Written Answers Nos. 356-375
356. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of vehicles seized by gardaí in the M district of DMR for having no insurance in 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43791/23]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, which includes all operational policing matters. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
The table below, provided to me by the Garda authorities, outlines the number of vehicles seized in Tallaght (M) District for having no insurance in 2022 and 2023, up to 30 September. I am advised that these figures are based on incidents occurring from 1 January 2022 up to 30 September 2023.
|
2022 |
2023 |
|
460 |
376 |
It is worth noting that the information provided is based upon operational data from the PULSE system as was available on 4 October 2023 and is liable to change.
Vehicles seized or detained include, but are not exclusively, those seized or detained under section 41 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 (as amended).
357. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the budget allocation for the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau in 2021, 2022 and 2023, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43792/23]
View answerAt the outset, I would like to assure the Deputy that this Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and this is reflected the unprecedented allocation of over €2 billion to An Garda Síochána in 2023 and 2024, up 23 per cent since 2020.
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 am assured, however, that the Garda Commissioner keeps the allocation of resources under continued review to ensure their optimum use. This takes into account factors including crime trends, operational strategies and local population figures.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that it is not possible to provide a distinct figure for the budget allocation for the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau as it is part of the Organised and Serious Crime Branch. The Bureau does not have a specific overall budget allocated to it.
358. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 1215 on 11 September 2023, if she has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities to have this answered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43793/23]
View answerThe Deputy is referring to Parliamentary Question No. 1215 on 11 September 2023 where he sought the number of full-time forensic accountants working in the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau in the year 2022 and to date in 2023
I am now advised by the Garda authorities that no full-time forensic accountants worked in Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Unit in 2022 or to date in 2023.
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 allocation of resources amongst the various Garda units throughout the State. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
359. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí by rank attached to each divisional protective services unit as of 2 October 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43794/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including management of garda staffing at each divisional protective services unit.
I have sought the information requested by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána.
Regrettably this information was not available in time, I will write to the Deputy directly once it is to hand.
360. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of full-time staff by job title working in the Office of the State Pathologist; the number of vacancies by job title in this office; when each of these vacancies will be filled, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43795/23]
View answerThe Office of the State Pathologist provides the State with a national forensic pathology service and a forensic pathologist is on duty, twenty-four hours a day, each day of the year.
There are currently no vacancies in the Office of the State Pathologist.
The Chief State Pathologist, Dr. Linda Mulligan, was appointed following a competitive process in early 2021. Two new State Pathologists also joined the to the team in 2021 and following the successful completion of a Deputy State Pathologist competition, two Deputy State Pathologists were appointed in 2022.
These appointments along with the office staff who support the pathologists in their work and the new Shared Facilities Manager ensure the Office has capacity to carry out its vital functions.
The additional resources also support the State Pathologists in their important role in assisting families on the loss of their loved ones by helping to answer their questions, as well as playing a vital role developing autopsy practice in Ireland.
The Information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below.
|
Chief State Pathologist |
1 |
|
State Pathologist |
2 |
|
Deputy State Pathologist |
2 |
|
Locum Assistant State Pathologist |
1 |
|
Post-Doctoral Fellow |
1 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
0.6 |
|
Executive Officer |
1 |
|
Clerical Officer |
2.8 |
|
Senior Laboratory Analyst |
1 |
361. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the current status of the sale of alcohol Bill 2022; when this Bill will progress; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43796/23]
View answerFollowing extensive consultation with representative bodies in the licensed trade, businesses, public health bodies, consumers and communities, the General Scheme of the Sale of Alcohol Bill was published on 25 October 2022. It marks the Government’s commitment to the reform and streamlining of licensing laws to support and stimulate the night time economy.
The present system is based on a patchwork of 100 laws - some of which are almost 200 years old and two thirds of which pre-date the foundation of the State over 100 years ago.
The General Scheme of the Bill proposes to modernise permitted opening hours, in line with the expectations and needs of today’s society and encourage the development of a modern and diverse night-time economy. The General Scheme of the Bill also intends to streamline the licensing system and provide for a more transparent, user-friendly application process.
Given the known social and health effects associated with misuse of alcohol, a restrictive regime for licencing has operated in Ireland for many decades. The General Scheme of the Bill retains that approach and will ensure that the sale of alcohol remains closely regulated.
The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice conducted two pre-legislative scrutiny sessions on the draft legislation, and the Committee’s report was published on 2 March 2023.
Officials are engaging with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel on the Bill to progress it to publication.
362. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of violent disorder offences reported to gardaí within the H district of DMR in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43797/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the recording of information on the Garda PULSE system. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I am advised that the Garda Síochána Analysis Service (GSAS) conducted a search of Garda records on the PULSE system for Affray/Riot/Violent Disorder offences in the Ballymun District for the years requested.
I have also been advised that the count was less than 10 in each of the years requested. As the Deputy may already be aware, data is not released by An Garda Síochána for counts less than 10 for data protection reasons.
363. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of mountain bikes attached to each Garda district within DMR as of 2 October 2023, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43799/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible by law for the management and administration of Garda business, which includes all decisions about Garda equipment. As Minister I play no role in these independent functions.
I am assured that the Garda Commissioner keeps the allocation of resources under continued review to ensure their optimum use.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that as of 2 October 2023 there were 220 mountain bikes assigned to the DMR.
The table below sets out the location of these mountain bikes by District.
|
DMR West |
Mountain Bikes |
|
Blanchardstown |
19 |
|
Lucan |
13 |
|
Clondalkin |
12 |
|
Total |
44 |
|
DMR East |
Mountain Bikes |
|
Blackrock |
11 |
|
Dun Laoghaire |
9 |
|
Total |
20 |
|
DMR South |
Mountain Bikes |
|
Tallaght |
17 |
|
Crumlin |
7 |
|
Terenure |
10 |
|
Total |
34 |
|
DMR North |
Mountain Bikes |
|
Coolock |
15 |
|
Ballymun |
15 |
|
Raheny |
19 |
|
Balbriggan |
9 |
|
Total |
58 |
|
DMR South Central |
Mountain Bikes |
|
Kevin Street |
12 |
|
Donnybrook |
9 |
|
Pearse St |
20 |
|
Total |
41 |
|
#DMR North Central |
Mountain Bikes |
|
Mountjoy |
6 |
|
Fitzgibbon Street |
0 |
|
Bridewell |
8 |
|
Store Street |
9 |
|
Total |
23 |
365. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice what consideration has been given to automatically notifying and supporting victims of sexual assaults when perpetrators are due for release; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43833/23]
View answerLet me assure the Deputy that I am very conscious of how harmful the consequences of crime can be for victims and I am committed to making sure they are better supported by the criminal justice system, including by ensuring they are fully informed of their rights. This is the objective of the actions set out in Supporting a Victims Journey, and through their implementation, important reforms to support and protect vulnerable victims and ensure our criminal justice system is more victim-centred have been, and continue to be, introduced.
Key actions already delivered, include:
• Legislating for preliminary trial hearings, which help to reduce fear of re-victimisation or re-traumatisation for victims;
• Increased funding for NGOs providing court accompaniment and related information and support services;
• The nationwide rollout of Divisional Protective Services Units across all Garda Divisions and the establishment of a specialised sexual offences unit in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions;
• Work to advance the training for all personnel who come into contact with vulnerable victims is underway, as is work on supporting vulnerable witnesses in court.
To further support victims, I am currently progressing legislative provisions which will;
• Strengthen the law on consent,
• Extend victim anonymity to further categories of victims,
• Repeal provisions for sentences to be delivered in public, and
• Make provision for legal representation for victims in certain cases.
Zero Tolerance, the Government’s Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV), builds on the important reforms already introduced under Supporting a Victims Journey .In addition, my Department continues to provide funding to NGOs that support victims through emotional support, court accompaniment, and accompaniment to Garda interviews, to sexual assault treatment units and referral to other services. This year, an increased budget of €5.8 million has been made available.We are also running a campaign to raise awareness of the rights provided in the Victims of Crime Act 2017 and in the Victims Charter, and earlier this year we launched a new phase on TV and radio, with a particular emphasis on reaching minority and harder-to-reach communities.In addition, my Department has established a Victim’s Forum for state, social and community groups to discuss how best we can work together to meet the needs of victims.
As the Deputy may already be aware, the Irish Prison Service provides a Victim Liaison Service and a Victim Liaison Officer will contact victims directly with a wide range of information where they have registered for this service.
It is important to emphasise that the Victim Liaison Service is a voluntary service. It is a matter for the victim or their families to choose if they want to receive information about a prisoner. They can register with the service at any stage during the prisoner’s sentence and can also change their mind and "opt-out" of the service at any time. Where the victim’s family make their views known, these are considered when any application is being reviewed. In cases where a victim or their family does not want to be notified, it would not be appropriate to do so, as this could lead to retraumatisation.
This Victim Liaison Service provides victims who have opted into the service with general information on the prison system. They will also provide victims with information regarding any form of temporary release; information regarding inter prison transfers, hospital appointments and court appearances; information regarding an escape from prison custody; and notification of upcoming Parole Board reviews. The Service of course also notifies registered victims when the time for an offender to be released from prison is approaching.
Where someone has registered for this service, the Victim Liaison Officer will contact them or their nominated contact person directly to inform them of any significant development in the management of the perpetrator’s sentence.
I also understand that where a sex offender is subject to the Sex Offenders Acts, An Garda Síochána, where possible, will provide notification to registered victims ahead of the persons release.
My officials and I are working on promoting the rights victims of crime have, including publicising their right to register with the Irish Prison Service Victim Liaison Office and to be kept informed of any significant sentence management decision taken.
My Department is engaging with the Courts Service, An Garda Síochána and the victim support service to explore further ways in which support can be offered to victims. This engagement has been extended to all other criminal justice agencies, in order to explore any mechanisms which will serve to maximise the awareness of victim support services, and to ensure victims receive active assistance where they have indicated that they want to be registered with relevant services.
366. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Justice what efforts her Department is making to tackle extremist groups operating within the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43886/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Government attaches the highest priority to the security of the State and the people. Ireland, like other open and democratic states, does not consider itself immune from the threat posed by terrorism and extremism.
Taking action to counter the threat is a priority for the Government. An Garda Síochána continues to put in place a robust framework of measures, both tactical and intelligence-based, to prevent and respond to such threats.
It is critical that An Garda Síochána continues to take all necessary measures proportionate to the threat and has a robust legislative framework to enable them to respond effectively.
The Offences Against the State Acts are Ireland’s primary counter-terrorism legislation. This legislation sets out a range of substantive offences relating to the security of the State, and the powers of search, arrest and detention relating to those offences. These Acts have been cast primarily to address the domestic security threat but their provisions have a wider application.
The Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Acts 2005-2015 were enacted to have particular application to international terrorism and give effect to a number of international legal measures to combat terrorist activities.
These laws are supported directly by a range of provisions in the general criminal law aimed at supporting An Garda Síochána to combat serious crimes.
In addition, the Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences) Bill is currently making its way through the Oireachtas. Once enacted, the Bill will update laws criminalising hate speech and legislate against hate crimes for the first time in Irish law thereby enabling further sanctions against individuals who foment hatred.
In respect of online content, An Garda Síochána can coordinate where necessary with Europol and online service providers to request the removal of terrorist or extremist material. The EU Regulation on addressing the dissemination of terrorist content online provides for the removal of illegal content and a legal framework to ensure that hosting service providers address the misuse of their services for the dissemination of such content. Online platforms are obliged to remove terrorist content within one hour upon receiving a removal order from Member States’ authorities, and to take measures when their platforms are adjudged to be exposed to terrorist content. An Garda Síochána acts as the competent authority in respect of issuing removal orders under the Regulation and Coimisiún na Meán will, in due course, be designated as the oversight authority in respect of online service providers.
This work is complemented by longer-term measures aimed at avoiding the social exclusion and isolation that often lead to radicalisation and violent extremism.
The need to take a proactive approach to preventing extremism forms the basis of a strong model of community policing engagement. Strategies employed by An Garda Síochána place a key focus on community engagement with considerable resources and emphasis placed on programmes to engage with young and vulnerable members of society.
In terms of offenders believed to be at risk of radicalisation and violent extremism, the Action Plan for the Joint Management of Offenders commits to a multi-agency approach. An agreement was recently signed between An Garda Síochána, the Irish Prison Service, and the Probation Service which provides for collaboration and cohesive communication between the parties on these matters, especially regarding prisoners due for release. At EU level, approximately 25-30 Irish experts and practitioners regularly attend Radicalisation Awareness Network (RAN) working groups and meetings to participate in training and learn how to better counter violent extremism. These include representatives of my Department, An Garda Síochána, the Irish Prison Service, the Probation Service, other Government Departments and representatives from civil society.
367. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Justice to provide an update on the number of people charged with offences relating to anti-social behaviour for the years 2018 to 2022 and to date in 2023, respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43888/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the recording of information on the Garda IT system. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that there is no specific crime incident type available in the PULSE system for anti-social behaviour. Neither is there a specific Irish Crime Classification System (ICCS) crime type identified by the CSO as part of the ICCS.
When An Garda Síochána consider anti-social behaviour, they are generally referring to some, but not all, of the offences contained within the following ICCS categories:
• Group 03 Attempts/Threats To Murder, Assaults, Harassments and Related Offences
• Group 12 Damage To Property and To The Environment
• Group 13 Public Order and Other Social Code Offences.
Crime statistics are published by the CSO for underlying offence types, including, for example, assault, criminal damage and public order, at Garda Divisional level up to Q2 2023 and can be accessed at the following link: data.cso.ie/table/CJQ06
Figures in respect of the number of people charged with offences relating to anti-social behaviour from 2018 to date in 2023, can be found on the CSO website at the link below. data.cso.ie/table/CJQ01
368. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice the number of prisoners, per year, by institution, from 2010 to date; and the number of probation officers by institution for the corresponding period, in tabular form. [43924/23]
View answerThe 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.
In addition to the Probation Officers listed in the table below, 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 October 2023.
As of 1 October 2023, there are four Probation Officer vacancies across the prison region: one in Mountjoy Male, two in Wheatfield/Cloverhill and one in the Midlands.
Table 1 provides the number of committals by institution for the period in question, it should be noted an individual can be committed on more than one occasion.
Table 2 provides the daily average prison population by institution for the period in question.
Table 3 provides the number of Probation Officers (Full Time Equivalents) Prison & Risk Resettlement at end of Each Year 2010 to 30th September 2023.
Table 1 - Committals by institution for the period 2010 to 2023
|
Year 2023 |
Year 2022 |
Year 2021 |
Year 2020 |
Year 2019 |
Year 2018 |
Year 2017 |
|
|
Castlerea |
507 |
670 |
594 |
626 |
786 |
788 |
930 |
|
Cloverhill |
2,275 |
2,645 |
2,298 |
2,541 |
3,267 |
3,144 |
2,808 |
|
Cork |
725 |
829 |
808 |
873 |
1,053 |
952 |
1,179 |
|
Limerick (Female) |
139 |
185 |
159 |
191 |
242 |
256 |
360 |
|
Limerick (Male) |
515 |
596 |
549 |
679 |
827 |
750 |
906 |
|
Midlands |
352 |
432 |
367 |
454 |
740 |
543 |
721 |
|
Mountjoy (Female) |
591 |
622 |
417 |
458 |
932 |
749 |
984 |
|
Mountjoy (Male) |
864 |
1,045 |
909 |
494 |
1,067 |
865 |
1,328 |
|
Portlaoise |
5 |
12 |
17 |
14 |
16 |
16 |
26 |
|
St. Patricks |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
36 |
|
Wheatfield |
3 |
7 |
15 |
10 |
9 |
8 |
9 |
|
Total |
5,976 |
7,043 |
6,133 |
6,340 |
8,939 |
8,071 |
9,287 |
Year 2023 (up to and including 30 September)
|
Year 2016 |
Year 2015 |
Year 2014 |
Year 2013 |
Year 2012 |
Year 2011 |
Year 2010 |
|
|
Castlerea |
1,471 |
1,547 |
1,705 |
1,462 |
1,514 |
1,580 |
1,600 |
|
Cloverhill |
2,604 |
2,640 |
2,629 |
2,652 |
3,123 |
3,556 |
3,967 |
|
Cork |
2,148 |
2,788 |
2,654 |
2,787 |
2,798 |
2,600 |
2,445 |
|
Limerick (Female) |
1,175 |
1,486 |
1,315 |
1,152 |
959 |
730 |
629 |
|
Limerick (Male) |
1,770 |
1,911 |
1,732 |
1,703 |
1,681 |
1,797 |
1,710 |
|
Midlands |
1,756 |
1,815 |
1,398 |
1,017 |
1,101 |
1,046 |
777 |
|
Mountjoy (Female) |
1,762 |
1,925 |
1,776 |
1,575 |
1,601 |
1,508 |
1,392 |
|
Mountjoy (Male) |
2,218 |
2,724 |
2,284 |
1,583 |
2,158 |
2,394 |
2,948 |
|
Portlaoise |
29 |
31 |
24 |
37 |
27 |
22 |
37 |
|
St. Patricks |
134 |
238 |
317 |
442 |
633 |
849 |
815 |
|
Wheatfield |
32 |
101 |
321 |
1,325 |
1,431 |
1,236 |
859 |
|
Total |
15,099 |
17,206 |
16,155 |
15,735 |
17,026 |
17,318 |
17,179 |
Table 2 - Daily Average number of prisoners by institution for the period 2010 to 2023
|
Year 2023 |
Year 2022 |
Year 2021 |
Year 2020 |
Year 2019 |
Year 2018 |
Year 2017 |
|
|
Arbour Hill |
136 |
131 |
125 |
130 |
135 |
136 |
133 |
|
Castlerea |
365 |
320 |
286 |
297 |
306 |
300 |
292 |
|
Cloverhill |
476 |
424 |
369 |
362 |
400 |
402 |
356 |
|
Cork |
299 |
262 |
255 |
271 |
291 |
288 |
272 |
|
Limerick (Female) |
50 |
34 |
28 |
28 |
36 |
33 |
28 |
|
Limerick (Male) |
314 |
208 |
195 |
206 |
215 |
214 |
211 |
|
Loughan House |
119 |
106 |
95 |
105 |
106 |
110 |
109 |
|
Midlands |
921 |
861 |
802 |
814 |
840 |
823 |
818 |
|
Mountjoy (Female) |
159 |
139 |
116 |
120 |
134 |
132 |
116 |
|
Mountjoy (Male) |
755 |
718 |
691 |
667 |
684 |
679 |
563 |
|
Portlaoise |
231 |
217 |
211 |
225 |
232 |
227 |
221 |
|
Shelton Abbey |
100 |
94 |
96 |
93 |
102 |
97 |
98 |
|
*St. Patricks |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
**Training Unit |
96 |
53 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
25 |
|
Wheatfield |
573 |
555 |
523 |
505 |
490 |
452 |
438 |
|
Total |
4,594 |
4,122 |
3,792 |
3,823 |
3,971 |
3,893 |
3,680 |
|
Year 2016 |
Year 2015 |
Year 2014 |
Year 2013 |
Year 2012 |
Year 2011 |
Year 2010 |
|
|
Arbour Hill |
134 |
138 |
141 |
141 |
146 |
151 |
153 |
|
Castlerea |
293 |
308 |
338 |
354 |
361 |
364 |
378 |
|
Cloverhill |
382 |
359 |
413 |
402 |
429 |
433 |
465 |
|
Cork |
253 |
218 |
226 |
231 |
259 |
295 |
303 |
|
Limerick (Female) |
31 |
24 |
27 |
29 |
28 |
31 |
26 |
|
Limerick (Male) |
221 |
224 |
223 |
225 |
261 |
301 |
307 |
|
Loughan House |
116 |
116 |
119 |
124 |
104 |
122 |
134 |
|
Midlands |
814 |
805 |
823 |
762 |
616 |
586 |
542 |
|
Mountjoy (Female) |
109 |
107 |
123 |
127 |
124 |
129 |
131 |
|
Mountjoy (Male) |
515 |
537 |
556 |
537 |
603 |
616 |
667 |
|
Portlaoise |
198 |
218 |
246 |
262 |
278 |
270 |
263 |
|
Shelton Abbey |
101 |
101 |
102 |
104 |
102 |
102 |
99 |
|
*St. Patricks |
1 |
3 |
11 |
129 |
204 |
204 |
214 |
|
**Training Unit |
90 |
92 |
89 |
105 |
116 |
115 |
113 |
|
Wheatfield |
460 |
472 |
478 |
626 |
687 |
671 |
495 |
|
Total |
3,718 |
3,722 |
3,915 |
4,158 |
4,318 |
4,390 |
4,290 |
*St Patricks Institution closed down on 07th April 2017
**The Training Unit temporally closed down on 12th May 2017 and re-opened on 18th July 2022.
Table 3 - Number of Probation Officers (Full Time Equivalents) Prison & Risk Resettlement at end of Each Year 2010 to 30th September 2023
|
Year |
Mountjoy Male & Training Unit |
Mountjoy Female |
Wheatfield Cloverhill |
Arbour Hill & Shelton Abbey |
Castlerea Loughan HarristownKazelain |
Cork Limerick |
Midlands & Portlaoise |
Total |
|
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 |
35.3 |
|
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 |
|
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 (End Sept) |
3.6 |
4 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
6.2 |
26.8 |
*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.
369. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice for a breakdown of the costs of all inquiries established under Section 42 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended) for the years 2010-2023, in tabular form. [43971/23]
View answerUnfortunately it has not been possible to collate the requested information in the time requested. I will revert to the Deputy when the information is available.
370. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 183 of 12 July 2023, the number of approvals and negative decisions made to date under the Afghan Admission programme; the number of applicants who have been informed that their applications were not eligible under the terms of the programme; the number of visas which have been issued to beneficiaries of the programme; the timeline for when all applications to the programme will be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43978/23]
View answerI understand that this is a difficult situation for our Afghan community and would like to take this opportunity to assure them that my Department is processing applications under the Afghan Admissions Programme (AAP) as quickly as possible.To ensure as many people as possible can avail of this important programme my Department have been liaising with representatives of the Afghan Community and with applicants directly to ensure the Afghan Admission Programme team have everything needed to progress applications.Where applicants are missing important information, such as proof of identity and familial relationships, the Afghan Admission Programme Unit contacted people directly to gather the required documents. This process is now complete. Applications continue to be assessed in a pragmatic and humanitarian manner.
My department issued the first approval under the Programme on 14 November 2022. As of the 9 October 2023, 587 beneficiaries have received approvals and 70 negative decisions in respect of 206 individuals have been issued under the terms of Programme. In addition, a further 71 applicants have been informed that their applications in respect of 269 individuals were not eligible under the terms of the Programme. The Department continues to process the remaining applications and will notify all applicants as soon as is practicable. It is currently anticipated that the AAP will be largely concluded by the end of 2023.
The Programme has been developed to allow as many families as possible the opportunity to have some family members join them here in Ireland. It was originally envisaged that up to 500 places would be available under the Programme. However, applicants who have met the deadlines and other criteria for the Programme will continue to be assessed and have determinations issued on their application. Consequently the number of places to be provided under the programme is likely to exceed 500.
I can also advise that if an applicant has received a negative decision in respect of their application to the AAP it is open to them to appeal this decision at no extra cost. The appeal must be submitted on the appeal form within 20 working days of the date of the decision letter. Further details together with a link to the appeal form can be found at the following link: www.irishimmigration.ie/the-afghan-admission-programme-information-page/the-afghan-admission-programme-aap-appeals/
I can further advise that 476 Type D Long Stay Join Family visas have been issued to Afghan nationals in 2023 to 9 October. This figure comprises all Type D Join Family visas issued to Afghan nationals and are not exclusive to those who are beneficiaries of the Afghan Admission Programme.
371. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Justice the number of people who have had charges entered against them in relation to the cultivation of cannabis. [43984/23]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), which includes the recording of information on, and the maintenance of, the PULSE system.
I am advised by the Garda Authorities that the table below indicates the number of charges brought in relation to the cultivation of cannabis plants or opium poppies for the years requested.
|
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023* |
|
|
Cultivation of cannabis plant or opium poppy |
198 |
136 |
149 |
158 |
199 |
180 |
86 |
*To 5 October 2023. Information supplied is operational and subject to change.
372. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice the breakdown of the amounts paid through the legal aid scheme to defence counsel in each of the years 2018 to 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [43989/23]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, fees to counsel are set by the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Department of Justice pays the defence counsel in parity to the prosecution in accordance with Statutory Instrument 234 of 1976 as amended.
The Table below sets out the fees paid to Counsel as requested.
|
Year |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 (to date) |
2023 (projected) |
|
Counsel |
€24.4m |
€23.1m |
€23.3m |
€27.9m |
€28.9m |
€25.6m |
€38.4m |
374. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice the status of a citizenship application (details supplied); when a decision is likely to issue, in light of the fact that the application was made over two years ago; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44049/23]
View answerThe naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department.
I am advised that the person concerned was to have a court case heard last month. Now that the Court date has passed the Citizenship Division will now issue the person with an eVetting invitation. Once the eVetting has been completed the application will be processed further.
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 that extended waiting times can be frustrating for applicants. 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.
375. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice the number of prisoners granted probation, by institution, by year, in tabular form from 2010 to date. [44108/23]
View answerThe 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 Probation Service supervises individuals who are subject to:
• Court orders, such as Supervision Probation Orders and Community Service Orders;
• Community Return;
• Supervision during deferment of penalty;
• Post Release Supervision;
• Conditional Suspended or Part-Suspended Sentences;
• Supervised Temporary Release.
Regarding individuals released from prison, the Probation Service supervises people where a court imposes a post release supervision order or where a judge imposes a suspended or part-suspended sentence on condition that the person who has offended remains under the supervision of a probation officer for the specified time that the custodial sentence is suspended.
In addition, a person may be under the supervision of the Probation Service as part of their participation in the Community Return Scheme, an incentivised early release scheme co-managed by the Irish Prison Service and the Probation Service. Under the Community Return Scheme, people in prison can be approved for reviewable temporary release coupled with a requirement to complete community service work in a supervised group setting under the supervision of the Probation Service.
I am advised by the Probation Service that it is not possible to provide figures by prison as this would involve the examination of a significant number of records and would constitute a disproportionate amount of staff time and resources. However, to be of assistance to Deputy, I have provided the numbers associated with Part Suspended Sentence Supervision Orders (PSSSOs), Post Release Supervision Orders (PRSOs), and those participating in the Community Return Scheme for each of the last 10 years.
Table 1 - The number of persons in prison on 31st December of the year that are subject to Part Suspended Sentence Supervision Orders (PSSSO) and are due to come out into the community on Probation Service supervision on completion of the custodial part of their sentence.
|
Persons in Prison |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
Number of persons in Prison on PSSSO due to come out into community of Probation supervision |
733 |
664 |
685 |
687 |
626 |
659 |
712 |
835 |
837 |
843 |
1,026 |
Table 2 - The number of persons in prison on 31st December of the year that are subject to Post Release Supervision Order that are to be supervised by the Probation Service when they are released in to the community.
|
Persons in Prison* |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
Number of persons in Prison on PRSO due to come out into community of Probation supervision |
353 |
373 |
294 |
307 |
329 |
270 |
287 |
340 |
345 |
382 |
424 |
Table 3 - The number of persons that commenced on Community Return during the year.
|
Community Return |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
Number of Persons that commenced on Community Return over the year |
299 |
396 |
455 |
323 |
301 |
221 |
218 |
206 |
287 |
218 |
176 |
