Written Answers Nos. 318-335
318. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide for the years 2011 to 2014, inclusive, the number of military personnel from other states receiving training here; the states they come from; the subject of their training courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14420/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the military authorities that during the period 2011 – 2014 inclusive, the Defence Forces trained three hundred and sixty-two military personnel from other States. The personnel in question came from the following countries (in alphabetical order): Afghanistan, Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Botswana, Bulgaria, Canada, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Malta, Morocco, The Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and the United States of America.
I am further informed by the military authorities that the subjects of the training courses were as follows:
Combat Tracking Instructors Training, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Training, Ground Sign Awareness, Humanitarian Assistance , International Civilian Military Cooperation, International Counter-Improvised Explosive Devices, International Human Rights Train the Trainers, Weapons Information Training, International Military Police Training, International Officer Training, Junior Command and Staff Training, Naval Officer Trainee Exchange Programme, Senior Command and Staff Training, Standard Cadet Training, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Training.
319. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Defence if he will support a matter (details supplied) regarding Irish United Nations veterans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14480/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Niemba ambush occurred in the Congo on 8 November 1960 and involved the deaths of nine members of the Defence Forces in horrific circumstances. In February 2006 Colonel Tom Behan was tasked with carrying out an investigation into all aspects of the Niemba Ambush and he reported later that year. Despite extensive research, it was not possible to achieve clarity in regard to all matters surrounding the ambush. However, all the material relating to the investigation, including the statements of the interviews conducted with the individuals referred to, are now held at the Military Archives ensuring the fullest and clearest record possible of this tragic event.
As Minister for Defence I wish to acknowledge and recognise, as stated in Col. Behan’s Report, that the individuals referred to survived a horrific encounter with hostile forces and displayed courage, fortitude and tenacity in order to survive until finally rescued. I would also like to commend them for the selfless service that they gave to their country.
Following publication of the Report, the then Minister for Defence met with the individuals referred to and, in order to provide appropriate public recognition of their contribution , they were both invited to a presentation ceremony held at Cathal Brugha Barracks in April 2007 during which one of the individuals accepted a presentation from the then Minister for Defence of a medallion and plaque. Furthermore, the Defence Forces held a commemorative event which was attended by the then Taoiseach in Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel on 23 July 2010, to mark the 50th anniversary of the first deployment to the Congo. This event honoured all those who were deployed to serve in the Congo.
The Department of Defence provides annual subventions to support and encourage the two officially recognised veteran groups, the Organisation of National ex-Servicemen (ONE) and the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA). ONE receives a subvention of €40,000 per annum and IUNVA receives a subvention of €10,000 per annum from my Department.
Membership of IUNVA, which was formed in 1990, is open to any person, serving or retired, who has successfully completed a tour of duty with a UN Force or Organisation.
Officials from the Department of Defence hold regular meetings with both organisations at which issues of concern are discussed. As part of that process the Department has entered into a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with O.N.E. and IUNVA. Under the terms of the SLA contact numbers have been provided for areas within the Defence Forces and the Department that deal with issues that are relevant to veterans of the Defence Forces. The contact numbers provided deal with Medals, Service Matters, Medical Files, Pensions and Disability Pensions.
320. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Defence if he will ensure the provision of a lease to an organisation (details supplied) in County Westmeath in respect of the former Army barracks in Mullingar; if he will expedite this issue in order that local community organisations do not lose Government funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14869/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe former barracks in Mullingar is currently used by Westmeath GAA Board under a short term licence. The former barracks is also currently used by An Garda Síochána and the Customs Service for training purposes and it is intended that these arrangements will remain in place. A number of other organisations and individuals have also made enquiries/suggestions in the recent past as to the possible use of the barracks and these are being looked at in the context of an overall plan for the barracks under a long term lease with Westmeath GAA Board. My Department has only been made aware in the last few days of the proposal to develop the community facility concerned within the Barracks and the need for a five year lease to be in place to enable the drawdown of Government funding. In order to progress the matter officials from my Department have arranged a meeting for early next week with the local interests concerned to discuss the type of development being proposed and the lease requirements.
321. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide a list of the semi-State commercial companies under his control; the policy of a dividend payment to the Exchequer from each company; the dividend paid by each company to the Exchequer for each year from 2000 to 2014, inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14962/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are no commercial semi-State companies operating under the aegis of my Department, nor were there any during the period in question.
322. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the rationale for not allowing 18-seat vehicles which meet European standards to be licensed as public service vehicles (details supplied) in County Wicklow. [13980/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that the legislation in respect of Public Service Vehicles is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport. Insofar as the specific case referenced by the Deputy is concerned, I have sought a report from the Garda authorities and will be in touch with the Deputy directly, once this is to hand.
323. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if an impact study has been carried out on the proposed legislation in the English language teaching industry for the 27 week holiday-work permission being reduced to eight weeks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14307/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraNo such policy has been announced and legislation would not be required in any event. The current position is that my officials and their counterparts in the Department of Education and Skills are working on proposals, for submission to Ministers, aimed at taking forward the policy announced in September 2014, amended as necessary to take account of a High Court decision in January of this year in respect of the language sector. The need for reform remains clear and the problem of so called "visa factories" has to be addressed. In that context a wide range of issues are being looked at, including reviewing the immigration permissions currently granted for the purposes of studying English. The primary purpose of a student coming to Ireland must be that of learning.
324. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number and type of road traffic accidents which have occurred on the stretch of the R152 between the M1 motorway near Drogheda in County Louth and the village of Duleek in County Meath in the past three years; the number of persons killed or injured during this time; the frequency with which speed detection vehicles are deployed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14482/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the matters referred to by the Deputy. I will contact the Deputy directly as soon as the report is to hand.
325. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amounts paid to the GoSafe company to operate speed cameras in the year 2014; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13868/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Garda authorities that a total of €17.226m (including VAT) was paid to Go Safe in 2014 in respect of the operation of the safety camera network. I would also note for information that Go Safe is paid on the basis of the number of enforcement and surveying hours conducted and the payments are not linked in any way to the number of detections made.
326. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will discuss with the Garda Commissioner the possibility of increasing the number of gardaí attached to the community policing unit in Garda district R; and the cost of this increase. [13917/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of personnel, including community Gardaí, 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, as of the 28 February 2015, the latest date for which figures are readily available, there were 66 dedicated Community Gardaí assigned to Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) North of which 32 Community Gardaí are assigned to the DMR North District 'R'.
The cost of the assignment of members to Community policing or any other duties varies either up or down depending on a number of factors including the payment of allowances and the circumstances of the individual member. Therefore it would not be possible to estimate the cost at this point in time.
The Deputy will be aware that all Gardaí have responsibility, inter alia, to deal with community policing issues as and when they arise. Community policing is the underpinning philosophy and ethos through which An Garda Síochána delivers a service across the country.
The first intake since 2009 of 100 new recruits entered training at the Garda College, Templemore, on 15 September 2014. As part of Budget 2015, a further intake of 200 recruits in two batches was announced. On 15 December 2014, the first 100 of these batches commenced their training. The remaining 100 entered the college in early February. This will bring to 300 the number of recruits in the Garda College and is a measure of the Government's commitment to ensure that recruitment to An Garda Síochána continues seamlessly. The September intake will attest as members of the Garda Síochána in May 2015 and the December intake will attest in August 2015. In addition, I have received sanction from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for two further intakes of 125 Garda recruits later this year. On attestation they will be assigned to Garda stations throughout the country by the Garda Commissioner and the needs of D.M.R. North Garda Division will be fully considered.
327. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount collected by An Garda Síochána from issuing firearm certificates in the years 2013, 2014 and to date in 2015. [13918/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by An Garda Síochána that the total revenue collected by them from issuing firearm certificates in 2013, 2014 and to date in 2015 is as detailed below. It should be noted that as the certificate renewals cover a 3 year period, the level of receipts will therefore diminish over the course of the 3 year renewal cycle.
2013 €10.755m
2014 €3.697m
2015 €0.619m.
328. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons that were denied entry at Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Ports and Cork, Shannon and Dublin Airports in the years 2013 and 2014 and to date in 2015. [13919/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the following table contains the number of persons that were denied entry to the State at the ports referred to by the Deputy for the years 2013, 2014 and to end of March 2015.
|
Port of entry |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 to 31/3/15 |
|
Dublin Port |
58 |
80 |
21 |
|
Dun Laoghaire Port |
7 |
1 |
0 |
|
Cork Airport |
97 |
102 |
14 |
|
Shannon Airport |
2 |
36 |
12 |
|
Dublin Airport |
1,425 |
1,907 |
496 |
|
TOTALS |
1,589 |
2,126 |
543 |
The figures quoted are provisional and subject to change. For example, persons may be refused permission to land in the State and subsequently permitted to enter the State having made an application pursuant to the Immigration Acts or the Refugee Act,1996.
329. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí currently driving on chief's permission in the years 2013 and 2014, and to date in 2015. [13920/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
The information sought by the Deputy has been requested from the Garda authorities and I will be in contact with the Deputy when the information is to hand.
330. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Justice and Equality If she will provide a list of registered peace commissioners in County Carlow on 1 March 2015; and if she will identify those who have been put in place within the past five years. [13953/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy officials are collating the information which will be forwarded to the Deputy shortly.
331. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the wards' fund and Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Bill; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13960/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe system of wardship will be abolished under the provisions of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Bill 2013 which proposes a modern statutory framework to support decision-making by adults with capacity difficulties. The Bill provides for the replacement of the adult Wards of Court system with a less intrusive system which offers a continuum of options to support people in maximising their decision-making capability. Its enactment will be a key step forward in enabling Ireland to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
My Department is currently preparing amendments for the Dáil Committee Stage of the Bill to respond to issues raised in submissions to my Department and to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality. The aim is to strengthen the safeguards contained in this legislation so that persons with capacity difficulties can exercise decision-making autonomy to the greatest extent possible. My intention is that we will proceed to Dáil Committee Stage in the next two months. My aim is that the Bill will be enacted this year.
Court funds are held in trust by the Courts. The Courts Service in accordance with the Courts Service Act 1998 is responsible for the management and administration of the Courts and provides support services for the judges. It is in this capacity that the Courts Service has a role in the management and investment of court funds.
For the assistance of the Deputy, I have made enquiries with the Courts Service and I am informed that the Courts Service established an Investment Committee, chaired by the President of the High Court, to oversee the management and investment of Court Funds. In addition to the President of the High Court, the Committee’s membership comprises representatives of the judiciary from the Circuit and District courts, Courts Service officials, Court Officers including the Registrar of the Wards of Court Office, and independent external members. The Courts Service also retains independent investment advisors to advise on the management and investment of Court Funds. The role of the investment advisors is to provide professional, independent investment advice to the Investment Committee. They also support the Courts Service and Investment Committee in the selection and appointment of fund managers and custodians. Pursuant to a EU tender, State Street Global Advisors were appointed to provide fund management services to the Courts Service.
332. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if consideration will be given in co-operation with the local Garda section to Duleek Garda station in County Meath opening for longer hours; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14024/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra333. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to ensure that gardaí are out patrolling the streets in an area (details supplied) in County Meath as often as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14043/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 332 and 333 together.
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 Meath Garda Division on 28 February 2015, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 278 of which four Garda are assigned to Duleek Garda Station. There are also 38 Garda Reserves and 26 Civilians attached to the Division. Resources are further augmented, where necessary, by a number of Garda National Units such as the Garda National Drugs Unit (GNDU), the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NBCI), the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and other specialised units.
The opening hours of Duleek Garda Station are subject to manpower availability. However, there is a public access call box (PACB) for the Duleek Garda station with calls diverted to Ashbourne Garda Station which is a 24 hour Garda station.
The first intake since 2009 of 100 new recruits entered training at the Garda College, Templemore, on 15 September 2014. As part of Budget 2015, a further intake of 200 recruits in two batches was announced and have commenced their training. This will bring to 300 the number of recruits in the Garda College and is a measure of the Government's commitment to ensure that recruitment to An Garda Síochána continues seamlessly. The September intake will attest as members of the Garda Síochána on 23 April 2015 and the December intake will attest in August 2015. In addition, I have received sanction from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for the recruitment of a further 250 trainee Gardaí in 2015. This will bring the total number of recruits since September 2014 to 550. On attestation they will be assigned to Garda stations throughout the country by the Garda Commissioner and the needs of Meath Garda Division will be fully considered.
334. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount of money spent on utilising taxi services by An Garda Síochána in the years 2012 to 2014, inclusive, and in 2015 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14065/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra335. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if An Garda Síochána uses taxis to transfer prisoners or persons who have been issued with a summons to court; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14066/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 334 and 335 together.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that persons committed to prison are transported by Garda vehicles as part of their routine duty and not separately accounted for. I am further informed that the annual cost pertaining to the transport of persons committed to prison using Garda personnel and vehicles for the non-payment of fines is not readily available and would require an inordinate amount of administrative resources to obtain this level of detail.
As regards the use of other methods of conveyance of persons detained where deemed operationally expedient by the Commissioner, I am advised the annual cost of these services from 2012 to date is as follows:
2012 €244,711
2013 €208,047
2014 €227,873
2015 (to 13/04/2015) €80,232.
