Tuesday, 3 Jul 2018

Written Answers Nos. 200-219

State Examinations

Questions (200)

Kathleen Funchion

Question:

200. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) who was unable to complete the leaving certificate examinations; if there is a provision to resit the examinations for students who miss the leaving certificate examinations due to exceptional circumstances without the necessity to repeat the entire year or wait a year to do so; and if he will consider this case for such. [29384/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations.

In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.

State Examinations Data

Questions (201)

Alan Kelly

Question:

201. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of persons required overall in recent years, including 2018, to correct papers and to assess projects in the State examinations; and the proportion of these persons who were registered teachers. [29426/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations. The Commission in this regard operates a scheme of Reasonable Accommodations in the Certificate Examinations. In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.

Teachers' Remuneration

Questions (202)

Alan Kelly

Question:

202. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of teachers in the most recent years for which statistics are available who were in receipt of a principal teacher's allowance throughout one school year and on the payroll but not in receipt of such an allowance in the subsequent school year; and if his attention has been drawn to evidence of greater numbers of principal teachers relinquishing their roles and links between this and increased regulatory and other administrative responsibilities. [29427/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

Principal teachers are employed by the managerial authorities of their schools and the information required for their payment on payrolls operated by my Department is provided by them. The information is provided on standardised forms which are completed by authorized representatives in the school.

A Data Protection Privacy Statement is included on these forms. The Data Statement outlines that the main purpose for which my Department requires the personal data provided is the payment of wages. It is also required for the payment of pension at retirement.

The information is retained on databases to ensure the correct payment of the teaching staff paid by my Department and employed in the schools on an ongoing basis.

The information requested by the Deputy could only be obtained from these databases. A statistical analysis of the aggregated data requested for voluntary secondary community and comprehensive schools indicated that less than one per cent of individuals who continued in teaching were paid the allowance in one school year and not in the next.

Teacher Training Provision

Questions (203)

Willie Penrose

Question:

203. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to make training available for principal teachers on enactment of the schools admission legislation in view of the fact that these principals will have additional responsibilities in areas such as pupil enrolment under the legislation. [29428/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The Deputy will be aware that the Education Admissions to School Bill, which is currently progressing through the Seanad, aims to provide a new framework for school enrolment that is designed to ensure that every child is treated fairly and that the way in which schools decide on applications for admission is structured, fair and transparent.

The approach taken aims to strike the right balance between school autonomy and fairness in our education system.

In relation to the role of the school Principal, the Bill does not alter, but recognises the current position that it is the school Principal who normally implements the school’s admission policy. The Bill also provides for regulations to be made in relation to a number of key aspects of school admission. In that regard, the Bill requires the Minister to consult with the education stakeholders, including management bodies and teacher unions, prior to the making of such regulations. Over and above the requirements of the Bill, the Department will also be consulting and engaging with both the IPPN and NAPD as representatives of primary and post-primary school Principals. This consultative process will help ensure that any concerns in relation to the implementation of the legislation can be taken account of and that the resulting regulations are as practical and straightforward as possible to operate for Principals, schools and for parents.

In addition, 2,600 extra Assistant Principals are being appointed in primary and post primary schools which will support the work of the Principal.

School Enrolments Data

Questions (204)

Willie Penrose

Question:

204. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of students on roll in the 20 smallest schools; if his Department takes responsibility to manage school amalgamations in circumstances in which enrolment trends are declining and unlikely to recover; and the steps taken in this regard. [29429/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The position in relation to enrolments at the 20 smallest schools in the country, four of which are island schools, is set out in the table.

In respect of two of the schools listed, the Patron of the schools concerned has taken a decision to close the schools from the end of the 2017/18 school year.

In respect of a 3rd school, following engagement with the school’s patron, approval has been granted by my Department to its amalgamation with another local school. A 4th school was established in September 2017 and it is anticipated that enrolments will increase. In respect of other schools listed, my Department will continue to engage with the Patron's of these schools where appropriate.

I can confirm to the Deputy that the decision making authority for school amalgamations belongs to the Patron/Trustees of a school, and this is subject to the approval of the Minister for Education and Skills. Any proposed changes involves extensive negotiations at local level and must be well planned and managed in a manner that accommodates the interests of students, parents, teachers, local communities and contributes to an inclusive education system.

The Programme for Partnership Government contains a commitment that no small school will close without the consent of parents.

Year	Roll no.	Name	Address	Address	Address	Address	Eircode	Enrolment per return
2017	13174H	ST COLUMBAS N.S.	INISHTURK	CO GALWAY		Mayo	H91YNP3	2
2017	14111L	CROSS N S	KILRUSH	CO CLARE		Clare	V15TW83	2
2017	16817P	BRANNOXTOWN N S	BRANNOCKSTOWN	Naas	CO KILDARE	Kildare	W91NY67	2
2017	18100D	LISGRIFFIN N S	GOLEEN	SKIBBEREEN	CO CORK	Cork	P81XE40	2
2017	10568N	S N CUIBHREANN	CILL CHAOI	CO AN CHLAIR		Clare	V15RT73	3
2017	16630W	CEARA N S	BONNICONLON	BALLINA	CO MAYO	Mayo	F26E782	3
2017	16982H	S N ATH EASCRACH CHUAIN	BEAL ATHA NA SLUAGH	CO NA GAILLIMHE		Galway	H53FK35	4
2017	20502M	Scoil Sinead NS	Scoil Sinead Pelletstown	C/O ETNS Broombridge	Bannow Road	Dublin	D07TD93	4
2017	14865Q	KILLOCRANN N S	CASTLEHILL	BALLINA		Mayo	F26HF78	7
2017	18818E	S N NAOMH IOSAF	LEITIR	CASTLEBAR	CO MAYO	Mayo	F23RY60	8
2017	16173U	KINAFFE N S	SWINFORD	CO MAYO		Mayo	F12FW71	9
2017	16379R	VALLEY N S	DUGORT	ACHILL	CO MAYO	Mayo	F28HY27	9
2017	05348S	SCOIL EOIN	TAHILLA	SNEEM	CO. KERRY	Kerry	V93D735	10
2017	12339I	S N INIS MEADHOIN	Inis Meáin	Oileann Árainn	Co. na Gaillimhe	Galway	H91P892	10
2017	15948C	CLOLOGUE N S	CLOLOGUE	CAMOLIN	ENNISCORTHY	Wexford	Y21NY10	10
2017	17365L	Two Mile Community National School	CILL AIRNE	CO CHIARRAI		Kerry	V93WD82	10
2017	04054T	BALLINDANGAN MIXED N S	Ballindangan	Mitchelstown		Cork	P67EW90	11
2017	05164I	SCOIL NAOMH CHOLMCILLE	OILEAN THORAI	AN BHUN BHIG	CO DHUN NA NGALL	Donegal	F92XV52	11
2017	11943S	BALLINLOUGH N S	BALLINLOUGH	CO ROSCOMMON		Roscommon	F45RY86	11
2017	12633I	COOLMEEN N S	COOLMEEN	KILMURRY MCMAHON	KILRUSH	Clare	V15KR50	11

Teaching Contracts

Questions (205)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

205. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps in place to promote teacher well-being; and if such measures will be augmented in view of international concerns regarding the importance of teacher wellbeing to a high quality education service. [29430/18]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

An Occupational Health Strategy is in place as a supportive resource for teachers. The aim of this strategy is to promote the health of teachers in the workplace, with a focus primarily on prevention rather than cure. The Occupational Health Strategy comprises of the Employee Assistance & Wellbeing Programme (EAWP) and the Occupational Health Service (OHS) for teachers.

The EAWP is a free confidential service available to teachers and their immediate family members. It is accessible by means of a Freephone dedicated helpline which is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, providing counselling on a range of personal health and wellbeing issues given by qualified clinicians. Up to 6 face-to-face counselling sessions are available to provide supportive and solution-focused care based on an individual’s clinical needs.

The OHS is in place to assist employers in carrying out their duty under Section 8 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 to “ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety, health and welfare at work of his or her employees”. In order to discharge these management responsibilities effectively and efficiently, it is essential that employers have access to professional occupational health advice on medical fitness for work. The OHS encompasses health management and incorporates pre-employment health assessments, sickness absence management referrals, medical assessments of fitness for work and ill health retirement assessments and appeals.

My Department regularly reviews the current Occupational Health Strategy with the partners in education to ensure best practice in early intervention and prevention for supporting positive occupational health and wellbeing.

Immigration Controls

Questions (206)

Robert Troy

Question:

206. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if an analysis has been conducted of the possibility of introducing trusted traveller schemes similar to those in operation between the United States of America and Canada following the UK's decision to leave the EU. [28704/18]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

Trusted Traveller programmes typically provide expedited travel for pre-approved, low risk travellers through dedicated automatic border controls.

A national framework contract for the supply and installation of Automatic Border Control 'eGates' at the Irish State's ports of entry was put in place by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service on 17 July 2017. The first phase of the project has seen the installation of 20 eGates at Dublin Airport (10 gates each in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2) with further phases of the system to be rolled out in the coming months.

Under this contract, there is provision for implementing a Registered Traveller System to allow approved citizens from countries outside the EEA and Switzerland to use the eGates. I have requested INIS to examine this option with a view to developing a policy in this area in the early part of next year. This will consider the type and nationality of travellers that the scheme will be open to and the detail of the applications process. Such a scheme would include carrying out background checks against the applicants to ensure they do not pose a public safety or immigration concern to the State.

UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Questions (207)

Seán Fleming

Question:

207. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of protocols attached to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; if each of the protocols has been ratified by Ireland; the implementation date of each of the protocols and the convention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29132/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality

I can inform the Deputy that there is one Optional Protocol attached to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Optional Protocol establishes two procedures to strengthen the implementation and monitoring of the Convention. The first allows individuals to bring petitions to the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities claiming breaches of their rights; the second is an inquiry procedure giving the Committee authority to undertake inquiries of grave or systematic violations of the Convention.

The Convention and the Optional Protocol cover a broad range of commitments some of which require substantive cultural change such as de-congregation, personalised budgets and deprivation of liberty.

The Optional Protocol is not being ratified at this time but will be ratified as soon as possible, at the latest following completion of Ireland's first reporting cycle which will identify any actions needed with regard to compliance with the Convention.

Commencement of Legislation

Questions (208)

Seán Fleming

Question:

208. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act 2015 will be commenced in all respects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29136/18]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 provides a modern statutory framework to support decision-making by adults with capacity difficulties. The Act was signed into law on 30 December 2015.

New administrative processes and support measures, including the setting up of the Decision Support Service within the Mental Health Commission (a body under the Department of Health), must be put in place before the substantive provisions of the Act can be commenced. A high-level Steering Group comprised of senior officials from the Department of Justice and Equality, the Department of Health, the Mental Health Commission and the Courts Service, together with the Director of the Decision Support Service, is overseeing the establishment and commissioning of the Decision Support Service (DSS) and this work is ongoing.

The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 (Commencement of Certain Provisions) Order 2016 (S.I. No. 515 of 2016), brought some provisions of Part 1 (Preliminary and General) and Part 9 (Director of the Decision Support Service) of the Act into operation on 17 October 2016. These provisions were brought into operation in order to progress the setting up of the DSS and to enable the process of recruitment of the Director of the DSS to begin. Ms Áine Flynn was appointed Director of the Decision Support Service on 2 October 2017.

The key preparations are being put in place under the oversight of the Steering Group to allow for further commencement orders for the provisions of the 2015 Act to be made when the DSS is ready to roll out the new decision-making support options. The Director is also working in a very determined way to get the necessary staff resources, processes, IT system, expert panels, codes of practice and regulations in place in order that the Decision Support Service can be up and running as quickly as possible. There are many complex strands to this work, including involvement of multiple organisations.

Every effort is underway to ensure that the Decision Support Service has all necessary capacity to open for business as soon as possible. The Mental Health Commission has recently engaged the consultancy firm BearingPoint to support the development of a detailed, costed plan to establish a fully operational Decision Support Service. The contract also includes ongoing project management support for the design and establishment of the organisation, business processes, IT systems and risk management framework.

My Department has received an outline implementation plan from the Director which contains monthly milestones for realisation of the objective of an active DSS. As time goes on, every effort will be made by all sides to achieve tightening of the timeframes where possible and the situation will continue to be monitored closely by the Steering Group.

The 2018 Budget provides for an allocation of €3 million in the Justice and Equality Vote for the establishment of the Decision Support Service.

The commencement of Part 8 of the Act, which provides for a legislative framework for advance healthcare directives, is a matter for the Minister for Health.

Housing Management Companies

Questions (209, 210)

Darragh O'Brien

Question:

209. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of dwellings, that is, houses and apartments paying management fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29157/18]

Darragh O'Brien

Question:

210. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the average amount of management fees paid per annum by dwellings, that is, houses and apartments in a managed estate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29158/18]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I propose to take Questions Nos. 209 and 210 together.

My Department does not maintain statistics on the numbers of houses and apartments paying management fees. However, a recent submission by the Apartment Owners Network and the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government estimates that nearly 500,000 people live in multi-unit developments in Ireland.

The primary purpose of the Multi-Unit Developments Act 2011 is to reform the law relating to the ownership and management of common areas of multi-unit developments and to facilitate the fail, efficient and effective management of owners' management companies (OMCs). These are bodies established for the management of such areas, the membership of which comprise the owners of residential units within the development.

As regards service charges, the Deputy should note that section 18 of the 2011 Act requires each OMC to establish and maintain a scheme of annual service charges to fund the costs of insurance, maintenance, cleaning, waste management and other common or shared services in respect of the development concerned. These service charges must be calculated on a transparent basis, be apportioned on an equitable basis between residential unit owners and be approved by the OMC members themselves at a general meeting of the OMC.

In this way, the Act gives residential unit owners themselves a role in determining the level of annual service charge, the level of services to be funded and the manner in which such services are to be provided. My Department does not keep statistics relating to the average amount of annual service charges in multi-unit developments.

Visa Applications

Questions (211)

Martin Kenny

Question:

211. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a holiday visa will be granted to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29265/18]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the visa application referred to was refused by the Visa Office in Dublin on 19 June 2018 and the applicant was advised of the reasons for the refusal.

The applicant was also advised that the decision could be appealed within two months. No appeal has yet been received in the Dublin Visa Office. It should be noted that applicants are advised by INIS that flights should not be booked before a visa decision has issued.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS 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.

In addition, applicants may themselves e-mail queries directly to [e-mail].

Criminal Prosecutions Data

Questions (212)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

212. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of foreign soldiers who have been charged with and convicted of contravention of section 317 of the Defence Act 1954 with regard to the wearing by foreign soldiers of a military uniform of a foreign State; and if they have been imprisoned for a term of six months as permitted in the Act. [29271/18]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

As the Deputy is aware, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in exercising its functions, which include the provision of information on the courts system.

However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that court statistics are not compiled in such a way as to provide the detail sought by the Deputy.

Immigrant Investor Programme Administration

Questions (213)

Micheál Martin

Question:

213. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on reports (details supplied) of the INIS meeting with the Central Bank regarding concerns about an anomaly in the cash for visa scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28647/18]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) was introduced by the Government in April 2012 to encourage inward investment for the creation of business and employment opportunities in the State. The programme provides non-EEA national investors with options to invest in Ireland. The criteria for the programme are that the investments are beneficial for Ireland, generate or sustain employment and are generally in the public interest.

The immigrant investor is required to make an investment of €1 million in Irish projects for a minimum of three years and on confirmation of receipt of the investment, they receive Stamp 4 residency permission for an initial period of two years and which may thereafter be renewed for 3 years following a review. Any investor who withdraws their investment from a Fund or any other approved investment loses any immigration permission granted under the programme.

I should point out that the Investment Fund Option under the IIP comprises around 10% of the overall Programme by which investors may invest in Ireland and obtain permission. All Fund applications submitted to the Evaluation Committee for consideration must, in the first instance, be in respect of a Fund approved and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland and must meet the published guidelines of the IIP programme. Any Fund not meeting these requirements would not be considered as a suitable investment vehicle and would not be in compliance with the IIP.

The article referred to by the Deputy arises from the release of an internal note under the FOI Act by the Central Bank relating to a meeting between officials from the Central Bank and INIS in regard to the IIP. The meeting focussed on the role of the Central Bank in the regulation of Funds operating as part of the IIP. With regard to the apparent anomaly referred to, I understand that officials from INIS are scheduled to meet with colleagues from the Central Bank in the near future and are happy to clarify matters with them.

Separately, INIS has scheduled a review of the overall programme in the second half of this year taking into account, among other matters, the changing economic climate and will be consulting with a wide range of stakeholders in that regard.

Irish Prison Service

Questions (214)

Robert Troy

Question:

214. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of positions to be filled in the Irish Prison Service as part of the current recruitment drive; when interviews will be completed for the positions; when a panel will be established; the length of time the panel will be in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28732/18]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am advised by my officials in the Irish Prison Service that the current recruitment campaign commenced on 2 February, 2018 with a closing date of 22 February, 2018 and is the second such recruitment campaign in 2 years. This recruitment process remains ongoing and it is intended to have a final panel in place in the coming months. Once finalised, the panel will remain in place for 24 months or until such time as the panel is exhausted.

The Irish Prison Service intend to recruit over 250 Recruit Prison Officers in 2019, from the current recruitment campaign.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (215)

David Cullinane

Question:

215. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the annual expenditure on commercial archaeology services in his Department by provider in each of the years 2013 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28750/18]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I wish to inform the Deputy that expenditure was incurred by my Department, on archaeology services over the period in question, is as follows:

	Munster Archaeology	Niamh McCullagh	Target Archaeological Geophysics
2013	€36,332.03	€38,568.55	NIL
2014	€9,011.56	€1,039.61	NIL
2015	€94,148.02	€26,768.75	NIL
2016	€55,291.22	€12,730.80	NIL
2017	€18,420.92	€7,844.29	€7,995.00
To date 2018	€8,530.92	€7,552.24	NIL
TOTAL:	€221,734.67	€86,952.00	€7,995.00

Road Safety

Questions (216)

Alan Farrell

Question:

216. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the action he will take to address the issue of vehicles parking in cycle lanes during designated cycle hours which forces cyclists to merge with vehicular traffic; if he will correspond with An Garda Síochána regarding the enforcement of cycle lane access for cyclists during designated hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28770/18]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I share the Deputy's concern on this important issue. The obstruction of cycle tracks by illegally parked vehicles, which forces cyclists to merge with other traffic, is unacceptable and makes our roads more dangerous for these vulnerable users. At a time when we wish to encourage healthy and environmentally friendly lifestyles, it is important that we ensure that our roads are as safe as possible for cyclists by robustly enforcing the laws that are intended to protect them.

Strong enforcement of road traffic laws has played an important role in improving the safety of our roads, leading to 2017 having the lowest number of fatalities on record. I am sure the Deputy will agree that it is vital that we continue to work to reduce this number further and encourage responsible use of our roads by all users through both enforcement and education.

I can inform the Deputy that I have recently contacted An Garda Síochána in order to request information on the enforcement strategy in relation to this issue, and to seek assurance that prohibitions on parking on cycle tracks will be strongly enforced. I will contact the Deputy directly upon receipt of a response.

Anti-Social Behaviour

Questions (217)

Alan Farrell

Question:

217. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the actions he will take to address anti-social behaviour issues on DART services; the resources that will be provided to An Garda Síochána to address such anti-social behaviour in instances in which gardaí are called to a DART station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28776/18]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

As the Deputy will appreciate, the allocation of all Garda resources, including personnel, is solely a matter for the Garda Commissioner and his management team and I have no direct role in this regard. However, I can assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána continue to monitor all new and emerging crime trends in our communities, particularly in the summer months.

I am advised by An Garda Síochána that Garda management engages extensively with transport operators and a range of regional and local operations have been put in place to address incidents of anti-social behaviour. An Garda Síochána maintains close contact with local and senior management in Irish Rail and other transport providers. Gardaí also have a good working relationship with the public transport services providers and patrols of uniformed and plain-clothes Gardaí, including personnel on foot patrols and other community engagement duties, are routinely employed when deemed appropriate by Garda management.

Working with communities to tackle public disorder and reduce anti-social behaviour remains a key priority for An Garda Síochána. This approach includes a strong focus on quality of life issues and collaboration with local authorities to help address the causes of anti-social behaviour. I might add that there is a range of strong legislative provisions available to An Garda Síochána to combat anti-social behaviour, including provisions under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Acts, the Criminal Damage Act and the Intoxicating Liquor Acts. There are also the incremental provisions contained in the Criminal Justice Act 2006 which provide for warnings and civil proceedings in relation to anti-social behaviour by adults and Part 13 of the Act which provides for warnings, good behaviour contracts and civil proceedings in relation to anti-social behaviour by children.

While An Garda Síochána will continue to tackle this problem head-on, they cannot eradicate the problem of anti-social behaviour alone. Specifically in relation to young offenders, it is also up to us as adults, particularly the parents and guardians of our young, to ensure that children are raised to be respectful and law-abiding. These lessons begin in the home, are further reinforced in our schools and then by society in general. We must all work together to ensure that such behaviour is never normalised and is tackled immediately.

Garda Data

Questions (218)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

218. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 264 of 22 June 2018, if he has directed that the data should be collected and collated in order that it would be readily available to the Garda Commissioner, his Department and Members of Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28796/18]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Garda Commissioner who is responsible for carrying on and managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána including by arranging for the training of the members and civilian staff of An Garda Síochána and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.

As stated in my previous response of the 22 June 2018, I am informed by the Commissioner that information regarding the number of Gardaí driving with Chief’s permission in each of the years 2012 to 2016 and to 20 June 2017 is available locally at each Division. I am advised that as this is an operational matter for the Divisional Officer it would take a disproportionate amount of staff time and resources to collate this information and as such it is not possible to provide the information requested to the Deputy.

However, I am advised by the Commissioner that the collation of this information is under review by Garda Management.

Irish Prison Service

Questions (219)

Seán Fleming

Question:

219. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the person who gave authority for the destruction of records (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28801/18]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am advised by my officials in the Irish Prison Service that there are no records of files being destroyed in Portlaoise prison in the manner referred to by the Deputy.

Given the timeframe involved, there are no staff available to discuss the inference made. I would ask that if the Deputy has any information to confirm that files were destroyed in the manner referred to, he should contact the Director General of the Irish Prison Service with this information and consideration will be given to same.