Written Answers Nos. 124-139
124. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she can confirm that all Traveller and Roma children's names who were erroneously added to the PULSE system in the past have been removed from the system; if she has discussed this matter with the Garda Commissioner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22445/16]
View answer125. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of children under five years of age who have had a PULSE file entry and ascribed a criminal intelligence number separate from a parent or guardian during each of the past four years. [22446/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 124 and 125 together.
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that a full review of entries on the PULSE system, including records of any person under 12 years of age remains ongoing. Remedial action is taken in respect of any entry on PULSE which is identified as not conforming to the standards and principles of the Data Protection legislation.
I am further advised, and it is important to understand this, that the allocation of a PULSE identification number should not be taken to automatically infer any link to criminality. Therefore, the recording of a person's details on PULSE must be considered in the context of each entry which seeks to describe the circumstances of the interaction with An Garda Síochána. For example, this could include an entry on the system as a result of the person being an injured party or as a witness to an incident as well as where a person is a suspect or a suspected offender. Essentially, a PULSE identification number is intended to be a unique identifier for any future interactions, of any nature, that the person may have with An Garda Síochána.
With regard to the information requested by the Deputy relating to children under five years of age who have a PULSE file entry and have been ascribed a criminal intelligence number separate from a parent or guardian during each of the past four years, I am informed that this specific information is not available.
126. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí based in Finglas Garda station; the number of Garda vehicles available to them during each of the past six years; and the most up-to-date figures for same. [22508/16]
View answer127. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí based in Santry Garda station; the number of Garda vehicles available to them during each of the past six years; and the most up-to-date figures for same. [22509/16]
View answer128. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí based in Ballymun Garda station; the number of Garda vehicles available to them during each of the past six years; and the most up-to-date figures for same. [22510/16]
View answer129. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí assigned to K District of DMR west division of An Garda Síochána, Dublin; the number of Garda vehicles available to them during each of the past six years; and the most up-to-date figures for same. [22511/16]
View answer130. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí assigned to H District of DMR north division of An Garda Síochána, Dublin; the number of Garda vehicles available to them during each of the past six years; and the most up-to-date figures for same. [22512/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 126 to 130, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and Districts. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources. The specific information on the number of Gardaí in the Ballymun ("H") District, which includes Santry and Ballymun Garda stations, and the Blanchardstown ("K") District, which includes Finglas Garda station, on the 31 May 2016, the latest date for which figures are readily available, is as set out in the table below.
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 851 Garda trainees have been recruited with a further 300 planned to be recruited during the remainder of this year. So far 534 of the new Garda trainees have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream uniform duties nationwide with another 150 more planned 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 relation to the number of Garda vehicles available in the Ballymun ("H") and Blanchardstown ("K") Districts during each of the past six years and the most up to date figures for same, I have requested these details from the Garda Commissioner and will forward them to the Deputy on receipt.
GARDA DISTRIBUTION IN "H" & "K" DISTRICTS 31 MAY 2016
|
DISTRICT |
STATION |
TOTAL |
|
BALLYMUN "H" |
BALLYMUN |
121 |
|
DUBLIN AIRPORT |
20 |
|
|
SANTRY |
82 |
|
|
BALLYMUN Total |
223 |
|
|
BLANCHARDSTOWN "K" |
BLANCHARDSTOWN |
150 |
|
CABRA |
65 |
|
|
FINGLAS |
103 |
|
|
BLANCHARDSTOWN Total |
318 |
131. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of community gardaí based in Finglas Garda station, Dublin, during each of the past six years; and the most up-to-date figures for same. [22513/16]
View answer132. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of community gardaí based in Santry Garda station, Dublin during each of the past six years; and the most up-to-date figures for same. [22514/16]
View answer133. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of community gardaí based in Ballymun Garda station, Dublin during each of the past six years; and the most up-to-date figures for same. [22515/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 131 to 133, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and Districts. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources. The specific information on the number of Community Gardaí in Finglas, Santry and Ballymun on the 31 December 2010 - 2015, and on the 31 May 2016, the latest date for which figures are readily available, is as set out in the table below.
Of course, it is 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 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.
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 851 Garda trainees have been recruited with a further 300 planned to be recruited during the remainder of this year. So far 534 of the new Garda trainees have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream uniform duties nationwide with another 150 more planned to attest in November.
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. Community policing, and all other Garda activities, will undoubtedly benefit from the resources now coming on stream through the accelerated Garda recruitment programme.
Community Police
|
Station |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
*2016 |
|
Finglas |
16 |
17 |
15 |
11 |
12 |
12 |
12 |
|
Santry |
6 |
6 |
11 |
8 |
6 |
4 |
4 |
|
Ballymun |
15 |
15 |
12 |
10 |
8 |
6 |
8 |
*31 May 2016
134. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when the Government will formally recognise Traveller ethnicity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22572/16]
View answerThe issue of Traveller ethnicity is being considered within the context of discussions on the new National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy. The final phase of a three phase consultative process in terms of the development of that Inclusion Strategy is currently underway at a cross-Departmental level under the coordination of my officials. There will be a further round of public consultations with interested parties, as part of that process, in September 2016.
It is important that the discussion on this issue be an inclusive one, including members of broader Irish society, so that we can develop a greater understanding within society in general of the issue. I have initiated discussion with Traveller organisations as to how the involvement of mainstream Irish society in the discussion can be taken forward in the context of the finalisation of the new Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy.
135. Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí deployed as part of the Marlay Park concerts; the cost to the State of these deployments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22590/16]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and Districts, and I as Minister have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keep the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.
I have been advised by the Garda authorities that, in preparing for the five days of concerts (held between Friday, 8 July, 2016 and Sunday, 17 July, 2016) in Marlay Park, An Garda Síochána held a number of meetings with the event organisers to ensure that appropriate measures were in place for the management of the events and to ensure the safety of those attending. Local Garda management conducted risk-assessments appropriate for each concert taking into consideration the attendance profile, band/entertainer profile and other matters considered relevant. A full operational policing plan and event management plan was prepared by An Garda Síochána and the event organisers prior to each event and reviewed accordingly afterwards.
The Garda authorities have further advised me that local Garda management is satisfied that there were adequate and sufficient Garda personnel deployed to effectively police these events. As the events were held relatively recently, the specific details requested by the Deputy are not readily to hand and I will revert directly to the Deputy when they become available.
136. Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda stations in Limerick city; the number of gardaí deployed in each of these stations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22591/16]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of personnel and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. I am advised that Garda management keeps 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 26 stations on 31 May 2016 with 550 members assigned to the Limerick 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 information requested overleaf for the record.
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 851 Garda trainees have been recruited with a further 300 planned to be recruited during the remainder of this year. So far, 534 of the new Garda trainees have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream uniform duties nationwide with another 150 more planned to attest in November. Of these, 12 newly attested members have been assigned to the Limerick Garda Division.
The Programme for 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.
LIMERICK DIVISION 31 MAY 2016
|
DISTRICT |
STATION |
TOTAL |
|
BALLYLANDERS |
1 |
|
|
BRUFF |
26 |
|
|
BRUREE |
1 |
|
|
CAPPAMORE |
3 |
|
|
HOSPITAL |
2 |
|
|
KILMALLOCK |
6 |
|
|
MURROE |
2 |
|
|
BRUFF |
PALLASGREEN |
2 |
|
BRUFF Total |
43 |
|
|
ARDNACRUSHA |
3 |
|
|
CASTLECONNELL |
4 |
|
|
HENRY STREET |
234 |
|
|
HENRY STREET |
MAYORSTONE PARK |
68 |
|
HENRY STREET Total |
309 |
|
|
ABBEYFEALE |
8 |
|
|
ADARE |
2 |
|
|
ASKEATON |
10 |
|
|
ATHEA |
1 |
|
|
CROOM |
3 |
|
|
DRUMCOLLOGHER |
2 |
|
|
FOYNES |
2 |
|
|
NEWCASTLE WEST |
37 |
|
|
PALLASKENRY |
1 |
|
|
NEWCASTLE WEST |
RATHKEALE |
10 |
|
NEWCASTLE WEST Total |
76 |
|
|
BALLYNEETY |
2 |
|
|
CAHERCONLISH |
2 |
|
|
PATRICKSWELL |
2 |
|
|
ROXBORO ROAD |
ROXBORO ROAD |
116 |
|
ROXBORO ROAD Total |
122 |
|
|
LIMERICK DIVISION TOTAL |
550 |
137. Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí employed in Tallaght Garda station, Dublin 24; and the breakdown between rank and file. [22592/16]
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.
Tallaght Garda station forms part of the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) South Division. I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that on 31 May 2016, the latest date for which figures are readily available, there were 175 members assigned to Tallaght Garda station - 150 Gardaí, 21 Sergeants, 3 Inspectors and 1 Superintendent.
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 851 Garda trainees have been recruited with a further 300 planned to be recruited during the remainder of this year. So far 534 of the new Garda trainees have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream uniform duties nationwide with another 150 more planned to attest in November. Of these, 40 newly attested members have been assigned to the DMR South Garda Division.
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.
138. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to introduce a provision for automatic case review in instances where a person has issued proceedings for defamation but cannot secure a timely hearing date for reasons beyond the person's control, such as a backlog in the courts or obstruction by the defendant. [22621/16]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware the courts are, subject only to the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions and I have no role in the matter.
However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and I am informed that this question is exclusively within the control of the judiciary. The Courts Service has informed me that the waiting time for the hearing of defamation cases from the date a case is ready for hearing is typically 4 months.
139. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the arrangements in place for a person who is on a visitor's visa from South Africa living with a family member here and has developed a long-term illness and wishes to remain here with this family member; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22669/16]
View answerI have been advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that it is not the general policy of INIS to extend visitor permission in the State. This applies to both visa required and non-visa required nationals. It is only in cases where a person's circumstances have changed since the grant of the visa or entry to the State that an application for an extension of visitor's permission will be considered. An example of this would be an unexpected illness of either the visitor or the family member they are visiting. If there has been an unexpected change in the circumstances of the visitor, that could not have been foreseen before entering the State, then an application for an extension of visitor’s permission can be made.
If there is a compelling need in unexpected circumstances for the visitor to extend their visitor permission beyond the 90 days they should make an application in writing to:
Residence Division
Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS)
PO Box 12695
Dublin 2
The application must include the following information:
1. A full copy of the person’s current passport showing how they entered the State and the entry stamp
2. A detailed account of the reason for the request including documentary supporting evidence e.g. medical reports
3. How much extra time is required?
4. Any family members resident in the State and their current circumstances ie. studying or working
5. Any other information considered important to the application
6. Evidence of private medical insurance (if request is on medical grounds)
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by email 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 email service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
