Written Answers Nos. 265-289
265. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the cost of providing external coaching and-or training services for staff development in his Department over the past five years and to date in 2017, by cost per year, in tabular form; the company that delivered the training courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48810/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to promoting a culture of continuous learning and professional development with a view to enhancing organisational and individual capability. The Department invests in a range of courses and programmes designed to address any gaps in knowledge and expertise. Staff also attend conferences and seminars to ensure that they are keeping up to date with recent developments and improvements related to their specific areas such as European policy, IT, and human resources.
The table details the cost per annum of the delivery of learning and development interventions, including the spend for staff attending courses and seminars on an individual basis, from 2012 to date.
The list of course providers over the requested period is extensive. The attached list details the main providers for the period in question. The courses provided cover a wide range of areas including communication skills, people management, leadership, change management, as well as technical skills such as IT, inspection, audit, accounting, and legal skills.
Breakdown of Expenditure from 2012 to October 2017
|
Year |
Training Courses (this includes cost of all courses delivered specifically for DJE staff and the cost of attendance on outside courses attended by staff) |
Seminars and Conferences |
Total |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
2012 |
179,744.00 |
13,456.00 |
193,200.00 |
|
2013 |
58,217.00 |
13,183.00 |
71,400.00 |
|
2014 |
60,230.00 |
17,191.00 |
77,421.00 |
|
2015 |
114,588.00 |
16,289.00 |
130,877.00 |
|
2016 |
254,592.00 |
38,343.00 |
292,935.00 |
|
2017 - to Oct |
390,530.00 |
29,043.00 |
419,573.00 |
List of main Training Providers from 2012 to Sept 2017
ACCA
Accounting Technicians Ireland
Adaptas Training
Alliance Francaise
All-One Corporate Solutions Ltd
Arcline Ltd
Ashville Media Group Ltd
Beacon Training
Bluewave Technology Limited
Byrne Wallace Law Firm
Carr Communications Ltd
CENAD sprl
Chartered Accountants Ireland,
Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors Ireland
Chris Mee Group
CIPD Ireland
Common Purpose Limited
DCM Learning
DeafHear.ie
Deloitte
Department of Finance
Department of Public Expenditure & Reform
DMS Personnel Consultants (Ireland) Ltd
ERA Academy of European Law
Ernst & Young
Europaische Rechtsakademie
European Academy for Taxes, Economics and Law
European Institute of Communications
European Institute of Public Administration
Evolution, Human Resource & Management Consultancy
Fitzwilliam Institute Group
Gaelchultur
GovNet Communications
HazChem Training Limited
Hibernian Training Courses
IACT
ICS Skills
IIA Training Ltd
Institute of Bankers
Institute of Internal Auditors UK & Ireland
Institute of International & European Affairs
Institute of Public Administration
International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP)
IPASS
Irish Centre for European Law
Irish Quality Centre
Irish Times Training (Irish Times Ltd, Itronics Ltd)
La Touche Training
Law Society of Ireland
Leaders UK and Ireland Ltd (Young Programme Events Ltd)
Legal-Island Ltd
Mazars
Mediator's Institute of Ireland
New Horizons Ireland
Olas
Optima Training & Consulting Ltd.,
PDP Training
Perpetual Solutions
Pitman Training
Presidion ( Formally SPSS Ireland)
Professional Development Ireland Ltd
Public Affairs Ireland
Riskom International Pty Ltd
Rothwell Performance Consulting
Seneca Healthcare Solutions CiC
Seven Psychology at Work
Shannon Consulting
Sureskills Ltd
The Communications Clinic Ltd
The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre Ltd.
The Dublin Solicitors Bar Association
The Honorable Society of King's Inns
The Sandford Language Institute
Tiger Consulting
Trigraph Professional Training
Trinity College Dublin
UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School
UCD Adult Education Centre
266. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if public and semi-State bodies are obliged to comply with the general data protection regulation which will pass into EU law in May 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48818/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe position is that the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which will come into force in May 2018, applies to both the public and private sectors. However, while an EU Regulation of this kind is normally a directly-applicable legal instrument and does not therefore require any national law to give it effect, the GDPR contains a number of provisions which allow Member States a limited margin of flexibility. An accompanying Directive, which sets data protection standards for the processing of personal data by competent authorities for the purposes of prevention, investigation, detection and prosecution of criminal offences and the execution of criminal penalties will also enter into force in May 2018.
The Government published the General Scheme of the Data Protection Bill in May last. The Bill will give further effect to the GDPR in areas in which flexibility is allowed, transpose the law enforcement Directive into national law and replace the Data Protection Commissioner with a Data Protection Commission.
The Bill is currently being drafted and will be published during the current Dail term with a view to enactment in Spring 2018.
267. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the names of the companies renting a fixing and-or space on telecommunications and-or communications masts from his Department; the income received for each of the past five years for same, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48844/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra270. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the income received by his Department from the renting to companies of space to use and-or take fixings from telecommunications and-or communications masts on site or on the roof of his Department, in each of the past five years, by location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48882/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 267 and 270 together.
I can advise the Deputy that my Department does not receive any income in respect of renting of space or taking fixings from telecoms or communication masts on property occupied by my Department's offices.
268. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the grounds on which established bank customers in the State can be deemed subject to section 37 of the Criminal Justice Act 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48856/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraBanks as designated persons under the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010 (“the Act”) are obliged to conduct ongoing monitoring of their customers and to keep their information/documentation up to date. This is in line with the risk-based approach allowing a designated person to apply appropriate measures. It also recognises that customer profiles change over time, as does the nature of business relationships. It allows designated persons to monitor the business relationship and mitigate the risk of money laundering or terrorist financing.
The criteria by which a bank will make a decision that a customer is subject to Section 37 of the Act are set out in Section 37(10) which define what constitutes a politically exposed person, an immediate family member of a politically exposed person or a close associate of a politically person.
269. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the grounds on which a bank is obliged to implement the issuing of a request pursuant to section 37 of the Criminal Justice Act 2010; if he is satisfied that these provisions are implemented consistently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48857/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 37(1) of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010 obliges a bank to take steps to determine whether a customer resident outside the State is a politically exposed person or a close associate or immediate family member of a politically exposed person ("PEP"); the definition of such a person is set out in Section 37(10). Section 37(3) requires that such steps should be those reasonably warranted by the risk that such a customer is involved in money laundering or terrorist financing.
Section 37(4)(a) obliges a bank, where such a determination has been made, to ensure that approval is obtained from senior management before a business relationship is established with such a person. Section 37(4)(b) obliges a bank in such circumstances to determine the source of wealth and of funds for transactions which the customer seeks to carry out.
Section 37(8) obliges a bank to discontinue the business relationship or refuse to carry out transactions where the customer fails to provide documents or information which are required for the bank to meet its obligations as noted above.
The Central Bank of Ireland is responsible for the monitoring of credit and financial institutions Anti Money Laundering compliance with the Act. In previous inspections of the banking sector, the Central Bank found deficiencies in the measures banks had in relation to PEPs. These deficiencies included the initial screening of customers, timing of senior management approval and the failure to sufficiently identify, verify and document source of wealth and source of funds.
271. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of community gardaí deployed at each station in a Garda district (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48929/17]
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.
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.
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, 10 of whom have been assigned to the Togher District. In addition, another 200 trainee Garda are scheduled to attest next month 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.
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 Cork City Division and Togher District, in the coming years.
Community policing is at the heart of An Garda Síochána. It provides a means of recognising that every community – both urban and rural – has its own concerns and expectations.
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the Garda National Model of Community Policing plays a key part in responding to crime by taking into account and responding to local conditions and needs. Clear objectives are set, such as high visibility in the community, ease of contact by members of the public, and enhanced support for crime prevention strategies. Community policing is not, of course, confined to dedicated Community Gardaí, all Gardaí have a role to play in community policing in carrying out their duties. In addition, the National Community Policing Office, attached to the Garda Community Relations Bureau, captures best practice in community policing initiatives and disseminates these practices through its communication network.
The information requested by the Deputy as provided by the Commissioner is set out in the following table.
Strength of Community Gardaí by Station in Togher Garda District 30 September 2017
|
Station |
Total |
|
Bishopstown |
1 |
|
Carrigaline |
1 |
|
Crosshaven |
0 |
|
Douglas |
2 |
|
Passage West |
0 |
|
Togher |
2 |
|
Total |
6 |
272. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the domain names registered to or owned by his Department or through a third party company. [48947/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe domain names owned by bodies on my Department's ICT shared service are listed as follows. All of the names were registered through specialist third party providers.
|
Name |
|
anticorruption.ie |
|
bravery.ie |
|
coroner.ie |
|
coroners.ie |
|
coronersservice.ie |
|
cosc.ie |
|
csit.ie |
|
csvc.ie |
|
dacoi.ie |
|
fightracism.ie |
|
Forensicscience.ie |
|
gardainspectorate.ie |
|
iab.ie |
|
idcmagdalen.ie |
|
integration.ie |
|
internetsafety.ie |
|
irishprobation.com |
|
irishprobation.ie |
|
jsec.ie |
|
jsector.net |
|
lsra.ie |
|
murrayreview.ie |
|
nda.ie |
|
npsra.ie |
|
oberstown.com |
|
ohigginscommission.ie |
|
orac.ie |
|
policingauthority.ie |
|
probation.eu |
|
probation.ie |
|
probationireland.com |
|
probationireland.eu |
|
probationireland.ie |
|
probationservice.ie |
|
protectionappeals.ie |
|
racism.ie |
|
rdccremote.ie |
|
reachproject.eu |
|
reachproject.ie |
|
restorativejustice.ie |
|
stampoutracism.ie |
|
stopracism.ie |
|
travellerinclusion.ie |
|
universalperiodicreview.ie |
|
upr.ie |
|
uprireland.ie |
|
victimsofcrime.ie |
|
victimsofcrimeoffice.ie |
|
carthanais.ie |
|
carthanas.ie |
|
ceud.ie |
|
cfpi.ie |
|
charities.ie |
|
charitiesregulator.ie |
|
charitiesregulatortrusteelearning.ie |
|
charitiesregulatoryauthority.ie |
|
charityregulator.ie |
|
civiljusticereview.ie |
|
disclosurestribunal.ie |
|
disclosuretribunal.ie |
|
dojtest.ie |
|
dprotection.ie |
|
genderequality.ie |
|
gsinsp.ie |
|
iclvr.ie |
|
ifco.ie |
|
inspectorofprisons.ie |
|
irishyouthjusticeservice.ie |
|
iyjs.ie |
|
justice.ie |
|
mhclrb.ie |
|
policereform.ie |
|
psab.ie |
|
RialalaiCarthanas.ie |
|
section42clancy.ie |
|
section42inquiries.ie |
|
section42kelly.ie |
|
section42mulcahy.ie |
|
section42nugent.ie |
|
section42tuohey.ie |
|
stardustreview.ie |
|
trusteelearning.ie |
|
ud2018.ie |
|
universaldesign.ie |
|
youthjustice.ie |
273. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to amend the law to allow persons to hold products or items in their own homes which could be used for the purposes of self defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48955/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the current law in relation to self defence in the home is set out in the Criminal Law (Defence and the Dwelling) Act, 2011. There are currently no plans to amend legislation to provide for persons to hold products or items in their own homes which could be used for the purposes of self defence.
274. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the timeframe for Ireland's ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; the reason for the delay to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48986/17]
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. This Government remains committed to ratification of the Convention.
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 an early date to facilitate ratification of the UN Convention as soon as possible.
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.
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.
275. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason local authorities pay for coroners in view of the fact the office of the coroner is under the remit of his Department; and if such costs are reimbursed. [48998/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe first legislation of the new Irish State was the Coroners (Amendment) Act 1927 where the coroner was deemed to be an office to which the Local Authorities (Officers and Employees) Act 1926 applied, though with the Minister for Justice as the relevant Minister.
Essentially, that provision remains and the current legislation, the Coroners Act, 1962, states in section 9 that - "Every coroner shall be paid by the local authority by whom he is appointed such salary as shall from time to time be fixed, with the approval of the Minister, by that local authority.
276. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps being take to provide mandatory training on gender-based and domestic violence for gardaí and other law enforcement officials, social workers, lawyers, prosecutors, judges and other public officials dealing with victims of gender-based, including domestic and sexual, violence as recommended by the committee against torture at its meetings (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49030/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government recognises the importance of the United Nations Committee against Torture (UNCAT) and the recommendations arising from the engagement process that occurred earlier this year with that committee.
The second National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence 2016-2021 was published in January 2016. The publication of the strategy was welcomed by UNCAT in its concluding observations on the second periodic report of Ireland. The second National Strategy is a whole of Government response to such violence. The strategy’s timebound actions are structured around three high level goals, the first of which is concerned with raising awareness, education and training.
There are a number of actions in the strategy relating to training. The UNCAT recommendations contained in its concluding observations underlines the importance of the full implementation of these actions. Action 1.500 commits public sector agencies working in the area of domestic and gender-based violence - An Garda Síochána, the Courts Service, the Probation Service, Tusla and the HSE - to develop and deliver training to staff dealing with domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. Action 1.600 commits Tusla to develop strategic approaches to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence training within Tusla. Under Action 1.700, Cosc – the National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence - has liaised with the Committee for Judicial Studies to raise awareness among the judiciary. The previous Chief Justice advised my predecessor that the judiciary are very aware of the needs of victims, and have received training or information in the area of the rights, support and protection of a range of victims of crime, and anticipated further seminars and conferences for the judiciary on these issues. Action 1.800 commits the Law Society, the Bar Council and King’s Inns to develop and deliver initial training and developmental training for continual delivery to legal practitioners.
As the Deputy will be aware the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is independent in the exercise of her statutory functions. I have been informed that since July 2015 all domestic violence files submitted to the DPP by An Garda Síochána have been fully collated to allow for a holistic analysis of offences. This analysis has underpinned training of prosecutors – both decision makers in the DPP's office and lawyers prosecuting cases in the District Court in Dublin. I am also advised that, coinciding with the enactment of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017, presentations were delivered to prosecutors, including State solicitors, by the Head of Prosecutions and the Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions.
The implementation of the actions in the Strategy are subject to formal monitoring twice yearly by a monitoring committee comprising of non-governmental agencies and state organisations.
277. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a residency visa will be renewed in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49103/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person referred to by the Deputy arrived in the State on 11 February 2017 and that they were registered on student conditions on 11 May 2017. INIS records show that the person concerned has a current online appointment with Burgh Quay Registration Office for 13 December 2017 and they should attend on this date with all relevant documentation. Regarding documentation to produce, they should be advised to consult with the relevant section on the INIS website www.INIS.gov.ie. Further permission to remain in the State will be considered by an Immigration Officer on that date.
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.
278. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the average costs associated with processing and answering written and oral parliamentary questions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49128/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, accounting to Dáil Éireann by way of Parliamentary Questions (PQs) is an important part of the work of my Department and to date this year 3,000 have been answered.
Questions put to my Department cover the wide range of our responsibilities and those of the agencies under my Department's remit. The PQs asked vary between requests for factual information (from small specific queries to very large amounts of information broken down by e.g. year and category) to questions seeking further insight into my and my Departments thinking or the Government's political thinking on a particular issue or issues.
The work required to answer PQs, written or oral vary greatly from question to question. The work put in by individual civil servants to answering questions, and the day-to-day work that gives a civil servant the knowledge required to answer them, is an integral part of their job and not easily disaggregated.
To provide an estimate of average cost could only be obtained through the expenditure of a disproportionate amount of my Department's time and resources. It is therefore not possible to provide you with the information sought.
279. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí attached to the Donegal Garda division as of 1 January 2017 and 1 November 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49210/17]
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 the Garda strength of the Donegal Division on 30 September 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 389. There are also 18 Garda Reserves and 32 civilians attached to the Division. On the 1 January 2017 the strength of the Donegal Division was 381 with 21 Garda reserves and 32 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 Armed Response Units, 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, 24 of whom have been assigned to the Donegal Division. In addition, another 200 trainee Garda are scheduled to attest next month 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 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 Donegal Division, in the coming years.
280. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to bring forward the passenger name record Bill 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49211/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraA draft General Scheme of the Criminal Justice (Passenger Name Record) Bill is currently being finalised in consultation with relevant Government Departments with a view to shortly seeking Government approval for formal drafting of the legislation.
281. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 62 of 29 June 2016, the steps his Department has taken regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49235/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 16th June, 2015, frontline immigration controls have been undertaken in Terminal 1 at Dublin Airport on a 24/7 basis by civilian staff from the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department. In October 2015, INIS civilian staff took over the front-line immigration controls in the Transit Area of Terminal 2. On 2nd October 2017, responsibility for these controls in Terminal 2 was handed over from the Garda National Immigration Bureau to INIS, thus completing the transfer of frontline passport checks at Dublin Airport to civilian staff.
In relation to expanding the civilianisation programme to other ports of entry, my Department will consider deploying civilian officers to other major ports of entry to the State where this makes sense from a cost and efficiency perspective. In circumstances where An Garda Síochána will maintain a presence at our ports to continue their crucial policing role in protecting our borders from a security and enforcement perspective, one of the requirements of further civilianisation at other ports of entry will be to achieve the right balance between Gardaí and civilian staff. In this light, the nature and volume and time distribution of passenger traffic at other ports of entry will be a determining factor in any decision to deploy civilian immigration officers.
282. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí assigned to a station (details supplied); his plans to increase the number of gardaí in this station in view of the increasing instances of theft in local shops and anti-social behaviour in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49305/17]
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 Garda Commissioner that the number of Gardaí assigned to the Donegal Division on 30 September 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 389 with 18 Garda Reserves and 32 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 Armed Support Unit, 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 to deter crime. To make this a reality for all, the Government has in place a plan to achieve an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. 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 1,400 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, 24 of whom were assigned to the Donegal Division. I am also informed that a further 200 hundred Garda recruits are scheduled to attest next month 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 needed to allow the deployment of increasing numbers of Gardaí across every Garda Division including the Donegal Division in the coming years.
The Deputy will appreciate I have no direct role in Garda strategies to tackle anti-social behaviour and criminal activity. I can, however, assure the Deputy that I am in regular contact with the Commissioner about all aspects of policing and community safety with a view to ensuring that our cities and towns are safe for all.
More generally, there are a range of strong legislative provisions available to An Garda Síochána to combat anti-social behaviour, including provisions under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Acts, the Criminal Damage Act and the Intoxicating Liquor Acts. The powers available to Gardaí support them in addressing anti-social behaviours, including the prevention of nuisance or annoyance to others and forestalling damage to property or a breach of the peace.
An Garda Síochána remains committed to tackling public disorder and anti-social behaviour by working with communities to reduce this type of behaviour and enhance community safety. The Garda approach includes a strong focus on quality of life issues and collaboration with local authorities, businesses and other stakeholders to help address the causes of anti-social behaviour.
Furthermore, the Garda National Model of Community Policing plays a key part in responding to crime by taking into account and responding to local conditions and needs. Clear objectives are set, such as high visibility in the community, ease of contact by members of the public, and enhanced support for crime prevention strategies. All Gardaí have a role to play in Community Policing in carrying out their duties. In addition, the National Community Policing Office, attached to the Garda Community Relations Bureau, captures best practice in community policing initiatives and disseminates these practices through its communication network.
An Garda Síochána's Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021, published on 9 June 2016, 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.
283. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí assigned to the traffic corps as of January in each of the years 2012 to 2017; the number currently assigned to the traffic corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49316/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including to the Garda Traffic Corps and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. I am assured by the Commissioner that Garda personnel assigned throughout the country, together with the overall policing arrangements and operational strategies are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of resources and the best possible policing service is provided to the general public.
I am informed by the Commissioner that the total strength of the Garda Traffic Corps on the 30 September 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 631. In addition, there is one Chief Superintendent and two Superintendents attached to the DMR Traffic Corps, a Superintendent and traffic inspector attached to each of the five Regions, and one Superintendent attached to the Policing Road Traffic 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 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.
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. In addition, another 200 trainee Garda are scheduled to attest next month 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.
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 Traffic Corps Division, in the coming years.
The Commissioner has committed in the Policing Plan for 2017 to increase incrementally the number of personnel dedicated to traffic duties by 10% to support better outcomes in relation to road traffic enforcement and crime prevention.
In this regard the Commissioner has confirmed that a review of the roads policing has been completed and a new role and job description for additional personnel for Road Policing Units has been developed. I am advised that a competition is currently in train to fill these positions.
An Garda Síochána’s Modernisation and Renewal Programme (2016-2021) also sets out key strategic objectives for road policing which will inform and guide An Garda Síochána's road policing plans over the next 5 years. Under the Programme, the Commissioner will undertake a number of road safety traffic enforcement initiatives, including expanding the use of technology and increasing checkpoints.
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table.
|
Strength of the Traffic Corps 2012-2017 |
|
|
Date |
Total |
|
31 January 2012 |
931 |
|
31 January 2013 |
867 |
|
31 January 2014 |
802 |
|
31 January 2015 |
730 |
|
31 January 2016 |
688 |
|
31 January 2017 |
669 |
|
30 September 2017* |
631 |
* 30 September 2017, the latest date for which figures are available.
284. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the meeting of all interested parties to find effective solutions to the problem of young persons with scramblers and quad bikes has been convened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49324/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, I have written to the relevant parties, including the Ministers for Transport, Tourism and Sport and Housing, Planning and Local Government, the Garda Commissioner, the Chairman of the Revenue Commissioners and the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, in order to ascertain whether there are additional legislative or other solutions which can assist us in dealing with this issue more comprehensively, by way of a joined-up approach.
Responses have now been received from the majority of bodies. I intend to convene a meeting of all of the interested parties in order to identify additional effective solutions and assign responsibility and timeframes for implementation, as soon as all responses have been received.
285. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí assigned to each Garda station in central Dublin in each of the years 2011 to 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form. [49358/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra287. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of additional gardaí that have been assigned to date in 2017 to the north inner city of Dublin. [49360/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 285 and 287 together.
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 on the 30 September 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available, the strength of the D.M.R. North Central Division was 598 and the D.M.R. South Central Division was 605. There are also 37 Garda Reserves and 42 civilians attached to the D.M.R. North Central Division and 38 Reserves and 29 civilians in the D.M.R. South Central 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.
In addition, as part of the range of measures which have been put in place to tackle organised crime a new Garda Special Crime Task Force (SCTF) has been in operation in the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) since July 2016 and is focussing relentlessly on persons involved in organised criminal activities. It operates in cooperation with other agencies including the Revenue Commissioners and Department of Social Protection and has the benefit of the expertise of members of the Criminal Assets Bureau, Garda Divisional Asset Profilers, and the Garda Síochána Analysis Service. I am informed by the Commissioner that the SCTF as of September 2017 there are 5 Sergeants and 45 Gardaí assigned to the SCTF.
Further, the new dedicated Armed Support Unit for the Dublin Metropolitan Region was launched on 14 December 2016, and is now operational on a 24/7 basis. Members of the ARU are highly trained and equipped with a variety of non-lethal and lethal weapons and perform high visibility armed checkpoints and patrols throughout their respective Regions. I am advised that the number of Gardaí assigned to the ASU is deemed to be operationally sensitive and cannot be disclosed for security reasons.
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, 121 and 124 of whom were assigned to D.M.R. North Central Division and D.M.R. South Central Division respectively. In addition, another 200 trainee Garda are scheduled to attest next month 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 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 D.M.R. North and South Central Divisions, in the coming years.
The number of newly attested Gardaí allocated to the D.M.R. North Central and South Central Divisions since the recommencement of recruitment and the number of Gardaí assigned to each Garda station in the D.M.R. North Central and South Central Divisions in each of the years 2011 to 2016 and to date in 2017 is set out as follows.
NEW RECRUITS ASSIGNED TO DMR NORTH CENTRAL AND SOUTH CENTRAL DIVISIONS
|
|
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
|
D.M.R NC |
22 |
44 |
55 |
|
D.M.R SC |
21 |
42 |
61 |
GARDA STRENGTH OF D.M.R. NORTH CENTRAL DIVISION
|
DISTRICT |
STATION |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
*2017 |
|
BRIDEWELL |
BRIDEWELL |
167 |
174 |
168 |
171 |
159 |
158 |
159 |
|
FITZGIBBON STREET |
FITZGIBBON STREET |
113 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
MOUNTJOY |
100 |
207 |
197 |
189 |
187 |
191 |
186 |
|
|
TOTAL |
213 |
207 |
197 |
189 |
187 |
191 |
186 |
|
STORE STREET |
IMMIGRATION D/DOCKS |
6 |
5 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
|
|
STORE STREET |
274 |
268 |
256 |
244 |
241 |
260 |
250 |
|
|
TOTAL |
280 |
273 |
259 |
247 |
244 |
263 |
253 |
|
D.M.R. NORTH CENTRAL TOTAL |
|
660 |
654 |
624 |
607 |
590 |
612 |
598 |
*As of 30 September 2017
GARDA STRENGTH OF D.M.R. SOUTH CENTRAL DIVISION
|
DISTRICT |
STATION |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
*2017 |
|
DONNYBROOK |
DONNYBROOK |
122 |
119 |
120 |
115 |
108 |
107 |
101 |
|
|
IRISHTOWN |
52 |
50 |
49 |
49 |
47 |
50 |
50 |
|
|
TOTAL |
174 |
169 |
169 |
164 |
155 |
157 |
151 |
|
KEVIN STREET |
KEVIN STREET |
153 |
143 |
135 |
121 |
117 |
117 |
104 |
|
|
KILMAINHAM |
74 |
78 |
79 |
72 |
75 |
73 |
65 |
|
|
TOTAL |
227 |
221 |
214 |
193 |
192 |
190 |
169 |
|
|
HARCOURT TERRACE |
79 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
PEARSE STREET |
PEARSE STREET |
255 |
310 |
303 |
285 |
280 |
283 |
285 |
|
|
TOTAL |
334 |
310 |
303 |
285 |
280 |
283 |
285 |
|
D.M.R. SOUTH CENTRAL TOTAL |
|
735 |
700 |
686 |
642 |
627 |
630 |
605 |
*As of 30 September 2017
286. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda vehicles assigned to each Garda station in each of the years 2011 to 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form. [49359/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be appreciate decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda vehicles are a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the light of his identified operational demands and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.
I have asked the Garda Commissioner for the specific information requested and when it is to hand I will inform the Deputy accordingly.
288. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when Fitzgibbon Street Garda station will be reopened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49361/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the Office of Public Works (OPW), which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. This includes identifying and progressing any necessary remedial or refurbishment works required at individual stations. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
The Deputy will be aware that the proposed reopening of Fitzgibbon Street Garda station is a key action recommended in the report on the North East Inner City prepared by Kieran Mulvey for the North East Inner City Ministerial Taskforce
I am advised by the Garda authorities that they are working closely with the OPW to progress the project and that notices for Civil and Structural and Quantity Surveyor services have recently been placed on e-Tenders.
289. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the new Garda special crime task force has been established as recommended by the Mulvey report recommendations for the north-east inner city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49362/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Garda authorities that there was no specific recommendation in the Mulvey Report relating to the establishment of a special crime taskforce as outlined in the Deputy's question. However, I can advise the Deputy that the Garda Commissioner established a new Garda Special Crime Task Force in the Dublin Metropolitan Region in 2016, under the Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, to augment the response to organised crime at a local level through concentrated policing, and through a multi-agency approach to targeting the proceeds of crime. The Deputy will be aware that it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the allocation of Garda resources and I, as Minister, have no direct role in such matters.
The Deputy will also be aware that the Garda operational responses to gang-related crime in Dublin are coordinated under Operation Hybrid. As of 31 October 2017, there have been 71 arrests in relation to gang-related killings, with 8 persons charged in connection with those murders and a further 3 persons charged with related offences. In addition, 30 firearms have been seized and over 14,260 lines of enquiry conducted. In excess of 44,490 high visibility checkpoints have been implemented with significant support from Armed Support Units and a significant amount of CCTV footage, mobile phone traffic, and forensic evidence is also being examined. Operation Hybrid is reviewed on a weekly basis to maintain optimal impact.
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 continuing to purchase new Garda vehicles over the years 2016-2021.
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.
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.
