Written Answers Nos. 21-40
21. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice if he will outline the preparatory work being done for the roll-out of community safety plans beyond the pilot areas; if new sources of funding, beyond the proceeds of crime, will be needed to fund initiatives under these plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25190/23]
View answerCommunity safety is not just about the number of Gardaí in communities. Community safety is a whole of Government responsibility and it requires a multi-agency approach.
The Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill will place statutory obligations on Departments and other public service bodies to cooperate with each other to improve community safety. It also establishes national structures to provide strategic direction and ensure that collaboration is working, and establishes Local Community Safety Partnerships (LCSPs) which will replace existing Joint Policing Committees.
There are currently three pilot LCSPs in Dublin’s North Inner City, Waterford, and Longford. The partnerships are made up of
• Community representatives, including residents, youth representatives, members of new and minority communities, local activists, local businesses, and representatives of schools;
• Public sector representatives, i.e., local statutory services such as the HSE, Tusla, An Garda Síochána, and the local authority; and
• local councillors.
Each partnership will create their own local community safety plan, setting out the key actions to address safety concerns in their community and assigning ownership for these actions. The first such plan has been produced by the Longford LCSP pilot and is available on the Longford County Council website. I was pleased to launch the Waterford Community Safety Plan 2023-2028 in March.
The pilot LCSPs are undergoing an ongoing independent evaluation to ensure that, when established nationally, the LCSPs will be designed and supported to help communities prioritise issues raised by its members as safety concerns.
The mid-term evaluation was received by my Department in April 2023. Ultimately the report finds its results are consistent with learnings from elsewhere, and that they reaffirm the importance of the partnerships’ work.
It concludes by emphasising that the current crucial components, at the national level, are vision, leadership and the setting up of the national structures and processes for implementation of the rollout.
A final evaluation report of the LCSP pilot is expected by the end of 2023, ahead of their nationwide rollout as part of the implementation of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill.
The Community Safety Innovation Fund, which is aimed at ensuring that money seized as the proceeds of crime is reinvested in communities, was launched last year, providing €2 million in funding to innovative community safety projects.
The funding has been increased to €3 million for 2023, with the call for applications to the 2023 fund closing last Friday. I look forward to seeing the projects that will emerge from this new round of funding.
The three pilots have also received a small level of funding from the Dormant Accounts Fund to date and the national rollout will require funding of a similar magnitude.
22. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice the Garda numbers, by rank, in Cork city and Cork county, in tabular form. [24171/23]
View answerThe Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda Síochána is central to this policy. Since 2015, the Government has increased the budget of An Garda Síochána by approximately €672m, or 46%. This has allowed for sustained and ongoing recruitment and investment in new equipment and new vehicles.
As 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 the recruitment, training and deployment of Garda members. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
The Government’s commitment to investing in the Gardaí is reflected in an allocation of over €2 billion in Budget 2023.
This level of funding provides for a steady pipeline of new Gardaí in the coming years, supporting the recruitment of up to 1,000 Gardaí and 400 additional Garda staff this year, with new recruits to enter the Garda College approximately every 11 weeks.
I am assured that the Commissioner keeps the allocation of these resources under continued review, in line with crime and population trends, to ensure their optimum use.
I am also informed by the Garda authorities that, as of end of April 2023, a total of 707 Garda members were assigned to Cork City which represents an increase of almost 9% since end December 2015.
|
Division |
GD |
SG |
IN |
SU |
CS |
AC |
Total |
|
CORK CITY Total |
578 |
102 |
19 |
6 |
1 |
1 |
707 |
As of the same date there were 329 Garda members assigned to Cork North which represents an increase of over 10% since end December 2015.
|
Division |
GD |
SG |
IN |
SU |
CS |
AC |
Total |
|
CORK NORTH Total |
272 |
45 |
10 |
2 |
329 |
Cork West has also seen a 3% increase in the number of Gardaí assigned since 2015. At end of April 2023 there were 283 members assigned to the division.
|
Division |
GD |
SG |
IN |
SU |
CS |
AC |
Total |
|
CORK WEST Total |
226 |
46 |
7 |
3 |
1 |
283 |
The table below sets out the number of Garda staff members assigned to the Cork divisions at end of December 2015 and end of March 2023, the latest date for which figures are available.
|
Division |
2015 |
Mar-23 |
% Difference |
|
Cork City |
59 |
111 |
88% |
|
Cork North |
24 |
36 |
50% |
|
Cork West |
23 |
34 |
48% |
This increase in Garda staff numbers means that as well as new Gardaí assigned to the Division, additional Gardaí can be redeployed from administrative to operational policing duties, where their training and policing expertise can be used to best effect.
For the Deputy's information, detailed statistics on Garda workforce numbers are published on gov.ie and are updated regularly by my Department from information provided by An Garda Síochána. The statistics can be accessed using the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/
Coupled with further reassignments of Gardaí to operational frontline policing and the continued roll out of the new Operating Model with its core focus on community policing, I am confident that the Commissioner has suitable resources and plans in place to continue to deliver on An Garda Síochána's mission of keeping people safe.
23. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Justice when the pilot project for a mental health crisis de-escalation team will be in operation in Limerick; and the reason for any delays. [24753/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Final Report and Recommendations of the High Level Task Force to consider the mental health and addiction challenges of those who come into contact with the criminal justice sector was published by Minister McEntee and the Minister for Health in September 2022.
The recommendations aim to ensure better support for people at the earliest point at which they come into contact with the criminal justice system and to divert them away from it where possible, while supporting them in their rehabilitation from addiction and in the recovery and management of their illness.
The recommendations also seek to address the question of better support for prisoners in their rehabilitation when justice requires a prison sentence, and that progress made in prison is not lost after release.
One of the recommendations that came from the work of the subgroup of the High Level Task Force that looked at diversion, is the development of a Community Access Support Team or CAST.
It is intended that the development of the CAST approach will enhance diversionary practices for those experiencing crisis and situational trauma that leads to mental health difficulties. This approach moves towards the shared goal of providing a compassionate and effective response to people in distress and improving the experience and outcomes for those experiencing distress and those providing support.
To progress this, it is proposed that a pilot team in the Limerick area will be used to develop the learnings from this multi-disciplinary approach in order to inform further roll-out on a national level.
The CAST pilot project is expected to commence in late 2023 and I am advised by the Garda Authorities that regular meetings are taking place between An Garda Síochána, the HSE and Limerick City and County Council and work to progress the pilot is advancing.
All aspects of the pilot will be fully evaluated to inform and design the long term implementation. The Limerick CAST pilot is the first time a co-responder model and support hub will be introduced in Ireland that will respond to, and support, those experiencing crisis and situational trauma.
24. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice the action his Department is taking to ensure that victims of crime receive the highest standard of treatment and the necessary services and supports; the action that is being undertaken to further develop and improve the support services for victims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25237/23]
View answerWhen a victim engages 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.
My Department is leading a number of important initiatives to ensure we better support all victims of crime.
Central to this is 'Supporting a Victim's Journey' - our plan to implement the recommendations of the O'Malley Review. It is introducing important reforms to support and protect vulnerable victims and ensure our criminal justice system is more victim-centred.
A number of key actions have been delivered, including:
• The establishment of a course in University of Limerick to train intermediaries;
• Legislating for preliminary trial hearings;
• Undertaking a mapping exercise to identify gaps in services and supports provided for victims, both geographically and by service type, and the provision of increased funding to address them; and
• The first cohort of staff at a new sexual offences unit in the Director of Public Prosecutions took up their roles.
To further support victims, I am currently progressing legislative provisions which will;
• Strengthen the law on consent,
• Extend victim anonymity to further categories of victims,
• Repeal provisions for sentences to be delivered in public, and
• Make provision for legal representation for victims in certain cases.
Zero Tolerance, the Government’s Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV), builds on the important reforms already introduced under Supporting a Victims Journey.A key part of implementation of this ambitious whole of Government Strategy will be the establishment next year of the new Agency, which will ensure a permanent and dedicated focus on this important area of work. In addition, my Department continues to provide funding to NGOs that support victims through emotional support, court accompaniment, and accompaniment to Garda interviews, to sexual assault treatment units and referral to other services. This year, an increased budget of €5.8 million is being made available.We are also running a campaign to raise awareness of the rights provided in the Victims of Crime Act 2017 and in the Victims Charter, and last month we launched a new phase on TV and radio, with a particular emphasis on reaching minority and harder-to-reach communities.In addition, my Department has established a Victim’s Forum for state, social and community groups to discuss how best we can work together to meet the needs of victims.
25. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice if he will establish a comprehensive review of the outworking of the immigrant investor programme. [25188/23]
View answerThe Immigrant Investor Programme was established over a decade ago during a time of unprecedented economic difficulty to stimulate investment in Ireland that would be of strategic and public benefit to the State.
Since its inception, the Programme has brought significant investment to Ireland and has been operated by my Department to the highest professional standards.
However, it is important that we keep all programmes under review including any implications for wider public policy, such as the continuing appropriateness and suitability of this programme for cultural, social and economic use.
As the Deputy is aware, I obtained approval from the Government to close the Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) to further applications from 15 February 2023.
To assist in the task of ensuring that the closure of the Programme is carried out in a manner that is consistent and fair to all applicants the Programme’s Independent Evaluation Committee has requested that an analysis of certain issues be undertaken.
In addition the Committee has committed to more frequent and intense engagement to progress these matters and the patience of stakeholders is requested over the coming months while this work is being completed. The closure of the Programme will not affect existing projects or individuals already approved under the programme.
Since its inception, the IIP has approved investment of almost €1.252b that has benefitted many enterprises both economic and social, including community and sporting organisations. The managed wind-down of the programme will ensure that the applications on hand, if approved, will continue to benefit our communities and enterprises.
Detailed communications including an updated FAQ document will continue to be provided through the Immigration Service Delivery website, www.irishimmigration.ie on the arrangements applicable to the closure and winding down of the programme.
26. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Justice the action he proposes to take to raise criminal legal aid fees in order to protect the criminal justice system and ensure fair pay for barristers; and if he agrees that current fee levels are unsustainable. [25171/23]
View answerWhile my Department is responsible for administering the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme, we cannot make any changes to the fees without the consent of the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform (DPENDPDR).
In March 2009 and October 2011, the fees payable to barristers under the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme were reduced in line with FEMPI legislation. My Department recognises the important role played by barristers in undertaking criminal legal aid work and is aware of the growing concern that the failure to reverse the FEMPI cuts is having a negative impact on the ability to retain Counsel at the criminal bar. My Department supports the reversal of these FEMPI cuts and continues to engage with DPENDPDR as the Department with responsibility for the restoration of barristers’ fees arising from the FEMPI cuts.
It is also important to note that under the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme, my Department pays fees to barristers in the Circuit and Higher Courts in parity with the fees paid to the prosecution counsel by the DPP. With the exception of the District Court (Counsel) scheme, where the Court can appoint Counsel in exceptional circumstances, there is no fee structure for paying defence counsel in the District Court. In the exceptional case where the court does appoint a barrister in the District Court, they are paid at a rate of €572 per case.
Recent media reports have indicated fees as low as €25.20, €50.40 or €67.50 paid to barristers, however, there are no such fees under the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme and my Department does not and cannot pay fees for those amounts. My officials have been given to understand that there may be informal arrangements in place whereby solicitors pay barristers part of the fee that they receive from my Department as this arrangement enables newly qualified barristers gain greater experience of the Criminal Court. Criminal Legal Aid fees paid to solicitors are set out in S.I. No. 362/2011 - Criminal Justice (Legal Aid) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 and S.I. No. 33/1978 - Criminal Justice (Legal Aid) (Amendment) Regulations, 1978.
Separately my Department is preparing a General Scheme of a Criminal Justice (Legal Aid) Bill which will have 3 main purposes, namely to:
• update and modernise the law relating to criminal legal aid;
• implement key Audit recommendations concerning governance, control and accountability; and
• transfer the administration of the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme to the Legal Aid Board.
This will provide an opportune time to review the fee structure for criminal legal aid.
In the meantime, I can assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to engage with DPENDPDR on the restoration of the FEMPI cuts.
27. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice if he has concluded his deliberations on the report into the death of a person (details supplied); and if he will now establish an independent inquiry into the actions of all relevant State agencies in respect of this case. [25187/23]
View answer30. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Justice if he will provide an update on the status of a case (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25316/23]
View answer31. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if he will provide an update in relation to the case of a person (details supplied); the status and expected date for publication of the scoping report; the actions he intends to take; if he will clarify the reason for the ongoing delays in acting on the wishes of the person's family for a full public inquiry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25243/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 27, 30 and 31 together.
The Government has noted the report of Judge Gerard Haughton arising from the scoping exercise into the circumstances surrounding the tragic and untimely death of Shane O’Farrell in August 2011.
I would like to once again express my sincere condolences and those of the Government to the O’Farrell family on Shane’s tragic death.
Judge Haughton submitted his final report to the Minister on 1 June 2022. I would like to thank Judge Gerard Haughton who conducted the scoping exercise and all of those who cooperated with this process.
Out of respect for the family of Shane O’Farrell, it would not be appropriate to discuss the conclusions reached by Judge Haughton until the report has been published.
28. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Justice if he has plans to discuss the far right with the Garda Commissioner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25315/23]
View answer35. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Justice his views on the policing of far-right protests and aggression against refugees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25313/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 35 together.
I recently met with the Commissioner to discuss the incidents where tents belonging to refugees in Dublin City Centre were set on fire. I want to be perfectly clear that these scenes are totally unacceptable and will be fully investigated by An Garda Síochána.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for operational policing matters, including public order.
There have been a number of protests on the topic of immigration recently and there is a small minority whose intentions are to create division and who are engaging in intimidation rather than legitimate protest at these events. I have been assured that the policing approach to protests is predicated on keeping people safe, preventing any anti-social and criminal behaviour and traffic management, where appropriate.
Gardaí deploy an increased presence where they deem it necessary and I know that members from An Garda Síochána and Dublin Fire Brigade took control of the situation which unfolded in Dublin earlier this month.
Having spoken directly with the Garda Commissioner, I am confident that a policing plan is in place and the Commissioner has assured me that he has the operational integrity and the resources to police the situation.
It is important to say that over the past year, so many communities across Ireland have demonstrated great solidarity to those who come here. While people have the right to protest and of course that right must be respected, people do not have the right to do this in a way that causes others to fear for their safety or in a way that threatens public order.
29. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice if a target exists for the number of persons to be recruited into the Garda Reserve; when recruiting will commence; the budget for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25235/23]
View answerEstablished in 2006, the Garda Reserve represents a real opportunity for anyone wishing to support policing and give something back to their communities. The Reserve reinforces An Garda Síochána's essential community links, and provides capacity to draw on additional resources to assist in policing.
I would like to acknowledge the important contribution made by all members of the Reserve who volunteer their time for the community's benefit.
The Government's target is to bring the Garda Reserve up to a strength of 2,000, but it must be emphasised that recruitment is a matter for the Garda Commissioner, and that the Public Appointments Service will run the recruitment campaign for the Reserve on behalf of the Commissioner.
As part of the Government’s plan to modernise and strengthen An Garda Síochána, A Policing Service for our Future, the Garda Commissioner has developed a Garda Reserve Strategy 2021-2025, which provides a roadmap for the development of this important service.
The Strategy published in October 2021 is informed by an internal review of the Reserve, and sets out key commitments including recruitment, training and development, deployment, governance and evaluation.
The Garda Commissioner has established an Implementation Group and Oversight Committee to ensure the Strategy delivers on its objectives, and I look forward to working with him to increase the number of members of the Reserve and in realising its full potential as a resource to policing and in providing a pathway to full-time membership of An Garda Síochána, including from minority communities.
A priority is a new recruitment campaign, which I understand will be held later this year or early next year, following which new reservists will be appointed.
The campaign will target a broad and inclusive range of candidates, in keeping with the Reserve's role as a visible form of community engagement. My Department is currently engaging with An Garda Síochána on revisions to the regulations governing the Reserve ahead of the commencement of this recruitment process.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the budget allocated to the Garda Reserve for 2023 is €1.395 million.
32. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice if he will confirm that the policy document on non-EEA family reunification 2016 has been amended to reflect the increased salary requirements required of the sponsor when applying for a family reunification visa, in particular category B sponsors, such as those on general employment permits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25236/23]
View answerAs the Deputy notes, the position in regard to applications of this nature is set out in the Policy Document for Non-EEA Family Reunification, which is available on my Department's website.
The policy document sets out the rationale for applying resource requirements as part of the overall assessment of whether to approve an application for family reunification. In general terms, the sponsor must demonstrate their capacity to provide for their family member(s) if they are to be granted a permission to come to Ireland.
The Policy outlines that Category B sponsors such as those on General Employment Permits, regardless of occupation, must have a gross income in excess of that applied by the Department of Social Protection (DSP) in assessing eligibility for the Working Family Payment (formerly Family Income Supplement). In examining such applications, my Department applies the DSP income levels current at the time of assessment. As stated in the Policy, these income levels are for guideline purposes only and represent a minimum financial requirement.
It should also be noted that financial capacity is just one of the condition to be satisfied for family reunification to take place and a review of the overall policy regarding family reunification is underway in the Department.
33. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Justice if he will provide an update on total Garda numbers in County Donegal; if he will outline his plans to increase Garda recruitment in the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25300/23]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda Síochána is central to that. Since 2015, the Government has increased the budget of An Garda Síochána by approximately €672m, or 46%. This has allowed for sustained and ongoing recruitment.
The Deputy will appreciate that 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.
The Government’s current plan is to have at least 15,000 Gardaí and 4,000 Garda staff making a total Garda workforce of 19,000 people, as soon as possible. These plans were understandably interrupted by the Covid pandemic when recruitment had to be stalled. While the Garda college remained closed during Covid, two competitions have been held post-Covid and recruitment has recommenced.
There has been an increase of 9% in the number of Garda members since 2015. In addition, since 2015, almost 900 Gardaí have been freed up from back office duties to front line policing as a result of civilianisation.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there were 438 Garda members assigned to the Donegal Division as of the end of April. This represents an increase of over 11% since 2015 when there were 392 members assigned to the Division.
The Government has provided funding for up to 1,000 new Gardaí this year and we are seeing more Garda recruits enter Templemore approximately every 11 weeks.
As the Deputy will be aware the most recent An Garda Síochána recruitment campaign closed last month and will ensure a steady pipeline of new Gardaí into 2024.
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.
34. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice the number of prosecutions for uninsured driving in 2022. [25106/23]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, prosecutions are a matter for the Director of Public Prosecutions, who is independent in her functions under the Prosecution of Offences Act 1974 (as amended).
While the enforcement of road traffic legislation is an operational matter for the Garda authorities, I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that road traffic legislation is enforced as part of the day-to-day duties of An Garda Síochána.
This includes responsibility for all Garda operations, including stopping and reporting drivers for driving without insurance and I, as Minister, have no role in these matters.
To be of assistance to the Deputy, I made enquiries with the Garda authorities who have advised that a total of 22,181 unique charges and summons were created during 2022 for Insurance Offences.
36. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Justice his plans to establish a dedicated public transport section of An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25299/23]
View answerThe safety and security of both public transport passengers and staff, including arrangements to deal with anti-social behaviour, are important matters that must be managed by every public transport company, in conjunction with An Garda Síochána where appropriate.We can all agree that any acts of violence and anti-social behaviour are completely unacceptable. I want to make it very clear that criminality on public transport will not be tolerated.
I was pleased to open the new Garda Síochána DMR Control Centre based at the National Train Control Centre (NTCC) at Heuston Station in Dublin with the Garda Commissioner recently.
This state-of-the art new premises, which will house the operations of call takers and dispatchers, is another step forward in modernising An Garda Síochána and strengthening links with public transport operators.
This call and dispatch centre, located on a floor in the NTCC , is the nerve centre to Garda operations in the Dublin Metropolitan region and the personnel working there are the people at the frontline taking sometimes the most challenging and time-sensitive calls.
Iarnród Éireann and Dublin City Council are also expected to locate their control rooms there in the near future.
The location of An Garda Síochána, Iarnród Éireann and Dublin City Council control centres in the same building will help Gardaí to build upon the already excellent relationships they have with public transport providers, particularly in the event of serious emergencies requiring coordinated responses.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including all operational policing decisions. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions. I am advised that a range of regional and local operations have been put in place by Gardaí to prevent and detect criminal activity on public transport. For example, Operation Saul is implemented across the Dublin Region with the aim of keeping people safe on public transport services. The operation is undertaken as a proactive response and is informed by analysis of crime and anti-social behaviour trends, supported by Garda analysts. I am informed that there is ongoing communication between An Garda Síochána and the respective control centres, and access to good quality CCTV can provide assistance to Gardaí when investigating serious incidents. The Commissioner has indicated that he does not propose to establish a dedicated transport policing unit, as he is of the view that the policing needs of public transport can be met through community policing. The Commissioner is best placed to determine the most appropriate response to concerns in relation to personal safety on public transport and to decide how to allocate the resources at his disposal to best effect.
37. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Justice if he can confirm that a whistleblower and former employee of the Prison Service was awarded a settlement by the WRC; if that award has been paid; the reason, if any, for non-payment; when the payment will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25170/23]
View answerI am advised by my officials in the Irish Prison Service that a decision of the Workplace Relations Commission to award €30,000 to the individual concerned was appealed by the Irish Prison Service to the Labour Court.
I am further advised that on 20th April 2022 the Labour Court set aside the Workplace Relations Commission decision, on that basis, no payment has been made nor is any payment pending.
38. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí assigned to Gaeltacht regions; the number of vacancies in these regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25227/23]
View answerI have requested the information requested from the Garda authorities, however, the information was not received in time. I will contact the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.
39. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice if he will provide an update on the support to victims of crime now being provided, including an assessment of the numbers benefitting from supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25191/23]
View answerMy Department is leading a number of important initiatives to ensure we better support all victims of crime.
When a victim engages 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 this is 'Supporting a Victim's Journey' - our plan to implement the recommendations of the O'Malley Review. It is introducing important reforms to support and protect vulnerable victims and ensure our criminal justice system is more victim-centred.
A number of key actions have already been delivered, including:
• The establishment of a course in University of Limerick to train intermediaries;
• Legislating for preliminary trial hearings;
• Undertaking a mapping exercise to identify gaps in services and supports provided for victims, both geographically and by service type, and the provision of increased funding to address them; and
• The first cohort of staff at a new sexual offences unit in the Director of Public Prosecutions took up their roles.
To further support victims, I am currently progressing legislative provisions which will;
• Strengthen the law on consent,
• Extend victim anonymity to further categories of victims,
• Repeal provisions for sentences to be delivered in public, and
• Make provision for legal representation for victims in certain cases.
Zero Tolerance, the Government’s Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV), builds on the important reforms already introduced under Supporting a Victims Journey.A key part of implementation of this ambitious whole of Government Strategy will be the establishment next year of the new Agency, which will ensure a permanent and dedicated focus on this important area of work.
Funding is provided by my Department to NGOs that support victims of crime through services such as emotional support, court accompaniment, and accompaniment to Garda interviews, to sexual assault treatment units and referral to other services. This year, an increased budget of €5.8 million is being made available.We are also running a campaign to raise awareness of the rights provided in the Victims of Crime Act 2017 and in the Victims Charter, and last month we launched a new phase on TV and radio, with a particular emphasis on reaching minority and harder-to-reach communities.
In addition, my Department has established a Victim’s Forum for state, social and community groups to discuss how best we can work together to meet the needs of victims.
Details of the funding provided in 2022 to organisations that support victims of crime, and details of funding committed for 2023, are provided in the table below.
|
Victims of crime funding including sexual crimes and domestic abuse |
2023Allocations |
Amount funded as at 30/04/23 |
2022 Funded |
|
ASSC |
€363,950.00 |
€225,600.00 |
€268,018.00 |
|
Barnardos |
€108,150.00 |
€86,520.00 |
€103,000.00 |
|
AdVic |
€109,500.00 |
€87,600.00 |
€65,000.00 |
|
Beacon of Light Counselling Centre |
€21,000.00 |
€16,800.00 |
€20,000.00 |
|
Connect Family Resource Centre |
€11,000.00 |
||
|
Dundalk Counselling Service |
€32,802.00 |
€26,241.60 |
€31,240.00 |
|
Greystones Family Resource Centre |
€10,000.00 |
€8,000.00 |
€10,000.00 |
|
Hope Trust |
€3,000.00 |
€2,400.00 |
€2,000.00 |
|
Donegal Women's Centre - Letterkenny |
€15,876.00 |
€12,700.80 |
€15,120.00 |
|
Living Life Voluntary Counselling Centre |
€15,000.00 |
€12,000.00 |
€15,000.00 |
|
Newpark Close Community Development Limited |
€37,000.00 |
€29,600.00 |
€35,000.00 |
|
Accessible Counselling Tullamore |
€21,000.00 |
€16,800.00 |
€20,000.00 |
|
Bagenalstown Family Resource Centre |
€27,300.00 |
€21,840.00 |
€21,280.00 |
|
Samaritans of Kilkenny and Carlow |
€20,750.00 |
||
|
Adapt Domestic Abuse Services (Limerick) |
€125,000.00 |
€100,000.00 |
€80,000.00 |
|
AkiDwA |
€89,000.00 |
€77,000.00 |
€29,000.00 |
|
Amal Women's Association |
€61,840.00 |
€49,472.00 |
€59,700.00 |
|
Mens Aid |
€70,000.00 |
€56,000.00 |
€40,000.00 |
|
Aoibhneas |
€100,000.00 |
€80,000.00 |
€40,000.00 |
|
Ascend |
€21,000.00 |
€16,800.00 |
€20,000.00 |
|
Bray Women's Refuge |
€52,000.00 |
€41,600.00 |
€35,000.00 |
|
Carlow Women's Aid |
€31,500.00 |
€25,200.00 |
€30,000.00 |
|
Clare Haven Services |
€16,000.00 |
€12,800.00 |
€15,000.00 |
|
Cope Galway Waterside House |
€25,000.00 |
€25,000.00 |
€40,000.00 |
|
Cuan Saor Women's Refuge Ltd. |
€40,000.00 |
€32,000.00 |
€40,000.00 |
|
Cuanlee Womens Refuge |
€15,000.00 |
€12,000.00 |
|
|
Domestic Violence Advocacy Centre (Sligo) |
€31,500.00 |
€25,200.00 |
€24,000.00 |
|
Domestic Violence Response Galway |
€23,100.00 |
€18,480.00 |
€25,000.00 |
|
Donegal Women's Domestic Violence Service |
€22,050.00 |
€17,640.00 |
€21,000.00 |
|
Drogheda Women's Refuge and Children's Refuge Centre |
€41,750.00 |
€38,600.00 |
€3,000.00 |
|
Esker House Women's Refuge |
€99,208.00 |
€79,366.40 |
€42,786.00 |
|
Kerry Womens Refuge and Support Services (Adapt) |
€120,000.00 |
€96,000.00 |
€100,000.00 |
|
Amber Women's Refuge Ltd (Kilkenny) |
€50,000.00 |
€40,000.00 |
€47,744.11 |
|
Laois Domestic Abuse Service |
€42,500.00 |
€34,000.00 |
€42,500.00 |
|
Lifeline Inishowen |
€24,150.00 |
€19,320.00 |
€23,000.00 |
|
Longford Women's Link |
€47,250.00 |
€37,800.00 |
€45,000.00 |
|
Meath Women's Refuge |
€69,000.00 |
€55,200.00 |
€49,570.00 |
|
Mna Feasa Domestic Violence Project |
€27,500.00 |
€0.00 |
€27,500.00 |
|
Oasis House Women's Refuge |
€17,850.00 |
€14,280.00 |
€17,000.00 |
|
Offaly Domestic Violence Support Service |
€49,350.00 |
€39,480.00 |
€47,000.00 |
|
OSS Cork |
€17,000.00 |
€13,600.00 |
€5,500.00 |
|
Roscommon Safe Link |
€36,750.00 |
€29,400.00 |
€35,000.00 |
|
SAFE Ireland |
€100,234.73 |
€45,007.20 |
€53,580.00 |
|
Saoirse Housing Association |
€36,750.00 |
€29,400.00 |
€35,000.00 |
|
Tearmann Housing Association |
€37,000.00 |
€29,600.00 |
€35,000.00 |
|
West Cork Womens Project |
€15,750.00 |
€12,600.00 |
€17,000.00 |
|
Westmeath Support Service against Domestic Abuse |
€42,000.00 |
€33,600.00 |
€40,000.00 |
|
Wexford Women's Refuge |
€22,100.00 |
€17,680.00 |
€26,844.00 |
|
Women's Aid Dublin |
€370,000.00 |
€296,000.00 |
€297,867.88 |
|
Women's Aid Dundalk |
€31,500.00 |
€25,200.00 |
€34,000.00 |
|
Good Shepherd Cork |
€40,000.00 |
€32,000.00 |
€25,000.00 |
|
Crime Victims Helpline |
€157,500.00 |
€126,000.00 |
€150,000.00 |
|
Immigrant Council of Ireland |
€127,000.00 |
€101,600.00 |
€120,667.00 |
|
Irish Tourist Assistance Service |
€50,000.00 |
€40,000.00 |
€50,000.00 |
|
Le Cheile |
€13,500.00 |
€10,800.00 |
€10,800.00 |
|
Missing in Ireland Support Services |
€26,250.00 |
€21,000.00 |
€25,000.00 |
|
Support After Crime Services |
€165,000.00 |
€0.00 |
€165,000.00 |
|
Support After Homicide |
€40,000.00 |
€32,000.00 |
€43,111.00 |
|
Teach Tearmainn Housing Association |
€42,000.00 |
€33,000.00 |
€40,000.00 |
|
An Cosan |
€10,465.00 |
€8,372.00 |
€10,000.00 |
|
Victim Support at Court |
€203,000.00 |
€162,400.00 |
€180,000.00 |
|
Dignity 4 Patients |
€105,000.00 |
€84,000.00 |
€95,000.00 |
|
Dublin Rape Crisis Centre |
€315,000.00 |
€252,000.00 |
€300,000.00 |
|
One in Four |
€424,000.00 |
€288,800.00 |
€341,790.00 |
|
Rape Crisis Network |
€85,000.00 |
€68,000.00 |
€185,000.00 |
|
Sexual Violence Centre Cork |
€26,000.00 |
€20,800.00 |
€55,800.00 |
|
Wexford Rape Crisis |
€55,000.00 |
€54,267.20 |
€41,068.80 |
|
Ruhama |
€924,870.00 |
€739,896.00 |
€944,944.00 |
|
Migrant Rights Centre ireland |
€130,000.00 |
€104,000.00 |
€114,962.00 |
|
IOM Trafficking in Persons (TIP) |
€16,231.80 |
||
|
IOM Cultural Mediation Service Project II |
€267,903.53 |
Additional information
*Note that the 2023 allocation is subject to change due to compliancy factors and policy input.
40. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Justice the work currently being undertaken to provide reasonable accommodations to prisoners with disabilities, including those who may be neurodivergent, autistic or have mental health conditions, as it relates to overcrowding and access to services in prisons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24626/23]
View answerThe Irish Prison Service makes every effort to provide reasonable accommodations to people in custody with a range of disabilities.
Everyone committed to the care of the Irish Prison Service has both a nursing and medical assessment completed within 2 and 24 hours respectively. These assessments highlight and initiate further services that may be required to safely and appropriately accommodate and integrate the person into the prison environment. Any clinical support services that may be required will be commissioned to meet their needs in tandem with reviews of location and physical environmental needs that may be required.
The Irish Prison Service strives to optimise the independence of any prisoner with a disability so that skills are maintained and enhanced but for those with a physical disability, the prison environment can provide significant challenges. Any prisoner who requires supports with activities of daily living is accommodated in a suitable setting with regards to both the physical infrastructure, and where required, the assignment of a Healthcare Assistants to ensure that their needs are met as comprehensively as possible.
Where a specific disability is assessed and diagnosed whilst in prison such as autism, the individual’s needs and requirement are discussed at the weekly multi-agency meetings.
Work is progressing in some prisons in relation to more autism friendly environments, with the support of AsIAm. This includes both training and changes to physical infrastructure, particularly in waiting areas, as well as the development of initiatives like the sensory garden in Wheatfield Prison.
To meet the needs of the increasing number of people in custody, the Psychology Service have enhanced their model of care to provide greater breadth of provision through group work and workshops. Their focus is on supporting people through talking therapy in relation to mood and anxiety difficulties, personality difficulties, post traumatic stress disorder, self-harm and suicidal behaviour, eating disorders, psychosis and schizophrenia, and addiction. They also assess, diagnose and work with people with developmental disorders, intellectual difficulties, cognitive decline and traumatic brain injuries.
