Wednesday, 20 May 2020

Garda Resources

Questions (477)

Martin Browne

Question:

477. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of asset profilers in the Tipperary Garda division in each of the past two years. [6507/20]

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Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) is a multi-agency statutory body established under the Criminal Assets Bureau Act 1996. The primary objective of the Bureau is to identify the proceeds of criminal activities and deprive people of the benefits of such criminal proceeds.

CAB operates nationally and is supported in its work by a network of over 470 trained asset profilers. These asset profilers work hand-in-hand with local Garda management and communities and I am pleased to say this has proved extremely effective.

I am informed by CAB that there were eight trained asset profilers in Tipperary Division at end 2018 and 2019. The Deputy may wish to be aware that as at end March 2020 there were 9 asset profilers assigned to Tipperary Division.

I am informed that the Criminal Assets Bureau typically conducts training courses for Asset Profilers twice per year. I understand that courses which have been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic will be rearranged as soon as practicable.

I am further informed that for the most part, Asset Profilers are members of An Garda Síochána from local divisions and from specialist units. In addition, a small number have been trained from Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection and from the Office of the Revenue Commissioners. I understand that training has also been given to a number of officers from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, the Insolvency Service of Ireland and the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement.

Garda Transport Provision

Questions (478)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

478. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a new contract to supply new marked Garda vans has recently been put out to tender; if so, when new Garda vans will come into the fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6521/20]

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Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

In accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 as amended, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling the administration and business of An Garda Síochána. 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.

Significant capital investment is being made in An Garda Síochána, including 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.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that all vehicle tenders and contract for Garda Vehicles are handled through the Office of Government Procurement (OGP). I have no role in these matters as Minister.

I am informed that mini-competitions have been issued to the market for vans and that, due to Covid-19 and subsequent requests from suppliers, the closing date in that case was extended to mid-June. I am informed, and the Deputy will appreciate, that the timeline for completion of this process and provision of vehicles is dependent on the market’s ability to respond to tenders and the supply of vehicles in light of the Covid-19 global pandemic.

In that regard it may be of interest to the Deputy to know that, in order to protect the ongoing availability of vehicles and in anticipation of impacts of public health restrictions on motor factory or fit-out workplaces, 94 additional vehicles were purchased by the Garda authorities in March 2020 at a cost of €2.4m. The fit-out cost of these vehicles was €600,000. I am further advised that 210 hired vehicles have been allocated nationwide at this time, at a monthly hire cost €45,545, excluding fuel and other costs.

Garda Youth Diversion Projects

Questions (479)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

479. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the budget allocation for the Garda Youth Diversion Programme in each of the years 2018 to 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6528/20]

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Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The statutory framework relating to young offenders and the Garda Diversion Programme is set out in the Children Act 2001. The nationwide network of Garda Youth Diversion Projects (GYDPs) is supported by my Department.

I understand that there are currently some 105 Garda Youth Diversion Projects. GYDPs are community based, multi-agency, crime prevention initiatives which primarily seek to divert young people who have become involved in criminal or anti-social behaviour. They aim to support young people to develop and mature through positive interventions and interactions with a local project. GYDPs provide a range of education and training programmes e.g. academic support, IT, employment preparation and specific job training.

Since 2015, GYDPs have been co-funded under the Programme for Employability Inclusion and Learning (PEIL) of the European Social Fund (ESF) 2014-2020.

My Department is pursuing an ambitious programme for the future development of GYDP services, working closely with community organisations and with expert support from the Research Evidence into Policy Programmes and Practice project in the University of Limerick.

The funding provided for Garda Youth Diversion Projects in the years 2018 to date is set out in the following table.

Year	Amount
2018	€13.7m (expenditure)
2019	€15.8m (expenditure)
2020	€18.3m (allocation)

The Deputy may also wish to be aware that the draft Youth Justice Strategy 2020-2026 has recently been published for public consultation by my colleague the Minister for State David Stanton. An online questionnaire is available until the end of June to allow members of the public, including of course young people, to express their views. Further information is available on my Department's website at the following link:

http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Youth_Justice_Strategy_Public_Consultation

Dublin Airport Authority

Questions (480)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

480. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he engaged in or received correspondence with the management team at Dublin Airport or the Dublin Airport board of directors in relation to flights from northern Italy from January 2020 to date; if so, the nature of the correspondence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6530/20]

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Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

My Department has no record of any engagement or correspondence with either the management team at Dublin Airport or the Dublin Airport board of directors in relation to the matter referred to by the Deputy.

I can inform the Deputy that in the interest of public health, the Government is requesting that operators of aircraft ensure that all persons entering the state are aware of the requirement to complete an Irish public health passenger locator form on arrival into Ireland. Passengers arriving by plane or ferry are requested to self-isolate for 14 days. They are provided with an information leaflet explaining the request and with a form to complete setting out their contact details and where they will self-isolate.

In the current climate we are operating in a situation where people should only be travelling where it is essential, and the numbers arriving into Ireland are very small, the majority of which are Irish citizens returning home. Any person intending to travel who may not be in a position to self-isolate should, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, reconsider their need to travel to Ireland at this time. There are a limited number of exempt categories of passengers, for example supply chain workers (such as pilots, hauliers or maritime crew members) or passengers who are transiting en route to another jurisdiction including Northern Ireland.

On behalf of the health authorities, the collection of public health passenger locator forms and the system of spot checks and follow up calls are being rolled out on an administrative basis by officials from the Border Management Unit (BMU) of my Department of Justice and Equality and the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB). The BMU operate the scheme at Dublin Airport on behalf of the health authorities, which, at this time, is the principal route through which people are entering the State by air.

The BMU at Dublin Airport, on behalf of the health authorities, has established a system to follow-up on all arrivals at a proportionate rate of a minimum of 70%, after removal of the exempt categories of passengers. The cohort of passengers failing to answer initial phone calls are followed up with repeated further telephone contacts. The first calls are made two days after passengers have arrived into the State. For any passengers staying in the State for up to 14 days or more, a second call will be made on day 10 to ensure they are still residing at the address provided and self-isolating.

Asylum Applications

Questions (481)

Patrick Costello

Question:

481. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Irish Refugee Protection Programme Humanitarian Admission Programme proposals that were received in the second open call ending on 8 February 2019; the number of final decisions that have been made; the number of persons that have been granted permission to come here pursuant to the second open call; the number of proposals yet to receive a decision; and when it is expected that all proposals will receive a decision. [6551/20]

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Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Irish Refugee Protection Programme Humanitarian Admission Programme 2 (IHAP), which I announced in May 2018 and which is operated and administered under my discretionary powers is a part of the Government's plan to realise the full commitment of 4,000 refugees agreed under the Irish Refugee Protection Programme in September 2015. Under IHAP, a commitment was made to admit 740 family members of refugees, of which 159 people have already arrived in Ireland as of the beginning of this year.

The programme allows holders of International Protection Status in Ireland, (i.e. refugees with Convention or Programme Refugee status), holders of Subsidiary Protection grants, and Irish citizens, to make a proposal to me to bring to the State their family members who are nationals of one of the top ten major source countries of refugees as identified by the UNHCR Annual Global Trends Report.

The Irish Refugee Protection Programme Humanitarian Admission Programme 2 (IHAP) received proposals for inclusion in the programme within defined periods or ‘windows for submissions’. The first window for accepting proposals ran from 14 May 2018 to 30 June 2018. Processing of the proposals from this first window was completed in 2018.

The second window for accepting proposals under the IHAP ran from 20 December 2018 to 8 February 2019. In this second window 827 proposals were received in respect of 1,782 potential beneficiaries. To date final decisions have issued in 747 proposals, accounting for 1,597 potential beneficiaries. Of these proposals, 255 were granted in respect of 440 beneficiaries.

The remaining 80 outstanding proposals, in respect of 185 potential beneficiaries, are currently being processed. It is expected that these outstanding proposals will include both grants and refusals. Decisions will be issued in respect of the outstanding proposals in due course. It is intended to have these finalised before Q3 2020.

Asylum Seekers

Questions (482)

Stephen Donnelly

Question:

482. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the lack of liaison support for persons in emergency accommodation being provided to asylum seekers in a hotel (details supplied) in County Wicklow including lack of social worker and liaison for physical and mental healthcare; if the appropriate resources will deployed to the asylum seekers as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6623/20]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality (Deputy David Stanton)

I can inform the Deputy that the issue of providing liaison support for residents in the accommodation location referred to by the Deputy is a matter for the Department of Health. They have advised that the issue will be raised with the HSE and that they will revert to the Deputy in due course.

However, it is important to note that services for international protection applicants including health services are mainstreamed. Applicants are linked with primary care services. They are entitled to a medical card while residing in Direct Provision accommodation and their prescription charges are waived. Applicants access health services through the same referral pathways as citizens including referral to disability and mental health services. Every effort is made to ensure that residents' specific needs are met. Where more intensive care needs are required, such cases are referred directly to the HSE.

Safetynet, a primary care health service, carries out health screening in a number of temporary accommodation locations on behalf of the HSE. Officials in my Department work closely with the HSE screening team and with Safetynet to ensure that applicants are accommodated in locations where their medical needs can be met. We also work collaboratively to ensure that any special accommodation arrangements (for example, ground floor accommodation, wheelchair accessible facilities etc.) are in place, as required.

I can assure the Deputy that the health and safety of our residents, centre staff and the wider community where they live will continue to be our over-riding priorities. We will continue to work hard with local management, health agencies, and NGOs to provide every support possible to residents at this difficult time.

Direct Provision System

Questions (483)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

483. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the measures being taken to assist physical distancing in direct provision centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6667/20]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality (Deputy David Stanton)

I am pleased to have this opportunity to provide the Deputy with an update on the full range of measures that we, the HSE and centre management are taking to support residents and staff in Direct Provision accommodation at this time.

We are doing everything that we can to protect the health and welfare of our residents and centre staff as well as that of the wider community. We are 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.

All accommodation centres are carefully following the guidelines for our centres that have been published by the HSE’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre, which can be found on 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.

Shared bedrooms and communal living space are provided in numerous settings. Similar arrangements apply in homeless and disability services and, indeed, in private rented accommodation.

The direction from the HSE is that during the COVID crisis non-family members sharing a room in Direct Provision centres are considered to be a household. As such, they should implement social distancing measures from other households, i.e. residents in other rooms, and self-isolate if displaying symptoms or if directed by the HSE. In such instances, we provide facilities for self-isolation both on and off-site.

The established procedure across all Centres where a person is suspected of having the virus or is confirmed as having the virus, is that, where advised by Public Health, they are moved to a dedicated offsite self-isolation facility. Supports are available for the duration of their period of isolation until such time as the HSE considers that they can safely return to their centre. My Department has opened four dedicated self-isolation facilities for residents in Dublin, Cork and Limerick, and Dundalk, with a total capacity of 299 rooms. Residents in these facilities have their own bedroom and their own bathroom.

Since the start of the year over 1,550 permanent and temporary Direct Provision bed spaces have been procured, including the dedicated new centres opened in Rosslare Harbour, Caherciveen and Tullamore.

We have relocated over 600 residents to support social and physical distancing in centres and cocooning measures for the most vulnerable. By doing this, we have ensured that no more than three single people are sharing a room in any of our centres. We intend to continue this policy when the crisis is over.

All residents aged 65 or older and those advised to the Department as having a serious medical illness have been cocooned due to their particular vulnerability to this virus.

We are communicating directly with centre managers and residents via regular newsletters, which can also be found on our website www.accommodationcentres.ie . The newsletters have provided practical information on implementing social and physical distancing at this time and promoted shared learning and best practice across our network of centres. Residents have also been made aware of the need for good hand hygiene and coughing/sneezing etiquette. Information and posters have been distributed to all centres and translations of public health information have also been provided. With Ramadan underway, we have also prepared and circulated information for centre managers and residents with practical supports on observing Ramadan during the current COVID restrictions.

During this time, centre managers have also been advised to increase the standard and frequency of cleaning throughout the centres, paying particular attention to communal areas. A regular supply of hand sanitiser for centres is in place and this is distributed to centres as required. Other PPE is distributed, as needed, and in line with the HPSC guidelines for its appropriate use in residential settings.

In partnership with the HSE and Safetynet, my Department has put in place a national clinical telephone service to provide public health advice to support centre staff. It is also being used to advise, support and work with locations where vulnerable groups are present relating to the implementation of COVID-19 guidelines and measures.

Generally, residents of Centres are subject to the same current public health measures as the rest of the population, for example, the right to exercise within a 5km radius, attend medical appointments or to shop for food or other necessities as set out in Government guidelines. However, as with everyone else, where a public health issue arises, Public Health officials may advise that residents stay in their centre and restrict movement for a time while they monitor the situation.

Healthcare workers living in Direct Provision accommodation are eligible to apply for accommodation under the HSE’s Temporary Accommodation Scheme announced on 10 April 2020. We are actively encouraging all healthcare workers living in our centres to apply for this temporary accommodation for their protection and that of other centre residents and staff. We have provided information, forms and guidance. We have also asked the NGO community to support this initiative and to help to bring it to the attention of residents through their support networks.

We will continue to work closely with the HSE and centre management during this time to protect the health and safety of all residents and staff as a priority.

Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service

Questions (484)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

484. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a further extension on all emigration permissions will be issued from 20 May 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6668/20]

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Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I can inform the Deputy that in light of the current uncertainties caused by the Coronavirus pandemic, COVID-19, I have announced that immigration permissions, due to expire between 20 May 2020 and 20 July 2020, have been automatically extended for two months.

This includes people in Ireland on short stay visas and those whose permissions have already been extended by the previous notice, which extended permissions between 20 March 2020 and 20 May 2020. The renewal of permission is on the same basis as the existing permission and the same conditions are attached.

Any permission which was renewed by the notice of 20 March 2020 and which therefore has a new expiry date between 20 May and 20 July 2020 is now automatically renewed for a further two months. For international English language students, this means that they will continue to be able to work if they so wish, but they must also re-enrol in an on-line course of study to adhere to the conditions of their permission. Officials from my Department have engaged with MEI (Marketing English in Ireland), the representative body for the majority of language schools in Ireland. They have confirmed that most colleges are now offering on-line courses, and students should contact their college directly to make any necessary arrangements.

In relation to persons with existing permission under Directive 2004/38/EC (Free Movement Directive), the automatic renewal is subject to the requirement that the person is complying with the requirements of the Directive.

The Registration Office in Burgh Quay and all Registration Offices for non-Dublin residents operated by An Garda Síochána remain temporarily closed due to COVID-19. Consequently, the requirement to present at a registration office to register a new permission or renew a current permission is also temporarily suspended.

Further updates will be provided on the Immigration Service website when available, and I would encourage the Deputy to view our updates on the Immigration Service website at:

http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/COVID-19-updates-and-announcements

A detailed Frequently Asked Questions document on the COVID-19 impact on immigration and international protection can also be found on the website. This document is regularly updated.

Garda Stations

Questions (485)

Darragh O'Brien

Question:

485. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the works on Rush Garda station; the date the station is scheduled to be reopened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6706/20]

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Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

First it is important to note that the Office of Public Works 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 Office of Public Works (OPW).

I am advised that the works required to reopen Rush Garda station have been completed and that the building has been handed over by the OPW to the Garda authorities.

I am informed however, that in light of the current Covid-19 pandemic, the IT works which will be required prior to Rush station becoming operational have not yet been carried out.

More generally and as the Deputy may be aware, as part of its action to mitigate the risks around the transmission of Covid-19 between Garda personnel and/or members of the public, Garda management has identified a range of alternative accommodation including educational institutions, local community facilities and so on, which are available to Garda management across the country in order to assist in protecting members and staff against Covid-19. I understand that these facilities, where in use, are acting as a facility supplementary to the local Garda Station, to ensure compliance with social distancing guidelines, minimising the concentration of personnel in a particular location. This contributes to the protection of Garda members and staff and to the organisational resilience of An Garda Síochána.

I am informed that, in a similar context, Rush station is currently being held as a contingency building, in the event other stations become impacted by Covid-19 infection. I am further advised that when the public health situation allows, Rush Garda station will reopen to the public.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (486)

Michael McGrath

Question:

486. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Covid Query No. 5.709 (details supplied), the specific changes being proposed to the insolvency legislation as a consequence of the Covid-19 outbreak; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6711/20]

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Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I refer the Deputy to my most recent PQ answers on this matter.

In my reply to question No. 5.709 of 11 May, referred to by the Deputy, I indicated that my officials are considering certain specific formal or procedural statutory requirements which may be difficult or impracticable to comply with, due to COVID-19 restrictions, including a small number of requirements under the Personal Insolvency Acts, so that any necessary amendments could be addressed in an urgent forthcoming Bill. I also indicated that those changes are in addition to the changes which may be proposed under the statutory review of the Personal Insolvency Acts, due to report later this year.

In response to another parliamentary question, no. 369, on this issue, put to me by Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív on 13 May 2020, I provided a detailed answer regarding the changes which are under consideration, arising from the statutory review.

It is not possible at this stage to provide further details on the exact changes to be included in the forthcoming COVID-related Bill, as these have not been finalised at this point in time

Domestic Violence Refuges Provision

Questions (487)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Question:

487. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will put in place a short-term emergency rent supplement which would enable men, women and children in need of immediate relocation due domestic violence to access safe housing for a period of three months and or the duration of the Covid-19 national emergency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6728/20]

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Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

It is important to note that the provision of Rent Supplement is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection and not for me as Minister for Justice and Equality. I understand that the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection is replying to a number of parliamentary questions on that issue today.

I would add only that I am conscious of the added fear and risk of domestic abuse which some people face, in the context of the current Covid-19 restrictions on movement and gatherings.

In recognition of this, my Department has developed an inter-agency plan to address domestic abuse during this period. I can assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána continue to attach the highest priority to domestic abuse incidents. Arrangements have also been made by the Courts Service and Legal Aid Board to ensure that the legal system remains accessible to victims of domestic abuse. In addition to funding already allocated for 2020, my Department has to date provided an additional €285,000 to date to organisations in the sector, to support and extend the existing services they offer during this period of the Covid-19 crisis. We are also leading a public awareness campaign on domestic abuse during the Covid-19 crisis, in partnership with victim support services in the community and voluntary sector. Further information on the organisations involved in this initiative as well as services and supports for victims is available on a new website www.stillhere.ie.

EU Issues

Questions (488)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

488. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the latest Report of the Accountant of the Courts of Justice will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6765/20]

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Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The most up to date report of the Accountant of the Courts of Justice was published on 31st March 2020 and can be found on the Courts Service website.

For the Deputy's convenience, here is a direct link to the report:

https://beta.courts.ie/view/document/e184b845-c657-4a75-ac34-13be650c0f04/Accountant%20Report%202019.pdf/pdf

Gangland Crime

Questions (489)

Seán Crowe

Question:

489. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the growth in drug intimidation in many working class communities but not exclusively so; his plans to address this; and his further plans to introduce or work on new legislation to confront and address this issue. [6780/20]

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Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I share the Deputy’s concern about the serious issue of drug-related intimidation in communities which involves the targeting of persons who use drugs, or their family or friends in relation to a drug debt.

I appreciate that the threat of violence to enforce drug debt impacts people's lives greatly and can create an atmosphere of fear within communities. While the reality is that drug-related crime occurs in communities nationwide, in many instances the communities most acutely affected are already marginalised and are also having to contend with other forms of criminality associated with the illicit drugs trade. This type of crime can have a serious impact of perceptions and feelings of safety in these communities. I am acutely aware of the importance of tackling such behaviour effectively.

Government policy is guided by the national drugs strategy "Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery - a health led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland 2017-2025". This represents a whole-of-government evidence-informed response to the scourge of drug and alcohol use in Ireland. Implementation of the Strategy is led by my colleague, the Minister for Health and the Minister of State with special responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy and Health Promotion, although obviously the Strategy includes a wide range of actions for all stakeholders, including my Department and An Garda Síochána.

An Garda Síochána continues to proactively tackle all forms of drug crime. The Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau is having significant success in disrupting drug trafficking and the supply of illicit drugs in Ireland, as well as organised crime groups. Its work is supported by Divisional Drugs Units nationwide, and of course more generally by all Gardaí working in local communities.

As the Deputy may be aware, there is specific action in the National Drugs Strategy in relation to drug-related intimidation. An Garda Síochána, in partnership with the National Family Support Network (NFSN), has developed ‘The Drug Related Intimidation Reporting Programme’, which is now been implemented on a national level since 2013, to respond to the needs of drug users and family members who may be subject to the threat of drug related intimidation.

In fact Ireland’s National Drugs Strategy is unique among national drugs strategies across EU Member States in recognising the need to address drug-related debt intimidation at a community level. I am advised that An Garda Síochána and the National Family Support Network have each concluded their own separate evaluations of the Drug Related Intimidation Reporting Programme and have jointly agreed a number of actions in relation to the programme going forward. It has been agreed that the effectiveness of this Programme will be further enhanced through training, knowledge sharing and awareness raising.

More broadly and recognising that the issue of drug use and drug related crime in communities is a complex and multi-faceted one, the Deputy might be interested to know of the "Greentown" project, a research project examining the recruitment by criminal networks of children in Ireland and to make recommendations for interventions to disrupt children being lured into criminality. The project is led by the REPPP Project (Research Evidence into Policy, Programmes and Practice) at the School of Law in the University of Limerick and is a strategic research partnership with the University of Limerick, funded by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and supported by my own Department.

Finally and as the Deputy will be aware, a key principle arising from the report of the Commission on the Future of Policing is that policing is not the responsibility of the police alone, but also involves other agencies of Government, such as health or social services, as well as other sectors of society. This principle is at the centre of a new policy on community safety which is being developed in my Department. The policy, which will be given a statutory basis in the new Policing and Community Safety Bill, proposes to establish and support a system of community safety at local level across the country. Through cross-sectoral collaboration, and by drawing on the available services, these systems will be best placed to identify, support and implement, community safety according to the needs of the local community.

Court Orders

Questions (490)

James Browne

Question:

490. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding fathers’ rights to equal access to their children; his views on fathers’ difficulties in securing access to see their children in spite of court orders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6800/20]

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Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I appreciate the concerns that the public health emergency is causing for many families in relation to court orders for access. Setting the terms of court orders and related proceedings are matters proper to the judiciary. Neither I nor my Department are involved in such matters.

It is important to point out first and foremost that court orders in relation to access remain in place. Everyone should understand that the restrictions brought in to tackle Covid-19 do not stop them being implemented, and should not be used as an excuse by either party.

The Regulations made by the Minister for Health, which came into effect on Wednesday 8 April, recognise the right of a parent, guardian, or person having a right of access to a child to leave their home in order to give effect to arrangements for access by that person or for another parent, guardian or person having such right of access.

Clearly during this time there may be instances where it is impossible for couples to adhere strictly to the terms of an Order, and the President of the District Court recently clarified that parents could come to mutually agreed arrangements for alternative contact, which could involve phone calls, or skype etc., such agreement being noted by email or text message.

It is also important to note that if parties cannot agree on an alternative arrangement, mediation services are still available and should be used. The Family Mediation Service of the Legal Aid Board is offering free telephone mediation and conflict coaching. More details about this service can be found at www.legalaidboard.ie, while other free parent support services which provide help and advice are available from www.onefamily.ie and www.treoir.ie

The Judiciary and the Courts Service have advised that the District Court will continue to hear urgent matters in all District Court Districts throughout the country as before, and will resume hearings of certain other urgent matters. Urgent matters are now extended to include additional areas in Criminal, Family, and Child Care Law. In the area of Family Law the President of the District Court announced 8 May changes for matters which can be dealt with.

These include the following:

- Applications and hearings for breach of maintenance or access that have occurred during the emergency period or applications and hearings for temporary guardianship orders.

- Remote call-overs and hearings may be conducted in some courts.

- Consent orders that do not require the hearing of evidence may be applied for by email by the applicant’s solicitor exhibiting consent in writing from the respondent’s solicitor.

Following consideration by an assigned Judge orders will issue from the Court Office as appropriate without the need for the parties or their legal representatives to attend court.

In the current exceptional circumstances, while court offices are still open, they are only open for essential business, and by appointment only. According to the Practice Direction of the President of the District Court, a case which does not come into the defined urgent category can be treated as urgent if a good case can be made, and this will be decided, by the Court, on a case by case basis. The full details of the statement from the President of the District Court can be found on the website of the Courts Service.

I hope this information is of some help to families and I would like to emphasise that I am appealing to everyone to remember at all times that the welfare of the child is paramount.

Prisoner Data

Questions (491, 492)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

491. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of prisoners in the prison system; the number of these sharing cells; the reduction in the number of prisoners sharing cells since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic; and the further steps proposed to be taken to reduce this number in order to reduce the risk of a large scale outbreak of Covid-19 in the prison system. [6808/20]

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Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

492. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of prisoners let out on temporary release or on community return since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic compared to the same period in 2019; the number of prisoners currently in prison serving sentences that have less than six months left to run; if consideration has been given to giving these temporary release to reduce the overcrowding in prisons in view of the experience with this disease to date in congregated settings and the risk it poses to prisoners and staff alike; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6809/20]

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Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I propose to take Questions Nos. 491 and 492 together.

As the Deputy will appreciate, Covid-19 provides unique challenges to custodial institutions, including our prisons. Covid-19 in a prison setting would present significant challenges for prison management in terms of controlling the spread of the virus amongst staff and prisoners, and the provision of appropriate medical treatment to affected persons and the maintenance of staffing levels.

A significant amount of work has been carried out by the Irish Prison Service to address this challenge, informed and guided by the advice received from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and consistent with the prison specific guidance for the management of Covid-19 issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Council of Europe.

As the Deputy is aware, in March this year, I approved a number of actions to assist the Irish Prison Service to reduce the numbers of prisoners in custody, including the temporary release of low-risk prisoners, in order to ensure effective infection control measure were possible.

In the first instance, the approach adopted included granting temporary release to low risk prisoners who were serving sentences of less than 12 months for non-violent offences. Subsequently, prisoners assessed as low risk who had less than 6 months to serve were also granted temporary release from some prisons depending on the risks present.

I am informed that all prisoners granted temporary release were assessed on a case-by-case basis. The primary factor in the consideration of any prisoner for early release remains public safety and risks assessed included any convictions for domestic abuse, such as breach of barring orders which present significant risks at the present time. I am informed that, on 19 May 2020 there were 752 prisoners in custody with less than 6 months remaining on their sentence. It is important to note, however, that many of these prisoners will not be eligible for temporary release due to the nature of their offence, the risk to public safety or further charges pending which remand them to custody beyond the expiration of their current sentence.

As a result of the measures taken, I am informed that an initial 470 prisoners were granted temporary release and that, since then, further periods of temporary release have been granted resulting in a total of over 600 prisoners receiving temporary release, including community return, since the outset of this pandemic. As the Deputy will appreciate, the size of the prison population changes on a daily basis, as new committals and remands are made by the courts and releases occur as prisoners reach the end of their sentences. However, I am informed by the Irish Prison Service that, due to the granting of temporary release and a reduced number of committals from the Courts, the prison population has reduced from 4,235 on 11 March 2020 to 3,763 on 20 May 2020. This represents a reduction of 472 or just over 11% over this period.

I am informed that the following table sets out the prison population and the number of prisoners on temporary release for dates within the period in 2019 and 2020 referred to by the Deputy.

Date	Total Prison Population	Number on Temporary Release
11 March 2019	3984	217
20 May 2019	3999	243
11 March 2020	4235	343
20 May 2020	3763	427

As the Deputy will appreciate, given the current number of prisoners in custody, the Irish Prison Service is not in a position to provide single cell accommodation to all prisoners. I am informed that single-cell occupancy across the system would result in a bed capacity of less than 3,000 and would not be possible to achieve without releasing sizeable numbers of prisoners considered to represent a threat to public safety. I am further informed that, in some cases, prisoners are housed together for reasons other than lack of capacity. I understand that family members and friends often elect or are assigned a shared cell. I am further informed that shared cell accommodation can in certain cases be very beneficial from a management point of view, particularly for those who are vulnerable and at risk of self-harm, and that there will always be a need for certain prisoners to be accommodated together.

I am informed that information regarding in-cell occupancy is collated by the Irish Prison Service on a quarterly basis. The data for the April Census is currently being finalised for publication. I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that the number of prisoners sharing cells has been reduced by 146 from 1,892 in January 2020 to 1,746 in April 2020.

The Deputy may be interested to note that this and a wide range of other statistical information is available on the website of the Irish Prison Service at www.irishprisons.ie

Departmental Correspondence

Questions (493)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

493. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a reply will issue to correspondence (details supplied) sent to him on 25 April 2020 in view of the urgent need for a detailed reply before a certain date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6810/20]

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Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am aware of the correspondence dated 25 April 2020 referred to by the Deputy, which raises a number of questions including in relation to potential legal proceedings.

As the Deputy will appreciate, I am not in a position to address an individual case in this reply or to give further information in relation to the matter.

I can confirm, however, that the correspondence is receiving the necessary attention and a response will issue as soon as possible.

Deportation Orders

Questions (494)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

494. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when revocation of a deportation order will take place in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6873/20]

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Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The person concerned is the subject of a Deportation Order, signed on 29 September 2017, requiring them to remove themselves from the State and remain outside the State. The enforcement of the Deportation Order is a matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).

As previously advised, representations were received from the person concerned, pursuant to the provisions of Section 3(11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), requesting that the Deportation Order be revoked and including information regarding their marriage. Following detailed consideration of the information submitted in support of the request, the Deportation Order was affirmed and notified to the person concerned by letter dated 27 November 2018. There is no outstanding correspondence or applications on file for this applicant.

Please note that the Registration Office Burgh Quay and all Registration Offices for non-Dublin residents operated by An Garda Síochána have temporarily closed due to COVID-19. Consequently, the requirement of an individual to present to GNIB at a registration office is temporarily suspended.

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.

Question No. 495 answered with Question No. 450.

Direct Provision System

Questions (496)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

496. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the measures that have been taken in direct provision centres to ensure that persons with suspected and confirmed cases of Covid-19 have adequate space to self-isolate. [6900/20]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality (Deputy David Stanton)

I am pleased to have this opportunity to provide you with an update on the full range of measures that we, the HSE and centre management are taking to support residents and staff in Direct Provision accommodation at this time.