Written Answers Nos. 79-102
79. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 130 of 1 December 2016, if she will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the reply. [39386/16]
View answerI welcome the decision by Garda Representative Association and Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors members to accept the recommendation of the Labour Court which sought to address the concerns that have been articulated in relation to their pay and conditions, the pay and conditions of new recruits, and their access to the statutory dispute resolution bodies.
The Government fully respects the decision of the Labour Court as the independent industrial relations body of last resort in the State and has agreed to accept its recommendation.
In making its recommendation the Court acknowledged the uncertainty that Garda members face in availing of approved annual leave due to the requirement to attend Court even at short notice when on annual leave, resulting in the cancellation of their leave and any plans they may have made. To compensate for the uncertainty attaching to the taking of annual leave by members of An Garda Síochána the Recommendation provides for a payment of a €15 premium payment per annual leave day to the ranks of Garda, Sergeant and Inspector on commencement of the next leave year. The implementation of this is to be agreed among all parties. The recommendation also provides for:
- the restoration of the rent allowance of €4,155 per annum to new recruits as of the date of acceptance, the 5 December;
- 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 implementation of a long-standing recommendation of the Garda Inspectorate by way of the introduction of paid 15 minute pre-tour briefing or tasking sessions with effect from 1 January 2017.
In relation to the information previously requested by the Deputy, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for carrying on and managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána. As advised in my reply to Parliamentary Question No 130 of 1 December 2016, the Commissioner has informed me that the information requested by the Deputy is not readily available and would require a disproportionate amount of Garda time and resources to compile.
80. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the reason an application for naturalisation has been returned to a person (details supplied). [39399/16]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that Section 17 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, provides that an application for a certificate of naturalisation shall be in the prescribed form and accompanied by the prescribed fee. An application for naturalisation from the person concerned was deemed ineligible as the Statutory Declaration, which forms part of the prescribed application form, was not properly completed.
I am informed by officials of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that, as this was apparently due to an omission by the applicant's legal representative, should the individual wish to submit a new fully completed application, the supporting documentation supplied with her previous application will be associated with the new 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 it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
The Deputy may wish to note that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
81. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the reason for the delay in the ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; the actions required before ratification will take place; the steps she is taking to address the delay; and the timeframe she is working to. [39430/16]
View answerConsiderable progress has already been made to overcome the remaining legislative barriers to Ireland's ratification of the Convention. The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 was signed into law on 30 December 2015 and is a comprehensive reform of the law on decision-making capacity. The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2015 passed Committee Stage in the Dáil on 7 December 2016. When enacted, the Bill will reform Section 5 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 1993 to facilitate the full participation in family life of persons with intellectual disabilities and the full expression of their human rights. Achieving the necessary balance between those rights and ensuring appropriate protection is crucial.
Work is under way on drawing up the Equality/Disability (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill to progress miscellaneous legislative amendments necessary to proceed to ratification. The Bill will address issues such as the Convention's requirements in relation to reasonable accommodation and deprivation of liberty. The General Scheme of the Equality/Disability (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill is available on the Department of Justice and Equality website. The Bill is at the final stages of drafting and while I am not in a position to give an exact date, I expect the Bill to be published very shortly so as to facilitate early ratification of the Convention.
82. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will establish the details of the case of a person (details supplied); the options open to the person to enable renewal of a passport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39435/16]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person referred to has been granted temporary permission to remain in the State following consideration of his or her case pursuant to Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended. The person concerned was refused an Irish travel document by decision dated 22nd November 2016 which issued to the person's legal representatives.
Irish travel documents are not issued for the purpose of supplementing the passport procurement processes of other countries whose citizens have decided to take up residency in Ireland and who are unable to renew their national passports. Countries that do not have a physical embassy presence in Ireland normally assist their citizens resident here through a variety of methods such as the provision of mobile consular clinics, provision of laissez-passer type documentation, etc via their nearest embassy with accreditation for Ireland.
The person referred to should further engage their own consular authorities to seek effective assistance in this matter given that they are resident in Ireland without a valid national passport.
The Deputy may wish to note that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
83. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her views on changing the residency requirements for naturalisation to residency on the island of Ireland as opposed to residency just in the State (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39443/16]
View answerThe Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, sets out the law governing citizenship of Ireland. The Act distinguishes between the entitlement to citizenship by birth and descent and to the acquisition of citizenship through the naturalisation process.
In relation to citizenship through birth in the island of Ireland where the child is born to non-nationals, the Act specifies certain residence requirements to be met immediately preceding the birth of the child. Citizenship through naturalisation on the other hand is based on the individual having the required lawful residence in the jurisdiction of this State.
The provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 were amended having due regard to the Good Friday Agreement and I have no plans to further amend the Act at this time.
84. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the total photography costs for her Department per annum since March 2011, inclusive of costs incurred from use of the ministerial allowance in tabular form; the occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion that a photographer was used; if there is a policy regarding the booking of photographers within her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39474/16]
View answerPhotography costs were incurred by my Department in the relevant years, as follows:
|
Year |
Cost |
|
2011 |
€1,841.93 |
|
2012 |
€1,446.70 |
|
2013 |
€2,089.39 |
|
2014 |
€966.78 |
|
2015 |
€1,222.62 |
|
2016 |
€2,486.47 |
I can inform the Deputy that photographic services are only used by my Department to mark and provide a record of significant occasions. Consideration is given at all times to the costs involved and best value for money is always a priority when sourcing such services.
The list of occasions when photographers were engaged and the associated costs are as follows:
|
Occasion |
Year |
Photographer |
Cost |
|
Opening of Monaghan Court House |
2011 |
Adrian Donohoe |
€302.50 |
|
Appointment of Garda Commissioner |
2011 |
Maxwell Photography |
€431.67 |
|
Appointment of Deputy Garda Commissioner |
2011 |
Maxwell Photography |
€500.34 |
|
Launch of Visa Waiver Scheme |
2011 |
Maxwell Photography |
€607.42 |
|
Joint Statement with UK Immigration Minister, on Visa Data Exchange |
2012 |
Maxwell Photography |
€92.25 |
|
Joint Statement with UK Immigration Minister, on Visa Data Exchange |
2012 |
Maxwell Photography |
€526.35 |
|
Launch of conference "Regulatory Reform for Legal Profession in 21st Century". |
2012 |
Maxwell Photography |
€276.75 |
|
Deployment of Civilian Immigration Officers to Dublin Airport |
2012 |
Maxwell Photography |
€551.35 |
|
Meeting with Romanian Minister for Internal Affairs |
2013 |
MAC INNES Photography |
€344.51 |
|
Justice Home Affairs Committee - event |
2013 |
MAC INNES Photography |
€50.18 |
|
EU Presidency |
2013 |
MAC INNES Photography |
€200.40 |
|
EU Presidency |
2013 |
MAC INNES Photography |
€387.93 |
|
Bilateral meeting of EU & US delegates |
2013 |
MAC INNES Photography |
€1,106.37 |
|
National Missing Persons Day |
2014 |
Maxwell Photography |
€413.28 |
|
Appointment of Chief Executive Designate to Charities Regulatory Authority |
2014 |
Maxwell Photography |
€123 |
|
First Board Meeting of the Charities Regulatory Authority |
2014 |
Maxwell Photography |
€275.52 |
|
Promote safety on Fireworks Night |
2014 |
Maxwell Photography |
€154.98 |
|
International Women's Day |
2015 |
Maxwell Photography |
€120.54 |
|
Website and other Department Publications |
2015 |
Maxwell Photography |
€516.60 |
|
Website and other Department Publications |
2015 |
Maxwell Photography |
€585.48 |
|
International Women's Day |
2016 |
Maxwell Photography |
€231.98 |
|
Launch of Report on Prison Culture |
2016 |
Maxwell Photography |
€464.94 |
|
Posthumous Pardon to Harry Gleeson |
2016 |
Maxwell Photography |
€964.32 |
|
2106 Annual Justice Conference |
2016 |
Maxwell Photography |
€136.43 |
|
Launch of Call for Proposals for EU Funded Projects |
2016 |
Maxwell Photography |
€464.94 |
|
Launch of Legal Services Regulatory Authority |
2016 |
Maxwell Photography |
€223.86 |
The Deputy may wish to note that questions concerning Ministerial allowances are solely a matter for the Oireachtas.
85. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the external consultant reports commissioned by her Department since March 2011 per annum, in tabular form; the costs per report; the company involved; the title of the report; and the publication date. [39490/16]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table:
|
Year |
Title of Report |
Name of Consultancy |
Cost of Report |
Publication Date |
|
2011- 2015 |
Annual Review of Garda Investigative Interview Training for the Smyth Committee (which is charged with developing proposals on Garda interviewing of suspects) |
Professor Gisli Gudjonsson and Dr John Pearse of Forensic Navigation Services, UK |
€59,729 (Vat incl) over 5 years |
The purpose of the research was to inform the deliberations of the Smyth Committee. |
|
2011 |
Audit of security arrangements for state visits in 2011 and associated costs |
Capita Consulting |
€6,598 |
Given the nature of the report not appropriate to publish. |
|
2011 |
Security Review - Penetration Testing |
RITS Bianconi Research Ltd |
€10,083 |
Not for Publication |
|
2011 |
Feasibility study into Circles of Support and Accountability for Ireland, 2011 (Probation) |
Eustace Patterson Ann Clarke |
€9,983 |
December 2011 |
|
2011 |
Drug and Alcohol Misuse among Adult Offenders on Probation Supervision in Ireland |
Michelle Martyn |
€9,958 |
May 2012 |
|
2011 |
Investigations into Deaths in Custody (6 reports completed by two person investigation team) |
Dr Ide Delargy, MB, MICGP, MRCGP. Director of the Substance Misuse Programme, Irish College of General Practitioners and National GP Co-ordinator, HSE Addiction Service Mr. Hugh Kane, Former CEO of the Mental Health Commission |
€11234.34 €10714.46 |
Unpublished – Internal Review |
|
2011 |
Investigation into Death in Custody |
Dr. J.J. Kennedy Roberts Bsc MB ChB OBE FRCGP |
€1,634.76 |
Unpublished – Internal Review |
|
2011 |
Midlands Prison Facilitation |
Hensey Consulting and Associates |
€3,267.00 |
Unpublished – Internal Review |
|
2011 |
Follow up audit on HR payroll procedures. |
Mazars |
€5,955 |
Not for Publication |
|
2011 & 2012 |
Strategy Development - Quality control process to review and assist in implementing audit recommendations to ensure effective internal controls in financial management and payroll systems |
Tribal/Helm taken over by Capita |
€44,227 |
Not for Publication |
|
2012 |
Mid-term review of the Implementation of the National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender based Violence 2010-2014 |
The Institute of Public Administration |
€24,539 |
December, 2012 |
|
2012 |
National evaluation report on the results and impacts of actions co-financed by the European Refugee Fund concerning the period 2008-2010. |
Capita Consulting |
€14,760 (This is the joint cost of this report and the one immediately following. No individual costs.) |
Not published to date. |
|
2012 |
National evaluation report on the results and impacts of actions co-financed by the European Fund for the Integration of third-country nationals concerning the period 2007-2010. |
Capita Consulting |
14,760 (This is the joint cost of this report and the one immediately above. No individual costs.) |
Not published to date. |
|
2012 |
Software Asset Management 360 Microsoft Baseline Report |
SAM360/OpenPlain |
€6,458 |
Not for Publication |
|
2012 |
Security Review - Penetration Testing |
RITS Bianconi Research Ltd |
€6,874 |
Not for Publication |
|
2012 |
Audit of AISIP |
Capita |
€4,920 |
Not for Publication |
|
2012 |
Audit of ICT Shared Services in Justice |
Capita |
€9,225 |
Not for Publication |
|
2012 |
Audit of ICT in Probation Service |
Capita |
€3,997 |
Not for Publication |
|
2012 |
An audit on the Financial Shared Service Payroll and Financial Management Systems |
Capita |
€12,677 |
Not for Publication |
|
2012 |
Department of Justice Safety Statement, 51 St Stephen's Green |
Safecon Training and Consultancy |
€984 |
Not for publication - Internal doc |
|
2012 |
Report on the workshop of National Traveller Committees |
Mr Owen McCarthy |
€2,450 |
November 2012 |
|
2012 |
Report of ‘Ethnicity and Travellers an Exploration’ conference proceedings |
Mr Owen McCarthy |
€2,200 |
December 2012 |
|
2013 |
IT Infrastructure Architecture Report |
Hibernia Evros |
€24,631 |
Not for Publication |
|
2013 |
Dignity at Work in the Irish Prison Service Report on Staff Perceptions |
Sue Corbett and Jacinta Kitt |
€10,500 |
June 2014 |
|
2013 |
Strategy Development - Audit on ICT in FSS. These are specialist audits to ensure that key systems have effective controls in place |
Capita |
€3,338 |
Not for Publication |
|
2013 |
Review of the Drug Treatment Court Programme |
Support and Advisory Committee for the Drug Treatment |
No Cost |
The report has been overtaken by the proposal to develop a Community Court. This proposal has now been examined by a Working Group of Justice Sector officials, and a decision made to consider the setting up a Community Justice Intervention Initiative. |
|
2014 |
Review of Harry Gleeson Case (2014) |
Mr. Shane Murphy S.C. |
€83,305 |
Mr. Murphy's report has not been published on the basis that it represents legal advice to the Attorney General and to me as Minister. |
|
2014 |
Information Security Expert Opinion provided to Minister |
RITS Bianconi Research Ltd |
€10,096 |
Not for publication. For internal use. |
|
2014 |
Facilitation of and Reporting on a Consultative Forum for the National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence on 17 November 2014 |
Ms. Maureen P. Lynott |
€4,900 |
June 2015 |
|
2014 |
Information Security Expert Opinion provided to Minister |
RITS Bianconi Research Ltd |
€10,096 |
Not for Publication |
|
2014 |
Facilitators report of the workshop on Irish Sign Language held 14 December 2013 |
Internal Report - not for publication |
€1,374 |
Not for Publication |
|
2014 |
Evaluation of the Stable and Acute 2007 Risk Assessment and Supervision Model in Use in Ireland and Northern Ireland (Probation) |
Professor Tim Trimble, TCD |
€12,373 |
Not for publication |
|
2014 |
Review of Irish Prison Service ICT Security 2014 |
RITS |
€29,410 |
Unpublished – Internal Review |
|
2014 |
Audit of Healthcare in certain prisons/institutions |
Dr. J.J. Kennedy Roberts Bsc MB ChB OBE FRCGP |
€6,389 |
Unpublished – Internal Review |
|
2014 |
Review of the Employee Assistance Programme |
Karen McManus Consulting |
€18,450 |
Unpublished- Internal review |
|
2015 |
National evaluation report on the results and impacts of actions co-financed by the European Fund for the Integration of third-country nationals concerning the period 2011-2013. |
Capita Consulting |
€15,015 (This is the joint cost of this report and the two immediately following. No individual costs.) |
The reports on the European Integration Fund are required under Article 48(2)(b) of Decision 2007/435/EC. Not for publication by Dept, may be published by Commission. |
|
2015 |
National evaluation report on the results and impacts of actions co-financed by the European Refugee Fund concerning the period 2011-2013. |
Capita Consulting |
€15,015 (This is the joint cost of this report and the one immediately above and the one immediately following. No individual costs.) |
The reports on the European Refugee Fund are required under Article 50(2) of Decision 573/2007/EC. Not for publication by Dept, may be published by Commission. |
|
2015 |
National evaluation report on the results and impacts of actions co-financed by the European Return Fund concerning the period 2011-2013 |
Capita Consulting |
€15,015 (This is the joint cost of this report and the two immediately above. No individual costs.) |
The reports on the European Return Fund are required under Article 50(2)(b) of Decision 575/2007/EC. Not for publication by Dept, may be published by Commission. |
|
2015 |
ESRI Research in Equality and Integration |
Due January 2017 |
€25,000 |
No |
|
2015 |
Review of Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services for Adult Offenders in Prison and in the Community |
Eustace Patterson |
€9,471 (50% paid by Probation Service) |
Complete - not published to date |
|
2015 |
Feasibility Study of Laundry Service Mountjoy |
Archie Kerr, Tarheel Training Centre, Scotland |
€973.00 |
Unpublished – In Progress. Internal Review. |
|
2015 |
Independent verification of saving and costings under the Haddington Road Agreement in IPS |
Grant Thornton |
€7,926.12 |
Finalised May 2015 |
|
2015 |
Review of Irish Prison Service Psychology 2015 |
Frank Porporino |
€7,200 plus vat |
November 2015 |
|
2015 |
Development of Cleaning Manual |
Cleanpass |
€6,000 |
Work In Progress. Will be unpublished - For internal use. |
|
2015 |
Menu Review |
Calista Nutrition |
€2735 |
Unpublished- Internal review |
|
2015 |
Review of Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services for Adult Offenders in Prison and the Community |
Eustace Patterson |
€9,471 (50% by the IPS |
unpublished |
|
2016 |
Developments in the gambling area |
University College Dublin |
€10,899 |
Not completed yet |
|
2016 |
Report on Build to Share Environment |
RITS Bianconi Research Ltd |
€3,819 |
Not for Publication |
|
2016 |
Review of IASIO (Irish Association for Social Integration of Offenders) |
Eustace Patterson |
€19,618.50 (jointly funded by Probation Service and Irish Prison Service - €9,809.25 paid by Probation Service) |
Not yet complete |
|
2016 |
External Review of IASIO |
Eustace Patterson |
€15,950 |
To be published March 2017 |
|
2016 |
Value for money review of IPS Canine |
GSS International |
£14,441 |
Unpublished- Internal review |
|
2016 |
Review of the IPS Fleet Operations |
Automobile association |
€10,000 |
Unpublished- Internal review |
86. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the details of the use of external public relations firms employed by her Department per annum since March 2011 in tabular form; the list of uses of the external public relations firm; the internal Department policy with regard to employing external groups; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39506/16]
View answerIt is my Department's policy to use in-house resources as much as possible and to restrict the use of external support to a minimum. My Department has not incurred any cost in relation to the provision of public relations services since March 2011.
87. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the amount of moneys recovered to date by the State relating to the findings of the Flood Mahon tribunal by the Criminal Assets Bureau and the Revenue Commissioners; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39414/16]
View answer88. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the amount of moneys recovered to date by the State relating to the findings of the Moriarty tribunal by the Criminal Assets Bureau and the Revenue Commissioners; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39416/16]
View answer89. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if inquiries are continuing by the Criminal Assets Bureau into matters relating to the findings of the Flood Mahon tribunal; the level of CAB resources allocated to this work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39418/16]
View answer90. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if inquiries are continuing by the Criminal Assets Bureau into matters relating to the findings of the Moriarty tribunal; the level of CAB resources allocated to this work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39419/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 87 to 90, inclusive, together.
I can inform the Deputy that inquiries by the Criminal Assets Bureau are continuing at this time arising from the referral of the reports of the Moriarty and Mahon Tribunals to the Criminal Assets Bureau.
The Deputy will appreciate that the deployment of personnel within the Bureau is primarily a matter for the Chief Bureau Officer and I would have no role in relation to the conduct of particular Bureau inquiries. I can however inform the Deputy that there is currently designated staff allocated to the Criminal Assets Bureau in order to conduct the necessary inquiries. I can further inform the Deputy that the Bureau will report to the Garda Commissioner in relation to these matters at the earliest possible time.
The Deputy will appreciate that as these matters are the subject of ongoing investigations at this time it would not be appropriate to comment further. While I do appreciate that there is considerable public interest in these matters, the primary concern for the Bureau is to ensure that inquiries are carried out as comprehensively and effectively as possible.
91. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 76 and 77 of 2 November 2016 and the subsequent letter of 11 November 2016, the level of Garda resources in the Garda bureau of fraud investigation and other Garda units which are being applied to investigations relating to the findings of the Flood Mahon tribunal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39420/16]
View answer92. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 76 and 77 of 2 November 2016 and the subsequent letter of 11 November 2016, the level of Garda resources in the Garda bureau of fraud investigation and other Garda units which are being applied to investigations relating to the findings of the Moriarty tribunal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39421/16]
View answer93. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 76 and 77 of 2 November 2016 and the follow up letter of 11 November 2016, if she expects there will be an interim report to her Department and to Dáil Éireann on investigations into the findings of the Flood Mahon and Moriarty tribunals in 2016 or early in 2017. [39422/16]
View answer94. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 76 and 77 of 2 November 2016 and the follow up letter of 11 November 2016, when there will be final reports to her Department and to Dáil Éireann from An Garda Síochána and the DPP relating to investigations into the findings of the Flood Mahon and Moriarty tribunals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39423/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 91 to 94, inclusive, together.
The Deputy will appreciate that the manner in which Garda resources, including personnel, are deployed is an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner and her management team and I have no function in this regard. Similarly, investigations into the matters referred to by the Deputy are properly dealt with by An Garda Síochána in the first instance and I, as Minister, have no role in relation to the conduct of particular Garda investigations.
I have been advised by the Garda authorities that investigations relating to the findings of the Flood and Mahon Tribunals, as well as the investigation of certain matters arising from the report of the Moriarty Tribunal, are ongoing. I am also advised that relevant liaison is maintained with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
While I appreciate that there is considerable public interest in these investigations and their outcome, you will appreciate that the overriding concern for An Garda Síochána is to ensure that these investigations are carried out as comprehensively and effectively as possible. The Deputy will also appreciate that it is not possible me to set a timescale in relation to the outcome of these or other Garda investigations.
95. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda stations and the number of gardaí in each in the Limerick Garda division on 30 November 2016 or the latest date for which the information is available. [39546/16]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and 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.
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 Limerick Division, on the 31 October 2016, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 549. There are also 38 Garda Reserves and 51 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 Organise Crime Bureau. For the Deputy's information I have set out below in tabular form the number of Garda stations and number of Gardaí assigned to the Limerick Division on 31 October 2016.
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.
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that since the reopening of the Garda College, 679 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide including 23 to the Limerick Division.
Garda Strength Limerick Division 31 October 2016
|
District |
Garda Stations |
Strength |
|
BRUFF |
BALLYLANDERS |
1 |
|
BRUFF |
25 |
|
|
BRUREE |
1 |
|
|
CAPPAMORE |
3 |
|
|
HOSPITAL |
2 |
|
|
KILMALLOCK |
6 |
|
|
MURROE |
2 |
|
|
PALLASGREEN |
2 |
|
|
TOTAL |
42 |
|
|
HENRY STREET |
ARDNACRUSHA |
3 |
|
CASTLECONNELL |
4 |
|
|
HENRY STREET |
237 |
|
|
MAYORSTONE PARK |
65 |
|
|
TOTAL |
309 |
|
|
NEWCASTLE WEST |
ABBEYFEALE |
8 |
|
ADARE |
2 |
|
|
ASKEATON |
10 |
|
|
ATHEA |
1 |
|
|
CROOM |
3 |
|
|
DRUMCOLLOGHER |
2 |
|
|
FOYNES |
2 |
|
|
NEWCASTLE WEST |
36 |
|
|
PALLASKENRY |
1 |
|
|
RATHKEALE |
10 |
|
|
TOTAL |
75 |
|
|
ROXBORO ROAD |
BALLYNEETY |
2 |
|
CAHERCONLISH |
2 |
|
|
PATRICKSWELL |
2 |
|
|
ROXBORO ROAD |
117 |
|
|
TOTAL |
123 |
|
|
Total Limerick Division |
26 Garda Stations |
549 |
96. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she has used any private unsecured e-mail accounts for official business; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39588/16]
View answerThe Deputy will wish to be aware that access for all staff to web based emails is restricted by security infrastructure deployed by the Department of Justice and Equality. The Department provides a secure remote access service to staff who require access to Departmental emails and other applications outside of work hours. I use my Departmental email address to conduct official business related to my role. I also operate an Oireachtas email account which is primarily used by my constituency office. Like most people, I also have a personal email address and have, on very rare occasions, used this address in relation to my role.
97. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the avenue available to a person diagnosed with dyslexia who is interested in pursuing a career with An Garda Síochána but is having difficulty progressing to interview stage as a result of the diagnosis (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39615/16]
View answerRecruitment to An Garda Síochána is governed by the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations 2013.
The Public Appointments Service (PAS), on behalf of the Garda Commissioner, manages the initial recruitment stages for selection of Garda Trainees and I, as Minister, have no direct involvement in the matter. I have, however, been informed that PAS, which conducts tests as part of the competitive selection process, carefully considers all requests for reasonable accommodations. In considering such requests, PAS is conscious of the rights of people with disabilities and of the obligations on it to observe those rights and to act in accordance with the provisions of the relevant equality legislation.
As a public body established under the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act, 2004, PAS is also obliged under section 34(1)(b) of that Act to ensure that “standards of probity, merit, equity and fairness” apply to all of its recruitment and selection work. These binding standards are set out in the Code of Practice for Appointment to Positions where the Garda Commissioner has Statutory Responsibility, as published by the Commission for Public Service Appointments.
I am advised that in considering requests for reasonable accommodations, PAS has a fundamental duty to ensure it is being fair to all candidates who have entered a particular competition and that the key principle of appointment on merit is being observed. To assist PAS in considering a request for accommodations in a fair and balanced way, its policy is to ask candidates to indicate on their application that they require special accommodations and to submit evidence in support of their request. PAS will consider letters or reports from relevant professionals which clearly indicate the nature of the disability and the type of accommodation(s) that may be relevant to the person. PAS has given additional time to people with dyslexia where they have supporting evidence. However, having made reasonable accommodations, candidates must reach the required standard in order to be considered for further progression in a competition.
98. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of children under 10 years of age who have been living under direct provision in 2016. [39631/16]
View answerI am advised that there are just under 850 children aged ten years or under currently residing with their families in State provided accommodation.
99. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons granted citizenship here from 2000 to 2016 to date in tabular form (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39634/16]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the number of persons that have been naturalised from 2000 to 2016 to date is 128,500 approximately. I am also informed that the retrieval and compilation of the information requested by the Deputy for the complete period in question would necessitate a disproportionate use of time and resources which could not be justified in circumstances where the priority is to deal with the cases on hand.
In total 17,400 persons received certificates of naturalisation from 2000 to 2009. These figures are compiled from an older database which does not facilitate the aggregation of the data in the manner requested by the Deputy.
The following table shows the breakdown by gender of minor and adult persons naturalised in the years 2010 to 2016 inclusive:
|
Year |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
Total |
|
Total |
6,319 |
10,799 |
25,110 |
24,243 |
21,103 |
13,565 |
9,938 |
111,077 |
|
Minor male |
670 |
464 |
2,617 |
3,306 |
3,112 |
1,283 |
991 |
12,443 |
|
Minor female |
665 |
439 |
2,550 |
3,019 |
2,988 |
1,285 |
972 |
11,918 |
|
Adult male |
2,367 |
5,040 |
8,446 |
7,797 |
7,196 |
5,682 |
3,943 |
40,471 |
|
Adult female |
2,617 |
4,856 |
11,497 |
10,121 |
7,807 |
5,315 |
4,032 |
46,245 |
100. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the Dublin armed response unit; if it is now operational; the number of gardaí assigned to it; if any of its members have been reassigned from existing Garda units; if so, the number of such gardaí; if all the vacancies arising in those units from reassignment have been filled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39651/16]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and 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.
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.
At the request of the Garda Commissioner earlier this year, the Government moved decisively to strengthen Garda resources to deal with gang-related crime in the Dublin area. In particular funding was approved for the establishment of a dedicated Armed Support Unit for the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) in order to enhance armed support capability in Dublin and to free up the resources of the ERU.
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that following a selection and training process, the Armed Support Unit for the DMR will be fully operational imminently.
I am further informed that the information requested by the Deputy in relation to the number of Gardaí assigned to the ASU is deemed to be operationally sensitive and cannot be disclosed for security reasons.
101. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to fund the circa €50 million cost of the Garda pay deal, following the recommendations of the Labour Court, from within her Department's resources in 2017; the areas in which she plans to make the required savings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39737/16]
View answerI welcome the decision by Garda Representative Association and Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors members to accept the independent recommendation of the Labour Court which sought to address the concerns that have been articulated in relation to their pay and conditions, the pay and conditions of new recruits, and their access to the statutory dispute resolution bodies. The Recommendation provides for:
- the restoration of the rent allowance of €4,155 per annum to new recruits as of the date of acceptance, the 5 December;
- 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.
- the implementation of a long-standing recommendation of the Garda Inspectorate by way of the introduction of paid 15 minute pre-tour briefing or tasking sessions with effect from 1 January 2017.
I can inform the Deputy that arising from recent discussions with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the cost of the recent Labour Court recommendation in relation to Garda pay is being met through a combination of additional exchequer funding and funding from within the existing budgetary allocation for the Justice Vote Group.
102. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when she will publish legislation to provide for disclosure by gardaí of details on sex offenders where they consider public safety concerns exist, including disclosure in relevant circumstances to individual parents. [39756/16]
View answerIn exceptional circumstances, such as an immediate risk to a person's welfare and safety, it is already possible for Gardaí to provide appropriate information regarding a sex offender to the public. Currently, this is done on an administrative basis but these arrangements are to be put on a statutory footing in a Sex Offenders (Amendment) Bill which will be published next year.
