Written Answers Nos. 248-270
248. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will confirm an incident with the Dublin Fire Brigade control room (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27294/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I have previously informed the Deputy, issues related to the matter referred to by him have been raised with my Department by the Stardust Victims and Relatives Committee. A researcher associated with the Committee submitted material relating to these events, including the specific issue referred to by the Deputy, to my Department and a meeting was held with that Researcher, and another person associated with the Committee, on 23 April this year. The material previously submitted and the matters raised at that meeting continue to be examined in my Department.
249. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding debt and safety in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27295/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that the particular issue and the details provided have been brought to the attention of the Garda authorities.
More generally, the Deputy will be aware that drug-related violence and intimidation is a particularly harmful feature of the drugs trade.
Under the National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016, An Garda Síochána has put a framework in place to provide an appropriate response to the issue of drug related intimidation in the community.
This framework known as the "Drug-Related Intimidation Programme” was developed by the Garda National Drugs Unit and the community based National Family Support Network and introduced nationwide in 2013.
Under the programme nominated Garda Inspectors for every Garda Division have been designated by the Garda Commissioner to ensure that a confidential, safe and effective means of dealing with reports of intimidation is readily available. These Inspectors act as a direct point of contact for any individuals (or for representatives acting on their behalf) in responding to intimidation being reported.
250. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the availability of herbal cannabis illegally; the actions that will be taken to address this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27325/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe law enforcement response to drug trafficking remains an important feature of our overall approach to tackling the supply of illicit drugs under the National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016.
The continued disruption of the supply of all illicit drugs, including herbal cannabis, remains a priority under the Strategy for all agencies tasked with responsibilities in this regard.
An Garda Síochána, through the work of the Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau and the dedicated Drug Units operating across the jurisdiction, continue to target those involved in the illicit sale and supply of drugs. The specific strategies put in place by An Garda Síochána include the operation of targeted intelligence led initiatives such as Operation Nitrogen which targets cannabis cultivation.
I am advised that Garda seizures of herbal cannabis in 2014 are provisionally valued at €24.5m.
Such seizures play a critical role in disrupting crime gangs and in helping to protect communities from the destructive impact of drugs misuse and associated criminality.
Of course, further seizures of herbal cannabis at importation would also be made by the Revenue Customs Service with whom An Garda Síochána maintain ongoing liaison.
At international level An Garda Síochána has strong strategic partnerships in place aimed at targeting drug trafficking including those established through the work of Europol and the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre, Narcotics (MAOC(N)) in Lisbon.
More broadly, the National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016 seeks to address the harm caused to individuals and society by drug misuse by tackling the problem in a comprehensive and integrated way by implementing a pillar based approach which incorporates a wide range of drug supply reduction, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and research measures.
251. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of student, business, working and tourist visas, respectively, issued for Chinese nationals in each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27342/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraA breakdown of the number of Irish visas issued to Chinese nationals for the years 2010 to 2014 is provided as follows. The figures show an overall increase of 31% in visas issued in 2014 compared to 2010.
The 'visit' visa category includes short-term visas for those who wish to visit family or friends as well as those who wish to visit as independent holiday-makers. I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that it is not possible to distinguish between tourist visit visas and visas to visit family or friends.
|
Visa Category |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
|
Business |
2689 |
2846 |
2970 |
2668 |
2698 |
|
Visit |
2829 |
3391 |
3228 |
3857 |
4504 |
|
Employment/internship |
50 |
54 |
78 |
66 |
233 |
|
Study |
1159 |
1118 |
1276 |
1392 |
1378 |
252. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Justice and Equality regarding charging organisers of certain public events for policing services, if she will provide the names of the various community groups and organisations, in tabular form, by county, since the year 2010, which have been subject to such a fee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27420/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 30 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 provides a statutory basis for the Garda Commissioner, as Accounting Officer for the Garda Vote, to charge for police services for events such as sports fixtures, concerts and festivals.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that they seek to recover all of the policing costs associated with commercial events organised with the objective of making a financial gain without a specific community or charitable benefit. In relation to events held with the objective of providing a service to the community and/or making a financial gain with surplus proceeds going to the local community, a contribution towards the policing costs is requested. Exceptions to these arrangements are made in respect of events run solely for charity purposes or national events taking place such as the main St. Patrick's Day parade and charges are not levied in these cases.
I am further informed by the Garda Authorities that a breakdown by county of community groups and organisations who have paid for such services since 2010 is not readily available and would require a disproportionate amount of Garda time and resources to compile.
253. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to prioritise increasing Garda Síochána resources on the ground in rural areas of east Limerick, given the recent surge in serious criminal activity in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27423/15]
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 taking into account 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 Limerick Garda Division as of the 31 May 2015, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 533. There are also 53 Garda Reserves and 49 Civilians attached to the Limerick Garda Division. I have circulated with this answer a complete breakdown of Gardaí assigned to the Limerick Division, District and stations.
The Deputy will be aware that 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 February this year. The September intake attested as members of the Garda Síochána on 23 April 2015 and further attestations are scheduled to take place in July and September. I have received sanction for two further intakes of 125 Garda recruits later this year. This will bring the number of new recruits to 550 by the end of 2015. On attestation they will be assigned to Garda stations throughout the country by the Garda Commissioner.
The next set of Garda recruits to be attested is planned for the end of July 2015 and at that stage will be assigned by the Garda Commissioner to Garda stations throughout the Country.
|
Division |
District |
Station |
Garda |
Sgt |
Insp. |
Supt |
C/Supt |
Ass. Comm |
Total |
|
LIMERICK |
BRUFF |
BALLYLANDERS |
1 |
1 |
|||||
|
BRUFF |
22 |
4 |
26 |
||||||
|
BRUREE |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
CAPPAMORE |
2 |
1 |
3 |
||||||
|
HOSPITAL |
2 |
2 |
|||||||
|
KILMALLOCK |
5 |
1 |
6 |
||||||
|
MURROE |
2 |
2 |
|||||||
|
PALLAS |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
Total |
36 |
6 |
42 |
||||||
|
HENRY STREET |
ARDNACRUSHA |
3 |
3 |
||||||
|
CASTLECONNELL |
3 |
1 |
4 |
||||||
|
HENRY STREET |
191 |
33 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
231 |
|||
|
MAYORSTONE PARK |
61 |
9 |
1 |
71 |
|||||
|
Total |
258 |
43 |
5 |
2 |
1 |
309 |
|||
|
NEWCASTLE WEST |
ABBEYFEALE |
7 |
1 |
8 |
|||||
|
ADARE |
2 |
2 |
|||||||
|
ASKEATON |
9 |
1 |
10 |
||||||
|
ATHEA |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
BALLINGARRY |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
CROOM |
3 |
3 |
|||||||
|
DRUMCOLLOGHER |
2 |
2 |
|||||||
|
FOYNES |
2 |
2 |
|||||||
|
NEWCASTLE WEST |
29 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
36 |
||||
|
PALLASKENRY |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
RATHKEALE |
8 |
2 |
10 |
||||||
|
Total |
65 |
9 |
1 |
1 |
76 |
||||
|
ROXBORO ROAD |
BALLYNEETY |
2 |
2 |
||||||
|
CAHERCONLISH |
1 |
1 |
|||||||
|
PATRICKSWELL |
2 |
2 |
|||||||
|
ROXBORO ROAD |
102 |
16 |
2 |
1 |
121 |
||||
|
Total |
107 |
16 |
2 |
1 |
126 |
||||
|
Total |
466 |
74 |
8 |
4 |
1 |
553 |
254. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if additional measures will be implemented and if additional resources will be provided to An Garda Síochána due to the escalating problems for rural communities with the increased theft of cattle and farm machinery, particularly in the Border region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27455/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that the deployment of Garda resources and the implementation of policing strategies are matters for the Garda Commissioner. Garda management keep this distribution under continuing review taking into account 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 An Garda Síochána, in collaboration with the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA), recognise the need to help farmers prevent theft of their livestock and farm equipment. To that end a farm Theft Stop initiative has been developed and trialed in two counties – Donegal and Tipperary. Theft Stop is a free farm theft prevention initiative that will provide participating members with a unique code to mark farm equipment and subsequently record this marked equipment on www.theftstop.ie. Marking property acts as an effective crime deterrent and will help to reduce farm related theft. Theft Stop members will, if desired, be able to purchase a stencil kit and/or metal punching set for application of their specific code.
The database will be kept and maintained by the IFA and will allow Theft Stop members to view an online directory of stolen farm machinery. This will also assist the Garda in investigation, recovery and identification processes.
I understand that feedback from the trial is very positive and it is planned that the initiative will be rolled out nationally on a phased basis over the coming year starting with Laois, Offaly, Kilkenny, Carlow and Limerick.
In support of this, the IFA has recruited a Rural Crime Prevention and Safety Executive, who will work in conjunction with Garda Crime Prevention Officers.
I am further informed that to combat Metal Theft, which also affects the rural community, An Garda Síochána established a Metal Theft Forum to promote a multifaceted approach to preventing theft of metals and bring key stakeholders together. The participating stakeholders include the IFA (Irish Farmers Association).
This collaborative approach has assisted in the development of knowledge and assisted intelligence gathering. It has resulted in raising awareness of Metal Theft through briefings of operational Gardaí by key stakeholders and the National Crime Prevention Unit. It has facilitated the development external awareness raising measures through the use of the Garda Website, Crimecall and other media outlets.
In addition An Garda Síochána launched the Garda Metal Theft Crime Prevention and Reduction Plan in February 2013, which is available on the Garda website - www.garda.ie.
255. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the correct residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27474/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs stated in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 139 of 25 June 2015, it is not the practice to comment on asylum or subsidiary protection applications until such time as they have fully completed the protection process. The Deputy will be aware that the position in this regard is in accordance with Section 19 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) which provides for the protection of the identity of asylum applicants.
With regard to residency status the Deputy is reminded that protection applicants are issued with a temporary residence permission pending a final decision on their application. In the event that an applicant is finally determined not to be in need of protection consideration is then given to whether the person should be granted leave to remain in the State on humanitarian grounds.
256. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when she will establish a DNA database, given the passing of the relevant legislation in 2014; the issues that are causing the delay in the establishing this database; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27524/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe laboratory facilities and IT infrastructure required to support the commencement of the new national DNA database are in place in Forensic Science Ireland, which is based in Garda Headquarters in the Phoenix Park.
The detailed and technical secondary legislation required to facilitate commencement of the 2014 Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Act is currently being finalised with a view to having the database operational as soon as is possible.
257. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which organised crime levels remain to be monitored with a view to specifically targeting members of organised criminal gangs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27608/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra258. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which her Department and the Garda Síochána have identified the total membership of criminal gangs operating in all parts of the country; if continued action is planned to combat them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27609/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra260. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will indicate, in general terms, the number of criminal gangs currently known to be active; if any particular such groups are operating from outside this jurisdiction; the action taken, or proposed, to address the issue. [27611/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 257, 258 and 260 together.
Tackling organised crime in all its guises is a key ongoing priority for both the Government and An Garda Síochána which is clearly reflected in the Policing Plan for 2015.
In targeting such activity An Garda Síochána continue to develop and implement strategies to dismantle and disrupt criminal networks, utilising advanced analytical and intelligence methods to facilitate targeted intelligence led operations.
Notwithstanding the challenges faced in tackling organised crime, An Garda Síochána are unrelenting in bringing those involved in this type of criminality before the courts and securing convictions.
In addition, these actions continue to lead to major drug and firearm seizures being made both through national policing operations but also through international law enforcement operations in which An Garda Síochána actively participate.
For example, during 2014 drug seizures provisionally valued in the region of €60m were made by An Garda Síochána. This does not include other very well publicised multi-agency investigations involving An Garda Síochána which led to significant drug seizures here and abroad including, for example, the seizure on Ireland’s south west coast last September of cocaine with an estimated street value of over €358 million.
We also continue to see the very successful targeting of crime gangs engaged in burglary crime through An Garda Síochána's Operation Fiacla which had, at the end of April this year, already led to over 13,000 arrests and over 7,300 charges being brought against those involved.
As the Deputy will also be aware there have been a number of very positive recent developments with regard to the overall resources available to An Garda Síochána including, for example, the recent allocation of a further €700,000 for new specialised vehicles to support the Garda in responding to current and emerging crime threats, including those committed by highly mobile gangs.
The Deputy will appreciate that there are inherent challenges in providing accurate figures with regard to the number of such groups operating at any particular time due to the fluidity of the groups. Organised crime, by its nature, is constantly evolving and diversifying in both its structures and activities so as to exploit opportunities for criminal gain. Furthermore many modern organised criminal groupings are transnational in nature and poly-criminal in their activities.
Having said that, organised criminal gangs are targeted on an ongoing basis and profiles regarding the personnel of such groups are continually updated. In addition, certain information with regard to the operation of such groups is disseminated at a European level through Europol.
259. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps that will be taken by way of existing or new legislation to combat the activities of criminal gangs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27610/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraLaw enforcement efforts in tacking organised crime are underpinned by a comprehensive framework of criminal law measures.
This framework includes the more recently enacted provisions of the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009 focusing on criminal organisations, the measures contained in the Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Act 2009 relating to evidence obtained by means of covert surveillance and the provisions of the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 relating to the use of weapons.
This body of legislation has been supplemented further by the Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Act 2014, which provides for the establishment of a Database which will have the capacity to link suspects to unsolved crimes using forensic evidence, and will greatly assist the Garda in investigating a whole range of serious offences.
The detailed and technical secondary legislation required to facilitate commencement of the 2014 Act is currently being finalised with a view to having the database operational as soon as is possible.
In addition, a comprehensive review of the Proceeds of Crime legislation is underway with a view to identifying possible improvements which would serve to strengthen the operation of the Criminal Assets Bureau.
Furthermore, new upcoming legislation that will also assist in the fight against organised crime includes the Criminal Justice (Burglary of Dwellings) Bill, the Criminal Justice (Bail) Bill and the Criminal Justice (Sexual Offences) Bill.
I can assure the Deputy that I am committed to ensuring that all necessary legislative provisions are in place to fully support the operational actions of An Garda Síochána in tackling organised crime.
261. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which the operation and organisation of An Garda Síochána compares with other police forces throughout Europe and globally with a view to ensuring the most effective deployment in terms of crime prevention and detection; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27612/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that the deployment of Garda resources and the implementation of policing strategies are matters for the Garda Commissioner.
Under Section 7 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 a critical function of An Garda Síochána is the prevention of crime. It is within this context that An Garda Síochána develops crime prevention initiatives and community policing services for delivery by front line Garda resources.
An Garda Síochána places great emphasis on the importance of the partnership between An Garda Síochána and the community in preventing and detecting crime, and maintaining a safe environment for everyone. In this regard the Garda National Model of Community Policing plays a key part in responding to crime by taking into account and responding to local conditions and needs. Within this framework, An Garda Síochána continues to tackle local crime issues including public disorder and anti-social behaviour by working with communities and business groups, including the hospitality industry, to reduce crime and enhance community safety. This approach includes a strong focus on quality of life issues and collaboration with local authorities to help address the causes of anti-social behaviour and related criminality. I am advised that there is a community policing team in each Garda District.
I am informed that the National Crime Prevention Unit (NCPU) operates in accordance to international best practice in developing and administering initiatives.
Finally, the Deputy will be aware of the review of An Garda Síochána under the Haddington Road Agreement which will make recommendations on the use by An Garda Síochána of the resources available to it, with the objective of achieving and maintaining the highest level of efficiency and effectiveness in its operations and administration.
More generally, it is also the case that the Garda Síochána Inspectorate, in its reports on the Garda Síochána, benchmarks the performance of the Force with best international policing practice.
262. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which Garda Síochána training, equipment and management continues to be modernised in line with best practice worldwide to maximise effectiveness in combatting crime; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27613/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the Garda College continues to develop and deliver training to the Garda Organisation in accordance with Garda Policy aimed at ensuring enhanced delivery in line with resources and international best practice.
The new student/probationer training programme has been radically restructured into three phases. Phase I is for 32 weeks at the Garda College, at the end of which successful students will be attested (i.e. become members of the Garda Síochána with full police powers). Phase II is for 65 weeks based in Garda stations, and Phase III consists of seven weeks of exam preparation, exams and assessments (total 104 weeks). The new programme will now result in an award of a Bachelor of Arts (Level 7) in Police Studies.
Approximately 14,000 training days were delivered to Gardaí through the College in 2014. These training programmes include continued professional development for members. The College has excellent links with other third level institutions including University of Limerick and Waterford Institute of Technology. Recently the Garda College has obtained accreditation with the University of Limerick for its Senior Investigative Officers (S.I.O.) Programme at a level 9 Special Award.
In addition I understand An Garda Síochána is supporting a number of staff in managerial positions to undertake the Executive MBA with the University of Limerick commencing in autumn 2015.
More generally, it is also the case that the Garda Síochána Inspectorate, in its reports on the Garda Síochána, benchmarks the performance of the Force with best international policing practice.
263. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which various categories of crime continue to be recorded in each Garda division and district; if all such forms of crime continue to receive the attention of An Garda Síochána; if all such reported crime continues to attract detection and attrition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27614/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, Central Statistics Office recently resumed publication of the official Recorded Crime Statistics, following its examination of the issues arising in the Garda Inspectorate Report on Crime Investigation. The latest statistics published are for the twelve month period ending with Quarter 1 of 2015 and they set out recent trends in recorded crime, showing decreases in most crime categories including a significant drop of 40% in homicide offences. In addition Public Order offences were down by 7.9%, Robbery and Related Offences were down by 6.6% and Weapons and Explosives Offences decreased by 8.4%. The full breakdown of the crime statistics has been published on the CSO website. All crime trends are monitored by Garda management and appropriate policing responses are put in place at both a national and local level.
The CSO also published an analysis of the issues arising from the Inspectorate Report and I welcomed this review as an important step in securing the integrity of our national crime statistics. A programme of work is underway in An Garda Síochána to address the issues identified and further new measures are to be introduced later this year. It is essential that we have access to accurate, reliable data on crime, and the CSO will continue to work with An Garda Síochána to address the issues identified in relation to the recording of crime incidents and detections, and has also indicated that it will repeat its analysis of the data quality issues at regular intervals.
264. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current strength of An Garda Síochána; the extent to which it is expected to increase numbers over the next year; if particular attention will be paid to areas experiencing an increase in crime, when numbers are deployed in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27615/15]
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.
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the total strength of An Garda Síochána as of 31 May 2015, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 12,772. There are also 1,057 Garda Reserves and around 2,000 Civilians attached to An Garda Síochána.
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 brought to 300 the number of recruits in the Garda College and is a measure of the Government's commitment to recruitment to An Garda Síochána. The September intake were attested as members of the Garda Síochána in April 2015 and have been assigned to Garda Stations throughout the Country. 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.
The next set of Garda recruits to be attested is planned at the end of July 2015 and at that stage will be assigned to Garda stations throughout the Country.
265. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current number of prison spaces available for both male and female prisoners throughout the prison system; the extent to which overcrowding exists; if the provision of extra spaces is contemplated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27616/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Prison Service that the overall bed capacity of the Irish Prison System is 4,126. On the 7 July 2015 there were 3,776 prisoners in custody. This represents just under 92% occupancy. These figures are published daily by the Irish Prison Service on its' website www.irishprisons.ie
A full breakdown including, capacity, number in custody and percentage of bed capacity is set out in the following table as of July 7th, 2015.
|
Institution |
Bed Capacity |
Number in Custody |
% of Bed Capacity |
|
Mountjoy Campus |
|||
|
Mountjoy (M) |
554 |
531 |
96% |
|
Mountjoy (F) |
105 |
108 |
103% |
|
Training Unit |
96 |
96 |
100% |
|
St Patrick’s |
34 |
3 |
9% |
|
West Dublin Campus |
|||
|
Cloverhill |
431 |
359 |
83% |
|
Wheatfield |
550 |
492 |
89% |
|
Portlaoise Campus |
|||
|
Midlands |
870 |
810 |
93% |
|
Portlaoise |
291 |
214 |
74% |
|
Cork |
210 |
232 |
110% |
|
Limerick (M) |
220 |
235 |
107% |
|
Limerick (F) |
28 |
23 |
82% |
|
Castlerea |
340 |
317 |
93% |
|
Arbour Hill |
142 |
134 |
94% |
|
Loughan House |
140 |
119 |
85% |
|
Shelton Abbey |
115 |
103 |
90% |
|
Totals |
4,126 |
3,776 |
92% |
The Irish Prison Service Strategy 2012 - 2015 provides for a 40 month capital programme which is being implemented to eliminate slopping out and to improve prison conditions in the older part of the prison estate. I am advised by the Irish Prison Service with the refurbishment work of the D Wing, the modernisation of Mountjoy prison is almost complete. Since the closure of the D Wing every prisoner in Mountjoy now has access to in-cell sanitation.
In relation to Cork Prison, construction of a new prison to replace the existing facility began in January, 2014 and is on course to be completed later this year.
In relation to Limerick Prison, approval has been received to advance the project to detailed design stage.
266. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality The number of prisoners incarcerated for various serious crimes who have been released on completion of their sentence, or otherwise, in the past six years to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27617/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Prison Service that the information requested by the Deputy prior to March 2012 is not readily available and would require a manual examination of records. Such an examination would require a disproportionate and inordinate amount of staff time and effort and cannot be justified in current circumstances where there are other significant demands on resources.
I can inform the Deputy that the Irish Prison Service introduced a new Prisoner Information Management System (PIMS) on 3 March, 2012 and it is therefore possible to provide the information requested from 3 March, 2012.
For the purpose of responding to the Deputy, the Irish Prison Service has included in the following table the numbers of prisoners released who had been convicted of offences categorised in Offence Groups one, two and three. Group One - Homicide Offences includes Murder, Manslaughter and Dangerous Driving causing Death. Group Two - Sexual Offences includes Rape, Sexual Assault, Indecent Assault, Buggery, Defilement etc. Group Three includes Attempts/Threats to Murder, Assaults, Harassments and other Related Offences. The Irish Prison Service compiles such data using the same offence groupings as those used by An Garda Síochána, the Central Statistics Office, the Courts Service and the Probation Service.
|
- |
2014 |
2013 |
2012 (from March) |
|
Homicide Offences |
36 |
23 |
26 |
|
Sexual Offences |
129 |
122 |
79 |
|
Attempts/Threats to Murder, Assaults, Harassments and Related Offences |
547 |
540 |
459 |
267. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí injured in the course of their duties in the past eight years to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27618/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information sought has been requested from the Garda Commissioner and when it is to hand I will write directly to the Deputy.
268. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of promotional positions that are vacant, or waiting to be filled, at all ranks throughout An Garda Síochána; when such positions are likely to be filled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27619/15]
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.
With regard to the number of internal vacancies in An Garda Síochána, sanction has been given by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for a maximum strength in each rank. The agreed strengths for ranks above Garda rank, together with current actual strength are given in the following table. Where current actual strength is below the approved maximum strength, the Garda Commissioner has standing approval to make the necessary arrangements to have these posts filled through promotion competitions, and I understand that such competitions are currently being arranged.
|
Rank |
Actual strength |
Approved max. strength |
|
COMMISSIONER |
1 |
1 |
|
D/COMMISSIONER |
0 |
2 |
|
A/COMMISSIONER |
7 |
8 |
|
C/SUPERINTENDENT |
44 |
45 |
|
SUPERINTENDENT |
164 |
166 |
|
INSPECTOR |
256 |
300 |
|
SERGEANT |
1,879 |
2,000 |
As at 31 May, 2015
269. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current number of women members of An Garda Síochána; the number who have retired, or left the force, in the past five years; the extent to which they have been replaced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27620/15]
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.
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the total female strength in An Garda Síochána as of the 31 May 2015, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 3,316.
The following table outlines the number of female Gardaí who have retired or left the force in the past five years (from 1 January 2010 to 2 July 2015). The Deputy will be aware that the first intake of recruit Gardaí since 2009 took place last September, with two further intakes in December 2014 and February 2015. Of the total intake of 300, in these first three batches, 52 have been female.
Female Gardaí retired/left An Garda Síochána
|
Year |
Number |
|
2010 |
29 |
|
2011 |
45 |
|
2012 |
37 |
|
2013 |
28 |
|
2014 |
30 |
|
*2015 |
16 |
|
Total |
185 |
*To 2 July 2015.
270. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the total number of burglaries and-or other crimes reported in each Garda district or division throughout County Kildare, in the past five years to date; the extent to which the number of reported criminal incidents has fluctuated in the period in question; the action proposed to combat any increase in such incidents of crime; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27621/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra272. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of criminal incidents reported to An Garda Síochána in each Garda district and division in County Kildare in the past five years to date; the extent to which deployment of extra and necessary resources is contemplated to deal with any issues arising; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27623/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra277. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which she and her Department continue to monitor the levels of break-ins to private households and-or commercial premises in County Kildare; the degree to which the number of such crimes has fluctuated in each of the past five years to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27628/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 270, 272 and 277 together.
As the Deputy will be aware the Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical agency, is responsible for the publication of recorded crime statistics. I have requested the CSO to provide the available statistics in relation to the matters referred to directly to the Deputy.
The Deputy will appreciate that the specific deployment of Garda resources in relation to the issues referred to is a matter for the Garda authorities. In this regard, I am advised that the allocation of overall Garda resources is kept under continuing review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure these resources are put to the best possible use. As he will also be aware, thanks to the resumption of recruitment, the Commissioner now has the capacity to deploy new Gardaí for the first time since 2009. The first group of new gardaí which attested in May this year have been stationed around the country, including in the Kildare Garda Division. Similarly, investments also are being made in vehicles and IT, and in the recruitment of specialist professional staff. Policing and community safety in Kildare will undoubtedly benefit from this injection of resources, as it will in all other Garda Divisions.
Insofar as the specific measures in place to tackle burglary are concerned, the position is that Operation Fiacla is the national intelligence and analysis-led Garda operation targeting burglary crimes throughout the country, including Kildare. As at end June 2015, the operation had led to the arrest of 13,736 persons with charges being brought against 7,828 persons nationally.
In addition, and arising from a review I initiated of the criminal justice system's response to burglary, I published the heads of the Criminal Justice (Burglary of Dwellings) Bill which targets repeat burglary offenders through new measures relating to bail and provisions concerning the imposition of consecutive sentencing for repeat burglary offending. I can further advise the Deputy that I remain in ongoing contact with the Garda Commissioner with a view to ensuring that Garda operations are responding effectively to burglary trends, and I have made specific funding available for new specialised vehicles to support an enhanced operational response by the Garda to current and emerging crime threats, including burglary offences being committed by highly mobile gangs.
