Written Answers Nos. 105-116
105. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if there are standard practices in place to ensure companies and semi-State bodies do not discriminate against persons that may be computer illiterate by moving all services online; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47419/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, computer literacy is not a protected ground of discrimination under the Equality Acts. Accordingly, I have no ministerial responsibility in relation to this issue.
106. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when final arrangements to allow asylum seekers to work will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47465/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Supreme Court judgment in the case of N.V.H. v. The Minister for Justice and Equality found, on 30 May last, that in an international protection system with no temporal limits as to when the application process will be concluded, an absolute prohibition on the right to work for international protection applicants 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.
Following the approval of Government, I established an Inter-Departmental Taskforce to examine the wide-ranging implications of the judgment, and to consider appropriate solutions. The Taskforce is also examining the legal options available to the State to give effect to the judgement.
The Taskforce is due to report back to Government shortly in preparation for the State's response to the Court judgment. In the circumstances, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further in advance of the Taskforce reporting on its deliberations on the matter.
107. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to address the lack of privacy in direct provision accommodation, particularly for young women and girls; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47466/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe on-going implementation of the McMahon Report recommendations in relation to the facilities in State provided accommodation is contributing to greater privacy and autonomy for all residents, including young women and girls. To date, improved facilities have been or are being implemented in Ballyhaunis and Mosney (full independent living and food hall), Milstreet (independent living and food hall being implemented) Monaghan (communal catering), Athlone (refurbishment of all homes), Clonakilty (communal catering). This work will continue across all centres as resources allow so that we continue to meet the basic needs of protection applicants in a cost effective manner.
Where these facilities have not yet been implemented in an accommodation centre, every family has their own sleeping accommodation in the respective accommodation centre in which they live.
The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department is a demand led organisation. It is currently providing accommodation for almost 4,870 persons. The composition of protection applicants requiring RIA accommodation (in terms of individuals / couples / families) is dynamic which means that the process of matching the facilities and accommodation available to the changing requirements of those in need of accommodation is an ongoing exercise.
A large proportion of the protection applicants requiring RIA accommodation are single persons. Single persons are accommodated in RIA in shared rooms with other persons of the same gender. Most single persons will share with one to two other persons and the large majority have access to en-suite or dedicated bathrooms.
Children are only provided with RIA accommodation as part of a family unit. When allocating accommodation to families, the family make up (including number, ages and gender of children) is taken into consideration and where appropriate interconnecting rooms are provided.
108. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the position of persons (details supplied) will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47492/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the persons concerned are the subject of Deportation Orders made on 15 September 2017.
These orders require the persons concerned to remove themselves from the State and to remain out of the State. The enforcement of the deportation order is a matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau.
I am satisfied that the decisions made in these cases were made after a detailed examination of all relevant factors and under all applicable legislation. This being the case, I see no basis for having these cases further reviewed.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
109. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the measures he will take to combat rural crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47507/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI want to assure the Deputy that I am very much aware of the impact of crime on rural communities, including the serious damage done by organised gangs who target rural areas to engage in burglary and other property-related crime. In particular, I would like to highlight the good work of An Garda Síochána in relation to a number of arrests in recent days of suspects for burglaries in rural areas.
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 Districts and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. However, I can assure the Deputy that Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that optimum use is made of these resources.
The success of the Garda measures to tackle burglary being implemented through Operation Thor is borne out by latest available CSO crime figures which show a very significant decline in property related crime. It is encouraging to note that since the launch of Operation Thor in late 2015, the CSO burglary figures have shown a significant 30% decrease in burglary for the twelve months of 2016 when compared to 2015.
As the Deputy is aware, Operation Thor involves a broad range of activities to tackle organised crime gangs and other prolific offenders as well as working with communities to prevent crime. This comprehensive operation is supported by the enhanced Government investment in Garda resources, including an allocation of almost €100 million for Garda overtime in 2017. We have also invested heavily in the Garda fleet, with over 720 new vehicles coming on stream since the start of 2015 and a provision of €46 million for new Garda vehicles under the Capital Plan 2016-2021.
These additional investments in policing make it possible to maintain and extend a range of intensive policing operations, including the continued targeting of burglaries and related crime via Operation Thor.
Under Operation Thor we have seen over 87,060 targeted checkpoints and 65,960 crime prevention patrols nationwide. This concentrated policing activity has produced in the region of 6,060 arrests and 6,700 charges covering a range of offences which, in addition to burglary, have included handling stolen property, possession of firearms and drugs offences.
This Government has also made it a particular priority to strengthen our legislative provisions through the enactment of the Criminal Justice (Burglary of Dwellings) Act 2015 which is targeted at repeat burglars who have previous convictions and who are charged with multiple offences of residential burglary. This new legislation is now available to support the work which is being carried out by An Garda Síochána under Operation Thor.
The Programme for Government underlines the need for close engagement between An Garda Síochána and local communities. This is an essential feature of the strong community policing ethos which has long been central to policing in this jurisdiction. The Deputy will be aware that, as part of the overall strategy to oppose criminality, the Garda authorities pursue a range of partnerships with community stakeholders, including the farming organisations.
There are a range of partnership initiatives which have been established between An Garda Síochána and important rural-based organisations such as the Irish Farmers' Association, Muintir na Tíre and other rural community organisations. These include the well established Community Alert Programme, which receives annual funding from my Department, as well as the work of the Metal Theft Forum, the Crimestoppers campaign highlighting the Theft of Livestock, the Theftstop initiative in relation to farm equipment, and the highly successful Garda Text Alert Scheme.
Furthermore, I was pleased to recently announce that an additional €100,000 was being made available to Text Alert Groups, registered with An Garda Síochána, to provide modest financial assistance with the running costs they incur each year. This Text Alert Rebate Scheme will be administered by Muintir na Tíre and Groups wishing to participate in the Scheme can find more details at www.muintir.ie.
The Deputy will be aware that An Garda Síochána's Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021 places a strong emphasis on developing and supporting the community policing ethos of the organisation and enhancing the current delivery model so that Gardaí spend more time in the community, gaining public confidence and trust and providing a greater sense of security. It will result in the introduction of multi-skilled Community Policing Teams in every District. Community Policing Teams will be made-up of Gardaí from a number of different units who will work with the local community to prevent and detect crime. Undoubtedly, the ongoing recruitment process will support all Garda activities and will enhance the provision of effective Community Policing throughout the country.
The Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and to deter crime. The substantial increase in Garda numbers is tangible progress on achieving this Government's vision of an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians.
Budget 2018 will support the continuation of this high level of investment in the Garda workforce and ensure that the vision of an overall workforce of 21,000 by 2021 remains on track. A further 800 new Garda Recruits will enter the Garda College, an additional 500 civilians will also be recruited to fill critical skills gaps across the organisation and to facilitate the redeployment of Gardaí from administrative and technical duties to front-line operational duties. There are plans to strengthen the Garda Reserve with new Reserves expected to commence training early in 2018.
110. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reported crime figures for Counties Laois and Offaly over each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47508/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical agency, is responsible for the compilation and publication of the official recorded crime statistics, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. To be of assistance, I have requested the CSO to forward the available statistics directly to the Deputy.
112. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the pilot project in respect of the reopening of Garda stations has commenced; the stations that have reopened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47510/17]
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, including the opening and closing of Garda stations.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for a Partnership Government commits to 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 in this regard, which analysed population and crime trends and the availability of stations for possible reuse. The report contained a recommendation that the former Stepaside station in Co. Dublin be reopened on a pilot basis and indicated that, subject to further analysis, the Commissioner is likely to recommend in the final report the inclusion of the former stations at Leighlinbridge, Co. Carlow and Donard, Co. Wicklow in the pilot scheme. If a second station is to be reopened in Dublin, the Report indicates that the Commissioner is likely, subject to further analysis, to recommend that the former station at Rush, Co. Dublin be included in the pilot scheme.
I am informed that work is ongoing in An Garda Síochána to finalise the report and I understand that it is expected to be received shortly, at which point it will be brought to Government.
114. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason a visa was not granted to a person (details supplied); the alternative options the person has; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47530/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned submitted an application for De Facto Partner Immigration Permission on 18 May 2017. A decision was made on the application and a refusal letter was issued to the person concerned on 31 October 2017. The applicant was refused as it was noted from their application that they left the State in July 2017 and did not return. To meet the prevailing criteria for the De Facto Scheme in May 2017, an applicant must be residing together with their sponsor for a period of at least one year immediately prior to application. The applicant would also be expected to be resident in the State while their application is under review. It is open to the person concerned to submit another application for De Facto Partner Immigration Permission when they are lawfully present in the State.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
115. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 109 of 19 October 2017, the reason the Government has allowed such a divergence arise in the number of gardaí per capita in view of the fact there is one garda for every 447 persons in the State on average but in County Meath there is one garda for every 660 persons (details supplied). [47532/17]
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.
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 Division. It is the responsibility of the Divisional Officer to allocate personnel within his/her Division as appropriate.
I am advised that ratios such as the number of Garda per head of population are not an appropriate tool to use when considering the allocation of Garda resources as they fail to take account of, among other things, the fact that crime levels and types can vary significantly among communities of similar population size.
I am informed by the Commissioner that the Garda strength of the Meath Division on 30 September 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 293 compared to a strength of 279 on 30 September 2015, representing a 5% increase in the strength of the Division. There are also 16 Garda Reserves and 29 civilians attached to the 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.
I am further informed by the Commissioner that since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, close to 1,400 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, 46 of whom have been assigned to the Meath Division. In addition, another 200 trainee Garda 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.
As the Deputy is aware, Operation Thor, which is effective in all Garda Divisions including the Meath Division, involves a broad range of activities to tackle organised crime gangs and other prolific offenders as well as working with communities to prevent crime. It is encouraging to note that in parallel with the implementation of Operation Thor burglary figures in particular have shown a significant downward trend. The CSO official recorded crime statistics for Q4 of 2016 show a 30% decrease in burglary for the twelve months of 2016 when compared to the same period in 2015 - which parallels the implementation of Operation Thor. Furthermore, in terms of burglary, the decrease in Meath Division for this period is 2% higher than the national average with a decrease in burglary of 32%.
This Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and to deter crime. The substantial increase in Garda numbers is tangible progress on achieving this Government’s vision of an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians.
I am pleased to say that Budget 2018 will support the continuation of this high level of investment in the Garda workforce and ensure that the vision of an overall workforce of 21,000 by 2021 remains on track. A further 800 new Garda Recruits will enter the Garda College, an additional 500 civilians will also be recruited to fill critical skills gaps across the organisation and to facilitate the redeployment of Gardaí from administrative and technical duties to front-line operational duties. There are plans to strengthen the Garda Reserve with new Reserves expected to commence training early in 2018.
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 needed 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. Some €330 million, including €205 million under the Capital Plan, is being invested in Garda ICT infrastructure over the period 2016 to 2021.
The Deputy may wish to be aware that on foot of a commitment in the Programme for Government, the Garda Síochána Inspectorate, at the request of the Policing Authority, is carrying out a review of the dispersal and use of resources available to An Garda Síochána in the delivery of policing services to local communities. The Authority has informed the Inspectorate that the review should take account of:
- the changing environments in rural, developing urban and suburban areas;
- the views of local communities;
- the allocation to and deployment of Garda resources at the local policing level, including the use of the Garda Reserve, Garda facilities and Garda equipment; and
- relevant recommendations made in previous Inspectorate reports.
The review will be comprehensive including a consultative process with local communities. It is the view of the Garda Síochána Inspectorate that the review should be completed within the first half of 2018.
116. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of speed cameras operating on average in each county to date in 2017 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47548/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like thank the Deputy for raising the serious issue of speeding on our roads, particularly given the onset of the darker winter months and the greater likelihood of inclement weather. Road safety is, of course, a shared responsibility and it is incumbent upon us all to play our part by driving within the speed limit.
As the Deputy will be aware, the enforcement of road traffic legislation (including the deployment of safety cameras) is an operational matter for An Garda Síochána, in which I have no direct role. You will appreciate that the overall objective of the safety camera network is to reduce the number of speed related collisions and to save lives, as excessive or inappropriate speeding is a major factor in road traffic collisions and fatalities.
A targeted approach to speed enforcement is undertaken in order to significantly reduce the incidence of fatal and serious injuries and improve road safety. To this end, An Garda Síochána, in conjunction with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, completed an extensive analysis of the collision history on Ireland's road network. Sections of road have been identified where a significant proportion of collisions occurred whereby speed was deemed the primary contributory factor.
Based on this analysis, a set of speed enforcement zones was developed. An Garda Síochána utilises these zones in order to direct speed enforcement activity in a proportionate and targeted manner. The locations of these speed enforcement zones are in the public domain and are available on the Garda website: www.garda.ie.
These speed enforcement zones are continually reviewed in light of survey data, collision history and local feedback to ensure that enforcement activity is properly targeted. Surveys are conducted to ensure the appropriate deployment of safety cameras on roads which have been identified as subject to inappropriate speed and where fatal and serious injury collisions continue to occur.
In addition, safety cameras are utilised by An Garda Síochána during day to day enforcement of the relevant provisions of the Road Traffic Acts and as part of specific target Garda operations throughout the country.
