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Gnáthamharc

Thursday, 2 Apr 2015

Written Answers Nos. 26-61

Policing Authority Establishment

Ceisteanna (26)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

26. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the Garda authority will be fully operational; the amount that has been spent on its establishment to date; the role the authority will have in Garda promotions; the number of staff she envisages it to have; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13370/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The introduction of legislation to provide for a Policing Authority is a key element of the Government's comprehensive programme of justice reform. Drafting of the Bill to establish the new Authority is proceeding as a matter of priority and I look forward to publishing it in the near future. In this context the functions of the Authority are being addressed.

In addition, an allocation of €500,000 has been provided for the Authority in 2015 and the Chairperson-designate, Ms Josephine Feehily, is involved in the on-going preparations for its establishment.

UN Conventions

Ceisteanna (27)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Ceist:

27. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. [13285/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government has given a firm commitment to ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and intends to proceed to ratification as quickly as possible, taking into account the need to ensure all necessary legislative and administrative requirements under the Convention are met. As the Deputy is aware, Ireland has a dualist legal system and therefore does not become party to treaties until it is first in a position to comply with the obligations imposed by them, including the amendment of domestic law as necessary.

A team has been charged with examining all outstanding obstacles to ratification, and has nearly completed the first phase of its work, which includes identifying all areas which will need attention to make ratification possible. An Interdepartmental Committee is in place, and met recently to review issues and the action and timeframe required to tackle them. Many of these issues involve amending unsuitable and outmoded language and in some cases, archaic legal provisions, in existing legislation. Another key task which is underway involves examining how the important issue of Reasonable Accommodation can be achieved in a meaningful way within our Constitutional framework as interpreted by the Supreme Court.

Progress towards ratification therefore continues to be made. One of the core elements of the remaining work to be completed is the enactment of capacity legislation. The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Bill, published on 17 July 2013, provides a series of options to support people with impaired capacity to make decisions and exercise their basic rights in line with the principles of the UN Convention. It undertakes a comprehensive reform of existing legislation governing capacity. The Bill is currently awaiting Committee Stage in the Dáil.

Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission Remit

Ceisteanna (28)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

28. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she is satisfied with the functioning of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13312/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) is an independent statutory body established under the Garda Síochána Act 2005. The objectives, functions and powers of GSOC are governed by the 2005 Act. The Act also provides that the management and control generally of the officers, administration and business of GSOC is the responsibility of the Chairperson of GSOC.

It is vital that the public has strong confidence in the Garda Síochána and the system of oversight of the Garda Síochána. This Government is, at present, implementing a comprehensive programme of reform in the areas of policing and justice. This includes plans to establish an independent Garda Authority.

The Deputy will be aware that the Oireachtas recently enacted the Garda Síochána (Amendment) Act 2015 to reform, strengthen and clarify the remit and operation of GSOC. The provisions of the new Act include:

- the inclusion, for the first time, of the Garda Commissioner within the investigative remit of GSOC;

- a broadening of the scope for me, as Minister, to refer matters to GSOC for investigation;

- the conferral of additional police powers on GSOC for criminal investigation purposes;

- greater autonomy for GSOC in examining Garda practices, policies and procedures.

I intend to commence this Act very shortly. The Act will ensure that GSOC is fit for purpose and further ensure that the public, as well as the men and women of an Garda Síochána, can have the fullest confidence in its workings.

My Department remains in ongoing discussion with GSOC in relation to staffing and financial requirements, and the changes to their powers and remit, with a view to ensuring that GSOC is enabled to operate effectively and efficiently and in accordance with its statutory remit.

As the Deputy is aware Mr Simon O'Brien resigned from his position as Chairperson of GSOC on 30 January 2015. I will be advertising the position of Chairperson of GSOC shortly. I should point out that the person who will be appointed to GSOC will serve out Mr O'Brien's term of office which will expire at the end of December 2016.

It is important to understand that the 2005 Act provides for a situation where one member of GSOC has resigned his or her position. Accordingly, the Act permits GSOC to act notwithstanding one or more than one vacancy among its members. So, while I am anxious to fill the vacancy which currently exists there is no question of the Commission not being in a position to function effectively in the meantime.

Crime Investigation

Ceisteanna (29)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

29. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will have a murder case (details supplied) independently reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13168/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The callous and brutal murder of Garda Fallon was of course a terrible tragedy for his family and an affront to the democratic institutions of this State.

I am advised by the Garda Commissioner that the Serious Crime Review Team of An Garda Síochána, which is carrying out a review of this case, expects to be in a position to conclude their inquiries by May, 2015. I am further informed by the Garda Commissioner that the Review Team continues to communicate with a member of the victim's family regarding the status of that review.

In the circumstances I think it would be best to await the outcome of the Review Team's inquiries.

Forensic Science Ireland

Ceisteanna (30)

David Stanton

Ceist:

30. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans for improving laboratory facilities at Forensic Science Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13372/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I fully recognise the very significant contribution of Forensic Science Ireland within the criminal justice system and the vital role it has in providing evidence for the courts. The organisation operates to the highest standards and, given the nature and importance of the functions involved, it is essential that this is, and will continue to be, the case.

In that context the provision of a new facility for Forensic Science Ireland is being actively pursued.

Garda Transport Provision

Ceisteanna (31)

Seán Kyne

Ceist:

31. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda Síochána cars in the Galway division; the future plans; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13352/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda vehicles are a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the light of her identified operational demands and the availability of resources. Responsibility for the efficient deployment of Garda vehicles in each Division is assigned to the Divisional Officer, who may allocate vehicles between stations, as required by operational circumstances. The Deputy will appreciate that a degree of flexibility in allocating and re-allocating vehicles among stations, so as to best match the allocation of resources with policing priorities, is essential to the efficient management of the Garda fleet.

In that context, I am advised by the Garda authorities that as of 27 March, 2015 there were a total of 81 vehicles assigned to the Galway Division.

The Deputy will be aware that I recently secured a further €10 million for investment in the Garda fleet of which €7 million was made available in 2014. This funding brings the total investment in the Garda fleet in 2014 to €11 million. The remaining €3 million is being made available for the purchase and fit out of additional Garda vehicles in 2015.

In October, 2014, an order was placed for 370 new vehicles. These vehicles were delivered towards the end of 2014, and following fit out, are being allocated in accordance with the Garda Commissioner's operational requirements.

In that context, I am advised that, to date, 6 new vehicles have been allocated to the Galway Division with a further 11 due to be allocated in due course, following fit out.

Legal Services Regulation

Ceisteanna (32)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

32. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she is aware that the regulatory regime governing the legal profession as it stands is at variance with the services directive; the full implications of this; the legislative measures that are required; the implications that may arise for persons who suffered a professional loss as a result of decisions taken underneath the flawed regulations; if she is aware of any litigation which has commenced as a result of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13290/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As I set out in my answer to Question No. 164 of 26th March 2015 and will reiterate now, the European Commission has expressed a concern that Ireland's current legal services advertising regime may be in breach of Article 24 of Directive 2006/123/EC ('the Services Directive'). In general terms, while the Directive permits certain restrictions on legal services advertising that are informed by the public interest, the Commission has found that some of the current restrictions being applied in this jurisdiction may be disproportionate. A letter of Formal Notice to that effect issued in October 2014.

My Department is engaged in ongoing correspondence and consultations with the Commission with a view to finding an appropriate balance between the exigencies of the Services Directive and those of Government policy including as part of the ongoing reform of the legal services sector. It is, therefore, anticipated that advertising provisions meeting those concerns arising in relation to the Services Directive will be put forward by way of amendment to the Legal Services Regulation Bill when it comes before the Seanad.

Section 151 of the Bill enables the new Legal Services Regulatory Authority to make regulations in relation to the advertising of legal services by solicitors and barristers. Detailed work on the revised advertising provisions continues on this basis at my Department in consultation with the Commission and with the assistance of the Offices of the Attorney General and Parliamentary Counsel. In light of these developments I am confident that this matter can be satisfactorily resolved.

While I understand that there may be ongoing litigation, to which I am not a party, in respect of legal services advertising as currently regulated by the Law Society under the Solicitors Acts, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on such proceedings or on their potential outcome.

The Legal Services Regulation Bill is due to resume Dáil Report Stage on 21st April 2015.

Garda Strength

Ceisteanna (33)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

33. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which the number of gardaí has fluctuated in the past ten years and in 2015 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13166/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of personnel among the Garda Regions, Divisions, and Districts. Garda management keep this distribution under continuing review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the best possible use is made of these resources.

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of An Garda Síochána from 31 December 2005 to 28 February 2015, the latest date for which figures are readily available, is as set out in the table.

Year

Strength

Reserve

31/12/2005

12,264

N/A

31/12/2006

12,954

30

31/12/2007

13,755

205

31/12/2008

14,412

319

31/12/2009

14,547

478

31/12/2010

14,377

700

31/12/2011

13,894

877

31/12/2012

13,424

991

31/12/2013

13,093

1,164

31/12/2014

12,799

1,124

28/02/2015

12,763

1,100*

*Estimated figure

Crime Investigation

Ceisteanna (34)

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

34. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the outstanding allegations of sexual abuse by members of the IRA, both in the Republic and in the North of Ireland; if this was discussed at Prime Ministerial level; if any specific actions will be taken, cross-Border or otherwise; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12771/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The allegations of sexual abuse by members of the Provisional IRA and allegations of cover ups of these crimes continue to be a matter of considerable public concern. What is of most concern in the current circumstances is the potential for current risks to children in our communities from unknown child abusers – this must be the priority for everyone in addressing this issue.

It is important to recall that what is at issue here are allegations of serious crimes involving an illegal organisation. The Garda Authorities are carrying out investigations on the basis of information provided to them in recent months by victims and others. As those criminal investigations are ongoing it would not be appropriate for me to comment in detail on the cases involved.

The Deputy will be aware also that there are specific review processes ongoing in Northern Ireland in respect of a specific case involving Northern Ireland's Director of Public Prosecutions and the Police Ombudsman.

There should, of course, be co-operation between all the agencies on the island dealing with child abuse. That co-operation, between the police services and between the child protection and health services, North and South, is taking place. I am informed by the Garda Authorities that offences which are alleged to have occurred in Northern Ireland have been brought to the notice of the PSNI and there is regular liaison between the Gardaí and the PSNI.

I have discussed this matter with the Northern Ireland Justice Minister, David Ford, on a number of occasions and we remain in close, ongoing contact in respect of the issues arising generally and the implications of the various investigations under way in both jurisdictions, which should be let proceed unhindered. Officials in our Departments are continuing detailed, joint work on examining issues relating to the establishment of forms of inquiry and they are reporting regularly to us on this action.

Questions Nos. 35 and 36 withdrawn.

Pensions Ombudsman Adjudications

Ceisteanna (37)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

37. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will address a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13736/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Pensions Ombudsman has power to make determinations which are legally binding on parties to a complaint or dispute, subject to appeal to the High Court. However, a relatively small percentage of disputes are resolved in this way as the bulk are normally dealt with through mediation between the parties and the giving of general information and/or advice in the form of a report.

Typically 18% of complaints received are outside the terms of reference of the Office, cannot be investigated for legal reasons, or are withdrawn by the complainant. The time taken to close a case can vary from a single day to several years depending on the nature and complexity of the case itself, the number of parties involved, the completeness and accuracy of the information given to the Office, the completeness and speed of response by those named in the complaint or dispute, the dependence or otherwise on other external processes, and the willingness or otherwise of parties to cooperate fully with the investigation.

I am informed that, in the case raised by the Deputy, the time taken was as a result of a number of factors outside the control of the Pensions Ombudsman, notably that new issues were raised on a number of occasions by the complainant which required further investigation in each instance. It eventually transpired that the core of the complaint related to an alleged agreement made in the process of a redundancy exercise not honoured by the trustees. An agreement of this sort is outside the legal remit of the Pensions Ombudsman. I understand that a preliminary view was issued in June 2013, and the complainant withdrew the complaint the following month.

Community Employment Drug Rehabilitation Projects

Ceisteanna (38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

38. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 176 to 178, inclusive, of 24 February 2015, if she will confirm that there was a decrease of 13% in the number of women client participants between December 2012 and December 2014. [13759/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

39. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 176 to 178, inclusive, of 24 February 2015, if she will provide an explanation for the significant decline in women client rehabilitation participants. [13760/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

40. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 176 to 178, inclusive, of 24 February 2015, if she will confirm that she included 220 employed support workers in her response and in her confirmation of the number of places dedicated to drugs rehabilitation participants as on community employment at December 2014. [13762/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

41. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 176 to 178, inclusive, of 24 February 2015, the reason she included 220 support workers in her confirmation of places dedicated to drugs rehabilitation on community employment; and the reason she specifically confirmed 1,156 allocated spaces dedicated to drugs rehabilitation on special community employment participants, as at December 2014. [13763/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

42. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 176 to 178, inclusive, of 24 February 2015, if she will confirm that support workers are not referred through addiction services and therefore may not be counted in the 1,000 ring-fenced community employment rehabilitation places. [13764/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

43. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 176 to 178, inclusive, of 24 February 2015, if she will confirm it is established and long-standing policy not to include support workers as participant places in the 1,000 ring-fenced community employment rehabilitation places. [13765/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

44. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 176 to 178, inclusive, of 24 February 2015, if she will confirm the gender breakdown of the 220 support workers she confirmed were employed on community employment drug schemes in December 2014. [13766/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

45. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 176 to 178, inclusive, of 24 February 2015, if she included support workers employed by the schemes in her comparison figure of 824 community employment drug scheme participants, provided as at December 2012. [13767/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

46. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 176 to 178, inclusive, of 24 February 2015, the number of actual support workers employed by the schemes in December 2012, in addition to stated participants, as at December 2012. [13768/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

47. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 176 to 178, inclusive, of 24 February 2015, if she will provide a breakdown of the gender of the total support workers employed by the schemes in December 2012. [13769/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

48. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 176 to 178, inclusive, of 24 February 2015, if she will confirm that specific categories of rehabilitation participants were in fact considerably down in December 2014. [13770/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

49. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 176 to 178, inclusive, of 24 February 2015, the reason all 1,000 ring-fenced participant rehabilitation places, which should exclude support workers, are not allocated and filled. [13771/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

50. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 176 to 178, inclusive, of 24 February 2015, if she will confirm the person who organised the workshops; the number, locations and cost of the workshops held; and the number of scheme supervisor attendees. [13772/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

51. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 176 to 178, inclusive, of 24 February 2015, if she will provide a specific list of referrers to community employment drug rehabilitation schemes, which she refers to in her reply, and a breakdown of the source of all referrals for drug rehabilitation places. [13773/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

52. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 179 and 180 of 24 February 2015, if she will provide an explanation and reconcile her reply with her Department's reported figures for December 2012, of 824 places, broken down as 461 males, or 56%, and 363 females, or 44%. [13774/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

53. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 179 and 180 of 24 February 2015, if she will confirm that the number of women rehabilitation participants on special community employment schemes is in fact considerably down. [13775/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

54. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 179 and 180 of 24 February 2015, if she will confirm that the number of rehabilitation participants over 25 years of age is considerably down. [13776/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

55. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 179 and 180 of 24 February 2015, if she will provide an explanation as to the reason the over 25 age group of participants is considerably down. [13777/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

56. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 179 and 180 of 24 February 2015, if she will confirm the breakdown of gender of the over 25 age group participants as at December 2014. [13779/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

57. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 179 and 180 of 24 February 2015, if she will provide a breakdown of the gender of the over 25 age group participants as at December 2012. [13780/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

58. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 179 and 180 of 24 February 2015, if she will confirm the gender breakdown of 257 participants confirmed as being under 25 years of age as at December 2014. [13781/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

59. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 179 and 180 of 24 February 2015, if she will confirm the operational effect the entry requirement changes to special community employment schemes and, in particular, the entry reduction requirement to 18 years have had on special community employment schemes. [13782/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

60. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 179 and 180 of 24 February 2015, the changes that are planned to take place in the special community employment schemes to meet the service needs of the 18 to 25 age group. [13784/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

61. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 179 and 180 of 24 February 2015, the additional resources and training that are being provided to special community employment schemes to allow them to adapt and service the 18 to 25 age group. [13785/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 38 to 61, inclusive, together.

Considerable progress has been made in increasing the number of participants on the community employment (CE) drug rehabilitation scheme. Table 1 shows that in December 2014, there were 936 referred clients on drug rehabilitation places (644 male and 292 female) and 220 support workers (103 male and 117 female). In total, in December 2014 therefore, there were 1,156 places taken up on CE drug rehabilitation schemes.

This compares to December 2012 when there were 655 referred clients on drug rehabilitation places (407 male and 248 female) and 169 support workers (59 male and 110 female). In total in December 2012 therefore, there were 824 places taken up on drug rehabilitation schemes. Overall, there has been an increase of approximately 14% in the number of females (clients and participants) from December 2012 to Dec 2014.

Support worker places are additional to the 1,000 ring-fenced drug rehabilitation places as these participants assist in the delivery of the CE Scheme while at the same time having their own job seeking needs addressed. These participants must comply with normal CE eligibility conditions and are assigned tasks associated with the work of the projects.

At December 2014, there are 936 referred clients on drug rehabilitation places which is close to full capacity (1,000 places). The Deputy will appreciate that during any given year, participants may exit for many reasons, including illness/relapse, gaining employment, maternity leave, retirement, emigration, transfer to another scheme, exit to a training programme or completion of CE. There is, therefore, a cycle of places becoming vacant and being filled on an on-going basis on CE schemes.

Table 2 and Table 3 show a gender and age breakdown for referred clients in December 2012 and December 2014. In December 2014, there was an increase in the number of referred clients in all age bands compared to December 2012.

There has been no change in the entry requirements for CE drug rehabilitation schemes. These places are available only to service users who are in drugs rehabilitation and referred to a place by an addiction service practitioner. Referral practitioners are Key Workers or Case Managers, Counsellors, GPs, Treatment Centre practitioners, and Health Service practitioners.

A Drugs Stakeholder group chaired by the Department was set up in May 2013 to inform and advise on the delivery of the drugs rehabilitation response within CE. Membership includes representatives of the community and voluntary sectors, Drugs Task Forces and statutory organisations. Two workshops have been held for CE Scheme Supervisors and Departmental staff to support and advance the CE drugs response. The workshops were organised and delivered by the Department's CE Policy Unit and representatives of the Stakeholders Group and were held in the Department's offices. This ensured that costs were kept to an absolute minimum. There were approximately 30 CE scheme supervisors in attendance.

Table 1: Referred Clients and Support Workers: December 2012 and December 2014

Referred Clients

Support Workers

Total

Male

Female

Total

Male

Female

Total

Male

Female

Total

Dec. 2014

644

292

936

103

117

220

747

409

1,156

Dec. 2012

407

248

655

59

110

169

466

358

824

Source: CSM IT Extracts

Table 2: December 2012 - Ring-fenced Drug Rehabilitation Places by age and gender (Referred Clients)

Age Band

Gender

Total

%

Male

Female

Under 20

17

10

27

4.1

20-24

49

27

76

11.6

25-34

125

105

230

35.1

35-44

163

69

232

35.4

45-54

36

21

57

8.7

55 and over

17

16

33

5.0

Total

407

248

655

100.0

December 2012: CSM IT Extracts (Referred clients)

Table 3: December 2014 - Ring-fenced Drug Rehabilitation Places by age and gender (Referred Clients)

Age Band

Gender

Total

%

Male

Female

Under 20

32

18

50

5.3

20-24

142

65

207

22.1

25-34

178

88

266

28.4

35-44

191

73

264

28.2

45-54

70

28

98

10.5

55 and over

31

20

51

5.5

Total

644

292

936

100.0

December 2014: CSM IT Extracts (Referred clients)

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