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Tuesday, 30 Jun 2020

Written Answers Nos. 309-333

Citizenship Status

Questions (309)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

309. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if citizenship will be granted in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13245/20]

View answer

Written answers

My Department has no record of receiving a current application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy.

A previous application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person concerned on 28 September 2018. A letter was issued on the 22 October 2018 stating that the application was deemed ineligible due to the required criteria not being met at that time.

It is open to any individual to lodge an application for citizenship if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory conditions as prescribed in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. All applications for a certificate of naturalisation are processed and assessed individually in accordance with the provisions of the Act. A determination on whether an applicant satisfies the statutory criteria attendant to naturalisation can only be made after an application is received.

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.

Residency Permits

Questions (310)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

310. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if arrangements will be made to grant an emergency GNIB card in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13246/20]

View answer

Written answers

The restrictions attendant to the current COVID-19 pandemic have regrettably resulted in significant challenges to the delivery of normal services. However I can assure the Deputy that the matter is receiving ongoing attention and as soon as a practical plan is in place for the re-commencement of normal service delivery, notifications will be placed on our website (www.inis.gov.ie).

Currently the Dublin area Registration Office located in Burgh Quay remains temporarily closed and consequently no IRP cards are being issued. Please also note that all Registration Offices for non-Dublin residents operated by An Garda Síochána have also temporarily closed.

There is no impediment to the person concerned leaving the State should such flights be available however if they wish to return to the State and their IRP card has expired that person will need to apply for an online visa from outside the State in order to return to the State. The person concerned should contact their nearest Embassy or Visa Office to confirm what, if any, supporting documentation is required to return to the State.

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic some leeway was given to people, legally resident in the state, to travel with an expired IRP card and a copy of the Minister's statement. However, this emergency period is over and airlines now work on the instructions that visa required persons for Ireland require either a valid IRP card or a valid visa.

The ISD website, link below, will be updated as necessary to reflect the latest positions.

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

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (311)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

311. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the Probate Office will reopen to the public. [13278/20]

View answer

Written answers

Under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts, including the provision of accommodation for court sittings, is the responsibility of the Courts Service which is independent in exercising its functions.

However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that the work to restructure the Probate Office, taking account of current public health guidelines, to facilitate personal appointments is ongoing.

The primary concern of the Courts Service is to protect service users and staff and to ensure that appointments can be facilitated safely.

I was further informed that the application process is also being redesigned and that all existing applicants will be notified shortly of the new arrangements. However, it will be some weeks before the service is restored. When the service for new personal applicants for Probate reopens, resources will be directed to reduce the adverse impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on waiting times.

Garda Transport Provision

Questions (312)

Johnny Mythen

Question:

312. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda vehicles attached to the Wexford Garda fleet as of 22 June 2020, in tabular form. [13286/20]

View answer

Written answers

In accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling the administration and business of An Garda Síochána. In addition, the allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Commissioner, in light of identified operational demands. This includes responsibility for the allocation of Garda vehicles among the various Garda divisions. As Minister, I have no role in these matters. I am assured, however, that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.

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. I am also informed that in order to protect the ongoing availability of vehicles and in anticipation of the impact 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 and fit-out costs of €600,000. The allocation of these and all other vehicles in the fleet is entirely a matter for the Commissioner and his management team.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that as of 31 May 2020, there were 2,928 vehicles attached to the Garda Fleet, including vehicles attached to the national units.

The table below, furnished to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of vehicles allocated to Wexford Division as at 31 May 2020.

Wexford Division

Cars

Vans

Motorcycles

4x4

*Others

Total

Enniscorthy

23

2

1

1

0

27

New Ross

8

2

0

0

0

10

Wexford

20

6

0

1

0

27

Total

51

10

1

2

0

64

* The category 'others' refers to MPV, SUV, Minibus or Prisoner Conveyance Vehicles

Finally and for clarity, it may be noted that the total fleet figure included above does not include the additional 210 vehicles which have been hired by An Garda Síochána this year, to provide additional capacity during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Anti-Racism Measures

Questions (313)

Paul Murphy

Question:

313. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason a staff member of a company (details supplied) is sitting on the anti-racism committee in view of the involvement of the company in the private prison industry, multiple allegations of human rights abuses at its facilities and its involvement in the surveillance of asylum seekers in the UK. [13298/20]

View answer

Written answers

In determining the membership of the Anti-Racism Committee, my Department was eager to gain from the experience and expertise of a person with a management background who has contributed to the equality and diversity agenda within the corporate sector. The work of the Committee will be action-oriented and practical, and requires a membership with practical experience from varied sectors, including the corporate sector.

The individual to whom the Deputy is referring has been appointed to the Anti-Racism Committee in her personal capacity because of her considerable expertise at senior management level in promoting diversity and inclusion in side and outside the workplace. She has demonstrated a strong leadership role in championing diversity and inclusion within leadership roles in the corporate sector in Ireland and is personally very committed to this area. For her role and work in this area she was made a Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mérite by the French Ambassador to Ireland.

As a member of the Anti-Racism Committee this individual does not represent the interests of a particular company; rather she is on the Committee to provide her expertise and experience in advancing inclusion, equality and diversity in the workplace from the corporate sector perspective.

Given her track record, I anticipate she will have extensive action-oriented and practical insights to inform the work of the Committee.

I acknowledge there have been concerns voiced regarding Sodexo in the United Kingdom. However, in Ireland Sodexo was awarded the Gold Standard in Excellence Through People by the National Standards Authority of Ireland in 2018. It was also voted one of the Best Large Workplaces in Ireland in 2018 by the Great Places to Work Institute. Sodexo Ireland has no role in managing any international protection accommodation centres in Ireland, nor does it run immigration detention centres as they are not used in Ireland. At a global level, the Sodexo Group has joined the G7 Business for Inclusive Growth (B4IG) coalition coordinated by the OECD. This is a coalition of 34 leading international companies who have made a commitment to step up business action to advance human rights throughout their value chains, by building inclusive workplaces and strengthening inclusion in their internal and external business ecosystems.

For these reasons, I am confident that the person in question is an appropriate member of the Anti-Racism Committee and that she will make a very valuable contribution to its work.

Prisoner Complaints Procedures

Questions (314, 316, 317, 318)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

314. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the introduction and implementation of the new Prison Service complaints policy; if she will provide same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13323/20]

View answer

Catherine Murphy

Question:

316. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of category A serious complaints made by prisoners in 2019 and to date in 2020; the details of the outcomes upheld, not upheld, not proven, terminated, incomplete or withdrawn; the length of time it took to complete and communicate the outcomes of complaints to prisoners; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13325/20]

View answer

Catherine Murphy

Question:

317. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of complaints made by prisoners in 2019 and to date in 2020; the details of the outcomes upheld, not upheld, not proven, terminated, incomplete or withdrawn; and the length of time it took to complete and communicate the outcomes of complaints to prisoners. [13326/20]

View answer

Catherine Murphy

Question:

318. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of complaints made by prisoner officers against prisoners and persons on remand in 2019 and to date in 2020; the details of the outcomes upheld, not upheld, not proven, terminated, incomplete or withdrawn; and the length of time it took to complete and communicate the outcomes of complaints to prisoner officers. [13327/20]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 314 and 316 to 318, inclusive, together.

A prisoner complaints system was introduced by the Irish Prison Service in November 2012, based on a model recommended by the then-Inspector of Prisons, the late Judge Michael Reilly. The current Irish Prison Service Complaints Policy is available on the website www.irishprisons.ie.

As set out in more detail in that policy, all prisoners have the right to make a complaint at any time and all complaints are treated with the utmost seriousness. Complaints vary in nature and seriousness - for example, some may relate to conditions of accommodation, quality of food or access to services while other complaints can be more serious such as allegations of assault, mistreatment or intimidation. The current system categorises complaints according to their nature and seriousness, ranging from the most serious 'Category A' complaint through to a 'Category F' complaint. Further information on this system, including these categories, is available on the website of the Irish Prison Service at the following link: www.irishprisons.ie/prisoner-services/prisoner-complaints/.

The most serious "Category A" complaints are those alleging assault or use of excessive force against a prisoner, or ill treatment, racial abuse, discrimination, intimidation, threats or any other conduct against a prisoner of a nature and gravity likely to bring discredit on the Irish Prison Service. I understand that Category A complaints are investigated by persons outside the Prison Service.

The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the number of Category A complaints received in 2019 and to date in 2020 that were upheld, not upheld, not proven, terminated, incomplete or withdrawn is set out in the following table, furnished to me by the Irish Prison Service.

2019

2020 (as at 25 June)

Outcome

Category A Complaints by Outcome

Category A Complaints by Outcome

Upheld

3

0

Not Upheld

18

2

Not Proved

0

0

Terminated 57B (5) (c)

0

0

Incomplete

26

21

Withdrawn

7

1

Part upheld

3

0

Discontinued

2

0

Re Categorised

1

0

Total complaints made

60

24

The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the length of time if has taken to complete the investigation of Category A complaints by prisoners in 2019 and to date in 2020 is set out in the following table, furnished to me by the Irish Prison Service. I am assured by the Irish Prison Service that, throughout the prison estate, every effort is made to communicate the outcome of any investigation to the complainant and all other parties involved (where appropriate) within a week of receipt of information on that outcome.

Category A Complaints Investigations completed

2019

2020 (as at 25 June)

3 months or less to complete

0

2

3 – 6 months to complete

33

1

6 – 12 months to complete

1

0

Outstanding investigations

26

21

Total

60

24

I understand that, due to the necessary restrictions introduced in relation to prisons in March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, investigators could not be facilitated in entering prisons. This has resulted in a number of cases outstanding. However, I would like to assure the Deputy that all such cases have been assigned to investigators and these are included in the 2020 figures. I further understand that investigators will return to prisons next week, to resume their work.

In relation to Question 318, I understand from the Deputy's clarification that the information sought relates to complaints by prisoner and not prison officers.

In relation to the total number of complaints made in 2019 and to-date in 2020 across all complaint categories, I am informed that unfortunately it has not been possible for the Irish Prison Service to collate this information in the timeframe available. I have requested the Irish Prison Service to compile this information and I will write directly to the Deputy with this information as soon as it is available.

Finally, I note that the former Inspector of Prisons carried out a review of the complaint system in June 2016 and made a number of recommendations. His report “Review, Evaluation and Analysis of the Operation of the present Irish Prison Service Complaints Procedure” is available on my Department's website - www.justice.ie.

I have been advised that the introduction and implementation of a new Prison Service Complaints Policy is a priority for the Irish Prison Service. I understand that work is well advanced on measures to implement the new Policy, which includes a fully integrated IT complaints system to streamline the management of all complaints along with a new appeal process.

More specifically, I am informed that a new Complaints Unit has been established in the Irish Prison Service and that training is currently being rolled out to prison staff. Amendments required to the Prison Rules, 2007 are also currently being finalised. I understand that the Irish Prison Service expects to introduce the new prisoner complaints system before the end of 2020.

Prisoner Complaints Procedures

Questions (315)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

315. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the timeline for extending the remit of the Office of the Ombudsman to include prisoner complaints; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13324/20]

View answer

Written answers

A prisoner complaints system was introduced by the Irish Prison Service in November 2012, based on a model recommended by the then-Inspector of Prisons, the late Judge Michael Reilly who was independent of Government in the exercise of his functions. This system categorises complaints according to their nature and seriousness, ranging from the most serious 'Category A' complaint through to a 'Category F' complaint. Further information on this system is available on the website of the Irish Prison Service at the following link: www.irishprisons.ie/prisoner-services/prisoner-complaints/.

The Inspector carried out a review of this system in June 2016 and made a number of recommendations. His report “Review, Evaluation and Analysis of the Operation of the present Irish Prison Service Complaints Procedure ” is available on my Department's website - www.justice.ie.

As the Deputy will be aware, among the key recommendations in that report was that complaints by prisoners should be subject to review by the Ombudsman, who would also be able to deal with complaints directly in the case of undue delay. This recommendation was accepted and my officials, including officials from the Irish Prison Service, have been progressing the matter, with the aim of establishing a more effective complaints system for prisoners.

I understand that, in discussions on these matters with the Ombudsman, it has been agreed that his engagement with the process will begin after the new complaints procedure has been introduced and bedded down as an internal process in the Irish Prison Service in the first instance.

These changes to the Irish Prison Service process requires administrative supports such as additional personnel, changes to the Prison Rules, drafting of new policy documents and a new ICT system. I am informed that work is well advanced on all of these measures and the Irish Prison Service expect to introduce the new prisoner complaints system before the end of 2020.

Question Nos. 316 to 318, inclusive, answered with Question No. 314.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (319)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

319. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the blanket extension which was granted to American citizens, which allowed them to stay here for an extra two months due to the Covid-19 pandemic will affect their ability to return here for longer than one month later in 2020 (details supplied); if they will be allowed another three month visit; if not, if the visit will be restricted to one month due to the blanket extension which was granted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13362/20]

View answer

Written answers

In light of the uncertainties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, immigration permissions due to expire between 20 May 2020 and 20 July 2020 have been automatically extended for two months. The renewal of permission is on the same basis as the existing permission and the same conditions attach.

Any permission which was renewed by the previous notice of 20 March 2020 and which therefore has a new expiry date between 20 May 2020 and 20 July 2020 is automatically renewed by this notice for a further 2 months.

Any person whose permission was renewed under these provisions will not be affected on subsequent visits to the State provided they are for genuine short term visits.

The Deputy should be aware that there is not an automatic entitlement to visit the country for 90 days. As is provided for in Section 4(6) of the Immigration Act 2004, entry for a particular period is at the absolute discretion of the Immigration Officer examining the application for entry at the port. Each application for entry to the State is assessed on its own merits.

Therefore, the person referred to by the Deputy should ensure that on arrival in the state they have all of the appropriate documentation, confirming the purpose of their visit, available for inspection by the immigration officer. All relevant factors are taken into account, the principal ones being the purpose of the visit or stay, the duration of stay, the ability of the individual to support themselves during their stay, and proof that the person will exit the country on or before the expiry of any permission given. It is important to note that the powers granted to an Irish Immigration Officer are not unfettered. The Immigration Act 2004 provides for the grounds on which an individual may be granted or refused leave to land at a port of entry.

Protected Disclosures

Questions (320)

Maurice Quinlivan

Question:

320. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a whistle-blower complaint was received from a person (details supplied) by e-mail on 9 May 2020; if so, the stage at which the complaint is at; and when the complaint will receive a response. [13363/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Protected Disclosures Act was enacted in 2014 to introduce specific protections for whistleblowers. The Deputy will appreciate that the protection of the identity of the persons making disclosures is a core provision in the Act. Therefore, it would be inappropriate for me to comment as to whether my Department has received a specific disclosure or not.

I would ask that the Deputy encourage the person in question to contact my Department directly by emailing speakup@justice.ie. The person may, if they so wish, indicate that they consent to sharing of information with the Deputy.

Child Abuse

Questions (321)

Anne Rabbitte

Question:

321. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a retrospective child abuse case deemed founded by Tusla is normally then investigated by An Garda Síochána or the DPP regardless of whether they investigated it previously; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13373/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Deputy will appreciate 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, including the investigation of allegations of criminal offences. Further, the Director of Public Prosecutions is independent in the exercise of her functions. As Minister, I have no role in such criminal investigations or decisions on prosecutions.

I have requested information from An Garda Síochána and will write directly to the Deputy when I receive it. Information in relation to Tusla may be requested directly from the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.

Visa Applications

Questions (322)

Matt Carthy

Question:

322. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if an application for a long stay visa will be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13444/20]

View answer

Written answers

The person concerned was informed, by email dated 29 May 2020, that they must apply for de facto preclearance prior to applying for an Irish entry visa. To date, no application for preclearance has been received. The visa application cannot be processed without prior preclearance.

Further information on the preclearance process for de facto partners of Irish Nationals is available on my Department's website at:

www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/de-facto-partner-of-an-irish-national .

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by email using the Oireachtas Mail facility, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the email service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Garda Strength

Questions (323)

Alan Dillon

Question:

323. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number and rank of members of An Garda Síochána assigned to County Mayo in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13463/20]

View answer

Written answers

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 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.

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. As at 31 May 2020, there are now 14,700 Gardaí nationwide, supported by over 3,000 Garda staff and these numbers are continuing to grow.

This total figure includes the Garda trainees from two separate intake classes who attested earlier than scheduled in March 2020, following an operational decision by the Garda Commissioner to augment An Garda Síochána's capacity to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Specifically in relation to Mayo, I am informed by the Garda authorities that as at 31 May 2020 there were 348 Gardaí assigned to the Mayo Division. This represents a significant increase of 45 Gardaí in the Division since the end of 2015.

A detailed breakdown of the Garda workforce, including both Garda members and staff, is available on my Department’s website.

Detail of Garda deployment for all Garda Divisions, as furnished to me by An Garda Síochána, is available at the following link:

www.justice.ie/en/JELR/002_Garda_Numbers_by_Division_District_and_Station_2009_to_May_2020.xlsx/Files/002_Garda_Numbers_by_Division_District_and_Station_2009_to_May_2020.xlsx .

This information is updated every month with the latest data provided by An Garda Síochána and published on my Department's website, in the interests of transparency and for the convenience of Deputies and the wider public.

Additional information on the Garda workforce, as furnished to me by An Garda Síochána, is available at the following link: www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Garda_Workforce .

Information on Garda staff, as furnished to me by An Garda Síochána, is available at the following link: www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Garda_Staff .

Garda Strength

Questions (324)

Alan Dillon

Question:

324. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of staff employed at the Garda Information Services Centre, Castlebar, County Mayo over the past four years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13464/20]

View answer

Written answers

As the Deputy is aware, 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. As at 31 May 2020, there are now 14,700 Gardaí nationwide, supported by over 3,000 Garda staff and these numbers are continuing to grow.

The Garda Information Service Centre (GISC) was established by An Garda Síochána in Castlebar in 2005. I understand that it operates on a 24 hour and seven day a week basis, all throughout the year, with objectives including the reduction of time spent by operational members on administrative duties and improvement of the quality of data at An Garda Síochána. I am informed by An Garda Síochána that the GISC is staffed entirely by Garda Staff.

The following table, furnished to me by the Garda authorities sets out the number of staff assigned to GISC from 2016 up to 31 May 2020.

Year

Total Garda staff assigned to GISC (FTE)

2020 (as at 31 May)

211.9

December 2019

215

December 2018

221.8

December 2017

207.2

December 2016

184.3

I am advised that there are vacancies in GISC and that, while recruitment has been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, An Garda Síochána continues to recruit Garda staff in line with "A Policing Service for the Future", the implementation plan for the report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland.

I am further informed that a review of the functions of GISC has been carried out, as recommended by the Commission and that its recommendations and staffing implications are under consideration.

Garda Youth Diversion Projects

Questions (325)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

325. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will reinstate Garda youth diversion project funding to a project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13490/20]

View answer

Written answers

As the Deputy will appreciate, 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.

GYDPs are community-based, multi-agency, crime prevention initiatives which seek to divert young people who have become involved in criminal or anti-social behaviour. The projects aim to support young people and bring about the conditions in which their behavioural patterns in relation to law and order can develop and mature through positive interventions and interaction.

My Department has a responsibility to ensure that an effective GYDP service is in place for young people who commit offences and for whom the Diversion Programme is considered suitable. This includes the need for local community-based GYDPs to provide intensive and effective interventions as well as activities suitable for young people with challenging behaviour and who need additional support. The Department is also committed to ensuring that additional services will be put in place for harder-to-engage young people, who have not previously been seen as suitable for GYDPs.

I can confirm that my Department no longer provides funding to the organisation referred to by the Deputy. This decision was taken after a long process of careful consideration and discussion, including with An Garda Síochána locally, and following a number of meetings with the organisation itself.

Revised arrangements funded by my Department are in place in the area to ensure that the GYDP service continue to be available. The replacement service providers are all GYDPs which had already been in operation locally and which have the necessary skills and expertise to ensure that the service is available to all young people in the area who could benefit from it.

I would also like to assure the Deputy that my Department is committed to making sure that GYDP services continue and indeed are enhanced in the specific area referred to. My Department has doubled spending for GYDPs in the relevant area, with approximately €848,000 allocated this year compared to €426,000 last year.

Garda Strength

Questions (326, 335, 336)

Cathal Crowe

Question:

326. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the Garda staffing levels in each division prior to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic; and the increases in staffing since the outbreak of the pandemic in each division in tabular form. [13527/20]

View answer

Cathal Crowe

Question:

335. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the details of Garda staffing levels in each Garda station across the Clare Garda division prior to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in tabular form; the details of increases in staffing in these stations since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13637/20]

View answer

Cathal Crowe

Question:

336. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the details of Garda staffing levels in each Garda station across the Limerick Garda division prior to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in tabular form; the details of increases in staffing in these stations since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13638/20]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 326, 335 and 336 together.

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. As at 31 May 2020, there are now 14,700 Gardaí nationwide, supported by over 3,000 Garda staff and these numbers are continuing to grow.

This total figure includes the Garda trainees from two separate intake classes who attested earlier than scheduled in March 2020, following an operational decision by the Garda Commissioner to augment An Garda Síochána's capacity to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic.

A detailed breakdown of the Garda workforce, including both Garda members and staff, is available on my Department’s website.

Detail of Garda deployment for all Garda Divisions, as furnished to me by An Garda Síochána, is available at the following link:

www.justice.ie/en/JELR/002_Garda_Numbers_by_Division_District_and_Station_2009_to_May_2020.xlsx/Files/002_Garda_Numbers_by_Division_District_and_Station_2009_to_May_2020.xlsx.

This information is updated every month with the latest data provided by An Garda Síochána, in the interests of transparency and for the convenience of Deputies and the wider public. As such, this database includes the changes in figures since the beginning of the Covid-19 outbreak for all Garda Divisions.

Additional information on the Garda workforce, as furnished to me by An Garda Síochána, is available at the following link: http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Garda_Workforce.

Information on Garda staff, as furnished to me by An Garda Síochána, is available at the following link: http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Garda_Staff .

Equality Issues

Questions (327)

Patricia Ryan

Question:

327. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will amend the Employment Equality Act 1998 to include trade union membership as a prohibited ground for discrimination; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13532/20]

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Written answers

The Employment Equality Acts 1998–2015 outlaw discrimination in a wide range of employment and employment-related areas. These Acts aim to protect workers against certain types of discrimination, harassment and sexual harassment that could occur in the course of their working life. The legislation promotes equality in the workplace and bans discrimination across nine different grounds. It defines discrimination as treating one person in a less favourable way than another person based on any of the following 9 grounds:

Gender; Civil status; Family status; Sexual orientation; Religion; Age; Disability; Race; Membership of the Traveller community.

Ireland’s equality legislation is robust and comprehensive, and is constantly kept under review and amended as necessary. However there are no plans to amend the relevant Acts at present.

Departmental Staff

Questions (328)

Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

328. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if her Department has established a working from home policy for its employees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13551/20]

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Written answers

The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has developed guidelines ‘Working from Home during COVID-19 – Guidance for Civil Service Organisations’. These guidelines, which are due to issue shortly, are intended to assist civil service organisations as long as necessary to address the health and safety risks of COVID-19. Further details on the development of this policy are available at www.gov.ie.

DPER has also commenced work on the development of a policy to address remote working in the longer term for the civil service.

My Department has put arrangements in place for staff currently working from home and using the DPER guidelines, will develop Department-specific guidance on Working from Home in the context of ongoing restrictions related to COVID-19.

Domestic Violence Services

Questions (329)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

329. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the additional resources provided to the services working with those experiencing domestic abuse in counties Longford and Westmeath during Covid-19. [13593/20]

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Written answers

I can assure the Deputy that combatting domestic abuse is a priority for me and my Department. It is also an important aspect of the National Strategy for Women and Girls and the Second National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence.

At an early stage in the Covid-19 pandemic and in recognition of the added risk of domestic abuse which some people face in that context, my Department developed an inter-agency plan to address domestic abuse during this pandemic. An Garda Síochána too confirmed that it continued to attach the highest priority to domestic abuse incidents during the pandemic, including through ‘Operation Faoiseamh’, a proactive initiative designed to ensure victims of domestic abuse are supported and protected throughout the period.

As part of this inter-agency plan and in addition to the funding already allocated for 2020, my Department has to date provided an additional €285,000 to organisations in the sector, to support and extend the existing services they offer, during the period of the Covid-19 crisis.

The additional funding provided to date in this way consists of the following:

- Women’s Aid: €63,000 for additional resources to extend the Support and Referral Service and the High Risk Support project;

- Rape Crisis Centre Network Ireland: €50,000 to support the work of local centres and to manage information on advice and guidance for frontline trauma support workers;

- Ruhama: €14,000 for additional support packs for women seeking to exit prostitution;

- Men’s Development Network: up to €39,340 for an extension of the Male Advice line and extra telephone support for the Men Ending Domestic Violence programme;

- Safe Ireland: €36,000 for additional personnel capacity and communicating with their service users;

- Move Ireland: €33,000 for additional helpline and counselling support for perpetrators;

- Rape Crisis Centre Forum: €50,000 for local awareness-raising campaigns and for development of a package of revised service processes, standards and procedures, including adaptations to new ways of working arising from pandemic.

Other actions under the plan aimed at ensuring that domestic abuse and sexual violence continue to receive the highest priority from the civil and criminal justice system. This includes priority by the Legal Aid Board and Courts Service for domestic abuse cases, and availability of a Legal Aid Board helpline to ensure that persons experiencing domestic violence issues get prompt legal advice and legal representation in court where needed.

I understand that Tusla has also put a range of practical supports in place including funding, identification of additional accommodation capacity, and provision of additional ICT resources.

You may also wish to note that the former Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection recently announced that rent supplement would be made available on a short-term basis to victims of domestic abuse, referred via Tusla-funded domestic abuse service providers, with these arrangements to be reviewed after six months of operation.

Finally, the Deputy may be interested to know that my Department is also leading a public awareness campaign on domestic abuse during the Covid-19 crisis, in partnership with frontline 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 the website www.stillhere.ie .

Direct Provision System

Questions (330)

Pa Daly

Question:

330. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the newly appointed manager in a direct provision centre (details supplied) has been appropriately vetted by An Garda Síochána and undertaken the requisite training before assuming the position. [13607/20]

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Written answers

While the employment details of staff at accommodation centres is a matter for the owners of those centres, I have been informed that the new manager of the accommodation centre mentioned by the Deputy is fully vetted and has completed the requisite training.

Courts Service

Questions (331)

Seán Crowe

Question:

331. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the procedures and steps that a person must take to get emergency access to the family law courts in view of the ongoing difficulties being experienced by family court applicants trying to get access to their children following previous court orders. [13614/20]

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Written answers

Under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in exercising its functions. The scheduling and hearing of court cases is a matter for the Presidents of the Courts and the presiding Judges.

To be of assistance, I have had enquiries made with the Courts Service who have confirmed that anyone with an urgent family law application can contact their local court office by e-mail or telephone and arrange an appointment.

While 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 and the restrictions brought in to tackle Covid-19 do not stop them being implemented.

During this time, however, there may be instances where it is impossible for couples to adhere strictly to the terms of an order and the HSE has issued detailed guidance on Covid-19 which includes information for people with particular health risks.

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. Urgent matters have been 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 on 8 May details of matters which can be dealt with. These include the following:

- Domestic violence applications,

- 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.

Departmental Policy Functions

Questions (332)

Seán Crowe

Question:

332. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she considers An Garda Síochána as falling under the aegis of his Department in respect of Government policy. [13615/20]

View answer

Written answers

I can confirm that I, as Minister for Justice, am responsible for policy in relation to the policing and security of the State. Under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, as amended, the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána is responsible for carrying on and managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána and I have no function in relation to the management decisions he makes, such as how and where he deploys his resources or on operational matters.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Scheme of the Policing and Community Safety Bill is currently being prepared in my Department. The Bill is aimed at delivering on the recommendations made by the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland including its recommendation that the Commissioner be given greater autonomy as ‘CEO’ of An Garda Síochána and that his operational independence be made explicit in legislation.

Prison Visiting Regulations

Questions (333)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

333. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason visits to prisons are only recommencing on 20 July 2020 when visits to other institutions are being allowed from 29 June 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13630/20]

View answer

Written answers

I am acutely aware of the supportive role that families and friends play in the rehabilitation of prisoners and in their preparation for life in the community after release from prison.

I understand that, with this in mind, the Irish Prison Service continued to facilitate physical family visits to prisons for as long as it was safe to do so. However, the Covid-19 pandemic clearly presents unique challenges to congregated settings, including our prisons.

Covid-19 in a prison setting would present significant challenges, in terms of controlling the spread of the virus amongst staff and prisoners; in the provision of appropriate medical treatment to affected persons; and the maintenance of staffing levels. To respond to this threat, a very significant number of actions were taken by the Irish Prison Service, informed and guided by the advice of 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) in March 2020.

In that context, the Deputy will appreciate it was necessary in the interest of the health and welfare of our prison population to suspend physical family visits in March, when public health restrictions on movement and gatherings were introduced due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Due to these and other measures introduced by the Irish Prison Service as well as the efforts of staff, Red Cross Volunteers and prisoners themselves, there has to date been no confirmed prisoner case of Covid-19 in our prisons. Nevertheless the Deputy will appreciate that the risk continues and must be managed.

In line with the Government Roadmap and with infection control in mind, the Irish Prison Servicehas completed a comprehensive risk assessment on the return of physical prison visits to each prison, within relevant physical and resource confines. I am informed that the Irish Prison Service plans for a phased recommencement of physical family visits from Monday 20 July 2020.

However, the Deputy will appreciate the recommencement of visits poses a number of challenges in such an environment and must be carefully calibrated in line with ongoing risk assessments, taking account of latest public health advice, Government restrictions and the prevailing transmission rate of the virus in the community.

To illustrate the scale of this challenge, the Irish Prison Service indicates that prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, over 4,500 visitors entered our prisons on a weekly basis. In order to ensure effective infection control and allow for appropriate social distancing on resumption of physical visits, it will be necessary for capacity in both waiting areas and visiting areas to be significantly reducedto ensure family members and friends can resume visits safely. This will impact on the ability of the Irish Prison Service to meet the anticipated level of demand for physical visits in the immediate term.

I am, of course, mindful of the ongoing impact of these necessary measures on prisoners andtheir families. In that regard, I would note that parallel to the suspension of physical visits, the Prison Service introduced a number of new innovations including video visits, to enable prisoners to maintain contact with their families during these difficult times. I hope that, as physical visits recommence gradually, it will be possible to continue the innovation of the video calls, which I know have been appreciated by families.

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