Written Answers Nos. 210-233
210. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has engaged with the Courts Service regarding affording greater involvement to wards of courts and their families with the wards of courts funds and the funds of minors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42630/17]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the High Court has jurisdiction in wards of court matters 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.
In order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that when a person is taken into wardship, the President of the High Court appoints a committee, usually a relative (or relatives) of the ward, to deal with the ward's property and it is the responsibility of the President of the High Court to ensure that the estate of the ward is protected. It is standard procedure for funds of the ward to be brought under the custody of the court for investment by the Accountant of the Courts of Justice in accordance with the directions of the President of the High Court and the Registrar of the Office of Wards of Court. Investment of court funds is carried out in line with the strategies devised and reviewed on a regular basis by the Investment Committee, chaired by the President of the High Court.
The Investment Committee reviews the investment strategies with the assistance of its investment advisors to ensure the protection and suitable investment of funds of wards, minors and others lodged in court for the benefit of those persons. Investment policies and orders made thereunder must be in accordance with the Trustee (Authorised Investments) Act 1958. This procedure was examined and approved by the court in the case entitled, "In the Matter of M. H., a Ward of Court" [2011] IEHC 129.
The Courts Service has also informed me that the committee of the ward is involved with the Office of Wards of Court on an ongoing basis in establishing the expenditure needs of a ward. A case officer is appointed to manage the affairs of each ward who is available to meet with the committee initially to discuss the needs and financial arrangements for the ward and is available thereafter as required. Significant purchases or sales such as the sale of a house or lands will not take place without the involvement of the committee.
The Courts Service has advised that detailed statements providing comprehensive financial information are issued to committees on request and a process of issuing high-level financial statements to all committees has now commenced and that such statements will issue automatically on an annual basis.
As the Deputy may be aware, the legislation governing persons who are wards of court dates back to 1871. It has been recognised for some time that reforms were needed to update the law in this area and so the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 has been introduced to provide a modern statutory framework to support decision-making by adults with capacity difficulties.
New administrative processes and support measures, including the setting up of the Decision Support Service within the Mental Health Commission (a body under the Department of Health), must be put in place before the substantive provisions of the Act are brought into operation. A high-level Steering Group comprised of senior officials from the Department of Justice and Equality, the Department of Health, the Mental Health Commission and the Courts Service, together with the Director of the Decision Support Service, are overseeing the establishment and commissioning of the Decision Support Service and this work is ongoing.
211. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the location of all non-operational Garda stations in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42642/17]
View answerThe Deputy will appreciate that the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of Garda resources in the State and, as Minister, I have no role in relation to these matters.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Síochána District and Station Rationalisation Programme gave rise to the closure of some 139 Garda stations in 2012 and 2013, including Garda stations in Tipperary, following the completion by An Garda Síochána of a comprehensive review of its district and station network.
I understand that the review was undertaken with the objective of identifying opportunities to introduce strategic reforms to enhance service delivery, increase efficiency and streamline practices within the organisation.
I am informed that the following stations in the Tipperary Division were closed under the Programme:
|
District |
Station |
|
Thurles |
Ballinure |
|
Nenagh |
Ballinderry |
|
Nenagh |
Terryglass |
|
Nenagh |
Rearcross |
|
Cahir |
New Inn |
|
Clonmel |
Grangemockler |
|
Tipperary Town |
Dundrum |
While seven Garda stations were closed, there are currently 29 Garda stations in the Tipperary Division including a major divisional headquarters in Thurles. There are currently 373 Gardaí assigned to County Tipperary and Garda recruitment is continuing apace. I have been advised by the Garda authorities that the closures have allowed front-line Gardaí to be managed and deployed with greater mobility, greater flexibility and in a more focused fashion, particularly with regard to targeted police operations.
The Programme for Government commits 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. A cornerstone of this commitment is the Government 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 addition, the Government's Capital Plan 2016-2021 provides for an unprecedented level of investment in An Garda Síochána over the lifetime of the Plan, including:
- €46 million for investment in the Garda Fleet to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit for purpose fleet. This is in addition to the investment of almost €30 million in the period 2013 to 2015;
- Some €330 million, including €205 million under the Capital Plan, for investment in Garda ICT infrastructure over the period 2016 to 2021. This major investment will allow An Garda Síochána to deploy the latest cutting edge technologies in the fight against crime and will facilitate progress on important reforms arising from the Garda Inspectorate's report on Crime Investigation;
- The Garda Station Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021, which is an ambitious five-year programme that will benefit over 30 locations around the country and provides for over €60 million of Exchequer funding as part of Government’s Capital Plan 2016-2021, as well as a major Public Private Partnership project, which will include the construction of a new Garda station in Clonmel. This is in addition to over €100 million being invested in three major Garda Headquarters in Dublin, Galway and Wexford.
212. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of compliance officers employed by the national vetting unit; when they were appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42643/17]
View answerThe National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012-2016 provides for a range of offences and sanctions for non-compliance with the Act. In addition, the Act provides for the assigning of compliance officers with the specific powers to enter and inspect premises to ensure compliance.
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that at present all compliance issues are dealt with by the Disputes and Compliance Section of the Bureau. To date, the office has received notification of a small number of compliance requests and has acted on each issue.
The National Vetting Bureau has adopted best practice in relation to the management of compliance through a three-tiered approach of support, self-assessment, and investigation and compliance.
Pending the deadline for retrospective vetting of 31 December 2017, the focus of the Bureau at present is on providing information to organisations as to their requirements to be vetted and supporting organisations to comply with the requirements of the Act. In this regard, the Bureau has conducted a number of presentations to a wide range of organisations nationwide. It is the intention of the Bureau to proceed with this supportive focus in line with the flexibilities and exemptions in the Act.
The Bureau is currently finalising a self-assessment compliance template for completion by all organisations. This approach was outlined and discussed with organisations at seminars in the second quarter of 2017, and all organisations registered with the National Vetting Bureau will be required to complete the self-assessment by the end of December 2017.
Following this bedding-in period, the Bureau will appoint compliance officers, in line with human resource management policy and a schedule of planned audits for organisations will be undertaken throughout 2018.
213. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 172 of 16 September 2016, the progress to date on the Murray review of the law on surveillance of journalists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42693/17]
View answerOn 3 October 2017, I published the report of Mr. Justice John L. Murray’s Review of the Law on Retention of and Access to Communications Data. The report is available on my Department's website. While the Review was initially commissioned to look at issues concerning access by statutory bodies to communications data of journalists held by communications service providers, Mr. Justice Murray also undertook a very detailed analysis of the law in this area including recent and significant judgments of the European Court of Justice.
I thank Mr. Justice Murray for his work on the review which, I would note, he carried out pro bono. His report provides very valuable advice in this complex and dynamic area of the law.
On 3 October, I also published the general scheme of a Communications (Retention of Data) Bill. This proposed new legislation responds to recent judgments of the European Court of Justice and will update the current law in Ireland. In particular, I am proposing prior judicial authorisation in all cases where the State seeks access to metadata in the context of investigations.
I have written to the Oireachtas Committee on Justice and Equality to ask it to undertake pre-legislative scrutiny of the general scheme of the Communications (Retention of Data) Bill, and I have also forwarded Mr. Justice Murray's report to the Committee in this context.
214. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans for restoring Garda numbers in the Glencolumbkille and Carrick Garda districts, which currently stand at one when previously four gardaí were stationed in those areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42722/17]
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.
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 progressing apace. 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.
The areas mentioned by the Deputy are located in the Ballyshannon Garda District which forms part of the Donegal Division. I am informed by the Commissioner that the Garda strength of the Donegal Division, on 31 August 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 392, of whom 91 members are assigned to the Ballyshannon District. There are also 19 Garda Reserves and 32 civilians attached to the 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.
I am further informed by the Commissioner that since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, close to 1,400 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, 24 of whom have been assigned to the Donegal Division. I am also informed that another 200 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.
I am pleased to announce today that I have secured sufficient funding to provide for the recruitment of another 800 new Garda recruits in 2018, which will ensure that the planned Garda strength of 15,000 by 2021 remains on course.
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 across every Garda Division, including the Donegal 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.
215. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if there were changes in the powers delegated to the Ministers of State in his Department relative to the situation in place prior to 14 June 2017; if so, the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42784/17]
View answerIn accordance with the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) (No.2) Act 1977, the Government may delegate, by way of an Order, to a Minister of State any of the powers and duties of the relevant Minister of the Government under any particular Act or any particular statutory power or duty. Such orders can be made in cases where a Minister of State would be expected to carry out statutory functions on behalf of or in addition to a Minister. However, the role and functions of Ministers of State of course often encompass broad areas of responsibility rather than being limited to those powers formally delegated under statute.
As you will appreciate, the Department of Justice and Equality has a broad remit, and I welcome the support provided by various colleagues who have been assigned to my Department as Ministers of State.
Earlier this year, Mr. David Stanton, T.D., was reappointed Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality with special responsibility for Equality, Immigration, and Integration. In July 2017, I received Government approval to delegate powers and duties to Minister of State Stanton, T.D. These powers and duties are set out in Statutory Instrument 351 of 2017. Minister Stanton's responsibilities include human rights and equality, matters relating to the Irish Refugee Protection Programme, reception and integration matters, various EU funding matters, and matters relating to youth justice, gambling and firearms that fall under the responsibility of the Department of Justice and Equality.
Statutory Instrument 351 differs from the prior Delegation of Functions Order, S.I. No 422 of 2016, by the addition in the Schedule of the Paternity Leave and Benefit Act 2016 ( No. 11 of 2016).
Mr. Finian McGrath, T.D., also remains Minister of State attending Government and Minister of State at the Departments of Social Protection, Justice & Equality and Health with special responsibility for Disabilities. The Office of Minister of State McGrath is located in the Department of Health. I understand that certain statutory functions have been delegated to Minister McGrath by both the Minister for Health and the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection.
Mr. Pat Breen, T.D., was appointed Minister of State at the then-named Department of Enterprise and Innovation, the Department of Employment and Social Protection, the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Justice and Equality with special responsibility for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection in June 2017, having served as Minister of State for Employment and Small Business from May 2016. His Office is located in the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation. Minister Breen's responsibility within my Department is in respect of Data Protection matters. However, I will continue to lead on the legislative passage of the Data Protection Bill.
216. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to recent legislation passed which provides for craft brewers licenced to sell their products to brewery visitors between certain times, if the licence is a saleable asset; if it is transferable; if they can be converted to full licences in time; if the licence will expire if a business closes down; the way in which it is proposed to police the operating hours which apply to the licence; the way in which it is proposed to police limiting the sale of products manufactured on the premises as the only alcohol products sold; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42819/17]
View answerThe position is that the Intoxicating Liquor (Breweries and Distilleries) Bill 2016 is a Private Members' Bill tabled by Deputy Alan Kelly. The Bill completed Second Stage in the Dáil on 26 July and is currently awaiting Committee Stage in the Justice and Equality Committee.
I intend to table a series of amendments to the Bill at Committee Stage. As already indicated during Second Stage discussions, the general purpose of these amendments will be to ensure that the rules normally applicable to the grant of retail licences, including the requirement to obtain an appropriate court certificate, will also apply to licences granted under this Bill. It is intended that such a licence would permit sales of intoxicating liquor produced on the premises only to those who have participated in a tour of the premises.
217. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on whether the process by which the Prison Service is offering six-month contracts to retired former personnel under 60 years of age is cost-effective or counterproductive to the process of hiring of new recruits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42875/17]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that the Irish Prison Service's recruitment of retired Prison Officers on short-term contracts is a short-term measure pending the sufficient recruitment of permanent Prison Officers. Recruitment of permanent Prison Officers is ongoing, with approximately 87 new Recruit Prison Officers this year and a further 288 Recruit Prison Officers in 2018.
218. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to provide a Garda station in Glencolumbkille (details supplied); his further plans to locate a Garda station in another community-owned building within the village of Glencolumbkille; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42930/17]
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.
Gleann Cholm Cille was among a number of stations closed around the country in recent years because of the emphasis on ensuring front-line Gardaí could be managed and deployed with greater mobility, greater flexibility and in a more focused fashion particularly with regard to various targeted police operations.
The Deputy will be aware that the Government's focus is on increasing Garda numbers and ensuring that Gardaí are appropriately resourced to protect and serve the community. In this context, among the range of justice measures announced in today's Budget, the Government committed to recruiting 800 additional Gardaí in 2018 and investing €6 million in new Garda vehicles in 2018.
219. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the funding arrangements for the office of the Data Protection Commissioner with regard to the Commissioner's plans to increase staff and resources at a location in Dublin; the timeframe to increase staff and resources; the number of additional staff being employed in the Dublin region; his plans for 2018 and 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42983/17]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the Government has publicly committed to continuing to provide the resources necessary for the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner, ODPC, to perform its globally significant role, which will become increasingly prominent under the new General Data Protection Regulation, GDPR.
This commitment was reflected in the ODPC's very significantly increased budget provision of €7.256 million for 2017, up almost 60% on its allocation of €4.748 million for 2016 and four times its budget for 2014. The ODPC's budget allocation for 2018 has been considered in the context of the 2018 Estimates process and further details will be available as part of Budget-day Estimates.
The combined staff number for the ODPC's Dublin and Portarlington offices currently stands at 70 and is expected to reach 90 by the end of 2017. It is anticipated that staffing numbers will increase by a further 50% to a total of 135 staff during 2018. Allocation of staff between its Dublin and Portarlington offices will be made on a business-needs basis.
220. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if an application under a scheme (details supplied) will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42985/17]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the Programme for a Partnership Government commits to supporting investment in CCTV systems and, in this context, a new community-based CCTV grant-aid Scheme was launched by my Department in April 2017 to assist community groups in the establishment of CCTV systems in their local areas.
Under the Scheme, eligible community groups can apply for grant-aid of up to 60% of the total capital cost of a proposed CCTV system, up to a maximum grant of €40,000. Upon approval of the grant, the applicant will receive an up-front payment of 50% of the grant with the balance to be paid when the system is fully operational. Some €1 million was secured in Budget 2017 for the purposes of the Scheme, and it is envisaged that a similar amount will be made available in 2018 and 2019.
Full details of the Scheme, including guidelines, application forms, code of practice and other relevant documentation are available to download from my Department's website: www.justice.ie.
I would draw attention, in particular, to some of the key requirements of the Scheme which require that the proposal must:
- be approved by the local Joint Policing Committee;
- have the prior support of the relevant Local Authority, which must also act as Data Controller – this is a long-standing statutory requirement, set out in the Garda Síochána (CCTV) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 289 of 2006), for the establishment of community CCTV systems generally; and
- have the authorisation of the Garda Commissioner in accordance with Section 38 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005.
The Scheme is modelled closely on the previous grant-aid Scheme operated by Pobal on behalf of my Department between 2005 and 2013, under which some 45 Community-based CCTV systems were established operating in a mix of urban and rural environments.
With regard to the application referred to by the Deputy, I understand that a number of the mandatory requirements for funding were not satisfied and, accordingly, the application was returned to the applicant to enable these requirements to be met.
The information supplied by the Deputy would appear to indicate that the applicant is of the view that there must be a local authority office and a Garda station in the location where the proposed CCTV system is to be established. I can assure the Deputy that this is not a requirement of the Scheme. I would again refer the Deputy to the documentation on my Department's website which provides a clear elaboration of the requirements for funding under the Scheme.
I am very keen to ensure that groups take full advantage of the available funding, and I would strongly encourage interested groups to utilise the Scheme. Guidance is available from my officials to provide any clarifications required in relation to the Scheme.
221. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of community gardaí in each Garda division, in tabular form. [42218/17]
View answerI have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda Commissioner and I will write to the Deputy on receipt of same.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
222. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to increase Garda numbers in the Cavan and Monaghan division in view of the reduction in Garda personnel since 2010; if the particular policing needs of this division due to a long land border with a neighbouring jurisdiction will be taken into account in the allocation of Garda resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42257/17]
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, demographics and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.
I have been informed that the number of Gardaí assigned to the Cavan/Monaghan Division on 31 August 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 323 with 12 Garda Reserves and 37 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 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 progressing apace. 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 am further informed by the Commissioner, that since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, close to 1,400 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, 33 of whom have been assigned to the Cavan/Monaghan Division. I am also informed that another 200 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 across every Garda Division, including the Cavan/Monaghan Division in the coming years.
In so far as the allocation of newly attested Gardaí is concerned, this is a matter for the Garda Commissioner. I am assured by the Commissioner that the needs of all Garda Divisions are fully considered when determining the allocation of resources. However, it is important to keep in mind that newly attested Gardaí have a further 16 months of practical and classroom-based training to complete in order to receive their B.A. 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.
223. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of occasions on which he has been lobbied in respect of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill since March 2016; the persons he has met with; the dates of these meetings; the details of the basis of the lobbying; his views on the issues raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42295/17]
View answerSince taking up office as Minister for Justice and Equality, I have been lobbied by organisations registered on the Register of Lobbyists under the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015 in respect of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill on two occasions. One organisation expressed support for the Bill while the other raised concerns in relation to the structural separation requirements in the Bill. I forwarded both representations to the Minister for Health.
The Public Health (Alcohol) Bill is in the Programme for a Partnership Government and its enactment is a priority for Government.
224. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding a stamp 4 application in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42305/17]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service, INIS, of my Department that the person mentioned by the Deputy arrived in the State on 11 September 2006, and that their most recent permission to remain in the State, on the basis of a change of immigration status following their separation from their Irish National spouse, expired on 27 June 2017.
I understand that INIS have no current application for this person. As the person concerned does not have current permission to remain in the State, INIS advise that the person concerned is required to apply, in writing, to INIS for renewal of permission. An application should be forwarded to:
Spouse of Irish National Unit
Irish Naturalisation & Immigration Service (INIS)
PO Box 12695
Dublin 2.
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.
225. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of cases of probate sales in the system; the expected waiting time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42310/17]
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 a Grant of Representation in a deceased person's estate may be required for a variety of reasons and statistics as to why a grant must issue are not maintained in the Probate Office/Registries. Therefore, it is not possible to provide the number of cases of probate sales as sought by the Deputy.The Courts Service has advised further that when the Probate Office/Registries are notified that there is a sale of property pending in an estate, this Grant is always expedited. In the Probate Office in Dublin, it usually issues within a two- to three-week timeframe in Solicitors' applications, while Personal Applicants are seen by appointment as soon as possible and the Grant issues within three to four days of their appointment with the Probate Office.
226. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason for the delay in publishing the interim report on the reopening of Garda stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42363/17]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that I published the interim report concerned on 30 September 2017.
While in the normal course it would be appropriate and usual to await the completion of the final report and its consideration by Government, in the light of misleading public comment and baseless assertions being made, I concluded that it would be in the public interest to make the interim report available.
I am of the view, in all the circumstances, that the public interest was best served by the publication of the interim report and that there was no question of any "delay" in relation to its publication.
227. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the percentage of Garda reserves completing a minimum of 208 annual hours per annum duty obligations; the number of times on average reserves are requested to assist policing in district; the annual cost of Garda reserves; the percentage of reserves formally allocated a duty in the formal duty register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42364/17]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.
The Garda Reserve was established in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 to enhance the links between An Garda Síochána and local communities and consists of voluntary unpaid members, drawn from the community, to support the work of An Garda Síochána. The Reserve perform policing duties as determined by the Commissioner, while accompanied by full-time Gardaí. Their role is to provide local patrols and participate in crime prevention initiatives targeted at specific local problem areas. Reserve members are also involved in policing major incidents and events, and in providing other operational support to full-time Gardaí. In recent years, the Commissioner has conferred further powers on reserve members under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 and the Road Traffic Act 1961 and has also decided that they should carry out more duties including the serving of summonses, and the issuing of Fixed Charge Penalty Notices where offences are detected.
I am informed by the Commissioner that in regard to the deployment of Garda personnel including Reserves, 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.
I am further informed that the information requested by the Deputy regarding Reserves assisting policing in a district and being allocated a duty in the duty register is not readily available in the format requested by the Deputy.
As the Deputy will be aware, service in the Garda Reserve is voluntary and unpaid. However, an allowance is payable to Reserve members, who complete a minimum of 208 hours duty annually as a contribution towards expenses incurred in performing their duties. The allowance is currently set at €1,000 per annum. Reserves are also reimbursed for expenses incurred while attending court in respect of their service as a Reserve.
I am advised that during 2016, 303 Garda Reserves claimed the allowance, which is equivalent to 44% of the Reserve strength of 695 as of 31 December 2016. The cost of the Reserve in 2016 was €341,125.
The "Programme for a Partnership Government" includes a commitment to double the Garda Reserve to act in a supportive role undertaking local patrols and crime reduction measures. In line with this, the Government has in place a plan to achieve a Reserve strength of 2,000 by 2021. This year, funding has been provided for the recruitment of 300 Garda Reserves and that process is well underway.
In conjunction with the major expansion of the Reserve, over the next number of years we must ensure that it is used to optimum effect to support effective policing. To inform future decisions around the use of the Reserve, An Garda Síochána is conducting a strategic review as a matter of priority with a view to completion before the end of this year. As a first step, the Garda Executive has taken a decision to transfer the management of the Reserve from the Human Resource and People Development Directorate to the Assistant Commissioner with responsibility for Community Engagement. This is intended to ensure that its development and deployment is viewed more broadly through a community policing lens. This is a very welcome step as it is my strong view that the greatest dividend to be gained from the Reserve is in terms of a visible presence on the ground engaging with local communities.
228. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of community gardaí in each district in each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42365/17]
View answerI have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda Commissioner and I will write to the Deputy on receipt of same.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
229. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount of funding allocated to each division in each of the past ten years for the purposes of establishing or supporting text alert, community alert or neighbourhood watch schemes, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42366/17]
View answerAs 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 also 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.
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 Síochána on the 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.
Since the Community Text Alert scheme 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.
The Deputy might wish to note that funding from my Department is not used to provide direct assistance to Neighbourhood Watch Groups or any local Community Alert (or Text Alert) Groups.
In relation to Community Alert, funding is allocated by my Department for the employment and associated costs of the national Community Alert programme, including the employment of regional Development Officers. These Development Officers, operating in Muintir Na Tíre, provide support to Community and Text Alert schemes and offer advice on how to establish new schemes. The long-standing view has been that this is the best use of the resources available to the Department to support effective community crime prevention actions.
At the National Ploughing Championships this year, I was pleased to announce that an additional €100,000 was being made available to Text Alert Groups, registered with An Garda Síochána, to provide modest financial assistance with the running costs they incur each year. This Text Alert Rebate Scheme will be administered by Muintir na Tíre and Groups wishing to participate at the Scheme can find more details at: www.muintiir.ie.
Finally, I am pleased to announce that I have also secured an additional €100,000 in the budget announced today for local crime prevention initiatives, including the text alert scheme.
230. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Gardaí over each of the past ten years, by rank and division, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42367/17]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that on 31 August 2017, the latest date for which figures are currently available, the number of Gardaí was 13,293.
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 progressing apace. 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.
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 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 am informed by the Commissioner that the number of Gardaí over each of the past ten years by Rank and Division is as set out in the following tables:
Garda Strength by Division and Rank 2008
|
DIVISION |
GD |
SG |
IN |
SU |
CS |
AC |
Total |
|
Cavan / Monaghan |
332 |
72 |
7 |
6 |
1 |
418 |
|
|
Clare |
283 |
44 |
5 |
4 |
1 |
337 |
|
|
Cork City |
550 |
106 |
14 |
6 |
1 |
1 |
678 |
|
Cork North |
242 |
49 |
4 |
4 |
1 |
300 |
|
|
Cork West |
258 |
43 |
6 |
5 |
1 |
313 |
|
|
D.M.R. East |
396 |
66 |
11 |
3 |
1 |
477 |
|
|
D.M.R. North |
653 |
110 |
20 |
6 |
1 |
790 |
|
|
D.M.R. North Central |
605 |
95 |
20 |
4 |
1 |
725 |
|
|
D.M.R. South |
538 |
89 |
16 |
4 |
1 |
648 |
|
|
D.M.R. South Central |
675 |
94 |
19 |
4 |
1 |
793 |
|
|
D.M.R. West |
663 |
109 |
17 |
4 |
1 |
794 |
|
|
Donegal |
400 |
74 |
9 |
4 |
1 |
488 |
|
|
Galway West |
374 |
62 |
8 |
7 |
1 |
1 |
453 |
|
Kerry |
280 |
51 |
5 |
4 |
1 |
341 |
|
|
Carlow / Kildare |
310 |
56 |
5 |
3 |
1 |
375 |
|
|
Laois / Offaly |
272 |
54 |
6 |
4 |
1 |
337 |
|
|
Limerick |
532 |
84 |
12 |
6 |
1 |
635 |
|
|
Louth |
237 |
49 |
7 |
2 |
1 |
296 |
|
|
Mayo |
267 |
51 |
6 |
6 |
1 |
331 |
|
|
Meath |
242 |
48 |
4 |
4 |
1 |
299 |
|
|
Roscommon / Galway East |
235 |
48 |
5 |
5 |
1 |
294 |
|
|
Sligo / Leitrim |
254 |
50 |
7 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
318 |
|
Tipperary |
304 |
66 |
6 |
7 |
1 |
384 |
|
|
Waterford / Kilkenny |
376 |
62 |
9 |
7 |
2 |
1 |
457 |
|
Longford / Westmeath |
279 |
49 |
6 |
6 |
1 |
1 |
342 |
|
Wexford |
222 |
47 |
6 |
4 |
1 |
280 |
|
|
Wicklow |
282 |
47 |
9 |
4 |
1 |
343 |
Garda Strength by Division and Rank 2009
|
DIVISION |
GD |
SG |
IN |
SU |
CS |
AC |
Total |
|
Cavan / Monaghan |
330 |
63 |
6 |
6 |
1 |
406 |
|
|
Clare |
286 |
41 |
5 |
4 |
336 |
||
|
Cork City |
580 |
102 |
11 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
700 |
|
Cork North |
250 |
43 |
5 |
4 |
1 |
303 |
|
|
Cork West |
256 |
39 |
6 |
4 |
305 |
||
|
D.M.R. East |
407 |
62 |
11 |
2 |
1 |
483 |
|
|
D.M.R. North |
703 |
102 |
21 |
5 |
1 |
832 |
|
|
D.M.R. North Central |
610 |
90 |
14 |
4 |
1 |
719 |
|
|
D.M.R. South |
547 |
78 |
13 |
3 |
1 |
642 |
|
|
D.M.R. South Central |
671 |
85 |
15 |
4 |
1 |
776 |
|
|
D.M.R. West |
675 |
95 |
14 |
4 |
1 |
789 |
|
|
Donegal |
390 |
63 |
9 |
5 |
1 |
468 |
|
|
Galway |
502 |
77 |
11 |
8 |
1 |
1 |
600 |
|
Kerry |
282 |
47 |
5 |
4 |
1 |
339 |
|
|
Kildare |
271 |
44 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
321 |
|
|
Laois / Offaly |
264 |
52 |
6 |
4 |
1 |
327 |
|
|
Limerick |
544 |
77 |
8 |
6 |
635 |
||
|
Louth |
251 |
46 |
5 |
3 |
1 |
306 |
|
|
Mayo |
254 |
44 |
5 |
6 |
309 |
||
|
Meath |
261 |
44 |
5 |
4 |
1 |
315 |
|
|
Roscommon / Longford |
239 |
42 |
5 |
5 |
1 |
292 |
|
|
Sligo / Leitrim |
256 |
48 |
6 |
2 |
1 |
313 |
|
|
Tipperary |
319 |
63 |
5 |
7 |
1 |
395 |
|
|
Kilkenny / Carlow |
265 |
37 |
6 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
314 |
|
Waterford |
256 |
43 |
5 |
4 |
1 |
309 |
|
|
Westmeath |
213 |
33 |
6 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
258 |
|
Wexford |
233 |
42 |
6 |
4 |
1 |
286 |
|
|
Wicklow |
302 |
46 |
9 |
2 |
1 |
360 |
Garda Strength by Division and Rank 2010
|
DIVISION |
GD |
SG |
IN |
SU |
CS |
AC |
Total |
|
Cavan / Monaghan |
309 |
69 |
6 |
6 |
1 |
391 |
|
|
Clare |
271 |
40 |
5 |
3 |
1 |
320 |
|
|
Cork City |
574 |
104 |
12 |
6 |
1 |
1 |
698 |
|
Cork North |
251 |
48 |
5 |
4 |
1 |
309 |
|
|
Cork West |
261 |
45 |
6 |
5 |
1 |
318 |
|
|
D.M.R. East |
397 |
63 |
10 |
2 |
1 |
473 |
|
|
D.M.R. North |
671 |
106 |
21 |
4 |
1 |
803 |
|
|
D.M.R. North Central |
581 |
91 |
16 |
4 |
1 |
693 |
|
|
D.M.R. South |
532 |
79 |
16 |
4 |
1 |
632 |
|
|
D.M.R. South Central |
657 |
92 |
17 |
4 |
1 |
771 |
|
|
D.M.R. West |
663 |
104 |
16 |
4 |
1 |
788 |
|
|
Donegal |
386 |
67 |
7 |
5 |
1 |
466 |
|
|
Galway |
494 |
85 |
11 |
9 |
1 |
1 |
601 |
|
Kerry |
273 |
51 |
5 |
4 |
1 |
334 |
|
|
Kildare |
271 |
44 |
4 |
3 |
1 |
323 |
|
|
Laois / Offaly |
258 |
53 |
5 |
3 |
1 |
320 |
|
|
Limerick |
538 |
86 |
12 |
6 |
1 |
643 |
|
|
Louth |
254 |
51 |
5 |
3 |
1 |
314 |
|
|
Mayo |
251 |
49 |
5 |
5 |
1 |
311 |
|
|
Meath |
254 |
48 |
5 |
5 |
1 |
313 |
|
|
Roscommon / Longford |
243 |
48 |
5 |
5 |
301 |
||
|
Sligo / Leitrim |
260 |
46 |
8 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
320 |
|
Tipperary |
312 |
57 |
6 |
7 |
1 |
383 |
|
|
Kilkenny / Carlow |
264 |
41 |
6 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
317 |
|
Waterford |
248 |
44 |
5 |
4 |
1 |
302 |
|
|
Westmeath |
215 |
36 |
7 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
262 |
|
Wexford |
228 |
43 |
5 |
4 |
1 |
281 |
|
|
Wicklow |
296 |
47 |
8 |
3 |
1 |
355 |
Garda Strength by Division and Rank 2011
|
DIVISION |
GD |
SG |
IN |
SU |
CS |
AC |
Total |
|
Cavan / Monaghan |
284 |
64 |
6 |
6 |
360 |
||
|
Clare |
263 |
37 |
4 |
3 |
1 |
308 |
|
|
Cork City |
568 |
102 |
13 |
6 |
1 |
690 |
|
|
Cork North |
249 |
46 |
5 |
4 |
304 |
||
|
Cork West |
257 |
46 |
6 |
2 |
1 |
312 |
|
|
D.M.R. East |
381 |
58 |
9 |
3 |
1 |
452 |
|
|
D.M.R. North |
658 |
96 |
20 |
4 |
1 |
779 |
|
|
D.M.R. North Central |
557 |
83 |
15 |
4 |
1 |
660 |
|
|
D.M.R. South |
511 |
76 |
14 |
3 |
1 |
605 |
|
|
D.M.R. South Central |
628 |
85 |
17 |
4 |
1 |
735 |
|
|
D.M.R. West |
655 |
94 |
17 |
4 |
1 |
771 |
|
|
Donegal |
369 |
62 |
6 |
6 |
1 |
444 |
|
|
Galway |
493 |
81 |
10 |
9 |
1 |
1 |
595 |
|
Kerry |
264 |
43 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
314 |
|
|
Kildare |
269 |
42 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
318 |
|
|
Kilkenny / Carlow |
254 |
39 |
5 |
4 |
1 |
303 |
|
|
Laois / Offaly |
250 |
45 |
5 |
3 |
1 |
304 |
|
|
Limerick |
536 |
85 |
11 |
4 |
1 |
637 |
|
|
Louth |
246 |
49 |
6 |
3 |
1 |
305 |
|
|
Mayo |
254 |
45 |
4 |
5 |
1 |
309 |
|
|
Meath |
247 |
44 |
5 |
5 |
1 |
302 |
|
|
Roscommon / Longford |
232 |
45 |
4 |
5 |
286 |
||
|
Sligo / Leitrim |
256 |
44 |
8 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
313 |
|
Tipperary |
310 |
53 |
6 |
6 |
1 |
376 |
|
|
Waterford |
241 |
41 |
5 |
2 |
1 |
290 |
|
|
Westmeath |
210 |
36 |
7 |
2 |
255 |
||
|
Wexford |
222 |
42 |
5 |
3 |
1 |
273 |
|
|
Wicklow |
283 |
45 |
8 |
2 |
1 |
339 |
Garda Strength by Division and Rank 2012
|
DIVISION |
GD |
SG |
IN |
SU |
CS |
AC |
Total |
|
Cavan / Monaghan |
273 |
63 |
4 |
3 |
1 |
348 |
|
|
Clare |
253 |
33 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
293 |
|
|
Cork City |
554 |
105 |
11 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
677 |
|
Cork North |
248 |
46 |
4 |
4 |
1 |
303 |
|
|
Cork West |
252 |
43 |
5 |
3 |
1 |
304 |
|
|
D.M.R. East |
358 |
51 |
7 |
3 |
1 |
420 |
|
|
D.M.R. North |
634 |
88 |
16 |
5 |
1 |
744 |
|
|
D.M.R. North Central |
556 |
79 |
14 |
4 |
1 |
654 |
|
|
D.M.R. South |
497 |
74 |
12 |
4 |
1 |
588 |
|
|
D.M.R. South Central |
605 |
78 |
12 |
4 |
1 |
700 |
|
|
D.M.R. West |
640 |
84 |
15 |
4 |
1 |
744 |
|
|
Donegal |
359 |
56 |
6 |
5 |
1 |
427 |
|
|
Galway |
486 |
80 |
8 |
9 |
1 |
1 |
585 |
|
Kerry |
252 |
40 |
2 |
3 |
1 |
298 |
|
|
Kildare |
267 |
44 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
318 |
|
|
Kilkenny / Carlow |
249 |
38 |
5 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
298 |
|
Laois / Offaly |
243 |
40 |
2 |
3 |
1 |
289 |
|
|
Limerick |
515 |
78 |
6 |
5 |
1 |
605 |
|
|
Louth |
238 |
45 |
5 |
3 |
1 |
292 |
|
|
Mayo |
249 |
42 |
2 |
6 |
1 |
300 |
|
|
Meath |
245 |
43 |
4 |
3 |
1 |
296 |
|
|
Roscommon / Longford |
225 |
45 |
4 |
5 |
1 |
280 |
|
|
Sligo / Leitrim |
249 |
43 |
7 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
303 |
|
Tipperary |
308 |
51 |
5 |
6 |
1 |
371 |
|
|
Waterford |
238 |
36 |
5 |
4 |
1 |
284 |
|
|
Westmeath |
207 |
36 |
7 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
254 |
|
Wexford |
214 |
37 |
4 |
|
DIVISION |
GD |
SG |
IN |
SU |
CS |
AC |
Total |
|
Cavan / Monaghan |
261 |
59 |
5 |
5 |
1 |
331 |
|
|
Clare |
250 |
34 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
291 |
|
|
Cork City |
559 |
104 |
12 |
6 |
1 |
1 |
683 |
|
Cork North |
247 |
45 |
4 |
3 |
1 |
300 |
|
|
Cork West |
227 |
39 |
4 |
4 |
1 |
275 |
|
|
D.M.R. East |
346 |
49 |
8 |
3 |
1 |
407 |
|
|
D.M.R. North |
608 |
86 |
14 |
5 |
1 |
714 |
|
|
D.M.R. North Central |
525 |
81 |
13 |
4 |
1 |
624 |
|
|
D.M.R. South |
480 |
72 |
12 |
4 |
1 |
569 |
|
|
D.M.R. South Central |
585 |
83 |
13 |
4 |
1 |
686 |
|
|
D.M.R. West |
613 |
82 |
17 |
4 |
1 |
717 |
|
|
Donegal |
344 |
54 |
6 |
4 |
1 |
409 |
|
|
Galway |
481 |
74 |
10 |
7 |
1 |
1 |
574 |
|
Kerry |
246 |
42 |
4 |
3 |
1 |
296 |
|
|
Kildare |
261 |
46 |
4 |
3 |
1 |
315 |
|
|
Kilkenny / Carlow |
240 |
37 |
6 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
289 |
|
Laois / Offaly |
235 |
40 |
5 |
3 |
1 |
284 |
|
|
Limerick |
504 |
73 |
7 |
4 |
1 |
589 |
|
|
Louth |
232 |
44 |
6 |
3 |
1 |
286 |
|
|
Mayo |
254 |
45 |
2 |
5 |
1 |
307 |
|
|
Meath |
235 |
42 |
5 |
4 |
1 |
287 |
|
|
Roscommon / Longford |
231 |
47 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
285 |
|
|
Sligo / Leitrim |
248 |
46 |
6 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
305 |
|
Tipperary |
307 |
53 |
5 |
5 |
1 |
371 |
|
|
Waterford |
228 |
37 |
4 |
4 |
1 |
274 |
|
|
Westmeath |
201 |
33 |
6 |
4 |
1 |
245 |
|
|
Wexford |
206 |
37 |
5 |
3 |
1 |
252 |
|
|
Wicklow |
274 |
43 |
7 |
3 |
1 |
328 |
|
DIVISION |
GD |
SG |
IN |
SU |
CS |
AC |
Total |
|
Cavan / Monaghan |
254 |
57 |
6 |
5 |
1 |
323 |
|
|
Clare |
242 |
37 |
5 |
2 |
1 |
287 |
|
|
Cork City |
545 |
106 |
13 |
6 |
1 |
1 |
671 |
|
Cork North |
240 |
48 |
5 |
3 |
1 |
297 |
|
|
Cork West |
222 |
41 |
4 |
3 |
1 |
271 |
|
|
D.M.R. East |
327 |
50 |
7 |
3 |
1 |
388 |
|
|
D.M.R. North |
572 |
88 |
15 |
5 |
1 |
681 |
|
|
D.M.R. North Central |
498 |
90 |
14 |
4 |
1 |
607 |
|
|
D.M.R. South |
457 |
75 |
13 |
3 |
1 |
549 |
|
|
D.M.R. South Central |
544 |
80 |
14 |
3 |
1 |
642 |
|
|
D.M.R. West |
593 |
85 |
17 |
4 |
699 |
||
|
Donegal |
330 |
55 |
7 |
4 |
1 |
397 |
|
|
Galway |
469 |
82 |
11 |
6 |
1 |
1 |
570 |
|
Kerry |
238 |
44 |
5 |
2 |
1 |
290 |
|
|
Kildare |
248 |
45 |
5 |
3 |
301 |
||
|
Kilkenny / Carlow |
229 |
39 |
6 |
4 |
1 |
279 |
|
|
Laois / Offaly |
222 |
44 |
6 |
3 |
1 |
276 |
|
|
Limerick |
476 |
75 |
9 |
4 |
1 |
565 |
|
|
Louth |
222 |
47 |
8 |
3 |
1 |
281 |
|
|
Mayo |
244 |
45 |
4 |
4 |
1 |
298 |
|
|
Meath |
228 |
44 |
4 |
4 |
1 |
281 |
|
|
Roscommon / Longford |
227 |
50 |
4 |
3 |
1 |
285 |
|
|
Sligo / Leitrim |
239 |
47 |
6 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
296 |
|
Tipperary |
299 |
50 |
5 |
4 |
1 |
359 |
|
|
Waterford |
223 |
40 |
7 |
3 |
1 |
274 |
|
|
Westmeath |
198 |
35 |
6 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
245 |
|
Wexford |
202 |
40 |
5 |
3 |
1 |
251 |
|
|
Wicklow |
265 |
46 |
8 |
3 |
1 |
323 |
|
DIVISION |
GD |
SG |
IN |
SU |
CS |
AC |
Total |
|
Cavan / Monaghan |
253 |
55 |
5 |
5 |
318 |
||
|
Clare |
246 |
38 |
5 |
2 |
1 |
292 |
|
|
Cork City |
534 |
98 |
11 |
7 |
1 |
651 |
|
|
Cork North |
242 |
47 |
5 |
3 |
1 |
298 |
|
|
Cork West |
230 |
38 |
3 |
4 |
1 |
276 |
|
|
D.M.R. East |
319 |
50 |
5 |
3 |
377 |
||
|
D.M.R. North |
564 |
86 |
11 |
6 |
1 |
668 |
|
|
D.M.R. North Central |
488 |
85 |
12 |
4 |
1 |
590 |
|
|
D.M.R. South |
453 |
71 |
12 |
4 |
1 |
541 |
|
|
D.M.R. South Central |
532 |
79 |
11 |
4 |
1 |
627 |
|
|
D.M.R. West |
589 |
80 |
14 |
4 |
1 |
688 |
|
|
Donegal |
331 |
40 |
5 |
5 |
1 |
392 |
|
|
Galway |
465 |
78 |
10 |
6 |
1 |
560 |
|
|
Kerry |
250 |
43 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
300 |
|
|
Kildare |
260 |
43 |
5 |
3 |
1 |
312 |
|
|
Kilkenny / Carlow |
235 |
38 |
5 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
284 |
|
Laois / Offaly |
229 |
40 |
5 |
3 |
1 |
278 |
|
|
Limerick |
468 |
73 |
8 |
4 |
1 |
554 |
|
|
Louth |
231 |
44 |
8 |
3 |
1 |
287 |
|
|
Mayo |
249 |
45 |
3 |
5 |
1 |
303 |
|
|
Meath |
230 |
41 |
2 |
3 |
1 |
277 |
|
|
Roscommon / Longford |
236 |
48 |
3 |
4 |
1 |
292 |
|
|
Sligo / Leitrim |
238 |
46 |
5 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
294 |
|
Tipperary |
298 |
46 |
5 |
4 |
1 |
354 |
|
|
Waterford |
233 |
39 |
6 |
3 |
1 |
282 |
|
|
Westmeath |
198 |
36 |
5 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
246 |
|
Wexford |
210 |
37 |
4 |
3 |
1 |
255 |
|
|
Wicklow |
263 |
44 |
7 |
3 |
1 |
318 |
|
DIVISION |
GD |
SG |
IN |
SU |
CS |
AC |
Total |
|
Cavan / Monaghan |
251 |
55 |
6 |
5 |
1 |
318 |
|
|
Clare |
243 |
41 |
5 |
2 |
1 |
292 |
|
|
Cork City |
522 |
101 |
12 |
6 |
1 |
2 |
644 |
|
Cork North |
245 |
46 |
7 |
1 |
1 |
300 |
|
|
Cork West |
227 |
44 |
5 |
4 |
1 |
281 |
|
|
D.M.R. East |
315 |
50 |
7 |
3 |
1 |
376 |
|
|
D.M.R. North |
569 |
88 |
13 |
5 |
1 |
676 |
|
|
D.M.R. North Central |
500 |
92 |
15 |
4 |
1 |
612 |
|
|
D.M.R. South |
446 |
84 |
14 |
4 |
1 |
549 |
|
|
D.M.R. South Central |
526 |
81 |
18 |
4 |
1 |
630 |
|
|
D.M.R. West |
569 |
83 |
16 |
4 |
1 |
673 |
|
|
Donegal |
321 |
49 |
7 |
4 |
1 |
382 |
|
|
Galway |
463 |
87 |
10 |
7 |
1 |
568 |
|
|
Kerry |
245 |
44 |
6 |
3 |
1 |
299 |
|
|
Kildare |
259 |
48 |
5 |
3 |
1 |
316 |
|
|
Kilkenny / Carlow |
236 |
46 |
7 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
296 |
|
Laois / Offaly |
239 |
48 |
8 |
3 |
1 |
299 |
|
|
Limerick |
462 |
80 |
10 |
6 |
1 |
559 |
|
|
Louth |
246 |
45 |
7 |
3 |
1 |
302 |
|
|
Mayo |
238 |
51 |
6 |
4 |
1 |
300 |
|
|
Meath |
237 |
38 |
6 |
4 |
1 |
286 |
|
|
Roscommon / Longford |
234 |
57 |
5 |
4 |
1 |
301 |
|
|
Sligo / Leitrim |
237 |
49 |
6 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
297 |
|
Tipperary |
299 |
53 |
6 |
5 |
1 |
364 |
|
|
Waterford |
227 |
40 |
6 |
3 |
1 |
277 |
|
|
Westmeath |
194 |
34 |
7 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
242 |
|
Wexford |
211 |
36 |
7 |
3 |
1 |
258 |
|
|
Wicklow |
244 |
47 |
9 |
3 |
1 |
304 |
|
DIVISION |
GD |
SG |
IN |
SU |
CS |
AC |
Total |
|
Cavan / Monaghan |
259 |
51 |
7 |
5 |
1 |
323 |
|
|
Clare |
254 |
44 |
5 |
2 |
1 |
306 |
|
|
Cork City |
539 |
97 |
12 |
6 |
1 |
1 |
656 |
|
Cork North |
255 |
48 |
7 |
2 |
1 |
313 |
|
|
Cork West |
238 |
44 |
4 |
3 |
1 |
290 |
|
|
D.M.R. East |
322 |
49 |
7 |
3 |
1 |
382 |
|
|
D.M.R. North |
572 |
77 |
12 |
4 |
1 |
666 |
|
|
D.M.R. North Central |
506 |
76 |
14 |
3 |
1 |
600 |
|
|
D.M.R. South |
458 |
64 |
13 |
4 |
1 |
540 |
|
|
D.M.R. South Central |
527 |
69 |
14 |
4 |
1 |
615 |
|
|
D.M.R. West |
571 |
73 |
15 |
4 |
1 |
664 |
|
|
Donegal |
333 |
47 |
7 |
4 |
1 |
392 |
|
|
Galway |
471 |
84 |
10 |
7 |
1 |
573 |
|
|
Kerry |
258 |
44 |
6 |
3 |
1 |
312 |
|
|
Kildare |
286 |
47 |
6 |
3 |
1 |
343 |
|
|
Kilkenny / Carlow |
259 |
48 |
6 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
320 |
|
Laois / Offaly |
266 |
47 |
8 |
3 |
1 |
325 |
|
|
Limerick |
463 |
74 |
10 |
5 |
1 |
553 |
|
|
Louth |
251 |
47 |
5 |
4 |
1 |
308 |
|
|
Mayo |
255 |
50 |
6 |
4 |
1 |
316 |
|
|
Meath |
245 |
39 |
6 |
4 |
1 |
295 |
|
|
Roscommon / Longford |
241 |
55 |
4 |
4 |
1 |
305 |
|
|
Sligo / Leitrim |
238 |
49 |
6 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
298 |
|
Tipperary |
312 |
49 |
6 |
5 |
1 |
373 |
|
|
Waterford |
237 |
39 |
6 |
3 |
1 |
286 |
|
|
Westmeath |
213 |
40 |
7 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
267 |
|
Wexford |
228 |
39 |
7 |
3 |
1 |
278 |
|
|
Wicklow |
248 |
42 |
5 |
3 |
1 |
299 |
231. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the fact that the GSOC investigation into the death of a person (details supplied) has been ongoing for five years with no outcome for the bereaved family; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42377/17]
View answerFirst of all, I want to remind the Deputy that the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission is an independent body tasked with the investigation of complaints against members of the Garda Síochána. That independence is crucial to confidence in the process of investigating such complaints. Therefore, it is a matter entirely for GSOC as to how it carries out its investigations and it would be entirely inappropriate for me, as Minister, to comment on any current GSOC investigation and I will not do so.
However, I am very much aware of the particularly tragic case to which the Deputy's question refers.
I am aware that GSOC met with members of the family in question recently. They were given a full update on the current position with regard to the investigation of their complaints.
In the circumstances, I can only say that I await the outcome of the GSOC investigation.
232. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to introduce legislation to remove the ban on the right to work of asylum seekers in view of the recent Supreme Court ruling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42382/17]
View answerSection 16(3)(b) of the International Protection Act 2015 provides that applicants for international protection shall not seek, enter or be in employment or engage for gain in any business, trade or profession during the period before the final determination of their application.
The Supreme Court judgement in the case of N.V.H. v. The Minister for Justice and Equality found, on 30 May last, that in an international protection system with no temporal limits as to when the application process will be concluded, an absolute prohibition on the right to work for international protection applicants 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.
Following the approval of Government, I established an Interdepartmental Taskforce to examine the wide-ranging implications of the judgment, and to consider appropriate solutions. The Taskforce is also examining the legal options available to the State to give effect to the judgment.
The Taskforce is due to report back to Government shortly in preparation for the State's response to the Court judgment. In the circumstances, it would be inappropriate for me comment further in advance of the Taskforce completing its deliberations on the matter.
233. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the work or strategic planning that is under way to develop a non-custodial approach for women offenders in view of the proven success of such models in reducing recidivism. [42383/17]
View answerThere are a number of initiatives that have been taken in the area of female offenders who comprise a relatively small group within the criminal justice system in Ireland.
The Report of the Penal Policy Review Group published in September 2014 proposed alternatives to custodial sentences as the first choice of sanction. Chapter 6 of the Report is dedicated to the specific needs of female offenders. Work is under way to progress these recommendations. The Penal Policy Implementation Oversight Group has published three Progress Reports which are available to view on my Department’s website. I expect to publish the fourth report in the near future. The recommendations in respect of females are also included in actions 2.12 & 2.13 of the National Strategy for Women and Girls 2017-2020.
Further, the Probation Service and Irish Prison Service Joint Strategic Women's Plan puts in place a structure for these two agencies to work more effectively with this vulnerable group in society. The Probation Service works very closely with a wide variety of statutory, voluntary and community services and resources. Prompt referral and effective communication with a variety of agencies is beneficial and a key aspect of the model used by the Probation Service in working with women. Focused interventions help reduce offending, improve opportunities for reintegration and to improve outcomes more generally.
The Abigail Women's Centre run by DePaul Ireland (Tus Nua) was opened in a north Dublin suburb, in December 2014. This is a Probation Service funded project working with women leaving prison or on probation supervision and provides these women with a safe and positive supported environment. It is a dedicated women's initiative involving a range of agencies working together including the Dublin Regional Housing Executive, Dublin City Council, Probation Service, Irish Prison Service, Health Service Executive and the Dublin City Education and Training Board.
In the afore-mentioned Joint Strategic Women's Plan, the Irish Prison Service gave a commitment to explore the development of an open centre for women assessed as low risk of re-offending. This option was explored by a joint Irish Prison Service/Probation Service working group. Having considered the matter, it decided that rather than developing an open centre, a step-down facility for women was a more practical and cost effective approach. The Irish Prison Service and Probation Service are in the process of tendering for the development of a step-down unit for women in Dublin.
