Written Answers Nos. 215-231
215. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he will take to address the problem in which a school (details supplied) has a waiting list to enrol new pupils in September 2018 and will not be able to enrol all students; if temporary units will be provided to resolve this difficulty to allow all students attend their chosen school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8690/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas. Nationwide demographic exercises involving all school planning areas at primary and post-primary level, which will determine where additional school accommodation will be needed in the future, is ongoing at the moment and it is anticipated that decisions based on the review will be announced in the coming weeks.
My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in the area. My Department is aware that there is existing pupil capacity among schools in the school planning area where the school to which he refers is located.
It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998.
Parents can choose which school to apply to and where the school has places available the pupil should be admitted. However, in schools where there are more applicants than places available a selection process may be necessary.
In this regard, a Board of Management may find it necessary to prioritise enrolment of children from particular areas or particular age groups or on the basis of some other criterion. For example, some schools give priority to applicants who have attended a particular primary school (known as a feeder school). The criteria to be applied by schools in such circumstances are a matter for the schools themselves.
This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. However, it may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in their school of first choice.
216. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department has conducted an analysis on the way in which Brexit may impact on higher education collaboration between the United Kingdom and Ireland; if so, the findings of the analysis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8709/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraContingency planning at both a domestic and an EU level is focused on three areas: preparing for a no-deal scenario or so-called “disorderly Brexit”; preparing for a transition period based on the “status quo”; and preparing for the future EU-UK relationship.
While the outcome of the December European Council and the move on to Phase 2 has lessened the likelihood of a disorderly Brexit, very detailed work on a ‘no-deal’ or ‘worst-case-scenario’ is advancing intensively through the cross-Departmental coordination structures chaired by the Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade. This work is also informed by ongoing stakeholder engagement. Separately, a new preparedness unit in the Commission is considering EU-level responses.
All this work provides a baseline scenario for the policies and sectors impacted, which can then be adapted as appropriate in light of developments in the EU-UK negotiations. In this regard, it is welcome that the direction of travel is now firmly towards achieving a “status quo” transition period. Agreement on a “status quo” transition will provide certainty to individuals and businesses while also aiming to avoid any cliff edge effects between the UK leaving the EU and a future relationship agreement coming into force. The period will provide time for businesses and citizenship to prepare for the UK’s withdrawal from the EU based on the outcome of the negotiations on the framework for the EU’s future relationship with the UK. In this respect, the expectation is that the European Council will adopt additional Guidelines at its meeting on 22-23 March 2018 on the framework for the future EU-UK relationship. These guidelines – as well as further clarity on the UK position, which has been sought by the European Council – will provide a clearer picture of the direction of travel in the negotiations.
The Government’s contingency planning framework is firmly grounded in the extensive work and outreach that has already been undertaken by individual Departments and agencies, as well as by stakeholder organisations, academics and others. My own Department contributed fully to the preparation of the education components of that framework.
Our work has been facilitated by the International Unit of my Department which, under the leadership of an Assistant Secretary General, has been given overall responsibility for co-ordinating our response to Brexit. In discharging its Brexit-related functions, the International Unit participates in the Inter-Departmental Senior Officials Group which oversees the coordination of the Government’s response to the outcome of the UK referendum, and supports the Cabinet Committee on the European Union including Brexit. This is further underpinned by the Unit's active engagement with other Departments in Brexit Workgroups on Brexit Coordination; the Economy and Sectoral Issues; the Common Travel Area; and the Island of Ireland Working Group.
The International Unit also chairs the Education and Research Subgroup under the Economy and Sectoral Issues strand of co-ordination. The Subgroup includes relevant areas within the Department and relevant Agencies of the Department and other Departments/Agencies. Meetings of the Education and Research Subgroup of the Economy and Trade Group took place on 28th October 2016, 15th February; 24th May and 9th October 2017 and most recently focused on stakeholder consultations input and research collaboration. A further meeting is planned for early 2018.
My Department has been working closely with a number of organisations, and in particular with the Higher Education Authority, in Brexit planning for the higher education sector. The HEA has published a Brexit issues paper and has held meetings with the HEIs to discuss ongoing planning and issues with them as the process develops. We will continue to engage in this important aspect of planning and research work, and during 2018 will maintain our extensive engagement with stakeholders across the sector, which has been fundamental to my Department’s preparations for Brexit since late 2016.
While Brexit presents numerous challenges, it is likely to bring opportunities too. Funding of €1.5m was provided in Budget 2017 to attract researchers to Ireland, as part of our strategic response to Brexit. This €1.5m is again available in 2018.
Under the Action Plan for Education 2018 we will enhance our strategy to attract world-leading researchers to Ireland in the context of Brexit. In partnership with enterprise/employers, and in line with Innovation 2020 targets, we will increase the enrolment of postgraduate researchers and grow the number of programmes to support postdoctoral researchers. In this way, we will grow a vibrant research community and address economic demands.
The above themes will be explored in a paper currently being drafted between officials in my Department and the Higher Education Authority who are leading on the paper. The purpose of the paper is to outline the importance of Brexit for the Irish higher education research system. It will identify significant issues arising and will propose strategic actions with regard to talent, research and relationships to maximise competitive advantage for Ireland in this area post-Brexit.
A further joint stakeholder dialogue on research and innovation with the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation is being planned for the end of April 2018 in Dublin.
This follows on from the recent publication by the Royal Irish Academy of reports on All-Island aspects of Research that make recommendations to take forward initiatives to support all-island research collaborations and networking.
We will continue to seek opportunities in existing and high potential markets to increase the numbers of international students and partnerships for our higher education sector as we implement the International Education Strategy. We will also seek to maximise the opportunities from North-South cooperation and our continuing key relationship with the UK.
217. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if provision will be made for an ASD unit and three additional classrooms further to his visit to a school (details supplied); and if DEIS 2 status will be awarded. [8730/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that the school referred to by the Deputy submitted an application to my Department for capital funding to construct an ASD Unit and additional resource teaching rooms.
I wish to advise the Deputy that the school does not have the approval of the National Council for Special Education to establish an ASD Unit as there is sufficient provision for such special needs accommodation in the area currently. In addition, an ASD Unit is being provided in the new school development for Coosan National School that is currently under construction. In the circumstances, the school in question was advised that an ASD Unit was not warranted.
The Department considers that the school has sufficient existing accommodation for resource teaching purposes. Grant was therefore not approved and the school was advised accordingly.
I understand that the school has held DEIS Band 2 status since September 2006.
218. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Education and Skills when the building unit of his Department will consider and approve the proposal for a new building which was submitted by a centre (details supplied) in October 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8782/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy that my Department is in receipt of a capital application from the Educational Centre in question. This application is being considered in the context of the need to prioritise available budgets towards the provision of essential classroom accommodation. My Department expect to be in contact with the Educational Centre, in question, shortly.
219. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the teacher education section of his Department will provide financial assistance to a centre (details supplied) to find a temporary solution to its parking problems while it is awaiting a response to its proposal for a new site and building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8783/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are 21 full time and 9 part time Education Centres. The Education Centre network provides a national infrastructure for the delivery of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for teachers and Centres. Every centre has a locally elected Management Committee and a Director appointed on secondment.
My Department is the main funder of Education Centres through direct budget allocations for administrative staff pay and operating costs and local courses. In 2017, the Department provided funding of €436,948 to Limerick Education Centre and a similar level of funding will be provided in 2018.
Limerick Education Centre has been situated in the Limerick and Clare ETB, Marshal House, Dooradoyle building since 2011 and shares the car park with the ETB. The Centre has advised the Department that since September 2017 it has been experiencing car parking difficulties and has submitted a proposal with long term and interim solutions.
Officials of my Department are working with the Centre to see how best its needs can be met in this important area.
220. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason an application for redundancy by a person (details supplied) in County Cork was not approved by his Department; if this decision will be reconsidered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8794/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise that my Department is not in a position to sanction a redundancy application by the person concerned as a redundancy situation does not arise. This was communicated by my Department to the employer of the person concerned on the 31 January 2018.
221. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the timeframe for the restoration of pay equality for newer entry teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8795/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe public service agreements have allowed a programme of pay restoration for public servants to start. I negotiated together with my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, a 15-22% pay increase for new teachers. The agreements to date have restored an estimated 75% of the difference in pay for more recently recruited teachers and deliver full equality at later points in the scale.
As a result of the changes I negotiated together with my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, the current starting salary of a new teacher is €35,958 and from 1 October 2020 onwards will be €37,692. If full equalisation was achieved the starting salary for a post-primary teacher from 1 October 2020 would be €43,879 and for a primary teacher would be €41,511, at a cost of over €200 million across the public service.
Differential pay scales were introduced by the then Government in 2010. It must be borne in mind that the pay reduction for post-2011 entrants to the public service applied to all public servants and not just teachers, and that any restoration of these measures in respect of teachers would be expected to be applied elsewhere across the public service. While I am not in a position to provide an estimate of the total cost of restoring all post-1 January 2011 entrants in all of the public service to the pre-2011 pay scale arrangements, I can say that in the case of education and training sector employees, including teachers, the estimated current full year cost would be in the order of €130 million. Clearly, the cost across the entire public service would be substantially higher.
To have gone further than the pay increases that have been negotiated for 2018 would mean I would have had less money available to hire over 1,000 extra SNAs in 2018, and over 1,000 extra teachers in 2018.
Any further negotiation on new entrant pay is a cross sectoral issue, not just an issue for the education sector. The Government also supports the gradual, negotiated repeal of the FEMPI legislation, having due regard to the priority to improve public services and in recognition of the essential role played by public servants.
A commitment is included in the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020 to consider the issue of newly qualified pay within 12 months of the commencement of the Agreement. That process has now commenced with a first meeting on 12 October 2017. The three teacher unions attended that first meeting.
In addition, the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017 provides that within 3 months of the passing of the Act, my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform will prepare and lay before the Oireachtas a report on the cost of and a plan in dealing with pay equalisation for new entrants to the public service.
222. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which efforts continue to be made to create apprenticeship opportunities under various trades; the degree to which specific shortages have been identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8807/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraApprenticeship is a demand driven educational and training programme, which aims to develop the skills of an apprentice in order to meet the needs of industry and the labour market. Consequently, the number of apprentices being registered is determined by employers within each sector. My Department is committed to supporting the increased registration of apprentices across all sectors. New apprenticeship registrations have risen from 2,698 in 2014 to 4,843 in 2017, which represents an increase of almost 80%.
As the Deputy is aware, the Government is currently expanding the range of apprenticeships on offer to meet the identified skill needs of industry. Arising from our first call for apprenticeship proposals in 2015 eleven new apprenticeships have been developed in a wide range of sectors, including financial services, engineering, ICT and accounting. Further new apprenticeships are to be submitted for validation to Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) shortly and, subject to successful validation, are expected to get underway in 2018.
In addition, arising from last year’s second call for proposals, I recently announced 26 new programmes for further development into national apprenticeships across a wide variety of sectors including construction, engineering, horticulture and agriculture. These new programmes, once developed, will add to and complement the range of apprenticeships currently on offer in developing the skill needs of our economy.
223. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of mouthpieces for a device (details supplied) used for each month since the introduction of the device, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8185/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have requested a report from An Garda Síochána in relation to the statistics requested by the Deputy and I will be in contact with the Deputy directly on receipt of a Garda report.
224. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when all sections of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 will be enacted; the timeframe for full enactment; his views on whether there are barriers impinging on the rights of same-sex married partners and their children prior to enactment of all sections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8332/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 was enacted on 6 April 2015 but has not yet been fully commenced. The Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (Commencement of Certain Provisions Order) 2016 (S.I. No. 12 of 2016) commenced the bulk of the Act with effect from 18 January 2016. That Commencement Order brought provisions of Parts 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12 and 13 of the Act into operation. The Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (Commencement) Order 2017 (S.I. No. 355 of 2017) commenced part of section 47(c) of the Act with effect from 31 July 2017 and the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (Commencement) (No. 2) Order 2017 (S.I. No. 474 of 2017) commenced provisions of the Act relating to adoption by civil partners and cohabiting couples with effect from 2 November 2017.
Part 10 of the Act, which amended the Passports Act 2008, was commenced by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade on 1 July 2015.
Part 11 of the Act, which related to adoption, was not commenced and was repealed by section 2(2) of the Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017, which came into operation on 19 October 2017, as provided for by the Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (Commencement) Order 2017 (S.I. No. 443 of 2017). The provisions in Part 11 have been incorporated into the Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017, for which the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs is responsible.
Section 177 of the Act, which amended section 2 of the Adoptive Leave Act 1995, has not yet been commenced due to technical issues, which have now been resolved. The Department is currently reviewing the section to ensure that there are no further outstanding issues. It is expected that the section will be commenced in due course.
Parts 2 and 3 of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 provide for parentage through donor-assisted human reproduction (DAHR). I understand that the "barriers" the Deputy is referring to are centred around the issue of the recognition of parentage for same-sex couples and their children which is dealt with under Part 2 of the Act. The Minister for Health has responsibility for commencement of Parts 2 and 3 of the Act.
Where a couple have a child through assisted human reproduction treatment which took place prior to the commencement of these provisions and other than in accordance with them, the social parent will not be recorded on the child's birth certificate from the outset, as parentage continues to be assigned under current law. However, when Parts 2 and 3 of the Act are brought into force by the Minister for Health, and depending on the particular circumstances, it may be possible for couples to seek a declaration under section 21 of the Act that the spouse, civil partner or cohabitant of the birth mother is the other parent of the child (with all of the parental responsibilities that entails), and ultimately to have a new birth certificate issued reflecting that legal parentage.
Other provisions of the Act which relate to DAHR have not yet been commenced as they are linked to Parts 2 and 3. The commencement of the provisions of the Act which are related to Parts 2 and 3 will be co-ordinated with the commencement of those Parts by the Minister for Health.
Part 9 of the Act provides for a number of amendments to the Civil Registration Act 2004. No provision of Part 9 has yet been commenced. Some sections cannot be commenced until Parts 2 and 3 are brought into operation by the Minister for Health. Other sections are dependent on provisions of the Civil Registration (Amendment) Act 2014 being commenced and my Department is liaising with the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection in relation to scheduling the commencement of these sections.
225. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the project to refurbish and extend the historic courthouse in Waterford city; the timeframe for it to be completed; the timeframe for the first sitting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8135/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998 management of the courts, including the provision of accommodation for court sittings, is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in exercising its functions.
However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had inquiries made and the Courts Service has advised that Waterford Courthouse is one of seven courthouses nationwide which are currently being delivered as part of a Public Private Partnership under the Government's Infrastructure Stimulus programme.
The Courts Service has informed me that works at Waterford Courthouse are now substantially complete and the courthouse is expected to be handed over to the Courts Service within the next couple of weeks. Court sittings will commence a short time thereafter following the move from the temporary courthouse at Grace Dieu in Waterford. The newly extended and refurbished courthouse will provide significantly improved facilities for all court users in Waterford.
New or refurbished courthouses have already been completed at Drogheda, Letterkenny, Wexford and Limerick and the Courts Service has also advised that refurbished and extended courthouses at Cork and Mullingar are expected to be completed by early summer 2018.
226. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps he will take to address the problem of young persons and others driving scramblers (details supplied); the further steps he will take to address the lack of enforcement of road traffic legislation; the status of his Department's engagement with An Garda Síochána on this issue; and his plans to draw up a strategy to address this issue. [8144/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that I am very concerned in relation to the serious public safety issues associated with the misuse of scramblers and quad bikes, and my concerns are on the public record of this House. A multi-agency approach is required to tackle this anti-social issue effectively. To facilitate this, I have written to the following State agencies in order to ascertain whether there are additional legislative or other solutions which can assist in dealing with this serious issue more comprehensively: Departments of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Housing, Planning, and Local Government, and Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht; An Garda Síochána; and the Office of the Revenue Commissioners.
Following the receipt of responses from all agencies concerned, my Department wrote to all bodies again on 14 February 2018 to confirm the scheduling of a meeting later this month (28 February) to discuss the misuse of scramblers and quad bikes. This meeting will be chaired by my Department and the purpose of the meeting will be to identify more effective possible solutions and determine responsibility and timeframes for implementation.
The Deputy will already be aware that, under the Road Traffic Acts, any member of An Garda Síochána is empowered to stop a mechanically propelled vehicle in a public place and demand production of a driver licence or learner permit. In addition, Gardaí may inspect the vehicle for compliance with vehicle standards legislation, which makes it an offence to drive without reasonable consideration, drive carelessly, or drive dangerously. The Garda authorities also have powers of seizure, detention, storage and disposal of vehicles under road traffic legislation. I am further informed that the use of quad bikes and scramblers in public parks and open spaces is strictly prohibited by the local authorities under the Parks and Open Spaces Bye-Laws 2011.
Despite the existing road traffic and other relevant legislation available in this area, the Garda authorities have indicated that there are issues of safety involved in enforcement of these laws which are best addressed through a multi-agency approach as referred to above. I am informed that Gardaí are working with local authorities, including park authorities, to examine other solutions, such as engineering solutions. Enhanced fencing and bike gates are examples of engineering measures taken to restrict access to parks.
I will continue to promote cross-agency engagement in relation to this important public safety issue.
227. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí stationed at Clondalkin, Lucan, Ronanstown, Ballyfermot and Rathcoole in January 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8167/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra228. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of community gardaí stationed at Clondalkin, Lucan, Ronanstown, Ballyfermot and Rathcoole in January 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8168/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 227 and 228 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.
As the Deputy will be aware the Garda Stations of Ballyfermot, Clondalkin, Lucan, Rathcoole and Ronanstown form part of the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) West Division. I am informed by the Commissioner that the strength of the DMR West Division on 31 December 2017, the latest date for which information is readily available, was 672 of which 64 are designated as Community Gardaí. There are also 26 Garda Reserves and 52 Garda civilian staff attached to the DMR West 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 of whom 137 have been assigned to the DMR West Division. 19,18,14 and 9 of this cohort have been assigned to Clondalkin, Ronanstown, Ballyfermot and Lucan Garda Stations respectively. I am informed that Rathcoole Garda Station is not a training station therefore new probationer Gardaí are not allocated to it. However, it is important to note that the allocation of probationer Gardaí to a Divisional training station facilitates the reassignment of Gardaí to other stations within the Division, if required, by the Divisional Officer.
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 DMR West Division.
In relation to the number of "Community Gardaí " it is important to recognise that community policing is not a specialist role in An Garda Síochána; rather it is the case that all Gardaí have a role to play in community policing in carrying out their duties. The official categorisation as a "Community Gardaí" simply refers to those who are exclusively assigned to building relationships with local communities including through the giving of talks to schools, community groups and others. It is a matter for the Divisional Chief Superintendent to determine the optimum distribution of duties among the personnel available to him or her having regard to the profile of the area and its specific needs.
I am assured by the 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. Overall the Model advocates a partnership based, pro-active, community-orientated style of policing. It is focused on crime prevention, problem-solving and law enforcement, with a view to building trust and enhancing the quality of life of the entire community. 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.
As part of the Community Policing Model An Garda Síochána work in partnership with local communities, to prevent and deter crime through initiatives such as Neighbourhood Watch, Community Alert, Text Alert and the Garda Schools Programme as well as through more formal structures such as Joint Policing Committees.
The Community Policing Model also places a strong emphasis on Crime Prevention and within each Garda Division, where there are specialist Crime Prevention Officers (CPOs), who are trained to encourage, promote and advise on crime prevention within communities. In addition, the National Community Policing Office, attached to the Garda Community Engagement Bureau, captures best practice in community policing initiatives and disseminates these practices through its communication network.
I have previously stated that I welcome the strong emphasis that the Commissioner's Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021 places on developing and supporting the community policing ethos of the organisation and enhancing the current delivery model so that Gardaí spend more time in the community, gaining public confidence and trust and providing a greater sense of security. It will result in the introduction of multi-skilled Community Policing Teams in every District. In terms of progress on this important initiative, I am informed that a draft Community Policing Framework which outlines the manner in which Community Policing Teams will be established has been completed and is subject to internal review before being approved by the Garda Executive for implementation.
For the Deputy’s information I have set out in tabular form the total number of Gardaí and the number of Gardaí categorised as Community Gardaí attached to Ballyfermot, Clondalkin, Lucan, Rathcoole and Ronanstown Garda stations as of 31 December in each of the years 2014 -2017 the latest date for which figures are readily available.
|
Ballyfermot Garda Station |
|||
|
Community Gardaí |
Gardaí |
Total |
|
|
2014 |
9 |
76 |
85 |
|
2015 |
7 |
79 |
86 |
|
2016 |
4 |
81 |
85 |
|
2017 |
7 |
76 |
83 |
|
Clondalkin Garda Station |
|||
|
Community Gardaí |
Gardaí |
Total |
|
|
2014 |
7 |
82 |
89 |
|
2015 |
8 |
79 |
87 |
|
2016 |
7 |
87 |
94 |
|
2017 |
7 |
90 |
97 |
|
Lucan Garda Station |
|||
|
Community Gardaí |
Gardaí |
Total |
|
|
2014 |
6 |
68 |
74 |
|
2015 |
6 |
67 |
73 |
|
2016 |
6 |
68 |
74 |
|
2017 |
6 |
64 |
70 |
|
Rathcoole Garda Station |
|||
|
Community Gardaí |
Gardaí |
Total |
|
|
2014 |
1 |
22 |
23 |
|
2015 |
1 |
20 |
21 |
|
2016 |
2 |
17 |
19 |
|
2017 |
1 |
13 |
14 |
|
Ronanstown Garda Station |
|||
|
Community Gardaí |
Gardaí |
Total |
|
|
2014 |
6 |
85 |
91 |
|
2015 |
10 |
84 |
94 |
|
2016 |
7 |
84 |
91 |
|
2017 |
9 |
78 |
87 |
229. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of vacant positions within An Garda Síochána in the Dublin metropolitan region; when it is expected these vacancies will be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8195/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner 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. Where a deficiency in resources is identified the matter is considered fully and addressed accordingly. As you will appreciate, in order to deliver an effective policing service, it is essential that Garda management have the flexibility to deploy Garda resources to meet operational policing needs and address critical issues as they arise.
I am informed by the Commissioner that the overall strength of the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) as of the 31 December 2017 was 3,485. When appropriate, the work of local Gardaí in the DMR is supported by a number of Garda national units, the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.
In addition, at the request of the Commissioner in 2016, the Government moved decisively to strengthen Garda resources to deal with gang-related crime in the Dublin area. Funding was approved for the establishment of a dedicated Armed Support Unit (ASU) for the DMR in order to enhance armed support capability in Dublin and to free up the resources of the Emergency Response Unit. Following a selection and training process, the ASU for the DMR became fully operational in December 2016 and is providing armed cover in the DMR on a 24 hour basis. Members of the ASU are highly trained and equipped with a variety of non-lethal and lethal weapons and perform high visibility armed checkpoints and patrols throughout the DMR.
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 of whom 719 or 45% have been assigned to the DMR. 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.
In relation to the filling of vacancies in the supervisory ranks I am advised by the Commissioner that there are currently competitions in train for promotion to the ranks of Sergeant and Inspector. I am assured by the Commissioner that following completion of these competitions the needs of all Garda Divisions including the DMR Divisions will be fully considered when determining the allocation of successful candidates. As the Deputy will be aware the Policing Authority has responsibility for making appointments to the senior ranks of Superintendent, Chief Superintendent and Assistant Commissioner, having undertaken selection competitions.
230. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his Department has been contacted by officials of the Revenue Commissioners regarding concerns related to the implementation of liquor licensing regulations in each of the years from 2010 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8204/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra231. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of times An Garda Síochána has been contacted by officials of the Revenue Commissioners regarding concerns related to the implementation of liquor licensing regulations in each of the years 2010 to 2017 and to date in 2018. [8205/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 230 and 231 together.
I can advise the Deputy that this request for information is currently being examined by my Department with a view to identifying any relevant records. I have also requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the matter.
I will contact the Deputy directly when all the material is to hand.
