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Tuesday, 15 Dec 2020

Written Answers Nos. 426-445

Northern Ireland

Questions (426)

Patrick Costello

Question:

426. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice the plans that exist for an independent policing historical investigation unit to investigate Troubles-related incidents in the State. [42863/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Deputy will be aware that the Historical Investigation Unit structure, as proposed in the Stormont House Agreement, was specific to Northern Ireland. In this jurisdiction the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, under the command of the Assistant Commissioner for Organised and Serious Crime, holds a national investigative remit and is specialised in the area of major crime investigation. It undertakes and supports investigations on the direction of the Garda Commissioner.

The support provided includes where appropriate deploying the expertise of the Serious Crime Review Team (SCRT), which was established in 2007 to provide for independent review of historical investigations, including homicides. The purpose of a review conducted by the SCRT is to assist the Senior Investigating Officer with the criminal investigation. These reviews constitute an independent examination of evidence and other material, gathered during investigation and to ensure that it conforms to approved standards; that the investigation has been thorough, conducted with integrity and objectivity; and to identify further investigative opportunities. The remit of the SCRT is broad and would include reviews of troubles-related cases, where appropriate.

I am assured that in circumstances where historic offences have not been resolved, the investigations remain open and the Garda Authorities will and do follow up fully on any new evidence or information that becomes available to them, whether that comes from the public, from other police services or from their own investigations.

Northern Ireland

Questions (427)

Patrick Costello

Question:

427. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice if the An Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission has plans to implement an historical investigations directorate to deal with crimes committed in Northern Ireland during the Troubles. [42864/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission was established as a statutorily independent body, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005. I have no role or function in the processing or management of complaints which are made to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) for investigation.

GSOC's main area of responsibility is to deal with complaints concerning Garda conduct. While the Garda Síochána Act 2005, as amended, provides for time limits for the making of complaints, such time limits may be extended where there is good reason. It is also the case that GSOC may investigate matters in relation to the conduct of Gardaí, when it is in the public interest.

I am advised that there is nothing therefore to prohibit GSOC engaging with legacy cases where appropriate to do so.

The organisation of the work of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission is a matter for the Commission.

As the Deputy will be aware, dealing with the legacy of the troubles on this island is a difficult and complex task. The Stormont House Agreement sets out a comprehensive set of measures to deal with legacy issues in a way that can meet the legitimate needs of victims and survivors and support closure and reconciliation for those communities most affected by the Troubles.

The Government remains committed to the implementation of those measures and we will continue to work with the British Government and the parties in Northern Ireland to give effect to them.

Northern Ireland

Questions (428)

Patrick Costello

Question:

428. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice the actions she has taken regarding the specific recommendations in the 2019 report, entitled Addressing the Legacy of Northern Ireland's Past by the former Northern Ireland Commissioner for Victims, and regarding the needs of victims in the State in terms of the Troubles conflict, with specific reference to recommendation Nos. 12 and 47 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42865/20]

View answer

Written answers

The report referred to by the Deputy makes a number of recommendations on addressing the legacy of the troubles in Northern Ireland. By their nature, many of these recommendations apply only to that jurisdiction and are recommendations to the UK Government.

The Deputy draws particular attention to Recommendation 12 and 47. Recommendation 12 concerns access to justice to allow all conflict-related deaths to be fully investigated regardless of where a death happened, and Recommendation 47 concerns support for victims and survivors.

I can inform the Deputy that successive Irish governments have consistently recognised and acknowledged the enduring suffering and hardship of victims of the conflict. The support for victims, both in this jurisdiction and in Northern Ireland, is at the forefront of the Government’s commitments to address the legacy of the troubles through the Stormont House Agreement.

A Remembrance Commission was established by the Irish Government in 2003 to administer a Scheme of assistance and remembrance for victims of the Northern Ireland conflict, and their families, in this jurisdiction. In so doing, the State formally recognised the needs of victims and survivors of the Northern Ireland conflict and their families. The State continues to support victims of troubles here with their ongoing medical costs via a scheme operated by the Department of Justice.

On the issue of troubles related investigations, the Deputy can be assured that in circumstances where historic, troubles-related offences have not been resolved, the investigations remain open and the Garda Authorities will and do follow up fully on any new evidence or information that becomes available to them, whether that comes from the public, from other police services or from their own investigations.

With regard to investigations, Commissions or Tribunals of Inquiry in relation to a historic crime with a cross–border element, the Criminal Justice (Mutual Assistance) Act 2008 as amended provides that assistance in relation criminal investigations or proceedings may be sought by one State from another, including cross-border investigations. The Criminal Justice (International Co-operation) Act 2019 provides that Coroners in Northern Ireland and Britain dealing with legacy cases can access testimony from An Garda Síochána where this is relevant to their inquests.

Immigration Policy

Questions (429)

James Lawless

Question:

429. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Justice the process by which persons of Irish descent can retire in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43244/20]

View answer

Written answers

There are two application processes administered by the Immigration Service of my Department that may enable persons of Irish descent who wish to retire in Ireland to do so. These are an application for naturalisation on the basis of Irish descent or association, and an application for a Stamp 0.

The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended.

It is open to an applicant to apply under Section 16(a) of the 1956 Act where the applicant is of Irish descent or has Irish association. Under the legislation, a person is of Irish association if they are related by blood, affinity or adoption to a person (living or deceased) who is or was an Irish citizen or entitled to be an Irish citizen. A civil partner of such a person may also qualify.

Section 16 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended gives the Minister the absolute discretion to waive the statutory conditions in certain circumstances, including where the applicant is of Irish descent or Irish associations.

An application under Section 16 should be supported by substantive documentation supporting the claim, which renders the application exceptional and one where the normal pathways to citizenship provided for under the legislation are not appropriate. Applicants are also expected to have a reasonable period of lawful residence in the State, generally around 3 years, to show they have some substantial and tangible connection with Irish society and the State.

The alternative route to residency in the State for persons of Irish descent wishing to retire is to make an application for a Stamp 0 as an Elderly Dependent or as a Person of Independent Means.

Non-visa required nationals can submit their Stamp 0 application from inside or outside of the State. Visa required nationals must submit the application from outside of the State. Once the application is approved, they then apply for a Long Stay D visa to enter the State.

Both visa and non-visa required nationals are required to register with their local immigration office within 90 days of arrival in the State, following the grant of the immigration permission/entry to the State. Permission to remain is granted in one-year blocks. It may be renewed provided that the holder continues to satisfy the criteria upon which the permission was originally granted.

Further information on the application process and criteria for Stamp 0 can be found on the Immigration Service website at: http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/Stamp%200.

Departmental Correspondence

Questions (430)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

430. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice when a person (details supplied) will receive a full reply to correspondence. [42868/20]

View answer

Written answers

I am aware of the correspondence referred to by the Deputy. I can confirm that my office issued a response to the correspondent by email on Tuesday, 8th December 2020.

Immigration Policy

Questions (431)

Brian Leddin

Question:

431. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Justice the details of the specific directions given to offices of the Garda National Immigration Bureau or GNIB on granting immigration permission, in particular to clarify the conditions that lead to an individual renewing his or her immigration registration not being granted permission for the length of time specified by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service, INIS; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42880/20]

View answer

Written answers

The specific directions given to GNIB offices in relation to the granting of immigration permissions are contained in the decision letters issued by the Immigration Service of my Department to successful applicants.

The decision letters state that a person may be granted permission to remain for a set time period, for example, 12 months from the date of the letter. Persons are required under Section 9(2)(a) of the 2004 Immigration Act to register the permission granted with their local immigration office as soon as may be. They are also advised to bring the decision letter with them when they attend to register.

I have requested information from the Garda Commissioner in relation to this matter. Unfortunately, it was not possible to compile it in the time available. I will write to the Deputy directly with the information requested, when it is available.

Legal Aid Service

Questions (432)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

432. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice the position regarding the Waterford Law Centre, Legal Aid Board, Canada Street, Waterford; if her attention has been drawn to concerns raised locally regarding the planned relocation of the offices; if she will engage with management and staff at the law centre with a view to addressing their concerns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42894/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Legal Aid Board provides legal advice and aid under the Civil Legal Aid Act 1995 and the Civil Legal Aid Regulations 1996-2017. The Board delivers these services through directly employed solicitors in its network of law centres around the country and through private solicitors from its private practitioner panels.

Section 3(3) of the Act provides that the Board shall, subject to the provisions of this Act, be independent in the exercise of its functions.

However, to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had inquiries made with the Legal Aid Board. I am informed that the Board is dealing with the matter to which the Deputy refers. I understand that it has for some years sought to obtain a new office premises as the existing location is no longer suitable for its needs. I am further informed that Legal Aid Board management has met recently with each member of staff of the law centre on the matter to listen and examine what measures may be of assistance in addressing these concerns. These issues are now being considered by the Legal Aid Board with a view to finding an appropriate solution.

Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission

Questions (433)

Bríd Smith

Question:

433. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if she plans to reform the operations of GSOC; if she plans to allow for appeals by persons whose initial complaint to the commission is refused; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42914/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Deputy will be aware that the new Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, commits to the rapid implementation of the recommendations of the Report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland (CoFPI) and to the introduction of the Policing and Community Safety Bill to redefine the functions of An Garda Síochána and their oversight.

Work on the General Scheme of the Policing and Community Safety Bill is at an advanced stage. It will, as recommended by CoFPI, include proposals for the reform of the processes for the handling of complaints and the conduct of investigations by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) in order to streamline them and ensure timely resolution while safeguarding due process for all concerned. The question of whether a review or appeal mechanism in relation to certain determinations by GSOC might be appropriate forms part of this work.

Extensive consultations have taken place with key stakeholders, including with GSOC and the Garda Síochána in the course of this work. I hope to be in a position to seek the approval of the Government to publish the General Scheme and to draft the Bill in early 2021.

Legislative Measures

Questions (434)

Michael McNamara

Question:

434. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Justice the steps taken to date to carry out a review of the provisions in the Offences Against the State Act 1939, as committed to by her predecessor on 24 June during a debate in Dáil Éireann; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42993/20]

View answer

Written answers

As the Deputy will be aware, the provisions of the Offences Against the State legislation were the subject of comprehensive independent review in the period 2001-2002 when the Hederman Committee carried out its work.

My predecessor committed to a review of the provisions of the legislation during a debate on the renewal of certain provisions of the Offences Against the State (amendment) Act 1998 in Dáil Éireann during the summer and I gave a similar commitment during the subsequent renewal debate in the Seanad.

I can inform the Deputy that work is ongoing to establish a Committee to undertake an independent review of the legislation. He will appreciate the importance of ensuring that the Committee is established with the requisite independence, expertise and experience and with due regard to the current COVID challenges.

While the challenges of Covid have impacted on this work to some extent, it is my intention to bring a Memorandum to Government on this matter early in the New Year.

Naturalisation Applications

Questions (435)

Cormac Devlin

Question:

435. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Justice if her attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43016/20]

View answer

Written answers

An application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy on 6 February 2020. This application is currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible. If any further documentation is required, it will be requested from the person in due course.

The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.

It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. However, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.

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 Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Garda Strength

Questions (436)

Paul Donnelly

Question:

436. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí assigned to the K district; the number of gardaí assigned to different departments; and the number of vehicles attached to stations in the K district, in tabular form. [43032/20]

View answer

Written answers

The 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 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 K District is located within the DMR West Division. This District refers to the Garda stations located at Blanchardstown, Finglas and Cabra. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of Gardaí stationed in the requested Garda Stations as of 30 November 2020 is as follows:

Station

GD

SG

IN

SU

CS

AC

Total

BLANCHARDSTOWN

158

23

5

2

1

189

CABRA

56

9

65

FINGLAS

88

7

2

97

TOTAL

302

39

7

2

1

351

As of the same date there were 4 Garda staff assigned to Cabra Garda station, 8 Garda staff assigned to Finglas Garda station and 34 Garda staff assigned to Blanchardstown Garda station.

In relation to Community Policing in the K District, I have been advised by the Garda authorities that at end October 2020 there were 16 Community Gardaí assigned to Blanchardstown Garda station, 6 Community Gardaí assigned to Cabra Garda station and 17 assigned to Finglas Garda station.

The Deputy also sought details in relation to the Garda fleet for the aforementioned Garda stations. I hope the Deputy will appreciate that, for security reasons, An Garda Síochána do not provide vehicle allocations by Garda station. However, the following table, conveyed to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the vehicles attached to the DMR West at 30 November 2020.

DMR WEST

Cars

Vans

Others*

Total

BLANCHARDSTOWN - K

38

6

1

45

CLONDALKIN - L

25

4

0

29

LUCAN - Q

19

3

5

27

TOTAL

82

13

6

101

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

A detailed breakdown of Garda numbers by Division, District and Station 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. The Information on Garda members may be accessed at the following link: www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Garda_Workforce.

An Garda Síochána has been allocated an unprecedented budget of €1.952 billion for 2021. The significant level of funding provided over recent years is enabling sustained, ongoing recruitment of Garda members and staff. As a result, there 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 and an extra 500 Garda staff. The Budget allocation also provides for an increase in supervisory ranks at Sergeant and Inspector level.

More Garda recruits and more Garda staff means extra members of the service on the frontline and in specialist units battling organised crime groups, supporting victims, and keeping people safe.

Naturalisation Applications

Questions (437)

Cormac Devlin

Question:

437. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Justice if her attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43041/20]

View answer

Written answers

An application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy on 22 March 2018. This application is currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible. If any further documentation is required, it will be requested from the person in due course.

The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.

It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. However, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.

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 Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Garda Strength

Questions (438)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

438. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of full-time forensic accountants in the Criminal Assets Bureau and Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, in tabular form; if further accountants will be recruited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43048/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Deputy will appreciate that the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána. I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.

I have requested information from the Garda Commissioner in relation to this matter and will write to the Deputy directly with the information requested, when it is available.

Garda Transport Provision

Questions (439)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

439. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of new marked and unmarked Garda cars and vans allocated to the Garda dog unit in 2019 and to date in 2020; the number of vehicles withdrawn during the same period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43049/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Deputy will be aware that, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration 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. As Minister, I have no role in these matters. 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.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that at 9 December 2020 there were 7 vehicles attached to the National Dog Unit and 4 vehicles attached to the Regional Dog Unit.

For the Deputy's information, the table below as provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of new marked and unmarked Garda vans allocated to the National Garda dog unit in 2019 and to date in 2020 and the number of vehicles withdrawn during the same period.

Garda Dog Unit Fleet Allocation

Vans Marked

Total

09/12/2020

0

0

31/12/2019

1

1

Garda Dog Unit Fleet Removal

Vans Marked

Total

09/12/2020

1

1

31/12/2019

1

1

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 a further 10 vans have been purchased for the Dog Unit, and following fit out they will be available to be allocated before the end of Quarter 1, 2021. The allocation of these and all other vehicles in the fleet is entirely a matter for the Commissioner and his management team.

Garda Data

Questions (440)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

440. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if gardaí have access to interpreter services on a 24-7 basis on the roadside when dealing with members of the public who speak little or no English; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43050/20]

View answer

Written answers

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, including deployment of personnel among Divisions. As Minister, I have no direct role in this matter. I am assured that Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review to ensure optimum use.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána have a contract in place to provide interpretation services which is available on a 24 hour/365 days a year basis with uninterrupted service over all public holidays, including the Christmas holiday period.

Garda Transport Provision

Questions (441)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

441. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number or percentage of Garda vehicles in each Garda division within the Dublin region that are aged over 12 years as of 4 December 2020, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43051/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Deputy will be aware that in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration 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. As Minister, I have no role in these matters. 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.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that as at 9 December 2020 there were 663 vehicles assigned to the DMR of which 51 vehicles (7%) are over 12 years old.

For the Deputy's further information, the table below, as provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number the number of Garda vehicles in the DMR that are over 12 years old at 9 December 2020.

Dublin Metropolitan Region

Total Fleet

Vehicles Over 12 Years

Cars

Vans

Motorcycles

4 x 4s

Others

DMR East

77

2

1

0

0

1

0

DMR North

112

9

9

0

0

0

0

DMR North Central

78

10

8

1

0

1

0

DMR South

90

11

7

2

0

2

0

DMR South Central

81

6

5

1

0

0

0

DMR Traffic

71

5

3

0

2

0

0

DMR West

102

6

5

0

0

0

1

Harcourt Square

52

2

1

1

0

0

0

Total

663

51

39

5

2

4

1

I can inform the Deputy 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. 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.

Garda Transport Provision

Questions (442)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

442. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if funding will be provided for the purchase of additional unmarked vans for the Garda public order unit; the number of unmarked vans in the Garda public order unit within the fleet; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43052/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Deputy will be aware that In accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. 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 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 purchase and allocation of vehicles is made on the basis of identified operational demands and the availability of resources. The number and type of vehicles that will be purchased in 2021 has not yet been determined.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that, as of 5 November, there are a total of 29 vehicles categorised as public order vans deployed nationally across all Garda regions. There is currently one unmarked van fitted with capacity for 4-5 Garda members and two individual cells for transporting prisoners within the Garda fleet. There is a further unmarked van with a capacity for 5 members and 2 individual cells for transporting prisoners currently being fitted out and due for allocation before the end of 2020.

The allocation of Garda vehicles is monitored and reviewed on a continual basis to ensure the best match with operational requirements.

Garda Expenditure

Questions (443)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

443. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the estimated full-year budget for the Garda National Cybercrime Bureau; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43053/20]

View answer

Written answers

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.

The Garda National Cybercrime Bureau (GNCB) is involved in tackling cyber-enabled crimes in collaboration with other Garda units such as the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau. The GNCB is part of the Special Crime Operations section of An Garda Síochána and its members undergo intensive training in the area of forensic computing and cybercrime investigations. The Bureau's remit also includes providing information on current cybercrime trends and online crime prevention advice, while at the same time operating as the Garda cybercrime and computer forensics liaison with partners including academic institutions, Europol, Interpol, the FBI and other law enforcement agencies.

It is important to note that every Garda District has a number of personnel trained in the use of digital forensic toolsets for the examination of any physical device seized or surrendered during the course of such investigations. However, when required, assistance will be provided to members of the Garda Síochána during the course of an investigation by the cybercrime bureau that has examiners trained in the use of forensic examination software, computer forensics and fundamentals up to Master's Degree level, in addition to receiving peer reviewed practical training.

The actual cost for 11 months from 1 January to 30 November 2020 for the Garda National Cybercrime Bureau is €2,260,411. The current estimated cost for the full year is €2,465,903.

The Deputy also will wish to note that an additional €1.8m has been provided in Budget 2021 for the expansion of the cybercrime bureau next year.

Garda Transport Provision

Questions (444)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Question:

444. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Justice the number and percentage of roads policing units that are fitted with an LED matrix sign on the back window of the vehicle. [43089/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Deputy will be aware that in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration 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 and configuration of Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.

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. The allocation of Garda vehicles is monitored and reviewed on a continual basis as a part of this process to ensure the best match with operational requirements.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that currently one vehicle in the Roads Policing Fleet is fitted with an LED matrix sign on the back window of the vehicle. Such signs are not included in the current fit-out specification for Roads Policing Vehicles.

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.

Garda Youth Diversion Projects

Questions (445)

Martin Browne

Question:

445. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Justice the estimated cost in 2021 if the budget for Garda youth division projects increased by 7.5%. [43105/20]

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Written answers

I can inform the Deputy that preventing young people from becoming involved in criminality, and diverting children away from criminal activity when they have already become involved, are key priorities for me as Minister for Justice. This is reflected in the new Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, which contains a number of commitments in this regard.

I am informed that there are some 105 Garda Youth Diversion Projects nationwide at present. Funding for these projects has increased every year since 2015. In 2019, €15.3 million was provided and at least €15.6 million has been committed for 2020. The intention is to further develop this service so that it is available to every child in the State who could benefit from it, through an ongoing review to look at the expansion of existing services and the foundation of new projects.

Including Dormant Accounts Funding, the Youth Justice programmes funded by the Department have been allocated approximately €18 million for 2021. If there was to be an increase of 7.5%, the 2021 budget allocation for Youth Justice would be approximately €19.35 million.

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