Tuesday, 15 Nov 2016

Commissions of Investigation

Questions (101)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

101. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she proposes to take action to enable GSOC complete its investigation into matters arising from the O'Higgins commission of investigation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34837/16]

View answer

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

As the Deputy is aware, on 16 June 2016 I made a referral to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission under section 102(5) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 concerning certain allegations which arose following the publication of the final report of the O'Higgins Commission of Investigation.

Obviously I have to be careful not to say anything which might interfere with the investigation currently underway by GSOC. As the Deputy is aware, the Chairperson of GSOC wrote to me seeking access to certain records of the O’Higgins Commission of Investigation. In view of the provisions of the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004 concerning confidentiality of evidence given before a Commission of Investigation, I sought the advice of the Attorney General on the matter. Having received the Attorney General's advice I wrote to the Chairperson of GSOC pointing out that access to the records in question can be sought through an application to court for an order directing that the material be provided. So, I would say to the Deputy that I have taken what action is open to me at this stage to assist GSOC to complete its investigation. It is now a matter for GSOC how to proceed.

While the granting of any such order is a matter for the Courts, I will, of course, comply with any such court order, if it is made.

Accordingly, as the GSOC investigation is on-going, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the matter.

Garda Deployment

Questions (102)

Eamon Scanlon

Question:

102. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda stations and the number of gardaí in each station in counties Sligo and Leitrim on 31 October 2010 and on 31 October 2016; the proportion of the proposed 800 additional recruits in 2017 that are likely to be assigned to counties Sligo and Leitrim; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34730/16]

View answer

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

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. To make this a reality for all, the Government has in place a plan to achieve an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. In 2017, funding has been provided for the recruitment of 800 Garda recruits and up to 500 civilians to support the wide ranging reform plan in train in An Garda Síochána. Appointments will also be made to the Garda Reserve of approximately 300.

Taking account of projected retirements, reaching a strength of 15,000 will require some 3,200 new Garda members to be recruited on a phased basis over the next four years in addition to the 1,200 that will have been recruited by the end of this year since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014. This is an ambitious target and will require a continuous pipeline of suitable candidates. I am pleased to say that the recruitment campaign launched by the Public Appointments Service on behalf of the Commissioner last September, the second campaign this year, again received a strong response.

Since the reopening of the Garda College, 534 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide. I am informed that of these, 5 have been assigned to the Sligo/Leitrim Division. Another 150 trainee Garda will attest this Thursday, 17 November which will bring Garda numbers to around the 13,000 mark by year end.

In so far as the allocation of newly attest Gardaí next year is concerned, this is a matter for the Garda Commissioner and I, as Minister has no direct role in it. I am assured by the Commissioner that the needs of all Garda Divisions are fully considered when determining the allocation of resources. However, it is important to keep in mind that newly attested Gardaí have a further 16 months of practical and class-room based training to complete in order to receive their BA in Applied Policing. To ensure that they are properly supported and supervised and have opportunities to gain the breadth of policing experience required, the Commissioner's policy is to allocate them to specially designated training stations which have the required structures and resources in place, including Garda tutors.

The Government's plan for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 is complemented by substantial investment in resources across the board for An Garda Síochána. The Deputy will be aware of the significant resources that have been made available to An Garda Síochána under the Government's Capital Plan 2016 - 2021. In particular, some €205 million in additional funding for Garda ICT and €46 million for new Garda vehicles has been allocated over the lifetime of the plan. This investment will facilitate the provision of more effective policing services and I expect that the Sligo/Leitrim Division, like all other Garda Divisions will benefit from these new resources becoming available.

For ease of reference I have provided a breakdown of the detailed information requested in relation to the number of Garda stations and number of Garda assigned to the Sligo/Leitrim Division on 31 October 2010 and 30 September 2016, the latest date for which figures are readily available, for the record.

SLIGO/LEITRIM 31 OCT 2010
Division	Stations	Garda Numbers
BALLYMOTE	ACLARE	2
	BALLYFARNAN	1
	BALLYMOTE	28
	BUNNANADDEN	1
	EASKEY	2
	ENNISCRONE	4
	GURTEEN	2
	RIVERSTOWN	2
	TUBBERCURRY	7
	TOTAL	49
CARRICK-ON-SHANNON	BALLINAMORE	6
	CARRICK-ON-SHANNON	45
	CARRIGALLEN	1
	CLOONE	1
	DROMOD	1
	KESHCARRIGAN	1
	MOHILL	5
	TOTAL	60
MANORHAMILTON	DROMAHAIR	3
	DRUMKERRIN	3
	DRUMSHAMBO	4
	GLENFARNE	1
	KILTYCLOGHER	2
	KINLOUGH	5
	MANORHAMILTON	21
	TOTAL	39
SLIGO	CLIFFONEY	1
	COLLOONEY	5
	COOLANEY	1
	GRANGE	2
	ROSSES POINT	2
	SKREEN	1
	SLIGO	166
	TOTAL	178
SLIGO/LEITRIM	30 Stations	326

SLIGO/LEITRIM 30 SEPT 2016
Division	Stations	Garda Numbers
BALLYMOTE	BALLYMOTE	29
	ENNISCRONE	7
	GURTEEN	2
	RIVERSTOWN	3
	TUBBERCURRY	8
	TOTAL	49
LEITRIM	BALLINAMORE	7
	CARRICK-ON-SHANNON	49
	CARRIGALLEN	2
	DRUMSHAMBO	6
	KINLOUGH	5
	MANORHAMILTON	22
	MOHILL	6
	TOTAL	97
SLIGO	COLLOONEY	5
	GRANGE	6
	ROSSES POINT	1
	SKREEN	1
	SLIGO	133
	TOTAL	146
SLIGO/LEITRIM	17 Stations	292

Crime Levels

Questions (103)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

103. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if recorded crime statistics for Cork city are an accurate reflection of the reality of crime in the area; if all Garda stations in Cork city have access to the PULSE system; if not, the details of the stations without access; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34693/16]

View answer

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

Crime statistics are compiled by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) based on PULSE data and the statistics for Cork city reflect all crime incidents recorded by An Garda Síochána for that area.

In recent times, the CSO has carried out two important reviews of the quality of crime statistics, following on concerns raised in the 2014 Report of the Garda Inspectorate on Crime Investigation. The outcome of these reviews are reflective of the quality of the crime figures for all areas of the country.

The first CSO Review, published in June 2015, helped to clarify and quantify many of the issues raised by the Inspectorate. The second review, published in September this year, indicated that the estimated impact of the issues identified in the Garda Inspectorate Report in relation to recorded crime is substantially less than at the first review. I am, however, determined that a strong focus remains on the need for improvements in this area.

I must explain that most crime incidents are recorded via the Garda Information Services Centre (GISC), based in Castlebar. This provides a round the clock service which enables Gardaí to phone in details of a crime incident, and specially trained staff in GISC facilitate its correct recording and classification on PULSE. As a result, a lack of access to PULSE in a particular Garda station should not prevent the accurate recording of crime data. In fact, the latest information from the Garda authorities is that 92% of crime incidents are recorded via GISC, with the balance being recorded by Gardai directly on PULSE.

Some of the issues raised by the Garda Inspectorate concerned the need for procedures to ensure that the recording of crimes through GISC is maximised. As part of the work to implement the Inspectorate’s very broad ranging recommendations, An Garda Síochána has implemented new measures to improve data quality including a new Incident Recording process. This, together with important upgrades of the PULSE system during 2015, is supporting the improvement of Garda crime data as well as procedures for the supervision of investigations.

It will take time for the full effect of the upgrading of Garda systems to be reflected in the Crime Statistics. In this regard, I understand that the CSO intend to provide further analysis of crime data quality in due course which will help us to gauge, at that stage, how successful the ongoing work to achieve improvements in our crime statistics has been.

For its part, the Government remains committed to supporting this work and this is underlined by the investment of €330 million, including €205 million under the Capital Plan, in Garda ICT infrastructure between 2016 and 2021.

In relation to the specific question of PULSE access for Garda stations, as a number of Deputies have sought similar information in relation to various counties, I propose to provide those Deputies with a table with this information and to include the table in the Official Report.

I might add that the question of enhancing rural access to the Garda network is being examined as part of the Garda Síochána Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021. This includes plans to introduce mobile technology solutions to enable operational Gardaí to access core information systems, including PULSE, while on duty and away from Garda stations.

However, as I have explained, the availability of PULSE in a given Garda station is not a prerequisite for the accurate recording and classification of crime data.

Division	Names of Garda Stations in these areas without access to PULSE
Cork City	None

Equality Legislation

Questions (104)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

104. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the steps her Department is taking to introduce socio-economic status as a discrimination ground following legislative and case law trends across Europe and to ensure Ireland meets its obligations under EU and international law, such as the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU (Article 21) and recommendations from Ireland's second UN universal periodic review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34565/16]

View answer

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

I do not have plans at this stage to introduce socio-economic status as a discrimination ground in equality legislation. As reported upon by Ireland during its response to the UN's Universal Period Review earlier this year, on 19 May 2015 the Oireachtas did not support a Private Members' Bill that sought to insert into the Constitution a statement that the State shall progressively realise, subject to its maximum available resources and without discrimination, the rights contained in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and that this duty would be cognisable by the Courts. The Government pointed out that it aims to ensure that the State’s obligations to implement the Covenant in Ireland are met through policies aimed at improving the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights, including by fighting persistent poverty and social exclusion and recognising that others - including individuals and families as well as many organisations and bodies - have important responsibilities as well. The means by which the State sets out to meet its obligations in this area is through the allocation of resources.

Traveller Community

Questions (105)

Mick Wallace

Question:

105. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will introduce legislation that will provide for the legal recognition of Traveller ethnicity with a view to creating the conditions for a rights-based approach and to address the marginalisation of the Traveller community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34850/16]

View answer

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality (Deputy David Stanton)

There is a comprehensive consultation process underway, led by my Department, to develop a new National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy to improve the situation for the Traveller and Roma communities in Ireland. Phase 1 (identification of key themes for the new Strategy) and Phase 2 (identification and agreement of high level objectives under each agreed theme) of that consultation process have been completed. The final phase, Phase 3 (identification of detailed actions to achieve each agreed objective, with associated time-scales, key performance indicators, institutional responsibilities and monitoring arrangements), is currently underway. This process will provide a new set of specific, cross-Departmental actions that need to be taken to bring about a real improvement in quality of life for Travellers and Roma. It is intended that the new Inclusion Strategy will run from 2016 to 2020 and that it will be in place later this year. As part of Phase 3, regional public consultations took place from 22 September 2016 - 27 September 2016; I attended two of those consultations (in Dublin and in Athlone, respectively) and I am delighted to report that overall attendance and participation were encouraging and positive. Feedback from those consultation sessions is being collated by my officials and the draft Inclusion Strategy will be updated accordingly. I plan to submit the final draft of the Inclusion Strategy to Government shortly for consideration and sign-off.

The issue of recognition of Travellers as an ethnic group is being considered in the context of the development of the Inclusion Strategy. In September 2015, my predecessor brought a paper to Cabinet Committee on Social Policy on the question of recognising Travellers as a distinct ethnic group within Irish society. This followed a process of dialogue with the national-level Traveller NGOs during 2015, which culminated in the presentation of an agreed position paper by them and confirmation that there are no legal or legislative or expenditure implications arising from such recognition. As such, there are no plans to introduce new legislation in this regard. The key benefit is that recognition of the distinct heritage, culture and identity of Travellers and their special place in Irish society would be hugely symbolically important to Traveller pride, to Traveller self-esteem and to overcoming the legacy of marginalisation and discrimination that the community has experienced. Such a symbolic gesture – as the Traveller NGO paper argues – creates a new platform for positive engagement by the Traveller community and Government together in seeking sustainable solutions based on respect and honest dialogue.

I have had a long standing interest in this area, most notably through my chairing of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality when it produced its report on the Recognition of Traveller Ethnicity (April 2014). When I spoke earlier this year at the Traveller Pride awards, I stressed that we need to broaden the discussion on this issue. The debate needs to be taken forward in an inclusive way. My officials and I are currently working to advance this issue with national Traveller organisations in this regard.

Garda Deployment

Questions (106)

Mary Butler

Question:

106. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda stations and the number of gardaí in each station in County Waterford on 31 October 2010 and on 31 October 2016; the proportion of the proposed 800 additional recruits in 2017 that are likely to be assigned to County Waterford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34698/16]

View answer

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

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. To make this a reality for all, the Government has in place a plan to achieve an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. In 2017, funding has been provided for the recruitment of 800 Garda recruits and up to 500 civilians to support the wide ranging reform plan in train in An Garda Síochána. Appointments will also be made to the Garda Reserve of approximately 300.

Taking account of projected retirements, reaching a strength of 15,000 will require some 3,200 new Garda members to be recruited on a phased basis over the next four years in addition to the 1,200 that will have been recruited by the end of this year since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014. This is an ambitious target and will require a continuous pipeline of suitable candidates. I am pleased to say that the recruitment campaign launched by the Public Appointments Service on behalf of the Commissioner last September, the second campaign this year, again received a strong response.

Since the reopening of the Garda College, 534 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide. I am informed that of these, 24 have been assigned to the Waterford Division. Another 150 trainee Garda will attest this Thursday, 17 November which will bring Garda numbers to around the 13,000 mark by year end.

In so far as the allocation of newly attested Gardaí next year is concerned, this is a matter for the Garda Commissioner and I, as Minister have no direct role in it. I am assured by the Commissioner that the needs of all Garda Divisions are fully considered when determining the allocation of resources. However, it is important to keep in mind that newly attested Gardaí have a further 16 months of practical and class-room based training to complete in order to receive their BA in Applied Policing. To ensure that they are properly supported and supervised and have opportunities to gain the breadth of policing experience required, the Commissioner's policy is to allocate them to specially designated training stations which have the required structures and resources in place, including Garda tutors.

The Government's plan for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 is complemented by substantial investment in resources across the board for An Garda Síochána. The Deputy will be aware of the significant resources that have been made available to An Garda Síochána under the Government's Capital Plan 2016 - 2021. In particular, some €205 million in additional funding for Garda ICT and €46 million for new Garda vehicles has been allocated over the lifetime of the plan. This investment will facilitate the provision of more effective policing services and I expect that the Waterford Division, like all other Garda Divisions will benefit from these new resources becoming available.

For ease of reference I have provided a breakdown of the detailed information requested in relation to the number of Garda stations and number of Gardaí assigned to the Waterford Division on 31 October 2010 and 30 September 2016, the latest date for which figures are readily available, for the record.

WATERFORD DIVISION 31 OCT 2010	Stations	Garda Numbers
DUNGARVAN DISTRICT	AGLISH	1
	ARDMORE	2
	BALLYDUFF	2
	BALLYMACARBERRY	2
	CAPPOQUIN	2
	DUNGARVAN	49
	LISMORE	5
	RING	1
	TALLOW	3
	TOTAL	67
TRAMORE DISTRICT	KILL	1
	KILMACTHOMAS	5
	KILMEADEN	2
	LEAMYBRIEN	1
	PORTLAW	3
	RATHGORMACK	1
	STRADBALLY	0
	TRAMORE	37
	TOTAL	50
WATERFORD DISTRICT	DUNMORE EAST	2
	FERRYBANK	6
	PASSAGE EAST	1
	WATERFORD	179
	TOTAL	188
WATERFORD TOTAL	21 Stations	305

WATERFORD DIVISION 30 SEPT 2016	Stations	Garda Numbers
DUNGARVAN DISTRICT	AGLISH	1
	ARDMORE	1
	CAPPOQUIN	2
	DUNGARVAN	42
	LISMORE	4
	TALLOW	2
	TOTAL	52
TRAMORE DISTRICT	KILMACTHOMAS	10
	TRAMORE	35
	TOTAL	45
WATERFORD DISTRICT	DUNMORE EAST	2
	FERRYBANK	5
	PASSAGE EAST	1
	WATERFORD	176
	TOTAL	184
WATERFORD TOTAL	12 Stations	281

Prisoner Welfare

Questions (107)

Clare Daly

Question:

107. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the steps she has taken to deal with the concerns of the UN special rapporteur on torture in relation to the numbers of prisoners here being kept in solitary confinement for extended periods, well in excess of the UN-recommended 15-day limit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34559/16]

View answer

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

I can advise the Deputy that the restriction of a prisoner's regime can occur due to a number of factors including the protection of vulnerable prisoners. This is provided for under Rule 63 of the Prison Rules 2007. A prisoner may, either at his/her own request or when the Governor considers it necessary, in so far as is practicable and subject to the maintenance and good order and safe and secure custody, be kept separate from other prisoners who are reasonably likely to cause significant harm to him/her.

In addition, the Governor may decide, for the maintenance of good order in the prison, to remove a prisoner from general association or structured activity to reduce the negative effect that a prisoner or prisoners may have on the general population. This is provided for under Rule 62 of the Prison Rules 2007. There may also be a smaller number of prisoners who would be restricted for medical (Rule 64) or discipline reasons (Rule 67).

The Irish Prison Service Statistics Unit commenced the collation of a Quarterly Census of Restricted Regime Prisoners in 2013. Since the commencement of the survey in July 2013, the number of prisoners on 22/23 hour lock up has decreased by 180 or 85 % from 211 to 31.

I am advised by the Director General of the Irish Prison Service, that the Irish Prison Service has established a high level group to look at measures which can be introduced to reduce the number of prisoners currently held on restricted regimes with a view to ensuring that all receive, as a minimum standard, out of cell time of 3 hours per day, to engage in exercise or activity.

In addition, this Group is to draft a Policy with the aim of seeking to eliminate 22/23 hour lock up from the Irish prison system. The Group has been tasked with presenting the Director General with a draft Policy in January 2017.

I can advise the Deputy that the Irish Prison Service publish the Census of Restricted Regime Prisoners on their website (www.irishprisons.ie). Restricted Regimes Policy seeks to ensure prisoner access to meaningful activities including Education, Work Training, Gym and Recreation in out of cell time and also provide the prisoner with access to phone calls and visits in accordance with Incentivised Regime levels.

I can also advise the Deputy that the Irish Prison Service is making significant progress in addressing the various undertakings given in response to the findings and recommendations of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) Report of 2014.

Crime Levels

Questions (108)

Mary Butler

Question:

108. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if recorded crime statistics for County Waterford are an accurate reflection of the reality of crime in the area; if all Garda stations in County Waterford have access to the PULSE system; if not, the details of the stations without access; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34697/16]

View answer

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

Crime statistics are compiled by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) based on PULSE data and the statistics for County Waterford reflect all crime incidents recorded by An Garda Síochána for that county.

In recent times, the CSO has carried out two important reviews of the quality of crime statistics, following on concerns raised in the 2014 Report of the Garda Inspectorate on Crime Investigation. The outcome of these reviews are reflective of the quality of the crime figures for all areas of the country.

The first CSO Review, published in June 2015, helped to clarify and quantify many of the issues raised by the Inspectorate. The second review, published in September this year, indicated that the estimated impact of the issues identified in the Garda Inspectorate Report in relation to recorded crime is substantially less than at the first review. I am, however, determined that a strong focus remains on the need for improvements in this area.

I must explain that most crime incidents are recorded via the Garda Information Services Centre (GISC), based in Castlebar. This provides a round the clock service which enables Gardaí to phone in details of a crime incident, and specially trained staff in GISC facilitate its correct recording and classification on PULSE. As a result, a lack of access to PULSE in a particular Garda station should not prevent the accurate recording of crime data. In fact, the latest information from the Garda authorities is that 92% of crime incidents are recorded via GISC, with the balance being recorded by Gardaí directly on PULSE.

Some of the issues raised by the Garda Inspectorate concerned the need for procedures to ensure that the recording of crimes through GISC is maximised. As part of the work to implement the Inspectorate’s very broad ranging recommendations, An Garda Síochána has implemented new measures to improve data quality including a new Incident Recording process. This, together with important upgrades of the PULSE system during 2015, is supporting the improvement of Garda crime data as well as procedures for the supervision of investigations.

It will take time for the full effect of the upgrading of Garda systems to be reflected in the Crime Statistics. In this regard, I understand that the CSO intend to provide further analysis of crime data quality in due course which will help us to gauge, at that stage, how successful the ongoing work to achieve improvements in our crime statistics has been.

For its part, the Government remains committed to supporting this work and this is underlined by the investment of €330 million, including €205 million under the Capital Plan, in Garda ICT infrastructure between 2016 and 2021.

In relation to the specific question of PULSE access for Garda stations, as a number of Deputies have sought similar information in relation to various counties, I propose to provide those Deputies with a table with this information and to include the table in the Official Report.

I might add that the question of enhancing rural access to the Garda network is being examined as part of the Garda Síochána Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021. This includes plans to introduce mobile technology solutions to enable operational Gardaí to access core information systems, including PULSE, while on duty and away from Garda stations.

However, as I have explained, the availability of PULSE in a given Garda station is not a prerequisite for the accurate recording and classification of crime data.

Division	Names of Garda Stations in these areas without access to PULSE
Co. Waterford	Passage East
	Ballymacarberry
	Aglish
	An Rinn
	Kill
	Kilmeaden
	Rathgormack
	Leamybrien

Garda Deployment

Questions (109)

James Lawless

Question:

109. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the position of County Kildare in comparison to other counties in terms of the number of gardaí per head of population; and if, as expected, County Kildare lies towards the bottom of that list, the measures being taken to address the shortfall of gardaí vis-à-vis other counties. [34752/16]

View answer

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner 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. 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.

Ratios such as number of Garda per head of population are not an appropriate tool to use when considering the allocation of Garda resources as they fail to take account of, among other things, the fact that crime levels and types can vary significantly among communities of similar population size. I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that in regard to the deployment of Garda personnel, a distribution model is used which takes into account all relevant factors including population, crime trends and the policing needs of each individual Garda Division. It is the responsibility of the Divisional Officer to allocate personnel within his/her Division.

I am further informed that the Garda strength of the Kildare Division, on the 30 September 2016, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 307. There are also 23 Garda Reserves and 26 civilians attached to the Division. When appropriate, the work of local Gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NBCI), the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (formerly the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation) and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.

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. To make this a reality for all, the Government has in place a plan to achieve an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. In 2017, funding has been provided for the recruitment of 800 Garda recruits and up to 500 civilians to support the wide ranging reform plan in train in An Garda Síochána. Appointments will also be made to the Garda Reserve of approximately 300.

Taking account of projected retirements, reaching a strength of 15,000 will require some 3,200 new Garda members to be recruited on a phased basis over the next four years in addition to the 1,200 that will have been recruited by the end of this year since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014. This is an ambitious target and will require a continuous pipeline of suitable candidates. I am pleased to say that the recruitment campaign launched by the Public Appointments Service on behalf of the Commissioner last September, the second campaign this year, again received a strong response.

Since the reopening of the Garda College, 534 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide. I am informed that of these, 25 have been assigned to the Kildare Division. Another 150 trainee Gardaí will attest this Thursday, 17 November which will bring Garda numbers to around the 13,000 mark by year end.

In so far as the allocation of newly attested Gardaí next year is concerned, this is a matter for the Garda Commissioner and I, as Minister have no direct role in it. I am assured by the Commissioner that the needs of all Garda Divisions are fully considered when determining the allocation of resources. However, it is important to keep in mind that newly attested Gardaí have a further 16 months of practical and class-room based training to complete in order to receive their BA in Applied Policing. To ensure that they are properly supported and supervised and have opportunities to gain the breadth of policing experience required, the Commissioner's policy is to allocate them to specially designated training stations which have the required structures and resources in place, including Garda tutors.

The Government's plan for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 is complemented by substantial investment in resources across the board for An Garda Síochána. The Deputy will be aware of the significant resources that have been made available to An Garda Síochána under the Government's Capital Plan 2016 - 2021. In particular, some €205 million in additional funding for Garda ICT and €46 million for new Garda vehicles has been allocated over the lifetime of the plan. This investment will facilitate the provision of more effective policing services and I expect that the Kildare Division, like all other Garda Divisions will benefit from these new resources becoming available.

Policing Authority

Questions (110)

Thomas Byrne

Question:

110. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when she proposes to mandate the Policing Authority to carry out a review of Garda districts in accordance with the confidence and supply agreement. [34740/16]

View answer

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

The Deputy will be aware that the Government has, in its Programme for a Partnership Government, recognised community policing as 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.

I can confirm that, in support of this objective and in accordance with the confidence and supply agreement with his party, I have asked the Policing Authority to oversee a review of, among other things, both the boundaries of Garda districts and the dispersal of Garda stations in rural areas.

I understand that the Authority has, in accordance with section 117(2) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, formally requested the Garda Síochána Inspectorate to examine the dispersal and use of resources available to the Garda Síochána in the delivery of policing services to local communities and to make recommendations to provide a more effective, visible and responsive policing service. The Authority has informed the Inspectorate that the review should take account of:

- the changing environments in rural, developing urban and suburban areas;

- the views of local communities;

- the allocation to and deployment of Garda resources at the local policing level, including the use of the Garda Reserve, Garda facilities and Garda equipment; and

- relevant recommendations made in previous Inspectorate reports.

Separately, in line with the Programme for a Partnership Government commitment, I have requested the Garda Commissioner, while fully cognisant of her statutory functions in relation to the distribution of Garda resources in the State, to identify 6 stations, both urban and rural, for reopening on a pilot basis to determine possible positive impacts that such openings will have on criminal activity, with special emphasis on burglaries, theft and public order. It is intended that the results of the pilot scheme will feed into the wider review being overseen by the Authority.

Crime Levels

Questions (111)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

111. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if recorded crime statistics for County Tipperary are an accurate reflection of the reality of crime in the area; if all Garda stations in County Tipperary have access to the PULSE system; if not, the details of the stations without access; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34723/16]

View answer

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

Crime statistics are compiled by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) based on PULSE data and the statistics for County Tipperary reflect all crime incidents recorded by An Garda Síochána for that county.