Written Answers Nos. 70-85
70. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí in Cavan Monaghan who have retired or resigned in 2023; and the number of new recruits whom have been assigned to these counties in 2023. [55096/23]
View answerThe 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 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 370 Garda members assigned to Cavan/Monaghan Division. This represents an increase of over 16% since 2015. These Garda members are supported by 59 Garda staff.
I am advised that since the reopening of the Garda college in September 2014 a total of 144 Probationer Gardaí have been assigned to the Cavan/Monaghan Division, this includes the 3 Probationer Gardaí who were assigned to the Division this year.
I am further advised that the number of Garda members that have resigned and retired from the Cavan/Monaghan Division in 2023 is too low to report for data protection reasons (less than 10).
Further detailed information in relation to the allocation of Gardaí by Division and Station can be found at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures
Please not that all figures provided are operational and may be subject to change.
71. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Justice what measures are being taken to tackle the record number of Garda resignations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55123/23]
View answerAt the outset I would like to assure the Deputy I 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.
While of course we don't want to see members leaving An Garda Síochána, we must emphasise the numbers leaving are very low. As of last month there were just under 14,000 Garda members with the rate of resignations currently at around 1%.
As the Deputy will appreciate, people may choose to leave organisations or change careers for a variety of reasons. I believe that the relatively low number of resignations from An Garda Síochána must also be seen in the context of the current healthy state of Ireland’s economy, with full employment, a highly competitive jobs market and where Gardaí are likely to have acquired highly desirable skills.
We now live in a changed world where a 'job for life' does not hold the same attraction for this generation as it did for previous generations. In this new world, all employers, including An Garda Síochána, now recognise that staff may no longer wish to remain for 30 or 40 years. Neither are Gardaí immune from the impact of the post pandemic era on employment decisions and trends.
An Garda Síochána have recently introduced their own exit interviews to get a clearer view on why people may choose to resign and, where appropriate, to address issues which may influence retention. These voluntary exit interviews are conducted by a chartered occupational psychologist working within the Garda Human Resources and People Development department.
This Government has consistently sought to support the well-being of Garda members in recent years. In Budget 2024, the government provided €6m for Garda well-being initiatives, additional medical costs and over 2,500 units of body armour.
Both myself and the Commissioner recognise that policing can be difficult, challenging work. We are immensely grateful to our Gardaí for their outstanding dedication and commitment to serving the public and for the vital role that they play in keeping people safe.
72. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice to outline, with reference to the development of strategies to combat economic crime and corruption, the number of submissions received through the recent online consultation process ahead of the submission deadline of 3 November 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55139/23]
View answerCorruption and economic crime can have a hugely negative impact on our society and have the potential to harm Ireland’s reputation as a global hub for financial services and business.
While significant progress has been made with measures to enhance Ireland’s ability to prevent and respond effectively to economic crime and regulatory crime in recent years, much remains to be done.
The Advisory Council against Economic Crime and Corruption was established in 2022 following the Hamilton Review. The role of the Council is to advise and make proposals on strategic and policy responses and to develop a multi-annual strategy to combat economic crime and corruption.
An online survey was launched by the Advisory Council in October seeking the views of members of the public to help form a cross-sectoral strategy on how to combat economic crime and corruption.
I can inform the Deputy that 465 people completed the survey which closed on 3 November. The short online survey asked participants about their personal concerns regarding economic crime and its impact on society, as well as asking what actions they thought the government ought to prioritise when tackling economic crime and corruption.
The results of the survey will help inform the Advisory Council against Economic Crime and Corruption in devising a strategy to help combat economic crime and corruption.
73. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice the terms of reference of the review she requested of the Policing Authority around public order policing and related issues, following the recent riots in Dublin. [55086/23]
View answerThe Policing Authority is an independent statutory agency established under the Garda Síochána (Policing Authority and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015, which amends the Garda Síochána Act 2005.
The Authority's remit is to oversee the performance of An Garda Síochána in relation to policing services in Ireland. The 2005 Act was amended so that some functions which were previously the responsibility of the Government or the Minister were transferred to the Authority.
One of the functions of the Authority is to provide me, as Minister, with information and advice on a range of issues, including:
• matters relating to policing services, in particular matters relevant to the accountability of Government to the Oireachtas,
• the resources that are likely to be required by An Garda Síochána to perform its functions in each forthcoming financial year,
• measures taken by An Garda Síochána in relation to recommendations made in reports of the Garda Síochána Inspectorate,
• developments in respect of matters relating to policing services,
• recommendations to me to assist in co-ordinating and developing policy in that regard and,
• best policing practice.
I can assure the Deputy that there is ongoing engagement between my Department and the Authority on these matters.
On 29 November I wrote to the Chair of the Authority requesting that the Authority advise me as to what else might enhance policing performance and support the Gardaí in the exercise of their lawful powers in situations such as arose in Dublin on 23 November. The conduct of the review is a matter for the Authority and I expect to receive the Authority's advice in due course.
74. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Justice the total Garda numbers for Galway for each of the years 2020, 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023; the number of retirements in each year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54634/23]
View answerThe unprecedented allocation of over €2.3 billion to An Garda Síochána for 2024 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. Following Budget 2024, I announced that this allocation would allow for the recruitment of between 800 to 1,000 new Garda recruits.
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 resources under continued review, in line with crime and population trends, to ensure their optimum use.
The tables below, provided to me by the Garda authorities, outline the total number of Gardaí assigned to the Galway Division, broken down by District, from end December 2020 up to the 31 October 2023, and the number of Gardaí who have retired from the Galway Division in the years 2020 up to the 6 December 2023.
Gardaí assigned to Galway Division:
|
Division |
District |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
Oct 2023 |
|
GALWAY |
BALLINASLOE TOTAL |
54 |
52 |
45 |
47 |
|
CLIFDEN TOTAL |
32 |
32 |
32 |
29 |
|
|
GALWAY TOTAL |
321 |
317 |
314 |
315 |
|
|
LOUGHREA TOTAL |
80 |
78 |
78 |
73 |
|
|
COMMAND & CONTROL NWRHQ TOTAL |
|
|
30 |
35 |
|
|
SALTHILL TOTAL |
70 |
65 |
56 |
54 |
|
|
TUAM TOTAL |
66 |
62 |
63 |
61 |
|
|
GALWAY Total |
623 |
606 |
618 |
614 |
Gardaí who retired from Galway Division:
|
Galway Division |
Year |
Total** |
|
|
2020 |
<10 |
|
2021 |
<10 |
|
|
2022 |
<10 |
|
|
*2023 |
<10 |
|
|
Total |
33 |
* Figure as of 6 December 2023.
**Figures of fewer than 10 are not provided by An Garda Síochána for security and/or data protection reasons.
For the Deputy's information, detailed figures relating to the Garda workforce, including the breakdown of members assigned by Division and Station, is available publicly at the following link and updated regularly by my Department:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/
75. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 29 of 25 May 2023, to provide an update on the recruitment campaign for the Garda Reserve; when she expects new reservists to be appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54722/23]
View answerI would like to acknowledge the important contribution made by all members of the Reserve who volunteer their time for the community's benefit.
The Garda Reserve represents a real opportunity for anyone wishing to support policing and give something back to their communities. The Reserve reinforces An Garda Síochána's essential community links, and provides the capacity to draw on additional resources to assist in policing. The Reserve also provides an opportunity for individuals who may be interested in joining An Garda Síochána to experience the work of the Gardaí before deciding if it is the career they wish to pursue.
I will be seeking Government approval for revised Garda Reserve Regulations shortly.
The Garda Commissioner has confirmed that he will undertake a Garda Reserve competition in quarter 1 of 2024.
In preparation for a Garda Reserve recruitment campaign, and throughout 2022 and 2023, An Garda Síochána have been actively engaging with the Department of Justice and the Public Appointments Service with a view to ensuring that a recruitment campaign is inclusive to attract diverse and under-represented groups.
76. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice the actions currently being undertaken by her Department to combat sexual and gender-based violence; the status of the provision of refuges in counties currently without one; the status of the work being undertaken on the new agency, particularly in regard to giving the new agency more scope to develop policy in this areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54672/23]
View answerCombating all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) is a priority for me and my Department and this is reflected in a range of policies and legislation, as well as unprecedented increases in Budget allocations.
As the Deputy will be aware, in June of last year, I published an ambitious €363 million, five-year, Zero Tolerance Strategy.
Under the current implementation plan for the Strategy there are 144 actions assigned to various Departments, the majority of which have progressed, or are progressing, in line with the specified timeframes, for example;
• The legislation to establish the Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Agency passed successfully through the Houses of the Oireachtas, and was signed into law by President Higgins on 28 November 2023.
• In November, I commenced the Sex Offenders (Amendment) Act 2023 to improve the supervision of sex offenders post release.
• In April, the Sexual Violence Survey 2022 which was commissioned by my Department was published by the CSO to provide high quality national prevalence data on sexual violence.
A fundamental aim of the Strategy is to change societal attitudes to domestic and sexual violence. New initiatives on intimate image abuse and on the importance of sexual consent in healthy relationships have been produced this year, while another on DSGBV support services is in development and will be launched before the end of the year.
A key priority under the Zero Tolerance strategy is to double the number of refuge places over the lifetime of the strategy to 280 spaces.
Development of up to 36 refuge units is underway in Wexford, Dundalk and Navan to be delivered by end 2024.
There will be 98 refuge units in priority locations delivered by end 2025 along with a further 19 additional and upgraded units by the end of the strategy.
The priority locations identified are:
• Sligo (8 family places)
• Cavan/Monaghan (8 family places)
• Cork city (12 family places – 6 new, 6 replacement)
• North Cork (5 family places)
• West Cork (5 family places)
• Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown (10 family places)
• Westmeath (8 family places – four new, four replacements)
• Portlaoise (8 family places)
• Balbriggan (10 family places)
• Longford (8 family places)
• Carlow (8 family places)
• Offaly (8 family places)
Engagement is ongoing to identify lead providers and sites in each of the priority locations with providers identified in most locations, and sites identified in many others.
In addition, an interdepartmental group is developing and progressing agreed processes and approaches to ensure we have the highest standard of refuge accommodation, delivered in the most efficient way.
This will result in a more streamlined process for capital funding applications for new refuges, and it has always been envisaged that the provision of new refuge spaces would accelerate as we progress through the lifetime of the Zero Tolerance strategy.
Under Budget 2024, in excess of €10m in additional funding for combatting DSGBV has been allocated. This represents a significant increase.
This additional funding will support the implementation of the Zero Tolerance plan, including by allowing for the establishment of the new agency, and will greatly assist the agency in meeting the acute needs for services throughout the country.
The agency will have a core budget of €43m next year which will increase nationwide coverage, and will boost the momentum in implementing the ambitious goals set out in the Zero Tolerance plan.
To strengthen our laws in this area and to encourage more victims to come forward, I introduced legislation which creates new standalone offences of non-fatal strangulation and stalking. The Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act – which was signed into law by the President in July - also increases the maximum penalty for assault causing harm from five to ten years.
In July, I also published draft legislation to give effect to a number of recommendations from the Review of Protections for Vulnerable Witnesses in the Investigation and Prosecution of Sexual Offences by an expert group led by Professor Tom O’Malley, which will provide further protections for victims. The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences & Human Trafficking) Bill 2023 is currently before the Dáil.
I am also deeply committed to implementing in full all of the actions set out in Supporting a Victim's Journey, and the Third National Strategy builds on what has already been achieved, including to make the system more victim-centred.
I was delighted to bring legislation through the Houses that will establish Cuan, the new statutory agency for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.
Cuan will be an agency under the remit of my Department, and funded under the Department of Justice vote.
As one of the Agency’s key functions is to drive implementation of Government policy in respect of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, it will work closely with the Criminal Policy function of the Department of Justice. As set out in the legislation, the Agency may advise the Minister on policy matters and it is envisaged that the Agency’s dedicated research and data function will provide a strong evidence base for policy development into the future.
77. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí redeployed from Kildare to Dublin to support gardaí during the tragic events of Thursday, 23 November 2023; if, on days subsequent to that, the redeployments were voluntary in nature; and what the payment structure was for same redeployment. [54883/23]
View answerI commend all Garda members and emergency services for their quick response to the rioting and violent disorder in Dublin on 23 November.
As the Deputy may be aware, the Garda Commissioner is, by law, operationally responsible for the allocation of Garda resources and as Minister I have no direct role in these matters. I do however engage regularly with him to ensure our Gardaí have the resources they need.
Garda members and emergency services responded quickly and effectively in the wake of the attack and disorder in Dublin on 23 November. Over 400 members of An Garda Síochána, were deployed on patrol in Dublin City Centre, including front-line uniformed Gardaí, supported by over 220 Public Order Gardaí – the highest ever number in public order uniforms.
This enabled the Gardaí to bring order to the city. Members came from right across the country and in a very short space of time.
As of 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.
In addition, there are 32 Garda Staff members assigned to the Kildare Division. Garda staff provide vital administrative support and help free up Garda members to focus on front line duties.
While the Garda Commissioner is operationally responsible, to be of assistance I sought the information requested by the Deputy. I am advised by An Garda Síochána that due to the manner in which such costs are recorded, the relevant information is not readily available and would require a disproportionate amount of Garda time and resources to compile.
78. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 23 of 11 October 2023, the status of the independent review of part 4 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017; the status of the recruitment process to replace the individual who had previously been engaged to carry out the study; if the new person has been appointed; the timeline for the completion of the review; the timeline for the publication of the final report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55087/23]
View answerI thank the Deputy for her continued interest in this work.
The changes made by the 2017 Sexual Offences Act allow those engaged in prostitution to provide information to Gardaí, for instance if they were subjected to violence by clients, without fear of prosecution for selling sexual services.
Section 27 of the Act provides for the review to which the Deputy's question refers.
As the Deputy is aware, my Department commissioned an independent consultant to undertake this statutory review but, due to a number of reasons, it wasn’t possible for the review to be completed within the desired timeframe.
I very much regret the delay.
Expressions of interest to complete the Part 4 review of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act, 2017 were sought with a closing date for receipt of 31 October 2023. The Department has convened a review panel to assess the expressions of interest received. Meetings were held last week with the parties who expressed an interest and I expect to be in a position to decide on the next steps in the near future and that the review can be completed without any further undue delay.
Again, I reiterate that I regret the delay with this review and want to see the report finalised and published as soon as possible.
I can assure the Deputy that once the review is completed and the report received, any recommendations made will be considered as a priority.
79. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Taoiseach for an overview of the Shared Ireland Programme since its establishment in 2020; the key initiatives taken; and his assessment of their impact to date. [54390/23]
View answerThrough the Shared Island initiative, the Government is engaging with all communities to build consensus around a shared future and delivering benefits for the whole island, underpinned by the Good Friday Agreement.
The Government has so far allocated almost €250m from the Shared Island Fund, moving forward with our commitments and objectives in this area in the Programme for Government and the revised National Development Plan. Most recently, in June, we provided €56m from the Fund for new all-island projects. The major allocation was €44.5m for the construction of a new teaching building at Ulster University’s campus in Derry to expand higher education provision in the North West region.
Shared Island Fund projects are taken forward by Ministers and their Departments, working with counterparts in Northern Ireland, the British Government and with civil society and education partners. The Government will seek to undertake more all-island investment cooperation with a new Executive and with the British Government to deepen North/South and East/West relationships.
I met with members of the Shared Island Youth Forum on 7 December to discuss their interactions so far and plans for 2024. The Forum was convened and commenced in September. It comprises 80 members aged 18-25 from North and South across all communities and a diversity of backgrounds and identities. The Forum is meeting over a year to develop a statement of their vision and values for a shared future, to influence and inspire how we share the island across all communities.
The Shared Island Dialogue series is also continuing with over 3,000 citizens and civic representatives participating to date. The dialogues are looking at how, in practical ways we can better share the island into the future. The most recent dialogue was on accommodating national identities, held on 25 October at the Abbey Theatre. The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs participated with over 300 attendees from North and South. Reports and recordings from the dialogues are published online.
Finally, the Shared Island unit is commissioning a research programme to provide high-quality evidence and analysis on the whole island, in economic, social, cultural and political terms. There have been more than 20 publications so far, with work undertaken by research partners including the National Economic and Social Council, Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), Standing Conference on Teacher Education North South, and Irish Research Council. The most recent Shared Island report by the ESRI was published on 27 November on ‘changing social and political attitudes in Ireland and Northern Ireland over the last 25 years’.
Information on all research publications and other elements of the Shared Island initiative is available at www.gov.ie/sharedisland.
Shared Island Fund allocations to date are provided in tabular form.
Allocations from the Shared Island Fund as at 12 December 2023:
|
Shared Island Fund allocations (€m) as at May 2023 |
€m |
|
Phases 2 and 3 of the Ulster Canal restoration contribution Taken forward by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage |
47 |
|
Narrow Water Bridge preparing and completing project tender Taken forward by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage |
5 |
|
North South Research Programme contribution (funding rounds 1 and 2, 2022-2027) Taken forward by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science |
50 |
|
All-Island Co-Centres for Research and Innovation contribution Taken forward by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science |
20 |
|
Electric Vehicle charging point scheme for Sports Clubs across the island Taken forward by the Minister for Transport |
15 |
|
Shared Island dimension to Community Climate Action Programme Taken forward by the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications |
3 |
|
Shared Island Local Authority development funding scheme Taken forward by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage |
5 |
|
All-island biodiversity actions on peatlands restoration and biosecurity Taken forward by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage |
11 |
|
Shared Island Civic Society Fund contribution Taken forward by the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs |
2 |
|
Shared Island dimension to Creative Ireland and cultural heritage projects Taken forward by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media |
8 |
|
All-Island arts capital investment projects Taken forward by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media |
7.4 |
|
Cross-border tourism brand collaboration and marketing initiative Taken forward by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media |
7.6 |
|
Cross-border innovation hub Taken forward by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage |
12 |
|
Ulster University Derry campus teaching building Taken forward by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science |
44.5 |
|
All-island bioeconomy demonstrator facilities Taken forward by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine |
7 |
|
Respite therapeutic centre for children diagnosed with cancer and their families Taken forward by the Minister for Health |
2.5 |
|
Total |
€247m |
80. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Taoiseach what action will be taken to recruit additional staff to the DPP to review cases where a decision needs to be made with regard to progressing to criminal prosecution, for example, road collisions, where an inquest cannot proceed until after the review, particularly in light of the fact that the coronial service, and families affected, have been experiencing significant delays in cases being listed for inquest. [54387/23]
View answerThe Director of Public Prosecutions is independent in the performance of her functions in accordance with provisions of the Prosecution of Offences Act 1974.
One of the ways effect is given to this independence is that funding for the Director’s Office is provided through a separate Vote; Vote 5 – Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. While I have a role in presenting Estimates for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions' Vote to the Oireachtas annually, neither I nor my officials exercise any control in relation to how the Director discharges her functions. In terms of additional staffing, I can confirm that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has been provided with funding to further increase their overall staffing allocation by 20 staff in 2024 in response to increased demand-led pressures across the prosecution system.
Any decision to adjourn an inquest is a matter for the Coroner. Adjournments are often granted where there is a criminal investigation/prosecution ongoing into the events leading to the death. This ensures that the integrity of the criminal investigation and the fairness of any subsequent criminal trial is not negatively impacted. If that inquest was not adjourned, publicity arising from evidence heard during the inquest or verdicts reached could prejudice the fair trial rights of an accused. Inquests tend to be adjourned until a criminal investigation and/or prosecution has concluded, that is until after a final determination of a criminal court, a verdict by a jury after a criminal trial or a decision is made not to prosecute.
81. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Taoiseach if he will consider requesting that the CSO conduct a regular victims of crime survey in order to capture data on crime which is not reflected in Garda statistics due to a lack of reporting. [54699/23]
View answerThe victims of crime survey that the Deputy refers to is the Crime and Victimisation survey that is carried out periodically by the Central Statistics Office (CSO). This is a household survey that provides an alternative, but complementary, measure of crime to crime incidents recorded by An Garda Síochána. The survey gathers information on the levels of personal and household crime in the population and the attitudes and opinions of individuals to crime and to the Irish justice system.
Respondents aged 18 years and over in this survey are asked to consider the period of 12 months prior to interview and to rate their response to a series of questions relating to the impact that crime has on their lives and their opinions on how effectively crime is dealt with in Ireland.
Respondents are then asked about their own personal experiences and the experiences of their household in terms of whether they had been the victim of different types of crime such as theft, assault or burglary in the 12 months prior to interview. Respondents who had experienced crime were asked additional questions, such as whether they had reported the crime to An Garda Síochána, reasons for not reporting if they didn't report, whether they felt the crime had been motivated by discrimination, and other contextual details relating to the crime.
Finally, farming households were asked a short set of additional questions relating to specific types of crime which target farms such as trespassing on farm lands and thefts of farming machinery and livestock in the 12 months prior to interview.
The survey was first undertaken in 1998 and was repeated in 2003, 2006, 2010, 2015 and 2019.
The CSO plans on repeating the survey again in 2025 and will be engaging with stakeholders in 2024 to discuss questionnaire content and the future frequency of the survey, along with consequent resourcing requirements.
The following table provides a summary of some of the key results from the most recent instance of the survey (2019).
|
Crime and Victimisation Survey 2019 - key results |
|
|
Share of victims of personal crime who said they reported the crime to An Garda Síochána |
39% |
|
Share of victims of personal crime who felt that the crime took place because of personal characteristics (e.g., age, gender, race) |
7% |
|
Share of persons who said they felt 'very safe' or 'fairly safe' walking in their local area by night |
75% |
|
Share of persons who felt An Garda Síochána were “very effective” or “quite effective” at tackling crime in their local area. |
68% |
|
Share of households who suffered a burglary or vandalism to their property |
4% |
|
Share of farming households who said their farm had been a victim of crime, mostly trespassing on farm land |
21% |
82. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Taoiseach the key policy achievements realised and new initiatives taken by his Department during 2023. [54795/23]
View answerThe Department of the Taoiseach has been working with Government Departments to progress work across a number of priority areas, which include:
· the new Child Poverty and Well-Being Programme Office published its first Programme Plan in August and more recently a report setting out new measures in Budget 2024 to reduce child poverty and promote well-being;
· progress on the Housing for All Action Plan, with particular success for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant - with over 2,400 projects currently approved and in progress with payment to be made by the local authorities;
· progress reports produced under Climate Action Plan 2023 (CAP23) showing an overall implementation rate of 67% on CAP23 to date;
· coordinating the cross-Government humanitarian response, with Ireland hosting over 100,000 people who have fled Ukraine since the invasion;
· implementing policies targeting sustainable economic recovery, investment and job creation including the new national digital strategy and providing a comprehensive Cost-of-Living package to help families;
· comprehensive programme of dialogues and research by the Shared Island Unit underpinned by the Shared Island Fund;
· the Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use and the Final Report which is due by the end of the year and continued cross-Government focus on integrating the Well-being Framework into policymaking and expenditure decisions;
· advancing Ireland’s role in Europe and the world, with continued engagement at EU and international level on the situation in the Middle East;
· delivery of the 40th British-Irish Council Summit at Dublin Castle in November and ongoing engagement with the main political parties in Northern Ireland and the UK Government on the return of a functioning Assembly and Executive;
· work across the Department in a range of areas, including policing reform and community safety, supporting the work of the North East Inner City Initiative, Civil Service Renewal and three legislation programmes published to progress 128 priority bills during 2023.
83. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Taoiseach the number of staff in the CSO with climate action expertise; if there are plans to recruit more; and the average cost per WTE and HTE per grade, in tabular form. [55004/23]
View answerThere are three broad categories of work where the CSO utilises climate action expertise, namely, in statistical roles providing statistics on climate and the environment, in statistical areas linked to climate action like ecosystems, sustainability, agriculture, transport etc. and in corporate support roles delivering accommodation and services.
The CSO has a dedicated division with responsibility for producing a wide range of official statistics on climate, energy and the environment. Details of these statistics may be found on the CSO website, but include statistics on climate, energy, environment, environmental accounts, environmental indicators among others. Given the cross-cutting nature of climate action, the CSO also has other staff working on data and insights which are related to or contribute to climate action like ecosystem services, sustainability, agriculture, transport etc.
CSO Facilities Management is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the buildings and for the climate action and sustainability programme within the CSO. CSO is committed to making progress annually on our use of energy and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In conjunction with OPW and our SEAI partners, Facilities Management develops initiatives to reduce our consumption and run regular communications with all staff through Optimising Power @ Work and our “Reduce Your Use” campaign. Our Staff Engagement & Innovation Committee (SEIC) have a role to engage on climate action with all staff.
CSO will continue to invest in more resources, skills and knowledge as we deliver on out statistical role and our organisation climate action commitments to meet 2030 and 2050 targets.
CSO is actively engaged in training staff on climate change issues; this includes 30 of our SEIC members undertaking a Green Team National Programme provided by the Waterford Institute of Technology(WIT) and developed through the EPA's green enterprise scheme, FM manager completing a Professional Diploma in Climate Action and Sustainability Reporting, and we are currently developing training to ensure all senior management (PO level or equivalent and above) complete a climate action leadership training course in accordance with the Public Sector Climate Action Mandate 2023.
The following table sets out the number of whole time equivalent (WTE) staff with climate action expertise by grade and average salary cost. It should be noted that this table does not include details of staff whose work contributes data and insights on climate action but which is not the main focus of their work.
|
Grade |
Number of staff (FTE)* |
Average grade cost 31/12/2022 (FTE) |
|
Senior Statistician |
1.00 |
€122,594 |
|
Principal |
0.80 |
€118,955 |
|
Statistician |
9.00 |
€82,134 |
|
Assistant Principal |
2.00 |
€88,993 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
3.70 |
€65,621 |
|
Executive Officer |
2.00 |
€49,943 |
|
Clerical Officer |
1.00 |
€39,727 |
|
Total |
19.5 |
* Number of staff (FTE) -Full Time Equivalent- includes sum of WTE and HTE.
84. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Taoiseach the number of vacant and derelict properties and sites that are owned by his Department; his plans to bring each of these properties and sites into use; and where no plans are in place, the reasons why. [55054/23]
View answerThe Department of the Taoiseach does not own any property. Properties occupied by the Department of the Taoiseach and the National Economic and Social Development Office - the only body under the aegis of the Department of the Taoiseach - are provided and managed by the Office of Public Works.
85. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Taoiseach his main policy and legislative priorities for 2024. [55216/23]
View answerThe Department of the Taoiseach will continue to work with Government Departments to progress work across a number of areas as set out in the Department’s Statement of Strategy 2023 -2025, as follows:
·progress on the Housing for All Action Plan, to maintain strong momentum in 2024 for new homes;
·ongoing progress reports will be produced under Climate Action Plan 2023 (CAP23) highlighting the overall implementation rate;
·continuing to coordinate the cross-Government humanitarian response to people fleeing the war in Ukraine and people seeking international protection;
·Child Poverty and Well-Being Programme Office work programme;
·preparations for the possibility of an inquiry into the State’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic;
·holding two referendums in March 2024;
·implementing policies targeting sustainable economic recovery, investment and job creation;
·comprehensive programmes of dialogues and research by the Shared Island Unit underpinned by the Shared Island Fund;
·advancing Ireland’s role in Europe and the world, with continued engagement at EU and international level on the situation in the Middle East;
·continued engagement with the main political parties in Northern Ireland and the UK Government on the return of a functioning Assembly and Executive;
·continued cross-Government focus on integrating the Well-being Framework into policymaking and expenditure decisions;
·continued work across the Department in a range of areas, including policing reform and community safety, supporting the work of the North East Inner City Initiative and Civil Service Renewal;
·preparations for the legislation programme for the Spring Session 2024 publication expected in mid-January.
