Pa Daly
Question:582. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice how many of the current serving gardaí are formally deployed and trained as part of public order units; and the location of these units nationwide. [55392/23]
View answerAn Garda Síochána
Questions (582)
Written answers
I requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. However, the information was not received in time. I will contact the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (583)
Pa Daly
Question:583. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice how many gardaí are currently on overseas assignments with the UN, at Irish embassies overseas and on any and all other overseas assignments. [55393/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including for the recruitment, training and deployment of Garda members. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
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.
In accordance with Section 51 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Commissioner, subject to the agreement of the Government, can assign Garda members overseas as Liaison Officers, to engage with law enforcement agencies of other States.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are 16 Garda members on overseas assignments with United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, or with Interpol, Europol or MAOC(N), as of 30 November 2023. I am further informed there are fewer than 10 Garda Liaison Officers in various locations.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (584)
Pa Daly
Question:584. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice by what mechanism does the Garda Commissioner know, in real time, what Garda resources he has available to him to deploy. [55394/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is, by law, responsible for the distribution of Garda members between the various Garda stations and Divisions, and for assessing the resourcing needs of the organisation on an ongoing basis. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána has a Roster and Duty Management System (RDMS) which supports resource management. It provides duty planning and time and attendance recording which is used to manage Garda members in a formalised and streamlined resource management process.
This system is integrated with the computer aided dispatch system ‘GardaSAFE’. This software system integrates telephone, radio, RDMS and PULSE applications. The system is accessible in the Regional Control Centres (RCCs) and enables the creation of contact records, incidents and the dispatch of units to incidents.
With the introduction of the GardaSAFE system, there is a significant wealth of data available to the Commissioner and his management team to monitor resources in real-time through an application called ‘Kibana’. This system contains a management dashboard, which provides a visual, search and analytical tool.
Departmental Data
Questions (585)
Pa Daly
Question:585. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice how many of those residing in direct provision have deportation orders against them. [55399/23]
View answerWritten answers
My Department takes all necessary steps to manage the international protection process efficiently and effectively, while ensuring the integrity of those processes is maintained at all times.
The deportation and removal processes are an essential part of any immigration system. It must be acknowledged that those who do not have a legal right to remain in this country must remove themselves from the State. A person subject to a Deportation Order has no legal basis to remain in the State. Their case to remain in the State has been considered in detail and all available appeals processes have been exhausted.
Persons who have sought International Protection, many but not all of whom reside in the Direct Provision system, are only subject to a deportation order when they have either not engaged with the application process or their case has been considered in detail and all available appeals processes have been exhausted.
The Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) is responsible for carrying out of such deportations. However, the numbers of Deportation Orders effected by GNIB does not take account of individuals who have left the State without informing my Department. It is the case that many individuals who are subject to Deportation Orders leave the State without notifying the relevant authorities and this particular category of individual is difficult to quantify.
While data on the number of individuals who were issued deportation orders but remain in Direct Provision is not collated by my Department in the manner requested, there is close engagement between my Department, the International Protection Accommodation Service of DCEDIY and An Garda Síochána to support the effecting of removals.
Passport Services
Questions (586)
Duncan Smith
Question:586. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Justice the process for a child born in Ireland in July 2005 (details supplied) to Ukrainian parents to obtain an Irish passport given that the child is unable to travel to Ukraine to apply for a passport and whose parents wish to apply for Irish citizenship for them but are unable to do so as the child does not have a passport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55402/23]
View answerWritten answers
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. All applications for a certificate of naturalisation are processed and assessed individually in accordance with the provisions of the Act and it is open to anyone to make an application for citizenship once they meet the criteria. Details available here www.irishimmigration.ie/how-to-become-a-citizen/.
Where a child is born in the State and has 3 years reckonable residence in the State, an application for Citizenship can be made in respect of that child.
As minors cannot apply for naturalisation in their own right, any application must be made by their parent, legal guardian or person acting on the child's behalf "in loco parentis".
Asylum Applications
Questions (587)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:587. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice the average processing time in Ireland for an application for asylum; the longest application processing time; and the number of persons who are currently having their applications for asylum processed (details supplied). [55433/23]
View answerWritten answers
My Department takes all necessary steps to manage the international protection process efficiently and effectively, while ensuring the integrity of those processes is maintained at all times.
The number of international protection applications last year was 13,650, a significant increase on recent years. It represents a 186% increase on the number received in 2019, the most recent year in which application numbers were not impacted by Covid-19. There have been 11,850 applications for international protection made at the International Protection Office (IPO) to the end of November 2023.
In July this year, I published a report on the international protection modernisation programme for 2023 and 2024. This programme is implementing measures to improve efficiencies and throughput as well as improving the application, interview and decision-making process for applicants. This will give status to those who are entitled to international protection to rebuild their lives here, while also ensuring faster decision making in respect of those who do not meet the criteria.
As part of this modernisation programme, I also signed a regulation in November 2022 to introduce an accelerated procedure for international protection applicants from designated safe countries of origin. These applicants now typically receive a first instance decision in less than three months, which is a significant reduction from a norm of 22 to 26 months early last year.
Over the course of the last year, the IPO has tripled the number of monthly determinations to over 1,000 in November, and plans to deliver at least 14,000 decisions in 2024, a further increase of almost 5,000 cases.
For the week ending on December 3 2023 there were 17,531 International Protection applications pending at the IPO and 3,343 appeals pending at the IPAT on the 1st of December 2023.
The median processing time for first-instance decisions reduced from 18 months in 2022 down to 12 months in 2023 to end of October. The median processing times for appeals in IPAT is also down from 15 months at the beginning of 2022 to five months in 2023.
The longest application processing time to end of October in 2023 was 77 months, i.e. the first instance decision was issued in 2023, 77 months after initial application. It should be noted that this type of situation will only arise in the most exceptional of circumstances. These can include cases before the courts, or where an applicant disengages with the process for an extended period of time, or cannot be contacted. Typically, where an application remains in processing for a longer period this is due to reasons outside the control of my Department. Arrangements are in place to resolve such long-standing cases where possible.
92% of cases decided in 2022 were processed in 3 years or less and 62% of cases decided in 2022 were processed in 2 years or less.
Reforms to the international protection process will continue in 2024. Approximately €34m was allocated in budget 2024 to the International Protection Office (IPO) and the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) to continue to scale up processing.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (588)
Bernard Durkan
Question:588. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which the Garda strength in each Garda station throughout Kildare continues to be increased, with particular reference to the optimum requirements in each station; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55443/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities – and strengthening An Garda Síochána is at the core of that. We will continue to provide An Garda Síochána with the resources it needs to ensure communities around Ireland are safe and feel safe.
The unprecedented allocation of over €2 billion for 2023 and a further €2.31 billion for 2024 to An Garda Síochána demonstrates the Government's commitment to ensuring An Garda Síochána has provision for the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and personnel it needs to carry out vital policing work.
This level of funding is providing for a steady pipeline of new Gardaí, with new recruits entering the Garda College approximately every 11 weeks.
The closure of the Garda College to new intakes for much of 2020 and 2021 as a result of COVID-19 had a significant impact on Garda numbers. Since the end of the pandemic, the number of recruits has accelerated. A total of 637 trainees entered the training college so far in 2023. Another class is due to enter Templemore this month putting An Garda Síochána on track for between 700 and 800 new recruits into the college this year.
As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including for the recruitment, training and deployment of Garda members. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I am however 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.
At the end of October 2023 there were 428 Garda members assigned to the Kildare Division, which is an increase of over 12% since the end of December 2018, when there were 380 Gardaí in the Division.
Since 2015, 183 probationer Gardaí have been assigned to the Kildare Garda Division and that includes 6 so far in 2023.
Rollout by the Garda Commissioner of the new Garda Operating Model is continuing and meets a key recommendation of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland. The model is designed to make changes to the structures of An Garda Síochána to provide for more front-line Gardaí, increased Garda visibility, and a wider range of policing services for people in their local area.
Coupled with the continued roll-out of the new Operating Model, which is in the process of being rolled out in Kildare/Carlow, I am confident that the Commissioner will have the resources and plans in place to continue to deliver on An Garda Síochána's mission of Keeping People Safe.
Further detailed information in relation to the allocation of Gardaí in Kildare can be found at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures.
Departmental Data
Questions (589)
Bernard Durkan
Question:589. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons who have re-offended while on bail in each of the past six years to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55445/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy is aware, restricting of a person’s liberty prior to trial is a very serious matter, given the presumption that a person is considered innocent until proven guilty.
While the State’s bail laws provide for the refusal of bail in certain circumstances, judges are independent in the exercise of their judicial functions and the decision to grant bail in a particular case is solely a matter for the judge concerned based on the available facts.
As already conveyed to the Deputy, the Bail Act 1997, which followed a 1996 referendum on the matter, enables courts to refuse bail for a person charged with a serious offence to prevent the risk of another serious offence being committed while on bail. Since then, the State’s bail laws have been further strengthened, specifically by the Criminal Justice Act 2007, the Criminal Justice (Burglary of Dwellings) Act 2015, and the Criminal Justice Act 2017.
In considering whether to refuse bail under the 1997 Act, the Court is required to have regard to persistent serious offending by an applicant, and, in specific circumstances, the nature and likelihood of any danger to a person or to the community from granting bail. The 2017 Act further provides for stricter bail terms for repeat serious offenders, including the use of curfews, and strengthens Garda powers to deal with breaches of bail.
While I am advised by An Garda Síochána that the State's amended bail laws have proven to be effective, all legislative provisions are kept under review.
The Deputy would be aware that Zero Tolerance, the Third National Strategy on Domestic Sexual and Gender Based Violence, commits to establish a review cycle to identify outstanding and emerging further reforms required to law, practice and procedure outside of supporting the victim/survivor (with attention to the voices of adult and child survivors). As part of this work, consideration will be given to provisions governing bail where there has been a suspected breach of a barring order and where there is a history of violence.
The table below shows the number of crime incidents reported in the specified year, the number of those incidents where the incident record indicated at least one of the persons associated with the incident as a ‘Suspected Offender’ were flagged as having committed the offence while on bail awaiting trial and the number of unique offenders identified per year.
These incidents are recorded across a broad range of incident categories with the predominant contributions from Theft (22%), Public Order Offences (20%), Court Related/Bail Offences (20%), Drugs (9%), Traffic (9%), Burglary (5%) and Criminal Damage (4%). As these are crime incidents reported, it is important to note that not all of these incidents would ultimately have resulted in a prosecution or conviction.
|
Year |
Total Incidents |
Incidents Committed while on Bail |
Offenders |
|
2017 |
317,475 |
31,595 |
19,595 |
|
2018 |
315,204 |
29,708 |
18,545 |
|
2019 |
318,004 |
35,252 |
22,045 |
|
2020 |
281,397 |
36,384 |
22,621 |
|
2021 |
285,944 |
33,264 |
21,152 |
|
2022 |
288,391 |
35,761 |
21,777 |
|
2023 |
257,632 |
32,791 |
20,102 |
* Incidents reported up to and including 10-Dec-2023.
These figures were collated based on data from PULSE as of 1:30am on the 11th December 2023. They are operational and may be liable to change. Crime counting rules are applied to incident counts.
Prison Service
Questions (590)
Bernard Durkan
Question:590. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which specific procedures are in place to ensure that first-time prisoners are given priority towards education and rehabilitative training, with particular reference to reducing the influence on them of more hardened criminals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55446/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Irish Prison Service provides a wide range of rehabilitative and educational programmes to those in custody that aim to offer purposeful activity to those serving a sentences and encourage them to lead law abiding lives on release. These programmes are available to people in custody and all are eligible and allowed to use the services, including those who are first-time offenders. The Irish Prison Service does not collect data on the number of first-time offenders who availed of these services.
The Irish Prison Service Strategy 2023 - 2027 commits to deliver a prisoner-centred, multidisciplinary approach to working with people in custody and their families to achieve better outcomes. This aims to enhance and extend the Prisoners Services Model to accommodate growth in prisoner numbers, and to further facilitate purposeful activity, including healthcare, therapeutic interventions (via psychologists and addiction counsellors), education, pathways to employment and resettlement.
The Department of Education and Skills provides an allocation of 220 whole time teacher equivalents to the Service. The focus is on providing education which is quality assured, student centred and which facilitates lifelong learning. As well as seeking to draw on best practice in adult and further education in the community, curriculum development that is specific to prison circumstances take place such as courses on addiction, health issues and offending behaviour.
Other areas where there has been significant progress in prison education are in physical education, in the provision for higher education, in the arts, in preparing people for release and supporting their transition to life, and often to education, on the outside.
The prisons Work and Training Service make available work, work-training and other purposeful activities to all those in custody. Work Training Officers have been appointed and assigned to areas such as catering, laundry, industrial cleaning and industrial skills. Significant work is being progressed in order to better integrate Education and Work Training provision, including the introduction of an apprenticeship model.
The "Working to Change Social Enterprise Strategy - 2021-2023" sets out my Department’s direction for supporting employment options for people with convictions by working to remove systemic barriers so that people can make sustainable changes. It builds upon a solid foundation of employment supports already in place across the criminal justice sector and is a collaboration between the Irish Prison Service, Probation Service and the Department of Justice.
The lifetime of the Working to Change strategy is now coming to an end. In the first half of 2023, my Department confirmed a follow on strategy is to be developed and work in that regard is ongoing.
The Deputy will also be aware that 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.
The Irish Prison Service Psychology Service provides assessment and intervention and operates a ‘proactive’ referral service for particular cohorts of people in custody. The Psychology Service proactively engages with the following groups of people (some of whom are first-time offenders):
18 – 24 year olds who are committed to custody with a sentence of one year or more, without Post Release Supervision with the Probation Service;
People committed to custody with a sentence of two years or more for a violent offence, without Post Release Supervision with the Probation Service;
People convicted of sexual violence; and
People sentenced to life imprisonment.
Of particular relevance to first-time or young offenders is a programme for 18-24 year olds in custody known as the Building Identity Programme. This focuses on early engagement and helps them to learn more about themselves and why they came to prison, leading to the development of a bespoke care plan (‘sentence plan’) which identifies what key rehabilitation services the young person should engage with in order to support desistance on release from prison. Research by Creavin (2022) found that the initiative supported young people establish connection and trust with professionals, often for the first-time, instilled hope and reformulated a sense of self-identity. It also found that young people drew connections between various factors that had influenced their journeys to prison allowing them to look at their behaviour in a more coherent way.
Finally, the Psychology Service also deliver the ‘Pathway to Change’ Programme, which is co-facilitated with psychologists and experienced experts. This group programme is a motivational offence-focused intervention, typically attended by people with a violence history and who are under-motivated in relation to rehabilitation. Recent research by University College Cork indicates positive impacts in relation to motivation, self-efficacy and more effective sentence planning following the group. The introduction of an expert has witnessed significant benefits in terms of integrating theory and real-life practice.
Prison Service
Questions (591)
Bernard Durkan
Question:591. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which adequate or sufficient prison spaces are available to meet requirements at present; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55448/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware the Irish Prison Service does not have the option of refusing committals and must accept all people committed by the Courts Service. The prison system is under increasing pressure with factors such as ongoing population growth, increasing Garda and Judicial resources, and more frequent Court sittings, all contributing to a rising prison population.
I can advise the Deputy that the Irish Prison Service and my Department are committed to providing safe and secure custody for all people committed to prison while ensuring a safe working environment for staff. Officials in the Irish Prison Service and the Department are continuously working to identify short, medium and longer term proposals to help manage the current capacity issues in our prisons.
Where the number of people in custody exceeds the maximum capacity in any prison, my officials in the Irish Prison Service make every effort to deal with this through a combination of inter-prison transfers and structured Temporary Release. Decisions in relation to temporary release are considered on a case by case basis and the safety of the public is paramount when those decisions are made.
In addition, a Prison Overcrowding Response Group has been established, with officials from across the Department, the Irish Prison Service, Probation Service, Courts Service, and An Garda Síochána. This group is currently examining proposals to address overcrowding.
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 capital projects at Castlerea, Cloverhill, the Midlands and Mountjoy prisons to deliver a maximum 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.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (592)
Bernard Durkan
Question:592. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the total number of women members of An Garda Síochána, at all ranks, at present; the degree to which, if any, the numbers have fluctuated over the past ten years to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55449/23]
View answerWritten answers
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the total number of women in all ranks of An Garda Síochána as of the 31 October 2023, the latest date for which figures are currently available, was 3,952. This represents over 28% of total Garda strength. For context, this compares favourably with the total of 3,130, or 21.7%, on 31 December 2008.
For the Deputy's information the following table, as supplied to me by An Garda Síochána, sets out the number of women in An Garda Síochána from the end of December 2014 up to the end of October 2023, the latest date for which figures are available. Please note that these figures are operational and may be subject to change.
|
Year |
31/10/2023 |
2022 |
2021 |
2020 |
2019 |
2018 |
2017 |
2016 |
2015 |
2014 |
|
Number |
3,952 |
3,986 |
3,949 |
3,983 |
3,863 |
3,759 |
3,592 |
3,392 |
3,324 |
3,306 |
As this table shows, the number of women in An Garda Síochána has steadily increased. I understand that 28% is above the European average.
I am also informed that over the past decade the number of female Superintendents, Inspectors and Sergeants has doubled in the organisation. The Deputy may also be interested to know that at the end of October 2023 the Senior Leadership Team of Assistant Commissioner and above is now 54% female.
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 (593)
Bernard Durkan
Question:593. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the number of vacant promotional positions to be filled at all levels throughout An Garda Síochána at present; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55450/23]
View answerWritten answers
I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Unfortunately, the information was not received on time. I will contact the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 593 of 12 December 2023 where you sought: “To ask the Minister for Justice the number of vacant promotional positions to be filled at all levels throughout An Garda Síochána at present; and if she will make a statement on the matter”.
As you will recall, I had sought the information you requested from the Garda authorities and undertook to contact you again once the information was to hand.
The unprecedented allocation of over €2.3 billion to An Garda Síochána in 2024 - a 23% increase since 2020, demonstrates the Government's commitment to ensuring the Gardaí have provision for the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and personnel it needs to carry out vital policing work.
As you will be aware, by law the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration of An Garda Síochána, including the distribution of Garda members between the various Garda Units.
As Minister, I have no role in these operational matters, however, I am assured that the Garda Commissioner keeps under review the need to fill vacancies as operationally required. I am informed that competitions are held for promotional ranks as required in anticipation of vacancies which naturally arise as a consequence of departures due to promotions or retirements in those ranks. As you will be aware promotion competitions for the ranks of Superintendent, Chief Superintendent and Assistant Commissioner are a matter for the Policing Authority.
I am informed that as of the end of November 2023, there were 82 vacant promotional Garda member vacancies and over 200 Garda staff vacancies.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (594)
Bernard Durkan
Question:594. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which policing methods here, including community policing, replicate best practice in other European countries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55451/23]
View answerWritten answers
In accordance with section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the direction and control of An Garda Síochána. In exercising this function the Garda Commissioner ensures that relevant policing developments in other jurisdictions are reviewed on an on-going basis so that international best practice can be identified and, where appropriate, applied throughout An Garda Síochána. In addition when developing policy or legislative proposals on policing matters my Department has regard to international models.
As the Deputy will be aware the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended) contains provisions to assist the Garda Síochána to operate to international best practice. For example, the Act requires the Garda Síochána Inspectorate to benchmark their recommendations by reference to the best standards of comparable police services, therefore, every inspection conducted by the Garda Inspectorate, and any recommendation arising therefrom, has involved examining and taking account of policing best practice internationally.
The Deputy may also wish to note one of the functions of the Garda Professional Standards Unit, is to promote the highest standards of practice, as measured by reference to the best standards of comparable police services. The Unit undertakes reviews, as directed by the Garda Commissioner, into operational, administrative and management matters relating to the Garda Síochána at all levels. Arising from these reviews, measures to improve performance and promote the highest standards of practice throughout the Garda Síochána are proposed. The Garda Commissioner draws on the Unit's proposals to enhance policing practices and policies.
As the Deputy may also be aware a need to revise the current structures and practices in An Garda Síochána’s community policing delivery was identified in the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland report as published on 18 September 2018.
The Community Policing Framework was introduced by the Commissioner in 2020. The Framework is accompanied by Community Policing Framework Guidelines for each and every member of An Garda Síochána and Garda staff. The guidelines provide An Garda Síochána with six key principles that must be adhered to in order to deliver an effective community policing service, responsive to the needs of a modern and diverse community.
In developing the Framework, An Garda Síochána engaged with key stakeholders, internal and external, to identify the policing requirements of communities. An Garda Síochána listened to the guidance from their oversight agencies and carefully considered the recommendations contained in relevant reports on delivery of a community policing service (Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland’s report, ‘The Future of Policing in Ireland, 2018’; Garda Síochána Inspectorate Report, ‘Crime Investigation, 2014’ and ‘Policing with Local Communities 2018’; and the KC Consulting Report on Community Policing 2017).
Furthermore, the Garda National Community Policing Unit (GNCPU) within the Garda National Community Engagement Bureau is a key driver in the delivery of the Framework. One of the principal functions of the Unit is to research best practice in community policing nationally and internationally.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (595)
Bernard Durkan
Question:595. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice what action is being taken or can be taken to address the issue of threats and intimidation against individual members of An Garda Síochána; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55452/23]
View answerWritten answers
I am sure the Deputy will agree that we are all immensely grateful to An Garda Síochána for their outstanding dedication and commitment and for the important role that they play in our society, all too frequently putting themselves in real danger. I would like to condemn in the strongest possible terms any threats against members of An Garda Síochána or any front-line worker. It is imperative that Gardaí are protected in carrying out their work and that the law reflects and responds to the situations in which they find themselves.
As the Deputy is aware, it would not be appropriate for me to detail the operational measures that the Garda authorities have taken or would take generally in situations where individual Gardaí are subject to threats or intimidation. However, I can assure the Deputy that whatever protective and detection measures are deemed appropriate by the Garda authorities will certainly be taken.
I can assure the Deputy that I am also committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the statutory powers they require. There is a range of robust legislative provisions available to the Garda authorities in circumstances where threats or assaults are made against Gardaí.
I have already introduced tough new sentences, including doubling the maximum sentence for assault causing harm to 10 years. I have also increased the sentence for conspiracy to murder from 10 years to life, and the sentence for assaulting a Garda or emergency worker from 7 to 12 years.
I am pleased to say that the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Act 2023 was signed into law by the President on 5 December. The Act provides for body-worn cameras, Garda CCTV, automatic number plate recognition, and Community CCTV.
The crucial introduction of body-worn cameras is being accelerated through a separate proof of concept project involving the deployment next year of body-worn cameras in Dublin city centre.
Animal Welfare
Questions (596)
David Stanton
Question:596. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current situation with respect to the microchipping of dogs and storing of such data within a national database; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54448/23]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is responsible for S.I. No. 63/2015, the Microchipping of Dogs Regulation 2015 and S.I. 427/2015 - Microchipping of Dogs (Amendment) Regulations 2015. Under these Regulations, all dogs over 12 weeks of age (or younger if sold before 12 weeks) must be microchipped.
It is illegal to sell/supply a dog that is not microchipped. The microchip number must be registered; this helps to ensure the traceability of a dog that strays and improves the chance of return to owner if a dog is stolen.
There are four microchip databases in Ireland, run by private operators. These companies are authorised by my Department to register owner details for dog microchips.
As specified in the Regulation, the database operators must provide details of microchips they hold to Europetnet, an umbrella group of associations across Europe which register owner information in relation to uniquely identified dogs. When a chip number registered to one of the four authorised databases in Ireland is entered into the publicly accessible search tool, Europetnet will state which affiliated database the chip is registered to. This enables follow-up with the relevant database.