Written Answers Nos. 1 - 46
32. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if recorded crime statistics for County Offaly are an accurate reflection of the reality of crime in the county; if all Garda stations in County Offaly 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. [34719/16]
View answerCrime statistics are compiled by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) based on PULSE data and the statistics for Laois/Offaly Garda Division reflect all crime incidents recorded by An Garda Síochána for those counties. The Deputy will be aware that in the most recent CSO figures, for Quarter 2 of 2016, there were decreases in many crime categories. This reflects the success of the concerted Garda drive against crime being implemented under Operation Thor and in Laois/Offaly Garda Division the figures show a reduction in Burglary of 32%.
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 intends 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. Offaly |
Cloghan, Co. Offaly |
|
Kilcormac |
|
|
Kinnitty |
|
|
Shinrone |
|
|
Clonbologue |
|
|
Rhode |
37. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if recorded crime statistics for the Dublin northern metropolitan region are an accurate reflection of the reality of crime in the area; if all Garda stations in the Dublin northern metropolitan region 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. [34731/16]
View answerCrime statistics are compiled by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) based on PULSE data and the statistics for the D.M.R. Northern Garda Division reflect all crime incidents recorded by An Garda Síochána for that area. The Deputy will be aware that in the most recent CSO figures, for Quarter 2 of 2016, there were decreases in many crime categories. This reflects the success of the concerted Garda drive against crime being implemented under Operation Thor and in the D.M.R. Northern Garda Division the figures show a reduction in Burglary of 36%.
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 intends 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 |
|
Dublin North Metropolitan |
None |
40. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of cases before each court on speeding offences in 2015 and to date in 2016; the number of convictions of this offence; the number of cases dismissed and struck out; the number of licences recorded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34404/16]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service. Section 4(3) of the 1998 Act provides that the Courts Service is independent in the performance of its functions, which includes the provision of information on the courts system. However, to be of assistance I have made inquires with the Courts Service and they have provided the figures requested by the Deputy which I am including by way of a tabular statement. It should be noted that where a summons is struck out not served, the summons can be reissued at the request of An Garda Síochána, so a number of the offences listed as struck out for non-service are likely to have been reissued.
The figures provided by the Courts Service indicate that a significant percentage of cases are struck out for non-service. My officials are seeking clarification from the Courts Service and An Garda Síochána as to the reason for this figure being at this level. It should however be noted in this respect that a working group was established by An Garda Síochána to examine how the rate of summons serving can be improved and to regularly monitor the level of summons service throughout the country. While this group has reported improvements in the rate of successful service of summons, challenges remain in relation to effecting service of summons in certain circumstances, relating to such matters as inaccurate address data, persons moving address, or living in multi-occupancy dwellings or other settings which make service difficult. In addition, certain persons will take steps to evade service. Similar difficulties are experienced by many other police forces.
I would like thank the Deputy for raising the serious issue of speeding on our roads. The increase in the number of road traffic fatalities in the year to date highlights the need to continue to deploy all effective measures to reduce speeding, and therefore road traffic collisions.
The Deputy will appreciate that road traffic enforcement is an operational matter and, as such, is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner. I am advised that An Garda Síochána's Roads Policing Operations Plan 2016 incorporates a programme of high visibility road safety and enforcement operations, carried out in partnership with other state agencies. The focus of the Roads Policing Operations Plan for 2016 is on the most vulnerable road user categories of motor cyclists, pedal cyclists, pedestrians and learner permit holders. Garda operations specifically target road use behaviour known to contribute significantly to collisions, including speeding. Road traffic legislation is also enforced as part of the day to day duties of members of An Garda Síochána. Both targeted and general methods of enforcement have a valuable role to play in An Garda Síochána's enforcement programme, which targets locations with a view to preventing the commission of offences, detecting errant motorists, changing their behaviour and ultimately reducing death and injuries on our roads.
An Garda Síochána’s Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021 also sets out key strategic objectives for Roads Policing which will inform and guide An Garda Síochána’s Road Policing plans over the next 5 years. The Deputy is no doubt aware of the significant investment in Garda resources currently underway. This investment is closely associated with delivery on the Modernisation and Renewal Programme.
In addition, I will be meeting the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport later this month at the biannual Ministerial Committee on Road Safety, which oversees the implementation of the Road Safety Strategy and provides a forum for high-level discussion of road safety issues.
In so far as the recording of driver licences is concerned, the Courts Service has taken the following steps:
- All summonses issued in respect of alleged offences under the Road Traffic Acts include a specific provision that notifies the person accused of the offence that he/she must bring to the court their driving licence/driving permit and a legible copy of their driving licence or learner permit;
- Court Registrars, following consultation with the presiding Judge, make an announcement in the court to the effect that as required by the summons, persons must produce their driving licence/permit and a copy thereof to the Registrar once their case is called;
- Where a driving licence/learner permit or copy thereof is produced and the accused is convicted of the offence, the Registrar records the driving licence number for the purpose of subsequently transferring the driving licence number to the Department of Transport for the application of penalty points;
- Where a driving licence/learner permit or copy thereof is not produced, the Registrar records this fact on the summons/minute book.
Road safety is of course a shared responsibility and it is incumbent upon us all to play our part by driving within the speed limit.
Table 1 - Report on the Number of Speeding Offences listed for Court between 1 Jan 2015 and 31 December 2015 and related outcomes.
Column A - Displays the number of offences listed
Column B - Displays the number of convictions
Column C - Displays the number of Licences Numbers Recorded
Column D - Number of non convictions
Column E - Total Convictions & Non-Convictions
Column F - Total not finalised Adjourned, Bench Warrants, Appealed, Setasides
Column G - Total Column E (Total convictions & Non convictions) & Column F (Not Finalised, Adjourned, Bench Wts, Appealed, setasides)
|
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
F |
G |
||||||
|
Court Area |
Offences Listed |
Convictions |
No. Of Licences Recorded |
Dismiss |
Taken into Consideration, Probation, Withdrawn, ETC. |
Strike Out |
Strike Out Not Served |
Poor Box |
Total Non Convictions |
Total Convictions & Non Convictions |
Not Finalised Adjourned, Bench Warrants Appealed Setasides etc |
Total Column E & F |
|
AN CLOCHAN LIATH |
22 |
4 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
14 |
0 |
17 |
21 |
1 |
22 |
|
AN DAINGEAN |
7 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
6 |
7 |
0 |
7 |
|
AN FAL CARRACH |
17 |
6 |
2 |
4 |
0 |
1 |
6 |
0 |
11 |
17 |
0 |
17 |
|
ARDEE |
142 |
37 |
7 |
7 |
3 |
31 |
53 |
0 |
94 |
131 |
11 |
142 |
|
ARKLOW |
288 |
64 |
56 |
1 |
1 |
86 |
111 |
0 |
199 |
263 |
25 |
288 |
|
ATHLONE |
1,271 |
238 |
163 |
0 |
1 |
347 |
655 |
0 |
1,003 |
1,241 |
30 |
1,271 |
|
ATHY |
286 |
88 |
5 |
4 |
20 |
23 |
143 |
0 |
190 |
278 |
8 |
286 |
|
BALLAGHADERREEN |
22 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
15 |
0 |
19 |
22 |
0 |
22 |
|
BALLINA |
82 |
4 |
0 |
7 |
17 |
6 |
46 |
0 |
76 |
80 |
2 |
82 |
|
BALLINASLOE |
259 |
58 |
26 |
6 |
2 |
45 |
133 |
0 |
186 |
244 |
15 |
259 |
|
BALLYSHANNON |
136 |
32 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
30 |
62 |
8 |
100 |
132 |
4 |
136 |
|
BANDON |
199 |
41 |
26 |
35 |
1 |
14 |
83 |
11 |
144 |
185 |
14 |
199 |
|
BANTRY |
51 |
14 |
13 |
5 |
0 |
5 |
21 |
5 |
36 |
50 |
1 |
51 |
|
BEAL AN MHUIRTHEAD |
21 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
14 |
0 |
19 |
21 |
0 |
21 |
|
BRAY |
566 |
163 |
139 |
5 |
1 |
135 |
197 |
0 |
338 |
501 |
65 |
566 |
|
BUNCRANA |
153 |
37 |
17 |
35 |
0 |
9 |
69 |
0 |
113 |
150 |
3 |
153 |
|
CAHIRCIVEEN |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|||
|
CARLOW |
785 |
215 |
68 |
86 |
18 |
106 |
325 |
23 |
558 |
773 |
12 |
785 |
|
CARNDONAGH |
72 |
15 |
3 |
18 |
0 |
7 |
32 |
0 |
57 |
72 |
0 |
72 |
|
CARRICK ON SHANNON |
550 |
71 |
14 |
19 |
0 |
175 |
250 |
21 |
465 |
536 |
14 |
550 |
|
CARRICK ON SUIR |
21 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
13 |
2 |
16 |
21 |
0 |
21 |
|
CARRICKMACROSS |
203 |
32 |
17 |
23 |
0 |
19 |
125 |
1 |
168 |
200 |
3 |
203 |
|
CASHEL |
493 |
103 |
51 |
1 |
6 |
134 |
234 |
4 |
379 |
482 |
11 |
493 |
|
CASTLEBAR |
266 |
33 |
15 |
29 |
71 |
18 |
103 |
0 |
221 |
254 |
12 |
266 |
|
CASTLEREA |
76 |
19 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
30 |
27 |
0 |
57 |
76 |
0 |
76 |
|
CAVAN |
535 |
81 |
30 |
14 |
13 |
98 |
272 |
4 |
401 |
482 |
53 |
535 |
|
CLIFDEN |
7 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
3 |
7 |
0 |
7 |
|
|
CLONAKILTY |
8 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
4 |
0 |
5 |
8 |
0 |
8 |
|
CLONMEL |
128 |
32 |
17 |
0 |
19 |
15 |
60 |
0 |
94 |
126 |
2 |
128 |
|
CORK CITY |
1,460 |
405 |
168 |
6 |
7 |
410 |
558 |
0 |
981 |
1,386 |
74 |
1,460 |
|
DOIRE AN FHEICH |
307 |
64 |
1 |
0 |
3 |
50 |
185 |
0 |
238 |
302 |
5 |
307 |
|
DONEGAL |
43 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
5 |
29 |
2 |
37 |
40 |
3 |
43 |
|
DROGHEDA |
257 |
66 |
17 |
10 |
4 |
47 |
114 |
0 |
175 |
241 |
16 |
257 |
|
DUBLIN METROPOLITAN DISTRICT |
7,471 |
1,820 |
1,023 |
347 |
99 |
1,484 |
3,217 |
107 |
5,254 |
7,074 |
397 |
7,471 |
|
DUNDALK |
392 |
100 |
19 |
44 |
2 |
87 |
139 |
1 |
273 |
373 |
19 |
392 |
|
DUNGARVAN |
440 |
107 |
61 |
3 |
0 |
104 |
162 |
53 |
322 |
429 |
11 |
440 |
|
ENNIS |
887 |
211 |
91 |
40 |
18 |
239 |
347 |
1 |
645 |
856 |
31 |
887 |
|
FERMOY |
414 |
92 |
32 |
2 |
0 |
53 |
193 |
55 |
303 |
395 |
19 |
414 |
|
GALWAY |
1,256 |
343 |
93 |
10 |
26 |
257 |
598 |
0 |
891 |
1,234 |
22 |
1,256 |
|
GOREY |
564 |
190 |
129 |
117 |
4 |
30 |
157 |
1 |
309 |
499 |
65 |
564 |
|
GORT |
209 |
39 |
8 |
17 |
0 |
57 |
92 |
0 |
166 |
205 |
4 |
209 |
|
KENMARE |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
||||
|
KILCOCK |
376 |
125 |
19 |
1 |
39 |
13 |
191 |
0 |
244 |
369 |
7 |
376 |
|
KILKENNY |
1,019 |
283 |
102 |
175 |
15 |
113 |
389 |
7 |
699 |
982 |
37 |
1,019 |
|
KILLALOE |
102 |
23 |
10 |
9 |
0 |
40 |
26 |
0 |
75 |
98 |
4 |
102 |
|
KILLARNEY |
519 |
42 |
3 |
38 |
31 |
46 |
345 |
2 |
462 |
504 |
15 |
519 |
|
KILLORGLIN |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|||
|
KILRUSH |
101 |
19 |
7 |
3 |
0 |
33 |
43 |
0 |
79 |
98 |
3 |
101 |
|
LETTERKENNY |
479 |
90 |
42 |
64 |
0 |
60 |
250 |
0 |
374 |
464 |
15 |
479 |
|
LIMERICK |
1,749 |
272 |
29 |
7 |
252 |
559 |
604 |
0 |
1,422 |
1,694 |
55 |
1,749 |
|
LISMORE |
36 |
7 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
9 |
10 |
6 |
25 |
32 |
4 |
36 |
|
LISTOWEL |
241 |
34 |
2 |
34 |
8 |
22 |
136 |
0 |
200 |
234 |
7 |
241 |
|
LONGFORD |
256 |
71 |
54 |
1 |
0 |
60 |
121 |
0 |
182 |
253 |
3 |
256 |
|
LOUGHREA |
257 |
62 |
28 |
0 |
0 |
56 |
126 |
1 |
183 |
245 |
12 |
257 |
|
MACROOM |
608 |
124 |
69 |
80 |
12 |
46 |
282 |
42 |
462 |
586 |
22 |
608 |
|
MALLOW |
548 |
137 |
28 |
6 |
0 |
91 |
228 |
79 |
404 |
541 |
7 |
548 |
|
MANORHAMILTON |
56 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
48 |
2 |
53 |
55 |
1 |
56 |
|
MIDLETON |
491 |
117 |
41 |
1 |
0 |
113 |
254 |
0 |
368 |
485 |
6 |
491 |
|
MONAGHAN |
315 |
50 |
15 |
24 |
1 |
38 |
196 |
0 |
259 |
309 |
6 |
315 |
|
MULLINGAR |
552 |
181 |
124 |
0 |
3 |
126 |
221 |
4 |
354 |
535 |
17 |
552 |
|
NAAS |
2,005 |
716 |
201 |
12 |
109 |
157 |
937 |
0 |
1,215 |
1,931 |
74 |
2,005 |
|
NAVAN |
511 |
94 |
47 |
23 |
2 |
100 |
268 |
0 |
393 |
487 |
24 |
511 |
|
NENAGH |
553 |
85 |
23 |
91 |
1 |
126 |
236 |
0 |
454 |
539 |
14 |
553 |
|
NEWCASTLE WEST |
1,036 |
172 |
17 |
11 |
4 |
230 |
595 |
0 |
840 |
1,012 |
24 |
1,036 |
|
PORTLAOISE |
439 |
101 |
30 |
24 |
1 |
36 |
234 |
31 |
326 |
427 |
12 |
439 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
181 |
57 |
26 |
0 |
0 |
41 |
77 |
1 |
119 |
176 |
5 |
181 |
|
SKIBBEREEN |
5 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
3 |
5 |
0 |
5 |
|
|
SLIGO |
829 |
133 |
25 |
3 |
2 |
192 |
401 |
63 |
661 |
794 |
35 |
829 |
|
STROKESTOWN |
167 |
37 |
15 |
0 |
0 |
53 |
73 |
0 |
126 |
163 |
4 |
167 |
|
THURLES |
355 |
52 |
28 |
55 |
1 |
70 |
170 |
0 |
296 |
348 |
7 |
355 |
|
TIPPERARY |
47 |
12 |
4 |
4 |
0 |
18 |
13 |
0 |
35 |
47 |
0 |
47 |
|
TRALEE |
219 |
19 |
6 |
17 |
19 |
21 |
136 |
2 |
195 |
214 |
5 |
219 |
|
TRIM |
236 |
41 |
12 |
17 |
0 |
63 |
110 |
0 |
190 |
231 |
5 |
236 |
|
TUAM |
171 |
49 |
24 |
0 |
Table 2 - Report on the Number of Speeding Offences listed for Court between 1 Jan 2016 and October 2016 and related outcomes.
Column A - Displays the number of offences listed
Column B - Displays the number of convictions
Column C - Displays the number of Licences Numbers Recorded
Column D - Number of non convictions
Column E - Total Convictions & Non Convictions
Column F - Total not finalised Adjourned, Bench Warrants, Appealed, Setasides
Column G - Total Column E (Total convictions & Non-convictions) & Column F (Not Finalised, Adjourned, Bench Wts, Appealed, setasides)
|
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
F |
G |
||||||
|
Court Area |
Offences Listed |
Convictions |
No. Of Licences Recorded |
Dismiss |
Tic,Probation, Withdrawn, ETC. |
Strike Out |
Strike Out Not Served |
Poor Box |
Total Non Convictions |
Total Convictions & Non Convictions |
Not Finalised Adjourned, Bench Warrants Appealed Setasides etc |
Total Column E & F |
|
AN CLOCHAN LIATH |
20 |
5 |
5 |
3 |
0 |
11 |
0 |
14 |
19 |
1 |
20 |
|
|
AN DAINGEAN |
4 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
4 |
|||
|
AN FAL CARRACH |
4 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
4 |
4 |
0 |
4 |
|||
|
ARDEE |
284 |
68 |
21 |
30 |
0 |
49 |
103 |
0 |
182 |
250 |
34 |
284 |
|
ARKLOW |
65 |
11 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
23 |
0 |
43 |
54 |
11 |
65 |
|
ATHLONE |
517 |
79 |
49 |
0 |
2 |
125 |
302 |
0 |
429 |
508 |
9 |
517 |
|
ATHY |
110 |
20 |
4 |
0 |
8 |
11 |
68 |
0 |
87 |
107 |
3 |
110 |
|
BALLAGHADERREEN |
17 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
9 |
0 |
12 |
13 |
4 |
17 |
|
BALLINA |
94 |
7 |
3 |
15 |
13 |
2 |
53 |
0 |
83 |
90 |
4 |
94 |
|
BALLINASLOE |
268 |
34 |
17 |
8 |
0 |
55 |
147 |
1 |
211 |
245 |
23 |
268 |
|
BALLYSHANNON |
110 |
16 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
28 |
59 |
0 |
89 |
105 |
5 |
110 |
|
BANDON |
261 |
28 |
9 |
76 |
6 |
13 |
131 |
3 |
229 |
257 |
4 |
261 |
|
BANTRY |
16 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
8 |
0 |
11 |
13 |
3 |
16 |
|
|
BEAL AN MHUIRTHEAD |
7 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
5 |
0 |
7 |
7 |
0 |
7 |
||
|
BRAY |
401 |
92 |
72 |
1 |
1 |
105 |
143 |
0 |
250 |
342 |
59 |
401 |
|
BUNCRANA |
47 |
2 |
0 |
6 |
0 |
1 |
34 |
0 |
41 |
43 |
4 |
47 |
|
CARLOW |
249 |
39 |
17 |
51 |
1 |
23 |
124 |
0 |
199 |
238 |
11 |
249 |
|
CARNDONAGH |
110 |
15 |
8 |
22 |
0 |
7 |
60 |
0 |
89 |
104 |
6 |
110 |
|
CARRICK ON SHANNON |
194 |
20 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
59 |
94 |
0 |
153 |
173 |
21 |
194 |
|
CARRICK ON SUIR |
30 |
6 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
4 |
14 |
2 |
21 |
27 |
3 |
30 |
|
CARRICKMACROSS |
188 |
32 |
10 |
9 |
1 |
18 |
123 |
0 |
151 |
183 |
5 |
188 |
|
CASHEL |
237 |
37 |
25 |
0 |
6 |
58 |
127 |
0 |
191 |
228 |
9 |
237 |
|
CASTLEBAR |
166 |
27 |
2 |
15 |
29 |
8 |
81 |
0 |
133 |
160 |
6 |
166 |
|
CASTLEREA |
22 |
3 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
3 |
9 |
0 |
14 |
17 |
5 |
22 |
|
CAVAN |
564 |
119 |
59 |
18 |
19 |
53 |
282 |
0 |
372 |
491 |
73 |
564 |
|
CLIFDEN |
2 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
|||
|
CLONAKILTY |
4 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
4 |
|||
|
CLONMEL |
134 |
24 |
9 |
2 |
7 |
27 |
63 |
2 |
101 |
125 |
9 |
134 |
|
CORK CITY |
1,096 |
262 |
68 |
26 |
7 |
270 |
499 |
0 |
802 |
1,064 |
32 |
1,096 |
|
DOIRE AN FHEICH |
217 |
35 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
31 |
150 |
0 |
182 |
217 |
0 |
217 |
|
DONEGAL |
22 |
7 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
11 |
0 |
14 |
21 |
1 |
22 |
|
DROGHEDA |
224 |
58 |
22 |
15 |
3 |
45 |
94 |
0 |
157 |
215 |
9 |
224 |
|
DUBLIN METROPOLITAN DISTRICT |
6,964 |
1,508 |
861 |
38 |
46 |
1,398 |
3,148 |
35 |
4,665 |
6,173 |
791 |
6,964 |
|
DUNDALK |
278 |
98 |
39 |
31 |
2 |
47 |
95 |
0 |
175 |
273 |
5 |
278 |
|
DUNGARVAN |
426 |
64 |
35 |
4 |
2 |
113 |
198 |
44 |
361 |
425 |
1 |
426 |
|
ENNIS |
630 |
85 |
39 |
21 |
81 |
90 |
337 |
0 |
529 |
614 |
16 |
630 |
|
FERMOY |
333 |
67 |
21 |
3 |
2 |
93 |
151 |
0 |
249 |
316 |
17 |
333 |
|
GALWAY |
847 |
240 |
60 |
7 |
16 |
165 |
406 |
1 |
595 |
835 |
12 |
847 |
|
GOREY |
586 |
125 |
85 |
113 |
1 |
77 |
183 |
0 |
374 |
499 |
87 |
586 |
|
GORT |
111 |
14 |
1 |
6 |
0 |
29 |
59 |
0 |
94 |
108 |
3 |
111 |
|
KILCOCK |
191 |
51 |
8 |
1 |
13 |
8 |
105 |
0 |
127 |
178 |
13 |
191 |
|
KILKENNY |
1,016 |
212 |
97 |
181 |
22 |
104 |
483 |
0 |
790 |
1,002 |
14 |
1,016 |
|
KILLALOE |
43 |
9 |
4 |
1 |
6 |
8 |
15 |
0 |
30 |
39 |
4 |
43 |
|
KILLARNEY |
391 |
52 |
2 |
17 |
13 |
89 |
213 |
0 |
332 |
384 |
7 |
391 |
|
KILLORGLIN |
2 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
|||
|
KILRUSH |
25 |
7 |
5 |
0 |
4 |
3 |
11 |
0 |
18 |
25 |
0 |
25 |
|
LETTERKENNY |
295 |
62 |
13 |
54 |
0 |
44 |
120 |
0 |
218 |
280 |
15 |
295 |
|
LIMERICK |
1,794 |
273 |
19 |
3 |
199 |
495 |
757 |
0 |
1,454 |
1,727 |
67 |
1,794 |
|
LISMORE |
40 |
8 |
6 |
1 |
0 |
12 |
15 |
2 |
30 |
38 |
2 |
40 |
|
LISTOWEL |
224 |
24 |
3 |
21 |
16 |
37 |
123 |
0 |
197 |
221 |
3 |
224 |
|
LONGFORD |
244 |
48 |
32 |
0 |
0 |
61 |
122 |
0 |
183 |
231 |
13 |
244 |
|
LOUGHREA |
250 |
54 |
25 |
9 |
0 |
41 |
129 |
5 |
184 |
238 |
12 |
250 |
|
MACROOM |
283 |
34 |
21 |
35 |
5 |
30 |
157 |
3 |
230 |
264 |
19 |
283 |
|
MALLOW |
354 |
73 |
19 |
5 |
1 |
124 |
142 |
0 |
272 |
345 |
9 |
354 |
|
MANORHAMILTON |
43 |
0 |
1 |
6 |
36 |
0 |
43 |
43 |
0 |
43 |
||
|
MEATH |
390 |
100 |
58 |
16 |
1 |
32 |
197 |
0 |
246 |
346 |
44 |
390 |
|
MIDLETON |
358 |
68 |
21 |
0 |
1 |
85 |
198 |
0 |
284 |
352 |
6 |
358 |
|
MONAGHAN |
170 |
35 |
16 |
19 |
0 |
16 |
91 |
0 |
126 |
161 |
9 |
170 |
|
MULLINGAR |
355 |
94 |
51 |
0 |
0 |
80 |
171 |
0 |
251 |
345 |
10 |
355 |
|
NAAS |
1,752 |
449 |
88 |
14 |
85 |
132 |
958 |
0 |
1,189 |
1,638 |
114 |
1,752 |
|
NAVAN |
139 |
40 |
21 |
25 |
0 |
20 |
47 |
0 |
92 |
132 |
7 |
139 |
|
NENAGH |
537 |
90 |
15 |
26 |
0 |
166 |
241 |
0 |
433 |
523 |
14 |
537 |
|
NEWCASTLE WEST |
1,107 |
174 |
14 |
0 |
0 |
331 |
546 |
0 |
877 |
1,051 |
56 |
1,107 |
|
PORTLAOISE |
414 |
58 |
20 |
11 |
2 |
61 |
270 |
1 |
345 |
403 |
11 |
414 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
89 |
14 |
6 |
4 |
1 |
17 |
33 |
0 |
55 |
69 |
20 |
89 |
|
SKIBBEREEN |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|||
|
SLIGO |
543 |
75 |
17 |
3 |
0 |
160 |
279 |
0 |
442 |
517 |
26 |
543 |
|
STROKESTOWN |
38 |
5 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
22 |
0 |
32 |
37 |
1 |
38 |
|
THURLES |
360 |
47 |
17 |
19 |
0 |
64 |
213 |
0 |
296 |
343 |
17 |
360 |
|
TIPPERARY |
28 |
6 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
4 |
12 |
1 |
20 |
26 |
2 |
28 |
|
TRALEE |
125 |
14 |
1 |
14 |
9 |
24 |
60 |
0 |
107 |
121 |
4 |
125 |
|
TRIM |
7 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
4 |
7 |
0 |
7 |
|
|
TUAM |
129 |
34 |
20 |
7 |
1 |
23 |
55 |
3 |
89 |
123 |
6 |
129 |
|
TUBBERCURRY |
72 |
12 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
22 |
35 |
0 |
57 |
69 |
3 |
72 |
|
TULLAMORE |
186 |
52 |
25 |
7 |
0 |
35 |
89 |
0 |
131 |
183 |
3 |
186 |
|
VIRGINIA |
144 |
34 |
15 |
4 |
1 |
26 |
55 |
0 |
86 |
120 |
24 |
144 |
|
WATERFORD CITY |
611 |
88 |
26 |
1 |
1 |
239 |
255 |
0 |
496 |
584 |
27 |
611 |
|
WESTPORT |
11 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
0 |
7 |
7 |
4 |
11 |
|||
|
WEXFORD |
440 |
102 |
73 |
100 |
0 |
43 |
158 |
0 |
301 |
403 |
37 |
440 |
|
WICKLOW |
307 |
74 |
64 |
1 |
0 |
79 |
109 |
0 |
189 |
263 |
44 |
307 |
|
YOUGHAL |
37 |
10 |
6 |
3 |
0 |
4 |
17 |
1 |
25 |
35 |
2 |
37 |
|
TOTAL |
29,404 |
5,835 |
2,407 |
1,134 |
639 |
5,770 |
13,964 |
104 |
21,611 |
27,446 |
1,958 |
29,404 |
41. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda stations and the number of gardaí in each in Cork city 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 Cork city; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34695/16]
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 and the Deputy will be aware that in the most recent CSO figures, for Quarter 2 of 2016, there were decreases in many crime categories, including for example a 26% reduction in burglaries. This reflects the success of the concerted Garda drive against crime being implemented under Operation Thor. It is important we build on this success by ensuring that Garda numbers continue to increase. 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, 12 have been assigned to the Cork City 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, 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 Cork City 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 Cork City Division on 31 October 2010 and 30 September 2016, the latest date for which figures are readily available, for the record.
|
Cork City Division 31 Oct 2010 |
||
|
ANGLESEA STREET DISTRICT |
ANGLESEA STREET |
281 |
|
BARRACK STREET |
21 |
|
|
BLACKROCK |
30 |
|
|
BRIDEWELL |
21 |
|
|
Total |
353 |
|
|
GURRANABRAHER DISTRICT |
BALLINCOLLIG |
22 |
|
BLARNEY |
17 |
|
|
GURRANABRAHER |
60 |
|
|
RATHDUFF GRENAGH |
2 |
|
|
Total |
101 |
|
|
MAYFIELD DISTRICT |
MALLOW ROAD |
5 |
|
MAYFIELD |
59 |
|
|
MC CURTAIN STREET |
0 |
|
|
WATERCOURSE ROAD |
48 |
|
|
Total |
112 |
|
|
TOGHER DISTRICT |
BISHOPSTOWN |
23 |
|
CARRIGALINE |
21 |
|
|
CROSSHAVEN |
3 |
|
|
DOUGLAS |
28 |
|
|
PASSAGE WEST |
4 |
|
|
TOGHER |
59 |
|
|
Total |
138 |
|
|
CORK CITY DIVISION |
18 Stations |
704 |
|
Cork City Division 30 Sept 2016 |
||
|
ANGLESEA STREET DISTRICT |
ANGLESEA STREET |
277 |
|
BLACKROCK |
25 |
|
|
BRIDEWELL |
27 |
|
|
TOTAL |
329 |
|
|
GURRANABRAHER DISTRICT |
BALLINCOLLIG |
20 |
|
BLARNEY |
18 |
|
|
CARRIG NA BHFEAR |
1 |
|
|
GURRANABRAHER |
52 |
|
|
TOTAL |
91 |
|
|
MAYFIELD DISTRICT |
GLANMIRE |
19 |
|
MAYFIELD |
51 |
|
|
WATERCOURSE ROAD |
45 |
|
|
TOTAL |
115 |
|
|
TOGHER DISTRICT |
BISHOPSTOWN |
21 |
|
CARRIGALINE |
20 |
|
|
CROSSHAVEN |
2 |
|
|
DOUGLAS |
20 |
|
|
PASSAGE WEST |
2 |
|
|
TOGHER |
48 |
|
|
TOTAL |
113 |
|
|
CORK CITY DIVISION |
16 Stations |
648 |
42. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when her Department will publish a Revised Estimate for 2017; her Department’s projection for additional costs arising for the Garda budget; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34836/16]
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; and
- 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 that 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. In that regard officials of both Departments have had an initial discussion on the issues. The question of the publication of revised Estimates is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for 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.
43. Deputy John Brassil asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if recorded crime statistics for County Kerry are an accurate reflection of the reality of crime in the area; if all Garda stations in County Kerry 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. [34685/16]
View answerCrime statistics are compiled by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) based on PULSE data and the statistics for Kerry Garda Division reflect all crime incidents recorded by An Garda Síochána for that area. The Deputy will be aware that in the most recent CSO figures, for Quarter 2 of 2016, there were decreases in many crime categories. This reflects the success of the concerted Garda drive against crime being implemented under Operation Thor and in the Kerry Garda Division the figures show a reduction in Burglary of 32%.
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 intends 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. Kerry |
None |
|
Castlegregory |
|
|
Annascaul |
|
|
Baile an Fheirtéaraigh |
|
|
Glenbeigh |
|
|
Portmagee |
|
|
Castlemaine |
|
|
Barraduff |
|
|
Ballyduff |
|
|
Knocknagoshel |
|
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Lixnaw |
44. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the measures she will bring forward to tackle domestic violence; the supports her Department provides towards domestic violence refuges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34658/16]
View answerDomestic violence is a social evil and the protection of members of society from domestic violence remains a priority for me and my Department. Drafting of the Domestic Violence Bill is at an advanced stage. It is my intention that the Bill will be submitted for Government approval and published during the current Dáil session. The Second National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence 2016-2021 was published by me in January. A multi-annual action plan to enable ratification of the Council of Europe Istanbul Convention is part of the action plan of the second national strategy. The Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Bill is also being drafted for publication as a priority.
The Deputy may also wish to note I recently announced the awarding of contracts for a national awareness campaign as part of the Second National Strategy. The campaign will be launched tomorrow and it is intended that it will run for a period of 6 years up to 2021, subject to the continued availability of the necessary funding. The overall aim of the campaign is to increase the awareness of domestic and sexual violence, to bring about a change in long established societal behaviours and attitudes and to activate bystanders with the aim of decreasing and preventing this violence. It will recognise that women and men are victims of such crimes.
The Deputy will be aware that Tusla, the Child and Family Agency is the primary funder for refuges and that this a matter for the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. I understand however that funding for the domestic violence sector in 2016 by Tusla was in the region of €16.5 million.
45. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the actions she has taken in her current role to ensure that members of An Garda Síochána that have made protected disclosures have not been subjected to bullying or intimidation as a result of making such disclosures; if her attention has been drawn to any such allegations of bullying or harassment; if she is satisfied that the Garda Commissioner and senior Garda management have put adequate steps in place to safeguard against this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34851/16]
View answerAs I have advised the Deputy previously, there has been significant change in the procedures for members of the Garda who wish to report allegations of wrongdoing.
The Protected Disclosures 2014 Act was part of the then Government's comprehensive approach to enhancing the protections available to whistleblowers, including members of the Garda Síochána. Under the Act, the Garda Síochana Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) is now the prescribed body authorised to receive protected disclosures on Garda matters.
Accordingly, members of the Garda Síochána may communicate their concerns to the Garda Commissioner, as their employer if they so choose, or they may make a disclosure directly to GSOC. Where a protected disclosure is made to GSOC, the Act provides that GSOC may, if it appears to it desirable in the public interest to do so, investigate the disclosure.
It is important to recognise the very significant fact that a member of the Garda who makes a disclosure in accordance with the Act is entitled to all the protections provided for whistleblowers in the Act. These protections include protection from having their identity revealed, protection from dismissal and protection from being penalised in their employment as a result of having made a protected disclosure.
The Deputy is no doubt aware of the measures that the Garda Commissioner outlined at her meeting last June with the Policing Authority. The Garda Síochána has published its Protected Disclosures Policy and all Garda members and civilians have been informed of this policy. In addition the Garda Commissioner has appointed a Protected Disclosures Manager who will be supported with a dedicated and properly trained team. The Garda Síochána has been working with Transparency International Ireland and other external providers to create an environment to ensure that whistleblowers are protected and supported.
In light of the public interest in An Garda Síochána having robust policies and procedures in place to support and protect whistleblowers and to ensure that their complaints or allegations are fully investigated, I signalled during the Dáil debate on the O'Higgins Report that I would refer certain matters to the independent Policing Authority. To that end, I wrote to the Authority on 2 June 2016 requesting that in accordance with section 62O(6) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended) they submit a report on the policies and procedures in place in An Garda Síochána to deal with whistleblowers/whistleblowing. I also asked that they make any recommendations that they consider appropriate in order to ensure that the policies and procedures in place are appropriate and can provide assurance that whistleblowers can make complaints or allegations in a safe environment where their complaints or allegations are properly investigated.
The Policing Authority has completed its review and reported to me last week. The Report was published on my Department's website on Friday and has been laid before both Houses in accordance with the Act. The Report contains a number of recommendations almost all of which have been accepted by the Commissioner and I understand that a revised version of the Policy will be published by the Commissioner shortly. The Commissioner is committed to providing an environment in which protected disclosures can be made in full knowledge that persons making such disclosures will be supported and protected in the workplace.
All of this points to significant changes in the regime for making protected disclosures by members of the Garda and the significant protections afforded to those who make protected disclosures.
I am aware of a number of instances where there have been allegations that individuals have been subjected to bullying and harassment. I would again make the point that all of us in this House must be very careful in discussing individual cases of whistleblowing. Protection for whistleblowers rightly prioritises the confidentiality of the process, which is central to the efficacy of the process, so I do not propose to discuss individual cases.
The Garda Commissioner has assured me that she is committed to providing a positive and supportive working environment for all Garda personnel. An Garda Síochána's Dignity at Work Policy, entitled “Working Together to Create a Positive Working Environment", outlines the policy and procedures for dealing with Harassment, Sexual Harassment and Bullying in the Workplace. The main objective of the policy is to achieve a safe and harmonious working environment that encourages and supports the right to dignity at work. I am informed that the Commissioner has established an internal Garda Working Group to review the current practice and policies in place in An Garda Síochána and this work is currently ongoing.
46. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of new gardaí that will be trained in 2017; the number of new entrants planned per class in 2017; if there have been any changes to her previous announced plans; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34750/16]
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 and the Deputy will be aware that in the most recent CSO figures, for Quarter 2 of 2016, there were decreases in many crime categories, including for example a 26% reduction in burglaries. This reflects the success of the concerted Garda drive against crime being implemented under Operation Thor. It is important we build on this success by ensuring that Garda numbers continue to increase. 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. The existing recruitment campaign (launched last November) is ongoing and successful candidates will continue to be called from that campaign this year and into next year. It is expected that successful candidates from the new campaign will enter the Garda College from mid-2017.
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that there will be four intakes of 200 trainee Garda in 2017 scheduled for 13 February, 2 May, 8 August and 6 November giving a total intake of 800 trainee Garda.
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. Another 150 trainee Garda will attest this Thursday, 17 November. I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that another 900 trainee Garda are scheduled to attest in 2017 which when taking account of projected retirements will bring Garda numbers to around the 13,500 mark by year end.
