Written Answers Nos. 635-657
635. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice the percentage of social media posts made on each of her Departmental social media accounts or the social media accounts of public bodies and agencies that operate under her remit that were exclusively in Irish between 1 May 2021 and 30 April 2022, inclusive; the percentage of same that feature bilingual translations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23053/22]
View answer636. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice the percentage of social media posts made on each of her Departmental social media accounts or the social media accounts of public bodies and agencies that operate under her remit that were exclusively in languages besides English or Irish between 1 May 2021 and 30 April 2022, inclusive; the percentage of same that featured languages besides English or Irish; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23071/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 635 and 636 together.
I can inform the Deputy that 4.75% of posts made on my Departmental social media accounts and platforms were exclusively written in Irish, while 1.00% of posts featured bilingual translations in Irish and English, during the timeframe specified. The total amount of posts written exclusively in Irish or featuring Irish and English translations was 5.75%. My Department did not issue social media posts in languages other than English or Irish in the timeframe specified.
The social platforms used by my Department during this period were Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube. The breakdown of posts across each platform is set out below.
Posts exclusively in Irish: Twitter (7.78%), Instagram (1.85%), Facebook (2.75%), LinkedIn (4.35%), YouTube (1.61%).
Posts that feature bilingual translations in Irish and English: Twitter (0.37%), Instagram (.31%), Facebook (.92%), LinkedIn (1.24%), YouTube (9.68%).
I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the agencies under my Department's remit. As it has not been possible to collate this information in the time allowed, I will write to the Deputy directly as soon as it is to hand.
637. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice the percentage of social media videos posted on each of her Departmental social media accounts or the social media accounts of public bodies and agencies that operate under her remit included closed captioning and or subtitling between 1 May 2021 and 30 April 2022, inclusive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23089/22]
View answerI wish to inform the Deputy that between 1 May 2021 and 30 April 2022, 33.07% of posts made on my Department's social media accounts contained video in some format. Of the total amount of video posts, 90.51% contained text-based content and/or captioning/subtitles.
The social platforms in use by the Department during this period were Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn. The breakdown of posts across each platform is set out below.
Video posts with text based content and/or captioning/subtitles:
Twitter (93.84%), Instagram* (89.19%), Facebook (87.63%), LinkedIn (84%).
* Information relates to posts (38.5%) on the Department’s Instagram account during the specified period. Instagram stories (61.5%) auto-delete after 24 hours, therefore data could not be generated for this content.
I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the agencies that operate under my Department's remit. As it has not been possible to collate the information in the time allowed I will write to the Deputy directly when this information is to hand.
638. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 657 of 22 February 2022, if she has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities to answer the question. [23109/22]
View answerParliamentary Question No. 657 of 22 February 2022 refers to the number of cases that the Garda computer crime unit has dealt with in 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible by law for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including operational policing matters. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.
I can assure the Deputy that the prevention and investigation of cybercrime is a priority for the Government and for An Garda Síochána. Budget 2022 provides over €2 billion in funding to An Garda Síochána. Since 2016 the budget for An Garda Síochána has increased by approximately €500m, or 33%. These funds provide for continued investment in the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau (GNCCB), with ongoing expansion of the Bureau.
The Bureau is the national Garda unit tasked with the forensic examination of computer media seized during the course of any criminal investigations. These include murders, cybercrime, online harassment, computer intrusions, child exploitation offences and any criminal investigation in which computers are seized or may contain evidential data. The unit also conducts investigations into cyber-dependent crimes which are significant or complex in nature, network intrusions, data interference and attacks on websites belonging to Government departments, institutions and corporate entities.
The Bureau is part of Organised and Serious Crime, and is staffed by civilian personnel and Garda members of various ranks up to Detective Superintendent. Members of the unit undergo intensive training in the area of forensic computing and cybercrime investigations, and give expert witness testimony in all types of investigations and prosecutions in court. In addition to its forensic and investigative role, GNCCB acts as a liaison with various partner agencies and law enforcement bodies.
The expansion of the GNCCB is a priority project under A Policing Service for our Future , the implementation plan for the recommendations of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland. The aim of this project is to significantly enhance the capabilities of GNCCB to tackle cybercrime in this jurisdiction, including the establishment of six GNCCB Cyber Satellite hubs strategically located throughout the country.
I am pleased to note that Cyber Satellite hubs have recently been established in Cork, Galway, Mullingar and Wexford. These hubs are engaged in cybercrime forensics, investigations and support roles.
For the Deputy's information the table below, which has been provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of cases that the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau has dealt with in 2020, 2021, and up to and including 9 May 2022.
|
Year |
Cases created on GNCCB systems |
Cases closed by GNCCB |
|
2020 |
400 |
333 |
|
2021 |
490 |
431 |
|
To-date in 2022 |
166 |
162 |
Breakdown of Case Incident Type:
|
Incident Type |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
Armed Robbery |
3 |
2 |
|
|
CCTV Requests |
2 |
9 |
2 |
|
Child Exploitation / Grooming |
34 |
45 |
13 |
|
Child Pornography Enquiry |
170 |
212 |
59 |
|
Criminal Damage |
4 |
||
|
Cyber Crime - Cyber Attacks |
5 |
||
|
Data Retrieval |
35 |
39 |
8 |
|
Denial of Service |
1 |
||
|
Disclosure of Personal Data |
3 |
1 |
|
|
Drug Offenses |
4 |
10 |
5 |
|
Fraud Enquiry |
5 |
||
|
Harassment |
19 |
23 |
15 |
|
Human Trafficking |
1 |
12 |
4 |
|
Internal Affairs |
4 |
20 |
6 |
|
Internet Investigation |
2 |
||
|
Interpol Request |
1 |
||
|
Missing Person |
3 |
2 |
|
|
Murder - Suspect |
16 |
7 |
15 |
|
Murder - Victim |
2 |
1 |
4 |
|
Mutual Assistance Request |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Phishing Incident |
1 |
||
|
Ransomware |
1 |
15 |
3 |
|
Sexual Assault / Rape |
17 |
13 |
8 |
|
Telecommunications |
1 |
||
|
Terrorism |
10 |
8 |
1 |
|
Theft and Fraud Offences |
58 |
56 |
15 |
|
Unauthorised Access |
4 |
11 |
2 |
|
Website Defacement |
2 |
||
|
Total |
400 |
490 |
166 |
639. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice the number of drones owned by An Garda Síochána and the number currently in use as of 3 May 2022, [23110/22]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, legislation currently limits the operational use of drones by An Garda Síochána. However, the Garda Síochána (Digital Recording) Bill will provide a legal basis for the wider operational deployment of drones.
The Bill will provide a power for a Garda Member or Garda Staff acting in the course of his or her duties to operate, or cause to be operated, a recording device that is remotely controlled and affixed to or part of an unmanned aerial vehicle. The recording shall be for the purposes of:
(a) Preventing, investigating, detecting or prosecuting criminal offences;
(b) Safeguarding against, and preventing, threats to public security, including securing public safety and public order; or for
(c) protecting the security of the State.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána is currently conducting ongoing trials with a number of unmanned aircraft systems (drones) and there is an internal working group tasked with examining the wider potential and scope to use drones to assist in various policing operations.
I am further advised by the Garda authorities that specific task-capable drone models have been identified and 9 drones have been procured for evaluation, training and possible future operational use in the Garda Air Support Unit (GASU). A further 2 drones have been procured by the Garda National Technical Bureau for training purposes.
640. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí by rank attached to the Garda National Immigration Bureau as of 1 May 2021 and 1 May 2022, in tabular form. [23111/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), 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. The Commissioner is also responsible for the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff under the Act and, as Minister, I have no direct role in these independent functions.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the table below sets out the number of Gardaí assigned to the Garda National Immigration Bureau at 30 April 2020 and 31 March 2022, the latest date for which figures are available.
|
Garda National Immigration Bureau |
Garda |
Sergeant |
Inspector |
Superintendent |
Chief Superintendent |
Total |
|
30-Apr-20 |
91 |
12 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
110 |
|
31-Mar-22 |
88 |
14 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
108 |
641. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice the number of stables by location available to the Garda mounted unit excluding the stables currently in the Phoenix Park. [23112/22]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. The allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Commissioner, in light of identified operational demands. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda Mounted Unit (GMU) is based at Áras an Úachtaráin, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8 and falls under the remit of Assistant Commissioner, Organised & Serious Crime. The operational control of the GMU is overseen by Detective Chief Superintendent, Operational Support Services. There are currently 12 horses attached to the Garda Mounted Unit.
There are two locations utilised by the GMU excluding Phoenix Park. These are the Landmark Trust Mews, Merrion Square, Dublin 2 and Dublin Castle. These locations are occasionally used by the GMU when the horses require to rest or feed during extended patrols in Dublin city centre. There are two standing stalls and two stables located at the Landmark Trust Mews and two standing stalls located in Dublin Castle.
642. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda interventions involving persons with self-harm or harming others due to mental health issues; and the resources that have been made available to ensure that An Garda Síochána is adequately trained to deal with these complex situations and that they have access on 24/7 supports of appropriate specialist services when required. [23113/22]
View answerI have sought the information requested by the Deputy from the Garda authorities but the information was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.
|
Incident Type |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
Mental Health Act (detained under) |
5754 |
6312 |
2431 |
643. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice the age of the trucks attached to the Garda water unit. [23114/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible by law for the management of An Garda Síochána, including the deployment of resources. As Minister, I have no responsibility for these matters.
I am advised that the Garda Water Unit (GWU) is a national resource based at both Santry Garda Station, Dublin Metropolitan Region and Garycastle, Athlone, Co. Westmeath and falls under the remit of Assistant Commissioner, Organised & Serious Crime. The operational control of the GWU is overseen by Detective Chief Superintendent, Operational Support Services. The GWU provides a full dive and marine capability throughout the State and responds to requests for assistance from within An Garda Síochána and other relevant agencies.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the GWU currently has two dive trucks, one in Santry and one in Athlone, that are 16 and 17 years old respectively.
Approval has been received for the replacement of the trucks and a Request for Tender is currently being prepared in relation to this.
644. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice the number of unmarked vans attached to the Garda collision forensic investigation unit as of 1 May 2021 and 1 May 2022, in tabular form. [23115/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. The allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Commissioner, in light of identified operational demands. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions. 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.
Budget 2022 provides in excess of an unprecedented €2 billion, of which I am informed that €12m has been allocated for investment in the Garda fleet, which will mean more high visibility policing in our towns and cities.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that there were 10 unmarked vans allocated to the Garda collision forensic investigation unit on 30 April 2021.
I am further advised that there are 10 unmarked vans allocated to the unit at 30 April 2022, the latest date for which figures are available.
645. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice the steps that she is taking to recognise the contribution of the members of An Garda Síochána in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. [23154/22]
View answerAt the outset, I wish to thank all those serving in An Garda Síochána, both sworn members and Garda staff, for their efforts since the onset of Covid-19. The pandemic has shown the value of a community-based policing service, and the response from members and staff of An Garda Síochána is rightly a source of pride.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of the organisation and the matter of awards, medals or citations for any member of An Garda Síochána is solely within the remit of the Garda Commissioner.
In this regard, I am advised that while no specific awards are being considered in connection with the response to Covid-19, the excellent work done by members and staff of An Garda Síochána during the pandemic will be acknowledged as part the Centenary celebrations during 2022.
646. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice if her will provide details of contracts awarded in 2022 by her Department or bodies under her aegis outside the standard procurement process in order to assist the arrival of refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23199/22]
View answerIt has not been possible to collate the information requested in the time allowed. I will write to the Deputy directly when the information is to hand.
|
Contract |
Purpose |
Details |
|
Dublin Airport Authority (daa) |
Accommodation for processing operation at Dublin Airport Users include Departments of Justice, Social Protection, DCEDIY, Agriculture, TUSLA, and HSE. |
A six month contract, cancellable by either side with two weeks’ notice. - Six month cost discounted from €444,800 to €259,467 - Cost includes all insurance, and utilities |
|
International Organisation for Migration (IOM) |
Providing translation and other expert urgent support to enable the registration of Ukrainian nationals applying for Temporary Protection in Dublin Airport, Rosslare, Limerick, and other locations |
To a maximum of €1,443,675 for a twelve month contract |
|
EY |
Data capture and modelling to evaluate the impact of persons arriving, on services across Government, including social protection, health, education etc., based on the profile of those seeking temporary protection. The output will inform evidence based planning and decision making centrally in the Department of the Taoiseach and across a number of Government Departments and Offices. |
The estimated cost is in the region €140,000 to €200,000. |
647. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Justice the status of the progression of the naturalisation process for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23206/22]
View answerThe application for naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy, continues to be processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation, and will be submitted to me for decision in due course.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. However, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.
In addition, the combined impact of the 2019 High Court judgment in the Jones case and the necessary health restrictions arising from the pandemic, has unfortunately resulted in the processing time for standard applications increasing.
However, my Department is taking a number of steps to speed up the processing of applications and a number of digitisation measures have also been introduced to increase efficiency in the process, including eTax clearance, eVetting and online payments. The end result of the digitisation process will be 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.
In 2021, my Department issued 11,512 citizenship decisions, which is the highest number of decisions made since 2015, and reflects positively the significant changes undertaken to date.
It is open to the applicant to contact the Citizenship Division of my Department at: citizenshipinfo@justice.ie at any time for an update on their application.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: INISOireachtasMail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
648. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice if her Department employ persons or firms to deal with public relations; if so, the number of persons employed by her Department to deal with public relations; the names of firms involved; and the total amount spent on public relations by her Department. [23228/22]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that my Department currently has no contracts in place with any external public relations firms or individuals.
649. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 637 of 11 May 2021, the number of speeding fines or penalty points issued as a result of evidence obtained by speed camera vans nationwide in each of the past five years and to date in 2021, by county. [23237/22]
View answerI have contacted the Garda authorities to provide the information sought by the Deputy, but unfortunately this was not to hand in time. I will write to the Deputy once the information is received.
|
Division |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022* |
|
D.M.R. Eastern |
2,776 |
2,186 |
1,398 |
2,065 |
3,095 |
2,508 |
761 |
|
D.M.R. North Central |
2,595 |
3,971 |
2,321 |
2,915 |
3,130 |
3,069 |
768 |
|
D.M.R. Northern |
9,393 |
9,048 |
6,025 |
6,040 |
8,473 |
6,501 |
1,961 |
|
D.M.R. South Central |
5,218 |
4,312 |
2,549 |
2,260 |
2,208 |
2,139 |
552 |
|
D.M.R. Southern |
1,544 |
903 |
416 |
335 |
2,266 |
2,776 |
1,128 |
|
D.M.R. Western |
10,148 |
6,368 |
864 |
820 |
9,677 |
6,982 |
1,689 |
|
Kildare Div |
13,827 |
11,823 |
12,351 |
10,658 |
7,302 |
8,575 |
1,921 |
|
Kilkenny/Carlow |
5,425 |
3,999 |
2,822 |
2,439 |
1,899 |
1,895 |
640 |
|
Laois/Offaly |
3,373 |
2,402 |
2,360 |
2,488 |
2,972 |
4,591 |
1,243 |
|
Meath Div |
2,345 |
4,024 |
4,620 |
2,293 |
5,568 |
4,880 |
1,685 |
|
Waterford Div |
5,073 |
2,019 |
2,945 |
2,802 |
2,134 |
2,286 |
752 |
|
Westmeath Div |
1,616 |
1,878 |
1,413 |
2,156 |
3,177 |
2,776 |
1,097 |
|
Wexford Div |
5,318 |
5,275 |
2,907 |
2,775 |
3,126 |
2,818 |
729 |
|
Wicklow Div |
4,126 |
3,900 |
3,589 |
2,574 |
10,118 |
7,418 |
1,021 |
|
Cavan/Monaghan |
4,386 |
2,455 |
2,073 |
2,150 |
4,305 |
3,617 |
1,425 |
|
Donegal |
3,447 |
1,861 |
1,825 |
1,388 |
2,163 |
1,803 |
657 |
|
Galway Div |
5,845 |
5,801 |
3,857 |
4,258 |
10,049 |
8,042 |
2,929 |
|
Louth Div |
1,699 |
1,478 |
1,265 |
852 |
1,669 |
1,758 |
495 |
|
Mayo |
2,936 |
3,238 |
2,241 |
2,580 |
1,631 |
1,518 |
554 |
|
Roscommon/Longford Div |
3,781 |
3,714 |
1,429 |
1,605 |
3,081 |
1,905 |
346 |
|
Sligo/Leitrim |
3,867 |
2,434 |
1,665 |
1,386 |
1,057 |
1,857 |
437 |
|
Clare |
3,754 |
2,971 |
2,475 |
2,057 |
1,521 |
1,634 |
577 |
|
Cork City |
3,880 |
2,790 |
1,515 |
1,958 |
4,435 |
9,408 |
2,996 |
|
Cork North |
4,578 |
1,693 |
1,832 |
1,710 |
3,099 |
3,317 |
1,558 |
|
Cork West |
3,025 |
2,020 |
3,675 |
3,336 |
2,564 |
2,896 |
1,099 |
|
Kerry |
4,942 |
2,392 |
2,346 |
2,339 |
1,814 |
1,575 |
536 |
|
Limerick |
9,712 |
5,914 |
5,898 |
5,322 |
4,487 |
6,050 |
2,308 |
|
Tipperary |
6,324 |
2,872 |
1,767 |
1,474 |
3,005 |
3,497 |
1,451 |
|
National Total |
134,953 |
103,741 |
80,443 |
75,035 |
110,025 |
108,091 |
33,315 |
650. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice if speed camera vans are permitted to operate in areas which do not feature speed camera warning signs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23238/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended) the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business, including all operational policing matters. This includes all matters related to road traffic enforcement. As Minister I play no role in these independent functions.
Additionally, the Deputy will be aware that Road Traffic legislation rests under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Transport.
I am advised that there is no legal requirement for speed camera warning signs to be in position prior to the operation of speed camera vans in an area.
651. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Justice when the new Judiciary Board will be appointed to vet new applications by solicitors and barristers for appointment to the position of judges of all courts. [23244/22]
View answerThe Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2022 was published on 8 April 2022, taking into account the outcome both of widespread consultations and key aspects of a comprehensive pre-legislative scrutiny report prepared by an Oireachtas Committee. This represents an important step forward in the reform of the judicial appointments process, as I have committed to in my recently published Justice Plan 2022.
While I cannot specify a date at this early stage, I look forward to working with all members of the Houses of the Oireachtas to bring this legislation to enactment this year.
653. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Justice the number of incidents of accommodation fraud reported to An Garda Síochána in each of the years 2018 to 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form. [23249/22]
View answer655. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Justice the monetary amount stolen from victims as a result of accommodation fraud in each of the years 2018 to 2021 and to date in 2022. [23251/22]
View answer656. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Justice the number of prosecutions made as a result of accommodation fraud in each of the years 2018 to 2021 and to date in 2022. [23252/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 653, 655 and 656 together.
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 the recording of crimes reported to An Garda Síochána. As Minister for Justice, I have no direct role in these matters.I am advised by the Garda authorities that a search was carried out on the PULSE system identifying incidents of Accommodation Fraud. The tables below, furnished to me by the Garda authorities, show the number of incidents of Accommodation Fraud and the monetary value stolen for the period requested by the Deputy. As this incident type was introduced in 2019, data is not available or comparable from any prior period.
Incidents of Accommodation Fraud
|
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022* |
Total |
|
231 |
228 |
276 |
115 |
850 |
* Figures up to 05/05/2022
Monetary Value Seized
|
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022* |
Total |
|
€370,524 |
€380,712 |
€463,934 |
€190,573 |
€1,405,743 |
*Figures up to 05/05/2022 It is worth noting that figures are operational and liable to change and are based on a reported date using data obtained from PULSE.
The Deputy will also be aware that the Director of Public Prosecutions is an independent law officer under the provisions of the Prosecution of Offences Act 1974 (as amended). The Office of the DPP is under the Vote of the Department of the Taoiseach and I have no role in the functions of the Director or the Office of the DPP. However, to be of assistance, I made enquiries with the Courts Service, regarding the number of prosecutions made as a result of accommodation fraud. The Courts Service have advised that there is no offence code for “rental fraud” and therefore the information sought by the Deputy cannot be provided.
I would encourage anyone who has been the victim of such crime to contact An Garda Síochána. I can assure the Deputy that any incident of this type of crime will be investigated by An Garda Síochána. Furthermore, Garda management are continuously monitoring crime trends to identify persons who are engaged in such crimes. The Deputy may wish to note that advice is available on the Garda website for those who have fallen victim to accommodation fraud at the following link: www.garda.ie/en/crime/fraud/i-believe-i-am-the-victim-of-rental-fraud-what-do-i-do-.html
654. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide a breakdown of incidents of accommodation fraud that occurred through social media platforms, in person, or through other websites or methods. [23250/22]
View answerAs 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 the recording of crimes reported to An Garda Síochána. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the below table shows the breakdown of incidents of accommodation fraud that occurred, and the method of communication used between suspect and injured party, for the period 2021.
|
Method of Communication |
Incidents |
|
Online |
137 |
|
Social Media |
54 |
|
Text/Messenger App |
27 |
|
Unknown |
58 |
|
Total |
276 |
It is worth noting that figures are operational and liable to change and are based on a reported date using data obtained from PULSE.
657. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Justice the number of incidents of investment fraud reported to An Garda Síochána in each of the years 2018 to 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form. [23255/22]
View answerAs 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. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I sought information from the Garda authorities in relation to incidents of investment fraud. A search of the PULSE database was conducted on the 06 May 2022 for incidents of the type “Investment Fraud” which were reported during the period 01/01/2018 – 05/05/2022.
Based on the numbers returned, the table below shows the count of incidents by year:
|
Year |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 (Up to 05 May 2022) |
|
Count of Incidents |
* |
147 |
360 |
641 |
130 |
*Fewer than 10
Incident data is based upon operational data from the PULSE system as was available on 06/05/2022 and is liable to change.
