Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Thursday, 25 Jan 2018

Written Answers Nos. 77-98

Schools Site Acquisitions

Ceisteanna (77)

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

77. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the new site for a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3703/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy is aware, the project to which he refers was announced as part of my Department's Six Year Capital Programme in 2015.

Officials in my Department continue to work closely with officials from the relevant local authority under the Memorandum of Understanding in relation to the acquisition of a suitable permanent location for the school to which the Deputy refers and with the assistance of Council officials a shortlist of technically suitable site options was identified.

Engagement with the relevant landowners is ongoing with a view to reaching agreement in principle on the most suitable site acquisition as soon as possible.  The school patron will be appraised of developments in this respect and will be informed of the proposed permanent school location as soon as it is possible to do so.  

I can assure the Deputy that the acquisition of a suitable site for the school is very active on the programme of site acquisitions and every effort is being made to secure the suitable site for the school as expeditiously as possible.

Schools Building Projects Administration

Ceisteanna (78)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

78. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the proposal to build housing units at the site formally occupied by a school (details supplied); the extent of discussions with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government; the date of the most recent inter-departmental contact on this matter; when these negotiations are expected to conclude; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3733/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department is working closely with Meath County Council to progress the proposal to facilitate housing units on the site adjacent to the school site referred to by the Deputy. There has been ongoing positive and constructive engagement between senior officials in my Department and Meath County Council in that regard.

Arising from recent discussions on the matter, my Department received a proposal from the Department of Housing Planning and Local Government on January 22nd and this is currently under consideration.

Emergency Works Scheme Applications

Ceisteanna (79)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

79. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of a grant application by a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3796/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am pleased to inform that Deputy that the school in question was recently approved a grant under my Department's Emergency Works Grant Scheme to carry out the works to which she refers.

The school has been informed of my Department's decision.

School Closures

Ceisteanna (80)

Martin Heydon

Ceist:

80. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Education and Skills the engagement his Department has had with the patron of a school (details supplied) regarding the future provision of primary education in the school in view of the pressure on spaces in other adjoining primary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3808/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department is continuing to engage with the Patron of the school in question in relation to issues arising, including the school's future viability.  

I also wish to advise the Deputy that the decision making authority for a school closure belongs to the Patron of a school, and this is subject to the agreement of the Department. Any proposal to close a school must involve consultation with all of the relevant stakeholders, parents, teachers, students and local communities and follow decisions taken at local level.

The Patron of the school concerned has not advised my Department of any decision to close the school.

Schools Building Projects

Ceisteanna (81, 82)

Thomas Byrne

Ceist:

81. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of building projects that were interrupted in 2017 by firms going into liquidation. [3810/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Thomas Byrne

Ceist:

82. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of times his Department had to retender building projects as a result of firms going into liquidation. [3811/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 81 and 82 together.

In the past five years, my Department has not had to terminate or retender any school building projects arising from liquidation events.

Schools Building Projects

Ceisteanna (83)

Thomas Byrne

Ceist:

83. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position with regard to contractual disputes and outstanding building defects at schools (details supplied). [3812/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

There are no contractual disputes on the project to which the Deputy refers.  The main contractor is dealing with a defect with the roofing installation. An independent review of the roof has been undertaken by an established UK roofing expert and a separate investigation has been undertaken by an expert appointed by the contractor’s insurers. The findings of these reports are currently being considered by the contractor’s insurers. The contractor remains committed to resolving the matter fully and is continuing to carry out preventative and reactive maintenance on the roof in the interim.  Retention monies have not been paid to the contractor under the contract subject to the satisfactory resolution of this issue.

School Accommodation Provision

Ceisteanna (84)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

84. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason his Department has not facilitated the development of a full stream educate together school in Trim, County Meath (details supplied). [3821/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy may be aware, the report of the Advisory Group to the Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector recommended that demand for patronage diversity should be met in areas of stable population by divesting patronage of existing schools where there is evidence of parental demand for change.

In 2012/13, my Department undertook surveys of parental preferences in 44 areas of stable population to establish the level of demand for a wider choice in the patronage of primary schools. Sufficient demand emerged in 28 areas, including the area referred to by the Deputy, and intensive consultations followed with the main Catholic patrons in each of these areas to discuss divesting options. 

It is important that school size is monitored and that a balance is preserved among all schools in school planning areas to ensure that one school is not expanding at the expense of another school, particularly in areas of stable population.  However, overall demographic need in these areas will continue to be kept under review.

Education Funding

Ceisteanna (85)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

85. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the disparity between educational funding for educational psychologists in contrast to clinical psychologists; and the steps he will take to bridge the gap. [3848/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

It is presumed that the educational funding to which the Deputy refers relates to the Clinical Psychologist Traineeship programme operated within the Health Service Executive.

As the Deputy may be aware my Department’s National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) is a school-based educational psychological service to all first and second level schools.  The NEPS mission is to support the wellbeing and the personal, social and educational development of all children through the application of psychological theory and practice in education, having particular regard for children with special educational needs.

NEPS bases its recruitment of staff on an open market offer, made through the Public Appointments Service, to appropriately qualified professionals.  This process has proved successful in its application and intent over the years. Recruits thus identified and employed are supported through an induction programme and on-going professional development supports and the quality thereof is high and their retention very satisfactory.

Clinical Psychologists fulfil a particular function within the Health Sector which is subject to a number of contextual differences to those pertaining to Educational Psychologists in my Department and in which situation it has been deemed necessary to create a supported traineeship to secure and retain appropriately qualified personnel.  A note on the matter supplied to my Department by the HSE follows.

Clinical Psychologist Trainee

Employment of psychologists in the Irish Health Services began in the mid-sixties. Mirroring developments in the United Kingdom, the initial cohort of psychologists recruited were all employed as clinical psychologists mainly within mental health services. This practice was formally recognised with the introduction of the Department of Health (DoH) regulations in 1979 governing the recruitment of psychologists which related specifically to clinical psychology, attached.

In the early 1970s, in order to address the growing need for clinical psychologists and in the absence of formal training programmes, a clinical psychology apprenticeship in-service model was established within the Health Boards.

In 1978, clinical psychology training accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) was developed by the Eastern Health Board in collaboration with the University of Dublin, Trinity College (TCD). Successful trainees were awarded the BPS Diploma in Clinical Psychology. This led in 1992 to the establishment of a clinical psychology training programme in TCD. In 1983, University College Dublin (UCD) established a clinical psychology training programme in conjunction with Health Boards.

Currently, there are five doctoral level clinical psychology training programmes that have developed through and operate in partnership with the HSE. They are based at the National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG), University of Dublin, Trinity College (TCD), University College Dublin (UCD), University College Cork (UCC) and the University of Limerick (UL).

All five clinical psychology training programmes have, as required by the Accreditation Standards of PSI, a central purpose which is to train professionally qualified clinical psychologists to work in the Irish health service. It is the only branch of psychology to which the PSI attribute this purpose.

Parallel to the development of the partnership approach to clinical training between the HSE and the university sector, the PSI, in response to a request by the Department of Health to help meet the demand for psychologists at that time, established in 1992 its own in-service professional clinical psychology training programme. This course was discontinued in 2010. In 2015, approval was granted to establish a post graduate clinical psychology training programme in University College Cork (UCC). Clinical psychology is the only branch of psychology whose central purpose is to work in the health sector. This programme of study and clinical placements is specific to the mental health services in the HSE and the programme content and placement locations are specified by the HSE. Participants undergoing these programmes receive are contracted for employment to the HSE are receive fee support. On completion of the programme of study the psychologists have a 3 year employment commitment to the HSE.

Workforce, Analysis and Informatics, National HR Directorate, HSE.

Private Security Authority

Ceisteanna (86)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

86. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason a licence renewal application (details supplied) is not available in Irish online; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3754/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Private Security Authority, established under the Private Security Services Act 2004 (as amended), is the statutory body with responsibility for the licensing and regulation of the private security industry in the State.  The Authority is an independent body under the aegis of my Department and I have no involvement in its day to day operations.

I have been informed by the Authority that it is currently in the process of moving from paper based application systems to online services. While an online renewal pplication for employees is available in English, an Irish equivalent is not.

The Authority further informs me that An Coimisinéir Teanga had advised that there is no statutory obligation on the Authority to provide the online renewal service in Irish. The Authority is obliged to put in place a system which allows it deal with the public who apply in Irish. The Authority provides an application form in Irish to facilitate the public in this regard.

I understand that the Authority has provided the individual in question with an Irish version of the application form. If the person wishes to provide a security service they should complete the form and return it to the Authority who will process the application.

The Authority will be providing some services in Irish as part of the development of its new website which it hopes to launch later this year.

Visa Applications

Ceisteanna (87)

Michael Collins

Ceist:

87. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on the Join Family D visa application process; the criteria that must be met (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3861/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that full details on the documentation required for a “Join Family” Visa, including the Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification, are available on the INIS website www.inis.gov.ie.

The Policy Document provides a comprehensive statement of national immigration policy in the area of family reunification.  It should be noted that financial capacity is just one of the conditions considered when making a determination on a family reunification application and the circumstances of the parties concerned are considered in the round on a case by case basis. 

It should be borne in mind, however, that the information contained on the website is intended to act as guidance only; it does not limit the discretion of the Visa Officer in dealing with individual applications. Therefore, all information that the applicant wishes to have taken into consideration should be included with a visa application. Additional clarification may be provided by the Visa Offices abroad including advising of additional documentation to demonstrate that the applicant/sponsor meets specific criteria.

If a person fails to demonstrate they meet the criteria for a “Join Family” visa then this may result in a negative decision on that application once it has been processed.

The policy of the Moscow Visa Office is to provide guidance to applicants and accept all applications due to be sent to their Office for processing. In the absence of the details of an individual aplication it is not possible to establish the events in relation to that individual.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited. 

In addition, applicants may themselves e-mail queries directly to visamail@justice.ie.

Garda Investigations

Ceisteanna (88)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

88. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a matter regarding the case of a person (details supplied) will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3737/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I believe it was appropriate and correct that last week I, along with the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste, apologised on behalf of the State to Ms. Hayes, who was subjected to a prolonged ordeal that was simply wrong on every level.

The Deputy will appreciate that the decision to conduct a review of the investigation into the death of ‘Baby John’ is solely a matter for the Garda Commissioner. I welcome the announcement by An Garda Síochána that a new investigation, involving the Serious Crime Review Team (SCRT) and local Gardaí. I also welcome the apology made personally to Ms. Hayes by the Garda Commissioner on behalf of An Garda Síochána.  I have requested that anyone with information about the death of ‘Baby John’ should come forward with it. Any information, no matter how small, could play a vital role in helping An Garda Síochána bring this case to a successful conclusion.

Since the announcement of the review by the SCRT, a number of complex legal issues have emerged which require careful consideration.  I will be consulting with the Office of the Attorney General on these issues and will keep the Cabinet apprised of all significant developments in the coming weeks.

I can inform the Deputy that I have been in contact with persons representing Joanne Hayes, who reiterated Ms. Hayes’s request that her privacy be respected. I fully intend to respect those wishes and therefore I do not intend to make any further comment on these issues at the moment. 

Garda Vetting Applications

Ceisteanna (89)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

89. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 337 of 20 September 2017, when a reply will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3739/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Deputy will be aware that employment vetting is carried out by An Garda Síochána in accordance with the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012-2016 in respect of persons who are employed or engaged in positions where they would have substantial unsupervised to children or vulnerable adults in the course of their employment or engagement.  The primary purpose of this vetting is to enhance protection for children and vulnerable adults.  This constitutes the main employment vetting function of An Garda Síochána.  Employment vetting may also be carried out in respect of certain other employments, such as employment in An Garda Síochána itself or the private security industry.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that they have checked the records at the National Vetting Bureau and that no valid Garda vetting application has been received in respect of the person who is the subject of the Deputy's Question.

In these circumstances I can only advise the person in question to contact the relevant organisation to inquire as to the status of any application that may be made.

Garda Information and Communications Technology

Ceisteanna (90)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

90. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if there is a formal tracking system to monitor crimestoppers information; and the action taken once that information is sent to a national unit or local division as recommended by the Garda Inspectorate in 2014. [3831/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to this matter and when this report is received I will contact the Deputy directly.

Garda Data

Ceisteanna (91)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

91. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of priority and civilian posts within An Garda Síochána that are unfilled; the date each post was approved by the Policing Authority and Department of Public Expenditure and Reform; the date the posts were advertised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3832/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy will be aware in accordance with section 26(1)(b) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 as amended, the Garda Commissioner has statutory responsibility for the recruitment of civilian staff and I, as Minister, have no role in the matter. Section 19 of the Act governs the sanctioning of additional civilian staff for An Garda Síochána and requires the approval of the Policing Authority subject to my consent and that of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

Currently 200 new civilian posts have been sanctioned to address critical skills and capacity gaps within An Garda Síochána and to backfill posts occupied by Gardaí identified for redeployment to policing duties.  A further 47 posts have been approved by the Authority and are currently being considered by my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. I expect that some of these posts will be formally sanctioned in the near future. In addition, I understand that An Garda Síochána are engaging with the Authority in relation to the business case for a further 150 civilian posts to address skills and capacity issues across the organisation and to backfill Gardaí to be redeployed.

I am informed by the Commissioner that of the 200 sanctioned new civilian posts work is on-going on filling 65. Of these posts one is for a Chief Data Officer at Executive Director level with six at Principal Officer (PO) level. The competition for the Chief Data Officer post closed on 7 December last and three of the PO posts are being progressed with the Public Appointment Service (PAS). One PO post has been advertised internally and it is expected that an appointment will be made shortly.  The remaining two PO posts are the subject of on-going discussion between my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to terms and conditions but I expect that progress will be made in relation to these posts shortly.

The remaining posts range from Assistant Principal Officer to Clerical Officer (or equivalent) and are being progressed in accordance with the relevant sanction by way of utilisation of existing PAS panels (23 posts) and via open competitions (35 posts of which 32 are at Executive Officer level).  As the Deputy will be aware, the jobs market is competitive at the moment, and this can lead to some delays outside of the control of An Garda Síochána in appointing people to posts. This is due to the fact that some people may seek to avail of other opportunities as they arise. I am assured that An Garda Siochána is fully engaged with PAS to progress the filling of these posts as quickly as possible.

For the Deputy's information I have set out below in tabular form the details of the 65 posts remaining to be filled.

Post

Number

Date Sanction conveyed to An Garda Siochána

Executive Director Chief Data Officer

1

10/08/2017

Principal Officer - Data Protection Officer

1

15/12/2017

Principal Officer - ICT and HR

3 (2 ICT & 1 HR)

24/01/2017

Principal Officer - Fleet Manager

1

16/01/2018

Principal Officer - (Community Engagement )

1

18/01/2018

Assistant Principal

5

03/02/2017

Solicitor

1

24/01/2017

Garda Síochána Analysis Service - Crime and Policing Analysists EO Level

25

20/12/2017

Corporate Communications - 1 AP; 2 HEO and 7 EO

10

15/11/2017

Internal Audit - Executive Officer

2

16/1/2018

Redeployment - Clerical Officer and Executive Officer.

15 (5 have start dates agreed and 10 are in the vetting process)

03/02/2017

Total

65

Garda Reform

Ceisteanna (92)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

92. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the implementation of the An Garda Síochána national operating framework; if this framework has been provided to him and the Policing Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3833/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy will be aware the development of National Operating Framework is one of the initiatives included in the Garda Commissioner's Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021.

The Policing Authority is performing the important task of overseeing the delivery of this ambitious reform programme and is reporting to me on a regular basis.  The Authority has produced four valuable reports to date, the most recent completed in December 2017, providing a critical analysis of progress. I would refer the Deputy to those reports which are available on my Department's website www.justice.ie for an update on the progress of the reform programme generally and specific initiatives.

I have requested the Commissioner for an update on the current status of the National Operating Framework and I will write to the Deputy on receipt of same.

The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.

Garda Reports

Ceisteanna (93)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

93. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on the promised culture audit within An Garda Síochána; if he has received an interim report; his plans to publish this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3834/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy will be aware the conduct of a culture audit development is one of the initiatives included in the Garda Commissioner's Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021.

The Policing Authority is performing the important task of overseeing the delivery of this ambitious reform programme and is reporting to me on a regular basis.  The Authority has produced four valuable reports to date, the most recent completed in December 2017, providing a critical analysis of progress. I would refer the Deputy to those reports which are available on my Department's website www.justice.ie for an update on the progress of the reform programme generally and specific initiatives.

I have requested the Commissioner for an update on the current status of the culture audit and I will write to the Deputy on receipt of same.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.

Policing Authority Reports

Ceisteanna (94)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

94. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has received the fourth report on the assessment of implementation of changing policing in Ireland from the Policing Authority; the key findings of this report; when it will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3835/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I published the fourth progress report prepared by the Policing Authority on the implementation of the agreed recommendations in the Garda Inspectorate Report "Changing Policing in Ireland" on 23 January. It is available on my Department's website. This is in keeping with my commitment to publish all such progress reports.

The Policing Authority is performing an important task in overseeing what is a major five year reform programme underway within An Garda Síochána through the vehicle of the Garda Commissioner's Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021.  The Authority's s fourth progress report identifies welcome progress in a number of areas including in the areas of governance, reporting, pace, resourcing and prioritisation. These issues were highlighted as areas of concern in previous reports and it is welcome that An Garda Síochána is striving to address these matters. I understand that progress on these areas will be further reported on in the fifth progress report expected in April.

As the report makes clear, while there has been progress, significant improvements continue to be required particularly in the key areas of HR and ICT which are enablers for wider change across the organisation.

I have made it clear that implementation of the ambitious reform programme must continue and, indeed, must move at a greater pace, to ensure the best possible policing services to the people of Ireland. Last year I put in place a structured process of engagement between my Department and An Garda Síochána at a senior level  to address concerns highlighted by the Authority's assessment and to implement any necessary corrective action. That group will meet in the coming days to discuss the issues raised by the fourth progress report and other key elements of the reform agenda including civilianisation and redeployment.  I also intend to meet the Commissioner in relation to the reform programme shortly.

The report highlights the critical importance of the Authority's role in delivering the full implementation of the reform agenda. It brings a capacity to engage intensively with An Garda Síochána and maintain a sustained focus on what is actually being done and what is being achieved on the ground. Its reports reflect this rigorous approach and provide a very solid basis for engagement between my Department and An Garda Síochána in relation to the programme.

I believe the only way to deliver world class policing in Ireland is to ensure that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs and that those resources operate in an organisation whose culture is open and responsive and where the best management systems and practices are deployed.  I am confident that the reform plan that is being implemented by An Garda Síochána, supported by the Government and overseen by the Policing Authority, has the capacity to achieve this.

Garda Investigations

Ceisteanna (95)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

95. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on the establishment of a national major investigations team within An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3841/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The information requested by the Deputy cannot be provided in the time available. I have requested the information sought from the Garda Commissioner and I will write to the Deputy on receipt of same.

A deferred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A

Garda Data

Ceisteanna (96, 97, 98)

Eamon Ryan

Ceist:

96. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount An Garda Síochána recouped for the provision of police services on a non-public duty basis under section 30 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 in each of the years 2015 to 2017, by headings such as sports event, music event, non-music event or other headings that are used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3872/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Eamon Ryan

Ceist:

97. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the criteria used to calculate the amount charged for the provision of police services on a non-public duty basis under section 30 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005; if he has satisfied himself that these criteria are appropriate and represent full cost recovery for An Garda Síochána; his plans to review these criteria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3873/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Eamon Ryan

Ceist:

98. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the incidents of non-payment of amounts charged for the provision of police services on a non-public duty basis under section 30 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 in each of the years 2015 to 2017; the actions taken in these circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3874/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 96 to 98, inclusive, together.

The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner is the Accounting Officer for the Garda Vote and is responsible for setting the level of fees applicable in relation to certain services. As Minister, I have no direct role in the matter.

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the policing service provided in accordance with Section 30 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 is usually composed of a public duty and a non-public duty.  In general, the public duty element is financed by the public purse, while An Garda Síochána seeks to recover all of the costs associated with providing the non-public duty element of the service.  I am informed by the Garda authorities that, however, as it is not possible to absolutely define the demarcation line between public and non-public duty, it may not be feasible for An Garda Síochána to recover the total policing cost of any particular event.  

The cost to the event holder is determined by the number of Gardaí deployed at a particular event, there is no charge for Garda reserves. The operational policing plan for a particular event is formulated by local operational management.

I understand there is currently a review under away in An Garda Síochána regarding the charging criteria and a draft policy should be completed in the first quarter 2018.

The amount recouped by An Garda Síochána for the provision of non-public duty under section 30 of An Garda Síochána Act 2015 in each of the years 2015 to 2017 is as set out below.

Category

2015

2016

2017

Sporting Fixtures

1,498,610

1,420,910

1,544,557

Concerts/Festivals

1,165,786

1,277,640

996,879

Other Events

1,979,333

2,514,397

2,370,402

Total

4,644,029

5,212,947

4,911,838

Total amounts of non-payments are set out below.

Year

Amount

2015

€128,458

2016

€237,651

2017

€1,323,616*

*The majority of the 2017 amount has only been invoiced in recent months.

I am further informed that reminders are issued to bodies for outstanding amounts. Failure to clear debts results in payment being sought upfront from hiring bodies for any future events.

Barr
Roinn