Written Answers Nos. 627-646
627. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if Garda stations closed in counties Carlow and Kilkenny in 2012 and 2013 (details supplied) are among the six stations being examined for reopening under the pilot programme; the position regarding the Commissioner's report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37959/17]
View answerThe Deputy will appreciate that the Garda Commissioner is primarily responsible for the effective and efficient use of the resources available to An Garda Síochána and I, as Minister, have no role in the matter. 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.
Indeed, this was the basis on which the Garda District and Station Rationalisation Programme was developed and implemented, resulting in the closure of some 139 Garda stations. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the closures have allowed front line Garda to be managed and deployed with greater mobility, greater flexibility and in a more focused fashion particularly with regard to various targeted police operations.
Under the Programme for a Partnership Government, the Government is committed to launching a pilot scheme to reopen 6 Garda stations, both urban and rural, to determine possible positive impacts that such openings will have on criminal activity, with special emphasis on burglaries, theft and public order. At its meeting on 13 June 2017, the Government noted the Garda Commissioner’s interim Report which analysed population and crime trends and, taking account of the availability of stations for reuse, makes a number of recommendations including that Stepaside Station in Co. Dublin be reopened on a pilot basis. The Report also indicates that the Commissioner is likely, subject to further analysis, to recommend the reopening of Leighlinbridge, Co. Carlow and Donard, Co. Wicklow in her final report. If a second station is to be reopened in Dublin, the Commissioner has indicated that, subject to further analysis, the former station at Rush, Co. Dublin will be recommended for reopening.
The final report of the Commissioner is expected to be received shortly and it will be brought to Government thereafter.
628. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the review being undertaken by officials of the Prison Service and his Department in consultation with the Attorney General examining the necessary legislative and-or administrative changes arising from the ruling in a case (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37960/17]
View answerOn 12 July, 2016, the Supreme Court dismissed the State's appeal in the case known as 'O'Farrell, McDonald, Rafferty -v- The Governor of Portlaoise Prison'. The case concerns an appeal taken by the State against a judgement of the High Court ordering the release of the three named prisoners who had been transferred to Ireland from the UK where they had been sentenced, under the provisions of the Transfer of Sentenced Prisoners Acts, 1995 -1997.
The judgement 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.
629. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if there is a senior official with designated responsibility for Brexit matters in his Department; if so, the grade of the designated official; the funding allocated to the Brexit unit; the cost to date; the anticipated cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37996/17]
View answer630. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of staff deployed full time in his Department in respect of Brexit; if there is a designated section or unit to deal with Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38012/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 629 and 630 together.
The International Policy Division within my Department has been assigned responsibility for coordinating the Department's work as it relates to matters concerning UK withdrawal from the EU. The Division is headed-up by an Assistant Secretary and comprises a team in Dublin and a team based in the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the EU in Brussels, currently consisting of thirteen officers in total.
This figure includes an additional post to the Permanent Representation to support the Brussels based aspects of the forthcoming negotiations which was filled in July 2017, and an additional post in the Dublin team filled last month.
Complementing this, six senior officers from each of the key areas in the Department (who are in turn supported by relevant staff) have been selected to make up a cross Divisional working group to focus on the key negotiating issues.
The possibility that additional staffing resources may be required to work on Brexit related issues has been flagged in the Department’s Workforce Plan. This is being kept under review and weekly progress updates are provided to the Department's management Board on the analysis and preparations underway. Costs incurred are being met from the Department's overall budget, and those related specifically to Brexit cannot be readily extracted from overall ongoing work in the Department.
631. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the level of construction inflation that has been experienced by his Department in the 18 months to September 2017 in respect of construction projects; the way in which he monitors construction inflation and the mechanisms his Department employs to tackle this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38028/17]
View answerMy Department has not engaged in any construction projects over the past 18 months in which construction inflation has been a factor. However, it is anticipated this issue will become more problematic as the construction industry continues to recover. As the Deputy will be aware, the Office of Public Works acts on behalf of my Department and many of the agencies under its aegis and may be best placed to provide the Deputy with any relevant information in this regard.
632. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the commercial rates levied on private nursing homes throughout the country; if there is a connection between the number of residents in a nursing home which would be relevant to the commercial activity and the level of commercial rates levied; if rules or guidelines are applied in order that the rates charged on nursing homes can be examined nationally to see if there is a consistent approach on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38111/17]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, under the valuation legislation (Valuation Acts 2001-2015), the Commissioner of Valuation, who is a statutory officer and Head of the Valuation Office, has sole responsibility for the maintenance of valuation lists of all commercial properties in the State which are used by all local authorities in the calculation of rates and I, as Minister, have no function in this regard.
The basic premise under valuation legislation is that all buildings and lands used or developed for any purpose, including private nursing homes, are rateable unless expressly exempted under Schedule 4 of the Valuation Act 2001 as amended. Those exempt properties would ordinarily include those that meet the criteria set out in Paragraph 14, Schedule 4 of the Valuation Acts 2001 to 2015. Paragraph 14(a) provides for exemption from rates for nursing homes occupied by a body which is not established, and the affairs of which are not conducted, for the purpose of making a private profit. Paragraph 14(b) provides for exemption from rates for nursing homes occupied by a body whose expenses in carrying on the activity are defrayed wholly or mainly out of monies provided by the Exchequer, other than where such defrayal occurs by reason of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009.
A valuation of a private nursing home for commercial rates purposes is arrived at by estimating the Net Annual Value (NAV) of the property, at a specified valuation date. The term “net annual value” has a legal definition and is set out in section 48 of the Valuation Act 2001 as the rent for which, one year with another, the property might, in its actual state, be reasonably expected to let from year to year, on the assumption that the probable average annual cost of repairs, insurance and other expenses (if any) that would be necessary to maintain the property in that state, and all rates and other taxes payable in respect of the property, are borne by the tenant. This definition of Net Annual Value is applied to all rateable properties and on a nationwide basis.
Estimating the NAV of a rateable property is an evidence-based exercise. In this regard, I am informed that the Valuation Office analyses relevant market rental transactions for all rateable properties including nursing homes in accordance with the legislation, best practice internationally as set out in Practice Guidance Notes from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), well-established valuation principles and case law arising from the independent Valuation Tribunal and the higher Courts and the conclusion drawn from that analysis is applied to similarly circumstanced property using the “comparative” method of valuation which, as the name implies, employs direct comparison with other similar properties. Specifically with regard to the valuation of nursing homes, the number of bed places in the facility, which when taken with other individual circumstances, would be a determining factor in arriving at the net annual value and this is a consistent approach used on a nationwide basis.
The position regarding the determination of rates under Irish law is that there is a distinct separation of function between the valuation of rateable property and the setting and collection of commercial rates. The amount of rates payable by a particular ratepayer in any calendar year is a product of the valuation set by the Valuation Office, multiplied by the Annual Rate on Valuation (ARV) decided annually by the elected members of each local authority. Whereas the setting of valuations is the responsibility of the Valuation Office (subject to the appeal provisions in the legislation), the annual setting of the ARV is a reserved function of the elected members of each Local Authority and the Commissioner of Valuation has no function in that regard. Accordingly, details on the amount of rates levied on nursing homes are not available to the Valuation Office or to my Department. Regarding the examination of rates nationally to ensure a consistent approach, the position is that while the basis of valuation is consistent across the country, the ARV can fluctuate to some degree, depending on the local authority area in which the nursing home is located. This is a function of local government and reflects the local circumstances surrounding the adoption of the ARV in each local authority and relates to the budgetary position which the elected members of the Council must address annually in their determination of the ARV for which they have exclusive responsibility.
633. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to implement the recommendations of the Law Reform Commission report number LR67 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38130/17]
View answerIn its Third Programme for Law Reform 2008-2014, the Law Reform Commission outlined its intention to progress statutory codification in a number of areas of land law, including adverse possession of land. The implementation of reforms outlined in the Report referred to by the Deputy (LRC 67 - 2002), as well as earlier recommendations in its 1989 "Report on Land Law and Conveyancing Law (1) General Proposals", would be relevant in this context. It appears however that due to more pressing law reform priorities, it has not been possible for the Commission to bring this work to a conclusion.
The acquisition of title to land by means of adverse possession is an important aspect of land law, involving a complex interplay between limitation periods and registration rights in respect of both freehold and leasehold land. While I have no immediate plans to bring forward proposals for legislative reform in this area, operation of the existing statutory framework is kept under review by my Department.
634. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he or bodies and agencies under the remit of his Department plan to make services or payments dependent on the mandatory use and production of the public services card; if so, the services and payments which will now be dependent on the mandatory use of the public services card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38152/17]
View answerI can confirm that as and from 19th September 2016, all persons applying for a certificate of naturalisation who are aged 18 and above and who are resident in the State must be registered with the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection for a Public Services Card. This is an important measure for identification purposes and to protect against fraud and identity theft and to uphold the integrity of the Irish naturalisation process. It ensures that the identity of applicants for naturalisation will be verified to a high standard.
The Private Security Authority intends to examine the suitability of the Public Services Card in connection with its licence application process subject to discussions with the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.
Work is also ongoing with a view to transitioning the Garda Age Card function to the Public Services Card.
635. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the legislation that will be introduced to tackle white collar crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38165/17]
View answerWhile my Department has responsibility for legislation addressing some aspects of white collar crime including fraud and corruption, other aspects, such as insider trading and Companies Acts offences, fall within the responsibility of other Government Departments. In fact, the Deputy may wish to note that officials from my Department are working closely with officials from the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and the Department of Finance in reviewing the approach to tackling white collar crime and a substantial amount of work, including the enacting of legislation, has already been done in this respect over the last number of years.
The breadth and diversity of the issues connected with this form of crime are such that no one Department or no one piece of legislation could effectively address all of them and, therefore, legislation in this area is continuously under review and development. In this regard, there are a number of legislative developments of particular relevance.
A package of measures which will include specific legislative proposals is currently being worked upon. I would anticipate that an announcement on this package will be made in due course.
636. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress he has made with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, the Garda Commissioner and the chairman of the Revenue Commissioners in establishing a multi-agency approach in order to ascertain if there are additional legislative or other solutions which can assist in dealing with the use of scrambler and quad bikes more comprehensively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38173/17]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that, under the Road Traffic Acts, any member of An Garda Síochána is empowered to stop a mechanically propelled vehicle in a public place and demand production of a driver licence or learner permit. In addition, Gardaí may inspect the vehicle for compliance with vehicle standards legislation, which makes it an offence to drive without reasonable consideration, drive carelessly, or drive dangerously. The Garda authorities also have powers of seizure, detention, storage and disposal of vehicles under road traffic legislation. I am further informed that the use of quad bikes and scramblers in public parks and open spaces is strictly prohibited by the local authorities under the Parks and Open Spaces Bye-Laws 2011.
Despite the road traffic and other relevant legislation available in this area, the Garda authorities have indicated that there are issues of safety involved in enforcement of these laws which are best addressed through a multi-agency approach. I am informed that Gardaí are working with local authorities, including park authorities, to examine other solutions, such as engineering solutions. Enhanced fencing and bike gates are examples of engineering measures taken to restrict access to parks.
I share the concern in relation to the very serious public safety and anti-social issues associated with the misuse of such vehicles and to better facilitate this multi-agency approach, I have written to the relevant parties, including the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, as well as the Garda Commissioner and the Chairman of the Revenue Commissioners, in order to ascertain whether there are additional legislative or other solutions which can assist us in dealing with this issue more comprehensively. A number of responses have been received and are being examined at present. As a next step, when all responses have been received, I intend to convene a meeting of all of the interested parties and in order to identify more effective possible solutions and assign responsibility and timeframes for them.
637. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 399 of 12 July 2017, the progress made to date to increase the Garda traffic corps by 10% during 2017 as set out by An Garda Síochána as a priority in the Garda policing plan for 2017; the number assigned to the Garda traffic corps in January 2016 and to date in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38183/17]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for carrying on and managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.
I have requested a report from the Garda Commissioner in relation to the matter in question and I will write directly to the Deputy when the report is to hand.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
638. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason for significant delays in the probate system; the steps he will take to address these delays to ensure that probate can be processed in no more than a few months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38199/17]
View answerThe Probate Office is an office of the High Court and management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service which is independent in exercising its functions under the Courts Service Act 1998. Probate functions are also carried out by County Registrars at District Probate Registries in 14 provincial court offices.
However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that the current waiting time for a Grant of Representation in the Dublin Probate Office has been reduced to 15 weeks for applications lodged by a solicitor (90% of applications are made via this route) and 28 weeks for personal applications. This has been achieved by a review of business processes within the office and an extra Executive Officer and Higher Executive Officer being assigned to the office. All applications are assessed on the basis of the date on which they are lodged, an approach which provides fairness and equity to all applicants. Priority is given to probate applications where there is a particular urgency or in extenuating circumstances. In such cases, it is open to applicants to bring the matter to the attention of the Probate Office.
Probate applications are also processed at 14 District Probate Registries and waiting times vary across the Registries due to the volume of applications received and the skill sets and operational priorities within the offices. Again, priority is given to probate applications where there is a particular urgency or in extenuating circumstances. In such cases, it is open to applicants to bring the matter to the attention of the District Probate Registry.
The Courts Service has advised that backlogs in the probate system are a cause for concern and that a review of the probate system is being carried out at present. It is anticipated that a report with recommendations for the modernisation of the process will be completed by the end of 2017 for presentation to the Senior Management Team of the Courts Service and to the Courts Service Board which should further assist in improving waiting times.
639. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if retired prison officers are being employed on a contract basis in the prison system; if so, if there are age restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38227/17]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that the Irish Prison Service has recently run a competition to recruit Retired Prison Officers on short term contracts for a maximum period of six months to perform duties at Prison Officer level. Those recruited will not exceed age 60, by the end of their contract, which is the compulsory age of retirement of a Prison Officer.
This is a short term measure to facilitate operational service pressures caused by a rise in retirements until such a time as sufficient recruitment of full time permanent Prison Officers has been completed. It is intended to recruit approximately 87 new Recruit Prison Officers this year and a further 216 Recruit Prison Officers in 2018.
640. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí on secondment to the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement; the rank of each; the duration of the secondment; the person to whom they are answerable during their secondment; the measures in place to avoid a conflict of interest in cases of investigation into Garda businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38249/17]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for carrying on and managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.
I have requested the specific information sought by the Deputy from the Garda Commissioner and I will write to her on receipt of same.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A:
I refer to your Parliamentary Questions No. 640 for answer on 11 September 2017, the text of which was as follows:
"To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Gardaí on secondment to the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement; the rank of each; the duration of the secondment; the person to whom they are answerable during their secondment; the measures in place to avoid a conflict of interest in cases of investigation into Garda businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter."
At the time I responded that I would request the specific information sought by you from the Garda Commissioner and that I would write directly to you on receipt of same
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.
Section 12 (3-6), Company Law Enforcement Act, 2001 allows for the secondment of Garda personnel to the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement and provides that:
The Act also indicated that personnel seconded to the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement continue to be under the general direction and control of the Garda Commissioner, however the Director of Corporate Enforcement is independent in the performance of his or her functions and seconded personnel performing the functions of the Director are subject to the directions of the Director only in relation to those matters.
The secondment of Garda personnel to the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement commenced in 2002. As of 4 September 2017 there were two (2) Detective Sergeants and four (4) Detective Gardaí on secondment to the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement. I am further informed that at present there is no time-period specified for the duration of these secondments.
I trust that this information is of assistance.
641. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the nature of disciplinary action against gardaí who have been found to have abused the penalty points system following internal or GSOC inquiries since 2013; the number of gardaí involved; and if any of these gardaí were subsequently promoted. [38250/17]
View answerThe Deputy will appreciate that disciplinary matters within An Garda Síochána are governed by the Garda Síochána Act 2005 and the Garda Síochána (Discipline) Regulations 2007 and are a matter for the Garda Commissioner.
I have been advised by the Garda Commissioner that the results of disciplinary actions taken where Garda members have been found to be in breach of discipline relating to the Garda Fixed Charge Processing System (FCPS) are as provided in the following table. Included disciplinary files relate to failure to issue FCPS, duplication of FCPS, avoidance of FCPS and irregularities in relation to FCPS. The Deputy should note that one of the files in the table was created in 2012 but the member involved was not found in breach until after 2013 and, for this reason, it is included.
I am further advised by the Garda Commissioner that all of the investigations listed were as a result of internal discipline investigations and that none arose from GSOC inquiries.
In addition to the overarching oversight role of the Policing Authority in relation to policing services, the Deputy may wish to be aware that Judge Matthew Deery (retired President of the Circuit Court) was appointed as the sole Independent Oversight Authority for the FCPS Cancellation Policy by the then Minister in January 2015. The appointment followed a recommendation contained in the Garda Professional Standards Unit (GPSU) report, "Examination of the Procedures, Policy and Decision-Making Processes in relation to Cancellations on the Fixed Charge Processing System of Road Traffic-related Offences".
The terms of reference for Judge Deery's role are as follows:
- Review and monitor the cancellation of FCPS notices by An Garda Síochána with a view to ensuring compliance with Garda policy on the cancellation of FCPS notices;
- Communicate any matters he considers appropriate to the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána;
- Communicate any matters he considers appropriate to the Minister for Justice and Equality and report to the Minister annually on his findings and on the discharge of his functions;
- Examine and report on any specific matters relevant to the operation of the FCPS at the request of the Minister, should this be required.
The role of the Independent Oversight Authority is in addition to regular audit checks on the full operation of the FCPS by the Garda Internal Audit Section. Furthermore, GPSU continues to play an oversight role in the context of standards and the FCPS.
Judge Deery submitted his first annual report in January 2016 (covering the year 2015) and submitted his second annual report (covering the year 2016) in February 2017, in which he stated that he is satisfied that there has been substantial compliance with FCPS policy and procedures.
|
Year |
No. of Garda members who have been found in breach of discipline involving FCPS |
Type of breaches against the member |
Result of disciplinary action |
|
2017 |
1 |
Neglect of Duty x 2 |
TRIP Advice |
|
2016 |
0 |
n/a |
n/a |
|
2015 |
2 |
a) Neglect of Duty b) Discreditable Conduct x 3 |
Advice TRIP |
|
2014 |
2 |
a) Disobedience of Orders b) Discreditable Conduct |
TRIP Caution |
|
2013 |
3 |
a)Neglect of Duty x 2 b)Neglect of Duty c)Neglect of Duty |
Reprimand x 2 TRIP TRIP |
|
2012 |
1 |
Neglect of Duty Discreditable Conduct x 2 |
TRIP |
TRIP = Temporary Reduction in Pay
642. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí assigned to each station in Togher Garda district in January 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016 and to date in September 2017, in tabular form. [38288/17]
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 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.
Togher District forms part of the Cork City Division and I am informed that the strength of that Division on the 31 July 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 657 Gardaí of whom 115 were allocated to the Togher District. The Division also has 45 Garda Reserves and 62 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, 25 of whom have been assigned to the Cork City 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 District, including the Togher District in the coming years.
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the strength of the Togher District in January 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016 and on 31 July 2017 is as set out in the following table.
TOGHER DISTRICT STRENGTH 2010-2017
|
STATION |
2010 |
2012 |
2014 |
2016 |
2017* |
|
BISHOPSTOWN |
25 |
24 |
21 |
21 |
20 |
|
CARRIGALINE |
20 |
20 |
20 |
19 |
20 |
|
CROSSHAVEN |
3 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
|
DOUGLAS |
23 |
27 |
24 |
21 |
19 |
|
PASSAGE WEST |
4 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
|
TOGHER |
60 |
54 |
52 |
50 |
52 |
|
TOTAL |
135 |
131 |
123 |
115 |
115 |
*UP TO 31 JULY 2017
644. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the location and number of direct provision centres in operation; and the number of persons residing in each centre. [38326/17]
View answerThere are currently 32 centres under contract to the Reception and Integration Agency. The specific statistics sought by the Deputy in relation to centre location and occupancy are provided in the following table and were collated at the end of August 2017.
|
County |
Centre |
Address |
Occupancy |
|
Clare |
Knockalisheen |
Meelick |
227 |
|
Cork |
Ashbourne Hse |
Glounthaune |
91 |
|
Kinsale Road |
Cork City |
247 |
|
|
Glenvera |
Wellington Road |
103 |
|
|
Millstreet |
Millstreet |
172 |
|
|
Clonakilty Lodge |
Clonakilty, Co. Cork |
94 |
|
|
Dublin |
The Towers |
The Ninth Lock, Clondalkin, D.22 |
218 |
|
Georgian Court |
77-79 Lower Gardiner St. Dublin 1 |
85 |
|
|
Hatch Hall |
28 Lower Hatch Street, Dublin 2 |
136 |
|
|
Galway |
Eglinton |
The Proms, Salthill |
172 |
|
Great Western House |
Eyre Square |
148 |
|
|
Kerry |
Atlas House (Killarney) |
Killarney |
74 |
|
Atlas House (Tralee) |
Tralee |
99 |
|
|
Johnston Marina |
Tralee |
78 |
|
|
Park Lodge |
Killarney |
40 |
|
|
Kildare |
Eyrepowell |
Newbridge |
85 |
|
Laois |
Montague |
Emo, Portlaoise |
195 |
|
Limerick |
Hanratty's |
Glentworth Street, Limerick |
116 |
|
Mount Trenchard |
Foynes, Co. Limerick |
85 |
|
|
Longford |
Richmond Court |
Richmond Street, Longford |
76 |
|
Mayo |
The Old Convent |
Ballyhaunis |
214 |
|
Meath |
Mosney |
Mosney |
673 |
|
Monaghan |
1 St. Patricks |
Monaghan |
145 |
|
Sligo |
Globe House |
Chapel Hill |
194 |
|
Waterford |
Atlantic House |
Tramore, Co. Waterford |
80 |
|
Ocean View |
Tramore, Co. Waterford |
94 |
|
|
Birchwood |
Ballytruckle Road |
130 |
|
|
Viking House |
Coffee House Lane |
71 |
|
|
Westmeath |
Athlone |
Athlone |
254 |
|
Total |
4396 |
||
|
Dublin |
Watergate House |
11-14 Usher's Quay, Dublin 8 |
57 |
|
Louth |
Carroll Village |
Dundalk |
55 |
|
Total - Self Catering |
112 |
||
|
Dublin |
Balseskin |
1 St. Margarets, Finglas, Dublin 11 |
219 |
|
Total - Reception Centre |
219 |
||
|
Grand total |
4727 |
645. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the numbers of single adults, families and children residing in each direct provision centre. [38327/17]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is compiled on an annual basis and published in the RIA Annual Report which is available on the RIA website www.ria.gov.ie.
RIA also compile statistics on the gender, age, family composition etc. of residents on a monthly basis, however this is not available on a centre by centre basis. What can be said is that at the end of July 2017 there were 2,356 single persons, 711 married persons, 377 lone parents and 1,233 children residing in State provided accommodation. There was also a small number of persons (90) whose status had yet to be recorded. This information is published in the Monthly Reports on the RIA website.
646. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons admitted to each direct provision centre in each of the years 2009 to 2016 and to date in 2017; and the length of time these persons have remained within the direct provision system. [38328/17]
View answerThe information requested is not compiled by the Reception and Integration Agency in the detail required by the Deputy. What can be said is that the RIA Monthly and Annual Reports published on the RIA website www.ria.gov.ie contain a wide range of statistics including the number of persons in each centre and statistics related to duration of stay. The following table details the numbers of new applicants for asylum accommodated by RIA.
|
Year |
New Asylum Applicants Accommodated by RIA |
|
2009 |
2062 |
|
2010 |
1391 |
|
2011 |
909 |
|
2012 |
715 |
|
2013 |
727 |
|
2014 |
1141 |
|
2015 |
2828 |
|
2016 |
1749 |
|
2017 (up to 31st August 2017) |
1375 |
The following table details the duration of stay by applicants in state provided accommodation at the 31st August 2017. These figures are based on latest entry into state provided accommodation.
|
Less than 3 years |
More than 3 years and less than 5 years |
More than 5 years and less than 7 years |
More than 7 years |
|
3844 |
541 |
214 |
208 |
By comparison, the statistics for the duration of stay for applicants in state provided accommodation at the end of 2016 were as follows:
|
Less than 3 years |
More than 3 years and less than 5 years |
More than 5 years and less than 7 years |
More than 7 years |
|
3410 |
468 |
239 |
348 |
It should be noted that when the Working Group on Improvements to the Protection Process, including Direct Provision and Supports to Asylum Seekers examined the figures in 2015, there were 1,480 people in direct provision for 5 years or more. This figure is now 422 people. The vast majority of those cases that are still awaiting a final decision on their protection cannot be processed for various reasons such as pending judicial reviews. In effect, this means that all relevant people have received a first instance decision and for cases not fully resolved, there can be complex reasons why these cases have not been resolved.
