Written Answers Nos. 146-166
146. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the degree to which An Garda Síochána have successfully prosecuted drug gangs; the number of unsuccessful prosecutions in the past five years to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32217/20]
View answerI am awaiting a report from the Courts service and will respond to the Deputy's question when the information is available.
147. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the degree to which improved legislation has impacted on recidivism; the number of repeated offenders in each crime category in each of the past five years to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32218/20]
View answerPublic safety is an absolute priority for me as Minister for Justice and Equality. Working to reduce re-offending and minimise the risk of further harm to victims and society, through the implementation of effective evidence-based penal policy, is a key part of that task. However, as the Deputy may appreciate, it is challenging to relate the impact specific legislation has to general re-offending rates as recidivism may be impacted by a number of other variables, such as social influences or other external factors.
A new operating model has been implemented in my Department which has increased capability in the policy space and will ensure that my Department is developing holistic, research-based long-term policy, through research and analysis from multiple sources. It will ensure that we are adopting a proactive and strategic view of justice policy formulation and review, providing “best-in-class” advice in the long-term interest of all citizens.
I am pleased to say we have some statistical evidence available to suggest that the introduction of initiatives introduced to reduce prison re-offending have contributed to a decline in recidivism. The Central Statistics Office (CSO) use data from the Irish Prison Service and An Garda Síochána to develop comprehensive prison re-offending indicators. The 3-year re-offending indicator counts prisoners who re-offended within three years of release from custody, and who secured a court conviction within a further two years. The latest reoffending statistics produced by the CSO demonstrate that prison re-offending rate has been in decline from 2011 to 2017. Looking at the three year re-offending rate, 55.2% of prisoners released in 2014 re-offended within three years of release, an 8.6% decrease on re-offending levels of 63.8% for prisoners released in 2011.
The Deputy will wish to be aware that a number of initiatives were introduced over the past decade to reduce reoffending including Community Return and Community Support Schemes and the Joint Agency Response to Crime (J-ARC). Community Return and Community Support Schemes were introduced in 2011 and aim to increase support for prisoners prior to their release from prison, upon their release, and then for a period after their release in order to break the cycle of offending;
The Joint Agency Response to Crime (J-ARC) is a multi-agency response to the supervision and rehabilitation of offenders which commenced in 2014. The programme aims to target prolific offenders who are responsible for large amounts of crime. In order to reduce crime and enhance public safety, the selected prolific offenders are managed through the integration of policy and practice between the J-ARC agencies.
An example of the impact of legislation in this area includes the Criminal Justice (Community Service) (Amendment) Act 2011 which provides that a court shall consider the appropriateness of a community service order in circumstances where a sentence of imprisonment of up to 12 months is being considered. There has been a consistent increase in the management of community service orders by the Probation Service over the past three years. In 2019, the Probation Service managed 2,791 Community Service Orders, totalling 379,815 hours work, in lieu of 1,247 years in prison, which equated to €3 million of unpaid work. Despite this, the use of short sentences is prevalent with a significant increase in prison committals for persons serving less than three months and, more generally, less than 12 months. The impact of this legislation does need to be considered, including in relation to the number of shorter sentences for offences committed by women and the high incidence of women on remand,
Earlier this year my Department launched the findings from an international evidence review on recidivism and policy responses. This research report is the third in a series of releases to be commissioned and disseminated by the Research and Data Analytics unit in my Department, was prepared by Prof. Ian O’Donnell from the Institute of Criminology and Criminal Justice, School of Law, UCD.
The review sought to address a range of questions relating to the factors underpinning recidivist and prolific offending behaviour; public policy interventions that tackle recidivism and prolific offending; and the effectiveness of these interventions and likelihood of successful transplantation to an Irish context.
Key findings of the report include the following:
- Suspended sentences or community service can be more effective in terms of reducing recidivism than short terms of imprisonment.
- Planned and structured early release, including parole, may reduce recidivism.
- Perception of fairness may have an impact on likelihood of recidivism. A perception of procedural unfairness can lead to alienation, resistance and noncompliance whereas a belief that one has been treated fairly may reduce the likelihood of future offending.
- There appears to be a significant treatment effect associated with cognitive behavioural interventions delivered both in community and custodial settings.
The review will constitute a valuable resource for researchers and act as a springboard for future empirical research on best practice in this area and provide a body of evidence essential to inform future policy discussions and development. The full report is available on the website of my Department and builds on the Department’s commitment, outlined in the 2018-2020 Data and Research Strategy, to support the development of more evidence-informed policy making.
I hope the Deputy will understand that the specific information on the number of repeated offenders in each crime category in each of the past five years to date, as requested is not readily available.
148. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which it is expected to deploy extra gardaí to all stations nationally in line with the increase in the strength of the force; the way in which this is likely to manifest itself in areas of expanding population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32219/20]
View answerAn Garda Síochána has been allocated an unprecedented budget of €1.952 billion for 2021. This level of funding is enabling sustained, ongoing recruitment of Garda members and staff. As a result, Garda numbers are now some 14,600 Garda members and over 3,000 Garda staff nationwide. Budget 2021 will allow for the recruitment of up to 620 new Gardaí, as well as up to 500 additional Garda staff. On that basis, there should be 14,700 Gardaí, with a further 300 recruits in training in Templemore, by December 2021 – a total of 15,000.
The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including personnel matters and deployment of resources. The allocation of Garda resources is made in light of identified operational demand. This includes deployment of personnel among the various Garda Divisions. As Minister, I have no direct role in the matter.
I am assured, however, that Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of policing priorities and crime trends, to ensure their optimum use. Factors taken into account include crime and non-crime workload, minimum establishment, population, area, policing arrangements, operational strategies and transfers applications, including welfare issues.
I am further informed that when allocations are taking place, comprehensive consultation is carried out with local management during which all factors are taken into consideration. Where a deficiency in resources is identified, the matter is considered fully and addressed accordingly.
149. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the total number of gardaí that have retired or resigned in each of the past five years to date; the extent to which this number was replaced by new recruits in the same period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32220/20]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, retirement of members of An Garda Síochána is governed by law, which sets the mandatory retirement age for all members at 60 years of age. Members of An Garda Síochána who joined prior to 1 April 2004 may retire on full pension at 50 years of age once they have served at least 30 years and those who joined on or after 1 April 2004 may retire on full pension at 55 years of age with 30 years service. Gardaí have the option of continuing to serve until they reach 60, subject to the Garda Commissioner being satisfied that they are fully competent and available to undertake their duties.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that projected departures are kept under continuous review and that the level of recruitment is adjusted as necessary in order to maintain the desired strength.
Since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, 3,488 probationers have attested and been assigned to frontline policing duties nationwide, including the 522 new probationers that attested this year.
The table below, as provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of Garda retirements, resignations and probationer Gardaí assigned for the years 2015 to 2019. The Deputy will note that these figures include compulsory and voluntary retirements, as well as cost neutral early retirements.
|
Year |
Total Retirements |
Total Resignations |
Total Probationer Gardaí |
|
2020* as of 16 October |
202 |
61 |
522 |
|
2019 |
223 |
72 |
605 |
|
2018 |
218 |
77 |
789 |
|
2017 |
226 |
41 |
883 |
|
2016 |
228 |
24 |
393 |
|
2015 |
238 |
20 |
296 |
|
Total |
1,335 |
295 |
3,488 |
An Garda Síochána has been allocated an unprecedented budget of €1.952 billion for 2021. This level of funding is enabling sustained, ongoing recruitment of Garda members and staff. As a result, Garda numbers are some 14,600 Garda members and over 3,100 Garda staff nationwide. Budget 2021 will allow for the recruitment of up to 620 new Gardaí and an extra 500 Garda staff. On that basis, there should be 14,700 Gardaí, with a further 300 recruits in training in Templemore, by December 2021 – a total of 15,000.
Additional information on Garda staff, the Garda Workforce and other facts and figures are available at the following link:
http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/An_Garda_Siochana_facts_and_figures.
150. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which each category of the crimes reported in each Garda division has fluctuated in each of the past five years to date; if extra action is required; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32221/20]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware the Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical agency, is responsible for the compilation and publication of all crime statistics. The CSO produces these statistics using data recorded on An Garda Síochána’s PULSE system and makes regular releases under reservation in relation to various crime statistics, including recorded and detected crime. The CSO also continues to work with An Garda Síochána to address quality issues in the underlying sources used to compile the statistics.
Since March 2020, Government measures to inhibit the transmission of COVID-19 have been in place. These have had a significant effect on crime, with most crime types reporting significant reductions since mid-March.
The Deputy will be interested to note that the Garda Commissioner, in his most recent monthly report to the Policing Authority, noted that long term trends in Property Crime, Burglary and Criminal Damage plateaued in 2019, following a sustained downward trend from 2015 – 2018. This reduction has started to resume in 2020, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Crimes against the Person and Sexual Offences, for which continuous upward trends have been observed in recent years, have stabilised in 2020. Public Order incidents have increased consecutively in 2018 and 2019 and although also affected by COVID-19, have not seen as great a reduction when compared with Property Crime or Criminal Damage.
The Deputy may wish to note that the CSO's online statbank allows comparisons for the various crime categories across Garda divisions and over a period of years. This information, along with the latest crime statistics for Q2 2020, can be accessed at: https://statbank.cso.ie/px/pxeirestat/Database/Eirestat/Recorded%20Crime/Recorded%20Crime_statbank.asp?sp=Recorded Crime&Planguage=0&ProductID=DB_CJ.
151. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the total number of persons listed and included in the description of missing persons as of 31 December 2019 in each of the past five years to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32222/20]
View answerI have sought the relevant information from An Garda Síochána and will revert to the Deputy when it is available.
|
Year |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020* |
|
Reports of Missing Persons |
9,893 |
9,751 |
9,396 |
9,682 |
9,489 |
7,037 |
|
Persons Reported Missing (Unique persons - one or more times per year) |
3,669 |
3,551 |
3,716 |
3,905 |
4,086 |
2,804 |
|
Persons Still Missing** |
28 |
18 |
21 |
28 |
29 |
47 |
|
*To 19 October 2020 |
||||||
|
** As of 19 October 2020 |
152. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the total number of prisoners currently incarcerated in each of the prisons nationally to date; the number on early release; the number due for release on completion of their sentences; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32223/20]
View answerTo ensure that information is made available to the widest possible range of stakeholders, the Irish Prison Service collates and publishes the prisoner population breakdown on a daily basis.
This information is available on the Irish Prison Service website www.irishprisons.ie. This breakdown includes the number of prisoners in custody and the number of prisoners on Temporary Release. The information can be found in the Information Centre – under Statistics & Information – Daily Prisoner Population.
I can inform the Deputy that as of 19 October 2020, 1,344 sentenced prisoners are due for release on completion of their sentence in the next 12 months.
It should be noted that some of these prisoners may have future court appearances which could result in an increase in their sentence length.
153. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the total number of attacks on gardaí in each of the past five years to date; the extent to which successful prosecutions have taken place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32224/20]
View answerI am awaiting a report from the Courts service and will respond to the Deputy's question when the information is available.
|
Incident Type |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020* |
|
Incident Type |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020* |
|
Assault / Obstruction / Resist Arrest - Peace Officer |
433 |
388 |
423 |
512 |
723 |
725 |
|
Assault Causing Harm |
64 |
57 |
70 |
63 |
57 |
36 |
|
Assault Minor |
320 |
259 |
242 |
188 |
149 |
76 |
|
Total |
817 |
704 |
735 |
763 |
929 |
837 |
|
Incident Type |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020* |
|
Incident Type |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020* |
|
Assault / Obstruction / Resist Arrest - Peace Officer |
328 (76%) |
314 (81%) |
348 (82%) |
423 (83%) |
582 (80%) |
468 (65%) |
|
Assault Causing Harm |
43 (67%) |
49 (86%) |
67 (96%) |
58 (92%) |
51 (89%) |
24 (67%) |
|
Assault Minor |
238 (74%) |
209 (81%) |
197 (81%) |
154 (82%) |
125 (84%) |
62 (82%) |
|
Total |
609 (75%) |
572 (81%) |
612 (83%) |
635 (83%) |
758 (82%) |
554 (66%) |
|
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
F |
G |
H |
I |
|
Year |
No of Offences before the Court |
No of Persons before the Court |
No of offences where convictions were recorded |
No of Persons Convicted |
No of offences Sent Forward Trial |
No of Persons sent forward for Trial |
No of offences where Non Convictions were recorded |
No of persons where non convictions were recorded |
|
Jan - Dec 2016 |
39 |
31 |
10 |
8 |
11 |
9 |
18 |
16 |
|
Jan - Dec 2017 |
30 |
24 |
7 |
5 |
10 |
8 |
13 |
11 |
|
Jan - Dec 2018 |
46 |
28 |
5 |
5 |
6 |
4 |
35 |
21 |
|
Jan - Dec 2019 |
44 |
26 |
11 |
5 |
8 |
5 |
24 |
17 |
|
Jan - Jul 2020 |
44 |
26 |
8 |
7 |
16 |
9 |
20 |
12 |
|
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
F |
G |
H |
I |
|
Year |
No of Offences before the Court |
No of Persons before the Court |
No of offences where convictions were recorded |
No of Persons Convicted |
No of offences Sent Forward Trial |
No of Persons sent forward for Trial |
No of offences where Non Convictions were recorded |
No of persons where non convictions were recorded |
|
Jan - Dec 2016 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
||||
|
Jan - Dec 2017 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
||||
|
Jan - Dec 2018 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
||||
|
Jan - Dec 2019 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
||||
|
Jan - Jul 2020 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
|
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
F |
G |
H |
I |
|
Year |
No of Offences before the Court |
No of Persons before the Court |
No of offences where convictions were recorded |
No of Persons Convicted |
No of offences Sent Forward Trial |
No of Persons sent forward for Trial |
No of offences where Non Convictions were recorded |
No of persons where non convictions were recorded |
|
Jan - Dec 2016 |
||||||||
|
Jan - Dec 2017 |
||||||||
|
Jan - Dec 2018 |
||||||||
|
Jan - Dec 2019 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
||||
|
Jan - Jul 2020 |
154. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which death threats made against gardaí have been carried out by the instigators; if successful prosecutions have taken place or are pending in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32225/20]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the day-to-day management of an Garda Síochána, which includes the investigation of crime, including death threats made against members of An Garda Síochána in the course of their work.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that, for policy and security reasons, An Garda Síochána does not comment on matters of security.
However, obligations are placed on An Garda Síochána to take appropriate steps to safeguard life. These obligations are fulfilled by providing procedural protection to persons subject of a threat, whether such a person is a member of An Garda Síochána or otherwise.
155. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which operational equipment, including vehicles and telecommunications, is scheduled for An Garda Síochána; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32226/20]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 as amended, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. Further, the allocation of Garda resources is made in light of identified operational demand. I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that operational equipment in An Garda Síochána is managed and developed in line with organisational strategies, which are developed as part of ongoing work under A Policing Service For Our Future; the implementation plan to deliver on the recommendations of the Report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland. This plan will deliver real and valuable change to An Garda Síochána by providing the right tools and supports needed to deliver excellence in policing.
I am advised that telecommunications equipment will be developed as part of the overall ICT Strategy, ‘Connect – An Garda Síochána’s Digital Strategy 2019-2023'. An additional €22 million has been provided for Garda ICT in 2021, which is in addition to the budget originally available under the capital programme 2016-2021, and brings the total Garda ICT budget to over €70 million for the second year in a row. This is vital to support An Garda Síochána's vision of a comprehensive digital policing strategy. This Digital Strategy is available on the Garda Síochána website under the following link:
https://www.garda.ie/en/about-us/publications/policy-documents/connect-an-garda-siochana-digital-strategy-2019-2023.pdf.
Similarly, I am advised that Fleet Management is scheduled against a Fleet Management Strategy and the capital purchase plan for each year. This ensures fleet optimization in order to enhance the policing capability of An Garda Síochána whilst minimising the environmental impact. As of 30 September 2020, the current Garda Fleet stands at 3,046. Some 237 vehicles have been purchased this year, with a further 210 vehicles to issue before the end of 2020. In addition to this a further 77 vehicles will be allocated in early 2021. Further information on Garda fleet management can be found on the Garda Síochána website at the following link:
https://www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/finance-services/finance-%E2%80%93-fleet-management.html.
156. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the current position in regard to gender balance within An Garda Síochána; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32227/20]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and operation of An Garda Síochána, including matters of personnel and human resources policy. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters, however I fully support the Commissioner and his management team in their efforts to strengthen and diversify An Garda Síochána in all areas.
I am informed by the Commissioner that the total number of women in all ranks of An Garda Síochána as at 30 September 2020, the latest date for which figures are currently available, was 3,998 or approximately 27% of the total strength of 14,593. This compares favourably with 3,130 or 21.7% of the total strength on 31 December 2008. While this is broadly in line with police services in England and Wales, for example, there is clearly plenty of scope for improvement. At the critical leadership rank of Assistant Commissioner I welcome the fact that 44% are women with the recent promotion of two women to this rank.
The Report of Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland recommended that An Garda Síochána needs to develop its recruitment strategies to reach a more diverse intake of students
In addition, the report also recommended that An Garda Síochána should reflect the diversity of Irish society, not only in gender and ethnicity, but also in terms of socio-economic, educational and geographical backgrounds and that they would need to develop recruitment strategies which reach a more diverse intake. The Report also recommended the reform of the current roster system to support the wellbeing of all Garda Members and introducing greater flexibility in work practices to enhance the attractiveness and job satisfaction of policing as a career.
An Garda Síochána has recently prepared an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy for the Garda workforce and I look forward to engaging with the Garda Commissioner on it.
For the Deputy's information I have attached below in tabular form, the Garda strength by gender and rank as at 30 September 2020, the latest date for which figures are currently available, as supplied to me by the Commissioner.
|
Rank |
Male |
Female |
Female as Total |
|
Commissioner. |
1 |
0 |
0% |
|
Deputy Commissioner. |
1 |
0 |
0% |
|
Assistant Commissioner. |
5 |
4 |
44% |
|
Chief Superintendent. |
35 |
9 |
20% |
|
Superintendent. |
136 |
16 |
10% |
|
Inspector. |
306 |
70 |
18% |
|
Sergeant. |
1,627 |
471 |
22% |
|
Garda. |
8,484 |
3,428 |
28% |
|
Total |
10,595 |
3,998 |
27% |
157. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda promotional posts awaiting to be filled at present; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32228/20]
View answerI have sought the relevant information from An Garda Síochána and will revert to the Deputy when it is available.
|
Rank |
ECF |
Current Strengths |
|
Commissioner |
1 |
1 |
|
Deputy Commissioner |
2 |
2 |
|
Assistant Commissioner |
9 |
8 |
|
Chief Superintendent |
47 |
48 |
|
Superintendent |
168 |
167 |
|
Inspector |
482 |
428 |
|
Sergeant |
2210 |
1948 |
158. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the degree to which membership of organised criminal gangs continues to be monitored; if the levels of membership has fluctuated and to what extent over the past ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32214/20]
View answerI have requested observations from An Garda Síochána in regards to this matter, and I will respond to the Deputy's question when the information is available.
159. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the degree to which the Criminal Assets Bureau has successfully taken action against organised criminal gangs in each of the past ten years to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32215/20]
View answerI have sought the relevant information from the Criminal Assets Bureau and will revert to the Deputy when it is available.
160. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide a progress report on the refurbishment of Fitzgibbon Street Garda Station, Dublin 1; when the timeline for the completion of the project will be made available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32270/20]
View answerUnder Budget 2021, the government has allocated an Garda Síochána over €1.9 billion in funding. Investment in an Garda Síochána has been increased by €400m since 2016. The Garda budget for 2021 includes an increased capital expenditure provision. €34 million has been allocated to the Capital Building and Refurbishment Programme.
The Deputy will appreciate that the Garda Commissioner is primarily responsible for the effective and efficient use of the resources available to An Garda Síochána and I, as Minister, have no role in such matters. This includes responsibility for the formulation of proposals in relation to the opening and closing of Garda stations, taking into account crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure that the best possible use is made of these resources. This includes the refurbishment of Fitzgibbon Street Garda Station.
Further, the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the Office of Public Works, which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I am advised by the Garda authorities, however, that €6 million has been allocated to this project in 2020. Further, I am advised, that the OPW expects full refurbishment of the station to be complete by mid-March 2021, when the building will be handed over to An Garda Síochána for IT and furniture fit outs. These fit outs are expected to take some weeks to complete. The matter of a date for reopening the station is an operational one for the Commissioner and will be subject to public health restrictions at the time. It is envisaged currently, however, that the station will reopen in mid 2021.
161. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the current progress in the programme for the refurbishment and replacement of Garda stations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32283/20]
View answerThe government set out a significant programme of investment in Garda Stations as part of the National Development Plan 2018-2027.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible by law for the general administration of Garda business, including the management of the Garda Estate. Further, the Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the supply and maintenance of Garda accommodation and works in close cooperation with the Commissioner to ensure that the needs of An Garda Síochána are adequately met.
The current Garda Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021 is an ambitious 5 year programme based on agreed Garda priorities. It includes the development of 3 new Regional/Divisional Headquarters in Kevin St (Dublin), Galway and Wexford as well as 3 large scale Property Exhibit Management Stores (PEMS) in the Louth, Kildare and DMR South Divisions. The programme, with significant Exchequer funding, also includes remedial and upgrade works to existing stations and refurbishment of 6 stations identified by the Commissioner to be reopened, including Rush, Donard and Stepaside Garda Stations.
Under Budget 2021, An Garda Síochána has been allocated over €1.9 billion, which includes €34 million for the Capital Building and Refurbishment Programme.
A proposed Building Programme 2022-2027 is also at early stages of discussion between the OPW, An Garda Síochána and officials from my Department.
I have been further advised by Garda management that the OPW has provided remedial works across the Garda Estate this year to provide enhanced safety measures for public health in line with CoVID-19 guidelines. This includes providing screens in public office hatches, prisoner processing hatches and interview rooms to enhance the safety of Garda members, persons in custody and the general public.
162. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Health if such legislation in relation to further legislative proposals to limit the general movements of the population owing to the current Covid-19 pandemic takes into account the essential movements which will be required by those that live in or adjacent to urban areas that cross county boundaries for essential services in healthcare and education and that such movements will not be prohibited by law and therefore subject to possible sanction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32189/20]
View answerOn Monday 19 October, the Government made a decision to move to Level 5 of the ‘Plan for Living with Covid’ for six weeks from midnight on Wednesday 21 October 2020. From that date, movement is only permitted within 5km of a person's place of residence unless there is a reasonable excuse. The non-exhaustive list of reasonable excuses includes the case of children travelling to school for educational purposes, needing to seek essential medical, health or dental assistance for the person, and persons who are deemed essential workers, and who are travelling to their workplace, and who cannot work from their place of residence.
163. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details of the official policy on partners attending antenatal appointments; and if he will address the differing policies currently in operation in maternity hospitals [32093/20]
View answerAs this relates to a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
164. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health when the modular unit in Mayo University Hospital will be open to patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32096/20]
View answer165. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health if the modular unit for Mayo University Hospital will be located within the same building as the hospital; if not, if it will be in a separate building on the same campus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32097/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 164 and 165 together.
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
166. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health the status of HIQA on-site inspections in hospitals in County Mayo; the number of site inspections that were carried out in September 2020 in Mayo University Hospital; the protocol in place for inspections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32098/20]
View answerHIQA advise that they have inspected all rehabilitation and community inpatient healthcare services in Mayo this year, namely Sacred Heart Hospital in Castlebar, St Joseph’s in Ballina, Belmullet Community Hospital and Swinford District Hospital.
HIQA confirm that they conducted one inspection at Mayo University Hospital in September 2020 - carried out on 29th September. This inspection utilised HIQA’s new inspection methodology which monitors against national standards for infection prevention and control with a focus on Covid-19.
Saolta University Health Care Group advise that they are awaiting a report from HIQA on the inspection at Mayo University Hospital. When published, reports of all inspections are made available in the Reports and Publications section of HIQA’s website at www.hiqa.ie.
