Written Answers Nos. 47-63
47. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the Garda numbers in the R district, Dublin North for each of the years 2010 to 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5032/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra48. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the Garda numbers for the Malahide Garda station in north Dublin for each of the years 2010 to 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5033/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra49. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the Garda numbers for the Swords Garda station in north Dublin for each of the years 2010 to 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5034/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra50. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the Garda numbers for the Balbriggan Garda station in north Dublin for each of the years 2010 to 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5035/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra51. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the Garda numbers for the Lusk Garda station in north Dublin for each of the years 2010 to 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5036/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra52. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the Garda numbers for the Garristown Garda station in north Dublin for each of the years 2010 to 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5037/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 47 to 52, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner 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. 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.
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. To make this a reality for all, the Government has in place a plan to achieve an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. This year, funding has been provided for the recruitment of 800 Garda recruits and up to 500 civilians to support the wide ranging reform plan in train in An Garda Síochána. Appointments will also be made to the Garda Reserve of approximately 300.
Since the reopening of the Garda College, 679 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, with a further 152 attesting today. To date 66 of these probationer gardaí have been assigned to the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) North Division. I am informed by the Commissioner that another 750 trainee gardaí are scheduled to attest this year which will bring Garda numbers to around the 13,500 mark by year end.
This focus on investment in personnel is critical. The moratorium on recruitment introduced in 2010 resulted in a significant reduction in the strength of An Garda Síochána. We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the Commissioner with the resources she needs to allow her to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí across all Garda Divisions.
This investment in personnel is complemented by substantial investment in resources across the board for An Garda Síochána. The Deputy will be aware of the significant resources that have been made available to An Garda Síochána under the Government's Capital Plan 2016 - 2021. In particular, some €205 million in additional funding for Garda ICT and €46 million for new Garda vehicles has been allocated over the lifetime of the plan. This investment will facilitate the provision of more effective policing services and I have no doubt that these new resources now coming on stream will benefit all areas of Garda activity.
For the Deputy's information I have set out in the following table the information requested by station from 2006 to 31 December 2016, the latest date for which figures are readily available from the Commissioner.
GARDA STRENGTH DMR NORTH DIVISION
|
STATION |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|
MALAHIDE |
37 |
35 |
34 |
34 |
30 |
29 |
31 |
|
SWORDS |
84 |
77 |
77 |
74 |
70 |
65 |
72 |
|
COOLOCK |
120 |
117 |
114 |
112 |
109 |
103 |
105 |
|
LUSK |
7 |
6 |
8 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
|
BALBRIGGAN |
68 |
70 |
69 |
64 |
62 |
64 |
69 |
|
GARRISTOWN |
3 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
*Coolock, Malahide and Swords Garda stations form the R District which comes under the DMR North Division.
53. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí in the drugs unit in the R district, Dublin North for each of the years 2010 to 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5038/17]
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 Units 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.
It is important to note that all gardaí have a responsibility in the prevention and detection of criminal activity whether it be in the area of drug offences or otherwise. I can assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána continues to pro-actively and resolutely tackle all forms of drug crime in this jurisdiction. The Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau leads out the policing strategy for tackling drugs supply and works closely with dedicated Divisional Drugs units and other national units, including the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) in targeting persons involved in the illicit sale and supply of drugs. This approach allows for the co-ordinated use of Garda resources in tackling all forms of organised crime, including illicit drug activity nationwide.
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. To make this a reality for all, the Government has in place a plan to achieve an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. This year, funding has been provided for the recruitment of 800 Garda recruits and up to 500 civilians to support the wide ranging reform plan in train in An Garda Síochána. Appointments will also be made to the Garda Reserve of approximately 300.
Since the reopening of the Garda College, 679 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, with a further 152 attesting today. To date 66 of these probationer gardaí have been assigned to the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) North Division. I am informed by the Commissioner that another 750 trainee gardaí are scheduled to attest this year which will bring Garda numbers to around the 13,500 mark by year end.
This focus on investment in personnel is critical. The moratorium on recruitment introduced in 2010 resulted in a significant reduction in the strength of An Garda Síochána. We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the Commissioner with the resources she needs to allow her to deploy increasing numbers of gardaí across the organisation including the Divisional Drugs Units.
The investment in personnel is complemented by substantial investment in resources across the board for An Garda Síochána. The Deputy will be aware of the significant resources that have been made available to An Garda Síochána under the Government's Capital Plan 2016 - 2021. In particular, some €205 million in additional funding for Garda ICT and €46 million for new Garda vehicles has been allocated over the lifetime of the plan. This investment will facilitate the provision of more effective policing services and support An Garda Síochána in tackling illicit drug activity.
I am advised by the Commissioner that Garda Drug Unit personnel are assigned on a Divisional basis and that the Garda District referred to by the Deputy is part of the DMR North Division. The following table gives a breakdown of the number of Garda members assigned to the DMR North Divisional Drugs Unit in each of the years 2010 to 2016 as of 31 December 2016.
|
DMR NORTH DIVISIONAL DRUGS UNIT |
|
|
YEAR |
STRENGTH |
|
2010 |
34 |
|
2011 |
32 |
|
2012 |
31 |
|
2013 |
27 |
|
2014 |
16 |
|
2015 |
25 |
|
2016 |
21 |
54. Deputy James Browne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the closing date for any submissions on the review of the boundaries of the Garda districts and the dispersal of Garda stations. [5044/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the Garda District and Station Rationalisation Programme was undertaken with the objective of identifying opportunities to introduce strategic reforms to enhance service delivery, increase efficiency and streamline practices within the organisation and concluded that a revised district and station network commensurate with the organisation’s resource base would best meet public demand.
Having said that, the Programme for a Partnership Government commits the Government to ensuring visible, effective and responsive policing in every community, including the most minimal response times possible.
In support of this, the Policing Authority has been asked to oversee a review of, among other things, the dispersal of Garda stations in rural areas, and in developing urban and suburban areas. The Authority has, in accordance with section 117(2) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, formally requested the Garda Síochána Inspectorate to examine the dispersal and use of resources available to the Garda Síochána in the delivery of policing services to local communities and to make recommendations to provide a more effective, visible and responsive policing service. The Authority has informed the Inspectorate that the review should take account of:
- the changing environments in rural, developing urban and suburban areas;
- the views of local communities;
- the allocation to and deployment of Garda resources at the local policing level, including the use of the Garda Reserve, Garda facilities and Garda equipment; and
- relevant recommendations made in previous Inspectorate reports.
You will appreciate that both the Policing Authority and the Garda Síochána Inspectorate are statutorily independent in the performance of their functions and, as Minister, I have no role in relation to the review.
I understand, however, that the Inspectorate will be engaging with relevant stakeholders in due course for the purposes of the review.
55. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the date for the next recruitment phase to An Garda Síochána; the number of personnel to be recruited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5077/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis 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. To make this a reality for all, the Government has in place a plan to achieve an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians.
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. This is in addition to the 1,200 that have been recruited to date since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014. Funding has been secured this year for 800 Garda recruits who will enter the College in groups of 200 with the first group to enter this month.
This recruitment target is an ambitious one and will require a continuous pipeline of suitable candidates. The most recent recruitment campaign launched by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) on behalf of the Commissioner in September of last year again received a strong response and it is expected that successful candidates will be called from this campaign this year and into next year. I am advised, however, that a new competition will be required this year to ensure that recruitment is maintained at the required levels. The precise timing of that competition is under consideration by the Commissioner in conjunction with PAS and an announcement will be made in due course including on the PAS website (www.publicjobs.ie).
56. Deputy John Brassil asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of a property registration application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5080/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that under the Registration of Deeds and Title Act 2006, the Property Registration Authority (PRA) was established as and from 4 November 2006. The PRA replaces the Registrar of Deeds and Titles as the registering authority in relation to property registration in Ireland and, subject to the above Act, is independent in the performance of its functions.
The Deputy will be aware of the service to T.D.s and Senators which provides information on the current status of applications, such as the subject of this question, which was introduced in May 2006. The service provides a speedier, more efficient and more cost effective alternative to submitting Parliamentary Questions. It is operated by the PRA and is available all year round.
I can further inform the Deputy that his query has been forwarded to the PRA for attention and direct reply via the above mentioned service.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
57. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her views on a gender balance on juries; the steps she will take to ensure same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5089/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, there is no statutory requirement for gender balance on juries. Section 11 of the Juries Act 1976 as amended provides that each county registrar, using a procedure of random or other non-discriminatory selection, shall draw up a panel of jurors for one or more courts within a jury district from the register or registers delivered to him under section 10 (omitting persons whom he knows or believes not to be qualified as jurors). The Law Reform Commission’s Report on Jury Service contains 56 recommendations and covers a broad range of issues relating to jury service such as eligibility for jury service, the categories of persons excusable as of right and the circumstances surrounding disqualifications from jury service. This detailed report and its recommendations are being examined by my Department.
58. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when the new Garda regional and divisional headquarters at Murrough, Renmore, Galway city, will be completed and fully operational; and if it will result in an increase in Garda numbers in Galway city. [5098/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra59. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if the present Mill Street Garda station in Galway city centre will be retained as a Garda station when the new regional and divisional headquarters under construction at Murrough, Renmore, is completed; the activities that will be retained there; the number of gardaí that will be assigned to it; and if those numbers will be sufficient to provide a rapid response to any event occurring in the city centre. [5099/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 58 and 59 together.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the Office of Public Works, which has the responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. As Minister, I have no direct role in relation to these matters.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the new premises is on course for completion in quarter 4 of this year. I have asked the Garda Commissioner for the other information requested and when it is to hand I will inform the Deputy accordingly.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 58 and 59 for answer on 2 February, 2017, in which you requested information in relation to the new Garda Regional and Divisional Headquarters at Murrough, Renmore, Galway city and the existing Garda station at Mill Street.
As the information you requested could not be obtained in the time available, I undertook to contact you again.
You will appreciate that the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the Office of Public Works (OPW), which has the responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. The Garda Commissioner has responsibility for the day to day operation of An Garda Síochána and the allocation of personnel and resources and I, as Minister, have no role in these matters.
I have however been advised by the Garda authorities that the construction of the new Regional and Divisional Headquarters is progressing well and it is anticipated that the project will be completed in Q4 2017. Garda management will be making arrangements with the OPW in relation to the hand over of the new Garda station with a view to the new station being operational as close to the completion date as possible.
I have been further advised by the Garda authorities that Mill Street Garda station will be retained as a fully functioning District Headquarters when the new premises are completed. While it is not possible at this time to indicate the specific nature of the resources that will operate from Mill Street, local senior Garda Management will ensure that an effective policing service will be provided in the area.
I am assured by the Garda authorities that the allocation of resources in the Galway Garda Division is kept under continual review to ensure that optimum use is made of available Garda resources and that the best possible policing service is provided to the public.
I hope this information is of assistance.
60. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the mortgages special court Bill/courts (mortgage arrears) Bill, which had been due to undergo pre-legislative scrutiny in November 2016 according to the Government's autumn legislation programme; when it is expected the Bill will be published; the reason for delays in bringing it forward; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5101/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to refer the Deputy to reply given to Parliamentary Question No. 95 of 31 January 2017 from Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice the text of which is as follows:
I can confirm to the Deputy that the establishment of a dedicated new court to sensitively and expeditiously handle mortgage arrears and other personal insolvency cases continues to be examined by my Department. As the Deputy will also be aware, the allocation of judicial resources and the scheduling of court cases is a matter for the Presidents of the courts and the judiciary who are, under the Constitution, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions. The President of the Circuit Court has been very helpful as regards consideration of dedicated new court arrangements for repossessions and the option and implications of use of pre-existing legislative powers to implement a system of specific court sittings for repossessions at specific venues on specific dates. This is being pursued at present between my Department and the Courts with a view to possible new arrangements for the Easter law term where appropriate and having regard to constitutional constraints. Furthermore the Government, at its meeting of 6 December 2016, decided to reassign, by appointment, three specialist judges of the Circuit Court as ordinary judges of the Circuit Court to fill three existing vacancies and so there are currently no vacancies in the Circuit Court. The Department is actively involved in discussions, including with the judiciary and Courts Service, as regards what progress can be made on introducing the proposed dedicated arrangements for mortgage arrears cases which I hope to bring to Government for consideration in the near future.
A key element of the commitments in the Programme for Government is, as the Deputy will also be aware, putting in place a national mortgage arrears resolution service and priority was given last year to getting the new national Mortgage Arrears Resolution Service (Abhaile) up and running and this was formally launched last October. The service, which forms part of the Programme for Partnership Government commitments on mortgage arrears, ensures that people who are at risk of losing their home have access to free independent financial and legal advice and assistance. The objective is to help these homeowners to identify and put in place solutions to their mortgage arrears, with priority to helping them remain in their home wherever possible.
The Abhaile service is available through the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) helpline and MABS offices across the country. Homeowners who are at risk of losing their homes due to mortgage arrears, including those facing repossession proceedings, can contact MABS which will provide support and advice. Support available includes in-house dedicated Mortgage Arrears advisers in MABS offices across the country, specifically to assist and negotiate with financial institutions on the borrower's behalf. MABS can also provide access to free independent financial advice and assistance on personal insolvency and bankruptcy from a personal insolvency practitioner (PIP), and to free independent legal advice from a solicitor, under a 'voucher' system. The advice and assistance is provided by a PIP or solicitor from expert panels, established under the Scheme respectively by the Insolvency Service of Ireland and by the Legal Aid Board. The service also includes free support and assistance at Circuit Court repossession court lists country-wide, with MABS court mentrs in attendance to provide help and advice to borrowers attending, and a 'duty solicitor', from a Legal Aid Board panel, to provide legal assistance in court to unrepresented borrowers in repossession proceedings. The scheme also offers legal aid to borrowers seeking the new Personal Insolvency court review under the Personal Insolvency (Amendment) Act 2015. Over 4,100 vouchers have been issued under the Scheme up to 27 January 2017.
A further key element related to the power of a court to impose mortgage arrears solutions for those in arrears and it is critical to note that use of the key statutory provision allowing for imposition of debt solutions involving a mortgage, where the solution has been rejected by the creditors, is increasing due to the availability of the Abhaile service since last October. I am referring to the "section 115A" procedure put in place under the 2015 Personal Insolvency legislation which allows the Circuit Court, in defined circumstances, to impose a personal insolvency arrangement (PIA), on application from the debtor, where the proposed arrangement has been rejected by the creditors.
I would also like to point out to the Deputy that early indications, while based on small initial samples, suggest that the new Abhaile service is reaching those most at risk of losing their homes, and particularly the cohort of those who are in mortgage arrears equivalent to 720 days or more. They also suggest that access to free, independent expert help, and to statutory protection against creditor pressure for those who are engaging, is a significant relief for those at risk, and that independent advice is identifying solutions which offer better outcomes for the homeowner, often enabling them to remain in their homes. Representative outcome data for the Abhaile Service is not yet available, but this information is being tracked and collected, and full analysis will be available at a later date.
My Department, together with the Department of Social Protection, leads both operational oversight and governance steering groups for the new Abhaile service and its effectiveness and impacts are being closely monitored as part of these processes, whilst my Department also continues to pursue the remaining aspects of the Programme for Government commitment with a view to further implementation measures in the next three months.
Furthermore, I wish to underline to the Deputy as outlined above that the establishment of a dedicated new court to sensitively and expeditiously handle mortgage arrears and other personal insolvency cases continues to be examined by my Department, including the identification of any necessary legislation, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, having regard to the constitutional and legal aspects arising.
61. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if a person (details supplied) can have a decision taken previously in their case re-examined with a view to determination as to whether all aspects of their application have been properly assessed; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the person cannot return to their native country due to the political situation there; if due consideration has been given to the professional reports submitted with the application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5123/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned is the subject of a deportation order made on 17 January 2013.
Representations were received from the person concerned requesting that the Deportation Order be revoked, pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 (11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended). The documentation submitted, together with all other information and documentation on file, was considered in detail. Following the consideration of that request, a decision was taken in June 2016 that the Deportation Order should be 'affirmed' and this decision was communicated to the person concerned by registered post dated 30 June 2016.
The Deputy may wish to note that the effect of a Deportation Order is that the person named on the Order is legally obliged to leave the State and to remain outside the State thereafter. The enforcement of the Deportation Order in this case is an operational matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau.
The Deputy may also wish to note that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
62. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if all documentation required in the case of a person (details supplied) has been received in the relevant section of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5124/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned was granted temporary permission to remain in the State in 2001. This permission was renewed on a regular basis with the latest permission expiring on 6 February 2016. A request for renewal of residency is being considered by the relevant Section of the INIS.
On 31 January 2017, correspondence issued to the person concerned, seeking documentary evidence to support the application. The application will be considered further on receipt of same.
The Deputy may wish to note that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This services 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 email service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
63. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 62 of 8 December 2016, if she will review the residency position in the case of a person (details supplied); the precise arrangements to facilitate regularisation of their residency position; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5126/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that INIS has no record of an application by the person concerned to remain in this State based on their relationship to the EU national mentioned by the Deputy. The Deputy will appreciate that INIS is not in a position to review residency and facilitate registration where no residence application has been made.
As previously set out, the person concerned arrived in the State on 27 November, 2011 and their most recent permission to remain in the State, on the basis of student conditions, expired on 16 September, 2016. The onus is on the person concerned to ensure that their permission to remain in the State is valid at all times. In that regard, it is open to the individual concerned to consult the INIS website www.inis.gov.ie for information in respect of the type of permission and relevant application process which may be applicable to their situation.
The Deputy may wish to note that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This services 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 email service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
