Written Answers Nos. 323-342
323. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the average period of time to process an application for naturalisation for the purpose of obtaining a passport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3873/20]
View answerIt is recognised that applicants for citizenship wish to have a decision on their application without delay. While my Department endeavours to ensure that the more straightforward cases are processed to a decision within six months, this target has to be seen in the context of the work involved in dealing with large volumes of applications, some of which are very complex.
The nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases can take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks may take a considerable period of time. When a decision on an application is made the certificate can only be issued when the applicant attends a citizenship ceremony arranged for the purpose of swearing the oath of allegiance before a judge. In the circumstances, it is not possible to give any meaningful average processing time per application.
Queries in relation to the status of any immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by email 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 Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
324. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when he plans to commence all sections of the Parole Act 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2571/20]
View answerThe Parole Act 2019 provides for the establishment of an independent, statutory Parole Board, which will make decisions in relation to parole for all eligible prisoners.
There are a number of practical steps required before it will be possible to commence the Act and establish of the Parole Board, for example selection of Board members, the appointment of a Chief Executive and staff, putting in place the funding for the new Board, and various other matters, including premises for the new enlarged organisation etc.
My Department is committed to seeing the new Parole Board up and running and soon as is practically possible. The legislation to establish the new Board is complex and a significant amount of planning is taking place to allow for its establishment. The project to do this is underway and pending establishment of the new Board, the existing expert Parole Board is continuing with its work.
325. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of an application for citizenship by persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2611/20]
View answer414. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of applications for citizenship by persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3536/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 325 and 414 together.
I can inform the Deputy that the first named person submitted an application for a certificate of naturalisation on 25 January 2019. This application was approved and the person concerned was due to attend the citizenship ceremony held on 3 March 2020.
The second named person also submitted an application for a certificate of naturalisation on 25 January 2019. This application is currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the person meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible. If any further documentation is required, it will be requested from the person in due course.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. The nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time and consequently it should be noted that applications received on the same day may not be decided within the same timeframe.
Queries in relation to the status of any immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by email 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 Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
326. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of staff employed at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2636/20]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the Probation Service is the lead agency in the assessment and management of offenders in our communities. It is committed to working to reduce offending, create safer communities and fewer victims through offender rehabilitation. The Probation Service has a national remit with services delivered locally by staff based in 35 community based offices as well staff based in 12 prisons.
The Probation Service is administratively divided into five geographic regions. The location referred to by the Deputy is within the Midlands South East region, which covers 8 counties as follows: Kildare, Waterford, Wexford, Carlow, Laois, Offaly, Kilkenny and Tipperary.
I am informed that there are 58 staff employed within the Probation Service in the Midlands South East Region, including Clerical Officers and Community Service Supervisors. I am further informed that of these, 9 staff members are assigned to the Laois/Offaly team.
Finally, I am assured by the Probation Service that it keeps the distribution of resources under ongoing review, in order to prioritise its workload and maximise the efficient and effective delivery of its services.
327. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the section 42 inquiry recommended by the Independent Review Mechanism into complaints made by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2655/20]
View answerI can confirm that the Inquiry referred to by the Deputy is ongoing.
In November 2019, I granted an extension of time until June 2020 for the Inquiry. I am satisfied this was appropriate in order to ensure that sufficient time is available to allow a proper consideration of all relevant matters.
After receipt of the final report, the question of whether any further action is warranted will be considered.
328. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the legislation introduced in recent years to give recognition to foreign divorces; if the provisions relating to UK divorces have been commenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2714/20]
View answerThe Domicile and Recognition of Foreign Divorces Act 1986 governs the recognition of foreign divorces granted on or after the coming into operation of the Act on 2 October 1986. Section 5 of the 1986 Act provides that a foreign divorce may only be recognised in Ireland if it was granted in the country where either spouse was domiciled on the date the divorce proceedings were instituted. The determination of “domicile” includes an assessment of the intention of the person to remain indefinitely in the foreign jurisdiction. Recognition of foreign divorces granted prior to the coming into operation of the 1986 Act on 2 October 1986 is governed by common law domicile rules which are now consistent with those in the 1986 Act.
The recognition in Ireland of a divorce, legal separation or marriage annulment granted in another EU Member State on or after 1 March 2001 is governed by EU Council Regulation 2201/2003 concerning jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgments in matrimonial matters and the matters of parental responsibility (also known as the Brussels II bis or the Brussels IIa Regulation). This Regulation provides for EU judicial co-operation and recognition and enforcement of judgments in cross-border matrimonial matters. Under the Regulation, divorces, legal separations or marriage annulments granted in all EU States, with the exception of Denmark, are entitled to recognition if granted in accordance with jurisdictional criteria specified in the Regulation. Habitual residence is the key governing criterion for recognition. The Domicile and Recognition of Foreign Divorces Act 1986 no longer applies to the recognition of divorces covered by the Regulation.
Part 3 of the Family Law Act 2019 provided for the recognition of divorces, legal separations and marriage annulments granted under the law of the United Kingdom, in the event of the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from membership of the European Union occurring without an agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union under Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union setting out the arrangements for such withdrawal. As the Deputy will be aware, the UK withdrew from the EU on 31 January 2020 with such an agreement in place. Part 3 of the Family Law Act 2019 will therefore not be commenced. Issues relating to the recognition in Ireland of divorces granted in the UK after the end of the transition period are currently under consideration in my Department.
Where there is an issue as to whether a foreign divorce is entitled to recognition, section 29 of the Family Law Act 1995 allows a person to apply to court for a declaration as to marital status, including a declaration as to whether a foreign divorce is entitled to recognition in the State.
329. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the funding application from Louth County Council to fund CCTV in Moneymore has been received; if it will be expedited in view of the importance both the inter-agency committee and the local gardaí have placed on the installation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2751/20]
View answerCommunity-based CCTV is governed by section 38(3)(c) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 and the Garda Síochána (CCTV) Order 2006. This legal framework requires that any proposed community CCTV scheme must:
- be approved by the local Joint Policing Committee,
- have the prior support of the relevant local authority, which must also act as data controller, and
- have the authorisation of the Garda Commissioner.
This is the legal basis for all community CCTV schemes, regardless of how they are funded and these key legal requirements have not changed since 2006. The option to establish a Community CCTV scheme is available to groups that meet these legal requirements, anywhere in the country.
Since 2017, my Department has administered a grant aid scheme supporting groups wishing to establish a community-based CCTV system in their area. To date, 26 applications have been approved under the scheme, involving approved grants totalling more than €607,000.
Eligible groups, including community groups and local authorities nationwide, can apply for grant-aid of up to 60% of the total capital cost of a proposed CCTV system, up to a maximum total of €40,000 and it is now also possible for applicants to seek a once-off grant of up to €5,000 for minor maintenance costs. The scheme permits applications not only new CCTV systems but also for extension or upgrade of existing Community CCTV systems which are incomplete or obsolete.
I must emphasise that grant funding can be considered only for CCTV systems which meet the legal requirements for CCTV, in other words CCTV systems which have been approved by the relevant Joint Policing Committee, the relevant Local Authority (also acting as Data Controller) and which have received the authorisation of the Garda Commissioner.
I can confirm that an application has been received in my Department for funding for community CCTV in the area referred to by the Deputy, namely Moneymore, County Louth. However I understand that one of the statutory requirements for CCTV (Garda Commissioner's authorisation) has not yet been met in this case. A decision on the application for funding can be considered only after those statutory requirements are met. My officials have been in contact with the applicants in that regard with a view to ensuring that a decision can be made as soon as possible.
330. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if plans have been discussed with him or his officials relating to the redevelopment of the east Meath Garda station; if a new Garda station has been discussed at any point to deal with the huge increase in population in the east Meath settlement over recent times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2771/20]
View answerThe Garda Commissioner is statutorily responsible for the management of An Garda Síochána, including personnel matters and deployment of resources. As Minister, I have no responsibility for these matters. I am assured however that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to their optimum use.
As the Deputy is aware, the Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. Works in relation to Garda accommodation are therefore progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the OPW.
The Garda Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021 is based on agreed Garda priorities. It continues to benefit over 30 locations around the country, underpinned by significant Exchequer funding across the Garda and OPW Votes.
I understand from the supplementary information provided by the Deputy that he refers in particular to Laytown. The programme does not include building works at Laytown Garda Station and I am informed by the Garda authorities that no works are ongoing or are planned for that station at this time.
As the Deputy will be aware, the resources provided by Government to An Garda Síochána have reached unprecedented levels, with an allocation for 2020 of €1.88 billion. This level of funding is enabling sustained, ongoing recruitment of Garda members and staff and as a result, An Garda Síochána is a growing organisation. We now have approximately 14,300 Garda members nationwide, supported by over 2,900 Garda staff and these numbers continue to grow.
Extensive information is available on my Department’s website in relation to the numbers of Garda members and their assignment nationwide at the following link: http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Garda_Workforce. This information is updated every month with the latest data provided by An Garda Síochána. Details in relation to the number of Garda staff nationwide are also available on my Department's website at the following link: http://justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Garda_Staff
The Garda authorities have pointed out that ratios such as the number of Garda members per head of population are not an appropriate tool to use when considering the allocation of Garda resources, as they do not take account of other factors including, for example, the fact that crime levels and types can vary significantly among communities of similar population size.
Nonetheless I can confirm that there has been a significant increase in Garda resources in Meath in recent years. I am informed by the Garda authorities that as of the end of January 2020, a total of 324 Garda members were assigned to the Meath Division, in addition to 41 Garda staff. By contrast, in December 2015 there were a total of 277 Garda members and 26 Garda staff in the Division. I understand that further resources were most recently allocated to Meath Division on 24 February 2020, when 14 trainee Garda members were allocated to Meath Division. Six of these were allocated to Ashbourne District, in which Laytown is located.
The Deputy may also be interested to know that the rollout by the Garda Commissioner of the new Garda Operating Model meets a key commitment in A Policing Service for the Future, the four-year implementation plan giving effect to the recommendations of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland. This model has been long recommended by independent policing specialists, including the Garda Síochána Inspectorate and while new to Ireland, it is the standard in other countries. The new Operating Model is designed to provide a more responsive, localised policing service to communities and it streamlines Garda administration and re-organises resources in order to do so.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the Meath Division is one of four Divisions earmarked for the introduction of the new Operating Model during the current year. I am confident that adoption by the Commissioner of this new structure will lead to an improved policing service in Meath as well as in other communities nationwide.
331. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the Garda Commissioner has plans to provide additional Garda personnel to Laytown, County Meath (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2816/20]
View answer403. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans for the improvement of Garda services in Stamullen, County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3271/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 331 and 403 together.
In accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is statutorily responsible for the management and control of An Garda Síochána and for the efficient use of resources. This includes responsibility for matters and deployment of resources. As Minister, I have no responsibility for these matters.
A detailed breakdown of personnel nationwide 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: http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Garda_Workforce.
Details in relation to the number of Garda staff are also available on my Department's website at the following link: http://justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Garda_Staff.
The Deputy may wish to be aware that An Garda Síochána has been allocated an unprecedented €1.88 billion for 2020. This level of funding is enabling sustained, ongoing recruitment of Garda members and staff and as a result, An Garda Síochána is a growing organisation. We now have approximately 14,300 Gardaí nationwide, supported by over 2,900 Garda staff and these numbers are continuing to grow.
Specifically in relation to Meath, I am informed by the Garda authorities that as of the end of January 2020, a total of 324 Garda members were assigned to the Meath Division, in addition to 41 Garda staff. This represents a significant increase in recent years: by contrast, in December 2015 there were a total of 277 Garda members and 26 Garda staff in the Division.
The Deputy may also be interested to know that the rollout by the Garda Commissioner of the new Garda Operating Model meets a key commitment in A Policing Service for the Future, the four-year implementation plan giving effect to the recommendations of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland. This model has been long recommended by independent policing specialists, including the Garda Síochána Inspectorate and while new to Ireland, it is the standard in other countries. The new Operating Model is designed to provide a more responsive, localised policing service to communities and it streamlines Garda administration and re-organises resources in order to do so.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the Meath Division is one of four Divisions earmarked for the introduction of the new Operating Model during the current year. I am confident that adoption by the Commissioner of this new structure will lead to an improved policing service in Meath as well as in other communities nationwide.
In relation to the Deputy's query in relation to allocation of additional Gardaí, it is important to note that in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 and as set out above, the Commissioner is responsible for management of an Garda Síochána and as such, decisions on assignment of Gardaí nationwide throughout 2020 are entirely a matter for the Commissioner. I am assured 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.
At present the Stamullen area is located within the Laytown Sub-District, which in turn is part of Ashbourne District.
The Garda authorities have pointed out that ratios such as the number of Garda members per head of population are not an appropriate tool to use when considering the allocation of Garda resources, as they do not take account of other factors including, for example, the fact that crime levels and types can vary significantly among communities of similar population size.
I have nonetheless been informed that additional resources are being assigned to the Division and that, most recently on 24 February 2020, 14 trainee Garda members were allocated to Meath Division, six of whom were allocated to Ashbourne District. I am further informed that an additional five members had been allocated to Laytown Sub-District on 7 January 2020.
I am also informed that Laytown operates on a ‘paired’ system with Duleek, which enables a 24/7 service to be provided between the two Sub-Districts. Additional support is provided as required from Ashbourne Garda Station, which is operational 24/7. Further, the area is patrolled by Divisional Units such as the Divisional Roads Policing Unit and the Divisional Drugs Unit as required.
Finally, I can assure the Deputy that the number of Gardaí allocated nationwide, including in Meath, is kept under regular review by the Commissioner and that the Garda authorities have indicated to me that it is intended to allocate further resources as they become available under the new Operating Model.
332. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the matter of Garda National Immigration Bureau, GNIB, and-or Irish residence permit, IRP, and visa appointments being sold online by a non-authorised entity; if he or his officials have investigated the matter; if so, the outcome of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2817/20]
View answerMy Department is aware of the issues around the securing of appointments for Registration and having identified the problem, introduced a set of software fixes in mid-September 2018 designed to prevent such abuses of the system.
I can advise that the new measures have been successful to date in preventing the block booking of appointments by third party agents. However, I am aware that there are a number of third party agents providing appointment-booking services in return for payment on the basis that the person provides them with their personal details in advance. My Department has consistently advised people against providing their personal and sensitive data to unregulated and unknown third parties.
My Department is aware that some customers are currently experiencing difficulties in making registration appointments and is working intensively to resolve this by maximising opening times including Saturdays and Sundays. It has also introduced measures to enable re-registrations of online applications and by post for third level students and intends to expand this service to other groups.
A tendering process is also underway to develop and introduce a new appointment system for the Registration Office which is being designed to prevent the block-booking of appointments.
333. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason a person (details supplied) is waiting on final paperwork to be finalised and visas issued. [2832/20]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that, in response to a notification, pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), written representations have been submitted on behalf of the persons concerned. These representations, together with all other information and documentation on file, will be fully considered, under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and all other applicable legislation, in advance of a final decision being made.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to 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.
334. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda stations in counties Cavan and Monaghan that do not have the PULSE system in place in each respective station; the location of each; if there are plans to install these systems; the timeframe for installation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2856/20]
View answerIn accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and control of An Garda Síochána and the efficient and effective use of resources. This includes responsibility for Garda ICT. As Minister, I have no responsibility for these matters.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that all operational Garda Stations in the Cavan/Monaghan Garda Division are networked and fitted with PULSE computer equipment.
The Deputy may be aware that the Emyvale Garda Station suffered fire damage on 29 October 2019 and is not currently operational. Refurbishment of this station is being is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the Office of Public Works. I am informed that Emyvale will be provided with a new network service to replace the fire damaged equipment following completion of this refurbishment process.
335. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of inspectors in the Cavan-Monaghan Garda division from 2011 to 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2857/20]
View answerThe Garda Commissioner is statutorily responsible for the management of An Garda Síochána, including personnel matters and deployment of resources. As Minister, I have no responsibility for these matters. I am assured however that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to their optimum use.
The resources provided by Government to An Garda Síochána have reached unprecedented levels, with an allocation for 2020 of €1.88 billion. This level of funding is enabling sustained, ongoing recruitment of Garda members and staff and as a result, An Garda Síochána is a growing organisation.
There are now approximately 14,300 Gardaí nationwide, supported by over 2,900 Garda staff and these numbers are continuing to grow. It may be noted that the increasing number of Garda staff is allowing the Commissioner to redeploy Gardaí from administrative to mainstream policing duties, where their training and expertise can be used to best effect. Taken together, this increase in the number of both Garda members and staff is delivering a significant increase in operational policing hours nationwide.
Details on the overall number of Garda members assigned to Garda Divisions throughout the State, including the Cavan/Monaghan Garda Division, are available on my Department's website at the following link: http://justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Garda_Workforce
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of Inspectors assigned to Cavan/ Monaghan Division between 2011 and to date in 2020, as requested by the Deputy, is as set out in the following table:
|
Year |
Garda Inspectors in the Cavan/Monaghan Division |
|
December 2011 |
6 |
|
December 2012 |
4 |
|
December 2013 |
5 |
|
December 2014 |
6 |
|
December 2015 |
5 |
|
December 2016 |
6 |
|
December 2017 |
7 |
|
December 2018 |
7 |
|
December 2019 |
7 |
|
January 2020 |
7 |
Details in relation to the number of Garda staff assigned to the Cavan/Monaghan Garda Division are also available on my Department's website at the following link:
http://justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Garda_Staff
336. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the ongoing allocation of gardaí in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2863/20]
View answerThe Garda Commissioner is statutorily responsible for the management of An Garda Síochána, including personnel matters and deployment of resources. As Minister, I have no responsibility for these matters. I am assured 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.
The resources provided by Government to An Garda Síochána have reached unprecedented levels, with an allocation for 2020 of €1.88 billion. This level of funding is enabling sustained, ongoing recruitment of Garda members and staff and as a result, An Garda Síochána is a growing organisation.
There are approximately 14,300 Gardaí nationwide, supported by over 2,900 Garda staff and these numbers are continuing to grow. It may be noted that the increasing number of Garda staff is allowing the Commissioner to redeploy Gardaí from administrative to mainstream policing duties, where their training and expertise can be used to best effect. Taken together, this increase in the number of both Garda members and staff is delivering a significant increase in operational policing hours nationwide.
Details on the overall number of Garda members assigned to the Cavan/Monaghan Garda Division are available on my Department's website at the following link:
http://justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Garda_Workforce
Details in relation to the number of Garda staff assigned to the Cavan/Monaghan Garda Division are also available on my Department's website at the following link:
http://justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Garda_Staff
337. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to permanently implement an armed support unit in the Cavan-Monaghan Garda division; if the existing one is on loan from County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2864/20]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, 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 and Units. 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 may be aware, the first Regional Armed Support Unit (ASU) was established on a pilot basis in late 2008. There are now a total of 12 ASUs nationwide, covering all Garda regions. These are deployed on a 24/7 basis and provide high-visibility, tactical, armed response capacity across the country, supplementing the national Emergency Response Unit.
I am informed by An Garda Síochána that there are 3 ASU in the Northern region as a whole. I am further informed that the ASU in Cavan is currently staffed on rotation by established ASU members drawn from across the state, excluding those located on the border. I am further informed by the Garda authorities that a competition is currently ongoing to provide for the permanent staffing of the ASU in Cavan.
In that regard the resources provided by Government to An Garda Síochána have reached unprecedented levels, with an allocation for 2020 of €1.88 billion. This level of funding is enabling sustained, ongoing recruitment of Garda members and staff and as a result, An Garda Síochána is a growing organisation. There are now approximately 14,300 Gardaí nationwide, supported by over 2,900 Garda staff and these numbers are continuing to grow.
Details on the overall number of Garda members assigned to the Cavan/Monaghan Garda Division are available on my Department's website at the following link:
http://justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Garda_Workforce
Details in relation to the number of Garda staff assigned to the Cavan/Monaghan Garda Division are also available on my Department's website at the following link:
http://justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Garda_Staff
338. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of construction works on the Garda station in Cootehill, County Cavan; his plans for investment in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2865/20]
View answer339. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the development of Cootehill Garda station; the number of additional personnel being assigned to the station; the areas they are coming from; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2866/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 338 and 339 together.
The Garda Commissioner is statutorily responsible for the management of An Garda Síochána, including personnel matters and deployment of resources. As Minister, I have no responsibility for these matters. I am assured however that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to their optimum use.
It is also important to note that the Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. Works in relation to Garda accommodation are therefore progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the OPW.
The Garda Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021 is based on agreed Garda priorities. It continues to benefit over 30 locations around the country, underpinned by significant Exchequer funding across the Garda and OPW Votes. The programme does not include significant building works at Cootehill Garda Station and I am informed by the Garda authorities that no works are ongoing or are planned for that Garda Station at this time.
As the Deputy will be aware, the resources provided by Government to An Garda Síochána have reached unprecedented levels, with an allocation for 2020 of €1.88 billion. This level of funding is enabling sustained, ongoing recruitment of Garda members and staff and as a result, An Garda Síochána is a growing organisation. We now have approximately 14,300 Garda members nationwide, supported by over 2,900 Garda staff and these numbers continue to grow.
Extensive information is available on my Department’s website in relation to the numbers of Garda members and their assignment nationwide at the following link:
http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Garda_Workforce. This information is updated every month with the latest data provided by An Garda Síochána.
I can confirm that An Garda Síochána has indicated that as of 29 February 2020, there were 14 Garda members assigned to Cootehill Garda station. I am further informed by An Garda Síochana that there are no plans to assign additional personnel to Cootehill Garda Station at this time.
340. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of an application by a person (details supplied) made to the repatriation section of the immigration and citizenship division. [2952/20]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that, in response to a notification pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), written representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned. These representations, together with all other information and documentation on file, will be fully considered under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), and all other applicable legislation, in advance of a final decision being made.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to 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.
341. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the net change in Garda numbers in County Cork for 2019; the projected changes for 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3024/20]
View answerThe Garda Commissioner is statutorily responsible for the management of An Garda Síochána, including personnel matters and deployment of resources. As Minister, I have no responsibility for these matters.
The resources provided by Government to An Garda Síochána have reached unprecedented levels, with an allocation for 2020 of €1.88 billion. This level of funding is enabling sustained, ongoing recruitment of Garda members and staff and as a result, An Garda Síochána is a growing organisation.
There are now approximately 14,300 Gardaí nationwide, supported by over 2,900 Garda staff and these numbers are continuing to grow. It may be noted that the increasing number of Garda staff is allowing the Commissioner to redeploy Gardaí from administrative to mainstream policing duties, where their training and expertise can be used to best effect. Taken together, this increase in the number of both Garda members and staff is delivering a significant increase in operational policing hours nationwide.
Details in relation to the number of Garda members assigned to the Cork Garda Divisions are available on my Department's website at the following link:
http://justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Garda_Workforce
Details in relation to the number of Garda staff assigned to the Cork Garda Divisions are also available on my Department's website at the following link:
http://justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Garda_Staff
In accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 and as noted above, the Commissioner is responsible for management of an Garda Síochána and as such, decisions on assignment of Gardaí nationwide throughout 2020 as requested by the Deputy are entirely a matter for the Commissioner. I am assured 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.
342. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3044/20]
View answerThe person referred to by the Deputy currently holds Stamp 1 permission to remain in the State until 6 June 2020.
If the person concerned wishes to change this permission to a Stamp 2, then they are required to apply to my Department, in writing, for a change of status. They should provide details of the college course they wish to pursue as well as outlining their current circumstances, their future intentions in the State and they should include any documentation they feel necessary to support the application. The application should be sent, via registered post, to: Unit 2 - Residence Division, Immigration Service, 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to 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.
