Thursday, 22 Oct 2015

Written Answers Nos. 187-223

International Agreements

Ceisteanna (187)

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

187. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will support a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36829/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald)

The Government have recently approved signature of the Istanbul Convention and the necessary arrangements are in train with a view to completing signature in the coming weeks.

The Deputy will be aware that the Convention has a very broad scope across a number of policy areas with potential policy and legislative implications. The provisions of the Convention and the legislative and administrative arrangements that would enable Ireland to ratify the Convention have been identified and I have obtained Government approval for the implementation of an action plan which will enable Ireland to ratify the Convention in due course.

It should be noted that the provisions relating to domestic violence in the Istanbul Convention may also be applied to men. During negotiations Ireland supported the application of the domestic violence provisions of the Convention to men. Irish domestic violence laws apply to men as well as to women.

Since its adoption by the Council of Europe in April 2011, the Istanbul Convention has been the subject of numerous press articles, parliamentary questions, public representations and general media coverage.

Visa Applications

Ceisteanna (188)

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

188. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will support a matter (details supplied) regarding an application for a visa; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36830/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the visa application in question was withdrawn because of the absence of confirmation from the University concerned that the applicant's choice of course was not in breach of EU sanctions relating to nuclear activity. The relevant EU regulations include restrictions on the provision of technical assistance to include training and instructions in certain fields.

The long-standing arrangement in cases such as this is that third level institutions are asked by the INIS Visa Office to familiarise themselves with the regulations and to certify that the placement does not potentially constitute the intangible transfer of technology in breach of EU regulations. This is because it is not feasible for a Visa Officer to determine whether a particular third-level course would or would not come within the remit of the regulations. Only the provider of the course would be familiar with its contents and qualified to make an informed assessment. It is only upon confirmation from the course provider that a chosen course of study is not in breach of the regulations can a Visa Officer make an informed determination on an application.

In this instance, the University concerned advised the Visa Office that the particular department of the school was not in a position to interpret the regulations and provide the necessary confirmation. In these circumstances, the applicant was advised by the Visa Office to withdraw the application so as not to incur a negative decision to his visa application history, and he did so withdraw the application.

It is open to the person concerned to submit a fresh visa application. However, if it is to be approved, it will be necessary for the course provider to certify that the placement would not constitute a breach of the regulations.

Citizenship Applications

Ceisteanna (189)

Jim Daly

Ceist:

189. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality for a breakdown of the costs of applying for citizenship; if there are any avenues of assistance available to those who cannot come up with the lump sum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36851/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Regulations 2011 (SI 569 of 2011) set out the prescribed fees to be paid by an applicant for a certificate of naturalisation. An application fee of €175 is payable on application for a certificate of naturalisation and a fee is payable by applicants on the issue of a certificate of naturalisation. The standard certification fee is €950, while a reduced fee of €200 applies in the case of an application made on behalf of a minor or in certain cases where the application is made by a widow, widower or surviving civil partner of an Irish citizen. In the case of refugees and stateless persons the certification fee is nil.

The standard fees payable by an applicant are designed to reflect the effort and cost involved in processing applications for a certificate of naturalisation. Every application must be assessed to establish if the statutory requirements are met. As the Deputy will appreciate, the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process. I might also add that following the grant of citizenship it is no longer necessary for the person concerned to register their presence in the State with the Garda National Immigration Bureau which requires the payment of a fee of €300 per registration.

The Deputy will be aware that formal citizenship ceremonies have been introduced at no extra cost to applicants. These have been universally well received by participants as the ceremonies provide a sense of dignity and occasion that serves to underscore the importance to both the State and the applicant of the granting of Irish citizenship.

All of the fees payable under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 are kept under ongoing review by my Department.

Garda Investigations

Ceisteanna (190)

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

190. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality for an update on the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36856/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the incident referred to by the Deputy is currently under Garda investigation.

The Deputy will appreciate that as this matter is under investigation it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this time.

Crime Prevention

Ceisteanna (191)

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

191. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will address a matter (details supplied) regarding an estate (details supplied) in Dublin 9; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36860/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I have brought the Deputy's concerns in relation to the area in question to the attention of the Garda authorities and I am informed that local Garda management are closely monitoring the incidence of burglary in the area in question and have put in place targeted proactive measures which focus patrols on the most vulnerable areas. The detail of the specific policing measures to be taken in this regard are, of course, a matter for the Garda authorities.

An Garda Síochána is responding to the incidence of burglary in the Dublin area through Operation Acer, which is in force throughout the Dublin Metropolitan Region. This includes a particular focus on identifying and targeting criminal groups involved in this criminality. Burglary Response Units attached to each Division, including DMR North, take the lead in Operation Acer and are assisted by other units as required. At national level, Garda operations targeting burglary are all coordinated under Operation Fiacla, using an intelligence and analysis-led approach.

As the Deputy will be aware I am implementing a robust strategy to confront those involved in burglary crimes, including through enhanced legislative measures and very significant increases in Garda resources. These measures, which include 550 new Garda recruits in 2015 and a further 600 recruits next year, underline the Government's commitment to providing people with the reassurance that comes from a visible and determined police force.

With the benefit of the very significant allocations which the Government is making for Garda resources, I am working closely with the Commissioner to finalise details of an enhanced operational response to burglaries and related crimes. All of these measures represent an investment in the safety of our communities and underscore the Government's determination to ensure that those on the frontline in tackling crime, including burglary, have the capacity to do so effectively.

Garda Data

Ceisteanna (192)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

192. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí who have departed the force owing to voluntary retirement, compulsory retirement, cost-neutral early retirement, medical discharge, resignation and dismissal, respectively, for the years 2011 to 2014 and for 2015 to date, in tabular form. [36862/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that for each of the past four years and to 31 August 2015, the latest date for which figures are readily available, the total number of Gardaí who have departed from the force owing to voluntary retirement, compulsory retirement, cost neutral early retirement, medical discharge, resignation, or dismissal is as set out in the following table.

Total number of Departures from An Garda Síochána 2010 - 2015

2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	*2015
407	480	462	335	291	196

*As of 31 August 2015.

Asylum Seeker Accommodation

Ceisteanna (193)

Eric J. Byrne

Ceist:

193. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of asylum seekers who have been granted asylum status but are unable to exit their direct provision accommodation because of their inability to source alternative accommodation; her plans to address this problem; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36878/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Cabinet Committee on Social Policy and Public Service Reform, arising from its discussions on the Report of the Working Group on improvements to the Protection process, decided that the Minister of State for New Communities, Culture and Equality convene a Taskforce, as recommended in the Report, to examine the mechanisms and supports for the transitioning of persons granted status from the Direct Provision system. The work of the Taskforce is key as it is essential that persons who are granted status are supported in transitioning out of the Direct Provision system and thus do not spend any longer than is necessary in the system once a positive decision on their case has been made. The Taskforce has met on a number of occasions and has progressed a number of matters including the sourcing of appropriate accommodation in conjunction with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, the production of an information pack on the range of services and supports that are available for those in the system with status and the rolling out of a Pilot Information Programme for persons granted status in a number of areas throughout the country. The Taskforce is expected to report to the Cabinet Committee shortly.

There are currently some 470 persons who have been granted status in the State residing in direct provision accommodation whilst seeking alternative accommodation. Many are recent grants and the figure is constantly fluctuating in line with decisions to grant status on the one hand and movement out of direct provision accommodation on the other. It should be noted that when the Working Group considered the matter the figure stood at almost 700. It should also be noted that over 86% of persons granted status exit direct provision accommodation in less than 6 months.

Garda Vetting Applications Data

Ceisteanna (194)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

194. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of vetting applications processed by the Garda Síochána central vetting unit in each month in 2015 to date, in tabular form. [36919/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of vetting applications processed by the Garda Central Vetting Unit each month in 2015 so far is set out in the following table.

Month	Vetting Applications Processed
October 2015*	17,984
September 2015	27,823
August 2015	20,133
July 2015	25,789
June 2015	28,667
May 2015	27,124
April 2015	24,702
March 2015	22,890
February 2015	22,567
January 2015	20,728

*Up to 19 October

Garda Recruitment

Ceisteanna (195)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

195. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans for additional recruitment to An Garda Síochána; the timeframe involved; if she is satisfied that the current assessment process identifies the most suitable applicants; and the consideration that she has given to specific recruitment from the ranks of the Garda Reserve. [36920/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I can inform the Deputy that recruitment to An Garda Síochána is governed by the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations 2013.

The Public Appointments Service (PAS) are managing this recruitment process on behalf of the Garda Commissioner and I have no direct involvement in the matter.

I am informed that the Garda Commissioner and the Public Appointments Service have conducted the competition for Garda Trainee in compliance with the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA) Code of Practice 'Appointment to positions where the Garda Commissioner has Statutory Responsibilities'.

The code reflects the following core principles:

I. Probity

II. Merit

III. Best Practice

IV. Fairness and Consistency

V. Openness, Accountability and Transparency

In line with this Government's commitment to ensuring ongoing seamless recruitment to An Garda Síochána the budget allocation for 2016 will allow the recruitment of 600 new Gardaí in addition to the 550 that will be recruited by the end of this year. The ongoing recruitment of new Gardaí is crucial to the renewal of An Garda Síochána and for the safety of communities throughout the State.

I am advised that as the panel of successful candidates from the last competition is expected to be exhausted early in the New Year, a new competition will need to be held in order to ensure the ongoing recruitment of trainee Gardaí throughout 2016. My Department, Garda Human Resources, and the Public Appointments Service are currently in discussion in relation to the format this competition will take. When announced the competition will be publicly advertised, including on the Public Appointments Service website (www.publicjobs.ie), and will be open to all eligible candidates.

The Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations 2013 provide that in a competition for full-time membership of An Garda Síochána, the Public Appointments Service shall take into account "any satisfactory service by the person as a reserve member of the Garda Síochána". This provision was introduced in order to acknowledge the beneficial experience and skills gained by a Reserve member and to allow them the opportunity to highlight that experience and skill at any stage of the selection process.

Garda Strength

Ceisteanna (196)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

196. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí by rank and by division for each year since 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36981/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

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 continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the best possible use is made of resources. The information requested by the Deputy is currently being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in due course.

Crime Data

Ceisteanna (197, 198, 199, 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229)

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

197. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the recorded annualised crime statistics (details supplied) for the Mayo Garda Síochána districts for the second quarter of 2015 and the second quarter of 2014, in tabular form. [37008/15]

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

198. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the recorded annualised crime statistics (details supplied) for the Roscommon Garda Síochána districts for the second quarter of 2015 and the second quarter of 2014, in tabular form. [37009/15]

Robert Troy

Ceist:

199. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the recorded annualised crime statistics (details supplied) for the Longford Garda Síochána districts for the second quarter of 2015 and the second quarter of 2014, in tabular form. [37010/15]

Robert Troy

Ceist:

200. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the recorded annualised crime statistics (details supplied) for the Westmeath Garda Síochána districts for the second quarter of 2015 and the second quarter of 2014, in tabular form. [37011/15]

Niall Collins

Ceist:

201. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the recorded annualised crime statistics (details supplied) for the Tipperary Garda Síochána districts for the second quarter of 2015 and the second quarter of 2014, in tabular form. [37012/15]

Seamus Kirk

Ceist:

202. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the recorded annualised crime statistics (details supplied) for the Louth Garda Síochána districts for the second quarter of 2015 and the second quarter of 2014, in tabular form. [37013/15]

Seamus Kirk

Ceist:

203. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the recorded annualised crime statistics (details supplied) for the Meath Garda Síochána districts for the second quarter of 2015 and the second quarter of 2014, in tabular form. [37014/15]

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Ceist:

204. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the recorded annualised crime statistics (details supplied) for the Kildare Garda Síochána districts for the second quarter of 2015 and the second quarter of 2014, in tabular form. [37015/15]

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Ceist:

205. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the recorded annualised crime statistics (details supplied) for the Dublin South Garda Síochána districts for the second quarter of 2015 and the second quarter of 2014, in tabular form. [37016/15]

Michael Moynihan

Ceist:

206. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the recorded annualised crime statistics (details supplied) for the Kerry Garda Síochána districts for the second quarter of 2015 and for the second quarter of 2014, in tabular form. [37017/15]

Bobby Aylward

Ceist:

207. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the recorded annualised crime statistics (details supplied) for the Carlow Garda Síochána districts for the second quarter of 2015 and the second quarter of 2014, in tabular form. [37020/15]

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

208. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the recorded annualised crime statistics (details supplied) for the Dublin West Garda Síochána districts for the second quarter of 2015 and the second quarter of 2014, in tabular form. [37021/15]

Seamus Kirk

Ceist:

209. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the recorded annualised crime statistics (details supplied) for the Dublin North Garda Síochána districts for the second quarter of 2015 and the second quarter of 2014, in tabular form. [37022/15]

Michael Moynihan

Ceist:

210. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the recorded annualised crime statistics (details supplied) for the Cork West Garda Síochána districts for the second quarter of 2015 and the second quarter of 2014, in tabular form. [37037/15]

Colm Keaveney

Ceist:

211. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the recorded annualised crime statistics (details supplied) for the Galway Garda Síochána districts for the second quarter of 2015 and the second quarter of 2014, in tabular form. [37038/15]

Michael Moynihan

Ceist:

212. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the recorded annualised crime statistics (details supplied) for the north Cork Garda Síochána districts for the second quarter of 2015 and the second quarter of 2014, in tabular form. [37039/15]

Timmy Dooley

Ceist:

213. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the recorded annualised crime statistics (details supplied) for the Clare Garda Síochána districts for the second quarter of 2015 and the second quarter of 2014, in tabular form. [37040/15]

Niall Collins

Ceist:

214. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the recorded annualised crime statistics (details supplied) for the Limerick Garda Síochána districts for the second quarter of 2015 and the second quarter of 2014, in tabular form. [37041/15]

Bobby Aylward

Ceist:

215. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the recorded annualised crime statistics (details supplied) for the Waterford Garda Síochána districts for the second quarter of 2015 and the second quarter of 2014, in tabular form. [37042/15]

John Browne

Ceist:

216. Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the recorded annualised crime statistics (details supplied) for the Wexford Garda Síochána districts for the second quarter of 2015 and the second quarter of 2014, in tabular form. [37043/15]

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

217. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the recorded annualised crime statistics (details supplied) for the Laois-Offaly Garda Síochána districts for the second quarter of 2015 and the second quarter of 2014, in tabular form. [37044/15]

Bobby Aylward

Ceist:

218. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the recorded annualised crime statistics (details supplied) for the Kilkenny Garda Síochána districts for the second quarter of 2015 and the second quarter of 2014, in tabular form. [37045/15]

John Browne

Ceist:

219. Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the recorded annualised crime statistics (details supplied) for the Wicklow Garda Síochána districts for the second quarter of 2015 and the second quarter of 2014, in tabular form. [37046/15]

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

220. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the recorded annualised crime statistics (details supplied) for the Cavan Garda Síochána districts for the second quarter of 2015 and the second quarter of 2014, in tabular form. [37048/15]

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

221. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the recorded annualised crime statistics (details supplied) for the Monaghan Garda Síochána districts for the second quarter of 2015 and the second quarter of 2014, in tabular form. [37050/15]

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

222. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the recorded annualised crime statistics (details supplied) for the Leitrim Garda Síochána districts for the second quarter of 2015 and the second quarter of 2014, in tabular form. [37051/15]

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

223. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the recorded annualised crime statistics (details supplied) for the Sligo Garda Síochána districts for the second quarter of 2015 and the second quarter of 2014, in tabular form. [37052/15]

John Browne

Ceist:

225. Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the recorded annualised crime statistics (details supplied) for the Dublin south Garda Síochána districts for the second quarter of 2015 and the second quarter of 2014, in tabular form. [37077/15]

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

226. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the recorded annualised crime statistics (details supplied) for the Donegal Garda Síochána districts for the second quarter of 2015 and the second quarter of 2014, in tabular form. [37079/15]

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

227. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the recorded annualised crime statistics (details supplied) for the Dublin east Garda Síochána districts for the second quarter of 2015 and second quarter of 2014, in tabular form. [37080/15]

Niall Collins

Ceist:

228. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the recorded annualised crime statistics (details supplied) for the Dublin north central Garda Síochána districts for the second quarter of 2015 and the second quarter of 2014, in tabular form. [37081/15]

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Ceist:

229. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the recorded annualised crime statistics (details supplied) for the Dublin south central Garda Síochána districts for the second quarter of 2015 and the second quarter of 2014, in tabular form. [37083/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I propose to take Questions Nos. 197 to 223, inclusive, and 225 to 229, inclusive, together.

As the Deputies will be aware the Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical agency, is responsible for the publication of recorded crime statistics.

In relation to the matters referred to, I have requested the available statistics from the CSO.