Clare Daly
Question:237. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of members of An Garda Síochána on sick leave as a result of bullying and harassment. [31800/18]
View answerGarda Data
Questions (237)
Written answers
As 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 including personnel matters.
I am informed by the Commissioner that the specific information requested by the Deputy is not collected.
Sickness absences are recorded and reported under the following categories – ordinary Illness; Occupational Injury/illness arising from Duty; and Critical Illness.
Ordinary Illness Category contains the following sub categories - Flu/Viral; Mental Health; Musculoskeletal, Not Provided; Other-Please Specify; Post Pregnancy; Pregnancy Related.
Occupational Injury/illness arising from Duty Category contains the following sub-categories - Injury On Duty: Accident; Injury On Duty: RTA; Malicious Injury Off Duty; Malicious Injury On Duty; Occupational illness arising from duty.
There is no specific sub-category on the Sickness Absence Management System for the recording of absences as a result of Bullying and Harassment and as such it is not possible to provide the number of members on sick leave due to Bullying and Harassment.
Garda Operations
Questions (238)
Lisa Chambers
Question:238. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the additional resources which will be allocated in County Mayo due to the papal visit; if the funding is coming from Garda allocation for County Mayo ; if there is additional funding being granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31821/18]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána, including the allocation of resources including those necessary to ensure the safety of visiting dignitaries, having regard to the security considerations involved. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that as part of the annual financial planning process, a centralised budget was reserved for security costs associated with the Papal visit. As a result, the cost of policing the Papal visit to County Mayo will not impact upon the annual resources allocated to the Mayo Garda Division.
Prisoner Transfers
Questions (239)
Paul Kehoe
Question:239. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the prisoner transfer scheme following the Supreme Court judgment in a case (details supplied); if legal clarity on applications by prisoners abroad for transfer to Ireland has been sought; when the decision will be made on outstanding applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31896/18]
View answerWritten answers
In July 2016 the Supreme Court dismissed the State's appeal in the case of O'Farrell, McDonald, Rafferty -v- The Governor of Portlaoise Prison. The case concerned an appeal taken by the State against a judgment of the High Court ordering the release of the three named prisoners who had been transferred to Ireland from the UK under the provisions of the Transfer of Sentenced Prisoners Acts 1995 -1997. The judgment is detailed and has complex implications for the process of transferring prisoners from other States, and in particular the UK, to Ireland.
The principal issue in the judgment is the significantly different sentencing systems which operate in the UK and in this State. In particular, the judgment raises the issue of how best to adapt and administer under Irish law a foreign sentence, which contains features not found in Irish sentences. This is important, as it is not possible to operate a prisoner transfer system where there is uncertainty on the part of either the transferring or receiving State as to the length of sentence to be served by the prisoner concerned.
The complex legal and administrative implications of this judgment are being examined by my Department, in consultation with the Attorney General's Office. Detailed legal advice has been received, and an amendment of the Transfer of Sentenced Prisoners Acts will be required. Work is under way on drafting that amendment, and I will bring a proposal to Government as soon as possible.
Following legal advice, it is apparent that applications from the UK cannot be successfully concluded until the legislation is amended due to the significantly different sentencing systems which operate in the UK and here. Applications from other states are being fully considered and processed in the context of existing legislation and referred for legal advice on a case by case basis.
Garda Districts
Questions (240)
Gerry Adams
Question:240. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the Garda personnel in the Louth district with responsibility for implementing the domestic abuse intervention policy 2017. [31919/18]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.
I have requested the information sought from the Garda Commissioner and I will write to the Deputy on receipt of same.
Garda Training
Questions (241)
Gerry Adams
Question:241. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the domestic abuse intervention policy forms part of the training of student gardaí in Templemore; and the format this training takes. [31920/18]
View answerWritten answers
As 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, including by arranging for the training of its members and civilian staff and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.
I am advised by the Garda Commissioner that all Gardaí recruited since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014 undertake the new 2 year training programme which leads to a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Policing and is accredited by the University of Limerick. The programme is the outcome of a comprehensive review of foundation training for entrants to An Garda Síochána and exemplifies best practice.
Phase 1, which lasts 32 weeks, is based in the Garda College and places a strong emphasis on problem-based learning where students learn in small groups through engagement with realistic policing scenarios. This methodology emphasises the development of ‘learning to learn’ skills, the development of reflective practice and supports the transition into learning in an operational policing environment.
An Garda Síochána Domestic Abuse Intervention Policy 2017 identifies the nature of intervention that personnel within An Garda Síochána are required to make when responding to Domestic Abuse related incidents. The policy incorporates Garda Síochána standards, procedures, relevant legislation and victim support information relevant to Domestic Abuse related incidents.
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that as part of their Phase 1 training Trainee Garda attend a three hour workshop which covers the relevant legislation, Garda practice, and the assistance and support mechanisms which are available to victims of domestic violence. In addition, training in relation to the legislation and powers of arrest available to members of An Garda Síochána is provided to Trainee Gardaí during this Phase through the roll out of Problem Based Learning Scenarios and the Garda Decision Making Model which guides the Trainee Gardaí to a conclusion of the scenario. Also during the Officer and Public Safety Training Module of the Phase 1 training, a domestic violence scenario is rolled out where trainees learn to respond appropriately to a complaint of domestic violence.
I am further informed that during Phase 3 of their training Probation Gardaí attend a 1 day workshop/lecture on domestic violence which is delivered by Garda College Instructors who are trained in the area and also by external speakers from the Women’s Aid Agency which are involved in support mechanisms for victims of domestic violence.
Crime Data
Questions (242)
Gerry Adams
Question:242. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of incidents of domestic abuse recorded in each Garda division in each month to date in 2018. [31921/18]
View answerWritten answers
The Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical agency, is responsible for the compilation and publication of the official recorded crime statistics, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. I have asked the CSO to forward the available statistics in relation to the information requested directly to the Deputy.
Garda Deployment
Questions (243)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:243. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason the status of Clifden Garda station, County Galway has been reduced from a district headquarters; the reason there is no superintendent located there now; the reduction of staff, both civil and Garda located or to be located at this station due to the change in its status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31933/18]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of personnel 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 Garda Commissioner that there is no downgrading of Clifden Garda Station. There is a vacancy at Superintendent rank at Clifden Garda Station following the recent transfer of the Superintendent on 9th July 2018 to take up the position of Detective Superintendent with responsibility for the Western Region. I am further informed that the allocation of a Superintendent to the Clifden Garda District will be considered in due course by the Acting Commissioner.
I am informed by the Commissioner that on 31 May 2018, the latest date for which figures are readily available, the strength of the Galway Division was 576, of whom 30 members are assigned to Clifden Garda Station. There are also 31 Garda Reserves and 60 civilians attached to the Division. When appropriate, the work of local Gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Armed Support Units, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.
This Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and to deter crime. To achieve this the Government has put in place a plan for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. We are making real, tangible progress on achieving this goal.
I am informed by the Commissioner that since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, almost 2,000 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, of whom 27 members have been assigned to the Galway 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 to the investment in more Gardaí, 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. We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the Commissioner with the resources needed to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí. Undoubtedly, the ongoing recruitment process will support all Garda activities and enhance visibility within our communities and will enable the Commissioner to provide additional resources across every Garda Division, including the Galway Division, as new Garda recruits continue to come on stream.
Referendum Data
Questions (244)
Clare Daly
Question:244. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason for the proposal to hold a referendum to delete Article 41.2 of the Constitution ignoring the recommendation of the Convention on the Constitution that a referendum on Article 41.2 should be held to replace the present article with one that values the role of care work by persons of all genders. [31956/18]
View answerWritten answers
The Convention on the Constitution, in its Second Report which was published on 8 May 2013, recommended the amendment of Article 41.2 by making it gender-neutral to include carers in the home and carers beyond the home and that the State should be required to provide a “reasonable level of support” to ensure that carers shall not be obliged by economic necessity to engage in labour.
On 5 July, the Government decided that the question to be put to the people in the forthcoming referendum on Article 41.2 will be simple deletion of the provision. Consideration was given to the Report of the Convention on the Constitution and to other reports on the subject. The Government's conclusion was that inserting new language into the Constitution could have unpredictable legal consequences and that it was not possible to devise an amendment relating to care work that would encompass the diversity of care work undertaken by persons of all genders. However, there is a need for a wider consultation on the issue of care and the next Citizens’ Assembly will be asked to consider the matter.
Garda Transport Data
Questions (245)
Gerry Adams
Question:245. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the community policing unit in Dundalk has a dedicated vehicle; if this unit had a bus at its disposal; if so, the reason it does not have one now; and the steps being taken to rectify the matter. [31957/18]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy will appreciate that it is the Garda Commissioner who is primarily responsible for managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána and for the effective and efficient use of the resources available to An Garda Síochána, including the fleet. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I have asked the Garda Commissioner for the specific information requested and when it is to hand I will inform the Deputy accordingly.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 245 for answer on 12 July 2018 regarding vehicles available to the community policing unit in Dundalk.
As the Deputy will recall, the information could not be obtained in the time available and I undertook to contact him again when the information was to hand.
The Deputy will be aware that there has been very significant investment in Garda resources across the State in recent years. 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, in addition to the investment of almost €30 million in the period 2013 to 2015. In total, in the period 2013 to 2017, almost €44 million has been invested in the Garda fleet, with some 2,000 vehicles coming on stream to ensure that Gardaí can be mobile, visible, and responsive on the roads and in the community to prevent and tackle crime.
As the Deputy will appreciate decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda vehicles are a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the light of his identified operational demands and the availability of resources. As Minister, I have no direct role in the matter.
I understand that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure their optimal use. Responsibility for the efficient deployment of all official vehicles in each Division is assigned to the Divisional Officer, who may allocate vehicles between stations as required by operational requirements.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Louth Divisional fleet includes a community policing minibus currently assigned to Drogheda District. I am further informed that this bus can be utilised by the Dundalk Community Policing Unit as required.
The vehicles assigned to the Louth Division as at 28 September 2018 are outlined in the following table.
|
Cars |
Vans |
Motorcycles |
4x4 |
Others |
Total |
|
33 |
10 |
2 |
3 |
1 |
49 |
I trust this information is of assistance.
Capital Expenditure Programme
Questions (246)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:246. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the funding provided towards capital projects in counties Meath and Louth in 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018, by project name, location and cost in tabular form. [31994/18]
View answerWritten answers
In response to the Deputy's question please find a table outlining the funding provided towards capital projects in the years 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018.
|
|
Name of Capital Project |
Cost (inc VAT) |
Location |
|
2016 |
n/a |
|
|
|
2017 |
Drogheda Courthouse |
€10.1m |
Drogheda, Co. Louth |
|
2018 |
n/a |
|
|
In addition to the above project, I can further inform the Deputy 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 the responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. `The Office of Public Works has advised that they will reply directly to the Deputy when the relevant information has been collated.
Local Authority Funding
Questions (247)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:247. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the applications submitted for funding and projects from Meath and Louth County Councils in 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018 for projects decided upon or in progress in tabular form. [32010/18]
View answerWritten answers
In response to the Deputy's question, please find a table outlining the applications submitted for funding and projects from Meath and Louth County Councils in 2016, 2017 & 2018 to date.
|
|
Meath/Louth County Council |
Number of applications submitted |
Funding/Project name |
Progress/Status |
|
2016 |
Meath |
1 |
Traveller Pride Week Event |
Paid |
|
2016 |
Meath |
7 |
Funding to support Cultúr Migrants Centre |
Paid |
|
2017 |
Meath |
3 |
Funding to support Cultúr Migrants Centre |
Paid |
|
2017 |
Meath |
1 |
Resettlement Project 2017-2019 |
In progress |
|
2018 to date |
|
0 |
|
|
Direct Provision Data
Questions (248)
Róisín Shortall
Question:248. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons living in each direct provision centre; the number of persons who have been granted leave to remain but are still residing in each direct provision centre; the process for housing former residents of direct provision once their applications are approved in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32050/18]
View answerWritten answers
The location, occupancy and the number of persons with a permission to remain in Ireland in each of the 34 accommodation centres in operation is detailed in the following table.
|
COUNTY |
CENTRE |
Location |
CURRENT OCCUPANCY |
Number with a permission to remain in Ireland |
|
Clare |
Knockalisheen |
Meelick |
240 |
29 |
|
|
King Thomond Hotel |
Lisdoonvarna |
115 |
0 |
|
Cork |
Ashbourne Hse |
Glounthaune |
95 |
12 |
|
|
Kinsale Road |
Cork City |
278 |
23 |
|
|
Glenvera |
Wellington Road |
127 |
10 |
|
|
Millstreet |
Millstreet |
270 |
22 |
|
|
Clonakilty Lodge |
Clonakilty |
101 |
23 |
|
Dublin |
The Towers |
Clondalkin |
230 |
72 |
|
Dublin |
Balseskin |
Dublin 11 |
288 |
5 |
|
|
Hatch Hall |
Dublin 2 |
217 |
49 |
|
Galway |
Eglinton |
Salthill |
193 |
27 |
|
|
Great Western House |
Eyre Square |
160 |
16 |
|
Kerry |
Atlas House |
Killarney |
86 |
12 |
|
|
Atlas House |
Tralee |
97 |
5 |
|
|
Johnston Marina |
Tralee |
79 |
0 |
|
|
Linden House |
Killarney |
54 |
0 |
|
|
Park Lodge |
Killarney |
43 |
2 |
|
Kildare |
Eyrepowell |
Newbridge |
83 |
21 |
|
Laois |
Montague |
Emo, Portlaoise |
212 |
12 |
|
Limerick |
Hanratty's |
Limerick |
113 |
9 |
|
|
Mount Trenchard |
Foynes |
81 |
5 |
|
Longford |
Richmond Court |
Longford |
76 |
5 |
|
Mayo |
The Old Convent |
Ballyhaunis |
242 |
31 |
|
Meath |
Mosney |
Mosney |
655 |
97 |
|
Monaghan |
St. Patricks |
Monaghan |
165 |
12 |
|
Sligo |
Globe House |
Chapel Hill |
212 |
21 |
|
Tipperary |
Bridgewater House |
Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary |
120 |
0 |
|
Waterford |
Atlantic House |
Tramore |
79 |
7 |
|
|
Ocean View |
Tramore |
102 |
7 |
|
|
Birchwood |
Ballytruckle Road |
148 |
6 |
|
|
Viking House |
Coffee House Lane |
80 |
10 |
|
Westmeath |
Temple Accommodation |
Horseleap,Moate, Westmeath |
70 |
0 |
|
|
Athlone |
Athlone |
280 |
24 |
|
Louth |
Carroll Village |
Dundalk |
51 |
17 |
|
Total |
|
|
5442 |
591 |
|
|
34 Centres |
17 Counties |
|
|
All residents who are granted status are provided with details on how to access an on-line information booklet entitled "Your Guide to Living Independently" which provides information in respect of housing, finance, healthcare, and education among other issues. It provides details on how residents can apply for social housing and access Housing Assistance Payments.
I am aware that accessing accommodation is an issue for residents in accommodation centres given the current housing market. Assistance in such matters is readily forthcoming from a number of sources including local authorities, local management in accommodation centres and other support groups. My Department has funded a number of projects with NGOs such as the Jesuit Refugee Service and DePaul to assist those persons who are resident in accommodation centres who have been granted a form of status to access their own housing. Discussions are also ongoing with a number of Approved Housing Bodies to provide assistance nationwide.
Legal Aid Service
Questions (249)
Róisín Shortall
Question:249. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the waiting times and numbers on the waiting list at each of the free legal aid centres; the average waiting times for each of the past five years in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32051/18]
View answerWritten answers
The provision of civil legal aid in the State is delivered by the Legal Aid Board pursuant to the Civil Legal Aid Act 1995 and the Civil Legal Aid Regulations 1996 to 2017.
There are significant demands on the Board and I am conscious that this gives rise to waiting times for certain services at most of the Board's law centres. However, waiting times have been reduced over the last number of years due to measures introduced by the Board and the Deputy will be glad to know that the Board's budget was increased to €40.275 m in 2018.
The Board is extremely conscious that delays in service can lead to difficulties not just for the client but also for the wider community, as well as the courts system. In this regard, certain matters are dealt with as priority matters which means they receive the next available appointment at the law centre. Such matters include domestic violence, child abduction, child care, and asylum and related matters. In addition, the Board refers the vast majority of applications relating to private District Court remedies, for example maintenance, custody, access and guardianship, to private solicitors on its panels.
All other applications are placed on the waiting list. I can advise the Deputy that details of the waiting times in each law centre are published on a regular basis by the Board on their website at this link.
Schedule 1 sets out the combined waiting times at each law centre on 31 December 2017 and on 31 December on each of the previous four years.
Schedule 1 – Combined waiting times (weeks) at 31st December, 2013-2017.
|
31/12/17 |
31/12/16 |
31/12/15 |
31/12/14 |
31/12/13* |
|
|
Athlone |
25 |
23 |
56 |
59 |
30 |
|
Blanchardstown |
8 |
4 |
10 |
19 |
17 |
|
Castlebar |
10 |
26 |
48 |
38 |
39 |
|
Cavan |
9 |
8 |
6 |
33 |
21 |
|
Clondalkin |
25 |
34 |
51 |
30 |
39 |
|
Cork Popes Quay |
20 |
17 |
21 |
40 |
69 |
|
Cork South Mall*** |
41 |
62 |
43 |
81 |
60 |
|
Dundalk |
16 |
15 |
7 |
10 |
17 |
|
Ennis*** |
37 |
33 |
32 |
45 |
65 |
|
Finglas |
16 |
13 |
34 |
69 |
42 |
|
Galway Francis St |
22 |
12 |
44 |
86 |
82 |
|
Galway Seville House*** |
15 |
19 |
17 |
21 |
21 |
|
Jervis Street** *** |
31 |
33 |
30 |
69 |
86 |
|
Kilkenny |
13 |
16 |
17 |
50 |
52 |
|
Letterkenny |
12 |
9 |
21 |
52 |
86 |
|
Limerick |
16 |
7 |
33 |
34 |
39 |
|
Longford*** |
35 |
49 |
51 |
30 |
34 |
|
Monaghan |
22 |
8 |
19 |
17 |
17 |
|
Navan*** |
28 |
14 |
30 |
17 |
43 |
|
Nenagh |
18 |
34 |
49 |
40 |
30 |
|
Newbridge |
17 |
6 |
6 |
13 |
86 |
|
Portlaoise |
19 |
11 |
37 |
56 |
95 |
|
Sligo |
9 |
6 |
11 |
24 |
60 |
|
Smithfield |
15 |
44 |
34 |
30 |
47 |
|
Tallaght |
30 |
56 |
57 |
81 |
65 |
|
Tralee |
34 |
18 |
11 |
21 |
17 |
|
Tullamore |
5 |
4 |
31 |
21 |
17 |
|
Waterford |
10 |
17 |
19 |
22 |
26 |
|
Wexford |
26 |
40 |
48 |
78 |
47 |
|
Wicklow |
12 |
12 |
21 |
15 |
8 |
* The waiting times as at 31st December 2013 were originally recorded in months and have been converted to weeks for comparability purposes with later data.
**Previously Gardiner Street.
***Law centres operating a “triage” approach. This involves giving an applicant an early legal advice only first consultation (45 minutes). Persons who have received a triage appointment remain on the Board’s waiting list for a second consultation if they require further legal services. The waiting times for a first consultation and the waiting times for a second consultation at the relevant law centres have been added together for the purposes of this table.
Garda Accommodation
Questions (250)
Robert Troy
Question:250. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if an application by a person (details supplied) for additional space in Mullingar Garda station will be approved. [32079/18]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána. Further, the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close co-operation with the Office of Public Works (OPW). As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
There has been very significant investment in Garda resources across the State in recent years. Considerable efforts are being made by the Government to enhance the working environment generally for members of An Garda Síochána and major investment has been committed under the Capital Plan 2016-2021 to upgrade Garda premises.
The Garda Síochána Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021 is an ambitious 5-year programme, based on agreed Garda priorities, that will benefit over thirty locations around the country. It includes over €60 million of Exchequer funding as part of Government’s Capital Plan 2016 – 2021 as well as a major Public Private Partnership project. This is in addition to the provision of over €100 million for the development of 3 new Divisional and Regional Headquarters at Wexford, Galway and Dublin (Kevin Street).
The provision of additional accommodation at Mullingar Garda Station is included in the Building and Refurbishment Programme.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that as an initial measure to improve the accommodation at Mullingar Garda Station, a new facility was in 2017 provided for the Divisional Scenes of Crime Office comprising office facilities, an examination room and suitable storage facilities.
I am further informed that, on the basis of detailed discussions between the OPW and An Garda Síochána, the OPW is currently developing proposals to address outstanding accommodation issues at the station, as identified by the Divisional Officer.
Garda Accommodation
Questions (251)
Robert Troy
Question:251. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if an application for necessary remedial works on Castlepollard Garda station will be approved. [32081/18]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy will appreciate that the Garda Commissioner is primarily responsible for the effective and efficient use of the resources available to An Garda Síochána. Further, 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.
There has been very significant investment in Garda resources across the State in recent years. Considerable efforts are being made by the Government to enhance the working environment generally for members of An Garda Síochána and major investment has been committed under the Capital Plan 2016-2021 to upgrade Garda premises.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Síochána Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016 – 2021 is an ambitious 5-year building programme, based on agreed Garda priorities, which will benefit some 30 locations throughout the State.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that Castlepollard Garda Station is not included in the stations to be refurbished under the Building and Refurbishment Programme.
However, in addition to the Programme, I am informed An Garda Síochána seeks where possible to address minor accommodation issues at Garda stations as they arise. In that context, I understand that An Garda Síochána is liaising with OPW in relation to the possibility of addressing certain issues at Castlepollard station, having regard to the funding available for the totality of Garda accommodation requirements.
Living Wage Expenditure
Questions (252)
Billy Kelleher
Question:252. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the cost of implementing a living wage of €11.90 for all employees directly employed and or in agencies funded by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32227/18]
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I can inform the Deputy that based on current staffing figures, the additional annual salary cost to my Department of implementing a living wage of €11.90 per hour is estimated to be €1,289,854 for 403 staff.
These figures include bodies under the aegis of my Department with the exception of An Garda Síochána and the Irish Prison Service. I have asked An Garda Síochána and the Irish Prison Service to provide the information directly to the Deputy as soon as it is available.