Written Answers Nos. 103-122
103. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Justice the status of the high-level mental health task force responsible for implementing a plan related to mental health or dual diagnosis challenges of those engaged with the Courts Service. [8796/22]
View answerI am glad that it has been possible to make considerable progress in relation to the Programme for Government commitment to consider the mental health and addiction challenges of those imprisoned, and primary care support on release.
Last April, the Minister for Health and I, together with Ministers of State Frank Feighan and Mary Butler, established a High Level Taskforce to consider the mental health and addiction challenges of persons interacting with the criminal justice system. The Taskforce is independently chaired by former Minister Kathleen Lynch.
The Taskforce has already had eight plenary meetings and has established three subgroups on 1) diversion, 2) capacity issues in the Prison Service and National Forensic Mental Health Services, and 3) community issues, including care after release. Each of the subgroups comprises of relevant experts and I understand they have each met on at least nine occasions. An interim report was submitted to the Minister for Health and myself on 22 November and I met the group before Christmas to get an update on their work.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the Taskforce has engaged with a large number of relevant bodies and civil society actors including a meeting with the Chairs of Prison Visiting Committees and the Inspector of Prisons as recently as 3rd February. I understand their work is continuing and the aim is to finalise a report including an implementation plan for its recommendations early in Quarter 2 of this year.
104. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Justice the steps she is taking to address the rise in assaults against front-line workers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7769/22]
View answerI am sure the Deputy will join me in condemning any attacks made on the men and women serving in An Garda Síochána, the Health Services and other frontline workers. The Deputy will agree that we are all immensely grateful to these people for their outstanding dedication and commitment to serving the public and for the important role that they play in our society, notably throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is imperative that frontline workers are protected in carrying out their work and that the law reflects and responds to the situations in which they find themselves.
As the Deputy is aware, it would not be appropriate for me to detail the operational measures that the Garda authorities have taken or would take in these situations. However, I can assure the Deputy that whatever protective and detection measures are deemed appropriate by the Garda authorities will certainly be taken.
I should also say that while the criminal law in this area is being kept under ongoing review, there are a range of robust legislative provisions available to the Garda authorities in circumstances where threats or assaults are made against Gardaí.
As the Deputy will also be aware, any assault causing harm on any person is an offence under section 3 of the Non–Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997. A person convicted of such an offence would be liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to a maximum fine of €2,500 or to both, or on conviction on indictment to a fine or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or to both.
Furthermore, an assault on a member of an Garda Síochána, a prison officer, a member of the fire brigade, ambulance personnel or a member of the Defence Forces would be an offence under section 19 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994. A person convicted of such an offence would be liable on summary conviction to a maximum fine of €5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, or to both. A person convicted of such an offence on indictment would be liable to a fine or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 years or to both.
Any such offences under these Acts would be a policing matter for an Garda Síochána. I would encourage anyone with knowledge of such offences to report this to the local/nearest Garda station.
105. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Justice her plans to progress the strategy to combat domestic violence across the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8539/22]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that I am committed to tackling domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) in all its forms.
As the deputy is aware, I am currently leading on the development of a new whole-of-government strategy to combat domestic, sexual, gender-based violence. The goal of the strategy is zero tolerance for violence against women and it will be structured around the four pillars of the Istanbul Convention –
- Prevention,
- Protection,
- Prosecution, and
- Co-ordinated Policies.
Under each of these high level objectives, there will be a number of specific aims listed but it will be high level in tone and content.
It is important to note that the Third National Strategy will also make provision for how we deliver refuge spaces, both in the immediate and longer term, to cater for the needs of victims.
In this regard, my Department will assume responsibility for services for victims of DSGBV, in addition to policy responsibility.
The Strategy will be accompanied by a detailed action plan setting out how each of these aims will be achieved, who is responsible for them and the timeframe for delivery. This is currently being drafted with the sector so that it is targeted, ambitious and deliverable.
I am also inviting feedback through a focused consultation process on the final draft of the strategy. Yesterday, I met with the NGO sector and shared the draft strategy as part of our ongoing consultation. A public consultation commenced today and it will help ensure that the Strategy is correctly focused on addressing the areas that people feel need the most urgent attention.
Following these consultations, the strategy and action plan will be finalised, brought to Government and published as soon as possible.
Earlier this week, my colleague Minister O’Gorman and I published a review that was undertaken by Tusla on accommodation and services for victims, with recommendations to ensure the needs of victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence are met.
106. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if further legislative measures are proposed or in hand to combat the activities of criminal gangs; if the amended bail laws have adequately curtailed the extent to which offences take place while the offenders are on bail; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8721/22]
View answerThe Government is committed to ensuring Ireland is a safe and secure place for all.
An Garda Síochána has made important progress in suppressing the threat of organised crime and there has been significant successes achieved in this area through intelligence-led operations. I can assure the Deputy that there will be no let-up in the pressure being brought to bear on those involved in organised crime.
The Government has supported An Garda Síochána in addressing the threat from organised crime gangs through the introduction of legislative measures such as:
- The Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Act 2016 which provides additional Garda powers for the immediate seizure of assets suspected of being the proceeds of crime to prevent them being disposed of.
- The Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Act 2014 providing for the establishment and operation of the DNA database providing Gardaí with links between people and unsolved crimes.
- The Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009, introduced to protect the justice system from being subverted by criminal groups, including potential intimidation of juries.
- By continuing to grow the strength of the Garda organisation, with a budget of over €2 billion in 2022, providing for the recruitment of up to 800 Gardaí and 400 Garda staff this year.
The Deputy will be aware that the decision to grant bail in a particular case is a matter for the presiding Judge, who is independent in the exercise of his or her judicial functions. There is also a constitutional presumption in favour of the grant of bail as, under Irish Law, a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
As the Deputy knows, a referendum took place in 1996 on a proposed amendment to the Constitution to allow the courts to refuse bail where there are grounds for believing that the accused will commit serious offences while on bail. The referendum was passed by the People and section 2 of the Bail Act 1997 permits the courts to refuse bail to a person charged with a serious offence where refusal of bail is considered by the Court necessary to prevent the commission of a serious offence by that person. Subsequent to this, the law on bail has been further strengthened on three occasions, specifically in the Criminal Justice Act 2007, the Criminal Justice Act 2015 and the Criminal Justice Act 2017.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the amended bail laws have proven to be effective and I can inform the Deputy there are no immediate plans to introduce further bail legislation.
In terms of future legislation the Deputy may wish to note that it is my intention in the forthcoming Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill to raise the maximum penalty for the offence of ‘conspiracy to murder’ from a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment to potential life imprisonment. This bill is currently with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel for drafting and I hope to be in a position to publish it in quarter 2 of this year.
107. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Justice the number of minor naturalisation applications that are currently waiting to be processed; the current waiting time for an application to be processed; the estimated length of time that it will take to clear the backlog; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8598/22]
View answerThe pandemic has had a significant impact on our service delivery. However, at all times and during all levels of restrictions, my Department has continued to accept and process citizenship applications. There are currently 3,038 citizenship applications for minors being processed by my Department. The majority of these are more than 12 months in the system.
Some cases are unfortunately taking more than 24 months to process. My Department's objective is to achieve a significantly improved decision making timeframe of 6-9 months for a majority of applications during this year. My Department has introduced a number of changes to help speed up the processing of applications and a number of digitisation measures have also been introduced to support applicants and increase efficiency in the process, including eTax clearance, eVetting and online payments.
A particularly useful change that has been welcomed by applicants is that since the beginning of this year, all applicants, including minors, are no longer required to submit their original passport with their application. Instead, they can provide a full colour certified copy. A points-based scoring system for proofs of residence has also been introduced to assist applicants and ensure that submitted applications are complete.
My Department has identified that approximately 20% of the 25,000 applications currently in the system are incomplete, with further action required by the applicant to progress the application. From the end of March, if there is no further engagement with my Department, these applications will be deemed ineligible and returned to the applicant. This will allow my officials to focus resources on processing complete applications and ensure that decisions are delivered more quickly for those applicants.
The aim of the steps taken is to free up more staff to focus on processing applications in a timely and efficient manner, to improve service to our customers and reduce waiting times.
As an early indication of the success of these measures, my Department made more than 11,500 citizenship decisions last year, which is the highest level since 2015.
I can also advise the Deputy that it is my intention to hold an in-person citizenship ceremony this June, public health permitting.
108. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice her plans to increase Garda numbers in Cork given the recent attacks on women in the city and county. [8725/22]
View answerViolent crime, including domestic, sexual and gender based violence, can never be tolerated. Such crimes are terrifying both for the victim themselves and the entire community. I can assure the Deputy that my Department is committed to ensuring that there is strong, visible community policing right across Ireland, in both rural and urban areas.
As the Deputy will be aware, 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 Garda members throughout the State. 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 them, having regard to the profile of each area within the Division and its specific needs. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
The budget provided by Government to the Garda Commissioner continues to increase to unprecedented levels, with an allocation in excess of €2 billion for 2022, which includes funding for the recruitment of up to 800 additional Garda trainees and 400 Garda staff. This significant investment demonstrates the Government's commitment to increasing the Garda workforce to enable the organisation to keep our communities safe, including in Cork city, and to preventing crime in all its forms. The Deputy will be aware that a new Garda recruitment campaign commenced last week and I would encourage anyone with an interest in joining An Garda Síochána to apply.
I can inform the Deputy that as at 31 January 2022, the latest date for which figures are available, there are 734 Garda members assigned to Cork City Garda Division, an increase of 12.7% per cent since the end of 2015, when there were 651 Gardaí assigned to that Division. In addition there are 120 civilian Garda staff, an increase of approximately 103% since the end of 2015, when there 59 civilian Garda staff assigned to the Division.
109. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice if new initiatives will be taken to combat rural crime; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8557/22]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that my Department is committed to ensuring that there is strong, visible community policing right across both rural and urban Ireland.
As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including Garda operations aimed at preventing and detecting crime. As Minister of State, I have no direct role in these matters.
This year’s winter phase of Operation Thor was launched by Gardaí in October 2021 and is designed to tackle burglaries and associated criminal activities, which often increase in the darker winter months, through targeted enforcement and crime prevention activity and information.
This annual focus from Operation Thor has proved highly successful in tackling property related crime since its inception in November 2015. In 2015, there were in excess of 18,800 residential burglaries reported. By contrast, to the end of 2021 there were just over 6,000 residential burglaries reported, a reduction of over 66% or approximately 13,000 less residential burglaries.
While the COVID-19 pandemic was clearly a factor in some of this reduction, with people more likely to be present in their homes throughout the day, there has been a marked and consistent downward trend in such offences since the introduction of this Garda focus through Operation Thor.
The budget provided by Government to the Garda Commissioner continues to increase to unprecedented levels, with an allocation in excess of €2 billion for 2022, including funding for the recruitment of up to 800 additional Garda trainees and up to 400 Garda staff. This significant investment demonstrates the Government's commitment to increasing the Garda workforce to enable the organisation to keep our communities safe. To this end, the Deputy will be aware that a new Garda recruitment competition opened last week and I would encourage anyone with an interest in a career in An Garda Síochána to apply.
In addition to new recruits, the rollout of the new Garda Operating Model will support the redeployment of Gardaí from non-core duties to frontline policing across the country. The new model will see larger Divisions with more resources, increased Garda visibility in communities, a wider range of locally delivered policing services, and a strong focus on community policing.
Budget 2022 also allocated €12m for investment in the Garda fleet, which means more high visibility policing in our towns and cities. This continuing investment is intended to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit-for-purpose fleet and that Gardaí can be mobile, visible and responsive on the roads and in the community to prevent and tackle crime.
My Department 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. In 2021, my Department 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 the Department for the Text Alert Rebate scheme each year since 2016.
As the Deputy is aware, while community policing is a central feature of An Garda Síochána and that is reinforced in the report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland, that report also highlighted that policing and crime prevention are not the responsibility of An Garda Síochána and my Department alone.
To achieve better outcomes, supported by a strong inter-agency collaboration and community engagement, three pilot Local Community Safety Partnerships have been established. These Partnerships will provide a dedicated communication channel for input and the development of Local Community Safety Plans to reflect and respond to the self-identified needs of that community.
In addition, my Department will launch the Community Safety Innovation Fund in the coming weeks, which will enable local communities to seek funding for innovative projects which will improve community safety in their areas.
Finally, the Deputy may also be aware that the Department of Rural and Community Development funds the Senior Alert Scheme, which provides grant assistance towards the purchase and installation of personal monitored alarms for persons aged 65 or older and of limited means. The objective of the Seniors Alert Scheme is to encourage community support for vulnerable older people in our communities through the provision of personal monitored alarms to enable them to continue to live securely in their homes with confidence, independence and peace of mind. I am advised that the grant assistance is made available through community, voluntary and not-for-profit organisations that are registered with Pobal.
110. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Justice her plans to deal with gangland crime; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8713/22]
View answerTackling organised criminal activity is a key priority for the Government and an ongoing priority for An Garda Síochána. As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible under the law for the management of An Garda Síochána, including operational matters and the deployment of resources. As Minister, I have no responsibility for these matters.
However, the Government has supported An Garda Síochána in addressing the threat from organised crime gangs through the introduction of legislative measures such as:
- The Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Act 2016, which provides additional Garda powers for the immediate seizure of assets suspected of being the proceeds of crime to prevent them being disposed of;
- The Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Act 2014, providing for the establishment and operation of the DNA database providing Gardaí with links between people and unsolved crimes;
- The Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009, introduced to protect the justice system from being subverted by criminal groups, including potential intimidation of juries.
The Deputy may be aware that An Garda Síochána strengthened its capacity to tackle organised crime in 2015, through the creation of the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB), which is headed by a Detective Chief Superintendent reporting to Assistant Commissioner, Organised & Serious Crime. The role is to proactively, via intelligence led investigations, target top tier Organised Crime Groups (OCGs) impacting on this jurisdiction.
The role of the GNDOCB is achieved through effective collaboration with all sections of Organised & Serious Crime, and other sections within An Garda Síochána, through partnerships with other law enforcement agencies such as the Revenue Commissioners and the Naval Service, and partnerships developed with international law enforcement agencies globally.
The international resources and expertise available via Europol and Interpol, in particular, enhance intelligence led investigations conducted by An Garda Síochána, ensuring access to international standard capabilities. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the GNDOCB engages in two Joint Investigations Teams (JITs) with international partners as well as a number of parallel investigations with regard to criminal organisations impacting on this jurisdiction.
The current network of Garda Liaison Officers (GLO) and foreign law enforcement Liaison Officers further extends An Garda Síochána's outreach to disrupt, dismantle and prosecute OCG’s internationally. I am advised that in 2021, the Garda Liaison network was expanded to include a GLO permanently based in Colombia with responsibility to cover the Southern Americas.
Since it was established, GNDOCB has had significant successes in tackling organised crime. GNDOCB have been responsible for the seizure of large quantities of controlled substances, cash, firearms, and ammunition. It has also been responsible for bringing numerous suspected offenders before the courts for offences relative to organised crime (directing and participating in activities of a criminal organisation), drug trafficking, firearms, and money laundering.
The Deputy may be aware that Operation Tara was commenced in July 2021 and is focused on disrupting, dismantling and prosecuting drug trafficking networks that impact on communities, and is under the strategic oversight of Assistant Commissioner, Organised & Serious Crime. I am advised that this focus will continue into 2022 by maximising the prospect of identifying criminal organisations, offenders, locations and activities in the State via data analysis. This will result in an increase for opportunity to seize drugs, criminally acquired assets, and initiate criminal proceedings.
Further, Operation Thor is an anti-crime strategy that is under the strategic oversight of Assistant Commissioner, Organised & Serious Crime, which commenced in November 2015, with the focus of preventing burglaries and associated criminal activity. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the current winter phase, which is designed to tackle any anticipated increase in burglaries and associated criminal activities in the winter months, was launched on 1 October 2021 and will continue until 31 March 2022.
111. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Justice the work to support An Garda Síochána in preventing and combatting crime perpetrated against older persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8540/22]
View answerMy thoughts are with the victims of the recent horrific attacks in their own homes. I know I speak for everyone in this House in utterly condemning these senseless and cowardly attacks and also in my belief that the perpetrators must be brought to justice.
Incidents like these, although rare, are terrifying not only for the victim themselves but for the entire community. Home is the one place we should all be able to feel safe, and fear in one’s own home is something that can never be tolerated.
I can assure the Deputy that my Department is committed to ensuring that there is strong, visible community policing right across both rural and urban Ireland.
As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including Garda operations aimed at preventing and detecting crime. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
This year’s winter phase of Operation Thor was launched by Gardaí in October 2021 and is designed to tackle burglaries and associated criminal activities, which often increase in the darker winter months, through targeted enforcement and crime prevention activity and information.
This annual focus from Operation Thor has proved highly successful in tackling property related crime since its inception in November 2015. In 2015, there were in excess of 18,800 residential burglaries reported. By contrast, to the end of 2021 there were just over 6,000 residential burglaries reported, a reduction of over 66% or approximately 13,000 less residential burglaries.
While the COVID-19 pandemic was clearly a factor in some of this reduction, with people more likely to be present in their homes throughout the day, there has been a marked and consistent downward trend in such offences since the introduction of this Garda focus through Operation Thor.
The budget provided by Government to the Garda Commissioner continues to increase to unprecedented levels, with an allocation in excess of €2 billion for 2022, including funding for the recruitment of up to 800 additional Garda trainees and up to 400 Garda staff. This significant investment demonstrates the Government's commitment to increasing the Garda workforce to enable the organisation to keep our communities safe. To this end, the Deputy will be aware that a new Garda recruitment competition opened last week and I would encourage anyone with an interest in a career in An Garda Síochána to apply.
In addition to new recruits, the rollout of the new Garda Operating Model will support the redeployment of Gardaí from non-core duties to frontline policing across the country. The new model will see larger Divisions with more resources, increased Garda visibility in communities, a wider range of locally delivered policing services, and a strong focus on community policing.
Budget 2022 also allocated €12m for investment in the Garda fleet, which means more high visibility policing in our towns and cities. This continuing investment is intended to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit-for-purpose fleet and that Gardaí can be mobile, visible and responsive on the roads and in the community to prevent and tackle crime.
My Department 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. In 2021, my Department 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 the Department for the Text Alert Rebate scheme each year since 2016.
As the Deputy is aware, while community policing is a central feature of An Garda Síochána and that is reinforced in the report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland, that report also highlighted that policing and crime prevention are not the responsibility of An Garda Síochána and my Department alone.
To achieve better outcomes, supported by a strong inter-agency collaboration and community engagement, three pilot Local Community Safety Partnerships have been established. These Partnerships will provide a dedicated communication channel for input and the development of Local Community Safety Plans to reflect and respond to the self-identified needs of that community.
In addition, I will launch the Community Safety Innovation Fund in the coming weeks, which will enable local communities to seek funding for innovative projects which will improve community safety in their areas.
Finally, the Deputy may also be aware that the Department of Rural and Community Development funds the Senior Alert Scheme, which provides grant assistance towards the purchase and installation of personal monitored alarms for persons aged 65 or older and of limited means. The objective of the Seniors Alert Scheme is to encourage community support for vulnerable older people in our communities through the provision of personal monitored alarms to enable them to continue to live securely in their homes with confidence, independence and peace of mind. I am advised that the grant assistance is made available through community, voluntary and not-for-profit organisations that are registered with Pobal.
112. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí currently based in County Longford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8615/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, which includes decisions on the deployment of personnel among the various Garda Divisions. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I am assured, however, 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 them, having regard to the profile of each area within the Division and its specific needs.
Budget 2022 has provided an unprecedented allocation of in excess of €2 billion to An Garda Síochána, which includes funding for the recruitment of up to 800 additional Garda trainees and 400 Garda staff. This significant investment demonstrates the Government's commitment to increasing the Garda workforce to enable the organisation to keep our communities safe, and to preventing crime in all its forms.
I can confirm that at 31 January 2022 there were 298 Gardaí assigned to Roscommon/Longford Division of whom 92 were assigned to Longford District.
The table at the following link, which has been provided to me by the Garda authorities, shows the number of Gardaí attached to the Roscommon/Longford Division at 31 January 2022.
Detailed information in relation to Garda numbers is available on my Department’s website. This information is updated every month with the latest data provided by An Garda Síochána, and includes the number of Gardaí by station across the whole country.
The information can be found at the following link: www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/An_Garda_Siochana_facts_and_figures
As the Deputy will be aware, Longford is one of three areas in the pilot scheme for Local Community Safety Partnerships, alongside Dublin's North Inner City and Waterford. The Longford pilot is chaired by Ms Martina Maloney. These new structures are designed to take a holistic approach to safety issues in partnership with the community. They operate at local authority administrative level and will be made up of local representatives, a range of local services, community representatives and residents. Each Partnership will devise a Local Community Safety Plan to address the specific needs of their community. The pilot scheme is scheduled to run for two years and will inform a national rollout to all local authority areas.
113. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice the arrangements in force at present in relation to prison visits in view of the general opening up of society recently due to changes in the challenges from Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6334/22]
View answerI am advised by my officials in the Irish Prison Service that they continue to review and modify the Covid-19 restrictions which have been in place in our prisons throughout the pandemic. Restrictive measures have continued to be modified in line with the various announcements made by Government and in line with advice from Public Health/HSE and the Irish Prison Service National Infection Control team.
The Deputy will be aware that following a short two week suspension physical visits recommenced in all prisons on Monday 24 January and prisoners are entitled to receive one physical visit per fortnight.
Prisoners may also avail of a video visit during the week that they are not receiving a physical visit. Alternatively, prisoners may choose to avail of a video visit instead of a physical visit if they prefer.
The Deputy may be aware that the duration of physical visits was extended to 30 minutes in closed prisons in November 2021, with hourly visits operating in the open centres.
In addition, the Prison Service announced last week that from 14 February the number of persons permitted to visit a prisoner would increased to three persons, of which two may be a child (under 18 years of age). Visits will continue to be subject to infection control measures including the wearing of a prison issued face mask.
I can further advise the Deputy, that no decision has been taken in relation to the resumption of weekly visits however this matter is under constant review.
Finally I can advise the Deputy that some restrictions will continue to apply in prisons where outbreaks of Covid-19 are ongoing.
Updates on the operation of physical family visits are published on a regular basis on the Irish Prison Service website, www.irishprisons.ie, and twitter account, @irishprisons.
114. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice the plans that are in place for a dedicated women’s refuge centre in County Cavan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8556/22]
View answer147. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Justice the timeline for the provision of domestic violence refuges in counties Laois and Offaly; and if a funding stream is in place for these capital works. [8680/22]
View answer149. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Justice the status of plans to extend domestic violence refuge spaces in the nine counties without these spaces including County Roscommon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8672/22]
View answer162. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Justice if her Department is committed to the provision of domestic violence refuges in counties Laois and Offaly. [8679/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 114, 147, 149 and 162 together.
As the Deputies may be aware, Minister O’Gorman and I brought the Tusla ‘Review of the Provision of Accommodation for Victims of Domestic Violence’ to Government earlier this week and it has now been published.
The review highlights gaps in geographical coverage and inadequate provision of safe accommodation, including refuges, to meet population needs. It recommends an approach to address this with immediate, medium and long term actions required and provides a list of priority areas where additional services would address the most immediate need.
The Review has made a number of recommendations on the location of refuge facilities, funding and future configuration of services that will support the needs of victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. Tusla’s review will inform future investments in DSGBV facilities and services.
At present, the time taken from initiation to the delivery of units can taken a number of years. I want to see if it is possible to shorten that timeframe and to that end, I have established a high level Inter-Departmental Group to review the current system for the provision of refuge spaces and to identify changes that can be made to the system to deliver additional spaces in the shortest timeframe possible
115. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice when she will receive the final report of the scoping inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8555/22]
View answer119. 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 that report in full. [6707/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 115 and 119 together.
I wish to assure the Deputy that I recognise the ongoing pain and anguish of the O'Farrell family on the tragic death of Shane and I sincerely sympathise with them on their loss.
As the Deputy will be aware, a highly respected retired Judge 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.
My Department maintains regular contact with the Judge and has assured him that any assistance he requires to complete his final report will be made available. I am informed that the judge had sought comments on various sections of his draft report from the parties named in it and has confirmed that he has received responses from most of the relevant principal parties. Once this process is concluded, I understand the judge should be in a position to finalise his report.
Once I have received the final report, the advice of the Attorney General will be sought on publication and any other issues arising.
I wish to conclude by re-stating in clear terms that the Government has never been opposed to the possibility of a further inquiry into this case if that is what is recommended. However, the Deputy will understand that I cannot pre-empt any view or advice that the judge considers appropriate in his final report.
116. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice the funding streams available for community safety partnerships which are operating on a pilot basis at present; the funding streams available under consideration as this new approach is rolled out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8484/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, in April 2021 I secured government agreement to publish the general scheme of the 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, namely that preventing crime and harm and making our communities safer does not rest with An Garda Síochána and my Department alone. Rather, 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 (LCSPs) to develop local safety plans, tailored to the priorities and needs identified by communities themselves. The LCSPs 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 be broader than that of the existing JPCs and will include residents, community representatives (including youth, new communities and voluntary sector representation), business and education sector representation, relevant public services including the HSE, Tusla, An Garda Síochána, and local authorities as well as local councillors.
The Deputy will be aware that in November 2020, I announced the establishment of three 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 has been appointed to chair each Partnership pilot and I am deeply grateful to them for their public service.
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.
The role of the LCSPs seeks to build on the good work done by Joint Policing Committees, but through an evolution and expansion of that structure. The LCSP will bring a broader focus to community safety issues, of which policing is but one factor, to enable communities to be safe and feel safe.
The three pilot LCSPs which are in place are funded by my Department through the Dormant Accounts Fund. In addition, in recognition of the scale and complexity of the work of the North Inner City Dublin Partnership, additional funding was made available from the North East Inner City (NEIC) initiative and from my Department.
As the Deputy may be aware, Budget 2022 provides for the establishment of the new Community Safety Innovation Fund. It is intended that this fund will support investment in innovative projects which will improve community safety. The fund, which is expected to grow in the coming years, will have an initial outlay in 2022 of €2m.
A call for funding proposals will issue shortly seeking applications for community safety projects and similar initiatives from bodies involved in community safety, including the Local Community Safety Partnerships. Applications will be assessed against stated criteria outlined in the call for proposals to ensure funding is allocated to encourage the development of innovative ways in which to improve community safety from those people who understand local community safety needs best. These criteria for allocating funding are now finalised with the fund due to be launched imminently.
The Local Community Safety Partnership pilots can also apply to any other funding streams identified as appropriate by them as they progress to implementation of their community safety plans.
Funding of the Local Community Safety Partnership model as it is rolled out on a national basis will be considered in line with the evaluation findings of the current Partnership pilots.
117. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice if she will prioritise the enactment of the Family Court Bill 2020; the progress being made in the development of the Bill; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8671/22]
View answerFamily law reform is a priority for me as Minister and was a major element of my Justice Plan 2021.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to enact a Family Court Bill which will create a new dedicated Family Court within the existing court structure and provide for court procedures that support a faster and less adversarial resolution of disputes in specialised centres.
In September 2020, Government approved the drafting of a Family Court Bill along the lines of the General Scheme, which has been published. This has been referred to the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel for drafting. Work is progressing on the drafting of the Bill, with a view to its publication as soon as possible this year.
The Family Court Bill will provide for the establishment of the Family Court as divisions within the existing court structures, i.e., a Family High Court, a Circuit Family Court, and a District Family Court, with each court division dealing with family law matters appropriate to its jurisdiction. As part of the General Scheme of the Family Court Bill, specialist knowledge and ongoing professional training in the area of family law would be required to be appointed as a Family Court judge.
The Bill will be an important element of the Family Justice Strategy which is currently being developed by the Family Justice Oversight Group following consultation with the public, stakeholders and with children in particular. I aim to publish the Family Justice Strategy soon. The measures proposed in the Family Court Bill will, as part of the Strategy, allow for the development of a more efficient, user-friendly, child-focused family court system that puts families at the centre of its activities, provides access to specialist supports and encourages the use of alternative dispute resolution in family law proceedings in cases where this is appropriate.
118. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice the new measures that will be introduced in 2022 to deal with illegal drugs throughout the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8565/22]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that the continued disruption of the supply of all illicit drugs remains a priority for An Garda Síochána and the other state agencies tasked with responsibilities in this regard. A concerted effort has been made over the past two years to ensure that the detection and prevention of these types of criminal activity have not been adversely affected by the unprecedented demands placed on policing services by the vital enforcement of public health restrictions.
As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including Garda operations aimed at preventing and countering criminal activity, and the enforcement of legislation pertaining to illegal drugs. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
The Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) is having significant success in disrupting drug trafficking and the supply of illicit drugs by organised crime groups. The Bureau’s work is supported by Divisional Drugs Units nationwide, and by all Gardaí working in local communities. GNDOCB also works closely and productively with international law enforcement partners. Gardaí continue to work closely with local authorities, the HSE, NGOs, community groups and other state agencies to tackle the problems of drug addiction and abuse.
The Deputy may be aware that the Department of Health leads on Government policy in the area of drugs, and this policy is guided by the national drugs and alcohol strategy "Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery - a health-led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland 2017-2025". This strategy represents a whole-of-Government response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland. The implementation of the strategy is led by my colleague, the Minister for Health, however, the strategy includes actions for all stakeholders, including my Department and An Garda Síochána.
The strategy recognises the need for a balanced health-led approach - reducing demand, while also reducing access to illegal drugs - and is aimed at reducing the number of people criminalised for the possession of drugs for personal use. While this strategy supports vulnerable people who use drugs, it is also matched with strengthened enforcement measures across government to tackle the supply of illegal drugs. Sustained action by An Garda Síochána has continued unabated throughout the pandemic, bringing significant convictions and ongoing seizures of drugs, firearms and ammunition.
I can inform the Deputy that on 2 July 2021, An Garda Síochána commenced an enhanced national anti-drugs strategy, Operation Tara, which has a strong focus on tackling street-level dealing throughout rural and urban Ireland. The focus of Operation Tara is to disrupt, dismantle and prosecute drug trafficking networks, at all levels - international, national and local - involved in the importation, distribution, cultivation, production, local sale and supply of controlled drugs.
Recent successes of Operation Tara include:
1. Gardaí attached to the Divisional Drugs Unit in Drogheda conducted a search in the Legavoureen area of Drogheda and seized more than €247,000 worth of Diazepam tablets on Wednesday, 24 November 2021;
2. From 30th November to 3 December 2021, Gardaí in Wicklow, led by the Wicklow Divisional Drugs Unit, searched 26 locations in the county following an extensive investigation targeting the sale and supply of controlled drugs. 19 persons were charged and 12 youths were referred to the Garda Youth Diversion Programme.
3. GNDOCB, assisted by other specialised units, undertook a particular operation designed to address drug-related issues being experienced in West Dublin and wider afield, including drug-related threat-to-life incidents and other forms of intimidation. On Wednesday 19 January 2022, 24 premises were searched, with €700,000 in cash seized alongside 16 high value watches and eight vehicles. Six suspects were arrested in the course of the operation.
4. On Saturday 29 January 2022, Gardaí searched three properties in Tallaght, Dublin 24. During the course of the searches four firearms were seized, along with silencers and ammunition. Gardaí also seized approximately €70,000 worth of suspected heroin as well as small quantities of crack cocaine and cannabis. Two men were arrested at the scene.
I can also inform the Deputy that Operation Fógra was established in the DMR on 27 November 2020, to enhance understanding and support An Garda Síochána’s response to incidents of Drug Related Intimidation (DRI) in the DMR. The objective of the operation is to have a focused, targeted approach in identifying incidents of highlighted areas of commonality within the DMR.
The operation has two underpinning pillars; a harm reduction victim centred approach and information enabled policing to inform operational responses.
The objectives of Operation Fógra are to increase frontline awareness of DRI, enhance collaboration with community supports, improve effectiveness of the DRI Reporting Programme and provide a greater analytical understanding of DRI to facilitate appropriate proactive interventions.
120. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Justice the way she will address concerns in rural areas in relation to burglary and assaults; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8614/22]
View answerMy thoughts are with the victims of the recent horrific attacks in their own homes. I know I speak for everyone in this House in utterly condemning these senseless and cowardly attacks and also in my belief that the perpetrators must be brought to justice.
Incidents like these, although rare, are terrifying not only for the victim themselves but for the entire community. Home is the one place we should all be able to feel safe, and fear in one’s own home is something that can never be tolerated.
I can assure the Deputy that my Department is committed to ensuring that there is strong, visible community policing right across both rural and urban Ireland.
As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including Garda operations aimed at preventing and detecting crime. As Minister of State, I have no direct role in these matters.
This year’s winter phase of Operation Thor was launched by Gardaí in October 2021 and is designed to tackle burglaries and associated criminal activities, which often increase in the darker winter months, through targeted enforcement and crime prevention activity and information.
This annual focus from Operation Thor has proved highly successful in tackling property related crime since its inception in November 2015. In 2015, there were in excess of 18,800 residential burglaries reported. By contrast, to the end of 2021 there were just over 6,000 residential burglaries reported, a reduction of over 66% or approximately 13,000 less residential burglaries.
While the COVID-19 pandemic was clearly a factor in some of this reduction, with people more likely to be present in their homes throughout the day, there has been a marked and consistent downward trend in such offences since the introduction of this Garda focus through Operation Thor.
The budget provided by Government to the Garda Commissioner continues to increase to unprecedented levels, with an allocation in excess of €2 billion for 2022, including funding for the recruitment of up to 800 additional Garda trainees and up to 400 Garda staff. This significant investment demonstrates the Government's commitment to increasing the Garda workforce to enable the organisation to keep our communities safe. To this end, the Deputy will be aware that a new Garda recruitment competition opened last week and I would encourage anyone with an interest in a career in An Garda Síochána to apply.
In addition to new recruits, the rollout of the new Garda Operating Model will support the redeployment of Gardaí from non-core duties to frontline policing across the country. The new model will see larger Divisions with more resources, increased Garda visibility in communities, a wider range of locally delivered policing services, and a strong focus on community policing.
Budget 2022 also allocated €12m for investment in the Garda fleet, which means more high visibility policing in our towns and cities. This continuing investment is intended to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit-for-purpose fleet and that Gardaí can be mobile, visible and responsive on the roads and in the community to prevent and tackle crime.
My Department 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. In 2021, my Department 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 the Department for the Text Alert Rebate scheme each year since 2016.
As the Deputy is aware, while community policing is a central feature of An Garda Síochána and that is reinforced in the report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland, that report also highlighted that policing and crime prevention are not the responsibility of An Garda Síochána and my Department alone.
To achieve better outcomes, supported by a strong inter-agency collaboration and community engagement, three pilot Local Community Safety Partnerships have been established. These Partnerships will provide a dedicated communication channel for input and the development of Local Community Safety Plans to reflect and respond to the self-identified needs of that community.
In addition, my Department will launch the Community Safety Innovation Fund in the coming weeks, which will enable local communities to seek funding for innovative projects which will improve community safety in their areas.
Finally, the Deputy may also be aware that the Department of Rural and Community Development funds the Senior Alert Scheme, which provides grant assistance towards the purchase and installation of personal monitored alarms for persons aged 65 or older and of limited means. The objective of the Seniors Alert Scheme is to encourage community support for vulnerable older people in our communities through the provision of personal monitored alarms to enable them to continue to live securely in their homes with confidence, independence and peace of mind. I am advised that the grant assistance is made available through community, voluntary and not-for-profit organisations that are registered with Pobal.
121. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice her plans to enhance policing in rural communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8374/22]
View answer142. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice her plans to support policing in rural communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8373/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 121 and 142 together.
I can assure the Deputy that my Department is committed to ensuring that there is strong, visible community policing right across both rural and urban Ireland.
As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including Garda operations aimed at preventing and detecting crime. As Minister of State, I have no direct role in these matters.
This year’s winter phase of Operation Thor was launched by Gardaí in October 2021 and is designed to tackle burglaries and associated criminal activities, which often increase in the darker winter months, through targeted enforcement and crime prevention activity and information.
This annual focus from Operation Thor has proved highly successful in tackling property related crime since its inception in November 2015. In 2015, there were in excess of 18,800 residential burglaries reported. By contrast, to the end of 2021 there were just over 6,000 residential burglaries reported, a reduction of over 66% or approximately 13,000 less residential burglaries.
While the COVID-19 pandemic was clearly a factor in some of this reduction, with people more likely to be present in their homes throughout the day, there has been a marked and consistent downward trend in such offences since the introduction of this Garda focus through Operation Thor.
The budget provided by Government to the Garda Commissioner continues to increase to unprecedented levels, with an allocation in excess of €2 billion for 2022, including funding for the recruitment of up to 800 additional Garda trainees and up to 400 Garda staff. This significant investment demonstrates the Government's commitment to increasing the Garda workforce to enable the organisation to keep our communities safe. To this end, the Deputy will be aware that a new Garda recruitment competition opened last week and I would encourage anyone with an interest in a career in An Garda Síochána to apply.
In addition to new recruits, the rollout of the new Garda Operating Model will support the redeployment of Gardaí from non-core duties to frontline policing across the country. The new model will see larger Divisions with more resources, increased Garda visibility in communities, a wider range of locally delivered policing services, and a strong focus on community policing.
Budget 2022 also allocated €12m for investment in the Garda fleet, which means more high visibility policing in our towns and cities. This continuing investment is intended to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit-for-purpose fleet and that Gardaí can be mobile, visible and responsive on the roads and in the community to prevent and tackle crime.
My Department 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. In 2021, my Department 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 the Department for the Text Alert Rebate scheme each year since 2016.
As the Deputy is aware, while community policing is a central feature of An Garda Síochána and that is reinforced in the report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland, that report also highlighted that policing and crime prevention are not the responsibility of An Garda Síochána and my Department alone.
To achieve better outcomes, supported by a strong inter-agency collaboration and community engagement, three pilot Local Community Safety Partnerships have been established. These Partnerships will provide a dedicated communication channel for input and the development of Local Community Safety Plans to reflect and respond to the self-identified needs of that community.
In addition, Minister McEntee will launch the Community Safety Innovation Fund in the coming weeks, which will enable local communities to seek funding for innovative projects which will improve community safety in their areas.
Finally, the Deputy may also be aware that the Department of Rural and Community Development funds the Senior Alert Scheme, which provides grant assistance towards the purchase and installation of personal monitored alarms for persons aged 65 or older and of limited means. The objective of the Seniors Alert Scheme is to encourage community support for vulnerable older people in our communities through the provision of personal monitored alarms to enable them to continue to live securely in their homes with confidence, independence and peace of mind. I am advised that the grant assistance is made available through community, voluntary and not-for-profit organisations that are registered with Pobal.
122. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 143 of 24 November 2021, if she will consult with the Garda Commissioner on plans for former Garda reservists to receive a commemorative medal in 2022 for the centenary anniversary of the foundation of An Garda Síochána given that many former reservists have given years of voluntary service and regular ex-gardaí are receiving one. [6526/22]
View answerAs you will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including commemorative matters. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters. I understand, however, that the matter referred to by the Deputy is currently under consideration by the Garda authorities, and I will write to the Deputy when I have an update in this regard.
