Written Answers Nos. 56-81
56. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on whether the Garda Commissioner can deliver the reforms necessary for a well functioning, transparent and accountable police force in view of the recent controversies within An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32750/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have full confidence in the Garda Commissioner as she proceeds with the implementation of the most ambitious programme of reform ever embarked on by An Garda Síochána.
Last July the Government approved a Five Year Reform and High Level Workforce Plan for An Garda Síochána which combines the Government’s response to the Garda Inspectorate report 'Changing Policing in Ireland' and the commitments in the Programme for a Partnership Government aimed at increasing the visibility, effectiveness and responsiveness of An Garda Síochána. The Government agreed that the Commissioner's Modernisation and Renewal Programme (MRP) 2016-2021 would be the vehicle for implementation of the recommendations. In support of this plan, Budget 2017 provided funding to continue to expand the number of Gardaí towards 15,000, to double the Reserve and to double the number of civilians by 2021. In addition, the plan is supported by substantial capital investment of some €310 million in critical ICT infrastructure, the fleet and other Garda facilities.
Robust independent oversight is essential to ensuring that the pursuit of the reform programme is relentless over the next 5 years. To ensure that this is case, the 240 agreed recommendations have been referred to the Policing Authority to monitor and assess their implementation by An Garda Síochána and to report progress to me on a quarterly basis. The first two progress reports have already been published on my Department's website.
I believe the only way to deliver world class policing in Ireland is to ensure that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs and that those resources operate in an organisation whose culture is open and responsive and where the best management systems and practices are deployed. I am confident that the reform plan that is being pursued by the Commissioner, supported by the Government and overseen by the Policing Authority, has the capacity to achieve this. It will not be done overnight and it will not be done easily, but with the necessary support and oversight, it can be achieved over the next four years.
57. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason 554 persons have been waiting three years or more for their naturalisation citizenship application to be processed; his views on whether this is an acceptable amount of time to be waiting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33006/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and I know the Deputy will appreciate that it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. While most straightforward cases are generally processed within six months, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time, particularly with regard to establishing whether the statutory conditions for naturalisation as set out in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, such as good character and lawful residence are satisfied. In considering the number of cases referred to by the Deputy it should be borne in mind that since 2011 almost 110,000 persons have been granted a certificate of naturalisation.
Cases where delays in processing can arise are generally due to further documentation being required from the applicant and/or payment of the required certificate fee is awaited, or the applicant has not been engaging with the office. In some instances delays can arise at the final stage of the naturalisation process, for example where additional information comes to light which requires further investigation. In other instances the applicant may request that a hold be put on their application, for example where they may have returned to their country of origin for a prolonged period, to facilitate them in making arrangements to return to reside in the State, or where they have difficulty in obtaining satisfactory evidence of their identity or nationality.
I am informed that the Citizenship Division of my Department are conducting an ongoing review of outstanding cases with a view to substantially reducing the number of applications which await decision, particularly where the applicant has not been engaging with the office.
58. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans regarding the implementation of the report by a person (details supplied); and the timeframe for these actions to be taken. [27841/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly, I would like to acknowledge the work of Dr. Shannon and his team for the role they played in producing such a comprehensive analysis in relation to the use of Section 12 of the Child Care Act 1991.
Clearly, there are great sensitivities and trauma associated with the removal of a child from their parent or legal guardian. However, Section 12 of the Child Care Act 1991 is an essential legal mechanism through which the Garda Síochána performs its child protection function, and it is only used as a measure of last resort.
It is important to recognise that Dr. Shannon’s report indicates that Gardaí use these powers following careful consideration of the circumstances and available evidence. It also speaks very highly about the efforts made by Members of An Garda Síochána in treating children with sensitivity and compassion.
I am advised that An Garda Síochána has commenced an examination of all the recommendations contained in Dr. Shannon’s report and will engage with Tusla and other relevant State agencies to address how the recommendations might be implemented, as well as how soon they can be implemented.
As the Deputy is aware, many of the issues highlighted in the report come within the remit of my colleague the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. I will, of course, assist Minister Zappone in this urgent task, and I can assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána will be fully supported in pursuing the very necessary reforms to policies, procedures and practices that are identified in the Report.
59. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí in each Garda station in County Mayo as of 30 June 2017; and the number of new recruits assigned to the division since recruitment resumed in 2014. [32861/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis 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.
Last Thursday, 6 July, 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 four hundred 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 Mayo 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 13 newly attested Gardaí have been assigned to the Mayo Division since the College reopened.
For the Deputy's information I have set out in the table, as provided by the Commissioner, the number of Gardaí assigned to the Mayo Division by station as of 31 May 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available.
|
- |
MAYO DIVISION 31 MAY 2017 |
|
|
DISTRICT |
STATION |
TOTAL |
|
BALLINA |
BALLINA |
46 |
|
BONNICONLON |
1 |
|
|
CROSSMOLINA |
4 |
|
|
FOXFORD |
2 |
|
|
KILLALA |
2 |
|
|
TOTAL |
55 |
|
|
BELMULLET |
BALLYCROY |
1 |
|
BANGOR ERRIS |
2 |
|
|
BÉAL AN MHUIRTHEAD |
26 |
|
|
GLEANN NA MUAIDHE |
1 |
|
|
TOTAL |
30 |
|
|
CASTLEBAR |
BALLA |
2 |
|
CASTLEBAR |
81 |
|
|
PARTRY |
2 |
|
|
TOTAL |
85 |
|
|
CLAREMORRIS |
BALLINDINE |
1 |
|
BALLINROBE |
8 |
|
|
BALLYHAUNIS |
8 |
|
|
CHARLESTOWN |
4 |
|
|
CLAREMORRIS |
35 |
|
|
CONG |
1 |
|
|
KILKELLY |
6 |
|
|
KILMAINE |
2 |
|
|
KILTIMAGH |
1 |
|
|
KNOCK |
1 |
|
|
SHRULE |
1 |
|
|
SWINFORD |
22 |
|
|
TOTAL |
90 |
|
|
WESTPORT |
ACHILL SOUND |
5 |
|
KEEL |
1 |
|
|
LOUISBURGH |
2 |
|
|
NEWPORT |
3 |
|
|
WESTPORT |
31 |
|
|
TOTAL |
42 |
|
|
MAYO TOTAL |
302 |
60. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will commission a public inquiry into the death of a person (details supplied) and the Garda investigation and subsequent prosecution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32970/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware this tragic case was considered under the Independent Review Mechanism (IRM) and the recommendation was that no further action should be taken. Counsel for the IRM pointed out that the appropriate forum for raising matters related to alleged Garda failings was the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) who were already investigating certain matters arising from the tragic death in this case, in part referred by a previous Minister for Justice and Equality.
GSOC is an independent statutory body and the manner in which they conduct their investigation is a matter for them. I am advised, however, that GSOC's report is at final draft stage and currently under review by the GSOC Commission. However, I can inform the Deputy that I am advised that GSOC's investigation is nearing completion and that GSOC have been in contact with the family about the final report of that investigation. We must now await their final determination. It must also be noted that a civil action has been initiated against the State in respect of issues raised in the complaint.
When the then Taoiseach and my predecessor met with the family last November, a commitment was given that when the GSOC investigation is completed and the final report is to hand the question of whether, and if so, what further action can be taken, will be considered. That remains the position.
I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that in the circumstances it would not be appropriate for me to comment further.
61. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to address the lack of Garda personnel in the Border region; his plans to rectify the shortages at various ranks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32976/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
The area referred to by the Deputy is covered by the Cavan/Monaghan, Donegal, Sligo/Leitrim and Louth Divisions. I have been informed that the number of Gardaí assigned to these Divisions on the 31 May 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 1,301 with 80 Garda Reserves and 119 civilians. 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 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.
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, 120 of whom were assigned to the Cavan/Monaghan, Donegal, Sligo/Leitrim and Louth Divisions. I am also informed that a further four hundred 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 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.
For the Deputy's information, I have set out in the table, as provided by the Commissioner, the number of Gardaí assigned to the Cavan/Monaghan, Donegal, Sligo/Leitrim and Louth Divisions and the number of Garda Reserve and civilians associated with these Divisions on 31 May 2017, the latest date for which figures are currently available.
|
Division |
Garda |
Reserve |
Civilians |
|
Cavan/Monaghan |
322 |
12 |
37 |
|
Donegal |
383 |
20 |
31 |
|
Sligo/Leitrim |
298 |
19 |
26 |
|
Louth |
298 |
29 |
25 |
|
Total |
1,301 |
80 |
119 |
62. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí assigned and currently working in the traffic corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32888/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including to the Garda Traffic Corps and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. I am assured by the Commissioner that Garda personnel assigned throughout the country, together with the overall policing arrangements and operational strategies are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of resources and the best possible policing service is provided to the general public.
I am informed by the Commissioner that the total strength of the Garda Traffic Corps on the 31 May 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 663. In addition, there is a Chief Superintendent and a Superintendent attached to the DMR Traffic Corps, and a Superintendent attached to the West and South East Region. The other three Regions each have a Traffic Inspector.
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.
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 Traffic Corps in the coming years.
The Commissioner has committed in her Policing Plan for 2017 to increase incrementally the number of personnel dedicated to traffic duties by 10% to support better outcomes in relation to road traffic enforcement.
In this regard the Commissioner has confirmed that the personnel requirement of the Garda Traffic Corps is currently being assessed to identify the most vulnerable areas in regard to serious traffic collisions and the level of compliance with Road Traffic legislation. Combined with this data I am informed that the Assistant Commissioner, Roads Policing and Major Event/Emergency Management is currently assessing the capacity of Divisions and Districts to identify and target areas where An Garda Síochána could accelerate the deployment of personnel to traffic in 2017. The filling of the vacancies identified will be conducted on a structured basis and will be further enhanced with the new recruits coming on stream.
Road traffic legislation is, of course, also enforced as part of the day to day duties of members of An Garda Síochána. Both targeted and general methods of enforcement have a valuable role to play in An Garda Síochána's enforcement programme, which targets locations with a view to preventing the commission of offences, detecting errant motorists, changing their behaviour and ultimately reducing death and injuries on our roads.
An Garda Síochána’s Modernisation and Renewal Programme (2016-2021) also sets out key strategic objectives for Road Policing which will inform and guide An Garda Síochána's Road Policing plans over the next 5 years. Under the Programme, the Commissioner will undertake a number of road safety traffic enforcement initiatives, including expanding the use of technology and increasing checkpoints.
63. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has satisfied himself that the current approach to delivering the new Garda station for Macroom is working fast enough; the timeframe for its availability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32677/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 (OPW), 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. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
As the Deputy will be aware, the proposed development of a new Garda station at Macroom is among the projects included in the Garda Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021. This is an ambitious 5 year Programme that will benefit over thirty locations around the country and includes over €60million of Exchequer funding as part of Government’s Capital Plan 2016 – 2021 as well as a major Public Private Partnership project to build new stations at Macroom, Clonmel and Sligo.
The OPW is engaging closely with An Garda Síochána to secure the sites for the proposed builds and, thereafter, work will progress as quickly as possible to deliver the projects.
64. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to examine the restrictions on visa applications from Libyan citizens, especially those in the medical professions who have offers of employment here, in view of the problems in retaining and recruiting staff in hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32973/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra75. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to review the visa restriction on Libyan citizens, especially medical professionals who are facing delays and refusals on visa applications despite being offered work in hospitals here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32969/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 64 and 75 together.
Deputies will know that certain restrictions have been in place since August 2014 due to the political and security situation in Libya. My predecessor indicated recently that these would be reviewed by officials to consider if there may be some scope to extend the categories of applicants who may be considered for visa processing.
That review has been completed and I am advised that all relevant considerations included the ongoing security situation in Libya (which unfortunately remains volatile), the potential economic impact of these restrictions and overall security considerations for the State. Ultimately, an appropriate balance must be struck between State security and individual applicants who wish to come here.
Taking all this into account, the Tánaiste decided that that the existing approach continue to be taken to processing those visa applications which we are prepared to consider, and therefore the current restrictions should remain in place for a further six months. The position will continue to be kept under review with consideration being given to any scope to extend the categories of applicants who may be considered for visa processing.
65. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the date on which the wards of court office will be able to automatically provide statements to the committees of wards of court; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32684/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the High Court has jurisdiction in wards of court matters and management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in exercising its functions under the Courts Service Act 1998.
However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that, while the importance of issuing statements to wards of court is fully appreciated, an increased caseload in the Wards of Court Office and staffing constraints has meant that it is necessary to prioritise the allocation of resources available in that office. As a result of increased caseloads a backlog in processing applications for wardship arose but it is expected that the backlog will be cleared by the end of this month as additional resources have been assigned to the Office. This in turn had an impact on the progress that could be made in relation to the automatic provision of statements.
As the Deputy will be aware, currently individual statements in regard to funds held in court on behalf of wards of court are provided on request to the respective committees of the wards of court. The Courts Service has advised that it is working to enable statements to be provided automatically to the committees of wards of court, which will commence by mid September 2017. These statements will be high level reports on the funds in court and their performance and, if more detailed reports are required, they can be made available on request. Significant progress has been made and it is hoped to commence the issuing of the statements on a phased basis this quarter.
66. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the work of the Criminal Assets Bureau at local and regional levels; and the work of the profiling groups that are targeting lower and middle level drug dealing in communities in Dublin. [32682/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Criminal Assets Bureau takes actions under the Proceeds of Crime Acts 1996 to 2016 to deprive or to deny persons of assets which derive, or are suspected to derive, directly or indirectly from criminal conduct; or the benefit of such assets.
Sections 2 and 3 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 1996 provide the mechanism under which the Bureau can apply to the High Court seeking to freeze or restrain a person /entities dealing with a specific asset. In accordance with these provisions, the High Court may, in circumstances where an interim order or interlocutory order under that legislation is in place, appoint a receiver in respect of the property to which the order relates.
Section 4 provides for the transfer of property to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. This Section refers to assets which have been deemed to be the proceeds of criminal conduct, for a period of not less than seven years, and over which no valid claim has been made under Section 3(3) of the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Section 4A allows for a consent disposal order to be made by the respondent, thus allowing the property to be transferred to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in a period shorter than seven years.
In accordance with the provisions of the Criminal Assets Bureau Act 1996 an annual report on the activities of the Bureau is prepared and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.
The reports include details of the number of receivership orders obtained, the values of such orders and the amounts realised by the Bureau to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for the benefit of the Central Exchequer in the particular year. The Annual Reports are available in the Oireachtas library and on the website of An Garda Síochána and my Department. The Annual Report of the Bureau for 2016 is awaiting publication in the coming weeks.
Asset Profilers trained by the Bureau provide a criminal asset profiling service in each Garda Division in relation to persons or suspects operating within their area, with particular reference to those involved in serious criminal activity. Currently the number of trained Garda Asset Profilers is 288 plus Revenue Customs and Social Protection trained asset profilers making a total of 311 asset profilers throughout the State.
To further assist the Bureau 6 additional members of An Garda Siochana were temporarily seconded to the Criminal Assets Bureau to support the operation of the recently established Special Crime Task Force.
The Deputy will be aware from media reports that a series of targeted search operations conducted in the recent past resulted in local criminals being targeted, these criminals having been nominated by either the CAB Profilers or the Special Crime Task Force.
With regard to the specific information sought, I can inform the Deputy that this information is not available. The Bureau operates on a national basis, targeting assets wherever they are situated and the Bureau does not record its activities on a geographical basis.
67. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí in each Garda station in County Donegal as of 30 June 2017; and the number of new recruits assigned to the division since recruitment resumed in 2014. [32865/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis 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.
Last Thursday 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 four hundred 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 Donegal 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 22 newly attested Gardaí have been assigned to the Donegal Division since the College reopened.
For the Deputy's information I have set out in the table, as provided by the Commissioner, the number of Gardaí assigned to the Donegal Division by station as of 31 May 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available.
|
- |
DONEGAL DIVISION 31 MAY 2017 |
|
|
DISTRICT |
STATION |
TOTAL |
|
BALLYSHANNON |
AN CHARRAIG |
1 |
|
ARD AN RÁTHA |
2 |
|
|
BALLYSHANNON |
39 |
|
|
BUNDORAN |
7 |
|
|
DONEGAL TOWN |
23 |
|
|
MOUNTCHARLES |
1 |
|
|
NA CEALLA BEAGA |
6 |
|
|
NA GLEANNTA |
12 |
|
|
PETTIGO |
1 |
|
|
TOTAL |
92 |
|
|
BUNCRANA |
BUNCRANA |
44 |
|
BURNFOOT |
4 |
|
|
CARNDONAGH |
9 |
|
|
CLONMANY |
1 |
|
|
MOVILLE |
5 |
|
|
MUFF |
3 |
|
|
TOTAL |
66 |
|
|
LETTERKENNY |
BALLYBOFEY |
23 |
|
CARRIGANS |
3 |
|
|
CASTLEFIN |
4 |
|
|
CONVOY |
1 |
|
|
LETTERKENNY |
112 |
|
|
LIFFORD |
13 |
|
|
NEWTOWNCUNNINGHAM |
2 |
|
|
RAPHOE |
2 |
|
|
TOTAL |
160 |
|
|
MILFORD |
AN BUN BEAG |
14 |
|
AN CLOCHÁN LIATH |
7 |
|
|
AN CRAOSLACH |
1 |
|
|
AN FÁL CARRACH |
9 |
|
|
CARRAIG AIRT |
2 |
|
|
DÚN FIONNACHAID |
2 |
|
|
KERRYKEEL |
2 |
|
|
KILMACRENNAN |
1 |
|
|
MILFORD |
26 |
|
|
RATHMULLEN |
1 |
|
|
TOTAL |
65 |
|
|
DONEGAL TOTAL |
383 |
68. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will establish an inquiry on the manner in which the protestors at Jobstown in November 2014 were investigated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32974/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs was mentioned by the Taoiseach in the House last week, the issues relating to the recent trial of persons involved in water-charge protests in Jobstown, including Deputy Murphy, have been considered and processed by the appropriate State authorities, which are established under the Constitution and by Statute enacted by the Oireachtas. Following a Garda investigation and consideration by the DPP, the matter in question was brought to trial, and a duly constituted jury of the accused's peers gave its verdict. It appears to me that this is absolutely in keeping with our system of justice, and the separation of powers, which is designed to ensure fairness and equality before the law.
I am, of course, aware of various concerns and criticisms which have been made in some quarters about these matters. Needless to say it is clearly inappropriate for this House to engage in a critique of the decisions or conduct of independent bodies such as the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) or indeed the Courts.
In relation to the concerns which have been voiced about the role of An Garda Síochána in this case, I note that An Garda Síochána are conducting an internal review regarding the policing response and subsequent investigation into this matter. Notwithstanding this review, Deputies will be aware that there are well-established and independent structures for bringing of complaints about the conduct of Gardaí, through the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC).
It is my view that this matter has been fully aired and brought to a conclusion before the Courts, which are the ultimate arbiters of justice in this State. Therefore, I see no reason to establish any other form of inquiry into this matter.
69. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí in each Garda station in County Limerick as of 30 June 2017; and the number of new recruits assigned to the division since recruitment resumed in 2014. [32855/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis 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.
Last Thursday 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 four hundred 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 Limerick 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 33 newly attested Gardaí have been assigned to the Limerick Division since the College reopened.
For the Deputy's information I have set out in the table, as provided by the Commissioner, the number of Gardaí assigned to the Limerick Division by station as of 31 May 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available.
|
- |
LIMERICK DIVISION 31 MAY 2017 |
|
|
DISTRICT |
STATION |
TOTAL |
|
BRUFF |
BALLYLANDERS |
1 |
|
BRUFF |
27 |
|
|
BRUREE |
1 |
|
|
CAPPAMORE |
2 |
|
|
HOSPITAL |
2 |
|
|
KILMALLOCK |
6 |
|
|
MURROE |
2 |
|
|
PALLASGREEN |
2 |
|
|
TOTAL |
43 |
|
|
HENRY STREET |
ARDNACRUSHA |
3 |
|
CASTLECONNELL |
4 |
|
|
HENRY STREET |
241 |
|
|
MAYORSTONE PARK |
62 |
|
|
TOTAL |
310 |
|
|
NEWCASTLE WEST |
ABBEYFEALE |
8 |
|
ADARE |
2 |
|
|
ASKEATON |
10 |
|
|
ATHEA |
1 |
|
|
CROOM |
3 |
|
|
DRUMCOLLOGHER |
2 |
|
|
FOYNES |
1 |
|
|
NEWCASTLE WEST |
38 |
|
|
PALLASKENRY |
1 |
|
|
RATHKEALE |
10 |
|
|
TOTAL |
76 |
|
|
ROXBORO ROAD |
BALLYNEETY |
2 |
|
CAHERCONLISH |
2 |
|
|
PATRICKSWELL |
2 |
|
|
ROXBORO ROAD |
123 |
|
|
TOTAL |
129 |
|
|
LIMERICK TOTAL |
558 |
70. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the responsibilities between him and the Ministers of State at his Department; and his views on whether an additional Minister of State with responsibility for equality and law reform would be useful for his Department. [32676/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, Ministers of State are appointed by the Government, on nomination of the Taoiseach.
In accordance with the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) (No.2) Act 1977, the Government may delegate, by way of an Order, to a Minister of State any of the powers and duties of the relevant Minister of the Government under any particular Act or any particular statutory power or duty.
As you will appreciate the Department of Justice and Equality has a broad remit and my responsibilities include:
- the security of the State
- the protection of life and property
- the prevention and detection of crime
- maintaining and promoting fairness and equality
- services for the buying and selling of property
- managing inward migration to the State
- providing a Courts Service
- updating our criminal and civil laws
- developing the Insolvency Service
- various other regulatory services
Mr. David Stanton TD was recently reappointed Minister of State for Justice at the Department of Justice and Equality with special responsibility for Equality, Immigration, and Integration.
I am currently in the process of securing formal Government approval to delegate powers and duties to Minister Stanton, in line with the powers previously delegated to him under Statutory Instrument 422 of 2016 .
The role and functions of Ministers of State may of course extend beyond those powers formally delegated under statute, and Minister Stanton's responsibilities include human rights and equality (excepting disability policy) matters, matters relating to the Irish Refugee Protection Programme, reception and integration matters, various EU finding matters and matters relating to youth justice that fall under the responsibility of the Department of Justice and Equality.
Mr. Finian McGrath TD remains Minister of State attending Government and Minister of State at the Departments of Social Protection, Justice & Equality and Health with special responsibility for Disabilities.
Mr. Pat Breen TD was appointed Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise and Innovation, the Department of Employment and Social Protection, the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Justice and Equality with special responsibility for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection in June 2017, having served as Minister of State for Employment and Small Business from May 2016. Minister Breen's responsibility within my Department is in respect of Data Protection matters.
The potential nomination of any additional Ministers of State is a matter for the Taoiseach and the Government to determine; I am satisfied that the Ministers of State attached to my Department have important and appropriate responsibilities and I am looking forward to working with them to progress the priorities in the Agreed Programme for Government.
71. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí in each Garda station in County Tipperary as of 30 June 2017; and the number of new recruits assigned to the division since recruitment resumed in 2014. [32882/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis 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.
Last Thursday 6th July, 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 to 2014. This brings the number of new recruits who have attested since the College reopened to almost 1,200, with another four hundred 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 Tipperary 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 36 newly attested Gardaí have been assigned to the Tipperary Division since the College reopened.
For the Deputy's information I have set out in the table, as provided by the Commissioner, the number of Gardaí assigned to the Tipperary Division by station as of 31 May 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available.
|
- |
TIPPERARY DIVISION 31 MAY 2017 |
|
|
DISTRICT |
STATION |
TOTAL |
|
CAHIR |
ARDFINNAN |
1 |
|
BALLYPOREEN |
1 |
|
|
CAHIR |
52 |
|
|
CASHEL |
13 |
|
|
CLOGHEEN |
1 |
|
|
TOTAL: |
68 |
|
|
CLONMEL |
CARRICK-ON-SUIR |
13 |
|
CLONMEL |
55 |
|
|
FETHARD |
1 |
|
|
KILSHEELAN |
1 |
|
|
MULLINAHONE |
1 |
|
|
TOTAL: |
71 |
|
|
NENAGH |
BORRISOKANE |
2 |
|
CLOUGHJORDAN |
1 |
|
|
LORRHA |
1 |
|
|
MONEYGALL |
1 |
|
|
NENAGH |
47 |
|
|
NEWPORT |
11 |
|
|
PORTROE |
1 |
|
|
ROSCREA |
18 |
|
|
TOOMEVARA |
1 |
|
|
TOTAL: |
83 |
|
|
THURLES |
BALLINGARRY SOUTH |
1 |
|
BORRISOLEIGH |
1 |
|
|
HOLYCROSS |
1 |
|
|
KILLENAULE |
3 |
|
|
TEMPLEMORE |
23 |
|
|
TEMPLETUOHY |
1 |
|
|
THURLES |
77 |
|
|
TOTAL: |
107 |
|
|
TIPPERARY TOWN |
CAPPAWHITE |
1 |
|
GOLDEN |
1 |
|
|
TIPPERARY TOWN |
37 |
|
|
TOTAL: |
39 |
|
|
TIPPERARY TOTAL |
368 |
72. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí in each Garda station in County Meath as of 30 June 2017; and the number of new recruits assigned to the division since recruitment resumed in 2014. [32871/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis 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.
Last Thursday 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 to 2014. This brings the number of new recruits who have attested since the College reopened to almost 1,200, with another four hundred 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 Meath 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 36 newly attested Gardaí have been assigned to the Meath Division since the College reopened.
For the Deputy's information I have set out in the table, as provided by the Commissioner, the number of Gardaí assigned to the Meath Division by station as of 31 May 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available.
|
- |
MEATH DIVISION 31 MAY 2017 |
|
|
DISTRICT |
STATION |
TOTAL |
|
ASHBOURNE |
ASHBOURNE |
46 |
|
DULEEK |
5 |
|
|
DUNBOYNE |
16 |
|
|
DUNSHAUGHLIN |
23 |
|
|
LAYTOWN |
21 |
|
|
TOTAL: |
111 |
|
|
KELLS |
BAILE ÁTHA BUÍ |
5 |
|
KELLS |
33 |
|
|
OLDCASTLE |
3 |
|
|
TOTAL: |
41 |
|
|
NAVAN |
NAVAN |
90 |
|
NOBBER |
3 |
|
|
SLANE |
4 |
|
|
TOTAL: |
97 |
|
|
TRIM |
BALLIVOR |
2 |
|
ENFIELD |
3 |
|
|
LONGWOOD |
2 |
|
|
SUMMERHILL |
2 |
|
|
TRIM |
36 |
|
|
TOTAL: |
45 |
|
|
MEATH TOTAL: |
294 |
73. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí in each Garda station in County Clare as of 30 June 2017; and the number of new recruits assigned to the division since recruitment resumed in 2014. [32857/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis 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.
Last Thursday 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 four hundred 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 Clare 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 20 newly attested Gardaí have been assigned to the Clare Division since the College reopened.
For the Deputy's information I have set out in the table, as provided by the Commissioner, the number of Gardaí assigned to the Clare Division by station as of 31 May 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available.
CLARE DIVISION 31 MAY 2017
|
DISTRICT |
STATION |
TOTAL |
|
ENNIS |
CRUSHEEN |
1 |
|
ENNIS |
119 |
|
|
IMMIGRATION OFFICE |
7 |
|
|
KILLALOE |
28 |
|
|
NEWMARKET ON FERGUS |
3 |
|
|
SCARIFF |
6 |
|
|
SHANNON |
56 |
|
|
SIXMILEBRIDGE |
4 |
|
|
TULLA |
2 |
|
|
TOTAL |
226 |
|
|
KILRUSH |
BALLYVAUGHAN |
1 |
|
COROFIN |
2 |
|
|
ENNISTYMON |
26 |
|
|
KILDYSART |
1 |
|
|
KILKEE |
2 |
|
|
KILMIHIL |
1 |
|
|
KILRUSH |
40 |
|
|
LISDOONVARNA |
1 |
|
|
TOTAL |
74 |
|
|
CLARE TOTAL |
300 |
74. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on initiating an independent inquiry into the Garda investigations into the Jobstown protest case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32994/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs was mentioned by the Taoiseach in the House last week, the issues relating to the recent trial of persons involved in water-charge protests in Jobstown, including Deputy Murphy, have been considered and processed by the appropriate State authorities which are established under the Constitution and by Statute enacted by the Oireachtas. Following a Garda investigation and consideration by the DPP, the matter in question was brought to trial, and a duly constituted jury of the accused's peers gave its verdict. It appears to me that this is absolutely in keeping with our system of justice, and the separation of powers, which is designed to ensure fairness and equality before the law.
I am, of course, aware of various concerns and criticisms which have been made in some quarters about these matters. Needless to say it is clearly inappropriate for this House to engage in a critique of the decisions or conduct of independent bodies such as the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) or indeed the Courts.
In relation to the concerns which have been voiced about the role of An Garda Síochána in this case, I note that An Garda Síochána are conducting an internal review regarding the policing response and subsequent investigation into this matter. Notwithstanding this review, Deputies will be aware that there are well-established and independent structures for bringing of complaints about the conduct of Gardaí, through the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC).
It is my view that this matter has been fully aired and brought to a conclusion before the Courts, which are the ultimate arbiters of justice in this State. Therefore, I see no reason to establish any other form of inquiry into this matter.
76. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on the levels of training provided to members of An Garda Síochána in upholding persons' right to protest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33003/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for carrying on and managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána, including by arranging for the training of its members and civilian staff and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.
An Garda Síochána is committed to providing a professional, well-led and well managed policing service which is grounded in human rights principles. The importance attached to human rights compliance in policing in Ireland is highlighted by section 7 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005. This section sets out the functions of the Garda Síochána, which include providing policing and security services with the objective of protection of life and property and of vindicating the human rights of each individual.
I am informed by the Commissioner that all Gardaí recruited since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014 undertake the new 2 year training programme which leads to a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Policing and is accredited by the University of Limerick. The programme is the outcome of a comprehensive review of foundation training for entrants to An Garda Síochána and exemplifies best practice. The programme embeds human rights and ethical policing as a core programme outcome. It ensures that ethics, human rights, values and community are considered in the management of all policing situations, and it seeks to provide a continuity of learning around these issues from problem-based learning in the Garda College to work-based learning in the Garda divisions. New members of An Garda Síochána now make a declaration of the need to have regard for human rights in carrying out policing duties.
Human rights training also forms part of the training provided by the ‘Continuous Professional Development’ staff allocated to each of the Garda Divisions for serving members of An Garda Síochána.
A very significant recent development in this regard is the Code of Ethics for An Garda Síochána published by the Policing Authority last January. It defines in clear terms the principles to guide the decisions that those in policing make in everything they do. The Code has a statutory basis under the 2005 Act and was developed by the Authority and An Garda Síochána in conjunction with stakeholders. The emphasis of the Code is on what good policing looks like and how police officers and staff should behave.The Code sets out nine standards of conduct and practice for everyone in An Garda Síochána. These standards must be carried out in a manner that is independent and impartial, that respects human rights, and that supports the proper and effective administration of justice.
Of particular relevance is the standard in relation to police powers which commits all members of An Garda Síochána to respecting the human rights of all people, including the right to freedom of expression; to freedom of assembly and association; and to be free from arbitrary arrest or detention.
The Policing Plan 2017 contains a commitment by An Garda Síochána to embed this Code into the day to day thinking and actions of the organisation, through the development of a communications plan to inform and educate all Garda personnel including reserves and civilians in relation to ethical matters and to embed the Code into all training programmes. Work in this regard is currently progressing with options for the delivery of the communications plan and training programme being examined.
77. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will meet the family of a person (details supplied) regarding an inquiry into their death and the subsequent events around the Garda investigation and court proceedings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32972/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware this tragic case was considered under the Independent Review Mechanism (IRM) and the recommendation was that no further action should be taken. Counsel for the IRM pointed out that the appropriate forum for raising matters related to alleged Garda failings was the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) who were already investigating certain matters arising from the tragic death in this case, in part referred by a previous Minister for Justice and Equality.
GSOC is an independent statutory body and the manner in which they conduct their investigation is a matter for them. I am advised, however, that GSOC's report is at final draft stage and currently under review by the GSOC Commission. However, I can inform the Deputy that I am advised that GSOC's investigation is nearing completion and that GSOC have been in contact with the family about the final report of that investigation. We must now await their final determination. It must also be noted that a civil action has been initiated against the State in respect of issues raised in the complaint.
When the then Taoiseach and my predecessor met with the family last November, a commitment was given that when the GSOC investigation is completed and the final report is to hand the question of whether, and if so, what further action can be taken, will be considered. That remains the position.
The Deputy will appreciate that in the circumstances a meeting with myself at this stage would not serve any useful purpose and that it would not be appropriate for me to comment further.
78. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí in each Garda station in counties Laois and Offaly as of 30 June 2017; and the number of new recruits assigned to the division since recruitment resumed in 2014. [32844/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis 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.
Last Thursday 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 four hundred 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 Laois/Offaly 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 56 newly attested Gardaí have been assigned to the Laois/Offaly Division since the College reopened.
For the Deputy's information I have set out in the table, as provided by the Commissioner, the number of Gardaí assigned to the Laois/Offaly Division by station as of 31 May 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available.
|
- |
LAOIS / OFFALY 31 MAY 2017 |
|
|
DISTRICT |
STATION |
TOTAL |
|
BIRR |
BANAGHER |
5 |
|
BIRR |
29 |
|
|
CLOGHAN |
1 |
|
|
FERBANE |
4 |
|
|
KILCORMAC |
2 |
|
|
KINNITTY |
1 |
|
|
SHINRONE |
1 |
|
|
TOTAL |
43 |
|
|
PORTLAOISE |
ABBEYLEIX |
20 |
|
ARLES |
1 |
|
|
BALLYLINAN |
2 |
|
|
BORRIS-IN-OSSORY |
1 |
|
|
CLONASLEE |
1 |
|
|
DURROW |
1 |
|
|
MOUNTMELLICK |
5 |
|
|
MOUNTRATH |
3 |
|
|
PORTARLINGTON |
14 |
|
|
PORTLAOISE |
122 |
|
|
RATHDOWNEY |
2 |
|
|
STRADBALLY |
2 |
|
|
TOTAL |
174 |
|
|
TULLAMORE |
CLARA |
5 |
|
DAINGEAN |
2 |
|
|
EDENDERRY |
12 |
|
|
RHODE |
1 |
|
|
TULLAMORE |
77 |
|
|
TOTAL |
97 |
|
|
LAOIS / OFFALY TOTAL |
314 |
79. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the living allowance that was payable to trainee gardaí was the trainee's money or if it was public money paid from the Exchequer to fund the operation of the restaurant in Templemore College; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32675/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware the matter to which she refers is connected to the ongoing consideration by the Public Accounts Committee of the Interim Internal Audit Report concerning financial procedures in the Garda College, Templemore. As the Deputy will also be aware the Committee is expected to issue their report in the near future. The Garda Commissioner has been Accounting Officer for the Garda Vote since July 2006. Very particular responsibilities lie with Accounting Officers under the law and you will appreciate that I must be careful not to interfere either with the independent exercise of her functions as Accounting Officer by the Commissioner or the work of the Public Accounts Committee.
In relation to the living allowance, it is voted money and comes from the pay subhead in the Garda Vote. Its origins date back to the 1985 Walsh Report on Garda Recruitment and Training on foot of which the Government of the day introduced a new programme for trainee Gardaí. Under the new structure, trainee Gardaí no longer attested as members on the first day and therefore no longer received Garda salary; rather they received a personal allowance to cover their day to day expenses and a living allowance which was paid directly to the Garda College to cover their meals and accommodation while attending the College.
This payment system continues to apply to trainee Gardaí today who during Phase 1 of their training programme, which lasts 32 weeks and is based in the College, are paid a personal allowance of €184 per week with the living allowance of €77.92 per week paid directly to An Garda Síochána to cover the cost of providing meals and accommodation.
My officials in their evidence to the Committee have acknowledged that the Interim Internal Audit Report takes the view that the living allowance is public money. However, having considered the evidence given before the Committee in relation to the origins of the funding model used to finance certain activities in the Garda College, and also records identified in my Department in relation to the approval of the living allowance, legal advice has been sought from the Office of the Attorney General on the nature of the allowance: whether it was public or private funding when it was paid directly to the College. Given that the allowance is at the core of many of the issues before the Committee, clarity on this point may be of assistance in relation to the background to the development of the College funding model. My Department has suggested to the Committee that it may wish to consider the nature of the living allowance and has undertaken, if it can assist the Committee on foot of the legal advice that it has sought, that it will do so.
80. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to amend the Garda Síochána Act 2005 in order to make the Garda Commissioner accountable to the Policing Authority and to empower the authority to remove a Garda commissioner from office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32753/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the Policing Authority is an independent statutory body established on 1 January 2016 to oversee the performance of An Garda Síochána in relation to policing services, to promote public awareness of policing matters and to promote and support the continuous improvements in policing in Ireland.
The statutory basis for the Authority is the Garda Síochána (Policing Authority and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015, which amended the Garda Síochána Act 2005. The establishment of the Policing Authority represents one of the most significant developments in policing since the founding of the State.
The Authority is tasked with overseeing the performance of the Garda Commissioner in respect of the very wide remit of all policing services, while developing a key role in the future appointment of senior Garda management and civilian staff and driving reform of the policing system and practices. Since its establishment on 1 January 2016, I believe that the Policing Authority has proven to be very effective in the performance of its functions in this regard. For example in its first year of existence, the Authority has met with the Commissioner and her senior team on 13 occasions. It has approved a three-year Strategy for An Garda Síochána. It has also determined the policing priorities for 2017 which informed the content of the 2017 Policing Plan which it also approved. In addition, it has reviewed and issued recommendations on the Garda Protected Disclosure policy and has also published a Code of Ethics that includes standards of conduct and practice for Garda members.
The Deputy will also be aware that the Report of the Joint Committee on Justice and Equality on Garda Oversight and Accountability, published in December 2016, includes a number of recommendations in relation to the statutory remit of the Authority. I want to make it clear that the Government is fully supportive of the Authority having appropriate powers so that it can carry out its oversight functions in an efficient and effective manner. However, I would draw the attention of the Deputy to the provisions of section 62O of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, which requires the Authority to prepare a report on the effectiveness of the Authority and the adequacy of the functions assigned to it by the legislation. The report can contain recommendations for improving the effectiveness of the Authority and is required to be submitted to me, as Minister, within 2 years of the establishment of the Authority. There is also a requirement for the report to be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.
Thus, the legislation envisages that it would be prudent for the Authority to examine, after a reasonable period of time, whether it is adequately empowered to carry out its oversight functions. In this manner, an informed decision can be taken in due course, having due regard to the views of the Authority and, of course, the Report of the Committee, as to whether additional powers would be needed by the Authority and the nature of any such powers.
81. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí assigned to Newbridge garda station; the number that are actually working on local as distinct from national issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33004/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
The area referred to by the Deputy forms part of the Kildare Division. I have been informed by the Commissioner that the number of Gardaí assigned to this Division on the 31 May 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 329 with 21 Garda Reserves and 31 Civilians. 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 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.
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, 60 of whom were assigned to the Kildare 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 Kildare 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.
For the Deputy's information, I have set out in the table, as provided by the Commissioner, the number of Gardaí assigned to Kildare Garda Division on 31 May 2017, the latest date for which figures are currently available.
|
- |
KILDARE DIVISION 31 MAY 2017 |
|
|
DISTRICT: |
STATION: |
TOTAL |
|
KILDARE |
ATHY |
29 |
|
CASTLEDERMOT |
4 |
|
|
KILDARE |
36 |
|
|
MONASTEREVIN |
5 |
|
|
NEWBRIDGE |
42 |
|
|
RATHANGAN |
3 |
|
|
TOTAL: |
119 |
|
|
LEIXLIP |
CARBURY |
7 |
|
CELBRIDGE |
11 |
|
|
KILCOCK |
9 |
|
|
LEIXLIP |
55 |
|
|
MAYNOOTH |
13 |
|
|
TOTAL: |
95 |
|
|
NAAS |
CLANE |
7 |
|
KILCULLEN |
2 |
|
|
NAAS |
104 |
|
|
ROBERTSTOWN |
2 |
|
|
TOTAL: |
115 |
|
|
KILDARE TOTAL: |
329 |
