Tuesday, 17 Jan 2017

Written Answers Nos. 120-140

Garda Vetting Legislation

Questions (120)

Seán Crowe

Question:

120. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the vetting arrangements that are in place in accordance with section 15 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1997; if she will confirm that requests for information from a housing authority are processed by the superintendent in charge of the district wherein the subject of the request resides and that they are dealt with on a case-by-case basis; the number of requests that have been made by South Dublin County Council on a year-by-year basis over the past five years; and if this request process is used in every allocation and transfer locally. [41332/16]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

I am informed by the Garda Authorities that requests for information in respect of social housing from housing authorities under section 15 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1997 are processed by the Superintendent in Charge of the District in which the subject of the request resides. Such requests are made on a case-by case basis. Under section 15 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1997 a housing authority may seek information from a range of specified persons, including members of An Garda Síochána, for the purposes of their functions. As the Deputy will appreciate, I am not responsible for housing authorities and I have no role in the allocation of social housing. Responsibility in this regard rests with my colleague the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government.

Garda Resources

Questions (121)

John Brassil

Question:

121. Deputy John Brassil asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will ensure on the graduation of the newest tranche of Garda recruits that the Killarney division in County Kerry is adequately resourced and allocated an appropriate level of personnel; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41369/16]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources. 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 have been advised by the Garda Commissioner that as of the 30 November 2016 there were 299 Garda assigned to the Kerry Garda Division of which 102 were assigned to the Killarney District. There were also 21 Garda Reserves and 34 civilians attached to the Kerry Garda Division. When appropriate, the work of local Gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NBCI), the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (formerly the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation) and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.

This Government is committed to ensuring visible, effective and responsive policing throughout the country in order to strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and prevent 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.

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 9 to the Kerry Division. I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that another 900 trainee Garda are scheduled to attest in 2017 which will bring Garda numbers to around the 13,500 mark by year end.

This focus on investment in personnel is critical. The moratorium on recruitment introduced in 2010 resulted in a significant reduction in the strength of An Garda Síochána. We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the Commissioner with the resources she needs to allow her to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí across every Garda Division, including Kerry, in the coming years.

This investment in personnel 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 have no doubt that these new resources now coming on stream will see an increase in Garda visibility in our communities.

In so far as the allocation of newly attested Gardaí is concerned, this is a matter for the Garda Commissioner. 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 training and development structures and resources in place, including trained Garda tutors and access to a permanently appointed supervisory Sergeant who is thoroughly familiar with their responsibilities under the training programme.

Legislative Programme

Questions (122)

Clare Daly

Question:

122. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the reason the criminal justice (corruption) Bill has not progressed; and when it will be published. [41373/16]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

Work on drafting of the Bill is at an advanced stage and I hope to be in a position to publish it in the coming weeks in line with the Government's legislative programme.

Garda Resources

Questions (123)

Seán Crowe

Question:

123. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if her attention has been drawn to difficulties being experienced by the Garda authorities in 2016 in responding to local residents in the Tallaght and Rathfarnham areas due to the non-availability of a car or no garda being available to respond to phone call requests in both Tallaght and Rathfarnham garda stations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41376/16]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel and vehicles, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that the allocation of Gardaí is continually monitored and reviewed taking into account all relevant factors including crime trends, demographics, and security assessments relating to the area in question so as to ensure optimal use is made of Garda human resources.

The area mentioned by the Deputy is patrolled by members assigned to the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) South Division. I have been informed that the number of Gardaí assigned to the Division on the 30 November 2016, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 537 Gardaí. Of these, 239 members were assigned to the Tallaght District which takes in Rathfarnham and Tallaght Garda Stations. Tallaght District is also supported by 8 Garda Reserves and 13 civilians.

Details regarding Garda vehicles attached to DMR South from 31 December 2016, the latest for which figures are readily available, are included in the table below.

Area	Cars	Vans	Motorcycles	4x4	Other	Total
	Marked	Unmarked
DMR South	26	40	16	1	3	2	88

I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the allocation of Garda vehicles is monitored and reviewed on a continual basis and vehicles are allocated between districts as required by operational circumstances.

The Deputy will be aware that the Government's Capital Plan 2016 – 2021 provides a significant investment of some €46million in the Garda Fleet to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit for purpose fleet. Over 520 new vehicles were purchased and allocated for use in 2016 alone. In addition, some 200 vehicles were purchased for allocation and use in 2017. This will be supplemented by funding of some €4 million which is available for new vehicles in 2017.

The investment in the Garda fleet will continue to provide An Garda Síochána with additional high-powered vehicles, marked and unmarked patrol cars, and motorcycles to ensure that Gardaí can be mobile, visible and responsive on the roads and in the community to prevent and tackle crime.

State Pardons

Questions (124)

Mick Barry

Question:

124. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if her Department has noted the success of the campaign in the UK to pardon persons convicted under the homophobic gross indecency laws of the past; and if she will consider a similar measure here. [41388/16]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

I would like to inform the Deputy that I am aware of the steps being taken in the UK to provide pardons to certain persons convicted of gross indecency offences in the past. I am sure that the Deputy is also aware of the Convictions for Certain Sexual Offences (Apology and Exoneration) Bill 2016, which is a Private Members Bill recently published in the Seanad. The Bill seeks to provide for an apology to and exoneration of persons convicted of certain, now abolished, sexual offences involving consensual sexual acts between adult males. I have asked officials in my Department to carefully consider the proposals contained in the Bill and any associated practical and policy implications. That process is ongoing.

Prisoner Transfers

Questions (125)

Paul Kehoe

Question:

125. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 90 of 16 September 2016, if prisoners serving their sentences in Australia are also unable to make or be granted requests to be transferred back here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41389/16]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

I can inform the Deputy that the information provided in response to parliamentary question number 90 of 16 September, 2016 includes prisoners serving sentences in all countries which are covered by the convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. Australia is one of 65 countries included under the Convention.

As you are aware, the judgment from the Supreme Court referred to in the previous Parliamentary Question is detailed and complex and has implications for the continuance in its present form of the process operated by the Irish Prison Service for transferring prisoners from other States to Ireland, and vice versa. The practical effect of this judgement and whether it will necessitate legislative and/or administrative changes is being examined by officials of the Irish Prison Service and my Department in consultation with the Attorney General. Pending legal clarity on these issues, applications by prisoners abroad for transfer to Ireland cannot be processed to a conclusion at present. I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that all applicants and officials in the appropriate sentencing states are being informed of this position.

I am further advised by the Irish Prison Service that it is currently dealing with 29 applications from prisoners abroad to serve their sentence in this jurisdiction.

Underage Drinking

Questions (126)

Paul Murphy

Question:

126. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to introduce legislation to tackle the issue of underage drinking being facilitated by so-called dial-a-drink services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41392/16]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

The position is that conditions applicable to the sale and supply of intoxicating liquor are set out in the Licensing Acts 1833 to 2011. Under section 17(3) of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003, it is an offence for a licensee, with intent to evade the conditions of the licence, to take intoxicating liquor from the licensed premises for the purpose of its being sold on the account or for the benefit or profit of the licensee, or to permit any other person to do so.

The Government Alcohol Advisory Group considered specific issues relating to 'distance sales' of intoxicating liquor in its 2008 Report. The Group drew attention to the requirement that payment must be made in such cases as part of the transaction, e.g. on-line shopping, and not later on delivery of the product. The Group noted that sales of intoxicating liquor which had been ordered by telephone or otherwise and which were paid for on delivery were illegal transactions and recommended that the Gardaí should target such delivery services with a view to prosecuting the offending licensees. Any information concerning transactions of this nature which are contrary to the provisions of the Licensing Acts should, therefore, be brought to the attention of the Gardaí for investigation and possible prosecution.

Moreover, under section 31 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1988 (as amended), it is an offence for a licensee to sell or deliver, or to permit any other person to sell or deliver, alcohol to any person for consumption off his or her premises by a person under the age of 18 years in any place except with the explicit consent of the person's parent or guardian in a private residence in which he or she is present either as of right or with permission.

Alcohol Sales

Questions (127)

Paul Murphy

Question:

127. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to introduce legislation to require alcohol licences for businesses, such as barbers, which provide alcohol to their customers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41393/16]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

The general position is that the sale and supply of intoxicating liquor without an appropriate licence under the Licensing Acts 1833 to 2011 is an offence. And while a bona fide gift may not amount to a sale, section 62 of the Licensing Act 1872 provides that for the purpose of proving that the sale or consumption of intoxicating liquor took place, it is not necessary to show that any money was actually paid if the court is satisfied that a transaction in the nature of a sale took place. Enforcement of licensing law is a matter for An Garda Síochána and suspected cases of offences under this provision should be brought to their attention.

Leave to Remain

Questions (128)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

128. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if and when an application for leave to remain on the basis of de facto relationship will be approved in the case of a person (details supplied) with particular reference to additional information submitted last week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41397/16]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

I have been informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that a decision letter issued to this applicant on 20/12/2016.

The Deputy may wish to note that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the email service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Garda Stations

Questions (129)

Josepha Madigan

Question:

129. Deputy Josepha Madigan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she has received the Garda Commissioner's report on the reopening of Garda stations; if so, when the stations will be reopened; when a decision will issue on Stepaside Garda station; and, if the report has yet to be completed, when it is expected. [41459/16]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

The Deputy will be aware that the Government has, in the Programme for a Partnership Government, recognised community policing as the embodiment of An Garda Síochána, providing a means of recognising that every community, both urban and rural, has its own concerns and expectations. It commits the Government to ensuring visible, effective and responsive policing in every community, including the most minimal response times possible.

In line with the commitment in the Programme, I have requested the Garda Commissioner, while fully cognisant of her statutory functions in relation to the distribution of Garda resources in the State, to identify 6 stations for reopening on a pilot basis to determine possible positive impacts that such openings will have on criminal activity, with special emphasis on burglaries, theft and public order. I understand that work is currently underway in An Garda Síochána to identify the 6 stations for inclusion in the pilot. I have not received a report on any aspect of this matter from the Garda authorities and pending receipt of that report I am not in a position to give any further information.

It is intended that the results of the pilot scheme will feed into the wider review being overseen by the Policing Authority into, amongst other things, the dispersal of Garda stations in rural areas. In this regard, I understand that the Authority has formally requested the Garda Síochána Inspectorate to examine the dispersal and use of resources available to the Garda Síochána in the delivery of policing services to local communities and to make recommendations to provide a more effective, visible and responsive policing service.

Family Law Cases

Questions (130)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

130. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her views on the functionality of the in camera rule within family law cases; her further views on the persons this rule primarily protects; her views on whether it offers protection to family members who are not guardians of the concerned child; her further views on whether a review of the rule is needed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41461/16]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

The purpose of the in camera rule in family law and child care proceedings is to protect the identity of the parties and any child to whom the proceedings relate. While the general principle as set out in Bunreacht na hÉireann is that justice be administered in public, the underlying concern is that family law proceedings relate to matters which are sensitive and private to the parties and there is no public interest in requiring that their identities be published. The in camera rule offers protection to other family members from the publication or broadcasting of information relating to them which would affect the anonymity of the parties or any child concerned.

The operation of the in camera rule was reviewed by the last Government on foot of a commitment in the previous Programme for Government to reform and modernise aspects of family law. As a consequence of this review, the in camera rule was modified by Part 2 of the Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013 to allow bona fide members of the press to be present in court during family law and child care proceedings and to report on such proceedings subject to strict conditions. This reform of the in camera rule was made to enable the media, researchers and legal professionals to gain access to valuable information on the operation of the law in this area. We have all seen the results of this change in the form of increased coverage of family law proceedings in both print and other media. This coverage has proven in the round to be very responsible, in that while public interest issues have been highlighted for debate, this has been done in such a way as to protect identities of individuals involved. It is also, of course, very informative in terms of policy making and review.

However, it is open to the court to exclude representatives of the media from the court or otherwise restrict their attendance during the hearing or parts of it, or restrict or prohibit the publication or broadcasting of evidence given or referred to during the proceedings. The court may impose these restrictions where it is satisfied that it is necessary to do so (i) to preserve the anonymity of a party to the proceedings or any child to whom the proceedings relate, (ii) by reason of the nature or circumstances of the case, or (iii) if otherwise necessary in the interests of justice.

Section 40A of the Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 prohibits the publication or broadcasting of any information which would be likely to lead members of the public to identify the parties to family law proceedings or any children to whom the proceedings relate. Anyone breaching this prohibition will be liable on summary conviction to a class A fine or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, or both, or if convicted on indictment, to a fine not exceeding €50,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years, or both. Section 31 of the Child Care Act 1991 contains a similar prohibition in relation to child care cases.

I am satisfied that these provisions are sufficiently robust and that there is no need at the present time for a further review of the in camera rule in family law cases.

Garda Resources

Questions (131, 132)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

131. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she has satisfied herself that the Garda information technology forensics unit is adequately resourced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41486/16]

Catherine Murphy

Question:

132. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will sanction further funding to expand the Garda information technology forensics unit in view of the fact there is a backlog of up to four years in dealing with Garda forensic analysis of computer hard drives and other electronic storage devices; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41487/16]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

I propose to take Questions Nos. 131 and 132 together.

As the deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for distribution of Garda resources and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that, on foot of a review of the Computer Crime Investigation Unit (CCIU) under the Garda Síochána's Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021, a dedicated Garda Cyber Crime Bureau has recently been established, headed by a Detective Superintendent, to ensure that An Garda Síochána has the capacity and capabilities to deal with cyber crime and cyber security threats. I am informed that the allocation of additional and support staff for the Bureau is ongoing.

The Bureau will continue to strengthen its links with the National Cyber Security Centre; industry partners; national and international stakeholders; and the UCD Centre for Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Investigation in the areas of research, development and training, as well as working closely with law enforcement partners to maintain and develop the capacity of An Garda Síochána to investigate and prevent cyber crime and improve cyber security.

I am also informed that it is intended to establish regional cyber crime units and that pilot regional units have already been established in the Southern and South-Eastern Regions.

In addition, the Garda authorities are continually looking to ensure that the latest information, communications and forensic technologies are sourced and deployed to ensure that An Garda Síochána will be properly resourced to meet the evolving needs of a modern effective police force and to take advantage of proven up to date technological developments in crime detection and prevention as they occur. Further, a module on cyber crime investigation has been included in the training programme for all trainee Gardaí, with all other Garda personnel receiving training in cyber crime awareness and cyber crime investigation through the Garda Continuous Professional Development network.

The establishment of the Bureau is also supported by the significant investment of some €330 million in Garda ICT infrastructure, including €205 million under the Government's Capital Plan, between 2016 and 2021. This investment will enable An Garda Síochána to deploy the latest cutting edge technologies in the fight against crime and will ensure that An Garda Síochána has the capacity to provide effective policing services in response to the evolving challenges of modern day criminal activity, including cyber crime.

Work Permits Eligibility

Questions (133)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

133. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there are a number of Syrian refugees living in Derry; if these persons are entitled to seek employment there; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41502/16]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

Non-EEA nationals require an appropriate permission in order to work in Ireland. The Government's policy in this area is a matter for the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, whose Department administers the Employment Permits system.

Road Traffic Offences

Questions (134)

Josepha Madigan

Question:

134. Deputy Josepha Madigan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the measures in place to specifically combat speeding on Irish roads; and if there are plans to install more speed cameras. [41508/16]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

I would like to thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. I am deeply conscious of the serious issue of road safety and mindful of the increase in 2016 of road traffic fatalities. I am also mindful of the traumatic impact of road traffic collisions on those directly affected and their families, as well as the impact of dangerous driving more generally on the quality of life of residents in local communities across the country.

As you are aware, I have no direct role in the enforcement of Road Traffic legislation, which is an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner. However, I am informed by the Garda authorities that they conduct a programme of high visibility road safety and enforcement operations, carried out in partnership with other state agencies. Garda operations specifically target road use behaviour known to contribute significantly to collisions, including speeding. By working together with the Road Safety Authority and other agencies, An Garda Síochána will continue to confront dangerous road-user behaviour through public presence, legislative enforcement, education and partnership.

Underpinning this, An Garda Síochána's Modernisation and Renewal Programme (2016-2021) sets out key strategic objectives for Road Policing which will inform and guide An Garda Síochána's Road Policing plans over the next 5 years. Under the Programme, the Commissioner will undertake a number of road safety traffic enforcement initiatives, including expanding the use of technology and increasing checkpoints. One of the focuses of An Garda Síochána is on the most vulnerable road user categories of motor cyclists, pedal cyclists, pedestrians and learner permit holders. Garda operations will specifically target road use behaviour known to contribute significantly to collisions. Speed will continue to be a primary focus of Garda enforcement activities through the deployment of high visibility patrols in conjunction with safety camera vans and the use of hand-held speed detection devices.

This targeted approach to speed enforcement is undertaken in order to significantly reduce the incidence of fatal and serious injuries and improve road safety. To this end, An Garda Síochána, in conjunction with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (formerly the National Roads Authority), completed an extensive analysis of the collision history on the road network. Sections of road were identified where a significant proportion of collisions occurred whereby speed was deemed the primary contributory factor. Based on this analysis, a list of speed enforcement zones has been developed with the aim of providing information to motorists in order to raise awareness of speeding in these zones.

Since May 2016 there are 1,031 speed enforcement zones nationwide where safety cameras operate. Prior to the introduction of safety cameras, approximately 31% of fatal collisions occurred in these zones. In 2015, this figure had reduced to 14%. This shows a dramatic reduction in terms of risk in these areas and a huge increase in terms of road safety.

The locations of these speed enforcement zones are available on the Garda website www.garda.ie. These speed enforcement zones are continually reviewed in light of ongoing survey data, collision history and local feedback to ensure that enforcement activity is properly targeted.

Road traffic legislation is also enforced as part of the day to day duties of members of An Garda Síochána. Both targeted operations 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.

Road safety is a shared responsibility, one which, as you are aware, the Government take very seriously. Ireland's current Road Safety Strategy (2013 - 2020) aims to place Ireland consistently on the list of safest countries in the EU and beyond. To achieve this, we are continuing to work together in partnership. I attended a meeting of the Joint Ministerial Committee on Road Safety recently, along with the Road Safety Authority, An Garda Síochána, the Attorney General and other agencies. This Committee oversees the implementation of the Road Safety Strategy and provides a forum for high-level discussion of road safety issues and generally meets twice a year; however, in light of the 2016 increase in road fatalities, the meeting was brought forward to January. The purpose of the meeting was to bring together all stakeholders to see what immediate actions could be taken to reverse the upward trend in road fatalities. During this meeting, An Garda Síochána indicated that there will be an additional 10% increase in the traffic corps during the course of 2017, which should also lead to better outcomes in relation to road traffic enforcement. An Garda Síochána also informed the meeting that it was intended to have a stronger focus on road traffic enforcement in the training provided to new recruits at Templemore.

Stardust Fire

Questions (135)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

135. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will make the records, reports and minutes of the meeting of 12 December 2008 which discussed the first final report of a person (details supplied) with regards to the Stardust tragedy available to the families of the victims of the tragedy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41516/16]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

I would inform the Deputy that insofar as the receipt of this report is concerned, the position is that the final report was submitted on 7 January 2009. An earlier draft of the report had been submitted on 10 December, dated 8 December, on the basis that the independent legal person who submitted it had asked to be permitted to make amendments for the purposes of correction, accuracy and clarification prior to its publication. While there was ongoing consideration of the matters arising at that time, no specific Departmental meeting took place on the date cited by the Deputy and consequently the records sought do not exist.

Dormant Accounts Fund Grants

Questions (136)

James Browne

Question:

136. Deputy James Browne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if new grants will be announced under the dormant accounts criteria; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41577/16]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

As the Deputy will be aware, funding under the Dormant Accounts Programme is accessed though an annual call for proposals from the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. I understand that a new call for proposals will issue in the first quarter of 2017.

The funding allocated to my Department under the Dormant Accounts subhead increased from €3.3m in 2016 to €6m in 2017. It is intended that this funding will be used to support projects to assist victims of domestic violence; address issues in the Traveller community; fund activities under Garda Youth Diversion projects; and assist with the integration of migrants. An application to the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, who has overall responsibility for oversight of the disbursement of the fund, will be made for approval to allocate the funds as outlined above. Following this, that department will make a decision regarding the projects approved for funding.

Question No. 137 answered with Question No. 107.

Homeless Persons Supports

Questions (138)

John Brady

Question:

138. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the measures taken to ensure that women experiencing homelessness due to domestic violence are not adversely affected by the right to reside test and the habitual residency condition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41610/16]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

I have no direct function in relation to the matters raised by the Deputy. I would suggest the Deputy raises the issues of homelessness and the criteria for access to housing with the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government. Likewise, the habitual residency condition is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Social Protection.

Refugee Resettlement Programme

Questions (139, 140, 206)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

139. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the supports available for local community groups such as the Donegal refugee response group to help them facilitate the integration of refugees arriving in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41629/16]

Thomas Pringle

Question:

140. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of refugees arriving in County Donegal in 2017; if not, if she will provide details of the process involved in deciding the persons who will be relocated to County Donegal; if local community groups can be informed beforehand so they can meet the needs of refugees arriving to the area including arranging supports for them to integrate into the local communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41630/16]

Thomas Pringle

Question:

206. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she has a confirmed destination for future refugees coming into Ireland; if County Donegal will be one of those destinations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1833/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality

I propose to take Questions Nos. 139, 140 and 206 together.

As the Deputy is aware, the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP) was approved by Government Decision on 10 September 2015 in response to the migration crisis which has developed in Southern Europe, and as an act of solidarity with other Member States. Under this decision, the Government confirmed that Ireland will take in up to 4,000 persons in order to give effect to the EU legal instruments it has opted into, with approval of the Oireachtas, in respect of relocation and the solemn commitments Ireland has also entered into in respect of resettled refugees.

The figure of 4,000 includes 2,622 asylum seekers to be taken in from migration hotspots in Italy and Greece under the new EU relocation programme and 1,040 programme refugees from Lebanon which the Irish Government has committed to taking in by the end of 2017 under Ireland's Refugee Resettlement Programme. Up to two hundred unaccompanied minors from the former refugee camps in Calais may be admitted from France. The mechanism by which the balance will be admitted has yet to be decided by Government.

Among the measures agreed under the Programme was the establishment of a Network of Emergency Reception and Orientation Centres (EROCs) which would be used to provide initial accommodation in order to meet the basic needs of asylum seekers relocated from hot spots in Italy and Greece while their applications for refugee status are processed.

In addition, the Government has committed under the Programme to take in additional resettled refugees who must also be temporally accommodated in EROCs for the purposes of reception, orientation and integration training, prior to being resettled in communities across Ireland. In this specific regard two EROCs were opened in the past year, one in County Kildare and one in Co. Waterford.

Those coming in as relocated asylum seekers via Greece/Italy are managed by the Programme Office of the IRPP. Those destined for the new Emergency Reception and Orientation Centre (EROC) in Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon, will be asylum seekers coming via the Greece/Italy route. As this cohort will receive a grant of international protection within a period of 8-12 weeks, their stay in EROCs is intended to be short-term after which they will be housed somewhere in Ireland.

In terms of the resettlement in local communities of refugees temporarily accommodated in EROCs, the Deputy will be aware that the Government has established a Taskforce to oversee the implementation of the Irish Refugee Protection Programme. Senior Officials from Government departments and key agencies, including the City and County Managers Association, sit on the Taskforce. A sub-committee of the Taskforce, established to oversee the implementation of the Irish Refugee Protection Programme and composed of senior officials from Government Departments including the City and County Managers Association, is working on a distribution key to inform the distribution of refugees admitted under the programmes across the country. To-date, refugees have been resettled in Dublin, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Clare, Galway and Mayo. In advance of each resettlement, work takes place with each receiving Local Authority and local service providers to prepare for the arrival of the refugees in the community. Initially, meetings take place with statutory service providers only. Once the initial phase is over, representatives of local NGOs and the Community and Voluntary Sector are invited to join the Inter-agency Working Group to support the resettlement programme at a local level. Funding is provided through the Local Authority to support the work of local Community Groups which includes the recruitment of a full or part-time Resettlement Support Worker. The amount of funding available will depend, inter-alia, on the number of refugees resettled and the number of locations involved. The Local Authority must submit an application for funding but is supported though the funding process by an experienced member of the resettlement team of my Department. Over the next 18 months, refugees will be resettled in counties around the country until the full cohort of refugees have arrived in Ireland and have been resettled into the community. Over that period it is likely that County Donegal will be expected to house a representative proportion of the refugees admitted to Ireland. It is not possible at this stage to say how many of these refugees might go to Donegal in 2017, and discussions are ongoing with the local authority in this regard.