Wednesday, 29 Nov 2017

Written Answers Nos. 164-180

Diplomatic Representation

Ceisteanna (164)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

164. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the timeframe for an appeal in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50773/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I have been advised by officials from the Embassy of Ireland in Ankara that it is not possible to provide a timeframe for an appeals process in the Turkish courts to be completed, as this timeframe can vary from case to case. An appeal process is a judicial process and the Irish Government has no role in a matter such as this which is before the courts of another jurisdiction. Embassy officials are aware that this citizen has been appointed state legal representation which would be best placed to advise on this appeal process. Officials at the Embassy are in regular contact with this citizen’s family and are continuing to provide appropriate Consular Assistance.

Female Genital Mutilation

Ceisteanna (165)

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Ceist:

165. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to provide multi-year funding for the next phase of the UNFPA-UNICEF joint programme on female genital mutilation, FGM, which is the largest global response to accelerate the elimination of FGM, in order to meet Target 5.3 of the sustainable development goals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50827/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

The practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) is a clear violation of the human rights of women and girls. It has serious social, health and psychological consequences and is one of the most pervasive forms of gender based violence. Girls and women subjected to FGM are at risk of early marriage and dropping out of school. In turn, this is linked to reduced opportunities for growth, development and sustainable incomes more generally. It is estimated that more than three million girls are at risk of undergoing FGM every year. Ireland played a central role at the United Nations brokering the Sustainable Development Goals, which asks all UN members to eliminate FGM by 2030. Ireland advocated strongly for the inclusion of this particular target on FGM, which is intended to provide much needed impetus to international action to end this appalling practice.

Tackling violence against women and girls is an important focus of Ireland’s development aid programme, which we see as critical to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Through our support for multilateral organisations and NGOs, together with policy work at multiple levels, Irish official development assistance works towards the elimination of FGM, as well as towards tackling many of its root causes, including persistent poverty and gender inequality.

In addition to core funding of €10 million in 2017 to the UN agencies most involved in addressing FGM (UNICEF and UNFPA), Ireland also supports those agencies’ Joint Programme on Eliminating FGM: Accelerating Change. Since the Joint Programme was launched in 2007, Ireland has provided over €1 million in funding, including, most recently, €250,000 in 2016. The next phase of the Joint Programme on Eliminating FGM is due to run from 2018 to 2021.

A new White Paper on Ireland’s policy on international development will prepared in the first half of next year. This will set out clear priorities for the coming years, including on how Ireland’s overseas development assistance will contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Brexit Negotiations

Ceisteanna (166)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

166. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has communicated a position to the European Commission regarding the practical measures that might be taken to ensure the commitment to human rights equivalence enshrined in the Good Friday Agreement is adequately protected in the first phase of Brexit negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50855/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Government is determined to ensure that the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts is fully protected and respected in the context of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, including all elements relating to human rights. Human rights protections form a vital part of the institutional underpinning for the peace settlement founded on the Good Friday Agreement and serve to build and maintain confidence for communities across Northern Ireland. The protection of human rights in Northern Ireland - including through the incorporation into law of the European Convention on Human Rights - is one of the key principles of the Agreement, as set out in the chapter on Rights, Safeguards and Equality of Opportunity. It is important to be clear that the European Convention on Human Rights is separate and distinct to the European Union. The UK’s decision to leave the EU has no impact on its obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights. Even after the UK leaves the EU, there remains a continuing obligation on the British Government to incorporate the European Convention on Human Rights into Northern Ireland law, as provided for in the Good Friday Agreement. In this regard, it is welcome that the UK Government’s White Paper on legislating for withdrawal from the EU that was published in March clarified that it has no plans to leave the European Convention on Human Rights.

In February, as part of the All-Island Civic Dialogue on Brexit, the Government convened a Sectoral Dialogue on Human Rights under the Good Friday Agreement to hear the views of civil society, North and South, on the possible implications of Brexit for this pivotal chapter of the Agreement. This was a very valuable exchange and a number of key themes emerged, which have been communicated publicly, which are informing the Government’s approach in this area, including as set out in the comprehensive document, Ireland and the negotiations on the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union under Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union, published by the Government on 2 May.

The Government’s programme of engagement with EU partners has ensured that Ireland’s unique issues and concerns have been fully understood by the EU27 and have been reflected in the EU’s negotiating position for the Article 50 negotiations with the UK. In this regard, the Guiding Principles for the dialogue on Ireland/Northern Ireland, which were published by the European Commission Article 50 Task Force in September, confirm that European Union law and practice has provided a supporting framework in Northern Ireland and across the island for the Good Friday Agreement provisions on Rights, Safeguards and Equality of Opportunity. They state that the Good Friday Agreement requires equivalent standards of protection of rights in Ireland and Northern Ireland and that the United Kingdom should ensure that no diminution of rights is caused by the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union, including in the area of protection against forms of discrimination currently enshrined in Union law. This position has been conveyed by the European Commission Task Force to the UK in the Article 50 negotiations in the High Level Dialogue on Ireland and Northern Ireland.

As co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, the Government takes very seriously our responsibility to safeguard its institutions and principles, including in the area of human rights. The Government will continue to pursue, with our EU partners, an outcome to the Article 50 process that protects our headline priorities and Ireland’s fundamental interests, including to ensure protection of and respect for the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts.

Overseas Development Aid Data

Ceisteanna (167)

Darragh O'Brien

Ceist:

167. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the cost of reaching the 0.7% ODA and GNP target from its current base of approximately 0.3% in incremental steps, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50951/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Government is strongly committed to Ireland’s overseas development co-operation programme and to its place at the heart of our foreign policy. Our policy for International Development, “One World, One Future”, clearly articulates our commitment to the UN target of providing 0.7% of Gross National Income (GNI) in Official Development Assistance (ODA), as economic conditions allow.

The current Programme for Government sets out our ambition to make progress towards the UN target as resources permit. This progress needs to be made in a sustainable and manageable way, building on Ireland's recognised role as a reliable and effective partner in contributing to ending global poverty and hunger, and in providing humanitarian assistance. In order to prepare for greater progress towards the UN target, a new White Paper on Irish overseas development assistance will be produced next year.

For 2018, the Government has allocated just over €707 million for ODA, the third consecutive year ODA has increased. Based on current estimates, it is anticipated this level of allocation to deliver an ODA/GNI target of approximately 0.3%.

In line with EU member states, we remain committed to making incremental, sustainable and manageable progress towards achieving the 0.7% UN target by 2030, over the period of the Sustainable Development Goals. Reaching this target will involve significant increases to the ODA budget and requires careful planning and consultation with other Government Departments and stakeholders, which will be informed by the White Paper process next year.

The table sets out a sample stepped scenario for meeting the UN target of spending 0.7% of GNI on ODA by 2030, with interim targets of 0.4% in 2022, 0.5% in 2026 and 0.6% in 2028.

Year	Total ODA In € millions	ODA as a % of Projected GNP
2018	707.10	0.30%
2020	906.37	0.35%
2022	1,109.29	0.40%
2024	1,323.96	0.45%
2026	1,560.65	0.50%
2028	1,986.83	0.60%
2030	2,459.13	0.70%

We have used forecasts for Gross National Product (GNP) as a proxy for GNI in the above calculations because GNI is only calculated retrospectively. In practice the difference between the two tends to be minimal.

Emigrant Support Services

Ceisteanna (168)

Darragh O'Brien

Ceist:

168. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the expenditure on the emigrant support programme and the full-year cost of increasing expenditure by 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50952/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The budget for the Emigrant Support Programme in 2017 was €11.595 million, this in line with budget levels in recent years and also stands as the budget for 2018. An increase of 5% on the 2017 budget would cost €579,750. An increase of 10% on the 2017 budget would cost €1,159,500. An increase of 15% on the 2017 budget would cost €1,739,250. An increase of 20% on the 2017 budget would cost €2,319,000.

Overseas Development Aid Expenditure

Ceisteanna (169)

Darragh O'Brien

Ceist:

169. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the expenditure on the trust fund for Africa and the full-year cost of increasing expenditure by 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50953/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

The European Union Emergency Trust Fund for stability and addressing root causes of irregular migration and displaced persons in Africa is an element of a comprehensive package of EU initiatives to support stability across the North, East (Horn of Africa) and West (Sahel/Lake Chad) African Regions, contributing to tackling the root causes of instability, forced displacement and irregular migration. This Trust Fund was launched at the EU-Africa Summit on migration in Valletta, Malta, on 11-12 November 2015 and will operate until 2020. Almost €3.2 billion has been pledged for the Trust Fund by the EU and EU Member States.

At the time of its launch, Ireland made a commitment to provide a bilateral contribution of €3 million over the period covered by the Trust Fund, 2016 to 2020 (€600,000 per annum). This initial commitment is earmarked for the Horn of Africa region. To date, Ireland has disbursed €1.2 million, our contributions for 2016 and 2017.

At the meeting of the European Council of 19-20 October 2017, and in response to a call by President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, for further pledges to meet pressing needs, the Taoiseach pledged additional bilateral Irish funding of €3 million by 2020, doubling Ireland’s total commitment to the Trust Fund.

It is envisaged that €400,000 of the additional funding will be provided before the end of 2017 and a further €400,000 in 2018 (bringing our total annual contributions to the Trust Fund in each of these years to €1 million), with the remaining balance of €2.2 million to be disbursed over 2019 and 2020.

Ireland also contributes to the European Development Fund (EDF) which in turn supports the Trust Fund (€2.29 billion pledged by EDF).

Incremental increases of the type set out in the Deputy’s question are not planned.

Diplomatic Representation Expenditure

Ceisteanna (170)

Darragh O'Brien

Ceist:

170. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the average full-year cost of running an embassy and the average full-year cost of running a consulate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50954/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Department is responsible for two Votes – Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs and Trade) and Vote 27 (International Cooperation). The work of our embassy and consulate network around the world continues to be important in Ireland’s economic recovery and the restoration of our international reputation. Our network promotes Ireland’s political, economic and cultural interests and values, provide services to our citizens, develop strategic stakeholder relationships and represent Ireland in international organisations.

Our Embassies’ work in support of Ireland’s interests includes:

- Promoting Ireland as a source of high-quality exports, a destination for investment, research, study and tourism to targeted audiences and contacts.

- Supporting trade missions and other trade-focused high-level visits, record numbers of which have taken place in the last five years.

- Directly assisting Irish companies with advice, introductions and working to resolve regulatory or market access issues, in partnership with Enterprise Ireland.

- Providing front-line consular and passport services to Irish citizens overseas.

- Influencing and negotiating for Ireland on issues that could impact our interests and priorities.

The cost of operating an embassy and consulate can vary significantly depending on the location, the type, the range of services provided and the resulting overall size of the embassy. The larger embassies/consulates would cost in the region of €1m to €5m per annum to operate. Smaller single diplomatic officer embassies/consulates would cost in the region of €0.5m per annum to operate.

Diplomatic Representation

Ceisteanna (171)

Darragh O'Brien

Ceist:

171. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of additional embassy staff that have been hired since the Brexit referendum result of 23 June 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50955/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Brexit is undoubtedly one of the most significant challenges the country will face in the coming years in terms of the peace process and relationships within and between these islands. Protecting our economic interests in terms of trade and investment with the UK is a key priority for my Department, as well as the need to drive further diversification of our trade and investment flows globally. We have already augmented our diplomatic teams in Berlin, Paris, London and Brussels to manage the negotiation process and in part to support trade promotion efforts in the United Kingdom and the Eurozone. Those posts are detailed in the table.

My priority as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade will be to maintain, grow and diversify our share of international trade, employment and investment given the challenges of Brexit and a more competitive world. The recent decision to open six new diplomatic missions was informed by this objective. The benefits to the country in terms of expanded influence and the promotion of Ireland’s interests and values are expected to be considerable in the years ahead. New Embassies will open in Santiago, Chile; Bogotá, Colombia; Amman, Jordan; and Wellington, New Zealand; and new Consulates General in Vancouver, western Canada and Mumbai, India, on a phased basis from 2018. The expansion will be guided by my Department’s Statement of Strategy, which provides the overarching framework for our strategic objectives and operational targets. Our expanded network will enhance Ireland’s visibility globally, extend our influence and position us for trade and investment growth in new and existing markets. It will also benefit travelling citizens and engagement with the Diaspora.

Location	Additional Posts Sanctioned post 23 June 2016
Ireland’s Permanent Representation to the EU, Brussels	1 Counsellor 1 First Secretary 1 Third Secretary
Embassy of Ireland, Paris	1 Counsellor
Embassy of Ireland, Berlin	1 Counsellor
Embassy of Ireland, London	1 First Secretary
	2 Third Secretaries
	1 Higher Executive Officer
	1 Executive Officer
	5 Interns

In addition to the posts listed above, Embassy London has also been augmented in response to an increased demand for passports and foreign birth registrations, and some 10 additional local staff were hired in other missions overseas.

The measures my Department have put in place to manage our response to the UK decision to leave the EU remain under review as the negotiations on the UK’s exit from the EU intensify. I will ensure that the Department maintains the ability and agility to respond to new opportunities for Irish citizens and businesses.

Peace and Reconciliation Programme

Ceisteanna (172)

Darragh O'Brien

Ceist:

172. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the expenditure on the peace and reconciliation fund and the full year cost of increasing expenditure by 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50956/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Reconciliation Fund, which is administered by my Department, was established in 1982 to support civil society organisations in creating better understanding between the people and traditions of the island of Ireland, and also between Ireland and Britain. Over €48 million has been allocated to over 2,000 projects. As part of the 2014 Stormont House Agreement, the Government committed to the continued allocation of €2.7 million annually to the Reconciliation Fund. If funding were increased in 2018 by the percentages indicated by the Deputy, the allocation would amount to:

If increased by:	Amount would be:
Plus 5 per cent	€2.835 million
Plus 10 per cent	€2.97 million
Plus 15 per cent	€3.105 million
Plus 20 per cent	€3.24 million

Any significant increases in funding would also need to take account of the level of staffing resources required to ensure the continued effective operation of the Reconciliation Fund.

More information on the Reconciliation Fund and details of the application process are available on the Department’s website: https://www.dfa.ie/about-us/funding/reconciliation-fund/.

Garda Reserve

Ceisteanna (173, 177)

Jim O'Callaghan

Ceist:

173. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda reserves serving in An Garda Síochána as of 24 November 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51303/17]

Joan Burton

Ceist:

177. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the strength of the Garda Reserve by Garda division on 31 October 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50726/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I propose to take Questions Nos. 173 and 177 together.

As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the recruitment and training of the Garda Reserve and the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.

The "Programme for a Partnership Government" includes a commitment to double the Garda Reserve to act in a supportive role undertaking local patrols and crime reduction measures. In line with this the Government has in place a plan to achieve a Reserve strength of 2,000 by 2021. I am pleased that Budget 2018 will facilitate the continued strengthening of the Reserve next year with new Reserves expected to commence training early in 2018 following the undertaking of a recruitment campaign earlier this year.

In conjunction with the major expansion of the Reserve over the next number of years we must ensure that it is used to optimum effect to support effective policing. To inform future decisions around the use of the Reserve An Garda Síochána is conducting a strategic review as a matter of priority with a view to completion before the end of this year. As a first step the Garda Executive has taken a decision to transfer the management of the Reserve from the Human Resource and People Development Directorate to the Assistant Commissioner with responsibility for Community Engagement. This is intended to ensure that its development and deployment is viewed more broadly through a community policing lens. This is a very welcome step as it is my strong view that the greatest dividend to be gained from the Reserve is in terms of a visible presence on the ground engaging with local communities.

The review will take cognisance of the changed environment in which the expanded Reserve will operate as the major reform programme that is underway is implemented. These reforms include the drive towards a medium term target of 20% civilians by 2021 to boost the management capacity of the organisation and to free up Gardaí to front-line policing duties, and also the phased implementation of the Divisional model of policing to enable resources to be deployed more efficiently to prevent and detect crime.

Garda Reserve Strength 31 October 2017

Division	Total
DMR South Central	37
DMR North Central	37
DMR North	45
DMR East	10
DMR South	22
DMR West	26
Waterford	19
Wexford	19
Tipperary	18
Kilkenny/Carlow	26
Cork City	44
Cork North	14
Cork West	10
Kerry	20
Limerick	31
Donegal	18
Cavan/Monaghan	11
Sligo/Leitrim	18
Louth	26
Clare	6
Mayo	20
Galway	31
Roscommon/Longford	9
Westmeath	13
Meath	16
Kildare	20
Laois/Offaly	17
Wicklow	20
Total	603

Garda Civilian Staff Data

Ceisteanna (174, 176)

Jim O'Callaghan

Ceist:

174. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of civilian members of An Garda Síochána as of 24 November 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51304/17]

Joan Burton

Ceist:

176. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of civilians in the Garda workforce in each Garda division on 31 October 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50725/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I propose to take Questions Nos. 174 and 176 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, as of the 31 October 2017, the latest date for which numbers are readily available, there were 2,151 full time civilian staff members working throughout the organisation carrying out senior management, administrative and technical roles. I am further informed that the attached table details the number of civilian staff currently deployed in each Garda Division as of that date. The balance of civilian staff are attached to Garda Headquarters and carryout various roles including in HR, Finance, ICT, as well as the Garda College.

As part of its Five Year Reform and High-level Workforce Plan for An Garda Síochána, the Government has agreed an overall vision for a Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 to include 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Garda Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. The projected 4,000 civilians will effectively double the current figure and represents a medium-term target of a Garda organisation 20% comprised of civilians. The 20% target will be achieved through a twin-track approach of firstly, a “civilian by default” policy to be adopted in relation to the filling of all new posts other than operational policing posts and for non-operational policing posts that become vacant and, secondly, the redeployment of Gardaí to policing roles where their skills can be used to best effect with the backfilling of these roles by suitably qualified civilians where necessary.

So far this year some 150 additional civilians have been recruited to An Garda Síochána. This has allowed the filling of critical skills and capacity gaps across the organisation and will facilitate the redeployment of the first batch of 43 Gardaí. By quarter 1 next year the Commissioner projects that some 160 Gardaí will have been redeployed. This is a welcome start but as illustrated by the Garda Inspectorate Report "Changing Policing in Ireland" there is considerable scope for redeployment to operational policing. The Inspectorate Report identified some 1,500 posts that could be suitable. Furthermore Garda management completed an organisation deployment survey earlier this year which identifies some 2,000 posts for further examination in this regard. It will take a determined effort by Garda management over the next number of years to achieve redeployments on this scale but I can assure the Deputy of the Government's commitment to the target of 20% and to ensuring that the unprecedented investment in the workforce and other resources for An Garda Síochána are used to optimum effect to provide effective policing services across the country.

The Deputy may also wish to be aware that a number of civilians have been appointed to newly created senior leadership posts to support the major reform programme underway including an Executive Director for Strategy and Transformation and an Executive Director for Legal And Compliance. A competition is underway for another critical senior post, that of Chief Data Officer. This transformation of the composition of the senior team will assist in bring diverse perspectives and management skills to the top levels in the organisation.

I am pleased to say that I have secured funding for the recruitment of up to a further 500 civilians in Budget 2018 to support the continuation of this major programme of civilianisation.

Garda Civilian Strength 31 October 2017

Division	2017
DMR South Central	30
DMR North Central	41
DMR North	38
DMR East	22
DMR South	34
DMR West	50
Waterford	30
Wexford	33
Tipperary	40
Kilkenny/Carlow	31
Cork City	67
Cork North	29
Cork West	24
Kerry	37
Limerick	50
Donegal	33
Cavan/Monaghan	37
Sligo/Leitrim	29
Louth	26
Clare	31
Mayo	31
Galway	49
Roscommon/Longford	29
Westmeath	24
Meath	30
Kildare	30
Laois/Offaly	24
Wicklow	26
Total	924

Garda Strength

Ceisteanna (175)

Joan Burton

Ceist:

175. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí in each Garda division on 31 October 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50724/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources. I am informed by the Commissioner that in regard to the deployment of Garda personnel, a distribution model is used which takes into account all relevant factors including population, crime trends and the policing needs of each individual Garda Division. It is the responsibility of the Divisional Officer to allocate personnel within his/her Division.

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 informed by the Commissioner that on 31 October 2017, the latest date for which figures are currently available, the strength of An Garda Síochána was 13,378 members.

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. 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 - 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 in the coming years.

The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the strength of An Garda Síochána by Division, as of the 31 October 2017, that latest date for which figures are currently available is as set out in the table, as supplied by the Commissioner.

Garda Strength by Division 31 October 2017

Division	Total
D.M.R. EAST	376
D.M.R. NORTH	663
D.M.R. NORTH CENTRAL	605
D.M.R. SOUTH	530
D.M.R. SOUTH CENTRAL	618
D.M.R. WEST	665
KILDARE	354
LAOIS / OFFALY	334
MEATH	304
WESTMEATH	266
WICKLOW	301
CAVAN / MONAGHAN	324
DONEGAL	384
LOUTH	312
SLIGO / LEITRIM	299
KILKENNY/CARLOW	324
TIPPERARY	376
WATERFORD	292
WEXFORD	284
CORK CITY	662
CORK NORTH	317
CORK WEST	317
KERRY	291
LIMERICK	555
CLARE	305
GALWAY	579
MAYO	318
ROSCOMMON / LONGFORD	309

Question No. 176 answered with Question No. 174.

Question No. 177 answered with Question No. 173.

Garda Deployment

Ceisteanna (178, 184)

Joan Burton

Ceist:

178. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of community gardaí by Garda division on 31 October 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50727/17]

Catherine Martin

Ceist:

184. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress towards establishing community policing teams in each division as referenced in the Garda modernisation and renewal programme 2016 to 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50747/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I propose to take Questions Nos. 178 and 184 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.

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 for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. This plan is proceeding apace.

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 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. 

An Garda Síochána's Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021, published in 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.

These 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. In addition, each Community Policing Team will be supported by a Community Safety Forum.  The Forum which will comprise of local Gardaí, members of the public and community groups will promote crime prevention strategies.  This clear and consistent approach to community policing will ensure a better service and enhanced community safety.

In terms of progress on this important initiative, I am informed by the Commissioner that a draft Community Policing Framework which outlines the manner in which Community Policing Teams and Community Safety Fora will be established has been completed and is subject to internal review before being approved by the Executive for implementation. The Commissioner anticipates that a number of Community Policing Teams will be established on a pilot basis early next year.

Undoubtedly, the ongoing recruitment process will support all Garda activities and will enhance the provision of effective Community Policing throughout the country.

The information requested by the Deputy as provided by the Commissioner is set out in the table.

Community Garda 31 October 2017

Division	Total
D.M.R.S.C.	33
DMR NC	92
DMR NORTH	50
DMR EAST	29
DMR SOUTH	41
DMR WEST	64
Waterford	35
Wexford	8
Tipperary	70
Kilkenny/Carlow	91
Cork City	27
Cork North	7
Cork West	4
Kerry	8
Limerick	37
Donegal	2
Cavan/Monaghan	2
Sligo/Leitrim	7
Louth	12
Clare	7
Mayo	3
Galway	15
Roscommon/Longford	10
Westmeath	10
Meath	7
Kildare	4
Laois/Offaly	2
Wicklow	13
Total	690

Garda Strength

Ceisteanna (179)

Joan Burton

Ceist:

179. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí who have transferred into the Kildare division in 2017; and the number of gardaí who have transferred out of the Kildare division in 2017 by rank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50728/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

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

At Divisional level it is a matter for the Divisional Officer to determine how best to allocate personnel, so as to ensure the delivery of an effective policing service. Where a deficiency in resources is identified the matter is considered fully and addressed accordingly. As the Deputy will appreciate, in order to deliver an effective policing service, it is essential that Garda management have the flexibility to deploy Garda resources to meet operational policing needs and address critical issues as they arise. For this reason, the number of Garda available in any one Garda Station on a particular day is subject to the operational requirements of the overall Division.

I am informed by the Commissioner that on the 31 October 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available, the strength of the Kildare Division was 354. There are also 20 Garda Reserves and 30 civilians attached to the Kildare 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 Armed Response Unit, 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, of whom 72 were assigned to the Kildare 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 Kildare Division, in the coming years.

I am advised by the Garda Commissioner that the number of Gardaí that transferred into the Kildare Division and out of the Kildare Division in 2017 by Rank is as set out in the tables.

Gardaí that have transferred in to the Kildare Division in 2017

Sergeant	Garda	Garda Reserve	Total
4	76	1	81

Gardaí that have transferred out of the Kildare Division in 2017

Sergeant	Garda	Total
4	35	39

Family Reunification Data

Ceisteanna (180)

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

180. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of times ministerial discretion on humanitarian grounds has been used to waive the economic conditions for sponsors applying for non-EEA family reunification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50731/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the position on family reunification for non-refugees is set out in the Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification published by my predecessor on 31 December 2013. 

The Policy Document, which is available on the INIS website www.inis.gov.ie, provides a comprehensive statement of national immigration policy on the area of family reunification.  The policies outlined in the document apply to all decision making in relation to family reunification cases where ministerial discretion applies, including long stay (join family) visa applications.  Records are not maintained in such a way as to provide statistics on cases whereby discretion was exercised in the issuing of join family visas.