Eamon Scanlon
Ceist:26. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the role her Department will play in minimising the effect of Brexit on Sligo-Leitrim. [27404/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraUK Referendum on EU Membership
Ceisteanna (26)
Freagraí scríofa
Firstly let me say that this Government is committed to minimising any adverse impacts on our economy and on the free movement of people, goods and services on these islands as a result of the UK's EU referendum.
Clearly the result of the referendum in the UK was not the one that we had hoped for, but we will now work with both our UK and our EU partners to ensure that the outcome of the 'Brexit' process is one that best serves our wider interests - in terms of our place in the EU, our relationship with the UK as a whole, and on an all-island basis, including of course in the context of the continuing consolidation of the peace process.
Issues of particular relevance to my Department are the Common Travel Area; police and judicial cooperation; north-south security cooperation; and data sharing and judicial cooperation on civil matters.
The Common Travel Area has been in existence since Irish independence. It is an important feature of the close relationship between Ireland and the UK with long-established benefits for trade and tourism between our two countries. Both Governments have publicly declared their commitment to ensuring no return to a so-called 'hard border' on the island of Ireland. There are excellent relations at official and political level in relation to enhancing the operation of the Common Travel Area and we are committed to that continuing. Retaining the Common Travel Area will be a key issue for Ireland in the context of negotiating new terms and conditions for the EU’s relationship with the UK. We will prioritise this matter in the context of a new relationship between the EU and the UK, and in bilateral discussions with the British Government.
The eventual departure of the United Kingdom from the European Union does mean that the only land border between the European Union and the United Kingdom will be on the island of Ireland. But just as is the case right now, the Irish border will be geographically isolated from the rest of the European Union and in particular it will be outside the Schengen area so the integrity of the border controls of the Schengen area will not be affected in any way by the UK's exit. There is therefore a strong case to be made for the continuity of current arrangements in relation to the border, in particular an absence of border controls or other restrictions on the free movement of people.
On the police and security co-operation front it is important to emphasise that we do not envisage any diminution in security and police co-operation between Ireland and the UK.
Let me assure the House that substantial work has been undertaken across Government to identify the key strategic, policy and operational risks. This will continue to be prioritised in my Department and across all Government Departments and agencies. Our primary objective remains to protect and advance this country's best interests.
As I stated earlier, I cannot pretend to the House that 'Brexit' will not pose complex challenges but we are committed to doing all we can to reduce any potential adverse effects for all the people on the island, including of course those who reside in the border counties.
Garda Deployment
Ceisteanna (27)
Darragh O'Brien
Ceist:27. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to increase the number of community gardaí and Garda reservists in the Dublin metropolitan region, DMR, northern division; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27382/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including Community Gardaí and Garda Reserves, 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 am informed by the Commissioner that, as of the 31 August 2016, there were 61 Community Gardaí and 53 Reserves assigned to the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) North Division.
In relation to Community Gardaí, it is, of course, the case that all Gardaí have a role to play in addressing community policing issues as and when the need arises. In that sense, community policing involves far more than a single unit within An Garda Síochána. Community policing is at the heart of An Garda Síochána. It provides a means of recognising that every community – both urban and rural – has its own concerns and expectations. In this regard I welcome the strong emphasis placed by the Commissioner's Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021 on further developing and supporting the community policing ethos of the organisation so that Gardaí spend more time in the community, gaining public confidence and trust and providing a greater sense of security. Proposed initiatives include the establishment of local Community Policing Teams (CPTs) headed by an Inspector and made up of Gardaí from across a range of areas to proactively work with the community to prevent and detect crime; and the establishment of Community Safety Fora in every District comprising local Gardaí, local communities and key stakeholders.
The implementation of these initiatives will be supported by the Government's commitment to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country. This will be achieved though continuing the ongoing accelerated Garda recruitment programme with a view to increasing Garda numbers to 15,000, as well as doubling the Garda Reserve and increasing the number of civilian staff so as to free-up Gardaí for front-line policing. Taking account of projected retirements, reaching a strength of 15,000 members will require some 3,200 new Garda members to be recruited on a phased basis over the next four years in addition to the 1,200 that will have been recruited by the end of this year since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014. So far 534 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream uniform duties nationwide. Community policing, and all other Garda activities, will undoubtedly benefit from these resources now coming on stream.
In order to continue to ensure seamless ongoing recruitment I was very pleased to announce the commencement of a new recruitment campaign on 8 September. The campaign is being organised by the Public Appointments Service on behalf of the Commissioner. Applications must be made through www.publicjobs.ie. The existing recruitment campaign (launched last November) is ongoing and successful candidates will continue to be called from that campaign this year and into next year. It is expected that successful candidates from the new campaign will enter the Garda College from mid-2017.
In relation to the Garda Reserve and our commitment to doubling its numbers, I have had discussions with the Commissioner in relation to the delivery of this commitment and what steps might be taken to ensure that the expanded Reserve is used to best effect in support of visible policing. In this regard, I welcome the recent assignment by the Commissioner of a Superintendent to head up the Garda Reserve Management Office. I understand that that Office is currently undertaking an audit of the experience and skills of Reserves which, when completed, will assist Garda management in considering the future role to be played by the Reserve. It has also started work on the development of a recruitment plan with the objective of recruiting and training 300 new Reserves annually starting next year. I understand that as part of the planning process the Office is examining the possibility of recruitment at the regional or divisional level, rather than centrally, and also the manner in which the training is delivered.
UK Referendum on EU Membership
Ceisteanna (28)
Declan Breathnach
Ceist:28. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the role her Department will play in minimising the effect of Brexit on County Louth. [27395/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Firstly let me say that this Government is committed to minimising any adverse impacts on our economy and on the free movement of people, goods and services on these islands as a result of the UK's EU referendum.
Clearly the result of the referendum in the UK was not the one that we had hoped for, but we will now work with both our UK and our EU partners to ensure that the outcome of the 'Brexit' process is one that best serves our wider interests - in terms of our place in the EU, our relationship with the UK as a whole, and on an all-island basis, including of course in the context of the continuing consolidation of the peace process.
Issues of particular relevance to my Department are the Common Travel Area; police and judicial cooperation; north-south security cooperation; and data sharing and judicial cooperation on civil matters.
The Common Travel Area has been in existence since Irish independence. It is an important feature of the close relationship between Ireland and the UK with long-established benefits for trade and tourism between our two countries. Both Governments have publicly declared their commitment to ensuring no return to a so-called 'hard border' on the island of Ireland. There are excellent relations at official and political level in relation to enhancing the operation of the Common Travel Area and we are committed to that continuing. Retaining the Common Travel Area will be a key issue for Ireland in the context of negotiating new terms and conditions for the EU’s relationship with the UK. We will prioritise this matter in the context of a new relationship between the EU and the UK, and in bilateral discussions with the British Government.
The eventual departure of the United Kingdom from the European Union does mean that the only land border between the European Union and the United Kingdom will be on the island of Ireland. But just as is the case right now, the Irish border will be geographically isolated from the rest of the European Union and in particular it will be outside the Schengen area so the integrity of the border controls of the Schengen area will not be affected in any way by the UK's exit. There is therefore a strong case to be made for the continuity of current arrangements in relation to the border, in particular an absence of border controls or other restrictions on the free movement of people.
On the police and security co-operation front it is important to emphasise that we do not envisage any diminution in security and police co-operation between Ireland and the UK.
Let me assure the House that substantial work has been undertaken across Government to identify the key strategic, policy and operational risks. This will continue to be prioritised in my Department and across all Government Departments and agencies. Our primary objective remains to protect and advance this country's best interests.
As I stated earlier, I cannot pretend to the House that 'Brexit' will not pose complex challenges but we are committed to doing all we can to reduce any potential adverse effects for all the people on the island, including of course those who reside in the border counties.
Official Engagements
Ceisteanna (29)
Thomas Pringle
Ceist:29. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the reason she was sent to the UN Summit for Refugees and Migrants in place of the Taoiseach; the commitments and any new commitment made by Ireland in respect of the refugee crisis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27423/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish to inform the Deputy that I attended the UN Summit both in my capacity as Tánaiste and because I have Ministerial responsibility for the areas in question.
The outcome of the Summit and the commitments entered into are set out in a comprehensive outcomes document which can be found on the UN website. The commitments entered into particularly focus on the most vulnerable. They include commitments to protect the human rights of all refugees and migrants, regardless of status. This includes the rights of women and girls and promoting their full, equal and meaningful participation in finding solutions to refugee situations. They will also ensure that all refugee and migrant children are receiving education within a few months of arrival in their country of resettlement; prevent and respond to sexual and gender-based violence; work towards ending the practice of detaining children for the purposes of determining their migration status; improve the delivery of humanitarian and development assistance to those countries most affected, including through innovative multilateral financial solutions, with the goal of closing all funding gaps; implement a comprehensive refugee response, based on a new framework that sets out the responsibility of Member States, civil society partners and the UN system, whenever there is a large movement of refugees or a protracted refugee situation; find new homes for all refugees identified by UNHCR as needing resettlement; and expand the opportunities for refugees to relocate to other countries through, for example, labour mobility or education schemes.
The New York Declaration also contains concrete plans to build on these commitments including starting negotiations leading to an international conference and the adoption of a global compact for safe, orderly and regular migration in 2018. The agreement to move toward this comprehensive framework is a significant one because it means that migration, like other areas of international relations, will be guided by a set of common principles and approaches. It will also develop guidelines on the treatment of migrants in vulnerable situations. These guidelines will be particularly important for the increasing number of unaccompanied children on the move which I know is an area of particular interest to the Deputy. It will also achieve a more equitable sharing of the burden and responsibility for hosting and supporting the world’s refugees by adopting a global compact on refugees in 2018.
Clearly, the world faces highly significant challenges in trying to deal with refugees and migrants, especially given the large population displacements caused by war and climate change. There are no easy solutions. I indicated at the Summit that the scale of the challenges requires global responses. I am pleased, in this regard, that countries are engaging together under the auspices of the UN on identifying global responses to these challenges and I indicated Ireland's commitment to supporting this process.
Refugee Resettlement Programme
Ceisteanna (30)
Mick Wallace
Ceist:30. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the measures her Department is taking to facilitate the transfer and resettlement of refugees here; if she is satisfied with Ireland's contribution to the refugee resettlement programme to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27430/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have already addressed the substantive issues relating to the Irish Refugee Protection Programme in my response to earlier questions. The Deputy's question focusses on the refugee resettlement element of that Programme, as opposed to the relocation element so I will directly address this component in my response.
On 13 May 2015, the European Commission, published an EU Agenda for Migration. Among the measures proposed was the establishment of an EU-wide resettlement scheme to offer 20,000 resettlement places across the EU with each Member State's allocations calculated according to a distribution key. Ireland's allocation under this mechanism was 272 persons displaced by the Syrian conflict to be resettled in Ireland over a two year period up to mid 2017.
Taking account of the situation in the Middle East, and the plight of the refugees, the Tánaiste announced that Ireland would go further and would accept 520 persons for resettlement over an 18 month period - up to the end of 2016. This was far in excess, almost double the figure proposed by the Commission. As of today, 486 persons displaced by the Syrian conflict have arrived in Ireland. I have since announced that a further 260 refugees will be taken in by Ireland in 2017 bringing the total number of refugees to 780. Hence, at least 780 of the 4,000 that Ireland has agreed to accept under the Irish Refugee Protection Programme will come purely from the refugee cohort. The possibility of an additional refugee pledge in 2017 is under active consideration. Other mechanisms to fill the gap are also under review and will be contingent on further developments at EU level.
I also wish to inform the Deputy that the refugee pledges focus on the most vulnerable families and I am satisfied with the progress being made in regard to the refugee resettlement portion of the Irish Refugee Protection Programme.
Sentencing Policy
Ceisteanna (31)
Jim O'Callaghan
Ceist:31. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will consider updating and strengthening the sentences that can be imposed on persons convicted of possession of firearms with intent to injure or kill; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27377/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As previously stated, there are severe penalties in place for firearm offences under the Firearms Acts 1925 to 2009. A person possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life is liable to a minimum of 10 years imprisonment and up to a maximum of life imprisonment and a fine at the discretion of the Court. The Court has some discretion in applying these minimum sentences in the case of a first offence, depending on the circumstances concerned, but not in the case of a second or subsequent offence. This, and other mandatory minimum sentences for firearms offences, were introduced on foot of concerns regarding the impact these type of offences had on society and individual communities.
On foot of the introduction of these penalties in the Criminal Justice Act 2006 much progress has made in tackling gun crime in Ireland. The number of offences relating to the possession and discharge of a firearm fell by 52% from 745 in 2005 to 356 in 2015; while incidents of assault, burglary, robbery and murder involving a firearm are down 28% from 455 to 329. Given the severe sentences in place with the potential for a maximum of life imprisonment, I am not sure there is scope for any further strengthening of sentences. However, I will be more than happy to consider any specific suggestions which the Deputy may have.
Gun crime is and must be tackled aggressively by An Garda Síochána by means of a range of targeted and intelligence based operations, disrupting and preventing incidents before harm is caused, as well as detecting and prosecuting those involved. Against this background and in the context of recent organised crime activity, a number of targeted additional measures have been put in place in support of the work of An Garda Síochána. These include the recent changes to the Proceeds of Crime Acts, the allocation of an additional €55 million to An Garda Síochána this year, and the establishment of a Special Crime Task Force. A dedicated Armed Support Unit for the Dublin Metropolitan Region is also being established.
Garda Reserve
Ceisteanna (32)
Mary Butler
Ceist:32. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda reservists in the Waterford Garda division. [27413/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The "Programme for a Partnership Government" includes a commitment to double the Garda Reserve to act in a supportive role undertaking local patrols and crime reduction measures. Reserve members have undergone training in many of the skills required to be an effective full-time member of An Garda Síochána and it is important that we build on the very real contribution that they are making to the policing of communities right across the country.
I have spoken to the Garda Commissioner in relation to the delivery of this commitment and what steps might be taken to ensure that the expanded Reserve is used to best effect in support of visible policing. In this regard, I welcome the recent assignment by the Commissioner of a Superintendent to head up the Garda Reserve Management Office. I understand that that Office is currently undertaking an audit of the experience and skills of Reserves which, when completed, will assist Garda management in considering the future role to be played by the Reserve. It has also started work on the development of a recruitment plan with the objective of recruiting and training 300 new Reserves annually, starting next year, to bring the strength of the Reserve up from its current strength of 789 members to 2,000. As part of the planning process, I understand that the Office is examining the possibility of recruitment at the regional or divisional level, rather than centrally, and also the manner in which the training is delivered.
The expansion of the Reserve will complement the commitments in the Programme for Government to continue the ongoing accelerated Garda recruitment programme with a view to increasing Garda numbers to 15,000 and also to increase further civilianisation to free up Gardaí to front-line policing duties. The delivery of these measures over the lifetime of the Government will ensure a visible policing presence in communities nationwide. Taking account of projected retirements, reaching a strength of 15,000 will require some 3,200 new Garda members to be recruited on a phased basis over the next four years in addition to the 1,200 that will have been recruited by the end of this year since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014. So far 534 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream uniform duties nationwide. Another 150 will attest later this year.
In order to continue to ensure seamless ongoing recruitment of trainee Gardaí I was very pleased to announce the commencement of a new recruitment campaign on 8 September which includes a special stream for eligible reserve members. The campaign is being organised by the Public Appointments Service on behalf of the Commissioner. Applications must be made through www.publicjobs.ie. The existing recruitment campaign which was launched last November is ongoing and successful candidates will continue to be called from that campaign this year and into next year. It is expected that successful candidates from the new campaign will enter the Garda College from mid-2017.
Specifically in relation to the Waterford Garda Division I am informed by the Commissioner that, as of the 31 August 2016, there were 26 Reserves assigned to that Division. It is, of course the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, and I as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.
Community Policing
Ceisteanna (33)
Timmy Dooley
Ceist:33. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to increase the number of community gardaí in the Clare Garda division. [27415/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including Community Gardaí, 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 that as of the 31 August 2016, the latest date for which figures are readily available, there were 780 Community Gardaí assigned to Garda Divisions throughout the country. Of these 6 were assigned to the Clare Division. It is, of course, the case that all Gardaí have a role to play in addressing community policing issues as and when the need arises. In that sense, community policing involves far more than a single unit within An Garda Síochána.
Community policing is at the heart of An Garda Síochána. It provides a means of recognising that every community – both urban and rural – has its own concerns and expectations. In this regard I welcome the strong emphasis placed by the Commissioner's Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021 on further developing and supporting the community policing ethos of the organisation so that Gardaí spend more time in the community, gaining public confidence and trust and providing a greater sense of security. Proposed initiatives include the establishment of local Community Policing Teams (CPTs) headed by an Inspector and made up of Gardaí from across a range of areas to proactively work with the community to prevent and detect crime; and the establishment of Community Safety Fora in every District comprising local Gardaí, local communities and key stakeholders.
The implementation of these initiatives will be supported by the Government's commitment to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country. This will be achieved though continuing the ongoing accelerated Garda recruitment programme with a view to increasing Garda numbers to 15,000, as well as doubling the Garda Reserve and increasing the number of civilian staff so as to free-up Gardaí for front-line policing. Taking account of projected retirements, reaching a strength of 15,000 members will require some 3,200 new Garda members to be recruited on a phased basis over the next four years in addition to the 1,200 that will have been recruited by the end of this year since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014. So far 534 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream uniform duties nationwide. Community policing, and all other Garda activities, will undoubtedly benefit from these resources now coming on stream.
In order to continue to ensure seamless ongoing recruitment I was very pleased to announce the commencement of a new recruitment campaign on 8 September. The campaign is being organised by the Public Appointments Service on behalf of the Commissioner. Applications must be made through www.publicjobs.ie. The existing recruitment campaign (launched last November) is ongoing and successful candidates will continue to be called from that campaign this year and into next year. It is expected that successful candidates from the new campaign will enter the Garda College from mid-2017.
The Government is also committed to prioritising community crime prevention schemes. My announcement last week at the National Ploughing Championships of a doubling of the funding for the Community Alert Programme to €350,000 which will go directly to local groups is a tangible expression of this commitment to supporting a partnership approach to crime prevention between local communities and An Garda Síochána.
Gangland Crime
Ceisteanna (34)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:34. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in dealing with criminal gangland activity; the extent to which drug-associated feud activists are being successfully pursued nationally and internationally; the extent to which co-operation exists between An Garda Síochána, Europol and Interpol in this context; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27315/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can assure the Deputy that targeting organised crime activity and those involved is an ongoing priority for the Government and An Garda Síochána.
An Garda Síochána is tackling such activity through a range of targeted measures designed to disrupt and dismantle the operations of criminal organisations.
This involves targeting serious criminals and organised criminal groups on a number of fronts and across all geographical locations, including through the use of focused intelligence led operations by Garda specialist units including the Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, the National Economic Crime Bureau and the National Bureau of Criminal Investigations and supported, as required, by the Security and Intelligence Section. These specialist units also work closely with the Criminal Assets Bureau in targeting persons involved in such criminality.
All of these units operate under the umbrella of An Garda Síochána’s Special Crimes Operations Unit and are continuing to achieve commendable successes in targeting criminal groups as well as the ongoing drugs and firearms seized.
The Deputy will also be aware of the very significant measures which have been introduced in response to the appalling gangland feuding activity which has manifested itself both here and abroad. These measures include the provision of significant additional resources to An Garda Síochána, strengthened legislative measures targeting the proceeds of crime, the establishment of a dedicated Garda Armed Support Unit in Dublin and the establishment of a new Garda Special Crime Task Force.
We are already seeing significant results being achieved on foot of these measures including those of An Garda Síochána's Operation Hybrid. As at 4 September, this Operation has resulted in 40 arrests and 5 charges brought in connection with the recent shootings, a number of firearms being seized and over 8,000 lines of enquiry conducted. Furthermore, in excess of 11,500 high visibility checkpoints involving armed support have been implemented and a significant amount of CCTV footage, mobile phone traffic, and forensic evidence is also being examined as part of ongoing investigations.
As I have already publicly stated, most recently on the occasion of the very effective joint policing operation involving An Garda Síochána and their Spanish colleagues, the Garda authorities and the Government are absolutely determined that Irish criminals will not escape justice by fleeing this jurisdiction or by seeking to conduct their criminal activities from abroad. Recent operational activities clearly demonstrate the close liaison An Garda Síochána has in place with other law enforcement agencies internationally.