Written Answers Nos. 202-224
202. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 470 of 9 June 2015 if he will provide a list of all the prohibited substances in tabular form, with the old and new thresholds included; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27433/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraBord na gCon is a commercial State body, established in 1958 under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958, chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry.
The list of prohibited substances requested by the Deputy with current thresholds can be found on the National Greyhound Laboratory website - www.inab.ie/FileUpload/Testing/Bord-na-gCon-Irish-Greyhound-Board-128T.pdf.
203. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide details of all projects approved under the local authority harbour development programme 2015 to Galway County Council and to Galway City Council, including the precise location of each project, the works approved and the amount of money approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27441/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department administers the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. In addition to funding for Department owned harbours the Programme provides funding for Local Authority owned piers and harbours subject to available funding.
I have allocated €1.6m, under the 2015 programme for the development and repair of 25 Local Authority owned piers and harbours.
I can confirm that Galway County Council received approval for one project. The project is located at Ce Sruthan, An Cheathru Rua, County Galway and involves the construction of a berthing wall adjacent to the slipway and improvement works to the existing slipway. The total cost of the project is €150,000, my Department's contribution is €112,500, which is the maximum available for any one project under the terms of the programme.
Should additional funding becoming available, a second tranche of projects will be considered for funding, concentrating on those projects which were already deemed suitable from the evaluation process, but were not included due to budgetary constraints.
204. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision will be made on an aquaculture licence applied for on 7 February 2012 by a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the reason for the delay in making a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27442/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe application referred to by the Deputy is currently under examination by the Marine Engineering Division of my Department in respect of its technical and engineering elements. Every effort is being made by Department to expedite this application and a determination will be made as soon as possible.
205. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to set out the number of inspections carried out on a farmer's stock (details supplied) in the past three years; the reason for the frequency of these inspections; if the level of inspections is likely to continue; the outcome of the inspections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27445/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraEU Regulations governing the Direct Payment Schemes and Rural Development measures requires my Department to carry out inspections annually to ensure compliance with Cross Compliance requirements as laid down in EU legislation and the standards for Good Agricultural and Environment Condition (GAEC). The rate of inspection for Cross Compliance is a minimum of 1% of applicants to whom the Statutory Management Requirements (SMRs) and GAEC standards apply. However, 3% of the farmers must be inspected under bovine identification and registration requirements while 3% of sheep/goat farmers must be inspected covering 5% of the flock. The EU regulations prescribe that the selection of cases for inspection is undertaken by means of a risk analysis process, with cases being selected on a risk and random basis. In addition, my Department is required to review the results of previous year’s inspection to determine appropriate risks, which must include the criteria of previous penalties and non-compliances. The process for selecting cases for inspection has been subject to audit on numerous occasions, which has confirmed its compliance with the requirements of the EU regulations.
The 2014 Single Farm Payment application of the person named was selected for a Cross Compliance inspection. This inspection identified non-compliances in relation to cattle and sheep identification and registration requirements, resulting in a 3% penalty being applied to 2014 payments. The person named was notified of this decision on 27 August 2014. The person named sought a review of this decision, the outcome of which was to uphold the original inspection decision. The person named was notified of this outcome on 11 December 2014 and of their right to appeal the decision to the independent Agriculture Appeals Office. My Department understands that no such appeal has been submitted to that office to date.
The 2015 Basic Payment Scheme application of the person named was selected for a Bovine Identification & Registration (IDR) inspection. This inspection has been completed and the results are currently being finalised. The person named will be notified of the outcome of the inspection as soon as possible.
206. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to set out the basis on which glyphosate is licensed for use in products such as Round Up and Clinic Ace; the tests carried out to ensure glyphosate is not carcinogenic; if the findings of the International Agency for Research on Cancer were considered before licensing glyphosate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27446/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraDecisions on the authorisation of an active substance, such as glyphosate, are made at EU level following advice from the European Food Safety Authority. Member states have competence to authorise products containing EU-approved active substances.
Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide that must be applied directly to plant foliage for activity. It was first commercialised in the mid 1970s and is registered worldwide. It is used in agriculture, forestry, industrial, home and garden, and semi aquatic areas. Glyphosate is primarily used as a means of total weed control prior to the establishment of field crops or at the very end of the growing season to desiccate the crop to manipulate harvest date and improve crop quality. It is important to note that there is no alternative active substance with similar scope, purpose and safety profile.
Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 regulates the authorisation, marketing and use of plant protection products and as such each registration must conform to the norms, methodologies and principles contained therein.
Glyphosate is currently registered in all EU Member States and was last reviewed in 2002, as part of the EU plant protection product review programme. A scheduled re-review is currently underway, with Germany acting as the rapporteur and Slovakia acting as the co-rapporteur. The process of peer reviewing the German/Slovakian evaluation is coming to a conclusion and it is expected that this process will be completed within the next few months. As part of the process the European Food Safety Authority is co-ordinating a review by all member states of its evaluation.
When the International Agency for Research and Cancer (IARC) monograph on glyphosate becomes available (expected in August), the German evaluators will perform a thorough review of the classification issued by IARC. It should be noted that conclusions of this IARC review are contradictory to the conclusions reached by the JMPR (Joint Meeting on Pesticide Residues) which like the IARC, is also an office of the United Nations. It is also important to note that the WHO has convened an expert task force to investigate the differing conclusions of two of its own bodies.
All uses of glyphosate approved in Ireland (including Clinic Ace and Round Up) are in line with approved uses in all other EU Member States and are only granted if the appropriate risk assessment indicates that safe uses are possible under normal conditions.
207. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of the surveying of wild deer for tuberculosis in the Calary area of County Wicklow by his Department; that this area had for some time the highest levels of tuberculosis in cattle nationally; that the level of tuberculosis in the local badger population was 26%, as against a national average of 16%; that, accordingly, it would have been expected that other wildlife species, such as wild deer, would have become infected; that over the past four years over 120,000 wild deer were culled, and his Department has confirmed that less than 1% of the carcasses tested resulted positive for tuberculosis; that this would suggest the Calary project results were an isolated incident, due to high levels in the local cattle and badger population, and not reflective of County Wicklow in general or the situation nationally; that there is no evidence here or in Europe to suggest wild deer spread tuberculosis to livestock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27465/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra208. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware that on 6 and 8 October 2014 experts from his Department confirmed, following its survey of tuberculosis in wild deer in the Calary area of County Wicklow, that it did not have any evidence that deer are a major source of tuberculosis for cattle in this country; that this remains the same; that samples were previously collected from deer carcasses from east Wicklow and examined by his Department; that a prevalence of 4% was found then in deer carcasses; that the Wild Deer Association of Ireland, the lead organisation representing those who work with deer and their management, and a member of the Irish Deer Management Forum advised his Department not to proceed with this project as they were concerned at the unintended consequences this survey might create for our wild deer population as well as subsequent misleading headlines that might arise; that his Department subsequently advised the results of the survey it was carrying out in Wicklow would do no more than establish the prevalence of tuberculosis in a sample of deer from a particular area, but beyond that would not be the basis of any new policies, or such like; if he will confirm whether his Department's policy on deer and tuberculosis remains; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27479/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 207 and 208 together.
I also refer to my replies to the Deputy on this subject last month (21973/15 on 9 June and 25344/15 on 24 June).
My Department has emphasised at all times that the research the findings of this research project refer only to the Calary area of Co. Wicklow and there is no suggestion or evidence to support any claim that these findings would be replicated in other areas. A detailed examination, similar to the Wicklow one, of 17 deer in North Sligo found no evidence of infection with TB, although a small number of positive deer have been detected in isolated instances in different parts of the country.
I agree with the Deputy that the level of TB reported in deer examined at abattoirs in the country is generally very low. My Department monitors the incidence of TB in wild deer nationally through the analysis of suspect lesions or carcasses submitted by farmers and hunters who are permitted to slaughter deer under licence from the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Submissions of deer since 1 January 2014 from farmers and hunters to our Regional Veterinary Laboratories indicate very low levels of TB in wild deer with the exception of parts of Wicklow.
As I have indicated previously, responsibility for wild deer rests with my colleague, the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht under Wildlife legislation. The role of officials from my Department is to provide advice to keepers and their veterinary practitioners on disease control and bio-security measures in relation to wildlife, including deer. Officials from the Department are available on an on-going basis to discuss these issues with herd owners.
My Department has recently passed on the results of the survey of 103 deer to the non-statutory Irish Deer Management Forum (IDMF) comprising an independent chairperson, representation from stakeholder groups, including farming, forestry, conservation, hunting and other interest groups as well as Coillte and officials from my Department and from the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. IDMF who have discussed the report and I am awaiting recommendations that I understand are in preparation.
210. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 92 of 14 May 2015 to outline the training his inspectors receive regarding upland plant ecology and indicators of agricultural activity on marginal lands, to assist them in carrying out land eligibility inspections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27638/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraEU Regulations governing the Direct Payments Schemes and other area-based schemes together with supporting guidance material provide clear direction to member states on all eligibility requirements which must be complied with. The regulations require that a minimum of 5% of applicants must be inspected each year to ensure that the land declared for aid, including commonage type land, is in full compliance with the requirements.
My Department has a fully trained Inspection Unit to undertake these inspections. This unit interprets the governing EU regulations as they relate to inspection requirements and implements an inspection process to meet these requirements. The inspections are subject to repeated audit checks by the European Commission and European Court of Auditors thus ensuring an independent verification that inspections are conducted in full compliance with the legal requirements. The inspection process has been amended over time to reflect changes in the governing regulations and also to reflect findings contained in the various audit reports.
Inspecting officers in my Department are regularly trained in inspection requirements on the eligible land cover types and on all the requirements to satisfy eligibility conditions. Continuous oversight by supervisors and random verification inspections are applied to ensure a consistent approach. In addition, the Inspection Unit participates fully at all meetings and workshops organised by the European Commission on all inspection requirements, including land eligibility matters related to the Birds and Habitats Directives, where Commission experts and experts from other EU member states share their knowledge. In this way the Inspection Unit has and continues to build up extensive knowledge on inspection requirements. This ensures that the EU regulatory requirements are being fully met and also that the training of the inspecting officers on inspection procedures is kept up-to-date.
211. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 91 of 14 May 2015 if he will clarify his reply, in which he states the members of the rural development programme monitoring committee were informed of the proposed amendments in April 2013 and asked for observations and the issue was included on the agenda of their committee meeting in July 2013, where the issue was discussed, and the amendments agreed by those present, because these statements are at odds with the Indecon review mid-term evaluation of the Rural Development Programme Ireland (December 2010), which states on pages 45-46 and 87-89, that the Natura 2000 scheme was replaced by a new Natura 2000 scheme in 2010, a new budget of €90 million has been allocated for the remaining three years and due to the replacement of Natura 2000 in July 2009 with a new Natura scheme in 2010; and if the Indecon report is incorrect, or if his reply, prepared by his Department, could be more transparent and accurate by referencing the key decisions taken by the previous Government in 2009 and 2010. [27639/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra212. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 91 of 14 May 2015 if the National Parks and Wildlife Service approved of the re-allocation of over €400 million, originally earmarked for Natura land and water framework directive measures, in writing, considering the transparent and publically-available submission from the service, available on his Department's website, entitled On CAP reform and biodiversity, in May 2013, and the service's statement, in box 6, that such a significant underspend in the Natura 2000 allocation in the current programming period, is a cause of serious concern for this Department, before listing five specific concerns and referring to correspondence with his Department on 26 April 2013 as well. [27640/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra213. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 91 of 14 May 2015 if the decision to re-allocate over €400 million from support schemes from between 5,521 to 10,000 farm holdings in marginal lands, which are very important for wildlife, was actively supported by the four representatives from the three farm organisations on the rural development programme monitoring committee; his views on whether this decision regarding natural farming by the previous Government could cause reputational damage to the veracity of the sustainable marketing campaign by An Bord Bia, entitled 'Origin Green – we are Natural', in the international media. [27641/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 211 to 213, inclusive, together.
Under the initial Financial Plan for the Rural Development Programme 2007 – 2013 (RDP) an indicative amount of €528m was originally allocated to Natura 2000. The Natura 2000 measure provides for compensation to farmers for disadvantages in their farming activities arising out of 3 Directives – the Habitats Directive, the Wild Birds Directive and the Water Framework Directive. Under the 2007-2013 RDP, Natura 2000 is linked to both the REPS and AEOS agri-environment schemes, and applicants with Natura designated land are prioritised under AEOS.
Participation in agri-environment schemes, including Natura, is voluntary on the part of farmers and expenditure is therefore demand led. Actual demand under the Natura measure during the 2007 – 2013 Programme proved to be significantly less than had been provided for. Therefore, the financial provision for Natura was revised to reflect the actual spend as the programming period progressed. This involved the reallocation of funds across the agri-environment and Less Favoured Areas schemes in Axis 2 of the RDP without changing the overall spend under that Axis.
The members of the Rural Development Programme Monitoring Committee were informed of the proposed amendments to the RDP Financial Plan in April 2013 and asked for observations. The issue was included on the agenda of a RDP Monitoring Committee meeting in July 2013, where it was discussed and the amendments agreed by those present. The National Parks and Wildlife Service is a member of this Monitoring Committee, as are the representative farming organisations. While the National Parks and Wildlife Service has expressed concerns in writing in relation to this matter, the amendment to the RDP was agreed by the Monitoring Committee in full accordance with the regulatory and legislative process in place.
In relation to the reference in the Indecon Report to a new Natura 2000 scheme, this refers to the introduction of the new Natura Scheme linked to the new Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS) as part of the “Health Check” review of the Common Agricultural Policy in 2010. However, it should be noted that while these new Schemes were introduced following the allocation of additional “Health Check” European funding, payments continued to issue under the existing REPS and Natura 2000.
While money was transferred from the Natura measure in 2013, it should be noted that expenditure under the agri-environment budget measures in the 2007-2013 RDP also complemented and incentivised farmers with Natura land to engage with the agri-environment scheme.
In the new 2014-2020 RDP, Natura land is deemed a Priority Environmental Asset under the recently launched GLAS agri-environment scheme and thus expenditure on Natura lands will be continued and enhanced in the new programming period. In addition, the new 2014-2020 RDP contains a central focus on environmental and sustainability challenges across its schemes and supports. This continued investment in environmental sustainability in the agri-food sector has and will continue to complement initiatives such as Origin Green in enhancing Ireland’s green reputation as a producer of high quality produce.
214. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine with regard to the beef data and genomics scheme if he supports the concerns of pedigree breeders that the rules limit the possibility of importation of foreign bulls to help improve the genetics of the Irish pedigree herd; his views on whether the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation, in pursuing this policy, will cause stagnation in the Irish herd; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27655/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) forms part of Ireland’s Rural Development Programme and will provide suckler farmers in Ireland with funding of some €300 million over the next 6 years. The BDGP builds on the investment in data recording and genomics in recent years, and will ultimately bring about long-term improvements to the sector by fundamentally improving the genetic quality of the beef herd.
One of the requirements of the programme stipulates that from 30th June 2016, at least 80% of the AI used on participating holdings must be from 4 or 5 star bulls on either the terminal or replacement index. This complements the requirement that where a stock bull is used, at least one stock bull on the holding on the 30th June 2019 must be a genotyped 4 or 5 star bull on either the terminal or replacement index.
There is a very wide range of AI bulls available for pedigree beef breeding that are 4 or 5 stars on either the replacement or terminal index. For example, ICBF recently completed its listing of recommended sires for bull breeders involved in the Gene Ireland maternal beef breeding program. In total there are some 164 bulls in that catalogue of which 151 (92%) are 4 or 5 stars on either the replacement or terminal index within or across breeds.
There is no restriction on using imported sires under the scheme provided they receive a 4 or 5 star rating from the ICBF. The ICBF calculates a euro star evaluation for imported sires based on their foreign data so that they can be utilised under the scheme and the ICBF is engaging with its counterparts in other countries with a view to increasing access to the genotypes and the relevant data used in these evaluations. The approach used for assigning this rating is in line with that used for all other bulls under the eurostar rating system and it is important that any rating is based on objective, scientific criteria which the ICBF can justify to each and every farmer using such bulls. Indeed, the ICBF can provide an indication of the likely euro star rating to be given to such bulls in advance of importation into Ireland and I would urge pedigree breeders to avail of the services of the ICBF in this regard. Furthermore, the fact that 20% of the AI used can come from other types of bulls also gives scope for pedigree breeders that wish to use some outcross sires that do not meet the criteria of the scheme.
215. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Defence with regard to estates or units of accommodation where the water infrastructure is under the ownership of his Department if the occupier of the dwelling is liable for a water charges bill, and, if so, the reason. [27259/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra218. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Defence to outline his views regarding the ownership of the water supply which serves Orchard Park in the Curragh in County Kildare; if this infrastructure has any relationship with Irish Water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27258/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 215 and 218 together.
The water supply to the Curragh Camp is taken from underground wells which are vested in the Minister for Defence and operated by the Defence Forces. The supply to Orchard Park is taken from the Curragh Camp supply. With effect from 1 January 2014, Irish Water is responsible for public water services. The Water Services (No. 2) Act, 2013 provides that Irish Water can collect charges from its customers in receipt of water services provided by it. Households served by private water supply are not customers of Irish Water.
216. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Defence in the context of his comments on 9 June 2015 in the course of discussions at Question Time on the continued prescribing of Lariam when he said he was open to changing his opinion on this matter, how he intends to do that if he is not prepared to commission specific medical advice on the matter, make that advice publicly available and indicate a timeframe for same. [27228/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs already indicated by me to the Deputy on 25th June last, the health, welfare and safety of Defence Forces personnel is a priority. Malaria is a very serious disease. It kills approximately 1 million people per year in sub-Saharan Africa alone. It is a grave threat to any military force operating in that area. Let me be clear to the Deputy in relation to previous statements regarding Lariam. I have an open mind on the matter. However the Deputy must appreciate that any proposed change to the current policy would have to be considered on foot of medical advice or any changes in respect of the product authorisation or usage by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), formerly the Irish Medicines Board.
The choice of medication is a medical decision made by Medical Officers in the Defence Forces having regard to the specific circumstances of the mission and the individual member of the Defence Forces. That position has not changed. As the Deputy will be aware, the HPRA is the statutory authority with responsibility for quality, safety and efficacy of medicines in Ireland. The Defence Forces policy, in relation to the use of anti-malaria medication, including Lariam, is in line with current HPRA approved summary of product characteristics (SmPC).
Former Ministers for Defence have had the various allegations surrounding the use of Lariam investigated thoroughly and obtained the advice of leading medical experts, who concurred with the prescribing practices followed by the Defence Forces.
Anti-malarial medications, including Lariam are licensed by the HPRA. Lariam must remain in the formulary of medications prescribed by the Medical Corps for Defence Forces personnel serving on appropriate overseas missions, particularly those in sub-Saharan Africa. This is to seek to ensure effective protection for such personnel from malaria and from the very serious risks posed by this highly dangerous disease.
217. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 341 of 23 June 2015 the number of applications for new recruits for the C Company of the 28th Battalion of the Reserve Defence Force which have been submitted for approval, in addition to the 14 referenced in his initial reply; the reason for the delay in approving these outstanding applications; when the applications were received by the Defence Forces; when a final reply will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27241/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the military authorities that it is not possible to provide the information sought by the Deputy in the time available. I shall provide the information directly to the Deputy once it comes to hand.
219. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Defence if he will intervene in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Derry to ensure that the Garda Síochána vetting certificate issued in February 2015 and sent to the Defence Forces for use in the application process for the reserves is given to the appropriate persons within the Defence Forces to ensure that the person concerned is afforded the opportunity to participate in the current recruitment to the reserves on 4 July 2015. [27492/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the military authorities that the person in question is one of several applicants for the 28th Infantry Battalion Reserve Defence Force competition that have successfully completed the medical phase of recruitment. The security clearance process for this individual, along with each of the other applicants, is ongoing.
It is important that the Reserve Defence Force selection process is fair, impartial and free from political influence. It would not be appropriate for me to direct the Defence Forces to expedite a particular application over and above another application.
220. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to set out her views on the guidance obtained by her Department in respect of the public procurement regulations that may be relevant or legal obstacles that may be present in respect of a legislative matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26936/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe matters being raised by the Deputy have already been addressed in my Written Reply to Question No 135 of 25 June 2015 which I will, therefore, largely reiterate on this occasion. The Legal Services Regulation Bill completed its Dáil Stages on 22 April followed by the completion of Seanad Second Stage on 13 May. In this context, I would point out to the Deputy that the proposed amendments she has referred to, and which relate to the staffing of the new Legal Services Regulatory Authority, were not Government amendments and were, in fact, withdrawn. As the Deputy will appreciate, this is very much a human resource issue for careful consideration and wider than a matter of procurement of goods or services as such.
At the same time, and as reflected in the very constructive manner in which the relevant amendments were withdrawn, it is to be acknowledged that the proposed reforms to the legal professional conduct regime under the Bill will have implications for a number of existing and appropriately skilled staff who currently deal with public complaints made through the Law Society and the Bar Council, respectively. I understand that eighteen to twenty full-time equivalent posts are in question. I am also conscious of the support given by Deputies, both independent and from across the Parties, to finding a workable solution which can reconcile the competing human resource, regulatory independence and other considerations involved, during their detailed discussion of these very aspects of the Bill during Dáil Committee Stage. I have also received, and continue to consider, representations on these matters from the legal professional bodies, from individual members of their staff and from trade union representatives.
I am, therefore, taking account of all of the concerns that are now in play as part of the ongoing consideration of the human and other resource aspects of the establishment of the new Legal Services Regulatory Authority and of the Legal Practitioners' Disciplinary Tribunal. These are matters which are not solely within my own purview but continue to be negotiated between my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform which has overall responsibility for policy in these areas. The outcome of these ongoing deliberations, which will take account of the legal and other aspects concerned, will inform those amendments relating to the staffing of the new Legal Services Regulatory Authority that I expect to bring, with Government approval, before the Seanad. The intention is that the Bill be completed so that the new Legal Services Regulatory Authority can come into operation without delay this year.
221. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality regarding the murders in Tunisia on 26 June 2015 by terrorists to set out her views regarding the increased violence from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria; if the European Union is prepared to tackle this in a co-ordinated way; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27063/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe attack on holiday makers at Sousse in Tunisia was a shocking event and our thoughts are with the families of the three Irish people whose lives were taken in such a senseless fashion. There were 35 other deaths in the same attack, many of them holidaymakers from Britain, and our sympathy goes to the families and friends of all the victims.
The attack in Tunisia was another reminder to us of the real and persistent danger that is faced from terrorism and the fact that all states must remain vigilant and work together to counter the threat. Ireland, like any other democratic state with similar values, is not immune to this threat and the Garda authorities keep the level of threat from international terrorism under continuous review in light of ongoing developments and they will continue to take all appropriate measures to counteract it. In this they have the full support of the Government.
As the Deputy will know, the threat from international terrorism is a strong, shared concern for the European Union and actions to counter this threat are at the top of the agenda for the Council of Justice and Home Affairs Ministers. A wide range of strong actions is being pursued at EU level on an ongoing basis to support the actions of the Member States in combating terrorism. This co-operation has, naturally, been intensified given the ongoing concerns about the conflict in Syria and Iraq, the rise of ISIL and its utterly barbaric disregard for humanity and attacks in Europe and on Europeans, such as that in Tunisia.
I addressed these issues most recently with my EU counterparts at last month's JHA Council meeting which adopted conclusions on a renewed Internal Security Strategy for the EU, including a range of focused actions that are set out in the European Agenda on Security. These actions include improved information sharing between law enforcement services; stronger co-operation with third countries, particularly those in North Africa and the Middle East affected by conflict; countering radicalisation, particularly through the European Radicalisation Awareness Network of experts and through interaction with the IT/internet industry; enhancing Europol’s role in supporting the Member States, including through actions to tackle foreign terrorist fighters and violent, extremist content online; enhancing partnership with the IT/internet industry through an EU level forum with major IT and internet companies aimed at countering terrorist use of the internet; updating the EU legal framework as needed to address the foreign terrorist fighter phenomenon; strengthening the legal framework on firearms and improving co-operation with third countries in this regard; and taking further action against cybercrime.
I will continue to engage actively with the other EU Justice and Interior Ministers on these important issues once again this week at our meeting in Luxembourg. What is essential is that we take a resolute and robust stance in defence of fundamental rights and our democratic way of life and we can best do that by continuing to work closely together.
222. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline the actions she is taking given the Central Statistics Office review of the recording of criminal offences; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27362/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, I recently welcomed the resumption of publication of the official Recorded Crime Statistics by the Central Statistics Office, together with the publication by the CSO of its analysis of the issues arising from the 2014 Garda Inspectorate Report on Crime Investigation. I had met with the Director General of the Central Statistics Office last November to discuss the implications of the Report's findings and I am very grateful to the CSO for the professional and independent analysis which it has carried out. This analysis is an important step in securing the integrity of our national crime statistics.
The work of both the CSO and the Garda Inspectorate has identified common issues of concern in relation to Garda crime recording processes and systems. Many of these issues have no doubt built up over time and it is true to say that similar issues have also been found with police data in other jurisdictions. It is, however, essential that we have access to accurate, reliable data on crime so that the policing services offered by An Garda Síochána are responsive to current and emerging crime trends. In addition, the public must have confidence that the published crime statistics are accurate.
Following the publication of the Inspectorate’s report, An Garda Síochána took a number of important steps to address the issues identified in relation to the recording of crime. These have included the establishment of a new Data Quality Team within the Garda Information Services Centre (GISC), and the piloting of a new incident recording process to test data review processes.
I am greatly encouraged that, arising from and building on this work, the Commissioner has indicated that she expects a series of further new measures to be rolled out nationally later this year. These will ensure that all reports from the public to Garda stations and control rooms are logged in a consistent manner using a standardised method and that all incidents will be recorded and classified initially at the GISC. This will reduce the number of incident classification decision makers and improve consistency. Furthermore, changes to the PULSE system will ensure that the status of an investigation is correct at all times. In addition, a new PULSE upgrade will enable District Officers to generate daily, weekly and monthly incident reviews of investigations. This will enhance accountability, governance and oversight of investigations.
I might also draw the Deputy’s attention to other work being led by the CSO, in particular an Expert Panel it is Chairing to examine the Garda Inspectorate’s recommendations on crime statistics, including with a view to the development of new crime counting rules. I believe this will be another important contribution to our efforts to improve crime data systems and processes.
Finally, and as I stated when the recent CSO review was published, I am determined to support An Garda Síochána in developing its systems to meet the realities and expectations of 21st Century policing. In particular I have been working closely with my colleague Minister Howlin to secure the necessary and early investment in upgrading Garda technology and I hope to make significant announcements shortly in relation to the development of Garda ICT systems.
223. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will consider having a regular Garda Síochána presence at the East Pier in Howth in County Dublin, especially during the warmer climate, as there is evidence of anti-social behaviour of youths (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26903/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile I have brought the issues referred to by the Deputy to the attention of the Garda authorities, I am sure he will appreciate that the deployment of Garda resources is a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the first instance. I am informed by the Garda authorities that Operation Irene is a policing plan designed to address issues such as those referred to, and that it commenced on 1 June 2015 and will run until 30 August 2015.
I am further informed that Operation Irene will provide an increased Garda presence in the vicinity of Howth Pier over the summer months. Gardaí will continue to patrol and deal with all incidents as deemed appropriate. In this regard, Gardaí monitor persons disembarking from trains at Howth Dart Station and actively patrol the area, with public order patrols of beaches and public amenities being carried out at appropriate times.
I am also advised that a multi-agency approach is being pursued with ongoing liaison between An Garda Síochána, Dart Control, Fingal County Council, the Harbour Master and Iarnród Éireann with a view to addressing any issues that may arise. In addition, An Garda Síochána are reminding local shops and businesses of their legal obligations in relation to the sale of intoxicating liquor.
Finally, I understand that the policing arrangements for the area in question are also discussed at meetings of the Joint Policing Committee and that there has been favourable feedback in relation to Garda actions in the area.
224. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide an update on the firearms licensing review process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27003/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the consultation process for the on-going review of firearms licensing I have given a commitment that I would not make any decisions until I had met the key stakeholders, including the organisations who represent those who use firearms for sporting purposes. I had a useful meeting with the key stakeholders on 29 April 2015. Consideration of the issues involved, including the Sports Coalition proposals, is continuing. I intend to conclude consideration of the issues in the near future.
