Written Answers Nos. 32-53
32. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if a UK citizen, resident here since 1960 and married to an Irish citizen now deceased in excess of 20 years, would qualify for a passport based on their marriage; and if not, the options open to this person to qualify for an Irish passport. [18852/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issuing of a passport is a matter for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and is contingent on the person being an Irish citizen.
It is open to any individual who is not an Irish citizen to lodge an application for Irish citizenship through naturalisation if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements as prescribed in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, which governs the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation. All applications for a certificate of naturalisation are processed and assessed individually in accordance with the provisions of the Act. A determination on whether an applicant satisfies the statutory criteria attendant to naturalisation can only be made after an application is received.
Section 15 of the Act provides that the Minister may, in her absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation if satisfied that certain statutory conditions are fulfilled. The conditions are that the applicant must:
- be of full age,
- be of good character,
- have had a period of one year's continuous residency in the State immediately before the date of application and, during the eight years immediately preceding that period, have had a further total residence in the State amounting to four years,
- intend in good faith to continue to reside in the State after naturalisation,
- have, before a judge of the District Court in open court, in a citizenship ceremony or in such manner as the Minister, for special reasons, allows -
(i) made a declaration, in the prescribed manner, of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State, and
(ii) undertaken to faithfully observe the laws of the State and to respect its democratic values.
Section 15A provides that, notwithstanding the above, where the application is based on being the spouse or civil partner of an Irish citizen the requirements are, inter alia, that the couple are married or civil partners to each other for a period of at least 3 years and are living together and, immediately before the date of application, have a period of one year's continuous residence in the island of Ireland and, during the preceding four years, have a further period amounting to 2 years (i.e. 3 years in total). Section 15A(2) provides that the Minister may, in her absolute discretion waive some of the conditions in relation to an application from a spouse or civil partner of an Irish citizen if she is satisfied that the applicant would suffer serious consequences in respect of his or her bodily integrity or liberty if not granted Irish citizenship. There is no right or entitlement to have any of the conditions waived, it is entirely at the Minister's discretion.
The fees to be paid by an applicant for a certificate of naturalisation are governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 569 of 2011). The application fee, stipulated at €175, is payable on application for a certificate of naturalisation and a certification fee is payable on the issue of a certificate of naturalisation.
The standard certification fee is set at €950, while a reduced fee of €200 applies in the case of an application made on behalf of a minor or in certain cases where the application is made by a widow, widower or surviving civil partner of an Irish citizen. In the case of recognised refugees and stateless persons the certification fee is nil. There is no provision for the discretionary waiver or reduction of fees.
Detailed information on Irish citizenship and naturalisation, as well as the relevant application forms, is available on the INIS website at www.inis.gov.ie. The website also contains guidance on the completion of an application for naturalisation and an on-line naturalisation residency calculator which individuals may find of assistance in establishing if the residency requirements are met. The appropriate application form for a certificate of naturalisation by a person of full age, including a person in circumstances outlined by the Deputy, is Form 8.
33. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities will be ratified; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19091/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2007 and since then, successive Governments have emphasised Ireland’s strong commitment to proceed to ratification as quickly as possible, taking into account the need to ensure all necessary legislative and administrative requirements under the Convention are met. This Government remains committed to ratification of the Convention.
It is essential that the State is in a position to meet the obligations that it assumes under the terms of an international agreement from the moment of its entry into force for Ireland. Before the State can ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, enactment of new legislation and amendment of existing legislation is required to ensure obligations will be met upon entry into force for Ireland. I want to ensure we adhere to best practice and that we have amended our domestic legislation prior to the ratification of the Convention. The previous Government published a Roadmap in October 2015, which sets out the legislative measures needed to meet those requirements, along with declarations and reservations to be entered by Ireland on ratification.
Considerable progress has already been made to overcome the remaining legislative barriers to Ireland's ratification of the Convention. The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 was signed into law on 30 December 2015 and is a comprehensive reform of the law on decision-making capacity. The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 has reformed Section 5 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 1993 to facilitate the full participation in family life of persons with intellectual disabilities and the full expression of their human rights.
The Disability (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2016 was published immediately prior to Christmas and completed Second Stage in February 2017. The primary purpose of the Bill is to address the remaining legislative barriers to Ireland’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). Work is ongoing on all the other issues set out in the previous Government’s Roadmap for Ratification published in October 2015 and these will be progressed as Committee Stage amendments. The Bill will be progressed to enactment at an early date to facilitate ratification of the UN Convention as soon as possible.
I can assure the Deputy that ratification of the UNCRPD remains an extremely high priority for me as Minister.
34. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the amount provided under the capital plan for Garda information technology; the amount spent to date; the expected completion date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18814/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra35. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the amount provided under the capital plan for the divisional headquarters in Kevin Street, Dublin; the amount spent to date; the expected completion date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18815/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra36. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the amount provided under the capital plan for the divisional headquarters in Galway city; the amount spent to date; the expected completion date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18816/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra37. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the amount provided under the capital plan for the divisional headquarters in Wexford; the amount spent to date; the expected completion date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18817/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra38. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the amount provided under the capital plan for the PPP investment to deliver a number of new Garda stations and facilities; the amount spent to date; the expected completion date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18818/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra39. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the amount provided under the capital plan for doubling the level of investment in the Garda fleet; the amount spent to date; the number of vehicles added to the fleet; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18819/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 34 to 39, inclusive, together.
The Deputy will be aware that the Government's Capital Plan envisages an unprecedented level of Capital investment in the Justice Sector, with some €875 million in capital funding being allocated to the sector together with further approval and funding for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects. As far as investment in An Garda Síochána is concerned, this included:
- PPP projects to deliver new Garda station construction nationwide;
- €46 million for new Garda vehicles;
- major additional investment of €205m in Garda Síochána technology and systems; and
- €18 million for refurbishment of Garda stations.
This allocation demonstrates this Government's commitment to investing in 21st Century policing, and to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the vehicles and technology to be effective, mobile and responsive to prevent and tackle crime in both urban and rural areas. In addition, it will provide better facilities for members and staff of An Garda Síochána and, importantly, enable An Garda Síochána to enhance the service it provides to the public in terms of supporting victims of crime and investigating crime.
In relation to investment in Garda ICT infrastructure, some €330 million, including €205 million under the Capital Plan, is being invested over the period 2016 to 2021. I am informed by the Garda authorities that a considerable amount of new Garda ICT solutions has been delivered over the past number of years. These include the deployment of a secure national digital radio system (NDRS), the deployment and support of Garda and Community CCTV systems, an automated number plate recognition (ANPR) system, an e-Vetting system and the addition of many new functions to the PULSE system, which itself is further supported by a dedicated data entry service in Castlebar.
I am further informed that key ICT outputs from the Garda Síochána Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021, 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 Deputy will be aware that three new Garda Headquarters are being progressed by the Office of Public Works in close cooperation with An Garda Síochána. I am informed that work is progressing well on all three projects which are expected to be completed this year. The cost of each project is some €29.5 million for Kevin Street; some €24.5 million for Wexford and some €27.5 million for Galway - all figures ex VAT.
In October 2015, I announced in conjunction with my colleague the Minister of State at the Office of Public Works the Garda Síochána Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016 – 2021. This Programme includes a number of projects which reflect the priorities of An Garda Síochána, including:
- a PPP to deliver new Garda stations in Macroom Clonmel and Sligo;
- major refurbishment of stations/facilities including facilities for meeting victims of crime;
- essential remedial works to existing stations;
- development of large scale Property and Exhibit Management Stores; and
- upgrade of cells and provision of improved Custody Management Facilities.
As far as the PPP is concerned, I am advised by the Garda authorities that the Office of Public Works is making good progress towards the acquisition of suitable sites for the proposed developments and, in addition, discussions have taken place with the National Development Finance Agency.
With regard to the Garda Fleet, some €46 million is being invested over the lifetime of the Capital Plan. The Deputy will be aware that there has been unprecedented investment in the Garda Fleet in recent years and, from the moment that the economy began to turn, it was clear to this and the previous Government that such investment was a necessity. The actual expenditure in new and replacement vehicles over the period 2013 to 2016 was in the region of €40 million. This works out at average expenditure of €10 million per annum compared to an average of €1.6 million over the three year period 2009 to 2011 for example.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that, as on 13 March 2017, the latest date for which figures are available, the Garda fleet comprised of 2,807 vehicles. Some 64% of the fleet is now less than 4 years old and in fact almost 1 in 5 vehicles are less than one-year-old. This compares with the situation in 2012 where in the region of 89% of the fleet were older than four years and only 1 in 50 (i.e. 2%) of the fleet was less than one-year old.
40. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the amount provided under the capital plan for the new forensic science laboratory in County Kildare; the amount spent to date; the expected completion date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18820/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe need for a new purpose built forensic science laboratory appropriate to the State's requirements is long-standing. The Government's capital plan 2016-2021 has allocated €45m for the construction of the laboratory with work due to commence in 2019.
However, I have previously indicated that I would avail of every opportunity to bring forward the start date, if that was possible. I was happy, therefore, that €6 million was provided in my Department's Vote to enable the commencement of building work in 2017. This funding has been earmarked for a variety of enabling works, including electricity and gas connections, the installation of fibre line to the site and works to the main entrance.
I hope that it will be possible in the context of the mid-term review of the Capital Plan to secure the funding that will allow the construction of the building to commence and that being the case, I would expect the new laboratory to be ready in 2020. The cost of construction and fit-out will only be known once the tendering process is complete.
41. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the amount provided under the capital plan for the construction and redevelopment of seven courthouse venues; the amount spent to date; the expected completion date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18821/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts, including the provision of accommodation for court sittings, is the responsibility of the Courts Service which is independent in exercising its functions.
However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that the construction/redevelopment of courthouses at seven locations throughout the country by way of ongoing Public Private Partnership (PPP) was included as one of the key Justice sector projects in the Government's Infrastructure and Capital Investment Plan 2016 to 2021.
The relevant locations in this context and the expected dates on which each of the courthouses will be completed are as follows:
|
Location |
Target Service Commencement Date |
|
Drogheda |
1 May 2017 |
|
Letterkenny |
6 September 2017 |
|
Wexford |
25 September 2017 |
|
Waterford |
10 November 2017 |
|
Limerick |
27 October 2017 |
|
Mullingar |
27 November 2017 |
|
Cork |
8 December 2017 |
The Courts Service has also informed me that the construction firm BAM is responsible for construction of the courthouses and will also provide maintenance and various facilities management services for a 25 year period post completion. The projected total cost over 25 years is €382.8m which will be funded through a 25 year stream of unitary charges commencing later this year. A number of other project related costs not covered by the unitary charge mechanism have been met from within the annual Courts Service budgetary provision since project commencement.
42. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the amount provided under the capital plan for the development of a new purpose built family law and children's courts complex; the amount spent to date; the expected completion date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18822/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts, including the provision of accommodation for court sittings, is the responsibility of the Courts Service which is independent in exercising its functions.
However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that the development of a new purpose built Family Law and Children's Court complex was included as one of the key Justice sector projects in the Government's Infrastructure and Capital Investment Plan 2016 to 2021. It is anticipated that the project will be delivered by way of Public Private Partnership (PPP) and, as such, will be funded through a future stream of unitary charges over a 25 year period which would commence on completion of the building.
The Courts Service has also informed me that a business case, as required under the provisions of the Public Spending Code, is at an advanced stage of preparation. Once completed, the Courts Service will engage with the Department of Justice and Equality and Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for sanction to proceed with the project. Subject to approval being received, the Courts Service anticipates that the building would be completed in 2021/2022. Costs of approximately €50,000 have been incurred to date in connection with the preparation of the business case.
43. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the amount provided under the capital plan for the refurbishment programme for the Courts Service; the amount spent to date; the expected completion date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18823/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts, including the provision of accommodation for court sittings, is the responsibility of the Courts Service which is independent in exercising its functions.
However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that the Courts Service building programme has been progressed primarily by way of Public Private Partnership (PPP) in recent years. At present new/refurbished courthouses are under construction at Cork, Drogheda, Letterkenny, Limerick, Mullingar, Wexford and Waterford. All are being delivered by way of PPP and will be delivered by the end of the year. The delivery of these courthouses will be funded through a future 25 year stream of unitary charges commencing later this year.
The expected dates on which each of those courthouses will be completed are as follows:
|
Location |
Target Service Commencement Date |
|
Drogheda |
1 May 2017 |
|
Letterkenny |
6 September 2017 |
|
Wexford |
25 September 2017 |
|
Waterford |
10 November 2017 |
|
Limerick |
27 October 2017 |
|
Mullingar |
27 November 2017 |
|
Cork |
8 December 2017 |
On completion of these projects, the next 5 city/county town venues requiring substantial investment in courthouse facilities are Wicklow, Portlaoise, Galway, Roscommon and Tralee. Collectively these locations are the next priority for provincial courthouse development/refurbishment projects.
The Courts Service has also informed me that, in addition to the major development/refurbishment projects progressed through PPP, a portion of the Courts Service annual budget is allocated each year to cover the cost of capital works and related expenditure at courthouses throughout the country, including minor refurbishment/remedial works. In 2016 and 2017 a sum of between €1m and €2m has been available for such minor refurbishments/remedial works.
44. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the amount provided under the capital plan for the development work in Limerick prison; the amount spent to date; the expected completion date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18824/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Irish Prison Service that plans for the development of a new 103 cell accommodation block and a new stand-alone unit for 58 female prisoners at Limerick Prison are at a very advanced stage and are expected to go to tender late next month. Work is expected to commence in February 2018 and to be completed in late 2020. As these projects are subject to the tendering process it would be inappropriate for me to give an indication in relation to costs at this stage as this would be commercially sensitive information which may affect the process.
Over the past three years a series of enabling works to facilitate the main development has been undertaken at a total cost of €8,602,519.
45. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the amount provided under the capital plan for the development work in Portlaoise prison; the amount spent to date; the expected completion date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18825/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Prison Service that Portlaoise Prison is part of the Portlaoise Prison Campus, and is the only high-security prison in the State which serves as the committal prison for those sent to custody from the Special Criminal Court & accommodates prisoners linked with subversive crime. It detains prisoners that pose the greatest security risks within the Irish prison system, and those requiring the most stringent standards of internal and external security and containment. As well as prisoners requiring enhanced security for a range of reasons, it accommodates prisoners associated with the highest elements of gangland crime, as well as subversive and politically motivated criminals.
The core infrastructural modernisation requirements at Portlaoise Prison are the need to eliminate slopping out and to bring the prison’s existing infrastructure to an acceptable standard including prisoner accommodation.
The Irish Prison Service have committed capital expenditure in 2017 to Phase 1 of the Portlaoise redevelopment project & this entails a refurbishment of the outdated E Block & the Demolition of the D Wing. These projects will be tendered in the coming months.
Construction of the Portlaoise New High Security Block is currently scheduled to commence in Quarter 1 of 2019.
As these projects are subject to the tendering process it would be inappropriate for me to give an indication in relation to costs at this stage as this would be commercially sensitive information which may affect the process.
46. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she travelled abroad as part of the St. Patrick's Day celebrations; the locations she travelled to; the duration of the trip; the cost of the trip, including travel and accommodation in addition to other expenses incurred; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18899/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis year I travelled to the United States of America from 10 to 18 March as part of the St Patrick's Day "Promote Ireland" Programme for 2017. Traditionally, Ministerial visits abroad are organised at this time to maximise the promotion of Ireland’s investment, trade and tourism interests and in this instance to convey a positive message about Ireland's commitment to remaining in the EU.
As part of the programme of events, I visited San Diego, Sacramento and San Francisco where I attended a number of engagements organised by Irish community groups and met with various business leaders. There were three broad elements - support for the activities of the State Economic Agencies; Irish community outreach; and building political ties. Strengthening Ireland's relations with California was a key objective of my visit as economically California is Ireland's largest trade and investment partner in the US, and Ireland benefits from the Californian economy especially in Silicon Valley.
During my visit to San Diego I attended the St. Patrick's Day Parade, the Irish Community Celtic Mass celebrated by Bishop Robert McElroy and met Irish Community representatives of the San Diego Gaelic Athletic Association, the J1 Community and the Irish American Bar Association.
While in Sacramento I met with Lieutenant Governor of California Gavin Newson, and the Attorney General Xavier Becerra. I also visited VoxPro, an award winning provider of Multilingual Customer and Technical support which was founded in Cork and now has offices in three locations in the USA as well as Athens, Georgia, Bucharest and Romania. I also attended the celebration of Irish Heritage month in the California Assembly.
My visit to San Francisco included an IDA-organised programme of meetings with key IDA clients in Silicon Valley as well as meetings with the Irish Network Bay Area Business representatives, the Irish Technology and Leadership Group, meeting the Board of Directors of the United Irish Cultural Centre and an Immigration Reform Briefing. I also visited Stanford University and met with a number of Irish students.
In keeping with Government policy, the programme was undertaken in the most cost efficient way possible as set out in the table:
|
Dates |
Location |
Purpose |
Attendees |
Cost of flights |
Cost of accommodation |
Other Expenses |
|
10/03/17 – 18/03/17 |
West coast of USA |
St. Patrick's Day ‘Promote Ireland’ Programme |
Tánaiste |
€ 1008.20 $ 238.20 (internal) $ 286.94 (internal) |
$420.00 (San Diego) $214.00 (Sacramento) $927.00 (San Francisco) |
€377.96 (Official Gifts) $40.00 Taxi from Sacramento Airport $31.00 lunch San Francisco Airport $22.00 refreshments Awaiting Uber receipts from Consulate but not expected to exceed $200 for entire trip. |
|
Private Secretary* |
€ 948.14 $ 238.20 (internal) $ 286.94 (internal) |
$420.00 (San Diego) €214.00 (Sacramento) $927.00 (San Francisco) |
* In addition to these expenses, the standard Travel and Substance rates as determined by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform also apply.
47. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the reason for the delay in a person’s (details supplied) application for renewal of their stamp 4 EU FAM visa; and if it can be given urgent attention in view of the fact their current one expires on 10 April 2017. [18914/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person referred to by the Deputy was granted permission to remain in the State, for a period of five years, on 29 January 2014. The person concerned was registered by their local immigration officer with the appropriate endorsement, Stamp No. 4 EU Fam, up to 10 April 2017 - which is the date of expiry of their current passport.
I am further informed that the person in question attended the Burgh Quay registration office on 31 March 2017 to enquire about having the remainder of their permission, which expires on 28 January 2019, endorsed on their new passport. They were advised, however, that the EU citizen is also required to attend with the applicant for registration purposes.
It should be noted that attendance at the Burgh Quay registration office is by appointment only. Appointments can only be made via the INIS website.
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 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.
48. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the details of grant schemes that promote immigrant integration in established sports clubs and organisations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18933/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI established the Communities Integration Fund to support community organisations, including sports clubs, to undertake actions to promote the integration of migrants into their local communities. I also announced a call for applications by organisations operating at regional and national level, which would include sports organisations, for National Funding to Promote the Integration of Migrants. The closing dates for applications under these schemes have passed. A total amount of €500,000 will be made available under the Communities Integration Fund and approximately €600,000 will be committed this year under the National Funding scheme. It is envisaged that another call under the Communities Integration Fund will take place next year. Projects under the National Funding will be of a maximum of three years duration.
Sports organisations are also eligible for funding for integration actions from the EU Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, a call for applications for which was held last year. €4.5 million is being made available over three years under this call. It is envisaged that a further call will take place in 2019.
49. Deputy John Brassil asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will review costing and feasibility for the provision of a grant to install monitored intruder alarms for persons over 66 years of age living in rural areas, in view of the increase in rural crime and break-ins (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18937/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that my Department does not provide grant assistance to householders of the type referred to by the Deputy. However, it is worth noting that the Seniors Alert Scheme, which is provided by my colleague the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, provides grant assistance towards the purchase and installation of personal monitored alarms to enable older persons, of limited means, to continue to live with independence and peace of mind in their own homes.
I am of course very much aware of the particular concerns which may arise in relation to the safety of elderly and vulnerable persons. In this regard I can assure the Deputy that I am in ongoing contact with the Garda Commissioner to ensure that the available Garda resources are used as effectively as possible for tackling crime in our community. An Garda Síochána work in partnership with a wide range of community based groups, including Community Alert and Neighbourhood Watch groups, to support enhanced community safety and with particular regard to the needs of elderly and more vulnerable people.
The protection of elderly and vulnerable people was a key consideration in the broad review of our response to burglary and related crimes which I initiated in the early part of 2015. Arising from this, the Deputy will be aware of the concerted strategy which has been put in place to tackle such crimes and protect householders. In particular, very important progress has been made under Operation Thor which has led to concentrated Garda activity with more than 67,000 targeted checkpoints nationwide, and in the region of 4,000 arrests connected to a range of offences which, in addition to burglary, have included handling stolen property, possession of firearms and drugs offences. Operation Thor has particularly targeted mobile gangs engaged in burglary and related crimes and it is encouraging to note that since the launch of the operation in November 2015, the burglary figures have shown a significant downward trend. Indeed, the most recent CSO official recorded crime statistics for Q4 of 2016 show a decrease of 30% in burglary for the twelve months of 2016 when compared to same period in 2015. This reflects the success of the concerted Garda drive against crime being implemented under Operation Thor.
As part of the concerted strategy to combat burglary, I made it a priority to secure the enactment of specific legislation targeting prolific burglars in the Criminal Justice (Burglary of Dwellings) Act 2015. These provisions are now available to Gardaí to support prosecutions arising from Operation Thor. The reduction in the volume of burglaries as a result of Operation Thor will not of course be indicated in the overall detection rate for burglary. However, I might add that the Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Act was commenced a year ago and introduced the DNA database, which provides Gardaí with investigative links (’hits’) between people and unsolved crimes, including burglaries. It is anticipated that this will assist in improving detection rates for burglary over the coming years.
Gardaí 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. Since it was launched in September 2013, it has grown quickly with a total of 164,000 subscribers and in the order of 3 million text messages sent annually. Every Garda Division, rural and urban, now offers the text alert service and An Garda Síochána has published guidelines to assist in the establishment and operation of local groups.
I should advise the Deputy that neither my Department nor An Garda Síochána provide direct funding for the setting up of Text Alert Schemes, or for the operation of local Community Alert Groups generally. Instead, funding is provided in relation to the employment and associated costs of the national Community Alert programme, including the employment of regional Development Officers. The long-standing view has been that this is the best use of the resources available to my Department to support effective community crime prevention actions.
Underpinning all of these measures is the Government's ongoing commitment 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. The Government plans 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 which is in train within An Garda Síochána. Approximately 300 appointments will also be made to the Garda Reserve.
50. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí with foreign language skills in each Garda division; and the resources available to and approach taken by An Garda Síochána to deal with language barriers in ethnically diverse Garda districts. [18947/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for carrying on and managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána.
I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Commissioner and I will write to the Deputy on receipt of same.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A:
I refer to your Parliamentary Question No. 50 for answer on 13 April 2017, in which you requested "To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Gardaí with foreign language skills in each Garda division; and the resources available to and approach taken by An Garda Síochána to deal with language barriers in ethnically diverse Garda districts."
At the time the then Minister responded that she would request the specific information sought by you from the Garda Commissioner and she would write to you on receipt of same.
As you will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for carrying on, managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána.
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the information sought in relation to the number of Gardaí with foreign language skills in each Garda division is not readily available and would take a disproportionate amount of time and resources to collate.
I am advised that in circumstances where language difficulties arise, An Garda Síochána engages the services of professional, interpretation and translation services.
I am further informed that the Garda Bureau of Community Diversity and Integration (GBCDI) has national responsibility for liaison with ethnically diverse communities and one of its central roles is to liaise with representatives of minority groups.
Garda Ethnic Liaison Officers (ELO) are appointed in each Garda Division. The role of the Ethnic Liaison Officer is to liaise and establish communication links with representatives of the various minority communities within their respective Divisions. The Ethnic Liaison Officers also inform and assure these communities of the Garda services available to all communities, within the community. The list of Ethnic Liaison Officers is available on the Garda website at www.garda.ie.
I hope this information is of assistance to you.
51. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of drivers under section 29 of the Road Traffic Act 2010 that were not eligible for a specific notice (details supplied). [19039/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra52. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of fines or fixed penalty notices that were issued to motorists, in tabular form (details supplied). [19044/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra53. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of fines and fixed penalty notices that were issued to motorists, in tabular form (details supplied). [19045/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra56. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of fines or fixed penalty notices (details supplied) that were issued to motorists, in tabular form. [19109/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 51, 52, 53 and 56 together.
I have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the matters referred to in the Deputy's questions and I will contact the Deputy directly upon receipt of a Garda report. I have also requested a report from Courts Service concerning those questions that refer to court fines and, again, I will contact the Deputy directly upon receipt of a report from Courts Service.
