Written Answers Nos. 123-129
123. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the laws that are being broken when persons park their cars on council green areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7625/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be appreciate it is not within my remit to provide legal advice or to interpret the law. If, however, the Deputy has specific instances of concern, I will have inquiries made regarding the particular circumstances in question.
124. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to deal with gun crime; her views on the first gun murder of 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7632/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI do of course share the Deputy's concern about gun and other violent crime, and deplore the brutal shooting he refers to. He will appreciate, however, that it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on any specific crimes which are currently under Garda investigation.
It is unfortunately the case that gun crime has for some time been an inherent part of organised criminal activity in Ireland, as it is in other similar jurisdictions. I am in regular contact with the Garda Commissioner in relation to the challenges presented by this type of crime and the Commissioner has outlined the substantial efforts being made by An Garda Síochána to identify and target those involved. Such crimes demand a robust response, and this is precisely what is happening. Gardaí tackle this type of crime through a range of targeted and intelligence based operations, often disrupting and preventing incidents, as well as detecting and prosecuting those involved.
A range of Garda operations is in place to target and confront armed and organised criminals. In addition to these enforcement measures, An Garda Síochána also engage extensively with communities in a range of fora to address local concerns relating to crime and community safety, including the impact that organised crime can have at a community level.
Heavy penalties are provided for weapons offences in our criminal law and mandatory minimum penalties have been introduced for certain firearms offences. The considerable powers already available to Gardaí have been supplemented further by the DNA Database legislation enacted last year, which provides for the establishment of a Database which will have the capacity to link suspects to unsolved crimes using forensic evidence, and will greatly assist Gardaí in investigating a whole range serious offences.
I should also advise the Deputy that, in view of public safety concerns raised by the Garda Commissioner, a joint Review of operational, legislative and administrative issues governing firearms licensing was conducted by my Department and An Garda Síochána. The report of this working group review was published in November 2014 and submissions on the report were sought from stakeholders and the public by 31 January 2015. The submissions received are currently being examined and incorporated into a report for my attention.
126. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will support a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7639/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the proposed demonstration to which the Deputy refers. I am informed by the Garda authorities that they have met with organisers of the demonstration and they remain in ongoing discussions. It is the responsibility of An Garda Síochána to put in place appropriate and proportionate operational plans for parades and similar events in the public arena, taking account of the needs of all stakeholders and the requirement to ensure public safety.
127. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason Empowerment Plus, a youth and family support service for the west of Ireland, has had its Health Service Executive contract terminated; the reason there was no advance notice and no discussion with social workers or families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7414/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Empowerment Plus service is contracted by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency in Galway only. Services provided by this organisation were previously offered to ten families.
I am advised by Tusla, that there were emerging concerns about the level and quality of the services being provided.
An audit was undertaken by the Agency and the findings were that the service was not fit for purpose. Subsequently a decision was made to re-allocate the ten families to Tusla services.
Tusla's primary concern was that no families would be inconvenienced or left without a service. The service was not terminated until this re-allocation had taken place and the Social Work service was informed throughout the process.
In relation to the Galway and Roscommon, Tusla will be commissioning a new Family Support Service in these areas and Empowerment Plus have been invited to tender for this contract.
128. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his views on difficulties currently being experienced by child care providers (details supplied); if he will liaise with the Department of Justice and Equality, with a view to working towards a solution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7527/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of pre-school services is regulated the Child Care (Pre-School Services) (No 2) Regulations. These Regulations require that a person carrying on a pre-school service shall ensure appropriate vetting of all staff, students and volunteers who have access to a child.
The Department of Justice and Equality has responsibility for the vetting legislation which sets out the requirements in relation to the vetting of persons who work with children. I have asked officials in my Department to consider the issues raised by the Deputy and to bring these matters to the attention of Department of Justice and Equality officials in future discussions on the application of the vetting requirements.
129. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if and when much needed occupational therapy will be facilitated in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7406/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
