Thursday, 4 Feb 2021

Written Answers Nos. 180-204

Anti-Social Behaviour

Questions (180)

Emer Higgins

Question:

180. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Justice the number of antisocial behaviour orders issued in an area (details supplied). [6098/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Justice

I 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.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51.

SUBSTANTIVE ANSWER: I refer to Parliamentary Question Number 180 for answer on 4 February 2021, in which you requested the number of antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs) issued in Dublin mid west. You will recall that the information could not be obtained in the time available and I undertook to consult with An Garda Síochána and contact you again when the information was available.

In setting up the ASBO regime back in 2007, these interventions - warnings, good behaviour contracts and referrals to the Juvenile Diversion Programme - were intended to address this antisocial behaviour. The rationale was that if they succeeded, there would be no need to apply to the courts for an order. It was only if they failed to lead to a behaviour adjustment by the person in question that a court order would then be applied for.

It is widely acknowledged the use of ASBOs is only suitable in certain circumstances and indeed it is only one crime prevention option open to An Garda Síochána in tackling this type of crime. As the Deputy will be aware, An Garda Síochána already employs a wide range of operational measures aimed at tackling public-order offences and anti-social behaviour. These measures are underpinned by a comprehensive legal framework. Of course, addressing local community concerns in relation to public order and anti-social behaviour is a key focus in An Garda Síochána's National Community Policing Model and a range of strong legislative provisions are available to An Garda Síochána in this regard, including those under:

- the Criminal Damage Act 1991;

- Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994;

- the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 2003; and

- the Intoxicating Liquor Acts 2003 and 2008.

All forms of anti-social behaviour have no place in a civilised society. For its part, the Government remains committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána have all the necessary resources to tackle all forms of criminality in our communities. In this context, the Deputy will be aware that 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, there 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, subject to public health restrictions governing the operation of the Garda College, Templemore.

The Government is also committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and to deter crime. A search of the PULSE database was conducted on 2nd February 2021 for incidents matching the below types for the period 1st January 2019 to 31st December 2020 and for the Garda Stations of Clondalkin, Rathcoole, Lucan and Ronanstown:

Behaviour Orders (Children)

Behaviour Warnings (Adult)

Behaviour Warnings (Children)

Based on the numbers returned, a total was aggregated for the four Garda Stations for each year (2019 and 2020) as follows:

		Behaviour Warnings/Orders Issued
Area	2019	2020
Dublin Mid-West*	< 10	29

* Garda Stations of Clondalkin, Rathcoole, Lucan and Ronanstown combined

Please be aware that these figures are based on incidents recorded on PULSE as of 2nd February, 2021; they are operational and may be liable to change.

I hope this information is of assistance.

Community Alert Programme

Questions (181)

Martin Kenny

Question:

181. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Justice the reason her Department reduced the eligible cost per month for the text alert rebate scheme from €350 per annum (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6102/21]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy may be aware, the Department of Justice has for many years provided funding for the employment and associated costs of the national Community Alert Programme, including the employment of regional Development Officers. These Development Officers provide support to Community and Text Alert schemes and offer advice on how to establish new schemes.

This year, the Department of Justice has committed in the region of €150,000 to local communities who wish to apply for a rebate towards the costs associated with running their local Text Alert Scheme, which is administered by Muintir na Tíre. This is a continuation of the annual funding made available by my Department for the Text Alert Rebate scheme each year since 2016. 

Previously, the Rebate Scheme ran from September to the following August. The Scheme is now moving to a calendar year basis running from January to December. In order to make this adjustment, for this payment cycle, the scheme will cover costs from September 2019 to December 2020. To reflect this, Muintir na Tire sought an increase of the maximum rebate per scheme from €350 to €450 to reflect the additional 4 months from September to December and this request has been granted.

Residency Permits

Questions (182)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

182. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if front-line workers employed by the HSE that are not citizens of Ireland can have their residency and work permits extended automatically to 1 September 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6106/21]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I recognise and acknowledge the crucial role frontline workers are continuing to play in responding to the threat of COVID-19. They work in a challenging environment and deal with vulnerable people on a daily basis. Their exceptional commitment has been particularly clear throughout the pandemic, during which they have been playing a key role in preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus. 

Due to the restrictions imposed as a result of the pandemic, my predecessor and I have provided six emergency extensions of immigration permission to 20 April 2021, to ensure that those requiring an immigration permission to work in the state could continue to do so including those providing frontline services. At this time there is no plan for any further automatic extension of immigration permissions but the situation will be kept under review.

All registration renewals in the Dublin area are now being processed online only and the system has been available for all applicants since 20 July 2020 at https://inisonline.jahs.ie. Last December, the requirement to include a passport as part of an application was removed. This reduces the time taken to process the application and eliminates the associated cost of the registered post when sending the passport as part of the application.   

Renewals of registrations for persons residing outside of the Dublin area are processed by the Garda National Immigration Bureau through the Garda Station network.  Information on the contact details for all the registration offices outside Dublin is available at: https://www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/office-of-corporate-communications/news-media/reopening-of-registration-offices.html. 

Employment permits are a matter for the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment (DETE). However, I understand that in March 2020, the Employment Permits Section of that Department implemented a COVID-19 contingency plan to ensure that the employment permit regime could continue to operate seamlessly throughout the crisis. Since 30 March 2020, the employment permits system has been operating fully remotely and online. Agreement was also reached between the Immigration Service of my Department and DETE to introduce, on a temporary basis, a type of “e-employment permit” and a similar soft copy process to transition to permanent residence permission. 

Further details on employment permits are available on the DETE website at: https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/Publications/COVID-19-Employment-Permits-System-Contingency-Arrangements.html.

International Protection

Questions (183)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

183. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons she disputed in official proceedings undertaken by her Department in 2020; the criteria used to determine if a person is LGBTQ+; if this is in compliance with international best practice and human rights law; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6154/21]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I understand that the Deputy's question relates to the international protection process and the determination of applications made by LGBTQ+ people. I can advise the Deputy that in this regard there is a statutory framework governing the international protection process in Ireland, which includes refugee status determination (under the UN Geneva Convention) and subsidiary protection (under EU law). This process is set out in the International Protection Act 2015. 

Under the 2015 Act, each application is assessed individually and takes into account both subjective elements (the applicant’s own account or personal history) and objective elements (up-to-date information on the applicant’s country or place of origin - this includes, where applicable, the laws relating to, and societal treatment, of individuals who identify as LGBTQ+).

In relation to refugee status, there also must be a link between the persecution as alleged and one or more of the grounds set out in both the 2015 Act and the 1951 Geneva Convention relating to the status of refugees, namely, being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion. 

My Department is legally obliged to protect the identity of persons seeking international protection. Because each application is examined on its own merits, the International Protection Office (IPO), and formerly the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC) before 2017, has never kept statistics on the grounds on which applications are made. While an applicant may provide a particular ground at the time of application, following a full examination of the applicant’s claim, it may be the case that the applicant does not articulate a well-founded fear of persecution for the ground stated at the time of application, but could be granted under another ground.  An applicant could also articulate more than one ground, or none, at application.

Every application for international protection is fully investigated to ensure that a fair recommendation can be made. 

Ireland follows the guidance of the UNHCR in relation to claims for international protection including claims based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity and was one of the first countries to specifically bring sexual orientation within the ambit of a ‘particular social group’ under the legislation that was in force prior to the 2015 Act. Training for IPO caseworkers and interviewers is very comprehensive and is conducted in conjunction with the UNHCR. The training includes a module in relation to interview techniques and how interviews are conducted.

The IPO has incorporated the Difference, Stigma, Shame, Harm (DSSH) model into training for caseworkers. The model is designed to help the applicant provide a detailed narrative and to be a sensitive and appropriate way of assessing credibility in sexual orientation/gender identity (SOGI) claims. The DSSH model is endorsed by the UNHCR and has been adopted by Finland, Sweden, the UK and Ireland amongst other countries. In addition, further written guidance on assessing SOGI claims has been provided to all staff and panel members.

Closed-Circuit Television Systems

Questions (184)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

184. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Justice if she will make enquiries regarding CCTV grant applications by a local authority (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6225/21]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will be aware, community-based CCTV is governed by section 38(3)(c) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 and the Garda Síochána (CCTV) Order 2006. This legal framework requires that any proposed community CCTV scheme must:

- be approved by the local Joint Policing Committee,

- have the prior support of the relevant Local Authority, which must also act as data controller, and

- have the authorisation of the Garda Commissioner.

This is the legal basis for all community CCTV schemes, regardless of how they are funded.  These key legal requirements have not changed since 2006.  The option to establish a Community CCTV scheme is available to groups that meet these legal requirements, anywhere in the country. 

I can confirm that the three applications raised by the Deputy have all passed these criteria, and  a request has been sent to An Garda Síochána Finance Division. The funds should be in place in the near future. 

Legislative Measures

Questions (185)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

185. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the progress she has made to date in respect of legislation regarding the naming of persons in court that may make a person identifiable (details supplied); the timeline in respect of presenting the legislation to Dáil Éireann; and the difficulties she has encountered in drafting this specific piece of legislation. [6245/21]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

It is clear to me that the effect of Section 252 of the Children Act 2001, as recently ruled by the Court of Appeal ruling in DPP v. E.C. and Media Outlet, is having a profoundly negative impact on grieving parents who are unable to remember their deceased children’s names or legacies in public. Being unable to speak publicly about how they want their children to be remembered is wrong and I have committed to changing that.

I intent to bring proposals to Cabinet next week on how to resolve this issue. I have been working with Senator McDowell and Deputy Jim O’Callaghan on this and it is my intention to ask the Government to support a Bill in the Seanad from Senator Michael McDowell. However that Bill requires amending to achieve our shared goals and I will be working to secure Government time in the Seanad in the coming weeks to table the necessary amendments .

I ask that all parties, across the Dáil and Seanad, co-operate in passing the necessary amendment to change Section 252 of the Children Act as quickly as possible in order to give grieving parents back their voice.

Of course any changes to the Children Act will have to be carefully considered to ensure they are consistent with the key principle of the best interests of the child. This is important as the section to be amended was designed to protect child witnesses as well as victims in the criminal justice process.

I understand that issues have also arisen on foot of the ruling regarding cases with respect to persons who were children at the time of the offence but adults when the proceedings were taken against the perpetrators. I am also working to address the effect of the ruling  in the context of the legislative amendments that might be required to address this particular matter.

While I am determined to progress these changes as quickly as possible, it is important that in taking forward any legislative amendments, full consideration is given to all potential issues in order to avoid any unintended consequences the changes might give rise to.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (186, 187)

Martin Kenny

Question:

186. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons issued fines or fixed notice penalties for non-essential travel, organising or attending a house party, travelling to or from a party or to a neighbours house, traveling outside the 5km limit for exercise, travelling to and from the airport to take a holiday abroad and taking a non-essential journey to or from an airport in January 2021, by Garda division, week and fine type in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6255/21]

Martin Kenny

Question:

187. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons issued a fine or fixed penalty notice for non-wearing of face masks for January 2021, by Garda division and week in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6256/21]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I propose to take Questions Nos. 186 and 187 together.

I 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.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51

I refer to Parliamentary Questions 186 and 187 which were for answer on 4 February 2021, where you requested: “the number of persons issued fines or fixed notice penalties for non-essential travel, organising or attending a house party, travelling to or from a party or to a neighbours house, traveling outside the 5km limit for exercise, travelling to and from the airport to take a holiday abroad and taking a non-essential journey to or from an airport in January 2021, by Garda division, week and fine type in tabular form” and, “the number of persons issued a fine or fixed penalty notice for non-wearing of face masks for January 2021, by Garda division and week in tabular form;” As you may recall, some of the information you requested could not be obtained in the time available and I undertook to contact you again when the information was to hand. Further information has now been provided by An Garda Síochána.

As you will be aware, responsibility for policing the current Public Health regulations rests with the Garda Commissioner. Further, responsibility for the legislation underpinning the Public Health response lies with my colleague, the Minister for Health.

An Garda Síochána continue to use the 'Four E's' approach in line with their strong tradition of community policing and policing by consent. This sees Garda members Engage with, Encourage and Educate members of the public on public health advice and regulations, with Enforcement used only as a last resort.

The Health (Amendment) Act 2020, which amended the Health Act 1947, was signed into law by the President on 25 October 2020. Regulations providing for a new system of fines under the Act were subsequently signed by the Minister for Health on 21 November 2020. The Act allows for a system of fixed penalty notices for those found in breach of those COVID-19 regulations which have been designated as penal provisions. It also allows for a speedier system of fines, without the requirement for the person to be brought before the Courts and prosecuted, up to a maximum of €500 and a person has 28 days to pay the fine after it is issued.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that information sought by the Deputy is updated regularly and published on the Garda website and can be accessed through the following link:

https://www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/office-of-corporate-communications/news-media/coronavirus-covid-19-.html

For the Deputy’s information the attached table is available from the above link and provides relevant statistics as at 15 April 2021.

Fine Type	2020				2021	Total
Jan	Feb	March	April [1]
Leaving Home without a reasonable excuse (€100)	20	3853	5147	4387	1243	14650
International Travel, Airports and Ports(€500)			376	671	139	1186
Persons not ordinarily resident travelling into the State(€100)			110	240	57	407
Event Organisers (Dwelling and non-Dwelling)(€500)	5	102	302	318	76	803
Attending Events(€150)		458	1010	1112	275	2855
Non wearing of face coverings(€80)	18	87	113	113	10	341
Total	43	4500	7058	6841	1800	20242

I trust this information is of assistance.

[1] As at 15 April 2021

Garda Investigations

Questions (188, 189)

Matt Carthy

Question:

188. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice the status of investigations into the bombing of Belturbet, County Cavan on 28 December 1972; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6298/21]

Matt Carthy

Question:

189. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice the engagements between State agencies and their UK counterparts in respect of the bombing of Belturbet, County Cavan on 28 December 1972; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6299/21]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I propose to take Questions Nos. 188 and 189 together.

The bombing of Belturbet on 28 December 1972 was an appalling and callous act of violence that claimed the lives of two innocent young people and injured others. The dreadful effects of this attack last to this day; the suffering of those who have lost what was most precious to them goes on. That the perpetrators of this atrocity have never been held accountable for their crimes can only compound the sense of loss.

The matter was thoroughly investigated at the time by An Garda Síochána, with assistance from the Defence Forces and the close cooperation of the authorities in Northern Ireland. Despite their best efforts however, it was not possible to secure the evidence which would have led to the prosecution of the perpetrators. This continues to remain a source of disappointment and frustration.

I have been further advised by An Garda Síochána that the Belturbet bombing remains an open investigation and that any new information or evidence will be thoroughly investigated.

The Deputy will also be aware of the work that is also being undertaken in Northern Ireland under the auspices of Kenova.  ‘Operation Denton’ is one of a series of ongoing independent UK police investigations or reviews into Northern Ireland legacy cases that are collectively described as the Kenova cases.  ‘Operation Denton' is specifically concerned with matters pursuant to the ‘Barnard Judgment’ and is an analytical review concerning collusion in what has become known as the Glenanne Gang Series.

I can confirm to the Deputy that there are arrangements are in place which support the mutual co-operation, assistance and exchange of information between An Garda Síochána and the Kenova Investigation Team and that engagement is ongoing at this time.  The Historical Investigation Coordination  Unit within An Garda Síochána will continue to support this partnership.   

Finally, and most importantly, I would appeal for anybody with any information that may be relevant to this case to bring it to the attention of the Garda Authorities to aid their investigation.  

Garda Investigations

Questions (190)

Matt Carthy

Question:

190. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice if information or documentation in respect of the bombings at Belturbet, Castleblayney, Monaghan or Dublin have been sought from any State body from Operation Kenova; if such documentation or information has been provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6300/21]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will be aware, former Chief Constable Jon Boutcher heads up a series of ongoing independent UK police investigations and reviews into Northern Ireland legacy cases that are collectively described as the Kenova cases. 

The Deputy will appreciate that the manner in which these police investigations and reviews are pursued is entirely a matter for Kenova.

The Deputy has asked about information or documentation sought from any State body by Operation Kenova. The Deputy will appreciate that it would only be in respect of my own area of responsibility to which I can properly respond. 

The issue of cooperation by An Garda Síochána with Operation Kenova is, of course, an operational matter. I can however inform the Deputy that there are arrangements in place which support the mutual co-operation, assistance and exchange of information between An Garda Síochána and the Operation Kenova Investigation Team and that engagement is ongoing at this time.  The Historical Investigation Coordination Unit within An Garda Síochána will continue to support this partnership. 

I can further advise the Deputy of my continuing commitment to supporting An Garda Síochána in pursuing this work and in providing assistance to the greatest extent possible. 

More generally, the Deputy will appreciate that dealing with the legacy of the troubles on this island is a difficult and complex task.  The Stormont House Agreement sets out a series of useful measures in this regard to establish effective ways to address the legacy of the troubles. The Government remains fully committed to the implementation of those measures and working in the interests of victims and their families.

Crime Prevention

Questions (191, 193, 194)

Neale Richmond

Question:

191. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Justice if, in view of recent increases in knife crime, the measures being taken to address this problem; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6314/21]

Neale Richmond

Question:

193. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Justice if she will consider minimum sentencing guidelines for knife crimes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6316/21]

Neale Richmond

Question:

194. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Justice the resources provided to An Garda Síochána to tackle knife crime; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6317/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Justice

I propose to take Questions Nos. 191, 193 and 194 together.

I would like to express my deepest sympathies to all those impacted upon by the recent knife crime related incidents in Dublin, and in particular to the families of the deceased. 

While the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the specific details of any of these incidents, as they are the subject of ongoing investigations, the Government is very conscious of the dangers presented by knife crime and is determined to ensure that similar problems to those which have developed in neighbouring jurisdictions do not develop here in Ireland.

My Department is keeping the law in relation to sentencing for knife crimes, as well as all other policies around knife crimes, such as targeted interventions, under review. It should be noted that the existing maximum sentence (five years) for carrying a knife in this jurisdiction is higher than most common law countries and many other EU countries.

Following a number of initial discussions on our shared concern about these recent serious crime incidents, Minister McEntee met with the Garda Commissioner this week to discuss the issue.

The Commissioner has confirmed that An Garda Síochána has a comprehensive policing plan in place in Dublin’s north inner city. The Minister and the Commissioner also discussed what more can be done to tackle knife crime.

They both agreed that strong community engagement, increased community safety and youth services are a key element in preventing and reducing crime. They also discussed outreach and information programmes, run in a number of different languages, for all communities, as well as youth justice specific and other interventions. 

The Minister and the Commissioner also agreed that further analysis is needed to provide greater insights into the level of violent incidents in our society and that they will remain in ongoing contact on the issue.

The Deputy will also be aware that my Department will shortly bring to Government a new Youth Justice Strategy to cover the period up to 2026. A key priority for this new Strategy will be to strengthen and expand the role of the Garda Youth Diversion projects and other community-based initiatives, including those working with the Probation Service.  Bringing the full range of relevant interventions together in a coherent and holistic response to youth crime will support the objective of diverting young people from crime and anti-social behaviour, including knife crime.

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, subject to the impact of the pandemic on the Garda College.  These additional resources will further strengthen An Garda Síochána’s response to all forms of crime, including knife crime.

Crime Prevention

Questions (192)

Neale Richmond

Question:

192. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Justice if, in view of recent increases in knife crime, she will reconsider introducing a weapons amnesty; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6315/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Justice

The Government is very conscious of the dangers presented by knife crime, and indeed all violent assaults. Clearly any stabbing has the potential to cause irreparable physical harm and tragic consequences and the Government is determined to ensure that similar problems to those which have developed in neighbouring jurisdictions do not develop here in Ireland.

My Department is keeping the law in relation to sentencing for knife crimes, as well as all other policies around knife crimes, such as targeted interventions, under review. 

While I understand the objective of conducting an amnesty in the face of very tragic incidents involving the use of knives, the consistent expert advice from An Garda Síochána is that such an amnesty is not likely to yield any significant benefits. Indeed it is well understood that, in many instances, ordinary household/kitchen knives are used in such crimes and it has not been the experience that knives of this type are handed in during any amnesty.

Questions Nos. 193 and 194 answered with Question No. 191.

Crime Prevention

Questions (195)

Neale Richmond

Question:

195. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Justice the breakdown of the initiatives that have been taken by An Garda Síochána to tackle knife crime on a divisional basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6318/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Justice

I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities and I will contact the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51

I refer to your Parliamentary Question (No. 195 of 4 February 2021) where you sought: “….the initiatives that have been taken by An Garda Síochána to tackle knife crime on a divisional basis…”.

It is important to note that knife crime incidents are rare in our society. The Government, and I as Minister, are committed to ensuring that the problems that we have seen in neighbouring jurisdictions do not repeat themselves here. As you will be aware, under the recently published Justice Plan 2021, my Department will review existing Garda powers in relation to dangerous weapons, including knives, to ensure they have the necessary legal tools to protect our communities.

As you will recall, I sought the information you requested from the Garda authorities and undertook to contact you again once the report was to hand.

The report is now to hand and I am informed by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána’s Assault in Public Reduction Strategy 2019-2021 is currently in operation to tackle all types of assaults in public.

The Strategy is a pro-arrest, early-investigation and high-visibility approach to assault reduction nationally. It places particular emphasis on prevention, education and awareness. The Strategy promotes early prosecution of offenders where feasible and appropriate.

There are five key strategic principles underpinning the Strategy for the reduction of assaults:

1. Protecting People and Communities

2. Awareness and Education as a Crime Prevention Technique

3. Policing Operational Efficiency

4. Location Management by Working In Partnership

5. Offender Management

Each of these principles have specific associated goals and objectives and ultimately are about how best to protect our communities from assaults, to raise awareness on the devastating effects this type of crime through education and the media and increasing operational policing efficiency and the use of location and offender management.

A particular objective of the strategy is to “increase the number of lawful searches in public of persons suspected of carrying weapons or sharp instruments including knives”. Figures relating to the offence of “Possession of Offensive Weapons” are monitored monthly on a National and Divisional level.

Furthermore, intelligence-led policing effectively identifies hotspots where assaults and public order offences occur. This informs the deployment of resources and the appropriate level of policing visibility in the relevant locations during at risk periods to deter the commission of assaults.

Education and awareness of the impact of carrying weapons, disorderly behaviour and violence is a key crime prevention initiative. An Garda Síochána will work with key stakeholders within communities to deliver this education and awareness and drive crime prevention.

On 15 April, Minister McEntee and I launched a new Youth Justice Strategy to cover the period up to 2026. A key priority for this new Strategy is to strengthen and expand the role of the Garda Youth Diversion Projects and other community-based initiatives, including those working with the Probation Service. Bringing the full range of relevant interventions together in a coherent and holistic response to youth crime will support the objective of diverting young people from crime and anti-social behaviour, including knife crime.

I hope this information is of assistance.

Garda Resources

Questions (196)

Brendan Smith

Question:

196. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice if adequate resources will be provided for Garda divisions such as Cavan and Monaghan in view of the unique policing demands in the Border region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6322/21]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

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.

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, there are now approximately over 14,500 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, subject to the operation of the Garda College under applicable public health restrictions.

I am assured 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.  I understand that it is a matter for the Divisional Chief Superintendent to determine the optimum distribution of duties among the personnel available to him or her, having regard to the profile of each area within the Division and its specific needs. 

In the Cavan/Monaghan Division, which services a large part of the border region, I am pleased to advise that that there were 385 Garda members of all ranks as of the end of December 2020, the latest date for which figures are available . This represents an increase of over 17% in Garda numbers since the end of 2017 in the Division, demonstrating An Garda Síochána's commitment to the communities along the Border. 

Garda Workforce Information based on data provided by the Garda Commissioner, who has responsibility for the distribution of resources including personnel, is updated on a monthly basis on my Department’s website through the link below:

http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/An_Garda_Siochana_facts_and_figures

Vaccination Programme

Questions (197)

Colm Burke

Question:

197. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if the Covid-19 vaccination will be made available at an early date for congregated settings in which the residents are over 70 years of age (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6055/21]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy sets out a provisional list of groups for vaccination. The Strategy was developed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and my Department, endorsed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and approved by Government on 8 December 2020.

Vaccine allocation is a matter for my Department and further information is available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/39038-provisional-vaccine-allocation-groups/.

The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is the responsibility of the HSE.

The aim of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is to ensure, over time, that vaccine will become available to vaccinate all of those for whom the vaccine is indicated. Given that there will be initially limited vaccines available, it will take some time for all to receive those vaccines and that has necessitated an allocation strategy to ensure that those most at risk of death and serious illness receive the vaccine first.

The priority is to first vaccinate and protect directly the most vulnerable amongst us, that is, those most likely to have a poor outcome if they contract the virus.

The priority is to directly use vaccines to save lives and reduce serious illness, hence the focus on the over 65 year old cohort in long term residential care facilities, and healthcare workers in frontline services often caring for the most vulnerable.

The next group to be vaccinated are those aged 70 and older in the following order: 85 and older, 80-84, 75-79, and 70-74. Vaccination of this group will begin this month. 

All of the groups will be covered as further vaccine supplies become available and the immunisation programme is rolled out nationally.

The evidence will be kept under review and the allocation groups may be updated, where necessary, in light of new evidence.

HIV-AIDS Programmes

Questions (198)

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill

Question:

198. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Health his plans to accommodate those who require HIV testing but are unable to pay the fee currently required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6064/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

HIV testing is provided free of charge through a number of public services, including public STI services and through public or community services that work with specific populations, in particular those at higher risk of HIV.

HIV testing is included free of charge within routine STI testing and is available for free in all 23 public STI services in Ireland. One of these services is dedicated to gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) (HSE Gay Men’s Health Service) and one service is dedicated to sex workers (HSE Women’s Health Service). HIV testing is also provided for free for specific populations, such as those who inject drugs, homeless people, migrants and prisoners.

HIV testing is also included as part of the national antenatal screening programme for all pregnant women in Ireland. The latest report (2018) indicates an uptake of almost 100%.

HIV testing is available in all hospitals and conducted where this is clinically indicated. Many emergency departments (EDs) offer HIV and hepatitis screening as part of an ED viral screening programme for anyone having bloods taken when they attend the ED.

The HSE is currently piloting a free home STI/HIV testing service, supported by the Sláintecare Integration Fund, in Dublin, Cork and Kerry. The first phase of tests were made available early January and additional tests will be made available over the coming months. Tests are being made available in a phased manner to ensure there is sufficient capacity in local clinics for service users who may need follow-up treatment or support.

All health services, including STI/HIV services are continuing to face service restrictions due to the current impact of Covid-19 on the hospital system and social distancing requirements. Public STI clinics are prioritising those with symptoms or requiring treatment, and this includes anyone who may be referred for confirmation HIV testing.

Student health services provide STI/HIV testing and STI treatment for their students at a subsidised rate, though some are currently providing testing for free to students, due to the service restrictions elsewhere.

HIV testing is available through most GP surgeries and private sexual health services for a fee. Home HIV and STI testing kits are also available to purchase in pharmacies.

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Questions (199)

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill

Question:

199. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Health his plans to reintroduce STI testing for non-emergency cases or those without general practitioner referral; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6065/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Health Services Provision

Questions (200)

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill

Question:

200. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Health his plans to expand PrEP services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6066/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The development and implementation of a national programme of Pre- Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) was a landmark development in realising the strategic vision of the National Sexual Health Strategy 2015 - 2020, which was to improve sexual health and wellbeing and reduce negative sexual health outcomes by ensuring that everyone living in Ireland has access to high quality sexual health information, education and services throughout their lives.

It had been envisaged that the Department of Health and the HSE Sexual Health Crisis Pregnancy Programme would, in 2020, review the position with regard to the future direction of the Strategy which would include the future direction of clinical services including PrEP. However, it was necessary to postpone this work due to the urgent need to mobilise and prioritise resources in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

It is the intention of this Department that the review of the NSHS will take place as soon as possible in 2021. While the outcome of this review will determine the future direction of the Strategy, it will also be necessary to ensure that any remaining work items arising from the current Strategy continue to be implemented.

In light of this, officials from my Department recently wrote to the Interim Programme Lead for the HSE SHCPP, suggesting that we extend the lifetime of the current NSHS to the end of 2021, and requesting that the HSE take any necessary measures to incorporate this into the service planning process.

Consultation with the relevant stakeholders will be carried out in the course of the review process.

With regard to the current position in relation to PrEP services, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Hospital Appointments Status

Questions (201)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

201. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6072/21]

Written answers

Minister for Health

It is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been impacted in the last year as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The HSE is currently recommending that only critical time dependent elective procedures are undertaken at this time due to the on-going and significant increased demand for bed capacity related to Covid-19.

This decision was made arising from the rapid increase in Covid-19 admissions and to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for Covid-19 related activity and time-critical essential work.

Patient safety remains at the centre of all hospital activity and elective care scheduling. To ensure services are provided in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, hospitals are following HSE clinical guidelines and protocols.

Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.

The National Waiting List Management Policy is a standardised approach used by the HSE to manage scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures. It sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists and was developed in 2014 to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care.

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Health Services

Questions (202)

Thomas Gould

Question:

202. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to commissioning a trauma awareness video for the HSE similar to that commissioned and made publicly available for child protection and suicide awareness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6079/21]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Health Services

Questions (203)

Thomas Gould

Question:

203. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the number of times the working group on dual diagnosis has met; when it last met; and the next arranged meeting. [6083/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Vaccination Programme

Questions (204)

Brendan Howlin

Question:

204. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health if nurses and staff involved in providing renal dialysis in sites outside of main hospital settings are included in the Covid-19 vaccine roll-out plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6097/21]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy sets out a provisional list of groups for vaccination. The Strategy was developed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and my Department, endorsed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and approved by Government on 8 December 2020.

Vaccine allocation is a matter for my Department and further information is available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/39038-provisional-vaccine-allocation-groups/.

The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is the responsibility of the HSE.

The aim of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is to ensure, over time, that vaccine will become available to vaccinate all of those for whom the vaccine is indicated. Given that there will be initially limited vaccines available, it will take some time for all to receive those vaccines and that has necessitated an allocation strategy to ensure that those most at risk of death and serious illness receive the vaccine first.

The priority is to first vaccinate and protect directly the most vulnerable amongst us, that is, those most likely to have a poor outcome if they contract the virus.

The priority is to directly use vaccines to save lives and reduce serious illness, hence the focus on the over 65 year old cohort in long term residential care facilities, and healthcare workers in frontline services often caring for the most vulnerable.

The next group to be vaccinated (Group 3) are those aged 70 and older in the following order: 85 and older, 80-84, 75-79, and 70-74. Vaccination of this group will begin this month. 

Frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) in direct patient contact roles will be vaccinated in Group 2. This includes HCWs working in public, private, and voluntary settings. Other HCWs, not in direct patient contact, will be vaccinated in Group 4.

All of the groups will be covered as further vaccine supplies become available and the immunisation programme is rolled out nationally.

The evidence will be kept under review and the allocation groups may be updated, where necessary, in light of new evidence.