Written Answers Nos. 452-476
452. Deputy Norma Foley asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason asylum seekers were moved to a location (details supplied) in County Kerry following a confirmed case of Covid-19 at their place of residence in Dublin. [6284/20]
View answer453. Deputy Norma Foley asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason persons were not tested for Covid-19 prior to being moved to a location (details supplied) in County Kerry. [6285/20]
View answer454. Deputy Norma Foley asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases to date amongst the residents at a location (details supplied). [6286/20]
View answer455. Deputy Norma Foley asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Covid-19 cases to date which have been confirmed amongst the employees at a location (details supplied). [6287/20]
View answer456. Deputy Norma Foley asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason the residents at a location (details supplied) were not informed of the Covid-19 outbreak when it was first confirmed. [6288/20]
View answer457. Deputy Norma Foley asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason employees at a location (details supplied) were not informed of the Covid-19 outbreak when it was first confirmed. [6289/20]
View answer458. Deputy Norma Foley asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason the residents and business community of Cahersiveen, County Kerry were not informed of the Covid-19 outbreak at a location (details supplied) when it was first confirmed. [6290/20]
View answer459. Deputy Norma Foley asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the residents at a location (details supplied) were informed of the Covid-19 outbreak in the direct provision centre. [6291/20]
View answer460. Deputy Norma Foley asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the employees at a location (details supplied) were informed of the Covid-19 outbreak in the direct provision centre. [6292/20]
View answer461. Deputy Norma Foley asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the residents of Cahersiveen, County Kerry were informed of the Covid-19 outbreak in the direct provision centre there. [6293/20]
View answer462. Deputy Norma Foley asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason social distancing and Covid-19 stay safe measures were not implemented at a location (details supplied) from the beginning. [6294/20]
View answer463. Deputy Norma Foley asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason social distancing was not immediately implemented at a location (details supplied) following the first four confirmed Covid-19 cases. [6295/20]
View answer464. Deputy Norma Foley asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when social distancing was properly introduced at a location (details supplied). [6296/20]
View answer465. Deputy Norma Foley asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason residents at a location (details supplied) that were sharing communal areas such as a dining room, laundry room and so on were not asked to self-isolate for 14 days following the first confirmed cases of Covid-19. [6297/20]
View answer466. Deputy Norma Foley asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the confirmed cases of Covid-19 at a location (details supplied); and if each person has fully recovered. [6298/20]
View answer467. Deputy Norma Foley asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on whether the entire process at a location (details supplied) was poorly managed from the beginning and as a result put the lives and well-being of residents, the employees of the hotel and the residents of Cahersiveen and the Iveragh Peninsula, County Kerry at risk. [6299/20]
View answer468. Deputy Norma Foley asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on whether it was an error of judgment to move persons from Dublin to Cahersiveen, County Kerry during a pandemic. [6300/20]
View answer469. Deputy Norma Foley asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to issue an apology to the residents and employees at a location (details supplied) and to the residents of Cahersiveen and Iveragh, County Kerry for the distress caused. [6301/20]
View answer470. Deputy Norma Foley asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the immediate closure of the direct provision centre in Cahersiveen, County Kerry will be ordered in view of the fact it is viewed as not fit for purpose. [6302/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 452 to 470, inclusive, together.
I want to assure the Deputy that I, Minister Flanagan and our officials take the safety and wellbeing of all international protection applicants and the community in which they reside extremely seriously. That has always been our priority.
I do appreciate that the circumstances in which the Skellig Accommodation Centre was opened did not allow for full engagement with local representatives, communities and services; to inform and reassure them and to answer their questions. That is certainly something that I, Minister Flanagan and our officials regret. But, during a public health emergency the decision to move people to a dedicated accommodation centre was seen as an appropriate positive response.
All centres are following the guidelines for our centres that have been published by the HSE’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre. These are publicly available at its website www.hpsc.ie. That guidance exists precisely because it is recognised that congregated settings such as Direct Provision centres present specific challenges in this pandemic. My Department is working closely with the HSE in doing so, and while the HSE advice has evolved over time, we have been assured by both it and the Office of the Chief Medical Officer that our approach is appropriate.
At the very outset of the crisis, my Department discussed with the HSE the fact that we were accommodating some people in commercial hotels that the Department did not have exclusive use of. This was seen as higher risk at that time in the early stages of the pandemic.
For that reason, we needed to move people to dedicated accommodation centres where they could receive the full set of State supports and services. To do this, we needed to open more accommodation. The Skellig Star hotel in Cahersiveen had been offered to us and was available for immediate occupancy.
We also opened new centres in Rosslare Harbour and Tullamore and temporary accommodation in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick.
In total, 600 people were relocated to support social and physical distancing including just over 100 people to the new centre in Cahersiveen.
The residents arrived in Caherciveen on March 18th and 19th. Some of them did come from a hotel in Dublin at which a case of COVID-19 was subsequently confirmed in an unrelated guest. My Department was not told of that confirmed case until it was brought to Minister Flanagan’s attention by Deputy Catherine Murphy on 6 April 2020.
From subsequent discussions with management at the hotel, our understanding is that the guest involved had only stayed at the hotel for one night in early March when they fell ill. The guest was removed to hospital and their close contacts were asked by the HSE to self-isolate for 14 days as is the norm. No one that we were accommodating in the hotel was approached as a traced contact, and there was no indication whatsoever that anyone we relocated from that hotel was in any way unwell, was awaiting a test or a test result. In fact, it was well over a fortnight after they arrived before any of our residents in Cahersiveen began to show symptoms and were confirmed as positive for COVID 19.
As the Deputy will appreciate, medical information such as testing, test results and the release of data relating to same are matters for the HSE in a public health context. We can confirm that, in line with our agreed policy with the HSE, anyone who has tested positive has been moved to a dedicated self-isolation facility where they are cared for until such time as the HSE considers that they can safely return to their centre. Everyone else in the centre was asked to self-isolate while the HSE continued to monitor the situation. Thankfully, the HSE has confirmed that that period of self-isolation has ended today (20 May 2020) and all residents are now subject to the same restrictions as anyone else under Phase 1 of the Government’s Roadmap.
There are currently 69 residents (including 9 children) onsite in the centre, which has capacity for 150 residents, and 56 bedrooms. Residents are a mix of single people and small sized families. All single residents have been offered their own bedroom and all bedrooms in the centre are en suite. Some residents have declined this offer and have indicated that they wish to self-isolate with their roommate as a family unit. We continue to encourage these residents to accept the offer of their own room at this time.
Guidance has been provided by the HSE to centre management on the enhanced cleaning arrangements required at this time including through an onsite visit by a HSE infection control specialist. This applies to bedrooms, corridors, staircases, the dining room, kitchen, laundry room, lift, public toilets and reception and public areas. This is being strictly adhered to by centre management and staff.
My Department is working closely with the HSE and centre management to provide additional supports for residents during this time. There is a HSE Community Development Worker onsite at the Centre seven days a week to monitor the health of residents. This person is supported by a wider healthcare team. Additional outdoor space has been opened up with some seating provided and, exercise equipment has been set up in the outdoor area for residents’ use. This outdoor equipment has been installed with the knowledge and support of HSE public health, and will be operated under their direction for safe use.
The residents are currently provided with three meals and snacks daily. However, in line with the overall policy objectives for accommodation centres, the service provider plans to introduce independent living arrangements with cooking facilities for residents in the coming period. In the meantime, the chefs in the centre are working with the residents to find out about preferred meals and staff have been asked to source and provide ethnic snacks for residents. Kettles have been provided in rooms so that residents can make refreshments throughout the day rather than using communal facilities and meals are also being delivered to rooms. The centre has a good Wi-Fi service and phone credit has also been provided for residents so that they can keep in touch with family and friends.
The current restrictions are especially difficult for children. In addition to the upgrades to the outdoor space, toys, puzzles and tablets have been being provided for children and laptops have also been provided for residents’ use. The Tusla official seconded to work with my Department has contacted the families to see what additional supports they need and to discuss any concerns they might have.
Officials from my Department began virtual clinics with residents earlier this week and a telephone support service for residents is also being established with the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS).
The Deputy can be assured that my Department will continue to work with accommodation centre management, health agencies and NGOs to provide every support possible to residents at this unprecedented and difficult time for all.
The following revised reply was received on 8 June 2020
I want to assure the Deputy that I, Minister Flanagan and our officials take the safety and wellbeing of all international protection applicants and the community in which they reside extremely seriously. That has always been our priority.
I do appreciate that the circumstances in which the Skellig Accommodation Centre was opened did not allow for full engagement with local representatives, communities and services; to inform and reassure them and to answer their questions. That is certainly something that I, Minister Flanagan and our officials regret. But, during a public health emergency the decision to move people to a dedicated accommodation centre was seen as an appropriate positive response.
All centres are following the guidelines for our centres that have been published by the HSE’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre. These are publicly available at its website www.hpsc.ie. That guidance exists precisely because it is recognised that congregated settings such as Direct Provision centres present specific challenges in this pandemic. My Department is working closely with the HSE in doing so, and while the HSE advice has evolved over time, we have been assured by both it and the Office of the Chief Medical Officer that our approach is appropriate.
At the very outset of the crisis, my Department discussed with the HSE the fact that we were accommodating some people in commercial hotels that the Department did not have exclusive use of. This was seen as higher risk at that time in the early stages of the pandemic.
For that reason, we needed to move people to dedicated accommodation centres where they could receive the full set of State supports and services. To do this, we needed to open more accommodation. The Skellig Star hotel in Cahersiveen had been offered to us and was available for immediate occupancy.
We also opened new centres in Rosslare Harbour and Tullamore and temporary accommodation in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick.
In total, 600 people were relocated to support social and physical distancing including just over 100 people to the new centre in Cahersiveen.
The residents arrived in Caherciveen on March 18th and 19th. Some of them did come from a hotel in Dublin at which a case of COVID-19 was subsequently confirmed in an unrelated guest. My Department was not told of that confirmed case until it was brought to Minister Flanagan’s attention by Deputy Catherine Murphy on 6 April 2020.
From subsequent discussions with management at the hotel, our understanding is that the guest involved had only stayed at the hotel for one night in early March when they fell ill. The guest was removed to hospital and their close contacts were asked by the HSE to self-isolate for 14 days as is the norm. No one that we were accommodating in the hotel was approached as a traced contact, and there was no indication whatsoever that anyone we relocated from that hotel was in any way unwell, was awaiting a test or a test result.
As the Deputy will appreciate, medical information such as testing, test results and the release of data relating to same are matters for the HSE in a public health context. We can confirm that, in line with our agreed policy with the HSE, anyone who has tested positive has been moved to a dedicated self-isolation facility where they are cared for until such time as the HSE considers that they can safely return to their centre. Everyone else in the centre was asked to self-isolate while the HSE continued to monitor the situation. Thankfully, the HSE has confirmed that that period of self-isolation has ended today (20 May 2020) and all residents are now subject to the same restrictions as anyone else under Phase 1 of the Government’s Roadmap.
There are currently 69 residents (including 9 children) onsite in the centre, which has capacity for 150 residents, and 56 bedrooms. Residents are a mix of single people and small sized families. All single residents have been offered their own bedroom and all bedrooms in the centre are en suite. Some residents have declined this offer and have indicated that they wish to self-isolate with their roommate as a family unit. We continue to encourage these residents to accept the offer of their own room at this time.
Guidance has been provided by the HSE to centre management on the enhanced cleaning arrangements required at this time including through an onsite visit by a HSE infection control specialist. This applies to bedrooms, corridors, staircases, the dining room, kitchen, laundry room, lift, public toilets and reception and public areas. This is being strictly adhered to by centre management and staff.
My Department is working closely with the HSE and centre management to provide additional supports for residents during this time. There is a HSE Community Development Worker onsite at the Centre seven days a week to monitor the health of residents. This person is supported by a wider healthcare team. Additional outdoor space has been opened up with some seating provided and, exercise equipment has been set up in the outdoor area for residents’ use. This outdoor equipment has been installed with the knowledge and support of HSE public health, and will be operated under their direction for safe use.
The residents are currently provided with three meals and snacks daily. However, in line with the overall policy objectives for accommodation centres, the service provider plans to introduce independent living arrangements with cooking facilities for residents in the coming period. In the meantime, the chefs in the centre are working with the residents to find out about preferred meals and staff have been asked to source and provide ethnic snacks for residents. Kettles have been provided in rooms so that residents can make refreshments throughout the day rather than using communal facilities and meals are also being delivered to rooms. The centre has a good Wi-Fi service and phone credit has also been provided for residents so that they can keep in touch with family and friends.
The current restrictions are especially difficult for children. In addition to the upgrades to the outdoor space, toys, puzzles and tablets have been being provided for children and laptops have also been provided for residents’ use. The Tusla official seconded to work with my Department has contacted the families to see what additional supports they need and to discuss any concerns they might have.
Officials from my Department began virtual clinics with residents earlier this week and a telephone support service for residents is also being established with the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS).
The Deputy can be assured that my Department will continue to work with accommodation centre management, health agencies and NGOs to provide every support possible to residents at this unprecedented and difficult time for all.
471. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding licences for public houses to be extended that are due to expire in August 2020 in view of the fact that they have been closed for a considerable period of time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6446/20]
View answerThe position is that the Licensing Acts 1833 to 2018 contain statutory provisions for the issue and renewal by the Revenue Commissioners of excise licences for the sale and supply of intoxicating liquor in premises to which on-licences are attached, such as public houses, restaurants, and theatres, as well as those premises to which off licences are attached, such as specialist off licences and mixed trading premises. Under the Finance (1909-10) Act 1910, all retailer’s licences expire on 30 September, and are renewable.
Licensed premises to which on-licences are attached, including public houses, are unable to operate under current Covid 19 emergency provisions.
Simplified and streamlined procedures for the renewal of licences are set out in section 4 of the Courts (No.2) Act 1986. Since enactment of that legislation, an applicant does not have to apply to the annual licensing District Court for a certificate as to their good character and the peaceable and orderly manner in which the premises have been operated. Where premises have been licensed in the immediately preceding year, licences may, on application prior to expiry of the existing licence, be renewed by the Revenue Commissioners without production of any such court certificate unless an objection to such renewal has been lodged in the District Court. Applications must be accompanied by the relevant excise duty and a tax clearance certificate under the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997.
In practice, the great majority of licenses are renewed annually by the Revenue Commissioners without undue delay or excessive cost to the licensee.
Rates of duty applicable to licence renewal are applied by the Revenue Commissioners under the Finance Acts. I am informed that the excise duty applicable to renewal of a public house licence is based on the annual turnover of the premises, less excluded turnover. The latter refers to turnover which is not related to the sale of intoxicating liquor or arising from the provision of meals.
It appears therefore that reduced turnover due to non-operation of such premises under current Covid 19 emergency provisions may result in reduced rates of duty on renewal of licences in due course.
472. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of additional Garda vehicles allocated to each Garda district in the Longford-Westmeath Garda Division to date in 2020. [6450/20]
View answer498. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda cars and vans attached to each Garda district in counties Longford and Westmeath as of 8 May 2020. [6902/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 472 and 498 together.
I would first note that, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling the administration and business of An Garda Síochána. In addition, the allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Commissioner, in light of identified operational demands. This includes responsibility for the allocation of Garda vehicles among the various Garda divisions. As Minister, I have no role in 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.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that in 2020 to date and as of 12 May, 6 additional vehicles have been assigned to the Westmeath Division, of which 1 car was assigned to the Athlone District and 5 cars were assigned to the Mullingar District.
I am further informed that in 2020 to date and as of 12 May, 4 additional vehicles have been assigned to the Roscommon-Longford Division, of which 2 cars have been assigned to the Roscommon District and 2 cars have been assigned to the Longford District.
The following table, conveyed to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the vehicles attached to Roscommon/ Longford Division and Westmeath Division as at 12 May 2020, including the allocations identified in this response.
|
ROSCOMMON-LONGFORD DIVISION |
Cars |
Vans |
Bikes |
4x4 |
*Others |
Total |
|
CASTLEREA DISTRICT |
11 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
18 |
|
GRANARD DISTRICT |
4 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
|
LONGFORD DISTRICT |
13 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
16 |
|
ROSCOMMON DISTRICT |
12 |
5 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
19 |
|
TOTAL |
40 |
13 |
3 |
0 |
3 |
59 |
|
WESTMEATH DIVISION |
Cars |
Vans |
Bikes |
4x4 |
*Others |
Total |
|
ATHLONE DISTRICT |
12 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
16 |
|
MULLINGAR DISTRICT |
45 |
14 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
62 |
|
TOTAL |
57 |
16 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
78 |
*The category 'Others' refers to MPV, SUV, Minibus or Prisoner Conveyance Vehicles
It may be noted that significant capital investment is being made in An Garda Síochána. This includes a total of €46 million specifically for the Garda fleet between 2016 and 2021. Of this investment, a total of €9 million has been made available for purchase and fit-out of additional Garda vehicles in 2020. This continuing investment is intended to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit-for-purpose fleet and that Gardaí can be mobile, visible and responsive on the roads and in the community to prevent and tackle crime.
The details set out above relate to the permanent Garda fleet and do not include detail of additional vehicles which have been hired by An Garda Síochána in the context of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and related public health restrictions.
473. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the new District Court in Gorey, County Wexford will remain open. [6459/20]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts, including the provision of accommodation for court sittings, is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in exercising its functions. The scheduling and hearing of court cases is a matter for the Presidents of the Courts and the presiding Judges. However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made with the Courts Service.
In response to the current public health emergency, a series of important measures were announced on Monday the 16th March and, most recently on Friday 8th May, by the Chief Justice and the President of the District Court. The measures are focused on ensuring essential access to the administration of justice in a manner fully respecting public safety and considering government public health advice.
It is in the context of these measures that Judge Brian O'Shea, the District Judge assigned to Wexford, has directed that all business be moved from Gorey to Wexford courthouse until the end of this term. I understand that the Courts Service has sent an email to the local court users to inform them of the revised arrangements
This an interim measure to allow for the use of videolink technology (particularly to avoid the unnecessary transport of prisoners during the pandemic) and to facilitate greater social distancing in a larger court building.
The Courts Service expect business to resume as normal in Gorey once circumstances permit and the situation will continue to be kept under tight review.
I appreciate that the current public health emergency is causing a great deal of anxiety for everyone and I am grateful for the efforts of all, including users of our courts, in supporting efforts to ensure continuity of administration of justice while upholding the public health measures to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
474. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason the museum at the Garda College has been closed; the person or body that took this decision; the consultation that took place; his views on this decision; if the museum will be reopened in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6460/20]
View answerThe Deputy will appreciate that the administration and management of An Garda Síochána is by law a matter for the Garda Commissioner and not for me as Minister.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there has never been a formal Museum at the Garda College. That said, I understand that over time, a building which had been designed as a Communication Centre was used to store artefacts which were displayed in a way that allowed viewing by particular groups of the public visiting the Garda College.
As the Deputy will appreciate and in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, public access to the Garda College has been prohibited since 12 March 2020. Further, newly attested Gardaí as well as 164 sworn members of Garda College staff have been deployed to operational duties in order to enhance Garda capacity to respond to that pandemic.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, in keeping with a revised approach to space management, the artefacts which were previously housed in the Communication Centre are being re-distributed throughout the College, to create a walking tour of the College and enhance community engagement, when Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.
475. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 385 of 5 March 2020, the date on which the broader review of entry to An Garda Síochána will commence; when it will conclude and its recommendations implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6501/20]
View answerRecruitment to An Garda Síochána is governed by the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations 2013 which provide that the age at which a person may apply to join An Garda Síochána as a full time member is not more than 35 years.
As the Deputy will be aware, in December 2018 the Government endorsed the report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland and the report is now being implemented in accordance with the targets and timelines set out in the 4-year plan "A Policing Service for the Future".
Among the issues highlighted in the Commission's report was that An Garda Síochána should reflect the diversity of Irish society and should therefore develop recruitment strategies to achieve a more diverse intake. These recommendations echoed those of the Garda Inspectorate following their examination of entry routes into An Garda Síochána. These reports highlighted certain issues in relation to recruitment strategies for An Garda Síochána, including the maximum age of recruitment.
It is planned that the question of the appropriate age for recruitment to An Garda Síochána will be considered as part of that broader review of entry to An Garda Síochána. Work is currently underway on the drafting of Terms of Reference for a Working Group which will bring this review forward, once established.
476. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding providing a new Garda station in Clonmel, County Tipperary. [6506/20]
View answerThe Deputy will appreciate that the Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. As a result, all works to the Garda estate involve close cooperation between the OPW and the Garda authorities.
The programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the OPW which has the responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation.
The Garda Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021 programme is based on agreed Garda priorities and benefits over 30 locations around the country, underpinned by significant Exchequer funding across the Garda and OPW Votes. The goal of this investment is to address deficiencies in the Garda estate and provide fit-for-purpose facilities for Garda members and staff as well as the public interacting with them.
The ongoing Building and Refurbishment Programme includes provision for the development of a new Garda Station in Clonmel, Co Tipperary. As the Deputy may be aware, it is intended for the Garda station in Clonmel is to be provided by way of a public private partnership (PPP) project, including also a new station at Macroom, Co Cork.
Public Private Partnership (PPP) projects are progressed under the auspices of the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA). My Department, An Garda Síochána, the OPW and the NDFA are working closely in order to progress this PPP.
I am informed that, in advance of the delivery of the new Garda Station in Clonmel, An Garda Síochána is liaising with the OPW in order to improve working conditions at the station and to meet current Garda operational needs in that regard.
I understand that an office space close to the station has been refurbished to provide necessary space for operational use; and further that the cells and the prisoner processing/reception areas have been upgraded, that the staff kitchen has been refurbished and that female locker rooms have been created. I am further informed that An Garda Síochána is engaging with the OPW on an ongoing basis in connection with additional upgrade works at the existing station for the benefit of both Garda personnel and the community served by that station.
