Written Answers Nos. 202 - 228
202. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Defence the regional breakdown of all members appointed by the Government or by him to State boards, agencies and bodies in 2015 and to date in 2016 broken down by agency and by regions (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7475/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe only State body currently under the aegis of the Department of Defence is the Army Pensions Board. The Army Pensions Board is an independent statutory body established under the Army Pensions Act 1927 and is based in St. Bricin’s Military Hospital in Dublin.
The position of Army Medical Corps ordinary member of the Army Pensions Board became temporarily vacant in September 2015 due to the deployment overseas of the serving member Commandant Adam Lagun. On the recommendation of the Chief of Staff, I appointed Commandant Zdenek Osecky, Army Medical Corps to be an ordinary member of the Army Pensions Board from 10 September 2015 until 30 June 2016 inclusive, to cover this temporary vacant position.
I have not made any appointments to the Army Pensions Board from 1 January 2016 to date.
Members of the Defence Forces may from time to time be assigned to different locations across the country. For security reasons it is not proposed to highlight the location in which individual members are assigned.
203. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding an application for funding (details supplied) in County Cork which has been passed to his Department. [7544/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn December 2015, the Government approved the allocation of €5m for an emergency humanitarian support scheme to small businesses and community, sporting and voluntary bodies which through no fault of their own had been unable to secure flood insurance on their premises and were flooded during the storms of December 2015 to January 2016. The scheme is being administered by the Irish Red Cross.
The Irish Red Cross Society is an independent charitable organisation with full power to manage its own affairs. This is a matter for the Irish Red Cross who I am advised have been in correspondence with the applicants.
204. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Defence to investigate the status of members of An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil who retire from their positions after a number of years of service but receive no official recognition or commendation marking this milestone; if he will address this and honour this voluntary service; if the Minister has made any plans to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7624/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraUpon retirement from the Reserve Defence Forces (RDF), Other Ranks personnel are presented with an AF42 RDF, Certificate of Discharge which recognises their service with the RDF. Officers of the RDF receive a Certificate of Service, which similarly recognises their service. In addition, there are specific service awards made to members of the RDF depending on the duration of service. In this regard, RDF personnel are awarded a Service Medal after seven (7) years service, after twelve (12) years service they receive a bar to their Service Medal and after twenty one (21) years service they receive a second bar to their Service Medal.
I value highly the spirit of service and voluntarism of members of the RDF and I am greatly appreciative of the time and effort which they freely give through participation in training and other reserve activities. I believe that the awards and certificates, already in place, satisfactorily recognise this service and have no plans to introduce any further proposals for further recognition.
205. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Defence the number of officers who have left the Defence Forces across all services in each of the years 2011 to 2015. [7642/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt has not been possible in the time available to compile the information in the format sought by the Deputy. The information is currently being compiled by the Department and I will provide the information directly to the Deputy as soon as it becomes available.
206. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Defence the personnel strength of the Permanent Defence Forces when 1,450 new members are recruited following the recruitment campaign announced on 13 April 2016. [7663/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to maintaining the stabilised strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel, comprising of 7,520 Army, 886 Air Corps and 1,094 Naval Service as stated in the 2015 White Paper on Defence.
The manpower requirement of the Defence Forces is monitored on an ongoing basis in accordance with the operational requirements of each of the three services, the establishment of the Permanent Defence Forces and available resources. As there is significant turnover of personnel in the Permanent Defence Force targeted recruitment takes place so as to maintain personnel numbers at or near the agreed strength levels as set out above in accordance with available training capacity. This approach is underlined by the recently announced recruitment strategy which envisages an intake in 2016 of 600 general services recruits and a further 850 in 2017. This recruitment will be phased over the 2016 and 2017 period in a manner designed to restore the established strength and plans are being put in place to this end.
207. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the efforts, if any, being made by the Government to prevent a terrorist attack here; if any new measures have been taken in the aftermath of the Belgian terrorist attacks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7650/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I indicated to the Deputy in my reply to Question No. 268 of 14 April 2016, the current assessment of the threat is that while an international terrorist attack on Ireland is possible, it is not considered likely. Notwithstanding that, the level of threat from this source is kept under close and constant review by An Garda Síochána and all appropriate measures will continue to be taken by the authorities here, in co-operation with their international partners, in responding to any identified threats and in seeking to prevent attacks. There is no complacency in this regard.
I should emphasise that the main security threat in the State is from the so-called 'dissident' republican paramilitary groups who continue to be a priority counter-terrorism focus for An Garda Síochána. The Garda authorities will continue to target those involved and to work closely with their counterparts in Northern Ireland in bearing down on these groups. The Gardaí and the PSNI deserve praise for their ongoing work in this regard.
An Garda Síochána has developed considerable operational capacities in countering terrorism and in responding to critical incidents. There is, in particular, a highly-trained and well equipped special intervention capability in the Emergency Response Unit that is supported by the regional Armed Support Units. All the relevant agencies here cooperate closely in respect of any threats identified. Where necessary, the considerable skills of the Defence Forces are also available in aid to the civil power.
The ability to prevent attacks is as important as an ability to deal with such an eventuality. The gathering of intelligence both domestically and from international sources plays a priority role in ensuring An Garda Síochána can perform this task. The sharing of information and the use of modern information technology structures to support this function is a key priority internationally. The Government is committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the necessary resources to enable them to interact effectively at this level. This includes connecting to the European Schengen Information System and, indeed, to other EU and Interpol information-sharing resources relevant to countering the terrorist threat.
Increasing the effectiveness of information and intelligence-sharing and enhancing border security have been priority themes at recent meetings of the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council and they will remain at the top of the agenda for the foreseeable future. A series of measures is being rolled out to build on and improve current operational co-operation and to develop the EU's legal framework for information-sharing, combating terrorism and controlling illegal firearms. Ireland is fully engaged in pursuing these developments.
208. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to provide Garda surveillance cameras in the Connemara area of County Galway to increase security there, particularly in view of the small number of roads leading into the region and the need to ensure a high level of security for the population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7270/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the operation of CCTV schemes in public areas is governed by the provisions of section 38 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005. Under those provisions, decisions in relation to the introduction or extension of such schemes are a matter for the Garda Commissioner.
Garda CCTV systems are planned and implemented on the basis of the identified operational needs and priorities of An Garda Síochána and are kept under review by the Garda authorities. In this context, the CCTV Advisory Committee was established to advise on all aspects of CCTV operated for the purpose of increasing public safety and reducing the risk of anti-social and criminal activity. The Committee also examines applications for CCTV schemes and makes appropriate recommendations having regard to the provisions of the Garda Síochána Act and the Garda Policy for the operation and use of CCTV schemes. I am informed that the Committee is not currently in receipt of any formal application to introduce a CCTV scheme in area referred to by the Deputy.
I am very conscious of the value that communities, especially rural communities, place on CCTV as a means of deterring crime and assisting in the detection of offenders. With this in mind, I have instigated a review of the effectiveness of the Community CCTV Scheme in conjunction with the Garda authorities and this will inform future decisions on the continuation of the Scheme. The Deputy may also be aware that my colleague, the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government, made an announcement in September 2015 in relation the provision of CCTV in rural areas which is to be funded from the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020.
209. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to provide a breakdown of both civilians and members of An Garda Síochána based in Stepaside and Dundrum Garda Síochána stations since 2010 to date. [7288/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra233. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to provide a breakdown of both civilians and members of An Garda Síochána based in Stepaside and Dundrum Garda Síochána stations since 2010 to date in 2016. [7546/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 209 and 233 together.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and Districts and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the number of Garda and civilians attached to Stepaside and Dundrum Garda stations from 31 December 2010 to the 29 February 2016, the latest date for which figures are readily available, are as set out in the tables overleaf. The Deputy will be aware that Stepaside Garda Station closed on the 14 March 2013.
As the Deputy will appreciate it is vital that An Garda Síochána is renewed in order to ensure that it has the capacity to provide effective and visible policing throughout the country. With this objective in mind, there have been seven intakes of Garda Trainees to the Garda College since it was reopened in September 2014 giving a total intake of 700. A further 450 will be taken in this year. So far 395 of the new Garda Trainees have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream uniform duties in communities nationwide. It is expected that a further 300 trainee Gardaí will attest this year and it will be a matter for the Garda Commissioner to assign them as she considers appropriate. I am assured that the needs of all Garda Divisions are fully considered when determining the allocation of newly attested Gardaí.
|
Garda Strength 2010-2106 |
||
|
Year |
Stepaside |
Dundrum |
|
2010 |
31 |
78 |
|
2011 |
29 |
73 |
|
2012 |
35 |
74 |
|
2013 |
0 |
100 |
|
2014 |
0 |
89 |
|
2015 |
0 |
85 |
|
2016* |
0 |
85 |
* as of the 29 February, 2016
|
Civilians 2010-2016 |
||
|
Year |
Stepaside |
Dundrum |
|
2010 |
1 |
2 |
|
2011 |
1 |
2 |
|
2012 |
1 |
2 |
|
2013 |
0 |
3 |
|
2014 |
0 |
2 |
|
2015 |
0 |
2 |
|
2016* |
0 |
2 |
* as of the 29 February, 2016
210. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will increase the number of gardaí in the mid-Louth Ardee district (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7331/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and Districts and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.
Ardee District forms part of the Louth Division. I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that on the 29 February 2016, the latest date for which figures are readily available, there were 285 members assigned to this Division. On the same date, there were 35 members and 9 Garda Reserves assigned to Ardee Garda District. The District includes Castlebellingham, Collon and Louth Garda Stations.
I am further informed that the work of local Gardaí in the Louth Division is augmented by a number of Garda national units which are assisting with covert and overt operations targeting prolific criminals and dissidents who reside within and outside this jurisdiction. Furthermore there is ongoing liaison between An Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland under the auspices of an agreed Cross-Border Policing Strategy to continue the excellent levels of cooperation between both police services in addressing crime and terrorist activities in all its manifestations.
As the Deputy will appreciate it is vital that An Garda Síochána is renewed in order to ensure that it has the capacity to provide effective and visible policing throughout the country. With this objective in mind, there have been seven intakes of Garda Trainees to the Garda College since it was reopened in September 2014 giving a total intake of 700. A further 450 will be taken in this year. So far 395 of the new Garda Trainees have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream uniform duties in communities nationwide. The Garda Commissioner has informed me that 18 of these newly attested members have been assigned to the Louth Division. It is expected that a further 300 trainee Gardaí will attest this year and it will be a matter for the Garda Commissioner to assign them as she considers appropriate. I am assured that the needs of all Garda Divisions are fully considered when determining the allocation of newly attested Gardaí.
211. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she is aware of media reports (details supplied) which state that she is proposing a review of Garda districts; to provide further information on the proposed review and its potential impact on the constituency of Louth and east Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7340/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraDuring 2011 and 2012, An Garda Síochána completed a comprehensive review of its district and station network. The objective of this review was to identify opportunities to introduce strategic reforms to enhance service delivery, increase efficiency and streamline practices within the organisation. The review concluded that a revised district and station network commensurate with the organisation’s resource base would best meet public demand. As a result, the Garda District and Station Rationalisation Programme was implemented in An Garda Síochána during 2012 and 2013.
This was reflected in An Garda Síochána’s Policing Plans for 2012 and 2013 which set out the details of the closure of 39 Garda stations in 2012 and 100 Garda stations in 2013.
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that there are currently no plans to alter existing districts and that any further organisation development initiatives will similarly be outlined in future Policing Plans.
212. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí in every Garda station in south County Kildare on 23 April 2015 and each year since 2006, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7344/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and Districts and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the strength of each Garda station in the Kildare Garda Division on the 31 December 2006 - 2015, and on the 29 February 2016 being the latest date for which figures are readily available was as set out in the following table. The Deputy should be aware that Ballytore, Kill and Ballymore Eustace Garda stations closed in 2013. The number of Gardaí in every station in south Co. Kildare on 23 April 2015 is not readily available.
|
Kildare Garda Division 2006 - 2016 |
|||||||||||
|
Station |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|
ATHY |
19 |
18 |
25 |
27 |
29 |
31 |
34 |
32 |
30 |
29 |
27 |
|
BALLYTORE |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
CASTLEDERMOT |
2 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
3 |
3 |
|
KILDARE |
31 |
30 |
32 |
31 |
32 |
26 |
27 |
29 |
30 |
31 |
31 |
|
MONASTEREVIN |
3 |
5 |
6 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
|
NEWBRIDGE |
33 |
33 |
35 |
44 |
45 |
47 |
50 |
49 |
47 |
49 |
49 |
|
RATHANGAN |
2 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
|
CARBURY |
2 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
5 |
8 |
8 |
|
CELBRIDGE |
19 |
20 |
20 |
18 |
18 |
17 |
17 |
14 |
13 |
12 |
11 |
|
KILCOCK |
5 |
5 |
8 |
8 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
9 |
9 |
9 |
9 |
|
LEIXLIP |
25 |
24 |
28 |
33 |
35 |
34 |
30 |
38 |
34 |
37 |
37 |
|
BALLYMORE EUSTACE |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
MAYNOOTH |
17 |
16 |
16 |
15 |
15 |
13 |
14 |
13 |
13 |
13 |
13 |
|
CLANE |
8 |
7 |
8 |
8 |
10 |
11 |
9 |
8 |
7 |
7 |
7 |
|
KILCULLEN |
3 |
4 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
4 |
4 |
3 |
3 |
|
KILL |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
NAAS |
89 |
98 |
106 |
107 |
101 |
101 |
103 |
100 |
96 |
101 |
102 |
|
ROBERTSTOWN |
3 |
5 |
2 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
|
Total |
266 |
280 |
307 |
321 |
322 |
318 |
318 |
315 |
301 |
312 |
309 |
213. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the options available to a person (details supplied) other than returning to Somalia to obtain photo identification to satisfy conditions for naturalisation; if, given that the person was eight years of age on arrival here in 2001, this condition can be dispensed with; if not, the reason; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7373/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraPersons making an application for a certificate of naturalisation are required to provide satisfactory evidence of their identity and nationality. This is usually in the form of a currently valid passport and may include other original supporting documents, such as a birth certificate and marriage certificate. In rare circumstances where an applicant cannot produce their passport or other supporting documents the applicant will be required to provide a full explanation. Such explanation should be supported by satisfactory evidence that they have attempted to obtain such documentation and correspondence from the relevant authorities responsible for the issuing of passports in their country, clearly stating the reasons the documentation cannot be provided. INIS will consider the reasons given and, if satisfied it is for reasons genuinely beyond the applicant's control, may suggest alternative means to the person to assist in establishing their identity and nationality.
In this particular case, correspondence issued to the person concerned on 29 December 2015 and reminders on 2 March 2016 and 21 March 2016, requesting her national passport or satisfactory explanation from the relevant authorities stating a reason why a passport is unobtainable. To date, despite two time extensions granted, the applicant has only furnished a photocopy of a birth certificate. Upon receipt of the requested information, or in the event that the person does not respond, the case will be further processed and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible. I understand from INIS that applications are regularly received from nationals of the country concerned which are supported by appropriate documentation, including passports.
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 I know the Deputy will appreciate that it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
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 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 INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
214. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will ensure that new Garda recruits will be assigned to the Sligo-Leitrim division, when the next school of Garda recruits pass out of the Garda college in Templemore, County Tipperary, later in 2016; the reason no new recruits were allocated to the same division from the last allocation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7404/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the allocation of Garda personnel, including the newly attested Gardaí, to particular areas is a matter for the Garda Commissioner and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. I am assured that Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.
The Deputy will appreciate that it is vital that An Garda Síochána is renewed in order to ensure that it has the capacity to provide effective and visible policing throughout the country. With this objective in mind, there have been seven intakes of Garda Trainees to the Garda College since it was reopened in September 2014 giving a total intake of 700 to date. A further 450 will be taken in during the remainder of 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. So far 395 of the new Garda Trainees have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream uniform duties in communities nationwide. I have been informed that of these 5 have been assigned in the Sligo/Leitrim Division. It is expected that a further 300 trainee Gardaí will attest this year and it will be a matter for the Garda Commissioner to assign them as she considers appropriate. I am assured that the needs of all Garda Divisions are fully considered when determining the allocation of newly attested Gardaí.
215. Deputy Josepha Madigan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when, further to the signing into law of the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015, the Act will commence; the impediments that prevent commencement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7418/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are no impediments as such to the roll-out of the 2015 Act; however, its implementation does require careful planning and sequencing between now and the end of this year. This is especially the case given the important issues relating to professional misconduct and to the adjudication of legal costs that are concerned. We also have to manage the transition from the existing statutory, regulatory or other powers currently exercised by the Office of the Taxing-Master and by the Law Society, the Bar Council and the King's Inns.
A necessary first step is the appointment of the new and independent Legal Services Regulatory Authority after which the Authority will appoint its own Chief Executive. I am happy, therefore, to confirm that nominations to the new Legal Services Regulatory Authority, which will have 11 members with a lay majority and a lay Chair, have already been sought from the relevant nominating bodies as set out in the Legal Services Regulation Act. The appointment of the relevant nominees and Chair under the various criteria set out in the Act will then be subject to approval by resolution of both Houses of the Oireachtas. At the same time, preparations are also being made in support of the public recruitment, by the new Regulatory Authority, of its Chief Executive whose terms and functions are similarly set out in the 2015 Act. A start-up support team is being established and efforts are already underway to find a suitable premises from which the new Authority can operate.
These various measures represent the initial steps that will enable the members and Chief Executive of the new Regulatory Authority to spear-head the coming into operation of the new legal services regulatory regime. This phase will also include, at the appropriate time, the commencement of other Parts of the Act such as those dealing with legal costs, the new Office of the Legal Costs Adjudicator, the Roll of Practising Barristers and Pre-Action Protocols.
Following establishment of the Regulatory Authority, its recruitment of a Chief Executive and such commencements of the Act as take place between now and September, the key remaining Parts of the Act dealing with the new public complaints and professional conduct and disciplinary procedures and the appointment of the new Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal, will then be introduced. The managed commencement of these critical functions is planned for the Autumn in order to allow adequate time to ensure their effectiveness and success as crucial components of the new regulatory framework.
In support of the planned and managed commencement of the relevant Parts of the 2015 Act proposed, as I have outlined, between now and the end of this year, an allocation of €1 million has been made under the Justice Vote for 2016 as set-up support for the new Regulatory Authority which will be provided on a recoupable basis.
216. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if her proposal to cut overtime in An Garda Síochána will have serious implications in combating violent crimes, especially as these crimes are on an increase; her proposals for combating the increase of violent crimes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7438/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that the detailed allocation of resources within An Garda Síochána, is a matter for the Garda Commissioner and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. I would however point out that the 2016 Budget allocation of €1.5 billion for An Garda Síochána includes over €67 million in additional funding which, in addition to funding the recruitment of new Gardaí, also provides additional funding for Garda surveillance, special operations and targeted, intelligence-led policing. This forms part of a programme of very considerable ongoing investment in Garda resources which will benefit all policing activities. I can assure the Deputy that I have no proposals to cut these resources.
In fact, earlier this year the Government moved decisively to strengthen the resources available to An Garda Síochána to deal with the violent criminals involved in organised criminal gangs through a special ring-fenced additional allocation of €5 million, including steps to establish a dedicated Armed Support Unit in Dublin. These measures are supporting concentrated policing measures in Dublin City and An Garda Síochána are implementing a robust response to violent criminals through a range of targeted and intelligence based operations, often disrupting and preventing incidents, as well as detecting and prosecuting those involved.
217. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of patrol cars available to members of An Garda Síochána undertaking policing in each of the Loughrea, Ballinasloe and Tuam Garda districts in each year since 2011; the current number of patrol cars attached to each of the relevant Garda stations; and the number attached to each on 1 January 2011. [7446/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra218. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide in tabular form the number of patrol cars currently available to members of An Garda Síochána for each Garda station in the Loughrea, Ballinasloe and Tuam Garda districts according to the year they entered service. [7447/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra219. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide in tabular form for each Garda station in the Loughrea, Ballinasloe and Tuam Garda districts the number of patrol cars currently unavailable owing to the need for repairs. [7448/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra220. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of motorcycles available to members of An Garda Síochána undertaking policing in each of the Loughrea, Ballinasloe and Tuam Garda districts in each year since 2011; the current number of motorcycles attached to each of the relevant Garda stations; and the number attached to each on 1 January 2011. [7450/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra221. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide in tabular form the number of motorcycles currently available to members of An Garda Síochána for each Garda station in the Loughrea, Ballinasloe and Tuam Garda districts according to the year they entered service. [7451/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra222. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide in tabular form for each Garda station in the Loughrea, Ballinasloe and Tuam Garda districts the number of motorcycles currently unavailable owing to the need for repairs. [7452/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra223. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of vans available to members of An Garda Síochána undertaking policing in each of the Loughrea, Ballinasloe and Tuam Garda districts in each year since 2011; the current number of vans attached to each of the relevant Garda stations; and the number attached to each on 1 January 2011. [7453/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra224. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide in tabular form the number of vans currently available to members of An Garda Síochána for each Garda station in the Loughrea, Ballinasloe and Tuam Garda districts according to the year they entered service. [7454/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra225. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide in tabular form for each Garda station in the Loughrea, Ballinasloe and Tuam Garda districts the number of vans currently unavailable owing to the need for repairs. [7455/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra226. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of 4x4 vehicles available to members of An Garda Síochána undertaking policing in each of the Loughrea, Ballinasloe and Tuam Garda districts in each year since 2011; the current number of 4x4 vehicles attached to each of the relevant Garda stations; and the number attached to each on 1 January 2011. [7456/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra227. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide in tabular form the number of 4x4 vehicles currently available to members of An Garda Síochána for each Garda station in the Loughrea, Ballinasloe and Tuam Garda districts according to the year they entered service. [7457/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra228. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide in tabular form for each Garda station in the Loughrea, Ballinasloe and Tuam Garda districts the number of 4x4 vehicles currently unavailable owing to the need for repairs. [7458/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 217 to 228, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy will appreciate decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda vehicles are a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the light of her identified operational demands and the availability of resources and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.
Since 2012, some €34 million has been invested in the Garda fleet, with over 640 new vehicles coming on stream since the start of 2015. This significant investment provides the Gardaí with additional high-powered vehicles, marked and unmarked patrol cars, and motorcycles for high-visibility road policing. Investment in a modern, effective and fit-for-purpose Garda fleet will continue under the Government’s Capital Plan 2016-2021 which provides €46 million for new Garda vehicles, ensuring that Gardaí can be mobile, visible and responsive on the roads and in the community to prevent and tackle crime.
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the allocation of Garda vehicles is monitored and reviewed on a continual basis and vehicles are allocated between districts as required by operational circumstances including, for example, when vehicles are required in other districts to substitute for vehicles under repair.
In that context I am advised by the Garda Authorities that the information requested by the Deputy is set out as follows:
|
Vehicles assigned on 18/04/2016 |
|||||||
|
CARS |
|||||||
|
MARKED |
UNMARKED |
VANS |
MBIKES |
4X4 |
Others |
Total |
|
|
BALLINASLOE |
3 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
|
LOUGHREA |
3 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
8 |
|
TUAM |
6 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
11 |
|
Total |
12 |
6 |
4 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
25 |
|
Vehicles assigned on 01/01/2016 |
|||||||
|
CARS |
|||||||
|
MARKED |
UNMARKED |
VANS |
MBIKES |
4X4 |
Others |
Total |
|
|
BALLINASLOE |
3 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
|
LOUGHREA |
4 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
9 |
|
TUAM |
6 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
|
Total |
13 |
5 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
24 |
|
Vehicles assigned on 01/01/2015 |
|||||||
|
CARS |
Total |
||||||
|
MARKED |
UNMARKED |
VANS |
MBIKES |
4X4 |
Others |
||
|
BALLINASLOE |
3 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
6 |
|
LOUGHREA |
3 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
7 |
|
TUAM |
4 |
3 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
|
Total |
10 |
5 |
4 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
23 |
|
Vehicles assigned on 01/01/2014 |
|||||||
|
CARS |
|||||||
|
MARKED |
UNMARKED |
VANS |
MBIKES |
4X4 |
Others |
Total |
|
|
BALLINASLOE |
2 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
6 |
|
LOUGHREA |
4 |
3 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
9 |
|
TUAM |
4 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
10 |
|
Total |
10 |
7 |
4 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
25 |
|
Vehicles assigned on 01/01/2013 |
|||||||
|
CARS |
|||||||
|
MARKED |
UNMARKED |
VANS |
MBIKES |
4X4 |
Others |
Total |
|
|
BALLINASLOE |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
4 |
|
LOUGHREA |
5 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
9 |
|
TUAM |
5 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
|
Total |
11 |
7 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
23 |
|
Vehicles assigned on 01/01/2012 |
|||||||
|
CARS |
|||||||
|
MARKED |
UNMARKED |
VANS |
MBIKES |
4X4 |
Others |
Total |
|
|
BALLINASLOE |
3 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
6 |
|
GORT |
3 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
|
LOUGHREA |
4 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
6 |
|
TUAM |
7 |
3 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
12 |
|
Total |
17 |
7 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
28 |
|
Vehicles assigned on 01/01/2011 |
|||||||
|
CARS |
|||||||
|
MARKED |
UNMARKED |
VANS |
MBIKES |
4X4 |
Others |
Total |
|
|
BALLINASLOE |
5 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
9 |
|
GORT |
2 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
|
LOUGHREA |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
|
TUAM |
6 |
4 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
12 |
|
Total |
17 |
7 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
29 |
I am also advised that the Deputy's request for the year each type of vehicle came into service in the specified area would involve a disproportionate amount of Garda time and resources. However, the following table sets out the number of vehicles assigned to the area in question and the year they were commissioned.
|
Year Vehicle Commissioned |
No. of Vehicles |
|
2005 |
1 |
|
2006 |
2 |
|
2007 |
2 |
|
2012 |
2 |
|
2013 |
5 |
|
2014 |
7 |
|
2015 |
5 |
|
2016 |
1 |
|
Total |
25 |
