Written Replies Nos. 114 to 127
114. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda stations and the number of gardaí in each station in County Westmeath 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 Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34681/16]
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. 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, 10 have been assigned to the Westmeath 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 Westmeath 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 Westmeath Division on 31 October 2010 and 30 September 2016, the latest date for which figures are readily available, for the record.
|
WESTMEATH DIVISION 31 OCT 2010 |
Stations |
Garda Numbers |
|
ATHLONE DISTRICT |
ATHLONE |
66 |
|
BALLINAHOWN |
1 |
|
|
BALLYMORE |
2 |
|
|
GLASSON |
2 |
|
|
KILBEGGAN |
4 |
|
|
MOATE |
17 |
|
|
TOTAL |
92 |
|
|
MULLINGAR DISTRICT |
BALLYNACARGY |
2 |
|
CASTLEPOLLARD |
3 |
|
|
CASTLETOWN GEOGHEGAN |
1 |
|
|
DELVIN |
14 |
|
|
FINEA |
1 |
|
|
KILLUCAN |
5 |
|
|
KINNEGAD |
6 |
|
|
MULLINGAR |
132 |
|
|
MULTYFARNHAM |
1 |
|
|
RATHOWEN |
0 |
|
|
ROCHFORTBRIDGE |
5 |
|
|
TOTAL |
170 |
|
|
WESTMEATH TOTAL |
17 Stations |
262 |
|
WESTMEATH DIVISION 30 SEPT 2016 |
Stations |
Garda Numbers |
|
ATHLONE DISTRICT |
ATHLONE |
69 |
|
|
BALLYMORE |
1 |
|
|
GLASSON |
2 |
|
|
KILBEGGAN |
2 |
|
|
MOATE |
15 |
|
TOTAL |
89 |
|
|
MULLINGAR DISTRICT |
BALLYNACARGY |
2 |
|
|
CASTLEPOLLARD |
3 |
|
|
DELVIN |
8 |
|
|
KILLUCAN |
3 |
|
|
KINNEGAD |
3 |
|
|
MULLINGAR |
134 |
|
|
MULTYFARNHAM |
1 |
|
|
ROCHFORTBRIDGE |
4 |
|
TOTAL |
158 |
|
|
WESTMEATH TOTAL |
13 Stations |
247 |
115. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will publish the precise criteria on which she will grant or refuse naturalisation in the context of civil proceedings, arrests or spent convictions for minor offences; if persons are denied naturalisation on the grounds of spent convictions, particularly those that do not involve violence or fraud; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34844/16]
View answerThe granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. All applications for a certificate of naturalisation are processed and assessed individually in accordance with the provisions of the Act. Section 15 of the Act provides that the Minister may, in her absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation if satisfied that certain statutory conditions are fulfilled. In particular, these conditions require that an applicant is of good character.
It would be neither possible nor appropriate, given the wide range of possibilities, for me to publish precise criteria on how specific offences will be considered in any application, as each application is considered on its merits based on the entirety of the case presented at that time. To do so could be interpreted as a fettering of the absolute discretion given to the Minister in the Act. I can inform the Deputy that I am concerned to ensure that the threshold of what constitutes good character is, taking all things into account, maintained at an appropriate level and as such is fair to all applicants having regard to their particular circumstances.
It is open to any individual to lodge an application for a certificate of naturalisation if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements as prescribed in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. The fact that a person may have had an application refused does not preclude or disqualify them from submitting a fresh application in the future. Indeed, the letter advising an applicant of a negative decision also informs them that they may re-apply for the grant of a certificate of naturalisation at any time. The letter advises that, when considering making such a re-application, they should give due regard to the reasons for the refusal which were contained in the submission attached to the refusal letter and that any further application will be considered taking into account all statutory and administrative conditions applicable at the time of application.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and I know the Deputy will appreciate that it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
116. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will consider setting up a Traveller agency which would work to deliver equality for the Traveller community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34849/16]
View answerIn respect of the provision of accommodation for Travellers, the Government believes that the continued delivery of Traveller-specific accommodation through the provision of funding to local authorities in the Traveller Accommodation Programme, supported at national level by the National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee, continues to be the most suitable mechanism. The implementation of the Traveller Accommodation Programme of each local authority, including the draw-down of funds, in accordance with the 1998 Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act, is a matter for each individual authority. I have no plans to establish a Traveller agency. My officials and I engage in an ongoing process of dialogue with the national-level Traveller NGOs. It is important to have positive engagement by the Traveller community and Government together in order to identify sustainable solutions to the challenges faced by the Traveller community, based on respect and honest dialogue.
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 the 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. 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.
117. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she has raised with the Italian authorities the delays being experienced by Irish officials in Italy in the processing of Syrian refugees for relocation here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34751/16]
View answerI wish to inform the Deputy that delays in operationalising the relocation Programme in Italy have arisen in relation to the need to put in place appropriate security screening of applicants for relocation. My Department, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, have engaged with the Italian authorities, and with the European Commission, in an attempt resolve the ongoing issue in Italy. I have also intervened directly at Ministerial level to try to progress matters. The Deputy will I am sure appreciate that the Government must satisfy itself as to the suitability and eligibility of all applicants for relocation on all the grounds set out in the relevant EU Council decisions. I hope that the situation with Italy can be resolved in the near future so that we can fulfil the commitments made, but I want to be clear the situation has not arisen because of any inactivity or lack of urgency on the part of Ireland.
118. Deputy James Browne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda stations and the number of gardaí in each station in County Wexford 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 Wexford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34704/16]
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. 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 Wexford 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 Wexford 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 Wexford Division on 31 October 2010 and 30 September 2016, the latest date for which figures are readily available, for the record.
|
WEXFORD DIVISION 31 OCT 2010 |
Stations |
Garda Numbers |
|
ENNISCORTHY DISTRICT |
BLACKWATER |
3 |
|
CLONROCHE |
2 |
|
|
ENNISCORTHY |
42 |
|
|
FERNS |
3 |
|
|
KILTEALY |
1 |
|
|
OULART |
1 |
|
|
OYLEGATE |
2 |
|
|
TOTAL |
54 |
|
|
GOREY DISTRICT |
BUNCLODY |
8 |
|
COURTOWN HARBOUR |
2 |
|
|
GOREY |
55 |
|
|
TOTAL |
65 |
|
|
NEW ROSS DISTRICT |
BALLYCULLANE |
2 |
|
BALLYWILLIAM |
0 |
|
|
CAMPILE |
2 |
|
|
CARRICK-ON-BANNOW |
1 |
|
|
CARRICKBYRNE |
2 |
|
|
DUNCANNON |
4 |
|
|
NEW ROSS |
43 |
|
|
TOTAL |
54 |
|
|
WEXFORD TOTAL |
BALDWINSTOWN |
1 |
|
CASTLEBRIDGE |
3 |
|
|
GLYNN |
1 |
|
|
KILMORE QUAY |
2 |
|
|
ROSSLARE HARBOUR |
7 |
|
|
ROSSLARE STRAND |
2 |
|
|
TAGHMON |
3 |
|
|
WEXFORD |
93 |
|
|
TOTAL |
112 |
|
|
WEXFORD TOTAL |
25 Stations |
285 |
|
WEXFORD DIVISION 30 SEPT 2016 |
Stations |
Garda Numbers |
|
ENNISCORTHY |
BLACKWATER |
2 |
|
|
BUNCLODY |
7 |
|
|
CLONROCHE |
2 |
|
|
COURTOWN HARBOUR |
4 |
|
|
ENNISCORTHY |
44 |
|
|
FERNS |
2 |
|
|
GOREY |
44 |
|
|
OULART |
2 |
|
|
OYLEGATE |
1 |
|
TOTAL |
108 |
|
|
NEW ROSS |
BALLYCULLANE |
1 |
|
|
CARRICKBYRNE |
1 |
|
|
CARRICK-ON-BANNOW |
1 |
|
|
DUNCANNON |
3 |
|
|
NEW ROSS |
42 |
|
TOTAL |
48 |
|
|
WEXFORD |
CASTLEBRIDGE |
2 |
|
|
KILMORE QUAY |
2 |
|
|
ROSSLARE HARBOUR |
7 |
|
|
ROSSLARE STRAND |
1 |
|
|
TAGHMON |
2 |
|
|
WEXFORD |
88 |
|
TOTAL |
102 |
|
|
WEXFORD TOTAL |
20 Stations |
258 |
119. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if her attention has been drawn to the fact that persons at risk of domestic violence or who are victims of such violence must also pay contributions for legal aid and that victims of domestic violence may have avoided, or may be avoiding, the civil legal aid scheme for economic reasons; if her attention has been further drawn to the fact that victims of domestic violence may need to make recurring applications for legal aid which can be very costly, especially in view of the increase in required financial contributions; and her plans to end the practice of requiring contributions from victims of domestic violence. [34827/16]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the Legal Aid Board provides civil legal aid and advice to people who cannot afford to pay for a solicitor from their own resources. Applicants for civil legal aid and advice are required to meet the financial eligibility criteria under section 29 of the Civil Legal Aid Act 1995 and the Civil Legal Aid Regulations 1996 to 2016.
The vast majority of applicants granted legal aid and advice, including those seeking legal services in connection with domestic violence remedies, are also required to pay a contribution. However, section 29 (2) (b) of the Civil Legal Aid Act 1995 (as amended by Section 80 of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2008) provides that the Legal Aid Board may waive any contribution payable or accept a lower contribution on the grounds that a failure to do so would cause undue hardship to the applicant. The Legal Aid Board has put in place guidelines for its decision makers in relation to applications for a waiver of contributions. The guidelines provide for a sympathetic approach to be taken to applications for a waiver in cases where the application is in connection with a domestic violence matter and the person’s sole source of income is social welfare. In such circumstances a decision maker may decide to waive the aid contribution so that the person will only pay the nominal contribution for legal advice. The Deputy will wish to note that a majority of applicants for legal aid in connection with domestic violence reliefs pay the minimum contribution and that contributions are subject to a maximum cap.
120. Deputy John Curran asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the details of the structural review being undertaken by the charities regulator to determine the human and financial resources needed to optimally implement the Charities Act; when this review commenced; when it will be completed; if it will be published; the funding being made available for the regulator in 2017; the number of staff who will be employed by the Charities Regulatory Authority in 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34847/16]
View answerThe Charities Regulatory Authority ('Charities Regulator') has commissioned an external review to examine the resources and structure required to fully implement the provisions of the Charities Act 2009. Its primary goal is to assess the resources and appropriate structure to implement the Authority's statutory remit and achieve its strategic objectives. I am advised that the process began in August of this year and it is anticipated that a report will be submitted to the Board of the Authority in the near future for its consideration. Subsequently it is anticipated that the review will be submitted to my Department for consideration. It is a matter for the Board of the Authority to decide if they wish to publish the review.
The Government is fully committed to ensuring that the Charities Regulator has the necessary resources available to achieve its goals and for this year, I made provision for a budget of €2.665 million compared with €1.419 million in 2015. This significantly increased funding has facilitated the recruitment of additional staff in key areas of the Regulator, including policy development, registration and reporting. The Regulator has also been funded to procure external investigation and forensic services and new office premises. I am determined to continue to ensure that the Regulator had the necessary staff and financial resources available to achieve its goals. To this end, I made provision for a budget for 2017 of €4.379 million, a further increase of €1.7 million over 2016 and representing an increase of over 200% since 2015 which, it is anticipated, will provide for any additional resources which may be recommended by the external review.
121. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the wording of the summonses to allow for prosecutions to take place under section 22 of the Road Traffic Act 2002 in view of the fact that it has been almost one year since a judge (details supplied) dismissed a case taken before her on this charge; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34403/16]
View answerI have updated the Deputy as to the current position concerning prosecutions under section 22 of the Road Traffic Act 2002 in my response to Parliamentary Question No. 74 of 2 November 2016.
Insofar as the wording of the relevant summonses is concerned, An Garda Síochána is engaging with the prosecution authorities in relation to these issues, which I understand are complex ones, and not necessarily related solely to the wording of summonses. As the Deputy will be aware, I have asked An Garda Síochána for an urgent report in this regard.
In addition, the wording on the summonses and other related matters are being considered by the Fixed Charge Processing Group which is jointly chaired by my Department and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.
122. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will introduce legislation to deal with the abusive practices of online stalking and so-called revenge porn; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34832/16]
View answerOn 27th September, the Law Reform Commission published its report on Harmful Communications and Digital Safety. The report recommends two new offences to deal with posting online intimate images without consent (so-called “revenge pornography”) and voyeurism. It also proposes reform of the existing offence of harassment, to ensure that it includes online activity such as posting fake social media profiles; and a new separate offence of stalking, seen as an aggravated form of harassment, as well as reform of the existing offence of sending threatening and intimidating messages.
Section 10 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 provides that any person who, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, by any means including by use of the telephone, harasses another by persistently following, watching, pestering, besetting or communicating with him or her, is guilty of an offence. Harassment is deemed to occur where a person seriously interferes with the other's peace and privacy or causes alarm, distress or harm to the other. Section 10(3) also provides for orders to be made by the court to prevent communication by any means with the victim or to approach within any distance specified by the court of the place of residence or employment of the victim. Such an order can be made even in circumstances where the accused person is not convicted of the offence if the court is satisfied, having regard to the evidence, that it is in the interests of justice. While aspects of what is known loosely as "revenge pornography" are addressed by the harassment offence in this Act, there has been a growing awareness and concern in relation to harmful internet content in recent years with the growth of cyber technology.
The Law Reform Commission's report also addresses a number of other regulatory issues that have implications across Government Departments.
I welcome the fact that the report addresses the wider context within which law reform should be framed and that it has identified the need for education and empowerment, the need to strike the correct balance between the right to freedom of expression and the right to privacy, and the desirability of a graduated response where the criminal law is reserved for the most significant harm. My officials are examining the report in detail, and I would intend bringing forward legislative proposals to address any potential gaps in the criminal law in this area.
123. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if plans were devised for martial law in the event that gardaí went on strike. [34864/16]
View answerWhile there would be no question of the Defence Forces carrying out normal policing duties, the Defence Forces are always available as an aid to the civil power and, of course, in contingency planning discussions that role was envisaged to continue should a withdrawal of labour by members of An Garda Síochána have taken place.
124. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach the percentage of employment gains in each region in the 12 months to the second quarter of 2016, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34330/16]
View answerThe Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) is the official source of estimates of employment in the State. The most recent figures available are for Q2 2016. Estimates of employment are produced by NUTS2 and NUTS 3 Regions.
The following table shows the number of persons aged 15 years and over in employment classified by NUTS2 and NUTS3 region in Q2 2015 and Q2 2016 and the annual change over this period.
Persons aged 15 years and over in employment (ILO) classified by NUTS2 and NUTS3 region, Q2 15 and Q2 16 and the annual change to Q2 16
|
NUTS2 and NUTS3 Regions |
Q2 15 |
Q2 16 |
Annual Change '000 |
Annual Change % |
|
Border,Midland and Western |
492.3 |
498.6 |
6.2 |
1.3 |
|
Border |
193.1 |
196.9 |
3.9 |
2.0 |
|
Midland |
116.0 |
116.6 |
0.6 |
0.6 |
|
West |
183.3 |
185.0 |
1.7 |
0.9 |
|
Southern and Eastern |
1,466.4 |
1,516.4 |
50.0 |
3.4 |
|
Dublin |
591.8 |
617.5 |
25.7 |
4.3 |
|
Mid-East |
232.7 |
242.2 |
9.5 |
4.1 |
|
Mid-West |
152.3 |
157.6 |
5.3 |
3.5 |
|
South-East |
206.6 |
213.8 |
7.2 |
3.5 |
|
South West |
283.0 |
285.4 |
2.3 |
0.8 |
|
State |
1,958.7 |
2,014.9 |
56.2 |
2.9 |
Source: Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS), Central Statistics Office, Ireland.
Data may be subject to future revision.
Data may be subject to sampling or other survey errors, which are greater in respect of smaller values or estimates of change.
Reference period: Q2 = April - June.
125. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Taoiseach the status of the Narrow Water Bridge project linking counties Louth and Down; the funding for this project; and if there have been any design changes. [34966/16]
View answerUnder "A Fresh Start - Stormont House Agreement" the Northern Ireland Executive and the Irish Government have agreed to undertake a review of the Narrow Water Bridge project with a view to identifying options for its future development, for consideration by the North-South Ministerial Council.
The Narrow Water Bridge project was discussed at the NSMC in July where it was agreed that work should continue on identifying options to progress the project and that a further update on it and the other Fresh Start Section E Commitments would be prepared for consideration at the next NSMC in Armagh on 18 November.
Discussions at official level have taken place between Northern Ireland Executive and Irish Government officials.
Senior officials from the Northern Ireland Department for Infrastructure and the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport have met with key stakeholders, including the relevant local authorities, to provide an update on the NSMC discussions and to further explore how options for the project should be advanced.
126. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the cost in a full year of implementing all the recommendations of the Labour Court dated 3 November 2016 in respect of Garda pay and allowances (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34798/16]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, following intensive negotiations between the Government, the Garda Representative Association (GRA) and Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) facilitated by the Workplace Relations Commission, the Labour Court issued a recommendation on 3 November last in relation to the dispute. In the case of individual members, the recommendation for the GRA and AGSI would provide extra remuneration of around €4,000 on average to a member of the Service over the next 12 months through:
- an increase in the value of the rent allowance by €500 bringing it to €4,655 per annum with effect from 1 January 2017;
- the integration of the rent allowance in the new amount of €4,655 into salary with consequential increases in unsocial hours and overtime payments also with effect from 1 January 2017;
- the introduction of a €15 premium payment per annual leave day to compensate for the uncertainty attaching to the taking of leave by Gardaí. This payment will be worth €510 per annum to a Garda with 34 days annual leave;
- the implementation of a long-standing recommendation of the Garda Inspectorate through the introduction of paid 15 minute pre-tour briefing or tasking sessions with effect from 1 January 2017.
Under the Labour Court recommendation, new recruits who do not currently receive rent allowance, will have it restored, in addition to the other improvements I just listed. In addition, the increment freeze in place for GRA members since 1 July will be lifted and any arrears arising from increments foregone will be paid.
The Government has also made it clear that it is committed to introducing legislative change to give the Garda Associations the right of access to the Workplace Relations Commission and the Labour Court.
On foot of the Labour Court recommendation, the GRA and AGSI agreed to defer the intended industrial action over the course of the four Fridays in November to facilitate a ballot of their membership. This was a very welcome decision by the Garda associations and has ensured that a full policing service remains in place.
The Government fully respects the decision of the Labour Court as the independent industrial relations body of last resort in the State and agreed last week to accept its recommendation. The outcome of the process is now being examined in detail by all sides and it is hoped that it will form the basis for a final resolution of this dispute following the balloting of members of AGSI and the GRA in due course.
The independent recommendation of the Labour Court seeks to address the concerns that have been articulated by the representative bodies in relation to their pay and conditions including of new recruits, and their access to the statutory dispute resolution bodies. The nature of the Labour Court's recommendation is such that some of the cost of the implementation of the proposals, if they are accepted by the members of AGSI and the GRA, depend on the amount of overtime worked in any year. That said, I am advised that, depending on a number of variables, the estimated gross annual cost of implementing the Labour Court Recommendation could exceed €50m; however, this gross cost will be offset by statutory deductions for tax, PRSI, etc., which will reduce the net Exchequer cost.
Once the outcome of the ballots is known and if the proposals are accepted, the additional budgetary cost will be the subject of discussions between my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
What is most important at this juncture is that members of AGSI and the GRA are afforded the time and space to give the Labour Court's recommendation the detailed consideration that it deserves.
127. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if proposed changes to the Lottery Act 1956 would drive spending away from local voluntary groups; the way changes may affect key lottery income to local community organisations (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35144/16]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the General Scheme of the Gambling Control Bill was published in July 2013 following approval by the Government and is currently being drafted by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel. The proposed legislation is intended, upon its enactment, to repeal all extant gambling legislation, including the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956. The National Lottery will continue to be legislated for separately.
The General Scheme was published in 2013 and proposes, inter alia, for the licensing of lotteries by the regulatory body to be established under the legislation. Departmental officials are currently reviewing the draft Scheme, taking account of intervening developments and technologies in the gaming sector.
