Written Answers Nos. 82-107
82. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his officials have been liaising with officials in the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport on the number and cost of road traffic collisions involving gardaí, including those driving on chief's permission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29955/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile the specific matter raised by the Deputy has not featured in recent discussions, there are a number of fora in which my Department and I liaise with officials in the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport on road safety matters.
I will attend the fourth Ministerial Committee on Road Safety of 2017 with Minister Ross on 24 July, along with the Road Safety Authority, An Garda Síochána, the Attorney General and other agencies. The Committee generally meets twice a the year; however, in light of the 2016 increase in road fatalities, the Committee has already met on three occasions in 2017. The purpose of these meetings is to bring together all stakeholders to see what actions can be taken to reduce the number of road fatalities and collisions, which reached a historic low in both 2012 and 2015 but which increased again last year. The Committee also provides an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss and put forward orientations, in addition to giving feedback to other stakeholders on relevant road safety issues, and to assist in refining road safety policies and programmes.
In addition, my Department jointly chairs the Criminal Justice (Fixed Charge Processing System (FCPS)) Working Group with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. The Working Group is charged with overseeing and facilitating the recommendations of the Garda Síochána Inspectorate's report on ‘The Fixed Charge Processing System – A 21st Century Strategy’ (February 2014) and the multi-agency dimension of the Group provides opportunities for discussion on a wide range of issues.
As well as the Groups detailed above, my Department is represented on a number of groups on which the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport is also represented such as the Cost of Insurance Working Group including its associated sub groups, the Third Payment Option Steering Group and the Mutual Recognition of Penalty Points (MRPP) Working Group.
83. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on concerns raised regarding the terms of reference of statutory inquires established as a result of recommendations of the independent review mechanism and the need to establish further inquiries in other cases. [32692/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy is aware that the outcome of the Independent Review Mechanism (IRM) included recommendations in 5 cases for the setting up of inquiries to examine issues raised in those cases. My predecessor accepted those recommendations.
On 15th May 2017, following consultation with the Office of the Attorney General and with the Policing Authority, Orders were made establishing five inquiries under section 42 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 as amended. The terms of reference are in accordance with the recommendations and the provisions of section 42. In each case, the Order set out the issue to be inquired into, the terms of reference for the inquiry and the name of the person appointed to carry it out. It was decided that the inquiries should be conducted by retired members of the judiciary. Accordingly, five retired judges were appointed to conduct these inquiries. The inquiries have now commenced and suitable accommodation has been acquired for them. I expect that the persons appointed will be in contact with the complainants shortly.
I know that the Deputy will understand that it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on matters which are now the subject of these statutory inquiries.
With regard to the last part of the Deputy's question, the outcome of the IRM process included recommendations in five cases for the setting up of inquiries. Those recommendations were accepted, as, indeed, were the recommendations in the other IRM cases and where those recommendations included some form of follow up action by the Minister, those follow up actions have been carried out.
84. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to allegations by a whistleblower regarding political interference in the investigation into the disappearance of a person (details supplied) 40 years ago in County Donegal; his plans to commission a public inquiry into the person's disappearance and the subsequent Garda investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32968/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the Garda Commissioner requested the Serious Crime Review Team (SCRT) to examine the case in question, as a matter of priority, ensuring that all avenues of enquiry are fully explored and addressed. The Deputy will appreciate that the management of particular Garda investigations are matters in the first instance for the Garda authorities and I have no direct role in this regard. In this context it is not open to me to set a particular timeline for the work which the SCRT is undertaking.
However, I am advised by the Garda authorities that, as part of its work, the SCRT is reviewing the information collected by An Garda Síochána in relation to the case over the last 40 years and has interviewed a number of persons and examined and surveyed a number of places. I am further advised that at the conclusion of each review undertaken by the SCRT, a substantive report is provided to assist in the consideration of opportunities for further investigation.
I have asked the Garda authorities to provide me with a further update on the case when the outcome of the work being undertaken by the SCRT has been considered.
85. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the details of the rights of Irish and UK citizens to date in 2017, by country, further to recent statements on reciprocity of rights; and if it is the Government's position to maintain all of these rights. [30851/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Common Travel Area has been in existence since Irish independence and has its origin in the close historic relationship between Ireland and the UK. While not addressed in a discrete piece of legislation, or one formal agreement, both jurisdictions have made administrative and legal provisions over many years as necessary to give effect to its operation. Of particular note insofar as my Department's role is concerned are long-standing provisions in Irish law whereby UK nationals are not treated as 'aliens' or 'non-nationals' for the purposes of immigration law (most recently provided for in the Immigration Act 1999 and the Aliens (Amendment (no. 2) Order 1999), and as such require no special permission to enter or reside in the State.
Also of note are the provisions both jurisdictions made following Ireland's exit from the Commonwealth in 1948 which facilitated the continued enjoyment of reciprocal rights and privileges for citizens of both jurisdictions. These citizens' rights include the ability of Irish and British citizens to live, work, study, access health, housing welfare, pensions and social welfare supports in each other's country, as well as certain voting rights. The specific details of such arrangements are matters for my colleagues across Government, or the UK government as applicable.
Both the Irish and UK Governments have been very clear that the retention of the Common Travel Area and its associated reciprocal rights is a priority following the departure of the UK from the EU. Analysis by the Irish authorities has not identified any obvious legal barrier to the Common Travel Area being maintained bilaterally in a manner consistent with Ireland's EU obligations.
The Article 50 Negotiating Directives include welcome provisions along these lines and the Common Travel Area is specifically referenced as follows "Existing bilateral agreements and arrangements between Ireland and the UK, such as the Common Travel Area, which are in conformity with EU law, should be recognised".
Ireland will continue to fully uphold our EU obligations. Ireland will also advocate in the Article 50 negotiations for a strong and united EU position on safeguarding the rights of EU nationals and their family members.
86. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to introduce legislation to allow those seeking international protection the right to work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32685/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraClearly, the Supreme Court judgment in N.V.H. v. The Minister for Justice and Equality is an important judgment, and its full implications are being examined carefully. The Court itself recognises the complexities around this issue in that it acknowledges the Executive function in not only controlling who should enter the State but also to regulate the activities of non-citizens while in the State and has had to consider the distinctions of rights between citizens and non-citizens in the context of Article 40.1 of the Constitution. It has concluded that in an international protection system with no temporal limit on the decision making process, an absolute prohibition on the right to work is contrary to the right to seek employment under the Constitution. The Court recognises that this is a matter for the Executive and Legislature to consider and accordingly has adjourned consideration of the Order the Court should make for a period of six months. The State will make submissions to the Court in relation to the format of the order the Court is to make at the appropriate time. In the interim, the legal status as regards access to the labour market for international protection applicants remains unchanged, as set out in Section 16(3)(b) of the International Protection Act 2015.
One of the principal aims of the International Protection Act 2015, which was commenced at the end of last year, is to process cases as quickly as possible so that in due course as cases on hand are cleared, persons in need of international protection are granted status quickly, thereby giving them an automatic right to work. In many EU Member States, the right to work is not an unfettered right, often arising after a particular period of time - usually 9 months to a year - and in many instances may be limited to particular job categories the withdrawal of other financial supports, etc. All of these matters require careful consideration as to their impact and to reflect the existing requirements placed on those who come to Ireland as lawful economic migrants.
The judgment has significant legal, economic, policy and operational considerations, many of which impact across a range of Government Departments and services. For this reason, a whole of Government approach has been adopted to examine the implications of the judgment and to propose appropriate solutions as quickly as possible. Following the approval of Government, I am establishing an inter-Departmental Taskforce with immediate effect to undertake this important work.
87. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will meet with the representatives of a family (details supplied) regarding a request by them for an inquiry into the death of a person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32971/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra101. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to commission an inquiry into the murder of a person (details supplied) in 1970 to deal with unanswered questions with regard both the death of the person and the subsequent investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32967/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 87 and 101 together.
I sympathise with the family of the victim in the case to which the Deputy refers. This was a brutal killing carried out in the course of a bank robbery; indeed, the crime was an attack on the State itself.
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the Garda Serious Crime Review Team carried out a full review of this case. That review process involved a thorough examination of all available material and of the original Garda investigation into the circumstances surrounding the murder. The review also sought to identify any new or additional investigative opportunities and/or any other sources of information which may have come to light in the years since the original investigation. I am aware that family members of the victim have met and corresponded with the Serious Crime Review Team on several occasions in the course of its work on this case.
I am informed that the findings of the Serious Crime Review Team indicate that the murder was comprehensively investigated at the time and that no new evidence that might open further avenues of investigation has been presented. However, the investigators will follow up fully on any new or previously undisclosed information that might advance the investigation.
A number of persons faced prosecution in respect of this crime but none was convicted. Even at this remove in time, I urge anyone with any information that could advance the investigation to bring it immediately to the attention of An Garda Síochána.
The Deputy will wish to be aware that I am in ongoing correspondence with a family member in respect of issues raised with regard to the case and the request for an inquiry, and I will be in further correspondence directly with that family member in this matter in the near future.
88. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí assigned to Ballymahon Garda station, County Longford; the way in which this compares to the number that are active in the Edgeworthstown area in view of the contrasting levels of headline crimes and burglaries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32688/17]
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.
At Divisional level it is a matter for the Divisional Officer to determine how best to allocate personnel, so as to ensure the delivery of an effective policing service. Where a deficiency in resources is identified the matter is considered fully and addressed accordingly. As you will appreciate, in order to deliver an effective policing service, it is essential that Garda management have the flexibility to deploy Garda resources to meet operational policing needs and address critical issues as they arise. For this reason, the number of Garda available in any one Garda Station on a particular day is subject to the operational requirements of the overall Division.
Edgeworthstown Garda Station and Ballymahon Garda Station both form part of the Roscommon/Longford 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 303, of which 11 and 10 members were assigned to Edgeworthstown Station and Ballymahon Station respectively. There are also 9 Garda Reserves and 28 Civilians attached to the Roscommon/Longford Division. When appropriate, the work of local Gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.The Divisional Drugs Unit and Traffic Corp also carry out patrols in the areas referred to.
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, 5 of whom were assigned to the Roscommon/Longford Division. 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 the organisation, including the Roscommon/Longford 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.
89. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the Council of Europe’s anti-corruption body, GRECO’s report stating that Ireland had fully implemented just three of 11 recommendations included in a 2014 evaluation report; the reason the other recommendations have not been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32686/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 29 June 2017, GRECO, the Council of Europe Anti-Corruption Body published a Report on Ireland's level of compliance with the fourth Round of Mutual Evaluations theme "Corruption Prevention in respect of members of parliament, judges and prosecutors". Ireland had been evaluated in 2014 and received 11 recommendations. The compliance report which was adopted in March 2017 was disappointing and Ireland was found to have only satisfactorily implemented 3 out of 11 recommendations.
GRECO was satisfied that Ireland had implemented the one recommendation in relation to prosecutors. In relation to members of parliament, GRECO found that Ireland was partly compliant and the enactment of the Public Sector Standards Bill will ensure a much higher level of compliance going forward. My colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform is progressing this Bill through the legislative process currently. In relation to the judiciary, Ireland was deemed to have implemented none of the five recommendations. Since this report was adopted, however, the Government has published both the Judicial Council Bill and the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill, and the enactment of these two Bills will substantially address these recommendations.
Ireland had been asked to report again to the Council of Europe by 31 March 2018 on the outstanding recommendations and I am committed to achieving a significantly better result next time around. With that in mind, I have established a senior officials compliance committee to work through the various recommendations and to ensure that progress continues to be made on implementing both legislative and administrative recommendations.
Very soon, I will also be publishing a Criminal Justice (Corruption Offences) Bill, which will repeal and replace the seven previous Prevention of Corruption Acts 1889 to 2010 and will introduce some additional offences. The Bill will clarify the liability of corporate bodies for corruption offences. It will extend the range of penalties available to a court when a person is convicted to include forfeiture of public office in certain circumstances. The Bill will make renewed provision for the main requirements of a number of international anti-corruption instruments which Ireland has already ratified, and it will provide for recommendations made in the course of evaluations of Ireland by the various European and International Bodies, including GRECO.
90. Deputy Josepha Madigan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps he is taking to shorten delays in family courts (details supplied); and if he will provide statistics regarding the delays being experienced in each of the courts and the next available hearing dates for same. [32689/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service which is independent in exercising its functions, which include the provision of information on the courts system.
However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that emergency applications such as protection orders and interim barring orders are prioritised. Such applications are usually granted, where the Court so decides, on the date the application is made to the Court. Therefore, there are no delays in dealing with these applications.
The Courts Service has also informed me that delays in the hearing of cases can occur for a number of reasons, many of which are outside the control of the Courts and the Courts Service, for example, the unavailability of a witness or vital evidence, delays in the furnishing of reports or because the parties and/or legal practitioners are not ready to proceed on allocated dates. This gives rise to adjournments which can have a major impact on the time taken to complete the hearing of a case and on the number of cases which can be disposed of in a court sitting.
The Deputy will be aware of the range of new legislation in the family law area introduced by the Government in 2015 and 2016 and further legislative initiatives are planned. These developments required the Courts Service to provide additional courts facilities, particularly in Dublin, for the hearing of family law and childcare applications. Overall the number of courtrooms dedicated to District Court family law in Dublin increased from 5 to 7 since October 2016 with a consequential positive impact on waiting times.
My Department is currently working on a number of legislative initiatives in the family law area. The purpose of the Domestic Violence Bill 2017 is to consolidate and reform the law on domestic violence to provide better protection for victims. The Bill is a key element of the Second National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence and will assist in enabling Ireland to ratify the Council of Europe’s Convention on Combating Domestic Violence and Gender-based Violence (the Istanbul Convention). The Bill is currently at Committee Stage in the Seanad.
The Government is committed to significant reform of the courts, including the establishment of a family law court structure that is streamlined, more efficient, and less costly. My Department is working on the General Scheme of a Family Court Bill which will aim to streamline family law court processes, clarify jurisdictional issues and provide for a set of guiding principles to help ensure that the Family Court will operate in a user-friendly and efficient manner. The intention is to establish a dedicated Family Court within the existing court structures. The Family Court Bill will support the proposals in the Mediation Bill 2017 by encouraging greater use of alternative dispute resolution to assist in more timely resolution of family law cases.
The Department is currently engaged in further consultation with relevant stakeholders in relation to the operational aspects of a new Family Court structure. It is hoped to secure Government's approval for the General Scheme of a Family Court Bill in the coming months. Once the General Scheme has been approved by Government, it will be referred to the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel for drafting and will be subject to the usual pre-legislative scrutiny by the relevant Oireachtas Committee. While it is not possible at this time to indicate when the Bill will be published, it is intended that the General Scheme will be published later this year following its approval by Government.
The Courts Service has advised that waiting times in family law actions in the High Court are heard within 3 months while waiting times the Circuit Court and District Court are listed in the table, noting that waiting times for family law hearings in the District Court and Circuit Court are collated on a Court office basis rather than on an individual court basis.
Circuit Court Family Law - Waiting Times in months - June 2017
|
Office |
Family Law |
Family Law |
Family Law |
|
Contested |
Non-contested |
Appeals |
|
|
Carlow |
Next sitting |
Next sitting |
Next sitting |
|
Carrick on Shannon |
6 |
Next sitting |
Next sitting |
|
Castlebar |
Next sitting |
Next sitting |
Next sitting |
|
Cavan |
6 |
Next sitting |
Next sitting |
|
Clonmel |
Next sitting |
Next sitting |
Next sitting |
|
Cork |
6-9 |
Next sitting |
Next sitting |
|
Dublin |
3-5* |
2 weeks |
2 |
|
Dundalk |
6-12 |
Next sitting |
6-12 |
|
Ennis |
6 |
Next sitting |
6 |
|
Galway |
Next sitting |
Next sitting |
Next sitting |
|
Kilkenny |
6 |
Next sitting |
Next sitting |
|
Letterkenny |
6-9 |
Next sitting |
6-9 |
|
Limerick |
Next sitting |
Next sitting |
3-6 |
|
Longford |
Next sitting |
Next sitting |
Next sitting |
|
Monaghan |
Next sitting |
Next sitting |
Next sitting |
|
Mullingar |
6 |
Next sitting |
Next sitting |
|
Naas |
6 |
Next sitting |
6 |
|
Portlaoise |
Next sitting |
Next sitting |
Next sitting |
|
Roscommon |
Next sitting |
Next sitting |
Next sitting |
|
Sligo |
Next sitting |
Next sitting |
Next sitting |
|
Tralee |
Next sitting |
Next sitting |
Next sitting |
|
Trim |
6-9 |
Next sitting |
3-6 |
|
Tullamore |
6 |
Next sitting |
Next sitting |
|
Waterford |
3-6 |
Next sitting |
Next sitting |
|
Wexford |
6-12 |
Next sitting |
3-6 |
|
Wicklow |
6-9 |
3-6 |
6 |
|
* 3 months for a guaranteed priority hearing, 5 months for a possible hearing (if priority case settles or does not proceed) |
|||
District Court Family Law - Waiting Times in weeks - June 2017
|
Family Law |
Family Law |
|
|
Office |
Domestic Violence Applications (1) |
Maintenance/ Guardianship Applications (2) |
|
Athlone |
Next sitting |
Next sitting |
|
Ballina |
Next sitting |
Next sitting |
|
Bray |
1-3 |
3-6 |
|
Carlow |
12 |
12 |
|
Carrick on Shannon |
Next sitting |
Next sitting |
|
Castlebar |
Next sitting |
6 |
|
Cavan |
Next sitting |
10-12 |
|
Clonakilty |
2-4 |
2-4 |
|
Clonmel |
2-5 |
4-12 |
|
Cork |
12 |
12 |
|
Donegal |
Next sitting |
Next sitting |
|
Dublin |
5 |
5 |
|
Dundalk |
Next sitting |
3-4 |
|
Ennis |
Next sitting |
4 |
|
Galway |
4 |
4-8 |
|
Kilkenny |
2-4 |
4-8 |
|
Letterkenny |
Next sitting |
13 |
|
Limerick |
9 |
10 |
|
Longford |
1 |
4 |
|
Loughrea |
Next sitting |
4 |
|
Mallow |
Next sitting |
Next sitting |
|
Monaghan |
Next sitting |
Next sitting |
|
Mullingar |
Next sitting |
4 |
|
Naas |
2-4 |
12-14 |
|
Nenagh |
2-4 |
11 |
|
Portlaoise |
Next sitting |
8-10 |
|
Roscommon |
Next sitting |
Next sitting |
|
Sligo |
Next sitting |
Next sitting |
|
Tralee |
4 |
4 |
|
Trim |
6-9 |
6-9 |
|
Tullamore |
Next sitting |
12 |
|
Waterford |
8 |
12 |
|
Wexford |
Next sitting |
6-8 |
|
Youghal |
Next sitting |
Next sitting |
(1) Time in weeks from receipt of application to listing for hearing in domestic violence matters.
(2) Time in weeks from receipt of application to listing for hearing for other family law applications.
91. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has satisfied himself that sufficient resources are available to meet the needs of the policing of County Meath. [32673/17]
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 Meath Division. I have been informed that the number of Gardaí assigned to the Meath Division on the 31 May 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 294 with 17 Garda Reserves and 27 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, 36 of whom were assigned to the Meath Division. 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, 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.
92. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 will come into force; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32683/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 provides a modern statutory framework to support decision-making by adults with capacity difficulties. The Act was signed into law on 30 December 2015.
New administrative processes and support measures, including the setting up of the Decision Support Service within the Mental Health Commission, must be put in place before the substantive provisions of the Act can be commenced. A high-level Steering Group comprised of senior officials from the Department of Justice and Equality, the Department of Health, the Mental Health Commission and the Courts Service is overseeing the establishment and commissioning of the Decision Support Service (DSS) and this work is ongoing.
The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 (Commencement of Certain Provisions) Order 2016 (S.I. No. 515 of 2016), brought some provisions of Part 1 (Preliminary and General) and Part 9 (Director of the Decision Support Service) of the Act into operation on 17 October 2016. These provisions were brought into operation in order to progress the setting up of the Decision Support Service and to enable the process of recruitment of the Director of the DSS to begin. The recruitment and appointment of the Director of the DSS, and the appointment of DSS staff, is a matter for the Mental Health Commission (a body under the Department of Health) with the approval of the Minister for Health.
It is intended that the key preparations will be put in place during the remainder of this year under the oversight of the Steering Group to allow for commencement orders for the remaining provisions of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 to be made when the Decision Support Service is ready to roll out the new decision-making support options. It is not possible at the moment to provide an exact timeline for the finalisation of these commencement orders, not least because we will need to have the Director of the DSS in place to fully ascertain the timeline. The post of Director was advertised by the Public Appointments Service on 7 April and it is expected that the Director will be in place during the summer.
93. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the action being taken to address the latest concerns with regard to the recording of crime data by An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32892/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the Central Statistics Office (CSO) has postponed the release of the latest Quarterly Recorded Crime Statistics, which had been due for publication on 28 June 2017. I am advised that this postponement arose because the ongoing Garda review in relation to the classification of homicide incidents is not yet complete. Therefore, it was not possible for the CSO to conduct its normal data verification process in advance of the publication of new crime statistics.
At the public meeting held with the Policing Authority on 29 June 2017 the Garda authorities indicated that there are two main aspects to the ongoing review of homicide data. The first issue under review is a consideration of how certain homicides which may have resulted from assault incidents were classified on the PULSE system. The other issue under examination relates to apparent data entry errors connected with homicides arising from offences classified as dangerous driving causing death. I am advised that, following queries raised by the CSO, An Garda Síochána have reviewed the classification of in the region of 1,400 incidents, covering the period from 2003 to 2017. I understand that the Garda authorities have now provided a revised data set to the CSO in relation to the classification of these incidents.
The Deputy will appreciate that a decision on the resumption of the publication of crime statistics is a matter for the CSO, which is the independent national statistics authority. I am advised that the Garda authorities are in continuing contact with the CSO in relation to these matters, and I expect to receive further updates on this work as it progresses.
We must bear in mind that issues with the consistent recording of crime data are not unique to this jurisdiction. The CSO has already carried out two detailed reviews of crime data quality, in 2015 and 2016, and I understand that further general reviews of crime data quality are planned. The CSO’s work provides an important measure of re-assurance to support ongoing work to enhance the quality of the official crime statistics.
In addition to the valuable work of the CSO, these matters are being kept under close scrutiny by the Policing Authority. Given the Authority’s important oversight role, I am sure the Deputy will agree that it is entirely appropriate that such issues are the subject of careful examination and inquiry by the Authority.
94. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to retain and properly resource the Garda Technical Bureau as a stand-alone dedicated crime investigation unit (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32690/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Garda Síochána Inspectorate Report on the management and structures in An Garda Síochána entitled 'Changing Policing in Ireland' was published in December 2015. One of the recommendations in the Report is that the forensic functions of the Garda Technical Bureau be divested to Forensic Science Ireland. The Deputy will be aware that the Government approved a five-year Reform and High-Level Workforce Plan for An Garda Síochána in July 2016. The Plan is aimed at implementing the agreed recommendations in 'Changing Policing in Ireland' including the recommendation in relation to the merging of the functions of FSI and the Technical Bureau, and at increasing the number of Gardaí and Reserves to 15,000 and 4,000 respectively, as well as doubling the number of civilians to 4,000 by 2021.
In that context, I am pleased to inform the Deputy that a Working Group has been established with senior members of staff in both FSI and the Technical Bureau, and chaired by my Department, to prepare a plan to merge the functions of both organisations and oversee its implementation. The Working Group expects to report by the end of this year and the report will be implemented over the next two years with the intention that the new merged body will take up residence in the new FSI premises in Backweston, Co. Kildare, in late 2019.
The criminal justice system in the State has been served by FSI and the Technical Bureau to a very high standard over the years and the close and strong working relationship between An Garda Síochána and FSI is well recognised and valued on both sides. As the plan for the merger progresses, it will be an absolute priority of the Working Group that the quality standards that have been achieved by both bodies in recent years are maintained and that the new merged body will attain the same certification. In the meantime, additional staff are being recruited to both bodies to ensure that both they and the new merged body have the resources they need to provide a quality service.
95. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when she plans to ratify the UNCRPD; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27657/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2007 and since then, successive Governments have emphasised Ireland’s strong commitment to proceed to ratification as quickly as possible, taking into account the need to ensure all necessary legislative and administrative requirements under the Convention are met.
It is essential that the State is in a position to meet the obligations that it assumes under the terms of an international agreement from the moment of its entry into force for Ireland. Before the State can ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, enactment of new legislation and amendment of existing legislation is required to ensure obligations will be met upon entry into force for Ireland. Ratification of a Convention before we have amended domestic legislation that contradicts it makes no sense and does nothing to ensure compliance or to protect the people for whose benefit the Convention exists. The previous Government published a Roadmap in October 2015, which sets out the legislative measures needed to meet those requirements, along with declarations and reservations to be entered by Ireland on ratification.
Considerable progress has already been made to overcome the remaining legislative barriers to Ireland's ratification of the Convention. The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 was signed into law on 30 December 2015 and is a comprehensive reform of the law on decision-making capacity. The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 has reformed Section 5 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 1993 to facilitate the full participation in family life of persons with intellectual disabilities and the full expression of their human rights.
The Disability (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2016 was published immediately prior to Christmas and completed Second Stage in February 2017. The primary purpose of the Bill is to address the remaining legislative barriers to Ireland’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). Work is ongoing on all the other issues set out in the previous Government’s Roadmap for Ratification published in October 2015 and these will be progressed as Committee Stage amendments. The Bill will be progressed to enactment at the earliest possible date by the end of this year to facilitate ratification of the UN Convention immediately thereafter.
The precise timing of ratification now depends on how long it will take for this Bill to progress through the enactment process and on issues in relation to commencement both of deprivation of liberty provisions, which will be included in the Bill at Committee Stage, and of the Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act 2015.
The major issue at this stage is in relation to deprivation of liberty – in the case of persons in nursing homes for example, whose capacity to consent may be in doubt. This is a sensitive and important issue and we must get it right. Unfortunately, it is taking longer than expected to develop a proposal that is constitutionally sound and operationally effective and reasonable. The Department of Justice and Equality continues to engage with the Department of Health to assist with that work, but there is still some work to be done.
While Ireland’s not having ratified the CRPD is a recurring point of criticism by the UN as well as by domestic civil society and NGOs, it should be noted that in terms of quality of service and the actual position of people with disabilities in society, Ireland is in many respects in advance of other EU states. This is not to be complacent and we are continuing to take practical measures to improve the lives of people with disabilities. The Report of the Make Work Pay Group was published in recent weeks and already action, as announced by Minister Harris has been taken on its recommendations. We have a Comprehensive Employment Strategy in place and 2017 will see positive action measures being taken to support public sector recruitment of people with disabilities. And very shortly, Government will consider the draft of the new Disability Inclusion Strategy, which I expect to see published in the coming weeks. It will contain a wide range of practical commitments to improve the position of people with disabilities.
I would like to take this opportunity to assure the Deputy that ratification of the UNCRPD remains a very high priority for me as Minister.
96. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of personnel working within a unit (details supplied); the towns they are based in; the operations that are active; the number of successes they have had to date in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32679/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Commissioner that Garda Drug Unit personnel are assigned on a Divisional basis and that the Garda Districts referred to by the Deputy is part of the Cavan/Monaghan Garda Division. The number of Gardaí assigned to the Cavan/Monaghan Garda Division on the 31 May 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 322, 5 of whom are assigned to the Divisional Drugs Unit. There are also 12 reserves and 37 civilians attached to the Division.
I am further advised that the Divisional Officer of the Cavan/Monaghan Division commenced a review of drugs offences in the Division. The findings of this evaluation will assist in determining the appropriate Garda strategies and policing plans to disrupt, dismantle and target drug related criminality in the Division. Taking into consideration crime trends and other policing needs, including the allocation of additional resources, this information will inform local Garda management in ensuring the best possible Garda service is provided to the location communities.
During 2016 there were 35 persons arrested in the Cavan/Monaghan Garda Division in connection with 33 seizures of drugs. The locations were in Co. Cavan (Arva, Bailieboro, Ballinagh, Ballyjamesduff, Belturbet, Cavan Town, Cloverhill and Virginia) and Co. Monaghan (Castleblayney, Clones, Monaghan Town and Newbliss). The information in relation to 2017 is not yet to hand and I have requested a further report from the Gardaí. I will forward the details to the Deputy as soon as I receive them.
97. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the direct provision centres that are State and privately run by county, in tabular form; the cost of each State run centre in 2016; the projected cost of same in 2017; the cost to the State of each privately run centre in 2016; the projected cost of same in 2017; the number of residents in each centre on 30 June 2017 or the latest date available; the number of persons in each direct provision centre for one year or less, one year to two years, two to three years, three to four years, four to five years and more than five years; the corresponding figure for the same date in 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33005/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll centres, whether State-owned or privately owned are operated by commercial companies.
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to details of centre location, contractor and occupancy is set out in the table:
Contractors for Accommodation Centres
|
COUNTY |
CENTRE |
ADDRESS |
CONTRACTOR |
State or privately owned |
|
Clare |
Knockalisheen |
Meelick |
Campbell Catering Ltd t/a Aramark Ireland |
State |
|
Cork |
Ashbourne Hse |
Glounthaune |
Barlow Properties |
Private |
|
Kinsale Road |
Cork City |
Campbell Catering Ltd t/a Aramark Ireland |
State |
|
|
Glenvera |
Wellington Road |
Bideau Ltd |
Private |
|
|
Millstreet |
Millstreet |
Millstreet Equestrian Services |
Private |
|
|
Clonakilty Lodge |
Clonakilty, Co. Cork |
D and A Ltd |
Private |
|
|
Dublin |
The Towers |
The Ninth Lock, Clondalkin, |
Fazyard Ltd |
Private |
|
Georgian Court |
77-79 Lower Gardiner St. |
Old George Ltd |
Private |
|
|
Staircase |
21 Aungier Street |
Mo Bhaile Ltd |
Private |
|
|
Hatch Hall |
28 Lower Hatch Street |
East Coast Catering (Ireland) |
Private |
|
|
Balseskin |
St. Margarets, Finglas, Dublin 11 |
East Coast Catering (Ireland) |
Private |
|
|
Watergate House |
11-14 Usher's Quay, Dublin 8 |
Maison Builders Ltd |
Private |
|
|
Galway |
Eglinton |
The Proms, Salthill |
Maplestar Ltd |
Private |
|
Great Western House |
Eyre Square |
Shaun Hennelly |
Private |
|
|
Kerry |
Atlas House (Killarney) |
Killarney |
OFM Limited |
State |
|
Atlas House (Tralee) |
Tralee |
OFM Limited |
State |
|
|
Johnston Marina |
Tralee |
OFM Limited |
State |
|
|
Park Lodge |
Killarney |
OFM Limited |
State |
|
|
Kildare |
Eyrepowell |
Newbridge |
Peachport Ltd |
Private |
|
Laois |
Montague |
Emo, Portlaoise |
Fazyard Ltd |
Private |
|
Limerick |
Hanratty's |
Glentworth Street, Limerick |
Birch Rentals Ltd |
Private |
|
Westbourne |
Dock Road |
Westbourne Holiday Hostel Ltd |
Private |
|
|
Mount Trenchard |
Foynes, Co. Limerick |
Baycaster Ltd |
Private |
|
|
Longford |
Richmond Court |
Richmond Street, Longford |
Mint Horizon Ltd |
Private |
|
Louth |
Carroll Village |
Dundalk |
East Coast Catering (Ireland) |
Private |
|
Mayo |
The Old Convent |
Ballyhaunis |
Bridgestock |
Private |
|
Meath |
Mosney |
Mosney |
Mosney PLC |
Private |
|
Monaghan |
St. Patricks |
Monaghan |
Tattonward Ltd |
Private |
|
Sligo |
Globe House |
Chapel Hill |
Bridgestock |
Private |
|
Waterford |
Atlantic House |
Tramore, Co. Waterford |
Atlantic Blue Ltd |
Private |
|
Ocean View |
Tramore, Co. Waterford |
Ocean View Accommodation Ltd |
Private |
|
|
Birchwood |
Ballytruckle Road |
Stompool Investments Ltd |
Private |
|
|
Viking House |
Coffee House Lane |
Millstreet Equestrian Services |
Private |
|
|
Westmeath |
Athlone |
Athlone |
Campbell Catering Ltd t/a Aramark Ireland |
State |
Extensive and detailed information on the amount paid by my Department to each company contracted to provide direct provision accommodation every year up to and including 2014 can be found on the RIA website www.ria.gov.ie under the 'Contract Values' section of the website. This is in accordance with the Reception & Integration Agency's policy on disclosure of financial information which was agreed with the Office of the Information Commissioner. The Deputy will appreciate that it is not appropriate to provide values for current contracts entered into by my Department. Negotiations take place with a number of commercial entities on an ongoing basis with a clear focus on achieving the best value for money in respect of each contract. It is not in the interests of yielding best value for the taxpayer that details of current individual contracts are made available to other commercial bodies who are, or may be in the future, engaged in these negotiations.
Details of the duration of stay of residents as of July 2017 in each accommodation centre and the comparative figure from May 2016 are listed in the following table. It should be noted that since May 2016, 3 direct provision accommodation centres (one each in Dublin, Carrick-on-Suir and Limerick) have been closed.
|
Duration of Stay |
Up to 1 year July 2017 |
Up to 1 year May 2016 |
1 - 2 years July 2017 |
1-2 years May 2016 |
2-3 years July 2017 |
2-3 Years May 2016 |
3-4 Years July 2017 |
3-4 Years May 2016 |
4-5 Years July 2017 |
4-5 Years May 2016 |
5 years + July 2017 |
5 Years + May 2016 |
Total July 2017 |
Total May 2016 |
|
Ashbourne House, Cork |
27 |
35 |
29 |
11 |
8 |
7 |
3 |
7 |
3 |
6 |
5 |
10 |
75 |
76 |
|
Athlone Accommodation Centre, Westmeath |
67 |
142 |
96 |
62 |
42 |
13 |
8 |
4 |
1 |
8 |
18 |
22 |
232 |
251 |
|
Atlantic House, Waterford |
33 |
64 |
27 |
9 |
19 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
81 |
75 |
|
Atlas House, Killarney, Kerry |
18 |
39 |
24 |
8 |
12 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
2 |
5 |
4 |
68 |
62 |
|
Atlas House, Tralee, Kerry |
38 |
47 |
21 |
30 |
16 |
16 |
13 |
4 |
1 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
91 |
102 |
|
Baleseskin Centre, Dublin |
250 |
162 |
11 |
4 |
4 |
8 |
7 |
4 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
278 |
183 |
|
Birchwood House, Waterford |
50 |
35 |
35 |
23 |
13 |
6 |
2 |
15 |
7 |
3 |
8 |
27 |
115 |
109 |
|
Carroll Village, Louth |
0 |
2 |
2 |
6 |
6 |
4 |
7 |
10 |
12 |
6 |
29 |
41 |
56 |
69 |
|
Clonakilty Lodge, cork |
32 |
41 |
32 |
8 |
7 |
13 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
3 |
6 |
15 |
83 |
83 |
|
Clondalkin Towers Centre, Dublin |
29 |
34 |
38 |
50 |
47 |
24 |
28 |
10 |
6 |
14 |
61 |
68 |
209 |
200 |
|
Eglington Hotel, Galway |
51 |
64 |
47 |
58 |
47 |
12 |
5 |
6 |
4 |
10 |
6 |
53 |
160 |
203 |
|
Eyrepowell Hotel, Kildare |
32 |
17 |
22 |
11 |
11 |
11 |
7 |
3 |
2 |
7 |
12 |
11 |
86 |
60 |
|
Georgian Court, Dublin |
18 |
7 |
10 |
19 |
18 |
5 |
2 |
11 |
2 |
6 |
9 |
14 |
59 |
62 |
|
Glenvera Hotel, Cork |
34 |
31 |
19 |
17 |
18 |
8 |
10 |
10 |
8 |
13 |
15 |
28 |
104 |
107 |
|
Globe House, Sligo |
92 |
59 |
30 |
29 |
24 |
30 |
13 |
11 |
6 |
16 |
8 |
38 |
173 |
183 |
|
Great Western House, Galway |
58 |
55 |
33 |
23 |
24 |
10 |
7 |
5 |
2 |
9 |
13 |
44 |
137 |
146 |
|
Hanratty Hotel, Limerick |
23 |
29 |
28 |
28 |
21 |
17 |
13 |
6 |
3 |
9 |
9 |
17 |
97 |
106 |
|
Hatch Hall, Dublin |
30 |
30 |
30 |
25 |
26 |
14 |
14 |
3 |
3 |
5 |
12 |
19 |
115 |
96 |
|
Johnston Marina Hotel, Kerry |
27 |
34 |
20 |
17 |
11 |
3 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
9 |
17 |
72 |
73 |
|
Kinsale Road Centre, Cork |
92 |
79 |
50 |
56 |
39 |
34 |
24 |
14 |
11 |
4 |
11 |
29 |
227 |
216 |
|
Knockalisheen Centre, Clare |
66 |
95 |
70 |
62 |
48 |
14 |
17 |
9 |
13 |
13 |
23 |
30 |
237 |
223 |
|
Millstreet Accommodation Centre, Cork |
15 |
82 |
58 |
56 |
45 |
42 |
25 |
17 |
9 |
10 |
17 |
23 |
169 |
230 |
|
Mosney Accommodation Centre, Meath |
219 |
36 |
175 |
25 |
66 |
53 |
57 |
39 |
32 |
38 |
81 |
182 |
630 |
373 |
|
Mount Trenchard, Limerick |
34 |
34 |
31 |
15 |
8 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
9 |
5 |
87 |
60 |
|
Ocean View House, Waterford |
32 |
37 |
29 |
15 |
9 |
12 |
12 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
6 |
84 |
73 |
|
Park Lodge, Kerry |
29 |
17 |
9 |
18 |
6 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
45 |
37 |
|
Richmond Court, Longford |
27 |
56 |
40 |
4 |
8 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
77 |
61 |
|
St. Patrick's Centre, Monaghan |
61 |
76 |
51 |
27 |
20 |
15 |
8 |
11 |
3 |
9 |
10 |
27 |
153 |
165 |
|
The Montague Hotel, Laois |
65 |
79 |
44 |
37 |
28 |
25 |
16 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
13 |
40 |
171 |
191 |
|
The Old Convent, Mayo |
107 |
126 |
44 |
35 |
32 |
9 |
2 |
9 |
2 |
11 |
15 |
61 |
202 |
251 |
|
The Viking House, Waterford |
17 |
27 |
20 |
16 |
14 |
8 |
6 |
7 |
7 |
2 |
9 |
11 |
73 |
71 |
|
Watergate House, Dublin |
5 |
3 |
7 |
0 |
1 |
3 |
2 |
5 |
6 |
3 |
23 |
35 |
44 |
49 |
|
Total |
1678 |
1674 |
1182 |
804 |
698 |
426 |
326 |
236 |
164 |
223 |
442 |
883 |
4490 |
4246 |
The totals shown above mask a considerable churn in the figures in the period in question. For example in 2016 alone, 1,960 persons left State provided accommodation and 1,685 persons took up the offer of State provided accommodation having made an application for international protection.
It should be further noted that the number of persons in State provided accommodation for more than five years continued to fall from 883 in May of 2016 to 442 in July of 2017. This is further evidence of the increased processing of applications by the International Protection Office and the International Protection Appeals Tribunal.
Additional comprehensive statistics in relation to the services provided by the Reception and Integration Agency are available on www.ria.gov.ie.
98. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the funding invested in community integration programmes per constituency for each of the past three years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33007/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following table sets out the total funds invested in community migrant integration programmes by location and organisation/project for the past three years 2017, 2016 and 2015, including amounts committed in 2017 that will be disbursed in subsequent years. While the location of each funded organisation/project is provided, it is not possible to break this down further by constituency as the relevant data is not held in this way, and numerous funded projects are delivered on a regional or nationwide basis.
There are currently 14 projects approved under the National Funding Programme to promote the integration of migrants. Project objectives include: increasing mutual understanding between the host community and migrants; combating racism and xenophobia; undertaking research on interculturalism; and promoting the integration of migrants into Irish society, particularly vulnerable or socially-excluded migrants.
The Communities Integration Fund will fund 131 initiatives in 2017 by community organisations to promote integration in their local communities. The aim is to support communities across Ireland to play a greater role in promoting integration by providing practical support to facilitate social inclusion among the migrant population.
There are a total of 20 projects receiving funding through the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) and 5 projects through the ESF Integration and Employment of Migrants (IEM) funding.
Key to Fund Names:
CIF: Community Integration Fund
AMIF: Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund
NFPII: National Funding to Promote Integration of Immigrants
IEM: Integration and Employment of Migrants, (European Social Fund Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning)
ERF: European Refugee Fund
Funding Paid in 2017
|
Fund |
Location |
Organisation/Project |
Amount € |
|
Funding Paid in 2017 |
|||
|
AMIF |
Clare |
Clare Immigrant Support Centre Ltd |
54000 |
|
AMIF |
Cork |
NASC |
60000 |
|
AMIF |
Dublin Area |
Crosscare |
74694.30 |
|
AMIF |
Dublin Area |
Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Ltd. |
53986.20 |
|
AMIF |
Dublin Inner City |
National College of Ireland |
45000 |
|
IEM |
Dublin Area |
Business in the Community |
577500 |
|
NFPII |
Dublin Area |
Business in the Community |
66976 |
|
NFPII |
Dublin Area |
Localise Youth & Community Services |
10833 |
|
AMIF |
Galway |
Galway City Partnership |
60300 |
|
AMIF |
Kerry, Killarney & Tralee |
KASI |
54000 |
|
IEM |
Kilkenny City and County |
County Kilkenny Leadership Partnership |
107205 |
|
AMIF |
Laois |
Laois Partnership Company |
45000 |
|
AMIF |
Limerick & Clare |
Kilmallock Performing Centre |
50625 |
|
AMIF |
Limerick and mid-west region |
Doras Luimní |
70273.50 |
|
AMIF |
Limerick City |
Mary Immaculate College |
90000 |
|
AMIF |
Mayo |
South West Mayo Development Company |
79744.20 |
|
IEM |
Meath |
Cultúr Celebrating Diversity Ltd |
98713.50 |
|
NFPII |
Meath |
Meath County Council |
22000 |
|
AMIF |
Nationwide |
Football Association of Ireland |
45021.83 |
|
AMIF |
Nationwide |
Irish Refugee Council |
90000 |
|
AMIF |
Nationwide |
Spirasi |
225000 |
|
AMIF |
Nationwide |
Irish Traveller Movement |
45122.85 |
|
AMIF |
Nationwide |
Migrant Rights Centre of Ireland |
75000 |
|
AMIF |
Nationwide |
Immigrant Council of Ireland |
45000 |
|
IEM |
Nationwide |
New Communities Partnership |
98713.50 |
|
IEM |
Nationwide |
Seetec |
105000 |
|
NFPII |
Nationwide |
Third Age Foundation Ltd. |
21000 |
|
NFPII |
Nationwide |
New Communities Partnership |
22,027.49 |
|
AMIF |
South-East Region |
Edmund Rice |
45000 |
|
Funding Paid in 2016 |
|||
|
NFPII |
Dublin 12 |
The Caterers |
1339.39 |
|
NFPII |
Dublin City |
Dublin City Council |
77000 |
|
NFPII |
Dublin Area |
Business in the Community |
516000 |
|
NFPII |
Dublin Area |
Localise Youth & Community Services |
64886 |
|
NFPII |
Dublin South |
South Dublin County Council |
146130.28 |
|
NFPII |
Meath |
Meath County Council |
76780.98 |
|
NFPII |
Nationwide |
Holocaust Educational Trust |
50000 |
|
NFPII |
Nationwide |
National HSE Community Games |
34998 |
|
NFPII |
Nationwide |
New Communities Partnership |
124932 |
|
NFPII |
Nationwide |
Sports Against Racism Ireland |
10000 |
|
NFPII |
Nationwide |
Third Age Foundation Ltd. |
105000 |
|
NFPII |
Nationwide |
UNHCR |
5000.75 |
|
NFPII |
Wicklow, Arklow |
Polish Irish Educational |
18000 |
|
Funding Paid in 2015 |
|||
|
ERF |
Carlow |
St Catherine's Community Services Centre |
36382 |
|
NFPII |
Cork |
Igbo Union Cork |
3000 |
|
NFPII |
Dublin Area |
New Dubliners and the City Conference |
684 |
|
NFPII |
Dublin City |
Dublin City Council |
89200 |
|
ERF |
Dublin Area |
City of Dublin Education & Training Board (CDETB) |
35860 |
|
ERF |
Dublin Area |
BeLonG To Youth Services Ltd. |
18343 |
|
ERF |
Dublin Area |
Dublin Rape Crisis Centre |
21938 |
|
NFPII |
Dublin Area |
Localise |
32613 |
|
NFPII |
Dublin, Fingal |
Fingal County Council |
40500 |
|
NFPII |
Dublin Area |
Business in the Community |
389230 |
|
NFPII |
Dublin South |
South Dublin Council |
53600 |
|
ERF |
Kerry |
KASI Ltd |
41868 |
|
ERF |
Mayo |
Mayo Intercultural Action Limited |
35585 |
|
NFPII |
Meath |
Meath County Council |
32660 |
|
NFPII |
Nationwide |
HSE Community Games |
17499 |
|
NFPII |
Nationwide |
Football Association of Ireland (Polska Éire) |
20000 |
|
NFPII |
Nationwide |
Third Age Foundation |
47000 |
|
NFPII |
Nationwide |
Show Racism the Red Card |
50000 |
|
NFPII |
Nationwide |
Holocaust Education Trust Ireland |
70000 |
|
NFPII |
Nationwide |
New Communities Partnership Citizenship Application Support Service (CASS) |
35572 |
|
NFPII |
Nationwide |
UNHCR |
5000 |
|
NFPII |
Nationwide |
Sports Against Racism Ireland |
10000 |
|
NFPII |
Nationwide |
Yellow Flag Intercultural Schools Programme |
25544 |
|
NFPII |
Nationwide |
Polska Éire |
3355 |
|
NFPII |
Nationwide |
Youth Work Ireland |
1449 |
Funding committed for the remainder of 2017
|
Fund |
Location |
Organisation/Project |
Amount Awarded € |
|
Funding committed for the remainder of 2017 |
|||
|
CIF |
Carlow, Askea |
Equal Chances Polish School |
2200 |
|
CIF |
Cavan, Cavan Town |
Cavan Congolese Community Forum |
3840 |
|
CIF |
Clare, Inis Díomháin |
Ballyea Community Group |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Clare, Ennis |
Ennis Street Arts Festival |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Cork, Ballincollig |
Ballincollig Family Resource Centre |
1000 |
|
CIF |
Cork, Bantry |
Bantry YMCA |
2050 |
|
CIF |
Cork, Military Hill |
Brij (with Wallaroo Playschool) |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Cork, Glanmire |
Brooklodge Table Tennis Club |
600 |
|
CIF |
Cork, Carrigtohill |
Carrigtohill Family Resource Centre |
4700 |
|
CIF |
West Cork |
Clonakilty Community Arts Centre |
2930 |
|
CIF |
Cork, Clonakilty |
Clonakilty Friends of Asylum Seekers |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Cork City |
Cork YMCA |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Cork, Kinsale Road |
Kinsale Road Accomodation Centre |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Cork, Rathcoole |
Love and Care for People |
4800 |
|
CIF |
Cork City |
Meitheal Mara |
4370 |
|
CIF |
Cork, Passage West |
Passage West Spraoi for Syria |
4830 |
|
CIF |
Cork, Midleton |
SECAD - Midleton/Macroom |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Cork, University College Cork |
The Glucksman - UCC |
4500 |
|
CIF |
Cork City |
Together - Razem Centre |
500 |
|
NFPII |
Cork & South Region |
NASC |
22500 |
|
CIF |
Donegal Town |
Donegal Bay Rowing Club |
2800 |
|
CIF |
Donegal Town |
Donegal Family Resource Centre |
1400 |
|
CIF |
Donegal, Letterkenny |
Donegal Youth Services |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Dublin, Balbriggan |
Balbriggan Community Council |
3300 |
|
CIF |
Dublin, Balbriggan |
Balbriggan Cricket Club |
3320 |
|
CIF |
Dublin, Balbriggan |
Balbriggan Tourism |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Dublin, Balbriggan |
Foroige-Balbriggan Youth Service |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Dublin, Balbriggan |
Irish Vikings Club |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Dublin, Balbriggan |
Musicantia Ltd |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Dublin 1 |
ACET Ireland |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Dublin 1 |
Akidwa |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Dublin 13 |
Baldoyle United |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Dublin 9 |
Belvedere Football Club |
2800 |
|
CIF |
Dublin 1 |
Cairde |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Dublin 13 |
Clare Hall Resident's Association |
4500 |
|
CIF |
Dublin 1 |
Discovery Gospel Choir |
4900 |
|
CIF |
Dublin 1 |
Dublin City Inter Faith Forum |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Dublin 17 |
Moatview Early Education Centre |
2278 |
|
CIF |
Dublin 1 |
Neighbourhood Youth Project 2 |
3500 |
|
CIF |
Dublin 1 |
O'Connell Secondary School |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Dublin 1 |
Outhouse LGBT Community & Resource Centre |
4000 |
|
CIF |
Dublin 1 |
Polish Peace Corps |
3340 |
|
CIF |
Dublin 1 |
Praise Tabernacle |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Dublin 7 |
SEN Polish Complementary School |
3280 |
|
CIF |
Dublin 1 |
Sport Against Racism Ireland |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Dublin 5 |
Artane Coolock Family Resource Centre |
4395 |
|
CIF |
Dublin 7 |
Welcome Café |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Dublin 3 |
Young People At Risk (YPAR) |
4800 |
|
CIF |
Dublin 1 |
Blue Fire |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Dublin 2 |
AMAL Women's Organisation |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Dublin 8 |
Capital Strength Weightlifting Club |
4992 |
|
CIF |
Dublin 2 |
ENAR Ireland |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Dublin 2 |
Irish Refugee Council |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Dublin 8 |
LIR Anti Racism Training & Education Programme |
3300 |
|
CIF |
Dublin 2 |
Literature Ireland, TCD |
4950 |
|
CIF |
Dublin 8 |
Outlandish Theatre Platform |
4950 |
|
CIF |
Dublin 8 |
Rialto Community Radio |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Dublin 8 |
Street Feast, Rialto |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Dublin 2 |
The Ark Children's Cultural Centre |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Dublin 4 |
Railway Union Cricket Club |
4840 |
|
CIF |
Dublin 24 |
An Cosán, Tallaght |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Dublin 24 |
Tallaght Community Arts |
4850 |
|
CIF |
Dublin 15 |
Fáilte Isteach, Tyrellstown |
3000 |
|
CIF |
Dublin 15 |
Hartstown Huntstown FC |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Dublin 15 |
i-Smile International, Mulhuddart |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Dublin 15 |
Mulhuddart Community Centre |
2000 |
|
CIF |
Dublin 15 |
Rekindle Talent, Ladyswell |
4670 |
|
CIF |
Dublin 22 |
South Dublin County Partnership, Clondalkin |
2280 |
|
CIF |
Dublin 15 |
Scoil Bhríde (Cailíní), Blanchardstown |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Dublin 15 |
Tyrellstown Cricket Club |
1500 |
|
CIF |
Dublin 15 |
Tyrellstown Resident's Association |
3240 |
|
CIF |
Dublin 15 |
Tyrellstown Social Club (Women's Group |
3150 |
|
CIF |
Dublin 15 |
Verona Sports & Leisure Club, Clonsilla |
4220 |
|
CIF |
Dublin 15 |
West Dublin Rhinos American Football, Lucan |
4760 |
|
CIF |
Dublin 15 |
Pinoy Badminton Association Ireland |
5000 |
|
AMIF |
Dublin South |
South Dublin County Partnership |
45000 |
|
NFPII |
Dublin Area |
The Lantern Intercultural Centre |
12000 |
|
NFPII |
Dublin Area |
Business in the Community |
45000 |
|
NFPII |
Dublin Area |
Mendicity Institution |
67500 |
|
NFPII |
Dublin Area |
Localise Youth & Community Service |
90000 |
|
NFPII |
Dublin, Fingal |
Fingal County Council |
25000 |
|
CIF |
Galway, Doughiska Rd |
Ard Family Resource Centre |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Galway, Athenry |
Bia Lover |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Galway, Athenry |
Foróige Athenry Adolescent Project |
4520 |
|
CIF |
Galway, Athenry |
Monivea Fair Committee |
1350 |
|
CIF |
Galway, Mill Street |
Croí na Gaillimhe Resource Centre |
3900 |
|
CIF |
Galway, Rahoon |
Pernet Company Ltd |
4950 |
|
CIF |
Galway, Rahoon |
Rahoon Family Centre |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Galway, Newcastle Rd |
Scoil Chroí Íosa |
2590 |
|
CIF |
Galway, Claddagh |
St Nicholas National School |
4800 |
|
CIF |
Galway City |
The Irish Workhouse Centre |
1000 |
|
CIF |
Galway City |
Youth Work Ireland Galway |
2805 |
|
CIF |
West Kerry |
Kerry Diocesan Youth Services |
1990 |
|
CIF |
Kerry, Tralee |
Kerry Youth Dance Theatre |
5000 |
|
NFPII |
Kerry, Tralee |
Tralee International Resource Centre |
30000 |
|
CIF |
Kildare, Kilcock |
Kilcock GAA Club |
1500 |
|
CIF |
Kildare, Leixlip |
Le Chéile Athletic Club |
4800 |
|
CIF |
Kildare, Monasterevin |
Monasterevin Youth Action |
2850 |
|
CIF |
Kilkenny |
Kilkenny Integration Forum |
2000 |
|
CIF |
Kilkenny, Higginstown |
Polska/Eire Kilkenny Integration |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Laois, Portlaoise |
Laois Sports Partnership |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Laois, Portlaoise |
Portlaoise Family Resource Centre |
4750 |
|
CIF |
Leitrim, Carrick-on-Shannon |
The Leitrim Design House |
4950 |
|
CIF |
Limerick |
Limerick Youth Service |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Limerick City |
Northstar Family Support Project |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Longford, Farneyhoogan |
Backstage Theatre |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Louth, Drogheda |
Culture Connect |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Louth, Ardee |
Dee Hub |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Louth, Drogheda |
Drogheda Homeless Aid |
2310 |
|
CIF |
Mayo, Ballaghaderreen |
Ballaghaderreen GAA Club |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Mayo, Ballyhaunis |
Ballyhaunis GAA Club |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Mayo, Ballyhaunis |
Ballyhaunis Parent and Toddler Group |
300 |
|
CIF |
Mayo, Castlebar |
Green Campus GMIT |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Meath, Navan |
African Women's Development Initiative |
4365 |
|
CIF |
Monaghan, Drumbarnet |
Border Bounce Gymnastics Club |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Monaghan |
Teach Na nDaoine Family Resource Centre |
3000 |
|
NFPII |
Nationwide |
Marino Institute of Education |
30000 |
|
NFPII |
Nationwide |
Sports Against Racism Ireland |
27000 |
|
NFPII |
Nationwide |
Show Racism the Red Card |
100000 |
|
NFPII |
Nationwide |
Third Age Foundation Ltd. |
90000 |
|
NFPII |
Nationwide |
Dublin City University |
39000 |
|
NFPII |
Nationwide |
New Communities Partnership |
35100 |
|
CIF |
Offaly, Tullamore |
Offaly Sports Partnership |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Offaly, Tullamore |
Youthwork Ireland, Midlands |
2775 |
|
CIF |
Roscommon, Castlemore |
Ballaghaderreen Community Games |
2000 |
|
CIF |
Roscommon, Ballaghaderreen |
Ballaghaderreen Golf Club |
4883 |
|
CIF |
Roscommon, Ballaghaderreen |
Fáilte Isteach |
1200 |
|
CIF |
Roscommon, Ballaghaderreen |
Friends of Fairgreen |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Roscommon, Castlerea |
Roscommon Women's Network |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Sligo |
Sligo Family Resource Centre |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Sligo, Strand Hill Rd |
Sligo Global Kitchen |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Tipperary, Thurles |
Old School Community Centre |
1800 |
|
CIF |
Tipperary, Roscrea |
Roscrea Heritage Centre |
3700 |
|
CIF |
Tipperary, Thurles |
Slieveardagh United F.C |
500 |
|
CIF |
Tipperary, Thurles |
The Commons Community Playschool |
1000 |
|
CIF |
Tipperary, Clogheen |
Vee Rovers Club |
1720 |
|
CIF |
Tipperary, Thurles |
Youth Work Ireland Tipperary |
3531 |
|
CIF |
Waterford, Dungarvan |
Déise Refugee Response |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Waterford, Poleberry |
Erin's Own/ Sacred Heart GAA |
2000 |
|
CIF |
Waterford, Dungarvan |
Fáilte Isteach |
2080 |
|
CIF |
Waterford, The Folly |
Sacred Heart Parish |
500 |
|
CIF |
Westmeath, Athlone |
Athlone Refugee and Asylum Seeker Support Group |
2180 |
|
CIF |
Westmeath, Mullingar |
Westmeath Sports Partnership |
5000 |
|
CIF |
Wexford |
Faythe Harriers Hurling and Camogie Club |
5000 |
|
NFPII |
Wexford |
South East Community Training & Education Centre |
15000 |
|
CIF |
Wicklow, Port Road |
Children & Young People's Services Committee |
5000 |
Table ctg.
Funding committed for 2018-2020
|
Fund |
Location |
Organisation/Project |
Amount Awarded € |
|
Funding Committed for 2018-2020 |
|||
|
AMIF |
Clare |
Clare Immigrant Support Centre Ltd |
126000 |
|
AMIF |
Cork |
NASC |
140000 |
|
NFPII |
Cork & South Region |
NASC |
52500 |
|
AMIF |
Dublin Area |
Crosscare |
174286.2 |
|
AMIF |
Dublin Area |
Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Ltd. |
125967.44 |
|
AMIF |
Dublin Inner City |
National College of Ireland |
105000 |
|
AMIF |
Dublin South |
South Dublin County Partnership |
105000 |
|
IEM |
Dublin Area |
Business in the Community |
1347500 |
|
NFPII |
Dublin Area |
Business in the Community |
105000 |
|
NFPII |
Dublin Area |
Mendicity Institution |
157500 |
|
NFPII |
Dublin Area |
Localise Youth & Community Service |
210000 |
|
NFPII |
Dublin, Fingal |
Fingal County Council |
25000 |
|
AMIF |
Galway |
Galway City Partnership |
80400 |
|
AMIF |
Kerry, Killarney & Tralee |
KASI |
126000 |
|
NFPII |
Kerry, Tralee |
Tralee International Resource Centre |
70000 |
|
IEM |
Kilkenny City and County |
County Kilkenny Leadership Partnership |
357350 |
|
AMIF |
Laois |
Laois Partnership Company |
105000 |
|
AMIF |
Limerick & Clare |
Kilmallock Performing Centre |
118125 |
|
AMIF |
Limerick and mid-west region |
Doras Luimní |
163971.5 |
|
AMIF |
Limerick City |
Mary Immaculate College |
210000 |
|
AMIF |
Mayo |
South West Mayo Development Company |
186069.8 |
|
IEM |
Meath |
Cultúr Celebrating Diversity Ltd |
228972.1 |
|
AMIF |
Nationwide |
Football Association of Ireland |
105050.92 |
|
AMIF |
Nationwide |
Irish Refugee Council |
210000 |
|
AMIF |
Nationwide |
Spirasi |
525000 |
|
AMIF |
Nationwide |
Irish Traveller Movement |
105286.7 |
|
AMIF |
Nationwide |
Migrant Rights Centre of Ireland |
175000 |
|
AMIF |
Nationwide |
Immigrant Council of Ireland |
105000 |
|
IEM |
Nationwide |
New Communities Partnership |
230331.5 |
|
IEM |
Nationwide |
Seetec |
245000 |
|
NFPII |
Nationwide |
Marino Institute of Education |
70000 |
|
NFPII |
Nationwide |
Sports Against Racism Ireland |
63000 |
|
NFPII |
Nationwide |
Third Age Foundation Ltd. |
210000 |
|
NFPII |
Nationwide |
Dublin City University |
91000 |
|
NFPII |
Nationwide |
New Communities Partnership |
81900 |
|
AMIF |
South-East Region |
Edmund Rice |
105000 |
|
NFPII |
Wexford |
South East Community Training & Education Centre |
15000 |
99. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a final report on the reopening of six Garda stations has been received from the Garda Commissioner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32893/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that the Garda Commissioner is primarily responsible for the effective and efficient use of the resources available to An Garda Síochána and I, as Minister, have no role in the matter.
Under the Programme for a Partnership Government, the Government is committed to launching a pilot scheme to reopen 6 Garda stations, both urban and rural, to determine possible positive impacts that such openings will have on criminal activity, with special emphasis on burglaries, theft and public order. At its meeting on 13 June 2017, the Government noted the Garda Commissioner’s interim Report which analysed population and crime trends and, taking account of the availability of stations for reuse, makes a number of recommendations including that Stepaside Station in Co. Dublin be reopened on a pilot basis.
The Report also indicates that the Commissioner is likely, subject to further analysis, to recommend the reopening of Leighlinbridge, Co. Carlow and Donard, Co. Wicklow in her final report. If a second station is to be reopened in Dublin, the Commissioner has indicated that, subject to further analysis, the former station at Rush, Co. Dublin will be recommended for reopening.
The Government has, accordingly, agreed in principle to the reopening of Stepaside Garda Station on a pilot basis as soon as any necessary preparatory works have been completed. Following any decision to reopen the former stations, the Garda authorities will work closely with the Office of Public Works in relation to any necessary preparatory works required to progress the reopenings.
The final report of the Commissioner in relation to Rush, Leighlinbridge and Donard stations is expected to be received in the near future and it will be brought to Government thereafter.
100. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will review applications for asylum, refugee status and long-term residency status in respect of persons that have been awaiting a decision for more than four years with particular reference to the need to grant stamp 4 status to enable such persons seek employment and become self sufficient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32965/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI assume the Deputy is referring to persons in the international protection process.
Clearly, the Supreme Court judgment in N.V.H. v. The Minister for Justice and Equality is an important judgment, and its full implications are being examined carefully. The Court itself recognises the complexities around this issue in that it acknowledges the Executive function in not only controlling who should enter the State but also to regulate the activities of non-citizens while in the State and has had to consider the distinctions of rights between citizens and non-citizens in the context of Article 40.1 of the Constitution. It has concluded that in an international protection system with no temporal limit on the decision making process, an absolute prohibition on the right to work is contrary to the right to seek employment under the Constitution. The Court recognises that this is a matter for the Executive and Legislature to consider and accordingly has adjourned consideration of the Order the Court should make for a period of six months. The State will make submissions to the Court in relation to the format of the order the Court is to make at the appropriate time. In the interim, the legal status as regards access to the labour market for international protection applicants remains unchanged, as set out in Section 16(3)(b) of the International Protection Act 2015.
One of the principal aims of the International Protection Act 2015, which was commenced at the end of last year, is to process cases as quickly as possible so that, in due course as cases on hand are cleared, persons in need of international protection are granted status quickly, thereby giving them an automatic right to work. As the Deputy will be aware, all applications for International Protection are examined individually and are decided on their own merits.
The judgment has significant legal, economic, policy and operational considerations, many of which impact across a range of Government Departments and services. For this reason, a whole of Government approach has been adopted to examine all of the implications of the judgment and to propose appropriate solutions as quickly as possible. Following the approval of Government, I am establishing an inter-Departmental Taskforce with immediate effect to undertake this important work.
102. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the review he is undertaking of road safety legislation, enforcement and implementation since taking over the portfolio of justice; his priorities for road safety invigilation and enforcement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32678/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, any review of road safety legislation is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Shane Ross, T.D. Road safety legislation currently in train in Minister Ross' Department includes the Road Traffic (Drink Driving - Fixed Penalty Notice) Bill 2017, the commencement of Parts 2 and 7 of the Road Traffic Act 2017, the National Vehicle and Driver File (Prüm Decisions) Bill 2017 and the Road Safety Authority (Amendment) Bill 2017.
Road safety is a shared responsibility, one which I, Minister Ross and the Government take very seriously. Ireland’s current Road Safety Strategy (2013 – 2020) aims to place Ireland consistently on the list of safest countries in the EU and beyond. To achieve this, we are continuing to work together in partnership. I will attend the fourth Ministerial Committee on Road Safety of 2017 with Minister Ross on 24 July, along with the Road Safety Authority, An Garda Síochána, the Attorney General and other agencies. This Committee oversees the implementation of the Road Safety Strategy and provides a forum for high-level discussion of road safety issues.
The Committee generally meets twice a the year; however, in light of the 2016 increase in road fatalities, the Committee has already met on three occasions in 2017. The purpose of these meetings is to bring together all stakeholders to see what actions can be taken to reduce the number of road fatalities and collisions, which reached a historic low in both 2012 and 2015 but which increased again last year. In this regard, it should be pointed out that, so far this year, there has been a small reduction in the overall number of road deaths compared to the same period in 2016, although there is no room for complacency here. Any death on our roads is a death too many.
In addition, my Department jointly chairs the multi-agency Criminal Justice (FCPS) Working Group with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. The Working Group is charged with overseeing and facilitating the recommendations of the Garda Síochána Inspectorate's report on ‘The Fixed Charge Processing System – A 21st Century Strategy’ (February 2014). Some 22 of the 37 recommendations have been fully implemented to date, with 5 additional recommendations on track for delivery in 2017. Work on the remaining recommendations is ongoing and the majority of these recommendations are medium-long-term in nature.
This multi-agency approach continues into enforcement. An Garda Síochána’s Roads Policing Operations Plan 2017 incorporates a programme of high visibility road safety and enforcement operations, carried out in partnership with other state agencies. Garda operations specifically target road use behaviour known to contribute significantly to collisions, including driving while intoxicated, speeding and the use of mobile phones. By working together with the Road Safety Authority and other agencies, An Garda Síochána will continue to confront dangerous road-user behaviour thorough public presence, legislative enforcement, education and partnership.
In January 2017, the Commissioner indicated that there will be an additional 10% increase in the traffic corps during the course of 2017, and I am informed that An Garda Síochána that a proposal in respect of the reconfiguration of the Traffic Corps is currently being developed. An Garda Síochána will liaise with the Policing Authority in respect of the reconfiguration. It is anticipated that the reconfiguration will be completed before the end of 2017. An Garda Síochána also indicated that it was intended to have a stronger focus on road traffic enforcement in the training provided to new recruits at Templemore.
The Deputy will appreciate that I have no direct role in the enforcement of road traffic legislation, which is an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner. I am informed that road traffic legislation is enforced as part of the day-to-day duties of members of An Garda Síochána, as well as through a programme of high visibility road safety and enforcement operations, carried out in partnership with other state agencies. Garda operations specifically target road use behaviour known to contribute significantly to collisions, including use of a mobile phone. Both strategic, targeted operations and general methods of enforcement have a valuable role to play in An Garda Síochána's road traffic 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) 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.
The Programme is being supported by significant Government investment of some €330 million, including €205 million under the Capital Plan, in Garda ICT infrastructure over the period 2016 to 2021. This major investment will allow An Garda Síochána to deploy the latest cutting edge technologies in the fight against crime.
Underpinning all of these measures is the Government's ongoing commitment to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime. The Government plans to achieve an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. This year, funding has been provided for the recruitment of 800 Garda recruits and up to 500 civilians to support the wide ranging reform plan which is in train within An Garda Síochána. Approximately 300 appointments will also be made to the Garda Reserve.
103. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the issue of commercial rates being applied to private child care centres will be reviewed by his Department with a view to excluding them on the same basis as community child care centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32680/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI should point out that the Commissioner of Valuation is independent in the exercise of his duties under the Valuation Acts 2001- 2015 and the making of valuations for rating purposes is his sole responsibility. I, as Minister for Justice and Equality, have no function in decisions in this regard.
The Valuation Act, 2001 as amended by the Valuation (Amendment) Act 2015 provides that all buildings used or developed for any purpose, including constructions affixed thereto, are rateable unless expressly exempted under Schedule 4 of the Act. Such exempt buildings would principally include those used for public worship, education and health care provided on a not-for-profit basis, and charitable purposes. In general, the Act maintains the long-standing position that all commercial properties - including all private childcare facilities such as play schools, pre-schools, crèches and Montessori schools - are liable for rates. Inconsistency in the approach to the exemption from rates for childcare and education facilities and calls to exempt all such providers were among the issues raised at a number of stages during the passage of the Valuation (Amendment) Act 2015. As a result, the Government approved an amendment to the Bill, to insert into Schedule 4 of the Valuation Act 2001 an exemption from rates for properties occupied by parties that provide early childhood care and education on a not-for-profit basis. This extension of the childcare and education exemption removed an anomaly that previously existed where those that provided childcare and education on a charitable basis were exempt but those that did so on a not-for-profit basis were not. Since the commencement of the Valuation (Amendment) Act 2015 on 8 June 2015, the Valuation Office has been updating the valuation lists to give effect to this extension of the exemption so that it became effective for qualifying providers in 2016.
The decision taken by Government to extend the exemption from rates for early childcare and education was taken having considered the views of stakeholders in the sector. As outlined in Oireachtas debates during the passage of the legislation, key valuation principles have to be respected to retain the integrity and equity of a system that is a significant source of funding for Local Authorities. One of those principles is that properties of occupiers that operate with the intention of making a profit are rateable. There are a variety of other more appropriate means through which Government can and does support the provision of such services. Making exception to core, long-standing valuation principles can have a far reaching negative impact on the rates system and consequently a far reaching impact on Local Government funding. In addition to the exemption of those that provide childcare and early education on a not-for-profit basis, paragraph 10 of Schedule 4 of the Valuation Acts 2001 to 2015 also exempts from rates childcare facilities that only provide the Early Childhood Care and Education Scheme.
The Acts are quite specific about the range of exemptions that can be allowed by the Commissioner, who has no discretionary latitude to grant exemptions not covered by Schedule 4. As a matter of course, the Valuation Office examines all claimant cases on their individual merits by reference to the relevant statutory provisions governing the operation of the Valuation Acts as they relate to pre-school childcare facilities and all other categories of properties.
Currently, there are a number of avenues of redress for an occupier of rateable property who is dissatisfied with a determination of valuation made under the provisions of the Valuation Acts, 2001-2015. Firstly, before a determination is made, there is a right to make representations to the Valuation Office in relation to a proposed valuation. Later in the process, if the occupier is still dissatisfied with the determination, there is a right of appeal to the Valuation Tribunal which is an independent body set up for the purpose of hearing appeals against determinations of the Valuation Office. Finally, there is a right of appeal to the Higher Courts on a point of law.
Private childcare facilities which are operated for profit form part of the rateable valuation base on a nationwide basis. There are no plans at this time to provide for special treatment of these facilities by their exemption from rateability under the Valuation Acts as such a change would be quickly followed by demands for similar treatment from other interests involved in the provision of other services. The exemption from rateability of such facilities would reduce local authority revenues, which if it were not to entail an increase in Exchequer funding of local authorities, would have to be made good by imposing a corresponding increase on the remaining ratepayers.
104. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps he will take in the Border region to address the impact of a hard border and the potential increase of criminal activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32513/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt has always been the case that Ireland and the United Kingdom cooperate closely on immigration and border matters, in particular as they relate to securing the Common Travel Area (CTA) and we will continue to cooperate, and to strengthen that cooperation, in the future. Both Governments have publicly declared their commitment to ensuring no return to a so-called 'hard border' on the island of Ireland. There are excellent relations at official and political level in relation to enhancing the operation of the Common Travel Area and we are committed to that continuing.
There is close and ongoing cooperation between An Garda Síochána and the PSNI on all aspects of policing, with a particular focus on combatting security threats and tackling cross-border crime. The Garda Commissioner and the Chief Constable of the PSNI, who are responsible for operational policing cooperation, have repeatedly emphasised the scope and the value of the close and high quality cooperation between the two police services which is instrumental in combating crime, protecting community safety and, indeed, saving lives. The two police services operate a joint Cross-Border Policing Strategy which has as its aims to improve public safety throughout Ireland, to disrupt criminal activity and to enhance the policing capability of both police services on the island.
It is the firm intention that in the context of the UK's departure from the European Union there will be no diminution in the level of co-operation in this regard, and every effort will continue to be made to achieve that outcome.
105. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if Ireland is playing its part with taking in a proportionate number of immigrants. [32471/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, this Question was part-transferred to my Department and relates to the current migratory pressures being experienced by the Italian authorities.
Irregular migration flows along the Central Mediterranean Route remain substantial, and have seen a significant increase of more than a third over the first six months of this year when compared to the same period last year. A recent European Commission proposal on measures to support Italy is being discussed at EU level this week and aims to improve the situation in the short term. In the long term, to better manage migratory flows and the return of irregular migrants the European Union and its Member States must work closely with third countries to address the root causes of irregular migration.
Through the EU's external migration policy, the Global Approach to Migration and Mobility, and in particular the Partnership Framework and the Malta Declaration, the EU is supporting longer-term strategies to develop economic and political stabilisation in third countries of origin and transit, and in neighbouring third countries.
In June 2016 the EU adopted a Partnership Framework with five priority third countries (Ethiopia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria and Senegal). The first step has been to establish and build on working relationships with these third countries with a view to establishing more concrete Migration Compacts. The European External Action Service and Commission are continuing to engage with these priority countries and firmly bed down the concept in the context of the many challenges faced by Italy, while looking to expand the partnership to other third countries.
The Trust Fund for Africa is an important tool with which the EU can encourage third countries to work with Member States on issues such as returns and repatriation, as well as on the issuing of travel documents to nationals from these third countries awaiting return. The Trust Fund has already seen tangible results with three programmes in Libya that support the emergency needs of protection and assistance of migrants and refugees in the country, and projects supporting enhanced security and border management in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso. Ireland has, to date, contributed €3 million to the Trust Fund.
A small proportion of the migrants arriving in Italy are eligible for relocation to other EU Member States as asylum seekers. Ireland is operating the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP), which includes the relocation to Ireland of asylum seekers from Greece and Italy. Under the IRPP, Ireland is on target to meet in full its commitment to Greece. However, as explained in responses to previous Parliamentary Questions, Italy, unlike Greece, will not permit security assessments to be undertaken by other States on its territory. Accordingly, Ireland has been unable to undertake security assessments of the asylum-seeker cohort eligible for relocation to Ireland and no relocations from Italy have therefore taken place, despite Ireland's readiness to commence relocations as soon as this issue can be resolved. Intensive efforts have been ongoing to resolve this, both bilaterally with Italian counterparts at official, diplomatic and Ministerial level, and at EU level, including through the European Commission.
106. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Taoiseach the position regarding the development of sectorial response plans to Brexit; and the publication date of these plans. [33346/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing on from publication of the document setting out the Government's approach to the Brexit negotiations, work is underway across Departments to prepare adaptive Sectoral Brexit Response Plans to mitigate emerging sectoral challenges. These plans will build on ongoing cross-Government research, analysis and consultations with stakeholders and will encompass the following themes:
- Sustainable fiscal policies to ensure capacity to absorb and respond to economic shocks, not least from Brexit;
- Policies to make Irish enterprise more diverse and resilient, to diversify trade and investment patterns, and to strengthen competitiveness;
- Prioritising policy measures and dedicating resources to protect jobs and businesses in the sectors and regions most affected by Brexit;
- Realising economic opportunities arising from Brexit, and helping businesses adjust to any new logistical or trade barriers arising;
- Making a strong case at EU level that Ireland will require support that recognises where Brexit represents a serious disturbance to the Irish economy.
All of this work is ongoing and must also respond to the emerging developments in the Brexit negotiations. There is no decision as yet on publication dates.
107. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Taoiseach the membership of the National Economic and Social Council; the vacancies on the council; and when he expects to fill those vacancies. [33521/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAppointments to the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) are in accordance with the provisions of the National Economic and Social Development Office Act 2006, and the National Economic and Social Council (Alteration of Composition) Order 2010 - SI 603/2010.
The legislation provides for nominations from five sectors - business and employer, ICTU, farming and agricultural, community and voluntary, environmental; public servants; and independent members.
The members are:
Business and Employer
Maeve McElwee, IBEC
Tom Parlon, CIF
Ian Talbot, Chambers Ireland
ICTU
Patricia King, ICTU
Tom Geraghty, PSEU
Shay Cody, IMPACT
Farming and Agricultural
to be confirmed
Community and Voluntary
Sean Healy, Social Justice Ireland
Brid O’Brien, INOU
James Doorley, NYCI
Environmental
Kate Ruddock, Friends of the Earth
Oonagh Duggan, Birdwatch Ireland
Michael Ewing, Irish Environmental Network
Public Servants
Martin Fraser, Secretary General, D/Taoiseach (Chair)
Elizabeth Canavan, Assistant Secretary General, D/Taoiseach (Deputy Chair)
Derek Moran, Secretary General, D/Finance
Robert Watt, Secretary General, D/Public Expenditure and Reform
Orlaigh Quinn, Secretary General, D/Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation
John McCarthy, Secretary General, D/Housing, Planning and Local Government
Independent Experts
Edgar Morgenroth, ESRI
Michelle Norris, UCD
Philip Hamell, Department of the Taoiseach.
I will appoint the farming and agricultural members when I have the nominations from that sector. Other independent category appointments will follow the process of the Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards.
