Written Answers Nos. 1314-1333
1314. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the SUSI review for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41385/21]
View answerAs part of a comprehensive customer service and communications strategy provided by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI), to ensure that all necessary avenues are open to applicants to receive the information they need, a dedicated email and phone line service is provided by SUSI for Oireachtas members. This was established to meet an identified need for applicants who choose to engage the assistance of their public representatives in making enquiries about their grant applications. This service complements the established channels provided by SUSI which include online application tracking, a dedicated website, a telephone helpdesk, email and social media, including Facebook and Twitter. Enquiries may be emailed direct to SUSI at oireachtas@susi.ie. Staff in SUSI are responding to email queries within a matter of days.
With regard to the specific application, I have been advised by my officials that the student outlined by the Deputy submitted a renewal application to SUSI for the 2021/22 academic year and a change of circumstance was declared. A full assessment of the student's application was completed. On 14th June 2021 he was issued with a letter awarding him the 100% adjacent rate of grant as the shortest most direct route was confirmed to be under 45km. Following a request from the applicant for an internal review the distance from the student's residence from his college was confirmed as under 45km. The applicant has also informed SUSI that he may have a further change of circumstance. SUSI has advised that he can request an further internal review of his application and he should contact SUSI as soon as the change occurs.
1315. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of SUSI applications waiting for review for the 2020-2021 academic year which have not yet received a decision by SUSI; the deadline communication of these decisions; if there has been a significant delay in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41386/21]
View answerThe student grant scheme, administered by SUSI, provides grants to students who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
SUSI received over 100,000 applications for academic year 2020/21 representing an increase in applications when compared to 2019/20. There have been no delays in the processing of applications received for 2020/21 with SUSI processing the increased number of applications at a faster pace than the previous year.
SUSI opened for applications for 2020/21 in April 2020 with the online system closing in November 2020 after which late applications fulfilling the necessary criteria were accepted. Currently 29 applications for the 2020/21 academic year are yet to be finalised. Of these, 18 are with the applicant and SUSI is awaiting the return of requested documents. 11 applications are being reviewed by SUSI .
1316. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Justice her plans in terms of rebalancing the duty of care regarding personal injury claims; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40956/21]
View answer1318. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide an update on possible duty of care legislation in relation to personal injury claims; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40958/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1316 and 1318 together.
In line with the commitment in the Justice Plan 2021, and as part of the Government’s Action Plan on Insurance Reform, I have undertaken a review of the current occupiers’ liability legislation in Ireland and other common law jurisdictions, as well as an examination of “duty of care” provisions in those jurisdictions.
The review identified a number of possible options for reform in this area and my Department is working with the Office of the Attorney General to develop legislative proposals on the matter. It is my intention that any required legislative proposals will be submitted for Government approval following the completion of discussions with the Office of the Attorney General.
1317. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Justice the actions the Government will take following the perjury legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40957/21]
View answerThe Criminal Justice (Perjury and Related Offences) Act 2021, passed by the Oireachtas last month, provides for new statutory offences relating to perjury, subornation of perjury, the making of certain false statements, the fabrication of evidence and other related matters.
Last week I signed the commencement order for this Act and it will enter into force on 28 July 2021.
This legislation provides a clear, statutory definition of perjury and should enable the offence and related offences to be more easily prosecuted in the courts.
1319. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice if she has considered the designation status of Georgia as safe for the purposes of international protection considering recent events (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39063/21]
View answerGeorgia is designated a safe country of origin under the International Protection Act 2015 (Safe Country of Origin) Order 2018.
Under Section 72 of the International Protection Act 2015, a country may only be designated as a safe country of origin where satisfied that, on the basis of the legal situation, the application of the law within a democratic system and the general political circumstances, it can be shown that there is generally and consistently no persecution, no torture or inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and no threat by reason of indiscriminate violence in situations of international or internal armed conflict.
In making the assessment, it must be taken into account, among other things, the extent to which protection is provided against persecution or mistreatment by:
- The relevant laws and regulations of the country and the manner in which they are applied.
- The observance of the rights and freedoms laid down in specified European and International Conventions.
- Respect for the principle of non-refoulement in accordance with the Geneva Convention.
- Provision for a system of effective remedies against violation of those rights and freedoms.
The assessment must be based on a range of sources of information, including from other EU Member States, the European Asylum Support Office, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, the Council of Europe and other international organisations as appropriate.
My Department draws from the relevant published reports of a range of bodies in this regard, which provide information on the state of play in the country under review. If an applicant for international protection is from a country designated as a safe country of origin, their application will still receive a full consideration on its merits by the International Protection Office of my Department. They are not deemed to be inadmissible merely by coming from one of these countries.
It is not intended, at this time, to review the designated status of Georgia as a safe country of origin. However, my Department will keep the matter under consideration, as appropriate.
1320. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice the estimated number of international protection order interviews that would need to be conducted for the current backlog to be cleared. [39086/21]
View answerThe International Protection Office (IPO) of my Department has remained open to offer applicants a service, in line with our international obligations to allow those who wish to claim international protection the opportunity to do so. The provision of the facility to allow people claim international protection is considered an essential service at all times, including during the Covid-19 crisis.
The interview schedule for the IPO has, however, been severely disrupted during this time. As of 30 June 2021, approximately 4,430 applicants were awaiting interview.
With effect from 10 May 2021, interviews re-commenced in limited numbers by video conference in line with health and safety guidance, with the applicant in one room linked by video conference to an interviewer in another room of the same building. Interviews by video link from Cork have also resumed. Over 140 video conference interviews have taken place since 10 May.
My Department is committed to implementing the key recommendations in the Expert Advisory Group Report to reduce processing times of both first instance decisions and appeals to 6 months respectively, as outlined in the White Paper to End Direct Provision and Establish a New International Protection Support Service.
A Programme Board has been established in my Department to oversee the implementation of the relevant recommendations and is supported by an Implementation Working Group. My Department will also be represented on a Programme Board being established by my colleague, Minister O'Gorman, which will set performance indicators for the new model and monitor progress against those indicators.
The White Paper proposes that the new system should be phased in and operational by 2024 and that the intervening period should provide an opportunity to progress improvements in the overall processing times for international protection.
Work is under way in my Department towards identifying mechanisms which will assist with this. For example, additional ICT resources have been secured for this year, and detailed practical work, including the end-to-end review of relevant international protection processes by a multi-disciplinary team from within my Department, has now been completed.
My Department's main focus now is to get its processing system functioning as effectively and efficiently as possible, while adhering to all measures in place to combat the spread of COVID-19.
1321. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Justice if she will establish a commission of inquiry with a cross-Border dimension into the exposure and murder of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39092/21]
View answerThe Deputy refers to the brutal murder of Mr Denis Donaldson in April 2006 in Glenties, County Donegal.
The Deputy will likely be aware, that a number of inquiries related to the death of Mr. Donaldson have been undertaken both in this jurisdiction and in Northern Ireland.
The Garda Authorities are conducting an ongoing investigation into the killing of Mr. Donaldson and extensive inquiries have been carried out in this regard. I am informed by An Garda Síochána that the investigation remains open and active and that further directions from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions are awaited.
I am further informed that the inquest into the death currently stands adjourned in light of the ongoing criminal investigation.
While I appreciate that the adjournment of these proceedings will be a matter of concern for the family of Mr Donaldson, you will appreciate that this is undertaken to ensure that the criminal proceedings are not compromised.
In the circumstances, most notably the ongoing active Garda investigation, I do not believe it would be prudent to consider the establishment of a commission of inquiry.
1322. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice the funding that has been allocated to the Data Protection Commission in 2021; and the funding allocated to the Commission in each of the years 2018 to 2020, in tabular form. [39095/21]
View answerThe figures requested by the Deputy are set out in the attached table. There has been a continued year-on-year increase in funding for the Data Protection Commission (DPC) over the last four budgetary years to reflect this commitment.
The Commission has received an allocation of €19.1 million in funding under Budget 2021. This represents a 13% increase on the €16.9 million that was allocated for 2020 and a more than five-fold increase from its 2015 allocation of €3.647m, in line with its increased functions.
Against this background of successive increases in budget allocation in recent years significant underspends by the Commission have occurred. These underspends have been €4.7 million in 2020, €4.8 million in 2019 and €3.6 million in 2018.
Staffing numbers in the DPC have also increased from 110 at the end of 2018, to over 180 as of 19 July 2021.
The Government is publicly committed to keeping the resourcing of the DPC under on-going review. My Department will continue to monitor the impact of implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the impact of any possible future regulatory changes as well as any changes within industry, in conjunction with the DPC, to ensure that the DPC continues to have the resources required to fulfil its important, statutory obligations. The existence of a professional and competent data protection regulator in Ireland is also a critical enabler to the development and growth of our digital economy.
My Department has also supported the Commission in securing new office accommodation, with sanction given for a new Dublin based premises by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in May 2021.
|
Year |
Allocated DPC Funding |
Underspends |
|
2021 |
€19,100,000 |
- |
|
2020 |
€16,916,000 |
€4.7m |
|
2019 |
€15,280,000 |
€4.8m |
|
2018 |
€11,669,000 |
€3.6m |
1323. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the progress to date in the determination of citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied); when a decision will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39107/21]
View answerAn application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy on 15 April 2019. The application continues to be processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation and will be submitted to me for decision in due course.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. The nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at INISOireachtasMail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
1324. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice the scope of the Garda Síochána Expert Review Group on Recruit Education and Entry Pathways and Learning and Development; if she will receive a copy of its initial report; when she expects the report to be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39125/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland (CoFPI) was published in 2018 following significant consultation with a wide range of stakeholders including public representatives, government officials, academics in Ireland and abroad, Garda members of all ranks, and Garda staff. The Commission's recommendations were accepted by Government in December 2018, including the establishment of an Expert Review Group to bring forward recommendations in relation to recruit education and entry routes and pathways into An Garda Síochána, and in the area of learning and development within An Garda Síochána.
The Expert Review Group on Recruit Education, Entry Pathways and Learning and Development commenced work in late 2020. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, meetings of the group moved to a remote format in early 2021 and I am advised that work is progressing well.
The expert review group will provide strategic advice and recommendations to An Garda Síochána in respect of the areas that are fundamental to the successful delivery of learning and development interventions in the organisation, including learning and development strategies, provision of services and governance.
The group will also advise on the recommendations set out by CoFPI in respect of recruit education and the revision of entry routes and pathways into An Garda Síochána. The report will consider a wide range of recruitment issues including training and education, development of pathways for entry to An Garda Síochána and recruitment strategies for a diverse police service.
The expert review group report will be provided to the Garda Commissioner towards the end of 2021, who I expect will then engage with my Department in respect of its findings and recommendations.
1325. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Justice the status of the scheme to regularise undocumented migrants in Ireland; and if it will be in place before the end of 2021. [39126/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, proposals for a draft scheme to regularise long-term undocumented migrants are being developed in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government to bring forward a regularisation scheme within 18 months of the formation of the Government. As outlined in the Justice Plan 2021, the scheme will be open for applications before the end of this year.
The scheme will create new pathways for long-term undocumented people and their dependents. Applicants will need to meet specific criteria and these will be formed with a clear consideration of Ireland's European Union (EU) and Common Travel Area (CTA) commitments.
My Department has conducted a wide-ranging public consultation on the proposed scheme. This has provided a valuable opportunity to hear from those who may benefit from the proposed scheme and my objective is to ensure that the scheme is as inclusive as possible. Last week (23 July), I hosted an information webinar with key stakeholders, to update them on the progress being made in relation to the scheme and to discuss the submissions received as part of the consultation process.
My Department is continuing to work to finalise the details, including eligibility considerations and qualifying criteria, and also to design and manage the practical aspects to enable applications to be made and processed as efficiently as possible.
The specific qualifying criteria will be guided by, among other things, the learning from previous regularisation schemes, such as the 2018 Student Scheme, and schemes operated by other EU Member States.
1326. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda members in the Dublin Metropolitan Region over the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39128/21]
View answer1327. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Justice the breakdown of Garda vehicle resources in the Dublin Metropolitan Region over the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39129/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1326 and 1327 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the deployment of Gardaí, and for the effective and efficient use of Garda resources, including all Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
The below table outlines the number of Gardaí attached to the Dublin Metropolitan Region from 2016 to June 2021. For the Deputy's information, my Department publishes updated information relating to the Garda workforce on the Department's website at the following web address:
http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Garda_Workforce
Garda Numbers by Division, Dublin Metropolitan Region, 2016 - June 2021
|
DIVISION |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
June-21 |
|
D.M.R. EAST |
376 |
378 |
381 |
373 |
382 |
366 |
|
D.M.R. NORTH |
676 |
670 |
715 |
753 |
798 |
779 |
|
D.M.R. NORTH CENTRAL |
612 |
611 |
665 |
689 |
680 |
663 |
|
D.M.R. SOUTH |
549 |
532 |
551 |
579 |
586 |
575 |
|
D.M.R. SOUTH CENTRAL |
630 |
622 |
648 |
765 |
731 |
717 |
|
D.M.R. WEST |
673 |
672 |
709 |
751 |
767 |
745 |
|
D.M.R. TOTAL |
3516 |
3485 |
3669 |
3910 |
3944 |
3845 |
The DMR Region is also further supported by 9 members in the DMR Office, Harcourt Square and 106 members attached to DMR Roads Policing (not included in the table above).
As the Deputy will appreciate, Garda numbers nationwide 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 across the country over the past year. As such, there has been a decrease in the number of Gardaí assigned to the Dublin Metropolitan Region from 3,944 Gardaí in May 2020 to 3,845 at the end of June 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. The second intake of 74 trainees commenced their training on 19 July. This resumption of 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.
The below table, comprising information provided to me by the Garda authorities, outlines the breakdown of Garda vehicle figures in the Dublin Metropolitan Region from 2016 to June 2021.
Dublin Metropolitan Region Garda Fleet, 2016 - June 2021
|
Garda Fleet DMR June 2021 |
Cars |
Vans |
Motorcycles |
4 x 4 |
*Others |
Total |
|
DMR EAST |
69 |
13 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
84 |
|
DMR NORTH |
91 |
13 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
106 |
|
DMR NORTH CENTRAL |
66 |
12 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
82 |
|
DMR SOUTH |
71 |
17 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
91 |
|
DMR SOUTH CENTRAL |
68 |
18 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
87 |
|
DMR WEST |
84 |
13 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
103 |
|
DMR TOTAL |
449 |
86 |
0 |
7 |
11 |
553 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Garda Fleet DMR Dec 2020 |
Cars |
Vans |
Motorcycles |
4x4 |
*Others |
Total |
|
DMR EAST |
63 |
12 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
77 |
|
DMR NORTH |
93 |
14 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
109 |
|
DMR NORTH CENTRAL |
61 |
12 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
77 |
|
DMR SOUTH |
68 |
16 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
87 |
|
DMR SOUTH CENTRAL |
67 |
16 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
84 |
|
DMR WEST |
82 |
13 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
101 |
|
DMR TOTAL |
434 |
83 |
0 |
7 |
11 |
535 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Garda Fleet DMR Dec 2019 |
Cars |
Vans |
Motorcycles |
4 x 4 |
*Others |
Total |
|
DMR EAST |
50 |
10 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
62 |
|
DMR NORTH |
78 |
12 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
92 |
|
DMR NORTH CENTRAL |
47 |
11 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
62 |
|
DMR SOUTH CENTRAL |
52 |
13 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
66 |
|
DMR SOUTH |
60 |
16 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
78 |
|
DMR WEST |
70 |
14 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
90 |
|
DMR TOTAL |
357 |
76 |
0 |
7 |
10 |
450 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Garda Fleet DMR Dec 2018 |
Cars |
Vans |
Motorcycles |
4x4 |
*Others |
Total |
|
DMR EAST |
41 |
9 |
3 |
1 |
2 |
56 |
|
DMR NORTH |
79 |
25 |
1 |
1 |
4 |
110 |
|
DMR NORTH CENTRAL |
47 |
12 |
2 |
3 |
5 |
69 |
|
DMR SOUTH |
57 |
17 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
77 |
|
DMR SOUTH CENTRAL |
44 |
15 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
62 |
|
DMR WEST |
59 |
13 |
2 |
0 |
8 |
82 |
|
DMR TOTAL |
327 |
91 |
11 |
7 |
20 |
456 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Garda Fleet DMR Dec 2017 |
Cars |
Vans |
Motorcycles |
4x4 |
*Others |
Total |
|
DMR EAST |
43 |
10 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
58 |
|
DMR NORTH |
83 |
27 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
115 |
|
DMR NORTH CENTRAL |
54 |
10 |
4 |
2 |
4 |
74 |
|
DMR SOUTH |
66 |
17 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
86 |
|
DMR SOUTH CENTRAL |
46 |
16 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
66 |
|
DMR WEST |
78 |
18 |
2 |
0 |
7 |
105 |
|
DMR TOTAL |
370 |
98 |
13 |
7 |
16 |
504 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Garda Fleet DMR Dec 2016 |
Cars |
Vans |
Motorcycles |
4x4 |
*Others |
Total |
|
DMR EAST |
40 |
11 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
58 |
|
DMR NORTH |
86 |
33 |
2 |
1 |
5 |
127 |
|
DMR NORTH CENTRAL |
54 |
10 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
72 |
|
DMR SOUTH |
66 |
16 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
87 |
|
DMR SOUTH CENTRAL |
45 |
16 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
65 |
|
DMR WEST |
92 |
19 |
3 |
2 |
7 |
123 |
|
DMR TOTAL |
383 |
105 |
14 |
11 |
19 |
532 |
*The category 'Others' refers to MPV, SUV, Minibus or Prisoner Conveyance Vehicles.
1328. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Justice the status of the implementation of the new community safety innovation fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39130/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, Minister McGrath and Minister McEntee have agreed, in principle, to establish the new Community Safety Innovation Fund. The scheme, when established, will consider applications to allocate funds to community safety projects and other policy initiatives in the area including the work of the new Local Community Safety Partnerships.
It will reflect the significant successes of An Garda Síochána and the Criminal Assets Bureau in disrupting criminal activity and seizing proceeds of crime, by providing additional funding for investment in community safety projects.
The details of how the fund will be allocated will be finalised as part of the budgetary process.
1329. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Justice the number of knives that have been seized by An Garda Síochána to date in 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39131/21]
View answer1330. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons charged with knife crimes in each of the years 2015 to 2020 and to date in 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39132/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1329 and 1330 together.
As the Deputy is aware, the Government shares the significant public concern arising from serious crimes involving knives in recent months and years. We are all conscious of the very serious impact which violent crime has on victims and families, particularly attacks of a random nature. I condemn such crimes in the strongest possible terms.
Crime of any sort is not a phenomenon that exists in isolation. It is inevitably connected to significant and often complex underlying factors. Information provided by An Garda Síochána notes that knife related crime trends should also be viewed in the context of the pandemic and the associated general decrease in criminality, but also the successful number of proactive seizures and interventions by Gardaí.
An Garda Síochána is currently operating an Assault Reduction Strategy, which includes assaults with offensive weapons and the 'Use your Head, not your Fists' campaign, highlighting the dangers and consequences of assaults to not only the victims, but to the perpetrator as well.
My Department is also currently looking at data sources to improve data quality in this area. Officials are engaging with public health colleagues, as well as An Garda Síochána, to improve our understanding of the level of violent assaults within our society.
Recently, there has also been an increase of knives seized due to proactive policing operations, particularly during 2020 with the increased Garda presence in support of the national COVID-19 public health response. I am advised by An Garda Síochána that, from 1 January to 14 July 2021, there have been 999 objects recorded on PULSE as seized that are classified as the sub-type of object 'knife'.
In relation to the number of persons charged with 'knife crimes', as advised previously to the Deputy, 'knife crimes' covers a broad range of offences, including assault, robbery and intimidation, and therefore it is not possible to collate information on 'knife crimes' in the format requested. To be of assistance, however, I have contacted An Garda Síochána to obtain information relating to the number of persons charged with possession of an offensive weapon without reasonable excuse or lawful authority, contrary to Section 9 of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990 (as amended).
The table below outlines the total number of charges or summons created nationwide since 1 January 2015 for offences under section 9(1) and section 9(4) of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990.
|
Contrary to Section 9 (1) of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990 (as amended) |
1578 |
1420 |
1505 |
1726 |
1845 |
2006 |
936 |
|
Offence Wording |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021* |
|
Contrary to Section 9 (4) of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990 (as amended) |
204 |
187 |
178 |
213 |
275 |
289 |
121 |
|
Total |
1782 |
1607 |
1683 |
1939 |
2120 |
2295 |
1057 |
*Figures for 2021 are up to the 14 July 2021 only.
I would draw the Deputy's attention to the fact that multiple charges or summonses may be issued for incidents if, for example, there are multiple offenders or multiple categories of charges. Furthermore, charges or summonses may not have been issued in relation to all incidents to date. It is also important to note that the provisions of the Act do not distinguish knives from other offensive weapons (such as knuckledusters, guns etc.) and the information above should not be read to relate solely to persons charged with unlawful possession of a knife as a result.
All information provided was drawn from PULSE and is therefore operational and liable to change.
1331. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice if arrangements can be made to return passports submitted as part of the naturalisation process in order that visa renewal can be completed, as in a case (details supplied). [39142/21]
View answerThe original passports of the applicants referred to by the Deputy were returned by registered post on 15 July 2021.
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 have resulted in delays in the return of some passports.
It is a requirement of the naturalisation process that a current passport must accompany every application. The identity of every applicant must be confirmed to the greatest extent possible and a passport is a primary identifier.
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 or require their passports for official reasons. The citizenship website advises that in these circumstances, applicants should email the citizenship helpdesk with the relevant details. Any request must be accompanied by appropriate scanned supporting material, for example, in the case of travel detailing the reasons for travel, such as medical information. Any request of this nature is dealt with promptly.
1332. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice the powers the gambling regulator is expected to have; if their powers will be based on the UK model; and when advertising will start for the interim position. [39164/21]
View answerThe Programme for Government gives a clear commitment to establish a gambling regulator focused on public safety and well-being, covering gambling online and in person, and the powers to regulate advertising, gambling websites and apps. The Justice Plan 2021 identifies the enactment of legislation to licence and regulate the gambling industry as a key objective.
When it is established, the regulator will have the necessary enforcement powers for licensing, and powers to take action where individuals or operators are failing to follow rules and regulations. Its key objectives will be: preventing gambling from being a source or support to crime; ensuring that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way for companies to make decisions in certainty; and, requiring safeguards including in relation to gambling advertising.
Operators offering activities in whole or in part online, will be subject to the licensing terms and conditions similar to other licensees, with any necessary additions. The regulator, therefore, will cover online and in person gambling. They will also have the powers to regulate advertising, gambling websites and apps.
As outlined in the Justice Plan 2021, I expect to be in a position to publish the Scheme of the Bill in Quarter 3 2021. Further details on the functions and powers of the regulator will be outlined in the Scheme.
As also set out in the Justice Plan 2021, the position of a CEO designate is due to be advertised in Quarter 3 this year with a finalised appointment scheduled for Quarter 4.
An Inter-Departmental Working Group on Future Licensing and Regulation of Gambling reported in 2019 and a European Commission funded report on the structure of a gambling regulator was also produced in late 2019. What is being put in place for the sector and customers is largely in line with what other countries have already implemented, including the UK model.
1333. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí in Cork city by Garda division and rank and role in July 2019, July 2020 and July 2021, in tabular form. [39169/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the effective and efficient deployment of Garda resources. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the attached spreadsheet sets out the number of Gardaí assigned to the Cork City Division as at 30 June 2019, 30 June 2020 and 30 June 2021, the latest date for which figures are available.
As the Deputy will appreciate, Garda numbers nationwide 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 response to the COVID-19 pandemic has also had an impact across the country over the past year. As such, there has been a slight decrease in the number of Gardaí assigned to the Cork city Division from 730 in June 2020 to 715 at 30 June 2021.
The Deputy may wish to note, however, that recruitment, which had been paused, has now recommenced for 2021, with 150 Garda trainees entering the Garda College on 24 May and a further 74 Garda trainees entering on 19 July. These are the first two of four intakes for 2021 and part of a revised planned total of 450 for the year. However, 2021 intake numbers will be reviewed going forward, in particular with progress against COVID-19 and the vaccination rollout.
This resumption of 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.
Extensive information is available on my Department’s website in relation to the numbers of Garda members and their assignment nationwide at the following link : http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Garda_Workforce
This information is updated every month with the latest data provided by An Garda Síochána.
Details in relation to the number of Garda staff nationwide are also available on my Department's website at the following link: http://justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Garda_Staff
|
30 June 2021 |
District |
Station |
GD |
SG |
IN |
SU |
CS |
AC |
Grand Total |
|
CORK CITY |
ANGLESEA STREET |
ANGLESEA STREET |
236 |
39 |
13 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
293 |
|
BLACKROCK |
16 |
1 |
17 |
||||||
|
BRIDEWELL |
27 |
8 |
35 |
||||||
|
ANGLESEA STREET Total |
279 |
48 |
13 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
345 |
||
|
GURRANABRAHER |
BLARNEY |
12 |
1 |
1 |
14 |
||||
|
CARRIG NA BHFEAR |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
GURRANABRAHER |
48 |
8 |
2 |
1 |
59 |
||||
|
GURRANABRAHER Total |
61 |
9 |
3 |
1 |
74 |
||||
|
MAYFIELD |
GLANMIRE |
21 |
4 |
25 |
|||||
|
MAYFIELD |
44 |
6 |
1 |
51 |
|||||
|
WATERCOURSE ROAD |
30 |
8 |
38 |
||||||
|
MAYFIELD Total |
95 |
18 |
1 |
114 |
|||||
|
TOGHER |
BALLINCOLLIG |
47 |
8 |
1 |
56 |
||||
|
BISHOPSTOWN |
11 |
1 |
12 |
||||||
|
CARRIGALINE |
17 |
3 |
20 |
||||||
|
CROSSHAVEN |
2 |
2 |
|||||||
|
DOUGLAS |
26 |
3 |
29 |
||||||
|
PASSAGE WEST |
1 |
1 |
2 |
||||||
|
TOGHER |
52 |
8 |
1 |
61 |
|||||
|
TOGHER Total |
156 |
24 |
1 |
1 |
182 |
||||
|
CORK CITY Total |
591 |
99 |
17 |
6 |
1 |
1 |
715 |
