Written Answers Nos. 552-566
552. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of cases dealt with by the Garda computer crime unit in 2022 and to date in 2023; the number of these cases that have been successfully completed in 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54900/23]
View answerAs 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), which includes the direction of investigative priorities of the service. As Minister, I have no role in the investigative process.
However, to be of assistance I sought the information requested by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána and have been advised that the below table shows the number of cases closed by the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau (GNCCB) in 2022 and to date in 2023.
|
Year |
Cases closed at GNCCB |
|
2022 |
692 |
|
2023* |
629 |
*Figures as of 8 December 2023
I am further advised that it is not possible to provide accurate information regarding the numbers of cases in process during 2022 and to date in 2023.
553. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if funding has been sought by the Garda Commissioner for the purchase of water cannons for use by An Garda Síochána during major public order and violent disorder events. [54901/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), including decisions related to the operational equipment and fleet needs for the service. As Minister I have no role in these independent functions.
I can however assure you that I am committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs.
I welcome the Commissioner’s comments to the Justice Committee, stating his intention to submit a business case for the purchase of two water cannon for An Garda Síochána. While the Commissioner has not as yet submitted a business case for the acquisition of water cannon once he does, it would be my intention to progress the matter as quickly as possible.
554. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if the contracts for the provision of new aircraft and helicopters for the Garda air support unit have been signed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54903/23]
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 procurement, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda equipment. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
The Government is, however, committed to ensuring An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to deliver a modern, fit-for-purpose policing service. Budget 2023 provides funding of over €2 billion for An Garda Síochána which includes funding to procure a new fixed wing aircraft.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the contracts for a Rotary (helicopter) and Fixed Wing Aircraft have been signed, and I am further advised that it is envisaged that they will become operational over the next 12-18 months. These major investments will support the Air Support Unit in its important work to combat criminal activity.
555. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if Coolock Garda station is included in the Garda Capital Investment Programme 2022-2027; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54904/23]
View answerUnder the National Development Plan, the Government is committed to investing significant levels of capital funding into An Garda Síochána to deliver a Garda station modernisation and refurbishment programme, to delivering strategic ICT and digitalisation projects, and to providing a modern, fit for purpose Garda fleet. This is a core part of the Government’s Plan to build Stronger, Safer Communities.
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 matters relating to the Garda estate. In addition, the Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. As Minister, I have no direct role in such matters.
The development of a substantial new Garda station and facilities on Dublin City Council lands at the corner of the R139 and Malahide Road at Northern Cross is considered a strategic priority project by An Garda Síochána and has the full support of Government.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) are leading on this project and have advised that there is ongoing and positive engagement between the OPW and Dublin City Council, in consultation with An Garda Síochána, on the development of the site at Northern Cross.
I am also advised that the OPW have undertaken a high level impact study of the site and a detailed brief of requirements is being developed with An Garda Síochána.
The Northern Cross project will comprise of a series of facilities, including a replacement facility for Coolock Garda Station, and is one of the most significant Garda Building investments in the National Development Plan 2021 – 2030 and I very much look forward to its development.
556. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of applications for Irish citizenship received by INIS in each month from January to November 2023, inclusive; the number therein of those applications in each month where acknowledgement letters have issued to the applicant, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54905/23]
View answerIn October 2023 my Department moved from a paper based citizenship application process to an online application form. This is one of a number of measures introduced in an effort to optimise the application process and enhance the overall customer service experience.
As part of the new online process customers are issued with an acknowledgment on submission of their online application. The forms provide a seamless application process and help guide for applicants that details what is required for an application.
At present my Department is registering paper applications received in September. Citizenship applications are being registered based on chronological order of the date received. Once the outstanding paper applications are exhausted, Citizenship Division will then process all applications digitally.
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, thereby improving service to our customers and reduction of waiting time.
To date 20,650 applications have been received this compares with 17,189 in 2022 and 11,974 in 2021.
The below table outlines the number of naturalisation applications that Citizenship Division have received this year.
|
2023 |
Applications received |
|
Jan |
1430 |
|
Feb |
1594 |
|
Mar |
1896 |
|
Apr |
1545 |
|
May |
1796 |
|
Jun |
1906 |
|
Jul |
1876 |
|
Aug |
1860 |
|
Sep |
1863 |
|
Oct |
2325 |
|
Nov |
2559 |
|
Total YtD |
20,650 |
*May be subject to slight variance following data cleansing.
557. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if all Garda stations within DMR have stand-alone computers for Garda members to view CCTV; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54906/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes the provision of equipment and the allocation of resources to a given Division, District or Station. As Minister, I have no role in this matter.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that there are facilities available to all Garda Stations, whether standalone or otherwise, which can be utilised by Gardaí viewing CCTV.
I am further advised that members in the DMR are not impeded in their criminal enquiries or investigations by a lack of standalone computers on which to view CCTV. Since the Covid-19 pandemic there was a significant increase in the allocation of official issue laptops to members of An Garda Síochána in the DMR.
558. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the budget allocation for the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigations in 2022 and 2023; the budget for same in 2024, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54907/23]
View answerI am committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the resources they need to make sure communities around Ireland are safe and feel safe. This is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of €2.3 billion in Budget 2024, a 23% increase since 2020, allowing for sustained investment in recruitment, equipment and technology.
As the Deputy will be aware, under Section 26 (1) (b) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. Under the Act, the Garda Commissioner is the Accounting Officer for An Garda Síochána. Decisions on future allocations and spending in relation to Garda units are under the Commissioner's remit. As Minister, I have no role in this matter.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that it is not possible to provide a figure for the budget allocation for the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigations. This unit is part of the Organised and Serious Crime Branch and does not have a specific overall budget allocated to it.
559. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice the number of houses and caravans that were seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau and still under the remit of the CAB as of 5 December 2023 [54946/23]
View answerI have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Unfortunately, the information was not received in time. I will contact the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.
560. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice if she has spoken to the new UK Home Secretary. [54947/23]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that I have not yet spoken to the new UK Home Secretary.
However, I can assure the Deputy that my officials engage very regularly with counterparts across the UK Government, to discuss and support ongoing co-operation on important law enforcement and justice related matters.
I hope to speak with the Home Secretary in the new year.
561. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice the estimated full-year cost in 2024 if the number of dogs in the Garda dog unit increased to 50. [54948/23]
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 any decisions in relation to the allocation and control of Garda equipment and resources. As Minister for Justice, I have no role in such matters.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda Dog Unit is based at Kilmainham Garda Station, in the Dublin Metropolitan Region and has a National remit under the direction and control of Assistant Commissioner, Organised and Serious Crime and the strategic control of Detective Chief Superintendent, Operational Support Services and the Operational control of Superintendent, Operational Support Services. There are currently twenty-four (24) dogs attached to the Garda Dog Unit. This is inclusive of the Southern Regional Dog Unit based at Cork and Limerick.
The cost of purchasing dogs can vary from €3,000 to €6,000. Therefore, there would be an immediate cost, in the region of €78,000 to €156,000, to purchase an additional twenty-six dogs for the Garda Dog Unit. Increasing the number of dogs to 50 would also require an associated increase in personnel allocated as Garda dog handlers, creating salary related expenditure. Furthermore, it would raise the ongoing running costs, which includes such expenditure on kennelling, feed & veterinary.
562. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice the number of knives seized by An Garda Síochána, by county in 2020, 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54955/23]
View answerI am very conscious of the effect that knife crime can have on the quality of life for local communities and the Government is determined to tackle this issue.
As the Deputy may be aware the Expert Forum on Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB), which I chair, is examining a broad range of issues to address the factors which give rise to ASB, including knife crime. The knife crime sub-group of the ASB Forum has examined existing data and possible approaches to community responses, as well as the legislative position.
The subgroup is assessing available evidence to inform policy on knife crime and are currently considering options including increasing public awareness, and what sanctions will be most effective to address the problem of knife crime. The ASB forum sub-group on knife crime is expected to reconvene on 18 December.
As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business, including all operational policing matters. As Minister, I play no role in these independent functions.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the below table shows the number of objects of sub-type ‘knife’ linked as ‘seized’ with any incident reported since 2020 and as of 6 December 2023 by Garda Division.
Figures are based upon operational data from the PULSE system and are liable to change.
|
Region |
Division |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
Dublin Region |
D.M.R. Eastern |
76 |
51 |
55 |
41 |
|
Dublin Region |
D.M.R. Western |
184 |
167 |
159 |
137 |
|
Dublin Region |
D.M.R. Northern |
151 |
126 |
210 |
179 |
|
Dublin Region |
D.M.R. Southern |
134 |
93 |
83 |
102 |
|
Dublin Region |
D.M.R. North Central |
203 |
188 |
201 |
264 |
|
Dublin Region |
D.M.R. South Central |
257 |
187 |
204 |
224 |
|
Eastern Region (NEW) |
Kildare |
73 |
45 |
57 |
58 |
|
Eastern Region (NEW) |
Wexford |
43 |
35 |
68 |
45 |
|
Eastern Region (NEW) |
Wicklow |
41 |
24 |
37 |
27 |
|
Eastern Region (NEW) |
Laois/Offaly |
59 |
71 |
86 |
43 |
|
Eastern Region (NEW) |
Waterford |
73 |
67 |
66 |
84 |
|
Eastern Region (NEW) |
Kilkenny/Carlow |
44 |
33 |
44 |
32 |
|
Eastern Region (NEW) |
Meath/Westmeath |
92 |
60 |
72 |
82 |
|
North Western Region |
Donegal |
46 |
40 |
42 |
50 |
|
North Western Region |
Galway |
84 |
70 |
105 |
88 |
|
North Western Region |
Sligo/Leitrim |
51 |
28 |
19 |
27 |
|
North Western Region |
Louth/Cavan/Monaghan |
140 |
106 |
211 |
129 |
|
North Western Region |
Mayo/Roscommon/Longford |
65 |
48 |
61 |
51 |
|
Southern Region (NEW) |
Kerry |
28 |
35 |
39 |
36 |
|
Southern Region (NEW) |
Limerick |
86 |
94 |
76 |
104 |
|
Southern Region (NEW) |
Cork City |
172 |
118 |
129 |
94 |
|
Southern Region (NEW) |
Cork West |
15 |
35 |
19 |
13 |
|
Southern Region (NEW) |
Cork North |
47 |
44 |
58 |
33 |
|
Southern Region (NEW) |
Clare/Tipperary |
96 |
71 |
61 |
88 |
563. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Justice the number of vacant and derelict properties and sites that are owned by her Department; her plans to bring each of these properties and sites into use; where no plans are in place, the reasons why; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55050/23]
View answerMy Department owns two properties - Thornton Hall in Kilsallaghan, Co. Dublin and Westview House in Cork City.
Westview House is under the custodianship of the Probation service and is currently vacant. I am informed that the Local Authority have indicated that they have no interest in the site or the property. My Department is actively engaged with colleagues in The Probation Service to explore alternative solutions for the use of the property.
The site at Thornton Hall was purchased by the State in 2005 for a new prison development that did not proceed at that time. There are no plans to build prison accommodation at the site at this time, however, the Irish Prison Service retains a strong strategic interest in the site for the possible future expansion of the prison estate.
564. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Justice how many persons have applied for orders under the Civil Law (Presumption of Death) Act 2019 in each year since its coming into operation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55108/23]
View answerManagement of the courts, operational matters and logistical functions are the responsibility of the judiciary and Courts Service, which are independent in exercising their functions under the Courts Service Act 1998 and given the separation of powers in the Constitution. The Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas at: oireachtasenquiries@courts.ie.
Orders under the Civil Law (Presumption of Death) Act 2019 are granted by the Courts Service. Therefore, I have referred your question to the Courts Service for their direct reply.
565. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Justice what the pathway is for a person (details supplied) to have her path to citizenship overseen in a timely manner so that she is able to access the full range of state services available to seniors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55109/23]
View answerThe naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department.
I understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants and my Department has been working hard to clear backlogs.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. However, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.
My Department is taking a number of steps to speed up the processing of applications and a number of digitisation measures have been introduced to increase efficiency in the process, including eVetting and online payments.
My Department has moved from paper based applications to online forms for all new adult and minor applications going forward. Online applications will make the process easier for customers, allowing them to easily fill in the relevant forms, upload the required documents, make payments and submit. The forms will provide a seamless application process and will help guide applicants through what is required for an application.
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 communicate regularly 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.
566. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice to outline her plans to improve the Irish judicial system. [55165/23]
View answer567. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice to outline reviews of the judicial system under way. [55166/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 566 and 567 together.
I can assure the Deputy that I am committed to ensuring that the courts are resourced to administer justice equitably, efficiently and effectively.
Furthermore, I am committed to driving the modernisation and Digital First agenda across the entire Justice Sector.
These commitments are reflected in Budget 2024, as €183 million was allocated for the Courts vote, including capital funding of €67 million. This builds on significant investment in recent years, with a total allocation of €176.5 million in 2023, and €163.9 million in 2022.
Through the Justice Plan, I am progressing a suite of policy and legislative reforms which will enhance and drive efficiencies across our judicial system, in line with the commitments set out in the Programme for Government.
I established the Judicial Planning Working Group, which reported to Government in February 2023. It considered the number and type of judges required to ensure the efficient administration of Justice over the next five years in the first instance, but also with a view to the medium to long term.
In total, the report recommended that 44 additional Judges be appointed in two phases. The first phase of 24 additional judges has already been approved earlier this year, and as of December 5th, all 24 extra judges have been appointed.
A new Planning and Environment Division of the High Court has been established, with a ceremonial first sitting on 11 December 2023. This is in line with the commitment contained in the Programme for Government and the Housing for All strategy. Urgent cases such as proceedings which concern large-scale projects of strategic importance, or matters of significant environmental impact, will be given priority.
The Courts Service is currently almost in year four of its Modernisation Programme which is the 10-year programme which will deliver a new operating model for the Courts Service – designed around the user, with simplified and standardised services and accessible data to inform decisions – all delivered through digital solutions.
I particularly welcome the commitment set out by the Courts Service in its Corporate Strategic Plan 2021 – 2023, to maximise the use of digital technologies to provide an improved and user-centred service.
An eProbate project has been identified as part of the civil law modernisation workstream of this programme, and a budget allocated to the Courts Service to facilitate the delivery of the project.
The Family Justice Strategy marked its first full year of implementation in 2023. Notable achievements under the Strategy include the completion of the Policy Review on Parental Alienation and the development of a new, plain English family law information hub by the Courts Service.
The Family Courts Bill 2022 which was published at the end of last year is currently being considered by the Oireachtas. The Bill has competed second stage in Seanad Éireann.
The Bill provides for the establishment of a family court as divisions within the existing court structures, by providing for a Family High Court, Family Circuit Court and Family District Court, with each division dealing with family law matters appropriate to its jurisdiction.
The Family Justice Strategy and Family Courts Bill place a particular focus and priority on the provision of judicial resources in the area of family law. This includes provision for the assignment of full-time family court judges, including the assignment of a Principal Judge, to each of the family court divisions.
The ongoing work of the Civil Legal Aid Review Group, which is reviewing the current operation of the Civil Legal Aid Scheme, including how flexible and responsive the Scheme is to the needs of those it is intended to serve. While the work of the Group is ongoing, it has completed a series of consultation processes to inform its detailed deliberations.
My Department is also conducting an examination of the manner in which our jury system operates. Following completion of the review, I will ensure that any necessary legislative or administrative changes are introduced.
