Written Answers Nos. 317-330
317. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which deficiencies in the technology available to An Garda Síochána have been identified; and the expectation in regard to dealing with any such issues at an early date. [44386/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra318. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which the facilities, technology and motorised transport available to An Garda Síochána is in keeping with best international practice; her intention to address any such deficiencies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44387/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra321. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which adequate resources remain available, including forensics, to An Garda Síochána to combat criminal gang activity with particular reference to drug gangs and associated gun crime; the extent to which intelligence remains available to the Garda in such circumstances; and if any augmentation is required. [44390/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 317, 318 and 321 together.
Under the Garda Síochána Act, 2005 the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of available Garda resources. This includes personnel, Garda vehicles and the various technologies utilised to support frontline Gardaí and intelligence led operations against organised crime. This process takes account of annual policing priorities determined by me as Minister for Justice in consultation with the Commissioner as provided for under Section 20 of the Garda Síochána Act, 2005.
The Deputy refers to deficiencies in technology and will be aware that I have clearly signalled in recent days my intention to support the Garda Síochána in their efforts to address such deficits which were identified in the recent Garda Inspectorate report on crime investigation. However, the Deputy will appreciate that the issues raised in the report are widespread, varied and far-reaching and, when taken together with the review of the Garda Síochána under the Haddington Road agreement, will demand significant structural reform within the Garda Síochána. The need for additional resources across a number of areas will be examined within that context. Furthermore, I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda Commissioner has commenced an in-depth examination of all recommendations of the Garda Inspectorate Report with a view to determining what can be implemented in the short, medium and long term. I also look forward to the significant contribution to this process of reform that will be made by the new policing authority which is to be established shortly.
Finally, notwithstanding the deficits identified in the Inspectorate's report, there have been recent positive developments with regard to the resources available to An Garda Síochána. An intake of 100 new recruits, including 25 reserve Gardaí, commenced training in September and the process of recruiting 200 additional Gardaí will continue over coming months. An additional investment of €10 million has been secured for the Garda Fleet and the forensic capacity of An Garda Síochána will soon be enhanced by a new national DNA database, which is expected to become operational very shortly.
319. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality in the context of crime investigation, with particular reference to the more serious crime including murder, the degree to which An Garda Síochána has the necessary resources and operational procedures in place to ensure preservation of crime scenes and pathological examination within the first ten hours deemed internationally to be the crucial period in the investigation of homicide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44388/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issues raised by the Deputy relate to detailed operational procedures concerning the investigation of serious crime and I have asked the Garda authorities to provide a report on these matters.
The Deputy will be aware that the issues in question are also referred to in the report of the Garda Síochána Inspectorate on Crime Investigation. As I have stated in response to other questions today the Inspectorate's analysis provides a foundation for the future development of a 21st century policing service in Ireland, and arrangements are underway to take forward its recommendations.
322. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality in the context of rehabilitative training and education, if provision is in place to grade applicants for such training in order to ensure the maximum benefit to the prisoner with the objective of encouraging the pursuit of a life outside crime; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44391/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware from my replies to previous Parliamentary Questions that the Irish Prison Service provides a wide range of rehabilitative programmes that include education, vocational training, healthcare, psychiatric, psychological, counselling, welfare and spiritual services. These programmes are available in all prisons and all prisoners are eligible to use the services. On committal, all prisoners are interviewed by the Governor and are informed of the services available in the prison. At this point prisoners may be referred to services or they can self refer at a later date. Where Governors consider, on the information available, that a prisoner needs a particular intervention they will initiate a referral.
The Irish Prison Service has also been expanding the number of accredited courses and opportunities available to prisoners in Work Training in recent years. Enhanced partnership arrangements with accrediting bodies such as City and Guilds, the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), and the Guild of Launders and Cleaners and the centralising of coordination and quality assurance arrangements have enabled us to extend the number of available courses and activities with certification.
The development of prisoner programmes forms a central part of the Irish Prison Service Three Year Strategic Plan 2012 - 2015. It is hoped that participation in these programmes will encourage prisoners to pursue a life outside crime. There is a clear commitment in the Strategy to enhance sentence planning including Integrated Sentence Management and the delivery of prison based rehabilitative programmes such as education, work training and resettlement programmes.
International research indicates that vocational training and employment can reduce the risk of re-offending. However, there is no comparable research currently available on the Irish System.
323. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which she remains satisfied regarding the quality and standard of accommodation available to refugees and asylum seekers through the direct provision system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44392/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department is responsible for the accommodation of protection applicants in accordance with the Government policy of direct provision and dispersal. Direct provision provides for full board accommodation supports while a final decision is awaited by a person on their protection or any related leave to remain application. Currently, approximately, 4,300 persons are residing in 34 asylum accommodation centres under contract to RIA.
The existence of the direct provision system over the last 14 years has ensured that the State has been able to ensure that those who claim international protection in this country - and do not have the means to support themselves - have been provided with accommodation and a range of ancillary services including health care and education. During this period, no asylum seeker has ever been left homeless, and over 52,000 people have been provided with accommodation under the direct provision system since its establishment in 2000.
In relation to the quality and standards of accommodation available to protection applicants, I am satisfied that there is a rigorous inspection system in place in which each centre is inspected three times a year, twice by RIA staff and once by an independent inspection company, QTS Limited. In addition, to ensure transparency in relation to standards in centres, all completed inspection reports of centres undertaken since 1 October 2013 are being published on the RIA website.
The Deputy will be aware that I have established an independent Working Group to report to Government on improvements to the protection process, including Direct Provision and supports for asylum seekers. The terms of reference and membership of the Working Group, under the chairmanship of former High Court Judge Bryan McMahon, are published on RIA's website, www.ria.ie.
The first plenary meeting of the Group took place on Monday, 10 November with both myself and Minister of State Ó Ríordáin in attendance and a work programme was agreed. A second plenary meeting will take place tomorrow, 19 November. The issues to be examined by the Working Group are complex and require thorough consideration to ensure that any recommendations are practical and sustainable from a budgetary perspective and do not interfere with existing border controls and immigration policies.
I am confident that the Working Group will revert with practical proposals which will assist in improving the living arrangements for protection applicants while they await a final decision on their applications. The agreed terms of reference do not indicate any timeframe for the Working Group's deliberations but I would welcome a report by Easter.
324. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which various cold cases continue to receive attention; if she is satisfied regarding the adequacy of resources available in respect of such cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44393/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Garda authorities that the function of the Serious Crime Review Team (SCRT) is to assist Senior Investigating Officers assigned to the case in question in bringing investigations to a successful conclusion by identifying further investigative opportunities and ensuring that investigations conform to approved best practice guidelines.
At the conclusion of each review a substantive report is provided to the Senior Investigating Officer who considers the opportunities for further investigation for dissemination back into the investigative and operational units. Any recommendation of organisational effect is disseminated within the Garda organisation to improve the overall investigative capability of An Garda Síochána.
As the Deputy will be aware, the provision and allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the light of identified operational demands. In this regard I am informed that the SCRT continues to review serious cases that remain unsolved and continues to identify evidence and witnesses to assist in the development of these cases.
325. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the courses that were run by the home-school community liaison co-ordinators for parents during the academic school year 2013-2014; and the number of parents who attended each course. [43834/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince its establishment on 1 January 2014, the Child and Family Agency under the Department of Children and Youth Affairs has operational responsibility for the Home School-Community Liaison Scheme along with the statutory Educational Welfare Service and the School Completion Programme.
The Home-School-Community Liaison Scheme is an integral part of the Department of Education and Skills DEIS strategy to combat educational disadvantage. The scheme provides targeted supports for the development of collaboration and partnership between the parents and teachers of children who are at risk of educational disadvantage as indicated by poor school attendance, participation and early school leaving.
As part of their preventative work, local Home-School Community Liaison coordinators attached to individual schools or school clusters facilitate courses and classes for parents to help them support their children's engagement with school. A wide range of courses and activities are arranged for parents including further education, second chance education, support for their children’s learning through, for example, literacy and numeracy activities, personal and parenting skills development, leisure events and in-school events such as a science night, grandparent's events and open evenings.
In addition Home-School-Community Liaison coordinators refer parents to courses run locally by other agencies. Many courses for parents focus on building parent's self esteem and confidence to engage with schools to help them become actively and purposely involved in their children's education.
I am advised by the Agency that national data on courses provided and on participation levels by parents is not readily available but that some sample data on activities is available which may assist the Deputy. Information from a sample of approximately 200 Home-School Community Liaison co-ordinators for the academic year 2013/2014 showed that, across schools served by those co-ordinators, a total of 20,432 parents had taken part in courses and other relevant activities in that academic year.
I have asked the Agency to provide the additional information to the Deputy.
326. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of the Crannog Nua, Portrane, County Dublin unit in respect of its conversion from a high dependence unit to a special care unit; if it will be opened by June 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44127/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have requested the information from the Child and Family Agency and I will revert to the Deputy when this information is to hand.
327. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his plans to increase the capitation grants payable to Montessori schools (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43765/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme provides for one free pre-school year for all eligible children before commencing primary school.
The ECCE programme is funded by my Department through the provision of capitation grants paid directly to participating services. The standard capitation fee paid to participating services is €62.50 per week per eligible child. A higher capitation fee of €73 per week per eligible child is available to pre-school services with more highly qualified staff.
The Government succeeded in maintaining the pre-school year on a universal and free basis despite the difficult budgetary situation that prevailed in recent years. While considerable progress has been made in correcting the overall budgetary situation, the funding available to my Department following the completion of budgetary process this year does not allow for an increase in the capitation paid to childcare providers participating in the ECCE programme.
328. Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if his attention has been drawn to opposition to plans to introduce a graduate placement scheme for social workers on the basis that it implies that newly qualified, CORU registered social workers are not fully qualified and entitled to take their place in the workforce at the appropriate salary level together with the assertion that it devalues the credibility of CORU accredited social work programmes, including the fact that students complete lengthy assessed placements as part of their professional education; his views on the motion that was passed by a group of social work educators (details supplied); if there is engagement ongoing with this group; the level of engagement; if these points are being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43880/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Child and Family Agency (TUSLA) that discussions with the relevant trade union and other interested parties are ongoing in respect of the proposed graduate scheme. The views of the various parties are being considered and I have asked my officials to keep me informed.
329. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if TUSLA has engaged with a community child care facility (details supplied) in County Kerry regarding a funding shortfall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43904/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides funding to this Centre under the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) free pre-school year programme, the Community Childcare Subvention (CCS) programme, the Childcare Education and Training Support programme (CETS) and the Community Employment Childcare (CEC) Programme. Details of funding provided for 2013 / 2014 and to date for the funding year 2014/2015 are set out below.
In addition, the Child and Family Agency provided €1,300 in grant aid to this Centre, in 2014. In relation to the highlighted funding shortfall, the Centre was requested by the Agency to submit completed year end accounts along with an application for funding to allow for consideration of the matter by the Agency.
The Child and Family Agency has advised, that to date, neither the accounts nor the application for additional funding have been received by the relevant Area Manager's Office.
Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme
|
2013/14 |
€60,998 |
|
2014/15 |
Paid to date €17,082 |
Community Childcare Subvention (CCS) programme
|
2013/14 |
€41,070 |
|
2014/15 |
Paid to date €9,650 |
Childcare Education and Training Support (CETS) programme
|
2013/14 |
€2,160 |
|
2014/15 |
Paid to date €1,760 |
Community Employment Childcare (CEC) programme.
|
2014/15 |
Paid to date €1,784 |
330. Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his plans for funding to Foróige for the coming year in view of the valuable and important work it carries out throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43945/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department administers a range of funding schemes and programmes to support the provision of youth services to young people throughout the country including those from disadvantaged communities. The schemes include the Youth Service Grant Scheme under which funding is made available on an annual basis to 31 national and major regional youth organisations. Targeted supports for disadvantaged, marginalised and at-risk young people are provided through the Special Projects for Youth Scheme, the Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund, Rounds 1 and 2, Local Drugs Task Force Projects and certain other programmes including the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme and Youth Information Centres. The funding schemes support national and local youth work provision to some 380,000 young people and involve approximately, 1,400 youth work staff in 477 projects and 40,000 volunteers working in youth work services and communities throughout the country. In 2014, funding of €49.78m has been provided to my Department for these schemes.
In 2014, funding of €7,109,547 has been allocated to Foróige to support the provision of services for young people including the local services provided by Foróige for young people who are at risk of disadvantage.
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that Budget 2015 has confirmed that funding of €49.78m will again be provided to my Department in 2015 to support the provision of youth services. There will be no reduction in the overall allocation for youth services in 2015 which was a key priority for youth organisations. My Department has commenced work on the detailed allocations for youth services and projects in 2015. Every effort will be made to notify youth organisations and projects, including Foróige, of their 2015 allocations in respect of their youth services as soon as possible.
I am advised that the Dormant Accounts Action Plan 2014 contains provision for an annual allocation of €775,000 to Foróige to continue to operate its Big Brother Big Sister programme in 2015 and 2016. My Department is working closely with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to reach agreement for the provision of the additional resources for the programme, in its Vote, in the context of the finalisation of the 2015 Revised Estimates for Public Services. My Department will advise Foróige about the support arrangements for the programme in due course.
