Written Answers Nos 74-85
74. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda members and Garda Reserve members assigned to the Meath Garda division in each of the past five years in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11960/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that the allocation of Gardaí is continually monitored and reviewed taking into account all relevant factors including crime trends, demographics, and security assessments relating to the area in question so as to ensure optimal use is made of Garda human resources.
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the number of members and reserve members assigned to the Meath Garda Division on the 31 March 2016, the latest date for which information is readily available, and on the 31 December 2011 to 2015, is as set out in the following table.
This Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime. Key to achieving this goal is the commitment in the Programme for Government, "A Programme for a Partnership Government" to continue the ongoing accelerated Garda recruitment programme with a view to increasing Garda numbers to 15,000.
As the Deputy will be aware, when the financial crisis hit, the Government of the time introduced a moratorium on recruitment and the four year National Recovery Plan, published in 2010, envisaged a steady reduction in Garda numbers. Thankfully, in a recovering economy, we were able to reopen the Garda College in September 2014 and a total of 700 Garda trainees have been recruited with a further 450 planned to be recruited during the remainder of 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 nationwide. I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that 15 newly attested Gardaí have been assigned to Meath Garda Division.
It is expected that a further 300 trainees will attest by the end of this year which, taking account of projected retirements, will bring Garda numbers to around the 13,000 mark. We must, I believe, endeavour to make more rapid progress than this to reach our target of 15,000 and I am engaging with my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, in relation to increasing the planned annual intake this year and in coming years
Meath Garda Division
|
Date |
Garda |
Reserve |
|
31/03/2016 |
286 |
28 |
|
31/12/2015 |
277 |
33 |
|
31/12/2014 |
281 |
42 |
|
31/12/2013 |
287 |
44 |
|
31/12/2012 |
296 |
33 |
|
31/12/2011 |
302 |
28 |
75. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the reason Henry Street Garda station in Limerick is holding the property of a person (details supplied) despite the case against the person that formed the basis of the property seizure being struck out six years ago. [11995/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the matters referred to by the Deputy and will revert as soon as I have this information to hand.
76. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the procedures she will follow in appointing Irish nominees to committees of the Council of Europe; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12004/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe selection procedure for the appointment of nominees to the Committees of the Council of Europe varies according to the Committee concerned and in line with their rules of procedure.
My Department has made the following nominations from Ireland to serve on the Council of Europe Committees:
In October 2014, Mark Kelly was nominated to be the Irish member to the Council of Europe's Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT). On 26 November 2014, Mr Kelly was elected by the Committee of Ministers' Deputies from the list of three names submitted following a national selection process.
In August 2015, Martin Collins was nominated for the list of experts eligible to serve on the Council of Europe’s Advisory Committee of the Framework Convention of National Minorities (FCNM). On 13 January 2016, Mr Collins was elected by the Committee of Ministers' Deputies from the list of two names put forward following a national selection process.
My Department is expected to make the following two nominations later this year:
A nomination to the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI). The term of the current member, Michael Farrell, will end on 23 November 2016.
A nomination to the Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA). The term of the current member, Siobhán Mullally, will end on 31 December 2016.
77. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the cost of funding Garda youth diversion projects at present; and the projected costs for 2017. [12067/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the Garda Diversion Programme operates in accordance with Part 4 of the Children Act 2001, as amended, and under the general superintendence and control of the Garda Commissioner. The aim of the Diversion Programme, through the network of Juvenile Liaison Officers (JLOs), is to deal with young people who offend by way of administering a formal or informal caution, thus diverting the young offender away from the Courts and minimising the likelihood of further offending. The Programme embraces, whenever possible, the principles of restorative justice and, at all times, pays the highest regard to the needs of victims. The Programme has proven to be highly successful in diverting children and young people away from crime by offering guidance and support to them and their families. This is evident from the continuing fall in the number of children and young people referred to the Programme in recent years.
The work of the JLOs is supported by my Department through the Irish Youth Justice Service (IYJS) which funds and oversees over 100 Garda Youth Diversion Projects (GYDPs) across the country. In this regard the Programme for Government includes a commitment to extend the network of GYDPs for young people promoting restorative justice approaches.
My Department continues to invest heavily in GYDPs through the work of the IYJS. €11.4 million has been allocated to administer the GYDPs in 2016. The funding to support the GYDPs is part supported by the Government and the European Social Fund (ESF) as part of the ESF Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning 2014-2020. In addition, my Department has been allocated funding of almost €2.8m this year from the Dormant Accounts Fund to support a number of initiatives including the establishment of 10 new GYDPs and to fund additional youth justice workers in existing projects. Three of these additional GYDPs commenced operations last year with an additional seven due to come into full operation very shortly. Six of the GYDPs currently funded by my Department also incorporate Local Drugs Task Force (LDTF) projects and additional funding of over €294,000 is being made available to support them in 2016.
With regard to estimating the projected costs for 2017 the Deputy might wish to know that my Department is working with the 110 GYDPs in preparing their estimated funding requirements as part of a structured annual business planning process. Funding of the GYDPs year on year is subject to approval by the IYJS in partnership with An Garda Síochána’s Garda Youth Diversion Office. The management function of each GYDP is carried out by a Community Based Organisation (CBO). The local Garda Superintendent (District Officer) has an oversight role in the operation and direction of the Garda youth diversion service and each GYDP has a Project Committee which is chaired by the local Superintendent or a nominated Garda Inspector. Each Project Committee is responsible for monitoring, advising, approving and evaluating the GYDPs strategy. As part of the annual business planning process each GYDP is required to prepare and submit an Annual Plan outlining its proposed strategy and the projected associated cost to implement the Plan. Each Plan is specific to the catchment area of the GYDP and the Garda representatives support the Project Committees in the development and implementation of the Annual Plan including the provision of up to date crime statistical data for the area. The development of each Plan is informed by local statistical youth crime evidence provided by An Garda Síochána, the needs of local Gardaí and in partnership with the local CBO(s). The availability of detailed youth crime statistics contributes to the future planning, and resource allocation, on a local and national basis and assists my Department to target youth crime prevention initiatives in the community.
78. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her policy on the installation of defibrillators in all Garda stations; if there are proposals due to be implemented by her Department that will ensure that this life-saving device is available in all Garda stations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12137/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is primarily responsible for the provision of equipment for An Garda Síochána and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.
I have asked the Garda authorities for the information requested by the Deputy and will revert to him in writing as soon as I have this information to hand.
79. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí stationed in the Dublin metropolitan region, DMR, west division over the past eight years on an annual basis in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12217/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that the allocation of Gardaí is continually monitored and reviewed taking into account all relevant factors including crime trends, demographics, and security assessments relating to the area in question so as to ensure optimal use is made of Garda human resources.
The number of Gardaí stationed in the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) West Division on the 31 March 2016, the latest date for which figures are readily available, and on the 31 December 2008 to 2015 over the past eight years on an annual basis, is as set out in the following table.
This Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime. Key to achieving this goal is the commitment in the Programme for Government, "A Programme for a Partnership Government" to continue the ongoing accelerated Garda recruitment programme with a view to increasing Garda numbers to 15,000.
As the Deputy will be aware, when the financial crisis hit, the Government of the time introduced a moratorium on recruitment and the four year National Recovery Plan, published in 2010, envisaged a steady reduction in Garda numbers. Thankfully, in a recovering economy, we were able to reopen the Garda College in September 2014 and a total of 700 Garda trainees have been recruited with a further 450 planned to be recruited during the remainder of 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 nationwide. I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that 35 newly attested Gardaí have been assigned to the DMR West Garda Division.
It is expected that a further 300 trainees will attest by the end of this year which, taking account of projected retirements, will bring Garda numbers to around the 13,000 mark. We must, I believe, endeavour to make more rapid progress than this to reach our target of 15,000 and I am engaging with my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, in relation to increasing the planned annual intake this year and in coming years.
|
Date |
Gardaí assigned to the DMR West |
|
31/03/2016 |
686 |
|
31/12/2015 |
688 |
|
31/12/2014 |
699 |
|
31/12/2013 |
717 |
|
31/12/2012 |
744 |
|
31/12/2011 |
780 |
|
31/12/2010 |
788 |
|
31/12/2009 |
789 |
|
31/12/2008 |
757 |
80. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Finance his plans on re-establishing the Motor Insurance Advisory Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11970/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Finance, I am concerned that there should be a stable insurance sector and that risks to policyholders and to the wider financial system are limited. I am aware of reports on the increasing cost of motor insurance. However, the ability of the Government to influence insurance pricing is limited as insurance companies are required under European law to price in accordance with risk and neither I, as Minister for Finance, nor the Central Bank of Ireland, have the power to direct insurance companies on the pricing of insurance products.
While the provision and the pricing of insurance policies is a commercial matter for insurance companies, this does not preclude the Government from introducing measures that may, in the longer term, lead to a better claims environment that could facilitate a reduction in claims costs.
The question of the cost of insurance is a complex one involving a number of Government Departments, State Bodies and private sector organisations. While I do not intend re-constituting the Motor Insurance Advisory Board at this time, I have asked my officials to examine the factors which contribute to increasing costs of insurance.
This work is part of an overall review of policy in the insurance sector which my Department is carrying out in consultation with the Central Bank and other Departments, Agencies and external stakeholders. The objective of the Review is to recommend measures to improve the functioning and regulation of the insurance sector.
The Review of Policy in the Insurance Sector will continue over the coming months and is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
81. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Finance if it is the normal procedure for insurance companies which provide insurance cover for commercial vehicles to carry out policy reviews to ascertain what the vehicle is being used for and what goods are carried in the vehicle and to identify the owner of the vehicle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12130/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Finance, I am responsible for the development of the legal framework governing financial regulation. Neither I, nor the Central Bank of Ireland, may interfere in the provision of insurance products. The EU framework for insurance expressly prohibits Member States from adopting rules which require insurance companies to obtain prior approval of the pricing, or terms and conditions of an insurance product.
The provision of insurance cover and the price at which it is offered is a commercial matter for insurance companies and is based on an assessment of the risks they are willing to accept and adequate provisioning to meet those risks.
Insurance Ireland, which represents the insurance industry in Ireland, has informed me that insurers and insurance brokers often conduct audits of sample cases on their books to ensure that the details on their records are correct. These would include all types of vehicles including commercial vehicles. Insurance Ireland stated that this exercise benefits the insured as it ensures that the risk details under the policy are correct and avoids any controversy in the event of a claim.
82. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance the estimated cost associated with refunding vehicle registration tax and VAT to taxi drivers who purchase wheelchair-accessible vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12159/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Revenue Commissioners on the basis of information available, it is not possible for Revenue to provide an estimate of the cost for the Deputy's suggested proposal.
VRT on cars is calculated using the level of CO2 emissions of each car and the open market selling price. The VRT rate charged varies from 14% to 36% and the current standard rate of VAT is at 23%. The cost of such a scheme would therefore be dependent on both the open market selling price of a wheelchair accessible vehicle and the number of vehicles involved in such a scheme.
The Deputy may wish to note that the National Transport Authority provides a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Grant Scheme to support the wider availability of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) in Ireland's taxi fleet. The Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Grant Scheme offers financial grant and training assistance, nationwide, of up to €10,000 for the purchase or conversion of a new WAV and a sliding scale, with lesser monies being available for older cars. Cars older than 6 years will not qualify for this Scheme. Details of the scheme can be found at:https://www.nationaltransport.ie/news/wav15-wheelchair-accessible-vehicle-grant-scheme-2015-opens-today-01-july/
There are currently 889 licensed wheelchair accessible taxis and 37 licensed accessible hackneys.
83. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 156 of 6 April 2016, and the commitment in the programme for Government to seek a reduction of the VAT applied to defibrillators, if he will undertake to seek a reduction of the rate of VAT applying to motorcycling helmets and other compulsory safety equipment. [11924/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe VAT rating of goods and services is subject to the requirements of the EU VAT Directive with which Irish VAT law must comply. The VAT Directive provides that all goods and services are liable to VAT at the standard rate, currently 23% in Ireland, unless there is a provision in the VAT Directive that permits a lower rate. The EU VAT Directive does not make provision for a reduction in the VAT rate to apply to motorcycle helmets and other compulsory safety equipment.
Cycle helmets and motorcycle helmets and other protective headwear for children may, however, benefit from the zero rate of VAT, in accordance with the Value Added Tax Consolidation Act 2010, Schedule 2, paragraph 10, provided they are described, labelled, marked or marketed for children under 11 years of age.
Any changes to VAT rates outside of what is currently permitted by the EU VAT Directive must be negotiated at EU technical working groups and ultimately agreed by the EU Council of Finance Ministers. The EU Commission recently published an Action Plan on the future of VAT "Towards a single EU VAT Area - Time to decide", which sets out the Commission's pathway for modernising the VAT system and contains a proposal to look at VAT rate policy across the EU in 2017.
The Action Plan's proposal on rates may offer Member States more flexibility in the future in determining VAT rates applicable to goods and services. This forum will provide an opportunity to discuss VAT rates applicable to goods and services including motorcycle helmets and other compulsory safety equipment as referred to by the Deputy. However, the Deputy will be aware that any proposed changes to the current EU VAT Directive would require unanimous agreement from all Member States.
84. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance the yield from stamp duty on credit cards, debit cards and automated teller machine cards in 2015 and to date in 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11940/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the yield from Stamp Duty on credit cards, debit cards and automated teller machine ("ATM") cards in 2015 and to-date in 2016 is as shown in the following table. Also shown is the yield from Stamp Duty on combined cards, which comprise an ATM and debit card. The figures to date in 2016 are to end of April 2016 and are provisional in nature. The majority of Duty payments are not expected until later in the year.
|
|
2015 €m |
To-Date 2016 €m |
|
Credit cards |
46.68 |
1.55 |
|
Debit cards |
0.15 |
0.00 |
|
ATM cards |
0.59 |
0.08 |
|
Combined cards |
17.39 |
7.38 |
85. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the way in which a citizen living in the Six Counties can purchase prize bonds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11945/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe NTMA have advised me that any individual, regardless of their residency, nationality or location can purchase any State Savings product including Prize Bonds provided they confirm their identity. They can do this by confirming their surname, first name, date of birth, address and Personal Public Service Number (PPSN). Any applicant that does not already have a PPSN may apply to the Department of Social Protection for a PPSN - information on how to apply is available on the website: http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/Personal-Public-Service-Number-How-to-Apply.aspx
To purchase a State Savings product anyone can download the application forms on www.StateSavings.ie or telephone the State Savings customer service team on +353 1 705 7200 to request such application forms. Applications may also be made at any An Post branch.
Existing holders of State Savings products who have made a purchase since October 2014 can make a new purchase (paying using a debit card) of Prize Bonds on the website www.StateSavings.ie or may make a telephone purchase by calling +353 1 705 7200.
