Written Answers Nos. 161-180
161. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice if reform of the Joint Policing Committee system is under consideration by her Department at present; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27649/21]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that my Department recently published the general scheme of the landmark Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill. The Bill will provide for a key principle from the report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland that preventing crime and harm and making our communities safer does not rest with An Garda Síochána and my Department alone. It will be best achieved as a ‘whole of government’ responsibility with Departments and agencies responsible for health and social services, education authorities and local authorities, the Gardaí and the wider community working together.
The new Bill will achieve this by establishing innovative Local Community Safety Partnerships to develop local safety plans tailored to the priorities and needs identified by communities themselves. The Local Community Safety Partnerships will replace and build upon the existing joint policing committees and will provide a forum for State agencies and local community representatives to work together to act on community concerns.
Each Partnership will devise and oversee a Local Community Safety Plan, which will be informed by the community itself. Membership of the Partnerships will include: residents; community reps (including youth, new communities and voluntary sector); business and education reps; relevant public services including HSE, Tusla, Gardaí and the local authority; and local councillors.
The Deputy will be aware that in November 2020, Minister McEntee announced the establishment of three new Local Community Safety Partnerships on a pilot basis in the north inner city of Dublin, Waterford and Longford. The locations of the pilots, which will run for 24 months, were chosen based on a number of factors including population density, crime rates and deprivation. An independent Chairperson will chair each Partnership pilot.
As the pilots progress, they will be carefully evaluated and any necessary changes made to ensure the Partnerships work as effectively as possible for the communities involved. The pilots will inform the further development of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill, which will facilitate the rollout of Local Community Safety Partnerships in every local authority area.
162. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Justice further to a statement made by An Taoiseach in December 2020 regarding deportation orders (details supplied), the reason legal proceedings are continuing given ultimately they might end in a decision that necessitates deportation, for example, in cases in which an international protection applicant’s final appeal for permission to remain is denied; her views on whether this effectively constitutes a deportation order; if deportation orders are then being issued but not enforced; and if this technicality will be clarified. [24206/21]
View answerMy Department has adopted a pragmatic and compassionate approach to immigration arrangements in the context of COVID-19. In line with this approach, Deportation Orders are being enforced only in circumstances where an individual may be a threat to national security or whose presence in Ireland would be contrary to the public interest.
With regard to legal proceedings, it is the case that individual immigration applicants may decide to seek a judicial review of an adverse decision made in their case. Where such an application for judicial review is lodged, the Minister for Justice will typically be the respondent and will reserve the right to defend a lawfully made decision. It will then be a matter for the courts to adjudicate on the lawfulness of the decision, which is the subject of the legal proceedings.
The judicial review process is an important mechanism through which legal clarity and certainty can be brought to a particular immigration process or decision-making mechanism, and also through which important legal and administrative principles can be established, and reinforced, to guide future decision-making.
In the context of the international protection process, the statutory provisions in this area are well defined and are clearly set out in the International Protection Act 2015. Any person seeking international protection status will have all aspects of their case considered in detail before a decision is made. Such a decision would involve the granting of international protection status, or the refusal of international protection status but the granting of a permission to remain, or the refusal of both international protection status and permission to remain.
The issuing of letters recommending the refusal of international protection and permission to remain have been suspended since December and for the duration of Level 5 restrictions. The question of recommencing issuing these decisions will be kept under review in the coming weeks as the situation regarding international travel eases.
Any person who has been refused international protection and permission to remain will be made aware of their right to exercise the option of voluntary return; where they fail to do so, a Deportation Order will be made. Any such decision to make a Deportation Order will only be made after a fair and comprehensive examination of the facts and circumstances of the individual case has been conducted, including in relation to their right to a private and a family life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
Furthermore, it is open to a person subject to a Deportation Order to make a request, under section 3(11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), to have that order revoked. Any such request will need to be founded on new information or materially changed circumstances which have arisen since the decision to make the Deportation Order was taken. Any request will be considered on its individual merits.
163. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice when resumption and progression to decision on all naturalisation applications currently waitlisted will take place; when the return of original documentation is expected on these applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29981/21]
View answerMy Department has continued to accept and process citizenship applications throughout the pandemic and at all levels of public health restrictions. Unfortunately, processing rates have been negatively impacted by the necessary health and safety related restrictions imposed and we have been unable to hold in-person citizenship ceremonies since March 2020.
In addition to the Covid-19 disruption, a High Court case, which was subsequently successfully appealed to the Court of Appeal, also resulted in significant delays and the loss of over six months’ processing time.
Currently, there are just over 24,600 applications on hand. These applications are at various stages within the system, ranging from those just received to those where a decision has been made but it is not possible to issue an invitation to a ceremony.
On 18 January 2021, we opened a temporary system that enables applicants to complete their naturalisation process by signing a statutory declaration of loyalty. Approximately 2,428 people have received their Irish citizenship since then. A further 1,853 people have returned their signed statutory declarations and we will be sending them their certificates of naturalisation in the coming weeks. By the end of this month, we will have communicated with 6,500 applicants, offering them the opportunity to complete their citizenship through the statutory declaration process.
To further address the volume of applications on hand, we are assigning additional staff to the citizenship team; and we have introduced a number of measures to increase the digitisation of the process. This includes the introduction of eTax clearance and eVetting; rolling out online payments; revising our website to make it more user-friendly for customers; and launching our first chatbot ‘Tara’, which has answered more than 12,000 customer queries since November.
The end result of the digitisation process will be to free up additional resources to focus on processing applications in a timely and efficient manner, to improve service to our customers and reduce waiting times.
Under normal circumstances, passports are returned approximately 10 days after their receipt. However, the current limits on staff attendance in the office due to COVID-19 restrictions, has resulted in delays in the return of some passports.
Applicants are advised not to send in their application during the pandemic if they anticipate that they may have to travel at short notice. However, I fully appreciate that people may have to travel at short notice for emergency reasons. The citizenship website advises that in these circumstances, applicants should email the citizenship helpdesk (citizenshipinfo@justice.ie) with the relevant details including postal tracking reference if available. The request must be accompanied by appropriate scanned supporting material detailing the reasons for travel. Any request of this nature is dealt with promptly.
164. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice when it is planned to commence the provisions setting up the Parole Board on a statutorily independent basis and to transfer decisions on granting parole to the board; if it is planned that decisions will be made before this date on all recommendations made by the Parole Board to her up to that date; the number of recommendations on hand in her Department at present awaiting Ministerial decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27626/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the establishment of the Parole Board on a statutory footing is a priority action under Justice Plan 2021 which envisages the new Board being established by July 2021. The new Board will replace the interim Board that currently operates on an administrative basis. The Parole Act 2019 puts the Parole Board on an independent statutory footing and it sets out clear and transparent criteria for how the Board will reach its decisions, which will be independent of the Minister of the day.
This will considerably improve the system as it currently operates. A dedicated project team has been put in place to coordinate, track and drive forward the necessary work across the Department and the Sector.
The goal is for the full complement of Board members to be available for appointment by end-July 2021 or shortly thereafter. Mr Justice Michael White, a High Court Judge, has been identified as the inaugural Chairperson of the Parole Board on the nomination of the Chief Justice.
Nine other individuals - who will be appointed in accordance with subsections 10(3)(b) to 10(3)(h), inclusive, of the 2019 Act - have also been identified.
An open competition is currently underway, via the Public Appointments Service, in order to identify candidates suitable for appointment in accordance with subsections 10(3)(i) and 10(3)(j).
However, these appointments cannot be formalised until the Act has been commenced which is expected in July 2021 or shortly thereafter.
It is my intention that decisions will be made on all recommendations received from the non statutory Parole Board prior to the establishment of the Board on a statutory basis.
There are currently 19 cases awaiting Ministerial decision of which 14 were received on 27 May 2021.
Following receipt of recommendations from the Parole Board, detailed submissions based on the reports received with those recommendations are prepared for the Minister’s consideration. The remaining recommendations will be finalised as soon as possible.
165. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which efforts are being made to expedite the processing of the relevant visas for construction workers coming here from abroad and likely to make a positive contribution to the construction sector; if special arrangements can be made to clear any backlogs as quickly as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30165/21]
View answerMy Department started a limited resumption of visa services from 26 April 2021. During this time we have recommenced accepting and processing all Long Stay “D” visa applications (with the exception of English Language Study); those identified under our current criteria as Emergency/Priority visas; and applications from people entitled to avail of the provisions of the EU Free Movement Directive.
Preclearance applications under the five existing schemes below are also being accepted and processed:
- Lay Volunteer;
- Minister of Religion;
- De Facto Partner of an Irish National;
- De Facto Partner of a Critical Skills Employment Permit Holder, or of a non EEA Researcher on a Hosting Agreement; and
- Family members seeking to join a UK National in Ireland.
It remains the position that we are not accepting any short stay visa applications, except for cases that fall under the Emergency/Priority criteria set out below. The suspension of short stay and English Language Study applications will continue to be reviewed in consultation with the relevant authorities in the coming weeks.
Certain Priority/Emergency cases that will continue to be accepted/processed include the following:
- Workers or self-employed persons exercising critical occupations including healthcare workers, frontier and posted workers as well as seasonal workers as referred to in the Guidelines concerning the exercise of the free movement of workers during the COVID-19 outbreak;
- People travelling for business/employment purposes and granted an employment permit by Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment to meet an enterprise’s key business requirements;
- transport workers or transport service providers, including drivers of freight vehicles carrying goods for use in the territory as well as those merely transiting;
- patients travelling for imperative medical reasons;
- pupils, students and trainees who travel abroad on a daily basis and Third-country nationals travelling for the purpose of 3rd level study;
- persons travelling for imperative family or business reasons;
- diplomats, staff of international organisations and people invited by international organisations whose physical presence is required for the well-functioning of these organisations, military personnel and police officers, and humanitarian aid workers and civil protection personnel in the exercise of their functions;
- passengers in transit;
- seafarers;
- journalists, when performing their duties.
There are currently no backlogs in the processing of employment visas.
166. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí in the Sligo-Leitrim division at the end of April 2021; the way this compares to the end of April 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29973/21]
View answerThe resources provided by government to An Garda Síochána have reached unprecedented levels, with an allocation of €1.88 billion in 2020 and of €1.952 billion in 2021. This has enabled sustained, ongoing recruitment.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the general management and administration of Garda operations under the Garda Síochána Act 2005. This includes the deployment of members of An Garda Síochána throughout the State. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
My Department publishes statistics monthly on the number of Gardaí deployed in every division on my Department's website.
As at 30 April 2021 there were 302 Gardaí assigned to the Sligo/Leitrim Division which represents an increase of 2.7% since 2015, when there were 294 Gardaí assigned to the Division. These Garda members are supported by 45 Garda staff, which represents an increase of over 66% since 2015.
As the Deputy will appreciate, Garda numbers can be affected by a number of factors, including retirements, medical discharges and resignations. There has been a decrease in the number of Gardaí assigned to Sligo/Leitrim Division from 318 Gardaí in April 2020 to 302 in April 2021.
167. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Justice the way the courts will prioritise the digital agenda and online hearings; the increase in the number of remote hearings taking place; the investment which is being made; the way progress is being measured; the impact the investment is having; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29600/21]
View answerI am committed to driving the modernisation and Digital First agenda across the entire justice sector. Under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in exercising its functions. Furthermore, the scheduling of individual court cases and the allocation of court business are matters for the Presidents of the Courts and the presiding judges who are, under the Constitution, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions.
Last year, the Courts Service adopted a Modernisation Programme aimed at improving access to justice in a modern, digital Ireland. This programme sets the agenda for reform over the coming years with a digital first user-centric approach at its core, and is overseen by a dedicated Modernisation Programme sub-committee of the Courts Service Board. As part of the initial phase of the programme, a framework is being developed which will track and measure progress throughout the programme’s implementation.
I particularly welcome the goal of the Courts Service, as set out in its recently published Corporate Strategic Plan 2021 – 2023, to maximise the use of digital technologies to provide an improved and user-centred service.
The Courts Service and the judiciary have adapted with innovation and speed during the pandemic and many of the practices introduced due to Covid-19, such as the increased use of video links and e-filing, point the way towards a Digital First future for the Courts Service.
Remote court hearings have been an innovative feature of the response by the judiciary, County Registrars and the Courts Service to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Courts Service recently announced a programme of courtroom technology expansion. This programme will deliver 49 new or upgraded video courtrooms throughout 2021, at a cost in excess of €2.2 million, with 18 delivered to date. In 2015, there were just 26 video link enabled courtrooms. Since then, this number expanded to 65 last year, and will reach 104 courtrooms by the end of this year.
Between April 2020 and April 2021, a total of 4,917 remote court sessions were held. Over the same period, there were 16,995 Irish Prison Service remote video-link courtroom appearances by prisoners compared to 3,798 in 2019.
This progress has been supported by the Government’s commitment to ensuring adequate resources for the courts and maintaining access to justice for all citizens. This year the Government agreed the highest ever budgetary allocation for the justice sector including €158.8 million for the Courts Service. This included €8 million for the Courts Modernisation Programme along with an additional provision of €5.7m for COVID measures to enable court sittings take place in a socially distanced and safe environment.
168. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 464 of 15 December 2020, if there have been further developments in relation to the need for a comprehensive investigation into the Belturbet bombing of December 1972; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30242/21]
View answerI thank the Deputy for raising this matter and I know that he has campaigned over many years on behalf of the families of the victims of the Belturbet bombing. Like him and many others, I would also hold the view that the perpetrators of this appalling atrocity should be brought to justice.
Nearly 50 years ago, on 28 December 1972, bombs exploded in three border towns, Clones, Co. Monaghan, Belturbet, Co. Cavan and Pettigo, Co. Donegal. The perpetrators of these bombings demonstrated a callous disregard for human life with many injured and the lives of two innocent young people taken in the Belturbet bombing.
I am assured that these bombings were comprehensively investigated at the time by An Garda Síochána. The investigation pursued various lines of inquiry; however it was not possible to acquire sufficient evidence to sustain a prosecution.
An Garda Síochána has confirmed to me that the investigation remains open and their work has continued in the intervening period. The Gardaí also liaise with the families in relation to any developments. Very regrettably, we have yet to see the perpetrators brought to justice.
I would emphasise however that any new information will be assessed by the Garda authorities. In this regard, the content of the new material from recent academic and media sources has been brought to the attention of the Garda Commissioner for consideration and any appropriate action. This includes the academic article referred to by the Deputy in Parliamentary Question No. 464 of 15 December 2020.
An Garda Síochána remain committed to working closely with the PSNI as necessary, where that could advance the investigation. I can also tell the Deputy that last month I took the opportunity to raise this bombing with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland during my first week as Minister for Justice.
I would ask that anyone with information in relation to these appalling acts to please contact An Garda Síochána. It is never too late to do the right thing by these families who have suffered so much.
169. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí in the Clonakilty, Bandon and Bantry districts at the end of April 2021; the way this compares to the end of April 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29977/21]
View answerThe resources provided by government to An Garda Síochána have reached unprecedented levels, with an allocation of €1.88 billion in 2020 and of €1.952 billion in 2021. This has enabled sustained, ongoing recruitment.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the general management and administration of the Garda organisation under the Garda Síochána Act 2005. This includes the deployment of members of An Garda Síochána throughout the State. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
I am informed that, as at 30 April 2021, there were 104 Gardaí assigned to Bandon District, 54 assigned to Bantry District and 72 assigned to Clonakilty District. These Garda members are supported by 45 Garda staff.
As the Deputy will appreciate, Garda numbers can be affected by a number of factors, including retirements, medical discharges and resignations. The impact of policing measures and other steps to support the public health restrictions has also, exceptionally, had an impact over the past year. As such, there has been a decrease in the numbers of Gardaí assigned to Bandon District from 113 in April 2020 to 104 in April 2021 and to Bantry Distict from 56 in April 2020 to 54 in April 2021. There has been an increase in the number of Gardaí assigned to the Clonakilty District over the same time period from 67 to 72.
The Deputy may wish to note, however, that recruitment, which had been paused, has now recommenced in 2021 with 150 Garda trainees entering the Garda College on 24 May, the first of four intakes and a revised planned total of 450 for the year. This forms an important component in the unprecedented and sustained level of investment being made in Garda resources in recent years, and is equipping the organisation to meet community needs throughout the country.
170. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice if her attention has been drawn to the issues caused by Covid-19 within the Probate Office in relation to interviews and delays on cases due to interviews not being conducted; the steps being taken to rectify the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12765/21]
View answerThe Probate Office is an office of the High Court and under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in its functions. However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has provided the following update on the Dublin Probate Office, which accounts for over fifty per cent of all probate applications lodged in this jurisdiction. The Courts Service advises that the reintroduction of restrictions on travel earlier this year necessitated the temporary closure of the personal applications process in the Dublin Probate Office. Interviews for personal applications, however, resumed early last month with additional resources being allocated to facilitating these interviews. The staff of the Probate Office are committed to clearing the backlogs that had developed while personal applicant interviews were not possible and are working hard to achieve this.
The Deputy will appreciate that all such personal application interviews are required to be conducted in line with current Public Health Guidelines, which must be factored into the scheduling of interview appointments.
The waiting time for solicitor applications in the Dublin Office is at its lowest point for many years. For applications that are correct, the waiting period is six weeks. Resubmitted applications, where queries were raised when the papers were first lodged, are taking six weeks from the date they are resubmitted.
171. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí in Garda stations in County Carlow at the end of April 2021; the way this compares to the end of April 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29968/21]
View answerThe resources provided by government to An Garda Síochána have reached unprecedented levels, with an allocation of €1.88 billion in 2020 and of €1.952 billion in 2021. This has enabled sustained, ongoing recruitment.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the general management and administration of the Garda organisation under the Garda Síochána Act 2005. This includes the deployment of members of An Garda Síochána throughout the State. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
My Department publishes statistics on the number of Gardaí deployed in every division on the Department's website on a monthly basis.
As at 30 April 2021 there were 117 Gardaí assigned to Garda Stations in the Carlow District, which represents an increase of 10.4% since 2015. These Garda members are supported by 15 Garda staff.
As the Deputy will appreciate, Garda numbers can be affected by a number of factors, including retirements, medical discharges and resignations. There has been a decrease in the number of Gardaí assigned to Garda Stations in the Carlow District from 121 Gardaí in April 2020 to 117 in April 2021.
172. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice if she has received the final report from a person (details supplied) in respect to the circumstances surrounding the death of a person; and if she plans to publish the report in full. [27840/21]
View answerI would like to start by offering my own deepest sympathies to the parents and family of the late Shane O'Farrell. Shane's death was a dreadful tragedy and a huge loss for his family and for his community.
As the Deputy will be aware, a highly respected retired Judge, Gerard Haughton, has been conducting a scoping exercise into the tragic circumstances surrounding Shane O'Farrell's death.
The purpose of this exercise is to advise as to whether any further investigation or inquiry beyond those already carried out is necessary and if so to advise on the form of such investigation or inquiry and its terms of reference.
Judge Haughton furnished an interim report to the then Minister for Justice 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 am awaiting the final report and I expect to receive this from the Judge shortly.
The Judge is naturally completely independent in his work, and I can neither intervene in nor seek to influence the outcome of the scoping exercise. My Department continues to provide all necessary assistance to the Judge to enable him to complete his work. The previous extensions to the timescale requested by the Judge have, as he 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 that this process has taken significantly longer than any of us would like, 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. I understand that Judge Haughton has been in contact with the O’Farrell family throughout his scoping exercise.
173. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Justice if she will consider establishing a dedicated Garda public transport unit in Dublin. [30233/21]
View answerI abhor the recent acts of violence and anti-social behaviour, which are completely unacceptable. There are a number of tools at the disposal of the Garda Commissioner, who is operationally responsible, to respond to such incidents. The Commissioner is also responsible, as the Deputy will be aware, for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, and as Minister I have no role in these independent functions.
An Garda Síochána's mission of 'Keeping People Safe' extends to all areas of our communities, including public transport. Garda management engages extensively with transport operators, including the National Transport Authority, Irish Rail (DART and InterCity rail) and Transdev Ireland (Luas) to provide a high visibility presence through a co-ordinated approach.
I am informed that a range of regional and local operations have been put in place to prevent and detect incidents arising.
For example, Operation Twin Track was a Community Engagement and Rail Safety Policing Initiative conducted by Gardaí in partnership with other public transportation stakeholders with the purpose of providing high visibility policing of rail and light rail transport within the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) and nationwide, and to deliver crime prevention advice.
A multi-agency review was conducted to examine the effectiveness of this operation and it was agreed that An Garda Síochána will continue to proactively engage with public transportation stakeholders and providers to conduct further similar operations.
I have been advised by the Garda authorities that each Chief Superintendent in Dublin has put in place a dedicated policing plan to tackle anti-social behaviour on public transport. Gardaí are conducting both overt and covert patrols of various public transport networks to address incidents of non-compliance under the Health Act 1947 (as amended), incidences of anti-social behaviour or any other criminal offences.
I am advised that An Garda Síochána do not propose to establish a dedicated transport policing unit at this time.
174. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice the status of plans to carry out remedial works at Carlow courthouse. [29967/21]
View answerUnder the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts, including the provision of accommodation for court sittings, is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in its functions. However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made regarding Carlow courthouse and the Courts Service has provided me with the following update on this matter.
The railings at Carlow courthouse which date from the 1830s stretch for 180m around two of the three sides of the courthouse; they are divided into 66 bays/sections and are in a very bad state of repair. The Courts Service advises that it is committed to their full restoration at the earliest possible date.
I am informed that the restoration work is a complex task requiring specialist conservation and iron-working expertise. The Courts Service does not have this expertise itself and is reliant on the resources of the Office of Public Works (OPW) to undertake and manage the task. I am further informed that the OPW has adopted a very thorough approach to this project and a great deal of background work has been undertaken by the OPW, including technical appraisals, investigations and experimental repairs. Due to the size, complexity and anticipated high cost of the project, the actual restoration work will be undertaken in stages and as funding allows. The first phase of the restoration works will see ten of the 66 bays/sections restored. The Courts Service further advises me that the OPW is managing a competitive procurement process to select a contractor with the necessary expertise and skills to undertake the phase 1 restoration. An invitation to tender for the restoration of the initial ten sections issued earlier in the year with a closing date of 26 March 2021. I understand that responses received are being evaluated at present and it is expected that a contract will be awarded shortly. Funding has been allocated in 2021 to cover the anticipated cost of the phase 1 restoration of the initial ten sections. This initial work will inform how future phases will be undertaken.
175. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice when the report on familicide will be published. [29966/21]
View answerDomestic homicides are truly devastating events for families, for friends and for the wider communities affected. It is important to remember the people and the lives behind these terrible tragedies and I would like to start by offering my condolences to all those whose lives have been so tragically impacted by domestic homicides.
This is why there is a commitment in the Justice Plan 2021 to publish the independent research on Familicide and Domestic Homicide Reviews which has been commissioned by my Department. This will be an important first step in delivering on the Programme for Government commitment to legislate to introduce Domestic Homicide Reviews.
The independent study is looking at international best practice in the conduct of Domestic Homicide Reviews with a view to making recommendations in relation to their application in this jurisdiction. I must emphasise that the Advisory Group and their work is independent, and the Department of Justice is not involved in the work of the study nor is it a member of the Advisory Group.
I understand from the Study Lead that the focus now is on the fair procedures part of the process and that this involves allowing any persons or organisations who might be affected by the contents of the draft report (including the families concerned) to be given an opportunity to reply. Invariably, this part of the process can take time as it involves engaging with multiple parties. However, it is an essential part of the process and must be completed before the report can be finalised.
The Study Lead is working to complete the process in order to be able to proceed to finalising the report.
When received, I will examine the report in detail and I am committed to considering any recommendations made as a priority.
176. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice the status of the progress in addressing Supporting a Victim's Journey: A plan to help victims and vulnerable witnesses in sexual violence cases, recommendation 9.5 (details supplied). [30068/21]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for raising this matter as the full implementation of the recommendations of the O'Malley Review has been a priority for Minister McEntee and that will continue during my time as Minister of State in the Department of Justice.
Following publication of 'Supporting a Victim’s Journey' - our plan to implement the recommendations of the O'Malley Review - the Department established three specific sub-groups to work on implementing some of the recommendations.
One of these sub groups is focused on meeting the training needs of a wide range of front-line staff and professionals, including legal professionals.
The sub-group has been tasked with
- identifying gaps in the current provision;
- recommending measures to address them;
- ascertaining the types of training that is needed; and
- designing a framework for its delivery.
In the coming weeks, my Department will be engaging a consultant to conduct a mapping exercise to establish what training is already being provided, and in what areas. This exercise will commence as soon as practicable and have a relatively short timeframe for completion so the development work can begin.
Following the mapping exercise, evaluation of the effectiveness of current training will take place and the sub-group will flesh out what gaps exist with support from the consultant.
Once these first two stages are complete, measures will be brought forward to address any gaps and meet the training needs identified.
177. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí within the Garda national cyber-crime bureau; the current number of vacancies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30191/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, as amended, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business, including the distribution and stationing of Garda members throughout the State, including to specialist units within the organisation. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
An Garda Síochána has significantly stepped up its dedicated resources in the cyber area in recent years and is continuing to grow its capabilities in this area. The Garda Commissioner established a dedicated Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau (GNCCB) last summer, led by a Detective Chief Superintendent.
GNCCB is responsible for the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of cybercrime incidents in the State. Cybercrime generally involves incidents where the internet, information and communication technology (ICT) systems or digital devices play a significant role in the commission of a criminal offence. GNCCB works collaboratively with local and national Garda units along with national and international stakeholders to reduce the threat and impact of cybercrime on individuals and organisations.
GNCCB is now in expansion phase, with increases of nearly 80 additional staff planned between this year and 2022, with 25 of these already in place. I am advised that this expansion of GNCCB will include the recruitment of 20 civilian expert posts at engineer grade.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that on 12 April 2021, 25 additional sworn Garda members were allocated to GNCCB, comprising 4 Detective Sergeants and 21 Detective Gardaí. 15 of these Garda members were allocated to Cyber Satellite Hubs based in Cork, Galway, Mullingar & Wexford, whilst the remaining 9 were allocated to the National Cybercrime Unit based in Harcourt Square.
I am advised by Garda authorities that total staffing levels in GNCCB stand at 45 Garda members and 6 Garda staff. I am advised that it is anticipated that a further allocation of staff to GNCCB will occur in the near future.
I am also advised that GNCCB’s own IT capability is also increasing, with a new decryption suite procured earlier this year. This work is also resourced through a smaller expert team in the National Crime and Security Intelligence Service.
As the Deputy will be aware, An Garda Síochána maintains strong international links and is liaising and co-operating with international law enforcement and security partners – Interpol, Europol, the FBI and the UK’s National Crime Agency.
A breakdown of the number of Garda members assigned to the unit is provided in the table below.
The current staffing levels at the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau.
|
2021 |
D/Chief Supt |
D/Supt |
D/Insp |
D/Sgt |
D/Garda |
Total |
|
Harcourt Square |
1 |
1 |
2 |
6 |
19 |
29 |
|
Cork Hub |
1 |
5 |
6 |
|||
|
Wexford Hub |
3 |
3 |
||||
|
Mullingar Hub |
3 |
3 |
||||
|
Galway Hub |
4 |
4 |
||||
|
Total |
1 |
1 |
2 |
7 |
34 |
45 |
178. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí in the Midleton and Fermoy districts at the end of April 2021; the way this compares to the end of April 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29976/21]
View answerThe resources provided by government to An Garda Síochána have reached unprecedented levels, with an allocation of €1.88 billion in 2020 and of €1.952 billion in 2021. This has enabled sustained, ongoing recruitment.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the general management and administration of the Garda organisation under the Garda Síochána Act 2005. This includes the deployment of members of An Garda Síochána throughout the State. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
As of 30 April 2021 there were 123 Gardaí assigned to the Midleton District, which represents an increase of 7.9% since 2015. As of the same date, there were 103 Gardaí assigned to the Fermoy District, which represents an increase of 21.2% since 2015.
There has been an increase in the number of Gardaí assigned to the Fermoy District from 98 Gardaí in April 2020 to 103 in April 2021, which is an overall increase of 5.1%.
As the Deputy will appreciate, Garda numbers can be affected by a number of factors, including retirements, medical discharges and resignations. The impact of policing measures and other steps to support the public health restrictions has also, exceptionally, had an impact over the past year. There has been a decrease in the number of Gardaí assigned to the Midleton District from 134 Gardaí in April 2020 to 123 in April 2021.
The Deputy may wish to note, however, that recruitment, which had been paused, has now recommenced in 2021 with 150 Garda trainees entering the Garda College on 24 May, the first of four intakes and a revised planned total of 450 for the year. This continuing recruitment forms an important component in the unprecedented and sustained level of investment being made in Garda resources in recent years, and is equipping the organisation to meet community needs throughout the country.
179. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice when the GSOC 2020 Annual Report will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30212/21]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that I have received the GSOC annual report for 2020 and that I intend to bring the report to Government in the coming weeks and to lay it before the Houses immediately thereafter.
180. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Justice the status of steps being taken to tackle antisocial behaviour; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27645/21]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that I am very conscious of how anti-social behaviour affects the quality of life for individuals and for local communities.
The safety of citizens remains a priority for An Garda Síochána and Community Gardaí are present in and available to all communities. I am informed that there is ongoing liaison with community leaders and schools to discourage anti-social behaviour, along with engagement with residents associations and communities to drive a partnership response to issues.
My Department's Justice Plan 2021 contains a number of commitments with regard to tackling anti-social behaviour.
In line with a commitment in the Programme for Government, I have established a special expert forum on antisocial behaviour. A subgroup of this forum has already helped inform a new scheme to tackle the misuse of scramblers and quadbikes and similar sub groups can also be established for other issues where appropriate.
On 15 April last, Minister McEntee and I also launched the new Youth Justice Strategy 2021-2027. This new strategy will respond collaboratively to the situation of vulnerable children and young people, with a strong focus on diverting them away from offending, and building supports to provide prevention and early intervention.
The Strategy will seek to increase the range and quality of supports available to support positive personal development and behavioural change to lead to positive outcomes for the young people involved and their families.
This will be achieved through strengthening and enhancing the supports provided through the existing network of 105 Garda Youth Diversion Projects (GYDPs) around the country. The geographical coverage of the service will be expanded so that, within two years, it is available to every child in the State who could benefit from it. In particular, GYDP services will be enhanced to provide:
- early intervention and engagement with more challenging children and young people whose needs may be too complex for the existing GYDP services;
- family support;
- engagement with younger children (8-11 years); and
- support to schools in relation to the retention of young people with challenging behaviour in the education system.
While Garda Youth Diversion Projects primarily receive referrals from An Garda Síochána, they may receive referrals from other sources including schools, parents or self-referrals.
Anti-social behaviour will also be considered by the local community safety partnerships which are to be set up in every local authority under my Department’s new community safety policy. Three pilot partnerships are currently being established in Dublin’s north inner city, Longford and Waterford and will run for the next two years, ahead of the nationwide rollout.
