Written Answers Nos. 155-179
155. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the extent to which he expects to be in a position to offer financial or other support to the various youth organisations throughout the country in 2021; if his Department continues to maintain contact on a regular basis with such groups in order to identify their current or ongoing requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6270/21]
View answerI am pleased to confirm that €66.8 million in funding has been made available to support the provision of youth services nationwide in 2021, an increase of €5 million on funding provided in 2020.
This investment increases financial support for both youth services and youth clubs, as well as ensuring further strengthening and development of UBU Your Place Your Space, universal service provision and youth information. The additional funding allocated to youth services in 2021 will support the delivery of universal and targeted youth services nationwide, with a particular view to the role played by youth services in supporting mental wellbeing, fostering resilience and developing the social and personal competencies of young people, including disadvantaged, marginalised or vulnerable young people.
My Department maintains close contact with the national youth organisations funded under the Youth Service Grant Scheme and I, and officials from my Department, meet formally with these organisations twice a year to share knowledge and information on developments in the youth sector (this schedule has been affected by Covid-19).
In addition, my officials hold quarterly meetings attended by all Youth Officers from across the country. Youth Officers of the Education and Training Boards (ETB) provide an important support role to my Department in the co-ordination and administration of youth services at local level. These meetings assist my Department in identifying service needs and emerging issues, particularly for vulnerable young people.
Officials from my Department also meet with youth organisations on an individual basis when the need arises.
It is now more critical than ever that our young people are supported as they experience the social, economic, physical and mental health impacts of the pandemic. In recognition of the vital role played by youth work in providing such support to young people, funding levels have been maintained throughout the current challenging period and I have secured additional funding for 2021. This will enable the youth sector to continue to provide supports to young people, particularly to marginalised, disadvantaged and vulnerable young people.
I am committed to supporting this important sector, which has enormous value both to the many young people involved and from a broader social and economic viewpoint.
157. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the communication and consultation he has had with CORU regarding the 15 week placement requirement for final year social studies students; and the flexibility that was discussed regarding those due to graduate this semester. [6074/21]
View answerI am aware that issues have arisen in relation to placement hours both for students of Social Care programmes and for placements more generally as the restrictions to combat the spread of Covid-19 have tightened. My Department is monitoring developments in this regard very closely.
From the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, significant work has been undertaken by a stakeholder group chaired by the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), and including the representative bodies of education providers and students to address issues relating to the maintenance of the quality and standards of:
- teaching and learning,
- assessment, and
- qualifications.
This group has focused on the implementation of alternative arrangements and methods of delivery, where appropriate and necessary, to meet both these standards and, where applicable, the educational accreditation criteria established by Professional Recognition Bodies (PRBs).
In the case of Social Care, the awards standards in place for these qualifications reflect the accreditation criteria and placement requirements that have been set out by CORU, Ireland's multi-profession Health and Social Care Regulator and consequently the relevant PRB for this profession.
Since March 2020, QQI has facilitated engagement between members of the stakeholders group and CORU which have taken place in parallel to direct engagements between CORU and individual education providers. The goal of these engagements has been to ensure that, where possible, necessary alternative arrangements are in place to maintain the standards of education and training in this area and that these issues are actively managed. These efforts are to ensure that students can progress in their programmes from one academic year into the next, or, where relevant, graduate with the necessary professional competencies that have been set out by CORU.
While I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the efforts that have been made by CORU, QQI and our educational institutions to identify and implement flexible solutions for students up to this point, I am conscious that further efforts are now necessary.
The current timing and the likely duration of Covid restrictions has created even greater disruption and uncertainty in this space than anticipated and has substantially impacted on the expected level of available social care placements. It is in this context that I have asked QQI, supported by my Department, to facilitate intensified engagements between CORU, education providers and relevant stakeholders on this issue. The focus of these engagements will be to identify solutions that can be swiftly implemented for the student cohort who are most impacted in the near term while also identifying flexible approaches that can be readily adopted within the system in the medium to longer term as the response to the pandemic evolves and changes. These engagements will facilitate a dialogue among stakeholders in developing these solutions and, most importantly, will ensure transparency and clarity for those students studying social care.
Students should continue to engage directly with their provider for further information on the arrangements being implemented for their particular year and course.
158. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if SUSI grants will be available to students in circumstances in which a final year social care student cannot take up placement due to Covid-19 restrictions and is required to repeat the placement module. [6075/21]
View answerThe decision on eligibility for student grant assistance is a matter, in the first instance, for the centralised student grant awarding authority SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) to determine.
A student grant may continue to be paid where a student is required to participate in a placement as a compulsory part of an approved undergraduate or postgraduate course.
Students are advised to contact their academic or placement co-ordinator to discuss their options regarding course placements.
Apart from the Student Grant Scheme, the Deputy will be aware that last July I announced a funding package of €168m for the return to education. This package included a €10m access support package for higher education students. I have approved the allocation of €8.1m of this funding to top up the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). The SAF assists students in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Institutions have the autonomy to maximise the flexibility in the Student Assistance Fund to enable HEIs to support students during the COVID-19 situation. Details of this fund are available from the Access Office in the third level institution attended. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis.
In addition, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may be claimed in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in EU Member States and in non-EU countries. Further information on this tax relief is available from a student's local Tax office or from the Revenue Commissioners website www.revenue.ie
159. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to make additional financial supports available to students re-entering higher education at the same QQI level as they had previously finished due to the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6247/21]
View answerUnder the terms of the Student Grant Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment/progression and means.
To satisfy the terms and conditions of the Scheme in relation to progression, a student must be moving from year to year within a course having successfully completed the previous year or be transferring from one course to another where the award for the subsequent course is of a higher level than the previous course.
Under the progression/previous academic attainment criteria of the scheme, a grant will not be paid to a student for a repeat period of study on the same course, or for a different course at the same level, irrespective of whether or not a grant was paid previously. The objective of this policy is to help as many students as possible to obtain one qualification at each level of study. However, once an equivalent period of study has been completed on the new course, the student may be eligible for student grant assistance for the remainder of the course.
In addition, under Article 15(8) of the Student Grant Scheme 2020, the awarding authority SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) has discretion to award a grant for a repeat period of study in exceptional circumstances which impacted on a student completing a particular period of study or undertaking exams. SUSI treats each application for repeat funding on a case-by-case basis, and it is it is a matter for the individual student to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the awarding authority that there were exceptional circumstances.
Apart from the Student Grant Scheme, the Deputy will be aware that last July I announced a funding package of €168m for the return to education. This package included a €10m access support package for higher education students. I also approved the allocation of €8.1m of this funding to top up the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). The SAF assists students in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Institutions have the autonomy to maximise the flexibility in the Student Assistance Fund to enable HEIs to support students during the COVID-19 situation. Details of this fund are available from the Access Office in the third level institution attended. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis.
In addition, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may be claimed in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in EU Member States and in non-EU countries. Further information on this tax relief is available from a student's local Tax office or from the Revenue Commissioners website www.revenue.ie
160. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the degree to which he expects science to play an increased role in the higher education sector with particular reference to ensuring an adequate number of graduates to meet the demands of the workplace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6271/21]
View answer161. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which he remains satisfied that science graduates in Ireland are on par with or above the skills emanating from third level institutions in other countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6272/21]
View answer162. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which he expects the third level educational system here to deliver adequate and suitably qualified graduates to meet the demands of the workplace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6273/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 160, 161 and 162 together.
The challenge to deliver suitably qualified and adequate numbers of graduates to meet the demands of the workplace is a fundamental focus for the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
It is also fundamental that we drive vibrant higher and further education sectors in Ireland which produce individuals who are equipped with the skills that they need to progress, in the way that they want to, in a way that meets the needs of an ever evolving economy, and contributes to an inclusive society.
With regard to the demands of the workplace, it is also crucial to listen to employers and embed our responses and policies in evidence-informed skills forecasting, to seek truly inclusive policy development, and a national consensus on outcomes.
The identification of skills priorities to help to inform and shape planning for graduate output is guided by the National Skills Strategy 2016-2025. The strategy provided for the establishment of the skills architecture that we have today, which is the National Skills Council and the nine Regional Skills Fora.
Strong collaborative links between the further and higher education system and enterprise have been developed and expanded over recent years. These new relationships allow us to gather insights and data directly from enterprise that feed into high level national policy decisions and allow us to know exactly what enterprise wants us to deliver. Representatives from the further and higher education system are also active partners in national initiatives driven by the National Skills Council and the Regional Skills Fora.
We are doing well, by some key measures:
- In relation to graduate supply from the Higher Education sector, in 2019 there was a total of 77,815 graduates from the Higher Education system. Of this number, a significant proportion were in key skills areas, 4,916 were in ICT, 8,116 in Engineering Manufacturing and Construction and 6,472 in Science and Maths.
- In the IMD World Talent Rankings 2020, Ireland ranked 9th out of 63 countries for workforce readiness, which encompasses the degree to which education meets the needs of employers, place of STEM in education, languages, availability of skilled labour as well as other factors related to the labour force.
- The Irish National Employer Survey which was published in 2019 finds that 86% of employers are satisfied with the quality of HE graduates.
- With regard to ICT, we know that technology is accelerating the shift towards the knowledge-based economy. The nexus between human capital, innovation and research will be critical to Ireland’s success. Technology Skills 2022: Ireland’s Third ICT Skills Action Plan is a collaborative effort by Government, the higher and further education and training system and industry to meet Ireland’s high level ICT skills needs. The plan has devised measures that will boost the supply of ICT graduates to meet the ambitious level of demand forecast for the coming years. By 2022, the interventions outlined in this plan aim to deliver up to an additional 5,000 graduates per annum through indigenous supply, with the remainder serviced by inward migration.
We must continue to evolve and improve in order to meet the rapid changes and challenges of the future world of work, and to shape the economy and society that we want to have. I know that my Department, in collaboration with key stakeholders, will continue to do this work, to help ensure that we meet skills needs on an ongoing basis, and to support economic recovery and economic success.
163. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which he expects to promote innovation in the third level educational sector with a view to creating the highest possible standard sufficient to meet international challenges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6274/21]
View answer164. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which his Department continues to see innovation as a key element in the development of the third level education sector here to the best international standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6275/21]
View answer166. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which he and his Department continue to encourage research in education with a view to a beneficial knock-on to industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6277/21]
View answer167. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which the second and third level education sectors continue to be geared towards research with a view to ensuring maximum competence in this area in a highly competitive global workforce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6278/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 163, 164, 166 and 167 together.
From pre-primary through to further and higher education and throughout an individual’s career, skills and knowledge need to be continuously enhanced if individuals, employers and countries are to realise their potential. The expansion of higher education has been a key enabling factor in the growth of the Irish economy over the past four decades. The availability and quality of graduates is essential if we are to maintain our attractiveness as a location for investment and grow our reputation. Equally, increased participation in higher education has resulted in significant contributions to society and has played a critical role in enriching our cultural life.
There are a number of key strategies in place at all levels to ensure we meet existing and future skills demands. These include policies designed to ensure a pipeline of suitably qualified science and technical graduates, and initiatives to equip young people and the working population more generally with the skills and capacity to meet these demands. These strategies and initiatives include: the National Skills Strategy 2025; Technology Skills 2022; Springboard+; the Human Capital Initiative and the July Stimulus package.
A key element of Future Jobs Ireland is to support business, invest in the development of people and to enhance skills and develop and attract talent to ensure our education and training system is responsive to enterprise needs. We must ensure that we have accessible upskilling options and that our education and training providers offer relevant and up-to-date courses which meet the needs of enterprises and workers.
Higher Education institutions are constantly reviewing and updating their course curriculum to ensure that undergraduate and taught postgraduate course content is reflecting emerging trends in the future world of work and Industry.
I and my department are determined to be the driver of a vibrant sector which produces individuals who are equipped with the skills that they need to progress in the way that they want to, and in a way that meets the needs of our evolving economy and contributes to an inclusive society.
The higher and further education sectors are critical sources of knowledge creation, innovation, skills and human capital development and critical to our ability to deal with current and future crises is ensuring we have a pipeline of talent coming through our higher education system that is fully equipped to make a valuable contribution to our economy and society.
165. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the degree to which his Department continues to liaise with the business sector with a view to the maximisation of the use of innovation in manufacturing, marketing and services in Ireland in the future with particular reference to the need to achieve standards and opportunities on par with the best globally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6276/21]
View answerA vibrant enterprise sector is a prerequisite for a strong, advanced economy, and a strong economy in turn provides the foundation for a progressive, sustainable and inclusive society. The enterprise sector provides quality employment which is important for our standard of living and inclusivity.
The enterprise sector is hugely important in driving innovation in this country. Almost 75% of all Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) expenditure in Ireland is by private enterprises. Our most recent figures show that €2.77 billion was invested in RDI by enterprises in Ireland in 2017, a 24% increase from 2015 and the largest biennial increase in 10 years. These investments have been instrumental in Ireland’s economic recovery and growth in the past decade, and will continue to be of critical importance as we face our current and future challenges.
Productivity is the primary determinant of long-term growth. Investment in knowledge-based capital, and innovation in particular, drives productivity through new, higher value-added products and services, and more efficient business processes. The value of services in the Irish economy exceeds that of manufacturing, and consequently investment in knowledge-based capital is increasingly important for driving future economic growth. This economic reality means that Ireland must be among the top-ranked nations for innovation if it is to realise its potential.
To that end, my department officials and I have worked to continue to foster and develop existing links with the enterprise sector. We have been engaging with various stakeholders including business groups and companies, and have received their inputs into my department’s Statement of Strategy, which is due to be published shortly. Maintaining links with enterprise – both indigenous and FDI – ensures we can keep up to date with domestic needs and global trends.
I have attended several constructive meetings with industry leaders in recent weeks and will continue to work with them in driving Ireland’s vision to become a Global Innovation Leader. We also closely liaise with our colleagues in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and its agencies to ensure a consistent approach in aiding the enterprise sector to increase its innovative activities.
My Department’s agency SFI has developed a suite of dynamic funding programmes which facilitate industry/academic collaboration. These funding programmes enable companies and academics to work together on specific programmes of research to address industry needs, support technology transfer and grow skills and expertise. Developing its industry facing programmes to deliver significant public/private partnership, increase collaboration, support FDI and engage SMEs in research and innovation across all sectors will continue to be a priority for the agency as it embeds within my Department.
The manufacturing sector is one in which SFI has already made significant investments which involve industry participation. One of those investments is CONFIRM, the SFI Research Centre for Smart Manufacturing. The Centre very recently opened its new, cutting edge headquarters in Limerick. This facility includes a testbed to house Ireland’s future factory demonstrators, an innovative virtual reality cave, 10 Gbps internet access, Ireland’s first private 5G digital manufacturing network and a digital manufacturing lab with 3D printing and non-contact 3D part-scanning facilities. The headquarters will be a space for industry to come together with academic researchers. It is a significant milestone – heightening Ireland’s position as a leader in smart manufacturing.
Other significant investments in the manufacturing area include IFORM, the SFI Research Centre in Advanced Manufacturing. Like CONFIRM, IFORM is a world leading SFI Research Centre with deep industry collaboration and co-investment. IFORM is delivering the next level of understanding and control for complex manufacturing processes. Ireland is already recognised as having one of the most advanced manufacturing sectors in Europe. These, along with other investments by SFI will support Ireland to become the leading digital manufacturing powerhouse globally.
Access to highly skilled graduates is a critical success factor for businesses in Ireland. SFI has established six SFI Centres for Research Training. These Centres will support advanced skills and training (PhDs) in collaboration with industry, for the new economy. The six current SFI Centres for Research Training support over 700 PhD students in ICT and Data Analytics. Future skills can be addressed through further development of this programme in other areas, including Innovation in Business Services and Advanced Manufacturing.
168. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which he remains satisfied that the second and third level education system in Ireland remains sufficiently open to the encouragement of the highest possible level of expertise, efficiency and competitiveness in the global context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6279/21]
View answer169. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which he and his Department propose to broaden the higher education opportunities for undergraduates with a view to maximisation of their opportunities in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6280/21]
View answer170. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he and his Department have identified specific issues likely to contribute to further improvement and achievement in the further and higher educational sectors with a view to establishing a reputation equal to the best globally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6281/21]
View answer171. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the degree to which his Department continuously evaluates the performance of third and fourth level education with a view to identifying the greatest possible opportunities and the minimisation of weaknesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6282/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 168 to 171, inclusive, together.
The expansion of higher education has been a key enabling factor in the growth of the Irish economy, and the availability and quality of graduates is essential if we are to maintain our attractiveness as a location for investment and grow our reputation.
There are a number of key strategies in place at all levels to ensure we meet existing and future skills demands. These include policies designed to ensure a pipeline of suitably qualified science and technical graduates, and initiatives to equip young people and the working population more generally with the skills and capacity to meet these demands. These strategies and initiatives include: the National Skills Strategy 2025; Technology Skills 2022; Springboard+; the Human Capital Initiative and the July Stimulus package.
A key element of Future Jobs Ireland is to support business, invest in the development of people and to enhance skills and develop and attract talent to ensure our education and training system is responsive to enterprise needs. Strong collaborative links between the further and higher education system and enterprise have been developed and expanded over recent years. These new relationships allow us to gather insights and data directly from enterprise that feed into high level national policy decisions and allow us to know exactly what enterprise wants us to deliver. Representatives from the further and higher education system are also active partners in national initiatives driven by the National Skills Council and the Regional Skills Fora.
Postgraduate education delivered by higher education institutions is critical to Ireland’s research system. In addition to contributing to knowledge, postgraduate researcher education drives participants to develop their own research and innovation skills that can be applied in a range of environments, in academia or industry, at home or abroad.
At postgraduate level, the Irish Research Council funds graduates across all disciplines and is an important component in the wider national strategic pursuit of a strong talent pipeline of research graduates.
Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) has commenced a programme to support advanced PhD skills and training, in collaboration with industry, for the new economy. There is a number of SFI Centres for Research Training (CRT) linked to the higher education institutions and there is an ambition to do more. The six we have currently are supporting over 700 PhD students in ICT and data analytics. The first 120 students commenced in September 2019. Through the CRTs, students will be equipped with transversal skills including entrepreneurship and innovation to enable them to adapt and react to rapidly evolving workplaces and making them a very attractive skills pipeline for industry.
172. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he expects courses to go 100% remote learning for the upcoming semesters (details supplied); the percentage of in-class students versus online learning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6323/21]
View answerThe Government has agreed that Level 5 as set out in the Plan for Living with COVID-19 will apply nationally and will remain in place until midnight on 5 March 2021. Level 5 measures designate higher and further education as essential insofar as onsite presence is required and such education activities cannot be held remotely. On 6th January I confirmed that further and higher education will continue to operate primarily online with most activities delivered remotely. In overall terms, all further and higher education institutions are delivering the vast majority of classes online.
As with the previous operation of Level 5 restrictions up to early December, those priority activities which can continue onsite subject to the appropriate protective measures, guidelines and local assessment include practical tuition, workshops and skills-based learning (including in relation to apprenticeships) and engagement with vulnerable learners. In light of the recent deterioration in the Covid-19 situation, institutions will use their existing discretion, taking account of the public health situation nationally and locally, to restrict onsite attendance further, only allowing the most essential work to take place onsite. Local assessment will focus on activities that are not capable of being delivered through alternative means, and are time-critical for students and learners during this period. Reflecting the scale and diversity of third-level provision, further and higher education institutions are best equipped to determine where onsite presence is required.
I am conscious of the challenges faced by students regarding student accommodation this year due to both financial pressures, and the blended learning format of the 2020/21 academic year.
The Deputy will be aware that the university sector has been actively engaging with students on the issue of accommodation refunds. As a result of the decision to minimise on-site teaching, all universities have confirmed that students who opted to leave their university-owned student accommodation as a result of reduced on-campus activity will be offered refunds or rental credits. The processing of these refunds is a matter for the universities themselves, and any student who wishes to receive a refund for their on-campus accommodation should engage directly with their university’s accommodation office.
In the case of privately-owned student accommodation, I am urging providers to be flexible in finding solutions given the circumstances that students find themselves. There are, however, no powers available to me under the current legal framework to direct any particular course of action. Refund or cancellation policies in student accommodation should be set out in the license agreement signed at the beginning of the academic year. In the first instance students should engage with their accommodation provider to see if an arrangement can be reached. If this is not possible, students have access to the Dispute Resolution Services of the Residential Tenancies Board.
173. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice if consideration will be given to a transport police pilot project on Cork bus routes. [6174/21]
View answerThe Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the administration and business of An Garda Síochána, including personnel matters and deployment of Garda resources. I am assured however that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in light of operational demand, to ensure their optimum use.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that it is not proposed to establish a specialist or dedicated public transport policing unit in County Cork or anywhere else in the country at this time. Instead, Gardaí deploy a wide range of operational measures aimed at tackling public-order offences and anti-social behaviour in all contexts, including the policing needs of the rail or transport network and its stakeholders. The legal framework that assists the Gardaí in tackling this type of crime includes provisions under the Criminal Damage Act 1991; the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994; the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 2003; and the Intoxicating Liquor Acts 2003 and 2008.
In terms of safety on public transport, I understand that Garda management engages with transport operators and that a range of regional and local operations have been put in place to address incidents and issues that have arisen at specific locations. I am further informed that there is ongoing communication between An Garda Síochána and the respective control centres, and access to good quality CCTV can provide assistance to Gardaí when investigating serious incidents.
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 now approximately 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. These additional resources will further strengthen An Garda Síochána’s response to all forms of crime, including that which takes place on public transport.
With specific regards to Cork, I am further advised by An Garda Síochána that as of 31 December 2020, the latest date for which figures are available, there are 723 Garda members in the Cork City Division, 351 in the Cork North Division and 308 Garda members in the Cork West Division.
In addition, Garda Civilian Staff figures for County Cork on 31 December 2020 show 116 Staff for the Cork City Division, 39 Staff for the Cork North Division and 37 Staff for the Cork West Division.
174. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Justice the number of cars seized under the learner driver provisions of the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act 2018, known as the Clancy amendment, since its introduction in December 2018, by year and county; the number of persons convicted of the offence of allowing an unaccompanied learner or an unlicensed person to drive their vehicle by year and county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6054/21]
View answerI have requested information from the Garda Commissioner in relation to this matter but it was unfortunately not possible to compile it in the time available.
I will write to the Deputy directly with the information requested, when it is available.
|
2018*-2019 |
2020-2021* |
Grand Total |
|
|
Cavan/Monaghan |
115 |
78 |
193 |
|
Clare |
16 |
19 |
35 |
|
Cork City |
62 |
165 |
227 |
|
Cork North |
64 |
85 |
149 |
|
Cork West |
80 |
50 |
130 |
|
D.M.R. Eastern |
66 |
86 |
152 |
|
D.M.R. North Central |
108 |
141 |
249 |
|
D.M.R. Northern |
167 |
206 |
373 |
|
D.M.R. South Central |
105 |
223 |
328 |
|
D.M.R. Southern |
272 |
349 |
621 |
|
D.M.R. Western |
387 |
556 |
943 |
|
Donegal |
76 |
83 |
159 |
|
Galway Div |
47 |
59 |
106 |
|
Kerry |
62 |
70 |
132 |
|
Kildare Div |
213 |
400 |
613 |
|
Kilkenny/Carlow |
52 |
85 |
137 |
|
Laois/Offaly |
58 |
123 |
181 |
|
Limerick |
155 |
131 |
286 |
|
Louth Div |
48 |
101 |
149 |
|
Mayo |
25 |
16 |
41 |
|
Meath Div |
37 |
94 |
131 |
|
Roscommon/Longford Div |
35 |
72 |
107 |
|
Sligo/Leitrim |
20 |
24 |
44 |
|
Tipperary |
59 |
112 |
171 |
|
Waterford Div |
42 |
136 |
178 |
|
Westmeath Div |
34 |
26 |
60 |
|
Wexford Div |
58 |
138 |
196 |
|
Wicklow Div |
87 |
116 |
203 |
|
National Total |
2550 |
3744 |
6294 |
|
Office |
Court Area |
Jan – Dec 2019 |
Jan – Dec 2020 |
|
Clonakility |
Bandon |
1 |
|
|
Dublin |
Dublin |
5 |
|
|
Monaghan |
Carrickmacross |
2 |
|
|
Naas |
Naas |
2 |
|
|
Nenagh |
Nenagh |
1 |
|
|
Portlaoise |
Portloiase |
2 |
|
|
Waterford |
Waterford |
1 |
|
|
Total |
8 |
6 |
|
Office |
Court Area |
Jan – Dec 2019 |
Jan – Dec 2020 |
|
Donegal |
NA GLEANNTA |
1 |
|
|
Total |
1 |
175. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice the status of the steps she has taken to set up a public inquiry into the death of a person (details supplied) which was agreed to by a vote in Dáil Éireann; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6056/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, a retired Judge, Gerard Haughton, is currently conducting the scoping exercise into the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of the late Shane O'Farrell.
Judge Haughton furnished an interim report to my predecessor in November 2019. In his interim report, the Judge stated that he would not restrict or limit Shane's family in their submissions to him or the nature and extent of the documentation they wished to furnish to him in his scoping exercise.
I can confirm that my Department recently received a letter from Judge Haughton updating the Department on his progress. In this correspondence, the Judge requested a further extension of the timeline to 1 March 2021, and set out a clear and detailed rationale for this extension. I understand from Judge Haughton that he provided a copy of this letter to the O'Farrell family and I have also written to the family to inform them of the extension.
The Judge is of course completely independent in his work, and as Minister I can neither intervene in nor direct the course of the scoping exercise. My Department has been and continues to provide all necessary assistance to the Judge to enable him to complete his work, and the extensions have, as the Judge has stated to the family, been necessitated by the Covid-19 pandemic and the Judge's desire to be as comprehensive as possible in conducting the scoping exercise.
While I genuinely regret this further delay, I am also aware that the Judge is doing all that he can to ensure that the concerns which the family have raised with him during the process are followed through to the greatest extent possible and this requires additional time. With regard to any further extensions, the Judge is of course completely independent in his work on this scoping exercise, and I cannot intervene in the process, nor can I place any restrictions on the Judge.
With regard to the passing of a Dáil resolution in June 2018 calling for a public inquiry into the events surrounding the incident in which Shane O’Farrell tragically lost his life, my predecessor as Minister initiated this scoping exercise to examine various matters.
Judge Haughton has been in contact with the O’Farrell family throughout his scoping exercise. I am awaiting Judge Haughton’s final report to me on the outcome of his scoping exercise and I can assure the Deputy that his final report will be an important part of ensuring that outstanding questions are answered.
176. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice if she will address a matter regarding the extension of time for members of An Garda Síochána (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6073/21]
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 can inform the Deputy that a review of the compulsory retirement age is currently being carried out by my Department. Any changes to the age will require the amendment of primary and secondary legislation.
Separate to this consideration of the overall question of the compulsory retirement age, as part of the Garda Commissioner's action plan to deal with the impact of Covid-19 on public order and policing matters, the Commissioner has invited Garda members, due to compulsorily retire on age grounds, to apply to have their retirement age extended for up to one year.
This is in accordance with the Garda Síochána (Retirement)(No. 2) Regulations 1951 [S.I.335/1951] which allow the Commissioner, with the consent of the Minister, to extend the age of retirement of a Garda member where this is in the interests of the efficiency of the Garda Síochána due to special qualifications or experience possessed by that member.
The Commissioner has determined that it is in the interests of the efficiency of An Garda Síochána that members who have significant experience in policing and have the particular skills to support the Commissioner's urgent policing priorities during the pandemic should be given the opportunity to extend their service for 12 months, having reached the age of 60 years.
Applications by Garda members are being considered only in the specific and unprecedented circumstances of the Covid-19 pandemic and extensions granted are relevant only to those circumstances. To date, forty-three applications from Garda members at different ranks have been approved for 12-month extensions to their compulsory retirement ages. A further four applications are currently being considered.
In addition to these retirement age extensions, which were related solely to policing requirements during the Covid-19 pandemic, I have approved two other retirement age extensions during 2020. These extensions, of two-year duration, were requested by the Garda Commissioner for two members of Garda senior management, at the rank of Assistant Commissioner. In support of these requests, the Garda Commissioner highlighted the organisational risk that would be posed by the loss of leadership and the lack of continuity in these strategic senior posts.
177. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Justice the way in which the internal mobility for civil servants within her Department operates with regard to transfer lists for various clerical grades; the way in which these transfer lists operate with regard to transfer from her Department to agencies and organisations under the remit of her Department including An Garda Síochána; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6081/21]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that staff can express an interest in moving to other areas of the Department and this is taken into consideration when filling vacancies.
Mobility for Department of Justice staff to agencies under the remit of the Department such as An Garda Síochána, Courts Service, Legal Aid Board, etc. can be applied for through Peoplepoint (the human resources shared service centre for the Civil Service) and is managed by the HR functions of these agencies.
178. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Justice if she will consider the case of a person (details supplied) who is seeking to be awarded a Garda widow’s pension on compassionate grounds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6087/21]
View answerI am unable to go in to detail in relation to this case out of respect for the person concerned but I can say that the Pensions Administration area of my Department, having been made aware of the personal circumstances in this case, has recently been in direct correspondence with a direct relative of the person concerned. My officials will give further consideration to the request following the receipt of information to support the case being made.
179. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice the requirements regarding PPE, face masks and hand sanitisation by members of An Garda Síochána when entering a private home. [6088/21]
View answerI have requested information from the Garda Commissioner in relation to this matter but it was unfortunately not possible to compile it in the time available.
I will write to the Deputy directly with the information requested, when it is available.
