John Lahart
Ceist:44. Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda reservists in the Dublin metropolitan region. [27393/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraGarda Reserve
Ceisteanna (44)
Freagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including 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 Garda Commissioner that, as of the 31 August 2016, the strength of the Garda Reserve stood at 789 of which 244 are assigned to the Dublin Metropolitan Region.
The members of the Reserve have undergone training in many of the skills required to be an effective full-time member of An Garda Síochána and make a real and tangible contribution to the policing of communities right across the country. This is recognised in the "Programme for a Partnership Government" which includes a commitment to double the Reserve to act in a supportive role undertaking local patrols and crime reduction measures. 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 the 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.
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.
Garda Operations
Ceisteanna (45)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:45. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality is she will report on the investigation into the death of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27374/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Deputy will appreciate that the investigation of cases such as the one referred to is a matter for the Garda authorities in the first instance and I have no direct role in this regard. However, I have asked for a report on the case from the Garda authorities and when this is to hand I will contact the Deputy directly.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
I am now informed by the Garda authorities that on 31 July, 2014, a male body was recovered at a recycling plant in Dublin 10 and, following DNA analysis, was identified in November 2014. Following the discovery of the remains, a Garda investigation was commenced which remains open and ongoing.
A Family Liaison officer was appointed at the time of this incident and remains in contact with the family of the deceased.
I am sure you will appreciate that as a Garda investigation is ongoing it would not be appropriate for me to make any further comment on the matter at this time.
Refugee Resettlement Programme
Ceisteanna (46)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:46. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality given Ireland's commitment in September 2015 to take in 4,000 persons under the Irish refugee protection programme over a two-year period, the number of refugees under this programme who have arrived to date; the specific steps which have been taken to ensure this commitment is met; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27426/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP) was established by Government Decision on 10 September 2015 as a direct response to the humanitarian crisis that developed in Southern Europe as a consequence of mass migration from areas of conflict in the Middle East and Africa.
Under the programme the Government has pledged to accept a total of 4,000 migrants into the State by the end of 2017, through a combination of the EU relocation mechanism established in 2015 to assist Italy and Greece (which Ireland voluntarily opted into) and the UNHCR-led refugee resettlement programme currently focused on resettling refugees from camps in Jordan and Lebanon.
Under the Resettlement part of the IRPP, 520 programme refugees are to be resettled in Ireland by 31 December 2016. As of yesterday, 486 of these 520 have been admitted to the State. Sufficient cases were selected during a selection mission to Lebanon earlier this year to fill the rest of the quota of 520. These cases have been security screened and health screened and are scheduled to arrive in groups between now and the end of October. In addition to this 520, the Government recently announced that it is extending the resettlement programme to take in a further 260 refugees from Lebanon in 2017.
Ireland has to date taken in 69 Syrian asylum seekers, mostly families under the relocation programme. A further 40 Syrian asylum seekers have been assessed and cleared for arrival and arrangements for their travel to the State are currently being made. IRPP officials interviewed a group of 63 people in Athens who, once cleared for travel, are expected to arrive in October. It is estimated that by the end of 2016, Ireland will have accepted over 360 people under relocation.
However, as indicated in previous responses to parliamentary questions, the pace of the relocation programme in Ireland and across the European Union had been hampered by significant operational delays and technical issues due to the sheer numbers involved and other logistical difficulties that have arisen at the 'hotspot' locations in Italy and Greece.
As regards the EU relocation mechanism, it is well documented that the pace of arrivals under this programme to date has been slower than expected. The Government is wholly committed to ensuring that Ireland meets its obligations under the EU Relocation mechanism in a timely fashion.
A team of officials from my Department, including the Director of the Irish Refugee Protection Programme, travelled to Greece in June to meet with Irish embassy officials and relevant Greek authorities both to signal Ireland's tangible willingness to assist and to identify ways of addressing the obstacles that have arisen. The outcome of that visit has been very positive and the Greek authorities have now confirmed that, within the coming months, they will be able to increase significantly the overall numbers available to Ireland. The frequency and numbers of arrivals have increased and will continue to improve over the coming months.
As regards relocations from Italy, some technical issues have arisen with regard to the programme in Italy. I recently spoke directly with relevant EU Ministerial colleagues, and a Departmental official travelled to Italy in order to address the delays. Following this work a solution to the technical issues preventing relocations from Italy is in train.
The intention thereafter is to accelerate the pace and size of intakes throughout 2017 to achieve the levels required to allow Ireland to meet its commitments within the time frames envisaged under the EU Relocation Decisions.
Both the Tánaiste and I continue to work proactively with our colleagues in Europe to ensure that Ireland and the European Union responds comprehensively to all aspects of the ongoing migration and refugee crisis.
Garda Vetting Applications
Ceisteanna (47)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:47. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the location for processing of Garda vetting applications; the number of persons employed to manage this process; if there is a backlog, and if so, the numbers and reasons for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27425/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that there is no undue delay or backlog in the Garda employment vetting process. I am informed by the Garda Authorities that at present 80 percent of vetting applications are processed by the Garda Central Vetting Bureau in under five days. I do not consider that this is an unreasonable timeframe. This represents a dramatic improvement in turnaround times for the processing of vetting applications in recent years, falling from an average of 14 weeks in mid-2013.
This improvement is the result of an unprecedented investment by the Government and the Garda Authorities in this area of Garda activity, including an increase of over 80 per cent in staffing levels - the number of staff assigned at present stands at 173 - and the roll out earlier this year of the e-Vetting system. The Garda National Vetting Bureau is located in Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
An Garda Síochána launched an e-Vetting system in tandem with the commencement by me in April this year of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012-2016. E-Vetting facilitates the processing of applications in an on-line format and this has significantly streamlined the vetting process and contributed to a sustained reduction in processing times for vetting applications. I am informed that, currently, 85 per cent of organisations registered for vetting are operating the e-Vetting system and the Garda Authorities are working to encourage all other organisations to do so. For those vetting applications that continue to be submitted in paper format, the average turnaround time is in the order of four weeks.
One very important feature of the e-Vetting system is that the individual applicant can track the progress of their own vetting application on line and can, therefore, see when their application has been processed and returned to the relevant registered organisation.
In some individual cases processing times for applications can be longer when, for example, additional enquiries may be necessary, which may involve seeking information from abroad, or where errors have been made in the application. Delays can also occur in other aspects of the application process which are outside of the control of the Garda Authorities, for example, in the submission or return of applications by the registered organisations.
The primary purpose of the Garda employment vetting service is to seek to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults. Accordingly, the vetting process demands rigorous procedures to safeguard its integrity and to maintain the highest level of confidence by the public and organisations availing of the service. Any vetting process will take a certain minimum amount of time to complete and, taking into account the importance of protecting children and vulnerable adults while providing an effective and efficient service, the current processing period is not unreasonable.
Garda Strength
Ceisteanna (48)
James Browne
Ceist:48. Deputy James Browne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to increase the number of community gardaí in the Wexford Garda division. [27408/16]
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 8 were assigned to the Wexford 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.
Stardust Fire
Ceisteanna (49)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:49. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans in relation to new evidence recently presented to her by the Stardust families regarding the cause and origin of the Stardust fire; if a new independent inquiry into the tragedy must now be established; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27373/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, I have met with the Stardust Victims' Committee and I have appointed an official in my Department to liaise directly with them in relation to matters about which they have expressed concern.
There has been a significant degree of engagement between the Committee and my Department since the putting in place of that liaison arrangement. Following on from discussions between the Committee and my Department, a researcher associated with the Committee submitted material relating to these events. On foot of this a meeting was held on 23 April last year with this person and another researcher for the Committee. The official in my Department who liaises with the Committee undertook to examine this material and, following such an examination, a draft preliminary analysis was prepared and issued to the Committee in July of last year. The Committee was invited to examine and provide commentary on this preliminary analysis. The Committee's response was provided by way of a presentation made by researchers associated with the Committee on 30 September 2015. The views and materials presented at that meeting were examined in my Department and on 30 November last further documentation issued to the Committee in this connection.
While the Committee outlined its satisfaction with the documentation issued on 30 November last, a further submission outlining some additional matters was received earlier this year from the Committee for consideration. My Department has sought to engage further with the Committee and their researcher in relation to this additional material and this has been the subject of ongoing correspondence between the Committee and my Department.
The Programme for Government outlines that "Full regard will be had to any new evidence which emerges which would be likely to definitely establish the cause of the fire at Stardust" and my Department is committed to continued engagement with the Committee in that context.
I should also say that I am informed by the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána that a file has been submitted and is presently with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in relation to further allegations pertaining to the Stardust Fire.
Garda Reserve
Ceisteanna (50)
Pat Casey
Ceist:50. Deputy Pat Casey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda reservists in the Wicklow Garda division. [27399/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including 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, the strength of the Garda Reserve stood at 789 of which 22 were assigned to the Wicklow Garda Division.
The members of the Reserve have undergone training in many of the skills required to be an effective full-time member of An Garda Síochána and make a real and tangible contribution to the policing of communities right across the country. This is recognised in the "Programme for a Partnership Government" which includes a commitment to double the Reserve to act in a supportive role undertaking local patrols and crime reduction measures. 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 the 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.
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.
Domestic Violence Policy
Ceisteanna (51)
Ruth Coppinger
Ceist:51. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will introduce legislation to provide better protection to victims of domestic violence by extending eligibility for safety orders to all in intimate partner relationships, provide for emergency barring orders and cover online intimidation and stalking; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27434/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware there are a range of legislative measures in place to provide protections to victims of domestic violence. These include provisions under the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 which provides a range of offences which may occur in a domestic violence context including assault, assault causing harm, assault causing serious harm and coercion. The Act also provides for the offence of harassment. As part of the proceedings for such an offence the court may issue a restraining order requiring that the person shall not communicate by any means with the victim or shall not approach within a specific distance of the victim’s home or place of work. It is also an offence to breach such a restraining order.
In addition, the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011 introduced important amendments to the Domestic Violence Act 1996 and 2002 to extend the powers of the Court to provide protections in certain cases of domestic violence.
In the case of dating relationships, many incidences of abuse in dating relationships are also offences under the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997. Defining dating relationships in statute is problematic. Given the complexities, these relationships were not included in the General Scheme of the Domestic Violence Bill published last year. However, the issue of including dating relationships in domestic violence legislation is currently being considered further by my Department.
A proposal in relation to emergency barring orders was included in the general scheme of the Domestic Violence Bill, approved by Government and following legal advice an appropriate provision will appear in the Bill which I intend to publish this session. This legislation will enhance the legislative measures available to support and protect victims. Key improvements include extending access to emergency barring orders, providing for the possibility of giving evidence by televisual link, and enabling the court to appoint an expert to ascertain the views of a child where an order sought relates to the child.
With regard to online intimidation and stalking, the Law Reform Commission published its report on 'Harmful Communications and Digital Safety' just yesterday and the recommendations contained therein will now be considered by the relevant Ministers of the Government.
Garda Reserve
Ceisteanna (52)
Anne Rabbitte
Ceist:52. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda reservists in the Galway Garda division. [27420/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including 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, the strength of the Garda Reserve stood at 789 of which 36 were assigned to the Galway Garda Division.
The members of the Reserve have undergone training in many of the skills required to be an effective full-time member of An Garda Síochána and make a real and tangible contribution to the policing of communities right across the country. This is recognised in the "Programme for a Partnership Government" which includes a commitment to double the Reserve to act in a supportive role undertaking local patrols and crime reduction measures. 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 the 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.
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.