Monday, 11 Sep 2023

Written Answers Nos. 1161-1180

Crime Prevention

Questions (1161)

Patrick Costello

Question:

1161. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for an update on Dublin city centre community safety partnership plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38320/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy may be aware, I launched the Dublin North Inner City Local Community Safety Plan on Friday 8th September. 

The plan sets out in detail how the North Inner City community will work in partnership with businesses, councillors, the local authority and State services such as An Garda Síochána, Tusla and the HSE to prevent crime and improve feelings of safety in the community.

The plan was developed through the Dublin Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP), who have acted as a forum to create dialogue between community representatives and State agencies. The Dublin North Inner City LCSP was one of three innovative pilot schemes, along with Waterford and Longford, set up in 2020 to support dialogue, to foster collaboration and coordination on community safety issues and to develop tailored local community safety plans.

Five priority areas have been identified in the Dublin North Inner City Community Safety Plan, along with respective sub-groups and a detailed action plan tracking progress of the plan. In addition, given the changing environment, and taking a proactive approach, the Partnership identified the need for an ‘Emerging Issues Response’. The five priority areas are:

• Drugs Inclusion-Health, Anti-Social Behaviour,

• Family, Youth and Community

• Education, Life Long Learning

• Integration, Ethnic and Multi-Faith Inclusion 

• Physical Environment

It is clear that the concerns of the entire North Inner City community were front and centre in the development of this plan. We want our capital city to be a safe and vibrant place for the people who live, work and visit there and I believe the publication of this plan is an important milestone in achieving that.

Departmental Strategies

Questions (1162)

Patrick Costello

Question:

1162. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the Youth Justice Strategy 2021-2027-2027; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38321/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Justice

As the Deputy will be aware, the Youth Justice Strategy 2021-2027 provides a developmental framework to address key ongoing challenges, as well as new and emerging issues, in the youth justice area.

The Strategy aims to reduce harm in communities (including harm to children and young people) by reducing the numbers of children and young people who engage, or are vulnerable to engagement, in crime and minimise their involvement with the criminal justice system by supporting their personal development.

I can assure the Deputy that my Department is actively implementing the Strategy, with a range of actions already underway, including the expansion of the Youth Diversion Projects (YDPs) and establishment of a small number of new YDPs, so that every child or young person in the State who could benefit from this service can access it.

We are also working with other statutory bodies to explore providing youth services to a number of pilot joint-commissioned Projects. This new type of YDP brings together services from across the public sector to enhance the service provided to young people and to ensure a 'no wrong door' approach. All of these are aimed at ensuring that programmes and interventions are as effectively designed and targeted as possible to support those children and young people (and their families) who experience particular disadvantage and are more at risk with respect to offending behaviour. 

It may also be of interest to the Deputy that a report on the Evaluation of Youth Diversion Projects (YDP) was published in June of this year and can be found at the following link: gov.ie - Youth Justice Strategy 2021 - 2027 (www.gov.ie)  Nationwide access to YDPs is a keystone commitment in the Youth Justice Strategy. The report noted the very positive ongoing work by YDPs, including the high levels of engagement from participants and the overwhelmingly positive impact they are having on the majority of young people who engage their services.

The evaluation showed that young people engaging in YDPs were less involved in criminal or antisocial behaviour, had improved self-confidence and communication skills, had increased happiness, and an overall improved sense of hope.

As the Deputy may also be aware, last November I published a discussion paper on diverting young adults aged 18-24 away from entry into the wider criminal justice system. A public consultation on diverting these young adults has been held and officials in my Department are preparing for an open policy forum in the coming months to provide a further opportunity for consultation and engagement with stakeholders, which will include expert speakers, discussion groups and feedback.

Departmental Strategies

Questions (1163)

Patrick Costello

Question:

1163. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice when she will be carrying out the mid-term review of the Youth Justice Strategy 2021 - 2027; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38322/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Justice

As the Deputy may be aware, the Youth Justice Strategy 2021 - 2027 committed to publishing an annual update of the Implementation Statement and carrying out a mid-term review of progress after three years, with the process to begin in 2024. 

I can inform the Deputy that the Youth Justice Implementation Statement 2021 was published in December 2022 and can be found at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/dca46-youth-justice-implementation-statement-2021/.

The Youth Justice Implementation Statement 2022 is currently being drafted by my Department and will be published in Q4 2023.  

It may also be of interest to the Deputy that a report on the Evaluation of Youth Diversion Projects (YDP) was published in June of this year and can be found at the following link: gov.ie - Youth Justice Strategy 2021 - 2027 (www.gov.ie).

Nationwide access to YDPs is a keystone commitment in the Youth Justice Strategy. The report noted the very positive ongoing work by YDPs, including the high levels of engagement from participants and the overwhelmingly positive impact they are having on the majority of young people who engage their services.  

The evaluation showed that young people engaging in YDPs were less involved in criminal or antisocial behaviour, had improved self-confidence and communication skills, had increased happiness, and an overall improved sense of hope.

 

Crime Prevention

Questions (1164)

Patrick Costello

Question:

1164. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the 12 Youth Diversion Projects in the greater Dublin area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38324/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Justice

The Youth Justice Strategy 2021-2027 provides a developmental framework to address key ongoing challenges, as well as new and emerging issues, in the youth justice area. The intention is to develop the Youth Diversion Project (YDP) network so that it is available to every child in the State who could benefit from it, through an ongoing expansion of existing services and the foundation of new projects where necessary.

The Youth Justice Strategy commits to the broadening and deepening of services provided by YDPs and acknowledges the importance of Early Intervention and Family Support programmes for children at risk, as well as access to appropriate Education, Training and Youth Services. There are currently over 100 YDPs in operation and the intention of this year’s Justice Plan, under the Youth Justice Strategy, is to provide full geographic availability of youth diversion services by the end of 2023.

I can inform the Deputy that my Department is currently funding 12 YDPs covering the greater Dublin area with a total funding of nearly €3.6 million. 

The crucial work being carried out by these YDPs covers youth diversion for 12-17 year olds, early intervention for 8-11 year olds, as well as family supports.

YDP Name	Organisation	Town	County
CABLE	Foróige	Drogheda	Louth
BOYNE	Youth Work Ireland Louth	Drogheda	Louth
NYDP	Foróige	Navan	Meath
SEM	Foróige	Navan	Meath
SMART	Crann	Trim	Meath
BALBRIGGAN	Foróige	Balbriggan	Dublin
AN CAISLEÁN	Extern Ltd.	Athy	Kildare
THE ANCHOR	Extern Ltd.	Naas	Kildare
BRIDGE	Kildare Youth Service	Celbridge	Kildare
THE CAN	Kildare Youth Service	Newbridge	Kildare
BRAY NEW DIRECTIONS	Crosscare	Bray	Wicklow
WAY	Foróige	Wicklow	Wicklow

Departmental Funding

Questions (1165)

Patrick Costello

Question:

1165. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice if he will increase the funding available to the Youth Diversion Projects programme given the increase of criminal incidents involving people under the age of 18 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38325/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Justice

Funding allocations for the Youth Diversion Projects is based on evidence that diverting young offenders from the criminal justice system, and preventative work with young people at risk, is to their long-term benefit and that of society as a whole.

The Youth Justice Strategy 2021-2027 provides a developmental framework to address key ongoing challenges, as well as new and emerging issues, in the youth justice area. The intention is to develop the Youth Diversion Project (YDP) network so that it is available to every child in the State who could benefit from it, through an ongoing expansion of existing services and the foundation of new projects where necessary.

The Deputy may wish to note that a further 4 YDPs are due to be established by the end of this year as part of the commitment to expand the service provision to every young person who needs it. Additionally 6 collaborative commissioning Diversion Projects are also due to be established in 2023. These Projects will draw relevant statutory bodies together with local partners to map our separate funding schemes against a local needs assessment, will identify gaps in priority services needed and will agree with local service providers how to meet these needs in a coordinated and integrated way.

Youth Diversion Projects are co-funded by the Irish Government and European Social Fund as part of the ESF+ Programme 2021-2027. Any future allocations to the YDPs will, as the Deputy can appreciate, form part of the usual Estimates process. 

For the Deputy’s information, the table below outlines funding allocated to YDPs for the previous 10 years. 

Year	Allocation
2023	€24.9m
2022	€22.9m
2021	€17.6m
2020	€16.8m
2019	€15.6m
2018	€13.6m
2017	€13.4m
2016	€12.9m
2015	€13.1m
2014	€11.5m

An Garda Síochána

Questions (1166)

Patrick Costello

Question:

1166. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for an update on Operation Citizen; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38326/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will be aware the Garda Commissioner is responsible for all operational policing matters, as Minister I have no role in these matters.

Operation Citizen was implemented on 22 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. It aims to deliver a 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 what the Garda Síochána can provide on their own, working in isolation from other stakeholders.

I have been advised by Garda authorities that since the inception of Operation Citizen to 31 July 2023, there have been 12,961 individual proactive foot and mountain bike patrols undertaken as part of the operation. During this period, 13,472 persons have been arrested, 23,537 charges have been preferred and 10,505 summons issued in respect of offences detected in both the Store Street and Pearse Street Garda Districts.

In addition, illicit drugs with an estimated street sale value of €12,596,457 (subject to analysis) have been seized in Store Street and Pearse Street Districts, as well as €2,700,067 in cash/cheques.

I am further advised that there are personnel from both Store Street and Pearse Street Garda Stations allocated on a full-time basis to Operation Citizen. All personnel assigned to Operation Citizen are paraded on a daily basis at 8a.m. and at 4p.m. and are assigned a particular sector within the geographical scope of Operation Citizen to patrol on foot.

Members assigned to Operation Citizen continue to be deployed on beat patrol. Members dedicated to Operation Citizen are not routinely deployed on mobile patrols, however, typically, on a daily basis there are eight mobiles patrolling the core city centre for each tour, assigned from both Store Street and Pearse Street Garda Stations.  Where a requirement arises, members assigned to the Bridewell, Mountjoy, Kevin Street and the wider DMR also provide a response capability.

Members of the Garda Mounted, Garda Dog Unit, Armed Support Unit and DMR Roads Policing Unit provide further support to Operation Citizen by way of high visibility beats and mobile patrols, particularly at weekends and in support of organised events.

An Garda Síochána

Questions (1167)

Patrick Costello

Question:

1167. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for a breakdown by division, in tabular form, for the number and ranks of gardai assigned to Operation Citizen per month since its commencement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38327/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will be aware the Garda Commissioner is responsible for all operational policing matters. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.

Operation Citizen was implemented on 22 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. It aims to deliver a high visibility policing presence in the city centre on a daily basis.

I am informed by Garda authorities that, due to operational reasons, it is not possible to give a breakdown of the members assigned to Operation Citizen per month for the history of the operation. However, at present, there is one (1) Inspector, seven (7) Sergeants and sixty six (66) Gardaí assigned to Operation Citizen. 

Personnel from both Store Street and Pearse Street Garda Stations are allocated on a full time basis to Operation Citizen. All personnel assigned to ‘Operation Citizen’ are paraded on a daily basis at 8 a.m. and at 4 p.m. and are assigned a particular sector within the scope of Operation Citizen to patrol on foot. 

Members assigned to Operation Citizen continue to be deployed on beat patrol. Members dedicated to Operation Citizen are not routinely deployed on mobile patrols; however, typically, on a daily basis there are eight (8) mobiles 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.

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.

Court Judgments

Questions (1168)

Patrick Costello

Question:

1168. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice her views on the increasing number of short-term prison sentences being imposed by Judges given research has shown short-term sentences are generally ineffective in terms of rehabilitation and deterrence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38328/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will be aware, the judiciary, as the third branch of Government, are independent in the matter of sentencing, subject only to the Constitution and the law.

However, I can assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities, including by progressing policies aimed at reducing offending, diverting people away from the criminal justice system, where appropriate and by providing effective rehabilitation. 

This includes implementing the recommendations in the Review of Policy Options for Prison and Penal Reform 2022-2024 which was published last year. Under this review, the Government agreed to look at the use of short custodial sentences (especially sentences under 3 months) and explore how the judiciary can be provided with a greater range of non-custodial sanctions. 

The review seeks to find the balance between ensuring that people who commit serious crimes receive a punishment and a period of incarceration proportionate to that crime, while at the same time acknowledging that sometimes community based sanctions are more appropriate in diverting offenders away from future criminal activity.  

The purpose of the Review of Policy Options for Prison and Penal Reform is to strengthen the options available to judges when they are considering sentencing in cases. This will facilitate the effective and efficient use of community sanctions by the courts, and ensure that the courts have a wide range of appropriate options for dealing with those who have committed minor offences. 

My Department has commissioned researchers to engage with the District Court on the operation of the Criminal Justice (Community Service) (Amendment) Act 2011 and to produce a report on judicial insights and perspectives of the 2011 Act. The outcomes of this report will be considered in detail in the context the aforementioned Review of Policy Options for Prison and Penal Reform.  

Further, my Department has undertaken a policy review of the previously published General Scheme of the Criminal Justice (Community Sanctions) Bill 2014. Following on from this, I expect to bring a revised General Scheme to Government in due course. 

The Probation Service has also commissioned two reviews of Community Service.

In 2021, an Evidence Review was undertaken, which highlighted the opportunity Community Service provides to support desistence, reparation and building personal capacity. It recommended that a desistence informed approach to Community Service be imbedded, inclusive of restorative justice and social justice approaches.

Building on the Evidence Review, a recently completed Community Service Operational Review includes recommendations that support strengthening Community Service operations, informed by the principles of desistence, restorative justice and social justice. The implementation planning stage has now commenced which aims to deliver on actions informed by both reviews.

Departmental Reports

Questions (1169)

Patrick Costello

Question:

1169. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the progress report in relation to the mental health and addiction challenges of people interacting with the criminal justice system; when this is due to the published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38329/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The Programme for Government commits to considering the mental health and addiction treatments of persons imprisoned and primary care support on release. This commitment reflects the fact that the healthcare needs of vulnerable, sometimes seriously ill, people who interact with the criminal justice system are complex and require whole of systems consideration and urgent action.

The overall report and recommendations of the High Level Task Force established to consider the mental health and addiction challenges of those who come into contact with the criminal justice sector were published in September 2022. 

The recommendations of the Task Force 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. Further, the recommendations 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.

It is recognised that the report and the recommendations are ambitious and that this is what is required to significantly reform the way in which our criminal justice and health systems support and accommodate people with mental health and addiction challenges. It is also recognised that in light of the cross-cutting nature of the recommendations, cross-Government commitment is crucial to successful implementation.

Let me assure the Deputy that my Department is committed to working with colleagues in the Department of Health to advance these reforms.

As the Deputy will be aware, the  implementation plan published alongside the final report assigns ownership for each of the recommendations and their expected delivery time-frames. The plan recognises that some recommendations can be achieved quickly (within the next 18 months), while others require a longer lead-in time and are accordingly allocated medium-term (within the next 3 years) or long-term (within the next 5 years) timeframes.

Officials in my Department, in conjunction with colleagues in the Department of Health, are currently preparing a progress report on the High Level Task Force report recommendations for the Minister for Health and I.  This will outline the progress made since the High Level Task Force report was published last September.  My officials expect to have prepared this progress report in the next month with a view to presenting it to both Ministers in October.

Prison Service

Questions (1170)

Patrick Costello

Question:

1170. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for a breakdown by prison, in tabular form, for the number and grade of psychologists currently working within the Irish prison psychology service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38330/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The role of the Psychology Service in the Irish Prison Service is to deliver, develop and manage an integrated mental health and criminogenic needs assessment and treatment service for people in custody, in line with service plans and objectives, and within established professional standards, guidelines and policy. 

I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that the Psychology Service has the following sanctioned posts including a Head of Service, a Principal Psychologist Manager, a Principal Psychologist Specialist, 13 Senior Psychologists, 22.6 Psychologists, 14 Assistant Psychologists, 2 trainee Psychologists sponsored by the Irish Prison Service (being trained via University College Cork) and 2 additional trainee Psychologists due to commence this month. 

The Assistant Psychologists are a fixed term contract unqualified grade not included in psychologist numbers or psychologists to prisoner ratios* .  The table below outlines the number and grade of psychologists currently working within the Irish prison psychology service.

The annual recruitment campaign has just come to an end for 2023, with a panel of senior psychologists and psychologists recently formed. It is intended to fill vacancies from the panel before the end of the year. An Assistant Psychologist recruitment campaign is scheduled for later this year. Advertisements for locum psychologists have also proved successful in recent months. 

-
Location	Number of Staff Currently Assigned
Irish Prison Service Headquarters	1 x Head of Psychology Services
Psychology Service HQ (Arbour Hill)	1 x Principal   Psychologist Manager 1 x Principal   Psychologist Specialist (vacant)
Arbour Hill	1 x Senior   Psychologist 1 x Psychologist 1 x Assistant   Psychologist (vacant)
Castlerea Prison	1 x Senior   Psychologist (vacant) 2 x Psychologists 1 x Assistant   Psychologist
Cloverhill Prison	1 x Senior   Psychologist (vacant, covered by Acting Senior Psychologist) 1.6 x   Psychologist (vacant) 1 x Assistant   Psychologist (vacant)
Cork Prison	1 x Senior   Psychologist 2 x   Psychologists  1 x Assistant   Psychologist
Limerick Prison	1 x Senior   Psychologist 2 x Psychologists   (2 vacant) 1 x Assistant Psychologist   (vacant)
Loughan House	0.6   WTE Psychologist
Midlands Prison	2 x Senior   Psychologists (1 vacant) 3 x Psychologists   (1 vacant) 3 x Assistant   Psychologists (3 x vacant)
Mountjoy Female Prison	1 x Senior Psychologist 0.6 x   Psychologist 1 x Assistant   Psychologist (vacant)
Mountjoy Male	1 x Senior   Psychologist (vacant, covered by Acting Senior Psychologist) 4 x Psychologists   (1 vacant) 2 x Assistant   Psychologist (1 x vacant)
Portlaoise Prison	1 Senior   Psychologist 1 x Psychologist 1 x Assistant   Psychologist (vacant)
Shelton Abbey	0.6 x   Psychologist (vacant)
Wheatfield Prison	1 x Senior   Psychologist (vacant, covered by Acting Senior Psychologist) 3 x Psychologists   (2 vacant)  2 x Assistant   Psychologist
National Violence Reduction Unit	1 x Senior   Psychologist 1 x Psychologist   (vacant)
Irish Prison Service College	1 x Senior   Psychologist
Training Unit	0.4 WTE   Psychologist

     

* Assistant Psychologists must be eligible for graduate membership of the Psychological Society of Ireland and are clinically supervised by a qualified Psychologist (assigned by the local Senior Psychologist) and line managed by the local Senior Psychologist (or his/her nominated designate). Supervision is strictly in line with Psychological Society of Ireland Guidelines. Assistant Psychologists role is to - 

• Support local and national IPS Psychology Services and enhance the contribution of qualified Psychologists.

• Support the primary care mental health needs of those in custody.

• Provide an enhanced level of support to young people in custody.

• Support service-related initiatives.

Prison Service

Questions (1171)

Patrick Costello

Question:

1171. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the progress of the four short-term capital projects at Castlerea Prison, Cloverhill Prison, the Midlands Prison and Mountjoy Prison; when these are likely to be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38331/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

Officials within the Department of Justice and the Irish Prisons Service are continuously working together to identify short, medium and longer term proposals to help manage capacity issues in our prisons as they arise.

While focused on rehabilitation and reducing offending, we also need to continue to invest in our prison estate, to ensure that it is modern and fit for purpose and that it has the capacity to accommodate those committed to prison by the courts.

In recent years, works have been completed to modernise the Mountjoy complex, a new prison was constructed in Cork and additional prisoner accommodation was provided in the Midlands Prison.

Furthermore, the Training Unit in Mountjoy was reopened providing an additional 96 spaces and the opening of new male accommodation in Limerick in late 2022 has provided an additional 90 cell spaces. The new standalone female prison in Limerick is now providing an additional 22 female cell spaces, bringing additional capacity across the estate to in excess of 200 new spaces.

Plans have also been outlined for 4 short-term capital projects at Castlerea, Cloverhill, the Midlands and Mountjoy prisons to deliver a minimum of 620 additional spaces. I am continuing to engage with the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to progress an agreed schedule of capital builds, including the delivery of additional Prison spaces.

Prison Service

Questions (1172)

Patrick Costello

Question:

1172. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for a breakdown by prison, in tabular form, for the number of people working in the Irish Prison Service; the number at each staff level; the number of vacant positions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38332/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I can advise the Deputy that for security and operational reasons, the Irish Prison Service is not in a position to provide a breakdown of the staff resources allocated to individual prisons.   The allocation of staffing across the prison estate is based on the security and operational needs of each individual prison.  The number of staff required is influenced by factors including, in particular, the numbers in custody, category of prisoner and regimes and a range of other factors, including the risks and needs associated with specific areas and particular offenders.  

The Irish Prison Service continually monitors the staffing requirements of, and vacancies that arise, in the organisation and recruitment or promotion campaigns are put in place as required. Vacancies can arise as a result of multiple factors including internal and external mobility, promotions and retirements.

The total number of staff employed by the Irish Prison Service and the total number of vacancies as at 31st August 2023 is outlined in the table below. 

Prison Officers*	Other Grades**	HQ Staff	Total Number of Staff	Total Number of Vacancies
2178	1160	170	3508	326.1

 

* Prison Officers & Recruit Prison Officers

** Assistant Chief Officers, Work Training Officers, Chief Officers, Trade Officers, Tutors, Medical Staff, Psychology Staff, Chaplains, Prison Administrative Staff and Governor Grades.

The figures provided above do include fixed term contract staff e.g. Assistant Psychologists, Trainee Psychologists and Research Assistants

An Garda Síochána

Questions (1173)

Patrick Costello

Question:

1173. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for a weekly breakdown, in tabular form, since the beginning of the 2023, outlining the number of patrols carried out by gardaí in Dublin; the number of arrests carried out by gardaí in Dublin; the number of those arrests resulting in court cases; the numbers of those court cases resulting in prison sentences; the total estimated value of drugs seized; the total estimated value of cash seized; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38333/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

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 all operational policing matters.  As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions. 

I am advised by the Garda authorities that the information requested by the Deputy is contained in the attached table.

A search of the PULSE database was conducted on 25 August 2023 to identify all Custody Logs, Patrol incidents, ‘Cash’ and ‘Drugs’ seizure records created within the Dublin Metropolitan Region during 2023. The recorded value of ‘Cash’ and ‘Drugs’ seized as well as the count of Custody Logs and Patrol incidents is aggregated by week in the attached table.

It should be noted that the information provided is taken from PULSE as of 25 August and it is operational and may be liable to change.

In a small proportion of incidents, the value of cash seized is recorded in the narrative descriptions on PULSE. The figures within the table are based solely on records where the value is recorded in the specific value field provided on the PULSE system. They should not therefore be taken as definitive total amounts.

Drugs seizures are also subject to analysis by Forensic Science Ireland. Both recorded values and quantities may change as a result following completion of this analysis.

In relation to the number of court cases, as the Deputy is aware, court proceedings are under the remit of the Courts Service. Management of the courts is the responsibility of the judiciary and Courts Service, which are independent in exercising their functions under the Courts Service Act 1998 and the separation of powers in the Constitution. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions. 

The Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas: [e-mail].

Gardai Arrests Numbers

Oireachtas Committees

Questions (1174)

Patrick Costello

Question:

1174. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice her views on the 22 recommendations outlined in the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice report entitled “An Examination of the Present Approach to Sanctions for Possession of Certain Amounts of Drugs for Personal Use”; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38334/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The 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 also welcome the establishment of the 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. I can inform the Deputy that officials from my Department have been engaging with the secretariat to the Citizens Assembly and will continue to do so.

Crime Prevention

Questions (1175)

Patrick Costello

Question:

1175. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice her views on the rates of recidivism; her plans to tackle this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38336/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will be aware, the latest Prison Re-Offending Statistics from 2020, published by the Central Statistics Office earlier this year, show a drop in re-offending rates within 1 year of release from prison to  41%. This is  the lowest one-year re-offending rate since first estimates of custodial re-offending were calculated and 13% lower than that first reference year 2011.

The Deputy will also be aware the Central Statistics Office Probation Re-Offending Statistics 2018 report published at the end of 2022 indicated that 70% of people who received a probation order did not re-offend within one year of receiving the order and demonstrated a consistent pattern of reduction in re-offending rates of people under probation supervision since the tracking of re-offending rates began in 2008.

These publications are an important resource that provide us with insights that can inform the development of appropriate policy responses and help us ensure we have effective policies in place to manage offenders and support individuals to pursue lives away from crime.

I can assure the Deputy that the Government continues to be focused on reducing reoffending including by diverting people, where appropriate, from the criminal justice system and ensuring the underlying causes of offending behaviour are addressed.

This is not something that can be done with just a criminal justice response. It requires action on the part of other Government Departments and agencies.

That is why the Programme for Government contains a broad range of policies and proposals that represent a coherent approach to enhancing and sustaining a more just and safe society, and a specific commitment to review policy options for prison and penal reform.  In fulfilment of this commitment the Review of Policy Options for Prison and Penal Reform 2022-2024 was published last year.

This report and its recommendations seek to find the balance so that people who commit serious crimes receive a punishment and a period of incarceration proportionate to that crime, while at the same time ensuring that the courts have a wide range of appropriate options for dealing with those who have committed minor offences and who might otherwise receive a sentence of 12 months or less.

This targeted approach will facilitate a more tailored response so that the interventions made will be more effective in preventing people falling into a cycle of offending behaviour. 

Further as the Deputy will be aware, non-custodial penalties, particularly supervised community sanctions, play a significant and important role in addressing criminality, reducing reoffending and providing a degree of protection to the public. This is supported by Central Statistics Office figures on recidivism. 

The relationship between substance misuse and offending behaviour is well understood and if we address the addiction issues, we can help people break the cycle of offending. We also know that a significant number of people committed to prison have mental health issues.

That is why the Departments of Health and Justice established a High Level Task Force to consider the mental health and addiction challenges of those who come into contact with the criminal justice sector. 

The Report and Recommendations of the High Level Task Force which were published last year aim to ensure better support for people at the earliest point at which they come into contact with the criminal justice system.

When implemented, they will divert people away from the criminal justice system where appropriate, 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. Building on existing best practice, the recommendations ensure there is adequate provision of services and sufficient safeguards  in  place to support rehabilitation and throughcare from custody to the community.

Education is also a key factor in ensuring people build crime-free lives. The Prison Education Taskforce was established on 23 May 2023 and is jointly chaired by the Minister of Further Education and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and the Minister of State with responsibility for Law Reform in the Department of Justice. The aim of this Taskforce is to ensure improvements in the work and training area and greater alignment between prison education and the tertiary education system to support prisoners in benefiting from education and training opportunities while in custody to support their rehabilitation and access to employment post - release.

An Garda Síochána

Questions (1176, 1227)

Pa Daly

Question:

1176. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice for a breakdown, in tabular form, of the projected number of gardaí retirements for the years 2023-2028. [38344/23]

Pa Daly

Question:

1227. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice for a breakdown, in tabular form, of the number of projected retirements from An Garda Síochána in each of the years 2023 to 2029. [38969/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1176 and 1227 together.

As the Deputy will be 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). This includes all internal Garda human resources management and succession planning for the service.

The Commissioner provides information related to Garda human resources monthly to the independent Policing Authority, including projected figures for compulsory retirements until the end of 2033. These figures are correct at the time each monthly report is run.

These reports are published on the Garda website at the following link:

www.garda.ie/en/about-us/publications/general-reports/commissioner-s-monthly-reports-to-policing-authority/

To be of assistance, below is the relevant table from the August 2023 Report from An Garda Síochána.

Rank	31-Dec-23	31-Dec-24	31-Dec-25	31-Dec-26	31-Dec-27	31-Dec-28	31-Dec-29
DC	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
AC	1	0	0	2	0	0	2
CS	6	8	1	2	3	0	3
SU	11	14	4	6	5	12	12
IN	11	14	10	10	10	14	21
SG	24	34	20	21	29	47	53
GD	44	69	33	38	63	80	130
Grand Total	97*	139	68	79	110	153	221

Compulsory Retirements from An Garda Síochána to 2033

*This figure is subject to change based on the number of pending approvals or declined applications on hand for members to extend their compulsory retirement date in accordance with the provisions of the Garda Síochána (Retirement) (No. 2) Regulations, (S.I. No. 335/1951.)

It should be noted that it is expected that the number of retirement exits from the service of An Garda Síochána (below the rank of Commissioner) will increase steadily over the next 10 years. This reflects historical recruitment patterns.

It should also be noted that the Garda retirement age is currently under review and discussions with the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform are continuing.

Citizenship Applications

Questions (1177)

Martin Browne

Question:

1177. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Justice if a citizenship application made by (details supplied) which was submitted on 10 July 2023 is being processed, considering that a cheque for payment has not been cashed. [38354/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The application referred to by the Deputy has been received by my Department and is in a queue to be processed. I am assured that this will be dealt with shortly.

When an application for a certificate of naturalisation is received by the Citizenship Division of my Department, they are subject to an initial check and examination. On completion of the initial checks, my Department will assign an application number and issue an acknowledgment to the address given at the time of making the application.

In early 2023, a registration unit was established within Citizenship Division to ensure applications are registered and acknowledged promptly. In 2022 it took on average seven months for this part of the process to be completed. Under the new system it has been reduced to a matter of weeks but may vary based on the number of applications received. 

I am deeply conscious of how important the granting of naturalisation is to those who apply for it and my Department has continued to accept and process citizenship applications throughout the pandemic and during all levels of public health restrictions.

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.

Missing Persons

Questions (1178)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

1178. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Justice if she will seek a response to concerns raised by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38359/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I can advise the Deputy that Minister Harris responded to the correspondence in question in May, expressing sympathy for the family in question at their loss, and providing information in respect of the issues raised.  The Deputy will appreciate that neither I not the Department has any role in the investigation of any individual case whether on the part of the Coroner or the Garda authorities.

My Department is deeply committed to supporting the families of missing persons, including the role played by National Missing Persons day in commemorating those who have gone missing and recognising the lasting trauma for their families and friends.   The Day also draws attention to open or unsolved cases and creates an opportunity to provide information on available support services.

Building on that work, the Department of Justice established a forum in July 2021 alongside An Garda Síochána’s Missing Persons Unit and Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) to facilitate information exchange on unidentified remains. 

The Deputy may be aware that my Department recently published records of Unidentified Remains. The data contains records of all Unidentified Remains reported by Coroners to the Minister for Justice.    It is important to note that this should not be viewed as being a complete list of all Unidentified Remains which may lie within the state. 

It is the intention that this information will be updated on an ongoing basis. A new question has also been added to the coroner’s annual returns whereby coroners will be asked to provide details of all unidentified human remains reported to them in the preceding year.

A number of the remains reported by the Coroners to the Department have not had DNA samples taken.  I am aware that some exhumations have already been arranged for the purpose of taking DNA samples.  My Department continues to publicly encourage more family members to participate in DNA testing. 

Further, I am committed to bringing forward nationwide coroner review proposals to address identified issues and drive innovative change.  

It is intended that a public consultation exercise be conducted later this year and prior to the development of proposals for comprehensive reform.  The public consultation itself will seek views and opinions on matters such as the future structure of the coronial service and the role of a Chief Coroner within that structure.  

To that end, my Department recently launched an Expressions of Interest seeking the participation of members of the public, who have engaged with the Coroner Service, in an Advisory Committee to support the consultation process.  Members of the public will also be free to make submissions in respect of the Consultation itself once it is launched later this year. 

Finally, in relation to erecting a memorial plaque, the earlier response to this correspondence suggested that the appropriate body to contact would be the relevant County Council, which can provide information in relation to this process.

An Garda Síochána

Questions (1179)

Patrick Costello

Question:

1179. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice the total number of gardaí currently staffing the stations at Ballyfermot, Crumlin, Sundrive Road, Kilmainham, Terenure, and Kevin Street; the total number of vacancies; the total number of community guards; and the number of vacancies. [38375/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I can assure the Deputy the Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and the 2023 budget of over €2 billion will allow for the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff, with Garda recruits entering Templemore approximately every 11 weeks.

Overall, since 2015 there has been an almost 9% net increase in the number of Gardaí. These Gardaí are supported by around 3,140 Garda staff, which is over 56% more than the number of staff in 2015. This increases the availability of Gardaí to concentrate on frontline policing duties.

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 distribution and stationing of the Garda Síochána throughout the State. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.

I am assured by the Commissioner that the requirements of all Garda Divisions nationwide are taken into account. These requirements include, but are not limited to:

• Local and national crime trends and workloads

• Policing arrangements and operational strategies

• Minimum establishment statistics

• Local population and trends, geographical area and size

• Transfer applications, including welfare, personnel issues and concerns

I also understand that local and senior Garda Management are consulted during the allocation of personnel and are responsible for the specific deployment and assignment of duties being undertaken at divisional level. The situation remains closely monitored by the Garda Senior Leadership Team, particularly in view of commitments to the continued roll-out of the operating model of policing at divisional level to ensure optimum use of all Garda resources in providing the best possible Garda service to the community.

I am advised that authorised figures for unfilled posts at both Garda and Sergeant uniform ranks within divisions are not held by An Garda Síochána.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda stations referred to by the Deputy are located within the DMR South, DMR South Central and DMR West Divisions. The Tables below, which were provided to me by the Garda authorities, set out the number of Garda members assigned to each Division at end December 2015 and at end July 2023 (the latest date for when figures are available).

Division	District	2015	July 2023	% Difference 31/12/2015 & 31/07/2023
D.M.R. SOUTH	CRUMLIN TOTAL	157	149	-5.10%
	TALLAGHT TOTAL	245	271	10.61%
	TERENURE TOTAL	139	125	-10.07%
D.M.R. SOUTH  Total		541	545	0.74%

Division	District	2015	July 2023	% Difference 31/12/2015 & 31/07/2023
D.M.R. SOUTH CENTRAL	COMMAND & CONTROL	0	49
	DONNYBROOK TOTAL	155	144	-7.10%
	KEVIN STREET TOTAL	192	232	20.83%
	PEARSE STREET	280	248	-11.43%
D.M.R. SOUTH CENTRAL Total		627	673	7.34%

Division	District	2015	July 2023	% Difference 31/12/2015 & 31/07/2023
D.M.R. WEST	BLANCHARDSTOWN TOTAL	327	320	-2.14%
	CLONDALKIN TOTAL	194	204	5.15%
	LUCAN TOTAL	167	190	13.77%
D.M.R. WEST Total		688	714	3.78%

For the Deputy’s information a comprehensive station level breakdown is appended below.

Furthermore, the tables below set out the number of Garda staff assigned to the DMR South, South Central and West Divisions at end December 2015 and at end July 2023 (the latest date for when figures are available). 

Garda Staff	2015	Jul-23	% Difference
DMR SOUTH	28	56	100.00%
D.M.R. SOUTH CENTRAL	30	114	280.00%
D.M.R. WEST	47	68	44.68%

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.

I want to emphasise that community policing is at the heart of An Garda Síochána, and that all Gardaí have a role to play in community policing in the course of carrying out their duties. I am informed that at end July 2023, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 46 Community Gardaí assigned to the DMR South, 50 Community Garda assigned to the DMR South Central and 61 Community Gardaí assigned to the DMR West. The tables below sets out the location of these Community Gardaí by Station.

DMR SOUTH	Jul -23
Crumlin	6
Sundrive Road	5
Tallaght	14
Rathfarnham	10
Rathmines	6
Terenure	5
Total	46

D.M.R.S.C.	Jul-23
Kevin Street	7
Kilmainham	11
Pearse St	20
Donnybrook	8
Irishtown	4
Total	50

DMR WEST	Jul -23
Cabra	5
Finglas	10
Blanchardstown	11
Lucan	10
Ronanstown	6
Ballyfermot	8
Clondalkin	6
Rathcoole	5
Total	61

All information provided above is based upon operational data which has been provided by An Garda Síochána and may be subject to change.

The Deputy will wish to be aware that in the interest of transparency, 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/

An Garda Síochána

Questions (1180)

Patrick Costello

Question:

1180. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for the number of e-scooters and other vehicles seized by An Garda Síochána. [38378/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including all operational policing matters. As Minister, I have no role in these matters, nor can I direct the Commissioner with regard to them.

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 over €2 billion to the Garda Vote this year, which is allowing for sustained and ongoing recruitment and investment in new equipment and new vehicles.  

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 informed by the Garda authorities that the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 took effect from 31 July 2023. Since then, there have been 2,073 incidents whereby a vehicle was detained or seized on public roads. 15 of these incidents involved an e-scooter.

I am advised that these figures are based on incidents which occurred from 1 August 2023 to 29 August 2023, inclusive. All information contained in this report is based upon operational data from the PULSE system as was available on 30 August 2023 and may be liable to change. I am also advised that vehicle detentions or seizures are not confined to those detained or seized under section 41 of the Road Traffic Act.