Peadar Tóibín
Question:31. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí who have left the force in each year since 2020. [17652/24]
View answerAn Garda Síochána
Questions (31)
Written answers
As you may be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), which includes all operational policing matters. As Minister, I play no role in these independent functions.
The following table outlines the number of Gardaí who have left the service in each year since 2020, as of 18 April 2024. Figures include Voluntary Retirements, Compulsory Retirements, Cost Neutral Early Retirements, Resignations, Dismissals, Deaths in Service and Medical Discharges.
|
Year |
Total |
|
2024 * |
136 |
|
2023 |
520 |
|
2022 |
476 |
|
2021 |
405 |
|
2020 |
337 |
|
Total |
1874 |
I must emphasise that numbers leaving are relatively low. As of last month, there were just over 14,000 Garda members and the rate of resignations is currently at around 1%. The increase since 2022 is 0.3% of Garda numbers.
As the Deputy will appreciate, people may choose to leave an organisation or change careers for a variety of reasons. I believe that the relatively low rate 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.
A lot of work is being done by An Garda Síochána in terms of recruitment and retention. They 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.
I have consistently sought to support the wellbeing of Gardaí. In Budget 2024, the Government provided €6m for Garda wellbeing initiatives, additional medical costs and over 2,500 units of body armour.
Both myself and the Commissioner fully recognise that policing is challenging but very rewarding 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.
The Government have agreed to take all necessary steps to support recruitment and retention in An Garda Síochána. To that end, my Department is working with Garda management and the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform in relation to further measures to address the issues of recruitment and retention. I am advised by the Garda Commissioner that An Garda Síochána continue to work on the mitigation of various resourcing challenges including but not limited to actions such as the establishment of the Garda Training Steering Group.
Both myself and the Garda Commissioner fully recognise that policing is challenging but very rewarding 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.
Departmental Priorities
Questions (32)
Brendan Griffin
Question:32. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice her priorities for the year ahead; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17719/24]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware each year I set out my main policy and legislative priorities in the Justice Plan. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that Justice Plan 2024 will be published by my Department in the coming weeks.
This plan sets out in detail a significant work programme which is being undertaken within my Department this year and outlines a wide range of actions under the Department's key outward strategic focus which includes; Maintaining a safe and secure Ireland; Improving access to justice for all; Delivering a fair immigration system and strengthening our influence in Europe.
Ensuring that people are safe and secure is at the heart of what my Department does. That means resourcing An Garda Síochána with the skilled people needed to police the State, and providing them with the technology and equipment required for a modern fit-for-purpose policing and security service.
In 2024, I have provided a budget allocation of over €2.35 billion to An Garda Síochána. This is a 25% increase since 2020 and will allow for the sustained recruitment of between 800 to 1,000 new Garda recruits this year.
At the end of December last, there were just under 14,000 Gardaí. This represents an increase of around 9% since 2015 when there were 12,816 Gardaí throughout the country.
The number of recruits in the Garda training college continue to increase, a total of 746 trainees entered the training college in 2023. This is the highest intake in any year since 2018.
Before the summer recess, I will sign an order to commence part 2 of the Garda Síochána (Digital Recording) Act 2023, as it relates to body worn cameras. The availability of body-worn cameras will assist members of An Garda Síochána to gather evidence separate to a victim’s testimony. An Garda Síochána will initiate a limited proof of concept deployment of body worn cameras by Q2 2024 in Dublin, Limerick and Waterford, in advance of a nationwide rollout.
The General Scheme of the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) (Amendment) Bill has been approved by Government and is currently being drafted to provide for the use of Facial Recognition Technology in a number of limited and defined circumstances as a tool to search evidence in the most serious of cases. Reducing the amount of time it takes for Garda members to go through video footage would be of particular benefit where time is of the essence following a very serious crime being committed. The identification of a suspect in a serious crime, or finding a missing or abducted child, or where a child is subject to child abuse, would be a crucial benefit to the proposed Bill.
There will be a number of safeguards included in that Bill, amongst others, a code of practice will be required, mass surveillance and profiling will be prohibited and the operation of the Bill will be kept under review by a High Court Judge.
Tackling serious and organised crime is a key priority for me as Minister for Justice and I am committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to ensure communities around Ireland are safe and feel safe.
The record budgetary resources allocated to An Garda Síochána in recent years have enabled the Garda Commissioner to assign extra resources to the specialist units involved in tackling organised crime, including the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB), the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Armed Support Unit and the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB). Since 2015, over €345m in drugs have been seized by the Gardaí.
I intend to publish legislation in the coming months to strengthen the powers of the Criminal Assets Bureau. The General Scheme of the Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Bill 2024 has been approved by Government. I look forward to progressing this Bill, which will enhance the current regime and allow confiscation to be effected more quickly. The Bill was presented to the Joint Committee on Justice on 16 April 2024 for pre-legislative scrutiny.
I have committed to developing legislation to allow judges recommend minimum periods in prison where a life sentence has been handed down. Justice Plan 2022 committed to reforming the law in relation to life sentences and the Review of Policy Options for Prison and Penal Reform 2022-2024 committed to introduce judicial discretion to set minimum tariffs for life sentences. This would allow a judge, for example, to recommend that a minimum period of 20, 25 or 30 years be served before parole may be granted. I believe that a new provision of this kind will give the public more confidence that, in the most heinous murder cases, the judiciary will have the discretion in their sentencing recommendation to reflect the aggravating factors and gravity of certain cases.
Under these reforms, a minimum custodial term may be recommended by the trial judge, who would have regard to the aggravating and mitigating factors based on the facts and evidence in the particular case.
In 2024 I will commence the landmark Policing, Security and Community Safety Act. This Act supports the implementation of the 2018 Report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland. This will be a ‘whole of government’ responsibility including establishing in statute to work together to prioritise and support safer communities.
Establishing Community Safety Partnerships across the country is a key priority. These new structures will bring together the Garda Síochána, the local authority, local interests and all the various state agencies to develop and implement strategic Community Safety Plans tailored to the needs of their own areas, aimed particularly at making their communities safe and secure.
Community Safety Plans will be developed with clear targets, which assign responsibility to the relevant service provider. There are significant benefits to the involvement of relevant agencies in developing a community safety plan in each local authority area. It will allow each partnership to deal with issues of community safety which are not strictly within the criminal justice system (e.g. drug misuse, youth services, public lighting, integration and diversity issues).
The eradication of the scourge of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV) is also a key priority for my Department and is at the core of 'Zero Tolerance,' the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence. This strategy sets out an ambitious whole of government five-year programme of reform to achieve a society which does not accept DSGBV or the attitudes which underpin these crimes.
Under Budget 2024, in excess of €7.9m in additional funding for combatting DSGBV has been allocated. This represents a significant increase and will support Cuan, the new statutory agency with a dedicated focus on Domestic Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
The agency has a specific mandate to drive the implementation of the Zero Tolerance plan across Government, bringing the expertise and focus required to tackle this complex social issue. As part of it's remit, the agency has responsibility for the provision of DSGBV services, including the provision and funding of refuge spaces.
In 2024 I will progress the Family Courts Bill through the Houses of the Oireachtas to enactment; drive forward the implementation of the first National Family Justice Strategy to make significant steps towards reforming the Family Justice System and improving access to justice, as committed to by the Programme for Government.
My Department will also oversee and monitor the implementation of the Judicial Planning Working Group (JPWG) recommendations and separately establish the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC), including the appointment of the Director, Lay Members and staff.
As committed to in the Programme for Government Minister of State Browne will progress the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 through the Houses of the Oireachtas to enactment to allow for the establishment of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland. Progressing other key civil law reforms including amendments to the Defamation Act, reform of Criminal Legal aid are also objectives this year.
Building on the conclusion of the Consultation process in 2023, in relation to reform of the Coroner service, propose appropriate structures for the service to be enhanced into the future.
Furthermore, I am committed to ensuring that Ireland’s International Protection system is robust and rules based, and that our borders are protected.
The EU Asylum and Migration Pact will significantly reform the current approach to migration and asylum both in Ireland and across the EU by providing a robust legislative framework to address the challenges faced in this area.
The overall objective of the Pact is to create a fairer and firmer asylum and migration system and it will enable my Department to accelerate processing times and reduce undocumented arrivals by strengthening our borders.
The Pact recognises that the challenges presented by migration and asylum cannot be effectively addressed by any state acting alone in a globalised and interdependent world. As such, it will establish a more coherent approach across the EU to migration, asylum, integration and border management, fit for the 21st century.
Departmental Strategies
Questions (33)
David Stanton
Question:33. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice if she will report on the operation of the youth justice strategy; her plans for further developments in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17765/24]
View answerWritten answers
I want to thank Deputy Stanton for his question and acknowledge his leadership in developing the Strategy when he was Minister of State. I am glad to say that we have maintained the momentum and substantial progress has been achieved.
Every young person deserves the opportunity to improve their quality of life and our commitment to expanding Youth Justice services and increasing funding similarly reflects our commitment to these young people. This commitment is a central point of our Youth Justice Strategy, launched in 2021, which provides a developmental framework to address key challenges and emerging issues in the youth justice area. It is designed to provide a developmental framework to address previously identified challenges and new and emerging issues faced by children, young people and families in contact with the criminal justice system in Ireland.
As the Deputy will be aware, a top priority of the strategy is the expansion and deepening of the services offered to young people by the Youth Diversion Projects (YDPs), which are fully funded by my Department. These projects provide an invaluable support to complement the work of An Garda Síochána in addressing youth crime and protecting local communities.
YDPs are community based, multi-agency youth crime prevention initiatives which primarily seek to divert young people who have been, or are at risk of becoming, involved in anti-social and/or criminal behaviour. Youth Diversion Projects are run by community-based organisations and are a vital support to the statutory Garda Youth Diversion Programme.
In Budget 2024, the funding allocated to Youth Justice Services increased by 10% to €33 million. This will facilitate an increase in the availability of YDP services in the evenings and at the weekends when many young people need them the most, as well as an increase in supports for families, interventions for typically hard-to-reach young people and early interventions for 8-11 year olds who may be at increased risk of becoming engaged in criminal activity. Programmes run by individual YDPs are outcomes focused, taking account of the needs, issues and circumstances surrounding referred young people, including their offending behaviour as identified through the assessment process.
The current network of 99 YDPs is extensive but we will continue to develop it further to ensure every child who needs it is reached. Four new Youth Diversion Projects were launched last year to become operational later this year, with a further two additional projects planned for introduction later this year.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (34)
Bernard Durkan
Question:34. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which provision is being made whereby the throughput of gardaí from Templemore is being increased to meet current and expanding needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17775/24]
View answerWritten answers
This year I have provided a budget allocation of over €2.35 billion to An Garda Síochána. This is a 25% increase on 2020 and will allow for the sustained recruitment of Garda recruits in 2024.
Recruitment is now gathering real momentum and the number of recruits in the Garda training college continue to increase; a total of 746 trainees entered the training college in 2023. That was the highest intake in any year since 2018.
There are currently three classes in training in the Garda College, two having entered in 2023 and one earlier this month. These trainees are expected to attest in June, September and December. Based on the current numbers, indications are that between 600 and 700 new Gardaí will attest this year.
185 new recruits entered the College earlier this month, the first class of 2024, and represents the highest intake since the Covid pandemic forced the closure of the college. Three further intakes are planned for July, September and December of this year. Based on the number of applicants and the numbers targeted for the coming intakes, it is envisaged that attestations will increase to between 800 and 1,000 in 2025.
It is anticipated that the number of Garda members will begin to grow steadily throughout 2024.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (35)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:35. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice if she plans to establish a dedicated transport police; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17702/24]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is, by law, responsible for the management of An Garda Síochána, including the distribution of Garda resources and the establishment of any Garda units. As Minister I have no role in these matters, and I cannot direct the Commissioner in any specific aspect of Garda operations.
The safety and security of both public transport passengers and staff, including arrangements to deal with anti-social behaviour, are important matters that, first and foremost, must be managed by every public transport company, in conjunction with An Garda Síochána where appropriate.
The issue of transport police is a matter for the Garda Commissioner. The Commissioner has stated publicly he does not intend to create a dedicated transport police unit. It is important to note that An Garda Síochána are actively working to address issues on public transport, including through dedicated operations such as Operation Twin Tracks.
I am further advised by the Garda authorities that each Chief Superintendent in Dublin has put in place a dedicated policing plan to tackle anti-social behaviour on public transport. Gardaí are conducting both overt and covert patrols of various public transport networks to address incidences of anti-social behaviour or any other criminal offences.I am advised that a range of regional and local operations have been put in place by Gardaí to prevent and detect criminal activity on public transport.
For example, Operation Saul is implemented across the Dublin Region. The aim of Operation Saul is to provide a safe environment for commuters utilising all public transport services in the DMR together with reassuring the citizens, visitors and the business community in Dublin is a safe place in which to visit, socialise, conduct business and enjoy all its amenities. Operation Saul involves the effective management and planned delivery of all working resources in the DMR to ensure the delivery both an overt and covert policing response on board Bus, Luas, Dart and Train services to effectively tackle anti-social behaviour, public order and criminal activity, on a daily basis.Under Operation Saul, each Chief Superintendent within the DMR ensures continued collaboration with key transport stakeholders and providers along with Local Authorities to ensure an integrated approach at Key High Risk periods of the year identified in the DMR Roads Policing Plan.
Finally, I understand that there is ongoing communication between An Garda Síochána and the transport control centres, and access to good quality CCTV can provide assistance to Gardaí when investigating serious incidents. The new Garda Síochána DMR Control Centre based at the National Train Control Centre at Heuston Station in Dublin is a state-of-the art new premises, which will house the operations of call takers and dispatchers, is another step forward in modernising An Garda Síochána and strengthening links with public transport operators. This call and dispatch centre, located on a floor in the new National Train Control Centre in Heuston Station, is the nerve centre to Garda operations in the Dublin Metropolitan region and the personnel working there are the people at the frontline taking sometimes the most challenging and time-sensitive calls.
The Expert Forum on Anti-Social Behaviour, chaired by Minister of State Browne, also includes the Department of Transport and the forum has been briefed on their initiatives to combat anti-social behaviour on public transport with valuable input from representatives of the National Transport Authority and Dublin Bus. Last week, the Government agreed to a number of measures to tackle anti-social behaviour, including increased penalties for knife crime, and changes to ASBOs. This builds on other work underway including work to roll-out body worn cameras.
Family Law Cases
Questions (36)
Pauline Tully
Question:36. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Justice if she will consider reviewing the penalties that can be issued by a judge for non-compliance with a court order (details supplied) in family law cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17814/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy will be aware that Article 42A.4 of the Constitution requires that provision be made by law that in the resolution of all proceedings concerning the guardianship or custody of, or access to, any child, the best interests of the child shall be the paramount consideration.
Section 3 of the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964 provides that the best interests of the child shall be the paramount consideration for the court in any proceedings where guardianship, custody or upbringing of, or access to, a child is in question.
Section 11 of the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964 provides that either parent of a child, whether or not he or she is also a guardian of the child, may apply to court for a direction regarding the custody of a child or the right of access to the child.
There is provision in law to assist parents who need to return to court because the other parent has breached a court order in relation to custody of, or access to, a child.
Section 18A of the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964 provides that where a parent or guardian of a child has been granted custody of or access to the child under that Act, but he or she has been unreasonably denied such custody or access by another guardian or parent, that person may apply to court for an enforcement order.
The court shall make an enforcement order only where the court considers that custody or access was unreasonably denied, that an enforcement order would be in the best interests of the child, and that it is appropriate in the circumstances of the case to make an enforcement order. An enforcement order may provide for:
• granting the applicant additional time with the child to help rebuild or strengthen their relationship if it has been disrupted by the denial of custody or access;
• requiring the parent or guardian who denied access to reimburse the applicant for any necessary expenses he or she incurred in trying to exercise his or her right to custody or access;
• requiring either, or both, the applicant and the parent or guardian who denied custody or access to attend a parenting programme or avail of family counselling, or to receive information about the possibility of availing of mediation.
The court may not make an order granting additional time with the child unless the child has had the opportunity to make his or her views known and the court has taken them into account.
As regards criminal penalties, section 5 of the Courts (No. 2) Act 1986, as amended, provides that, without prejudice to the law as to contempt of court, any person having the actual custody of a child, who has been given or shown a copy of a custody or access order made by the District Court relating to that child and who fails or refuses to give up the child to the person who has been granted custody or to allow the person entitled to access to have such access, shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a Class B fine (not exceeding €2,500), or, at the discretion of the court, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or both.
In relation to orders under the Domestic Violence Act 2018, as the Deputy is aware I have made the welfare of victims of domestic violence a key focus during my time as Minister for Justice
Section 33 of the Domestic Violence Act 2018 provides for offences in relation to safety orders, barring orders, interim barring orders, emergency barring orders and protection orders. It is an offence for the person against whom the order was made to contravene the order, or to refuse to permit the person who applied for the order to enter in and remain in a place to which the order relates. The penalty for the offence is, on summary conviction, a class B fine (€4,000 maximum), imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, or both. These are summary offences and are dealt with at District Court level.
In fulfilment of an action in the Family Justice Strategy, the Review of the Enforcement of Child Maintenance Orders was published on 7 January 2024. The Review examined how the current enforcement process works, the challenges associated with it and areas which may require reform.
The review contains 26 recommendations on how the current system can be improved, and work is underway to implement those recommendations without delay. This includes the establishment of an interdepartmental committee to examine the development of a set of child maintenance guidelines. The work of this committee is underway.
Amongst other actions, the Review also recommends: the introduction of a single enforcement procedure, where the receiving parent makes an application and the judge can choose the most appropriate enforcement option based on the circumstances of the case; that paying parents should pay costs associated with enforcement proceedings; and the bench warrant process be reformed and simplified.
I can assure the Deputy that all of the legislation within the ambit of my Department is kept under review on an ongoing basis.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (37)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Question:37. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí currently detailed for community policing in Dundalk, Drogheda and Ardee stations, respectively, following the implementation of the new policing model in Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17703/24]
View answerWritten answers
Community policing is at the heart of An Garda Síochána, and all Gardaí have a role to play in community policing in the course of carrying out their duties. Community policing is also fundamental to the new Garda Operating Model which is currently being rolled out across the country, and is fully commenced in thirteen Garda divisions, including Louth/Cavan/Monaghan Division.
The new model will provide more frontline Gardaí and increased Garda visibility, and will deliver a wider range of policing services for people in their local area. It will divide service delivery within divisions into four functional areas, one of the most important areas being Community Engagement. This will allow for a greater, more consistent, focus on community policing in all divisions. The Garda authorities have advised me that a member of An Garda Síochána can be deemed to be a ‘Community Garda’ where that person is allocated to a Community Policing Team (CPT) and is responsible and accountable for applying a problem–solving approach to appropriate crime and policing quality-of-life issues in a specified geographic area through partnership and engagement. Examples of this engagement are working with Neighbourhood Watch, Community Alert, or local business fora.
Community Policing Teams strategically manage and lead the development, delivery and evaluation of the Garda Community Policing Framework. Like most Garda members, those assigned to CPTs have dual functions. In addition to their strategic roles in their Community Policing Teams, part of which requires them to regularly update their Community Engagement Superintendent on the policing needs of their community, they are also frontline members. It is also important to note that CPTs draw on all frontline Gardaí to carry out community policing.
I very much welcome the new interactive map launched recently on the Garda website which is designed to allow the public to identify the local CPT in their area. This map will continue to develop in line with the continued rollout of the new Garda Operating Model.
As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the distribution and stationing of Garda members throughout the State. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I am however assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review to ensure their optimal use.
I am advised that as of 31 March 2024, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 15 Community Gardaí assigned to the Louth Division. This represents an increase of over 36% since the end of December 2019, when there were 11 members assigned. As of the same date, there were 9 Community Gardaí assigned to Drogheda Garda Station and 6 assigned to Dundalk Garda Station.
For the Deputy's information, the number of Community Gardaí is published on my Department's website and can be accessed using the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/
Please be advised that this information is operational and may be subject to change.
Crime Prevention
Questions (38)
Brendan Griffin
Question:38. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice if she will consider a weapons amnesty to help take more guns and knives off the streets and generate greater awareness about knife crime in particular; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17718/24]
View answerWritten answers
There are many complex and interlinked reasons for the use of knives in the commission of offences. When some younger people feel unsafe or under threat there can be a temptation to carry knives. Incidents involving knives can tend to increase this trend and there are certainly no quick-fix solutions to tackling this type of behaviour which is long-standing over many generations.
Long term, evidence-based strategies and local interventions by trusted youth workers are most effective as part of a wider strategic response to the types of crime in which knives are a feature, including anti-social behaviour, street violence, youth offending and domestic violence.
The Knife Crime Programme was launched by the Probation Service in January 2024, after research and consultation with colleagues in the UK and Scotland. It’s a vital tool which Probation Officers and their partners across 15 Community Based Organisations can draw on when working with young people who carry knives or have been convicted of knife related offending. While the programme focuses on knives, and their dangers, it is broadly applicable to ‘offensive weapons’, whose use and impact often overlap with knives.
I established the Expert Forum on Anti-Social Behaviour, chaired by Minister of State James Browne in 2020 and this has examined a broad range of issues with a focus on developing measures which will counteract the negative impact of this behaviour on community morale and quality of life. The forum operates four sub-groups to consider specific issues, including one on knife crime and has made a number of recommendations based on the available evidence to inform criminal justice policy in this area. This work resulted in last week’s approval by the Government of my proposal to amend legislation to increase sentences for a number of knife-related crimes and to strengthen the use of Anti Social Behaviour Orders.
A weapons Amnesty was held in 2006 to afford people an opportunity to surrender illegally held weapons before the introduction of new sentences provided for in the Criminal Justice Act 2006. A number of firearms, knives and other weapons were surrendered to Garda stations.
It’s not clear what impact, if any, such amnesties have. More recent research has shown that the ease with which young people can gain access to knives and their ability to substitute a knife for another weapon suggests that knife amnesties will have a limited impact on violent behaviours using weapons.
As Minister, I have been and remain open to innovative solutions to tackle all types of crime. I understand that the consistent expert advice from An Garda Síochána is that an amnesty is not likely to yield significant benefits, especially in the context of tackling knife crime. As he will be aware, in many tragic instances, the weapon is an ordinary household/kitchen knife or a screwdriver and it could not be expected that this type of implement would be handed in during any amnesty, which would greatly limit its effectiveness. Similarly, the type of firearms handed in during a firearms amnesty are not the type of firearms generally used in violent gun attacks and consequently, an amnesty would have little effect on such activity.
I can assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána continue with a range of proactive measures to tackle this issue, including their ongoing assault reduction strategy, which is targeted at tackling all types of assaults, including the use of knives. This strategy is informed by a pro-arrest, early investigation, and proactive high-visibility approach.
Middle East
Questions (39)
Catherine Connolly
Question:39. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 35 of 22 February 2024, the number of people currently in Gaza who have permission to remain in Ireland, or who have a visa to live, study or work in Ireland; the steps being taken by her Department to assist them in exiting Gaza; the details of any engagement between her Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs in this regard since October 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17852/24]
View answerWritten answers
I am acutely aware of the grave humanitarian crisis in Gaza and my Department is working closely with colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs to ensure a coordinated national response to this volatile and evolving situation. This includes their work to evacuate Irish citizens and their families who may require visa assistance. My Department is in regular contact with the Embassy of Ireland in Israel regarding a number of visa applications, from residents of Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon. The Embassy are actively engaging with the applicants to gather the required documents to ensure that the Visa Division of this Department have everything needed to progress these applications. My Department have no information or statistics on the number of people currently in Gaza that may have permission to live in Ireland or a visa to travel to Ireland. Any person that is issued a visa to travel to the State to live, study or work may travel at any time between the dates of validity shown on the visa sticker. They do not have to inform my Department of their intended date of departure or destination. I understand from colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs that a small number of Irish citizens or immediate dependants of Irish citizens remain in Gaza. That Department continues to advocate with the authorities in relation to those who have not yet been able to leave, including the immediate dependants of Irish citizens.
Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence
Questions (40)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Question:40. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice to provide an update on the provision of refuge spaces to underserved areas under the zero tolerance strategy. [17546/24]
View answerWritten answers
A central element of delivering on the Zero Tolerance Strategy is the establishment of a statutory domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) agency, and I was delighted to establish Cuan at the beginning of the year. Cuan has a specific mandate to drive the implementation of the strategy across Government, bringing the expertise and focus required to tackle this complex social issue, including the provision of accommodation.
The Zero Tolerance 2024 implementation plan commits to producing a strategic plan for the development of safe accommodation for people experiencing domestic violence, covering staying safe at home, emergency accommodation and pathways out of emergency accommodation.
One of the key actions of Zero Tolerance is doubling the number of refuge spaces available during the lifetime of the Strategy, bringing the total to 280. The 2024 plan commits to exploring models for the delivery of domestic violence refuge accommodation and identifying opportunities to accelerate delivery to meet this target.
The 2024 Implementation Plan sets out the following deliverables on refuge spaces by the end of 2024:
• Active planning and engagement to be underway for the delivery of 150 additional family refuge units;
• Delivery of 8 new family refuge units;
• Ensure that 25 additional family refuge units are under construction; and
• Commence the publication of quarterly reports on progress towards doubling the number of refuge spaces over the lifetime of the Strategy, with an accessible tracking mechanism.
The 2024 Implementation Plan also commits to increasing the number of Safe Homes by a further 35% in 2024.
Safe Homes are another form of emergency domestic violence accommodation and form an important part of the overall accommodation response. Generally suited to those at low to medium risk of serious harm, they are usually provided as a separate unit of accommodation, for example a flat or a house, at a community or local level.
The Cuan Domestic Violence Accommodation Development staff are working to support these deliverables by:
• Actively engaging with Local Authorities across various refuge development locations, spread across the country;
• Identifying suitable and appropriate sites for domestic violence refuge development; and
• Engaging with key stakeholders to explore partnership options for domestic violence refuge development.
Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence
Questions (41)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Question:41. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice to provide an update on the provision of a women’s refuge in County Carlow. [17545/24]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, one of the key actions of the Third National Strategy is doubling the number of refuge spaces available during the lifetime of the Strategy to 280 refuge spaces.
Prior to the establishment of Cuan on 1 January 2024, a Steering Committee for Inter-Departmental Group proposals was established to manage and oversee progress on the delivery of additional refuge units. This Committee was chaired by the Department of Justice, with representation from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Tusla and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Inclusion and Youth. This Committee has worked with domestic violence support groups in the priority locations to support their advancement of new refuge developments with funding support from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
This Committee is now chaired by Cuan. Through this Committee, Cuan and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage will continue to assist the development of local structures operating in the priority areas identified in the Third National Strategy and will support their advancement of the new refuges, with capital funding support continuing via the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Cuan also has a dedicated team in place to support the development of domestic violence refuges. This team has been engaging with the local service provider in the areas mentioned and has supported the relevant organisations in terms of capacity and governance.
Cuan has very active engagement with Carlow County Council, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the Housing Agency. I am pleased to say that Cuan has identified a domestic violence service provider to progress plans for the development of a refuge in County Carlow. A refuge containing 8 family units of accommodation is planned for the county. Additional supports have been allocated to the service provider to further build their capacity to undertake the operation of a refuge facility, inclusive of ancillary services.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (42)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:42. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice the number of times she has met with the Garda Commissioner since she took office. [17651/24]
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As the Deputy will appreciate, in addition to personal meetings, I am in very regular contact with the Commissioner in relation to policing and security matters.
I can inform the Deputy that I have met the Commissioner on a large number of occasions since I was appointed Minister for Justice. I meet him formally on a quarterly basis and I also meet him to discuss matters as the need arises or on specific issues. In addition, given the nature of our respective roles, I meet the Commissioner at events, ceremonies, etc., throughout the year, such as when new members of An Garda Síochána are attested in Templemore.
Immigration Policy
Questions (43)
David Stanton
Question:43. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 11 and 26 of 22 February 2024, her Department's progress with regard to granting spouses or partners of those working in Ireland under intra-company transfer employment permits the necessary permission to gain access to the labour market; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17711/24]
View answerWritten answers
My Department recognises the immense contribution migrants are making to Ireland.
The current arrangements governing family reunification applications for non-EEA family members are set out in this document: www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Policy-document-on-Non-EEA-family-reunification.pdf
These arrangements reflect the long standing requirement that work permit holders seeking to be joined by their families should be in secure and sustained employment and in a position to support their family members without recourse to public funds.
However, the policy is currently under review and my Department is continuing to engage with key internal and external stakeholders on the complex issues involved. As part of this review, we are very conscious of the important role that migrant workers make to our economy and broader society. We are also very much aware of the need to enhance Ireland’s attractiveness as a destination for skilled and migrant workers, ensuring the long term sustainability of our economy and addressing our future demographic challenges, while at the same time providing opportunities for migrant families who contribute so much to our society.
In particular we are prioritising consideration of the issue of whether spouses and partners of Intra-Company Transferees should have the right to work in Ireland and we expect to conclude that part of the review shortly.
Questions Nos. 44 to 46, inclusive, answered orally.
National Development Plan
Questions (47)
Verona Murphy
Question:47. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to report on the national development plan priorities for enhanced regional accessibility in the south east; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16344/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Government has committed €165 billion funding for capital investment, as set out in the NDP 2021-30 published in October 2021. This expenditure was considered and agreed in order to support those sectors that would be key in delivering the ten National Strategic Outcomes (NSOs) identified in the National Planning Framework (NPF).
The NDP contains expenditure commitments for a range of strategic investment priorities which will contribute towards the achievement of these NSOs, including NSO 2 which relates to Enhanced Regional Accessibility.
This strategic outcome seeks to enhance intra-regional accessibility through improved transport links between key urban centres of population and their respective regions, as well as improving transport links between the regions. As Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform I am responsible for setting the overall capital allocations across Departments and for monitoring monthly expenditure at Departmental level. The responsibility for the management and delivery of individual investment projects, within the allocations agreed under the NDP, rests with the individual sponsoring Department in each case.
The Government is investing in active travel, bus, rail and road projects across the country, including in the South-East to deliver on NSO 2. Better transport links delivered in this region under the NDP include the N25 New Ross Bypass and the M11 Gorey to Enniscorthy motorway.
The Government is committed to detailing progress on the delivery of the NDP at regular intervals into the future to allow for full transparency of the implementation of Project Ireland 2040. This is achieved through regular updates of the Project Ireland 2040 capital investment tracker and MyProjectIreland interactive map viewer which list projects and programmes on a regional and county level. In addition, Annual and Regional Reports, including for the Southern Region, on the implementation of Project Ireland 2040 have been published for 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022. The Project Ireland 2040 Annual and Regional Reports, capital investment tracker and myProjectIreland interactive map are all available on gov.ie/2040.
Questions Nos. 48 to 50, inclusive, answered orally.