Written Answers Nos 86-105
86. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to increase the number of gardaí along the Border areas in County Donegal to deal with the increase in criminal activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5466/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra99. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí in County Donegal in each of the past ten years; his plans to allocate additional resources to County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5450/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 86 and 99 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 the Garda strength of the Donegal Division on 31 December 2017 was 386 with 16 Garda Reserves and 36 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 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 28 have been assigned to the Donegal Division. I am pleased to say that Garda numbers, taking account of retirements, increased to 13,551 at the end of 2017 - a net 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 Donegal Division.
I am informed that Garda activities in relation to Operation Thor are conducted in each county throughout Ireland, including the Donegal Division. The operation involves a broad range of activities to tackle organised crime gangs and other prolific offenders as well as working with communities to prevent crime. This comprehensive operation is supported by the enhanced Government investment in Garda resources, including an allocation of approximately €100 million for Garda overtime in 2018. These additional investments in policing make it possible to maintain and extend a range of intensive policing operations, including the continued targeting of burglaries and related crime via Operation Thor.
Under Operation Thor we have seen over 105,790 targeted checkpoints and 99,210 crime prevention patrols nationwide. This concentrated policing activity has produced in the region of 6,600 arrests and 7,420 charges covering a range of offences which, in addition to burglary, have included handling stolen property, possession of firearms and drugs offences.
This Government has also made it a particular priority to strengthen our legislative provisions through the enactment of the Criminal Justice (Burglary of Dwellings) Act 2015 which is targeted at repeat burglars who have previous convictions and who are charged with multiple offences of residential burglary. This new legislation is now available to support the work which is being carried out by An Garda Síochána under Operation Thor.
The Deputy will also be aware that there is close and ongoing cooperation between An Garda Síochána and the PSNI on all aspects of policing, with a particular focus on combatting security threats and cross-border crime. The Commissioner and the Chief Constable of the PSNI, who are responsible for operational policing cooperation, have repeatedly emphasised the scope and the value of the close and high quality co-operation between the two police services in combatting crime, protecting community safety and saving lives. The two police services operate a joint Cross-Border Policing Strategy which has as its aims to improve public safety throughout Ireland, to disrupt criminal activity and to enhance the policing capability of both police services on the island.
The information in relation to the number of Gardaí in the Donegal Division in each of the past ten years, is as set out as follows:
Personnel strength of the Donegal Division 2008-2017
|
Year |
Total |
|
2008 |
488 |
|
2009 |
468 |
|
2010 |
466 |
|
2011 |
444 |
|
2012 |
427 |
|
2013 |
409 |
|
2014 |
397 |
|
2015 |
392 |
|
2016 |
382 |
|
2017 |
386 |
88. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the section of each report relative to each case will be released to the families and complainants concerned regarding the decisions relative to each of the 315 cases under the independent review mechanism which were returned stating no further action was required; if the reasons and rationale by which this recommendation of no further action was reached will be provided to the families and complainants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5561/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy may wish to note that the number of cases of the independent review mechanism in which counsel recommended that no further action be taken was in fact 249 out of 320 cases. As regards the notification to the complainants of the reasons for such a recommendation, this has already taken place. The majority of such notifications issued during the latter half of 2015, with the final notification issuing in July 2016.
In communicating the outcome of the review to the 320 individuals who submitted matters to the independent review, it was important not only to set out the recommendation of counsel and the Minister's decision in each case, but to outline as far as possible the reasons for the recommendation, subject to any legal constraints that existed. The reports provided by counsel and containing their recommendations in each case constitute legal advice and they are, accordingly, subject to legal professional privilege. Issues of public policy arise here and I do not believe that it would be appropriate that I should waive that privilege. Also in many cases, the legal advice of counsel contained comments relating to third parties, and great care had to be taken in setting out the findings of counsel in a way which respected the rights of everyone concerned.
In light of that, retired High Court Judge Mr Justice Roderick Murphy was appointed to undertake the task of overseeing the preparation of the letters of notification. Mr Justice Murphy independently vouched for the fact that the summaries of conclusions and the reasoning behind them, as set out in the letters of notification, were a fair and accurate reflection of each recommendation which had been made to my predecessor. I believe that Mr Justice Murphy's involvement in the process provided additional reassurance to those whose cases were considered by the Panel as to the probity and independence of this entire process, from start to finish.
89. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will request the Garda Commissioner to consider allocating additional gardaí to Rathfarnham Garda station, particularly in view of recent assaults that have taken place within the jurisdiction of the station and in further view of the concerns of persons in the Ballycullen, Firhouse, and Knocklyon areas in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5449/18]
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 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. Furthermore when allocations are taking place comprehensive consultation is carried out with local management during which all factors are taken into consideration. Where a deficiency in resources is identified the matter is considered fully and addressed accordingly. It is the responsibility of the Divisional Officer to allocate personnel within his/her Division.
I am informed by the Commissioner that the Garda strength of the Rathfarnham Garda Station on 31 December 2017 was 58. 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 5 have been assigned to Rathfarnham Garda Station. Garda numbers, taking account of retirements, increased to 13,551 at the end of 2017 - a net increase of over 600 since the end of 2016.
I am 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 South Division in which Rathfarnham Garda Station is located.
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 classroom 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.
90. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will address the failure to ensure that the Garda pay deal applies to all sections of the force, including superintendents and chief superintendents; the anomalies that have arisen as a result of this failure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5678/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that at the time of the potential Garda dispute in 2016, the matter was referred to the Labour Court to develop a Recommendation addressing the pay issues raised by the ranks of Garda, Sergeant and Inspector. The Recommendation applied therefore only to those ranks.
The Superintendents and Chief Superintendents Associations have consistently argued that the pay deal should also have extended to them. Arising from this they have not yet signed up to the Public Service Stability Agreement. This is regrettable and means that the benefits that flow from the Agreement are not yet being applied to their ranks.
Having said that, I have met with both Associations recently and assured them that I and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform are anxious to resolve their issues. Clearly this has to be done within the parameters of public pay policy using the structures that are in place to address such matters. In the meantime, I would encourage the two Associations to reconsider their position in relation to the Pay Agreement and I can assure the Deputy that I will use my best endeavours to resolve the dispute. I might add that the Chair of the Public Service Stability Agreement Oversight Body has kindly offered her services to assist the parties and a meeting between the parties has been held. I expect that there will be further engagement in the near future.
I am aware that the Superintendents Association, in particular, has referred to an anomaly having arisen as a result of the Labour Court Recommendation in 2016. This relates primarily to the increases in earnings for those groups covered by the Recommendation. Clearly, the increases awarded to the Inspector rank had the effect of narrowing the pay differentials between Superintendents and Inspectors and this is central to the current dispute.
To reiterate, I am personally committed to resolving this dispute, as is my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and I hope to see progress in the near future.
91. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the methodologies used by An Garda Síochána to accurately measure the number of homicides here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5557/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the methodologies used by An Garda Síochána in measuring homicides and I will contact him directly when the report is to hand.
As the Deputy will be aware, An Garda Síochána is working with the Central Statistics Office (CSO) to resolve an issue which emerged in relation to the classification of homicide offences. The expert oversight by the CSO of crime statistics is welcome in order to ensure that we can have confidence in the official crime statistics and can tailor our policies accordingly.
I am advised that when a homicide occurs, the offence may be classified as murder, manslaughter or violent death. My understanding is that an issue emerged due to the fact that the classification of a crime may change as investigations evolve, for example, a murder charge may ultimately lead to a manslaughter conviction in the Courts, or an assault causing harm may subsequently result in a death some time later, necessitating a reclassification to murder or manslaughter.
I want to clarify that the issue about the classification of homicide statistics is not new. It was identified some time ago by the Gardaí themselves and intensive work has been ongoing to resolve the issue. This work involves An Garda Síochána, the Policing Authority, the CSO and my own Department.
An Garda Síochána initiated a review of homicide classifications, initially for the period 2013-2015 but later extended the review to cover the period from 2003-2017. This is obviously a time consuming and complex process but it is important that both An Garda Síochána and the CSO are confident that their data is robust and accurate. While the review is under way, the CSO has suspended the publication of quarterly crime statistics, with the most recent published figures being for Q4 2016. The review by An Garda Síochána has not been published as it is not yet complete, however the details will be made public on completion.
I am extremely concerned about reports that unlawful deaths were not properly investigated. Any substantiated allegations of this kind would be very serious and a cause of grave public concern. The issue that has arisen in respect of homicide classification is complex and it is essential to clearly establish the facts.
I have not received any protected disclosures or allegations that unlawful killings have not been investigated, and Garda management are adamant that all unlawful killings are investigated. I have seen no evidence to the contrary but I have asked An Garda Síochána for further formal assurances in this regard.
While I note that a figure of 41 deaths requiring reclassification has been mentioned in public discourse, this is incorrect. An Garda Síochána has advised that their examination of 524 cases for the period 2013-2015 identified 41 cases which required further examination and, out of those 41 cases, 12 deaths were identified which required reclassifications on PULSE. In addition, a further ‘peer review’ verification process is underway in relation to these figures, as requested by the Policing Authority.
It is important to note that, in the review of the 41 cases, it was identified that each death was fully investigated by An Garda Síochána . An Garda Síochána has also indicated that their Family Liaison Officers were in contact with the families of the 12 deceased persons whose PULSE records required reclassification.
The Policing Authority continues to monitor this issue and ensure that there is independent scrutiny of how An Garda Síochána records data and I welcome their continued diligence in this matter. I also note the statement made by the Authority last week indicating that these issues will be considered again at the Authority’s meeting with the Garda Commissioner which will be held in public on 22 February 2018.
In advance of this meeting, I can also advise the Deputies that I, along with officials from my Department, will be meeting with representatives from the Policing Authority and An Garda Síochána tomorrow to discuss the progress being made on this important issue. I have also discussed this issue with the Garda Commissioner yesterday during the course of one of our more general meetings.
Please be assured that my Department remains in close contact with the CSO, An Garda Síochána and the Policing Authority to ensure an early return to the publication of official Crime Statistics by the CSO at the earliest possible opportunity.
92. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has satisfied himself that An Garda Síochána has enough resources and overtime to de-escalate the ongoing gangland feud in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5414/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the allocation and management of Garda resources, including the overtime budget, is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner having due regard to his operational needs. As Minister, I have no role in the matter.
I would, however, point out that some €1.65 billion has been allocated to the Garda Vote for 2018. This is an increase of approximately 2% over the allocation for 2017 and includes some €98.5 million for Garda overtime. Some €1.61 billion was allocated to the Garda Vote for 2017 which, in itself, was an increase of approximately €60 million over the allocation for 2016 (€1.55 billion as per the 2016 Revised Estimates Version) and included approximately €88.5 million for Garda overtime. In November 2017, I secured a supplementary estimate of some €42 million for Garda overtime bringing the spend for 2017 to over €130 million. This compares to a spend in previous years of €91 million in 2016, €56 million in 2015 and some €37.7 million in 2014.
This Government continues to support An Garda Síochána with unprecedented levels of resources. For example, 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 and 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. 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.
Further, the Capital Plan 2016 – 2021 provides €46 million for investment in the Garda Fleet to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit for purpose fleet and this is in addition to the investment of almost €30 million in the period 2013 to 2015. In the period 2013 to end of 2017 almost €44 million will have been invested in the fleet with some 2,000 vehicles coming on stream in that period.
Some €342 million, including €217 million in additional funding under the Capital Plan, is being invested in Garda ICT infrastructure between 2016 and 2021 to enable An Garda Síochána to deploy the latest cutting edge technologies in delivering professional policing and security services for the community.
It is a matter for Garda management to utilise the resources being made available to them in the most efficient and effective manner to ensure high visibility policing in our communities, including to tackle gangland crime.
The Deputy will appreciate, of course, that increasing resources, of itself, will not defeat the scourge of gang-related and associated crime that currently obtains. Rather, a comprehensive range of measures is being put in place so that a cogent and coordinated response can be delivered, including:
- in addition to legislative measures targeting repeat burglars, namely the Criminal Justice (Burglary of Dwellings) Act 2015, other legislative measures are being introduced to tackle gang-related and associated crime; for example:
- the Government has enacted new legislation to further target criminal activities including the Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Act 2016 which provides additional powers for Gardaí; in particular, powers to allow for the immediate seizure of assets suspected of being the proceeds of crime to prevent them being disposed of;
- the legislative framework for the lawful interception of communications and for covert electronic surveillance, to combat the threats from serious, organised crime and terrorism will be enhanced; and
- my officials and An Garda Síochána are keeping under review the legislation to see whether there are other changes in the law which might be made which might address the reality of groups intent on carrying out a sustained series of killings while endangering the safety of communities;
- a second Special Criminal Court has been established and has been hearing cases since last May;
- the new dedicated Armed Support Unit for the Dublin Metropolitan Region was launched on 14 December 2016, and is now operational on a 24/7 basis. The establishment of the ASU had been a particular priority given the identified need to enhance armed support capability in Dublin and to free up the resources of the Emergency Response Unit. All the necessary resources have been provided to equip the new ASU and steps have been taken to upgrade the equipment available to the Emergency Response Unit and the Special Detective Unit;
during 2016, the Garda Commissioner established a new Garda Special Crime Task Force in the DMR, under the Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, to augment the response to organised crime at a local level through concentrated policing, and through a multi-agency approach to targeting the proceeds of crime;
- Operation Hybrid has been established to coordinate the response to violent crime in Dublin and address public safety concerns about community safety and benefits from significant support by Armed Support Units. As of 21 January 2018 this response has included:
- 72 arrests;
- 13 charges in total (of which 10 charges related to murder investigations, 3 charges for related offences);
- 34 firearms seized (in relation to murder offences);
- In the region of 260 searches;
- 15,260 lines of enquiry conducted with more than 50,450 high visibility checkpoints implemented with significant support from Armed Support Units;
- a significant amount of CCTV footage, mobile phone traffic, and forensic evidence has also been examined.
These measures are in addition to Operation Thor – the multi-strand national anti-crime and anti-burglary operation targeting burglaries and related crime which was put in place in November 2015 and has led to significant reductions in burglary related crime nationally in its first year of operation.
An Garda Síochána is also working closely with community representatives in the North Inner City, and elsewhere, to provide assurance and support in relation to gang related violence, building on strong existing community policing relationships.
94. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason there has been more than several dozen boxes of documentation provided to the Charleton tribunal by his Department and An Garda Síochána since November 2017; and the actions he is he taking over the perceived non-co-operation with the tribunal. [5413/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraLet me be very clear from the start that I am not aware of and cannot comment on the volume of material that has been made available to the Disclosures Tribunal by An Garda Síochána. As the Deputy is aware, the Garda Síochána are independently represented before the Disclosures Tribunal and I have no function in that matter. It would be entirely inappropriate for me, therefore, to comment upon or interfere with the way with another party's interactions with the Tribunal.
With regard to documents provided to the Disclosures Tribunal by my Department since November 2017, orders were received by my Department in December 2017 and in January 2018. These orders were fully complied with and the relevant documents were forwarded to the Tribunal in December and January. For the benefit of the House I can say that these orders sought certain records, which were not voluminous, of the O’Higgins Commission of Investigation and documents related to the work of the Independent Review Mechanism.
Following correspondence between my Department and the Tribunal in late 2017, the Department undertook an electronic trawl of its systems to locate any documents which might be deemed relevant to the Tribunal's terms of reference. The search also included paper-based files. In all more than 30 million documents were searched. Independent documentary counsel were engaged to review all documents identified for relevance to the terms of reference of the Tribunal. The results of this process, which amounted to less than a hundred documents, some of which had been previously furnished, were provided to the Tribunal on 19 January.
I can assure the Deputy that my Department has at all times sought to cooperate fully and constructively with the Tribunal and that any further orders to be made by the Tribunal will also be complied with in full. The Tribunal has been assured of my full and ongoing support in that regard.
I am sure that the Deputy will have noted that the Taoiseach has appointed Mr Michael Collins, Senior Counsel, to conduct an independent review of the response of my Department to requests for documents from the Tribunal. I have already welcomed this step and I can confirm that my Department is cooperating fully with this review.
95. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on the progress of family reunification for refugees from Syria here as part of resettlement and relocation programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5668/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service of my Department that Syrian nationals who arrived in the State as part of the resettlement programme and those who arrived as part of Ireland's relocation programmes and have been granted International Protection can apply for family reunification under the provisions of the International Protection Act 2015.
I am assured that such applications are processed as expeditiously as possible. However, if the Deputy has a query in relation to the status of individual family reunification application this can be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been established specifically 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.
96. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of senior Garda appointments made by the Policing Authority at each rank; if he has satisfied himself with the manner in which promotions are being conducted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5651/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Policing Authority assumed the function of selecting and appointing persons to the rank of Assistant Garda Commissioner, Chief Superintendent and Superintendent in An Garda Síochána on 1 January 2017. I, as Minister, have no role in the selection and appointment of candidates to these ranks with the exception of members of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) whose appointment by the Authority must be approved by the Government.
Since assuming responsibility for this function, the Authority has run competitions for promotion to the ranks of Assistant Commissioner, Chief Superintendent and Superintendent. Following these competitions I am advised that the Authority has to date appointed 23 persons to the rank of Superintendent including a former member of the PSNI, 11 persons to the rank of Chief Superintendent and 5 persons to the rank of Assistant Commissioner.
These competitions were conducted in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (Appointments to the ranks of Assistant Garda Commissioner, Chief Superintendent and Superintendent) Regulations 2016 and the Authority’s Statement of Practice. In accordance with the Regulations the Authority has put in place a clearance process to establish the health and character of the candidates . This involves seeking information from the candidates, from their current employer and the relevant complaints Ombudsman in relation to any matters including disciplinary findings, criminal convictions or on-going complaints which the Authority takes into consideration in this regard. An appointment is only made by the Authority when it is satisfied with the outcome of this clearance process.
The Statement of Practice for these competitions sets out the practices which the Authority commits to in order to ensure the consistent application of best practice standards in regard to its process for selection and appointments, including for the clearance of candidates in advance of appointment. This Statement of Practice is published on the Authority’s website.
I commend the Authority on their achievement in completing these competitions in a timely and efficient manner so as to facilitate the making of appointments to fill vacancies as they arise without any undue delay.
97. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding Garda consideration of recent census data for County Wexford within the personnel allocation model; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5566/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources among the various Garda Divisions and Districts, 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 and the best possible policing service is provided to the general public.
In regard to the deployment of Garda personnel, a distribution model is used which takes into account all relevant factors including population, crime trends and the policing needs of each individual Division. It is the responsibility of the Divisional Officer to allocate personnel within his/her Division as appropriate.
I am advised by the Commissioner that recent census data is currently being incorporated into the personnel allocation model . I understand that Census information received on a specific county format is amended by the Garda Síochána Analysis Service to reflect Garda Divisional boundaries. However, it should be noted that ratios such as the number of Garda per head of population are not an appropriate tool to use when considering the allocation of Garda resources as they fail to take account of, among other things, the fact that crime levels and types can vary significantly among communities of similar population size.
I am informed that the Garda strength of the Wexford Division on 31 December 2017 was 292 with 18 Garda Reserves and 32 Garda civilian staff. 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 58 have been assigned to the Wexford Division. I am pleased to say that Garda numbers, taking account of retirements, increased to 13,551 at the end of 2017 – a net 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 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 Wexford Division.
98. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if persons applying for naturalisation that are not decided upon within the six-month guideline will be provided with a detailed explanation as to the reasons for the delay including the provision to the person of additional information required to process the application in a timely manner. [5694/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process. All applications are examined to determine if the applicant meets the statutory conditions for naturalisation set out in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, such as good character and lawful residence.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. While most straightforward cases are generally processed within six months, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases may take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks may take a considerable period of time.
Cases where delays in processing can arise can often be due to further documentation being required from the applicant, or payment of the required certificate fee is awaited, or the applicant has not been engaging with the office. In some instances delays can arise at the final stage of the naturalisation process, for example where additional information comes to light which requires to be considered. In other instances the applicant themselves may request that a hold be put on their application, for example where they may have returned to their country of origin for a prolonged period, to facilitate them in making arrangements to return to reside in the State, or where they have difficulty in obtaining satisfactory evidence of their identity or nationality.
Due to the volume of applications received, it is not possible to communicate with each applicant with regard to each stage of the process but where additional information is required to support the application, the applicant is written to and the requirements are clearly stated. To engage with each applicant as proposed would divert valuable resources away from case processing which remains the key priority. Once the appropriate processes are completed the application is submitted to me for a decision, which is made in my absolute discretion under the Act by assessing the entirety of the information available to me.
The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department has a dedicated phone helpline and email helpdesk available for all applicants interested in the progress of their application, details of which are available on the INIS website at www.inis.gov.ie.
102. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of staff nationally involved in accessing material on mobile phones and computers relating to child sexual offences; the number in the Mountjoy detective unit; the qualifications needed for such work; the number of cases being processed; the length of time taken; and the extent and scale of any backlogs. [5649/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the information sought by the Deputy and I will contact her directly when the report is received.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
103. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the action he has taken to deal with the complaint from the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, GSOC, that it does not have sufficient resources to deal with protected disclosures within An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5679/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraLet me say at the outset that the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission has a hugely important role to play in ensuring that public confidence in the Garda Síochána is safeguarded. That is why GSOC was given extensive powers under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 to enable it to carry out its responsibilities.
I can assure the Deputy that the resources and funding of GSOC are kept under continuing review to ensure it is able to continue to operate effectively and efficiently and in accordance with its statutory remit. In May 2017, sanction was conveyed to GSOC for an additional 5 staff to create a dedicated unit to deal with Protected Disclosures. My understanding is that at that time there was a relatively small number of protected disclosures on hands in GSOC. The sanction was provided on the clear understanding that GSOC would revert should the evolving situation indicate that greater resources were required.
It is unfortunate that, 8 months later, it would appear that GSOC has not yet succeeded in recruiting all the staff concerned. I would suggest that it is only when these staff are fully operational, that an assessment can be made as to what, if any, additional resources might be required to handle protected disclosures made to GSOC.
In relation to the overall resourcing requirement of GSOC, I met with GSOC last September and the issue of resources was discussed. GSOC undertook to make a submission to my Department on what it estimates are its staffing requirements to deliver on its mandate in an efficient, effective and timely manner. I look forward to receiving that submission and I can assure the Deputy that I will give it my fullest consideration.
105. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on the assistance given to refugees from Syria here as part of resettlement and relocation programmes to access education and employment and to have professional qualifications recognised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5669/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to inform the Deputy that while the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP) is overseen at national level by my Department, all service provision is mainstreamed.
The Department of Education and Skills has put in place, through local Education and Training Boards (ETB), interim arrangements for education. This includes, for example, English Language training for children and adults in the Emergency Reception and Orientation Centres established by the IRPP. A confident use of the English language is a key component of preparing refugees to enter the workforce and adults are provided with English language classes by the local ETBs in their resettlement area. Applicants are assessed by ETB staff so as to identify the extent, if any, of their current language levels in English, whether written or spoken. With regard to accessing school places, the Interagency Resettlement Committees includes representatives from Tusla Educational Welfare Services, who assist with securing school places for children.
At local level, resettlement is coordinated by Interagency Resettlement Groups, under the auspices of the Local Authority, with funding provided by my Department to the Local Authority to employ an Implementing Partner, usually consisting of a resettlement support worker and an inter-cultural worker, who assist families in their new community, including to access local services. The funding also facilitates the provision of after-school and out of school activities for primary or post-primary children and their integration into existing services.
With regards to qualifications, Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), hosts NARIC Ireland which offers advice on the academic recognition of foreign qualifications in Ireland. Employers, Regulators and Higher Education Bodies use the advice provided by NARIC in informing their decisions when assessing foreign qualifications.
In terms of refugees accessing employment, the most critical component, as I have stated above, is the ability to speak English to an appropriate level and this is stressed at all times to the refugees. Some refugees have already secured employment with the assistance of my Department, the Irish Red Cross and EROC management, usually because they have relevant skills and a reasonable standard of English. But for most refugees it will take some time to acquire the competency necessary in English that will facilitate employment opportunities.
The Migrant Integration Strategy, which was published last year, offers a blueprint for the Government's action to promote migrant integration for the period to 2020. It promotes action by Government, business, employers, migrants, NGOs and local communities.
The Strategy includes targeted initiatives to promote migrant entrepreneurship, to encourage migrants into the Civil Service and onto State boards and to improve English language provision in education and training. It is accompanied by a Communities Integration Fund, which will provide funding for community initiatives to promote integration.
