Wednesday, 26 Jul 2017

Written Answers Nos. 573-591

Parole Boards

Ceisteanna (573)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

573. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the Parole Board will be put on a statutory footing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36206/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I can inform the Deputy that the policy issues raised by the establishment of a statutory Parole Board are being considered by my Department in the context of the Government's response to the Parole Bill 2016, a Private Members' Bill initiated by Deputy Jim O'Callaghan. As the Deputy will be aware, that Bill recently completed Committee Stage in this House.

Garda Stations

Ceisteanna (574)

Eoin Ó Broin

Ceist:

574. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the staffing levels in Rathcoole Garda station, County Dublin; the hours that this station is meant to be open; his plans to increase staffing at this station to ensure that a full-time service is provided to the residents of Newcastle, Rathcoole and the surrounding areas. [36239/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel and Garda station opening hours, 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. Furthermore when allocations are taking place comprehensive consultation is carried out with local management during which all factors are taken into consideration. Where a deficiency in resources is identified the matter is considered fully and addressed accordingly. It is the responsibility of the Divisional Officer to allocate personnel within his/her Division.

Rathcoole Garda Station forms part of the Clondalkin District and I am informed by the Commissioner that the Garda strength of the Clondalkin District on the 30 June 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 196 members of which 16 were assigned to Rathcoole Garda Station. There are also 7 Garda Reserves and 16 civilians attached to the Clondalkin District. 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 the Organised Crime Bureau.

I am further informed by the Commissioner that Rathcoole Garda Station is open daily from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. subject to available manpower. An increase in the opening hours of any Garda station would necessitate the deployment of additional Garda personnel to indoor administrative duties who may be more effectively employed on outdoor policing duties. While the position is kept under review by the Garda authorities, I understand that there are no plans at this time to increase the opening hours of Rathcoole Garda station.

Constitutional Amendments

Ceisteanna (575)

Ruth Coppinger

Ceist:

575. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on constitutional reform on the matter of religious-based oaths for senior positions in the State (details supplied). [36288/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

As the Deputy is aware, a referendum would be required to amend the relevant provisions of the Constitution.

Articles 12.8, 31.4 and 34.5.1° of the Constitution respectively prescribe the wording of a declaration to be made by a person taking up office as President, as a member of the Council of State, and as a judge. The prescribed wording contains religious references: in each case the prescribed declaration includes a statement that the declaration is being made 'in the presence of Almighty God', while the declarations prescribed by Article 12.8 and by Article 34.5.1° also end with the words 'May God direct and sustain me.'

In relation to the reform of the declaration prescribed for judges, which is my particular area of responsibility as Minister for Justice and Equality, the matter is currently under consideration.

Garda Operations

Ceisteanna (576)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

576. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the persons he sanctioned within the Garda Síochána to take over the duties of the Garda Commissioner while she was or is on leave in 2016 and in 2017; the dates of those sanctions to those persons; and the format in which they made. [36428/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

Section 32 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 provides that the Minister may authorise a Deputy Garda Commissioner, or in the absence of a Deputy Commissioner, an Assistant Commissioner, to perform the functions of the Garda Commissioner during any absence, incapacity or suspension from duty of the Commissioner, or during any vacancy in the office of Commissioner. "Absence" includes travel abroad on official business, attendance at conferences/seminars, meetings of international security and law enforcement services and annual leave etc.

For the sake of clarity, neither I nor my Department is responsible for authorising the leave arrangements of any member of An Garda Síochána.

In the case of a planned absence, the Commissioner's Office notifies my Department of the relevant dates and of the name of the Deputy Commissioner who will be available to perform the Commissioner's functions and requests the Department to arrange for a Ministerial authorisation to be given. Where such an authorisation is given the Commissioner's Office is notified as is the Policing Authority in accordance with section 32(3) of the Act. While the request from the Commissioner's Office may be received several months in advance of the dates of the absence the practice is to give the authorisation close to the start date having confirmed that the details, including the dates and the name of the available Deputy Commissioner, remain valid.

For the Deputy's information, I have set out below the dates on which a Deputy Commissioner was authorised to perform the functions of the Commissioner under section 32 in 2016 and 2017 to date.

Date for which a Deputy Commissioner was authorised to perform the Commissioner’s functions under section 32 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 during the absence of the Commissioner on official business, attendance at conferences/seminars, meetings of international security and law enforcement services and annual leave, etc.

Year	Dates
2017	01/08/2017 - 04/09/2017
	17/07/2017 - 31/07/2017
	22/06/2017 - 25/06/2017
	10/05/2017 - 20/05/2017
	21/04/2017
	31/03/2017
2016	25/11/2016 - 11/12/2016
	14/10/2016 - 20/10/2016
	03/10/2016 - 09/10/2016
	12/08/2016 - 02/09/2016
	08/07/2016 - 12/07/2016
	28/04/2016 - 05/05/2016
	13/04/2016 - 17/04/2016
	14/03/2016 - 18/03/2016

Garda Administrative Costs

Ceisteanna (577)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

577. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons that were charged for copies of Garda abstracts and statements since 1 January 2017; the total amount of these charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36435/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and control of the Garda Síochána.

I have asked the Garda Commissioner for the specific information requested and when it is to hand I will inform the Deputy accordingly.

Question No. 578 answered with Question No. 502.

Legal Aid Service Data

Ceisteanna (579)

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

579. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons that have availed of free legal aid services in each county in each of the years 2011 to 2016 and to date in 2017, by county. [36445/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

The position in relation to applications made under the Civil Legal Aid Act 1995 and the number of legal aid certificates issued under the Criminal Legal Aid Act 1962 is set out below. It should be noted that the number of applications made under the Civil Legal Aid Act 1995 and the number of certificates issued under the Criminal Legal Aid Act 1962 does not equate to the number of persons granted legal aid as more than one certificate may be granted to any one person.

Civil Legal Aid

The Legal Aid Board, established under the Civil Legal Aid Act, 1995 provides civil legal aid and advice to persons of limited means, who cannot afford to pay a solicitor privately. The Legal Aid Board operates 31 full-time law centres and a number of part-time law centres in Ireland. The Board also provides mediation services in 15 offices around the country to help separating couples to negotiate their own agreement.

It is not possible to give the number of applications by county as, for example, a client living in County Limerick may choose to apply to Ennis Law Centre. Also, in a case where two parties to a dispute seek the services of the Board at one law centre, one party will be required to engage with a different law centre, which may be in a neighbouring county. The details in relation to applications made under the Civil Legal Aid Act 1995, by law centre, in respect of the years 2014 to date is provided in the table below. Unfortunately it is not possible to provide individual figures for each of the Board's law centres for 2011 to 2013, however the second table provided gives the total number of applications for the years 2011 to 2013.

Number of Applications by law centre

Law Centre	2017 YTD	2016	2015	2014
Athlone	204	398	431	381
Mullingar	23	54	66	110
Blanchardstown	117	251	229	261
Castlebar	167	336	331	301
Cavan	115	221	196	192
Chancery Street	74	36	-	-
Clondalkin	145	278	267	266
Cork North*	517	692	560	619
Cork South	420	787	884	915
Dolphin House	1,096	1,879	1,992	2,026
Dundalk	173	263	277	275
Ennis	220	405	417	380
Finglas	136	277	214	190
Galway Francis St	333	629	646	640
Galway Seville House*	212	249	273	251
Human Trafficking	34	-	-	-
Jervis Street	276	456	395	429
Carlow	127	260	257	290
Kilkenny	212	377	407	477
Letterkenny	282	587	616	639
Limerick	446	817	729	620
Longford	177	415	347	360
Drogheda	116	159	169	181
Monaghan	78	124	120	148
Montague Court	71	106	61	82
Navan	237	520	509	539
Nenagh	287	519	587	578
Newbridge	240	417	521	626
Personal Injuries Unit	4	55	75	69
Portlaoise	290	496	425	414
Boyle	2	21	23	40
Sligo	199	368	312	409
Smithfield*	585	497	450	396
Tallaght	96	268	244	255
Tralee	321	614	553	485
Tullamore	140	286	267	293
Waterford	234	484	480	434
Wexford	285	409	432	447
Wicklow	288	480	494	513
ASY Apps*		1,658	1,537	902
Total	8,979	17,148	16,793	16,433

* Asylum Applications figures for 2017 are included in Smithfield, Seville House Galway & Cork North Law centres.

Total number of applications

-	2011	2012	2013
Total Applications	17,559	17,595	19,636

Criminal Legal Aid

The Criminal Justice (Legal Aid) Act 1962, which is the primary legislation covering the operation of the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme, provides that free legal aid may be granted, in certain circumstances, for the defence of persons of insufficient means in criminal proceedings.

Under the 1962 Act, the courts, through the judiciary, are responsible for the granting of legal aid. Under the Constitution, the State is obliged to provide an accused person with the means to obtain appropriate legal representation.

I can inform the Deputy that the number of criminal legal aid certificates issued by the District Courts in each of the years 2011 to 2016 and to date in 2017 are set out in the table below. Statistics are not compiled in such a manner as to readily identify the number of certificates issued on a county-by-county basis and this information could not be compiled without disproportionate use of staff resources.

2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017 (Jan - June)
54,092	49,639	49,843	51,128	53,937	55,617	26,710

Legal Aid Service Data

Ceisteanna (580)

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

580. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the funding which has been allocated to free legal aid services in each of the years 2011 to 2016 and to date in 2017 by county. [36446/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

Legal aid services are funded by my Department under both the Civil and Criminal Legal Aid schemes.

Civil Legal Aid

The Legal Aid Board, established under the Civil Legal Aid Act 1995, provides civil legal aid and advice to persons of limited means who cannot afford to pay a solicitor privately. The Legal Aid Board operates 31 full-time law centres and a number of part-time law centres in Ireland. The Board also provides mediation services in 15 offices around the country to help separating couples to negotiate their own agreement.

The majority of the Board's income consists of a grant received from the Department of Justice and Equality. This funding is used to provide the Board's services in all its offices across the country, as well as the support services provided to law centres centrally from the Board's head office. Therefore, it is not possible to extract and isolate the total cost of civil legal aid in any one office/county in a given year as it would be necessary to devise a basis on which to attribute, to each county, all expenditure incurred by the Board centrally. Complexities may also arise at local level with regard to the delivery of civil legal aid, for example a client living in County Limerick may choose to apply to Ennis Law Centre. Also, in a case where two parties to a dispute seek the services of the Board at one law centre, one party will be required to engage with a different law centre, which may be in a neighbouring county.

Criminal Legal Aid

The Criminal Justice (Legal Aid) Act 1962, which is the primary legislation covering the operation of the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme, provides that free legal aid may be granted, in certain circumstances, for the defence of persons of insufficient means in criminal proceedings.

It is not possible to provide the cost of the scheme by county as the information is not readily available and could not be compiled on a county by county basis without disproportionate use of staff resources.

The annual funding provided by my Department in respect of civil and criminal legal aid is set out in the table below.

Year	Civil Legal Aid €000	Criminal Legal Aid €000
2011	30,370	56,115
2012	32,922	50,534
2013	33,759	50,863
2014	32,574	49,890
2015	32,471	50,879
2016	36,188	52,998
2017 (January - June)	19,470	28,118
Total	217,754	339,397

I am happy to be able to inform the Deputy that the budget for Civil Legal Aid was maintained throughout the recession with an increase of 19% over the period in question, including over 10% year on year increase for both 2016 and 2017.

Courts Service Data

Ceisteanna (581)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

581. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of cases nationally that have been adjourned annually due to the issue regarding a drink driving certificate produced only in English and not in Irish; the number of cases which were struck out or dismissed due to this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36455/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

As 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 the Courts Service does not record the data in such a way as to provide the information requested by the Deputy.

Prisoners Treatment

Ceisteanna (582)

Jim O'Callaghan

Ceist:

582. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the Irish Prison Service has a policy that exempts persons from being restrained in handcuffs when being transported from a court in a prison transport vehicle on the basis of gender; and if this policy is compatible with the 2007 prison rules. [36460/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that decisions relating to the handcuffing of prisoners, both male and female, are made in accordance with the Irish Prison Service Escorting of Prisoners Policy which includes the operational and security requirements of the escort.

In accordance with the Irish Prison Service Escorting of Prisoners Policy, female prisoners in the norm are not handcuffed, unless directed by the prison Governor or Chief Officer.

Irish Prison Service Escorting of Prisoners Standard Operating Procedure specifically states that pregnant female prisoners may not be transported in a cellular vehicle.

Garda Recruitment

Ceisteanna (583)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

583. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on matter (details supplied) regarding Garda recruitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36464/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

Recruitment to An Garda Síochána is governed by the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations 2013.

The Public Appointments Service (PAS), on behalf of the Garda Commissioner, manages the initial recruitment stages for selection of Garda Trainees and I, as Minister, have no direct involvement in the matter. I have, however, been informed that PAS, which conducts tests as part of the competitive selection process, carefully considers all requests for reasonable accommodations. In considering such requests, PAS is conscious of the rights of people with disabilities and of the obligations on it to observe those rights and to act in accordance with the provisions of the relevant equality legislation.

As a public body established under the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act, 2004, PAS is also obliged under section 34(1)(b) of that Act to ensure that “standards of probity, merit, equity and fairness” apply to all of its recruitment and selection work. These binding standards are set out in the Code of Practice for Appointment to Positions where the Garda Commissioner has Statutory Responsibility, as published by the Commission for Public Service Appointments.

I am advised that in considering requests for reasonable accommodations, PAS has a fundamental duty to ensure it is being fair to all candidates who have entered a particular competition and that the key principle of appointment on merit is being observed. To assist PAS in considering a request for accommodations in a fair and balanced way, its policy is to ask candidates to indicate on their application that they require special accommodations and to submit evidence in support of their request. PAS will consider letters or reports from relevant professionals which clearly indicate the nature of the disability and the type of accommodation(s) that may be relevant to the person. PAS has given additional time to people with dyslexia where they have supporting evidence. However, having made reasonable accommodations, candidates must reach the required standard in order to be considered for further progression in a competition.

Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities

Ceisteanna (584)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

584. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to the six strategic priorities outlined in the comprehensive employment strategy for persons with disabilities 2015 to 2024 and the commitment in the national disability inclusion strategy 2017 to 2021, the estimated cost of implementing the strategy on an annual basis; the estimated costs associated with the implementation of each of the six strategic priorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36512/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality

I refer the Deputy to my response to his Parliamentary Question No. 270 of 11 July 2017.

As I indicated in that answer, the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities 2015 - 2024 sets out a ten-year approach to ensuring that people with disabilities who are able to, and want to, work are supported and enabled to do so. The Strategy is a cross-Government approach that brings together actions by different Departments and State agencies in a concerted effort to address the barriers and challenges that impact on employment of people with disabilities. In tandem with that, it seeks to ensure there will be joined-up services and supports at local level to support individuals on their journey into and in employment.

As the Deputy will have noted from my previous response, the key issue in relation to the implementation of the Strategy is the coordination of Departmental efforts in this area, and the better coordination and use of existing resources, rather than on additional funding allocations.

Drugs Seizures

Ceisteanna (585)

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

585. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the volume and value of heroin seizures in Galway city and county in each of the years 2014 to 2016 and to date in 2017; and the measures being taken to address this issue. [36526/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I can advise that all members of An Garda Síochána are tasked with enforcing drug-related legislation. The Divisional Drug Unit based at Galway Garda Station has undertaken a number of significant and successful initiatives to monitor and counteract the sale, supply and distribution of drugs, including heroin. These include an intelligence-led initiative to monitor heroin use within the Galway Division, covering both the City and County, which resulted in the identification of a number of heroin dealers who were targeted for the purpose of law enforcement.

As part of this initiative, a number of significant seizures of heroin were recorded and the main heroin dealers in the Division were arrested and brought before the Courts. The details of heroin drug seizures recorded for the Galway Garda Division, provided by Forensic Science Ireland to An Garda Síochána, for each year for the period 2014- 2016 are provided in the table beneath:

Year	Grams/mls/plants	Estimated* Street Value
2016	67	€9,440
2015	66	€9,963
2014	250	€37,565

*Note:- The data provided is provisional, operational and liable to change and is valid to Friday, 21 July 2017. The estimated street value of the drugs seized is based on instructions issued by the Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau in 2012 and amended in 2015

An initiative under "Operation Clean Street", which targets on-street dealers, was put in place by the Divisional Drug Unit in conjunction with the National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau. This resulted in the arrest and charging of several persons for the offence of possession of drugs for sale or supply on city streets within the Galway Division. An Garda Síochána within the Galway Division work closely with the Western Region Drug and Alcohol Task Force, through education and other programmes, to reduce demand for heroin and other controlled substances, and offer advice and practical assistance to users and family members effected by drug use.

Garda Management within the Galway Division is aware of the impact of the use and sale / distribution of drugs in the Division on families and communities, including the impact of drug-related intimidation of users and their families. The Divisional Drug Unit and all Garda personnel monitor the use of drugs, including heroin, throughout the Division and continue to enforce all relevant legislation to the fullest, including searches of persons, property and vehicles.

Nationally, a new National Drugs Strategy, “Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery” 2017 – 2025 has been launched by the Taoiseach this month. The Minister of State for Health Promotion and the National Drugs Strategy, Deputy Catherine Byrne, has responsibility in leading the Government's health-led response outlined in the strategy to addressing the harm caused by substance misuse in our society over the next eight years.

Question No. 586 answered with Question No. 433.

Family Law Cases

Ceisteanna (587, 588)

Fiona O'Loughlin

Ceist:

587. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if progress is being made to ensure that fathers have equal rights when applying for custody and access to their children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36557/17]

Fiona O'Loughlin

Ceist:

588. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to address discrimination being faced by fathers in custody cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36558/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I propose to take Questions Nos. 587 and 588 together.

Section 11 of the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964 provides that either parent of a child, whether or not he or she is also a guardian of the child, may apply to court for a direction regarding the custody of a child or the right of access to the child. As the Deputy will know, the 1964 Act was modernised extensively, with a wide range of amendments to that Act made in relation to guardianship, custody and access by the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015.

Section 3 of the 1964 Act provides that the best interests of the child shall be the paramount consideration for the court in any proceedings where guardianship, custody or upbringing of, or access to, a child is in question. The best interests of a child are to be determined in accordance with Part V of the 1964 Act, inserted by section 63 of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015. Section 31 of the 1964 Act sets out a wide range of factors that the court is required to take into account when determining the best interests of the child. These factors include the benefit to the child of having a meaningful relationship with each of his or her parents.

The law places an emphasis on recognising the rights of the child to the society of both his or her parents. Section 11D of the 1964 Act obliges the court in proceedings under section 11 to consider whether the child's best interests would be served by maintaining personal relations and direct contact with each of his or her parents on a regular basis.

Section 25 of the 1964 Act also requires the court, as it thinks appropriate and practicable, to take into account the child's wishes in custody and access matters, having regard to the age and understanding of the child.

Section 12A of the 1964 Act (inserted by section 58 of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015) provides that in making any order under the Act, the court may impose such conditions as it considers to be necessary in the best interests of the child.

It is a matter for the courts when making orders under the 1964 Act in relation to matters such as the guardianship, custody or upbringing of, or access to, a child to consider whether or not any conditions should be attached to such orders.

I have no role in the making of court orders, as this is a function of the courts, which are, subject to the Constitution and the law, independent in the performance of their functions.

While I have no plans at present for further amendment of the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964, the operation of the law in this area is kept under ongoing review by my Department.

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (589)

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

589. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the latest profiles in value and outruns forecasted in his Department for the end of December 2017 and any variances that may arise based on his Department’s performance against profile in gross voted expenditure at the end of June 2017. [36571/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

There was a gross underspend in my Department's Vote of €11.1 million at the end of June 2017 relating to a number of areas, including payroll due to the filling of certain posts taking longer than anticipated. Expenditure across the overall Justice Vote Group, consisting of eight Votes, will continue to be carefully monitored and managed for the remainder of the year with the objective of achieving the best value for the taxpayer with any underspends redirected within the Justice sector as needed.

State Airports

Ceisteanna (590)

Darragh O'Brien

Ceist:

590. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the regular lengthy delays being experienced by passengers entering the country through terminal 1 at Dublin Airport due to the long queues at passport control; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36584/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I refer the Deputy to reply to Parliamentary Question No. 108 of 30 May last and Parliamentary Question No. 706 of 20 June 2017 which sets out the position on the matter. A copy is reproduced below for reference.

I am informed that the queues to which the Deputy refers do not arise as a result of the operation of immigration controls at Dublin Airport but are rather a consequence of other factors outside the control of the service. As regards throughput generally for incoming passengers to Dublin Airport, information supplied by the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) in relation to queue times for arriving passengers at the Airport shows that over 90% of all travellers are processed through immigration control in a matter of minutes, with the percentage figure being even higher for passengers of EU nationalities. This is in the context of passenger numbers at Dublin Airport reaching record levels last year with almost 28 million passengers using the Airport.

However, there are specific pressure points outside of the control of the immigration authorities that can create some delay. Typically, this arises when a very high number of flights arrive within a specific time period (which happens at Terminal 1 in the late evening period) and the consequent increased passenger numbers within these peak times, can impact on queuing times over these periods. This situation is compounded when, in addition to scheduled arrivals, delayed flights also land during these peak periods.

Additional staff have been recruited for the Airport and the allocation of immigration personnel is designed to have the maximum number of staff on duty during these peak periods so that all available immigration booths are operational at these times. The number of available booths is a function of the physical infrastructure at the Terminal. Every effort is made by immigration officers to exercise their function as speedily as possible consistent with the requirement to protect our borders and facilitate legitimate travellers.

While the immigration authorities at Dublin Airport have no control over the number of flights or their arrival times, they have an excellent relationship with the Dublin Airport Authority and air carriers and work closely together across a number of fronts to address capacity and queue management issues where they arise, to alleviate congestion and maximise passenger throughput thus ensuring that waiting times are kept to a minimum.

I might add that a procurement exercise has been recently completed for the deployment of a permanent electronic-Gate facility at Dublin Airport. The new electronic Gates are expected to be available for use by passengers in the Autumn. However, while the introduction of the electronic gates should contribute overall to increased immigration processing capacity, the facility is primarily an immigration control facility rather than a queue management tool aimed at addressing spikes in passenger arrivals.

Garda Deployment

Ceisteanna (591)

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

591. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the Garda numbers for each of the Garda districts in a Galway city and county in each of the years 2000 to 2015, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36600/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

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

I am informed by the Commissioner that in regard to the deployment of Garda personnel, a distribution model is used which takes into account all relevant factors including population, crime trends and the policing needs of each individual Garda Division. Furthermore when allocations are taking place comprehensive consultation is carried out with local management during which all factors are taken into consideration. Where a deficiency in resources is identified the matter is considered fully and addressed accordingly. It is the responsibility of the Divisional Officer to allocate personnel within his/her Division.

I have been informed that the number of Gardaí assigned to the Galway Division on the 30 June 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 571 with 32 Garda Reserves and 46 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, that since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, almost 1,200 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána, nine of whom have been assigned to the Galway Division. I am also informed that a further 400 Garda recruits are scheduled to attest later this year which will see Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increase to around the 13,500 mark by year end - an increase of 500 since the end of 2016.

This focus on investment in personnel is critical. The moratorium on recruitment introduced in 2010 resulted in a significant reduction in the strength of An Garda Síochána. We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the Commissioner with the resources she needs to allow her to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí across every Garda Division, including the Galway Division in the coming years.

The information requested by the Deputy is currently being collated and I will forward it directly to the Deputy when it is to hand.