Thomas P. Broughan
Question:216. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated cost of increasing the number of community gardaí by 25%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20522/19]
View answerCommunity Policing
Questions (216)
Written answers
There has been an unprecedented level of investment in Garda resources across the State in recent years. The budgetary allocation to An Garda Síochána for 2019 amounts to €1.76 billion. Very significant capital investment is also being made, including investment of €342 million in Garda ICT infrastructure between 2016 and 2021; and investment of €46 million in the Garda Fleet over the same period. This continuing investment supports 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.
In accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 as amended, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling the administration and business of An Garda Síochána and for the allocation of Garda resources, in light of his identified operational demands. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters. I understand however that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that community policing is at the heart of An Garda Síochána as it recognises that every community, either urban or rural, has its own concerns and expectations. The role of a community Garda is not a specialist role in An Garda Síochána; rather it is the case that all Gardaí have a role to play in community policing in carrying out their duties. The official categorisation of Community Garda simply refers to those who are exclusively assigned to building relationships with local communities and civil society including giving talks to schools, community groups and others. It is a matter for the Divisional Chief Superintendent to determine the optimum distribution of duties among the personnel available to him or her having regard to the profile of the area and its specific needs.
I am informed by the Garda Síochána that as at 31 March 2019, there were a total of 714 Community Gardaí across three Garda ranks. I am further informed that the estimated incremental salary costs for an increase of 25% in this number would be as set out in the table (all figures rounded).
|
Garda Ranks |
25% increase |
|
Dedicated Community Gardaí |
€ 8,741,000 |
|
Dedicated Community Sergeants |
€ 1,544,000 |
|
Dedicated Community Inspectors |
€ 149,000 |
I am informed by the Garda authorities that these costs were calculated using the midpoint of the current Garda salary scale and include fixed allowances to which members are entitled. An estimate of Employer’s PRSI is also included. Allowances for unsocial hours and any potential overtime payments in excess of standard briefing time are not included.
Garda Deployment
Questions (217, 218, 219)
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:217. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí by rank attached to the Garda National Immigration Bureau as of 31 December 2017, 31 December 2018 and 3 May 2019, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20523/19]
View answerThomas P. Broughan
Question:218. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí by rank attached to the Garda operational support unit as of 31 December 2017, 31 December 2018 and 3 May 2019, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20524/19]
View answerThomas P. Broughan
Question:219. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí by rank attached to the Garda cybercrime unit as of 31 December 2017, 31 December 2018 and 3 May 2019, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20525/19]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 217 to 219, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is statutorily responsible for the management of An Garda Síochána, including personnel matters, and I, as Minister, do not have responsibility for this 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.
With regard to numbers of Gardaí attached to divisions and stations or in particular roles or units, much of the data requested is on my Department’s website and is updated every month with the latest data provided by An Garda Síochána.
My officials are currently in the process of developing the website to provide additional information and data about other roles and units, and I would encourage the deputy and colleagues to avail of this resource.
For the Deputy's information I have set out in the tables attached additional data, as requested, in relation to the current strength of Garda national units which is currently not available on our website.
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 2,600 Garda recruits have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, including 200 trainees who passed out from the college on 8th March.
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. The Government has increased the budget for An Garda Síochána to €1.76 billion for 2019, which includes provision for the recruitment of up to 800 Gardaí this year. The Commissioner has informed me that he plans to recruit a total of 600 trainee Gardaí in 2019 and 600 Garda Civilian Staff. This Garda Staff recruitment will allow the Commissioner to redeploy a further 500 fully trained Gardaí from administrative duties to frontline policing in 2019.
I believe that the injection of this large number of experienced officers into the field, along with the new recruits, will be really beneficial in terms of protecting communities. This and on-going recruitment will clearly provide the Commissioner with the resources needed to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí to deliver a visible effective and responsive policing service to communities across all Garda Divisions.
For general information on Garda Facts and Figures please see: http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/An_Garda_Siochana_facts_and_figures
Garda National Immigration Bureau 2017 - 2019
|
Year |
GD |
SG |
IN |
SU |
CS |
Total |
|
2017 |
102 |
15 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
122 |
|
2018 |
96 |
12 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
115 |
|
2019* |
93 |
12 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
112 |
*As of 31 March 2019
Garda National Operational Support Services 2017-2019
|
YEAR |
GD |
SG |
IN |
SU |
CS |
TOTAL |
|
2017 |
62 |
10 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
76 |
|
2018 |
63 |
9 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
74 |
|
2019* |
62 |
9 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
73 |
*As of 31 March 2019
Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau 2017 - 2019
|
YEAR |
GD |
SG |
IN |
SU |
CS |
TOTAL |
|
2017 |
17 |
5 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
23 |
|
2018 |
21 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
28 |
|
2019* |
21 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
27 |
*As of 31 March 2019
Immigrant Investor Programme Applications
Questions (220)
Micheál Martin
Question:220. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the processing times for applications under the immigrant investor programmes; if there are undue delays; if so, if he has had these examined; the actions he is taking to address the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20528/19]
View answerWritten answers
The Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) was introduced in April 2012 to encourage inward investment and create business and employment opportunities in the State. The programme provides investors with the opportunity to invest in Ireland. Key to the programme is that the investments are beneficial for Ireland, generate or sustain employment and are generally in the public interest.
Successful applicants under the Immigrant Investment Programme and their nominated family members may be granted a residence permission in Ireland under Stamp 4 conditions. Stamp 4 conditions permit non-EEA nationals to work, study or start their own businesses in Ireland. Therefore, given the significant immigration benefits accruing and to ensure the highest degree of transparency and accountability for the programme, it is essential that all applications are subject to enhanced levels of due diligence processes in respect of both personal and financial checks to protect the State's interests.
I am informed that the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department has introduced a number of enhanced control mechanisms which has led to temporary increase in processing times, as the new processes are bedded in. Decisions on a significant number of 2018 applications will be made on that basis and communicated to applicants in the coming weeks.
The INIS expects that, in 2019, processing times for applications will be between 6-9 months. I am advised that timeframe compares very favourably to international peers, some of whom operate a decision-making framework of between 12 and 24 months.
Garda Deployment
Questions (221)
Brian Stanley
Question:221. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí assigned to Portarlington Garda station each year for the past ten years. [20549/19]
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.
Since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, almost 2,600 Garda recruits have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, of whom 98 were assigned to the Laois/Offaly Division.
The Government has increased the budget for An Garda Síochána to €1.76 billion for 2019, which includes provision for the recruitment of up to 800 Gardaí this year. The Commissioner has now informed me that he plans to recruit a total of 600 trainee Gardaí in 2019 and 600 Garda Civilian Staff. This Garda Staff recruitment will allow the Commissioner to redeploy a further 500 fully trained Gardaí from administrative duties to frontline policing in 2019.
I believe that the injection of this large number of experienced officers into the field, along with the new recruits, will be really beneficial in terms of protecting communities. This and on-going recruitment will clearly provide the Commissioner with the resources needed to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí to deliver a visible effective and responsive policing service to communities across all Garda Divisions including the Laois/Offaly Division.
The Garda strength of the Laois/Offaly Division from 2009 to 31 March 2019 as provided by the Garda Commissioner is available on my Department’s website:
www.justice.ie/en/JELR/002_Garda_Numbers_by_Division_District_and_Station_2009_to_March_2019.xlsx/Files/002_Garda_Numbers_by_Division_District_and_Station_2009_to_March_2019.xlsx.
For more general information on Garda Facts and Figures please see: http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/An_Garda_Siochana_facts_and_figures.
Garda Reserve
Questions (222)
John Lahart
Question:222. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of reserve gardaí in the force in each year since 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20569/19]
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.
The Garda Reserve strength in each of the years from 2009 to 31 March 2019 , as provided by the Garda Commissioner is available on my Department’s website:
www.justice.ie/en/JELR/006_Garda_Reserve_Strength_2009_to_March_2019.xlsx/Files/006_Garda_Reserve_Strength_2009_to_March_2019.xlsx.
For more general information on Garda Facts and Figures please see: http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/An_Garda_Siochana_facts_and_figures.
Prisoner Transfers
Questions (223)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:223. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when an application for the transfer of a sentenced person (details supplied) was received; the progress made to date; when it is expected that the process of transfer will be concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20574/19]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised by my officials in the Irish Prison Service that an application from the person referred to by the Deputy to transfer to Ireland to serve his sentence was received on 3 November, 2017. I am further advised that my officials have recently received legal advice from the Chief State Solicitor's Office and the Office of the Attorney General in relation to his application. The advice received is currently being examined by my officials and the application will be processed accordingly.
On foot of the legal advice received it was necessary to make further contact with the sentencing State to seek clarification in relation to the sentences imposed and/or other issues relating to the applicant's conviction. Therefore it is not possible at this time to provide an estimated date for the conclusion of this application.
I wish to advise the Deputy that applications received for a period in 2016 and 2017 were placed 'on hold' following the outcome of the Supreme Court Judgement in the Rafferty et al V The Governor of Portlaoise. The person referred to was made aware of this by way of letter in December 2017.
Following the Judgement in the case of McKeon V The Minister for Justice and Equality, all applications were reactivated. The administration process in his case was re-activated in May 2018. Again I am advised that the person and his family were made aware of this and that they will be kept informed of any developments in his case as they arise.
Garda Reserve
Questions (224, 225)
John Lahart
Question:224. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if an advocate for the Garda Reserve has been established within An Garda Síochána as recommended by the commission on policing; if so, the role of same; and the success to date of the objective of advocating and promoting An Garda Síochána which has been achieved. [20577/19]
View answerJohn Lahart
Question:225. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps taken since the beginning of 2018 to achieve a greater role for the Garda Reserve within and without the organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20578/19]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 224 and 225 together.
Under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the allocation and distribution of resources including the recruitment and training of Garda members and members of the Garda Reserve is entirely a matter for the Garda Commissioner and I, as Minister, have no responsibility in this 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.
The Garda Reserve strength in each of the years from 2009 to 31 March 2019 , as provided by the Garda Commissioner is available on my Department’s website through the link:
www.justice.ie/en/JELR/006_Garda_Reserve_Strength_2009_to_March_2019.xlsx/Files/006_Garda_Reserve_Strength_2009_to_March_2019.xlsx.
I am informed by An Garda Síochána that a class of approximately 100 Garda reserve recruits commenced training on 23/24 March 2019 at the Garda College, Templemore. This is a positive development and delivers on the target set out under 'A Policing Service for the Future', the implementation plan for the Report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland.
As the Deputy will be aware, An Garda Síochána is currently conducting a strategic review of the Garda Reserve to inform future decisions around the use of the Reserve. This approach is in line with the recommendation in the Report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland which recommended that recruitment to the Garda Reserve be paused and a Strategy developed. The Strategy is scheduled to be concluded during quarter two 2019, in line with the timelines set out in the implementation plan and will inform the development and preparation for a new Reserve recruitment drive by the end of 2019.
Garda Vetting
Questions (226)
Jim O'Callaghan
Question:226. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps he will take to speed up the delays being experienced by persons being vetted by An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20657/19]
View answerWritten answers
The 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 enquiries; 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.
Garda Operations
Questions (227)
Clare Daly
Question:227. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to an incident reported to An Garda Síochána (details supplied); the action he would recommend; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20674/19]
View answerWritten answers
I have requested a report from the Garda authorities on this matter and I will contact the Deputy directly when the report is to hand.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 227 of 14 May 2019 in relation to allegations of sulky racing and animal cruelty between Killurney School and Fethard, Co. Tipperary.
As the Deputy will recall, I undertook to contact her again once the information from An Garda Síochána was to hand.
I am now advised by the Garda authorities, that Gardaí in Clonmel received a call on Thursday 18th April 2019, stating that there had been sulky racing on the road between Fethard and Kilsheelan. Gardaí performed a methodical search of the area and interviewed available witnesses.
I am further advised that a second report was received in relation to an injured pony along the same route and Gardaí conducted a search along the roadways with negative results.
I understand that investigating Gardaí spoke with the person who had reported the matter who advised that she had been informed by another person there had been sulky racing out of Fethard and that a pony had been observed in an injured state. The caller stated that she was concerned regarding ongoing mistreatment of horses in the Clonmel area. A PULSE incident was created to reflect the incident.
I am assured that An Garda Síochána considers the mal-treatment of animals as a serious incident and will fully investigate any complaints received.
I hope this information is of assistance.
Liquor Licensing Laws
Questions (228)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:228. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to upgrade the public trading licensing code (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20680/19]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy is aware, section 19 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2000 made provision for the upgrading of restricted licences, including six-day licences, under certain conditions, including a specific condition that applications to the Revenue Commissioners for such upgrading be made within one year of the entry into force of the Act.
Notwithstanding that upgrading scheme, I understand that, for whatever reason, a very small number of restricted licences remain in existence. The position is, therefore, that a further upgrading scheme to deal with the residue of restricted licences remains to be considered in the context of future updating of the liquor licensing code.