Monday, 11 Sep 2017

Written Answers Nos. 647-666

Direct Provision Expenditure

Questions (647)

Gerry Adams

Question:

647. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the cost of the direct provision services per year in each of the years 2009 to 2016 and to date in 2017. [38329/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality

All accommodation centres for those persons seeking protection, whether State-owned or privately owned, are operated by commercial companies. There are currently 32 accommodation centres being operated under the direct provision system. The information requested by the Deputy in relation to details of the cost of direct provision services per year from 2009 to date is set out as follows.

Year	Total Expenditure
2009	€86.5m
2010	€79.07m
2011	€69.5m
2012	€62.3m
2013	€55.2m
2014	€53.2m
2015	€56.492m
2016	€60.926m
2017 (up to 31/08/2017)	€38.013m

Direct Provision Data

Questions (648)

Gerry Adams

Question:

648. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of private operators running direct provision centres; the number of centres each private operator runs; and the amount paid to each of these providers in each of the years 2009 to 2016 and to date in 2017. [38334/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality

All accommodation centres for those persons seeking protection, whether State-owned or privately owned, are operated by commercial companies. There are currently 32 accommodation centres being operated under the direct provision system. The information requested by the Deputy in relation to details of current centre location and contractor is set out in the table.

Contractors for Accommodation Centres

County	Centre	Address	Contractor	State or Privately Owner
Clare	Knockalisheen	Meelick	Campbell Catering t/a Aramark Ireland	State
Cork	Ashbourne House	Glounthaune	Barlow Properties	Private
	Kinsale Road	Cork City	Campbell Catering t/a Aramark Ireland	State
	Glenvera	Wellington Road	Bideau Ltd	Private
	Millstreet	Millstreet	Millstreet Equestrian Services	Private
	Clonakilty Lodge	Clonakilty	D and A Limited	Private
Dublin	The Towers	Ninth Lock Road, Clondalkin	Fazyard Limited	Private
	Georgian Court	77-79 Lower Gardiner Street	Old George Ltd	Private
	Hatch Hall	28 Lower Hatch Street	East Coast Catering (Ireland)	Private
	Balseskin	St. Margarets, Finglas, Dublin 11	East Coast Catering (Ireland)	Private
	Watergate House	11-14 Usher's Quay, Dublin 8	Maison Builders Ltd	Private
Galway	Eglinton	The Proms, Salthill	Maplestar Ltd	Private
	Great Western House	Eyre Square	Shaun Hennelly	Private
Kerry	Atlas House (Killarney)	Killarney	OFM Limited	State
	Atlas House (Tralee)	Tralee	OFM Limited	State
	Johnston Marina	Tralee	OFM Limited	State
	Park Lodge	Killarney	OFM Limited	State
Kildare	Eyrepowell	Newbridge	Peachport Ltd	Private
Laois	Montague	Emo	Fazyard Ltd	Private
Limerick	Hanratty's	Glentworth Street, Limerick	Birch Rentals Ltd	Private
	Mount Trenchard	Foynes	Baycaster Ltd	Private
Longford	Richmond Court	Richmond Street, Longford	Mint Horizon Ltd	Private
Louth	Carroll Village	Dundalk	East Coast Catering (Ireland)	Private
Mayo	The Old Convent	Ballyhaunis	Bridgestock	Private
Meath	Mosney	Mosney	Mosney PLC	Private
Monaghan	St. Patricks	Monaghan	Tattonward Ltd	Private
Sligo	Globe House	Chapel Hill	Bridgestock	Private
Waterford	Atlantic House	Tramore	Atlantic Blue Ltd	Private
	Ocean View	Tramore	Ocean View Accommodation Ltd	Private
	Birchwood	Ballytruckle Road	Stompool Ltd	Private
	Viking House	Coffee House Lane	Millstreet Equestrian Services	Private
Westmeath	Athlone	Athlone	Campbell Catering t/a Aramark Ireland	State

Since the start of 2016, 3 accommodation centres have been closed - The Staircase in Dublin, Bridgewater House in County Tipperary and Westbourne Lodge in County Limerick.

Extensive and detailed information on the amount paid by my Department to each company contracted to provide direct provision accommodation every year up to and including 2014 can be found on the RIA website www.ria.gov.ie under the 'Contract Values' section of the website. This is in accordance with the Reception & Integration Agency's policy on disclosure of financial information which was agreed with the Office of the Information Commissioner. The Deputy will appreciate that it is not appropriate to provide values for current contracts entered into by my Department. Negotiations take place with a number of commercial entities on an ongoing basis with a clear focus on achieving the best value for money in respect of each contract. It is not in the interests of yielding best value for the taxpayer that details of current individual contracts are made available to other commercial bodies who are, or may be in the future, engaged in these negotiations.

Direct Provision Data

Questions (649)

Gerry Adams

Question:

649. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons living in direct provision centres who have been granted permission to remain here. [38331/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality

There are currently just over 350 persons with some form of permission to remain in the State residing in State provided accommodation. This figure represents just over 7% of the total number of persons residing in State provided accommodation.

The Reception & Integration Agency (RIA), which administers the system of accommodation for protection applicants, has always provided such persons with continued accommodation while they source their own accommodation. RIA is particularly mindful of the reality of the housing situation in the State and the pressures on the Community Welfare Service in respect of Rent Supplement or the City and County Councils in respect of Housing Assistance Payments and Housing Lists. That said, the provision of housing for persons coming out of the protection process has been incorporated in the Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness.

Following on from the McMahon report, my Department developed a guide to independent living for persons with status to provide practical assistance for them. The guide is available in all centres and has been published on the RIA website (www.ria.gov.ie) in a number of different languages. This was published in parallel with information sessions coordinated by the Citizens Information Bureau in accommodation centres which gave an opportunity for such persons to seek assistance and clarification on the services provided. The Reception & Integration Agency (RIA), its centre managers, the Community Welfare Service (by way of provision of Rent Allowance), Citizens Information and those City and County Councils operating the Housing Assistance Payments link with such persons in accessing the appropriate supports and services, including in respect of sourcing and securing private accommodation.

In addition, following a call for proposals under the Asylum Migration and Integration Fund, a number of charities and NGOs were awarded funding for projects with the specific aim of providing assistance to those transiting from state provided accommodation to permanent homes in the community. I am confident that the services provided with this funding will prove of great assistance and benefit to all concerned.

Direct Provision System

Questions (650)

Gerry Adams

Question:

650. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on the implementation of the 175 recommendations of the McMahon report; the number of these recommendations that have been fully implemented, partially implemented and that remain unimplemented, respectively. [38332/17]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Report of the Working Group to Report to Government on Improvements to the Protection Process, including Direct Provision and Supports to Asylum Seekers, also known as the Justice McMahon report, was published in June 2015. Its recommendations have implications for a number of Government Departments and services.

My Department has since published three progress reports on the implementation of its 173 recommendations; the first in June 2016, the second in February of this year and a third and final report in July of this year. All three reports are available to view on my Department's website www.justice.ie.

The final progress report shows that 133 recommendations have been reported as fully implemented and a further 36 are in progress or partially implemented. This represents a 98% full or partial implementation.

Asylum Applications

Questions (651)

Gerry Adams

Question:

651. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of applications for asylum that are in the new single procedure application system under the International Protection Act 2015; the number of persons who have been processed within the six-month timeframe target; and the waiting times experienced by persons under the new system. [38333/17]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

As the Deputy will be aware, the International Protection Act 2015 was commenced on 31 December 2016 (commencement date). The 2015 Act introduced a single procedure which enables all grounds for seeking international protection (refugee status and subsidiary protection) or permission to remain in the State for other reasons to be examined and determined in one process. The new single procedure brings the State into line with protection processing arrangements in all other EU States and has replaced the previous multi-layered process with multiple bodies involved. Single procedure case-processing at first instance is now undertaken in the International Protection Office (IPO) of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service and appeals in respect of the protection recommendations of the IPO are processed by the independent International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT).

As of 31 July 2017, there were 4,683 applications awaiting processing in the IPO. The vast majority of these applications were made before the introduction of the International Protection Act 2015 but were not finalised by the former Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC) and Refugee Appeals Tribunal (RAT) by the commencement date and hence must be processed by the IPO under the Transitional Provisions of the 2015 Act. Various categories of cases reverted to the IPO including asylum appeals transferred from the old Refugee Appeals Tribunal and asylum and subsidiary protection cases transferred from the old ORAC. This added significantly to the caseload of the new body.

The IPO also has responsibility for processing applications for international protection transferred to the State under the EU Relocation Programme.

In terms of processing, I am pleased to inform the Deputy that considerable progress has been made by the IPO in getting the new single procedure process up and running. This follows IPO staff concentrating in the initial months of the year on the necessary preparatory work including issuing correspondence to all transitional applicants with details of the new processing arrangements, the handling of some 2,600 returned Application for International Protection Questionnaires including the translation of questionnaires (some 50% of which require translation) and the scheduling of interviews etc. Furthermore, extensive training on the new procedures and processing arrangements has been delivered to staff in the IPO and supporting panel members (persons with legal qualifications who support International Protection Officers in their functions).

I am advised that, as at 6 September, 2017, the IPO have finalised some 807 single procedure cases (including relocation cases) and 112 cases under the 2013 Subsidiary Protection Regulations. In addition, to date the IPO have conducted over 1,100 single procedure interviews (including in respect of relocation cases) and 67 interviews under the 2013 Subsidiary Protection Regulations. More than 240 additional interviews have been scheduled in the IPO for the coming weeks.

At the present time it is not possible to calculate an accurate current median processing time for international protection applications due to the different case types on hands which were returned to the IPO under the transition provisions of the 2015 Act. It is estimated, however, that cases in the transition categories (i.e. all cases in the process on commencement date) will be cleared by October 2018 based on current staffing levels. This is expected to be brought forward as additional staff as assigned.

The prioritisation of international protection applications in the context of the scheduling of interviews is provided for in the International Protection Act 2015 subject to the need for fairness and efficiency. I am advised that when the Application for International Protection Questionnaire (IPO 2) and other supporting documentation is returned by applicants, the IPO is scheduling applications for interview primarily on the basis of date of application (oldest cases first). However, certain categories of applicant are also being prioritised such as those from refugee generating countries such as Syria and unaccompanied minors. The IPO’s approach to prioritisation has been agreed with the UNHCR and is available on its website: www.ipo.gov.ie.

The work of the IPO in supporting the international protection process is extensive and varied and includes the taking of applications, fingerprinting applicants, the issue of Temporary Residence Certificates, the processing of cases under the EU Dublin Regulation, the scheduling and undertaking of protection interviews, the organisation of interpretation and translation services, undertaking country of origin research, the preparation of statutory reports on protection and permission to remain and the issue of such reports. The IPO is also represented at appeals hearings before the IPAT.

Considerable additional resources have been allocated to the IPO to assist it in undertaking its statutory functions and reduce waiting times. In January 2017 there were 119 staff in the IPO. Over the period January to September 2017, 42 new staff were assigned to the IPO. The positive impact on waiting times for applicants as a result of the introduction of the single procedure will continue to accrue incrementally over the coming months and will become fully evident once the transition cases have been cleared.

Public Sector Staff Data

Questions (652, 653)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

652. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the annual percentage of non-commercial State sponsored bodies' staff under the remit of his Department who were women in each of the years 2010 to 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form. [38366/17]

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

653. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the annual percentage of public service staff under the remit of his Department who were women in each of the years 2010 to 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form. [38389/17]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I propose to take Questions Nos. 652 and 653 together.

The following table outlines the percentage of women who are public servants in agencies and bodies under the remit of my Department which are non-commercial State sponsored bodies.

Year	Legal Aid Board	National Disability Authority	An Garda Siochana
2010	73%	66%	24%
2011	74%	68%	24%
2012	74%	70%	25%
2013	76%	69%	25%
2014	77%	69%	26%
2015	* Nil	70 %	26%
2016	* Nil	73%	26%
2017	* Nil	77%	26%

* In 2015, public service staff members in the Legal Aid Board were re-designated as civil servants.

Courts Service Data

Questions (654)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

654. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the annual Exchequer funding provided to the Courts Service in each of the past ten years and to date in 2017. [38445/17]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The funding to agencies under the remit of my Department is provided through the annual estimates process. The information in respect of the Courts Service Vote is set out in the following table.

The Gross Funding includes funding for Pay, Non-Pay Current and Capital. Net Funding is the Gross Funding less the Appropriations-in-Aid (income) element of the Courts Service Voted funds.

Annual Exchequer Funding to the Courts Service: 2007 to 2017

Year	Total Gross Funding	Appropriations in Aid	Total Net Funding
	€’000	€’000	€’000
2017	140,080*	47,828	92,252
2016	112,172	46,003	66,169
2015	107,965	47,815	60,150
2014	104,565	46,535	58,030
2013	104,959	46,635	58,324
2012	107,090	52,315	54,775
2011	112,126	51,461	60,665
2010	148,722*	46,519	102,203
2009	122,027	44,408	77,619
2008	136,195	28,935	107,260
2007	130,927	28,361	102,566

* Included in the 2010 and 2017 budgets is funding for the once-off up-front VAT payment in relation to PPP Projects.

Note: In 2016 additional funding of €2.5 million was provided for ICT and was included in the Gross Allocation.

Source: Revised Estimates Volume for the respective years.

Community Alert Programme

Questions (655)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

655. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the allocation towards the establishment of community safety programmes or text alert schemes. [38447/17]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for Government underlines the need for close engagement between An Garda Síochána and local communities. This is an essential feature of the strong community policing ethos which has long been central to policing in this jurisdiction. The Deputy will be aware that as part of the overall strategy to oppose criminality, the Garda authorities pursue a range of partnerships with community stakeholders, for example, the well-established Community Alert Programme and the highly successful Garda Text Alert Scheme to name but a few.

Indeed, for the period 2014-2016, my Department provided in excess of €650,000 to Muintir Na Tíre for the administration of the Community Alert Programme. This funding covers the costs for the national operation of the Programme, including salaries for three of the five Regional Development Officers (the HSE fund the other two). The Development Officers play a key role in supporting the establishment and operation of local Community Alert and Text Alert groups.

It is important to note that community policing is at the heart of An Garda Síochána. It provides a means of recognising that every community – both urban and rural – has its own concerns and expectations. In this regard I welcome the strong emphasis placed by An Garda Siochana's Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021 on further developing and supporting the community policing ethos of the organisation so that Gardaí spend more time in the community, gaining public confidence and trust and providing a greater sense of security. Proposed initiatives include the establishment of local Community Policing Teams (CPTs) headed by an Inspector and made up of Gardaí from across a range of areas to proactively work with the community to prevent and detect crime; and the establishment of Community Safety Fora in every District comprising local Gardaí, local communities and key stakeholders.

Very important progress has been made under Operation Thor which has led to concentrated Garda activity with more than 80,700 targeted checkpoints nationwide, and in the region of 5,192 arrests connected to a range of offences which, in addition to burglary, have included handling stolen property, possession of firearms and drugs offences. Operation Thor has particularly targeted mobile gangs engaged in burglary and related crimes and it is encouraging to note that since the launch of the operation in November 2015, the burglary figures have shown a significant downward trend. Decreases of 30% in burglary were recorded in 2016 when compared to same period in 2015. This reflects the success of the concerted Garda drive against crime being implemented under Operation Thor.

Furthermore, Garda crime prevention and awareness measures under Operation Thor are complemented by the doubling of the funding being provided to support Community Crime Prevention, including Community Alert and Crimestoppers. Community partnership has been particularly evident in the success of the Garda Text Alert scheme. Since it was launched in September 2013, it has developed as an important crime prevention mechanism with over 700 local groups involving in excess of 130,000 subscribers and with an estimated 200,000 text messages sent each month under the scheme. Every Garda Division, rural and urban, now offers the text alert service and An Garda Síochána has published guidelines to assist in the establishment and operation of local groups.

In September 2016, a new Text Alert rebate scheme, operated by Muintir na Tire, was launched which provided a rebate for local groups operating the Garda Text Alert scheme, including many Community Alert and Neighbourhood Watch groups. In response to that announcement, in the region of 473 valid applications were received from Text Alert Groups and all applicants have been paid in full.

I can assure the Deputy that funding for crime prevention initiatives remain under continuing review by the Department of Justice and Equality.

Garda Strength

Questions (656)

Joan Burton

Question:

656. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when there will be further graduations of probationer gardaí from Templemore in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38508/17]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

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. I am also informed that another 400 Garda recruits are scheduled to attest later this year - 200 in September and a further 200 in December - 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 in the coming years.

Forensic Science Ireland Laboratory

Questions (657)

Joan Burton

Question:

657. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of contractors invited to tender for the construction of the new State forensics laboratory in Celbridge, County Kildare; when tenders must be returned for the project; when construction is likely to commence on the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38511/17]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The need for a new purpose built forensic science laboratory appropriate to the State's requirements is long-standing. The Deputy will be aware that the Government's capital plan 2016-2021 has allocated €45m for the construction of the laboratory with work originally due to commence in 2019. However, some €6 million was provided in my Department's Vote for 2017 for a variety of enabling works, including electricity and gas connections, the installation of fibre line to the site and works to the main entrance. These works are well underway.

I hope that it will be possible in the context of the mid-term review of the Capital Plan to secure the funding that will allow the construction of the building to commence and, that being the case, I would expect the new laboratory to be ready in 2020. The cost of construction and fit-out will only be known once the tendering process is complete

The Deputy will appreciate that the construction of the new Forensic Science Laboratory is being managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) on behalf of my Department. I am informed by OPW that, in accordance with normal procurement rules, expressions of interest from suitably qualified contractors were sought via eTenders and the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) on 4th April 2017. Following consideration by the assessment panel of responses received on 8 May 2017, a total of seven contractors were deemed suitable and will be invited to tender.

I am informed that the tender package is currently being assembled for issue shortly and that a return date of mid-November is anticipated. This being so, and subject to funding being made available under the mid-term review of the Capital Plan, a start on site in early 2018 is expected.

Crime Data

Questions (658)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

658. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the measures being taken by An Garda Síochána to categorise crime statistics in each county correctly. [38534/17]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Deputy will recall that on 25 July 2017, I published the Report of the CSO-led Expert Group on Crime Statistics. The Expert Group was established to specifically address six recommendations arising from the Garda Inspectorate Report on Crime Investigation 2014 which directly related to the compilation of crime statistics.

During the course of the Group’s meetings, a number of new measures were implemented on the Garda PULSE database with the objective of improving data quality and these were outlined to the Group by An Garda Síochána. The Group was advised that PULSE 6.8 was released in November 2015. Among the enhancements outlined as part of this release was the introduction of a Victim Assessment screen which included the mandatory recording of data relating to the apparent motive for a crime incident, such as whether it has been motivated by domestic violence or by specific types of discrimination including by age, disability, race, religion, gender or sexual orientation.

Furthermore, since the establishment of the Expert Group, a Liaison Group was set up between the Central Statistics Office and An Garda Síochána as a formal, high-level mechanism for consultation and communication between both organisations that will facilitate co-operation and ensure that both organisations can fulfil their respective statutory obligations for the production of crime statistics as set out in the Garda Síochána Act, 2005 and in accordance with the procedures and requirements of the Statistics Act, 1993. The Liaison Group will, inter alia, oversee the implementation of the recommendations of the Expert Group. In addition, a revised Memorandum of Understanding between the CSO and An Garda Síochána was signed in 2017.

The Deputy will be aware that the CSO recently announced they were deferring the release of the Quarterly Recorded Crime Statistics for Quarter 1 2017, which was due on 28 June 2017. I am advised that this deferral arose on foot of An Garda Síochána’s decision to extend their review of homicide statistics and, therefore, it was not possible to conduct the normal CSO data verification process in advance of the publication of new crime statistics.

It is important to note that these issues remain under close scrutiny by the Policing Authority, and that the Garda authorities have undertaken to provide further information to the Authority, as well as to the CSO. I also expect to receive further updates from the Garda authorities as this work is progressed. Given the Policing Authority’s important oversight role, I am sure the Deputy will agree that it is entirely appropriate that this matter is the subject of careful examination and inquiry by the Authority.

We must bear in mind that issues with the consistent recording of crime data are not unique to this jurisdiction, and I am assured that there is continuing close engagement by the CSO with An Garda Síochána in relation to this matter and to support the ongoing improvements to our official crime statistics generally. The CSO has already carried out two detailed reviews of crime data quality, in 2015 and 2016, and I understand that further general reviews of crime data quality are planned. The CSO’s work provides an important measure of re-assurance to support ongoing work to enhance the quality of the official crime statistics.

However, to be of further assistance to the Deputy, I have also sought a report from An Garda Síochána in relation to this matter in case there is anything they wish to add to the above and I will contact the Deputy again should any additional details become available.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A:

I refer to your Parliamentary Question (No. 658 of 11 September 2017) where you sought:

"....measures that are token by An Garda Síochána, to categorise crime statistics in each county correctly”.

You will recall that I had sought a report from An Garda Slochána on the matter and I undertook to contact you again when further information was to hand.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that in terms of classification, a new process is in place which Is currently being piloted in the Northern Region, whereby the Garda Information Services Centre (GISC) is responsible for the determination of the appropriate PULSE category.

I am further advised that Assistant Commissioner, Legal and Compliance acts as ‘decision arbiter’ where a dispute over classification arises.

Crime Data

Questions (659)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

659. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the discrepancies between CSO data on crime statistics and statistics published under PULSE. [38535/17]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Deputy will be aware that the CSO recently announced they were deferring the release of the Quarterly Recorded Crime Statistics for Quarter 1 2017. I am advised that this deferral arose on foot of a decision by An Garda Síochána’s to extend their review of homicide statistics and, therefore, it was not possible to conduct the normal CSO data verification process in advance of the publication of new crime statistics.

I published the Report of the CSO-led Expert Group on Crime Statistics on 25 July 2017. The Expert Group was established to specifically address six recommendations arising from the Garda Inspectorate Report on Crime Investigation 2014 which directly related to the compilation of crime statistics.

During the course of the Group’s meetings, a number of new measures were implemented on the Garda PULSE database with the objective of improving data quality and these were outlined to the Group by An Garda Síochána. The Group was advised that PULSE 6.8 was released in November 2015. Among the enhancements outlined as part of this release was the introduction of a Victim Assessment screen which included the mandatory recording of data relating to the apparent motive for a crime incident, such as whether it has been motivated by domestic violence or by specific types of discrimination including by age, disability, race, religion, gender or sexual orientation.

Furthermore, since the establishment of the Expert Group, a Liaison Group was set up between the Central Statistics Office and An Garda Síochána as a formal, high-level mechanism for consultation and communication between both organisations. This will facilitate co-operation and ensure that both organisations can fulfil their respective statutory obligations for the production of crime statistics as set out in the Garda Síochána Act, 2005 and in accordance with the procedures and requirements of the Statistics Act, 1993. The Liaison Group will, inter alia, oversee the implementation of the recommendations of the Expert Group. In addition, a revised Memorandum of Understanding between the CSO and An Garda Síochána was signed in 2017.

While I am pleased to see the progress being made in relation to this report, I believe it is also important to note that issues with the consistent recording of crime data are not unique to this jurisdiction, and I am assured that there is continuing close engagement by the CSO with An Garda Síochána in relation to this matter and to support the ongoing improvements to our official crime statistics generally. The CSO has already carried out two detailed reviews of crime data quality, in 2015 and 2016, and I understand that further general reviews of crime data quality are planned. The CSO’s work provides an important measure of re-assurance to support ongoing work to enhance the quality of the official crime statistics.

It is important to note that these issues remain under close scrutiny by the Policing Authority, and that the Garda authorities have undertaken to provide further information to the Authority, as well as to the CSO. I also expect to receive further updates from the Garda authorities as this work is progressed. Given the Policing Authority’s important oversight role, I am sure the Deputy will agree that it is entirely appropriate that this matter is the subject of careful examination and inquiry by the Authority.

It should also be noted that the statutory position regarding the monitoring of the implementation of recommendations made in Inspectorate reports has changed. Section 117(A) of the Garda Síochána Act provides a role for the Policing Authority in monitoring the measures taken by An Garda Síochána to implement the recommendations contained in reports prepared by the Inspectorate, and in line with this provision the Authority has been requested to monitor the implementation of the 2015 Garda Inspectorate report 'Changing Policing in Ireland'.

Garda Stations

Questions (660)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

660. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda stations and their geographic location that are not computerised. [38536/17]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

As the Deputy will appreciate, decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda resources are a matter for the Garda Commissioner and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.

I am, however, informed by the Garda authorities that there are some 156 stations that are not connected to the Garda IT Network. For operational and security reasons the locations of these stations are not being released. Members in non-networked locations can contact the Garda Information Services Centre to provide relevant details to trained civilian call-takers who enter the details on the PULSE system.

The Deputy will be aware of the Garda Síochána Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021 which is intended to professionalise, modernise and renew An Garda Síochána to ensure that the organisation can meet present and future challenges. As part of the Programme, the matter of enhancing rural access to the Garda network by connecting non-networked sites to the network is being examined. This includes plans to introduce mobile technology solutions to enable operational Gardaí to access core information systems, including PULSE, while on duty and away from Garda stations.

Garda Strength

Questions (661)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

661. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí as of 31 August 2017 or the latest date available, by rank and gender, in tabular form. [38538/17]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

As 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 am informed by the Commissioner, that as of the 31 July 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available the number of Gardaí was 13,301.

I have requested the specific information sought by the Deputy from the Garda Commissioner and I will write to him on receipt of same.

The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.

Garda Recruitment

Questions (662)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

662. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí recruited since 2014; and the gender breakdown of same. [38539/17]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

As 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 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 been assigned to Garda stations nationwide.

I have requested the specific information sought by the Deputy from the Garda Commissioner and I will write to him on receipt of same.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A:

I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 662 for answer on Monday 11 September 2017 the text of which was as follows:

"To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Gardai recruited since 2014; and the gender breakdown of same"

At the time I responded that I would request information from the Garda Commissioner on the specific query raised by the Deputy and that I would write to the Deputy on receipt of same.

I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that since recruitment to the Garda College recommenced in September 2014 a total of 1809 new Garda Recruits have entered the college. The gender breakdown of these Recruits is as set out in the following table:

Male	1,357
Female	452
Total	1,809

I hope that this information is of assistance

Garda Retirements

Questions (663)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

663. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí who have retired or left the force in each of the years 2014 to 2016 and to date in 2017. [38540/17]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

Retirement 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 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.

This plan is well on course to be achieved. This year, 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.

I can assure the Deputy that projected departures from An Garda Síochána are kept under continuing review and the level of recruitment adjusted as necessary in order to achieve the desired strength.

The following table details the number of members who retired or left An Garda Síochána in each of the years 2014 to 2016 and 2017 as of 6 September 2017 as supplied by the Commissioner. These figures include Voluntary, Compulsory, Cost Neutral Early Retirement, Resignations, Deaths, Dismissals and Medical Discharges.

	Com	D/Com	A/Com	C/Supt	Supt	Insp.	Sgt	Garda	Total
2017*	0	0	3	3	4	12	39	97	158
2016	0	0	2	5	6	16	64	170	263
2015	0	0	1	4	11	14	83	169	282
2014	1	0	0	4	8	15	83	179	290

*as of September 2017

Garda Recruitment

Questions (664)

Brendan Smith

Question:

664. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the next Garda recruitment campaign will be undertaken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38554/17]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

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.

This recruitment target is an ambitious one and will require a continuous pipeline of suitable candidates. The most recent recruitment campaign launched by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) on behalf of the Commissioner in May of this year again received a strong response with more than 5,000 applications received. It is expected that successful candidates from this campaign will start to enter the Garda College in the second quarter of 2018.

The precise timing of the next competition is under consideration by the Commissioner in conjunction with PAS and any announcement will be made in due course including on the PAS website (www.publicjobs.ie).

Garda Resources

Questions (665)

Niall Collins

Question:

665. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will assign additional resources to Tallaght Garda station to allow for further effective action to be taken in respect of the difficulties being experienced regarding the bus service to Tallaght west, whereby crime and antisocial behaviour are leading to threats to the bus service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38560/17]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.

I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the number of Gardaí assigned to the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) South Division on 31 July 2017, the latest date for which figures are currently available was 541 with 22 Garda Reserves and 30 civilians, of whom 176 Gardaí are assigned to Tallaght Garda Station. 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 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. 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, 96 whom were assigned to the DMR South Division. I am also informed that a further four hundred 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 DMR South Division in the coming years.

The Deputy will appreciate that, while I have no direct role in Garda strategies to tackle anti-social behaviour and criminal activity on public transport services in Dublin, I can assure the Deputy that I am in regular contact with the Commissioner about all aspects of policing and community safety with a view to ensuring that our cities and towns are safe for all.

More generally, there are a range of strong legislative provisions available to An Garda Síochána to combat anti-social behaviour, including provisions under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Acts, the Criminal Damage Act and the Intoxicating Liquor Acts. The powers available to Gardaí support them in addressing anti-social behaviours, including the prevention of nuisance or annoyance to others and forestalling damage to property or a breach of the peace.

An Garda Síochána remains committed to tackling public disorder and anti-social behaviour by working with communities to reduce this type of behaviour and enhance community safety. The Garda approach includes a strong focus on quality of life issues and collaboration with local authorities, businesses and other stakeholders to help address the causes of anti-social behaviour.

Furthermore, the Garda National Model of Community Policing plays a key part in responding to crime by taking into account and responding to local conditions and needs. Clear objectives are set, such as high visibility in the community, ease of contact by members of the public, and enhanced support for crime prevention strategies. All Gardaí have a role to play in Community Policing in carrying out their duties. In addition, the National Community Policing Office, attached to the Garda Community Relations Bureau, captures best practice in community policing initiatives and disseminates these practices through its communication network.

An Garda Síochána's Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021, published on 9 June 2016, places a strong emphasis on developing and supporting the community policing ethos of the organisation and enhancing the current delivery model so that Gardaí spend more time in the community, gaining public confidence and trust and providing a greater sense of security. It will result in the introduction of multi-skilled Community Policing Teams in every District. Community Policing Teams will be made up of Gardaí from a number of different units who will work with the local community to prevent and detect crime. Undoubtedly, the ongoing recruitment process will support all Garda activities and will enhance the provision of effective Community Policing throughout the country.

Protected Disclosures

Questions (666)

John McGuinness

Question:

666. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if it is accepted that a person (details supplied) made a protected disclosure relative to their employment with the Irish Prison Service; if his attention has been drawn to the findings outlined in a report (details supplied); if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that this person continues to suffer verbal abuse from his seniors in the workplace; if the recommendation or findings have been acted upon; if he will take action to protect the person in line with the commitment in the protected disclosure legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38574/17]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers, which was dealt with in accordance with the protected disclosures policy in place, including an external review. The case is currently the subject of proceedings before the Workplace Relations Commission in accordance with the Protected Disclosures Act, 2014 and it would not therefore be appropriate to comment at this time.

The Irish Prison Service Protected Disclosures Policy was adopted and approved on the 30 October 2015. The purpose of the policy, in line with the Protected Disclosures Act 2014, is to encourage all workers to raise internally concerns about possible wrongdoing in the workplace so that these concerns can be investigated.

In order to ensure that all staff understand their role in handling a protected disclosure, attendance at Protected Disclosure training was rolled out and was mandatory for all senior staff in the Irish Prison Service.

The Irish Prison Service Protected Disclosure Policy is due for review in Autumn 2017 and all aspects of the policy will be considered in the light of learnings over the past two years. Consideration of the matters contained and arising from the external review referred to by the Deputy will feed into the review.

The Irish Prison Service has recently committed to the Integrity at Work Programme Membership and the Integrity at Work Pledge with Transparency Ireland. By joining the Integrity at Work Programme, the Irish Prison Service is making a public commitment to fostering a workplace in which staff feel safe when speaking up about wrongdoing. As part of this programme, the Irish Prison Service is currently undergoing an Integrity at Work needs analysis with Transparency Ireland which will also feed into the review in Autumn 2017.