Written Answers Nos. 588-606
588. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if public moneys were used to purchase a boat (details supplied) for use by the Garda sea angling club; and the total sum of such public moneys expended on same. [37203/17]
View answerI am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda Sea Angling Club is a private club and that no public moneys were used for the purpose of the purchase of a boat by the Club.
589. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the cost his Department incurred in each of the past five years due to debit and credit card payment services and banking fees; the financial institutions to which the payments were made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37227/17]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, my Department provides a Financial Shared Service to 10 client bodies. This results in higher volumes of banking charges which are currently absorbed by the Department.
Bank charges have increased in 2017 due primarily to the introduction of charges by the Bank of Ireland in relation to Government bank accounts. The Deputy may wish to note that the Office of Government Procurement is currently undertaking a tendering process to procure a new banking service for Government Departments and Offices. I understand it is intended that this new banking service will be in place in early 2018.
The payments relating to banking charges and credit card fees over the past 5 years are as follows:
|
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 to date |
|
|
Banking Fees |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
AIB |
10,327 |
9,427 |
6,384 |
5,669 |
2,060 |
|
Bank of Ireland |
51 |
54 |
67 |
88 |
11,570 |
|
Credit Card Fees |
|||||
|
AIB |
857 |
457 |
257 |
419 |
219 |
590. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a county registrar will be appointed in County Westmeath; and if the person appointed will deal only with County Westmeath. [37233/17]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware, that I approved a proposal to fill the County Registrar vacancy in County Westmeath and that one County Registrar would be appointed to cover both Meath and Westmeath. A recruitment competition was conducted by the Public Appointments Service and it subsequently identified persons for recommendation to Government for appointment as County Registrar for Meath and Westmeath. The Government has made its decision and I understand that the person concerned is due to commence in the role shortly.
591. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if an application for a visa can be reviewed and processed as appropriate in the case of a person (details supplied); the next steps in this application to be undertaken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37298/17]
View answerFurther to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 152 of 29 June 2017, I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the Join Family visa application referred to by the Deputy was received on 21 August 2017.
While every effort is made to process these applications as soon as possible, processing times will vary having regard to the volume and complexity of applications, the possible need for the Visa Office to investigate, enquire into, or seek further information in relation to certain applications, and the resources available. As such applications are processed in chronological order (i.e. based on date order of receipt), it is not possible at this time to give a definitive date as to when this application will be finalised.
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.
In addition, applicants may themselves e-mail queries directly to visamail@justice.ie.
592. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason the opening hours of a Garda station (details supplied) have been reduced; the number of personnel there are at present; the hours they operate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37309/17]
View answerThe Deputy will appreciate that the Garda Commissioner is primarily responsible for operational decisions in respect of the the effective and efficient use of resources available to An Garda Síochána and I, as Minister, have no role in relation to the matter.
In this context, I understand that Garda management keeps under review the overall policing arrangements, including the operation of Garda stations and assignment of personnel, throughout the State having regard to, for example, crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a District, Divisional and Regional level.
This ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources and that the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, as at 31 July 2017, the latest date for which information is available, there are some 18 members assigned to Ballyconnell Garda Station: 15 Gardaí and 3 Sergeants. I am also informed that, with effect from Monday, 24 July, 2017, Ballyconnell Garda station is open to members of the public between 9am and 9pm, with high-visibility operational policing patrols conducted throughout the Garda District outside of those hours.
When the public office of the station is not open to members of the public, personal callers are referred to Cavan Garda Station, which operates 24-hours a day. In addition, telephone calls received outside of opening hours are automatically transferred to Cavan Garda station.
As the Deputy will be aware, 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 to 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. Funding has also been provided for the recruitment of 300 Garda Reserves.
This plan is progressing apace. I am informed by the Commissioner that, since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, almost 1,200 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide. I am also informed that another 400 trainee Garda are scheduled to attest this year which will see Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increase to around the 13,500 mark by year end - an increase of 500 since the end of 2016.
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 needed to allow for the deployment of increasing numbers of Gardaí across every Garda Division, including Cavan/Monaghan, in the coming years.
593. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the manning levels as of 1 September 2017 in all Garda stations in counties Kildare, Laois and Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37385/17]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who 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 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. Furthermore when allocations are taking place comprehensive consultation is carried out with local management during which all factors are taken into consideration. Where a deficiency in resources is identified the matter is considered fully and addressed accordingly. It is the responsibility of the Divisional Officer to allocate personnel within his/her Division.
I have been informed that the number of Gardaí assigned to the Kildare Division on the 31 July 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 342 with 20 Garda Reserves and 30 civilians. The number of Gardaí assigned to the Laois/Offaly Division was was 323 with 17 Garda Reserves and 24 civilians. When appropriate, the work of local Gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.
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. Funding has also been provided for the recruitment of 300 Garda Reserves.
This plan is progressing apace. I am informed by the Commissioner, that since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, almost 1,200 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána, 60 of whom have been assigned to the Kildare Division, and 56 has been assigned to the Laois/Offaly Division. I am also informed that a further 400 Garda recruits are scheduled to attest later this year which will see Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increase to around the 13,500 mark by year end - an increase of 500 since the end of 2016.
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 needed to allow the deployment of increasing numbers of Gardaí across every Garda Division, including the Kildare Division and the Laois/Offaly Division in the coming years.
I am informed by the Commissioner that the strength of the Kildare Division and the Laois / Offaly Division on 31 July 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available, is as set out in the following table.
KILDARE DIVISION 31 JULY 2017
|
DISTRICT |
STATION |
GD |
SG |
IN |
SU |
CS |
AC |
TOTAL |
|
KILDARE |
ATHY |
24 |
3 |
1 |
28 |
|||
|
CASTLEDERMOT |
3 |
1 |
4 |
|||||
|
KILDARE |
28 |
7 |
1 |
1 |
37 |
|||
|
MONASTEREVIN |
4 |
1 |
5 |
|||||
|
NEWBRIDGE |
40 |
6 |
46 |
|||||
|
RATHANGAN |
2 |
1 |
3 |
|||||
|
TOTAL |
101 |
19 |
2 |
1 |
|
|
123 |
|
|
LEIXLIP |
CARBURY |
6 |
2 |
8 |
||||
|
CELBRIDGE |
9 |
1 |
10 |
|||||
|
KILCOCK |
10 |
10 |
||||||
|
LEIXLIP |
47 |
8 |
2 |
1 |
58 |
|||
|
MAYNOOTH |
11 |
1 |
12 |
|||||
|
TOTAL |
83 |
12 |
2 |
1 |
|
|
98 |
|
|
NAAS |
CLANE |
6 |
1 |
7 |
||||
|
KILCULLEN |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|||||
|
NAAS |
92 |
14 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
110 |
||
|
ROBERTSTOWN |
2 |
2 |
||||||
|
TOTAL |
101 |
16 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
|
121 |
|
|
KILDARE Total |
|
285 |
47 |
6 |
3 |
1 |
|
342 |
LAOIS/OFFALY DIVISION 31 JULY 2017
|
DISTRICT |
STATION |
GD |
SG |
IN |
SU |
CS |
AC |
TOTAL |
|
BIRR |
BANAGHER |
4 |
1 |
5 |
||||
|
BIRR |
25 |
6 |
1 |
32 |
||||
|
CLOGHAN |
1 |
1 |
||||||
|
FERBANE |
3 |
1 |
4 |
|||||
|
KILCORMAC |
2 |
2 |
||||||
|
KINNITTY |
1 |
1 |
||||||
|
SHINRONE |
1 |
1 |
||||||
|
TOTAL |
37 |
8 |
|
1 |
|
|
46 |
|
|
PORTLAOISE |
ABBEYLEIX |
15 |
6 |
21 |
||||
|
ARLES |
1 |
1 |
||||||
|
BALLYLINAN |
2 |
2 |
||||||
|
BORRIS-IN-OSSORY |
1 |
1 |
||||||
|
CLONASLEE |
1 |
1 |
||||||
|
DURROW |
1 |
1 |
||||||
|
MOUNTMELLICK |
4 |
1 |
5 |
|||||
|
MOUNTRATH |
2 |
1 |
3 |
|||||
|
PORTARLINGTON |
11 |
3 |
14 |
|||||
|
PORTLAOISE |
107 |
16 |
6 |
1 |
130 |
|||
|
RATHDOWNEY |
2 |
2 |
||||||
|
STRADBALLY |
2 |
2 |
||||||
|
TOTAL |
149 |
27 |
6 |
|
1 |
|
183 |
|
|
TULLAMORE |
CLARA |
4 |
1 |
5 |
||||
|
DAINGEAN |
2 |
2 |
||||||
|
EDENDERRY |
10 |
2 |
12 |
|||||
|
RHODE |
1 |
1 |
||||||
|
TULLAMORE |
62 |
9 |
2 |
1 |
74 |
|||
|
TOTAL |
79 |
12 |
2 |
1 |
|
|
94 |
|
|
LAOIS/OFFALY Total |
|
265 |
47 |
8 |
2 |
1 |
|
323 |
594. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of community gardaí allocated to stations in counties Kildare, Laois and Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37386/17]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda units and 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 Commissioner that as of the 31 July 2017, there were 342 and 323 Gardaí attached to the Kildare and Laois/Offaly Divisions respectively. There are also 20 Garda Reserves and 30 civilians attached to the Kildare Division with 17 Reserves and 24 civilians to the Laois/Offaly 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, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.
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. Funding has also been provided for the recruitment of 300 Garda Reserves.
This plan is progressing apace. I am informed by the Commissioner, since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, almost 1,200 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide. I am also informed that another 400 trainee Garda are scheduled to attest this year which will see Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increase to around the 13,500 mark by year end - an increase of 500 since the end of 2016.
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 needed to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí including Community 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.
I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda Commissioner in relation to the number of Community Gardaí allocated to the stations concerned and I will write to the Deputy on receipt of same.
It is, of course the case that all Gardaí, not simply designated Community Gardaí have a role to play in addressing community policing issues as and when the need arises and, in that sense, community policing involves far more than a single unit within An Garda Síochána.
595. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will respond to correspondence from a person (details supplied) regarding direct provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37469/17]
View answerThe Supreme Court judgment in N.V.H. v. The Minister for Justice and Equality is an important judgment, and its full implications are being examined carefully. The Court itself recognises the complexities around this issue in that it acknowledges the Executive function in not only controlling who should enter the State but also to regulate the activities of non-citizens while in the State and has had to consider the distinctions of rights between citizens and non-citizens in the context of Article 40.1 of the Constitution. It has concluded that in an international protection system with no temporal limit on the decision making process, an absolute prohibition on the right to work is contrary to the right to seek employment under the Constitution. The Court recognises that this is a matter for the Executive and Legislature to consider and accordingly has adjourned consideration of the Order the Court should make for a period of six months. The State will make submissions to the Court in relation to the format of the order the Court is to make at the appropriate time. In the interim, the legal status as regards access to the labour market for international protection applicants remains unchanged, as set out in Section 16(3)(b) of the International Protection Act 2015.
One of the principal aims of the International Protection Act 2015, which was commenced at the end of last year, is to process cases as quickly as possible so that in due course as cases on hand are cleared, persons in need of international protection are granted status quickly, thereby giving them an automatic right to work. In many EU Member States, the right to work is not an unfettered right, often arising after a particular period of time - usually 9 months to a year - and in many instances may be limited to particular job categories the withdrawal of other financial supports, etc. All of these matters require careful consideration as to their impact and to reflect the existing requirements placed on those who come to Ireland as lawful economic migrants.
The judgment has significant legal, economic, policy and operational considerations, many of which impact across a range of Government Departments and services. For this reason, a whole of Government approach has been adopted to examine the implications of the judgment and to propose appropriate solutions as quickly as possible. Following the approval of Government, I have established an inter-Departmental Taskforce to undertake this important work. The work of the Taskforce is ongoing. It will report to Government with the outcome of its deliberations in due course.
596. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his Department's recruitment policy for allowing members of the transgender and LGBT communities to enlist in An Garda Síochána. [37496/17]
View answerRecruitment to An Garda Síochána is governed by the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations 2013. Any person, irrespective of sexual orientation or gender, who is interested in becoming a member of An Garda Síochána, is entitled to apply to a recruitment competition provided they meet the eligibility requirements.
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. As a public body established under the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act, 2004, PAS is 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. Recruitment competitions organised by An Garda Síochána are also, of course, subject to compliance with the Code of Practice for Appointment to Positions where the Garda Commissioner has Statutory Responsibility , as published by the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA). The Code requires adherence to the recruitment principles of probity, merit, best practice, fairness and transparency. Compliance with the Code is subject to audit by the CPSA.
597. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if persons (details supplied) are allowed to leave the State for a holiday in the 12 months prior to applying for residency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37537/17]
View answerThe granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. It is open to any individual to lodge an application for a certificate of naturalisation if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements, including residency requirements, prescribed in the Act.
Detailed information on Irish citizenship and naturalisation is available on the INIS website at www.inis.gov.ie. The website contains the current version of the application by a person of full age for naturalisation as an Irish citizen and an on-line naturalisation residency calculator which individuals may find of assistance in establishing if the residency requirements are met.
Where an applicant is found to be non-resident for substantial periods of time such periods will not be reckonable for the purposes of satisfying the statutory residency conditions for naturalisation stipulated in the Act. This is of particular importance with regard to the requirement to have 1 year’s continuous residence in the State immediately prior to the date of application, and may also mean the requirement of total residence is not met. The guidance notes attached to the application form inform applicants that arrangements for assessment of residence are on the basis that the person is physically resident in the State for the required period of time and that where there are significant absences from the State the application may be refused. A reasonable and generous period of up to 6 weeks is allowed to provide for absences from the State for normal holidays and other short term and temporary nature absences, such as for a family bereavement.
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.
598. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of successful applications under the transfer of prisoners legislation for persons wishing to transfer from prisons abroad or in Northern Ireland to this jurisdiction in each of the years since its inception to 2014; the number of applications received since 2014 which have not been processed due to the Supreme Court decision of 2014; the reason for the delay in amending the legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37562/17]
View answerThe Transfer of Sentenced Persons Act Annual Report is laid before the Oireachtas in April every year and includes the historical statistical information requested by the Deputy. The report is also available on the Department of Justice & Equality website. (www.justice.ie)
The Supreme Court judgement in the case of O'Farrell, McDonald, Rafferty -v-The Governor of Portlaoise Prison is detailed 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. 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 Attorney General. Given the complex nature of the review being undertaken, it is not possible at this stage to indicate a time frame for its conclusion.
I am advised by my officials in the Irish Prison Service that there are 32 applications received from prisoners overseas which are currently 'on hold' pending the receipt of the necessary legal advices.
599. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views regarding the measures advocated by the safe passage campaign (details supplied) which seeks to reunite separated refugee families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37569/17]
View answerIn 2014, before the migrant crisis escalated, a Syrian Humanitarian Admissions Programme (SHAP) was introduced, subject to certain conditions being met. This was replaced in 2015 with the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP), which allows for Syrians and other vulnerable nationalities to benefit from resettlement and relocation schemes, and offers them protection in Ireland in their own right. This is a much improved programme allowing many vulnerable people to benefit from protection here. To date, 1,244 refugees and asylum seekers have been admitted to Ireland under these programmes. An additional 541 asylum seekers will be relocated from Greece by the end of the year. We will also working on the resettlement in the coming months of an additional 255 programme refugees from UNCHR camps in Lebanon.
I am not of the view that the best solution to this crisis is to increase the number of programmes and all the administrative and legal complexities that go with them. My emphasis is to concentrate on the number of people arriving in Ireland under the programmes currently in place. I am satisfied that we are making good progress now and that there is capacity to ensure more vulnerable people can come to Ireland under these programmes in the period ahead. All of our focus needs to be on these objectives. I would encourage all community groups and individuals to continue to make contact with offers of support to the Irish Red Cross and the Irish Refugee Protection Programme - these will be followed up and assessed promptly and can directly benefit the increased numbers of people we have committed to welcoming to Ireland this year.
Significant resources are being invested in these humanitarian efforts through the offices of the Irish Refugee Protection Programme and the International Protection Office. As a result we have developed mechanisms and associated expertise to deal with resettlement and relocation. Our response to the migrant crisis in terms of accepting refugees is through the IRPP and all available resources are being directed to that Programme in order to meet the commitment entered into. It is essential that we continue our efforts to complete the IRPP successfully before we look to apply the learning from this Programme to deliberations with regards to any future refugee intake. Decisions taken at EU level with regard to the ongoing migration crisis will of course impact on any such deliberations.
In relation to family reunification, existing avenues for the admission of more extended family members are already available under the provisions of the INIS Non-EEA Policy Document on Family Reunification, which allows beneficiaries of international protection, including those admitted under the IRPP, and other Non-EEA migrants residing lawfully in Ireland to make an application. As Minister, I can and do apply my discretion as regards the economic conditions for sponsors set down in the Policy Document. Such applications on humanitarian grounds are examined on a case-by-case basis and I expect this practice to continue.
600. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí and civilian staff assigned to and working with the Garda special crime task force when it was first set up; the number of gardaí and civilian staff now assigned to and working with the task force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37579/17]
View answer610. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí in the Garda special crime task force; the number of gardaí in the task force when it was originally set up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37777/17]
View answer670. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí allocated to each Garda special crime task force in each of the past five years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38645/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 600, 610 and 670 together.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources among the various Garda Divisions and Districts and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. I am assured by the Commissioner that personnel assigned throughout the country, together with the overall policing arrangements and operational strategies are continually monitored and reviewed.
As part of the range of measures which have been put in place to tackle organised crime a new Garda Special Crime Task Force (SCTF) has been in operation in the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) since July 2016 and is focussing relentlessly on persons involved in organised criminal activities. It operates in cooperation with other agencies including the Revenue Commissioners and Department of Social Protection and has the benefit of the expertise of members of the Criminal Assets Bureau, Garda Divisional Asset Profilers, and the Garda Síochána Analysis Service. It is under the direction of Detective Chief Superintendent, Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (DOCB) under the remit of Assistant Commissioner, Special Crime Operations.
I am informed that the SCTF initially comprised 6 Sergeants and 30 Gardaí, with 1 Sergeant and 5 Gardaí seconded from each of the Divisions in the DMR. There are currently 5 Sergeants and 45 Gardaí assigned to the SCTF.
I am further informed that the SCTF has led significant and high profile operations and arrests associated with seizures of firearms, drugs, explosives and significant financial assets. In addition, critical intelligence led operations and investigations were implemented to ensure the preservation of life within the DMR. The SCTF has repeatedly proven its resilience and capacity for deployment and is ideally placed for redeployment to any Regional policing priority which may emerge.
The current threat level arising from organised crime groups in the DMR has not dissipated, although it has been significantly impeded. The consistent targeting of these sophisticated groups is essential to dismantle them, ensuring safe communities and a strong policing capacity.
I am advised by the Commissioner that a competition to fill vacancies for Sergeants and Gardaí at the Units comprising Special Crime Operations was completed at the end of 2016 and additional Sergeants and Gardaí are being allocated to these Units, including the DOCB, incorporating the SCTF, on a phased basis, most recently in August, with a further tranche following the next attestation of new Gardaí to take place later this year. The capacity of Garda management to allocate additional resources to specialist units is a result of the significant investment in personnel to which the Government is committed under its Five Year Reform and High Level Workforce Plan for An Garda Síochána. In relation to civilian staff I am advised by the Commissioner that the appointment of professional / expert non-Garda personnel to positions within Special Crime Operations is being examined in the context of the extensive reform programme underway within An Garda Siochána.
601. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the joint agency response to crime announced in 2015 to bring the Garda, the Irish Prison Service and the Probation Service together to target repeat offenders with diversion programmes in order to stop reoffending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37594/17]
View answerThe Joint Agency Response to Crime (J-ARC) is a joint strategy between An Garda Síochána, the Probation Service, Irish Prison Service and my Department with a joint objective of targeting the 25% of recidivists who are responsible for 75% of crime; to manage nominated prolific offenders in order to reduce crime and; enhance public safety by strengthening the co-ordination and integration of policy, practice and research between these organisations. J-ARC is a strategic response to the management of prioritised prolific offenders whereby a number of pilot initiatives have been developed to address their behaviour and reduce crime. J-ARC (for adult offenders) is operating under four inter-agency initiatives in Dublin and this has been extended to three additional areas i.e. Dundalk, Waterford and Limerick.
The J-ARC strategy:
- develops and further strengthens a multi agency approach to the management of crime;
- prioritises offenders in order to develop initiatives which will address their behaviour; and
- aims to reduce crime and increase public safety in local communities.
A number of joint agency operational initiatives, outlined below, have been established on a pilot basis under the strategy, the aims of which are to ensure an enhancement of communication between agencies and the alignment of offender-management processes currently in operation, with a view to reducing the level of crime committed by the individuals concerned.
(i) ACER 3
ACER 3 is being piloted in two Garda Districts within the Dublin Metropolitan Region and is a multi-agency approach to the management of identified offenders charged with burglary. It provides an operational approach for co-ordinated and enhanced levels of co-operation and co-ordination between An Garda Síochána, the Probation Service and the Irish Prison Service. It places the offender at the centre of the process and identifies his/her needs, strengths and risk; and provides an interagency co-operation and co-ordinated response in addressing those needs and risks.
ACER 3 has also recently been extended to three additional areas i.e. Dundalk, Waterford and Limerick.
(ii) STRIVE Ballymun
This initiative in Ballymun targets those causing a high level of harm or disruption. The purpose of the initiative is to motivate those persons to desist from crime and have their identified needs addressed by local agencies or for a multi-agency intervention to be put in place to disrupt the individual’s criminal lifestyle. In addition, support measures and mechanisms are in place, by agencies within the community, for people connected with the offenders, i.e. families/siblings of offenders, those dependent on drugs/alcohol etc.
It is anticipated this initiative will facilitate the community in developing to be a more positive environment in which to live.
(iii) The Bridge Project - Change Works Programme
This Project is a company, limited by guarantee, which has worked with high-risk offenders for over 20 years and is funded through the Probation Service and the CDETB.
The Bridge Project has initiated the ‘Change Works’ Programme, targeting violent offenders who have been assessed as ‘likely to cause serious harm’ and aims to reduce the frequency and seriousness of offences committed by the target group.
The Project is Dublin-based and is fully aligned to Garda Case management, Probation Case Management, Integrated Sentence Management and Community Return. This initiative has a full-time, co-located, probation team and is initially planned to be 18-24 months in duration.
In 2017, J-ARC was extended to manage and address the criminal behaviour of nominated young people aged 16 to 21 years old which resulted in the inclusion of the Departments of Health; Children & Youth Affairs; and Education & Skills, as well as Tusla.
Youth Joint Agency Response to Crime Initiative (Y J-ARC)
Y J-ARC is the latest initiative under the Joint Agencies Response to Crime initiative. It was launched in 2017 and targets young people aged 16 to 21 years who are the most prolific in their offending. It provides an operational approach for co-ordinated and enhanced levels of co-operation between the Probation Service, An Garda Síochána, Irish Prison Service, Irish Youth Justice Service (Oberstown campus), Tusla and the Department of Education and Skills. It places the young person at the centre of the process and identifies his/her needs, strengths and risk; and provides an interagency co-operation and a co-ordinated response in addressing those needs and risks.
There are two pilot locations - Cork (Gurranabraher and Mayfield) and Blanchardstown, Dublin. Although at an early stage of development, it is anticipated that this multi-agency approach in working with young people, their families and their communities will be beneficial in addressing the risk, needs and strengths of the young people involved and in promoting safer communities.
J-ARC forms a key part of the first Joint Strategy on Offender Management agreed between my Department, An Garda Síochána, the Probation Service and the Irish Prison Service which is operating since September 2016. The Joint Strategy recognises that, in order to protect the public and reduce victimisation in Irish society, a joined-up approach to the management of offenders is essential. The Strategy sets out a range of agreed key objectives and supporting actions for the enhanced management of offenders, to be advanced on an inter-agency basis in the period 2016-2018.
The ACER 3, Bridge and Strive projects are in an evaluation process at present and more detailed information on the effectiveness of those projects should be available following the conclusion of that process.
602. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views regarding the concerns and suggested actions of the UN committee against torture regarding the systemic deficiencies in the health care service within the prison system, and the need to undertake an independent review of the prison health care system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37611/17]
View answerThe Irish Prison Service acknowledges the concluding observations of the United Nations Committee against Torture [UNCAT] on the second periodic review of Ireland, which was adopted by the Committee recently. The Irish Prison Service has noted in particular, the Committee’s observation [16(i)] that it should:
‘urgently undertake a fundamental review of the entire prison health care system, in keeping with the recommendations of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT);’
In this regard, the Irish Prison Service recognises that the appointment of an Executive Clinical Lead is central to addressing the prison healthcare deficits identified in the CPT 2014 Report. The Irish Prison Service is currently making arrangements for the recruitment of an Executive Clinical Lead.
When appointed, the Executive Clinical Lead will have responsibility for the management of prison healthcare services and will be central to the undertaking of a comprehensive review of those services. The Terms of Reference for this review are to be agreed by the Department of Justice and Equality and the Department of Health once the the Executive Clinical Lead is in place.
603. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views regarding observations of the UN committee against torture in relation to the death of a person (details supplied); the steps he is taking to ensure appropriate mental health care for prisoners with mental disorders and psycho-socio disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37612/17]
View answerThe Irish Prison Service has acknowledged the observations of the UN Committee against Torture in relation to the death of the person referred to by the Deputy. It has confirmed that significant progress has been made to date in addressing the issues and actions arising from the Commission of Investigation into the death of that person.
I have been advised by the Irish Prison Service that in-reach mental health services are available in the Dublin and Portlaoise prisons, and Castlerea prison, through collaboration with the Health Service Executive and the National Forensic Mental Health Service [NFMHS] to provide forensic mental health sessions weekly in these prisons. The Health Service Executive, provides specialist In-reach, Psychiatric services to those in custody in Limerick and Cork prisons. The Irish Prison Service has access to a limited number of places in the Central Mental Hospital for prisoners who require residential mental health treatment. There is currently an average of 20 prisoners each week awaiting transfer to the Central Mental Hospital, and the NFMHS has acknowledged the challenge of access for prisoners to in-patient treatment beds. It is anticipated that the opening of the new Central Mental Hospital in 2020 will help address capacity issues for prisoners in need of in-patient treatment.
The Health Service Executive has confirmed that approval has been granted for the appointment of a consultant led team to both Limerick and Cork prisons. The Health Service Executive has also advised that arrangements are being finalised for the assignment of a consultant led mental health in-reach team to Castlerea Prison. The National Forensic Mental Health Service also provides an assessment and liaison service for all other prisons where a prisoner requires a forensic assessment, or access to an admission bed in the Central Mental Hospital. Consultant Forensic Psychiatrists are leading these services and can be supported by Non-Consultant Hospital Doctors, Community Psychiatric Nurses, and Social Workers.
The Irish Prison Service, in collaboration with the National Forensic Mental Health Service, has established two dedicated areas where high support is provided to vulnerable prisoners with mental illness; D2 wing in Cloverhill Prison (for remand prisoners), and the High Support Unit in Mountjoy (for sentenced prisoners). Both units provide a dedicated area within the prison where mentally ill and vulnerable prisoners, who present with a risk of harm to self or to others, can be separated from the general prison population and closely monitored in a safer environment. A Psychiatric In-reach and Court Liaison Service is delivered by the Health Service Executive/NFMHS at Cloverhill Prison. The diversion service ensures, as far as possible, that those people presenting before the courts, or indeed at an earlier stage of the criminal justice system where the infraction is a reflection of an underlying mental illness, are referred and treated appropriately. This approach has reduced the number of mentally ill people committed to prison.
The Irish Prison Service has developed a bespoke mental health training programme for staff, which is currently being delivered to all staff. In addition, all persons in custody in closed prisons have access to the Samaritans Listeners Scheme.
The IPS Psychology Service plays a key role in the provision of mental health services for people in custody. In conjunction with the multi-disciplinary team the Psychology Service provides various evidence-based primary, secondary and tertiary care talking therapies for people in custody who experience mental health difficulties.
The Irish Prison Service is in the process of further developing the Psychology Service in order to better meet the mental health needs of those in custody.
604. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason the order of the District Court ordinary decree of 26 October 2016 (details supplied) has not been executed or acted upon; and in view of this delay if he will ensure that this matter is brought to finality. [37615/17]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, Sheriffs (or County Registrars acting as Sheriffs) are officers of the court and are independent in the exercise of their functions and duties under statute and rules of court. The Sheriff (or County Registrar acting as Sheriff) is responsible to the Court for the Enforcement of the Court Orders. The law and procedures governing the execution of Court Orders is contained in the Enforcement of Court Orders Acts, 1926 to 1940 and the Rules of Court made thereunder, and I wish to inform the Deputy that I have no operational function in this matter.
605. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of new Garda recruits assigned to each Garda division since recruitment resumed in Templemore in 2014, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37654/17]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, and I as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. I am assured by the Commissioner that Garda personnel assigned throughout the country, together with the overall policing arrangements and operational strategies are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of resources and the best possible policing service is provided to the general public.
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. Funding has also been provided for the recruitment of 300 Garda Reserves.
This plan is progressing apace. I am informed by the Commissioner, since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, that almost 1,200 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide. I am also informed that another 400 trainee Garda are scheduled to attest this year which will see Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increase to around the 13,500 mark by year end - an increase of 500 since the end of 2016.
In so far as the allocation of newly attested Gardaí is concerned, this is a matter for the 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.
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 needed to allow the deployment of increasing numbers of Gardaí across every Garda Division.
For the Deputy's information I have set out below, as provided by the Commissioner, the number of new Garda recruits assigned to each Garda Division to date in 2017.
|
DIVISION |
ALLOCATIONS SINCE 2014 |
|
D.M.R. EAST |
52 |
|
D.M.R. NORTH |
90 |
|
D.M.R. NORTH CENTRAL |
108 |
|
D.M.R. SOUTH |
96 |
|
D.M.R. SOUTH CENTRAL |
106 |
|
D.M.R. WEST |
103 |
|
KILDARE |
60 |
|
LAOIS / OFFALY |
56 |
|
MEATH |
36 |
|
WESTMEATH |
27 |
|
WICKLOW |
18 |
|
CAVAN / MONAGHAN |
26 |
|
DONEGAL |
22 |
|
LOUTH |
59 |
|
SLIGO / LEITRIM |
13 |
|
KILKENNY/CARLOW |
40 |
|
TIPPERARY |
36 |
|
WATERFORD |
39 |
|
WEXFORD |
42 |
|
CORK CITY |
25 |
|
CORK NORTH |
10 |
|
CORK WEST |
15 |
|
KERRY |
20 |
|
LIMERICK |
33 |
|
CLARE |
20 |
|
GALWAY |
9 |
|
MAYO |
13 |
|
ROSCOMMON / LONGFORD |
5 |
|
TOTALS |
1179 |
606. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons driving over the limit of alcohol intake in the Cavan, Monaghan and north Meath areas and throughout the country, in tabular form for 2016 and to date in 2017. [37657/17]
View answerI have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the matter raised by the Deputy, and I will contact her directly when this report is to hand.
