Written Answers Nos. 89-106
89. Deputy John Brady asked the Taoiseach if he travelled abroad as part of the St. Patrick's Day celebrations; if so, the locations he travelled to; the duration of the trip; and the total cost of the trip including travel and accommodation in addition to other expenses incurred. [19139/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI travelled to the United States for the annual St. Patrick's Day visit.
My visit from 11-17 March encompassed four cities; Philadelphia, Boston, Washington and New York. Unfortunately due to adverse weather conditions my programme in Boston was curtailed and a scheduled visit to Rhode Island had to be cancelled.
The most up to date information of costs paid to date by the Department of the Taoiseach are as follows: flights for the delegation €36,711.78, official gifts €1,237 and travel & subsistence €1,061.76.
It should be noted that not all invoices relating to the trip have been received. The Department of the Taoiseach routinely publishes details of foreign travel costs on its website (www.taoiseach.gov.ie).
90. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Taoiseach the amount of funding provided under the capital plan for the information technology infrastructure across his Department; the amount spent to date; the progress to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19365/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraNo funding was provided to my Department for information technology infrastructure under the Capital Plan.
91. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach the name, composition and functions of all Cabinet Committees and when they meet. [19394/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has established ten Cabinet Committees, with titles and membership as shown in the table. Cabinet Committees are established by the Government to assist it in carrying out the responsibilities of Government in the areas indicated by their titles. They meet as appropriate according to their work schedules.
|
Cabinet Committee |
Membership |
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Housing |
Taoiseach (Chair) Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government Minister for Finance Minister for Social Protection Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Minister of State for Housing and Urban Renewal |
|
Health |
Taoiseach (Chair) Minister for Health Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Minister of State for Disability Issues Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People Minister of State for Health Promotion Minister of State for Communities and the National Drugs Strategy |
|
Social Policy and Public Service Reform |
Taoiseach (Chair) Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Minister for Social Protection Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Minister for Health Minister for Education and Skills Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Minister of State for Disability Issues Minister of State for Communities and the National Drugs Strategy Minister of State for Equality, Immigration and Integration Minister of State for Health Promotion Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People Minister of State for Training and Skills Minister of State for Financial Services, eGovernment and Public Procurement |
|
Justice Reform |
Taoiseach (Chair) Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Attorney General |
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European Affairs |
Taoiseach (Chair) Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality Minister for Finance Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Minister of State for European Affairs, Data Protection and the EU Digital Single Market Minister of State for Defence Attorney General |
|
Regional and Rural Affairs |
Taoiseach (Chair) Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural, and Gaelteacht Affairs Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality Minister for Finance Minister for Education and Skills Minister for Health Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government Minister for Social Protection Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Minister of State for Regional Economic Development Minister of State for OPW and Flood Relief |
|
Economy, Trade and Jobs |
Taoiseach (Chair) Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality Minister for Finance Minister for Education and Skills Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government Minister for Social Protection Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Minister of State for Employment and Small Business Minister of State for Training and Skills Minister of State for Financial Services, eGovernment and Public Procurement |
|
Infrastructure, Environment and Climate Action |
Taoiseach (Chair) Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality Minister for Finance Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Public Expenditure and Reform Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Minister of State for Housing and Urban Renewal |
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Arts, Irish, the Gaeltacht and the Islands |
Taoiseach (Chair) Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Minister for Education and Skills Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs and Natural Resources |
|
Brexit |
Taoiseach (Chair) Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister for Finance Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Minister for Social Protection Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Minister of State for European Affairs, Data Protection and the EU Single Digital Market Minister of State for Financial Services, eGovernment and Public Procurement |
92. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will consider making an appropriate legislative amendment to enable the same maternity leave and paternity benefits to be made available for mothers that have babies through surrogacy (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19396/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, surrogacy is not currently recognised under Irish legislation. However, I have been advised that my colleague, the Minister for Health is currently preparing legislative proposals on assisted human reproduction and associated issues, which will include provisions relating to surrogacy. It is envisaged that the General Scheme of a Bill will be completed by the end of June 2017 and it is intended that it will be submitted to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health for pre-legislative scrutiny once approved by Government.
Once the substantive issue of surrogacy has been provided for in law, the issue of statutory maternity and paternity leave for parents of children born by surrogacy can also be addressed.
93. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will consider requiring data sensitivity training for companies which breach data protection laws; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19454/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe position is the Data Protection Commissioner acts independently in the performance of her tasks and exercise of her powers under the Data Protection Acts 1988 and 2003. As the Deputy may be aware, the new General Data Protection Regulation will enter into force in May 2018 and the Commissioner will continue to act in a completely independent manner under the new legislative regime which introduces a broad range of investigative, corrective and advisory powers which will enable the Commissioner to monitor application of its provisions and ensure effective implementation of its obligations on companies and other data controllers and processors. While I understand the Commissioner is availing of invitations to speak at a range of events, conferences etc., with a view to raising awareness of the obligations, it will be a matter for companies themselves, as the data controller or data processor concerned, to comply with the law and consider their own requirements, including any training necessary.
94. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the proposed introduction of a new community CCTV scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19556/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to inform the Deputy that, on 13 April 2017, I launched the new grant aid scheme to assist community-based groups in the establishment of community-based CCTV systems in their local areas.
Under the scheme, which will be administered by my Department, eligible community groups can apply for grant-aid of up to 60% of the total capital cost of a proposed CCTV system, up to a maximum grant of €40,000. Upon approval of the grant, the applicant will receive an up-front payment of 50% of the grant with the balance to be paid when the system is fully operational. There is no closing date for receipt of applications.
Full details of the grant aid package including guidelines, application forms, code of practice and other relevant documentation are all available to download from my Department's website - www.justice.ie.
95. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the reason the European Union visa waiver for Ukrainians does not apply here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19931/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe matter to which the Deputy refers is contained in a proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No. 539/2001. That regulation constitutes a development of the provisions of the Schengen acquis in which Ireland does not take part in accordance with the Council Decision 2002/192/EC of 28 February, 2002.
Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 lists the third countries whose nationals must be in possession of a visa when crossing the external borders of the relevant Member States and those whose nationals are exempt from requiring a visa. As Ireland has not taken part in the adoption of this Regulation and is not bound by, or subject to its application, nationals of Ukraine continue to require a visa to travel here.
96. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will address concerns raised in regard to security at events (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20127/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that the planning and implementation of policing operations in relation to major public events is a matter for the Garda authorities in the first instance.
I am advised that prior to any event, Garda management prepares a full and comprehensive Policing Plan, including a Risk Assessment and an assessment of all information and intelligence available in relation to the event. The deployment of Garda resources for events is commensurate with the risk level assigned to each event.
In relation to the role of the Defence Forces, I understand that among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence 2015 is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) which, in practice, means to provide assistance and support to An Garda Síochána when requested to do so. I am advised that there are regular coordination and liaison meetings that take place between the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána in relation to ATCP issues.
I am also advised that planning for an event includes liaison with the local transport service providers, to ensure sufficient transport is in place given the high volumes of persons anticipated to be attending such events, with assurances being provided that additional transport would be provided for the event and would be available afterwards to transport all concerned as quickly as possible to dissipate any threat of possible associated violence.
Furthermore, An Garda Síochána has in place a network of CCTV systems that are planned and implemented in light of identified operational needs and priorities. Under the Garda Síochána Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021 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. 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.
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.
97. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the procedures regarding the vetting of young persons in order to take up transition year work experience in situations that require Garda vetting and or clearance in order to take up a work placement (details supplied); her plans to address the outstanding anomaly for some persons that are in transition year that cannot take up placements that require Garda vetting due to the fact they are under 16 years of age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20505/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Garda National Vetting Bureau carries out vetting checks and this is done primarily in respect of areas of employments where persons may have substantial, unsupervised access to children or vulnerable adults, including schools. This is done in accordance with the provisions of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012-2016.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the National Vetting Bureau conducts vetting in respect of children aged over 16 years with parental/guardian consent. It is the policy of the National Vetting Bureau not to conduct vetting in respect of persons under the age of 16 years - this is in line with current international best practice in this regard and in the best interests of the protection of the children themselves.
The Garda Authorities have informed me that while there have been some requests from certain sectors to vet all school-going children, it is the view of the Garda Authorities that such an approach, if it were accepted, would place an unnecessary and inordinate burden on children and on the schools and organisations working with children.
98. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons on a list in 2017 to be cleared of Garda vetting for the purpose of working in early years services. [20639/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, Garda vetting is conducted by the National Vetting Bureau on behalf of relevant organisations that are registered with the Bureau whose employees, paid or otherwise, are carrying out any work or activity, a necessary and regular part of which consists mainly of the person having access to, or contact with, children or vulnerable persons. It is a service designed to enhance the protection of children and vulnerable persons. The Garda National Vetting Bureau carries out this function in accordance with the provisions of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016.
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that at present, 80 percent of vetting applications are processed by the Garda National Vetting Bureau in under five working days. This represents a significant improvement in turnaround times for the processing of vetting applications in recent years, falling from an average of 14 weeks in mid-2013. This improvement has come about as a result of an unprecedented investment by the Government and the Garda Authorities in providing this service, including an increase of over 80 percent in staffing levels and the roll out earlier this year of an e-vetting system.
In April last year I commenced the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016 and in tandem with that, An Garda Síochána launched the e-vetting system. E-vetting facilitates the on-line processing of applications and this has significantly streamlined the vetting process and contributed to a sustained reduction in processing times for vetting applications. The e-vetting system is available to all registered organisations and the Garda Authorities are ready to assist those organisations who are not yet using the e-vetting system to do so.
Processing times for any given application can be longer in individual cases when, for example, additional enquiries may be necessary or where errors have been made in the application. It is important to note that delays can also occur in other aspects of the application process which are outside of the control of the Garda Authorities, for example, in the submission or return of applications by the registered organisations.
While the Deputy will appreciate that it is not possible to estimate in advance the number of applications that may be processed overall or in respect of a particular group, I would not that note that in recent years in excess of 350,000 vetting applications have been processed per annum by the Garda authorities.
99. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she is satisfied with the time period within which Valuations Office Ireland responds to requests for the revaluation of properties, which now passes two years; her views on whether the office requires extra resources; if so, if she will provide extra resources; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20839/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commissioner of Valuation, who is independent in the exercise of his functions, has overall responsibility under the Valuation Acts 2001 to 2015 for the maintenance of valuation lists of all commercial properties in the State which are used by Local Authorities in the calculation of rates due from individual ratepayers. This is done by using two statutory valuation processes known as “revaluation” and “revision”.
Firstly, revaluation is a process where all rateable properties in a Local Authority area are valued periodically by reference to a single valuation date. Following the first revaluation, subsequent revaluations of each rating authority area will then be carried out on a cyclical basis no sooner than five years and no later than ten years after the first revaluation (Section 25 of the Valuation Act 2001). Revision, on the other hand, is intended to reflect structural changes to individual properties or the addition to the valuation lists of new properties between revaluations. In line with best international practice, the valuation element of the rating system should have both a comprehensive revaluation and revision programme running in tandem.
The revaluation provisions in the Valuation Acts provide for the revaluation of all rateable property within a rating authority area so as to reflect changes in value due to economic factors, differential movements in property values or other external factors such as changes in the business environment or infrastructural changes in the vicinity of a property. The Valuation Office is currently engaged in a national revaluation programme, the immediate objective of which is to ensure that the first revaluation of all rating authority areas in over 150 years is conducted across the country, as soon as possible, and on a phased basis. It is a very significant undertaking and involves the valuation of some 150,000 commercial rateable properties. Revaluation is an important instrument in redressing historical anomalies in relation to commercial rates.
While the revaluation programme has been underway, the Valuation Office has continued to carry out revision work and, during 2016, some 3,297 applications for revision were processed. Also, any backlog of revision work is cleared during the revaluation of a local authority area. As already mentioned revision of valuation is the process by which the valuation lists are maintained between revaluations and reflects changes to property of a structural nature and the addition to the valuation lists of new properties.
It has been a priority for the Valuation Office to enter into collaborative arrangements to ensure that an efficient and effective revision programme can be conducted on an ongoing basis with all Local Authorities. To this effect, the Commissioner has implemented a number of initiatives to enhance the capacity of the Valuation Office to deliver a high-quality and timely revision service. During 2016, the Valuation Office’s new approach based on more extensive data sharing was rolled out with all local authorities and online services have been enhanced to facilitate more effective data exchanges between those bodies and the Valuation Office.
The Valuation Office recently commissioned a review of its revaluation and revision processes which was jointly conducted by the Institute of Revenue Rating and Valuation (IRRV) and the International Property Tax Institute (IPTI). That review made a number of recommendations in line with best international practice and which are based on methodologies and processes for handling statutory valuation work in other jurisdictions. These recommendations will now form the basis of an implementation plan which is being put in place by the Valuation Office. The review also proposed, among other recommendations, the establishment of a separate, permanently resourced Revision Unit which would be responsible for the processing of revision work and the ongoing assessment of properties falling under this category.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that following the receipt of a business case from the Valuation Office seeking the provision of additional funding to allow for the establishment of a dedicated Unit to deal specifically with the ongoing revision programme, I was pleased to be in a position to announce as part of the budgetary provisions for 2017, the allocation of an additional €750,000 to the Valuation Office for this purpose. This development, which involves the appointment of a number of additional staff, in tandem with the rollout of improved online facilities and enhanced processes and procedures, is specifically intended to address backlogs in conducting revision assessments and to enable the Valuation Office to provide timely and high quality revision services to Local Authorities and ratepayers into the future.
100. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if her attention has been drawn to the requirement for Afghan nationals applying for Irish visas (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20853/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the measures outlined are required to ensure, as far as possible, that the supporting documents of visa applicants are verified and authenticated.
This is a normal function of the decision maker in any visa application process. Unfortunately, in the case of documentation issued in Afghanistan, it is particularly difficult to carry out the necessary verification checks. It is also the case that Ireland does not have a diplomatic or consular presence in that country. Indeed, such verification difficulties in Afghanistan have also been highlighted by EU member states in the context of Local Schengen co-operation meetings noting ongoing concerns there in relation to the accuracy of requested documentation in support of visa applications.
As the Irish Embassy in Abu Dhabi has been assigned responsibility for diplomatic and consular matters with Afghanistan, visa applications from that country are processed in the Visa Office there. In an effort to mitigate the difficulties in carrying out in-country verification checks in Afghanistan, and to provide some assurances as to the authenticity of certain official documents, the requirements outlined have been put in place and will continue for the foreseeable future.
As with all visa services in all countries worldwide, the central concern is to strike an appropriate balance between protecting the country's vital national interests by maintaining an effective immigration regime, while at the same time not placing unnecessary or unreasonable obstacles in the way of those who intend travelling for legitimate purposes and who are likely to abide by the terms of their visa. The verification and authentication requirements in place are appropriate in the circumstances.
101. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to introduce legislation which demands a mandatory statutory retirement age in the private sector; the expected timelines for enactment of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19148/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra144. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to introduce legislation which demands a mandatory statutory retirement age in the private sector; the timelines for enactment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19687/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 101 and 144 together.
I have no Ministerial responsibility for retirement age issues generally either in the public sector (where mandatory retirement ages are a feature of public sector employment law) or the private sector (where there is no statutory retirement age). In my role in the Department of Justice and Equality, I have responsibility for equality legislation which allows for retirement ages in line with the relevant EU Directive provision that differences of treatment on the grounds of age are permissible if, within the context of national law, they are objectively and reasonably justified by a legitimate aim, including legitimate employment policy, labour market and vocational training objectives, and if the means of achieving that aim are appropriate and necessary.
102. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if her attention has been drawn to the substantial reduction in Garda numbers in the Cavan and Monaghan district since 2008; her plans to replace the 74 gardaí who have left employment in this division over the past number of years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19209/17]
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 the 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 or her Division.
I am further informed by the Garda Commissioner that the Garda strength of the Cavan / Monaghan Division, on 31 March 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 321. There are also 13 Garda Reserves and 36 civilians attached to the Division. When appropriate, the work of local Gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NBCI), the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.
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 to 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 plan is progressing well. 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, since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, that 981 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, 21 of whom have been assigned to the Cavan / Monaghan Division. I am also informed that another 600 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 - an increase of 500 since the end of 2016.
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 every Garda Division, including the Cavan / Monaghan Division in the coming years.
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 see an increase in Garda visibility in our communities.
103. Deputy John Curran asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí currently stationed at Clondalkin, Rathcoole, Rowlagh and Lucan Garda stations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19215/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra104. Deputy John Curran asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of new Garda recruits assigned to Rathcoole, Clondalkin, Rowlagh and Lucan Garda stations in 2016 and to date in 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19216/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra105. Deputy John Curran asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of community gardaí currently stationed at Clondalkin, Rathcoole, Rowlagh and Lucan Garda stations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19217/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra106. Deputy John Curran asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda reservists currently stationed at Clondalkin, Rathcoole, Rowlagh and Lucan Garda stations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19218/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 103 to 106, inclusive, together.
As 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 I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. I am assured by the 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.
I am informed by the 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.
I understand that Clondalkin, Rathcoole, and Lucan Garda stations form part of the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) West Garda Division and that Rowlagh is an area of Dublin 22 that is covered by Ronanstown Garda station.
I am further informed by the Commissioner that on the 31 March 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available, that the DMR West Division had a total Garda strength of 660. There are also 27 Garda Reserves and 45 civilians attached to the Division. When appropriate, the work of the Division is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.
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 plan is progressing well. 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 advised by the Commissioner, that since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, 981 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, of which 33 were assigned to the DMR West Division, in 2016 and 23 in 2017. I understand that another 600 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 - an increase of 500 since the end of 2016.
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 every Garda Division, including the DMR West Division, in the coming years.
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 see an increase in Garda visibility in our communities.
I am informed by the Commissioner that as of the 31 March 2017, the latest date for which figures are available, the Garda and Reserve strength of Rathcoole, Clondalkin, Lucan and Ronanstown Garda Station, including the number of Community Gardaí is as set out in the tables.
Garda Strength 31 March 2017
|
Station |
Garda |
Community Garda |
Total |
|
Rathcoole |
16 |
1 |
17 |
|
Clondalkin |
81 |
7 |
88 |
|
Lucan |
67 |
6 |
73 |
|
Ronanstown |
82 |
9 |
91 |
Garda Reserve Strength 31 March 2017
|
Station |
Total |
|
Rathcoole |
0 |
|
Clondalkin |
2 |
|
Lucan |
10 |
|
Ronanstown |
3 |
