Jim O'Callaghan
Ceist:312. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of appointed detectives in each Garda division, in tabular form. [32526/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraGarda Deployment
Ceisteanna (312)
Freagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.
This Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and 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. Funding has also been provided for the recruitment of 300 Garda Reserves.
This plan is progressing apace. I am informed by the Commissioner, since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, that almost 1,200 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide. I am also informed that a further 400 Garda recruits are scheduled to attest later 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.
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 Garda Commissioner that the detective strength in each Garda Division on 31 May 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was as set out in the following table.
An Garda Síochána Detective Strengths 31 May 2017
|
DIVISION |
2017 |
|
DMR SOUTH CENTRAL |
23 |
|
DMR SOUTHERN |
30 |
|
DMR NORTHERN |
28 |
|
DMR WEST |
50 |
|
DMR NORTH CENTRAL |
23 |
|
DMR EAST |
18 |
|
WICKLOW |
11 |
|
LOUTH |
19 |
|
MEATH |
10 |
|
WESTMEATH |
14 |
|
LEIX/OFFALY |
21 |
|
KILDARE |
19 |
|
WEXFORD |
16 |
|
WATERFORD |
22 |
|
KILKENNY/CARLOW |
15 |
|
TIPPERARY |
16 |
|
CORK CITY |
99 |
|
CORK NORTH |
11 |
|
CORK WEST |
12 |
|
KERRY |
21 |
|
LIMERICK |
39 |
|
CLARE |
29 |
|
GALWAY |
45 |
|
ROSCOMMON/LONGFORD |
12 |
|
MAYO |
13 |
|
SLIGO/LEITRIM |
15 |
|
DONEGAL |
25 |
|
CAVAN/MONAGHAN |
22 |
|
TOTAL: |
678 |
Garda Deployment
Ceisteanna (313)
Jim O'Callaghan
Ceist:313. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of community gardaí in each Garda division, in tabular form. [32527/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda Commissioner in relation to the number of Community Gardaí in each Garda Division and I will write to the Deputy on receipt of same.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
Living Wage Expenditure
Ceisteanna (314)
Niall Collins
Ceist:314. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the cost of implementing a living wage of €11.70 for all employees directly employed or in agencies funded by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32566/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The requested information in relation to the cost of implementing a living wage of €11.70 for all employees directly employed or in agencies funded by my Department is contained in the following table.
|
Proposed Living Wage |
Number of staff under this rate |
Total Cost of introducing living wage concerned |
|
Minimum wage of €11.70 per hour (€26,313.30 p.a) |
514 |
€1,725,710.82 |
In line with D/Per Circular 25/2016 and the Protocol for the Provision of Information to Members of the Oireachtas by State Bodies under the Aegis of Government Departments, I have asked those bodies under the aegis of the Department who have been unable to provide a response in the time available (Property Registration Authority and An Garda Síochána) to write to the Deputy directly, and provide the information requested.
Garda Recruitment
Ceisteanna (315)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:315. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated cost in 2018 of recruiting an additional 1,000 gardaí; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32591/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the cost of recruiting an additional 1,000 Gardaí is some €18.5 million.
The annual cost for new Garda recruits includes a basic weekly allowance of €184. After 32 weeks of training, Garda recruits are attested and move on to the first point of the Garda pay scale €28,405, rising to a maximum of €50,448 per annum after 19 years. They may also qualify for other allowances depending on their assignments. For the purposes of this calculation, the costs are based on basic salary plus employer PRSI but do not include any allowances that the members may be entitled to after being attested. In addition, a commencement date of 1 January 2018 is assumed in order to provide full year costs. The cost of recruitment and training recruits are subsumed into the overall training costs of the Garda College and are not easily identifiable.
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. In 2017, 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.
Just recently a class of 198 Garda trainees attested as members of An Garda Síochána - the largest class to attest since the Garda College reopened in September 2014. This brings the number of new recruits who have attested since the College reopened to almost 1,200, with another 400 scheduled to attest later this year. This will bring Garda numbers to 13,500 by year-end once projected retirements are taken into account, an increase of 500 over last year and represents real progress on reaching our target of 15,000 members by 2021.
Departmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (316)
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:316. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the level of expenditure by his Department or organisations under the aegis of his Department for each of the past five years on photography, advertising, communications advice, public relations, website development, media interview training and preparation; the events, campaigns or policies to which this expenditure related; the company or person to which such payments were made, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32655/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested by the Deputy in respect of my Department is currently being compiled and verified and I will forward this information directly to the Deputy in due course. However, I have also requested that the relevant bodies and agencies which fall under the remit of the Department of Justice and Equality contact the Deputy directly with the relevant information in respect of their own individual areas of responsibility.
Garda Civilian Staff Data
Ceisteanna (317)
Jim O'Callaghan
Ceist:317. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of civilian staff in the Garda Síochána as of 30 June 2017 or the latest date available; and the figure for the corresponding dates in 2015 and 2016. [32717/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The most recent available figure for the number of civilians working in An Garda Síochána is for 31 May 2017, at which point there were 2,110 civilian staff members working throughout the organisation carrying out senior management, administrative and technical roles. The figures for the number of civilians working in An Garda Síochána on the corresponding dates of 31 May 2015 and 31 May 2016 are 2,054 and 2,066 respectively.
As part of its Five Year Reform and High-level Workforce Plan for An Garda Síochána, the Government has agreed an overall vision for a Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 to include 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Garda Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. The projected 4,000 civilians will effectively double the current figure and represents a medium-term target of a Garda organisation 20% comprised of civilians. The 20% target will be achieved through a twin-track approach of, firstly, a “civilian by default” policy to be adopted in relation to the filling of all new posts other than operational policing posts and for non-operational policing posts that become vacant and, secondly, the redeployment of Gardaí and backfilling by suitably qualified civilians where necessary.
Funding for the recruitment of up to 500 civilians has been provided in Budget 2017 to facilitate the Commissioner in addressing capacity and critical skills gaps across the organisation including in corporate supports, change management, human resources and financial management at the national, regional and Divisional level. These appointments are intended to facilitate deeper civilianisation in the coming years.
To date, the Policing Authority (with the consent of the Department of Justice and Equality and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform) has approved 137 of these positions including two new senior posts of Executive Director Strategy and Change Management and Executive Director Legal and Compliance. The Government has also agreed in principle to the positions of a Chief Information Officer. The majority of the positions sanctioned are in the areas of ICT, Human Resources, Governance and Strategy, Legal and Compliance, and Finance. 43 of the initial 137 sanctioned posts will go towards back filling vacancies created by the redeployment of Garda members to policing duties. Garda management has indicated that some 163 of the total 500 civilians to be recruited this year will lead to redeployment opportunities. This level of commitment in the first year is very welcome and it is expected that the quantum of redeployments will increase in 2018 and beyond.
The Garda Commissioner has statutory responsibility for recruitment and is working with the Public Appointments Service to fill these sanctioned posts. In addition there is ongoing engagement between Garda management, the Policing Authority, my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to sanctioning further posts to meet identified business needs across the organisation and draw down the funding that is available for up to 500 additional civilians this year.
Garda Deployment
Ceisteanna (318)
John Lahart
Ceist:318. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the Garda numbers in Rathfarnham Garda station and Tallaght Garda station in each of the years 2011 to 2016 and to date in 2017; his plans to liaise with the Garda Commissioner to investigate whether there are sufficient numbers in both stations to deal with issues, including recent assaults in the Rathfarnham, Knocklyon and Ballycullen areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32726/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.
I am informed by the 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 am further informed that local Garda management is aware of the incidents referred to which are under investigation and additional patrols have been put in place to assist in the investigation and prevent of further incidents.
The area referred to by the Deputy forms part of the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) South Division. I have been informed that the number of Gardaí assigned to the Division on the 31 May 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 545 of which 60 and 182 were assigned to Rathfarnham and Tallaght Garda Stations respectively. In addition, 23 Garda Reserves and 32 civilians were also attached to the Division.
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. Funding has also been provided for the recruitment of 300 Garda Reserves.
This plan is progressing apace. I am informed by the Commissioner, since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, that almost 1,200 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, 96 of whom were assigned to the DMR South Division. I am also informed that a further four hundred Garda recruits are scheduled to attest later 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 South Division in the coming years.
For the Deputy's information I have set out below the detailed information requested in relation to the number Gardaí assigned to Rathfarnham and Tallaght Garda Stations from 2011 to 31 May 2017, the latest figures available, as supplied by the Commissioner.
RATHFARNHAM AND TALLAGHT GARDA STATIONS STRENGTH 2011-2017*
|
STATION |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017* |
|
RATHFARNHAM |
73 |
74 |
78 |
72 |
69 |
64 |
60 |
|
TALLAGHT |
194 |
188 |
174 |
170 |
176 |
179 |
182 |
*As of 31 May 2017
Public Service Vehicles
Ceisteanna (319)
Catherine Martin
Ceist:319. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the average and maximum waiting times for the issuing of licences with regard to large public service vehicles by the Carriage Office; if there is an independent right of appeal on their determination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32736/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I hope the Deputy will appreciate that the legislation governing large public service vehicles (LPSV) is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport. I am informed by his Department that Regulation 14 of the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles)(Licensing) Regulations, 1978 (S.I. No. 292 of 1978) provides that the owner of a vehicle may appeal against a refusal, revocation or suspension of a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licence. Where the refusal or revocation is made on the grounds that the owner of the vehicle is not a fit and proper person to hold a licence, an appeal must be made to the District Court. In all other cases of refusal or revocation or where a licence has been suspended, Regulation 14 provides that appeals must be made to the Minister for the Environment. As this function transferred to the Minister for Transport in 2002 under the Road Traffic Acts, appeals of this nature can now be made to the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport.
Insofar as waiting times are concerned, I am advised by the Garda authorities that the Carriage Department (under the remit of the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) Traffic Section, directed by Assistant Commissioner, DMR) performs the function of licensing LPSV for the DMR and that the licensing authority for LPSV outside the DMR is the Divisional Officer for the Division where the vehicle is to be registered. I am further advised that as of 7 July 2017 the current waiting time for an inspection of a LPSV stands at approximately six weeks. Once the LPSV has been deemed suitable for licensing, the applicant must complete all necessary documentation in support of the application. The processing of this documentation currently stands at approximately 2 weeks.
However, delays will be experienced if the vehicle is deemed unsuitable for licensing or if there are concerns in respect of the suitability of the applicant to hold a LPSV. In relation to the vehicle, all defects must be remedied before the vehicle can be deemed suitable. All checks in respect of the licence-holder must have been completed before a licence will issue, which may include an interview with the Authorised Officer.
Departmental Properties
Ceisteanna (320)
Catherine Martin
Ceist:320. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason, during a housing crisis, a site (details supplied) of which he is the registered owner is on the Dublin City Council register of vacant sites; his plans for the site; and when it will be put back into use. [32746/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that it is in detailed discussions with Dublin City Council and Novas, an approved housing body involved in the provision of social housing, regarding the future use of the site in question and how it might be developed in the context of the Government’s homeless strategy. In this regard I can advise the Deputy that Novas sought and obtained planning approval for a development comprising of apartments and a commercial unit on the site. Development work has not yet commenced pending the outcome of discussions with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform regarding the terms of the disposal of land concerned.
Money Laundering
Ceisteanna (321)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:321. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans regarding the publication of the legislation required to give effect to the fourth anti-money laundering directive; if he plans to delay publishing the amendments required to be made to give effect to the fourth anti-money laundering directive by amending the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010 until the proposed fifth anti-money laundering directive is finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32769/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The General Scheme of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing)(Amendment) Bill was approved by the Government in December 2016. The Bill will give effect to most of the provisions of the 4th EU Money Laundering Directive (the Minister for Finance is responsible for transposing beneficial ownership and trust provisions of the Directive). The Bill is at an advanced stage of drafting and it is expected that the Bill should be ready for publication early in the next parliamentary session. Consideration will also be given to the extent to which provisions of the Directive could be transposed by Regulations made under the European Communities Act 1972. There are no plans to delay transposition of the 4th Directive pending adoption of the proposed 5th Directive. The question of transposing the 5th Directive will be considered, in consultation with the Department of Finance, once that Directive has been adopted.
Visa Applications
Ceisteanna (322)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:322. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when an appropriate visa for travel to Ireland will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); the progress to date in the determination of eligibility in respect of same; when a visa is likely to issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32782/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the visa application referred to was approved on 6 July 2017. The sponsor in Ireland has since been advised to contact the Irish Honorary Consulate in Kiev to arrange issuance.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the email service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited. In addition, applicants may themselves email queries directly to INIS at visamail@justice.ie.
Visa Applications
Ceisteanna (323)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:323. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in the determination of eligibility for visa in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32793/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the visa application referred to was approved and issued on 30 June 2017.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the email service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited. In addition, applicants may themselves email queries directly to INIS at visamail@justice.ie.
Garda Deployment
Ceisteanna (324)
Micheál Martin
Ceist:324. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí in each Garda station in Cork city as of 30 June 2017; and the number of new recruits assigned to the division since recruitment resumed in 2014. [32795/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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. In 2017, 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 the Garda Síochána. Funding has also been provided for the recruitment of 300 Garda Reserves.
Last Thursday 6 July, a class of 198 Garda trainees attested as members of the Garda Síochána - the largest class to attest since the Garda College reopened in September 2014. This brings the number of new recruits who have attested since the College reopened to almost 1,200, with another 400 scheduled to attest later this year. This will bring Garda numbers to 13,500 by year-end once projected retirements are taken into account - an increase of 500 over last year. This is real progress on reaching our target of 15,000 members by 2021.
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 Cork City 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.
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. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources. I am informed by the Commissioner that 25 newly attested Gardaí have been assigned to the Cork City Division since the College reopened.
For the Deputy's information, I have set out in tabular form the number of Gardaí assigned to the Cork City Division by station as of 31 May 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available, as provided by the Commissioner.
|
CORK CITY 31 MAY 2017 |
||
|
DISTRICT |
STATION |
TOTAL |
|
ANGLESEA STREET |
ANGLESEA STREET |
278 |
|
BLACKROCK |
22 |
|
|
BRIDEWELL |
27 |
|
|
TOTAL |
327 |
|
|
GURRANABRAHER |
BALLINCOLLIG |
19 |
|
BLARNEY |
17 |
|
|
CARRIG NA BHFEAR |
1 |
|
|
GURRANABRAHER |
55 |
|
|
TOTAL |
92 |
|
|
MAYFIELD |
GLANMIRE |
19 |
|
MAYFIELD |
50 |
|
|
WATERCOURSE ROAD |
43 |
|
|
TOTAL |
112 |
|
|
TOGHER |
BISHOPSTOWN |
20 |
|
CARRIGALINE |
20 |
|
|
CROSSHAVEN |
2 |
|
|
DOUGLAS |
19 |
|
|
PASSAGE WEST |
2 |
|
|
TOGHER |
52 |
|
|
TOTAL |
115 |
|
|
CORK CITY TOTAL |
646 |
|
Garda Investigations
Ceisteanna (325, 326, 327)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:325. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on the actions and investigations being taken on foot of the reports of the Moriarty tribunal; the status of these investigations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32816/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThomas P. Broughan
Ceist:326. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on the status of the investigations by the Garda Síochána and the Director of Public Prosecutions into the findings of the Flood and Mahon tribunals; the stage these investigations are at; when he expects a decision to be reached; if he has set a deadline for this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32817/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThomas P. Broughan
Ceist:327. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on the status of investigations by the Garda Síochána and the Director of Public Prosecutions into the findings of the Moriarty tribunal; the stage these investigations are at; when he expects a decision to be reached; if he has set a deadline for this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32818/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 325 to 327, inclusive, together.
I can inform the Deputy that the position in relation to these matters remain unchanged at present. I am advised by the Garda authorities that investigations relating to the findings of the Flood and Mahon Tribunals, as well as the investigation of certain matters arising from the report of the Moriarty Tribunal, are ongoing. I am also advised that relevant liaison is maintained by Gardaí with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The Deputy will appreciate that investigations of the matters in question may involve very extensive interviews and enquiries. While I do of course appreciate public concern about these matters, I am advised that the overriding concern for the Garda Síochána is to ensure that these investigations are carried out as comprehensively and effectively as possible.
The consideration of criminal investigations is clearly a matter for the Garda authorities, and likewise it is a matter for the DPP to decide, independently, if any charges should be brought. It is not open to me, as Minister, to set deadlines in relation to these matters and it would be most inappropriate to attempt to go into the detail of ongoing Garda inquiries. I trust that all members of this House would wish to ensure that nothing is said that might in any way impinge on the progress of subsequent criminal proceedings.
The Government remains committed to supporting the Garda Síochána in pursuing all criminal investigations and this is underlined by the very significant investments which have been made in policing resources – all of which will support enhanced investigation and detection of crime, and benefit ongoing investigations.