Written Answers Nos. 378-407
378. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of an application for permission to remain by a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6037/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that, in response to a notification pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), written representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned.
These representations, together with all other information and documentation on file, will be fully considered, under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, in advance of a final decision being made.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
379. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of an application for renewal of a Stamp 4 visa by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6047/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned has made an application for renewal of permission to remain in the State, based on parentage of an Irish citizen child; this application is under consideration at present.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
380. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of a case of recovery abroad of maintenance for a person (details supplied) in County Meath. [6071/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on an individual application under the United Nations Convention on the Recovery Abroad of Maintenance. Such applications are facilitated by the Irish Central Authority for International Maintenance Recovery which is located in my Department. I understand that the Irish Central Authority has been and continues to be in direct contact with the applicant and I can assure the Deputy that the Central Authority will continue to provide what assistance it can in this matter.
381. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the crime figures for County Meath and the number of gardaí in each of the Garda Síochána stations in County Meath from 2011 to 2015. [6124/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware the Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical agency, is responsible for the publication of recorded crime statistics. To be of assistance I have requested the CSO to contact the Deputy directly in relation to the information requested.
The Deputy will appreciate that the deployment of Garda resources, including personnel, is a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the first instance. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength of Meath Garda Division as of 29 February 2016, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 277. The Division is also supported by 33 Garda Reserves and 25 civilians. I am further informed that the number of Gardaí in each station in the Meath Division on 31 December 2011-2015 was as set out in the table below.
As the Deputy is aware, Budget 2016 made provision for the recruitment of 600 new Gardaí this year bringing to 1,150 the number of new Gardaí who will have been recruited since the reopening of the Garda College in Templemore in September 2014. To date there have been six intakes of Garda Trainees to the Garda College, giving a total intake of 550 with a further 150 commencing training on 11 April 2016. So far 395 of these new recruits have been fully attested and are undertaking Garda duties in communities nationwide.
I am assured by Garda management that the needs of all Garda Divisions are fully considered when determining the allocation of newly attested Gardaí and in this context 15 Probationer Gardaí have been assigned to the Meath Division.
Meath Garda Division Strength 2011 - 2015
|
Station |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
|
ASHBOURNE |
47 |
46 |
43 |
45 |
44 |
|
DULEEK |
4 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
|
DUNBOYNE |
13 |
15 |
15 |
16 |
16 |
|
DUNSHAUGHLIN |
21 |
21 |
20 |
19 |
18 |
|
LAYTOWN |
25 |
23 |
22 |
23 |
21 |
|
BAILE ÁTHA BUÍ |
3 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
|
CROSSAKEEL |
1 |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
|
KELLS |
54 |
47 |
43 |
43 |
40 |
|
OLDCASTLE |
3 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
3 |
|
NAVAN |
76 |
76 |
78 |
74 |
79 |
|
NOBBER |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
|
SLANE |
4 |
4 |
4 |
3 |
4 |
|
BALLIVOR |
3 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
|
ENFIELD |
7 |
7 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
|
KILMESSAN |
1 |
1 |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
|
LONGWOOD |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
SUMMERHILL |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
|
TRIM |
31 |
32 |
34 |
34 |
30 |
|
Total |
302 |
296 |
287 |
281 |
277 |
382. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current and expected residency status and eligibility for naturalisation of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6126/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned has made an application for a certificate of naturalisation. The processing of the application is ongoing with a view to establishing whether the conditions for naturalisation, such as good character and lawful residence are satisfied.
A letter issued to the person concerned on 15 January 2016 seeking confirmation that their permission to remain is current and up to date. All non-EEA nationals are required to keep their permission to remain in the State up to date at all times and failure to do so may adversely affect an application for a certificate of naturalisation. Upon receipt of the requested information, or in the event that the person concerned does not respond, the case will be further processed and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.
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.
The Deputy may wish to note that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been established specifically for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
383. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of investigations into the bombing in Belturbet in County Cavan in December 1972, which resulted in the death of two innocent teenagers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6127/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI know that the Deputy has a long-standing interest in the appalling bomb attack in Belturbet in 1972 and shares my view that it was an horrific and unjustifiable act in which two innocent young lives were tragically taken.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the bombing and two murders in Belturbet were the subject of a thorough investigation at the time by An Garda Síochána, with expert assistance provided by the Army. The investigation also involved close liaison with the authorities in Northern Ireland in an effort to bring the perpetrators to justice. Although every avenue of inquiry open to the investigation was pursued at that time there was no evidence to bring those responsible for this crime to justice. It remains a source of disappointment that no one has yet been brought to justice for these murders.
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the investigation into these murders is still ongoing, and that the Garda Authorities continue to work closely with the PSNI to seek to progress the investigation. I am further informed that family liaison is maintained on an ongoing basis by the Garda Divisional Officer in Monaghan.
I am assured by the Garda Authorities that any new or additional evidence that emerges from any source will be pursued fully by An Garda Síochána.
384. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to extend student status in order to facilitate the securing of employment by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6128/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that this person should make an application to the Residence Division of INIS.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
385. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current and expected residency status and eligibility for naturalisation of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6132/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned currently holds an immigration permission which expires on 21 July 2016. The person concerned is advised to register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau for a further renewal period, two weeks in advance of this date.
I am further informed by the INIS of my Department that there is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation being made by the person concerned.
It is open to any individual to lodge an application for citizenship if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements as prescribed in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 as amended. Detailed information on Irish citizenship and naturalisation is available on the INIS website at www.inis.gov.ie. The website also contains an online naturalisation residency calculator which individuals may find of assistance in establishing if the residency requirements are met.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
386. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current and expected residency status and eligibility for naturalisation of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6134/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 4th April, 2016, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of them. They were given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why they should not have a Deportation Order made against them.
The position in the State of the person concerned will now be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before a final decision is made.
The Deputy should note that as the person concerned has no current right of residency in the State, they would not be in a position to meet the lawful residency criteria applicable to persons applying to my Department for a Certificate of Naturalisation.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
387. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current and expected residency status and eligibility for naturalisation of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6138/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIf the person whose details were supplied has made an application for asylum or subsidiary protection in the State, the Deputy will be aware that it is not the practice to comment on such applications until they have fully completed the protection process. This is in accordance with Section 19(1) of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) which provides for the protection of the identity of protection 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. This temporary permission is not reckonable for the purposes of any subsequent application for naturalisation. 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.
388. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current and expected residency status and eligibility for naturalisation of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6145/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person referred to is the subject of a Deportation Order made on 15 July 2011 and therefore has no entitlement to residency in the State or naturalisation. Judicial Review proceedings were issued on 8 September 2011 challenging the Deportation Order and accordingly, as that matter is sub judice I do not propose to comment further.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
389. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of an application for leave to remain or residency status by of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6148/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that a letter issued to the person in question on 15 February 2016 requesting various documentation. The Residence Division in INIS is still awaiting the information requested.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
390. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to examine and expedite the land transfer of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry which is currently with the Property Registration Authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6176/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that under the Registration of Deeds and Title Act 2006, the Property Registration Authority (PRA) was established as and from 4 November 2006. The PRA replaces the Registrar of Deeds and Titles as the registering authority in relation to property registration in Ireland and, subject to the above Act, is independent in the performance of its functions. The Deputy will be aware of the service to T.D.s and Senators which provides information on the current status of applications, such as the subject of this question, which was introduced in May 2006. The service provides a speedier, more efficient and more cost effective alternative to submitting Parliamentary Questions. It is operated by the PRA and is available all year round. I can further inform the Deputy that his query has been forwarded to the PRA for attention and direct reply via the above mentioned service.
391. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the average waiting time for a case to be heard at the Dublin Coroners Court; the reason for such a long delay; if it relates to a shortage of coroners; the status of efforts to replace a coroner who has retired; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6210/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe legislation governing Coroners is the Coroners Act, 1962. Under this legislation a coroner is a statutory officer exercising quasi-judicial functions, in relation to which he or she is independent. A Coroner is responsible for the scheduling and conducting of inquests in his or her district. The Deputy will appreciate that neither I nor my Department has any role in the conduct of individual cases. The current Coroner for Dublin has not retired but will do so later this year and efforts are in train in relation to the appointment of his replacement.
392. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of attacks by prison inmates on prison officers in prisons from 1 January 2013 to 2016 to date; the nature of injuries sustained in the attacks; the duration of time the prison officer spent out of work as a result of the attack; the details of compensation paid out to injured prison officers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6211/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Prison Service that the number of recorded assaults on prison officers by prisoners for 2013 to date are as outlined in the table below:
|
Year |
Number of Prisoner Assaults on Staff |
|
2013 |
154 |
|
2014 |
144 |
|
2015* |
91 (relates to 62 incidents) |
|
2016* to 05/04/16 |
7 |
*Figures for 2015/2016 are produced by State Claims Agency from information input on the National Incident Management System (NIMS). They include the number of persons involved in an incident in 2015/2016 where the incident was categorised as either Physical Assault or Physical Harassment.
It is not possible to provide the Deputy with the nature of the injuries from the assaults, as this information is personal medical information to the officers concerned.
The amount of time spent out of work as a result of these assaults is not readily available. However it is currently being complied and will be forward to the Deputy as soon as it is to hand.
Details of compensation paid in relation to the recorded assaults is a matter for the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal, under the Scheme of Compensation for Personal Injuries Criminally Inflicted on Prison Officers. Awards under this scheme are made directly to prison officers by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal (CICT) which is a non-statutory agency of the Department of Justice and Equality and is independent of the Minister in its decision making.
The amount of compensation paid to prison officers during the years requested is included in the table below. This figure includes, but is not solely restricted to, compensation paid as a result of an assault by a prisoner. It should be noted that the injury or injuries which gave rise to these claims are likely to have occurred in the preceding years.
|
Year |
Amount |
No. of Claims |
|
2013 |
€816,441.66 |
48 |
|
2014 |
€977,717.95 |
47 |
Details of compensation payments made under this scheme for 2015/2016 will be available when the Appropriations Account for 2015/2016 are published. Claims for compensation can also be made though the Courts separate to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal. Every assault on a member of staff, is treated as serious and appropriate action is taken by the Prison Service, including the reporting of such assaults to an Garda Síochána for the purposes of investigation and criminal prosecution where appropriate. No level of inter prisoner violence is acceptable and every effort is made by prison staff and management to limit the scope of acts of violence. However no regime can completely eliminate the possibility of violent incidents happening in a prison setting where a large number of dangerous and violent offenders are being held.
The Irish Prison Service has successfully introduced a number of measures across the prison estate such as hand-held metal detectors, netting over prison yards, boss chairs and security screening machines to detect and prevent weapons from entering the prison to limit the scope of acts of violence. In addition, new prisoner programmes have been introduced such as the Incentivised Regimes policy which provides for a differentiation of privileges between prisoners according to their level of engagement with services and quality of behaviour. The objective is to provide tangible incentives to prisoners to participate in structured activities and to reinforce good behaviour, leading to a safer and more secure environment.
The Irish Prison Service will continue to review procedures and progress on an ongoing basis, in order to ensure and improve staff safety.
393. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí who retired from An Garda Síochána in 2015, by rank; the number of gardaí who will be eligible for retirement in 2016, by rank; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6212/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the information requested is as set out in the tables below.
Retirement of members of An Garda Síochána is governed by statutory provisions which set the mandatory retirement age for all members at 60 years of age. Members of An Garda Síochána who joined the organisation prior to 1 April 2004 may retire on full pension once they have served for at least 30 years and they have reached 50 years of age. Members of An Garda Síochána who joined the organisation on or after 1 April 2004 may retire on full pension once they have served at least 30 years and have reached 55 years of age. Accordingly a member has the option of continuing to serve until they reach 60 years of age.
It is important to note that the number of Gardaí eligible for retirement is not an indicator of the number of Gardaí who will retire in a particular year. The current estimate for retirements this year, based on past experience, is approximately 300 members. I can assure the Deputy that projected retirements are kept under continuing review.
Table 1
Number of *Departures from Gardaí in 2015
|
Com |
D/Com |
A/Com |
C/Supt |
Supt |
Insp |
Sgt |
Garda |
Total |
|
0 |
0 |
1 |
4 |
12 |
13 |
83 |
168 |
281 |
*includes voluntary retirement, compulsory retirement, cost neutral early retirement, medical discharge, resignation and dismissals
Table 2
Number of Gardaí Eligible for Retirement in 2016
|
Com |
D/Com |
A/Com |
C/Supt |
Supt |
Insp |
Sgt |
Garda |
Total |
|
1 |
2 |
4 |
39 |
125 |
127 |
470 |
737 |
1505 |
394. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí based and the number of newly graduated gardaí allocated over the past five years, by Garda Síochána station, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6213/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who 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, demographic data and policing priorities so as to ensure that the best possible use is made of resources.
The specific information requested by the Deputy is being collated and will be forwarded on to the Deputy as soon as possible.
395. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the automated number plate recognition system has been removed entirely; her plans to restore it; if it is in use by any Garda Síochána vehicles; the number of same; her plans to increase the number of Garda Síochána vehicles using the system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6214/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Garda authorities that Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) was introduced into An Garda Síochána in 2008. As of 1 April 2016, there were 100 Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) units fitted in official Garda vehicles, which are allocated around the country and used on a daily basis to assist An Garda Síochána with a wide range of enforcement functions. I am further advised that the capabilities and the expansion of ANPR are regularly reviewed by An Garda Síochána.
396. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current and expected naturalisation status of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6236/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the processing of the application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy is ongoing and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.
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.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. While most cases are now generally processed within six months, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.
The Deputy may wish to note that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been established specifically for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
397. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will issue a passport to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 in the person's correct name. [6241/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the issue raised by the Deputy is being looked into and a reply will issue to her as soon as possible.
398. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 130 of 1 October 2015, to provide an update on her plans for a second sexual abuse and violence in Ireland study; the co-ordination she has undertaken between the relevant Departments on this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6242/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraA second Sexual Assault and Violence in Ireland study (SAVI 2) would show the prevalence of and attitudes to sexual violence and elucidate how the experience has changed since SAVI 1. The overall cost of a report is likely to be in the order of €1 million over three years. The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre proposal recognised that, given the significant budget, funding would be divided between four Departments, the Department of Justice and Equality, Children and Youth Affairs, Education and Skills, and Health. I wrote to the relevant Ministers on this matter and expressed my support for the project. The responses received make the viability of funding the project, as proposed, unlikely.
A balance must be struck between the funding of front-line services and funding research. However, my Department continues to investigate the financial feasibility, resource implications and approaches to identifying a ring-fenced funding stream for undertaking this body of work at this time and to explore obligations with regard to requisite public procurement arrangements.
399. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to commit to a second meeting of the save our local community group (details supplied) to follow an initial meeting which took place on 1 December 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6282/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that my Office has received correspondence for the group referred to. As the Deputy will be aware I met with the group previously and I am very much aware of the concerns which they have expressed. Many of the issues which they raised are being addressed through a variety of actions, including the concerted drive against crime which is being conducted by An Garda Síochána under Operation Thor. I can assure the Deputy that my Office will respond directly to the group in relation to their latest correspondence.
400. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to engage with the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation to make the benefits that are available to employers availing of the JobsPlus Scheme available to parents seeking to employ persons to provide affordable child care in the home; his views on the many benefits that would accrue from such a development for the child care worker, parents and the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5488/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe JobsPlus scheme is administered by the Department of Social Protection and my Department has no role or function in determining the eligibility criteria for this; however it is clear that childcare is a cross-cutting issue and I have worked continuously with my colleagues in Government to ensure alignment of policy and strategy. The Inter-Departmental Working Group on Future Investment in Childcare in Ireland included representation from the Department of Social Protection and the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. The report of the Inter Departmental Working Group, published in July 2015, made a number of recommendations in relation to childminders, and highlighted that greater supports and incentives may be required. Work is continuing in my Department on foot of this report.
As regards childcare provided in the home, a number of supports are currently in place for childminders. For example, my Department provides annual funding of €340,000 to Childminding Ireland. It also funds childminding development grants, amounting to €250,000 in total, which are distributed annually by the county child care committees, CCCs. In addition, childminders taking care of three or fewer children under the age of 18 may be entitled to avail of the child care services relief from the Revenue Commissioners, provided their annual childminding income comes to no more than €15,000.
401. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of refurbishment works at Crannóg Nua at Portrane in County Dublin including when the unit will be operational and the number of special care places which will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5537/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra402. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children residing in special care units in Ballydowd special care unit, in Gleann Álainn special care unit, and in Coovagh House special care unit, from January 2015 to date, by month, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5538/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra403. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children residing in care arrangements outside of the State under orders made by the High Court; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5539/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 401 to 403, inclusive, together.
Special care is intended as a short term secure care placement in a therapeutic environment with the intention of returning the child to a community or family based setting as soon as possible. Special care is used to address the risk of harm that may be caused to a child's life, health, safety, development or welfare by their behaviour. There are three special care units in the country which are operated by the Child and Family Agency, Tusla, under the governance of National Special Care Services.
The refurbishment works at Crannóg Nua, Portrane are currently ongoing and are due to be completed in the fourth quarter this year. When the works are completed Crannóg Nua will have an operational capacity of twelve special care places. It is envisaged that initial referrals to the Centre will commence in the first quarter of 2017, on a staggered basis.
Details of the three special care units with a total of 17 places are as follows:-
- Ballydowd, Dublin - a mixed gender unit, capacity for 10 children
- Coovagh House, Limerick - a mixed gender unit, capacity for 3 children
- Gleann Alainn, Cork - a female only unit, capacity for 4 children
Tusla has provided the following information on the number of children residing in special care units from January to December 2015.
Number of Children residing in Special Care Units 2015
|
Month (As of the last day) |
Ballydowd |
Gleann Alainn |
Coovagh House |
|
January |
10 |
3 |
4 |
|
February |
10 |
3 |
4 |
|
March |
10 |
4 |
4 |
|
April |
9 |
4 |
4 |
|
May |
9 |
4 |
4 |
|
June |
8 |
4 |
4 |
|
July |
8 |
4 |
3 |
|
August |
8 |
4 |
3 |
|
September |
8 |
4 |
3 |
|
October |
7 |
4 |
3 |
|
November |
9 |
4 |
3 |
|
December |
9 |
4 |
3 |
Number of Children residing in Special Care Units 2016 (Jan-March)
|
Month (As of the last day) |
Ballydowd |
Gleann Alainn |
Coovagh House |
|
January |
8 |
4 |
3 |
|
February |
10 |
2 |
3 |
|
March |
9 |
2 |
3 |
It should be noted that the capacity of the centres can change depending on the needs of the children placed.
Tusla seeks to place children with complex needs within Ireland, in placements such as special care; however, in some limited circumstances children are placed abroad, under an order of the High Court, where their specific needs can be met. These children often present with a complex range of needs due to injury, accident or childhood experiences. The needs of the child are prioritised over the location of the placement when seeking such specialist services. Children placed abroad remain in the care of the State, have an allocated social worker who visits them in their placement, and have a care plan which is reviewed within the statutory framework. At the end of December 2015, there were 4 children in a secure care placement out of state. All four children were placed in the United Kingdom, had an allocated social worker and up to date care plan.
404. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children on the waiting list for a special care placement; the average waiting time for such a placement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5540/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra405. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of applications for admission to special care which were considered by the national special care admission and discharge committee, the number of such applications which were approved and rejected, and the number of occasions when the committee met on an emergency basis to consider an application for admission of a child to special care, in 2015 and in 2016 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5541/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra406. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of appeals the national special care appeals panel considered, and the number of such appeals which were approved and which were rejected, in 2015 and in 2016 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5542/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 404 to 406, inclusive, together.
Special Care units differ from general residential care in a number of ways: the units are secure, the child is detained, they offer higher staff ratios, education is on-site and there is specialised input such as psychology services. The child is not detained as a result of criminal offences, but for their own safety and welfare.
Children are admitted to Special Care following a successful application to the Child and Family Agency's Special Care Referrals Committee and then to the High Court for a special care order, in line with the provisions of the Child Care Act 1991, as amended. The criteria for admission to a special care unit are the age of the child, the concerns and risk assessment of the child, and a risk management plan. The age range for admission is 11 to 17 years. There are currently 5 young people approved and awaiting a Special Care intervention. One new referral is currently being processed. The current average waiting time is approximately 4 weeks.
The Special Care Referrals Committee meets on a fortnightly basis. During 2015, the Committee convened 5 emergency meetings outside of regular meetings. To date, there have been no emergency meetings in 2016.
The referrals process for Special Care includes the provision for resubmissions of referrals where the social work department wishes the Referrals Committee to reconsider the referral. During 2015, there were 19 re-referrals made to the Special Care Referrals Committee, of these re-referrals 9 were deemed suitable, 9 were deemed not suitable and 1 was withdrawn. To date, in 2016, there has been one re-referral which the Committee deemed was suitable for Special Care.
The Child and Family Agency, Tusla, has provided me with the following information on the number of referrals made in 2015 and to the end of March 2016:
Special Care Services Referral Information 2015
|
Details of referrals |
Amount |
|
No of Referrals made |
55 |
|
No of Re-Referrals made |
19 |
|
Total Referrals: |
74 |
|
Of these 74 Referrals: |
|
|
No of Referrals approved |
31 |
|
No of Referrals deemed not suitable |
37 |
|
No of Referrals withdrawn prior to being considered |
2 |
|
No of Inappropriate Referrals |
3 |
|
Under Consideration of the Committee |
1 |
|
Of Note: |
|
|
No of Referrals deemed Suitable and subsequently withdrawn/Removed |
8 |
Special Care Services Referral Information 2016 (Jan-March)
|
Details of Referrals |
Amount |
|
No of Referrals made |
13 |
|
No of Re-Referrals made |
1 |
|
Total Referrals: |
14 |
|
Of these 14 Referrals: |
|
|
No of Referrals approved |
7 |
|
No of Referrals deemed not suitable |
6 |
|
No of Referrals withdrawn prior to being considered |
0 |
|
No of Inappropriate Referrals |
0 |
|
Under Consideration of the Committee |
1 |
|
Of Note: |
|
|
No of Referrals deemed Suitable and subsequently withdrawn/Removed |
0 |
407. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will make an exemption to enable a person (details supplied) in County Cork to avail of a scheme. [5610/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn Budget 2016 it was announced that, from September 2016, children will be eligible to start free pre-school when they turn age 3, and can continue in free pre-school until they start primary school (once the child is not older than 5½ years at the end of the pre-school year i.e. end June). The age range for eligibility for children enrolling for the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme in September 2016 is 1 January 2012 to 31 August 2013.
Currently, children are entitled to one year’s free pre-school (i.e. 38 weeks during the pre-school year) under the programme. It is my understanding that the child in question is currently availing of this entitlement during the 2015/2016 programme year. As this child will be outside the eligibility age range in September 2016, she will not therefore be eligible to re-register for free pre-school then.
However, an application for an overage exemption can be made if a child has been diagnosed as having a special/additional need. Current policy requires that any request for an exemption from ECCE eligibility criteria must be supported by a medical assessment report from the HSE/medical specialist, specifying the child's special need and diagnosis. Application should be made to the Early Years Policies and Programmes Unit of my Department, attaching a supporting medical report.
