Written Answers Nos. 94-113
94. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will investigate an exceptional circumstances case in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo in which all documentation relating to the application was submitted to SUSI and which SUSI cannot now locate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44367/17]
View answerFollowing enquiries made by Officials from my Department with SUSI, I am advised that the student in this case applied for renewal of her student grant in April 2017 and immediately received an affirmative award decision from SUSI on the basis of her indication in applying that she progressing into the third year of her course in the 2017-18 academic year and that there had been no change in her circumstances. The student subsequently contacted SUSI on 31 August 2017 to advise that she would in fact be repeating the second year of her course and, as repeat years of study are not eligible for student grant funding save in exceptional circumstances, the student sought to avail of this exception.
On this basis, the relevant application form for exceptional circumstances consideration was issued to the student by SUSI on 5 September and was returned from the student with supporting documents on 10 September. The case has been reviewed meanwhile and a final decision on the application is currently pending and imminent within the next week.
SUSI implements procedures for the timely, sensitive and confidential handling of exceptional circumstances applications by students who have already received a grant decision. Exceptional circumstances cases are processed by a dedicated assessment team in direct communication with the student only (or another party to the application, where appropriate). The issues identified by the Deputy regarding the receipt of documents by SUSI and regarding his communications with SUSI in this case reflect the sensitive and confidential nature of the exceptional circumstances application handling procedure that is implemented by SUSI.
SUSI has reconfirmed that, while the associated documents as submitted by the student and also those as submitted on her behalf were indeed received, such sensitive documents are not made generally available for viewing to staff outside of the exceptional circumstances team. For this reason, while the main SUSI support desk was able to confirm to the student that documents had been received, they were unable to confirm the details of those actual documents that had been received.
Similarly, regarding the Deputy’s direct communications with the dedicated assessment team, SUSI has advised that it was not possible for the team to respond to the Deputy regarding the case in the absence of the formal third party access authorisation that is required in compliance with data protection measures surrounding the handling of sensitive personal information. This authority was received on 2 October 2017.
I am informed also that in order to address the issues that the Deputy has highlighted, SUSI has modified its procedures for the handling of exceptional circumstances applications so that the receipt of documents from students, or emails such as those forwarded by the Deputy in the past two weeks, in such cases is now acknowledged at the point of receipt rather than at the point at which the application is reached in order of priority for reassessment.
95. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will address the lack of DEIS status for a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44417/17]
View answerWe have, for the first time, introduced an objective, statistics based model for deciding which schools merit inclusion in the DEIS Programme, so that all stakeholders can have confidence that we are targeting extra resources at those schools with the highest concentrated levels of disadvantage.
The key data sources used in the DEIS identification process are the DES Primary Online Database (POD) and Post-Primary Online (PPOD) Databases, and CSO data from the National Census of Population as represented in the Pobal HP Index for Small Areas which is a method of measuring the relative affluence or disadvantage of a particular geographical area. Variables used in the compilation of the HP Index include those related to demographic growth, dependency ratios, education levels, single parent rate, overcrowding, social class, occupation and unemployment rates. This data is combined with pupil data, anonymised and aggregated to small area, to provide information on the relative level of concentrated disadvantage present in the pupil cohort of individual schools.
In June, a communication issued to every school in the country explaining the Identification Methodology by way of a detailed 22-page document which is available on the Department’s website at https://www.education.ie/en/Schools-Colleges/Services/DEIS-Delivering-Equality-of-Opportunity-in-Schools-/DEIS-Identification-Process.pdf
Schools included in the list published by my Department on 13th February are those whose level of disadvantage has been identified as being at the same level as the current DEIS category for schools serving the highest concentrations of disadvantage. Schools which have not been included at this stage, including the one referred to by the Deputy, are those which have not been identified as having the highest levels of concentrated disadvantage amongst their pupil cohort, under the new model.
It is important to note that this is a first step in a process and the fact that a school has not been included now does not preclude its inclusion at a later date, should the assessment indicate a level of disadvantage that warrants additional supports. I am fully aware that there are further schools whose concentrated level of disadvantage may not be at the highest level, but may nevertheless be at a level which warrants additional supports for pupils under DEIS.
A further process will take account of updated data as it becomes available. Schools are being advised to ensure that their POD/PPOD data is fully correct and up to date, including Eircode. Schools can now record Eircode on both the POD and PPOD databases. The HP Index, based on the 2016 National Census data is being updated, and will be available to the Department in the coming weeks. A further exercise will be conducted using the updated datasets in due course. If this exercise reveals that any school which did not qualify for DEIS in the February 2017 round actually meets the criteria applicable to schools with the highest concentration of disadvantage based on the fully up-to-date information then it will be included, subject to resources.
96. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to address the shortage of supply of substitute teachers in primary level education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44419/17]
View answer99. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the fact many schools are experiencing great difficulties in securing substitute teachers to provide cover when teachers are absent; the action he is taking to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44512/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 96 and 99 together.
In overall terms, my Department has no evidence of a recent or current shortage of primary teachers. As the Deputy is aware, we increased the number of primary school teaching posts by 1093 in 2016/17 and schools have filled those positions. For the current school year, we increased the number of posts by 1160 and the process for filling these positions is almost complete. I am, however, aware that some schools have experienced difficulty in recruiting adequately qualified substitute teachers, and I am committed to examining all possible means of addressing this issue.
The final report of the Technical Working Group on teacher supply, ‘Striking the Balance’ was published on 9 June 2017. The report focusses on the development of a model of primary teacher supply, while outlining the work which will be required to establish a sustainable long term model of post primary teacher supply. In considering the model of teacher supply at primary level the report took account of many variables, including the number of additional teachers required to cover for teacher absences, such as illness, maternity leave, career break or secondment.
The report sets out an approach to planning the work necessary to develop a model for achieving a better balance between teacher supply and demand in the medium to long term.
Officials of my Department are now considering how the development of a model can be progressed, from within available resources. The necessary actions will include engagement with the HEA in order to ensure that the supply of teachers meets demand and there is the correct balance of teachers in each of the various subject areas at post primary level, as well as measures to address data requirements, particularly at post primary level.
The Deputy will be aware that, in conjunction with the publication of the report, I announced a number of measures to increase the pool of teachers available to schools, in particular to fill short term vacancies. With regard to these measures, my Department informed all teachers retiring in 2017 that in order to remain eligible for employment in a state funded teaching post for a period of more than five consecutive days or to supervise the State examinations, a teacher must maintain his/her registration with the Teaching Council. In that regard, the Teaching Council also reminds teachers, through the renewal of registration process and where a teacher indicates that he or she is considering leaving the register, that if they wish to continue to work as a teacher following retirement in substitute and other positions they should maintain registration.
The Deputy should note also that my Department has increased the limits for employment while on career break at post primary level to a maximum of 300 hours in a school year and at primary level to a maximum of 90 days in a school year. The matter of the employment of B Ed and PME students in limited circumstances on a short term basis is still under consideration in my Department.
97. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to provide emergency funding for schools damaged by Storm Ophelia; and the action his Department plans to take to support such schools. [44468/17]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that my Department will take the necessary measures to support schools in dealing with the damage caused by storm Ophelia.
For schools which require repairs, any non-State owned schools should in the first instance contact their Insurance Providers before contacting the Department regarding emergency funding, for any State owned buildings school authorities may apply for funding under my Departments Emergency Works Scheme (EWS). All EWS contact numbers and EWS email details are on my Departments website along with the EWS circular and application form.
98. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education and Skills the actions his Department will take to assist a school (details supplied) in repairing damage done by storm Ophelia. [44469/17]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that my Department will take the necessary measures to support the school to which he refers in dealing with the damage caused by storm Ophelia.
The school authority has been in contact with my Departments Planning and Building Unit regarding Emergency Works Funding and we are working closely with the school to ensure this matter is dealt with in a timely and efficient manner.
100. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the proposed special school for County Louth that will merge schools (details supplied); the details of the announced preferred site on the Cement Road, Drogheda; the date upon which the site was chosen; the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44515/17]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, a project to provide permanent accommodation for the schools in question is included on my Department's Capital Programme.
Officials in my Department continue to liaise with officials in the relevant local authority in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding in relation to the identification and acquisition of a suitable site for these school's. A suitable site has been identified and all parties are working to advance the process as expeditiously as possible.
Once agreement in principle with the landowner has been reached my Department will be in a position to formally confirm the proposed location of the schools.
101. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason for the cut to expenditure on a programme (details supplied); and the elements of this programme that will be affected by these cuts. [44408/17]
View answerThere has been no reduction in my Department’s Emigrant Support Programme or the programme to promote reconciliation.
Programme A, Our People, has increased current expenditure by €2.2m, from €69.6m in 2017 to €71.8m in 2018. It has reduced capital expenditure by €3.9m as the specific capital requirements will reduce in 2018. Capital is allocated on a project basis and the reduction in the capital allocation of €3.943m relate to two capital projects in the 2017 allocation that that are not related to the Emigrant Support Programme.
102. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to reopen the Irish consulate general office in Cardiff; the estimated cost of reopening the office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44522/17]
View answerAt present, Ireland’s diplomatic network includes 61 Embassies, 7 multilateral missions, 11 Consulates General and one Representative office. The scale and presence of the network is considered by the Government on an ongoing basis.
Any decision to adjust the State’s external representation, including the opening of missions, will have regard to national priorities and available financial and staffing resources. A range of factors are taken into account in considering our diplomatic representation overseas, including our national political, economic and trade priorities, as well as the availability of resources.
Following the Taoiseach’s recent announcement to double Ireland’s global footprint by 2025, the Department has commenced a process of identifying optimal locations for the expansion of the diplomatic network. This has already been yielding results, with my announcement on Budget Day of five new missions to be opened in the near future.
The question of further expansion of the diplomatic network, including in Wales, will be considered in the context of the plan to augment our network to 2025, which will be finalised in the coming months. The question of associated costs will be considered once this plan is finalised.
Meanwhile, Ireland’s relationship with Wales will continue to be fully sustained and promoted through Ireland’s Embassy in London, who have prioritised this objective. Work on Ireland’s relations with Wales and the Welsh Government will also be carried out in Dublin, including via the Welsh Government representative at the British Embassy.
103. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the planned changes to direct provision; and the timeframe for their implementation. [44535/17]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the majority of the recommendations contained in the McMahon report are either implemented or are being implemented. Full details of the status of these recommendations are available on the website of the Department at http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/3rd_WG_Progress_Report_-_July_2017.pdf/Files/3rd_WG_Progress_Report_-_July_2017.pdf
While I do not propose to go through any of the recommendations in detail I would like to note in particular developments in a small number of specific areas pertinent to my Department.
The key recommendation underpinning the Justice McMahon Report was to address the length of time taken to process applications, which consequently leads to long stays in State provided accommodation. With the commencement of the International Protection Act 2015 on 31 December last, we now have a single application procedure. This is the biggest reform to our protection process in two decades. It means that an applicant will have all aspects of their claim, refugee status, subsidiary protection status, and permission to remain, examined and determined in one process. Our intention is to provide first instance decisions in the shortest possible timeframe.
Significant additional resources have been put in place to facilitate this, both at first instance and appeal level and it is expected that further resources will be assigned in the coming period. The landscape of processing and delay has substantially changed. When the Justice McMahon Report was published in 2015, 36% of applicants were in the Direct Provision system for three years or less. This figure is now 72%, which represents a radical improvement.
Substantial reforms to the living conditions of applicants in the centres have also been made. Most significantly, in the Mosney Centre we have established a Food Hall where residents can shop for their own food, based on a points system, which they can then cook in their own homes. On a visit to Mosney for the Friends of the Centre Family Day in July, Justice McMahon praised the centre, saying it provided a template for other State provided accommodation centres to follow. Cooking facilities have also been provided in centres such as Kinsale Road, and Clonakilty in Cork and St. Patrick’s in Monaghan to enable individual families to cook for themselves. This is an important part of everyday family life and these facilities will be rolled out to all family centres into the future. In some instances structural work is needed to provide these facilities which by definition impacts on delivery times.
An increase to the disposable income for adults and children living in State provide accommodation was provided earlier this year. Since the Justice McMahon Report, we have more than doubled the weekly rate of Direct Provision Allowance for children. A Taskforce chaired by my Department and with representatives from a wide range of Departments and Agencies is currently examining the Supreme Court judgement on the right to work and is expected to produce its recommendations in the near future.
Improvements continue to be implemented across the facilities and services provided by my Department to those in the protection process and this work will continue until it is completed.
104. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal; if the board of appeal in respect of same can be reconstituted in order to address outstanding claims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44320/17]
View answerThe Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal, which administers the Scheme of Compensation for Personal Injuries Criminally Inflicted, is independent in considering applications and neither I nor my Department have any role in the processing of applications.
Tribunal members, who are practising barristers and practising solicitors in the Courts system, provide their services on a part-time basis to the Tribunal. The Tribunal has a full membership complement to enable them process cases. Appeal hearings are conducted by three Tribunal members constituted on a case by case basis. The member who gave the initial decision can not be one of the Tribunal members present at the appeal hearing.
Dates for appeal hearings are set on the basis of the availability of Tribunal members, appellants and/or their legal representatives.
105. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the claim to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44321/17]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal administers the Scheme of Compensation for Personal Injuries Criminally Inflicted. The Tribunal is independent in considering applications and neither I nor my Department have any role in the processing of applications and therefore cannot comment on any individual case.
I should advise you that the length of time taken to process an application can vary widely from case to case. Each application is addressed on the basis of its individual circumstances. In making their decisions Tribunal members must be satisfied that all supporting documentation submitted is in order. In some cases there can be delays pending the availability of all required documentation. For example, I understand that in cases of serious injury to the victim, it can take a considerable amount of time (in some cases a number of years) before their treating consultant is in a position to give a final prognosis. It is also often necessary to await Garda reports arising from the related criminal investigation before a final decision can be made in a case. By their nature, such investigations can be lengthy and complex. As a result of these factors, which are outside the control of the tribunal, waiting times can vary significantly.
106. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44356/17]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my reply to his previous questions (nos. 323 & 325) of 20 September 2017 in which I stated that I do not propose to introduce legislation to provide for equal shared parenting as this may not be in the best interests of the child in every family situation, and particularly in cases where domestic violence is involved.
Section 3 of the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964 provides that the best interests of the child shall be the paramount consideration for the court to take into account in any proceedings where guardianship, custody or upbringing of, or access to, a child is in question. Section 31 of the 1964 Act sets out a wide range of factors and circumstances that the court is required to take into account when determining the best interests of the child in such proceedings. The courts shall have regard to all of these factors or circumstances that it regards as being relevant to the child concerned and his or her family and make its decision accordingly.
It would not be appropriate for me to enumerate the various and diverse family situations in which equal shared parenting would or would not be in a child’s best interests. It is a matter for the courts, in the context of proceedings under the 1964 Act, to determine the best interests of each child to whom such proceedings relate in accordance with the provisions of the Act and the Minister for Justice and Equality has no functions in that regard.
It is also a matter for the courts when making orders under the 1964 Act in relation to matters such as the guardianship, custody or upbringing of, or access to, a child to consider whether or not any conditions should be attached to such orders. I have no role in the making of court orders, as this is a function of the courts, which are, subject to the Constitution and the law, independent in the performance of their functions.
107. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if there is a provision whereby some time is waived with regard to the period after a person has been granted subsidiary protection before they can apply for naturalisation, in view of the delay in making decisions on subsidiary protection applications due to of the High Court challenge to the EU provision relating to subsidiary protection; the date by which a person regarding whom a decision to grant subsidiary protection was made on 20 May 2014 can make a valid application for naturalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44414/17]
View answerThe granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. Section 15 of the Act provides that the Minister may, in his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation provided certain statutory conditions as set out in the Act are fulfilled. The statutory conditions include that the applicant himself or herself must have had one year's continuous residency in the State immediately before the date of application and, during the eight years immediately preceding that period, have had a further total residence in the State amounting to four years. Periods of residence in the State in the asylum process while awaiting a decision on subsidiary protection are not reckonable for naturalisation purposes. Every application for a certificate of naturalisation is considered on its own merits having regard to the statutory conditions set out in the Act.
Section 16 of the Act provides the power to the Minister, in his absolute discretion, to waive some or all of the statutory conditions in the certain cases as set out in that section. There is no provision for the exercise of discretion in the case of persons granted subsidiary protection.
Detailed information on Irish citizenship and naturalisation, as well as the relevant application forms, is available on the INIS website at www.inis.gov.ie. The website also contains guidance on the completion of an application for naturalisation.
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.
108. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a working visa will be renewed in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44416/17]
View answerI am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned submitted an application for De Facto Partner Immigration Permission on 18 July 2017.
An acknowledgement letter was issued on 19 July 2017. Applications are dealt with in strict chronological order. INIS will be in contact with the applicant shortly.
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 INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
109. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the Garda per capita figure for each county. [44470/17]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources among the various Garda Divisions and Districts, and I as Minister, I have no direct role in the matter.
I am advised by the Garda Commissioner that recent census data is currently being incorporated into the personnel allocation model. Census information received on a specific county format is amended by the Garda Síochána Analysis Service to reflect Garda Divisional boundaries.
I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that personnel assigned throughout the country, together with the overall policing arrangements and operational strategies are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of resources and the best possible policing service is provided to the general public. In regard to the deployment of Garda personnel, a distribution model is used which takes into account all relevant factors including population, crime trends and the policing needs of each individual Division. I am advised by the Garda Commissioner that recent census data is currently being incorporated into the personnel allocation model. Census information received on a specific county format is amended by the Garda Síochána Analysis Service to reflect Garda Divisional boundaries. I am advised by the Garda Commissioner that recent census data is currently being incorporated into the personnel allocation model.
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the number of Garda per capita is not readily available in my Department as the recording of the population by area is a matter for the Central Statistics Office.
In addition, the information requested by the Deputy concerning the number of Gardaí for each county is not readily available in respect of An Garda Síochána as Gardaí are assigned on a Divisional basis by the Garda Commissioner.
The number of Gardaí assigned to Stations in each Division as of 31 August 2017, the latest date readily available, is as set out in the table, as supplied by the Commissioner.
Garda Strength by Division 31 August 2017
|
DIVISION |
Total |
|
CAVAN / MONAGHAN |
323 |
|
CLARE |
306 |
|
CORK CITY |
656 |
|
CORK NORTH |
313 |
|
CORK WEST |
290 |
|
D.M.R. EAST |
382 |
|
D.M.R. NORTH |
666 |
|
D.M.R. NORTH CENTRAL |
600 |
|
D.M.R. SOUTH |
540 |
|
D.M.R. SOUTH CENTRAL |
615 |
|
D.M.R. WEST |
664 |
|
DONEGAL |
392 |
|
GALWAY |
573 |
|
KERRY |
312 |
|
KILDARE |
343 |
|
KILKENNY/CARLOW |
320 |
|
LAOIS / OFFALY |
325 |
|
LIMERICK |
553 |
|
LOUTH |
308 |
|
MAYO |
316 |
|
MEATH |
295 |
|
ROSCOMMON / LONGFORD |
305 |
|
SLIGO / LEITRIM |
298 |
|
TIPPERARY |
373 |
|
WATERFORD |
286 |
|
WESTMEATH |
267 |
|
WEXFORD |
278 |
|
WICKLOW |
299 |
110. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which An Garda Síochána has succeeded in disarming criminal gangs, with particular reference to the ongoing feuds between such gangs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44471/17]
View answerThe Deputy will appreciate that the response to gang-related violence and crime is ongoing and we must remain adaptable to changing circumstances in pursuing a comprehensive and robust response to gang-related violence and crime. I remain in close contact with the Commissioner and I will continue to provide every support possible to enable An Garda Síochána face down the threat posed by violent criminal gangs.
Garda operational responses to gang-related crime in Dublin are coordinated under Operation Hybrid. As of 11 September 2017, there have been 64 arrests in relation to gang-related killings, with 8 persons charged in connection with those murders and a further 3 persons charged with related offences. In addition, 30 firearms have been seized and over 13,170 lines of enquiry conducted. In excess of 39,620 high visibility checkpoints have been implemented with significant support from Armed Support Units and a significant amount of CCTV footage, mobile phone traffic, and forensic evidence is also being examined. Operation Hybrid is reviewed on a weekly basis to maintain optimal impact.
At the request of the Garda Commissioner in 2016, the Government moved decisively to strengthen Garda resources to deal with gang-related crime in the Dublin area. In particular funding was approved for the establishment of a dedicated Armed Support Unit for the DMR. The new dedicated Armed Support Unit for the Dublin Metropolitan Region was launched on 14 December 2016, and is now operational on a 24/7 basis. The establishment of the new ASU had been a particular priority given the identified need to enhance armed support capability in Dublin and to free up the resources of the Emergency Response Unit. All the necessary resources have been provided to equip the new ASU and we have also taken steps to upgrade the equipment available to the Emergency Response Unit and the Special Detective Unit.
During 2016, the Garda Commissioner established a Special Task Force to target a number of organised crime gangs based in the Dublin area with particular emphasis on the second and third level criminals. As part of the setting up of this unit, which is under the control of the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, six Gardaí and one Sergeant were seconded to the Criminal Assets Bureau to assist in the investigations into the persons identified to trace and target any assets which have been generated through their criminal conduct.
New powers have been introduced under the Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Act 2016 which provides for Bureau Officers, subject to certain conditions, to immediately seize and detain property for a 24 hour period. Provision is also made for this period to be extended upon the authorisation of the Chief Bureau Officer, subject to certain conditions, for a further period not exceeding 21 days. In this context, the Act also lowered the thresholds applicable to seizures by reducing the value of property involved from €13,000 to €5,000. In addition, new regulations were made to reduce the prescribed amount of cash suspected of being the proceeds of crime which can be seized, from €6,500 to €1,000.
In addition, the Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Act 2016, brought forward by the Minister for Health, has new provisions to counteract the illegal sale of prescription drugs. On 5 July 2016, Government approval was granted in relation to enhancing and updating legislation for the lawful interception of communications and for covert electronic surveillance, and work in this regard is ongoing. My Department and An Garda Síochána are also considering if there are any other legislative measures which might strengthen the response to the activities of organised crime groups. We have also seen the introduction of rules of court to complete the establishment of a second Special Criminal Court, so that it can deal with the backlog of cases on hand.
We have also seen unprecedented cooperation between Irish and Spanish authorities leading to important arrests and seizures, with police officers from both jurisdictions participating in successful joint operations in Ireland and in Spain. There has also been an important arrest of a suspect in the Netherlands and I am committed to ensuring that Gardaí will continue to have all necessary supports to continue their pursuit of criminal groups in cooperation with other police forces as required.
The Deputy is aware of the substantial investments which have been made in policing resources, including an allocation of almost €100 million for Garda overtime in 2017 which will facilitate the continuation of large-scale policing operations, including those targeting gangland crime, burglary and terrorist activities. Underpinning all these measures is this Government’s commitment 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. Appointments will also be made to the Garda Reserve of approximately 300.
111. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which adequate numbers of trainee gardaí are available in Templemore now and over the next two years to meet the requirement of the increase in Garda strength; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44472/17]
View answer112. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the anticipated increased Garda strength likely to be deployed to stations already in need of an increase in view of crime levels and demographics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44473/17]
View answer113. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí at all ranks due to retire in each of the next four years; the extent to which adequate replacement is being provided in anticipation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44474/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 111 to 113, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources among the various Garda Divisions and Districts, and I as Minister, I have no direct role in the matter.
I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that personnel assigned throughout the country, together with the overall policing arrangements and operational strategies are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of resources and the best possible policing service is provided to the general public. In regard to the deployment of Garda personnel, a distribution model is used which takes into account all relevant factors including population, crime trends and the policing needs of each individual Division. It is the responsibility of the Divisional Officer to allocate personnel within his/her Division as appropriate.
I can say however that 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 achieve this it has a vision of 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.
Taking account of projected retirements, reaching a strength of 15,000 by 2021 will require some 2,400 new Garda members to be recruited on a phased basis over the next three years in addition to the 2,000 recruited that will have been recruited by the end of this year since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014.
I am 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. In addition, another 200 trainee Garda 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.
I am pleased to say that Budget 2018 will support the continuation of this high level of investment in the Garda workforce and ensure that the vision of an overall workforce of 21,000 by 2021 remains on track. A further 800 new Garda Recruits will enter the Garda College, an additional 500 civilians will also be recruited to fill critical skills gaps across the organisation and to facilitate the redeployment of Gardaí from administrative and technical duties to front-line operational duties. There are plans to strengthen the Garda Reserve with new Reserves expected to commence training early in 2018.
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 of An Garda Síochána. It is expected that there will be in the region of 300 departures each year in the next three years.
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.
