Written Answers Nos. 264-282
264. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline the reason a superintendent who was to take up a position at a County Limerick Garda station was appointed last week to head up the national vetting bureau, Thurles, County Tipperary (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17432/18]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware the Government approved the Five Year Reform and High-level Workforce Plan for An Garda Síochána in July 2016. The plan encompasses the agreed recommendations of the Garda Inspectorate Report "Changing Policing in Ireland" and the Programme for a Partnership Government commitment to expand the Garda work force.
In relation to civilian staff, the Plan sets a medium term target of 20% civilians of the overall Garda workforce by 2021. This translates to a doubling the number of civilian staff from 2,000 to 4,000 over the period and will bring An Garda Síochána more in line with international norms. This target will be achieved through a twin-track approach of firstly, a “civilian by default” policy to be adopted in relation to the filling of all new posts other than operational policing posts and for non-operational policing posts that become vacant and, secondly, the redeployment of Gardaí to policing roles.
While Government determines overall policy and provides the necessary resources, it is the Garda Commissioner who has responsibility to carry on and manage and control generally the administration and business of the Garda Síochána, including by arranging for the recruitment, training and appointment of its members and civilian staff. As the Deputy will be aware it is also 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.
I am assured by the Commissioner that all posts are filled having regard to the Five Year Reform and High-level Workforce Plan for An Garda Síochána and the requirement to allocate both Garda and civilian resources appropriately.
265. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to set out the number of sergeants and inspectors in County Wexford; the stations in which they are based; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17445/18]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.
I am informed by the 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. Where a deficiency in resources is identified the matter is considered fully and addressed accordingly.
Appointments to the ranks of Sergeant and Inspector are a matter for the Commissioner under section 14 of Garda Síochána Act 2005.
I am advised by the Commissioner that the overall strength of the Sergeant and Inspector rank was 1866 and 263 respectively as of 28 February 2018, the latest date for which figures are available. I am further advised by the Commissioner that there is currently a competition in train for promotion to the rank of Sergeant and Inspector with the aim of bringing the strength to 2,000 and 300 respectively, as agreed under the Employment Control Framework. I am assured by the Commissioner that following completion of this competition the needs of all Garda Divisions including the Wexford Division will be fully considered when determining the allocation of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors.
For the Deputy's information, I have set out in tabular form the number of Sergeants and Inspectors in the Wexford Division by Station, as of 28 February 2018, the latest date for which figures are currently available, as supplied by the Commissioner.
Wexford Division 28 February 2018
|
DISTRICT |
STATION |
SG |
IN |
|
ENNISCORTHY |
BUNCLODY |
2 |
0 |
|
- |
COURTOWN HARBOUR |
1 |
0 |
|
- |
ENNISCORTHY |
6 |
2 |
|
- |
GOREY |
6 |
1 |
|
- |
OYLEGATE |
1 |
0 |
|
- |
TOTAL |
16 |
3 |
|
NEW ROSS |
NEW ROSS |
7 |
1 |
|
- |
TOTAL |
7 |
1 |
|
WEXFORD |
CASTLEBRIDGE |
1 |
0 |
|
- |
ROSSLARE HARBOUR |
1 |
0 |
|
- |
WEXFORD |
13 |
3 |
|
- |
TOTAL |
15 |
3 |
|
WEXFORD TOTAL |
|
38 |
7 |
266. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the community return programme is open to prisoners serving a five-year sentence but statutorily barred; the process for making such an application; and the criteria needed to get access to and be a successful applicant for the scheme. [17467/18]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that mandatory sentenced prisoners are not considered for the Community Return Scheme due to restrictions on the granting of temporary release to such prisoners.
The Community Return Scheme is a temporary release scheme and as such any decision regarding it, is based on the criteria outlined in the Criminal Justice Act 1960 and the Criminal Justice (Temporary Release of Prisoners) Act 2003.
The eligibility to be considered for the Community Return Scheme include: those serving a sentence of between 1 and 8 years imprisonment; those who have 50% of entire sentence served; and the prisoner’s behaviour in custody and whether they have used their time in prison productively.
Before a final determination is made a number additional factors are taken into account including: the nature and gravity of the offence to which the sentence being served by the person relates; the sentence concerned and any recommendation made by the Court in relation to the sentence imposed; the potential threat to the safety and security of the public should the person be released; the person's previous criminal record; any report or recommendation made by the Governor, the Garda Síochána, a Probation & Welfare Officer, or any other person whom the Minister considers may be of assistance in coming to a decision as to whether to grant temporary release; the risk that the person might commit an offence during any period of temporary release; the risk of the person failing to comply with any of the conditions of temporary release; and the likelihood that a period of temporary release might accelerate the person's reintegration into society or improve his prospects of obtaining employment.
267. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 280 of 23 January 2018 the number of other persons who were killed in the road traffic collisions involving an unaccompanied learner driver in the years concerned; the number of persons who were seriously injured in the road traffic collisions; if the report has been published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17469/18]
View answerI have again requested a report from An Garda Síochána in relation to the statistics sought by the Deputy, and I can assure the Deputy that I will be in contact with him directly on receipt of the report.
268. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to set down the number of dogs assigned to each Garda division in each of the years 2010 to 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17471/18]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, decisions in relation to the management 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 authorities for the specific information requested and will inform the Deputy when it is to hand.
269. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to set out in tabular form the motor vehicles disposed of in 2017 that had been seized by An Garda Síochána; when the vehicles were seized, the age of the vehicles when sold; the price secured for the vehicles; the make and model of each vehicle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17490/18]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that An Garda Síochána has provided the information requested by the Deputy and this is set out in the following tabular statement. The Garda data concerns vehicles sold by public auction through the Garda Auctioneering Supplier. It should be noted that end-of-life vehicles not suitable for sale by auction are disposed of in accordance with waste management legislation. I am informed by An Garda Síochána that information on when vehicles are seized is not readily available and an inordinate amount of time would be required to collate such data.
|
No. |
Sale Date |
Make |
Model |
Registration Date |
Mileage |
Sale Price € |
|
1 |
28-Jan-17 |
Volkswagen |
Golf 2.0 Gt Tdi 138bhp 0 3dr - 1968cc Hatchback Diesel |
17-May-04 |
185,138 |
€700.00 |
|
2 |
07-Feb-17 |
Volkswagen |
Touareg D 2.5 Tdi 174bhp 5dr A - 2460cc Estate Diesel Automatic |
29-Mar-05 |
193,439 |
€1,950.00 |
|
3 |
07-Feb-17 |
Honda |
998 Cycle - 998cc Motorcycle |
30-Apr-04 |
19,030 |
€4,000.00 |
|
4 |
07-Mar-17 |
Mercedes Benz |
Ml 270 Cdi Commercial Auto - 2685cc 4x4 Diesel Automatic |
03-Jan-06 |
251,956 |
€1,500.00 |
|
5 |
07-Mar-17 |
Volkswagen |
Passat 1.9 Tdi 4dr B6 105bhp - 1896cc Saloon Diesel |
19-Jul-07 |
n/a |
€900.00 |
|
6 |
28-Mar-17 |
Toyota |
Avensis D-4d Tr 4dr 2.0 Overmount - 1998cc Saloon Diesel |
27-Jan-09 |
84,598 |
€3,800.00 |
|
7 |
18-Apr-17 |
Skoda |
Octavia Se Tdi Cr - 1598cc Hatchback Diesel |
06-Oct-10 |
94,450 |
€3,000.00 |
|
8 |
27-Jun-17 |
Volvo |
S40 1.8 Se Flexifuel Ffv - 1798cc Saloon |
02-Aug-07 |
236,527 |
€600.00 |
|
9 |
27-Jun-17 |
Yamaha |
998 Cycle Yzf-r1 - 998cc Motorcycle |
04-May-00 |
n/a |
€1,650.00 |
|
10 |
27-Jun-17 |
BMW |
318 E91 D Es Touring 5dr 143bhp - 1995cc Estate Diesel |
30-Apr-08 |
241,145 |
€2,400.00 |
|
11 |
27-Jun-17 |
Triumph |
Rocket 111 - 2294cc Motorcycle |
01-Apr-05 |
12,009 |
€3,250.00 |
|
12 |
11-Jul-17 |
Toyota |
Avensis Aura 4dr 1.6 Saloon - 1598cc Saloon |
23-Feb-06 |
231,713 |
€650.00 |
|
13 |
29-Aug-17 |
Big Bear |
1639 Chopper Athena - 1639cc Motorcycle |
15-Mar-08 |
0000 |
€7,100.00 |
|
14 |
26-Sep-17 |
Seat |
Leon 2.0 Tfsi Fr Dsg Auto - 1984cc Hatchback Automatic |
29-Feb-08 |
n/a |
€600.00 |
|
15 |
20-Feb-17 |
Volkswagen |
Passat Sport Tdi 140 - 1968cc Saloon Diesel |
29-Jun-06 |
229,084 |
€570.00 |
|
16 |
27-Feb-17 |
Audi |
A3 197 Tfsi Se - 1984cc Hatchback |
31-Jul-08 |
n/a |
€740.00 |
|
17 |
08-Jun-17 |
Toyota |
Avensis Aura 4dr 1.6 Saloon - 1598cc Saloon |
14-Jan-05 |
205,382 |
€200.00 |
|
18 |
15-Jun-17 |
Fiat |
Ducato - 1929cc Motor Caravan Diesel |
02-Apr-98 |
161,810 |
€7,500.00 |
|
19 |
12-Oct-17 |
BMW |
330 - 2926cc Saloon Diesel |
13-Jan-03 |
309,609 |
€200.00 |
|
20 |
23-Nov-17 |
Citroen |
Berlingo 1.9 D - 1868cc Van Diesel |
30-Jan-02 |
175,026 |
€50.00 |
Total: €41,360.00
270. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to set out the number of applications for visitors visas and long-term visas that have been decided upon since 1 January 2018; the number of visas granted and refused. respectively, by the countries from which these applications were made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17523/18]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that a total of 19,727 short stay visa applications and 4,582 long stay visas have been decided on this year to 31 March. The following tables set out the position in relation to the top ten nationalities for visa applications and a combined figure for all other nationalities for the two categories requested by the Deputy.
In order to maintain confidentiality in relation to individual applicants, the number of applications granted or refused for a particular country are specified where there are ten or more such decisions.
Table 1: Short stay visa by Nationality of applicant
|
Nationality |
Final Granted |
Net Refused |
|
India |
3,650 |
158 |
|
People's Republic of China |
2,507 |
83 |
|
Russian Federation |
2,440 |
43 |
|
Turkey |
963 |
<10 |
|
Nigeria |
633 |
320 |
|
Pakistan |
408 |
478 |
|
Ukraine |
618 |
47 |
|
Philippines |
474 |
88 |
|
Indonesia |
461 |
<10 |
|
Saudi Arabia |
462 |
<10 |
|
All other nationalities (109) |
4,945 |
937 |
|
Grand Total |
17,561 |
2,166 |
Table 2: Long-stay visa by Nationality of applicant
|
Nationality |
Final Granted |
Net Refused |
|
India |
1,357 |
144 |
|
Pakistan |
265 |
197 |
|
People's Republic of China |
321 |
25 |
|
Philippines |
273 |
37 |
|
Turkey |
201 |
23 |
|
Saudi Arabia |
203 |
<10 |
|
Nigeria |
133 |
62 |
|
Egypt |
109 |
<10 |
|
Russian Federation |
92 |
<10 |
|
Sudan |
85 |
<10 |
|
All other nationalities (80) |
813 |
222 |
|
Grand Total |
3,852 |
730 |
271. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to set out in tabular form the compensation payments made by the Irish Prison Service to inmates and persons on remand in 2016 and 2017 by amount paid; the general nature of each claim made for the payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17524/18]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Prison Service that the majority of compensation cases are managed by the State Claims Agency which is independent of the Irish Prison Service. Where compensation is awarded on foot of a court outcome or a settlement, it is subsequently paid from the Prison Service vote.
The following tables show the total amount paid in each category of claim to prisoners for the years 2016 and 2017.
|
Incident/Hazard Category |
Sub Hazard Type |
2016 (€) |
2017 (€) |
Grand Total (€) |
|
Exposure to Behavioural Hazards |
Violence, Harassment and Aggression |
255,405 |
247,500 |
502,905 |
|
- |
Self Injurious Behaviour |
50,000 |
51,736 |
101,736 |
|
Exposure to Physical Hazards |
Slips, Trips, Falls |
159,448 |
36,750 |
196,198 |
|
- |
Non Mechanical Components |
60,000 |
64,982 |
124,982 |
|
- |
Mechanical Components |
25,000 |
8,500 |
33,500 |
|
- |
Electrical/Temperature (excluding Fire) |
10,000 |
23,000 |
33,000 |
|
Exposure to Biological Hazards |
Bacteria |
0 |
92,000 |
92,000 |
|
- |
Organism Unknown |
29,500 |
10,500 |
40,000 |
|
Exposure to Chemical Hazards |
Gas/Other Chemical Products |
0 |
40,000 |
40,000 |
|
Crash/Collision |
Crash/Collision |
22,545 |
5,000 |
27,545 |
|
Clinical Care(Other) |
Clinical Procedures/Medication |
8,000 |
15,000 |
23,000 |
|
Exposure to Psychological Hazards |
Wrongful Arrest/Unlawful Detention |
28,500 |
0 |
28,500 |
|
Grand Total |
- |
648,398 |
594,968 |
1,243,366 |
272. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the Schengen visa waiver for Ukrainians will be extended to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17547/18]
View answerThe matter to which the Deputy refers is contained in Regulation (EU) 2017/850 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2017 which amended a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council Regulation (EC) No. 539/2001. The regulation constitutes a development of the provisions of the Schengen acquis in which Ireland does not take part in accordance with the Council Decision 2002/192/EC of 28 February, 2002.
Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 lists the third countries whose nationals must be in possession of a visa when crossing the external borders of the relevant Member States and those whose nationals are exempt from requiring a visa. As Ireland has not taken part in the adoption of this Regulation and is not bound by, or subject to its application, nationals of Ukraine continue to require a visa to travel here.
There are currently no plans to lift the visa requirement for Ukrainian nationals to come to Ireland. In considering this, a range of factors need to be considered including general compliance with the visa regime, the close alignment of our visa system with that in the United Kingdom in order to protect the integrity of the Common Travel Area, and more generally broader immigration policy.
273. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report in tabular form on the commitments made on refugees; the timeline for accommodating same; the number of refugees who have arrived here to date in 2018 under the resettlement and relocation mechanisms; the commitments made to accept unaccompanied minors here; the number of unaccompanied minors who have been accommodated to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17594/18]
View answerThe Government established the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP) in September 2015 as part of the State’s humanitarian response to the EU migration crisis and agreed to accept up to 4,000 asylum seekers and refugees into Ireland under EU relocation and Resettlement programmes. Ireland voluntarily opted into the two EU Council Decisions on Relocation (2015/1523) and (2015/1601), which provided for the EU wide relocation of 160,000 asylum seekers from Italy and Greece.
By the end of the two-year EU Relocation Programme in September 2017, across the Union, a total of 37,000 asylum seekers were eligible and registered for relocation in Italy and Greece, of which 78% (approximately 29,000) had been relocated to other EU Member States including Ireland. This is significantly lower than the 160,000 expected to be made available under the programme for relocation and resettlement.
Notwithstanding this, Ireland has remained committed to the target of 4,000 refugees and asylum-seekers and has taken its own steps to meet those commitments. The arrival of Ireland's relocation persons was completed in March 2018 with 1,022 people having arrived from Greece and work continues to house such persons in communities. 267 people have arrived under relocation in 2018.
Under Resettlement, Ireland pledged to admit 520 people under resettlement by 2017. We surpassed that figure in 2016 and this enabled the Government to further increase its commitment under the programme. A total of 1,040 persons under the European Commission’s July 2015 Resettlement scheme will have been admitted by the end of this year, which is a doubling of the original commitment of 520.
792 people have already arrived and the remaining refugees are due to arrive in the coming months. The European Commission recognises Ireland as being one of only seven EU Member States to have fulfilled their resettlement pledges from the July 2015 Agreement.
In a further gesture of humanitarian assistance towards the most vulnerable caught up in the migration crisis and following a debate in the Dáil, the Government also committed to taking up to 200 unaccompanied minors (UAMs) from France who were previously resident in the migrant camp at Calais. Unlike any other Member State, Ireland also offered these young people programme refugee status.
Following 13 missions to France, a total of 41 young people ultimately expressed an interest and were assessed as suitable to come to Ireland under the programme. They have all arrived in Ireland and this programme has been completed. These young people were taken in under the care of Tusla who have statutory responsibility for minors. The IRPP has also accepted 6 unaccompanied minors from Greece under the Relocation Programme. Further initiatives to respond to the needs of unaccompanied minors are under consideration at present.
To address the remaining balance of approximately 1,800 people under the IRPP, additional resettlement pledges have been made to take a further 945 refugees from Lebanon between 2018 (345) and 2019 (600). A new Family Reunification Humanitarian Admission Programme (FRHAP) is being established and will be open for applications shortly. This has a capacity to welcome up to 530 people by the end of 2019.
The Government is also keeping under review its options to further respond to our humanitarian obligation and to meet the target of 4,000.
A breakdown of the number of unaccompanied minors under the Calais Special Project and Greece is outlined in the following tables.
Calais Special Project
|
Year |
Number |
|
2017 |
30 |
|
2018 |
11 |
|
Total |
41 |
IRPP from Greece
|
Year |
Number |
|
2016 |
4 |
|
2017 |
2 |
|
Total |
6 |
274. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline the extent to which the circumstances surrounding the death of the son of a person (details supplied) have been investigated in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17624/18]
View answerThe Deputy's question refers to the tragic death of a young man in a road traffic incident. Certain of the circumstances surrounding his death have been subject to a number of investigations and reviews by various state bodies such as An Garda Síochána and the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission. The tragedy was also subject to independent scrutiny by the Independent Review Mechanism established by my predecessor as Minister for Justice and Equality.
The initial investigation conducted by An Garda Síochána led to the DPP successfully prosecuting a case against the driver of the car involved and resulted in a conviction.
Complaints from the family were also referred to the Independent Review Mechanism (IRM) established in May 2014 as a means to independently review certain allegations of Garda misconduct, or inadequacies in the investigation of certain allegations, which had been made to the Minister for Justice and Equality or the Taoiseach or other public representatives. A panel consisting of two Senior and five Junior Counsel was established for the purpose, all selected on the basis of their experience of the criminal justice system. Every case under the Independent Review Mechanism was reviewed by independent counsel, who made an objective recommendation. It was open to counsel to make any recommendation that they saw fit, including, if they considered it appropriate, some form of independent inquiry. Following the review of this case, counsel made a recommendation that the Minister should take no further action in this case and were of the view that the appropriate forum for these matters was GSOC. The Minister accepted the recommendation put forward by Counsel and informed the family accordingly in December 2016.
A number of complaints made to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission by members of the family are the subject of investigation by GSOC.
I can inform the Deputy that GSOC has now completed its criminal investigation in the case and has provided a copy of the report to the family, the Garda Commissioner and to me as Minister. It is understood that GSOC will publish this report shortly.
As previously stated, once all the GSOC investigations are completed, the question of whether further action, if any, is to be taken will be fully considered.
275. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the post of head of training and development within An Garda Síochána will be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17655/18]
View answerIt has not been possible to answer this question in the time available. I will revert to the Deputy in due course.
276. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to set out the number of retirements in An Garda Síochána from the rank of superintendent up to Commissioner since 1 January 2017, by rank, role and location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17656/18]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for carrying on and managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána.
I have included in my reply for the Deputy's information details of departures from An Garda Síochána for the ranks of Superintendent to Commissioner inclusive from 1 January 2017 to date, as provided to me by the Garda authorities. These figures include departures arising from voluntary, compulsory, or cost neutral early retirement, resignation, death, dismissal and medical discharge.
The Deputy will be aware that a competition is in train to select the next Garda Commissioner. The process is being undertaken by the Public Appointment Service under the auspices of the independent Policing Authority for the first time. The competition closing date was 12 April last.
In relation to the ranks of Superintendent to Assistant Commissioner inclusive it is a matter for the Policing Authority under Regulation 5 of Garda Síochána Act 2005 (Appointments to the Ranks of Assistant Garda Commissioner, Chief Superintendent and Superintendent) Regulations 2016 to keep under review the need for competitions to be held for the purpose of making appointments to the ranks concerned and to ensure that it has arrangements in place to undertake required competitions without undue delay. Regulation 5 further provides that the Commissioner shall keep the Authority fully informed with regard to vacancies likely to arise.
|
Number of departures from An Garda Síochána for the ranks of Superintendent to Commissioner from 1 January 2017 to date. |
- |
- |
|
Rank |
Location |
No. |
|
Commissioner |
Garda Headquarters |
1 |
|
- |
TOTAL |
1 |
|
Assistant Commissioner |
South Eastern Region |
1 |
|
- |
Special Crime Operations |
1 |
|
- |
DMR Region |
1 |
|
- |
Crime and Security |
1 |
|
- |
TOTAL |
4 |
|
Chief Superintendent |
Security & Intelligence |
1 |
|
- |
Waterford |
1 |
|
- |
Protective Service Bureau |
2 |
|
- |
Sligo |
1 |
|
- |
Community Relations |
1 |
|
- |
Roscommon |
1 |
|
- |
Wexford |
1 |
|
- |
TOTAL |
8 |
|
Superintendent |
Portlaoise |
1 |
|
- |
Bandon |
1 |
|
- |
Garda College |
1 |
|
- |
Store Street |
1 |
|
- |
Nenagh |
1 |
|
- |
Carlow |
1 |
|
- |
Immigration Bureau |
1 |
|
- |
Newcastle West |
1 |
|
- |
Office of Corporate Communication |
1 |
|
- |
Criminal Investigation Bureau |
2 |
|
- |
Sligo |
1 |
|
- |
Office of Ombudsman |
1 |
|
- |
Birr |
1 |
|
- |
Baileboro |
1 |
|
- |
Tullamore |
1 |
|
- |
Gaillimh |
1 |
|
- |
Ballymun |
1 |
|
- |
TOTAL |
18 |
277. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the closure of a centre (details supplied) as a result of his Department withdrawing funding; if his attention has been further drawn to the benefit this centre brings to the community; the measures he is taking to prevent the closure of the centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17659/18]
View answerThe Office for the Promotion of Migrant Integration (OPMI), an Office of my Department, allocates public funding for migrant integration projects on the basis of competitive selection processes carried out in a fair, open and transparent way. This gives a wide range of community and voluntary organisations the opportunity to bid for government funding for projects to support the integration of migrants in our communities.
South Dublin County Partnership received funding from OPMI via South Dublin County Council between 2008 and 2016 under a National Integration Funding Programme that concluded in 2016. In 2017, a new 3 year National Integration Funding Programme was initiated. Grant allocation under this programme was by way of open competitive calls for proposals. All organisations wishing to be considered for funding – including those who had received funding under the previous programme - were required to make new applications. All eligible applications received were assessed by OPMI staff against the published selection criteria. The funding recommendations were reviewed by an assessment committee that included external representatives. In all, 15 projects were selected to receive funding from a total of 73 eligible applications.
An application was received from South Dublin County Partnership which included a request for funding to contribute to the cost of running the centre referred to by the Deputy. Regrettably, this application was unsuccessful in what was a highly competitive process.
My officials advise that at a subsequent meeting held with the Office for Promotion of Migrant Integration in November last year, representatives from South Dublin County Partnership outlined their concerns for the future of the centre in Clondalkin. Officials of my Department proposed a number of alternative options to secure funding. They invited the representatives of South Dublin County Partnership to consider these options further and to submit proposals. However, no such proposals have been forthcoming to date. These options remain open to the organisation and my officials remain available to discuss those options further with South Dublin County Partnership should they so wish.
The National Funding to Promote the Integration of Immigrants is one of a number of funding programmes, administered by or on behalf of my Department to support migrant integration. We also provide funding from the Asylum Migration and Integration Fund and the Communities Integration Fund. South County Dublin Partnership is in receipt of integration project funding under both these funds. In 2017 the Partnership was awarded a grant of €150,000 over three years under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund.
The Migrant Integration Strategy, which was published in February 2017, makes provision for the continuation of funding through OPMI for integration related projects at community level up to and including 2020. Future "Calls for Proposals" under all integration funding programmes will be advertised on my Department's website, the Office for the Promotion of Migrant Integration and the EU Funds Unit of the Department. South Dublin County Partnership is entitled to apply as appropriate.
278. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has examined the possible effects of measures in the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009 that make it necessary for all rights of way to be registered by 2021; the practical effects this will have on the system; the progress made to date to promote and encourage landowners to register their interests before the deadline; if provisions will be made for farmers regarding accessing septic tanks and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17665/18]
View answerThe general position concerning the registration of easements acquired by prescription is set out in the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009 and the Registration of Title Act 1964, as amended by Parts 12 and 13 of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011.
Part 8 (Chapter 1) of the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009 updated the law concerning the acquisition of easements, including rights of way. Section 35 of the 2009 Act, as amended by the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011, provides, inter alia, that a right of way which has not been reserved or granted may be acquired by prescription, i.e. acquired on the basis of long enjoyment of the easement concerned, on registration of a court order under that section or in accordance with section 49A of the Registration of Title Act 1964.
Section 49A of the 1964 Act permits the Property Registration Authority (PRA) to register such an easement where it is satisfied that there is an entitlement to the easement concerned. Where, however, the PRA is not satisfied that there is such an entitlement, such as where there is disagreement between the parties concerned, a court order under section 35 of the 2009 Act is required.
Information and detailed rules applicable to the registration of easements are set out in the Land Registration Rules 2012 (S.I. No. 483 of 2012) and 2013 (S.I. No. 389 of 2013) which are available on the PRA website (www.pra.ie).
I should also point out that under the Property Registration Authority (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order (S.I. 574 of 2017) the functions previously vested in the Minister for Justice and Equality under the Registration of Title Act 1964 have been transferred to the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government with effect from 1 January 2018.
279. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will include a review of domestic and sexual violence data collection and analysis by State services in the SAVI II report. [17697/18]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the Scoping Group was established 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. The terms of reference for the group are published on my Department's website. The Group met for the final time on April 9th. Significant progress has been made and I expect to bring proposals to Government in relation to this matter in the coming weeks.
280. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline his views on a media report that An Garda Síochána overstated the number of sexual offences reported in each of the years 2003 to 2016. [17698/18]
View answerA review being carried out by the Central Statistics Office of the statistics provided to them by An Garda Síochána has highlighted some classification errors. The review has, in particular, highlighted an overestimation of the level of sexual crime reported for most years from 2003-2016.
The CSO have advised that part of the reason for the over-recording of crimes was because, until now, if repeated crimes were committed by the same person on the same victim, each incident was recorded as a separate case. During the 14-year period under review, from 2003 to 2016, sex crime reporting was overestimated by the Garda by 6 per cent overall.
It should be noted that the over-recording of these crimes was most pronounced in the years 2003-2008, and that in more recent years the level of over-recording discovered was between 1% and 3%.
While it is very concerning that further errors in the recording and classification of statistics have been uncovered, it is important that these errors are identified and that the figures are corrected and measures put in place to avoid recurrence.
The CSO guidance in this area is of great assistance to An Garda Síochána, as well as the continued diligence shown by the Policing Authority in terms of their oversight of this issue.
281. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline the timeframe for the implementation of the recommendations contained in the Ombudsman’s report on an investigation into the administration of the Magdalen restorative justice scheme. [17709/18]
View answerI am committed to honouring the commitments made to the Magdalen women. To date, 691 applicants have received redress amounting to €25.9 m in lump sums under the Ex Gratia Magdalen Restorative Justice Scheme, along with other enhanced Health and Social Protection supports.
I have carefully considered the Ombudsman’s report of November 2017 on the administration of the scheme by my Department. I am pleased to have since had the opportunity to have a detailed and constructive discussion with the Ombudsman about my plans to implement the recommendations made his report. Last week I briefed the Cabinet on these plans.
In relation to the four recommendations in the Ombudsman's report, the following is the position:
- Where there is a dispute in respect of the length of stay in a Magdalen Institution, an independent Senior Counsel will review these cases. Ms. Mary O’Toole SC has been asked to undertake this work.
- Counsel will also advise on assistance to be given to applicants who lack capacity to accept an award.
- The reviews recommended by the Ombudsman in regard to eligibility of cases of women who worked in one of the institutions covered by the Scheme but who were officially recorded as having been “admitted to” a training centre or industrial school located in the same building, attached to or located on the grounds of one of the laundries will now be taken forward following a brief scoping review by an interdepartmental group, chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach.
- The recommendation to establish guidance on the development and operation of redress schemes will be examined in consultation with Government colleagues, including the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
I will work with the Ombudsman and with colleagues in Government to address these matters as quickly as possible.
282. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to set down the number of new vehicles scheduled to be delivered to An Garda Síochána during 2018; the number due to be delivered in each quarter of 2018; the number to be delivered to each Garda district; the number that have been delivered to each district to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17747/18]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda vehicles are a matter for the Garda Commissioner in light of his identified operational demands and the availability of resources. As Minister, I have no direct role in the matter.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Government's Capital Plan 2016 – 2021 provides €46 million for investment in the Garda fleet to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit for purpose fleet. This is in addition to the investment of almost €30 million in the period 2013 to 2015.
In total, almost €44 million has been invested in the fleet in the period 2013 to end of 2017, with some 2,000 vehicles coming on stream in that period.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the vehicles listed in the following table have been allocated to date in 2018:
|
- |
CARS |
VANS |
4 X 4 |
OTHERS |
TOTAL |
|
TOTAL |
32 |
10 |
15 |
3 |
60 |
|
DMR |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
|
DMR North Central |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
|
EASTERN REGION |
3 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
7 |
|
Kildare |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Meath |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Westmeath |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
3 |
|
Wicklow |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
|
H.R.M. |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
|
NORTHERN REGION |
1 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
4 |
|
Cavan-Monaghan |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
|
Donegal |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
|
NATIONAL UNITS |
22 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
25 |
|
SOUTH EASTERN REGION |
2 |
2 |
3 |
0 |
7 |
|
Kilkenny/Carlow |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Tipperary |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
3 |
|
Waterford |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Wexford |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
|
SOUTHERN REGION |
3 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
7 |
|
Cork North |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Cork West |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Kerry |
0 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
3 |
|
Limerick |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
WESTERN REGION |
1 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
5 |
|
Clare |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Galway |
1 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
4 |
I am further informed that in addition to the vehicles included in the table, there are a number of vehicles which were purchased in 2017 which are currently being fitted out and are due to be allocated shortly. These vehicles include twenty vans, five 4x4s, and twelve motorcycles.
Garda authorities have indicated the purchase plan for 2018 is intended to provide some 260 vehicles. 42 of these are encompassed in the 60 vehicles allocated to date this year and listed in the table.
The allocation of the additional vehicles will be decided upon by the Garda authorities having regard to operational needs following delivery and fit out.
