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Gnáthamharc

Tuesday, 27 Mar 2018

Written Answers Nos. 284-304

Services for People with Disabilities

Ceisteanna (284)

Jack Chambers

Ceist:

284. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there are grants available to schools to make them more accessible for persons with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14141/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department administers the Emergency Works Scheme which is solely for unforeseen emergencies or to provide funding to facilitate inclusion and access for special needs pupils. The scheme is always open and the application form and circular are available on my Departments website.

Special Educational Needs Staff

Ceisteanna (285)

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

285. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the SNA allocation for a school (details supplied) will be retained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14249/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) are provided to assist recognised schools to cater for pupils with disabilities, who have additional and significant care needs, in an educational context and where the nature of these care needs have been outlined in medical and other professional reports as being so significant that a pupil will require additional adult assistance in order to be able to attend school and to participate in education.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE), which is an independent statutory agency, is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) for allocating a quantum of Special Needs Assistant (SNA) support for each school annually taking into account the assessed care needs of children qualifying for SNA support enrolled in the school.

The NCSE allocates SNA support to schools in accordance with the criteria set out in Department Circular 0030/2014, which is available on the Department's website at www.education.ie, in order that students who have care needs can access SNA support as and when it is needed. My Department’s policy is to ensure that every child who is assessed as needing SNA support will receive access to such support.

In considering applications for SNA supports for individual pupils, the SENOs take account of the pupils' needs and consider the resources available to the school to identify whether additionality is needed or whether the school might reasonably be expected to meet the needs of the pupils from its current level of resources. SNAs are not allocated to individual children but to schools as a school based resource.

Schools who wish to make applications for SNA support should apply to the NCSE. The deadline for applying for SNA support for the 2018/19 school year was extended from 28 February to the 7th March 2018 due to the effects of adverse weather. The NCSE continues to accept applications after this date.

The NCSE aims to respond in May 2018 to valid applications for access to SNA support received.

The NCSE Appeals Process may be invoked by a parent or a school where it is considered that a child was not granted access to SNA support on the grounds that Department policy was not met in accordance with Circular 0030/2014.

Schools may also appeal a decision, where the school considers that the NCSE, in applying Department policy, has not allocated the appropriate level of SNA supports to the school to meet the special educational and/or care needs of the children concerned.

If a parent considers that their child is not accessing a sufficient level of SNA support they should address their concerns to the school in the first instance.

All schools have the contact details of their local SENO and parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available at http://ncse.ie/seno-contact-list.

Immigrant Investor Programme Data

Ceisteanna (286, 291)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

286. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of social or affordable homes that have been built as a result of investment made through the immigrant investor programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13575/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

291. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of affordable and social homes built and the value of investment in these areas made through the immigrant investor programme to date and in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13577/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 286 and 291 together.

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) was introduced by the Government in April 2012 to encourage inward investment so as to create business and employment opportunities in the State.

The programme provides investors with the opportunity to invest in Ireland. Key to the programme is that the investments are beneficial for Ireland, generate or sustain employment and are generally in the public interest. In that context, where applications for social housing investment related projects are submitted they are evaluated against these criteria and approval granted where the criteria are met.

To date, 166 applications have been received for 33 individual projects with a proposed investment of €124m in social housing projects. In 2017, 33 applications for 14 projects to the value of €33m have been approved in respect of social housing projects, with a further 22 applications awaiting final decision. As there continues to be a high demand for Social Housing, this programme will remain open to appropriate applications in this area.

I am unable to provide the Deputy with details of the operation of specific projects submitted in relation to social housing as my Department does not have information on the number of houses which have been built.

Departmental Agencies Staff Data

Ceisteanna (287)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

287. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of requests for additional funding, staff resources or expertise that have been made by the Data Protection Commission since January 2016; the purpose of the requested additional funding staff resources or expertise; the response of his Department to each request in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13714/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As an office under the aegis of my Department, the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) is allocated its staffing budget from within the Justice and Equality Vote. The ODPC makes an assessment of the staffing resources required to meet its business objectives through my Department’s workforce planning process and these requirements are submitted each year as part of the formal Estimates process.

There is ongoing engagement with the ODPC in relation to the level of resources required and this is reflected in the increased budget allocated to the Office over the period 2014 to 2018. The total budget and staffing since Jan 2016 is outlined in the table:

 

Total Budget

Number of staff

2016

€4.7 million

52

2017

€7.5 million

74

Current

€11.7 million

83

Recruitment in the ODPC is on-going, with a financial allocation in 2018 which will allow the office to grow to approximately 135 staff.

The increased budget is reflective of the additional staffing and other resource requirements of the Office in view of the fundamental transformation to the data protection environment arising from the implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation this year. The increased funding fully reflects the importance of a stable and effective data protection regulatory environment  in relation to the personal data of individuals, the broader economy and in particular the continuing expansion and growth of the digital technology sector, as well as the Office’s enhanced role as lead supervisory authority for many of the multinational technology companies located in Ireland. The resource requirements will continue to be monitored on an on going basis.

Data Protection

Ceisteanna (288)

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

288. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to bring forward appropriate legislation to hold technology companies accountable for the protection of data and requiring the timely removal of data when children and young persons are bullied and or exploited; his further plans to ensure a child's rights to be forgotten online; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14107/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The position is that the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which comes into force on 25 May, generally provides for higher standards of data protection for individuals (data subjects), and imposes increased obligations on bodies in the public and private sectors that process personal data (data controllers and processors). It also increases the range of possible sanctions for infringements of these standards and obligations. At the heart of the GDPR is a “risk-based” approach to data protection. This means that each data controller and data processor is required to put appropriate technical and organisational measures in place in order to ensure – and to be able to demonstrate – that their processing of personal data complies with the new data protection standards.

The GDPR also imposes an obligation on data controllers and data processors involved in high risk processing to carry out a data protection impact assessment (DPIA) prior to the commencement of processing operations. Where the DPIA indicates that risks identified in relation to the processing of personal data cannot be mitigated, the controllers and processors will be required to consult with the Data Protection Commission before engaging in the processing.

Part 3 of the Data Protection Bill 2018 gives further effect to the GDPR in a number of areas in which the GDPR gives Member State a margin of flexibility. During Seanad Report Stage, I tabled amendments to insert new sections 31 and 32 in the Bill, which will provide for increased protections for the personal data of children. Section 31 provides that the Data Protection Commission will encourage the drawing up of codes of conduct intended to contribute to the proper application of the GDPR with regard to the following:

(a) the protection of children,

(b) the information to be provided by a controller to children,

(c) the manner in which the consent of the holders of parental responsibility over a child is to be obtained for the purposes of Article 8 of the GDPR, and

(d) integrating the necessary safeguards into processing in order to protect the rights of children in an age-appropriate manner.

Section 32 introduces a specific “right-to-be-forgotten” for children. This will strengthen the rights of children to erasure of any personal data collected during the provision to them of information society services referred to in Article 8.1 of the GDPR.

Matters relating to possible future establishment of an Office of Digital Safety Commissions are being considered by the Minister and Department for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment. In a related context, the European Commission is expected to announce proposals arising from its monitoring of online platforms' compliance with its Communication on Illegal Content Online later this year.

Peace Commissioners

Ceisteanna (289)

Ruth Coppinger

Ceist:

289. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if there are guidelines for peace commissioners using their PC suffix while advocating a particular position in referenda campaigns (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13534/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Peace Commissioners are appointed by the Minister for Justice and Equality under Section 88 of the Courts of Justice Act, 1924. It is an honorary position and a Peace Commissioner receives no remuneration or compensation from public funds.

At present the powers and duties of a Peace Commissioner are primarily the taking of statutory declarations; witnessing signatures on documents; signing certificates and orders under various Acts.

Unless the use of the suffix 'PC' or "Peace Commissioner' is clearly intended to improperly imply  an authority or function in a matter unrelated to that title, or its use brings the title into disrepute, no issue arises concerning the expression of personal views by Peace Commissioners while using that suffix.

Garda Recruitment

Ceisteanna (290)

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

290. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if new recruits in relation to Garda recruitment are still being drawn from those that applied in 2016; when those that applied in 2017 and that have completed all stages in the process to be contacted with a formal offer of employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13568/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy will be aware, the recruitment process for An Garda Síochána is governed by the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations 2013. The Public Appointments Service (PAS), on behalf of the Garda Commissioner, manages the initial stages of the process with the final stages, involving a physical competency test, a medical examination and vetting of candidates, being managed by the Garda Commissioner. As Minister, I have no direct involvement in the matter.

The time frame for completing the final stages can vary due to a number factors. These include the length of the vetting process which may, for example, be more time consuming if the applicant has resided abroad; whether the applicant has to repeat the physical; or is deferred for medical reasons. Positions in the Garda College are only offered when all stages of the application process are completed and in accordance with an applicant’s place on the Order of Merit.

I am informed by the Commissioner that successful candidates are still being called from the 2016 competitions and it is expected that successful candidates from the 2017 competition will enter the College towards the middle of this year.

I would advise any candidate for a position as a Garda trainee to contact the PAS or the Garda Appointments Office if they have any queries in relation to their application.

Question No. 291 answered with Question No. 286.

Residency Permits

Ceisteanna (292)

John Brassil

Ceist:

292. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of a stamp 4 application in relation to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13582/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned applied for a right of residency, accompanied by a right to work, based on their parentage of an Irish citizen child. The application was received in the relevant section of INIS on 24 April 2017. INIS has been in contact with the applicant seeking further information and clarification on several occasions. The application is under consideration at present and INIS will be in contact with the person concerned in due course.

The Deputy may wish to note that 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.

Personal Insolvency Practitioners

Ceisteanna (293)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

293. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans for legislative change in view of the ruling regarding the standing of personal insolvency practitioners, PIPs, in reviews as per section 115A of the Personal Insolvency Act 2012 in order to remove ambiguity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13616/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My officials are studying the recent High Court judgment to which the Deputy refers, which appears to have further clarified earlier High Court judgments in relation to the standing of personal insolvency practitioners ('PIPs').

In particular, the judgment stated that it is not appropriate for a creditor to seek an order for their legal costs against a PIP in a routine or ordinary personal insolvency case, even if decided in favour of the creditor, and that the courts would not condone creditor correspondence indicating that such application would be made.

Some procedural aspects of the cases concerned are still being worked out before the court, so the Court's order has not yet been finalised and the period for appeal is not yet closed. Accordingly, it is not appropriate to make a statement at this point.

Garda Operations

Ceisteanna (294)

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

294. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the role of An Garda Síochána in the event that a person is reported by a member of the public as being suicidal in a public place with their life being in imminent danger; the protocols that apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13676/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that there are protocols in place for Garda members to respond to the type of event referred to in the Deputy's question.  These are set out in the ‘Guidelines for First Responders – Suicidal Subjects’.

This policy sets out the process for declaring a ‘Hostage/Barricade/Suicide’ incident.  When such an incident is declared, a trained ‘Operational Commander’ is deployed to take command of the incident. The Operational Commander will use all Garda resources available to him/her to assist the person whose life is in imminent danger. There are currently 35 trained Operational Commanders within An Garda Síochána with plans to train more during May 2018.  Both the Negotiators and Operational Commanders receive mandatory refresher training annually. 

The National Negotiation Unit and the Armed Support Unit (ASU) are routinely deployed to resolve incidents involving persons with suicidal intentions. 

The National Negotiation Unit has a panel of seventy-five trained Garda Negotiators spread across every Garda region as an on-call resource.  These negotiators should be deployed to any incident of the type described by the Deputy to begin dialogue with a view to influencing a safe conclusion. Training, deployment and governance of these negotiators rests with the National Negotiation Unit.

Arrangements are also in place which allow Garda Hostage Negotiators to access advice from a panel of Mental Health professionals if required to assist in a ‘Hostage/Barricade/Suicide’ incident.

The Armed Support Units (ASU), which are based in every Garda region across the State, receive training in the resolution of such incidents and carry a range of Less Lethal Devices should an intervention be required in order to protect life.

 

Garda Station Refurbishment

Ceisteanna (295)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

295. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the Garda stations in the Waterford division that received major refurbishments in 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018; the works that were done in each station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13693/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Deputy will appreciate that the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the Office of Public Works (OPW), which has the responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation, including identifying and progressing any necessary remedial or refurbishment works required at individual station. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.

I have, however, been informed by the Garda authorities that, in the period 2016 to date, major refurbishments to a value of €288,000 have been sanctioned at a number of Garda stations in Waterford. These included the replacement of windows in Dungarvan Garda Station, the modernisation of the public office, reception area and front entrance in Tramore Garda Station and the installation of CCTV in the custody suite in Waterford Garda Station. The total sanctioned for these three jobs is €288,000. The works in Dungarvan have been completed. The works in Tramore will be completed in May. The works in Waterford are currently at a design stage.

I have been further informed that, in addition to the above, during the period referenced by the Deputy some 38 smaller works to a value of €177,000 have been carried out across the Division.

Prison Deaths

Ceisteanna (296)

Eugene Murphy

Ceist:

296. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the recommendations of a report (details supplied) have been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13741/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Irish Prison Service has advised that in the tragic circumstances of a death in custody (of which there have been three cases in Castlerea Prison since 2009) every effort is made to ensure the attendance of a Doctor to pronounce death as soon as possible following the event.

They have further advised that an arrangement is currently in place whereby a locum General Practitioner attends Castlerea Prison five mornings per week, and also provides on call GP cover on Saturday and Sunday. Castlerea Prison has 24 hour nurse cover and, where necessary, referrals can be made to the local hospitals.

Garda Youth Diversion Projects

Ceisteanna (297)

Denise Mitchell

Ceist:

297. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the contact he has had with the independent Garda youth diversion project service providers in relation to the proposed new service delivery model which is based on Garda divisions; the implications this new model will have on the ability of independent and smaller organisations to tender for these projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13785/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy may be aware, my Department is obliged to carry out a Call for proposals process during 2018 in relation to the provision of Garda Youth Diversion Project (GYDP) services, to fully comply with requirements related to the co-funding of projects by the European Social Fund Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning 2014-2020.

To ensure State-wide coverage of GYDP services for young people, (which does not exist at present), the intention is that, in general, service provision will be aligned with Garda Divisions or other appropriate local areas with a distinct community identity as may be agreed during a wide ranging consultation process which is currently ongoing. Issues of community identity and numbers of potential participants on GYDPs in the area will be key considerations here.

The provision of GYDP services in all parts of the State has obvious advantages, particularly in terms of providing services for significant numbers of young people who cannot currently access them. I might add that an independent evaluation report of the operation of an integrated approach to delivery of GYDP services within County Kerry, commissioned by my Department is expected shortly. This report will help with the further development of the Call for Proposals documentation.

My Department is very much aware of concerns expressed by youth justice workers and their representatives. I can assure the Deputy that careful consideration is being given to all issues raised by stakeholders involved in GYDPs, including those of independent service providers, as part of the ongoing consultation process. This process includes arrangements for an extensive series of meetings with community based organisations and project workers which will facilitate closer communication and exchange of information in relation to these matters. The consultation process will help to inform further development of the approach in advance of the Call for Proposals being issued.

In addition, the consultations will include arrangements to hear the views of young people, including participants or former participants on GYDPs.

GYDPs deliver valuable services for young people who have committed a crime or may be at risk of offending as well as providing important support for An Garda Síochána at local level. I can assure the Deputy that in the context of the Call for Proposals my Department is committed to ensuring continuity of service for participants on GYDPs and maintain a community driven approach to their operation, as well as minimising any disruption for workers and service providers. In this regard, and in line with the overall objective of providing GYDP services to all children and young persons who require them, I am advised that the Call for Proposals will require applicants to provide for continuity of GYDP services. Furthermore, I am advised that the Call for Proposals process will facilitate existing service providers forming consortiums, which could apply to provide services under the new comprehensive e approach that is being developed.

Garda Reports

Ceisteanna (298)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

298. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to publish the 2011 Garda report into the activities of undercover British police officers. [13798/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy will be aware, allegations regarding an undercover police officer in this jurisdiction were first made public in 2011.

A report was sought from the Garda Commissioner on the matter at that time and that report was provided to the then Minister for Justice and Equality, in March 2011.

The report in question was subsequently released in March 2017  consistent with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2014 and the decision of the Information Commissioner, and is now available on the Department’s website.

Immigration Status

Ceisteanna (299)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

299. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in the determination of an application for permission to stay in Ireland in the case of a person (details supplied); when a decision is likely to issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13809/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that, in response to a notification pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned has not submitted written representations.

The position in the State of the person concerned will now be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and all other applicable legislation. If any representations are submitted, they will be considered before a final decision is made.

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.

Garda Data

Ceisteanna (300, 301, 302, 303, 304)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

300. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí based in Blanchardstown Garda station; and the number of Garda vehicles available to them in each of the past six years. [13826/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

301. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí based in Clondalkin Garda station; and the number of Garda vehicles available to them in each of the past six years. [13827/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

302. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí based in Lucan Garda station; and the number of Garda vehicles available to them in each of the past six years. [13828/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

303. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí based in Finglas Garda station; and the number of Garda vehicles available to them in each of the past six years. [13829/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

304. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí assigned to DMR west division of An Garda Síochána; and the number of Garda vehicles available to them in each of the past six years. [13830/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 300 to 304, inclusive, 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.

Blanchardstown, Finglas, Clondalkin and Lucan Garda Stations all form part of the Dublin Metropolitan Region (D.M.R) West Division. I am informed by the Commissioner that the strength of D.M.R West Division on 31 January 2018, the latest date for which information is readily available, was 667. There are also 26 Garda Reserves and 53 Garda civilian staff attached to the D.M.R. 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.

Since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, just under 1,800 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, of whom 155 have been assigned to the D.M.R. West Division. 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 a further 600 Garda trainees are scheduled to attest during the remainder of 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 D.M.R. West Division.

I am advised by the Garda Commissioner that it is not possible to provide the information requested regarding the number of Garda vehicles allocated by Garda station as Garda vehicles are allocated on a District basis so that they can be deployed as needed.

For the Deputy's information, I have provided in the attached document, the number of Gardaí assigned to the D.M.R. West Division and to Blanchardstown, Clondalkin, Lucan and Finglas Garda stations in each of the years from 2012 to 31 January 2018. I have also provided the number of Garda Vehicles assigned to the D.M.R. West Division and associated Districts in each of the years from 2012 to 22 March 2018, the latest date for which figures are currently available.

The number of Gardaí allocated to the D.M.R. West Division and to Blanchardstown, Finglas, Lucan and Clondalkin Garda Stations 2012 – 2018*

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

D.M.R. West Division

744

717

699

688

673

672

667

Blanchardstown Station

162

162

156

154

143

163

161

Finglas Station

117

108

108

106

106

99

98

Lucan Station

73

72

74

73

74

70

70

Clondalkin Station

95

91

89

87

94

97

95

*Up to 31 January 2018

The number of Garda Vehicles allocated to the D.M.R. West Division 2012 – 2018*

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Blanchardstown District

57

53

56

57

57

46

42

Lucan District

27

25

32

32

39

32

29

Clondalkin District

27

24

23

25

28

27

26

Total Vehicles D.M.R. West Division

111

102

111

114

124

105

97

*Up to 22 March 2018

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