Written Answers Nos. 81-100
81. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if a person (details supplied) cited in an application for judicial review has ever worked here as an undercover police operative. [7895/17]
View answerThe Deputy will appreciate that the judicial review in question was a matter concerning the Minister for Defence and I have no information to hand in respect of the individual to whom the Deputy refers other than that which is set out in the Court judgment cited.
82. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the reason for the delay in the Garda vetting of a person (details supplied); if this application will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7906/17]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, the processing of vetting applications by the Garda National Vetting Bureau is an operational matter for the Garda Authorities and is carried out in accordance with the provisions of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012-1016 and other relevant law. My Department has no role in the processing of individual vetting applications.
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that a vetting application was received by the National Vetting Bureau from a registered organisation in respect of the person referred to by the Deputy on 9 February 2017. The application was processed and returned to the liaison person in the relevant organisation on 13 February 2017. It will be necessary for the applicant to contact the registered organisation concerned to ascertain the current position.
83. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of repeat offenders under the Road Traffic Act 2012 who were previously fined for having more than 50 mg but less than 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood. [7916/17]
View answerWith effect from 27 October 2011, certain offences contrary to Sections 4 and 5 of the Road Traffic Act, 2010 (i.e. driving, or attempting to drive, or in-charge of a vehicle while, under the influence of an intoxicant) may be dealt with by way of Fixed Penalty Notice, in lieu of the commencement of criminal proceedings, for persons deemed suitable by the Regulations.
I have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the statistics requested by the Deputy and I will contact the Deputy directly upon receipt of response from An Garda Síochána.
The Deputy is aware that the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport announced that his Department will review Section 29 of the Road Traffic 2010 with the intention of ensuring that all drivers, if caught drink driving, will, in future, receive a mandatory disqualification. I support Minister Ross's intention to amend section 29 of the Road Traffic Act 2010, which should assist us in ensuring more effective enforcement of road traffic offences and making our roads safer. My Department will continue to assist the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in bringing these changes forward.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 83 of 16 February, 2017 in which you asked 'the number of repeat offenders under the Road Traffic Act 2012 that previously were fined for having more than 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood but less than 80mg.'
As you will recall, the information you requested could not be obtained in the time available, and I undertook to contact you again following receipt of a report from An Garda Síochána.
As you are aware, Section 29 of the Road Traffic Act 2010, as amended, provides that in certain specified circumstances, a person detected for a drink-driving offence may benefit from a Fixed Charge Notice being issued, rather than criminal proceedings being commenced. Furthermore, a person who has been served with a fixed penalty notice and has paid the fixed charge, is not eligible to be served with another fixed penalty notice within the period of 3 years from the appropriate date relating to the endorsement of penalty points on the entry relating to the person or the date of commencement of disqualification, whichever is applicable.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the specific information you requested is not readily available and would require a disproportionate amount of Garda time and resources to collate.
84. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 166 of 17 January 2017, the status of a significant compensation claim for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7922/17]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that I received correspondence from the person to whom the Deputy refers in his question. In light of the particular circumstances which arise in this case I have asked officials in my Department to review the matter. That process of review is currently being finalised and I anticipate that it will have been concluded in the near future. When it has been completed I will be in direct communication with the persons referred to in this regard.
85. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the position on eligibility for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7964/17]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my answer to his Parliamentary Questions No. 42 of 26 January 2017 and No. 62 of 2 February 2017. The position remains as stated. I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that there is no record of a current application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy.
As the Deputy will be aware all non-EEA nationals are required to keep their permission to remain in the State up to date at all times and failure to do so may result in the individual being removed from the State.
It is open to any individual to lodge an application for citizenship if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements as prescribed in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. Detailed information on Irish citizenship and naturalisation is available on the INIS website at www.inis.gov.ie. The website also contains an on-line naturalisation residency calculator which individuals may find of assistance in establishing if the residency requirements are met.
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.
86. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if temporary residency permission can be extended in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7966/17]
View answerI refer the Deputy to his earlier Parliamentary Question, No. 65 of Thursday, 9th February, 2017, and the written reply to that Question. I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the position is unchanged since then. The text of that earlier reply is copied beneath.
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned was granted permission to remain on 'stamp 1' conditions for six months on 11 August 2016, in order to allow them to apply for an employment permit from the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. Documentation was also requested in a letter dated 11th August 2016.
The Deputy might wish to note that the person concerned has not, to date, provided the documentation requested. A further request for this documentation was made on the 24th January 2017. The requested documentation should therefore be submitted to the INIS as soon as possible. Consideration will be given to the renewal of the person's permission to remain in the State on the basis of documentation submitted.
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.
87. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the current and-or potential residency status, including eligibility for naturalisation, in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7967/17]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person mentioned by the Deputy made an application to INIS for permission to remain in the State as the spouse of an Irish National at the beginning of July 2014. This application was acknowledged in July 2014 and further documentation was requested. In January 2015, a further letter issued requesting additional documentation in order to finalise the application.
In March 2015 an email was received from the person in question enquiring as to the status of their application. A response issued requesting verification of their current address as no response was received to previous correspondence. In April 2015, the person’s Legal Representative confirmed the individual's new address. Copies of previous correspondence were then re-issued to this address, however no response was received.
In June 2015, an e-mail issued to the person concerned stating that the application was deemed inactive due to failure to submit the requested documentation.
It is open to the person concerned to re-apply to Unit 6 Residence Division if appropriate.
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 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 Parliamentary Question 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.
88. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the procedure to be followed to regularise residency here in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7968/17]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that they do not have a record of the person named by the Deputy currently registered in the State. Without further details or a date of birth, it is not possible to make further checks. As no details of family members have been given I cannot comment any further in this regard. If the person concerned wishes to regularise their status in the State they should write to Residence Unit 2 in INIS outlining a history of their stay in the State and by providing a full copy of their passport.
From the limited details provided, it appears that the person concerned may never have had permission to remain in the State and they should be aware that it is illegal for them, under the Immigration Act 2004, to remain in the State without permission from the Minister for Justice and Equality. A person found guilty of such an offence is liable, under Section 13 of the Immigration Act 2004, to a fine not exceeding €3,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both. In addition, it is apparent that the person concerned has failed to meet the requirements of Section 9 of the Immigration Act 2004, which sets out the obligations of non-nationals in respect of registration.
Might I remind the Deputy, that queries in relation to individual cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been 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 Parliamentary Question 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. In the cases of persons who are illegally present in the State they should always be advised to make an application to INIS.
89. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the procedure to be followed to regularise residency in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7969/17]
View answerI refer the Deputy to his earlier Parliamentary Question, No. 60 of Thursday, 9th February, 2017, and the written reply to that Question. I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the position is unchanged since then. The text of that earlier reply is copied beneath.
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, the person concerned was notified by letter that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of them. They were given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why they should not have a Deportation Order made against them.
The position in the State of the person concerned will now be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and all other applicable legislation. All representations submitted will be considered before a final decision is made.
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.
90. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the procedure to be followed to regularise residency in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7971/17]
View answerI have been informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that this person arrived in the State on 23 June 2015 and registered as a student on 13 July 2015. This permission expired on 17 June 2016. There is no record that this person has made any application to my Department.
Please be informed that it is illegal under the Immigration Act 2004 to reside in the State without permission from the Minister for Justice and Equality. A person found guilty of such an offence is liable under section 13 of the Act of 2004 to a fine not exceeding €3,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both.
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 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 Parliamentary Question 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.
91. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the position on consideration of eligibility for long-term residency in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7972/17]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that, in response to a notification pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), dated 13th October, 2016, written representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned.
These representations, together with all other information and documentation on file, will be fully considered, under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and all other applicable legislation, in advance of a final decision being made.
The position in relation to the immigration status of Long Term Residency is that, at the date of application, a person applying for such status must have been legally resident in the State for over five years (60 months) on the basis of work permit, work authorisation or working visa conditions and, as such, must have Stamp 1 or Stamp 4 endorsements on their passport during such periods. Given that the person concerned has no current right of residency in the State, they would clearly not be in a position to meet the lawful residency criteria applicable to persons applying to my Department for Long Term Residency status.
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.
92. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the position on the determination of residency status and eligibility for long-term residency in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7973/17]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that, in response to a notification pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), dated 6th September, 2016, written representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned.
These representations, together with all other information and documentation on file, will be fully considered, under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and all other applicable legislation, in advance of a final decision being made.
The position in relation to the immigration status of Long Term Residency is that, at the date of application, a person applying for such status must have been legally resident in the State for over five years (60 months) on the basis of work permit, work authorisation or working visa conditions and, as such, must have Stamp 1 or Stamp 4 endorsements on their passport during such periods. Given that the person concerned has no current right of residency in the State, they would clearly not be in a position to meet the lawful residency criteria applicable to persons applying to my Department for Long Term Residency status.
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.
93. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the position on entitlement to long-term residency and eligibility for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7975/17]
View answerI have been informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that this person arrived in the State on 23 November 2008 and registered as a student on 5 December 2008. Their final permission to remain in the State expired on 12 January 2012. There is no record of when this person's spouse entered the State or if they ever had permission to remain in this State. There is no record that either person has made any application to my Department.
It should be noted that it is illegal under the Immigration Act 2004 to reside in the State without permission from the Minister for Justice and Equality. A person found guilty of such an offence is liable under section 13 of the Act of 2004 to a fine not exceeding €3,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both.
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 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 Parliamentary Question 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.
94. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7976/17]
View answerI have been informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that, on 16 November 2015, this person made a request for permission to remain in the State and on 15 June 2016 this person was granted Stamp 2 Student Permission for 18 months. This person's permission attached a condition that allows them to work on student vacation conditions. This person has permission to remain in the State until 15 December 2017. The onus is on this person to keep their permission up to date and to comply with all the conditions attached to that permission.
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 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 Parliamentary Question 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.
95. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the position on an application for family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7982/17]
View answerI am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the application for family reunification in respect of the person referred to was received in October 2016. All applications received are dealt with in chronological order by the Family Reunification Section. The application is currently being processed and a decision is expected to issue shortly.
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 established specifically 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.
96. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the total number of gardaí likely to retire in the course of 2017; the likely number of replacements on completion of training; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7991/17]
View answerRetirement of members of An Garda Síochána is governed by statutory provisions which set the mandatory retirement age for all members at 60 years of age. Members of An Garda Síochána who joined the organisation prior to 1 April 2004 may retire on full pension once they have served for at least 30 years and they have reached 50 years of age. Members of An Garda Síochána who joined the organisation on or after 1 April 2004 may retire on full pension once they have served at least 30 years and have reached 55 years of age. A member has the option of continuing to serve until they reach 60 years of age subject to the Garda Commissioner being satisfied that the member is fully competent and available to undertake, and fully capable of undertaking, the duties of his or her position as a member of the Garda Síochána.
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.
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that since the reopening of the College 838 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána. I am further informed that 900 gardaí are scheduled to attest this year. This will see Garda numbers increasing to around the 13,500 mark by year end when projected retirements of in the region of 300 are taken into account. I can assure the Deputy that projected retirements are kept under continuing review and the level of recruitment adjusted as necessary in order to achieve the desired strength of An Garda Síochána.
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, 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.
97. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which policing strategy, with particular reference to deployment, is likely to be updated, with specific reference to the need to respond with alacrity to telephone queries from the public; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7992/17]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda equipment and resources are a matter for the Garda Commissioner and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.
The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Síochána Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021 is intended to professionalise, modernise and renew An Garda Síochána to ensure that the organisation can meet present and future challenges. I am informed that the Programme aims to give effect to, amongst other things, a wide-ranging ICT programme involving some 23 initiatives to be delivered over a 5 year period.
Among the projects to be developed is a new computer-aided dispatch system to ensure responsive and coordinated deployment of Gardaí in the community.
Examples of other projects under the Programme include:
- enhanced use of mobile technology to give the Gardaí secure mobile access to critical information when and where they need it;
- a new rosters and duty management system to facilitate better management of resources;
- investigations management systems to ensure enhanced management of crime investigations; and
- upgrading the automated number plate recognition system to enhance policing of road safety and compliance.
Government support for these initiatives is underpinned by significant investment, under the Capital Plan, of some €205 million in additional funding for Garda ICT which is intended to ensure that An Garda Síochána has the capacity to provide effective policing services and respond to the evolving challenges of modern day criminal activity.
98. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the degree to which refurbishment of various Garda stations throughout the country continues to be required; the extent to which updating of technology is involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7993/17]
View answerThe Deputy will appreciate that the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the Office of Public Works, which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. This includes identifying and progressing any necessary remedial or refurbishment works required at individual stations and I, as Minister, have no role in these matters.
The Garda Station Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021, which I announced in October 2015 with my colleague the Minister of State at the OPW, is based on agreed priorities which were established by An Garda Síochána. Over thirty locations around the country will benefit from the Programme which includes major refurbishment of stations and facilities including facilities for meeting victims of crime, essential remedial works to existing stations, development of large scale property and exhibit management stores, the upgrade of cells and provision of improved custody management facilities.
The Programme also makes provision for new Garda stations in Glanmire, Co. Cork and at Bailieborough, Co. Cavan through direct exchequer funding and a further three new Garda stations in Sligo, Macroom and Clonmel by means of public private partnership. In addition to the Programme, over €100 million has been provided for new Divisional Headquarters in Kevin Street, Dublin and Wexford, as well as for a new Regional Headquarters in Galway. Each of these projects are well under way and, I understand, are on track for completion this year.
A considerable amount of new Garda ICT solutions has also been delivered over the past number of years. These include the deployment of a secure national digital radio system (NDRS), the deployment and support of Garda and Community CCTV systems, an automated number plate recognition (ANPR) system and the addition of many new functions to the PULSE system, which itself is further supported by a dedicated Garda data entry service in Castlebar.
The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Síochána Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021 is intended to professionalise, modernise and renew An Garda Síochána to ensure that the organisation can meet present and future challenges. I am informed that the Programme aims to give effect to, amongst other things, a wide-ranging ICT programme involving some 23 initiatives to be delivered over a 5 year period. Examples of projects under the Programme include:
- a new computer-aided dispatch system to ensure responsive and coordinated deployment of Gardaí in the community;
- enhanced use of mobile technology to give the Gardaí secure mobile access to critical information when and where they need it;
- a new rosters and duty management system to facilitate better management of resources;
- investigations management systems to ensure enhanced management of crime investigations; and
- upgrading the automated number plate recognition system to enhance policing of road safety and compliance.
Government support for these initiatives is underpinned by significant investment of some €330 million, including €205 million under the Capital Plan, in Garda ICT infrastructure between 2016 and 2021. This major investment will allow An Garda Síochána to deploy the latest cutting edge technologies in the fight against crime and will facilitate progress on important reforms arising from the Garda Síochána Inspectorate's report on Crime Investigation. It is also intended to ensure that An Garda Síochána has the capacity to provide effective policing services to communities and respond to the evolving challenges of modern day criminal activity.
99. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the successes of An Garda Síochána in the apprehension of criminal gangs; the degree to which the campaign against such criminal activity is ongoing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7994/17]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that targeting organised crime activity is an ongoing priority for the Government and An Garda Síochána.
An Garda Síochána is tackling such activity through a range of targeted measures designed to disrupt and dismantle the operations of criminal organisations utilising advanced analytical and intelligence methodologies.
This involves targeting serious criminals and organised criminal groups on a number of fronts and across all geographical locations, including through the use of focused intelligence led operations by Garda specialist units including the Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, the National Economic Crime Bureau and the National Bureau of Criminal Investigations and supported, as required, by the Security and Intelligence Section. These specialist units also work closely with the Criminal Assets Bureau in targeting persons involved in such criminality. All of these units operate under the umbrella of An Garda Síochána Special Crimes Operations Unit.
Multi-disciplinary approaches are utilised to ensure the activities of individuals and groups involved in criminal enterprise are effectively targeted, including the use of the proceeds of crime legislation, money-laundering legislation and the powers of the Criminal Assets Bureau.
An Garda Síochána continues to participate in joint and multi-disciplinary and multi-jurisdictional investigations, within the European Union and world-wide. Successful investigations, prosecutions and disruptions of criminal activities have been and continue to be achieved through these parallel investigations.
The Deputy will also be aware of the very significant measures which have been introduced in response to the recent feuding activity including the establishment of a dedicated Garda Armed Support Unit in Dublin and the establishment of the Special Crime Task Force.
Commendable successes continue to be achieved in targeting criminal groups as well as the drugs and firearms seized and assets targeted.
We are seeing significant results including those of An Garda Síochána Operation Hybrid. As of 27th January 2017, there have been 53 arrests and 5 charges brought in connection with the recent shootings and 3 charges brought for related offences. In addition, 26 firearms have been seized and over 11,000 lines of enquiry established. This Operation is reviewed on a weekly basis to maintain optimal impact.
100. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if it is proposed to re-open Garda stations closed in the past five years, with particular reference to those stations previously remaining open on a daily basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7995/17]
View answerThe Deputy will appreciate that the Garda Commissioner is primarily responsible for the effective and efficient use of the resources available to her. This includes responsibility for the formulation of proposals in relation to the opening and closing of Garda Stations, taking into account crime trends and policing priorities, so as to ensure that the best possible use is made of these resources.
As the Deputy will be aware, 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.
With this in mind, I can confirm that I have asked the Policing Authority to oversee a review of, among other things, the dispersal of Garda stations in rural areas. I understand that the Authority has, in accordance with section 117(2) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, formally requested the Garda Síochána Inspectorate to examine the dispersal and use of resources available to the Garda Síochána in the delivery of policing services to local communities and to make recommendations to provide a more effective, visible and responsive policing service. The Authority has informed the Inspectorate that the review should take account of:
- the changing environments in rural, developing urban and suburban areas;
- the views of local communities;
- the allocation to and deployment of Garda resources at the local policing level, including the use of the Garda Reserve, Garda facilities and Garda equipment; and
- relevant recommendations made in previous Inspectorate reports.
In line with the commitment in the Programme, I have also 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. It is intended that the results of the pilot scheme will feed into the wider review being overseen by the Policing Authority.
