Written Answers Nos. 97-119
97. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will consider the installation of CCTV cameras on the bridges over the River Shannon at Termonbarry, Roosky, Ballyleague and Lanesborough in counties Roscommon and Longford to help combat criminal gangs using these routes. [12784/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda equipment and resources, including CCTV, are a matter for the Garda Commissioner and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.
I am informed that An Garda Síochána has in place a network of CCTV systems that are planned and implemented on the basis of the Garda Commissioner's identified operational needs and priorities.
Under the Garda Síochána Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021 which is intended to professionalise, modernise and renew An Garda Síochána to ensure that the organisation can meet present and future challenges, it is envisaged that CCTV will be used in new ways utilising technologies such as Face in the Crowd and Shape in the Crowd biometrics to identify key targets and enhance community safety. In addition, more vehicles will be equipped with Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology, and will have the capability to receive and transmit data over 3G, so that they can quickly track criminals using the road network and road traffic offenders.
98. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if her Department or the Garda has any claim to the ownership in full or part to a golf club (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12812/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra100. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of a sports club (details supplied); if it has individual financial accounts; the way in which the club is financially accountable within the Garda; if she is satisfied with the way in which the club has been run; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12828/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 98 and 100 together.
The Deputy will appreciate that, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is the Accounting Officer for the Garda Vote for the purposes of the Comptroller and Auditor General Acts. I am, however, advised by the Commissioner that the land on which the golf club in question is situated is in the ownership of the Office of Public Works.
The Deputy will be aware from media reports that a draft interim Internal Audit Report of the financial procedures in the Garda College has been prepared by the Internal Audit Section of An Garda Síochána and, as I have said previously, clearly I would be concerned by any irregularity in audits and accounting at the Garda College. I understand that this report will be finalised shortly and, in the normal course, will be furnished to the Comptroller and Auditor General by the Commissioner for his information and for any further enquiries he may wish to make. Furthermore, I understand that the Policing Authority considered this matter at its January meeting with An Garda Síochána and has requested that the final report be furnished to it once it is available.
99. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the role of Garda and immigration officials in the US pre-clearance process to ensure that in the exercise of their public functions, a person's rights under the Constitution, the European Convention on Human Rights, EU law or international human rights law will not be violated. [12825/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my replies to Parliamentary Questions No. 111, 106 and 138 of the 7th February, 2017 and to Parliamentary Question No. 92 of 8th February, 2017.
Persons who avail of the US preclearance facilities in the State do so voluntarily as provided for in the Aviation (Preclearance) Act 2009 and decisions taken by the US authorities at US preclearance facilities in the State on clearance to board US bound aircraft are taken solely by the US authorities. Irish officials or An Garda Síochána have no involvement in those decisions.
The role of Garda immigration officers is set out in the Act. Specifically, Section 12 of the Act provides that a person who is refused preclearance to travel onwards to the United States shall be deemed for the purpose of the Aliens Act 1935 and the Immigration Act 2004 to have arrived at the frontier of the State. In many cases, the persons are Irish citizens or EU nationals subject to Free Movement and once this is established they are not subject to any further immigration requirements. In circumstances where a person is refused leave to board a US bound flight, he or she is brought to the Garda immigration authorities and the case is considered by Garda immigration officers in the same manner as if they had presented at the frontier of the State seeking permission to enter the State. For those subject to immigration controls under the Immigration Act 2004, as is normal in these cases, each case is examined on its individual merits to determine if the person is to be given permission to enter the State.
These decisions are taken in accordance with Irish law and take fully into account our EU and other international legal obligations. For example, should a person claim international protection, their case will be fully considered under the International Protection Act 2015. US officials have no role in the matter. An Garda Síochána is also responsible for providing policing and maintaining law and order in preclearance areas, again in accordance with the provisions of the Act of 2009.
101. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the property and land the Garda owns in an area (details supplied); if the property and land have been rented or sold; and if so, the source of the funds received within the Garda accounts. [12829/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that the land referred to by the Deputy was purchased by the Office of Public Works in 2007 and that its Property Management Services Unit is responsible for the lands and any rental contracts.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A:
I refer tor the recent Parliamentary Question (No. 101 of 21 February 2017) where the Deputy sought: "....report on Operation Respite; the number of persons arrested and charged to date; the number of successful convictions obtained to date....."
As he may recall, the information you requested could not be obtained in the time available, and I undertook to contact him again when the information was to hand.
I am now informed by the Garda authorities that Operation Respite is an initiative introduced in Summer 2016 by local Garda management in conjunction with a number of national units, including the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, following an escalation in organised criminal activity in the Dublin Metropolitan Region South Central.
The objective of the initiative is to disrupt criminal activities, including the sale and supply of drugs and other anti-social behaviour type criminality and to dismantle the Organised Crime Gang involved. Successful information-led interventions, based on intelligence and analysis, are used to generate reductions in crime.
An Garda Síochána continues to target organised criminal groupings at local and community level, utilising all available resources including Divisional Asset profilers working with the Criminal Assets Bureau to deprive criminals access to the benefit of the proceeds of crime.
I am further informed that, according to the most recent figures available, since the initiative was put in place it has resulted in the seizure of drugs, including Heroin, Cocaine, Cannabis, and cash with three individuals arrested. Investigation files have been submitted to the Law Officers in respect of a number of these drug seizures and the remaining incidents are under ongoing investigation. The initiative remains in place and developments continue to be closely monitored.
I am also advised that Operation Hybrid, which was established to co-ordinate the response to the increase in violent crime in Dublin, remains in place and is committed to proactive crime prevention and public safety. Operation Hybrid ensures flexibility around the current policing needs in the Dublin Metropolitan Region, and is reviewed on a weekly basis, to maintain optimal impact. In this context you will be aware that an Armed Support Unit (ASU) for the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) was launched on 14 December, 2016 and has assumed responsibility for armed patrols in the DMR thereby ensuring that An Garda Síochána has a 24/7 armed response capability in Dublin.
I am determined that the Garda will continue to have the necessary resources to face down criminals and dismantle their networks. For the current year I have secured an allocation of €88.5 million for Garda overtime to support large scale policing operations targeting serious crime, and to provide a strong a visible Garda presence in our communities. This is additional to the very significant investments which we are making in the Garda fleet and Garda ICT and systems as well as the accelerated programme of Garda recruitment, which is ongoing.
I hope you find this information useful.
102. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will meet with a person (details supplied) and respond directly to a matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12853/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 93 of 6 December 2016 and the written reply to that question. While the position remains the same, it is, of course, open to this individual to seek independent legal advice in relation to their concerns if they so wish.
Reply to Parliamentary Question No. 93 on 6 December, 2016.
I am advised that the matters referred to have been the subject of a Garda investigation and have also come before the Courts. The Deputy will appreciate that it is not open to me to intervene in relation to particular Garda investigations, and that it would not be appropriate for me to comment in relation to the outcome of court proceedings.
However, to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have made arrangements for the correspondence in question to be brought to the attention of the Garda authorities. I am also advised that Gardaí have made contact with the person in question in relation to (their) concerns.
103. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if the interdepartmental working group preparing heads of Bills and legislation on providing access for An Garda Síochána to the State's industrial relations structures contains any persons from the Garda representative associations; if not, the reason for their exclusion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12870/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, following the approval of Government for the drafting of the Heads of a Bill to afford the Garda Associations access to the Workplace Relations Commissions and the Labour Court, a Working Group to assist in the consideration of these matters was established.
In addition to the technical legislative changes that will be required, a number of important and complex issues will fall to be considered in this context, including the status of the Garda Associations established under the Garda Síochána Acts and the related question of constraints on members taking industrial action. The Working Group brings together the appropriate Government Departments and bodies with expertise and responsibility in these areas.
The Working Group has been asked to report in relation to the Heads of the Bill by 31 May to allow sufficient time for the necessary legislation to be enacted this year. The Working Group has also been asked to consider and report to me by 31 October on the internal industrial relations processes and procedures to be put in place in the Garda Síochána in the context of the granting of access to the WRC and Labour Court.
I have made it clear in my discussions with the Garda Associations that I believe that it is critical to their being granted access to the WRC and Labour Court, that their views are communicated to the Working Group. I have also made clear to the Chair of the Working Group, the highly respected former Secretary General of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mr John Murphy, that the Associations should be consulted right through the process.
I understand that the first consultation session with the Garda Associations took place on Thursday last, 16 March and I am informed that the Working Group will shortly circulate a consultation paper to the Associations setting out options in relation to the key issues. Further consultations will follow between then and the completion of this phase of the work in May. It is vitally important that the Associations take advantage of the opportunity being provided, to engage positively and constructively with the Working Group, in order to ensure that any conclusions reached or proposals made by the Group are informed by the views of the Associations.
The inclusion of the Garda Associations in this intensive consultation process is proof positive of the Government's commitment to creating an industrial relations architecture in the Garda Síochána that delivers for its members and for the public who rely on them to provide the policing and security service of the State.
104. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of an application for a visa in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12872/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the person concerned made an application to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) at the end of January 2017, for permission to remain in the State as the spouse of an Irish National, and that this application is currently being processed. All applications are dealt with in strict chronological order and the processing time can take several months.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been 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 Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
105. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the reason third level degrees attained by members of An Garda Síochána over a period of more than four years are not accepted for the purpose of pay increments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12883/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt has not been possible to finalise this reply in the time available. I will provide the information sought by the Deputy as soon as possible.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
As the Deputy will appreciate the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána, including matters relating to Garda personnel policy and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.
I am advised by the Commissioner that, under the Garda Code, members of An Garda Síochána who, on appointment to An Garda Síochána, hold any of the qualifications listed below may, after completion of two years service, apply for additional increments as follows:
(i) One additional increment in respect of at least one Grade ‘B’ and two Grade ‘C’ in three subjects (which must include Mathematics and English or Irish) at Honours level in the established Leaving Certificate Examination or Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme; or
(ii) Three additional increments in respect of a Diploma or Degree from a third level educational institution. The Degree or Diploma must be full time, of two or four years duration, and be awarded by a third level institution recognised by the HETAC, or a recognised Irish statutory authority.
These increments are payable in addition to the increments for which the member might qualify under paragraph (i) above.
The Code makes no provision for payment of additional increments to serving members who complete Diploma or Degree level courses following their appointment to An Garda Síochána.
I am further informed that where the applicant completed a full time Degree/Diploma over five years due to for example taking a year off, repeating exams, etc, the member would still qualify under the code.
Each application is, I understand, considered on its own merits and is processed in accordance with the Garda Code.
106. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if a business undergoing a revaluation for the purposes of commercial rates and which decides to appeal the results of the revaluation process could be subject to an increase in its valuation; if so, her views on whether it is unfair; and if she will review this matter. [12897/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraDecisions on valuation appeals are a matter for the Valuation Tribunal which is a statutorily independent body established to hear appeals against determinations of the Commissioner of Valuation. I, as Minister for Minister for Justice and Equality, have no role in either of the decision-making processes.
The revaluation provisions in the Valuation Acts 2001 to 2015 provide for revaluation of all rateable property within a rating authority area to reflect changes in value due to economic factors, differential movements in property values or other external factors such as road or other infrastructural development in the vicinity of a property. The purpose of revaluation is to bring more equity, fairness and transparency into the local authority rating system - distributing the commercial rates liability more equitably between ratepayers. Following revaluation, there is generally a much closer and uniform relationship between rental values of property and their commercial rates liability.
The Valuation Acts provide several avenues of redress for the occupiers of property and for a number of other categories of persons listed in the legislation who are dissatisfied with a determination of value under the provisions of the legislation. Firstly, there is a statutory right for the occupier of a property to make representations within 40 days to the Valuation Office in relation to the proposed valuation to be placed on their property. Since the statutory mandate of the Valuation Office is to ensure that valuations of all rateable property are correct, equitable and uniform, relative to each other, consideration of representations made to the Office in respect of an individual property may result in a decrease, increase or no change in the valuation of that subject property. The outcome is based on the evidence provided to and available to the Valuation Office. In any event, this outcome may be the subject of an appeal to the independent Valuation Tribunal. Finally, there is a right of appeal to the Higher Courts on a point of law.
With regard to the Deputy’s specific question in relation to the appeal process to the Valuation Tribunal, the legislation specifies the categories of persons who have a right to appeal to the Valuation Tribunal. These include (a) an occupier of the subject property under appeal; (b) an occupier of other rateable property situated in the same local authority area as the property under appeal; (c) a rating authority; and (d) a person, in respect of any property in relation to which he or she is an interest holder. While in most cases, the appellant is usually the occupier of the premises subject to revaluation or their professional representative, it is possible for a person listed in categories (b) to (d) to lodge an appeal. In determining an appeal the Valuation Tribunal may, under Section 37 of the Valuation Act 2001 as amended by the Valuation (Amendment) Act 2015, decrease or increase a valuation or determine that no change is warranted.
In reaching its decisions, the statutory duty of the members of the Valuation Tribunal is to ensure that valuations are (insofar as is reasonably practical) correct, equitable and uniform, relative to each other. The professional expertise in both law and valuation practice of the Tribunal members is brought to bear in arriving at such decisions. Therefore I have no reason to consider that the decisions of the Valuation Tribunal are unfair in circumstances where the valuation of a property is reduced, remains the same or is increased. Appeals to the Tribunal are dealt with in a comprehensive manner involving the consideration on a quasi-judicial basis of detailed, formal written documentation submitted to it. The Tribunal can hold hearings as provided for in the legislation which allows for the taking of oral evidence and the receipt and consideration of written submissions made to it by and on behalf of all parties to the appeal concerned, including any person appearing to the Tribunal to have an interest in or be likely to be affected by the determination of the appeal. When issuing its decisions, the Valuation Tribunal issues formal, written judgments which provide clear and cogent reasons for its decisions and these judgments are available to the public on the Tribunal’s website, www.valuationtribunal.ie.
107. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if further consideration has been given to bring forward the start of summer time to the last weekend in February; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12940/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, Winter time begins at 1:00 a.m. Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) on the last Sunday in October every year when clocks are put back by one hour. Winter time ends at 1:00 a.m. GMT on the last Sunday in March of the following year when clocks are put forward one hour, signalling the start of summer time.
These arrangements are set out in the Winter Time Order 2001 which gives effect to European Union Directive 2000/84/EC and means that all EU member states start summer time simultaneously.
As the Deputy is also aware, the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality considered this in the context of the Brighter Evenings Bill and submitted a report to me in December 2014. The Committee recommended that this matter should be kept under review and that consideration of any trial be coordinated as a joint venture with the United Kingdom, in the event that the UK would consider a similar trial. The Committee was impressed by the benefits of introducing summer time for a longer portion of the year and recommended this position be put forward in any future review of European legislation.
Having considered the report and noted the recommendations made, my Department continues to keep the matter under review, including the question of a joint trial with the United Kingdom. However, particularly in light of the current context arising from the UK's decision to exit the European Union, I have no immediate plans to pursue this at the present time.
108. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the proposed inquiry into allegations made by a person (details supplied) and which the Government previously indicated would be the subject of an inquiry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12943/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Inquiry to which the Deputy refers is to be established following my acceptance of a recommendation by the panel of the Independent Review Mechanism (IRM), the role of which was to review complaints of Garda misconduct or failings in investigations carried out by An Garda Síochána. Arising from its recommendations, I have decided, in the case mentioned, to establish an inquiry under the terms of section 42 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, as amended.
Draft terms of reference were prepared which, in accordance with section 42 (3A) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, as amended, were the subject of consultation with the Policing Authority. This consultation with the Policing Authority is now completed. It was however necessary to seek further advice from the Office of the Attorney General on certain matters arising.
Officials in my Department are continuing their discussions with the Office of the Attorney General with regard to matters concerning the establishment of this inquiry and finalising its terms of reference.
Although certain administrative arrangements require to be put in place in advance of the establishment of this and the other Inquiries arising from the IRM, I can inform the Deputy that I hope to be in a position to proceed to its establishment in the near future.
109. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she or her office has received correspondence from a person (details supplied) regarding the person's interaction with the Garda Síochána; the actions that were taken in respect of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12973/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe particular case to which the Deputy refers was amongst those considered under the mechanism established for the independent review of certain allegations of Garda misconduct, or inadequacies in the investigation of certain allegations, the Independent Review Mechanism (IRM).
A panel consisting of two senior and five junior counsel was established for that purpose. I would like to emphasise that every case presented to the panel was reviewed by independent counsel, who made an objective recommendation. It was open to counsel to make any recommendation that they saw fit. The recommendation in this case was that I should take no further action. I accepted that recommendation and a letter issued to the complainant in December 2015 notifying him of the outcome and the reasons for same.
Further correspondence from the complainant to the Taoiseach has been forwarded to me recently for reply. A reply will issue shortly.
110. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will respond directly regarding the current financial rules that apply to American retirees wishing to retire here (details supplied); her immediate plans to change the current requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12983/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate it is the responsibility of Government to decide polices for the management of migration and the control of our borders in the public interest. The simple fact that someone may wish to settle here as a retired person does not, of itself, create an entitlement for that person to do so. Over a number of years retired persons seeking to come to Ireland to live has become a prominent new channel for migration into the State. In the interests of clarity and greater transparency the immigration service published guidelines for such persons in March 2015. The overriding requirement is that such persons must be able to show that they have sufficient resources. In particular, they must satisfy the immigration service that they:
- Have an annual income equivalent to €50,000
- Have savings equivalent to the cost of buying a new home in Ireland
- Have comprehensive private Irish-based medical insurance
Following a public consultation process in October 2016 the immigration service undertook a review of this policy. This review is being finalised and decisions on foot of it will be made in the near future. While it would be premature at this stage to outline the details of the proposed scheme, the Deputy will appreciate that it is reasonable that persons seeking to retire in the State should have a close association with Ireland, that they can fully support themselves while resident here and that they should be approved for this purpose before taking up residence.
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person referred to by the Deputy arrived in the State in May 2015 as a visitor and subsequently applied to the immigration authorities to remain in Ireland as a retired person. After due consideration of all the circumstances in this case this request was refused because the person concerned did not satisfy all the conditions for settling in the State as a retired person as set out in the policies set out by INIS. This decision was subsequently reviewed twice at the request of the person concerned and the original decision was upheld on both occasions. In August 2016 this person was granted a short period of permission to remain in the State for medical reasons and after voluntarily leaving the State at the end of 2016, was subsequently granted temporary permission to re-enter the State in March 2017 for a specific period in order to attend a specific medical appointment.
111. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to close or move the training unit in operation in Mountjoy Prison; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13001/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that the Irish Prison Service has commenced the repurposing of the Training Unit Place of Detention (on the Mountjoy Prison Campus) to a dedicated Unit for older prisoners.
A key action of the current Irish Prison Service Strategic Plan (Action 2.5) is to ensure that older prisoners are identified as a specific group who have particular needs within the prison population. There are currently a number of such prisoners in the care of the Irish Prison Service who have significant and ongoing healthcare needs, many of whom are currently dispersed across the estate and in some cases significant distances away from the healthcare providers they rely on.
The establishment of the unit will allow the Irish Prison Service to accommodate such prisoners in a purpose built unit within close proximity to a variety of medical care and will also allow for appropriate remedial works to the accommodation which is currently outdated and lacks in-cell sanitation thus delivering on the commitment to provide in-cell sanitation to all prison cells.
It is envisaged that the repurposing of the unit will take 18-24 months to complete. During this time, it will be necessary to accommodate current prisoners elsewhere in the prison estate, primarily within the Mountjoy Campus.
It is intended that prisoners who are currently on programmes of temporary release will be facilitated in continuing with such programmes.
112. Deputy Kevin Boxer Moran asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to increase the number of community gardaí based at Lucan, Ronanstown, Ballyfermot, Leixlip and Clondalkin Garda stations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13014/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and 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 in regard to the deployment of Garda personnel, a distribution model is used which takes into account all relevant factors including population, crime trends and the policing needs of each individual Garda Division. It is the responsibility of the Divisional Officer to allocate personnel within his/her Division.
The Commissioner has advised that it is 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 Garda 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.
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. Funding has also been provided for the recruitment of 300 Garda Reserves.
I am informed by the Commissioner that, since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, some 838 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide. I am also informed that another 750 trainee Garda are scheduled to attest this year which will see Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increase 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 Community Gardaí across every Garda Division.
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 the new resources now coming on stream will see an increase in Garda visibility in our communities.
The following table shows the number of Community Gardaí assigned to Lucan, Ronanstown, Ballyfermot, Leixlip and Clondalkin Garda stations on the 31 January 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available, as provided by the Commissioner.
|
Garda Station |
Number of Community Gardaí |
|
Lucan |
6 |
|
Ronanstown |
7 |
|
Ballyfermot |
4 |
|
Leixlip |
0 |
|
Clondalkin |
7 |
113. Deputy Kevin Boxer Moran asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if discussions have taken place with An Garda Síochána and the Garda Commissioner regarding the importance of community gardaí as a knowledge base for tackling drug-related crime, identifying potential flashpoints and providing positive and trusted engagement with local communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13015/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the Government has, in its Programme for a Partnership Government, recognised the importance of community policing. It commits the Government to ensuring visible, effective and responsive policing in every community throughout the country in order to provide reassurance to citizens and prevent crime. This commitment is underlined by very significant investments in Garda resources.
However, as the Deputy will appreciate, the specific policing and investigative strategies which may be employed in particular circumstances are a matter for the Commissioner and her management team and I do not have a direct role in this regard. In this regard, the Policing Plan of An Garda Síochána sets out the continued commitment of An Garda Síochána to pro-actively target groups and individuals engaged in organised crime activity including drug crime. I am advised that the National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau continues to lead out the policing strategy for tackling drugs by demand reduction and supply reduction strategies. The Bureau continues its policy of working with Divisional Drug Units nationwide in tackling supply reduction at local level.
I am advised that community policing continues to be a key aspect of the Garda approach to the prevention and detection of crime. Gardaí engage with a wide range of community based groups, as well in more formal settings such as Joint Policing Committees, to ensure that local issues can be aired and appropriate partnerships formed with communities to address matters of concern. Gardaí also support over 3,700 Community Alert and Neighbourhood Watch Schemes nationwide, and these form an important partnership with An Garda Síochána to prevent crime and protect communities, especially the elderly and more vulnerable persons. In addition, the Garda Text Alert Scheme provides an effective means for Gardaí to communicate crime prevention information to local communities.
On 9 June 2016, the Garda Commissioner launched a five year programme to professionalise, modernise and renew An Garda Síochána, to ensure that it can meet present and future policing and security challenges. An important principle included in the plan is increased Garda visibility, with crime prevention being the number one priority. The Garda modernisation plan was developed with the benefit of inputs from Garda personnel and community stakeholders, as well as the experience of police forces in other jurisdictions. The measures in the plan also respond to reports and recommendations of the Garda Inspectorate and the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission.
In conclusion, all Garda activities, including community policing, will undoubtedly benefit from the resources now coming on stream through the Garda recruitment programme, and in particular the Government's commitment to increase Garda numbers to 15,000, so that An Garda Síochána has the capacity to address the needs of communities throughout the country and into the future.
114. Deputy Kevin Boxer Moran asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to replace or upgrade the PULSE system (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13016/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda equipment and resources, including ICT, are a matter for the Garda Commissioner and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.
The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Síochána Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021 is intended to professionalise, modernise and renew An Garda Síochána to ensure that the organisation can meet present and future challenges. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Programme prioritises ICT projects with the aim of fully embedding technology initiatives to improve the services delivered to communities by An Garda Síochána. Key outputs from the Programme include:
- the introduction of mobile technology solutions to enable operational Gardaí to access core information systems, including PULSE, while on duty and away from Garda stations;
- providing members with real-time information on mobile devices, as well as enabling investigation teams to collect and share information digitally;
- the continued extension of the Garda network throughout 2017 to ensure that non-networked stations gain access to relevant systems;
- modernisation of Garda information systems, such as PULSE, to ensure that members have quick access to timely and accurate information.
In addition, I understand that the following key projects have commenced and will see delivery across 2017:
- Investigations Management System which will support the management of activities completed as part of an investigation, maintain a full history of the chain of events in an investigation, manage information gathered, decisions made and actions taken;
- Property and Exhibit Management System which will be used to record all property and exhibits which come into Garda possession and manage them throughout their life cycle within the organisation from crime scene to court;
- Enterprise Content Management system which will provide An Garda Síochána with a single enterprise content repository for all documentation and multimedia content created (for example CCTV clips); and
- Rosters and Duty Management system.
The Programme is being supported by significant Government investment of some €330 million, including €205 million under the Capital Plan, in Garda ICT infrastructure over the period 2016 to 2021. This major investment will allow An Garda Síochána to deploy the latest cutting edge technologies in the fight against crime and will facilitate progress on important reforms arising from the Garda Inspectorate's report on Crime Investigation.
115. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the methodology used for awarding points to persons in a location (details supplied) to purchase food on the new on-site supermarket; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13075/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra116. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the amount a point used at the new on-site supermarket in a location (details supplied) equates to in euro; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13076/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra117. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the person who sets the price for the items available at the new on-site supermarket at a location (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13077/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra118. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the independent review mechanisms and oversight in operation to monitor the prices set by the new on-site supermarket at a location (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13078/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra119. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the reason persons cannot be given a food allowance to buy their items in a supermarket of their choice instead of using a points system which only allows them to purchase items from the on-site supermarket at a location (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13079/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 115 to 119, inclusive, together.
Following publication of the Programme for a Partnership Government, which outlined the Government's commitment to improving the accommodation environment for protection applicants, in particular for children and families, the Reception and Integration Agency of my Department began the process of examining ways in which this commitment could be delivered upon.
The McMahon Report 'Working Group on Improvements to the Protection Process, including Direct Provision and Supports to Asylum Seekers' also recognised the value of home cooking for families in the protection process.
The system currently in place in Mosney is the culmination of a lengthy analysis process by staff in the Reception & Integration Agency (RIA) and by the management team at the centre. This involved a number of residents volunteering to participate in live shopping expeditions, an examination of the household shopping basket for families and single persons, an examination of responses to questionnaires completed by all residents on the range and type of foodstuffs they would like to be made available and an analysis of the findings of the Safe Food Report 'What is the cost of a healthy food basket in the Republic of Ireland in 2016?'.
This analysis led to the allocation of a weekly number of points to each adult and child resident in the centre. These points are then used to obtain fresh food in the Food Hall. As a result, parents and single persons are now able to cook food in their own accommodation for their own families. The Food Hall is open six days a week and stock is replenished as required. Ethnically appropriate foods and spices are also available. Non-standard items can be ordered in and made available the following day provided such items can be sourced from traceable suppliers.
The successful introduction and implementation of this new system has been welcomed by residents and staff alike and has had a very positive impact on the atmosphere right through the centre. Residents are free to cook what they want and when they want. The introduction of the system addresses one of the key recommendations of the McMahon report in that children will now see their parents cook a meal for their family. This pilot project has been a great success and it is intended that variations of the scheme will be rolled out to other centres throughout the country.
The system is kept under constant review by both the management in the accommodation centre and by RIA staff. The points system in use does not have any monetary equivalent and the points cannot be used in any other commercial outlet. The Deputy may be aware that a recent EU decision indicated that protection applicants throughout the Union should have their needs provided for under a benefit in kind system such as this points system, and this pilot project has more than fulfilled the expectations of the McMahon report recommendations in respect of home cooking for residents. The Government has no plans to introduce a change in the weekly allowance paid to protection applicants living in accommodation centres provided by the State.
