Tuesday, 27 Jun 2017

Written Answers Nos. 277-295

Judicial Appointments

Ceisteanna (277)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

277. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of judges that have been appointed by the Government of the 31st Dáil and the present Government that were not Judicial Appointments Advisory Board recommendations, apart from serving judges being promoted. [29671/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

In accordance with Articles 13.9 and 35.1 of the Constitution, judicial appointments are made by the President acting on the advice of the Government. The Government has such discretion under the Constitution to nominate persons of its own choosing, provided that they are qualified and eligible for appointment as a judge.

The Deputy may wish to be aware that a notice of every judicial appointment made is published in Iris Oifigiúil. Where the person appointed was recommended for that appointment by the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board (JAAB), the notice shall include a statement to that effect, in accordance with section 16 (8) of the Court and Court Officers Act 1995.

Since 2011 there has been one appointment by the Government of the 31st Dáil and the current Government that was not made following a Judicial Appointments Advisory Board recommendation or by the elevation of a serving judge to a higher court.

Traveller Community

Ceisteanna (278)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

278. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding Traveller support and services provided by his Department in each county; the groups, agencies and voluntary bodies involved; the cost of same for each county for the past three years and to date in 2017; his plans to set up an advisory group to report on the minimum levels of support and services from his Department that should be available in each county to address the needs and the rights of Travellers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29697/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality

The total funding available to my Department in respect of Traveller and Roma initiatives for 2017 is €3,230,000, of which €1,350,000, in respect of funding for 14 Traveller community groups and national-level NGOs, transferred to my Department from the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government on 1 January 2016. This was in addition to a sum of €550,000 which transferred to my Department from the Department of Social Protection (for 7 Special Initiative for Travellers projects) on 1 January 2015. My Department provided funding of €273,800 in 2014, €864,188 in 2015 and €2,103,830 in 2016 for Traveller specific initiatives. Details of the funding allocation in the years in question are set out in the following Table.

As in previous years, my Department has made funding available to Traveller Interagency Groups and Community Groups for activities around Traveller Pride Week in 2017. Funding, averaging about €2,000 for each approved project, is available for suitable projects which celebrate Traveller Culture in local communities. The flagship event of Traveller Pride Week, the Traveller Pride Awards, is also sponsored by my Department.

As the Deputy will be aware, my Department has led a comprehensive consultation process to develop the new National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy, which I launched on 13 June 2017, to improve the situation for Travellers and Roma in Ireland. I have been successful in gaining sanction for €1 million in additional funding in 2017 for Traveller and Roma initiatives related to the new Inclusion Strategy. This is a positive step forward and demonstrates both the Government’s and my Department's commitment to supporting the Traveller community nationwide.

My Department has an advisory group in place. The National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy Steering Group was set up in 2015 after a review of existing Traveller and Roma consultation structures by my Department to monitor and assess the implementation of the Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy and is in line with the EU Framework for the Implementation of Roma Integration Strategies.

-		2014		2015		2016		2017
	Cost	Agency	Cost	Agency	Cost	Agency	Cost	Agency
Carlow	€2,000	Carlow Traveller Interagency Group	€2,000	St. Catherines Community Services Centre	€2,000	Carlow Traveller Interagency Group
Cavan	€2,000	Cavan Traveller Interagency Group	€2,090	Cavan Traveller Interagency Group
Clare	€2,000	Clare Traveller Interagency Group	€38,071	Congress  Info. & Opportunity Centre, Clare	€26,962	Congress  Info. & Opportunity Centre, Clare	€27,758	Congress  Info. & Opportunity Centre, Clare
			€8,000	Ennis CDP	€12,000	Ennis CDP
			€2,000	Clare Traveller Interagency Group	€11,055	Minceirs Whiden	€35,132	Minceirs Whiden
			€3,000	Clare Traveller Interagency Group	€2,000	Clare Traveller Interagency Group
Cork	€4,700	Traveller Interagency Group	€44,453	First EmployAbility Services Cork	€33,735	First EmployAbility Services Cork	€23,505	First EmployAbility Services Cork
			€4,237	Cork City Traveller Interagency Group	€4,000	Cork City Traveller Interagency Group
			€1,460	Cork County Traveller Interagency Group	€1,850	Cork County Traveller Interagency Group
Donegal	€2,000	Donegal Local Devlopment Co	€46,757	Donegal Local Devlopment Co	€51,390	Donegal Local Devlopment Co	€12,909	Donegal Local Devlopment Co
			€2,000	Donegal Local Devlopment Co	€88,460	Donegal Travellers Project	€43,230	Donegal Travellers Project
Dublin	€89,486	Pavee Point	€8,000	Traveller Counselling Service	€46,650	Traveller Counselling Service		Traveller Counselling Service
	€360	Fingal Travellers Development Group	€28,664	Pavee Point	€104,514	Pavee Point	€56,282	Pavee Point
	€4,000	Sth. Dublin Traveller Schools Project	€5,550	South Dublin County Council	€2,352	South Dublin County Council		South Dublin County Council
	€4,075	Dublin City Council Traveller Interagency Group	€1,835	Blanchardstown Traveller Development Group	€114,602	Irish Traveller Movement	€101,432	Irish Traveller Movement
	€1,500	South Dublin County Council	€2,250	St. Margarets Traveller Community Assoc.	€89,552	National Traveller Womens Forum	€44,997	National Traveller Womens Forum
			€2,010	Ballyfermot Travellers	€129,809	ClondalkinTraveller Development Group	€69,905	ClondalkinTraveller Development Group
					€45,000	Musicantia	€42,873	Ballyfermot Travellers
					€81,780	Tallaght Travellers	€44,677	Blanchardstown Traveller Development Group
					€87,746	Ballyfermot Travellers	€33,060	St. Margarets Traveller Community Assoc.
					€89,534	Blanchardstown Traveller Development Group	€41,453	Travact
					€66,121	St. Margarets Traveller Community Assoc.	€39,935	Tallaght Travellers
					€82,907	Travact
Galway	€5,100	Galway County Traveller Interagency Group	€34,739	Galway and Roscommon ETB	€30,653	Galway and Roscommon ETB	€11,593	Galway and Roscommon ETB
	€4,480	Galway Traveller Movement	€2,000	Galway Traveller Movement	€99,287	Galway Traveller Movement	€48,643	Galway Traveller Movement
Kerry			€66,825	EmployAbility Service Kerry	€70,150	EmployAbility Service Kerry	€35,573	EmployAbility Service Kerry
			€1,015	Kerry Traveller Interagency Group
Laois	€2,000	Laois Traveller Action Group
Limerick	€3,000	Limerick County Traveller Interagency Group
Longford	€1,985	Longford Traveller Interagency Group	€2,000	Longford Primary Healtcare Project
Mayo					€2,000	Mayo Traveller Interagency Group
Meath	€2,000	Meath Traveller Interagency Group	€55,306	Jobmatters EmployAbility Service Meath	€46,068	Jobmatters EmployAbility Service Meath	€14,053	Jobmatters EmployAbility Service Meath
			€2,000	Meath Traveller Interagency Group	€124,420	Meath Travellers Group	€61,210	Meath Travellers Group
Offaly	€112,306	Midlands Traveller Conflict Mediation Service	€1,000,000	Midlands Traveller Conflict Mediation Service	€110,000	Midlands Traveller Conflict Mediation Service	€100,000	Midlands Traveller Conflict Mediation Service
	€2,000	Offaly Traveller Movement	€1,700	Offaly Traveller Movement	€84,748	Offaly Traveller Movement	€41,374	Offaly Traveller Movement
			€800	Birr Travellers	€800	Birr Travellers
Roscommon	€2,000	Roscommon Traveller Interagency Group	€2,000	Roscommon Traveller Interagency Group
Sligo	€2,000	Sligo Traveller Interagency Group	€30,940	Sligo Leader Partnership	€19,734	Sligo Leader Partnership	€12,815	Sligo Leader Partnership
			€2,000	Sligo Traveller Interagency Group
Tipperary			€2,000	Nth. Tipperary Leader Partnership	€91,410	Tipperary Rural Traveller Project	€45,705	Tipperary Rural Traveller Project
			€2,000	Tipperary Rural Traveller Project
Waterford	€1,650	Waterford Traveller Interagency Group	€9,720	Ucasadh	€32,000	Ucasadh
	€2,000	Dungarvan Traveller Womens Support group	€3,750	Waterford Devlopment Project	€3,049	Waterford Traveller Interagency Group	€41,291	Waterford Traveller Community Development
					€82,583	Waterford Traveller Community Development
Westmeath	€1,169	Westmeath Traveller Interagency Group	€1,249	Westmeath Traveller Interagency Group
Wexford					€1,940	Ferns Diocesan Youth Service
Wicklow	€2,970	Bray Travellers	€1,680	Bray Travllers	€87,444	Bray Travllers CDP	€42,882	Bray Travllers CDP
			€1,980	Wicklow Travellers	€80,655	Wicklow Travellers	€39,827	Wicklow Travellers
Total	€256,781		€1,424,101		€2,060,305		€1,072,287

Departmental Funding

Ceisteanna (279)

Fiona O'Loughlin

Ceist:

279. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the groups that have received funding under the communities integration fund, in tabular form; and the amount that each group has received. [29718/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality

I launched a call for applications under the Communities Integration Fund on 7 February with a closing date of 30 March, 2017. Grants are being paid to local community based groups to promote integration in their area e.g. local sporting clubs, faith-based groups, cultural organisations and community support networks. The following table shows each successful organisation and the grant offer to each.

Communities Integration Fund 2017 - funding allocation for each project

Name of Organisation	Amount - €
Equal Chances Polish School	2200
Cavan Congolese Community Forum	3840
Ballyea Community Group	5000
Ennis Street Arts Festival	5000
Ballincollig Family Resource Centre	1000
Bantry YMCA	2050
Brij (in association with Wallaroo Playschool	5000
Brooklodge Table Tennis Club	600
Carrigtohill Family Resource Centre	4700
Clonakilty Community Arts Centre	2930
Clonakilty Friends of Asylum Seekers	5000
Cork YMCA	5000
Kinsale Road Accomodation Centre	5000
Love and Care for People	4800
Meitheal Mara	4370
Passage West Spraoí for Syria	4830
SECAD - Midleton/Macroom	5000
The Glucksman - UCC	4500
Together - Razem Centre	500
Donegal Bay Rowing Club	2800
Donegal Family Resource Centre	1400
Donegal Youth Services	5000
ACET Ireland	5000
Akidwa	5000
AMAL Women's Organisation	5000
An Cosán, Tallaght	5000
Balbriggan Community Council	3300
Balbriggan Cricket Club	3320
Balbriggan Tourism	5000
Baldoyle United	5000
Belvedere Football Club	2800
Cairde	5000
Capital Strength Weighlifting Club	4992
Clare Hall Resident's Association	4500
Discovery Gospel Choir	4900
Dublin City Inter Faith Forum	5000
ENAR Ireland	5000
Failte Isteach, Tyrellstown	3000
Foroige-Balbriggan Youth Service	5000
Hartstown Hunstown FC	5000
i-Smile International, Mulhuddart	5000
Irish Refugee Council	5000
Irish Vikings Club	5000
LIR Anti Racism Training & Education Programme	3300
Literature Ireland, TCD	4950
Moatview Early Education Centre	2278
Mulhuddart Community Centre	2000
Musicantia Ltd	5000
Neighbourhood Youth Project 2	3500
O'Connell Secondary School	5000
Outhouse LGBT Community & Resource Centre	4000
Outlandish Theatre Platform	4950
Pinoy Badminton Association Ireland	5000
Polish Peace Corps	3340
Praise Tabernacle	5000
Rekindle Talent, Ladyswell	4670
Rialto Community Radio	5000
Scoil Bhríde (Cailíní), Blanchardstown	5000
SEN Polish Complementary School	3280
South Dublin County Partnership, Clondalkin	2280
Sport Against Racism Ireland	5000
Street Feast, Rialto	5000
Tallaght Community Arts	4850
The Ark Children's Cultural Centre	5000
Artane Coolock Family Resource Centre	4395
Tyrellstown Cricket Club	1500
Tyrellstown Resident's Association	3240
Tyrellstown Social Club (Women's Group	3150
Verona Sports & Leisure Club, Clonsilla	4220
Welcome Café	5000
West Dublin Rhinos American Football, Lucan	4760
Young People At Risk (YPAR)	4800
Blue Fire	5000
Railway Union Cricket Club	4840
Ard Family Resource Centre	5000
Bia Lover	5000
Croí na Gaillimhe Resource Centre	3900
Foróige Athenry Adolescent Project	4520
Monivea Fair Committee	1350
Pernet Company Ltd	4950
Rahoon Family Centre	5000
Scoil Chroi Iosa	2590
St Nicholas National School	4800
The Irish Workhouse Centre	1000
Youth Work Ireland Galway	2805
Kerry Diocesan Youth Services	1990
Kerry Youth Dance Theatre	5000
Kilcock GAA Club	1500
Le Cheile Athletic Club	4800
Monasterevin Youth Action	2850
Kilkenny Integration Forum	2000
Polska/Eire Kilkenny Integration	5000
Laois Sports Partnership	5000
Portlaois Family Resource Centre	4750
The Leitrim Design House	4950
Limerick Youth Service	5000
Northstar Family Support Project	5000
Backstage Theatre	5000
Culture Connect	5000
Dee Hub	5000
Drogheda Homeless Aid	2310
Ballaghaderreen GAA Club	5000
Ballyhaunis GAA Club	5000
Ballyhaunis Parent and Toddler Group	300
Green Campus GMIT	5000
African Women's Development Initiative	4365
Border Bounce Gymnastics Club	5000
Teach Na nDanine Family Resource Centre	3000
Offaly Sports Partnership	5000
Youthwork Ireland, Midlands	2775
Ballaghaderreen Community Games	2000
Ballaghaderreen Golf Club	4883
Failte Isteach	1200
Friends of Fairgreen	5000
Roscommon Women's Network	5000
Sligo Family Resource Centre	5000
Sligo Global Kitchen	5000
Old School Community Centre	1800
Roscrea Heritage Centre	3700
Slieveardagh United F.C	500
The Commons Community Playschool	1000
Vee Rovers Club	1720
Youth Work Ireland Tipperary	3531
Déise Refugee Response	5000
Erin's Own/ Sacred Heart GAA	2000
Fáilte Isteach	2080
Sacred Heart Parish	500
Athlone Refugee and Asylum Seeker Support Group	2180
Westmeath Sports Partnership	5000
Faythe Harriers Hurling and Camogie Club	5000
Children & Young People's Services Committee	5000

Garda Stations

Ceisteanna (280)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

280. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his Department or An Garda Síochána are examining a new premises in Rush, County Dublin, in order to reopen Rush Garda station in view of the fact that the old station is now being used for commercial purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29767/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Deputy will appreciate that the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the Office of Public Works, which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation, and I, as Minister, have no role in these matters.

The Deputy will be aware that, on 24 June 2016, the Government authorised the then Minister to request the Garda Commissioner, while fully cognisant of her statutory functions, to identify 6 stations for reopening on a pilot basis to determine possible positive impacts that such openings will have on criminal activity, with special emphasis on burglaries, theft and public order.

On 13 June 2017, the Government considered the second interim report of the Garda Commissioner in relation to the exercise. The Commissioner, having analysed population and crime trends and taking account of the availability of former Garda stations for reuse, makes a number of recommendations including that, if two stations in Dublin are to be reopened, the former Rush station should be reopened. However, the Commissioner requested that a decision on Rush be deferred until her final report is received to allow time for further analysis to be carried out.

Following any decision to reopen the former station, the Garda authorities will work closely with the Office of Public Works in relation to any necessary preparatory works required to progress the reopening.

Capital Expenditure Programme

Ceisteanna (281)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

281. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the details and county location of capital projects announced by his Department in March, April, May and to date in June 2017. [29786/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I wish to advise the Deputy that no capital projects were announced by my Department during the period in question.

Departmental Staff Data

Ceisteanna (282)

Mick Wallace

Ceist:

282. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Civil Service clerical officers in full-time employment in his Department as of 31 May 2017 by county, in tabular form. [29853/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

The information requested by the Deputy is provided in tabular form as follows.

Number of Permanent Clerical officers in the Department of Justice & Equality as of 31 May 2017

County	Head Count	Full Time Equivalent
Dublin	542	511.23
Tipperary	61	54.5
Longford	29	28.4
Meath	8	7.8
Kerry	56	47.9
Laois	6	5.4
Westmeath	1	1
Wicklow	1	1
Mayo	1	1
Roscommon	1	1
Cavan	1	1
Cork	4	4
Louth	3	2.3
Galway	1	1
Donegal	1	1
Kilkenny	1	1
Limerick	2	2
Carlow	1	1
Sligo	1	1
Waterford	3	3
Total	724	676.53

Departmental Staff Data

Ceisteanna (283)

Mick Wallace

Ceist:

283. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of full-time Civil Service clerical officers in his Department that have either retired, resigned or been promoted from 1 January 2015 to 31 May 2017, by county, in tabular form. [29869/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table. It should be noted that in relation to promotions, the number provided encompasses officers who have remained within my Department on promotion and officers who have been assigned to other Departments on promotion.

Number of permanent clerical officers in the Department of Justice & Equality that have resigned, retired or been promoted from 1 January 2015 to 31 May 2017

County	Number Retired	Number Resigned	Number Promoted
Dublin	18	25	63
Kerry	5	2	7
Tipperary	1	-	2
Longford	-	1	3
Laois	1	1	6
Westmeath	-	-	1
Cork	-	2	-
Wicklow	2	-	-
Meath	1	2	-

Departmental Staff Data

Ceisteanna (284)

Mick Wallace

Ceist:

284. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of full-time Civil Service clerical officer appointments made in his Department from 1 January 2015 to 31 May 2017 by county, in tabular form. [29893/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table:

Number of permanent clerical officer appointments made in the Department of Justice & Equality from 1 January 2015 to 31 May 2017

County	Number of Clerical Officers
Dublin	294
Longford	4
Tipperary	3
Laois	6
Killarney	12
Meath	2
Carlow	1
Cork	1
Donegal	1
Wicklow	1
Total	325

The Deputy should note that these figures include staff appointed via open competition for Clerical Officer positions at Dublin Airport; some of whom would have previously been Clerical Officers. It also includes staff at Clerical Officer grade who joined the Department following a transfer of functions to this Department.

Departmental Staff Data

Ceisteanna (285)

Mick Wallace

Ceist:

285. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of temporary Civil Service clerical officer appointments made in his Department from 1 January 2015 to 31 May 2017 by county, in tabular form. [29911/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

The information requested by the Deputy has been obtained from Peoplepoint Shared Services and is as follows.

Number of temporary clerical officer appointments in the Department of Justice & Equality from 1 January 2015 to 31 May 2017

County	Number
Dublin	83
Navan	27
Longford	16
Kerry	29
Tipperary	3
Total	158

The Deputy should note that the appointment of Temporary Clerical Officers (TCOs) is typically undertaken to cover absences arising from staff availing of the Shorter Working Year Scheme. Such appointments are typically 8-12 weeks in duration. My Department has also appointed TCOs to bridge Clerical Officer vacancies while awaiting assignment of permanent staff from the Public Appointments Service.

Garda Data

Ceisteanna (286)

Aindrias Moynihan

Ceist:

286. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí in each of the Cork divisions who had been trained and were in a position to test for drug driving on 13 April 2017, 30 April 2017, 31 May 2017 and currently; the number of tests that have been carried out in each Cork division; and the number of positive results identified by those dates, in tabular form. [29832/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I have requested the specific information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities and will contact the Deputy directly on receipt of a Garda report.

While An Garda Síochána has been testing Irish drivers for drugs, with the assistance of the Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS), since 1999, the Deputy will be aware that my colleague, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, commenced the drug driving provisions in the Road Traffic Act 2016 on 12 April 2017. One of the key measures in the legislation provides for Preliminary Drug Testing, which enables Gardaí to test motorists at the roadside, whom they suspect of driving under the influence of drugs, and An Garda Síochána can now establish roadside checkpoints, known as Mandatory Impairment Checkpoints (MITs), to test drivers for the presence of both alcohol and drugs.

The new drug testing devices (Dräger DrugTest 5000) involve testing a sample of a driver’s oral fluid (saliva) for the presence of cannabis, cocaine, opiates (e.g. heroin, morphine) and benzodiazepines (e.g. valium). The new devices will also be available in Garda stations. The MBRS has found that of the 3,020 specimens of blood and urine that it received in 2016, 24% confirmed positive for drugs other than alcohol. Of these, 91% were specimens from male drivers, most of whom were in the 17-44 year age range. Cannabis was the most prevalent drug detected, followed by benzodiazepines.

At the recent meeting of the Ministerial Committee on Road Safety in May this year, the MBRS informed the committee that a tender for new preliminary breath testing equipment is now live and it is hoped that all stages of the process will be completed by early 2018. New equipment, which is available in the market place, has the capacity to record the time, GPS location and number of persons breath-tested, and has the capacity to download the information automatically, reducing the chances of errors occurring in the data.

To support the introduction of Preliminary Drug Testing, I am advised that the Road Safety Authority is running a comprehensive online media campaign, targeting the use of illicit drugs in the 18 to 34 year old age bracket, to raise awareness of the new Garda drug-testing powers. This campaign will primarily feature videos which demonstrate how the drug tests will be administered on the road side and the consequences should a driver be detected driving under the influence of drugs. This awareness campaign will run on social media, radio and digital platforms. The Road Safety Authority is also running a parallel campaign, aimed at allaying the concerns of those taking medicines and driving (over the counter and prescription drugs). Specifically, the Road Safety Authority is putting information leaflets into pharmacies and doctors’ surgeries nationwide.

It is estimated that drug driving is a factor in approximately one in ten fatal crashes. Drug driving not only puts the driver at risk but also passengers and other road users. The introduction of Preliminary Drug Testing strengthens the ability of Gardaí to tackle drug driving and I welcome this important statutory enforcement provision.

Residency Permits

Ceisteanna (287)

Eoin Ó Broin

Ceist:

287. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of adults and children who have been granted a stamp 4 visa each month to date in 2017, in tabular form. [29917/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service of my Department that the total number of Stamp 4 registrations and renewals granted to date in 2017 is set out in the following table. In accordance with Section 9(6)(a) Immigration Act 2004, persons under 16 years are not subject to registration.

Month	-
January 2017	2,448
February 2017	2,547
March 2017	3,194
April 2017	2,982
May 2017	3,846
June 2017 as of the 26th June 2017	2,395

Garda Stations

Ceisteanna (288)

Michael Moynihan

Ceist:

288. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans for the Garda station building in Knocknagree, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29919/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Deputy will appreciate that the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the Office of Public Works, which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. This includes identifying and progressing any necessary remedial or refurbishment works required at individual stations and I, as Minister, have no role in these matters.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Síochána District and Station Rationalisation Programme 2012 and 2013 gave rise to the closure of some 139 Garda stations, including Knocknagree Garda station, following the completion by An Garda Síochána of a comprehensive review of its district and station network. That review was undertaken with the objective of identifying opportunities to introduce strategic reforms to enhance service delivery, increase efficiency and streamline practices within the organisation.

I have been advised by the Garda authorities that the closures have allowed front line Garda to be managed and deployed with greater mobility, greater flexibility and in a more focused fashion, particularly with regard to targeted police operations. I am informed that the Knocknagree property was returned to the ownership of the Office of Public Works and, as the owner of the property, its future use is a matter for that Office.

Garda College

Ceisteanna (289)

Jonathan O'Brien

Ceist:

289. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the discussions which took place in his Department regarding the funding model in Templemore; and the dates on which these discussions took place and the participants. [29924/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

As the Deputy will be aware the Interim Audit Report in relation to the financial procedures in the Garda College Templemore prepared by the Garda Internal Audit Section makes a series of recommendations in relation to the operation of the Garda College. The findings of the Interim Internal Audit Report are a cause of concern to me. I am assured that the Commissioner recognises the gravity of the issues raised and that the Garda Authorities are taking comprehensive steps to progress the recommendations in the Report.

In particular, a Steering Committee, chaired by the Garda Síochána’s Chief Administrative Officer, and including a representative from my Department, is overseeing the implementation of the recommendations. This work includes consideration of the appropriate governance structures and financial and operational processes and procedures for the provision of ancillary services and the administrative functions of the College for the future. The Steering Committee has held discussions on 9 occasions since January 2017.

The historic arrangements for the funding of facilities in Templemore date back to the late 1980s and early 1990s, with consequent difficulties in establishing precise facts in relation to detailed aspects of this matter, particularly in the absence of relevant records.

As the Deputy will also be aware the Interim Audit Report is the subject of an examination by the Public Accounts Committee. I understand that it has concluded its hearings and is to publish a report on the matter before the Summer recess. Officials from my Department have given evidence before the Committee in relation to their knowledge of the origins of the funding model in the College and in the circumstances I believe that it would not be appropriate to comment further on the matter.

Immigration Controls

Ceisteanna (290)

Eugene Murphy

Ceist:

290. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason the personal belongings of a person (details supplied) would be held by the National Immigration Bureau six months after a court case was resolved regarding immigration matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30010/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Deputy will appreciate that the issues raised are a matter for the Garda authorities in the first instance and I have no direct role in relation to them.

I am not aware of the details of the particular case the Deputy is referring to. Nevertheless, if the person referred to requires access to an item which was seized by Gardaí, then contact should be made with the Garda National Immigration Bureau in order to facilitate such access.

It is the case that where any dispute arises as to the ownership of property in the possession of An Garda Síochána, an application may be made to the District Court pursuant to the Police Property Act 1897, for an order as to the proper disposal of the property.

I note also that there is a reference in the details supplied to a GSOC reference number. As the Deputy is aware the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) was established, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, to provide independent oversight of complaints made against members of the Garda Síochána. The Garda Síochána Act stipulates that GSOC is independent in the exercise of its functions and I, as Minister, have no role in the consideration or investigation of individual complaints which are made to GSOC. The person in question should contact GSOC directly about the matter.

EU Regulations

Ceisteanna (291)

Declan Breathnach

Ceist:

291. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the EU ESTA proposal; if he has discussed it with his UK counterpart; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30017/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

A proposal to establish a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and amend several impacted EU Regulations was put forward by the European Commission on 16 November 2016. The proposal is under examination in the relevant EU working party.

An exchange of views on this proposal has taken place among Ministers of the EU member States at JHA Council level. However, it should be noted that the proposal builds upon the measures in the Schengen acquis that concern the crossing of borders and in which Ireland (and the UK) do not participate. Therefore, Ireland (along with the UK) are not taking part in the adoption of this Regulation and are not bound by it or subject to its application.

Garda Data

Ceisteanna (292, 293, 294, 295)

Denise Mitchell

Ceist:

292. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the Garda numbers for Coolock Garda station in each of the years 2011 to 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30022/17]

Denise Mitchell

Ceist:

293. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the Garda numbers for Raheny Garda station in each of the years 2011 to 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30023/17]

Denise Mitchell

Ceist:

294. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the Garda numbers for Clontarf Garda station in each of the years 2011 to 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30024/17]

Denise Mitchell

Ceist:

295. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the Garda numbers for Howth Garda station in each of the years 2011 to 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30025/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I propose to take Questions Nos. 292 to 295, inclusive, together.

As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.

Coolock, Raheny, Clontarf and Howth Garda stations form part of the DMR North Division. I am informed by the Commissioner that the Garda strength of the DMR North Division on 30 April 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 661. There are also 49 Garda Reserves and 42 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, 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 apace. 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 almost 1,000 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, 75 of whom have been assigned to the DMR North 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 DMR North 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.

Garda Strength 2011-2017

Station	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017*
Coolock	117	114	112	109	103	105	100
Raheny	68	64	62	62	67	66	71
Clontarf	77	72	69	68	65	67	66
Howth	39	42	38	31	27	27	25

*Up to 30 April 2017