Written Answers Nos. 556-577
556. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of community gardaí in the County Kerry division; and the location of each in each of the years 2011 to 2017 and to date in 2018. [55241/17]
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.
The Garda strength of the Kerry Division on 30 November 2017, the latest date for which figures are available, was 314 of whom 8 were community Gardaí. There are 20 Garda Reserves and 36 Garda civilian staff 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 Armed Support Units, 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 for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. We are making real, tangible progress on reaching this goal.
I am informed by the Commissioner that since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, just under 1,600 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, 26 of whom have been assigned to the Kerry Division. Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increased to 13,552 at the end of 2017 - an increase of over 600 since the end of 2016.
I am also pleased that funding is in place to maintain this high level of investment in the Garda workforce to ensure that the vision of an overall workforce of 21,000 by 2021 remains on track. This year a further 800 new Garda Recruits will enter the Garda College. Also, 800 Garda trainees are scheduled to attest during the year, which will see Garda numbers reach more than 14,000 by the end of 2018.
In addition, a further 500 civilians will also be recruited to fill critical 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.
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 Kerry Division.
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.
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the Garda National Model of Community Policing plays a key part in responding to crime by taking into account and responding to local conditions and needs. Clear objectives are set, such as high visibility in the community, ease of contact by members of the public, and enhanced support for crime prevention strategies. Community policing is not, of course, confined to dedicated Community Gardaí, all Gardaí have a role to play in community policing in carrying out their duties. In addition, the National Community Policing Office, attached to the Garda Community Relations Bureau, captures best practice in community policing initiatives and disseminates these practices through its communication network.
An Garda Síochána's Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021, published in June 2016, places a strong emphasis on developing and supporting the community policing ethos of the organisation and enhancing the current delivery model so that Gardaí spend more time in the community, gaining public confidence and trust and providing a greater sense of security.
Undoubtedly, the ongoing recruitment process will support all Garda activities and will enhance Garda visibility within our communities and the provision of effective community policing across all Garda Divisions including the Kerry Division.
The information requested by the Deputy as provided by the Commissioner is set out in the following table.
|
Community Gardaí in Kerry Division 2011-2017 |
||||||||
|
Kerry |
2011 |
|
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
|
Tralee |
6 |
|
7 |
7 |
6 |
7 |
7 |
8 |
|
Killarney |
3 |
|
3 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total |
9 |
|
10 |
9 |
8 |
7 |
7 |
8 |
*As of 30 November 2017.
557. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the actions being taken to tackle rural crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55273/17]
View answerI want to assure the Deputy that I am very much aware of the impact of crime on rural communities, including the serious damage done by organised gangs who target rural areas to engage in burglary and other property-related crime. Such incidents cannot be tolerated in our society and this Government will continue to dedicate very significant resources to support An Garda Síochána in tackling the gangs, including mobile criminal gangs, who target rural areas.
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 Districts and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. However, I can assure the Deputy that Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that optimum use is made of these resources.
The scale of Garda activity against burglary and property-related crime – under Operation Thor - has led to concentrated Garda activity resulting to date in over 100,000 targeted checkpoints and 85,000 crime prevention patrols nationwide. To give you an idea of the impact of the Operation, I can inform you that this concentrated policing activity has produced in the region of 6,375 arrests and 7,134 charges covering a range of offences which, in addition to burglary, include handling stolen property, possession of firearms and drugs offences.
Very significant resources have been provided to An Garda Síochána, including an overtime allocation of almost €100 million announced in Budget 2018, to support large-scale policing operations including Operation Thor. It is also worth noting that Operation Thor has now entered its ‘Winter Phase’ which will run from 29 October 2017 – 1 April 2018.
Operation Thor has targeted mobile criminal gangs engaged in burglary and related crimes and it is encouraging to note that since the launch of the operation in November 2015, the burglary figures have shown a significant downward trend. The CSO official recorded crime statistics for 2016 show a decrease in burglary offences of 30% when compared to the previous twelve-month period in 2015. This reflects the success of the concerted Garda drive against crime being implemented under Operation Thor.
I understand that work is ongoing to ensure that the publication of the official CSO crime statistics can recommence in earnest. Recent operational figures would appear to indicate that certain crime categories are on the rise, but until such time as the CSO can resume its publication of the crime statistics it would be unwise to draw any firm conclusions from them at this point. However, I was pleased to note a Garda press release earlier this week which stated that, according to provisional figures, burglaries nationally fell by 23% during November and December under the Winter Phase of Operation Thor. Needless to say, An Garda Síochána will continue to monitor all new and emerging crime trends and deploy their resources accordingly.
This Government has also made it a particular priority to strengthen our legislative provisions through the enactment of the Criminal Justice (Burglary of Dwellings) Act 2015 which is targeted at repeat burglars who have previous convictions and who are charged with multiple offences of residential burglary. This new legislation is now available to support the work which is being carried out by An Garda Síochána under Operation Thor.
The Programme for Government underlines the need for close engagement between An Garda Síochána and local communities. This is an essential feature of the strong community policing ethos which has long been central to policing in this jurisdiction. The Deputy will be aware that, as part of the overall strategy to oppose criminality, the Garda authorities pursue a range of partnerships with community stakeholders, including the farming organisations. These include the well established Community Alert Programme, which receives annual funding from my Department, as well as the work of the Metal Theft Forum, the Crimestoppers campaign highlighting the Theft of Livestock, the Theftstop initiative in relation to farm equipment, and the highly successful Garda Text Alert Scheme.
On 02 January 2018 I was pleased to announce that my Department will be providing an additional €50,000 in financial support to Community Text Alert Groups as a further measure in this Government's support to crime prevention. This is in addition to the €100,000 which I announced at the National Ploughing Championships in September 2017. The Rebate Scheme, which also ran in 2016, will allow Text Alert Groups registered with An Garda Síochána to apply for funding to contribute towards their yearly running costs. The new funding has been allocated to the 2017 scheme and the deadline has been extended to 31 January 2018. The Text Alert Rebate Scheme will be administered by Muintir na Tíre and I would like to urge groups wishing to participate in the Scheme to contact Muintir na Tíre for more information. The website is www.muintir.ie.
Other policing initiatives include Theft Stop which was launched by the Gardaí and the Irish Farmers Association. Theft Stop is designed to deter criminals from taking and selling farm equipment by ensuring it is clearly marked with a unique ID (such as an EirCode) and then registered on a nationwide database.
The Deputy will be aware that An Garda Síochána's Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021 places a strong emphasis on developing and supporting the community policing ethos of the organisation and enhancing the current delivery model so that Gardaí spend more time in the community, gaining public confidence and trust and providing a greater sense of security. It will result in the introduction of multi-skilled Community Policing Teams in every District. Community Policing Teams will be made-up of Gardaí from a number of different units who will work with the local community to prevent and detect crime. Undoubtedly, the ongoing recruitment process will support all Garda activities and will enhance the provision of effective Community Policing throughout the country.
The 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. 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.
558. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if creditors are permitted to sell on loans while a protective certificate under the Insolvency Service is in place covering those borrowings; the consequences of a breach in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55287/17]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, a Protective Certificate under the Personal Insolvency Acts is issued by the Courts, rather than by the Insolvency Service of Ireland.
Sections 62 and 96 of the Personal Insolvency Act 2012 set out the effects of the Court's issue of a Protective Certificate (under the Debt Settlement Arrangement, and Personal Insolvency Arrangement, procedures, respectively).
Those sections limit the actions that a creditor can take, with respect to the debt and the debtor, while the Protective Certificate continues in force: for example, initiating legal proceedings, prosecuting proceedings already initiated, executing a judgment or order against the debtor, taking any steps to enforce a security or contacting the debtor regarding payment of the debt.
I am advised that there is no moratorium under the Personal Insolvency Acts on the sale of loans by a lending institution during the Protective Certificate period. A loan sale does not affect the rights under the loan contract as between debtor and creditor.
Regulatory protections also continue to apply, during the Protective Certificate period and throughout the process.
559. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the timeframe for ratification of the Istanbul Convention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1045/18]
View answerI and my Government colleagues are totally committed to tackling violence against women and domestic violence.
The Programme for Government commits to full implementation of the Istanbul Convention. This Convention is a significant legal instrument in tackling violence against women and domestic violence. Many of the actions required by provisions in the Istanbul Convention are being implemented on a daily basis under current legislation and administrative practice. The actions necessary to ratify the Istanbul Convention are contained in the Second National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence 2016-2021, published in January, 2016.
The implementation of most of these actions is underway including public sector training/education by a range of State agencies, the development of a Risk Assessment Matrix by An Garda Síochána, commissioning of a national helpline service to respond to issues of domestic and sexual violence, and support for child witnesses.
The remaining outstanding actions are legislative and require delivery of two pieces of legislation:
i) The Domestic Violence Bill which was published on 3 February 2017. The Bill has passed all stages in the Seanad and Second Stage in the Dáil. Committee stage is expected to commence shortly in the Dáil. It is hoped that this Bill will be enacted early this year. The enactment of this legislation is key to advancing the ratification of the Istanbul Convention as its enactment will deliver four of the actions required under the Istanbul Convention.
ii) The one remaining legislative action is the enactment of legislation for extraterritorial jurisdiction. Work on this action is underway and it is anticipated that this legislation will be published in the first half of 2108.
When the required legislative actions are implemented, Ireland will be in a position to ratify the Convention.
560. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the condition of the offices of his Department in Killarney, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1067/18]
View answerThere are procedures for dealing with any staff concerns in relation to office accommodation and any matters arising are kept under on-going review. The Office of Public Works (OPW) acts as the central property services provider for all office accommodation for Government Departments and carries out all building related projects on our behalf. The office in Killarney to which the Deputy refers is actually a shared building with the newly established National Shared Services Office (NSSO) under the auspices of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. There are plans by that office in conjunction with my Department and the OPW to further develop the office in Killarney in the context of the expansion of the NSSO. The issue of window replacement will be incorporated in that programme of works.
561. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a forthcoming immigration appointment in January 2018 will be rescheduled in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1086/18]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned is the subject of a Deportation Order made on 12 November 2008, following the refusal of the international protection claim made by the person concerned and the detailed consideration of their case under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended). That Order remains valid and in place.
The person concerned was required to present to the Garda National Immigration Bureau on 09 January 2018 and I have been advised that she attended this appointment. The next appointment for this person with the Garda National Immigration Bureau is on 27 February 2018.
The Deputy might wish to note that the effect of a Deportation Order is that the person named on the Order is legally obliged to leave the State and to remain out of the State. The enforcement of the Deportation Order in this case is now an operational matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau.
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.
562. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of personnel assigned to the Garda traffic corps. [1159/18]
View answer601. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of full-time equivalent dedicated traffic corps members employed in each county in each year since 2008. [1944/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 562 and 601 together.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including to the Roads Policing Units and I, as Minister have no direct role in the matter. I am assured by the Commissioner that Garda personnel assigned throughout the country, together with the overall policing arrangements and operational strategies are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of resources and the best possible policing service is provided to the general public.
I am informed by the Commissioner that the total strength of the Roads Policing Units on the 30 November 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 643. In addition, there is a Superintendent and Traffic Inspector attached to each of the five Regions outside of the Dublin Metropolitan Region, and one Superintendent attached to the Policing Road Traffic Bureau.
As the Deputy will be aware, this Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and to deter crime. To achieve this the Government has put in place a plan for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. We are making real, tangible progress on achieving this goal.
I am informed by the Commissioner that since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, just under 1,600 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide. Garda numbers, taking account of retirements, increased to 13,552 at the end of 2017 - an increase of over 600 since the end of 2016.
I am also pleased that funding is in place to maintain this high level of investment in the Garda workforce to ensure that the vision of an overall workforce of 21,000 by 2021 remains on track. This year a further 800 new Garda Recruits will enter the Garda College. Also 800 Garda trainees are scheduled to attest during the year which will see Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, reach 14,000 by the end of 2018.
In addition, a further 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.
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 roads policing in the coming years.
The Commissioner committed in the Policing Plan for 2017 to increase incrementally the number of personnel dedicated to roads policing by 10% to support better outcomes in relation to road traffic enforcement and crime prevention.
In this regard the Commissioner has confirmed that a review of the roads policing has been completed and a new role and job description for additional personnel for Road Policing Units has been developed. I am advised that a competition to fill vacancies within Traffic Corps units is ongoing at present. At the conclusion of this competition, additional personnel will be allocated to Traffic Corps duties.
Personnel strength of the Garda Traffic Corps 2008-2017
|
Division |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
|
D.M.R. South Central |
22 |
27 |
25 |
25 |
25 |
23 |
17 |
16 |
11 |
7 |
|
D.M.R. North Central |
22 |
22 |
20 |
19 |
19 |
17 |
18 |
18 |
17 |
18 |
|
D.M.R. North |
22 |
27 |
22 |
21 |
18 |
18 |
17 |
17 |
13 |
15 |
|
D.M.R. East |
13 |
18 |
19 |
17 |
15 |
15 |
15 |
14 |
9 |
9 |
|
D.M.R. South |
16 |
19 |
16 |
15 |
13 |
13 |
12 |
12 |
12 |
11 |
|
D.M.R. West |
20 |
22 |
22 |
22 |
21 |
19 |
19 |
16 |
13 |
12 |
|
D.M.R. Traffic |
148 |
156 |
155 |
149 |
144 |
138 |
106 |
118 |
107 |
105 |
|
Waterford/Kilkenny |
64 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Waterford |
- |
31 |
26 |
25 |
22 |
19 |
18 |
14 |
14 |
13 |
|
Wexford |
33 |
29 |
25 |
21 |
16 |
16 |
15 |
14 |
15 |
13 |
|
Tipperary |
46 |
40 |
31 |
28 |
26 |
22 |
23 |
21 |
21 |
21 |
|
Kilkenny/Carlow |
- |
39 |
38 |
37 |
36 |
32 |
31 |
28 |
26 |
26 |
|
Cork City |
55 |
51 |
48 |
49 |
45 |
40 |
38 |
36 |
39 |
38 |
|
Cork North |
41 |
41 |
40 |
39 |
37 |
35 |
34 |
33 |
33 |
33 |
|
Cork West |
35 |
27 |
28 |
28 |
25 |
21 |
22 |
18 |
22 |
22 |
|
Kerry |
35 |
35 |
35 |
31 |
25 |
22 |
20 |
18 |
17 |
18 |
|
Limerick |
35 |
33 |
34 |
30 |
32 |
31 |
29 |
26 |
23 |
25 |
|
Donegal |
39 |
34 |
42 |
32 |
30 |
29 |
31 |
27 |
20 |
20 |
|
Cavan/Monaghan |
37 |
38 |
36 |
29 |
30 |
27 |
24 |
25 |
25 |
21 |
|
Sligo/Leitrim |
26 |
34 |
34 |
33 |
34 |
31 |
24 |
24 |
23 |
23 |
|
Louth |
32 |
30 |
25 |
25 |
22 |
19 |
17 |
16 |
14 |
14 |
|
Clare |
31 |
29 |
24 |
25 |
18 |
17 |
16 |
18 |
17 |
15 |
|
Mayo |
32 |
29 |
27 |
22 |
17 |
12 |
11 |
11 |
11 |
11 |
|
Galway |
38 |
47 |
51 |
41 |
40 |
39 |
41 |
41 |
39 |
37 |
|
Roscommon/Longford |
- |
23 |
23 |
25 |
23 |
22 |
21 |
19 |
19 |
17 |
|
Roscommon/Galway East |
29 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Westmeath |
- |
27 |
29 |
26 |
24 |
21 |
23 |
20 |
28 |
27 |
|
Longford/Westmeath |
48 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Meath |
42 |
30 |
31 |
29 |
22 |
20 |
19 |
16 |
17 |
14 |
|
Carlow/Kildare |
58 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Kildare |
- |
36 |
40 |
41 |
41 |
39 |
36 |
34 |
25 |
24 |
|
Laois/Offaly |
44 |
42 |
35 |
31 |
26 |
24 |
25 |
25 |
22 |
18 |
|
Wicklow |
30 |
30 |
30 |
25 |
24 |
23 |
20 |
21 |
17 |
16 |
|
Total |
1093 |
1046 |
1011 |
940 |
870 |
804 |
742 |
716 |
669 |
643 |
563. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current or proposed residency status in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1313/18]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that notifications have issued to the person concerned pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended).
All representations received, together with all other information and documentation on file, will be fully considered, under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and all other applicable legislation, in advance of a final decision being made.
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.
564. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the national survey on the prevalence of sexual abuse and violence in Ireland, including in the workplace, is due to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1316/18]
View answerThe agreed terms of reference for the scoping group to consider the availability of data and make recommendations on a study to identify the prevalence of sexual abuse and violence in Ireland today and emerging trends are available on my Department's website. They provide that the group will report to the Cabinet Committee on Social Policy within 3 months of the first meeting of the group. The Group first met on 5 January and is scheduled to report by 5 April.
The agreed terms of reference also provide that following the conclusion of the initial scoping group exercise on sexual abuse and violence, a reconstituted Scoping Group will consider the separate but related area of sexual harassment in the workplace. This work will take place as a second module. The Cabinet Committee on Social Policy will agree new Terms of Reference and revise, inter alia, representation on the Scoping Group for the second module of its work which will examine qualitative and quantitative data available to Government in respect of sexual harassment in the workplace and the adequacy of the framework in place to protect employees. More detailed terms of reference will be brought forward under the direction of the Taoiseach. That Group will also report no more than three months after its first meeting.
565. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the section of the Property Services (Regulation) Act 2011 that exonerates firms from outside the State from adhering to the legislation while still operating within the State; his views on whether this loophole is unfair, unjust and anti-competitive in view of the fact it places an unnecessary level of regulation on Irish agents but not on those from other jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1321/18]
View answerThe Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA) was formally established on 3 April 2012, pursuant to the provisions of the Property Services (Regulation) Act 2011. One of the main statutory functions of the PSRA is the licensing of Property Service Providers, i.e. auctioneers, estate agents, letting agents and property management agents. The Authority is independent in exercising its statutory functions.
Part 11 and Schedule 7 of the 2011 Act relate to property services provided by certain persons from EU Member States referred to in the legislation as 'relevant persons'. Section 82 of the 2011 Act details a 'relevant person' as: one who holds from an EU competent authority a licence, or other form of authorisation, authorising that person to provide a property service similar to the definition provided for in the 2011 Act; is subject to a scheme of protection in respect of client accounts that substantially corresponds to the provisions of Part 5 of the Act; proposes to provide, or is providing, a corresponding property service in the State; and is not prohibited under the Act from providing the corresponding property service. The requirement to allow 'relevant persons' to provide property services in the State without a licence from the Property Services Regulatory Authority is a requirement of EU law, arising from our obligations under the EU Services Directive 2006/123/EC.
The EU Commission has indicated that it has concerns about certain provisions of the Property Services (Regulation) Act 2011, which may contravene certain aspects of the Services Directive. These relate to the provision of property services by persons other than 'relevant persons' who are permitted to provide property services in their own jurisdictions without a requirement to hold a relevant licence or authorisation. In the light of this concern, and in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, my Department is considering whether changes may need to be made to certain provisions of the current legislation.
566. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when he will publish the 2016 visiting committee's reports on Irish prisons. [1333/18]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that I have published all of the Prison Visiting Committees 2016 Annual Reports and they are available to view on my Department's website www.justice.ie.
567. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a person (details supplied) will be called to a citizenship ceremony; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1334/18]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the citizenship ceremony scheduled for Monday 16 October 2017 was postponed on public safety grounds due to the national status red weather alert, issued due to ex-hurricane Ophelia. The ceremony was rescheduled for Monday 27 November 2017, however the person referred to by the Deputy informed the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that she was unable to attend.
The person concerned will be invited to the next available citizenship ceremony. While the dates are not yet set for future ceremonies, it is envisaged that the first ceremony of 2018 will be in April. As soon as arrangements are in place details will be posted on our website at www.inis.gov.ie.
568. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí assigned to each Garda station in County Kildare in each of the years 2010 to 2017 and to date in 2018, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1343/18]
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.
The Garda strength of the Kildare Division on 30 November 2017, the latest date for which figures are available, was 352 with 20 Garda Reserves and 31 Garda civilian staff 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 Armed Support Units, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.
As the Deputy will be aware, this Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and to deter crime. To achieve this the Government has put in place a plan for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. We are making real, tangible progress on achieving this goal.
I am informed by the Commissioner that since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, just under 1,600 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, of whom 80 have been assigned to the Kildare Division. Garda numbers, taking account of retirements, increased to 13,552 at the end of 2017 - an increase of over 600 since the end of 2016.
I am also pleased that funding is in place to maintain this high level of investment in the Garda workforce to ensure that the vision of an overall workforce of 21,000 by 2021 remains on track. This year a further 800 new Garda Recruits will enter the Garda College. Also 800 Garda trainees are scheduled to attest during the year which will see Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, reach 14,000 by the end of 2018.
In addition, a further 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.
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 Division, including the Kildare Division.
I am informed by the Commissioner that the number of Gardaí assigned to the Kildare Division in each of the years 2010 to 30 November 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available, is set out in the following table.
Personnel Strength of the Kildare Division by Station 2010 - 2017
|
DISTRICT |
STATION |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
|
KILDARE |
ATHY |
29 |
31 |
34 |
|
|
BALLYTORE |
2 |
2 |
1 |
|
|
CASTLEDERMOT |
3 |
3 |
3 |
|
|
KILDARE |
33 |
26 |
27 |
|
|
MONASTEREVIN |
4 |
5 |
4 |
|
|
NEWBRIDGE |
45 |
47 |
50 |
|
|
RATHANGAN |
4 |
3 |
3 |
|
|
TOTAL |
120 |
117 |
122 |
|
LEIXLIP |
CARBURY |
4 |
4 |
5 |
|
|
CELBRIDGE |
18 |
17 |
17 |
|
|
KILCOCK |
8 |
9 |
10 |
|
|
LEIXLIP |
35 |
34 |
30 |
|
|
MAYNOOTH |
15 |
13 |
14 |
|
|
TOTAL |
80 |
77 |
76 |
|
NAAS |
BALLYMORE EUSTACE |
1 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
CLANE |
10 |
11 |
9 |
|
|
KILCULLEN |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
KILL |
4 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
NAAS |
101 |
101 |
103 |
|
|
ROBERTSTOWN |
5 |
6 |
2 |
|
|
TOTAL |
123 |
124 |
120 |
|
|
KILDARE TOTAL |
323 |
318 |
318 |
*Up to 30 November 2017.
569. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of an application for family reunification by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1348/18]
View answerI am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned made an application for Family Reunification in July 2016. The case has recently been finalised and a decision letter issued to the applicant on 09 January 2018. While I cannot comment on the specifics of any individual case I am advised by INIS that the provisions for family reunification under the Refugee Act 1996 do not extend to Irish citizens.
It is open to Irish citizens and those outside of the International Protection process to apply for family reunification under the Non-EEA Policy Document on Family Reunification, which is available on the INIS website, www.inis.gov.ie.
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.
570. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the cost associated with ratifying the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1365/18]
View answerIreland signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2007 and since then, successive Governments have emphasised Ireland’s strong commitment to proceed to ratification as quickly as possible, taking into account the need to ensure all necessary legislative and administrative requirements under the Convention are met.
As you will be aware, Government, at a meeting last month, agreed to ratify the Convention. The next step will be for the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to bring forward a Memorandum for Government on the formal ratification process which will happen in the coming weeks. We are awaiting final confirmation from the AG on whether a Dáil resolution will be required – and if it is, this will be a welcome opportunity for debate in the House on the position of people with disabilities in our society and the importance of this convention.
The Government also approved the publication of draft legislation relating to deprivation of liberty for public consultation. The draft legislative provisions outline proposed safeguards for older people, persons with a disability and certain categories of people with mental health issues to ensure that they are not unlawfully deprived of their liberty in residential facilities.
Deprivation of liberty is a sensitive and important matter which goes to the heart of fundamental freedoms and human rights. Legislative proposals in this area will have significant implications for families, the operation of the health services and the courts. It is important that people fully understand what is being proposed. For this reason, Minister Harris and I are inviting submissions from stakeholders and the general public by way of public consultation up until March before these are finalised for drafting by the AG’s Office.
This Government is making good progress with regard to making the Convention’s requirements operational in Ireland in an appropriate matter. Considerable progress has already been made to overcome the remaining legislative barriers to Ireland’s full implementation of the Convention as set out in the 2015 roadmap.
The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 was signed into law on 30 December 2015 and is a comprehensive reform on the law of decision–making capacity. Section 5 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 1993 was reformed through a 2017 Act of the same name to facilitate the full participation in family life of persons with intellectual disabilities and the full expression of their human rights.
There are two further priority implementation issues: these are the enactment of the Disability (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2016 and the commencement of the Assisted Decision Making Capacity Act 2015 which requires the Decision Support Service to be operational and ready to roll out the new decision-making support options. The 2018 Budget has provided an allocation of €3 million for the establishment of the Decision Support Service.
The future allocations of resources are matters for each annual Budget and are for the individual Departments involved.
Finally, I am continuing to take a wide range of practical measures to improve the lives of people with disabilities. The Report of the ‘Make Work Pay Group’ was published in April of last year and already action, as announced by Minister Harris, has been taken on its recommendations.
We have a Comprehensive Employment Strategy in place and 2017 saw positive action measures being taken to support public service recruitment of people with disabilities. I also published the Disability Inclusion Strategy in July of last year, which contains a wide range of practical commitments to improve the lives of people with disabilities.
571. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 596 of 26 July 2017 and correspondence of 20 December 2017, the reason the figures he supplied regarding An Garda Síochána payments to a company (details supplied) amounted to €16,564,322 in 2016, in view of a Garda internal audit section report on ICT directorates payment process of August 2017 which stated the amount paid to the company for 2016 was €26,594,655; the reason for the €10 million discrepancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1379/18]
View answerThe Deputy will appreciate, decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda resources are a matter for the Garda Commissioner, and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.
I have asked the Garda Commissioner who is the Accounting Officer for the Garda Vote, for the specific information requested and when it is to hand I will inform the Deputy accordingly.
572. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of contracts awarded to a company (details supplied) since 2009 by An Garda Síochána; the costs associated with each contract; the details of the type of work of each contract, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1463/18]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda resources including the awarding of contracts are a matter for the Garda Commissioner in light of his identified operational demands and the availability of resources and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the following table presents information pertaining to the number of contracts awarded to the company concerned since 2009 by An Garda Síochána, the costs associated with each contract and certain information regarding of the type of work of each contract.
|
Year |
Contract Description |
No. of Contracts |
Nature of |
Amount paid |
|
2009 |
T.205.I/2006 – Framework for Skilled IT Programmer & Analyst Resources |
1 |
Contract staff covering Business Analysis, Software Development and Test roles. |
€4,141,643 |
|
2010 |
T.205.I/2006 – Framework for Skilled IT Programmer & Analyst Resources |
1 |
Contract staff covering Business Analysis, Software Development and Test roles. |
€3,465,399 |
|
2011 |
T.205.I/2006 – Framework for Skilled IT Programmer & Analyst Resources |
1 |
Contract staff covering Business Analysis, Software Development and Test roles. |
€2,958,129 |
|
2012 |
T.205.I/2006 – Framework for Skilled IT Programmer & Analyst Resources |
1 |
Contract staff covering Business Analysis, Software Development and Test roles. |
€2,852,464 |
|
2013 |
T.205.I/2006 – Framework for Skilled IT Programmer & Analyst Resources |
1 |
Contract staff covering Business Analysis, Software Development and Test roles. |
€3,122,511 |
|
2013 |
Department of Justice & Equality Skills – Multi Supplier Framework |
1 |
Software Tester role |
€84,000 |
|
2014 |
Department of Justice & Equality Skills – Multi Supplier Framework |
1 |
Software Tester role |
€298,500 |
|
2014 |
T.205.I/2006 – Framework for Skilled IT Programmer & Analyst Resources |
1 |
Contract staff covering Business Analysis, Software Development and Test roles. |
€2,723,560 |
|
2015 |
T.205.I/2006 – Framework for Skilled IT Programmer & Analyst Resources |
1 |
Contract staff covering Business Analysis, Software Development and Test roles. |
€2,758,895 |
|
2016 |
T.205.I/2006 – Framework for Skilled IT Programmer & Analyst Resources |
1 |
Contract staff covering Business Analysis, Software Development and Test roles. |
€2,765,889 |
|
2016 |
Department of Education & Skills – Multi Supplier Framework |
2 |
Software development and Technical Software Tester role2 |
€213,430 |
|
2017 |
T.205.I/2006 – Framework for Skilled IT Programmer & Analyst Resources |
1 |
Contract staff covering Business Analysis, Software Development and Test roles. |
€2,946,635 |
|
2017 |
Department of Education & Skills – Multi Supplier Framework |
4 |
Contract Staff roles covering Reporting Development, Software Development and Test, DevOps support roles |
€451,000 |
|
2017 |
Department of Education & Skills – Multi Supplier Framework – Joint DoJ / AGS Tender for an Enterprise Design Architects |
1 |
Enterprise Design Architect |
€77,880 |
|
Total |
€28,859,935 |
574. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of tenders received for the construction of the new State forensics laboratory by the closing date of 20 December 2017; the likely timeframe to assess the tenders; when construction is likely to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1516/18]
View answerThe construction of the new Forensic Science Laboratory is being managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) on behalf of my Department.
The position is that no tenders have yet been received for the construction of the new Forensic Science Laboratory at the Backweston Campus. Owing to the complexity of the project and recent changes in international Forensic Laboratory Standards it is necessary to add further material to the tender documentation. Forensic Science Ireland and the Project Design Team are currently examining the issues involved which relate primarily to laboratory interior finishes and mechanical and electrical adjustments. The relevant contractors have been apprised of the situation and the tender submission date has been deferred. Revised tender documents will be issued in due course and the relevant contractors will be given advance notice of when this is to occur.
In the meantime the separate enabling works for the laboratory will continue at the Backweston Site. I can assure the Deputy that the Government is fully committed to the delivery of the new Forensic Science Laboratory Project at the Backweston Campus and that the multi-annual budget required for it is included in the Government's Ten Year Capital Programme.
575. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when it is expected there will be further graduations of probationer gardaí from Templemore in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1519/18]
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.
As the Deputy will be aware, this Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and to deter crime. To achieve this the Government has put in place a plan for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. We are making real, tangible progress on achieving this goal.
I am informed by the Commissioner that since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, just under 1,600 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide. Garda numbers, taking account of retirements, increased to 13,552 at the end of 2017 - an increase of over 600 since the end of 2016.
I am also pleased that funding is in place to maintain this high level of investment in the Garda workforce to ensure that the vision of an overall workforce of 21,000 by 2021 remains on track. This year a further 800 new Garda Recruits will enter the Garda College. Also 800 Garda trainees are scheduled to attest during the year with 200 trainees expected to attest in March, June, September and November which will see Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, reach 14,000 by the end of 2018.
In addition, a further 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.
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 Division.
576. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí at Rathfarnham Garda station from 2015 to 2017 and to date in 2018 in tabular form; the number of additional gardaí who have been appointed; the number of community gardaí; his views on the falling numbers of gardaí at Rathfarnham Garda station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1539/18]
View answer577. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to ensure that Rathfarnham Garda station is allocated enough resources to allow it to police its jurisdiction, which includes Firhouse, Knocklyon, Ballycullen and Rathfarnham; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1541/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 576 and 577 together.
As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.
I am informed by the Commissioner that in regard to the deployment of Garda personnel, a distribution model is used which takes into account all relevant factors including population, crime trends and the policing needs of each individual Garda Division. Furthermore when allocations are taking place comprehensive consultation is carried out with local management during which all factors are taken into consideration. Where a deficiency in resources is identified the matter is considered fully and addressed accordingly. It is the responsibility of the Divisional Officer to allocate personnel within his/her Division.
I am informed by the Commissioner that the Garda strength of the Rathfarnham Garda Station on 30 November 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 60 assigned, of whom 7 were community Gardaí. 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 Armed Support Units, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.
Further, the Commissioner has advised that all Gardaí, not simply designated Community Gardaí have a role to play in addressing community policing issues as and when the need arises and, in that sense, community policing involves far more than a single unit within An Garda Síochána.
As the Deputy will be aware, this Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and to deter crime. To achieve this the Government has put in place a plan for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. We are making real, tangible progress on achieving this goal.
I am informed by the Commissioner that since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, just under 1,600 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, of whom 5 have been assigned to the Rathfarnham Garda Station. Garda numbers, taking account of retirements, increased to 13,552 at the end of 2017 - an increase of over 600 since the end of 2016.
I am pleased that funding is in place to maintain this high level of investment in the Garda workforce to ensure that the vision of an overall workforce of 21,000 by 2021 remains on track. This year a further 800 new Garda Recruits will enter the Garda College. Also 800 Garda trainees are scheduled to attest during the year which will see Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, reach 14,000 by the end of 2018.
In addition, a further 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.
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 Division, including the DMR South Division which Rathfarnham Garda Station is a part.
In so far as the allocation of newly attested Gardaí is concerned, this is a matter for the Commissioner. I am assured by the Commissioner that the needs of all Garda Divisions are fully considered when determining the allocation of resources. However, it is important to keep in mind that newly attested Gardaí have a further 16 months of practical and class-room based training to complete in order to receive their BA in Applied Policing. To ensure that they are properly supported and supervised and have opportunities to gain the breadth of policing experience required, the Commissioner's policy is to allocate them to specially designated training stations which have the required training and development structures and resources in place, including trained Garda tutors and access to a permanently appointed supervisory Sergeant who is thoroughly familiar with their responsibilities under the training programme.
I am informed by the Commissioner that the number of personnel assigned to Rathfarnham Garda Station in each of the years 2015 to 30 November 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available, is as set out in the following table.
Strength of Rathfarnham Garda Station 2015-2017
|
Year |
Total |
|
2015 |
69 |
|
2016 |
64 |
|
2017* |
60 |
*Up to 30 November 2017.
