Written Answers Nos. 375-399
375. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount paid to private operators in respect of the housing of persons seeking international protection in each of the years 2010 to 2019 and in each month of 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9200/20]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that all accommodation centres for people seeking international protection, whether State-owned or privately owned, are operated by commercial companies under contract. There are currently 44 accommodation centres being operated under the Direct Provision reception system.
My Department contracts for an all-inclusive service, which includes catering services, as well as cleaning, maintenance and laundry services. I attach an extensive and detailed table of information on the amount paid by my Department to each company contracted to provide direct provision accommodation every year up to the end of 2017. It is the Department's policy not to disclose financial information on individual contracts for the most recent two years. This was agreed with the Office of the Information Commissioner.
The Deputy will appreciate that it is not appropriate to provide the current individual contract values entered into by my Department. Negotiations take place with a number of commercial entities on an on-going basis with a clear focus on achieving the best value for money in respect of each contract. It is not in the interests of yielding best value for the taxpayer that the details of current individual contracts are made available to other commercial bodies who are, or may be in the future, engaged in these negotiations.
The following table provides a breakdown by year of my Department's expenditure on the ‘direct provision’ system in the years 2010 to end of April 2020.
Table on Expenditure Type
Table of Accommodation contract information to end 2017
376. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons seeking international protection who are housed in emergency accommodation in County Monaghan; the number of settings concerned; the location of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9201/20]
View answerThere are currently 234 persons seeking international protection staying in five emergency locations in County Monaghan. Additionally, St. Patrick's Accommodation Centre, outside Monaghan Town, currently accommodates 264 persons.
My Department does not generally disclose the location of emergency accommodation centres in order to protect the identity of international protection applicants and other private guests, as such premises are often open to the public. While this may not generally be the case at the present time, as we have moved to ensure that such premises only accommodate international protection applicants to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission, the premises may again return to mixed use once current restrictions are eased further.
Every effort is being made by my Department to re-accommodate applicants from emergency locations in hotels and guesthouses to a dedicated accommodation centre as quickly as possible, where we can provide the full range of State services and supports.
A public procurement tender process for designated accommodation centres in the Borders Region is currently ongoing. The Deputy will appreciate that I cannot comment on an ongoing tender process.
377. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to increase the capacity of emergency accommodation for asylum seekers in County Monaghan; the details of new emergency accommodation capacity being examined in the county; if he will consult with local communities, the local authority and other statutory agencies prior to finalising an agreement in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9202/20]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that my Department currently has no plans to increase the capacity of emergency accommodation for international protection applicants in County Monaghan.
378. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons seeking international accommodation in direct provision or emergency accommodation settings that are sharing rooms with persons not related to them in groups of 2, 3, 4, 5 and so on in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9203/20]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, at the present time, the accommodation requirements in any centre can vary on a daily basis due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the requirements to meet HSE guidelines for residents who need to self-isolate or to cocoon. However, I can confirm to the Deputy that a maximum of three single people are now sharing a room in any of our centres.
While no more than three unrelated (single) people sharing a room was our initial aim, I am informed by my officials that the majority of the recently procured temporary accommodation are twin rooms with typically two single people sharing. I can also confirm that anyone who is in offsite self-isolation or is cocooning on age or medical grounds have their own room.
This has been achieved through the additional 850 new temporary beds added to our accommodation portfolio in response to the pandemic and the new dedicated centres opened since the start of the year in Tullamore, Cahersiveen and Rosslare Harbour.
This was seen as a very ambitious target in the short timeframe available to us before the pandemic worsened. Through intensive efforts in the early stages of this national crisis that target has been achieved.
Families and couples never share accommodation with anyone else and this category of resident represents approximately 20% of our residents who are in own-door accommodation.
The Deputy can be assured that the health and well-being of our residents is our priority. My Department and the HSE are working closely together at a national and local level to ensure this at this unprecedented time.
379. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on whether the outsourcing to private operators of the housing of persons seeking international protection is not satisfactory; if he will work towards a public model of delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9205/20]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the State is obliged under domestic and international law to examine the application of anyone who arrives at the State to claim international protection. While we are examining their application, all applicants are offered accommodation and other supports such as healthcare, education for children and a weekly payment for personal expenditure. The provision of accommodation is demand-led, based on the number of applicants arriving to claim international protection and requiring accommodation.
As demand requires, my Department issues public calls for expressions of interest in putting forward suitable premises and supplying the capacity and supports to run accommodation centres to meet international standards. These calls are not confined to the private sector. It is open to all to engage with us. Equally, any Tenders issued for the same services are open to all. Any proposal will be assessed according to the published criteria.
Both Minister Flanagan and I have at all times made it clear that I would welcome proposals from NGOs or not for profit entities.
Minister Flanagan and I have established an Expert Group on the Provision of Support, including Accommodation, to persons in the International Protection Process, which is led by Dr. Catherine Day, former Secretary General of the European Commission.
This Expert Group has the following role:
- To advise on the development of a long-term approach to the provision of supports including accommodation to persons in the international protection process;
- To identify good practice in European countries in the provision of supports to persons within the international protection process, particularly dealing with variations in demand; and
- To set out a process for achieving the long term approach to support persons in the international protection process.
It builds on the work of the Working Group chaired by Judge Bryan McMahon. Their Report, published in June 2015, made substantive recommendations on improvements necessary within the international protection process and the Direct Provision reception system.
Since then, significant improvements have been made to the system in recent years including access to the services of the Ombudsman and the Ombudsman for Children; agreed National Standards for accommodation providers; the introduction of labour market access; and the continued roll-out of self-catering facilities for residents, which are now available to more than half of all residents.
Dr. Day and her Expert Group are expected to report before the end of the year.
An Interdepartmental Group, chaired by my own Department, was also established to ensure that all Government Departments are proactively delivering on their responsibilities to international protection applicants, and the short-to-medium term options which could be implemented to improve the system. Its Report is ready for submission to the incoming Government.
I look forward to the outcomes of work of these two Groups, which will allow for consideration of the next steps required in the ongoing reform process.
380. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí based at each station in County Monaghan; the number at each rank; the corresponding figures at 1 May in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9206/20]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner is by law 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 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 over 14,700 Gardaí nationwide, supported by over 3,000 Garda staff and these numbers are continuing to grow. Taken together, this increase in the number of Garda members and staff is delivering a significant increase in operational policing hours nationwide.
A detailed breakdown of Garda numbers is available on my Department’s website, in the interests of transparency and for the convenience of Deputies and the wider public. This information is updated every month with the latest data provided by An Garda Síochána. Information on Garda members is available at the following link:
http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/02_Garda_Numbers_by_Division_District_and_Station_2009_to_April_2020.xlsx/Files/02_Garda_Numbers_by_Division_District_and_Station_2009_to_April_2020.xlsx
Wider information on the Garda workforce including Garda staff is available at the following link:
http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Garda_Workforce
381. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position of persons subject to the Dublin III Regulation during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9222/20]
View answer382. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons subject to the Dublin III Regulation and whose case is stayed in view of ongoing court proceedings concerning discretion and the Dublin III Regulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9223/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 381 and 382 together.
I can inform the Deputy that a total of 223 judicial review cases, which include 281 persons, are in place at present concerning discretion and the Dublin III EU Regulation.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Dublin III Regulation determines which EU Member State is responsible for examining a person's application for international protection. All applicants who are identified as being possible Dublin III cases at the International Protection Office (IPO) are put into the process and Ireland is still requesting other responsible EU Member States to 'take charge' of any identified applicant. Other Member States who identify that Ireland is responsible for an applicant have, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, also been applying the Dublin process to Ireland.
The interviewing of applicants in accordance with Article 5 of the Regulation has been suspended since March 2020. Due to the restrictions arising from measures to limit the spread of the virus, the IPO has not been in a position to issue any recommendations to date because of the impact on applicants, their legal representatives, the International Protection Appeals Tribunal and other areas of my Department. This, in turn, would go against the necessary national measures to help limit the spread of COVID-19.
I would also like to inform the Deputy that the enforcement of Dublin transfer orders is an operational matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau. Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic, Dublin transfers are subject to operational constraints and, as such, all cases are considered on a case by case basis.
Finally, I can assure the Deputy that the Immigration Service Delivery of my Department continues to provide its services in line with national efforts to deal with the current COVID-19 situation. The matter is under constant review and pragmatic decisions will be made where required.
383. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if consideration has been given to granting permission to remain to the approximately 150 healthcare workers in the protection process in the event that they receive a negative refugee or subsidiary protection application decision in view of the fact that they have undertaken and continue to undertake vital healthcare work during this time of the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9224/20]
View answerMy Department looks at all international protection applications made in the State on a case by case basis in accordance with the legislation, the International Protection Act 2015. Each consideration takes into account a number of factors as set out in section 49 of the Act.
If an applicant fails in their International Protection claim, they may seek humanitarian leave to remain. Permission to remain is also considered under the International Protection Act 2015. Under the Act, when I am making a decision on whether to grant an applicant permission to remain in the State, I must consider any information submitted by the applicant throughout the process plus the nature of their connection to the State. A person’s character and conduct is taken into consideration. Also, an applicant’s private and family rights are examined in accordance with the Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights and a complete refoulement assessment is carried out to ensure that the conditions in an applicant’s relevant country of origin allow for their safe return.
Furthermore, it should be noted that all decisions at each stage of the process may be subject to review by the High Court.
384. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the person or body responsible for undertaking inspections in the context of Covid-19 in direct provision centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9229/20]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that all accommodation centres under contract to my Department are subject to three unannounced inspections per annum: twice by officials of the Immigration Service of my Department and once by an independent company (QTS Limited).
Inspections cover a wide range of issues such as fire safety issues, food hygiene, food quality, information provision, general security and emergency details, child protection issues, provision of TV and Wi-Fi services, staff rosters and the upkeep of all communal areas and bedrooms.
Any issue identified is communicated in writing to the contractor and the contractor is required to address any issue identified immediately. Officials from the Immigration Service follow up to ensure that relevant issues have been addressed.
As a result of the current health and safety restrictions with respect to the COVID-19 crisis, it has not been possible for inspections to be carried out at this time. Additionally, all centres are currently closed to any visitors to protect residents and staff. As soon as the HSE advises that it is appropriate to commence inspections again, the relevant officials in the Immigration Service will resume the inspection process.
During this time, while we are unable to continue inspections, we are in daily contact with our centres through a dedicated communications team from the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS). This team undertakes daily calls with all centre managers across our network of permanent and temporary centres. Feedback from these conversations is reflected in the newsletters circulated to all centre managers to promote shared learning and best practice, which are available to view on our website www.accommodationcentres.ie. The daily calls also ensure that any issues or concerns can be raised without delay for appropriate resolution for the benefit of residents and staff.
Should residents have any issues or concerns that they wish to raise directly with my Department, they can do so via an email address which is made known to all residents. Residents can also raise concerns with the Office of the Ombudsman and the Ombudsman for Children and contacts details for these offices are also provided. Officials of my Department have begun holding virtual clinics with residents and a telephone support service run by the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) has also been established as an additional support for residents.
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.
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.
While inspections of accommodation centres cannot take place at this time, officials are continuing to work closely with the HSE and centre management during this time to ensure that any issues arising are addressed promptly, and are also engaging directly with residents to hear and address their concerns. Their health and wellbeing continues to be the priority.
385. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated cost of installing a minimum of two defibrillators in each Garda station that is opened on a 24/7 basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9233/20]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that 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.
I have requested information from An Garda Síochána on the matter raised and will write directly to the Deputy when it is received.
386. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the Garda divisions currently without a crime prevention officer; the length of time each division has been without same; when these posts will be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9234/20]
View answerThe resources provided 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 over 14,700 Gardaí nationwide, supported by over 3,000 Garda staff and these numbers are continuing to grow.
The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing the administration and business of An Garda Síochána, including by arranging for the recruitment and training of personnel. Further, the allocation of Garda resources and distribution of personnel are a matter for the Commissioner, in light of identified operational demands.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are 3 Garda Divisions currently without a Crime Prevention Officer, namely, Cork City Division, DMR South Division and Sligo/ Leitrim Division.
I am further advised that the competition for Sligo/Leitrim has been approved. However, competitions for the Cork and DMR South roles have been placed on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic. I understand that it is intended that these competitions will take place in the near future.
The following table, furnished to me by the Garda authorities, sets out further detail as requested on the Crime Prevention Officer vacancies as at 3 June 2020.
|
Position |
Date vacancy arose |
|
1 Sergeant Cork City Division |
31/03/2020 |
|
1 Sergeant DMR South |
25/12/2019 |
|
1 Sergeant Sligo/Leitrim Division |
10/05/2020 |
387. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the budget allocation for each of the Garda specialist units in 2019 and 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9235/20]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that 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.
I have requested information from An Garda Síochána on the matter requested by the Deputy and will write directly to the Deputy when it is received.
|
Specialist Units in the Organised and Serious Crime Branch |
2019 |
1 Jan 2020 to 31 July 2020 |
|
Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau |
13,168,867 |
7,925,627 |
|
Immigration Bureau |
11,281,111 |
6,695,735 |
|
Criminal Investigation Bureau |
8,354,470 |
5,331,921 |
|
Operation Support Services |
8,079,529 |
4,796,826 |
|
Technical Bureau |
8,736,310 |
3,474,826 |
|
Protective Services Bureau |
5,978,919 |
3,890,392 |
|
Economic Crime Bureau |
5,978,216 |
3,789,498 |
|
Cyber Crime Bureau |
2,492,253 |
1,458,975 |
388. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when he plans to introduce the motion for the annual renewal of sections two to four, six to 12, 14 and 17 of the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act 1998 in Dáil Éireann; the implications of not renewing these sections for the Special Criminal Court and other related matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9262/20]
View answerThe Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act 1998 and the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009 contain significant legislative provisions aimed at combating terrorism and organised crime. If certain important provisions are to remain in effect there is a statutory requirement to renew them before the end of June.
The Offences against the State (Amendment) Act 1998 was enacted in the aftermath of the Omagh bombing. The Act, which amended the earlier Offences Against the State Acts, contains provisions which change the rules of evidence in relation to the offences of membership of an unlawful organisation, create certain new/substantive offences and extend the maximum period of detention under the Act. The Act further provides that relevant offences created under the Act are scheduled offences and therefore are to be tried in the Special Criminal Court. Section 18 provides that the relevant sections of the Act (sections 2 to 4, 6 to 12, 14 and 17 ) shall cease to be in operation unless their continuance in force is approved by both Houses of the Oireachtas.
The Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009 provides certain legislative measures to tackle organised crime. Among those measures is section 8, which provides that certain organised crime offences are to be tried in the Special Criminal Court. Section 8(4) provides that the provision will cease to be in operation unless a resolution is passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas.
Section 18(3) of the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act 1998 Act and Section 8(6) of the and the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009 provide that, before a resolution for continuance is passed, the Minister for Justice and Equality shall prepare reports, which shall be laid before both Houses, on the operation of the relevant provisions in the period since the previous report.
I am satisfied that there remains a real and persistent threat from terrorist activity and organised crime as evidenced by the seizures of firearms, explosives and ammunition by An Garda Síochána and the most serious of cases brought before the Special Criminal Court. It is important that these provisions are renewed and it is my intention to seek their renewal and table the required motions before the Oireachtas before the end of this month.
391. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide a list of all direct provision accommodation centres. [9343/20]
View answerI am advised by the International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) of my Department that as of 24 May 2020, there are 45 dedicated accommodation centres in the State, the names and locations of which are set out in the following table.
As these centres are currently operating at full capacity, there are a further 36 emergency accommodation premises currently being used to accommodate international protection applicants. My Department does not generally disclose the location of emergency accommodation centres in order to protect the identity of international protection applicants.
IPAS Accommodation (as of 24 May 2020)
|
COUNTY |
LOCATION |
ADDRESS |
|
|
RECEPTION CENTRE |
|
|
Dublin |
Balseskin |
St. Margarets, Finglas, Dublin 11 |
|
|
ACCOMMODATION CENTRES |
|
|
Clare |
Knockalisheen |
Meelick |
|
|
King Thomond |
The Bog Road, Lisdoonvarna |
|
|
Clare Lodge Hostel |
Ennis, Clare |
|
Cork |
Ashbourne House |
Glounthaune |
|
|
Davis Lane |
73-75 Davis Street, Mallow, Co. Cork |
|
|
Kinsale Road |
Cork |
|
|
Glenvera |
Wellington Road |
|
|
Millstreet |
Millstreet |
|
|
Clonakilty Lodge |
Clonakilty, Co. Cork |
|
Dublin |
The Towers |
The Ninth Lock, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 |
|
|
The Central Inn |
Talbot St, Dublin 1 |
|
Galway |
Eglington |
The Proms, Salthill |
|
|
Great Western House |
Eyre Square |
|
Kerry |
Atlas House (Killarney) |
Killarney |
|
|
Atlas House (Tralee) |
Tralee |
|
|
Atlantic Lodge |
Kenmare |
|
|
Johnston Marina |
Tralee |
|
|
Linden House |
New Road, Killarney |
|
|
Park Lodge |
Killarney |
|
|
Skellig Star Hotel |
Caherciveen, Co Kerry |
|
Kildare |
Hazel |
Dublin Road, Monasterevin |
|
|
Eyrepowell |
Newbridge |
|
Laois |
Hibernian Hotel |
Main Street, Abbeyleix, Co. Laois |
|
|
Montague |
Emo, Portlaoise |
|
Leitrim |
Carraig Accommodation Centre |
Ballinamore |
|
Limerick |
Hanratty's |
Glentworth Street, Limerick |
|
|
Griffin House |
Lower Gerald Griffin Street |
|
Longford |
Richmond Court |
Richmond Street, Longford |
|
Louth |
Carroll Village |
Dundalk |
|
Mayo |
The Old Convent |
Ballyhaunis |
|
Meath |
Mosney |
Mosney |
|
Monaghan |
St. Patricks |
Monaghan |
|
Offaly |
Marian Hostel |
33 High Street, Tullamore |
|
Sligo |
Globe House |
Chapel Hill |
|
Tipperary |
Bridgewater House |
Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary |
|
|
Riverside |
Borrisokane, Co. Tipperary |
|
Waterford |
Atlantic House |
Tramore, Co. Waterford |
|
|
Ocean View |
Tramore, Co. Waterford |
|
|
Birchwood |
Ballytruckle Road |
|
|
Viking House |
Coffee House Lane |
|
Wicklow |
The Grand Hotel |
Abbey Street, Wicklow |
|
Westmeath |
Temple Accommodation |
Horseleap, Moate, Westmeath |
|
|
Athlone |
Athlone |
|
Wexford |
Rosslare Port Lodge |
Rosslare Harbour |
392. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the details of the process by which decisions are made on the area in which a direct provision centre will be located; and the criteria that inform such a decision. [9390/20]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the State is obliged under domestic and international law to examine the application of anyone who arrives at the State to claim international protection. While we are examining their application, all applicants are offered accommodation and other supports such as healthcare, education for children and a weekly payment for personal expenditure.
My Department does not select a particular area or location for accommodation centres. Premises are sourced either through a full tender process which is administered through the Government’s Procurement Portal www.etenders.gov.ie or through responses to calls for expressions of interest, which are advertised in the national media. My Department is assisted with these tender projects by the Office of Government Procurement.
The tender process which commenced in late 2018, saw regional tender competitions being advertised, assessed and awarded. The competitions were held for the South East, Midlands, Mid-West, South-West, Mid-East, West, Dublin and the Border Regions.
The specifications for each tender process are comprehensive and are developed from the findings of the 2015 McMahon Report and best practice in the sector. All successful bidders must provide independent living with cooking facilities for residents, as set out in the McMahon Report, and they have a 16-week mobilisation period to complete the works to provide this.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the provision of accommodation is demand-led, based on the number of applicants arriving to claim international protection and requiring accommodation. Where the State’s accommodation portfolio is not sufficient to meet demand and the tendering process is not identifying and bringing on stream the required accommodation as quickly as is needed, the State advertises in the national media for calls for expressions of interest for the supply of accommodation. The contracts on offer under this process are shorter than those available under the tender process.
Offers made under the Expressions of Interest process are assessed under the following criteria:
- A good physical environment,
- Facilities that provide for family life,
- Cooking facilities for residents, where possible,
- Location of property and access to public transport,
- Provision of suitable security arrangements,
- An open and understanding management structure, and
- The ability to develop links with the local community to enhance the experience for residents.
The International Protection Procurement Service (IPPS) in my Department assesses offers of accommodation against these criteria and identifies those properties most suitable.
393. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the details of the way in which local communities are consulted as part of the process of establishing a direct provision centre including the timelines involved and the types of consultation activities deployed. [9391/20]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that the sourcing of new accommodation centres for international protection applicants is done by way of either an Expression of Interest published in the national press and EU Journal by the International Protection Procurement Service (IPPS) of my Department, or a public procurement process, which is advertised on E-Tenders and the Official Journal of the European Union and is managed by the Office of Government Procurement on behalf of IPPS.
All proposed premises must be inspected and assessed as to their suitability. The criteria for assessment is based on quality of premises, general conformity with the recommendations of the 2015 McMahon Report, and the availability of services such as schools, general practitioners, post office etc. Once a premises is deemed suitable by the IPPPS, negotiations will begin with the proposed service provider.
During the assessment and prior to the conclusion of the negotiations, the relevant Local Authority is consulted to see if there are any legal or compliance issues in relation to the property.
Following the conclusion of negotiations and the signing of the contract between the service provider and my Department, engagement begins with local representatives and other key stakeholders. This includes the other Government Departments and organisations that provide key services and supports to residents, like the Departments of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Education and Skills, Health, the HSE and Tusla.
While I can fully appreciate that community engagement as early as possible in the process is preferable, the Deputy will appreciate that this type of engagement is not possible prior to the commercially sensitive negotiations being concluded and the contract being signed with my Department. Until then, there is no guarantee that the negotiations will be successful or that a centre will actually open.
With recent new centres that we have opened like Ennis, Tullamore and Rosslare Harbour, my Department has prepared and circulated information to the local community, which includes information on the capacity of the centre, its facilities, the composition of residents (single, couples, small families etc.) and contact information for the centre. Where possible, prior to the arrival of residents, local representatives and members of the community are invited to visit so that they can see the centre's facilities for themselves. We also encourage the establishment of a Friends of the Centre group to promote integration opportunities between centre residents, the local community and voluntary groups.
The issue of how we can best engage with local communities prior to centres opening is also being examined by the Expert Group, led by Dr. Catherine Day, former Secretary General of the European Commission. This Expert Group was established by Minister Flanagan and I to examine best practice in other European States in the provision of services, including accommodation to international protection applicants. It is looking at longer term trends and solutions for the system. This work is advancing at pace and I look forward to its outcomes.
394. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to establish a direct provision centre in an area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9392/20]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that my Department has an accommodation centre for international protection applicants in Clonakilty in West Cork. There are currently no plans to open another centre within the Cork South-West constituency area.
Should my Department require additional accommodation in the future and if suitable premises were offered in the area, such premises would be considered in line with the recommendations made under the 2015 McMahon Report and the requirements of the National Standards for Accommodation Centres, which Minister Flanagan and I published last August.
395. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number and type of Garda vehicles attached to DMR northern division in each of the years 2009 to 2019 and to date in 2020, by division, district and sub-district in tabular form. [9400/20]
View answerIn accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling the administration and business of An Garda Síochána. Further, 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 so as to ensure their optimum use.
The attached spreadsheet in the following link, furnished to me by the Garda authorities, sets out detail of the vehicles allocated to the DMR North Division for the dates requested by the Deputy.
It should be noted that these details relate to the size of Garda fleet in the DMR North Division on the dates requested by the Deputy only; and do not take account of the more than 200 additional community support vehicles recently hired by An Garda Síochána as part of its nationwide response to Covid-19.
Finally and more broadly, the Deputy may be interested to know that 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. 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. Of this investment, a total of €9 million was made available for purchase and fit-out of additional Garda vehicles in 2020. 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. The allocation of these and all other vehicles in the fleet is entirely a matter for the Commissioner and his management team.
396. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the weekly opening hours of Howth Garda station. [9401/20]
View answerThe Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the administration of An Garda Síochána and is primarily responsible for the effective and efficient use of Garda resources. This includes responsibility for matters including the opening hours of Garda stations and the allocation of personnel. As Minister, I have no role in relation to such matters.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that Howth Garda Station is open to the public from 7am to 9pm daily.
As with all Garda stations which are not open to the public on a full time basis, I am informed by the Garda authorities that telephone calls to a station during periods of closure are automatically routed to the nearest 24-hour station in the District. If any member of the public requires Garda assistance and calls Howth Garda station between 9pm and 7am, they are re-directed to Raheny Garda Station. It is also important to note that in cases of emergency, any person can also call the 999 or 112 emergency service for an urgent Garda response.
I am assured that Garda management keeps the allocation of Garda resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.
397. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of juvenile liaison officers attached to the Coolock district in each of the years 2009 to 2019 and to date in 2020, by division, district and sub-district in tabular form. [9402/20]
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.
General information on the Garda workforce is available on my Department's website at the following link
http://justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Garda_Workforce
I will write directly to the Deputy with more specific information on the query raised concerning number of Juvenile Liaison Officers between the years 2009 and 2020.
398. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda youth diversion projects in the DMR northern region in each of the years 2009 to 2019 and to date in 2020; and the areas in which they are located. [9403/20]
View answerThe 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.
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 and bring about the conditions whereby the behavioural patterns of young people towards law and order can develop and mature through positive interventions and interaction with the project. GYDPs provide a range of intervention programmes such as Work to Learn, Mentoring and Family support.
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
In relation to the specific question raised by the Deputy,I can say that there are currently some 105 Garda Youth Diversion Projects nationally, seven of which are in the DMR North Division, as set out in the following table:
|
GARDA DIVISION |
PROJECT |
AREA |
GARDA DISTRICT |
IN OPERATION* |
|
DMR NORTH |
KEEP |
COOLOCK |
SANTRY |
2009-to date |
|
DMR NORTH |
DONNYCARNEY |
DONNYCARNEY |
SANTRY |
2015- to date |
|
DMR NORTH |
NORTH BAY |
RAHENY |
BALBRIGGAN |
2015- to date |
|
DMR NORTH |
JETS |
SWORDS |
COOLOCK |
2009-to date |
|
DMR NORTH |
NORTH FINGAL |
BALBRIGGAN |
BALBRIGGAN |
2015-to date |
|
DMR NORTH |
BYB |
BALLYMUN |
BALLYMUN |
2013- to date |
|
DMR NORTH |
WOODALE |
DARNDALE |
COOLOCK |
2009-to date |
399. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí by rank attached to the public order unit in the DMR northern region in each of the years 2009 to 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form. [9406/20]
View answerThe Garda Commissioner is by law 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 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 over 14,700 Gardaí nationwide, supported by over 3,000 Garda staff and these numbers are continuing to grow.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there has never been a permanent full-time Public Order Unit attached to the DMR North Division. However I am further informed however that there is a full-time Public Order Unit in the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) which is a regional resource for the DMR as a whole, comprising of 4 Inspectors, 12 Sergeants and 84 Gardaí. I understand that these members are available to respond to appropriate calls throughout the DMR. I am further informed that the Unit remains subject to ongoing review and consideration by Garda management, in light of operational demand and the Covid-19 pandemic. Operational support remains available in all regions from the National Public Order Unit, when the need arises.
More broadly, I am advised that Gardaí continue to tackle incidents of public order, anti-social behaviour and the escalation of crime, by engaging with communities to reduce this type of behaviour. In the location referred to by the Deputy, I understand that Gardaí engage in a range of partnership approaches to address local concerns including holding clinics on a regular basis.
Finally, I am assured 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.
