Written Answers Nos. 220-239
220. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to set out the percentage of the prison population serving sentences for drugs-related offences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28820/18]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that on the 31 May 2018 there were 3,992 prisoners in custody across the prison system. Of this 384 or almost 12% were serving sentences in relation to drugs related offences.
A full breakdown of the offences, taken from the most recent snapshot of the prison population conducted on 31st May 2018, is set out in the following table. The figures include the length of the sentence in each case.
Data from Snapshot 31st May 2018
|
Offence Description |
<3 Mths |
3 to <6 Mths |
6 to <12 Mths |
1 to <2 Yrs |
2 to <3 Yrs |
3 to <5 Yrs |
5 to <10 Yrs |
10+ Yrs |
Total |
|
CULTIVATION OF CANNABIS PLANTS AND OPIUM POPPY |
1 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
6 |
||||
|
MISUSE OF DRUGS ACT - PRINTING ETC OF CERTAIN BOOKS |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
POSSESSION FOR SALE OR SUPPLY DRUGS VALUE €13,000.00 OR MORE |
1 |
8 |
22 |
29 |
18 |
78 |
|||
|
POSSESSION OF DRUG FOR THE PURPOSE OF SALE OR SUPPLY |
1 |
3 |
10 |
42 |
42 |
56 |
67 |
29 |
250 |
|
UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF DRUG(S) |
2 |
3 |
3 |
6 |
16 |
12 |
4 |
46 |
|
|
UNLAWFUL SUPPLY/OFFER TO SUPPLY CONTROLLED DRUG |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
UNLAWFULLY IMPORTING OR EXPORTING CONTROLLED DRUGS |
1 |
1 |
2 |
||||||
|
Total |
1 |
5 |
13 |
48 |
60 |
97 |
109 |
51 |
384 |
221. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when Bawnboy Garda station, County Cavan, will reopen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28836/18]
View answerThe Deputy will appreciate that the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the Office of Public Works (OPW), which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. This includes identifying and progressing any necessary remedial or refurbishment works required at individual stations. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for a Partnership Government commits to a pilot scheme to reopen 6 Garda stations, both urban and rural, to determine possible positive impacts that such openings will have on criminal activity, with special emphasis on burglaries, theft and public order.
The Garda Commissioner's final report on the matter, which is available on my Department's website, recommended that Bawnboy Garda Station be reopened, along with stations in Ballinspittle, Co. Cork, Donard, Co. Wicklow, Leighlinbridge, Co. Carlow and Rush and Stepaside, Co. Dublin.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that a brief of requirements was provided to the OPW in relation to the reopening of each of these 6 stations, including Bawnboy Garda Station, and that the Garda authorities requested the OPW to undertake technical surveys to determine the works which would be required to enable the stations to reopen.
I understand that the OPW has concluded the necessary technical surveys and advised the Commissioner accordingly. The Commissioner is currently considering the matter.
It is not possible to say at this stage when the six stations will reopen as this depends on a number of factors, but my officials are engaging on an on-going basis with An Garda Síochána and the OPW as they progress these very important projects.
222. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline his views on whether the model being proposed in respect of judicial appointments is not in line with European standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28867/18]
View answer223. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on the dealings with an organisation (details supplied) on the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28868/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 222 and 223 together.
In its 2014 Report on Ireland, GRECO carried out an analysis of the existing Judicial Appointments Advisory Board mechanisms established under the Courts and Courts Officers Act 1995 and recommended “that the current system for selection, recruitment, promotion and transfers of judges be reviewed with a view to target the appointments to the most qualified and suitable candidates in a transparent way, without improper influence from the executive/political powers.”
The then Minister for Justice had initiated a public consultation process in late 2013/early 2014 with a view to receiving submissions from a wide range of stakeholders in order to assist in the preparation of reforming legislation in the judicial appointments area. Included in the submissions received was a 97 page submission from a specially-constituted committee of the judiciary.
Following a commitment in the Programme for Government 2016 regarding a new Judicial Appointments Commission with an independent chair and lay majority, and taking into account the submissions received, a Scheme of a Bill was published in December 2016 and underwent pre-legislative scrutiny in January 2017. The Scheme, significantly modified following issues which arose in the pre-legislative process, was published as a Bill on 30th May 2017 and has since been passed by Dáil Éireann and is awaiting Committee Stage in the other House which is scheduled today.
GRECO recently produced a Fourth Round Evaluation Draft Interim Compliance Report in relation to Ireland on 11 June 2018 for adoption at the GRECO 80th Plenary meeting held in Strasbourg on 18-22 June. This Report had been produced in earlier draft in 2017 and Ireland had been given the opportunity to comment on its conclusions. In relation to the Judicial Appointments Bill that report concluded that the 2014 GRECO recommendation in relation to judicial appointments legislation remained unimplemented, despite a formal Bill having been published and advanced through the Houses of the Oireachtas. GRECO had also received correspondence from the Irish Judiciary which was critical of the Judicial Appointments Bill both in terms of their view that there had not been adequate consultation in relation to the Bill and their consistent opposition to the proposed composition of the new Commission as regards the appointment of a lay chairperson and lay majority and the number of judges on the Commission. I very much welcome the fact that the Judiciary were in a position to express their views independently to GRECO and I understand that GRECO themselves also welcomed this.
GRECO, in this draft compliance report, expressed significant concerns regarding the proposed composition of the new Commission, in particular that a minority of judges and a strong lay representation (including the chairperson), is not in line with European standards. This conclusion was based on a Recommendation of the Council of Europe from 2010, adopted by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in 2012, which among other things recommended a judicial appointments body ‘drawn in substantial part from the judiciary’.
My senior officials attended the GRECO plenary meeting in Strasbourg on 18-22 June and explained that Ireland would strongly question a view that the presence of the Chief Justice (as head of the Supreme Court) and the four other Presidents of Courts on the new Commission is anything other than a body ‘drawn in substantial part from the judiciary.’ It was also explained that Ireland respectfully disagrees with the suggestion in the Report that Ireland is not in line with European standards in this regard since the Council of Europe Recommendation relied on does not equate the term ‘substantial part’ to a majority of judges or, indeed, half of the membership of such a body. It was also pointed out that the 2010 Recommendation itself specifies, in relation to countries which have judicial appointments bodies where the body both selects and appoints judges, that those bodies should be made up ‘at least half’ of judges, thus not specifying a majority even in that case. It was also pointed out to the GRECO meeting that the 2010 Recommendation of the Council of Europe also sets specifically that the membership of judicial selection authorities should ensure the widest possible representation and that this is one of the reasons why the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017 provides for a large cohort of lay members, carefully and independently selected according to very specific skills and experience criteria, by the Public Appointments Service. I understand that, following that meeting, GRECO has incorporated amendments to the Interim Compliance Report.
Finally I might also point out, as was indicated to GRECO, that there are no internationally binding norms in relation to the composition of judicial selection bodies. Other recommendations have been made or formal views expressed in this area including in the ENCJ (European Network of Councils for the Judiciary) Dublin Declaration (2012) which stated that: “The procedures for the recruitment, selection or (where relevant) promotion of members of the judiciary ought to be placed in the hands of a body independent of government in which a relevant number of members of the judiciary are directly involved and that the membership of this body should comprise a majority of individuals independent of government influence.”
224. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) has recently taken up residence here having been refused access to the UK; and the measures being taken to stop racist and fascist organisers from setting up here. [28874/18]
View answerIt is not the practice to comment on the details of an individual case such as this.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the European Directive (2004/38/EC) on the free movement of EU citizens and their family members is transposed into Irish law through the European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) Regulations 2015. The Regulations provide that an EU citizen who is in possession of his or her national identity card or passport may not be refused permission to enter Ireland unless it would be contrary to public policy or would endanger public security to grant him or her permission to enter the State. Restrictions on the right of residence of EU citizens may be imposed on similar grounds.
The Directive provides that measures taken on grounds of public policy or public security must comply with the principle of proportionality and must be based exclusively on the personal conduct of the person concerned. The Directive states that previous criminal convictions shall not, in themselves, constitute grounds for taking such measures. However, a previous criminal record would, where known by the immigration authorities, be a relevant factor in determining whether to permit a person to enter the State as the person could constitute a genuine threat to public policy or public security.
It is, of course, the case that all persons entering and in the State are required to abide by the laws of the State and in circumstances where they engage in criminal conduct they are liable to investigation and prosecution in respect of that conduct.
The Deputy will also be aware that the general criminal law and targeted legislation, the Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act 1989, have application for the purpose of protection from racist, xenophobic or other hate attacks. It is an offence to propagate views that are threatening, abusive or insulting and are intended to, or, having regard to all the circumstances, are likely to stir up hatred against a group of persons on account of their race, colour, nationality, religion, ethnic or national origins, membership of the Traveller community or sexual orientation. Accordingly prosecutions may be brought under the Act where intention to incite hatred is proven or where the likelihood of stirring up hatred is proven regardless of intention.
I would note for the Deputy that the National Strategy for Migrant Integration includes a number of actions to promote intercultural awareness and to combat racism and xenophobia. It includes an action to review the current legislation on racially motivated crime with a view to strengthening the law. It also intends to address the issue of under-reporting of racially motivated crime. It is a Whole-of-Government Strategy, in which all branches of Government work together to make our integration vision a reality. That vision is that migrants are facilitated to play a full role in Irish society, that integration is a core principle of Irish life, and that Irish society and institutions work together to promote integration fully. Promoting intercultural awareness and combatting racism is key to achieving this.
The Garda National Diversity and Integration Unit (GNDIU) has responsibility for coordinating, monitoring and advising on all aspects of policing Ireland's diverse communities. GNDIU monitors the reporting and recording of hate and racist crime on a continual basis. There are currently a total of 247 Garda Ethnic Liaison Officers (ELOs) appointed to work with minority communities at local level. These officers play a fundamental role in liaising with minority communities and work in partnership to encourage tolerance, respect and understanding within communities and to help prevent hate and racist crime. The GRIDO and ELO's provide advice and assistance to victims of hate or racist crime.
Ireland has also ratified and continues to implement the International UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. This year, Ireland will submit its combined Fifth to Seventh periodic reports to the UN Committee. It is due to be approved by the Government shortly and will be transmitted to the UN thereafter. The report has undergone a comprehensive consultation process with civil society and government agencies, and Ireland looks forward to examination by the Committee, to update them on Ireland’s ongoing positive progress to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination.
225. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if extra assistance is available for poorer communities that wish to apply for the recently announced funding to install CCTV but cannot raise the matching funding required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28935/18]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, my Department has launched a community-based CCTV grant-aid scheme to assist groups in the establishment of community-based CCTV systems in their local areas. It is intended that the scheme will run for 3 years with funding of some €1 million being made available each year.
Full details of the scheme, including guidelines and other relevant documentation are available to download from my Department's website - www.justice.ie.
It is modelled closely on the previous grant-aid scheme operated between 2005 and 2013 by Pobal on behalf of my Department, under which some 45 Community-based CCTV systems were established operating in a mix of urban and rural environments.
Under the scheme, eligible community groups can apply for grant-aid of up to 60% of the total capital cost of establishing a proposed CCTV system, up to a maximum grant of €40,000. However applicants for grant aid under the scheme are not precluded from applying for funding from any other sources to assist in making up the balance of funding required.
I am keen to ensure that interested groups have the opportunity to take full advantage of the available funding and guidance is available from my officials to provide any clarifications or assistance required, with a dedicated email address available for that purpose - communitycctv@justice.ie.
226. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline his plans to remove the unconstitutional ban on asylum seekers' right to work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28942/18]
View answerOn 27 June last, the Minister of State with special responsibility for Equality, Immigration, and Integration, David Stanton TD, and I announced measures providing for enhanced access to the labour market for qualified protection applicants in Ireland with the entry into force of the EU (recast) Reception Conditions Directive.
I am delighted that the Government has approved a broad and generous access to the labour market for qualified applicants amongst a number of other important reforms in a range of areas covered by the Directive including reception conditions for applicants, improved identification of vulnerability and children’s rights. These measures are a further step on the road we have pursued in recent years to significantly reform our protection process.
Effective access to the labour market will help to alleviate social and economic exclusion for applicants and avoid long-term dependency on the State. Asylum seekers will have access to additional means to provide for themselves and their families outside of the State’s directly provided services and supports while their application is being determined. Moreover, Ireland is one of the few EU Member States to allow eligible asylum seekers to also engage in self-employment.
Our accommodation centres will now be put on a statutory basis and an applicant with sufficient earnings may choose to provide their own accommodation in the future. For those who will be granted protection, this will of course assist their early integration into our society and communities. For those who are found not to have a protection need, it provides an opportunity to receive an income, which will help them in their reintegration to their home country to rebuild their lives there.
In May 2017, the Supreme Court found that an absolute ban on the right to seek employment for asylum seekers, where there was no time limit in the decision making process, was unconstitutional. The Government availed of this opportunity to broaden the scope of reform required and committed Ireland, with the approval of the Oireachtas, to opting-in to the EU (recast) Reception Conditions Directive 2013, thereby aligning our position with EU norms and standards. The Directive lays down the standards for the reception of international protection applicants while their application is being determined. Under the Directive, asylum seekers will have access to the labour market nine months from the date when their protection application was lodged, if they have yet to receive a first instance recommendation from the International Protection Office and have cooperated with the process.
Eligible applicants may apply to the Labour Market Access Unit (LMAU) of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS), for a labour market permission (which covers both employment and self-employment). The permission will be granted to eligible applicants for six months and will be renewable until there is a final decision on their protection application. Eligible applicants will have access to all sectors of employment, with the exception of the Civil and Public Service, An Garda Síochána, and the Irish Defence Forces.
An information campaign is being launched to ensure that applicants, employers, trade unions, NGOs and all other relevant bodies are fully informed of the labour market access and eligibility arrangements that will apply. Full details and an application form will also be available on the INIS website: www.inis.gov.ie.
227. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline the programmes available for refugees here under the EU relocation programme for permanent housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28943/18]
View answerAt the outset, I wish to inform the Deputy that I have no responsibility to the Dáil for housing matters, which fall under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government. However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy I set out below the general processes that apply in the Irish resettlement model.
With regard to the EU relocation programme, and indeed refugee resettlement generally, the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP) which falls under the ambit of the Office for the Promotion of Migrant Integration (OPMI) within my Department has a coordinating role in respect of all matters related to the settlement of refugees.
Resettlement in communities is coordinated by an Inter-Agency Working Group chaired by the relevant local authority and with members from relevant agencies such as the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Tusla, An Garda Síochána, the Education and Welfare Service, the Education and Training Board and the IRPP. Once a family is resettled in a community, an implementing partner procured by the local authority provides appropriate services for a period of twelve to eighteen months. The standard model is now focussed on an eighteen month period. The implementing partner plays a critical role in ensuring the success of each resettlement through their expertise in community integration and relevant supports. The funding for the implementing partner is provided by the IRPP and the EU Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF), both managed under the auspices of my Department.
The implementation of the programme requires a high level of coordination among service delivery agencies at both national and local level. Service provision is mainstreamed and all the main statutory service providers such as Government departments, the HSE, Tusla and local authorities are represented on the national Taskforce which oversees delivery of the programme. The programme is coordinated overall by the IRPP, but service provision remains the responsibility of the relevant statutory entity.
Local authorities source accommodation for refugees, mainly refugee families, according to a distribution key that takes account of a number of factors, including population size and housing need within the local authority area. The Irish Red Cross is also managing a programme to secure accommodation pledged by members of the public and this is largely being deployed to meet the needs of single persons, as few accommodation options exist within the local authority sector for this cohort.
228. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to set out the number of gardaí with foreign language skills in each Garda division; and the resources available to and the approach taken by An Garda Síochána to deal with language barriers. [28961/18]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for carrying on, managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the information sought in relation to the number of Gardaí with foreign language skills in each Garda division is not readily available and would take a disproportionate amount of time and resources to collate.
I am advised that in circumstances where language difficulties arise, An Garda Síochána engages the services of professional, interpretation and translation services.
I am further informed that the Garda Bureau of Community Diversity and Integration (GBCDI) has national responsibility for liaison with ethnically diverse communities and one of its central roles is to liaise with representatives of minority groups.
Garda Ethnic Liaison Officers (ELO) are appointed in each Garda Division. The role of the Ethnic Liaison Officer is to liaise and establish communication links with representatives of the various minority communities within their respective Divisions. The Ethnic Liaison Officers also inform and assure these communities of the Garda services available to all communities, within the community. The list of Ethnic Liaison Officers is available on the Garda website at www.garda.ie.
229. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a public apology on behalf of the State will be issued to the family of a person (details supplied) in view of failures identified in the GSOC report on the person's death; if he will request the Garda Commissioner to do same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28983/18]
View answerThe circumstances surrounding the tragic death of the person referred to in this question and the pursuant Garda investigation were the subject of a complaint considered by the Independent Review Mechanism (IRM) established by the Government to consider allegations of Garda misconduct or inadequacies in investigations.
My predecessor accepted the recommendation of counsel for the IRM that the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission was the appropriate body to further examine this case, and referred the matter to GSOC for investigation under section 102 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005.
I have now received a report outlining the findings of this investigation, as has the family concerned, however, GSOC does not consider this matter closed. In accordance with section 97 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, GSOC has written to the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána to provide him with a report into these matters, to outline a number of issues arising from this investigation and to make recommendations to An Garda Síochána.
GSOC intends to issue a further update in relation to this matter upon receipt of a response from the Garda Commissioner, as required under section 97 of the aforementioned Act. In advance of this response, it would be premature for me to consider what, if any, further action may be appropriate.
I can assure the Deputy that full consideration will be given to this matter upon receipt of the final update report from GSOC.
230. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline the reform measures that have been implemented in his Department since January 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29027/18]
View answerOver recent years, and with the commitment of the Management Board and all staff, my Department has implemented an extensive range of reforms including a new Culture and Values Charter, as well as increased engagement with stakeholders, both internal and external. Significant progress has also been made in strengthening governance structures within the Department and with its Agencies. This work has continued during 2018.
In addition, and as the Deputy is aware, an independent change implementation group - the "Effectiveness and Renewal Group for the Department of Justice and Equality" was established in January to review and support the process of reform in my Department. The Group has been engaging directly with my Department, its external stakeholders and others in conducting its work. In line with its terms of reference, the Group submitted its first initial report to myself and the Taoiseach on 29 June. The Report will be submitted to Government for approval in the near future, following which it will be published.
231. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to set out in tabular form the number of reports that have been made to the drug related intimidation reporting programme by Garda division in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29035/18]
View answer232. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to set out in tabular form the number of reports that have been made to the drug related intimidation reporting programme in each of the past five years which relate to debts incurred by children and young persons under 18 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29036/18]
View answer243. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline the progress to date of the evaluation of the drug related intimidation reporting programme by An Garda Síochána and an organisation (details supplied); when the evaluations will be completed; and if a report will be published following these evaluations. [29148/18]
View answer244. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline the progress of the commitment of An Garda Síochána on the delivery of seminars and briefings to local Garda management on the drug related intimidation reporting programme; if these seminars and briefings have been rolled out in the Louth Garda division; and the feedback received from local Garda management. [29149/18]
View answer245. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to set out in tabular form the resources allocated to each Garda division to respond to drug related intimidation in communities in each of the years 2011 to 2017 and to date in 2018. [29150/18]
View answer246. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to set out in tabular form the number of reports received through the drug related intimidation reporting programme in each Garda division from the inception of the programme. [29151/18]
View answer247. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline the resources, training and funding allocated to the drug related intimidation reporting programme in each Garda division from the inception of the programme. [29152/18]
View answer248. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline his plans to provide additional resources to County Louth to address drug related intimidation in communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29153/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 231, 232 and 243 to 248, inclusive, together.
Drug-related intimidation is an extremely serious issue which involves the targeting of persons who use drugs, or their family or friends in relation to a drug debt. It involves insidious and coercive behaviour directed at forcing compliance of another person against their will. The intimidation can be either explicit or implicit, involving actual, threatened or perceived threats of violence to a person or damage to property.
The threat of violence to enforce drug debt impacts people's lives greatly and creates an atmosphere of fear within communities, particularly those where there is a concentration of illicit drug markets. In many instances, such communities are already marginalised and are also having to contend with social and public disorder and other forms of criminality associated with the illicit drugs trade.
An Garda Síochána will stress that whether or not a family or loved one has paid these debts, this should not be a deterrent to seeking their help, advice and support. An Garda Síochána will take action in relation to drug related intimidation, particularly where there is a risk of harm, or to the life of a person.
The problem of drug debt intimidation has been highlighted in the current and previous national drug and alcohol strategies. Under the 2009 – 2016 Strategy, the Garda National Drugs Unit and the National Family Support Network developed "The Drug Related Intimidation Reporting Programme" to respond to the needs of drug users and family members experiencing such intimidation.
Under the new strategy "Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery - a health led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland 2017-2025", the issue is again signalled for further action. In 2018, An Garda Síochána will be carrying out an evaluation of the Programme to strengthen its effectiveness and, if appropriate, to develop measures to raise public awareness of the Programme. The National Family Support Network, who worked with An Garda Síochána to develop the Programme, will also be carrying out their own evaluation from the perspective of their network. Both of these evaluations are underway and I look forward to hearing the outcome of them.
Under the Reporting Programme, an Inspector has been selected in every Garda Division to respond to the issue of drug related intimidation. These Inspectors are management level personnel within An Garda Síochána who liaise directly with their local Superintendent in relation to each individual case. Persons seeking the assistance of the Inspector in their area may contact him or her to arrange to meet either formally or informally. It is also possible for a person to ask a local family support worker or drugs worker to contact the Inspector for their area, or to ask the National Family Support Network to do so. If anyone experiences difficulty contacting the relevant inspector they can contact the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau. The contact details for all Garda Inspectors nominated under the Programme are available on the Garda website.
In dealing with any complaint of drug related intimidation, or advice sought in relation to this issue, An Garda Síochána do so with the utmost regard to the safety and the most effective means to afford the person or family subject to the threat, the best level of security, advice and support. Confidentiality and security of the persons concerned are paramount for An Garda Síochána when dealing with reports under the Programme.
With regard to the specific information sought in relation to the numbers of reports received by An Garda Síochána under the Drug Related Intimidation Reporting Programme, the resources, training and funding provided to it and the delivery of seminars and briefings to local Garda Management, I have requested a report from the Acting Garda Commissioner in each of these respects, with specific reference to the position in County Louth.
When this report is to hand I will respond further to the Deputies.
233. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline the actions and investigations being undertaken on foot of the report of the Moriarty tribunal; the status of these investigations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29063/18]
View answer234. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline the status of the investigations by An Garda Síochána and the Director of Public Prosecutions into the findings of the Flood and Mahon tribunals; the stage these investigations are at; when he expects a decision to be reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29064/18]
View answer235. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline the status of investigations by An Garda Síochána and the Director of Public Prosecutions into the findings of the Moriarty tribunal; the stage these investigations are at; when he expects a decision to be reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29065/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 233 to 235, inclusive, together.
I have requested an update from the Garda authorities in relation to the progress of the investigations and I will contact the Deputy directly when that update is to hand.
236. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to set out in tabular form the number of gardaí by rank and division in County Louth. [29080/18]
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.
I am informed by the Commissioner that the strength of Louth Division on 31 May 2018, the latest date for which information is readily available, was 312. There are also 23 Garda Reserves and 31 Garda civilian staff attached to the Louth 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 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.
Since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, almost 2,000 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide including 76 to the Louth Division. Garda numbers, taking account of retirements, increased to 13,551 at the end of 2017 – a net 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; some 400 of whom have already done so. In total, 800 Garda trainees are scheduled to attest during the year, 400 of whom have attested to date. Further, Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, are on track to 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 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 Louth Division.
For the Deputy's information, I have set out in tabular form the number of Gardaí by Rank in the Louth Division as on 31 May 2018 the latest date for which figures are readily available, as provided by the Commissioner.
STRENGTH OF THE LOUTH DIVISION 31 MAY 2018
|
DISTRICT |
STATION |
GD |
SG |
IN |
SU |
CS |
AC |
TOTAL |
|
ARDEE |
ARDEE |
21 |
5 |
26 |
||||
|
CASTLEBELLINGHAM |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|||||
|
COLLON |
4 |
1 |
5 |
|||||
|
LOUTH |
1 |
1 |
||||||
|
TOTAL |
27 |
7 |
34 |
|||||
|
DROGHEDA |
CLOUGHERHEAD |
1 |
1 |
2 |
||||
|
DROGHEDA |
89 |
13 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
105 |
||
|
DUNLEER |
5 |
5 |
||||||
|
TOTAL |
95 |
14 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
112 |
||
|
DUNDALK |
BLACKROCK |
3 |
1 |
4 |
||||
|
CARLINGFORD |
3 |
1 |
4 |
|||||
|
DRUMAD |
6 |
1 |
7 |
|||||
|
DUNDALK |
124 |
19 |
1 |
1 |
145 |
|||
|
HACKBALLSCROSS |
4 |
4 |
||||||
|
OMEATH |
2 |
2 |
||||||
|
TOTAL |
142 |
22 |
1 |
1 |
166 |
|||
|
LOUTH TOTAL |
264 |
43 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
312 |
237. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to set out the number of gardaí by rank attached to the Garda national economic crime bureau as of 31 December 2016, 2017 and 22 June 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29119/18]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, the distribution of personnel is a matter for the Garda Commissioner 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 overall policing arrangements and operational strategies, are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda Resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public.
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) (formerly the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation) was established on 1 September 2016. The Bureau has dedicated expert staff, including professional forensic accountants, to address white collar and other fraud and economic crimes, and includes the restructured Garda Cyber Crime Bureau, the Money-laundering Investigation Unit and a new Foreign Bribery and Corruption Unit.
I am further informed by the Commissioner that as of 31 May 2018, the latest date for which figures are available there were 68 Garda and 17 Garda civilian staff assigned to the GNECB.
The Commissioner also advises that Garda management within the Bureau are working with local Garda management, at District and Divisional levels, to ensure the necessary tools and training are provided to enable and empower District and Divisional resources to investigate cases of economic crime at that level, with advice and guidance available from within the Bureau. The Bureau is now also placing a greater emphasis on ensuring that economic crime of lesser amounts that are currently reported to the Bureau are assessed and transmitted to District Officers for investigation, with more complex cases, routinely involving significant amounts, being investigated by the Bureau.
For the Deputy’s information I have set out in tabular form the number of Gardaí by rank and civilians by grade attached to the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau as of 31 December 2016, 2017 and on 31 May 2018 the latest date for which figures are currently available, as supplied by the Commissioner.
Strength Of The Garda National Economic Crime Bureau by rank - formerly Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation 2016-2018
|
Year |
CS |
SU |
IN |
SG |
GD |
TOTAL |
|
2016 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
11 |
36 |
53 |
|
2017 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
17 |
43 |
66 |
|
2018* |
1 |
2 |
2 |
16 |
47 |
68 |
*Up to 31 May 2018
Civilian Strength by grade in the Economic Crime Bureau – formerly Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation 2016-2018
|
YEAR |
Accountant Grade 2 |
Executive Officer |
DFO 1 |
Staff Officer |
Clerical Officer |
Total |
|
2016 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
11 |
16 |
|
2017 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
11 |
16 |
|
2018* |
3 |
3 |
11 |
17 |
*Up to 31 May 2018
1 District Finance Officer
238. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if recent media reports that the overtime budget for An Garda Síochána for the Dublin region has been reduced by 38% are correct; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29120/18]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the allocation and management of Garda resources, including the budget for Garda overtime, is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner having regard to his operational needs and in light of his position as accounting officer for the Garda Vote.
The overall Garda budget is approximately €1.65 billion for 2018. Included in this unprecedented level of funding, almost €100 million has been made available to An Garda Síochána for overtime in 2018.
It is a matter for Garda management to distribute all those resources, including the overtime budget, in accordance with operational need and in order to continue to respond appropriately to organised and other serious crime.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) was allocated its annual budget from the overall Garda Vote at the beginning of 2018 and that there has been no reduction in the allocation to DMR in relation to overtime since that point. I am further informed that the distribution of resources made by the Garda authorities for overtime in DMR is some €41 million for 2018.
I am satisfied that Garda management is acutely aware of the need to utilise the resources being made available to them in the most efficient and effective manner to ensure high visibility policing in our communities.
It is also important to note that overtime cannot be considered in isolation from the other resources available to An Garda Síochána. For example 2018 will see recruitment of a further 800 Garda recruits, while 800 recruits will also graduate from Templemore during the year. Provision has also been made for significant civilian recruitment (2,000 additional civilians by 2021) and for a doubling of the Reserve to 2,000 by 2021. These measures are providing additional policing hours throughout the country, both in terms of the increase in new Gardaí and the redeployment of significant numbers of Gardaí to frontline policing duties consequential on the increased civilianisation of the organisation. This unprecedented level of investment in An Garda Síochána, including in recruitment, is therefore expected, over a period of time, to have a positive impact on the overtime budget.
This underlines this Government’s commitment to reform of An Garda Síochána that will enhance the operation of policing in Ireland in ways that are positive for both members of the public and An Garda Síochána.
239. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the post of Garda crime prevention officer for the Garda north Dublin region will be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29121/18]
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 have requested a report from the Commissioner in relation to the matter referred to by the Deputy and I will revert to him when it is to hand.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
