Written Answers Nos. 232-251
232. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of children who have been assigned a school place as a result of not having secured a place in primary school before six years of age between 2011 and November 2018, by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54019/18]
View answerThe selection and enrolment of pupils is the responsibility of the management authorities in each individual school. My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking places in an area. However, this may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice. As schools may not have a place for every applicant, a selection process may be necessary. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants.
Under Section 29 of the Education Act, 1998 where a school board of management makes a decision to refuse enrolment, a parent/guardian can appeal that decision to the Secretary General of my Department. Only where an appeal under Section 29 is upheld can the Secretary General of my Department direct a school to enrol a pupil.
While my Department does not record data on Section 29 appeals in the format requested by the Deputy, the following table sets out data on the total number of Section 29 appeals in relation to refusal to enrol in the primary school sector between 2011 and November 2018 and includes data on the numbers/percentage of those appeals which were upheld.
SECTION 29 APPEALS (Refusal to enrol at Primary School level) 2011 - 2018
|
Year |
Category of Appeal |
Number of appeals |
Went to hearing |
As a % of all appeals |
Upheld |
As a % of appeals that went to hearing |
Not upheld |
As a % of appeals that went to hearing |
|
Total # refusal to enrol |
270 |
146 |
54% |
68 |
47% |
78 |
53% |
|
|
2011 |
of which primary |
89 |
43 |
48% |
22 |
51% |
21 |
49% |
|
Total # refusal to enrol |
244 |
120 |
49% |
40 |
33% |
80 |
67% |
|
|
2012 |
of which primary |
85 |
34 |
40% |
15 |
44% |
19 |
56% |
|
Total # refusal to enrol |
322 |
142 |
44% |
51 |
36% |
91 |
64% |
|
|
2013 |
of which primary |
130 |
59 |
45% |
30 |
51% |
29 |
49% |
|
Total # refusal to enrol |
345 |
175 |
51% |
59 |
34% |
116 |
66% |
|
|
2014 |
of which primary |
131 |
58 |
44% |
19 |
33% |
39 |
67% |
|
Total # refusal to enrol |
311 |
171 |
55% |
61 |
36% |
110 |
64% |
|
|
2015 |
of which primary |
143 |
76 |
53% |
29 |
38% |
47 |
62% |
|
Total # refusal to enrol |
313 |
153 |
49% |
69 |
45% |
84 |
55% |
|
|
2016 |
of which primary |
128 |
50 |
39% |
21 |
42% |
29 |
58% |
|
Total # refusal to enrol |
282 |
126 |
45% |
52 |
41% |
74 |
59% |
|
|
2017 |
of which primary |
123 |
47 |
38% |
20 |
43% |
27 |
57% |
|
Total # refusal to enrol |
349 |
184 |
53% |
87 |
47% |
97 |
53% |
|
|
Jan-Nov 2018 |
of which primary |
197 |
90 |
46% |
46 |
51% |
44 |
49% |
233. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the actions taken to date to address errors in the estimated number of teachers retiring or leaving the system per year; the subsequent cost incurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54023/18]
View answerFor the purposes of estimating costs as part of the annual Estimates process, the Department makes short-term forecasts, based on trend analysis, of the scale of teacher retirements expected for the following year.
The complexities in forecasting retirements are well understood, and it can be difficult in any given year to predict with absolute certainty the number of retirements which will take place in the education sector in any particular year. A key factor is that teachers make up the vast numbers of retirements in the education sector, but only a very small percentage retire on compulsory age grounds.
Notwithstanding these issues, it is important to say that the Department's approach has been robust and has provided a good indication of the scale of likely retirements and the expenditure implications.
Apart from the increases made to allocations as a result of pay agreements, for a number of years prior to Budget 2019 there had been no significant increase in the expenditure base to cover the costs of increased pensions expenditure. In that context, it was necessary to seek supplementary estimates to cover additional pension costs above what could be provided for from the Department's original budgetary allocation.
My Department, and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, have worked closely to resolve this issue.
In Budget 2019, the Government allocated an additional €147 million in funding for pensions in the education sector. This was calculated on the basis of actuarial work undertaken by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform using data provided by the Department of Education and Skills.
More widely, as part of this year's Spending Review process, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform published an actuarial review (Public Service Occupational Pensions in Ireland - Cash Flow Analysis) setting out the medium and long term expenditure implications of occupational pensions in the public sector, including the education sector. This is available at: https://www.per.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/9.-Public-Service-Occupational-Pensions-in-Ireland_Cashflow-Analysis.pdf.
The additional allocation of €147 million will be added to the Department's expenditure base and will mitigate the need for a supplementary estimate for pensions expenditure in the education sector next year.
Alongside additional funding from pay deals, this will bring the pensions allocation in the Department of Education and Skills to c. €1.35 billion in 2019 compared to a pre-supplementary allocation of c. €1.19 billion in 2018.
234. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there are issues outstanding regarding an application by a school (details supplied) for repair of its school yard following an insurance claim for an accident; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54031/18]
View answerThe school to which the Deputy refers recently submitted an appeal to my Department requesting a review of its application for funding under the Emergency Works Grant Scheme to address yard issues at the school.
My Department has recently received additional information in relation to this appeal and it is envisaged that a decision will issue to the School Authorities shortly.
235. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the public private partnership bundle consisting of new Garda stations for Macroom, Clonmel and Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53488/18]
View answer236. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the proposed new Garda station in Macroom, County Cork; when it will to go to tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53489/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 235 and 236 together.
The Deputy will appreciate that 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), which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation.
The Garda Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021 is an ambitious 5-year Programme based on agreed Garda priorities, which continues to benefit over 30 locations around the country. The Programme includes over €60 million of Exchequer funding as well as a major Public Private Partnership (PPP). This is in addition to the provision of over €100 million for delivery of 3 new Divisional and Regional Headquarters in Wexford, Galway and Kevin Street, Dublin, each of which, I am pleased to confirm, have been completed and are now operational. The clear goal of this investment is to address deficiencies in the Garda estate and provide fit-for-purpose facilities for Garda members and staff as well as the public interacting with them.
The Public Private Partnership arrangement included in the Building and Refurbishment Programme is intended to deliver new stations at Clonmel, Macroom and Sligo as well as a new custody suite at the Garda Station at Anglesea Street, Cork.
I am informed by the OPW and the Garda authorities that the OPW has acquired sites for the development of the new stations in Macroom and Sligo. The site for the new Garda Station in Clonmel is already in State ownership and work is now being finalised on its transfer from the Council to the OPW. On completion, ownership of all three sites will be vested in the OPW.
The development of PPP projects is progressed under the auspices of the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA). My Department is engaging with the NDFA with a view to progressing the matter further.
It is not possible to provide a timeframe for the completion of these projects at this point, however I can assure the Deputy that delivery of the new stations at Clonmel, Macroom and Sligo through this PPP arrangement is being pursued as a priority.
237. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to a new report (details supplied). which found on the basis of a meta-analysis of studies from 33 countries that criminalisation of sex workers or their clients is associated with a significantly greater risk of physical or sexual violence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53514/18]
View answerI have been made aware of this study, which was published on 11 December 2018 and my officials are considering its findings. However, I would note that none of the quantitative studies cited in the study examined the effects of the criminalisation of sex purchase in isolation, and only one of the 37 qualitative studies cited dealt with the Swedish approach to decriminalisation which was the model for the Sexual Offences Act 2017.
The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act was enacted on 22 February 2017. Part 4 of the Act, which was commenced on 27 March 2017, provides for two new offences of purchasing sexual services in the context of prostitution.
A fundamental focus in the introduction of this legislation was to ensure that the women working in the prostitution sector would have increased protection and face no repercussions for reporting crimes related to their work. In relation to the Deputy's reference to violence against sex workers, I would encourage anyone who has been the subject of a violent crime to report that incident to An Garda Síochána.
The part of the Act dealing with the purchase of sex is due to be reviewed in 2020, and will include an assessment of the impact on the welfare of those who engage in sexual activity for payment, as well as statistics on prosecutions and convictions. My Department has made funding available for research into the impact of the legislative changes.
238. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the manner in which a person (details supplied) was dismissed from the Civil Service; his further views on the expectation that rules, regulation, circulars and an injury warrant including amendments were adhered to regarding an incident on 18 May 1988 at Portlaoise Prison; if he or the State has a duty of care in respect of this person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53520/18]
View answerI am advised by the Director General of the Irish Prison Service that, as per Parliamentary Question No. 93 of 22 November 2018, the then Director General of the Irish Prison Service reviewed the file relating to the person named in 2017 and was satisfied that proper procedures were followed in relation to his dismissal.
I am further advised by the Director General of the Irish Prison Service that according to records available relating to the incident which occurred 30 years ago, there is no indication that rules, regulations and circulars were not adhered to.
Furthermore, the Irish Prison Service does not hold any record in respect of the named person of an application for an annual allowance under the Injury Warrants regulations. Matters relating to Injury Warrants come within the responsibility of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The Civil Service Injury Warrants are a series of statutory instruments made under the Superannuation Acts. They provide additional benefits over and above normal pension entitlements, to or in respect of officers who, through no fault of their own, are killed or injured in the performance of their duties. The injury must be attributable to the nature of their duties. An annual allowance may be granted to an officer who has retired on grounds of ill health as a result of their injuries, or in respect of an officer who dies within 7 years and as a result of the injury.
239. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda community support vans attached to each Garda district in Dublin; and if additional funding will be provided to purchase additional community support vans in 2019. [53533/18]
View answerThe 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 - 2017, almost €44 million has been invested in the 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.
Decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda vehicles across the various Garda divisions are a matter for the Commissioner in light of his identified operational demands and the availability of resources. As Minister, I have no direct role in that matter. I understand however 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 optimum use. Responsibility for the efficient deployment of all official vehicles in each Division is assigned to the Divisional Officer, who may allocate vehicles between districts and stations as required by operational requirements.
I am pleased to confirm that €10 million has been made available for the purchase of Garda vehicles in 2019. The allocation of these vehicles will be decided by the Garda Commissioner in accordance with operational demands at the time when these vehicles are delivered.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that as at 14 December 2018, there were 5 Community Support Vans assigned in the Dublin Metropolitan Region, one each in Dún Laoghaire District, Store Street District, Kevin Street District, Blanchardstown District and the Bridewell District.
240. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will bring forward the explosives Bill. [53534/18]
View answerMy Department is currently engaged in an overhaul of the existing primary explosives legislation. A comprehensive new Explosives Bill is currently with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel for drafting.
241. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount spent on updating technological equipment for the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service in each of the years 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018, in tabular form; and the amount for same in 2019. [53535/18]
View answerThe total expenditure incurred by INIS on ICT-related matters during 2016, 2017 and 2018 (to end November) is as follows:
|
Year |
ICT Expenditure |
|
2016 |
€4,945,649 |
|
2017 |
€4,937,943 |
|
2018 (to end November) |
€4,530,820 |
Projected spend for 2019 is estimated at €7.4m.
242. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated cost of increasing the number of juvenile liaison officers by 15%. [53536/18]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, 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 recruitment and training of the members of An Garda Síochána. Further, the allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Commissioner, in light of the availability of resources and his identified operational demands. As Minister I have no direct role in these matters.
I have asked the Garda Commissioner for the information requested and when it is received I will write directly to the Deputy.
243. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the budget allocation to the Garda information and communications technology budget in each of the years 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018; and the amount allocated for same in 2019. [53545/18]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the resources provided by Government to An Garda Síochána have reached unprecedented levels, with an allocation for 2019 of €1.76 billion. This represents an increase of over 6% over the initial allocation for 2018.
Very significant capital investment is also being made in An Garda Síochána, including investment of €342 million in Garda ICT infrastructure between 2016 and 2021.
The Programme for a Partnership Government recognises that Gardaí must have the modern technology and resources necessary to detect and investigate crimes, and to prevent loss and harm to citizens and their property on a 24/7 basis. A broad range of ICT projects are being delivered to support and further develop existing ICT systems as well as to support Garda reform and enhance efficiency.
Under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Commissioner is the Accounting Officer for the Garda Vote and as such is responsible for the effective and efficient use of the resources at his disposal. As such, decisions in relation to the allocation and management of Garda equipment and resources, including ICT, are a matter for the Commissioner. I, as Minister, have no direct role in that matter.
I am informed that the budgetary allocation to Garda ICT for 2016 was €53,483,000; for 2017 was € 42,225,000 and for 2018 was € 43,122,000.
The overall 2019 capital investment in An Garda Síochána amounts to some €92 million, representing an increase of over €30 million as compared to 2018. It is currently intended that this will facilitate investment of approximately €65 million in Garda ICT (and essential accommodation works to facilitate same).
This capital investment is a key enabler in the ongoing reform programme and is in support of the Government’s commitment to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country, to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime.
244. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount spent by his Department on public advertising and the purchase of external communications and publicity in 2018 by advertising campaign, including specific amounts on social media campaigns (details supplied) or other digital platforms; the amount spent on public relations or other communications support in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53580/18]
View answerMy Department engages in public information campaigns, where appropriate, in order to draw attention to important issues in the Justice and Equality sector. In recent years, the focus in my Department has been on drawing attention to domestic violence and human trafficking.
The specific information requested by the Deputy in respect of 2018 is currently being compiled by officials in my Department and I will forward it to the Deputy at the earliest opportunity.
245. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extra investment being made in Garda resources in the Cavan-Monaghan Garda division in 2019. [53586/18]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the resources provided by Government to An Garda Síochána have reached unprecedented levels, with an allocation for 2019 of €1.76 billion. This represents an increase of over 6% over the initial allocation for 2018.
In terms of capital investment, €342 million is being invested in Garda ICT infrastructure between 2016 and 2021 to enable An Garda Síochána to deploy the latest cutting edge technologies and to deliver on reform. €46 million is being made available for investment in the Garda Fleet over the same period, in addition to the investment of almost €30 million in the fleet from 2013 to 2015. And further €60 million Exchequer funding underpins the Garda Building and Refurbishment Programme, which is a 5-year programme based on agreed Garda priorities benefitting over 30 locations around the country. This is in addition to the investment of approximately €100 million in development of 3 major new Divisional and Regional Headquarters recently completed and entered into operational use at Galway, Wexford and Kevin Street, Dublin.
This significant current and capital investment in An Garda Síochána is in support of the Government’s commitment to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country, to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime.
It is a matter for the Commissioner to efficiently manage these resources provided for An Garda Síochána and to determine the allocation of budgets to all Divisions, including Cavan/Monaghan Division, based upon operational requirements. I am informed by the Garda authorities that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review so as to ensure their optimum use.
More generally, I can confirm to the Deputy that, a new Garda station will be constructed in Bailieborough, County Cavan in the context of the Garda Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the planning application was lodged in August 2018 and the OPW is currently examining the submissions received in this regard. It is not possible to give a definitive date for completion of the construction of the new station. I am informed that in advance of that new development, essential works at the existing station in Bailieborough were completed in 2016, involving enhancements to the public office and safety improvements throughout the building.
In addition, the Deputy will be aware that the Programme for a Partnership Government commits to a pilot scheme to reopen 6 Garda stations to determine possible positive impacts on criminal activity, with special emphasis on burglaries, theft and public order. Bawnboy, County Cavan, is included in that pilot and the OPW and An Garda Síochána are continuing to engage in relation to the works required in that regard. I understand that implementation of the programme and reopening of all 6 stations is being pursued as a priority and the OPW expects works should be completed in each case in 2019.
The Deputy will be aware that the Office of Public Works (OPW) has the responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation and accordingly the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close co-operation with the OPW.
Finally I am advised by the Garda authorities that the strength of the Garda fleet in the Cavan/Monaghan Division as at 14 December 2018 is 56 vehicles. I can confirm to the Deputy that €10 million will be made available to An Garda Síochána in 2019 for the Garda fleet. The allocation of the vehicles purchased with these funds will be decided by the Garda Commissioner in the light of operational demands.
246. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of drink driving, driving with a mobile phone and speeding detections made by gardaí nationally by area, county and month in counties Cavan, Meath and Monaghan to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53588/18]
View answerI have requested a report from An Garda Síochána in relation to the various statistics sought by the Deputy, and I will provide this information directly to the Deputy on receipt of said report.
|
Type |
Division |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Total |
|
Speeding fixed charge notices issued |
Cavan/Monaghan |
122 |
154 |
188 |
238 |
418 |
362 |
378 |
371 |
540 |
534 |
3,305 |
|
Meath |
243 |
278 |
323 |
457 |
611 |
618 |
623 |
664 |
432 |
591 |
4,840 |
|
|
All Divisions |
8,235 |
7,948 |
8,429 |
11,439 |
12,985 |
11,934 |
12,366 |
12,719 |
12,103 |
13,124 |
111,282 |
|
|
Mobile phone fixed charge notices issued |
Cavan/Monaghan |
76 |
68 |
82 |
100 |
92 |
121 |
83 |
85 |
122 |
142 |
971 |
|
Meath |
50 |
38 |
12 |
22 |
104 |
57 |
76 |
42 |
99 |
61 |
561 |
|
|
All Divisions |
1,886 |
2,074 |
2,225 |
3,006 |
3,058 |
2,278 |
2,271 |
2,647 |
3,301 |
3,382 |
26,128 |
|
|
Drink driving fixed charge notices issued |
Cavan/Monaghan |
4 |
5 |
3 |
8 |
5 |
7 |
7 |
3 |
9 |
7 |
58 |
|
Meath |
3 |
6 |
8 |
5 |
6 |
6 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
2 |
47 |
|
|
All Divisions |
78 |
109 |
100 |
121 |
125 |
145 |
130 |
125 |
114 |
95 |
1,142 |
|
|
Driving while intoxicated (Incidents) |
Cavan/Monaghan |
29 |
23 |
22 |
49 |
34 |
39 |
37 |
31 |
44 |
43 |
351 |
|
Meath |
26 |
30 |
25 |
24 |
30 |
42 |
34 |
30 |
34 |
36 |
311 |
|
|
All Divisions |
575 |
595 |
707 |
741 |
833 |
815 |
738 |
759 |
814 |
824 |
7,401 |
247. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the capital investment being made in Garda resources in counties Cavan, Monaghan and Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53591/18]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the resources provided by Government to An Garda Síochána have reached unprecedented levels, with an allocation for 2019 of €1.76 billion. This represents an increase of over 6% over the initial allocation for 2018.
Very significant capital investment is also being made in An Garda Síochána, including investment of €342 million in Garda ICT infrastructure between 2016 and 2021 to enable; investment of €46 million in the Garda Fleet over the same period; as well as considerable capital investment in addressing the deficiencies in the Garda estate. €60 million Exchequer funding underpins the Garda Building and Refurbishment Programme, which is a 5-year programme based on agreed Garda priorities benefitting over 30 locations around the country. This is in addition to the investment of approximately €100 million in development of 3 major new Divisional and Regional Headquarters at Galway, Wexford and Kevin Street, Dublin, each of which has entered into operational use in 2017 and 2018 .
This significant current and capital investment in An Garda Síochána is in support of the Government’s commitment to ensure a strong and visible police presence throughout the country, to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime.
As the Deputy will appreciate, in accordance with Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, as amended, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for carrying on and managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána. Further, the allocation of Garda resources across all Divisions, including Cavan/Monaghan and Meath Divisions, is a matter for the Commissioner, in light of the availability of resources and his identified operational demands. As Minister I have no direct role in these matters. However I am informed by the Garda authorities that the distribution of resources is kept under continual review to ensure their optimum use.
Regarding the Garda estate, I would first note that the Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. Accordingly, the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close co-operation with the OPW.
I am informed by the Garda authorities capital investment in the Garda estate in the Cavan/Monaghan Division includes the following: A new Garda station will be provided in Bailieborough, County Cavan in the context of the Garda Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021. I am informed that the relevant planning application was lodged in August 2018 and that the OPW is currently examining the submissions received. It is not possible to give a definitive date for completion of the construction of the new station.
I am informed that in advance of that new development, essential works at the existing Garda station in Bailieborough were completed in 2016, involving enhancements to the public office and safety improvements throughout the building.
In addition, Bawnboy, County Cavan is one of the 6 former Garda stations included in the pilot re-opening project. That project arises from a commitment in the Programme for a Partnership Government to reopen 6 Garda stations to determine possible positive impacts on criminal activity, with special emphasis on burglaries, theft and public order. I am informed that the OPW and An Garda Síochána are continuing to engage in relation to the works required to permit reopening of Bawnboy station. I am informed that implementation of the programme and reopening of all 6 stations is being pursued as a priority and the OPW expects works should be completed in each case in 2019.
With regard to Meath Division, provision is made in the Garda Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021 for construction of an extension to Navan Garda Station. The proposed works consist of demolishing the existing cell block and erection of a two storey extension comprising a new cell block on the ground floor and additional offices overhead. I am informed that the Part 9 Planning notices in this respect have been issued.
In addition, Kells Garda Station has been provisionally identified for inclusion in the National Cell Refurbishment Programme in 2020. Initial design proposals are now being prepared.
More generally, I am informed that An Garda Síochána seeks to address minor maintenance issues and refurbishment works across all Divisions as they arise, liaising closely with the OPW and having regard to overall Garda accommodation priorities.
Finally, I am advised by the Garda authorities that as of 14 December 2018 the strength of the Garda fleet in the Cavan/Monaghan Division is 56 vehicles and the strength of the Garda fleet in Meath Division is 58 vehicles.
248. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of operating Garda stations; the number of those stations that are not connected to the PULSE system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53595/18]
View answer249. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda stations that do not have access to the Internet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53596/18]
View answer252. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of rural Garda stations with no access to broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53618/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 248, 249 and 252 together.
As the Deputy will appreciate, decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda ICT resources including the installation of data connections across the various Garda divisions are a matter for the Commissioner in the light of his identified operational demands and the availability of resources. As Minister, I have no direct role in that matter.
I have asked the Commissioner for the specific information requested and I will write directly to the Deputy on receipt of same.
250. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda inspectors in counties Cavan and Monaghan; the vacancies in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53613/18]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of personnel and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution under review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities to ensure optimum use is made of these resources.
I have been advised by the Commissioner that as of 18 December 2018 there are seven Garda Inspectors in the Cavan/Monaghan Division. I understand that an additional Inspector has recently been assigned to the Division and will take up their appointment early in the New Year.
I am pleased that the recent Budget provided resources to increase the number of Sergeants by 110 and the number of Inspectors by 81. As Garda numbers continue to increase towards the target of 15,000 by 2021, it is imperative that the appropriate and commensurate numbers of supervisors are put in place.
I am informed by the Commissioner that competitions for promotion to these ranks have recently concluded and panels formed, which will be drawn upon as needed, by the Commissioner.
I am further informed that 64 Inspectors and 170 Sergeants have been appointed by the Commissioner from these panels so far and it is expected further appointments will be made early in the new year. The policing needs of all Garda Divisions including the Cavan/Monaghan Division will be considered by the Commissioner when making these appointments.
251. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the wait time for Garda vetting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53617/18]
View answerThe Deputy will appreciate that the primary purpose of the employment vetting carried out by the National Vetting Bureau is to seek to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults. It is carried out by An Garda Síochána primarily in accordance with the provisions of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012-2016 and is, as I am sure you will agree, a very important task which must be done thoroughly and correctly. My Department has no role in the processing of individual vetting applications.
I have been informed by the Garda Authorities that the Vetting Bureau works to ensure that the processing time for vetting applications is kept to the minimum necessary in order to ensure that the statutory obligation to receive a vetting disclosure prior to permitting any person to undertake relevant work or activities on behalf of an organisation can be facilitated without undue delay.
All Garda vetting applications are processed on a first come, first served basis in chronological order from date of receipt. This is with a view to observing equity and fairness in respect of all vetting subjects.
In respect of certain applications, it is necessary for the Vetting Bureau to conduct further inquiries; for example to confirm information provided by the applicant with external bodies. The time required to receive such information may be outside of the control of the Vetting Bureau. In such instances, processing times may be significantly longer than the average.
However, in general, the vetting process is working well and I understand that there are no backlogs or delays in Garda vetting at present.
This efficiency has been achieved by the deployment of the e-vetting system which facilitates the on-line processing of applications for vetting from registered organisations. The current turnaround time for vetting applications submitted by organisations utilising the e-vetting system is 5 working days for over 85% of applications received.
Individual applicants can also track the process of their application online using the e-vetting tracking system, details of which are contained in the email received by applicants when completing their application online.
