Alan Kelly
Question:918. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice the amount spent on purchasing new mountain bikes for An Garda Síochána in 2024. [46294/24]
View answerAn Garda Síochána
Questions (918)
Written answers
As you will be aware the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes the purchasing and distribution of Garda resources.
The Government is committed to ensuring An Garda Síochána have the resources they need which is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of over €2.48 billion in Budget 2025. This funding is allowing for sustained investment in recruitment, technology and equipment.
I am informed by Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána have spent €307,500 (inclusive of VAT) on 200 mountain bikes in 2024.
I am further advised that the purchase and allocation of bicycles by An Garda Síochána is made on the basis of identified operational demands and the availability of resources and is reviewed on a continual basis.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (919)
Paul Donnelly
Question:919. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice the locations within Dublin Metropolitan Region where Gardaí participate in the business watch scheme; the rank of Gardaí that participate in these meetings, by location; and the frequency of those meetings, by location, in tabular form. [46306/24]
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, this includes all Garda HR matters and the distribution of Garda members throughout the State. As Minister I have no role in these matters
To be of assistance, I have sought an update on this matter from An Garda Síochána. I am informed that the Business Watch Scheme is a Crime Prevention Programme designed by An Garda Síochána. It is founded on the practice of both the Gardaí and local businesses coming together to prevent and reduce crime.
Business Watch provides a framework within which the business community can join together and be instrumental in preventing crime in their own community through awareness and observation.
While the key participants in Business Watch are the members themselves, An Garda Síochána play an important role in providing specialist Crime Prevention advice and through active liaison with the Business Watch Committee to address crime and related issues as they arise.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the attached spreadsheet sets out the details of the Business Watch Schemes across the Dublin Metropolitan Region.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (920)
Paul Donnelly
Question:920. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 524 of 18 September 2024, if she has received the necessary information from Garda Authorities in order for this PQ to be answered. [46307/24]
View answerWritten answers
I understand that Parliamentary Question No 524 of 18 September 2024 sought information on 'when the Garda manual was last updated with regard to the pursuit of riders on e-scooters, motorcycles and e-bikes travelling at high speed on public roads, public open area fields, public parks, etc., who are at high risk of endangering other road users.'
As the Deputy will appreciate, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business. This includes the training of Garda personnel and setting of operational policing, enforcement and investigative policies for the service. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that Assistant Commissioner, Roads Policing & Community Engagement has issued an updated ‘Spontaneous Pursuits Policy’ recently, to provide direction to Gardaí who engage in the use of pursuit tactics and pursuit management, in order to reduce the risk associated with pursuits and stopping of subject vehicles. The pursuit policy aims to promote accurate recording of information, intelligence, decisions and rationale by Gardaí involved in overt managed pursuits and the stopping of subject vehicles; and to ensure Garda members consider the human rights of all when engaging in managed pursuits.
Under the policy, the first priority should be to prevent a pursuit from taking place. Any decision to engage in a pursuit must be done in the interests of public safety, to protect life, to prevent crime and to apprehend offenders, in line with the statutory obligations of An Garda Síochána as set out in the Garda Síochána Act 2005.
The Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 provides additional powers to An Garda Síochána to stop and seize vehicles, including e-scooters and motorcycles, being driven dangerously. The recent amendments made to section 53 (Dangerous Driving) and the insertion of the new powers under section 109A of the Road Traffic Act 1961 have increased the capabilities of An Garda Síochána in tacking such behaviour and ensured there is an effective legislative framework for addressing the dangerous use of these vehicles on our roads.
Additionally I am advised that the use of mechanically propelled vehicles, including e-scooters, in a public place is subject to all road traffic legislation. The use of scramblers, mopeds and quads in public parks and open spaces is governed by Local Authorities under Parks & Open Spaces Bye-Laws 2011 or similar legislation in use in other Local Authority areas.
Any mechanically propelled vehicle being driven in a public place can be seized under Section 41 of the Road Traffic Act in the absence of the appropriate, driving licence, Insurance or Certificate of Road Worthiness.
An Garda Síochána continue to educate all road users in their attitudes and behaviour and, when necessary, detecting and intercepting dangerous drivers and those who refuse to comply with road traffic laws.
The Deputy will be aware that there are serious challenges from an enforcement perspective when attempting to apprehend persons engaging in this dangerous and anti-social behaviour.
Interception poses significant risks, not only to the drivers and passengers of these vehicles, but also to members of the public and local Gardaí in affected communities.
Gardaí are required to carry out a risk assessment as to how they should respond to each individual case presented before them. They must operate within the law and be mindful of the dangers to themselves, members of the public present, the rider and the issues involved with a pursuit of this type, which could have serious or even fatal consequences.
It is important to note that Gardaí have other enforcement options open to them, including investigative expertise to locate and question suspected persons after the fact which would pose less of a risk to public safety.
Visa Applications
Questions (921)
Pa Daly
Question:921. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice if a visa application (details supplied) will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46313/24]
View answerWritten answers
I am happy to inform the Deputy that following full consideration by a Visa Officer the visa refer to was issued on 11 December 2024.
Entry into the State is solely at the discretion of the Immigration Officer at the port of entry. The onus is on the individuals to have all documentation relating to their reasons for entering Ireland for presentation to the Immigration Officer to gain entry. The Immigration Officer may grant leave to enter to a maximum period of three months. They may, depending on the documentation presented refuse entry to the state or grant a lesser period than three months.
Any non-EU/EEA nationals who wish to remain for longer than 90 days must register with their local immigration office and apply for further permission to remain before their initial permission to remain expires. Full details of the Registration process can be found at the link below:
www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/how-to-register-your-immigration-permission-for-the-first-time/requirements-and-documents-needed/
Additionally, my Department has now introduced a Digital Contact Centre (DCC) which allows individuals to log in and review the status of their immigration applications.
In its first phase, the DCC can be used to check the status of and raise queries in relation to Citizenship Applications, Visa Applications, Domestic Residence Permission Applications, EU Treaty Rights Applications and Travel Documents Applications.
The DCC’s new platform can be accessed at the following link: portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/ .
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
Citizenship Applications
Questions (922)
Pa Daly
Question:922. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice if she plans to change the fees charged for citizenship through naturalisation. [46314/24]
View answerWritten answers
The fees to be paid by an applicant for a certificate of naturalisation are governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 569 of 2011).
There is an application fee of €175 and a certification fee of €950 is then required following a positive decision being reached on the naturalisation application.
The standard certification fee is set at €950, while a reduced fee of €200 applies in the case of an application made on behalf of a minor or in certain cases where the application is made by a widow, widower or surviving civil partner of an Irish citizen. In the case of recognised refugees and stateless persons, there is no certification fee.
The State has not increased the fees for naturalisation applications since 2011.
All of the fees payable under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, are kept under ongoing review by my Department. However, there are no current plans to amend the fees.
Citizenship Applications
Questions (923)
Cathal Crowe
Question:923. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Justice when an applicant for Irish citizenship (details supplied) can expect to receive a determination on their case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46327/24]
View answerWritten answers
The naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy has been received by the Citizenship division of my Department, but has not yet been registered.
Citizenship Division are currently registering applications from August 2024. Once registered, a Personal ID and Citizenship application reference number will formally issue.
When the applicant submitted the online application for Naturalisation an auto-receipt will have been emailed.
Applications are strictly being registered and will be processed in chronological order. Unfortunately, applications cannot be expedited due to the intended purpose of naturalisation such as travel, or to join family members.
Once the application for the person referred to by the Deputy has been registered, they can now directly check the status of their immigration application on the Immigration Service’s new Digital Contact Centre (DCC). They can register for, or log in to their existing account, at: portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/.
As an Oireachtas member, you can also request the status of individual immigration cases by e-mail, using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (924)
Jim O'Callaghan
Question:924. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 790 of 5 November 2024, if she has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities in order to have this PQ answered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46347/24]
View answerWritten answers
Parliamentary Question No.790 of 5 November 2024 refers to the number of Gardaí, by rank, attached to each Divisional Crime Scenes Unit as of 29 October 2024, in tabular form.
As the Deputy will appreciate, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 as amended, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business. Further, the allocation of Garda resources is made in light of identified operational demands. This includes deployment of personnel among the various Garda Divisions. As Minister for Justice, I have no role in these matters.
I am assured, however, that Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of policing priorities and crime trends, to ensure their optimum use. I understand that it is a matter for the Divisional Chief Superintendent to determine the optimum distribution of duties among the personnel available to him or her, having regard to the profile of each area within the Division and its specific needs.
I am advised that there were 155 Garda members assigned to the Divisional Crime Scenes Unit on the 31 December 2024, the latest date for when figures are available. The table below, which has been provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out these Garda members by rank in each Garda Region.
I am advised that the Garda authorities will not report on numbers that are less than 10 for operational reasons.
|
Divisional Crime Scenes Unit by Region |
|
||
|
Region |
Sergeant |
Garda |
Total |
|
DMR Total |
<10 |
42 |
46 |
|
Eastern |
<10 |
36 |
39 |
|
North Western |
<10 |
29 |
36 |
|
South |
<10 |
30 |
34 |
|
Total |
18 |
137 |
155 |
Please be advised that this information is operational and may be subject to change.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (925)
Jim O'Callaghan
Question:925. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of Gardaí, by rank attached to a unit (details supplied) as of 4 December 2024; if she will provide same figures as of 31 December 2023, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46348/24]
View answerWritten answers
Community policing is at the heart of An Garda Síochána, and I very much support the approach that every Garda has a role to play in community policing.
I can inform the Deputy that on 31 October 2024, the latest date for when published figures are available, there were 684 Community Gardaí nationwide.
I am advised that at the end of October there were 66 Community Gardaí assigned to the DMR North Division, an increase of 1.5% since the end of December 2023.
The table below, which was provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of Community Gardaí by rank assigned to Coolock Garda station at the end of December 2023, and on 31 October 2024, the latest date for which figures are available.
|
Community Garda - Coolock Garda Station |
Garda |
Sergeant |
Total |
|
31 December 2023 |
8 |
1 |
9 |
|
31 October 2024 |
7 |
1 |
8 |
Please be advised that these figures are operational and may be subject to change.
The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Units and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.
In the interest of transparency, information in relation to the allocation of Community Gardaí by Division is publicly available and can be found at the following link. I can also advise the Deputy that I have received the most recent figures for October from An Garda Síochána which have been published on the website.
www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/
As the Deputy may be aware, a member of An Garda Síochána is 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 community partnership and engagement. Examples of this engagement are working with Neighbourhood Watch, Community Alert, or local business fora.
Like most Garda members, those assigned to CPTs have dual functions. In addition to their strategic roles in these 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.
Of course, Gardaí are not solely responsible for safety in our communities and this is what the new whole-of-Government Community Safety structure aims to address by bringing the relevant service providers and the Gardaí together to work with each community in a collaborative manner to focus on tackling the concerns identified and prioritised by the local community itself. The roll-out of Local Community Safety Partnerships across the country will be a core part of that.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (926)
Jim O'Callaghan
Question:926. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 797 of 5 November 2024, if she has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities in order to have this PQ answered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46349/24]
View answerWritten answers
I understand that Parliamentary Question No. 797 of 5 November 2024 refers to "the number of Public Order Instructor courses held for Gardaí within the DMR region in the years of 2023 and to date in 2024; and the number of these courses that are scheduled to be held between now and year-end."
As the Deputy will appreciate, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business. This includes the deployment of Garda resources and training of Garda personnel. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
The table below, which was provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of Public Order Instructor courses held for Garda members within the DMR in 2023 and 2024, and the number of Garda members who trained as Public Order Instructors in those years.
I am advised that data is not released by An Garda Síochána for counts of fewer than 10 for data protection and security reasons.
|
Year |
Number of Public Order Instructor Courses held |
Number of trained Public Order Instructors |
|
2023 |
<10 |
<10 |
|
2024* |
<10 |
17 |
*I am advised that the figure provided for 2024 reflects Garda National Public Order Unit Instructor training for Stadium Tactics.
All information is operational and may be subject to change.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (927)
Jim O'Callaghan
Question:927. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 792 of 5 November 202, if she has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities in order to have this PQ answered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46352/24]
View answerWritten answers
I refer to parliamentary question 792 of 5 November 2024 where the Deputy asked for the number of new Garda cars and vans attached to each Garda district within DMR to date in 2024 in tabular form.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including the Garda fleet. This includes the allocation of Garda vehicles to a given Division or Station. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.
The below table, provided to me by the Garda authorities provides the number of Cars and vans allocated to the DMR by District in 2024 as at 31 October, the latest date for which figures are available.
I am further advised that the purchase and allocation of vehicles by An Garda Síochána is made on the basis of identified operational demands, the availability of resources and is reviewed on a continual basis.
|
|
|
Cars |
Vans |
|
DMR REGION |
Total |
32 |
16 |
|
DMR EAST |
Total |
1 |
1 |
|
|
DUNLAOGHAIRE |
1 |
1 |
|
DMR NORTH |
Total |
1 |
3 |
|
|
BALBRIGGAN |
1 |
1 |
|
|
BALLYMUN |
0 |
1 |
|
|
RAHENY |
0 |
1 |
|
DMR NORTH CENTRAL |
Total |
2 |
1 |
|
|
FITZGIBBON STREET |
2 |
1 |
|
|
STORE STREET |
0 |
0 |
|
DMR REGIONAL OFFICE |
Total |
9 |
2 |
|
|
A/COMM-OFFICE |
9 |
2 |
|
DMR SOUTH |
Total |
2 |
4 |
|
|
CRUMLIN |
1 |
0 |
|
|
TALLAGHT |
1 |
2 |
|
|
TERENURE |
0 |
2 |
|
DMR SOUTH CENTRAL |
Total |
13 |
1 |
|
|
DONNYBROOK |
6 |
0 |
|
|
KEVIN STREET |
7 |
1 |
|
DMR TRAFFIC |
Total |
1 |
1 |
|
|
DMR TRAFFIC-DUBLIN CASTLE |
1 |
1 |
|
DMR WEST |
Total |
3 |
3 |
|
|
BLANCHARDSTOWN |
2 |
3 |
|
|
CLONDALKIN |
1 |
0 |
An Garda Síochána
Questions (928)
Jim O'Callaghan
Question:928. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda public order unit vans currently in the fleet as of 6 December 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46353/24]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes the distribution of resources, including the Garda fleet, across the various Garda Units and Divisions. As Minister, I have no direct role in this matter.
The Government is committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the resources it needs to fight crime, and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda organisation is central to this policy. This is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of over €2.48 billion in Budget 2025, a 27% increase since 2020. This funding is allowing for sustained investment in recruitment, equipment, technology and vehicles.
I am advised that, at the end of December 2024, there were 3,589 vehicles attached to the Garda fleet, an increase of 15% since the end of 2020. The fleet includes 2,653 cars, 625 vans, 160 motorcycles, 97 4x4 and 54 others (refers to MPV, SUV, Minibus or Prisoner Conveyance Vehicles).
To be of assistance, I sought the information requested by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána and have been advised that there were 30 Garda Public Order Unit vans as of 31 December 2024.
The responsibility for the efficient deployment of all official Garda vehicles in each Division is assigned to the Divisional Officer, who may allocate vehicles between Stations as required by operational circumstances.
I am advised that the purchase and allocation of vehicles by An Garda Síochána is made on the basis of identified operational demands, the availability of resources and is reviewed on a continual basis.
Road Traffic Offences
Questions (929)
Emer Currie
Question:929. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Justice the number of fixed charge notices that have been issued to people using e-scooters inappropriately since the new laws on personal powered transporters were introduced in May 2024. [46363/24]
View answerWritten answers
Road traffic legislation is enforced as part of the day-to-day duties of members of An Garda Síochána, as well as through a programme of high-visibility road safety and enforcement operations carried out in partnership with other state agencies, in order to make our roads safer for all.
As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the enforcement of road traffic legislation. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I have been advised by the Garda authorities that since the introduction of new legislation on 20 May 2024, there have been 138 Fixed Charge Notices issued for E-scooter related offences. These figures are based on incidents which occurred from 20 May to 12 December 2024, inclusive. This information is based upon operational data from the FCPS system as was available on 13 December 2024 and is liable to change.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (930)
Sorca Clarke
Question:930. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice the breakdown of the age profile of the Garda vehicle fleet in the Westmeath division. [46375/24]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes the distribution of resources, including the Garda fleet, across the various Garda Divisions. As Minister, I have no direct role in this matter.
The Government is committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the resources needed to keep people safe. This is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of over €2.48 billion in Budget 2025. This is allowing for sustained investment in recruitment, equipment, technology, and vehicles.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, at the end of December 2024, there were 3,589 vehicles attached to the Garda fleet, the highest total of vehicles ever in use by An Garda Síochána. This represents an increase of over 15% since the end of December 2020.
As the Deputy is aware the Divisions of Meath and Westmeath have merged as part of the new Operating Model. I am advised that on 31 December 2024 there were 149 vehicles attached to the Meath/Westmeath Division, which includes: 118 cars, 23 vans, 4 motorcycles, 3 4x4, and 1 other. The category 'other' refers to MPV, SUV, Minibus or Prisoner Conveyance Vehicles.
The table below, which was provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of vehicles attached to the Meath/Westmeath Division by age at the end of December 2024.
|
Age |
Number of Vehicles |
Percentage |
|
<1 year |
18 |
12.10% |
|
1-2 years |
11 |
7.40% |
|
2-4 years |
27 |
18.10% |
|
4-6 years |
30 |
20.10% |
|
6 + years |
63 |
42.30% |
|
Total |
149 |
100.00% |
The Deputy may also wish to be aware that An Garda Síochána publish information on Garda fleet, including a Divisional/District monthly breakdown, on their website at:
www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/finance-services/finance-fleet-management.html
An Garda Síochána
Questions (931)
Alan Kelly
Question:931. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice the number of Gardaí within the Tipperary division that are trained and qualified in the use of drones and in legislation dealing with drones being used within public order spaces. [46382/24]
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. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of Gardaí within Tipperary Division that are currently trained in the usage of drones, and in legislation dealing with drones being used within public order spaces, is less than 10. I am further advised that national support is drawn upon in such events.
I am informed data is not released by An Garda Síochána for counts less than 10, for data protection and security reasons.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (932)
Alan Kelly
Question:932. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice the number of marked and unmarked jeeps added to the Garda fleet in 2023 and to date in 2024; and the number of marked and unmarked jeeps withdrawn from the fleet during same period, in tabular form. [46383/24]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes management of the Garda fleet including the purchasing and allocation of Garda vehicles. I am advised that this is done on the basis of identified operational demands, the availability of resources and is reviewed on a continual basis.
The Government is committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the resources needed to keep people safe. This is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of over €2.48 billion in Budget 2025. This is allowing for sustained investment in recruitment, equipment, technology, and vehicles.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, at the end of December 2024, there were 3,589 vehicles attached to the Garda fleet, which includes: 2,653 cars, 625 vans, 160 motorcycles, 97 4x4 and 54 others. (The category 'others' refers to MPV, SUV, Minibus or Prisoner Conveyance Vehicles). This represents an increase of over 15% since the end of December 2020 and the highest total of vehicles ever in use by An Garda Síochána.
The table below, which has been provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of 4x4 vehicles allocated to and removed from the Garda fleet in 2023.
|
4x4 Vehicles 2023 |
Marked |
Unmarked |
Total |
|
Allocated |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
Removed |
0 |
1 |
1 |
The table below sets out the number of 4x4 vehicles allocated to and removed from the Garda fleet in 2024.
|
4x4 Vehicles 2024 |
Marked |
Unmarked |
Total |
|
Allocated |
0 |
2 |
2 |
|
Removed |
4 |
2 |
6 |
The Deputy may also wish to be aware that An Garda Síochána publish information on Garda fleet, including a Divisional/District monthly breakdown, on their website at:
www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/finance-services/finance-fleet-management.html
An Garda Síochána
Questions (933)
Alan Kelly
Question:933. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice the number of residential properties and vehicles seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau where a power of sale exists, in tabular form. [46384/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) is a multi-agency statutory body established under the Criminal Assets Bureau Act 1996. The Bureau’s remit is to target a person's assets, wherever situated, which derive, or are suspected to derive, directly or indirectly, from criminal conduct. Since its inception, the Bureau has been at the forefront of fighting organised crime in this jurisdiction and disrupting the activities of criminal gangs by depriving them of ill-gotten assets.
The Bureau has staff drawn from An Garda Síochána, the Office of the Revenue Commissioners (including Customs), the Department of Social Protection and my Department.
I am advised that all monies seized by CAB are remitted to the Central Fund of the Exchequer after the appropriate statutory time frame under the Proceeds of Crime Acts (currently seven years must elapse from date of seizure to remittance to the Exchequer). Therefore, assets (including property) seized in a given year are not remitted to the Exchequer in that year.
I am given to understand that the Deputy is seeking the number of residential properties and the number of vehicles that CAB have seized where a power of sale exists, for the year 2024. As outlined above, property seized by the Bureau may only be sold once a disposal is authorised by a Court order under the Proceeds of Crime Acts and a 'power of sale' is granted to the Bureau.
I have been advised by the Bureau that the below table outlines the figures for 2024 requested by the Deputy.
|
Number of Vehicles seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau with a power of sale in 2024 |
19 |
|
Number of Residential Properties seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau with a power of sale in 2024 |
14 |
Policing Authority
Questions (934)
Paul Donnelly
Question:934. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice when she expects to publish the Policing Authority report on Garda public order policing arising from the serious public order in Dublin in November 2023. [46396/24]
View answerWritten answers
Following the serious public order incident in Dublin City Centre in November 2023, An Garda Síochána conducted an operational debrief to identify any lessons to be learned and to inform the development of future policing operations and responses. Additionally, I requested the Policing Authority to conduct a review and advise me on what else might enhance policing performance and support Gardaí in the exercise of their lawful powers in cases of serious public order incidents.
The Policing Authority conducted its review focusing on coordination, governance and clarity of decision making in relation to public order policing.
Arrangements are being made to bring the report to Cabinet prior to publication.
The Commissioner has also discussed the report with the Policing Authority.
For the Deputy’s information the Garda National Public Order Unit (GNPOU) has been issued with additional equipment in recent months, including:
• Mark 9 Incapacitant Spray Canisters and holsters which has been rolled out to GNPOU members since the serious public order disturbances in Dublin City in November 2023;
• Round public order/riot shields have been bought, delivered, and issued to the GNPOU;
• GNPOU are now being issued with ASP Trifold handcuffs which will allow for quicker application of restraints to arrested persons in the various challenging environments where Garda members are deployed.
• Work is also underway to procure two water cannons
An Garda Síochána
Questions (935)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:935. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda cars and motorcycles attached to Meath roads policing unit as of 6 December 2024. [46407/24]
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As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes the distribution of resources, including the Garda fleet, across the various Garda Divisions. As Minister, I have no direct role in this matter.
The Government is committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the resources needed to keep people safe. This is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of over €2.48 billion in Budget 2025. This is allowing for sustained investment in recruitment, equipment, technology, and vehicles.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, at the end of December 2024, there were 3,589 vehicles attached to the Garda fleet, the highest total of vehicles ever in use by An Garda Síochána. This represents an increase of over 15% since the end of December 2020.
As the Deputy is aware the Divisions of Meath and Westmeath have merged as part of the new Operating Model. I am advised that on 31 December 2024 there were 149 vehicles attached to the Meath/Westmeath Division, which includes: 118 cars, 23 vans, 4 motorcycles, 3 4x4, and 1 other. The category 'other' refers to MPV, SUV, Minibus or Prisoner Conveyance Vehicles.
The table below, which was provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of vehicles attached to the Roads Policing Unit in the Meath/Westmeath Division on 6 December 2024.
|
Cars |
Motorbikes |
4x4 |
Total |
|
10 |
4 |
3 |
17 |
The Deputy may also wish to be aware that An Garda Síochána publish information on Garda fleet, including a Divisional/District monthly breakdown, on their website at:
www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/finance-services/finance-fleet-management.html.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (936)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:936. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 807 of 5 November 2024, if the necessary information has been supplied to her Department by the Garda Authorities for this PQ to be answered. [46408/24]
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Combatting all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence remains a priority for this Government, for my Department and for the Garda Commissioner.
'Zero Tolerance,' the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV), 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.
The Strategy, which was co-designed with the sector, also has a significant focus on improving the system for victims of these terrible crimes and on ensuring there is a full range of supports and services available nationwide to support and empower victims and survivors.
The nationwide roll out of Divisional Protective Service Units (DPSUs) - which ensure that when vulnerable victims of crimes such as domestic abuse and sexual violence present to Gardaí, they are met with a consistently high standard of specialist, sensitive, professional and expert assistance - was an action under both the 'Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland' and ‘Supporting a Victim's Journey’ and there is now a DPSU in every Garda division across the country.
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that when consideration is given to the allocation of resources, account is taken of commitments and undertakings outlined in the Annual Policing Plan and priorities as determined in delivering ‘A Policing Service for The Future’.
To ensure the continued level of delivery of policing services within Garda Divisions, local and Senior Garda Management are also consulted during the allocation of personnel and are responsible for the specific deployment/assignment of duties being undertaken at Divisional level.
The situation remains closely monitored by the Garda Senior Leadership Team, particularly in view of commitments to the continued roll-out of the Operating Model of policing at Divisional level to ensure optimum use of all Garda Resources in providing the best possible Garda service to the community.
I am advised that the Garda authorities that there are less than 10 Detective Gardaí attached to the Meath Divisional Protective Service Bureau. I am further advised that the Garda authorities will not report on numbers that are less than 10 for operational reasons.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (937)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:937. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice the number of Gardaí, by rank, attached to each of the four satellite garda national cyber- crime bureau hubs as of 6 December 2024, in tabular form. [46409/24]
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 the allocation of Garda members and Garda Staff. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I sought the information requested by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána and as there is less than 10 members allocated across the four Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau Satellite Hubs, I am informed by the Garda authorities that data is not released by An Garda Síochána for counts less than 10, for data protection and security reasons.
To be of assistance to the Deputy I sought the total number of Garda members allocated across the four GNCCB Satellite Hubs (located in Cork, Mullingar, Galway and Wexford) at the end of 2024 and can confirm there is a total of 29.