Written Answers Nos. 87-106
87. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Education and Skills when his Department will award a full tender for construction of a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3641/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn July 2017 the Stage 2b (Detailed Design) was approved, pending the completion of the process to carry out a shortlisting of suitably qualified building contractors and sub-contractors. The Prequalification process to select the shortlist of contractors is nearing completion. Once completed the Department will be issuing an authorisation for this project to proceed to tender stage.
88. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated full-year cost if the capitation grant at primary level was increased from €170 to €178 per pupil and from €296 to €310 at post-primary level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3695/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe estimated cost of increasing the rate of capitation by €8 per pupil in primary schools is circa €4.7m.
The estimated cost of increasing the rate of capitation by €14 per pupil in post-primary schools is circa €5.1m.
I recognise the need to improve capitation funding for schools having regard to the reductions that were necessary over recent years.
Budget 2018 marks the second year of major reinvestment in the education sector, as we continue to implement the Action Plan for Education, which has the central aim to make the Irish Education and Training service the best in Europe within a decade. In 2018, the budget for the Department of Education will increase by €554 million to over €10 billion.
Capitation funding remains a priority for me to address as part of the Action Plan.
The process is underway for restoring grant funding that is used by schools to fund the salaries of ancillary staff. Circular 0079/2017 outlines the current rate increases in order to enable schools to implement the arbitration salary increase for grant-funded school secretaries and caretakers and to also implement the restoration of salary for cleaners arising from the unwinding of FEMPI legislation.
89. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí by rank in the community policing unit in Coolock, Raheny, Clontarf and Howth Garda stations in each of the years 2015 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3526/18]
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.
The stations referred to by the Deputy are located in the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) North Division, I am advised by the Commissioner that the Garda strength of the DMR North Division on 31 December 2017 was 670 of whom 47 were community Gardaí. There are 45 Garda Reserves and 39 Garda civilian staff attached to the Division. When appropriate, the work of local Gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Armed Support Units, 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 for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. We are making real, tangible progress on reaching this goal.
I am informed by the Commissioner that since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, just under 1,600 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, 123 of whom have been assigned to the DMR North Division. Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increased to 13,551 at the end of 2017 - an increase of over 600 since the end of 2016.
I am also pleased that funding is in place to maintain this high level of investment in the Garda workforce to ensure that the vision of an overall workforce of 21,000 by 2021 remains on track. This year a further 800 new Garda Recruits will enter the Garda College. Also, 800 Garda trainees are scheduled to attest during the year, which will see Garda numbers reach more than 14,000 by the end of 2018.
In addition, a further 500 civilians will also be recruited to fill critical 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 DMR North Division.
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 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.
Undoubtedly, the on-going recruitment process will support all Garda activities and will enhance Garda visibility within our communities and the provision of effective community policing across all Garda Divisions including the DMR North Division.
The information provided by the Commissioner in relation to the Deputy's request is set out in the tables.
|
Community Garda by Station 31 December 2015 |
|||
|
STATION |
SERGEANT |
GARDA |
TOTAL |
|
Coolock |
2 |
14 |
16 |
|
Raheny |
1 |
6 |
7 |
|
Clontarf |
0 |
5 |
5 |
|
Howth |
0 |
3 |
3 |
|
Community Garda by Station 31 December 2016 |
|||
|
STATION |
SERGEANT |
GARDA |
TOTAL |
|
Coolock |
2 |
12 |
14 |
|
Raheny |
1 |
4 |
5 |
|
Clontarf |
0 |
5 |
5 |
|
Howth |
0 |
3 |
3 |
|
Community Garda by Station 31 December 2017 |
|||
|
STATION |
SERGEANT |
GARDA |
TOTAL |
|
Coolock |
1 |
6 |
7 |
|
Raheny |
1 |
3 |
4 |
|
Clontarf |
0 |
5 |
5 |
|
Howth |
0 |
2 |
2 |
90. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his Department has issued payments from the ex-gratia Magdalene restorative justice scheme to the 19 women whose payments were being delayed by his Department on the basis that the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 provisions were not yet in place; if not, the date by which he plans to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3532/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere has been a delay in making payments to certain women where there are issues relating to capacity, which may render them vulnerable to financial exploitation. The terms of the scheme provide for lump sum payments ranging from €11,500 to €100,000, special access to healthcare, upgrading of pension entitlements to the full State pension for those who have reached retirement age and payment of a weekly sum of €100 inclusive of other State payments to others.
There are currently 17 cases as described in this question. It was intended that the Decision Support Service (DSS) to be established under the Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act 2015 would be the most effective option in such cases, where there was no existing protective mechanism in place such as an enduring power of attorney or being a ward of court. However, new administrative processes and support measures, including the setting up of the Decision Support Service within the Mental Health Commission, a body under the Department of Health, must be put in place before the substantive provisions of the Act can be commenced. A high-level Steering Group is overseeing the establishment of the DSS.
Pending the establishment of the DSS, my officials have been encouraging the use of other options to allow payments to be made and they continue to examine what other options may be available. In this respect, 3 women are in the application process to be made Wards of Court.
By way of general information, to date 686 applicants to the Magdalen Restorative ex-gratia Scheme have received their ex-gratia payments at a cost of €25.7m. As you will be aware the Scheme remains open to new applicants.
91. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of new gardaí that have been allocated to County Louth since the re-opening of the Templemore Garda College, by location; the overall increase in the Garda numbers in County Louth, by location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3541/18]
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.
The Garda strength of the Louth Division on 31 December 2017 was 319 with 25 Garda Reserves and 26 Garda civilian staff attached to the Division. When appropriate, the work of local Gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Armed Support Units, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.
As the Deputy will be aware, 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 achieve this the Government has put 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. We are making real, tangible progress on achieving this goal.
I am informed by the Commissioner that since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, just under 1,600 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, of whom 61 have been assigned to the Louth Division with 25 allocated to Drogheda Garda Station and 36 to Dundalk Garda Station. I am pleased to say that Garda numbers, taking account of retirements, increased to 13,551 at the end of 2017 - an increase of over 600 since the end of 2016.
I am also pleased that funding is in place to maintain this high level of investment in the Garda workforce to ensure that the vision of an overall workforce of 21,000 by 2021 remains on track. This year a further 800 new Garda Recruits will enter the Garda College. Also 800 Garda trainees are scheduled to attest during the year which will see Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, reach 14,000 by the end of 2018.
In addition, a further 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 Division, including the Louth Division.
In so far as the allocation of newly attested Gardaí is concerned, this is a matter for the Commissioner. I am assured by the Commissioner that the needs of all Garda Divisions are fully considered when determining the allocation of resources. However, it is important to keep in mind that newly attested Gardaí have a further 16 months of practical and class-room based training to complete in order to receive their BA in Applied Policing. To ensure that they are properly supported and supervised and have opportunities to gain the breadth of policing experience required, the Commissioner's policy is to allocate them to specially designated training stations which have the required training and development structures and resources in place, including trained Garda tutors and access to a permanently appointed supervisory Sergeant who is thoroughly familiar with their responsibilities under the training programme.
I am informed by the Commissioner that the number of Gardaí allocated to the Louth Division each year since the Garda College reopened in 2014 to 31 December 2017 shows an overall increase of 38 Gardaí assigned to the Division as set out in the table.
|
DISTRICT |
STATION |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
|
ARDEE |
ARDEE |
27 |
26 |
25 |
29 |
|
|
CASTLEBELLINGHAM |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
COLLON |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
|
|
LOUTH |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
TOTAL |
35 |
34 |
33 |
37 |
|
DROGHEDA |
CLOUGHERHEAD |
4 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
|
|
DROGHEDA |
92 |
97 |
95 |
105 |
|
|
DUNLEER |
5 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
|
|
TOTAL |
101 |
106 |
104 |
113 |
|
DUNDALK |
BLACKROCK |
4 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
|
|
CARLINGFORD |
6 |
6 |
5 |
4 |
|
|
DRUMAD |
7 |
7 |
7 |
7 |
|
|
DUNDALK |
119 |
123 |
141 |
147 |
|
|
HACKBALLSCROSS |
5 |
4 |
5 |
4 |
|
|
OMEATH |
4 |
4 |
3 |
3 |
|
|
TOTAL |
145 |
147 |
165 |
169 |
|
|
LOUTH TOTAL |
281 |
287 |
302 |
319 |
92. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the report into the Jobstown protest which his Department received from An Garda Síochána on 26 July 2017 will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3544/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile it is not the standard practice of my Department to publish official reports received from An Garda Síochána, to be of assistance on this occasion, I can inform the Deputy that I intend to furnish him with the report, as requested, in the coming days. The Deputy will appreciate that the report may require specific redactions in respect of any third-party information contained in it.
93. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí based at stations (details supplied), in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3570/18]
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.
Coolock, Raheny, Santry and Howth Garda Stations form part of the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) North Division. The Garda strength of the DMR North Division on 31 December 2017 was 670 with 45 Garda Reserves and 39 Garda civilian staff attached to the Division. When appropriate, the work of local Gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Armed Support Units, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.
As the Deputy will be aware, 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 achieve this the Government has put 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. We are making real, tangible progress on achieving this goal.
I am informed by the Commissioner that since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, just under 1,600 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, of whom 123 have been assigned to the DMR North Division. I am pleased to say that Garda numbers, taking account of retirements, increased to 13,551 at the end of 2017 - an increase of over 600 since the end of 2016.
I am also pleased that funding is in place to maintain this high level of investment in the Garda workforce to ensure that the vision of an overall workforce of 21,000 by 2021 remains on track. This year a further 800 new Garda Recruits will enter the Garda College. Also 800 Garda trainees are scheduled to attest during the year which will see Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, reach 14,000 by the end of 2018.
In addition, a further 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 Division, including the DMR North Division.
For the Deputy’s information I have set out in the table below, the number of Gardaí attached to Coolock, Raheny, Santry and Howth Garda Stations in each of the years 2011 to 2017.
|
Garda Strength by Station 2011-2017 |
|||||||
|
STATION |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
|
Coolock |
117 |
114 |
112 |
109 |
103 |
105 |
103 |
|
Raheny |
68 |
64 |
62 |
62 |
67 |
66 |
68 |
|
Santry |
81 |
102 |
95 |
90 |
82 |
81 |
76 |
|
Howth |
39 |
42 |
38 |
31 |
27 |
27 |
26 |
94. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí assigned to the drugs unit in the R district of the Dublin Metropolitan Region north division in each of the years 2011 to 2017 and to date in 2018, in tabular form. [3571/18]
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 advised by the Commissioner that Garda Drug Unit personnel are assigned on a Divisional basis and that the Garda District referred to by the Deputy is part of the Dublin Metropolitan Region (D.M.R.) North Division. I am informed that the total number of Divisional Drug Unit personnel as of 31 December 2017, the latest date for which information is readily available, was 236 of whom 19 were allocated to the D.M.R. North Division. The number of Gardaí allocated to the Drugs Unit of the DMR North Division for the other years sought by the Deputy is as set out in the table below.
As the Deputy will be aware all Gardaí have a responsibility in the prevention and detection of criminal activity whether it be in the area of drug offences, crime or otherwise. I can assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána continues to pro-actively and resolutely tackle all forms of drug crime in this jurisdiction.
An Garda Síochána's National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, which was established in 2015, continues to lead out the policing strategy for tackling drugs by demand reduction and supply reduction strategies. In this regard the Bureau continues its policy of working with Garda Divisional Drug Units nationwide in tackling supply reduction at local level.
This work is further supported by other national units, including the Criminal Assets Bureau, in targeting persons involved in the illicit sale and supply of drugs. This approach allows for the co-ordinated use of Garda resources in tackling all forms of organised crime, including illicit drug activity nationwide. Multi-disciplinary approaches are also utilised to ensure that those involved in illicit activity are effectively targeted including through the use of the proceeds of crime legislation, money laundering legislation and the powers of the Criminal Assets Bureau. I am informed that this approach adopts good practice in implementing a co-ordinated use of Garda resources and in utilising available criminal law to its fullest extent in tackling all forms of organised crime, including drug trafficking.
We have also seen unprecedented international cooperation between An Garda Síochána and policing services in other jurisdictions leading to important arrests and drug seizures.
Underpinning all these measures is this Government’s commitment to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime. I am informed by the Commissioner that since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, just under 1,600 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, 123 of whom were assigned to the DMR North Division. I am pleased to say that Garda numbers, taking account of retirements, increased to 13,551 at the end of 2017 - an increase of over 600 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 he needs to allow him to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí across the organisation including the Divisional Drugs Units.
|
Drugs Unit Personnel D.M.R. North Division 2011-2017 |
|
|
2011 |
32 |
|
2012 |
31 |
|
2013 |
27 |
|
2014 |
16 |
|
2015 |
25 |
|
2016 |
21 |
|
2017 |
19 |
95. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda vehicles provided to the R district of the Dublin Metropolitan Region north division for each of the years 2016, 2017 and 2018; the number of new vehicles allocated in the same period; and the number of vehicles decommissioned in the same period, in tabular form. [3572/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda vehicles are a matter for the Garda Commissioner in light of his identified operational demands and the availability of resources and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the 'R’ District is made up of Swords, Malahide and Coolock Garda Stations and is part of the Dublin Metropolitan Region - North Division. The allocation of vehicles within a Division is a matter for the Divisional Officer.
Details of the number of vehicles allocated, decommissioned and the current numbers allocated to the Dublin Metropolitan Region - North Division are outlined in the tables.
Garda Fleet - DMR North Division 2016-2018
|
Cars |
Vans |
Motorcycles |
4 x 4 |
Others |
Total |
|||
|
Marked |
Unmarked |
|||||||
|
As on 31/12/2016 |
Total |
36 |
50 |
32 |
2 |
1 |
5 |
126 |
|
BALBRIGGAN-Y |
5 |
3 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
|
|
BALLYMUN |
13 |
23 |
23 |
2 |
1 |
5 |
67 |
|
|
COOLOCK-R |
9 |
14 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
26 |
|
|
RAHENY-J |
9 |
10 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
23 |
|
|
As on 31/12/2017 |
Total |
33 |
50 |
27 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
115 |
|
BALBRIGGAN-Y |
5 |
4 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
11 |
|
|
BALLYMUN |
12 |
21 |
19 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
57 |
|
|
COOLOCK-R |
8 |
14 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
24 |
|
|
RAHENY-J |
8 |
11 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
23 |
|
|
As on 22/1/2018 |
Total |
33 |
49 |
27 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
114 |
|
BALBRIGGAN-Y |
5 |
4 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
11 |
|
|
BALLYMUN |
12 |
20 |
19 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
56 |
|
|
COOLOCK-R |
8 |
14 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
24 |
|
|
RAHENY-J |
8 |
11 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
23 |
|
Garda Fleet - Vehicles Allocated - DMR North Division 2016-2018
|
Cars |
Vans |
Motorcycles |
4 x 4 |
Others |
Total |
|||
|
Marked |
Unmarked |
|||||||
|
As on 31/12/2016 |
Total |
2 |
8 |
8 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
21 |
|
BALBRIGGAN-Y |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
|
BALLYMUN |
1 |
4 |
6 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
14 |
|
|
COOLOCK-R |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
|
RAHENY-J |
1 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
|
|
As on 31/12/2017 |
Total |
2 |
5 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
|
BALBRIGGAN-Y |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
BALLYMUN |
0 |
2 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
|
|
COOLOCK-R |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
|
|
RAHENY-J |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
|
As on 22/1/2018 |
Total |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
BALBRIGGAN-Y |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
BALLYMUN |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
COOLOCK-R |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
RAHENY-J |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Vehicles Decommissioned - DMR North Division 2016
|
Cars |
Vans |
Motorcycles |
4 x 4 |
Others |
Total |
|||
|
Marked |
Unmarked |
|||||||
|
As on 31/12/2016 |
Total |
4 |
12 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
25 |
|
BALBRIGGAN-Y |
0 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
|
|
BALLYMUN |
1 |
6 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
14 |
|
|
COOLOCK-R |
2 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
|
|
RAHENY-J |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
3 |
|
|
As on 31/12/2017 |
Total |
4 |
7 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
19 |
|
BALBRIGGAN-Y |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
BALLYMUN |
2 |
2 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
11 |
|
|
COOLOCK-R |
1 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
|
|
RAHENY-J |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
|
As on 22/1/2018 |
Total |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
BALBRIGGAN-Y |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
BALLYMUN |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
COOLOCK-R |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
|
RAHENY-J |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
96. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on complaints made to the European Commission in relation to a systematic problem in the application of EU law on the Unfair Contract Terms Directive in mortgage possession proceedings in Irish courts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3600/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the courts are, subject only to the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions and in the management and conduct of cases which come before them.
I wish to confirm to the Deputy that this matter was raised with the Irish Government by the EU Commission last year and a delegation met with the Commission in Brussels in September 2017 comprising a number of Government Departments, including my own, to explain the position as regards the implementation of the provisions of the Directive in the context of actions for possession in the Irish Courts. This meeting was followed by a detailed submission to the Commission in November 2017.
97. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the Gambling Protection Bill will be enacted; the timeframe for the office of the proposed gambling regulator as set out in the Bill to be set up; the number of staff that will be employed in this office; the expertise required of these staff; the way in which they will be recruited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3661/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI take it that the Deputy is referring to the proposed Gambling Control Bill.
The Government, on 10 January, 2018, approved the updating of the 2013 General Scheme of the Gambling Control Bill. The proposed updating follows on from the review work undertaken in the Department of Justice and Equality over the past year and consultations with interested stakeholders. Changes to the Scheme will be subject to further consultations with the Office of the Attorney General and other relevant Departments.
The critical update approved by the Government was for the establishment of an independent regulatory authority for gambling. This decision was taken on the basis that such a body would be best placed to conduct the complex range of licensing, regulating, monitoring, inspecting and enforcement tasks, etc. of the growing gambling industry in all of its facets. This independent approach would also mirror the approach taken in most EU Member States and beyond.
The proposed independent regulator involves a change of approach from the 2013 General Scheme which proposed that the regulatory function, etc., would be discharged by the Minister for Justice and Equality, acting through the Office for Gambling Control Ireland, an Executive Office within the Department of Justice and Equality, but not a statutorily independent agency.
In the context of reviewing and updating the General Scheme in all necessary aspects, I received Government approval to establish a Working Group, chaired by myself, comprising all stakeholder Departments, relevant Offices and the Office of the Attorney General. The Working Group will have its first meeting on 2 February 2018. I hope that the Group can submit a final report to Government in mid to late 2018.
I expect that this Group will, amongst its other tasks, contribute to developing the structure of the proposed regulatory authority, including the staffing numbers, skills and expertise required and other issues. I will be engaging with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to the recruitment of such staff at the appropriate time.
The Deputy may also be aware that the General Scheme of the Civil Law and Courts (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2017 received Government approval in July 2017. This Bill will, inter alia, provide for a number of specific changes to the current antiquated Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956. These changes are limited in nature and primarily address the better regulation of fund raising activities at local level for charitable and philanthropic purposes.
98. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí attached to the Cavan-Monaghan Garda division as of 1 January 2016, 1 January 2017 and 1 January 2018 respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3693/18]
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.
The Garda strength of the Cavan/Monaghan Division on 31 December 2017, the latest date for which figures are available, was 329 with 11 Garda Reserves and 38 Garda civilian staff attached to the Division. When appropriate, the work of local Gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Armed Support Units, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.
As the Deputy will be aware, 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 achieve this the Government has put 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. We are making real, tangible progress on achieving this goal.
I am informed by the Commissioner that since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, just under 1,600 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, of whom 40 have been assigned to the Cavan/Monaghan Division. I am pleased to say that Garda numbers, taking account of retirements, increased to 13,551 at the end of 2017 - an increase of over 600 since the end of 2016.
I am also pleased that funding is in place to maintain this high level of investment in the Garda workforce to ensure that the vision of an overall workforce of 21,000 by 2021 remains on track. This year a further 800 new Garda Recruits will enter the Garda College. Also 800 Garda trainees are scheduled to attest during the year which will see Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, reach 14,000 by the end of 2018.
In addition, a further 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 Division, including the Cavan/Monaghan Division.
For the Deputy’s information I have set out below in tabular form the number of Gardaí attached to the Cavan/Monaghan Garda Division on 31 December 2015, 31 December 2016 and 31 December 2017.
|
Personnel Strength of Cavan/Monaghan Division |
|
|
Date |
Total |
|
December 2015 |
318 |
|
December 2016 |
318 |
|
December 2017 |
329 |
99. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of marked and unmarked Garda cars and marked Garda vans attached to the Cavan-Monaghan Garda division as of 1 January 2016, 1 January 2017 and 1 January 2018 respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3694/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda vehicles are a matter for the Garda Commissioner in light of his identified operational demands and the availability of resources and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the number of Garda cars and vans attached to the Cavan/Monaghan Division for the years 2016 to 2018 are as set out in the table below.
|
Cavan/Monaghan Division |
Unmarked Cars |
Marked Cars |
Vans |
|
As at 1/1/2016 |
30 |
15 |
7 |
|
As at 1/1/2017 |
30 |
16 |
8 |
|
As at 1/1/2018 |
29 |
15 |
8 |
100. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if the Government has sought changes to State aid rules in view of Brexit; the changes, the specific efforts and or requests made by the Government to date regarding same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3508/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials of my Department have had discussions with senior officials from DG Competition to sensitise them to both the potential and the real difficulties encountered by Irish businesses as a result of the UK’s decision to leave the EU. Furthermore, in November 2017, the then Tánaiste met with Commissioner Vestager. An outcome from this meeting was the establishment of a Working Group comprising representatives from DG Comp, the Department of Business, Enterprise & Innovation, Enterprise Ireland and Department of Agriculture. The objective of the Group is to scope and design schemes to support enterprise impacted by Brexit in line with State Aid rules. The work of this Group has already commenced and it is due to have its third meeting in February 2018. In between these meetings, there has been engagement on specific issues in order to continue to progress matters. Should issues arise that require an approach that does not fit within the existing State Aid rules, this will be raised as part of the Working Group discussions.
101. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if the Government has sought EU funding support for Irish enterprises exposed to Brexit; if so, the nature of the support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3509/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Brexit Loan Scheme announced during Budget 2018 will provide affordable working capital financing to eligible Irish businesses that are either currently impacted by Brexit, or which will be in the future. The Scheme will be delivered by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) through commercial lenders to get much needed working capital into Irish businesses.
Support from the European Commission and EIB Group through its InnovFin counter Guarantee has enabled the €23 million exchequer funding (€14 million from my Department and €9 million from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine) to be leveraged to provide a €300 million fund. The Brexit Loan Scheme will provide support for businesses to innovate or adapt their businesses to face the challenges of Brexit.
The Scheme will be open to businesses of up to 499 employees, which can also demonstrate that they are significantly exposed to the impact (or potential impact) of Brexit. They must be a viable business, doing business in Ireland, and they must have a business development strategy. The scheme will be open both to State Agency clients and those businesses that do not have any relationship with State Agencies.
My officials are working closely with the EIB group on the development of future schemes to support Irish businesses impacted by Brexit which would be structured to benefit from EIB supports.
102. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the EU level supports that have been put in place, such as changes to State aid rules and adaptation grants for Irish enterprises exposed to Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3511/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials of my Department have had discussions with senior officials from DG Competition of the EU Commission to sensitise them to both the potential and the real difficulties encountered by Irish businesses as a result of the UK’s decision to leave the EU. Furthermore, in November 2017, the then Tánaiste met with Commissioner Vestager. An outcome from this meeting was the establishment of a Working Group comprising representatives from DG Comp, the Department of Business, Enterprise & Innovation, Enterprise Ireland and Department of Agriculture. The objective of the Group is to scope and design schemes to support enterprises impacted by Brexit in line with State Aid rules. The work of this Group has already commenced and it is due to have its third face to face meeting in February 2018. In between these meetings, there has been engagement on specific issues in order to continue to progress matters. Should issues arise that require an approach that does not fit within the existing State Aid rules, this will be raised as part of the Working Group discussions.
As one part of a suite of measures to mitigate against the effects of Brexit; a Rescue & Restructuring (R&R) Scheme notified to the Commission was approved in late November 2017. Under the €10 million scheme which will run until 2020, Enterprise Ireland can provide restructuring support to businesses in financial difficulties. This scheme has been put in place as it is considered prudent to have contingency measures in place so that we can respond swiftly to changing circumstances as necessary. However, I do not expect that there will be a need for the State to provide rescue/restructuring aid to companies.
The Brexit Loan Scheme will provide affordable working capital financing to eligible businesses that are either currently impacted by Brexit, or will be in the future. Support from the European Commission and EIB Group through its InnovFin Loan counter guarantee means the €23 million exchequer funding (€14 million from my Department and €9 million from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine) can be leveraged to provide a €300 million fund. The Brexit Loan Scheme will provide support for businesses to innovate or adapt to face the challenges of Brexit. The Scheme will be open to businesses of up to 499 employees, which can demonstrate that they are significantly exposed to the impact (or potential impact) of Brexit. They must be a viable business, doing business in Ireland, and they must have a business development strategy demonstrating that they plan to innovate or adapt in response to Brexit.
103. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the reason a medication is no longer covered for those that hold a medical card (details supplied); if he will review this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3498/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMedicines play a vital role in improving the health of Irish patients. Securing access to existing and new and innovative medicines is a key objective of the health service. However, the challenge is to do this in an affordable and sustainable manner. The medicines bill for the community drugs schemes – primarily the GMS, Long Term Illness and Drugs Payment schemes and the High Tech Arrangement – is forecast at just over €1.7 billion in 2017.
To ensure patients receive the highest quality care, resources invested in medicines must be used efficiently and effectively. This requires an integrated approach to secure best value for money for all treatments, greater efficiencies in the supply chain and the use of the most cost-effective treatments.
Lidocaine 5% medicated plaster is licensed for the symptomatic relief of neuropathic pain associated with previous herpes zoster (shingles) infection, known as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), in adults. It was reimbursed in the community drugs schemes from 2010. The projected budget impact was low due to the specific licensed indication but total expenditure has increased significantly, from €9.4 million in 2012 to over €30 million in 2016, mainly from off-license use for pain not associated with shingles.
An HSE Medicines Management Programme (MMP) review of this product highlighted that the clinical evidence for its use in PHN is limited due to lack of comparative data and its value is uncertain for all other types of pain. The National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics estimated that, in Ireland, between 5-10% of prescribing of this product has been for the licensed indication of PHN.
Following the MMP review, the HSE introduced a new reimbursement system for the product from 1 September 2017. This process supports the appropriate use of Versatis, ensuring that PHN patients continue to receive this treatment. The HSE estimates that this protocol will reduce annual expenditure on this product by approximately 90%.
Under the protocol, all patients who were receiving antivirals for shingles were automatically approved for the lidocaine medicated plaster for three months. No action was required by GPs and the patient’s pharmacy was notified of his or her approval status.
These patients were identified and automatically registered on the HSE-PCRS system for three months and continued to receive the treatment from their pharmacy until 30 November 2017. However, from 1 December 2017, non-shingles patients no longer received this item under the community drugs schemes. The HSE has produced information leaflets for patients and advised GPs on treatment alternatives.
In exceptional circumstances, the product may be approved for supply through the community schemes for unlicensed indications. GPs apply for reimbursement for unlicensed indications through the online system. The MMP reviews applications before a decision is made and communicated to the GP.
Full details of the review are available on the HSE website at http://hse.ie/eng/about/Who/clinical/natclinprog/medicinemanagementprogramme/yourmedicines/lidocaine-plaster/lidocaine-medicated-plaster.html.
This decision is a matter for the HSE. However, I fully support the objectives of the HSE Medicines Management Programme.
104. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health his plans to increase the allocation of a dietician for autistic services in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3516/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
105. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the number of children aged 0 to 6 and 6 to 18 years of age with autistic spectrum disorder that are being or were diagnostically assessed on a monthly basis, by county in each of the years 2014 to 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3517/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
106. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the number of posts required to deliver full diagnostic assessments and support services to children on a waiting list with autistic spectrum disorder in County Waterford; the number of posts required on an ongoing basis to deliver the necessary therapies and supports for those children based on current trends; the details of the posts for occupational therapists, psychologists, speech and language therapists posts under relevant headings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3518/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
