Written Answers Nos. 143-155
143. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Justice if an update will be provided on the efforts of her Department to support Ukrainian refugees fleeing war; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16098/22]
View answer570. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Justice the steps that are being taken to ensure that Ukrainian refugees are given equal rights and access to services in Ireland upon their arrival; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14470/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 143 and 570 together.
There is a co-ordinated whole-of-Government response to support people arriving in Ireland who have fled the violence in Ukraine. Government Departments and services are working together to implement Ireland's commitments under the EU Temporary Protection Directive (2001/55/EC), which has been activated for the first time to grant temporary protection to displaced persons from Ukraine.The Directive has legal effect under Section 60 of the International Protection Act 2015.
Those eligible for Temporary Protection (granted initially for one year, but renewable) will have immediate access to the labour market, social welfare, accommodation and other State supports as necessary.
So far, approximately 85 per cent of Ukrainians who have entered the State have been welcomed at Dublin Airport. Beneficiaries are being provided with their permission letter on arrival at the airport in the 'one-stop-shop' established by my Department for that purpose, to ensure early access to all necessary supports. Approximately 7,300 temporary protection permissions have already been issued by my Department since the activation of the EU Directive on 4 March.
Arrangements have also now been put in place to provide permission letters to those who arrived at Dublin Airport prior to 9 March (when permission letters started to issue) and to those who have arrived at other ports of entry to the State.
For people who are staying in State provided accommodation, staff from my Department are visiting these accommodation locations and will provide permission letters there.
Alternatively, permission letters can be obtained by visiting the Ukraine Support Centre in Cork Street, Dublin 8. The centre is open Monday to Friday from 9.15am to 5.00pm. On Saturdays, the centre is open from 9.15am to 3.00pm. There, people can also receive assistance from the Department of Social Protection to obtain PPSN numbers, social welfare income supports, and to receive referrals to other State services.
Arrangements are also being put in place that will allow people to obtain their permission letters from the Ukraine Support Centre in Hanover Street in Cork City and from the third Support Centre that will open shortly in Limerick. Further details on this will be announced shortly.
A centralised Government information portal is available at: www.gov.ie/ukraine, which is regularly updated.
My Department’s Irish Immigration website also contains a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page at: www.irishimmigration.ie/faqs-for-ukraine-nationals-and-residents-of-ukraine/.
I can assure the Deputy that my Government colleagues and I will continue to work with our EU counterparts on any further EU-wide measures that might be needed to assist those fleeing Ukraine. However, the immediate and overriding priority is to assist those who have arrived and continue to arrive in Ireland to find safety with access to state supports as needed, as part of a whole of Government response.
Notwithstanding this, given the very extreme pressures being faced by Moldova in the current circumstances, the Government has agreed, as part of an EU response, to offer to accept from Moldova up to 500 people who have fled the war in Ukraine.
144. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Justice the action that is being taken to tackle drug crime, especially in view of recent seizures in Tallaght, Dublin 24; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16195/22]
View answerThe Government is acutely aware of the sustained and significant damage that drug dealing has on communities across the country. Organised criminal activity, including drug dealing, represents a serious threat to community safety.
As the Deputy will be aware, 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. Implementation is led by my colleague the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Frank Feighan, and encompasses actions for all stakeholders, including An Garda Síochána and my Department.
The Government’s strategic approach is health-led to reduce demand while balancing this with reducing access to illegal drugs. It also aims to reduce the numbers criminalised for the possession of drugs for personal use, diverting these people to health and diversion treatments to address their habits and behaviours. While the strategy aims to support the most vulnerable people who use drugs, it is also matched with strong enforcement measures across government to tackle the supply of illegal drugs. I share the Garda Commissioner’s concern at the prevalence of illegal drug use and I am glad that sustained action by An Garda Síochána to tackle this continued apace throughout the pandemic, resulting in increased convictions and ongoing seizures of drugs, as well as volumes of firearms, ammunition and cash that inevitably accompany this very serious organised criminal activity.
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. I am advised by the Garda authorities that in 2021, the GNDOCB seized almost €64m worth of illicit drugs and over €5.6m in cash, a significant increase from 2019, when there were over €21m worth of illicit drugs and over €2.5m in cash seized.
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.
As the Deputy may be aware, intimidation is a very serious issue and the Bureau has worked with the National Family Support Network, to develop ‘the Drug Related Intimidation Reporting Programme’ to respond to the needs of drug users and family members experiencing drug related intimidation. The Commissioner has tasked an Inspector in every Garda Division to respond to the issue of drug related intimidation. People seeking assistance may contact their local Inspector confidentially who will provide practical personal security and safety information and advice in relation to particular threats or instances of intimidation, along with information on appropriate drug support services for the individual in the family who is accruing drug debts, while also providing information regarding the process involved in making a formal complaint.
My Department are also taking a range of actions designed to break the link between criminal gangs and the children they seek to recruit. This includes the enactment of new criminal legislation which will outlaw the grooming of children to commit crime. I also intend to bring forward legislation shortly which will increase the sentence of conspiracy to murder from ten years to life in prison. These new laws will ensure that An Garda Síochána and our Courts have the tools they need to take firm and decisive action to deal with our most serious criminals. In addition, we will continue to roll out the Greentown initiative which is designed to target those children most at risk of being recruited by criminal gangs.
As the Deputy may be aware, three pilot Local Community Safety Partnerships are currently in place in Longford, Waterford and Dublin North Inner City. Each pilot is developing a Local Community Safety Plan which is allowing communities to identify the specific community safety issues which need to be tackled in their local areas and to hold public service providers accountable for their agreed actions. Following the enactment of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill, Partnerships will be rolled out to every local authority area.
I will also be shortly launching the Community Safety Innovation Fund, which will enable local communities to seek funding for innovative projects which will improve community safety in their areas.
145. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Justice her views on the development of a citizen reporting portal for road traffic offences to enable persons to upload photographic and video evidence including of drivers illegal parking on paths, in cycle lanes and close passing of persons cycling in order that An Garda Síochána can investigate in line with the Vision Zero, the road safety strategy for 2021-2030; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16224/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the development and implementation of road traffic legislation and policy, including the Government's Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030, and the promotion and advancement of road safety, falls within the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Transport. An Garda Síochána plays a vital role in enforcing road traffic law and in making our roads safer for all road users, including vulnerable road users, such as cyclists.
The Garda Commissioner is responsible by law for the management of An Garda Síochána, including personnel matters and deployment of resources. As Minister, I have no responsibility for these matters.
I am advised by Minister Ryan that the protection of vulnerable road users is prioritised in the new Road Safety Strategy. Protecting vulnerable road users involves a range of actions aside from legislative and law enforcement measures. Improvements in infrastructure, such as dedicated cycle lanes, will reduce the danger by keeping vulnerable road users separate from motorized traffic. The Government has committed to investing up to €1.8 billion in cycling and walking infrastructure during its lifetime. I understand that the Road Safety Authority also engages in public information and education initiatives to raise driver awareness of the specific risks to vulnerable road users.
As regards the establishment of a dedicated online portal for the submission of video evidence of potential violations of road traffic legislation, the Deputy may be aware that the current Traffic Watch facility allows for members of the public to report driver behaviour to An Garda Síochána. Matters reported via this facility are forwarded to the relevant District Office for investigation. Similarly, citizens may make complaints to any member of An Garda Síochána or through the Garda website.
Under Action 29 of the Road Safety Strategy, An Garda Síochána will explore the potential of an online portal for road users to upload footage of road traffic offences which could assist in prosecution. This action is due to be completed by Q4 of this year.
As the Deputy will appreciate, there are strict standards in legislation relating to photographic evidence obtained by Gardaí. While An Garda Síochána has confirmed that private dash cam footage may be used during a prosecution, its use must be in accordance with best evidential practices and entails ensuring structures exist around continuity of evidence.
The Department of Transport has further advised that any decision to allow film by members of the public to be used in evidence in road traffic cases would raise questions of reliability of, and possible tampering with, the apparatus used, as well as potential privacy issues. It might also raise questions about why Garda apparatus was held to a standard not required of private individuals, if both were ultimately to be treated as reliable evidence.
Road traffic enforcement remains a core policing function of An Garda Síochána. The Garda National Roads Policing Bureau ensures a consistent approach to road safety and enforcement of road traffic legislation across the country. This is achieved through coordination of enforcement measures and development of policy based on research and analysis of statistics and by engaging in campaigns in partnership with other State Agencies, notably the Road Safety Authority.
It is also important to emphasise that road traffic legislation is enforced as part of the day-to-day duties of all members of An Garda Síochána, in addition to the employment of specific enforcement operations.
I would of course encourage any member of the public to report any incidents of dangerous driving directly to An Garda Síochána.
146. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Justice the steps she is taking to ensure that Ukrainian refugees are able to enter Ireland and regularise their position; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16246/22]
View answerThere is a coordinated whole-of-Government response to support people arriving in Ireland who have fled the violence in Ukraine. Government Departments and services are working together to implement Ireland's commitments under the EU Temporary Protection Directive (2001/55/EC), which has been activated for the first time to grant temporary protection to displaced persons from Ukraine.
The Directive has legal effect under Section 60 of the International Protection Act 2015.
Those eligible for Temporary Protection (granted initially for one year, but renewable) will have immediate access to the labour market, social welfare, accommodation and other State supports as necessary. A whole-of-Government response is being mobilised to implement the practical arrangements to give effect to these commitments.
So far, approximately 85 per cent of Ukrainians who have entered the State have been welcomed at Dublin Airport. Beneficiaries are being provided with their permission letter on arrival at the airport in the 'one-stop-shop' established by my Department for that purpose, to ensure early access to all necessary supports. Over 8,000 temporary protection permissions have already been issued by my Department since the activation of the EU Directive on 4 March.
Arrangements have also now been put in place to provide permission letters to those who arrived at Dublin Airport prior to 9 March (when permission letters started to issue) and to those who have arrived at other ports of entry to the State.
For people who are staying in State provided accommodation, staff from my Department are visiting these accommodation locations and will provide permission letters there.
Alternatively, permission letters can be obtained by visiting the Ukraine Support Centre in Cork Street, Dublin 8. The centre is open Monday to Friday from 9.15am to 5.00pm. On Saturdays, the centre is open from 9.15am to 3.00pm. There, people can also receive assistance from the Department of Social Protection to obtain PPSN numbers, social welfare income supports, and to receive referrals to other State services.
Arrangements are also being put in place that will allow people to obtain their permission letters from the Ukraine Support Centres in Hanover Street in Cork City and in Limerick. Further details on this will be announced shortly.
A centralised Government information portal is available at: www.gov.ie/ukraine, which is regularly updated.
My Department’s Irish Immigration website also contains a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page, which can be viewed at:
www.irishimmigration.ie/faqs-for-ukraine-nationals-and-residents-of-ukraine/.
I can assure the Deputy that my Government colleagues and I will continue to work with our EU counterparts on any further EU-wide measures that might be needed to assist those fleeing Ukraine.Given the very extreme pressures being faced by Moldova in the current circumstances, the Government has agreed, as part of an EU response, to offer to accept from Moldova up to 500 people who have fled the war in Ukraine.
147. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí currently assigned to the drugs unit in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16012/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the management of An Garda Síochána, including the distribution of Garda resources. As Minister, I have no responsibility for these matters. I am assured, however, that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.
In relation to the specific location referred to by the Deputy, I am informed by the Garda authorities that at 28 February 2022, the latest date for which figures are available, there were three Garda members assigned to the Cavan/Monaghan Drugs Unit.
I understand that overall, as of the same date, there are now 329 Garda personnel in Divisional Drugs Units assigned to tackle drug-related crime on a local basis throughout the country. This represents an increase of over 4% since 31 December 2021, when there were 315 Gardaí assigned to Divisional Drugs units nationwide.
These members are supported, as needed, by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, which has 84 Gardaí attached to it at 28 February 2022.
In the interest of transparency, a detailed breakdown of Garda numbers is available on my Department’s website. This information is updated every month with the latest data provided by An Garda Síochána. Information on the Garda workforce, Garda staff and other Garda statistics are available from the following link:
www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Garda_Workforce
148. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice if she will reform the immigration system to protect the victims and survivors of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence who are placed at additional risk given that their residency is based on being a dependent or due to the fact that they are undocumented. [16242/22]
View answerMy Department has put in place Victims of Domestic Violence Immigration Guidelines. The Guidelines rightly state that no one should have to suffer domestic violence and recognise that migrants may have additional vulnerability in this area, as the perpetrator may threaten a victim with the loss of their status if they report the abuse.
Anyone who is the victim of domestic abuse and whose permission to be in the State is linked to their partner, will have the issue of their status dealt with sensitively by the immigration authorities and each case will be assessed on an individual basis.
I would urge anyone in this situation to approach my Department for advice and assistance and I can assure any victim of abuse that they will be supported and protected.
In line with the Immigration Guidelines, an application may be made from inside the State by a person whose immigration status as the dependent of an Irish or foreign national is valid. If the permission is not currently valid, the person may still make an application. One of the standard conditions of an immigration permission granted in the State, is that the holder must be of good character. Engaging in domestic violence would not be in line with this condition and could lead to the revocation or non-renewal of the perpetrator’s own immigration status.If it is the case that the victim is in the State undocumented, it may also be open to them to make an application to the Regularisation of Long Term Undocumented Migrants Scheme. Further information is available on my Department's website at:
www.irishimmigration.ie/undocumented.
I would also encourage anyone who has been a victim of domestic abuse to reach out for help as soon as it is safe to do so. They can contact the Women’s Aid Freephone Helpline on 1800 341 900. Their Telephone Interpretation Service facility covers 170 languages for callers needing support in their own language. Interpreters are available on the Language Line from 8am–8pm, 7 days a week. They can provide information on support services throughout Ireland. Further information on that service can be found at:
www.womensaid.ie/services/helpline/telephoneinterp.html.
This year, my Department, with the support of the Dormant Accounts fund, will be rolling out awareness raising measures to reach people within marginalised communities in Ireland to inform them of the rights they have under the Victims of Crime Act 2017 and of the Victims Charter. In order to achieve this, my Department will work with various community organisations to adapt various assets and resources for victims of crime in culturally specific ways.
As the Deputy may be aware, I am 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 in our society for violence against women and it recognises the added vulnerability of certain groups of women, including migrant women.
The strategy has been developed in partnership with the sector to ensure it is targeted, comprehensive and effective in achieving all of the goals set out. Last month, I briefed those working in the sector on the progress of the strategy as part of that ongoing consultation, and a wider public consultation run by my Department has recently closed.
The submissions from those working in the sector, and the wider public survey, will now be analysed by consultants to see if any adjustments need to be made before the strategy is finalised.
I intend to bring the finalised strategy to Government in the coming weeks.
149. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice when full family visits will recommence in the prisons across the country in view of the general lifting of restrictions in society and the long period during which such visits were not possible from early 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16185/22]
View answerI am advised by my officials in the Irish Prison Service that they continue to review and modify Covid-19 restrictions which have been in place throughout the pandemic.
Restrictive measures have been 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.
Following a short two week suspension in January 2022, the Prison Service recommenced with physical visits to prisoners on Monday 24 January. During the period 24 January to 13 February prisoners were entitled to receive one physical visit per fortnight with a maximum of two visitors allowed during each physical visit, one of whom may be a child (under 18 years of age).
From the 14 February 2022 the number of visitors permitted on a visit increased to three people, two of whom may be a child (under 18 years of age). Prisoners are currently entitled to receive one thirty minute physical visit every fortnight and on the weeks that they are not receiving a physical family visit, prisoners are able to avail of a video visit. Prisoners may also choose to avail of a video visit instead of a physical visit if they prefer.
I can further advise the Deputy, that no decision has yet been taken in relation to the resumption of weekly visits but this matter is under constant review.
I can assure the Deputy that I fully appreciate how challenging these restrictive measures are for both prisoners and their families. I am very aware of the importance of assisting prisoners to maintain close contact with family and friends while in custody. Families and friends play and important and supportive role in the rehabilitation of prisoners and in their preparation for life post release.
This is an issue that the management of the Irish Prison Service are also cognisant of and they have at all times sought to minimise the impact of such measures.
The Service continues to try to balance the need for infection control with the need to ensure that prisoners continue to receive support from family and friends while in prison.
The high prevalence of Covid-19 in our communities continues to present a high risk of transmission to the prison population and this risk is higher with the increased movement of people into and out of our prisons.
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.
150. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 161 of 17 February 2022, the status of the promised implementation plan in which the number of refuge spaces available in Ireland will meet Ireland’s commitments under the Istanbul Convention; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16006/22]
View answerIt is my goal that everyone who needs a refuge space will get one and I am deeply committed to working with our partners in the sector and with my Government colleagues to achieve that.
This Government has prioritised tackling domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) in all its forms, and ensuring that people, particularly women and vulnerable people, feel safe and are safe in our communities.
As the Deputy is aware, I am currently leading work on a new whole of government strategy to combat domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. This new plan will have a particular focus on prevention, and on ensuring victims are better supported.
It is my intention to publish the final strategy and accompanying action plan as soon as possible in the coming weeks.
Minister O’Gorman and I also commissioned an independent audit of how responsibility for domestic, sexual and gender based violence is segmented across Government.
On foot of this, it has been agreed that my Department will assume responsibility for services for victims of domestic, sexual and gender based violence, in addition to policy responsibility and overall cross-Government coordination of implementation.
A detailed plan setting out how this will work is in preparation.
In relation to the specific issue of refuge spaces, in February Minister O’Gorman and I published the review by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, of accommodation for victims of domestic violence.
The review highlights gaps in geographical coverage and inadequate provision of safe accommodation, including refuges, to meet population needs. It recommended an approach to address this with immediate, medium and long term actions required and it provides a list of priority areas where additional services would address the most immediate need.
While the review says that a minimum of between 50 and 60 new refuge places are needed as a priority, further analysis has identified 10 locations nationwide where the delivery of 82 family refuge spaces would have the most impact if prioritised.
These locations and refuge need have been chosen on the basis of required proximity to a refuge, as well as a need for refuge spaces per head of population in densely populated areas.
These represent areas where there is the most significant under-provision and represent a starting point to increasing refuge spaces comprehensively and in every county across the country.
I fully acknowledge the need to dramatically increase the provision of refuges across the country, and key to this will be ensuring organisations can access funding.
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 as effectively as possible.
My intention is that the timelines for delivery of these places, as well as further targets for nationwide delivery of refuge accommodation, will be outlined in the third national strategy and further detail will be contained in the accompanying action plan.
151. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for Justice if she will report on the work of her Department in assisting persons from Ukraine who have arrived in Ireland through Shannon airport in particular the status of the persons affected by the Russian invasion. [16257/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the EU Temporary Protection Directive (2001/55/EC) has been activated in response to the Ukraine crisis. Ireland participates in this measure, which is given legal effect under Section 60 of the International Protection Act 2015.
Those eligible for Temporary Protection (granted initially for one year, but renewable) will have immediate access to the labour market, social welfare, accommodation and other State supports as necessary. A whole-of-Government response is being mobilised to implement the practical arrangements to give effect to these commitments.
My Department is responsible for immigration controls and permissions at Dublin Airport. Immigration duties at all other airports and ports of entry to the State are the responsibility of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).
So far, approximately 85 per cent of people who have entered the State having fled Ukraine have been welcomed at Dublin Airport. Shannon Airport currently accounts for approximately 4 per cent of all arrivals.
As a result of the large numbers of Ukrainians arriving via Dublin Airport beneficiaries of temporary protection are being provided with their permission letter on arrival in the 'one-stop-shop' established by my Department for that purpose, to ensure early access to all necessary supports.
Arrangements have also now been put in place to provide permission letters to those who arrived at Dublin Airport prior to 9 March (when permission letters started to issue) and to those who have arrived at other ports of entry to the State, including Shannon Airport.
For people who are staying in State provided accommodation, staff from my Department are visiting these accommodation locations and will provide permission letters there.
Alternatively, permission letters can be obtained by visiting the Ukraine Support Centre in Cork Street, Dublin 8. There, people can also receive assistance from the Department of Social Protection to obtain PPSN numbers, social welfare income supports, and to receive referrals to other State services.
Arrangements are also being put in place that will allow people to obtain their permission letters from the Ukraine Support Centres in Hanover Street in Cork City and in Limerick, which is intended to serve the midwest area, including Shannon.
Further details on this will be announced shortly.
Almost 7,300 temporary protection permission letters have been issued by my Department since the EU Directive was activated on 4 March.
152. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice the progress to date in preparing legislation relevant to community based CCTV; the likely timeline for the enactment of this legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16007/22]
View answerI am acutely conscious that the rollout of community CCTV schemes across the country has benefitted many communities, helping people to feel safer in their local areas. This is why it remains a priority for my Department to ensure that community groups continue to be supported in their valued contributions to their local CCTV schemes, whilst ensuring sufficient, proportionate oversight of important data protection statutory considerations.
Justice Plan 2022 commits to the publication of the Garda Síochána (Digital Recording) Bill, which relates to Garda powers to use modern digital technology including body worn cameras, ANPR and CCTV with a view to enactment by the Oireachtas. As part of the proposed bill, it is intended to repeal Section 38 of the 2005 Garda Act and to replace it with new CCTV provisions. This will deliver on the programme for government commitment to enhance the use of CCTV to help prevent crime and prosecute those involved in criminal activity.
I secured government agreement for the General Scheme of the Garda Síochána (Digital Recording) Bill in April 2021. The General Scheme was then sent to the Office of Parliamentary Counsel for formal drafting, and drafting is continuing. The enactment of this legislation is a priority for the government and it is intended to publish the bill in the second quarter of 2022 and to complete its passage through the Oireachtas later this year.
As the Deputy may be aware, community-based CCTV is currently governed by Section 38(3)(c) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 and the Garda Síochána (CCTV) Order 2006 (SI 289 of 2006). This legal framework requires that any proposed community CCTV scheme must:
- be approved by the local Joint Policing Committee;
- have the prior support of the relevant local authority, which must also act as data controller; and
- have the authorisation of the Garda Commissioner.
This is the legal basis for all community CCTV schemes, regardless of how they are funded. These key legal requirements have not changed since 2006.
153. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Justice the steps being taken to improve the operation of the criminal trial process for victims; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16050/22]
View answerThe Department of Justice is leading a number of important initiatives to ensure we better support victims of crime. When a victim of crime begins to engage with the justice system they should know what to expect, be confident they will be treated respectfully and sensitively, know what their legally enforceable rights are and what supports are available at every step in the process.
Central to achieving this is 'Supporting a Victim's Journey' - our plan to implement the recommendations of The O'Malley Review. Supporting a Victims Journey is an ambitious plan to introduce important reforms to support and protect vulnerable victims and ensure our criminal justice system is more victim-centred.
The O’Malley Review looked at the journey a victim faces from the moment a crime is committed against them, to the initial reporting of the offence right through to the end of any court proceedings and beyond, because the journey for a victim doesn’t end with a verdict.
I am deeply committed to implementing in full all of the actions set out in Supporting a Victim's Journey and I am chairing an Implementation Oversight Group comprising all relevant departments and agencies responsible for driving the implementation of the agreed actions.
To date, a number of key actions have been delivered as part of implementing Supporting a Victim’s Journey including:
- The introduction of preliminary trial hearings;
- The nationwide rollout of Divisional Protective Services Units (DPSUs);
- The first cohort of staff at a new sexual offences unit in the Director of Public Prosecutions office formally took up their roles in April;
- Work to advance the training for all personnel who come into contact with vulnerable victims is underway;
- The University of Limerick has been commissioned by my Department to develop the framework for the training and accreditation operation and training of intermediaries.
Key areas of the trial process that were identified as being traumatic for victims and survivors of sexual violence are being addressed in order to make sure they are not victimised further by the processes they need to go through in order to seek the justice they deserve.
Preliminary trail hearings will reduce delays and increase efficiency in how our criminal trials are run by allowing for certain matters to be addressed in advance of the trial itself starting. In addition to the above, a review of the supports and funding of civil society organisations providing frontline services has been conducted to identify where gaps may exist and how to bridge them. Specific geographical areas and categories of victims that are not adequately covered by NGO supports were identified and my Department engaged with relevant NGO partners to agree revised funding to ensure that we met the gaps identified.
Recently I announced funding totalling €4.6m for more than 60 organisations to support victims of crime. This is an increase of over 20% on the previous total fund of €3.8m which was made available in 2021.
I am confident that through increased funding, together with our work to implement the actions set out in Supporting a Victims Journey, we will ensure that have a system that removes fear and empowers victims to have the confidence to report an offence, knowing they will be supported, informed and treated respectfully and professionally for the entirety of the difficult journey they have to face.
154. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 1453 of 21 April 2021, if she has since discussed the new information that was brought to light by a person (details supplied) with the Justice Minister in the NI Executive; if there is any further update since this information was provide to the NI Justice Minister; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16188/22]
View answerAs was advised previously, all information that has been brought to my attention by the academic referred to by the Deputy, including the article you referred last April, has been forwarded to An Garda Síochána for consideration and any appropriate action. The Commissioner has confirmed that the material will be assessed.
The Deputy will also be aware that then Minister for Justice, Minister Humphreys TD subsequently raised the case of the Belturbet bombing and the ongoing research at that time with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
I can assure the Deputy that the Belturbet bombing amongst other unresolved cases from that time remain to the fore in our engagement with UK authorities.
I will, of course, continue to liaise with the Garda Commissioner with regard to the open investigation in this jurisdiction.
As we approach the 50 year anniversary of the bombings I would again ask that anyone with information in relation to these appalling acts please contact An Garda Síochána.
155. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Justice if a full public inquiry, or in the alternative, an investigation conducted by an outside policing agency will be carried out into the killing of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16223/22]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that a statutory inquiry under section 42 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 was conducted by former Judge Patrick Clyne into the Garda Síochána investigation relating to the death of Mr Patrick Nugent in 1984.
The Judge completed his inquiry on 31 October 2020 and my Department received his report on 3 November 2020. The advice of the Attorney General was sought regarding next steps, including on the matter of publication of the final report. On 8 October 2021, my officials met with the family of Patrick Nugent to discuss the implications of that legal advice. The purpose of that meeting was to update the family generally as to what steps were being taken and to explain the legal difficulties regarding publication of the final report.
The family were informed that I had provided an unredacted copy of the report to the Garda Commissioner on 9 September to decide what further action, if any, should be taken by An Garda Síochána in the light of the Judge’s findings. The Garda Commissioner has informed me that he has instructed that a fresh investigation be undertaken into the matters which Judge Clyne determined required further investigation.
Insofar as any alternative forms of further inquiry might be considered by me as alternatives to the cold case review being undertaken by the Commissioner, I would note that none of the proposed alternatives would have the criminal investigatory powers of An Garda Síochána.
As previously communicated to the Nugent family, I do not propose to publish Judge Clyne’s report at this time as to do so could potentially prejudice a future prosecution. I am also mindful of the need not to interfere with or otherwise prejudice the cold case investigation which the Garda Commissioner has decided to open.
