Willie O'Dea
Question:200. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a matter will be addressed regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46538/19]
View answerMinisterial Meetings
Questions (200)
Written answers
As the Deputy will be aware, an independent review into the governance, HR and financial practices and procedures of the University referred to by the Deputy was undertaken in 2017. The findings of that review resulted in a number of recommendations for implementation by the University, some of which involved certain staff members, including the employee referred to by the Deputy.
Following publication of the review, my Department and the Higher Education Authority (HEA) have continued to monitor progress by the University to ensure full implementation of the specific recommendations. At a recent meeting with the University, it was advised that these recommendations have been implemented in full and consequently my Department is satisfied that the issues raised by the employee referred to have been fully investigated and addressed.
In relation to the specific case mentioned by the Deputy, it is the Department’s understanding that the employee has not been suspended by the University.
The issue to be resolved is a matter to be taken forward by the University engaging with the staff member, as it relates to an employer-employee relationship. Universities are autonomous bodies as set out in the Universities Act 1997 and they are responsible for their own day to day affairs, including the management of employment affairs. In that context, I understand that the University is still engaged in a process with the employee referred to.
School Staff
Questions (201)
Seamus Healy
Question:201. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the retention of a second teacher at a school (details supplied) will be approved in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46539/19]
View answerWritten answers
The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September.
Staffing arrangements for the 2020/21 school year have not yet been finalised and so it is not possible, at this stage, to confirm a school’s staffing for the 2020/21 school year. The arrangements will be published early in 2020 and at that stage, schools will be able to establish their staffing.
The staffing schedule includes an appeals mechanism for schools to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Primary Staffing Appeals Board. Details of the criteria for appeal will be contained in the staffing schedule when published in the New Year.
Schools Building Projects Status
Questions (202)
Ruth Coppinger
Question:202. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will report on discussions with the developer for the delivery of a permanent location for a school (details supplied) and an extension of the lease for the temporary location. [46541/19]
View answerWritten answers
My Department are examining all options for interim accommodation for Sept 2020 pending construction of the permanent accommodation for the school to which the Deputy refers.
My Department is in contact with the landlord with regard to the possibility of extending current arrangements.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (203)
Denis Naughten
Question:203. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 126 of 2 October 2019, the status of acquiring a site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46543/19]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy will be aware that a project to provide permanent accommodation for St. Teresa's Special School is included in my Department's school building programme to be delivered as part of the National Development Plan. In order to facilitate this project the acquisition of a permanent site is required. Unfortunately this has proven challenging to date and the proposed acquisition of an identified site proved unsuccessful, despite my Department's best efforts.
I can confirm an alternative potential permanent site option for St Teresa's Special School has since been identified. As part of our standard general procedures, a technical site assessment is undertaken and this would include the full range of factors which might affect the deliverability and feasibility of the site in question. This assessment is underway at present. Due to the commercially sensitive nature of site acquisitions generally, it is not possible to comment further at this stage.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (204)
John Curran
Question:204. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has considered a review of the school building projects that have been at stage 2b for a significant amount of time (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46579/19]
View answerWritten answers
Project Progress Reports relevant to school major building projects are required to be submitted to the Department on a monthly basis. In accordance with the Design Team Procedures, the Design Team leader has a particular responsibility to provide monthly reports to both the Board of Management and the Department on progress against the programme and to provide ongoing monthly reports during construction.
In cases where monthly progress reports are not being submitted as requested, project updates are sought by my Department on a regular basis from Design Team Leaders. Accordingly, there is an on-going review of projects currently at Stage 2(b).
Where projects take longer than expected to progress through Stage 2(b), they have generally experienced planning difficulties due to a complicated or detailed planning application, appeals to An Board Pleanála, complications around decant arrangements or site issues. In other cases, there have been unavoidable changes to the brief or scope of the project.
Ensuring that new school buildings are Near Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB) in compliance with the 2017 amendment to Part L of the current Building Regulations which in many cases involved a second planning application to allow for the installation of photovoltaic panels on the roof following receipt of the initial planning permission has over the past year, meant that some school building projects have undergone a longer than normal Stage 2(b) process.
In addition, since November 2018, a number of competitions to pre-qualify have been challenged in the High Court leading to the need to completely redraft the procedures and processes involved in pre-qualification. This has impacted on projects which were not themselves subject to a direct challenge.
I am glad to report that four major school building projects that were at Stage 2B for a considerable period of time have recently been progressed to the next stage of architectural planning, Stage 3 - Tender Stage.
Student Retention Rates
Questions (205)
John Curran
Question:205. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Education and Skills the retention rates of students who complete the leaving certificate in second level DEIS schools in each of the years 2000 to 2018 and to date in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46580/19]
View answerWritten answers
The Delivery of Equal Opportunities in Schools (DEIS) was introduced to selected schools in the 2006/07 academic year. The first time the retention rate, where a student sits the Leaving Certificate examination, was calculated for DEIS post-primary schools was in 2007. This was for the sixth year of schools with DEIS status in the 2006/07 academic year. The retention rate for DEIS schools did not exists prior to 2007.
Since 2007, the retention rate for DEIS schools has risen from 68.2 per cent to 85 per cent in 2017 (see attachment, table 1). The gap between non-DEIS schools and DEIS schools, for the same period of time, has reduced from 16.8 to 8.5 percentage points. This is approximately an additional 2,500 students sitting their Leaving Certificate examination in DEIS schools since the programme was introduced.
The retention rate for 2018 examination sits is currently being calculated and due for publication shortly which will be forwarded to the deputy once it is available. The 2019 retention rate will be calculated and published in 2020.
Table 1: Retention rates of post-primary schools in DEIS, non-DEIS and National rate since 2007.
|
Leaving Certificate Examination Sit (Year) |
DEIS Retention Rate (%) |
Non-DEIS Retention Rate (%) |
DEIS Gap (percentage points) |
National Retention Rate (%) |
|
2017 |
85.0 |
93.5 |
8.5 |
91.6 |
|
2016 |
84.4 |
92.9 |
8.5 |
91.2 |
|
2015 |
82.7 |
92.0 |
9.3 |
90.2 |
|
2014 |
82.1 |
92.6 |
10.5 |
90.6 |
|
2013 |
80.4 |
92.6 |
12.2 |
90.1 |
|
2012 |
80.1 |
92.7 |
12.6 |
90.2 |
|
2011 |
78.4 |
91.7 |
13.3 |
89.2 |
|
2010 |
73.2 |
87.4 |
14.2 |
84.5 |
|
2009 |
69.9 |
85.5 |
15.6 |
82.2 |
|
2008 |
68.6 |
84.7 |
16.1 |
81.3 |
|
2007 |
68.2 |
85.0 |
16.8 |
81.3 |
School Services Staff
Questions (206)
John Curran
Question:206. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he is taking to address the situation in which many school secretaries receive no holiday pay, sick pay or occupational pension provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46583/19]
View answerWritten answers
I recognise the very important work done by these staff, and the other support staff in the running of our schools. I have spoken to a number of staff about their employment conditions and understand the issues they have raised.
In Budget 2020 I increased the number of secretaries and caretakers in certain schools, allowing schools with enrolments of 500-625 to fill secretary vacancies provided they have fewer than 1.5 secretaries; schools with enrolments of 626-699 to fill vacancies provided they have fewer than two secretary posts filled, and schools of 700 or more to fill caretaker vacancies provided they have fewer than two caretakers. These measures will take effect from September 2020.
Earlier this year I relaxed the moratorium for those C&C and ETB schools with enrolments of 700 and more which allow them to employ additional school secretaries up to a maximum of two per school. There are 91 schools in the C&C and ETB Sector who meet this criteria, based on the information currently available to this Department. This is an initial step and has taken immediate effect.
Schemes were initiated in 1978 and 1979 for the employment of clerical officers and caretakers in schools. The schemes were withdrawn completely in 2008. These schemes have been superseded by the more extensive capitation grant schemes. The current grant scheme was agreed in the context of the Programme for Economic and Social Progress, published in 1991.
The majority of primary and voluntary secondary schools now receive assistance to provide for secretarial, caretaking and cleaning services under these grant schemes. It is a matter for each individual school to decide how best to apply the grant funding to suit its particular needs. Where a school uses the grant funding for caretaking or secretarial purposes, any staff taken on to support those functions are employees of individual schools. Specific responsibility for terms of employment rests with the school.
On foot of a Chairman’s Note to the Lansdowne Road Agreement, my Department engaged with the Unions representing school secretaries and caretakers, including through an independent arbitration process in 2015. The Arbitrator recommended a cumulative pay increase of 10% between 2016 and 2019 for staff and that a minimum hourly pay rate of €13 be phased in over that period. This arbitration agreement covers the period up to 31 December 2019.
The arbitration agreement was designed to be of greatest benefit to lower-paid secretaries and caretakers. For example, a secretary or caretaker who was paid the then minimum wage of €8.65 per hour in 2015 prior to the arbitration has from 1 January 2019, been paid €13 per hour which is a 50% increase in that individual’s hourly pay.
The increases recommended by the Arbitrator are binding and must be applied by all schools who employ staff to whom the Arbitrator’s recommendation applies. My Department receives informal correspondence by telephone in respect of grant-funded secretary and caretaker circulars, as regularly occurs with the publication of pay circulars. Advice is provided on the implementation of the circular and the appropriate steps to take. Secretaries and Caretakers who have queries regarding the application of the circular should raise queries directly with their individual employer / Board of Management.
In addition, the recent survey of Secretaries and Caretakers has identified some schools that are non-compliant with the provisions of the 2015 Arbitration Agreement, and my Department will be making contact with these schools to remind them of their obligations under the agreement, as implemented through various circulars. The links below will bring you to the most recent circulars in respect of the pay increases under the 2015 Arbitration Agreement.
https://www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/cl0076_2018.pdf
https://www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/cl0077_2018.pdf
Officials from my Department attended a meeting of the Joint Committee on Education and Skills on the 9th of April to discuss the status of non-teaching staff.
In May this year officials from my Department had discussions with FÓRSA trade union representatives as part of a planned meeting. FÓRSA took the opportunity to formally table a pay claim.
This was tabled as a follow-on claim from the current pay agreement for this cohort of staff which lasts until December 2019. The Department issued surveys on the 10th of July to establish the full current cost of the trade union’s claim. This is standard practice.
Officials from the Department met with FÓRSA representatives in September. Management Bodies representing the employers of schools impacted by the action were also in attendance at the meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to further explore the details of the pay claim as presented by FÓRSA and the nature of the industrial action.
On 30 September FÓRSA requested the Department to agree to use the services of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) to resolve the dispute. As is normal practice the Department has agreed to use the industrial relations machinery of the state in an effort to resolve this matter.
In order to address the various issues within the claim and to arrive at a mutually acceptable solution, the Department is in discussions with FÓRSA under the auspices of the WRC.
Schools Data
Questions (207)
Catherine Martin
Question:207. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of primary schools that are not designated feeder schools to a post-primary school; the way in which he plans to ensure that primary schools are each a designated feeder school to at least one post-primary school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46591/19]
View answerWritten answers
In relation to school admissions, it is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998. My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in the area.
A Board of Management may find it necessary to prioritise enrolment of children from particular areas or on the basis of some other criterion, including giving priority to applicants who have attended a particular primary school known as a feeder school. The criteria to be applied by schools in such circumstances and the order of priority are a matter for the schools themselves.
New schools established since 2011 to meet demographic demand are required to prioritise enrolments from within the school planning area which the school was established to serve. This does not preclude new schools established since 2011 from enrolling pupils from outside of the designated school planning area where it has capacity to do so, rather it reflects the need to accommodate in the first instance the demographic for which the school was established.
The requirement on new schools established since 2011 to prioritise enrolment from a particular school planning area(s) does not apply to or impact on the majority of existing schools established prior to 2011.
School Management
Questions (208, 209)
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:208. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 240 of 5 November 2019, the date on which replies were sent to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46593/19]
View answerThomas P. Broughan
Question:209. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 241 of 5 November 2019, the reason for stakeholder engagement regarding appropriate education provision for the students at a school (details supplied) in view of section 15 of the Education Act 1998 which provides that the board of management must provide an appropriate education to the students; if he is satisfied that each student is in receipt of an appropriate education at the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46594/19]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 208 and 209 together.
My Department has received a large volume of correspondence from the person to whom the Deputy refers and has responded to many of the issues raised.
My Department is currently engaging with the school, and with relevant stakeholders, including the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), HSE, school patron and trustees, in relation to the educational provision in place for the students in the school.
The NCSE is an independent agency under the remit of my Department, with a statutory function to plan and co-ordinate the provision of education and support services to children with special educational needs, in consultation with the relevant education partners and the Health Service Executive (HSE).
My Department is due to meet with school authorities this month to discuss the recommendations contained in the Inspector's report and related matters.
A full response will not issue to the person referred to by the Deputy, until the above process has been completed.
Third Level Funding
Questions (210)
Róisín Shortall
Question:210. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Skills the investment made in public and private higher education as a proportion of national income, that is GDP and GNI; the way in which this compares to key competitor countries such as the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46595/19]
View answerWritten answers
Higher education is structured and funded in a wide variety of ways and arrangements are highly dependent on the context and circumstances of each individual country.
The OECD Report, “Education at a Glance 2019” provides data on the structure, finances and performance of education systems in the OECD countries, and a number of partner countries, and provides data on investment in Higher Education across the OECD. The data refers to the 2016 financial year and the data is not calculated as a proportion of GNI but rather as a proportion of GDP, as that is the approach the OECD uses across the board.
The OECD reports total expenditure for Ireland on Higher Education in 2016 at 0.8 % of GDP. This compares to an EU23 average of 1.25% in that year. Using the CSO’s recommended modified GNI measure which more accurately represents the size of the Irish economy (rather than GDP which is distorted by certain foreign investment activities), Ireland’s Higher Education expenditure is estimated to be at 1.25% of GNI.
In 2016 the OECD also reports that Ireland was spending a higher proportion of total public expenditure on Higher Education at 2.6% compared to the EU[23] average of 2.5% .
2016 is a relatively low baseline for public spending on Higher Education in Ireland. Since 2016, my Department has significantly increased investment in Higher Education through the budgetary process. 2020 will see planned current Higher Education spending increase by 25% compared to 2016.
At €1.88bn, 2020 will see the highest level to date of spend on higher education in a single year. This investment will be used to respond to demographic pressures and to underpin a range of initiatives in the higher education sector, including a new research initiative, a substantial investment in the evolution of Technological Universities, significant skills-enhancing opportunities for individuals, sectors and regions most vulnerable to Brexit as well as updating skills more generally to prepare Ireland’s society and economy for a future world of work transformed by technology and automation.
Direct Provision System
Questions (211)
Catherine Martin
Question:211. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the access persons living in direct provision have to further and higher education with their local education and training boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46597/19]
View answerWritten answers
All protection applicants, including those living in direct provision, can access ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages) education from their local Education and Training Board (ETB). Additional literacy supports may be provided for those with existing literacy needs in their own languages.
Access to the broader range of Further Education and Training (FET) delivered by ETBs is provided to protection applicants who hold Labour Market Access (LMA) permission. Courses in general (aside from ESOL) may require a level of competency in spoken and written English and some courses hold specific educational or vocational requirements for entry. While access to the majority of FET programmes is free of charge, participation in the Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) programme, in common with higher education provision, is subject to the payment of fees that apply to international learners.
Protection applicants are not eligible to access the SUSI grant scheme that is available to PLC and higher education students. However, a Pilot Support Scheme provides supports along similar lines to the SUSI grant scheme (including meeting the cost of fees) and is available to eligible persons in the asylum, subsidiary protection or leave to remain process. Details of the 2019/20 Pilot Support Scheme can be accessed on my Department's website at https://www.education.ie/en/Learners/Services/Pilot-Support-Scheme/Pilot-Support-Scheme.html
Schools Building Projects Status
Questions (212)
Seán Sherlock
Question:212. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of a school building project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46598/19]
View answerWritten answers
The building project referred to by the Deputy is being delivered under my Department’s Design and Build Programme. This delivery programme uses a professional external Project Management team to progress the project through the stages of architectural planning, tendering and construction.
An application for Planning Permission in respect of the works was submitted to the relevant Local Authority in July 2019. A request for further information was received in August 2019.
My Department's Design and Build Project Management team are actively working on this Request for Further Information (RFI) and a response will be issued as soon as possible.
As with all school projects, the exact timeframe for delivery of the project will be dependent on the grant of planning permission.
Departmental Advertising Campaigns
Questions (213)
Jack Chambers
Question:213. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Education and Skills the role his Department is playing in the winter ready campaign; the expenditure his Department will incur in this campaign; and the details of expenditure on external consultancy and advertising or communication. [46627/19]
View answerWritten answers
The Government Task Force on Emergency Planning is the top-level structure which gives policy and direction, and which co-ordinates and oversees the emergency planning activities of all Government departments and public authorities. This task force takes the lead in running the "Be Winter Ready" campaign each year. The Department of Education & Skills is represented on this task force.
The "Be Winter Ready" campaign highlights the ‘Whole of Government’ approach being taken to Winter preparations. This approach has been seen during recent storms which posed challenges for Communities, Businesses, Government Departments and Agencies.
The Department of Education & Skills will incur no expenditure on external consultancy, advertising or communication as part of this campaign.
Minor Works Scheme Applications
Questions (214)
Dara Calleary
Question:214. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills when he expects to process minor works grant applications; his views on whether school managements need clarity on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46651/19]
View answerWritten answers
My Department announced yesterday that the Minor Works Grant for the 2019/20 school year will be paid to all primary schools during the first half of December.
This follows a commitment under Project Ireland 2040 that the Minor Works Grant will be paid in either December or January of the school year to all primary schools.
All primary schools will receive a flat rate Minor Works Grant of €5,500 plus €18.50 per mainstream pupil and €74 per special needs pupil attending a special school or special class. The grant is worth €6,425 for a 50 pupil school and over €11,000 for a 300 pupil school. The grant amounts to €29m across all primary schools.
Schools can use the Minor Works Grant for improvements to the physical infrastructure of the school, improvement or replacement of mechanical and electrical services, the purchase of standard furniture and physical education equipment, the purchase of floor coverings and window blinds, and the purchase of IT related equipment. Schools are advised of the importance of using the grant to address any fire safety prevention works
Schools Building Projects Status
Questions (215)
Charlie McConalogue
Question:215. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 510 of 6 September 2019, the progress made in the decanting of students during the period of the construction of a new school building (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46664/19]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has received correspondence from the school to which the Deputy refers in relation to a suggested decant proposal during construction. The school has been advised that any proposals in relation to decant would need to be discussed in the first instance with the school’s design team and would then require the submission of a fully costed Brief Change Request by the design team to the Department.
The Department has recently sought further clarification from the school in relation to its temporary accommodation and decant proposal and again re-iterated the steps that need to be followed in relation to same.
A response to this correspondence is currently awaited.
Schools Building Projects Status
Questions (216)
Charlie McConalogue
Question:216. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the construction of a school building (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46669/19]
View answerWritten answers
The major building project for school to which the Deputy refers is at an advanced stage of architectural planning, Stage 2(b) - Detailed Design, which includes the application for statutory approvals and the preparation of tender documents.
A replacement Quantity Surveyor has been appointed to the project, who is currently working with the Design Team members on the completion of the Stage 2(b) submission, which will incorporate NZEB requirements.
The Design Team is currently finalising work on the Stage 2(b) submission which is expected to be submitted shortly to the Department for review.
Upon receipt and review of the Stage 2(b) submission, the Department will be in contact with the school regarding the further progression of this project at that time.
My Department has received correspondence from the school in relation to a suggested decant proposal during construction. The school has been advised that any proposals in relation to decant would need to be discussed in the first instance with the school’s design team and would then require the submission of a fully costed Brief Change Request by the design team to the Department.
The Department has recently sought further clarification from the school in relation to its temporary accommodation and decant proposal and again re-iterated the steps that need to be followed in relation to same.
A response to this correspondence is currently awaited.
Visa Applications
Questions (217)
Micheál Martin
Question:217. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of an application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46234/19]
View answerWritten answers
I can inform the Deputy that appeals against the initial decisions on these visa applications were received on 10 September 2019 in the Abu Dhabi Visa Office. These appeals will be given full consideration and a decision will issue in due course. To be fair to all applicants, appeal applications are dealt with strictly in chronological order.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the Immigration Service of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
Land Ownership
Questions (218)
Tom Neville
Question:218. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the rights of landholders in combating trespassing on their lands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46505/19]
View answerWritten answers
The property rights of landowners are protected under the Constitution and these rights are further protected under tort law. The tort of trespass to land is committed where a person, without lawful reason or justification, intentionally or negligently enters onto, or remains on, land in the possession of another person. Moreover, a person who enters land with lawful permission may become a trespasser where he or she breaches the terms of such permission. In such cases, the landowner may commence civil proceedings in order to protect his or her property rights.
Under section 19C of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994, as amended by the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2002, a person shall not, without the duly given consent of the owner, enter and occupy any land, or bring onto or place on any land any object, where such entry or occupation or the bringing onto or placing on the land of such object is likely to substantially damage the land, substantially and prejudicially affect any amenity in respect of the land, or prevent persons entitled to use the land or any amenity in respect of the land from making reasonable use of the land or amenity. A person found guilty of this offence shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding €4,000 or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding one month, or to both.
Garda Deployment
Questions (219, 220, 221, 222, 223)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:219. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí by rank assigned to Kevin Street Garda station in each of the past ten years to 31 October 2019. [46041/19]
View answerAengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:220. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí by rank assigned to Kilmainham Garda station in each of the past ten years to 31 October 2019. [46042/19]
View answerAengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:221. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí by rank assigned to Crumlin Garda station in each of the past ten years to 31 October 2019. [46043/19]
View answerAengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:222. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí by rank assigned to Sundrive Garda station in each of the past ten years to 31 October 2019. [46044/19]
View answerAengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:223. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí by rank assigned to Ballyfermot Garda station in each of the past ten years to 31 October 2019. [46045/19]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 219 to 223, inclusive, together.
It is important to be clear that under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 as amended, the Garda Commissioner has responsibility for management of An Garda Síochána and for the allocation and efficient use of Garda resources. This includes responsibility for personnel matters and the distribution of personnel across the various Garda Divisions. 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.
As the Deputy will be aware, a record €1.76 billion was allocated to the Garda Vote for 2019, as well as capital investment amounting to €92 million this year and this is increasing to an unprecedented €1.882 billion for 2020.
In relation to the 5 Garda stations referred to by the Deputy, I would point out that the number of Gardaí by rank, attached to each Garda station is available on my Department’s website and is updated every month with the latest data provided by An Garda Síochána. This information is available at the following link.
www.justice.ie/en/JELR/002_Garda_Numbers_by_Division_District_and_Station_2009_to_September_2019.xlsx/Files/002_Garda_Numbers_by_Division_District_and_Station_2009_to_September_2019.xlsx.
www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Garda_Workforce.
For more general information on Garda facts and figures, the Deputy may also wish to see the information on the link below:
www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/An_Garda_Siochana_facts_and_figures.