Written Answers Nos. 548-571
548. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of staff assigned to the prison service that on medical grounds have a long-term exclusion in the case of disturbance training and-or participation are excluded based on medical grounds from control and restraint training and-or participation on a long-term basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46874/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra550. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons on long-term workplace accommodation and restricted or modified duties for a period of over six months and under three years; the number of persons in this situation over three years that are assigned to the Irish Prison Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46891/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 548 and 550 together.
The information sought is being compiled and verified and I will contact the Deputy when it is available.
549. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of staff assigned to An Garda Síochána that on medical grounds have a long-term exclusion in the case of public order disturbance training and-or participation are excluded based on medical grounds from control and restraint training and-or participation on a long-term basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46875/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra551. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of staff on long-term work place accommodation and restricted or modified duties for a period of over six months and under three years; the number of persons in this situation over three years that are assigned to An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46892/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 549 and 551 together.
The information sought is being compiled and verified and I will contact the Deputy when it is available.
552. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí by rank serving outside Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46956/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.
An Garda Síochána maintains close liaison with other law enforcement agencies internationally and the work of Garda liaison officers who are permanently based in other jurisdictions and in international bodies such as Europol, greatly facilitate the prompt exchange of information and intelligence on criminal activity. Such international liaison has led to many parallel investigations with international law enforcement agencies.
I am informed by the Commissioner that the number of Gardaí by rank and the numbers of Garda liaison officers based in other jurisdictions, Europol and Interpol as of 30 September 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available, are as set out in the tables attached.
Garda Liaison Officers
|
Locations |
D/Sergeant |
|
The Hague |
1 |
|
London |
1 |
|
Madrid |
1 |
|
Paris |
1 |
|
Lisbon |
1 |
|
Total |
5 |
|
Europol Headquarters |
|
|
The Hague |
2 |
|
Total |
2 |
|
Overall Total |
7 |
Gardaí on International Duty as at 30 September 2017
|
Location |
Superintendent |
Sergeant |
Garda |
Total |
|
UNFICYP-Cyprus |
1 |
2 |
9 |
12 |
|
EULEX- Kosovo |
0 |
1 |
6 |
7 |
|
Overall Total |
1 |
3 |
15 |
19 |
553. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he or officials in his Department have had discussions regarding the public services card; if so, the detail of those discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47008/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is represented on the Implementation and Policy Group for Public Service Identity chaired by the Government's Chief Information Officer which, as part of its remit, receives updates on the roll out of the card. A working group led by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has also been attended by officials from my Department. My Department's involvement in these discussions centred around the Public Services Card being used as a replacement for the Garda Age Card (subject to the relevant legislative change). Discussions around the most appropriate legislative vehicle to achieve this change are on-going with the Department of Social Protection.
As the Deputy will be aware, non-EEA nationals who remain in the State for more than 90 days are required to register their permission to reside in the State, and are issued with a registration certificate. The registration certificate is a polycarbonate card, the size of a credit card. Officials of INIS have held discussions with officials of the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection concerning the potential to combine the registration certificate with the Public Service Card for those who require both cards. However, there are significant technical issues which will need to be overcome if the cards are to be combined in one.
Finally, from September 2016 all persons applying for a certificate of naturalisation who are aged 18 and above and who are resident in the State must be registered with the Department of Social Protection for a Public Services Card (PSC). This is an important measure for identification purposes and to protect against fraud and identity theft and to uphold the integrity of the Irish naturalisation and citizenship process. It also ensures that the identity of applicants for naturalisation will be verified to a high standard.
554. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the spouse of a person can apply for Irish citizenship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47046/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. All applications for a certificate of naturalisation are processed and assessed individually in accordance with the provisions of the Act. A determination on whether an applicant satisfies the statutory criteria attendant to naturalisation can only be made after an application is received.
Section 15 of the Act provides that the Minister may, in his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation if satisfied that certain statutory conditions are fulfilled. The conditions are that the applicant must:
- be of full age,
- be of good character,
- have had a period of one year's continuous residency in the State immediately before the date of application and, during the eight years immediately preceding that period, have had a further total residence in the State amounting to four years,
- intend in good faith to continue to reside in the State after naturalisation,
- have, before a judge of the District Court in open court, in a citizenship ceremony or in such manner as the Minister, for special reasons, allows
(i) made a declaration, in the prescribed manner, of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State, and
(ii) undertaken to faithfully observe the laws of the State and to respect its democratic values.
Section 15A provides that, notwithstanding the above, where the application is based on being the spouse or civil partner of an Irish citizen the requirements are, inter alia, that the couple are married or civil partners to each other for a period of at least 3 years and are living together and, immediately before the date of application, have a period of one year's continuous residence in the island of Ireland and, during the preceding four years, have a further period amounting to 2 years (i.e. 3 years in total). Section 15A(2) provides that the Minister may, in his absolute discretion waive some of the conditions in relation to an application from a spouse or civil partner of an Irish citizen if he is satisfied that the applicant would suffer serious consequences in respect of his or her bodily integrity or liberty if not granted Irish citizenship.
It is open to any individual to lodge an application for citizenship if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements as prescribed in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 as amended. Detailed information on Irish citizenship and naturalisation is available on the INIS website at ww.inis.gov.ie. The website also contains an on-line naturalisation residency calculator which individuals may find of assistance in establishing if the residency requirements are met.
555. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 124 of 9 May 2017, the number of persons that paid a fixed charge notice for driving while holding a mobile phone within the 56 day limit in each of the years 2015 to 2016 and to date in 2017; if the Garda report is now to hand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47062/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, my response to the Deputy's parliamentary question number 525 of 26 July 2017 detailed the number of Fixed Charge Notices (FCNs) issued in respect of persons detected for driving while holding a mobile phone; the total number of FCNs paid; the total number of unpaid FCNs forwarded to the Courts Service for summons; and additional FCN statistical breakdowns; for the years 2015, 2016 and 2017 to 30 June 2017. I have requested a Garda report on the most recent statistics available for 2017, and will be in contact directly with the Deputy immediately on receipt of the Garda report.
556. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 138 of 21 March 2017 and 469 of 26 July 2017, the number of persons that paid the fixed charge notice within the time limit; the number of persons that were summonsed to court for failing to pay the fixed charge notice; the number of persons that were convicted; the number of driver licence numbers recorded on conviction; if this report is now to hand; and if he will make a statement of the matter. [47063/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe position in relation to conviction statistics has already been clarified to the Deputy in the responses to parliamentary question numbers 138 of 21 March 2017 and 469 of 26 July 2017, namely the Courts Service is not in a position to match the prosecutions specified in the Deputy's question to court results. It follows that it is similarly not possible to ascertain the number of driver licence numbers recorded for the offence referred to in the question, where the offence specified results in a conviction.
A report has again been requested from the Garda authorities in relation to statistics on drivers detected with blood alcohol content levels of between 50mg and 80mg for the years in question and I can assure the Deputy that I will provide this information directly on receipt of a Garda report.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
557. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 164 of 28 February 2017 and 522 of 26 July 2017, the number of vehicles seized to date; the number of those vehicles seized that were scrapped; the number of persons arrested and charged to date in 2017; if the report is available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47064/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Garda authorities that, in May 2015, a road safety initiative was put in place by the Dublin Metropolitan Region Traffic Division to tackle “distracted” driving caused by illegally erected signage in public places which is an offence under the Roads Act 1993. This initiative was expanded in September 2015 to include the illegal parking on public roads of vehicles for sale which is also an offence under the Roads Act, 1993. I can confirm that, as part of this operation, 14 vehicles were impounded, which, on payment of the appropriate towing and storage fees, were returned to their owners.
I am further informed that over 600 signs have been removed in the Dublin Metropolitan area with one individual convicted in September 2016 before the District Court for illegally posting signs on public roads advertising, “Cash for Cars”.
I am advised that there has been a significant reduction in the number of persons posting “Cash for Cars” posters and stickers.
558. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 37 to 39, inclusive, of 11 May 2017 and 527 of 26 July 2017, the number of speeding fixed charge notices issued by a company (details supplied) that progressed to court annually; the number of speeding fixed charge notices issued by the company's speed vans that progressed to conviction in court annually; if the report on the fixed charge notices is now available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47065/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe position in relation to courts data has already been clarified to the Deputy in the responses to parliamentary question numbers 37-39 of 11 May 2017 and 527 of 26 July 2017, namely that the Courts Service is not in a position to provide the courts data requested in the Deputy's questions, as Courts Service systems cannot differentiate between "Speed Vans" operated by the named company and those operated by An Garda Síochána.
I have requested a report from An Garda Síochána in relation to the Fixed Charge Notice (FCN) statistics requested by the Deputy and I can assure the Deputy that I will make contact directly on receipt of a Garda report.
The Deputy's reference to a report on FCNs is taken to refer to An Garda Síochána's internal examination of the Garda errors associated with FCNs and road traffic summonses that came to light in March this year. As the Deputy is already aware, this report was published by An Garda Síochána in September 2017.
The Deputy will also be aware that the Policing Authority published the report of the independent review it commissioned into FCNs and summonses issues on 1 November 2017.
559. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 86 and 87 of 17 May 2017 and 528 of 26 July 2017, the number of those summonses not served in 2015 and 2016 that were reissued; further to the statement that a summons struck out not served can be reissued at the request of An Garda Síochána, the details of same; if this is normal practice; the policies in place to enable a garda to decide to have a summons reissued or not; if that report is now available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47066/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have again requested a Garda report on the matters referred to in the Deputy's questions and will contact the Deputy directly on receipt of a Garda report.
560. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 88 of 24 May 2017, 726 of 20 June 2017 and 529 of 26 July 2017, the number of road traffic collisions that resulted in a fatality, serious injury and injury respectively; if that report is available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47067/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFor clarity, in Parliamentary Questions Nos. 88 of 24 May 2017, 726 of 20 June 2017 and 529 of 26 July 2017, you sought:
“….the number of road traffic collisions involving drivers in the emergency services namely Gardaí, ambulance drivers, those working for the various fire brigades and ministerial drivers there have been in each of the years to 2011 to 2016; the number of these road traffic collisions that resulted in a fatality….”.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the information is not readily available and it is not possible, without a disproportionate expenditure of Garda time and resources, to provide the information requested.
The class of vehicle recorded on a road traffic collision incident on PULSE does not specify whether or not any of the vehicles recorded as being linked to that incident were emergency services vehicles.
561. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 751 of 20 June 2017 and 533 of 26 July 2017, the number of gardaí that completed the CPD1 and CPD2 driving courses respectively in each of the years 2012 to 2016 and to date in 2017; if different levels of insurance are required and are in place for gardaí driving on chief's permission and those that have completed the CPD1 and CPD2 driving courses respectively; if the Garda report in respect of the number of members of An Garda Síochána driving on chief's permission and the number that have completed CBD1 and CBD 2 courses is now available in view of the fact that it was being collated in July 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47069/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra569. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 327 of 20 September 2017, the length of time the course lasts; the frequency with which courses are held; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47077/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 561 and 569 together.
As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for carrying on and managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána including by arranging for the training of the members and civilian staff of An Garda Síochána and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.
I am informed by the Commissioner that An Garda Síochána provides a 5 level suite of Competency Based Driving (CBD) courses, with each level specifically catering for the required knowledge base, skill set and operational requirements of members undergoing the relevant training.
This 5 level suite covers the initial assessment of driving suites at CBD 1 to advanced driving training which includes the highest level of knowledge of road craft and all competency areas necessary to drive high powered vehicles at CBD 4 and the training of Garda driving instructors at CBD 5. I am further informed that the frequency of courses is governed by the operational requirements of An Garda Síochána. The highest level of operational requirement is for levels CBD 1 to CBD 3. The more specialised levels CBD 4 and CBD 5 are held as needed and are of 4 weeks duration.
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the State Claims Agency provides indemnity to all Designated State Authorities - which includes An Garda Síochána. This indemnity applies in respect of any claims for personal injury (including those to passengers, service users, the public and employees) and third party property damage associated with authorised use of Garda Vehicles on approved Garda business.
I have been advised by the Commissioner that the information sought in Parliamentary Question number 751 of 20 June 2017 in respect the number of members of An Garda Síochána driving on Chief's permission and the number who have completed CBD1 and CBD 2 courses, is currently being collated and I will write to the Deputy when this information is to hand.
562. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 713 of 20 June 2017 and 548 of 26 July 2017, if the report is now available; when the Draeger number will be included on the C(T)68 form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47070/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have again requested a report from An Garda Síochána in relation to this matter and can assure the Deputy that I will be in contact with him directly on receipt of a Garda report.
563. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 888 of 20 June 2017 and 550 of 26 July 2017, if the report from An Garda Síochána is now available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47071/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been informed by the Garda authority's that training in respect of the use of oral fluid testing is ongoing and that 1,856 members of An Garda Síochána nationwide have received training.
I am further informed that the oral fluid test is only one of the options open to members of An Garda Síochána in respect of the detection of drug driving offences. Members of An Garda Síochána may form the opinion that a driver is under the influence of an intoxicant from their observation of the persons driving or the behaviour and appearance of the person when stopped.
In addition, the power to conduct an Impairment Test is provided under section 11, Road Traffic Act, 2010, as amended, which permit members of An Garda Síochána to require a driver to perform a number of tests in order for the member to establish if the driver is committing an offence. These provisions have been further extended by the Road Traffic Act, 2016 which permits members of An Garda Síochána to perform an impairment test following arrest in respect of certain road traffic offences. 2,067 members of An Garda Síochána nationwide have received training in conducting Impairment Testing.
I have requested again a report from An Garda Síochána in relation to "the training for the new MIT tests that has been carried out in each Garda division; if members in all divisions have been so trained to report on the quality measures that will be undertaken to ensure that statistics recorded by An Garda Síochána for MITs will be recorded correctly and accurately from first introduction", and I can assure the Deputy that I will be in contact directly on receipt of a Garda report.
564. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 794 of 20 June 2017 and 551 of 26 July 2017, if the report is now available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47072/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been informed by the Garda authorities that training in respect of the use of oral fluid testing is ongoing and that 1,856 members of An Garda Síochána nationwide have received training.
I am further informed that the oral fluid test is only one of the options open to members of An Garda Síochána in respect of the detection of drug driving offences. Members of An Garda Síochána may form the opinion that a driver is under the influence of an intoxicant from their observation of the persons driving or the behaviour and appearance of the person when stopped.
In addition, the power to conduct an Impairment Test is provided under section 11, Road Traffic Act, 2010, as amended, which permit members of An Garda Síochána to require a driver to perform a number of tests in order for the member to establish if the driver is committing an offence. These provisions have been further extended by the Road Traffic Act, 2016 which permits members of An Garda Síochána to perform an impairment test following arrest in respect of certain road traffic offences. 2,067 members of An Garda Síochána nationwide have received training in conducting Impairment Testing.
I have requested again a report from An Garda Síochána in relation to "the number of Gardaí in the Dublin region that have been trained in use of a device (Dräger 5000 for preliminary roadside drug testing) and are currently carrying out such tests", and I can assure the Deputy that I will be in contact directly on receipt of a Garda report.
565. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 795 of 20 June 2017 and 552 of 26 July 2017, if the report is now available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47073/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been informed by the Garda authorities that training in respect of the use of oral fluid testing is ongoing and that 1,856 members of An Garda Síochána nationwide have received training.
I am further informed that the oral fluid test is only one of the options open to members of An Garda Síochána in respect of the detection of drug driving offences. Members of An Garda Síochána may form the opinion that a driver is under the influence of an intoxicant from their observation of the persons driving or the behaviour and appearance of the person when stopped.
In addition, the power to conduct an Impairment Test is provided under section 11, Road Traffic Act, 2010, as amended, which permit members of An Garda Síochána to require a driver to perform a number of tests in order for the member to establish if the driver is committing an offence. These provisions have been further extended by the Road Traffic Act, 2016 which permits members of An Garda Síochána to perform an impairment test following arrest in respect of certain road traffic offences. 2,067 members of An Garda Síochána nationwide have received training in conducting Impairment Testing.
I have requested again a report from An Garda Síochána in relation to "the number of Gardaí in each district that have been trained in use of a device (Dräger 5000 for preliminary roadside drug testing) and are currently carrying out such tests", and I can assure the Deputy that I will be in contact directly on receipt of a Garda report.
566. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 796 of 20 June 2017 and 553 of 26 July 2017, if the report is now available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47074/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have requested again a report from An Garda Síochána in relation to "the number of roadside drug tests carried out by county, by week to date in 2017; the number of drug tests carried out in Garda stations, by county, by week to date in 2017; the number of positives by county; the number that have progressed to blood test following a positive sample", and I can assure the Deputy that I will be in contact directly on receipt of a Garda report.
567. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 577 of 26 July 2017, if the report is now available on the number of persons that were charged for copies of Garda abstracts and statements since 1 January 2017; the amount of these charges in view of the fact that the Policing Authority has provided these figures to a road safety group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47075/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and control of An Garda Síochána, including in relation to charges levied in respect of the provision of Garda abstracts and statements. As Minister, I have no function in relation to the matter.
However, I have again requested the Garda Commissioner to provide the information requested and I can assure the Deputy that I will revert to him directly when it is to hand.
568. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 671 of 11 September 2017, if the report is now to hand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47076/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service of my Department that they are following up on the information requested by the Deputy and expect to be in a position to respond in the near future. I will forward the information directly to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
570. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 346 to 349, inclusive, of 20 September 2017, if the report is now to hand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47078/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have requested again a report from An Garda Síochána in relation to the following matters outlined in parliamentary question numbers 346, 347, 348 and 349 of 20 September 2017:
- 346 - "the number of arrests, prosecutions and convictions for careless driving and or anti-social driving by each district in 2015, 2016 and to date in 2017";
- 347 - "the number of arrests, prosecutions and convictions for careless driving and or anti-social driving in and around Clonmel, County Tipperary in each of the years 2014 to 2016 and to date in 2017";
- 348 - "the way in which careless driving and or anti-social driving, including boy racer driving behaviour and events, are being policed across the county; his plans to improve policing of same";
- 349 - "the way in which careless driving and or anti-social driving, including boy racer driving behaviour and events, are being monitored and halted across the country; his plans to improve this area of road safety".
I can assure the Deputy that I will be in contact directly on receipt of a Garda report.
571. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 246 of 12 July 2017 and 113 to 116, inclusive, of 28 September 2017, if the report is now to hand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47080/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have requested a report from An Garda Síochána in this matter and I can assure the Deputy that I will contact him directly when the report is to hand.
