Alan Kelly
Question:1141. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice the number of competitions held for sworn gardaí to apply to join the Garda Band in 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [38078/23]
View answerAn Garda Síochána
Questions (1141)
Written answers
As the Deputy will appreciate, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there have been no recruitment competitions for the Garda Band in 2022 or to date in 2023.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (1142)
Alan Kelly
Question:1142. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 838 of 25 July 2023, if she has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities to have this parliamentary question answered. [38079/23]
View answerWritten answers
Parliamentary Question 838 of 25 July 2023 requests a breakdown of the details of all new Garda stations built, or existing Garda stations refurbished, since 1 June 2021, in tabular form.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible under the law for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including decisions relating the Garda estate. In addition, the Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that officials in the OPW will provide a comprehensive response to the Deputy's Parliamentary Question directly when this information has been compiled.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (1143)
Alan Kelly
Question:1143. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice the number of full-time analysts at HEO level in the Garda cybercrime unit in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [38080/23]
View answerWritten answers
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 and Garda Staff. As Minister, I have no role in such 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 2023 provides over €2 billion in funding to An Garda Síochána. These funds provide for continued investment in the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau (GNCCB), with ongoing expansion of the Bureau.
The Deputy may wish to know that the expansion of the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau 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 the Bureau to tackle cybercrime in this jurisdiction.
The Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau is the national Garda unit tasked with the forensic examination of computer media seized during the course of any criminal investigations. The Unit provides for top tier digital forensic services to support organisational investigations.
To be of assistance I sought the information requested by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána and have been advised that there were no full time analysts at HEO level at the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023.
I can inform the Deputy that there are 65 Garda members assigned to the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau, as of the end of July 2023. The work of these Garda members is supported by 6 Garda Staff who are also assigned to the Bureau.
Since 2021, four GNCCB Satellite Hubs have been established and are operational at locations in Galway, Cork, Wexford and Mullingar. These hubs are engaged in cybercrime forensics, investigations and support roles.
Citizenship Applications
Questions (1144)
Bernard Durkan
Question:1144. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the progress to date in the determination of an application for citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38095/23]
View answerWritten answers
The naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department.
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.
I understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants and my Department has been working hard to clear backlogs.
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.
My Department is taking a number of steps to speed up the processing of applications and a number of digitisation measures have been introduced to increase efficiency in the process, including eVetting and online payments. The end result of the digitisation process will be the freeing up of more staff to focus on processing applications in a timely and efficient manner, improving service to our customers and reduction of waiting times.
Finally, I can advise the Deputy that the Citizenship Division of my Department intends to regularly communicate with all applicants on a quarterly basis into the future, to keep them updated on the status of 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.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (1145)
Kathleen Funchion
Question:1145. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide a breakdown of the age profile of the Garda vehicle fleet in the Carlow-Kilkenny division. [38139/23]
View answerWritten answers
The the Government is committed to ensuring An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to deliver a modern, fit-for-purpose, policing service. Budget 2023 provides funding of over €2 billion for An Garda Síochána, of which €10m has been allocated for investment in the Garda fleet.
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 the purchase, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I am, however, assured 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.
The table below, provided to me by the Garda authorities, shows the age profile of the vehicle fleet in Carlow/Kilkenny Division as of 31 August 2023.
|
Age Profile of the Garda Fleet |
Carlow/Kilkenny Division |
|
< 1 year |
7 |
|
1-2 years |
4 |
|
2-4 years |
28 |
|
4-6 years |
12 |
|
6+ years |
36 |
|
Total |
87 |
Departmental Functions
Questions (1146)
James Lawless
Question:1146. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Justice if she will examine the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38174/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy is aware, it is not possible for me to comment or intervene in any way in relation to how particular proceedings in another jurisdiction are conducted or on the outcome of those proceedings.
While the Central Authority for maintenance recovery from abroad is located within my Department, they are unfortunately not able to assist with this case as Canada has not ratified the 2007 Hague Convention for Maintenance Recovery and is not a signatory for the 1956 UN Convention on the Recovery Abroad of Maintenance. As a result the Central Authority are unable to make an application to recover maintenance from Canada.
Citizenship Applications
Questions (1147)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:1147. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice the status of an application by a person (details supplied) for the undocumented scheme; if their case will be examined favourably, given they have been living here for the past ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38177/23]
View answerWritten answers
The application for the person referred to by the Deputy was received by the Undocumented Unit of my Department on 09 February 2022 and continues to be processed. A request for further information was recently issued to the applicant and once received the application will continue 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 time 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.
Antisocial Behaviour
Questions (1148)
Neasa Hourigan
Question:1148. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Justice the engagements she has had with the Garda Commissioner regarding the escalating antisocial and violent behaviour in Dublin; if additional funding has been sought to address these issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38190/23]
View answerWritten answers
At the outset, I would like to assure the Deputy that it is my absolute priority as Minister to ensure everyone in Ireland is safe and feels safe as they go about their lives. While the Garda Commissioner is responsible for all operational policing matters, I am committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána have the resources needed to deliver on their mission of Keeping People Safe.
This commitment is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of over €2 billion to An Garda Síochána in 2023. This represents an almost €500 million increase on 2019 and is allowing for sustained and ongoing recruitment and investment in new equipment, facilities and vehicles. I also recently announced a further €10 million for Garda overtime in Dublin for use this year.
I can assure the Deputy I have been in regular contact with the Garda Commissioner and the Assistant Commissioner for the Dublin Metropolitan Region, on the issue of Garda visibility and resources. I welcome the details recently provided by the Assistant Commissioner on how the additional €10m allocation will be spent.
This allocation will provide for an enhanced visible Garda presence at strategic locations in Dublin city centre and increased deployment of the Garda National Public Order Unit in the city centre, with €2m of the €10million dedicated to increased public order capacity.
Uniformed Gardaí will be supported in the city centre by the Garda Air Support Unit, the Garda Mounted Unit, the Garda Dog Unit, Regional Armed Response Units, and Road Policing Units, as required, to enhance visibility in the city centre
It is important to underline that the armed unit will only be deployed in serious circumstances when there is a threat to life or an individual is armed, as they have always done, and there will not be armed Garda Units patrolling the streets as a standard practice.
The funding will also provide for planned days of high impact operations in the city centre and across all DMR divisions, and for high visibility patrols on the transport network and near transport services.
I am assured that tackling street level drug dealing, anti-social behaviour, loitering and the seizure of alcohol will all form part of the combined effort to restore confidence in Dublin city centre from a policing perspective.
As the Deputy will appreciate, many of the issues in the city centre cannot be addressed by An Garda Síochána alone. The Commission on the Future of Policing recognised that community safety is not solely the responsibility of the Gardaí, or the Department of Justice; it is a whole of Government responsibility. To help achieve this goal, three pilot Local Community Safety Partnerships (LCSPs) have been established, including one in Dublin’s North Inner City. I was delighted to publish the Community Safety Plan for the Dublin Community Safety Partnership.
The Partnerships will build upon and replace the existing Joint Policing Committees, bringing together Gardaí, local representatives, community organisations and State bodies, to draft a Community Safety Plan tailored to the community's needs. No one knows better than those who live in a community what its needs are.
Gambling Sector
Questions (1149)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:1149. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Justice to respond to concerns raised by a person (details supplied ) in respect of the potential impact the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 may have on not just charities but also local sporting organisations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38211/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Programme for Government includes a clear commitment to reform gambling legislation, with a focus on public safety and well-being from both an online and in person perspective. The Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 sets out the framework and legislative basis for the establishment of a new, independent statutory body – Údarás Rialála Cearrbhachais na hÉireann, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland – and for a robust regulatory and licensing regime to regulate gambling in-person and online, and for the regulation of gambling advertising, websites and apps.
The Bill provides for a new type of licence that permits gaming, betting and lottery activities for fundraising for charitable or philanthropic purposes such as charities, local sports clubs and for other good causes.
However, from the outset, it is important to emphasise that charities and other causes, including local sports clubs, that operate and promote lotteries as part of their fundraising model are already subject to regulation via the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956. The Gambling Regulation Bill is a direct continuation of this policy, and the measures, albeit modernised, provided for in the 1956 Act. The exclusion of the charity sector and sporting organisations would result in a removal of safeguards and protections that those sectors have complied with for close to the past 70 years.
The Government recognises and appreciates the hard work of, and services provided by, charities in the State and fully supports the huge role that sports clubs play in our local communities, not least from a social and health perspective.
In particular, section 87(4)(v) of the Bill provides that the advancement and promotion of sport shall be considered a charitable or philanthropic cause under the Bill, and this provision was specifically included to ensure that local GAA, football and other sporting clubs would be eligible to apply for a gambling licence for charitable and philanthropic purposes.
Stakeholder engagement is an important aspect of informing and developing new legislation and hearing the views of all stakeholders in respect of legislative proposals that will affect them is a key aspect of a robust, transparent and democratic legislative process.
I have had wide-ranging engagement with the charity sector and have listened to their concerns. In that context, I met with 14 individual organisations from the charity sector, as well as with the Charities Institute Ireland in late February 2023 to hear their views on the Bill. In addition, my Department has corresponded with over 40 charities in relation to the Bill.
The Government is not equating the charity/philanthropy sector with commercial gambling operators. In that regard, the Gambling Regulation Bill contains specific provisions tailored to meet the needs of charitable and philanthropic organisations. It is important to note, the prohibition on sponsorship of events will only apply to commercial gambling companies. Those holding a licence for a charitable or philanthropic purpose under the Bill will not be affected by the prohibition. There will be no bar to charities sponsoring events. Regarding the sponsorship of charitable events by gambling companies, this will depend on the event and whether it appeals to children or not. I will revisit this issue again at Report Stage to ensure that the position is clear.
The Deputy will also be interested to note that at Committee Stage I removed the maximum relevant payment limits from the Bill as originally published where gambling activities are provided under a licence for a charitable or philanthropic purpose. I did so in order to support charities, local sports clubs and other good causes.
Furthermore, charities and local sporting clubs may continue to advertise and promote their work in all fora without hindrance. The advertising watershed will only apply to such organisations when advertising gambling activities. Charities and sporting clubs may also continue to issue merchandise in the name of that organisation and will not be precluded from receiving donations from commercial entities in the usual fashion.
It is essential that any charitable or philanthropic causes that provide gambling activities not only continue to be well regulated, but are also seen to be well regulated to ensure public confidence in them and that is what the Bill provides for. It is also imperative to ensure that someone cannot operate and offer gambling activities under the guise of a charity, as a sports club or other good causes.
Insofar as the reference to the National Lottery is concerned, the National Lottery is subject to regulatory oversight and governance under the provisions of the National Lottery Act 2013, including its own dedicated regulator: the Regulator of the National Lottery.
Family Law Cases
Questions (1150)
Bernard Durkan
Question:1150. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice to what extent the rights of children and parents are likely to be protected in any future family law legislation; whether specific commitments are likely to be made in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38212/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy is aware, my Department are currently leading an ambitious programme of family justice reform, including the publication of the Family Justice Strategy and the Family Courts Bill 2022. The Strategy puts children at the centre of the system, and emphasises, amongst other things, the need to ensure they are listened to and heard and their views given due regard, in line with constitutional obligations and rights.
The Family Justice Strategy, published in November last year, sets out a vision for a family justice system of the future - a system that will focus on the needs and rights of children and will assist their parents in making decisions that affect all of the family. It aims to achieve this through the implementation of over 50 actions across nine goals. The Strategy is foundational in nature, recognising the many issues that currently exist within the system and outlining the steps needed to move towards a family justice system that is streamlined and user-friendly, and which supports and protects children and their families.
The Strategy contains a number of actions which stress the importance of children and the need to ensure their welfare and best interests are considered in conjunction with their constitutional rights. To that end, my Department has commenced a review to examine the role of expert reports in the family law process, the commissioning and availability of these reports and their content and use. Later in the year, a Working Group will be established to review the effectiveness of the current arrangements for hearing the voice of the child in private family law cases.
Part of the Strategy, and an important element of the family justice reforms, is the Family Courts Bill 2022. The Family Courts Bill will provide for the establishment of a Family Court as divisions within the existing court structures, each dealing with family law matters as appropriate to its jurisdiction.
The Bill provides a set of guiding principles to help ensure that the Family Court system will make the best interests of the child a primary consideration in all family law proceedings, operate in an efficient and user-friendly manner, and encourage active case management by the courts. These guiding principles encourage alternatives to litigation, promote good case management practice, ensuring that proceedings are conducted as far as possible in a user-friendly manner, and minimising the cost of proceedings where feasible.
The Bill provides that specialist knowledge and ongoing professional training in the area of family law will be required to be assigned as a family court judge. It is intended that the Family Court will sit to hear family law proceedings in a different building or room from that in which other court sittings are held or on different days or at different times from other court sittings.
Both the Family Courts Bill and the Family Justice Strategy recognise that children and families should be at the centre of the system. These initiatives mark the beginning of the reform of how our family justice system operates, to try to make it work better for everyone engaging with it, but particularly for those who need additional supports and protections, such as domestic violence victims or vulnerable parents and children.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (1151)
Mark Ward
Question:1151. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí who have resigned from An Garda Síochána, by county, per month in 2023, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38217/23]
View answerWritten answers
As you will appreciate the Garda Commissioner is operationally responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána including HR matters.
I can assure the Deputy the Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and the 2023 budget of over €2 billion is allowing for the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff, with Garda recruits entering Templemore approximately every 11 weeks.
It is important to emphasise that, of the approximately 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.
I will be engaging with my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, over the coming months to secure the resources in 2024 to ensure that we continue to make progress towards our targets.
I also understand An Garda Síochána has recently introduced exit interviews to get a clearer view on why people may choose to resign.
The tables below, provided by the Garda authorities, shows the number of Gardaí who have resigned, or resigned in lieu of dismissal, from An Garda Síochána by region and quarter in the year 2023, as well as applications on hand processed to year end.
|
Region |
2023 |
|
Southern Region |
13 |
|
North Western Region |
13 |
|
Eastern Region |
24 |
|
DMR Region |
34 |
|
Specialist and Support Units |
24 |
|
Total |
108 |
|
Quarter |
2023 |
|
Q1 |
37 |
|
Q2 |
36 |
|
Q3 |
32 |
|
Q4 |
>10 |
|
Grand Total |
108 |
Figures provided as of 31 August 2023.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (1152)
Mark Ward
Question:1152. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Justice if exit interviews are being carried out for gardaí who are resigning from An Garda Síochána. [38218/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible by law for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including human resourcing matters. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that exit interviews were initiated in An Garda Síochána in April 2023 to develop an understanding of why personnel may decide to leave the organisation, and where appropriate, to address issues which may influence retention. I understand that exit interviews are carried out by a Chartered Occupational Psychologist working within An Garda Síochána's Human Resources and People Development Section.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, to date, a total of 28 exit interviews have been conducted, across Garda members and staff. As I am sure the Deputy will appreciate, given the low number of exit interviews conducted, there is insufficient data as yet to identify definitive themes.
The Deputy will be interested to know that there will be an option, available shortly, of a confidential online survey that will increase capacity to collect data from those who resign from An Garda Síochána.
Naturalisation Applications
Questions (1153)
Michael Creed
Question:1153. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Justice the current situation regarding an application for naturalisation by a person (details supplied); if, in light of the over two and a half years since the application has been submitted, she will arrange to expedite a decision on this case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38231/23]
View answerWritten answers
The naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department.
A request for further documentation has recently issued to the person concerned. Once the Citizenship division of my Department has received these documents, processing of the application can resume with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation.
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.
I understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants and my Department has been working hard to clear backlogs.
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.
My Department is taking a number of steps to speed up the processing of applications and a number of digitisation measures have been introduced to increase efficiency in the process, including eVetting and online payments. The end result of the digitisation process will be the freeing up of more staff to focus on processing applications in a timely and efficient manner, improving service to our customers and reduction of waiting times.
Finally, I can advise the Deputy that the Citizenship Division of my Department intends to regularly communicate with all applicants on a quarterly basis into the future, to keep them updated on the status of 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.
Crime Prevention
Questions (1154)
Pauline Tully
Question:1154. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 911 of 13 June 2023, if she has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities to have this parliamentary question answered. [38241/23]
View answerWritten answers
I can now advise the Deputy that no funding applications for projects under the EU anti-fraud programmes have been made by my Department or An Garda Síochána in the years specified.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (1155)
Pauline Tully
Question:1155. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Justice the Garda divisions currently without a crime prevention officer, in tabular form. [38242/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the management of An Garda Síochána, including the distribution of Garda members between the different Garda units and Divisions. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I can, however, assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda Síochána is central to this policy. This commitment is demonstrated by the unprecedented provision of more than €2 billion to the Garda Vote this year, which is allowing for sustained and ongoing recruitment and investment in new equipment and new vehicles.
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 entering the Garda College approximately every 11 weeks.
In addition to new recruits, the rollout of the new Garda Operating Model will support the redeployment of Gardaí from non-core duties to frontline policing across the country. The new model will see larger Divisions with more resources, increased Garda visibility in communities, a wider range of locally delivered policing services, and a strong focus on community policing.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that Cork North Division, Kilkenny/Carlow Division and Meath Division currently have vacant Crime Prevention Officer positions.
I am informed that it is a matter for the Divisional Officer in each location, engaging with the Garda National Community Engagement Bureau, to arrange recruitment competitions and ensure Crime Prevention Officer positions are filled.
The Deputy may be interested to know that contact details for Crime Prevention Officers can be found on the Garda website and the following link: www.garda.ie/en/crime-prevention/who-is-my-local-crime-prevention-officer-/
An Garda Síochána
Questions (1156)
Paul Donnelly
Question:1156. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice the divisional roads policing units that received additional roads policing unit cars and motorcycles to date in 2023, in tabular form. [38300/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is committed to ensuring An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to deliver a modern, fit-for-purpose, policing service. Budget 2023 provides funding in excess of €2 billion for An Garda Síochána, of which €10m has been allocated for investment in the Garda fleet.
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 the purchase, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I am assured 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.
The table below, which was provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the Divisional Roads Policing Units that received additional vehicles in 2023, up to 5 September 2023. Please note that the figures provided are operational and may be subject to change.
|
DIVISION |
Cars |
Motorbikes |
4x4 |
Total |
|
DMR TRAFFIC |
0 |
12 |
0 |
12 |
|
CLARE |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
CORK NORTH |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
DMR WEST |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
DONEGAL |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
GALWAY |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
KILDARE |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
KILKENNY/CARLOW |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
LAOIS-OFFALY |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
LOUTH |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
ROSCOMMON-LONGFORD |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
SLIGO-LEITRIM |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
WESTMEATH |
1 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
|
TOTAL |
12 |
12 |
1 |
25 |
Probation and Welfare Service
Questions (1157)
Patrick Costello
Question:1157. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice the number of probation officers currently working in each prison in the State; and the number of current vacancies and the number of probation officers, by institution, over the period from 2005 to date. [38309/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Probation Service is an executive agency of the Department of Justice with the primary purpose of assessment and management of offenders in the community and is committed to working to reduce offending, create safer communities and fewer victims through rehabilitation. The Service has a presence in every prison nationwide, working as part of multi-disciplinary teams supporting reintegration. Probation staff conduct assessments and undertake offence-focused, pre-release and reintegration work with people who will be subject to court-mandated supervision orders upon their release from custody.
The below table outlines the number of probation officers working in prisons in the State for 2009-2023. The Probation Service does not have specific staffing figures for the prisons region for the period 2005-2008. In addition to the Probation Officers listed in the table below, as of July 2023 there is also one Assistant Principal Probation Officer, seven Senior Probation Officers and five administrative staff allocated to the prisons – thirteen staff in total.
As of 1 September 2023, there are six Probation Officer vacancies across the prison region: one in Mountjoy Male, two in Wheatfield/Cloverhill and three in the Midlands. Three new staff are due to commence shortly which will reduce the vacancies to three. There are also two administrative vacancies one in Cork & Limerick and one in Midlands & Portlaoise.
Number of Probation Officers (Full Time Equivalents) Prison & Risk Resettlement at end of Each Year 2009 to July 2023
|
Year |
Mountjoy Male & Training Unit
|
Mountjoy Female |
Wheatfield Cloverhill |
Arbour Hill & Shelton Abbey |
Castlerea Loughan Harristown Kazelain |
Cork Limerick |
Midlands & Portlaoise |
Total |
|
2009 |
7 |
3.5 |
6 |
3 |
3.8 |
4 |
3.8 |
31.1 |
|
2010 |
6 |
4.5 |
6 |
3 |
2.8 |
4 |
4 |
30.3 |
|
2011 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
5 |
25 |
|
Year |
Mountjoy Male |
Mountjoy Female (Dochas) & Shelton Abbey |
Wheatfield Cloverhill |
Arbour Hill & Sex Offender Programme* |
Castlerea Loughan
|
Cork Limerick |
Midlands & Portlaoise |
Total |
|
2012 |
6 |
6.8 |
5.1 |
4.5 |
2 |
2.5 |
4.8 |
31.7 |
|
2013 |
6 |
4.8 |
5 |
5.5 |
2.6 |
2 |
4.8 |
30.7 |
|
2014 |
7 |
4.8 |
7 |
3.5 |
2.6 |
2 |
5.2 |
32.1 |
|
2015 |
7 |
4.8 |
7.4 |
3.5 |
3.6 |
2 |
7.2 |
35.5 |
|
2016 |
5 |
4.8 |
4.6 |
3.5 |
2.6 |
2 |
5.2 |
27.7 |
|
2017 |
5.8 |
5.8 |
7.8 |
4.5 |
2 |
2 |
6.2 |
34.1 |
|
2018 |
3.8 |
4 |
3.8 |
1.5 |
2 |
2 |
5.2 |
22.3 |
|
Year |
Mountjoy Male |
Mountjoy Female (Dochas) & Shelton Abbey |
Wheatfield Cloverhill |
Arbour Hill |
Castlerea Loughan |
Cork Limerick |
Midlands & Portlaoise |
Total |
|
2019 |
3.8 |
4 |
2.8 |
2.5 |
1 |
3 |
6.2 |
23.3 |
|
2020 |
4.8 |
4 |
2.8 |
2.5 |
2 |
3 |
6.2 |
25.3 |
|
2021 |
3.8 |
4 |
3.8 |
1.5 |
3 |
3 |
5.2 |
24.3 |
|
2022 |
3.6 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
3 |
3.5 |
5.2 |
24.3 |
|
2023 (July) |
3.6 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
4.2 |
22.8 |
*The Sex Offender Treatment Programme moved to the Midlands prison and continued to be led by prison psychology staff with input from Midlands Probation team from 2018 onwards.
Visa Applications
Questions (1158)
Michael Creed
Question:1158. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Justice the current status of a visa application for a person (details supplied). [38312/23]
View answerWritten answers
I can advise the Deputy that the application referred to was created on the 19 December 2022. Supporting documentation was received in the Dublin visa office on the 20 December 2022 where it awaits examination and processing.
Long Stay Join Family visa applications are processed in accordance with the guidelines set out in the Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification. This policy document may be accessed at the following link:
www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Policy-document-on-Non-EEA-family-reunification.pdf
This Policy Document contains a stated business target that visa applications for family reunification for immediate family members of Irish citizens and Category A sponsors, such as Critical Skills Employment Permit Holders, should be dealt with within 6 months of application.
However, it must be made clear that these are business targets for the immigration service. The business target reflects the detailed and often complex assessment that is required to be carried out in relation to applications for family reunification.
It is not possible to give a definitive date as to when this application will be finalised. All applications are processed in chronological order, based on date order of receipt. While every effort is made to process applications as soon as possible, processing times will vary having regard to the volume and complexity of applications, the possible need for the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) function of the Department to investigate, inquire into, or seek further information, and the resources available.
The applicant will be notified as soon as a decision has been reached by a Visa Officer.
Processing times and decisions at the Dublin Visa Office can be checked at the following link which is updated each Tuesday:
www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/
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 (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 Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
Question No. 1159 answered with Question No. 1129.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (1160)
Patrick Costello
Question:1160. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the six strategic objectives outlined in the Garda Reserve Strategy 2021-2025; the progress made to date on those objectives; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38317/23]
View answerWritten answers
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 responsibility for the recruitment, training and deployment of members of the Garda Reserve. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
The Garda Reserve, which was established in 2006, 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 the 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.
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.
I have been informed that, since the publication of the Garda Reserve Strategy, An Garda Síochána has been committed to ensuring the effectiveness of the Garda Reserve through increasing engagement with Divisional Liaison Inspectors.
To be of assistance, Garda Authorities have provided me with updates under each of the strategic objectives outlined in the Garda Reserve Strategy 2021-2025 which I outline below.
Recruitment
In preparation for a Garda Reserve recruitment campaign, and throughout 2022 and 2023, An Garda Síochána have been actively engaging with the Department of Justice and the Public Appointments Service with a view to ensuring that a recruitment campaign is inclusive to attract diverse and underrepresented groups, including those from Gaeltacht areas, with the intention of removing perceived barriers.
There is ongoing liaison between the Department of Justice and relevant sections within An Garda Síochána on revisions to the regulations governing the Reserve ahead of the commencement of this recruitment process.
Training and Development
Reserve Gardaí must ensure that they maintain a practical working knowledge of the law, developments in legislation and Garda HQ Directives.
I am informed that, in 2022, An Garda Síochána completed a review of the current prescribed training for Garda Reserves and are committed to focussing on professional development and appropriateness to their role and function when delivering foundation training.
The Role and Deployment of Garda Reserves
I am assured that An Garda Síochána are committed to embedding the role of the Reserve Garda within each Division. Reserve Gardaí are assigned to regular or community policing units, and assist at events. In January 2023, the revised Garda Reserve Policy was published which outlines updated Roles and Responsibilities to ensure all Garda Personnel are more aware of the assistance Reserve Gardaí can provide when on duty.
Oversight and Governance
The Garda Reserve Oversight Committee was established in 2020 to ensure the Strategy delivers on its objectives. I am assured An Garda Síochána is committed to promoting the Garda Reserve throughout the organisation. The guidelines document in support of the Garda Reserve Policy provides sufficient operational support as a briefing pack for all Garda Personnel increasing organisational awareness of responsibilities.
Value Our People
An internal communications strategy will be developed to support new processes and procedures as they are implemented, and it is intended that Reserve forums will be reintroduced by Q4 2023, recognising their voluntary contribution and good work.
Proposals to amend the number of hours Reserve Gardaí must complete annually to qualify for the Garda Reserve Allowance are also being progressed. In Q4 2023 consideration will also be given to further develop the organisational recognition provided to Reserve Gardaí.
Evaluation
I am informed that An Garda Síochána are committed to an independent evaluation to be commissioned to review the effectiveness of the Garda Reserve Strategy in 2025.