Written Answers Nos. 989-1006
989. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice in relation to section 15 of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2014, which allows for gardaí to be seconded as social welfare inspectors, and 1D which allows them to swap and become gardaí again if necessary; if he will advise if there are guidelines on how to regulate when and how they can swap between these two positions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17427/23]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), which includes the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff. As Minister I play no role in these independent functions.
Section 15 (1D) of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2014 (as amended) provides that:
"A member of the Garda Síochána exercising a power or duty of a social welfare inspector shall continue to have conferred on him or her and may exercise the powers and duties of a member of the Garda Síochána for purposes other than the purposes of this Act, as well as for the purposes of this Act."
Therefore, a member of An Garda Síochána seconded as a social welfare inspector under Section 250 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (as amended by the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2014), does not cease to be a member of An Garda Síochána. Garda members seconded to the Department of Social Protection retain all their Garda powers for the duration of the secondment.
I am further advised that there is a Memorandum of Understanding between An Garda Síochána and the Department of Social Protection in respect of these secondments.
990. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Justice when an application (details supplied) made under the Regularisation of Long-Term Undocumented Migrants Scheme will be decided on. [17441/23]
View answerAn application by the person concerned for the Regularisation of Long Term Undocumented Migrants scheme was received by the Undocumented Unit of my Department on 15 February 2022 and continues to be processed. Due to the large number of applications on hand it is not possible to provide a definitive timeframe for a decision to issue.
The processing times of applications will vary depending on the complexity of the application, whether it is a single or family application, the supporting documentation and the vetting process with An Garda Síochána (AGS). Applications where there is an existing deportation order will require additional processing.
Each application received is assessed individually in accordance with the published criteria, available on my Department's immigration website at:
www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Undocumented-Policy-Scheme-January-2022.pdf.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by email 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 email service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
991. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Justice the number of applications received under the Regularisation of Long-Term Undocumented Migrants Scheme; the number processed; and the expected completion date for applications received. [17442/23]
View answerThe Regularisation of Long Term Undocumented Migrants scheme opened on 31 January 2022 and closed on 31 July 2022. This once in a generation scheme was designed to give long-term undocumented persons, without a current permission to remain in the State, the opportunity to regularise their status, access the labour market and begin their path to citizenship.
In total, 6,548 applications were submitted in respect of 8,311 people under the scheme. Of these 5,654 (86%) were Single Applications and 894 (14%) Family Applications. As of 11 April 2023, 76% of applications made to the scheme have been processed: 4,302 applications have been granted, 592 applications have been refused, and 93 applications have been withdrawn by the applicants for various reasons. These applications equate to 6,386 people of which 5,589 people were granted, 685 people refused and 112 people withdrew from the process.
It is not possible to provide a definitive timeframe for when the outstanding applications will be finalised. My Department's Justice Plan 2023 (objective 119) gives an undertaking to complete first instance considerations and issue decisions in respect of all non-complex cases under the Regularisation Scheme for Long Term Undocumented Migrants by end Q1 2023. This objective has been met. The remainder of applications continue to be processed and processing times vary depending on the complexity of the application; whether it is a single or family application; the supporting documentation, and the vetting process with An Garda Síochána (AGS). Applications where there is an existing deportation order also require additional processing.
Processing times of appeals of decisions made under the scheme will also vary depending on the complexity of the case.
Each application received is assessed individually in accordance with the published criteria, available on my Department's immigration website at: www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Undocumented-Policy-Scheme-January-2022.pdf.
992. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice the steps he is taking in response to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice Report on an Examination of the Present Approach to Sanctions for Possession of Certain Amounts of Drugs for Personal Use's recommendation that "steps are taken to introduce a regulatory model for certain drugs". [17507/23]
View answerThe 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 the Minister for Health and the Minister of State with responsibility for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy. 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.
The Misuse of Drugs Acts and associated Regulations are the main laws regulating illicit substances, including controls relating to: cultivation, licensing, possession, administration, supply, record-keeping, prescription-writing, destruction and safe custody. As Minister for Justice I am not responsible for this legislation.
I can inform the Deputy that officials in my Department engage with all stakeholders under the structures of the drugs strategy, namely the National Oversight Committee, chaired by the Minister of State with responsibility for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, the Standing Sub-Committee, and associated working groups.
I welcome the recent Government agreement to establish a Citizens’ Assembly on Drug Use to consider the legislative, policy and operational changes the State could make to significantly reduce the harmful impacts of illicit drugs on individuals, families, communities and wider society and officials from my Department have been engaging with the secretariat to the Committee and will continue to do so.
993. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice the steps he is taking in response to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice Report on Women's Shelters and Domestic Abuse Refuges' recommendation that "the infrastructure of refuges in Ireland be evaluated and that funding be provided to upgrade refuges in accordance with the standards of the Istanbul Convention. It should be ensured that newly built refuges are all built to comply with these standards". [17508/23]
View answerIn June of last year the Government launched Zero Tolerance, the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
In line with the priority which we are attaching to tackling domestic, sexual and gender based violence, we will double the number of refuge spaces over the lifetime of the strategy, bringing it to over 280. This will be the fastest ever expansion of refuge spaces.
The Tusla review of accommodation services for victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence identified priority locations where between 50 and 60 new refuge places are needed. That can be viewed here: TUSLA_-_Domestic_Violence_Acc_Provision_Single_Page.pdf.
Further analysis undertaken identified 12 locations nationwide where the delivery of 98 family refuge spaces would have the most impact if prioritised.
In the initial phase of this work, we expect to have delivered 24 places in Wexford, Dundalk and Navan by 2024. The delivery of additional safe homes is also a key part of the response and it is expected to increase the number of safe homes by 15 this year.
In addition, by putting in place the correct structures to deliver additional refuge accommodation, including the establishment of a new DSGBV statutory agency, we will accelerate the number of additional spaces that can be opened each year. Already, work undertaken implementing the Strategy has prepared the way for this, including a very significant increase in funding under Budget 2023.
An interdepartmental group (IDG) is already developing and progressing agreed processes and approaches to ensure we have the highest standard of refuge accommodation, delivered in the most efficient way.
The delivery of additional safe homes is also a key part of the whole-of-Government response and it is expected that the number of safe homes will be increased by 15 this year.
As the Deputy will also be aware, a new statutory Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence agency, under the aegis of the Department of Justice, is being established. I published the General Scheme of the bill in March this year and the new Agency will be up and running by January 2024. The new Agency will ensure a permanent and dedicated focus on implementation and supports for Government and the sector in our work to combat DSGBV and support victims of these horrific crimes.
The new agency will work collaboratively with the NGO and DSGBV services sector to ensure that the best possible services are in place to meet the needs of victims and survivors. It will ensure a robust set of national service standards and governance arrangements are in place.
The Agency will also have a specific mandate to drive the implementation of the Third National Strategy across Government, bringing the expertise and focus required to tackle this complex social issue. A dedicated research function in the new agency will support evidence-based policy and decision-making to best meet the challenges of tackling, preventing and reducing the incidence of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.
994. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Justice the number of serving gardaí who have had complaints against them, upheld and not upheld, in the past ten years, by the number of complaints, in bands of five, in tabular form. [17513/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) is the body established by law to investigate complaints against members of An Garda Síochána. As Minister, I have no role in any GSOC investigation.
I am advised by GSOC that due to the nature of their recording of investigations it is not possible to extract a specific figure for the number of serving Garda members subject to complaint.
I wish to inform the Deputy that the number of complaints received by GSOC each year, and the outcomes of the investigations into these complaints, are published in GSOC's annual reports. Please note that these annual reports are published on the GSOC website.
997. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Justice the progress which has been made following the roll-out of Operation Citizen; and if there are plans to expand the project. [17619/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including for all operational policing decisions. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
Operation Citizen was commenced with a view to assuring people that Dublin City is safe through high visibility patrolling and community engagement. The Operation commenced in October 2021 for the purpose of providing reassurance to citizens, visitors and the business community that Dublin city centre is a safe place in which to visit, conduct business, socialise and enjoy its amenities.
The aim of the operation is to deliver an enhanced high visibility policing presence in the city centre on a daily basis. Operation Citizen focuses on a collaborative community and stakeholder engagement approach, recognising that many of the issues that manifest themselves in the core city centre, require a response that reaches beyond the Garda Síochána alone.
An Garda Síochána continue to positively engage with key stakeholders including Dublin City Council, business groups, the hospitality sector and voluntary bodies in addition to the formal collaboration within the Dublin City Centre Business Forum, the North Inner City Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP), the Dublin Central Joint Policing Committee (JPC) and the High Level Street Issues Working Group.
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that Gardaí assigned to Operation Citizen continue to be deployed on beat patrol. I am informed that on a daily basis there are eight (8) mobile patrols patrolling the core city centre for each tour, assigned from both Store Street and Pearse Street Garda Stations. Where a requirement arises, mobiles assigned to the Bridewell, Mountjoy, Kevin Street and the wider DMR also provide a response capability.
The Garda Station on O'Connell Street, which was officially opened on 10 March 2023, provides a base for the deployment of members assigned to Operation Citizen and also a centre for members of the public to call to report a crime, seek advice or speak to a member of An Garda Síochána. The Irish Tourist Assistance Service (ITAS) also provides a presence in the location for the purpose of providing additional assistance and advice to the general public and visitors to the city centre. While the premises is not designated as a place of detention, it operates as a Garda Station with full services available to members of the public.
I am also informed that Garda Members of the Garda Mounted, Garda Dog Unit, Armed Support Unit and DMR Roads Policing Unit support Operation Citizen by way of high visibility beats and mobile patrols, particularly at weekends and in support of organised events.
Since the commencement of Operation Citizen in October 2021, there have been 11,659 individual proactive foot and mountain bike patrols undertaken as part of the operation. During the same period, 11,240 persons have been arrested, 19,241 charges have been preferred and 8,790 summons issued in respect of offences detected in both the Store Street and Pearse Street Garda Districts.
998. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that gardaí are informing victims of racist abuse and attacks that An Garda Síochána cannot deal with such crime because of the lack of hate-speech laws in the State; if he can clarify that the Garda is aware and trained in current legislation when dealing with attacks on people that are compounded by racist motivation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17675/23]
View answerI am informed by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána is very clear on its position in relation to racist abuse or other types of hate crimes. They will not be tolerated.
Garda policy states: “Reports of hate crimes or hate incidents will be recorded and investigated as appropriate, where it is perceived that the perpetrator’s hostility or prejudice against any person, community or institution is on the grounds of the victim’s age, disability, race, colour, nationality, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender”.
Hate speech laws have been in place in Ireland for over thirty years. The Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act 1989 prohibits threatening, abusive or insulting conduct that is intended or likely to stir up hatred against a group of persons on account of certain characteristics, such as race, religion and sexual orientation.
These laws are being updated in new legislation published by Minister McEntee last October which addresses both hate speech and hate crime. The new law – the Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences) Bill 2022 – is currently before the Oireachtas and it is my intention that it will be enacted this year. Once enacted the Bill will criminalise any intentional or reckless communication or behaviour that is likely to incite violence or hatred against a person or persons because they are associated with a protected characteristic, and will create new “hate crime” offences where specific offences are aggravated by hate of a protected characteristic.
Up to now, hate speech incidents have been investigated by An Garda Síochána under the 1989 Act, while hate crimes have been investigated and prosecuted under general criminal law, but with the hate motive taken into account by judges as an aggravating factor at sentencing. The Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences) Bill 2022 will ensure that hate-motivated offences in our communities can be prosecuted as hate crimes; and the hate element therefore will be reflected in the charge and conviction.
In addition, An Garda Síochána has made a number of significant advancements which allows for the professional recording and investigation of hate-related offences. These include the:
• introduction of working definitions for hate crime and hate incidents based on perception- based recording - the perception of the victim or other relevant person is the defining factor at the reporting stage. No additional evidence is required;
• Launch of Garda Online Hate Crime Reporting Service (2021);
• Publication of regular hate crime data;
• Internal Hate Crime Communications Strategy (2021);
• Public Hate Crime Media Campaign “Hate Crime is Unacceptable – Let’s Stop Hate Together” ( 2021);
• Updated recording and monitoring systems and the publication of new Policy and Procedures - Responding to Hate Crimes and Non Crime Hate Incidents;
• Introduction of mandatory Hate Crime training for all Garda personnel across every rank and grade and specialist training for personnel working more closely with victims of hate crime; and
• Ongoing training of Garda Diversity Officers (GDOs). There are currently 481 GDOs who are trained, developed and supported to actively engage with and attend to the concerns of minority, diverse and hard to reach communities.
999. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Justice the additional resources that will be made available to the Probation Service and other relevant organisations in order to guarantee that the transfer of sentenced people on temporary release runs smoothly and without delays; the reason a person (details supplied) who is approved and waiting on immediate temporary release cannot obtain an appointment with the Probation Service until June 2023, therefore delaying their temporary release by seven weeks; if he agrees that such delays are having a negative impact on the prison system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17677/23]
View answerWhile it would not be appropriate for me to comment on any individual case, I can advise the Deputy more generally, that the Probation Service supervises all individuals subject to post release supervision where that order is imposed by the Court. Post release supervision orders start on the expiration date of the custodial part of the individual’s sentence.
Sometimes the Irish Prison Service deem it appropriate to release an individual on temporary release prior to the expiration date of their custodial sentence. Where the person is subject to a post-release supervision order, this period of temporary release is supervised by the Probation Service and is in addition to the Court ordered post release supervision of the sentence. As such, this is an extra demand on Probation Service resources and it can only be agreed to where Probation Service resources allow.
I am advised that The Probation Service will always endeavour to meet requests for supervised temporary release made by the Irish Prison Service and regularly reviews its caseload capacity in an effort to meet such requests.
1000. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Justice the amounts in grant aid or funding awarded by his Department, or through schemes administered by it, to an organisation (details supplied) in each year from 2010 to 2022; and the projected funding for 2023. [17696/23]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that the amounts paid by my Department to the organisations in question in the years outlined are listed below.
|
Year |
Totals (€) |
|
2010 |
2,430.00 |
|
2011 |
5,490.00 |
|
2012 |
3,965.00 |
|
2013 |
3,000.00 |
|
2014 |
5,000.00 |
|
2015 |
3,000.00 |
|
2016 |
5,000.00 |
|
2017 |
4,000.00 |
|
2018 |
- |
|
2019 |
380,625.00 |
|
2020 |
437,793.50 |
|
2021 |
- |
|
2022 |
- |
The amounts outlined for 2019 and 2020 were made by the International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) function. Other funding outlined relates to services provided in connection with the work of the Probation Service.
As the Deputy will be aware, IPAS transferred to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in October 2020 along with this stream of funding. No funding is currently planned from my Department in 2023.
1001. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 329 of 8 February 2023, if he will issue clear instructions to INIS and relevant immigration officials that the special visa immigration arrangements for non-EEA international contracted circus artists without the requirement of a work permit remain in place pending the conclusion of the review and his commitment to consult with the traditional circus sector and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment; if he will indicate how these instructions have been communicated to immigration officials; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17720/23]
View answerThe immigration arrangements for circus performers referred to by the Deputy have been in place since 2007 and ensure that circus performers who are providing this service to an Irish based circus, with whom they do not have an employee relationship, can continue to do so. I can confirm that the current arrangements for circus performers will continue to operate for the 2023 season while the review of these arrangements continues to be finalised. Appropriate processes are in place to ensure that immigration officials have up to date information on these and other aspects of immigration law and procedures.
It should also be noted that permission to enter the State for any individual, under these arrangements or others, is a matter for the immigration authorities at the port of entry and is subject to the provisions of section 4 of the Immigration Act 2004.
1002. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Justice the mental health and well-being supports that are currently in place for members of GSOC; how long they are in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17738/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) is the independent body established by law to investigate complaints against members of An Garda Síochána. GSOC is completely independent in the exercise of its functions, and as Minister I have no role in any of GSOC's operations, including all HR matters.
I am advised by GSOC that as civil servants, GSOC staff have ongoing support from HR and line management in line with established policies and a monthly health and wellbeing webinar series which is run by one-learning.
GSOC staff can also avail of the services offered by the Civil Service Employee Assistance Service which provide a wide range of free and confidential supports designed to assist employees in managing work and life challenges. These services include one to one confidential support for employees, assistance and response to critical incidents in the workplaces and support in managing the individual health and well-being of employees.
In terms of supports specific to GSOC, in 2022 staff were provided with a talk from a Clinical Psychologist on responding to mental health-related issues and abusive behaviours in the course of work. Additionally, a course in critical incidence stress management was provided to staff in 2022. I am informed by GSOC that it is intended to offer these sessions to staff again in 2023.
1003. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice if he will outline the reforms in the Family Courts which have been initiated; and if he will report the progress to date. [17752/23]
View answerAmong the key justice commitments in the Programme for Government is the commitment to, “enact a Family Court Bill to create a new dedicated Family Court within the existing court structure and provide for court procedures that support a less-adversarial resolution of disputes”.
The Family Courts Bill 2022 was published last December and is currently progressing through the Houses of the Oireachtas, having completed second stage in Seanad Éireann in February this year.
The Family Courts Bill provides for the creation of new dedicated Family Courts as divisions within the existing court structures, with Family Court judges who will have specialist training and experience assigned on a full-time basis.
Government approval for the publication of the Family Courts Bill coincided with the publication of the first National Family Justice Strategy, which aims to establish a strong foundation for a future system which is more child and family-centred, which supports, responds and protects, and which is more streamlined and user-friendly.
Delivery of the Strategy’s nine goals and over 50 actions is overseen by the Family Justice Implementation Group, which meets once a quarter to monitor and review progress. The Group last met on 24th March.
In particular, the Strategy recognises importance of putting children at the centre of family justice in matters which affect them, and adequately hearing their voice. To that end, the Minister brought forward an action to examine the role of expert reports – including section 47 and 32 reports – in the family law process. This priority action includes examining their commissioning and general availability, their content and their use in family law cases. This work has commenced with a set of recommendations to be produced by the end of the year.
Work is also progressing on the review of the enforcement of child maintenance orders, due to be completed this year. The review will, if appropriate, make proposals for reform including examining whether measures can be taken to enhance the enforcement process.
Furthermore, the construction of a purpose-built Family Law Court complex at Hammond Lane is a key project in the National Development Plan and is being delivered as part of a PPP bundle.
The Hammond Lane complex will be built with the specific needs of family law users in mind and will provide a modern facility where family law cases can be held in a dignified, secure and non-threatening environment with a range of support services at hand. It will replace the present inadequate and fragmented facilities for family law in central Dublin at Dolphin House, Chancery Street, Phoenix House and in the Four Courts. The submission of the Part 9 planning application is the immediate priority for the Hammond Lane project.
My Department is committed to driving the modernisation and Digital First agenda across the entire Justice Sector. This is reflected in the additional funding of €2.5m provided in Budget 2023 for the Courts Modernisation Programme. This 10-year programme will deliver a new operating model for the Courts Service – designed around the user, with simplified and standardised services and accessible data to inform decisions – all delivered through digital solutions.
I particularly welcome the commitment set out by the Courts Service in its Corporate Strategic Plan 2021 – 2023, to maximise the use of digital technologies to provide an improved and user-centred service. The recently launched 360 virtual tours of our Court buildings, along with the newly developed, plain English family law information on the courts.ie website are positive and exciting examples of this.
1004. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons recruited to An Garda Síochána in each of the past five years, and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [17766/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including responsibility for the recruitment, training and deployment of Garda members. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I am however assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review. I am advised that this is considered in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure the optimum use of these resources.
Since 2015, the budget for An Garda Síochána has increased by approximately €672m, or 46%. This has allowed for sustained and ongoing recruitment and as Minister, I am committed to delivering the necessary resources to bring the number of Garda Members to 15,000 and beyond.
As of the end of March 2023, there were 14,036 Garda members across the country. This represents an increase of almost 10% since 2015 when there were 12,816 Garda members throughout the country. I also want to acknowledge that Garda recruitment was significantly and understandably disrupted when the Garda college at Templemore was necessarily closed during the COVID pandemic.
The Government has provided funding to support 1,000 new Gardaí this year and we are seeing more Garda recruits enter Templemore approximately every 11 weeks. The capacity of the Garda College will also expand to allow up to 225 Garda trainees for the four remaining planned intakes of 2023.
With this momentum building through the year, we remain committed to the target of 1,000 new Gardaí this year. An Garda Síochána also recently launched a new recruitment campaign which closed on 14 April 2023. I would like to encourage anyone called as part of the 2022 or 2023 competition not to defer but to make sure they’re fully fit and ready to take up the opportunity.
My Department and I engage regularly with the Garda authorities with a view to ensuring that every possible support is in place to deliver on this level of recruitment.
The table below, provided to me by the Garda authorities, outlines the number of new Gardaí recruited in each of the past five years and to date in 2023.
|
Year |
Number of new Gardaí recruited |
|
2019 |
600 |
|
2020 |
275 |
|
2021 |
385 |
|
2022 |
116 |
|
2023 |
135 |
I would also like to take this opportunity to inform you that the above figures refer to the number of Garda Trainees who start in the Garda College. There after the recruit must undertake Phase 1 successfully before they are attested.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that Phase 1 takes around 6 months to complete.
I am also advised that due to the gap from recruitment to attestation, it is often the case that a person would be recruited in one year and attest the following year.
1005. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí who took early retirement in each of the past five years and to date in 2023, in tabular form [17767/23]
View answerWhile the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including human resourcing matters, the Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to continue to provide a world class policing service.
Since 2015, the Government has increased the budget for An Garda Síochána by approximately €672m, or 46%. This has allowed for sustained and ongoing recruitment. The Commissioner and his team have assured me that the target to recruit 1,000 new sworn Gardaí in 2023 will be achieved this year. This year's Garda recruitment campaign closed on 14 April and will ensure the steady pipeline of new Gardaí continues.
The table below, provided by the Garda authorities, outlines the number of Gardaí who took early retirement (Cost Neutral Early Retirements) in each of the past five years up to 12 April 2023.
|
Year |
Total |
|
2023 |
<10 |
|
2022 |
<10 |
|
2021 |
<10 |
|
2020 |
<10 |
|
2019 |
<10 |
|
2018 |
<10 |
|
Total |
15 |
1006. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí who have left the force in each of the past five years, and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [17768/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate the Garda Commissioner is operationally responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána including HR matters.
However, I can assure the Deputy that Government is committed to ensuring An Garda Síochána have the resources they need to perform their vital role in the community.
It is important to emphasise that, of the over 14,000 sworn members currently working in the Garda organisation, just over 100 resigned last year – this represents less than 1% of total Garda members. Any increase in the number of resignations should be viewed in this context.
The table below, provided by the Garda authorities, outlines the number of Gardaí who have resigned for each of the past five years, representing between 0.5% and 0.7% of the total number of Gardaí. A further 24 resigned up to 28 February 2023, the latest day for which figures are available.
|
Year |
Resignations |
|
2018 |
77 |
|
2019 |
72 |
|
2020 |
69 |
|
2021 |
95 |
|
2022 |
108 |
|
Total |
421 |
I was pleased to note the Garda Síochána Culture Audit 2022 found that job satisfaction was high among Garda personnel. The independently conducted survey reflected that Garda members are proud of An Garda Síochána are motivated to serve communities and protect people from harm.
The Commissioner has acknowledged however that, while there are many positives within the service, it is clear that the organisation has more work to do to give its people the support and tools they need to do their jobs efficiently and effectively, to ensure people feel they are treated fairly, and they are being supported in their very challenging and pressurised work.
I understand that a number of initiatives to improve morale in the work place have been put in place in recent years along with a suite of measures to support the mental health needs of the employees.
These include the Employee Assistance Service (available to all Garda members, staff, retired members and their families); a 24/7/365 telephone helpline and counselling service provided by Inspire Wellbeing; and a Peer Support Network.
