officials and relevant Greek authorities both to signal Ireland's tangible willingness to assist and to identify ways of addressing the obstacles that have arisen. The outcome of that visit has been very positive and the Greek authorities have now confirmed that, within the coming months, they will be able to increase significantly the numbers available to Ireland. In making this commitment, the Greek authorities also signalled that they will be in a position to include small numbers of unaccompanied minors among the groups being allocated. This will greatly facilitate Ireland’s efforts to meet the targets foreseen in last September's Government decision and fulfil our commitment to prioritise unaccompanied minors.
In the wake of these developments, discussions regarding the practical arrangements for taking unaccompanied minors into the State via the relocation mechanism have intensified between senior officials of my Department and Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. Tusla, which operates under the auspices of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, has statutory responsibility for the care of unaccompanied minors in the State and is represented on the cross-departmental Taskforce established by Government to oversee implementation of the IRPP. I look forward to their input on this important issue at the next meeting of the Taskforce which takes place on 27th June.
55. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her views on the recently reported contention by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission that the timing of Garda Síochána searches of suspects' residences at 3.15 a.m. is unreasonable; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17126/16]
View answerThe execution of search warrants is entirely a matter for the Garda Commissioner and I have no role in deciding when search warrants are executed. That said, I am aware of the issue to which the Deputy refers in his question and am advised by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) that the particular issue arose from a recommendation made by GSOC to the Garda Commissioner in relation to a particular case. It follows a report issued by the Law Reform Commission relating to the execution of search warrants and bench warrants which recommended that the Gardaí should adopt a code of practice in relation to search warrants.
As the Deputy will appreciate, there are many factors to be considered in the timing of the execution of a search warrant and it is a matter for the Garda Síochána to determine in the particular circumstances when it is appropriate to do so. There will be cases where it is essential that a search warrant is executed without delay, no matter what the time of day or night. For example, it would be highly undesirable that a search be delayed where there was a genuine fear that the life or well being of any person was in jeopardy. Equally, the timing of a search may be critical where it is believed that evidence of a criminal act may be lost if there is a delay in conducting a search.
It is clear that the timing of searches is a complex issue where a balance must be struck that respects the rights of individuals while ensuring that the criminal justice system can operate to protect citizens and successfully prosecute offenders.
56. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda Síochána stations and the number of gardaí in each in County Meath on 30 April 2011 and on 30 April 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17093/16]
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 30 April 2011 with 308 members assigned to the Meath Division. On 30 April 2016 there were 16 stations in the Meath Division with 283 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 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, 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. I am assured by the Commissioner that the needs of all Garda Divisions are fully considered when determining the allocation of newly attested Gardaí and that 16 newly attested Gardaí have been assigned to the Meath Garda Division to date.
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.
My officials are also engaging with Garda management 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 Garda without compromising the quality of the training and supervision of new recruits.
Meath 30 April 2016: Total = 283
|
Division |
District |
Station |
Members |
|
MEATH |
ASHBOURNE |
ASHBOURNE |
49 |
|
DULEEK |
4 |
||
|
DUNBOYNE |
17 |
||
|
DUNSHAUGHLIN |
17 |
||
|
LAYTOWN |
21 |
||
|
ASHBOURNE Total |
108 |
||
|
KELLS |
BAILE ÁTHA BUÍ |
5 |
|
|
KELLS |
39 |
||
|
OLDCASTLE |
3 |
||
|
KELLS Total |
47 |
||
|
NAVAN |
NAVAN |
83 |
|
|
NOBBER |
4 |
||
|
SLANE |
4 |
||
|
NAVAN Total |
91 |
||
|
TRIM |
BALLIVOR |
2 |
|
|
ENFIELD |
4 |
||
|
LONGWOOD |
1 |
||
|
SUMMERHILL |
2 |
||
|
TRIM |
28 |
||
|
TRIM Total |
37 |
Meath 30 April 2011: Total = 308
|
Division |
District |
Station |
Members |
|
ASHBOURNE |
48 |
||
|
DUNBOYNE |
14 |
||
|
DUNSHAUGHLIN |
22 |
||
|
ASHBOURNE |
Total |
84 |
|
|
ATHBOY |
5 |
||
|
CROSSAKEEL |
1 |
||
|
KELLS |
53 |
||
|
OLDCASTLE |
4 |
||
|
KELLS |
Total |
63 |
|
|
DULEEK |
4 |
||
|
LAYTOWN |
25 |
||
|
LAYTOWN |
Total |
29 |
|
|
NAVAN |
76 |
||
|
NOBBER |
4 |
||
|
SLANE |
4 |
||
|
NAVAN |
Total |
84 |
|
|
BALLIVOR |
3 |
||
|
ENFIELD |
7 |
||
|
KILMESSAN |
1 |
||
|
LONGWOOD |
1 |
||
|
SUMMERHILL |
3 |
||
|
TRIM |
33 |
||
|
TRIM |
Total |
48 |
|
|
MEATH |
57. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda Síochána stations and the number of gardaí in each in Cork city on 30 April 2011 and on 30 April 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17085/16]
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 16 stations on 30 April 2011 with 695 members assigned to the Cork City Division. On 30 April 2016 there were 16 stations in the Cork City Division with 647 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, 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. I am assured by the Commissioner that the needs of all Garda Divisions are fully considered when determining the allocation of newly attested Gardaí and that 10 newly attested Gardaí have been assigned to the Cork City Garda Division to date.
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.
My officials are also engaging with Garda management 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 Garda without compromising the quality of the training and supervision of new recruits.
CORK CITY DIVISION 30 APRIL 2016
|
DISTRICT |
STATION |
GARDAÍ |
|
ANGLESEA STREET |
271 |
|
|
BLACKROCK |
25 |
|
|
BRIDEWELL |
29 |
|
|
ANGLESEA STREET |
TOTAL |
325 |
|
BALLINCOLLIG |
21 |
|
|
BLARNEY |
18 |
|
|
CARRIG NA BHFEAR |
1 |
|
|
GURRANABRAHER |
52 |
|
|
GURRANABRAHER |
TOTAL |
92 |
|
GLANMIRE |
19 |
|
|
MAYFIELD |
50 |
|
|
WATERCOURSE ROAD |
47 |
|
|
MAYFIELD |
TOTAL |
116 |
|
BISHOPSTOWN |
21 |
|
|
CARRIGALINE |
19 |
|
|
CROSSHAVEN |
2 |
|
|
DOUGLAS |
22 |
|
|
PASSAGE WEST |
2 |
|
|
TOGHER |
48 |
|
|
TOGHER |
TOTAL |
114 |
|
DIVISIONAL TOTAL |
647 |
CORK CITY DIVISION 30 APRIL 2011
|
DISTRICT |
STATION |
GARDAÍ |
|
ANGLESEA STREET |
278 |
|
|
BARRACK STREET |
21 |
|
|
BLACKROCK |
28 |
|
|
BRIDEWELL |
23 |
|
|
ANGLESEA STREET |
Total |
350 |
|
BALLINCOLLIG |
24 |
|
|
BLARNEY |
16 |
|
|
GURRANABRAHER |
58 |
|
|
RATHDUFF GRENAGH |
2 |
|
|
GURRANABRAHER |
Total |
100 |
|
MALLOW ROAD |
4 |
|
|
MAYFIELD |
54 |
|
|
WATERCOURSE ROAD |
52 |
|
|
MAYFIELD |
Total |
110 |
|
BISHOPSTOWN |
21 |
|
|
CARRIGALINE |
20 |
|
|
CROSSHAVEN |
3 |
|
|
DOUGLAS |
27 |
|
|
PASSAGE WEST |
4 |
|
|
TOGHER |
60 |
|
|
TOGHER |
Total |
135 |
|
Total |
695 |
