Written Answers Nos. 305-321
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Written Answers Nos. 305-321
305. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of community gardaí based in Clondalkin Garda station in each of the past six years; and the up to date figures for same. [13831/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra306. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of community gardaí based in Finglas Garda station in each of the past six years; and the up to date figures for same. [13832/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra307. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of community gardaí based in Blanchardstown Garda station in each of the past six years; and the up to date figures for same. [13833/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra308. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of community gardaí based in Lucan Garda station in each of the past six years; and the up to date figures for same. [13834/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 305 to 308, 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.
I am informed by the Commissioner that the strength of Dublin Metropolitan Region (D.M.R) West Division on 31 January 2018, the latest date for which information is readily available, was 667 of whom 64 are designated as Community Garda. 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 including 155 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.
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 Garda" 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 provided in tabular form, in the attached document, the total strength and Community Gardaí strength of Blanchardstown, Lucan, Clondalkin and Finglas Garda Stations as of 31 December 2012 to 31 January 2018 the latest date for which figures are readily available, as provided by the Commissioner.
|
2012 |
||
|
Stations |
Total Strength |
Of whom are Community Gardaí |
|
Blanchardstown |
162 |
20 |
|
Lucan |
73 |
7 |
|
Clondalkin |
95 |
10 |
|
Finglas |
117 |
15 |
|
2013 |
||
|
Stations |
Total Strength |
Of whom are Community Gardaí |
|
Blanchardstown |
162 |
16 |
|
Lucan |
72 |
6 |
|
Clondalkin |
91 |
7 |
|
Finglas |
108 |
11 |
|
2014 |
||
|
Stations |
Total Strength |
Of whom are Community Gardaí |
|
Blanchardstown |
156 |
15 |
|
Lucan |
74 |
6 |
|
Clondalkin |
89 |
7 |
|
Finglas |
108 |
12 |
|
2015 |
||
|
Stations |
Total Strength |
Of whom are Community Gardaí |
|
Blanchardstown |
154 |
13 |
|
Lucan |
73 |
6 |
|
Clondalkin |
87 |
8 |
|
Finglas |
106 |
12 |
|
2016 |
||
|
Stations |
Total Strength |
Of whom are Community Gardaí |
|
Blanchardstown |
143 |
11 |
|
Lucan |
74 |
6 |
|
Clondalkin |
94 |
7 |
|
Finglas |
106 |
10 |
|
2017 |
||
|
Stations |
Total Strength |
Of whom are Community Gardaí |
|
Blanchardstown |
163 |
15 |
|
Lucan |
70 |
6 |
|
Clondalkin |
97 |
7 |
|
Finglas |
99 |
12 |
|
2018* |
||
|
Stations |
Total Strength |
Of whom are Community Gardaí |
|
Blanchardstown |
161 |
15 |
|
Lucan |
70 |
6 |
|
Clondalkin |
95 |
7 |
|
Finglas |
98 |
12 |
*Up to 31 January 2018
309. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of marked and unmarked Garda cars and vans in the Dublin region that were scrapped in 2017 due to the fact they exceeded 300,000 km mileage and or exceeded ten years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13855/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda vehicles are a matter for the Garda Commissioner in light of his identified operational demands and the availability of resources. As Minister, I have no direct role in the matter.
However, I understand from the Garda authorities that the general policy in relation to the decommissioning of Garda vehicles is that, in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations, they are decommissioned when the odometer reaches 300,000 kilometres. Vehicles are also decommissioned on age grounds (usually when they reach 10 years) or as a result of collisions or when the vehicles are beyond economic repair.
I have been informed that the application of this policy has resulted in 59 cars being decommissioned in the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) in 2017, of which 8 were marked and 51 unmarked. In addition, 15 vans were decommissioned in DMR in 2017, of which 9 were marked and 6 unmarked.
310. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda vetting applications that were submitted in 2015, 2016 and 2017; the number that were fully processed in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13864/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra311. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons that submitted multiple Garda vetting applications in respect of different organisations they were involved with which require Garda vetting in each of the years 2015 to 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13865/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra312. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if consideration has been given to reforming the Garda vetting process to remove the need for multiple applications by persons who are in a number of organisations that require Garda vetting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13866/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra320. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to review the Garda vetting system which demands that a person working with different community groups must make separate applications; and if this system can be replaced with one overall clearance certificate which would be issued on an annual basis. [14246/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 310 to 312, inclusive, and 320 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the primary purpose of the employment vetting carried out by the Garda National Vetting Bureau is to seek to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults and it is carried out by An Garda Síochána primarily in accordance with the provisions of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012-2016.
Vetting checks are conducted by the Garda National Vetting Bureau for each new vetting application received to ensure that the most recent data available is taken into account. This is because once there has been any significant lapse of time between one employment and another, the original vetting disclosure must be reviewed to take account of any changes in information, such as more recent criminal convictions.
Furthermore, the Data Protection Acts require that any sensitive personal data which employers use in regard to their employees must be current, accurate and up-to-date. Importantly, the general non-transferability and contemporaneous nature of the current process also helps to protect against the risk of fraud or forgery in the process.
At present, 80% of overall vetting applications are being processed by the National Vetting Bureau in five working days. This efficiency has been achieved by the deployment of the e-vetting system which facilitates the on-line processing of applications for vetting from registered organisations. The e-vetting system is available to all registered organisations and I am informed that the Garda Authorities are ready to assist those organisations who are not yet using the e-vetting system to do so. In circumstances where there is such a sustained reduction in processing times, the issue of vetting “transferability” is largely obviated.
That said, there are certain limited circumstances where organisations can share a single vetting disclosure where this is agreed to by the vetting applicant. Section 12(3)(A) of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012 (as amended) provides that two or more relevant organisations can enter into a joint written agreement in relation to the employment, contracting, permitting or placement of an person to undertake relevant work or activities thereby providing for only one of the organisations being required to conduct vetting in respect of that person.
Regarding the request for statistical information on vetting, I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the National Vetting Bureau does not keep statistics in respect of the number of individuals that have made multiple Garda vetting applications for different organisations.
I am further informed that the following tables provide a breakdown of the numbers of applications received and processed in 2015, 2016 and 2017.
|
Year |
Applications Received |
|
2017 |
497,026 |
|
2016 |
389,548 |
|
2015 |
349,910 |
|
Year |
Applications Processed |
|
2017 |
487,934 |
|
2016 |
360,395 |
|
2015 |
319,592 |
The Deputy may appreciate that there is a natural variance between what is received and completed as there are applications on hand at the end of each year which would have been received within the turnaround time applicable. These applications are carried over to the start of the following year.
313. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the new Garda station for Macroom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13005/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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. As Minister, I have no direct role in the matter.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021, which is an ambitious 5 year Programme based on agreed Garda priorities, continues to benefit over thirty locations around the country. The Programme includes over €60million of Exchequer funding as well as a major Public Private Partnership (PPP) project to deliver stations at Macroom, as well as at Sligo and Clonmel.
With regard to the proposed Macroom station, I understand that the OPW has acquired a site for the station.
I further understand that the acquisition by the OPW of sites for the proposed Sligo and Clonmel stations is well advanced and, once completed, the development of the PPP bundle will be progressed under the auspices of the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA).
314. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the timeframe for the roll-over from the temporary premises when the newly refurbished courthouse in County Waterford reopens; if there will be enhanced hours and services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13957/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra315. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the District Courts in Dungarvan and Lismore, County Waterford, will continue to sit as per schedule when the newly refurbished courthouse in Waterford city reopens. [13958/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 314 and 315 together.
As the Deputy will be 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 enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that the last sitting of Waterford District Court at Grace Dieu Manor will be on Wednesday 28 March 2018 and that the newly refurbished courthouse at Catherine Street, Waterford will re-open on Wednesday 4 April 2018.
The Courts Service has also informed me that the extended and refurbished courthouse in Waterford contains six courtrooms and all the necessary associated facilities in a modern courthouse. These include waiting areas, consultation rooms, victim support facilities, jury facilities, custody facilities and facilities for court users including legal practitioners and the Gardaí. The courtrooms are also fitted for the use of courtroom technology, including digital audio recording, evidence display and video-conferencing and the building is designed and built to be universally accessible.
The Courts Service has advised that Waterford Court Office will be operating increased public open hours from 10.00am to 13.00pm and from 14.00pm to 16.30pm.
The Courts Service has further advised that the opening of the newly refurbished courthouse in Waterford will not impact on the service presently provided at the District Courts in Dungarvan and Lismore. The current sittings will continue to sit as per schedule.
316. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when Rush Garda station will be reopened. [14037/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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. This includes identifying and progressing any necessary remedial or refurbishment works required at individual stations. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for a Partnership Government commits to a pilot scheme to reopen 6 Garda stations, both urban and rural, to determine possible positive impacts that such openings will have on criminal activity, with special emphasis on burglaries, theft and public order.
The Garda Commissioner's final report, which is available on my Department's website, recommends that Rush Garda station be reopened, along with stations in Ballinspittle, Co. Cork, Bawnboy, Co. Cavan, Leighlinbridge, Co. Carlow, Donard, Co. Wicklow, and Stepaside, Co. Dublin.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that they have provided a brief of requirements to the OPW in relation to the reopening of these Garda stations, including Rush Garda station, and requested the OPW to undertake technical surveys to determine the works required and the costings of such works to enable the stations to reopen. I understand that this process is underway.
317. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of an application for a passport by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14063/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issuing of a passport is a matter for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and is contingent on the person being an Irish citizen. I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the processing of the application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy is on-going and I understand that the case is due to be submitted for decision very shortly.
As 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.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. While most straightforward cases are now processed within six months, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.
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.
318. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 216 of 21 March 2018, the name, location and intended future use of the direct provision centre that was closed down earlier in 2018 leading to persons being transferred to other centres. [14151/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Reception & Integration Agency (RIA) is responsible for the provision of accommodation within its State accommodation portfolio for protection applicants while they await a decision on their claim for international protection. RIA had contracted the provision of an accommodation centre at Georgian Court, 77-79 Lower Gardiner Street, Dublin 1. This contract was due to expire on the 19th February 2018.
RIA were advised prior to the expiration of the contract that the contractor was not seeking an extension to the contract or intending to engage in any public procurement process to continue to provide accommodation services to RIA at Georgian Court beyond the 19th February 2018.
As a consequence, Georgian Court ceased providing accommodation services to RIA on the 19th February 2018 and all residents of Georgian Court who were still in the protection process were transferred to alternative accommodation within RIA's portfolio.
The future use of the premises is a matter for the owners of the property.
319. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the vacant position of superintendent in Nenagh, County Tipperary, will be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14244/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware the distribution of personnel is a matter for the Garda Commissioner and I, as Minister have no direct role in the matter. I am assured by the Commissioner that Garda personnel assigned throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategies, are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda Resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public.
Nenagh Garda District forms part of the Tipperary Division and I am advised by the Commissioner that as of the 31 January there were four Superintendents assigned to that Division.
The Deputy will be aware the Policing Authority assumed responsibility for appointments to the senior ranks of Superintendent, Chief Superintendent and Assistant Garda Commissioner on 1 January 2017.
Under Regulation 5 of Garda Síochána Act 2005 (Appointments to the Ranks of Assistant Garda Commissioner, Chief Superintendent and Superintendent) Regulations 2016 the Authority is required to keep under review the need for competitions to be held for the purpose of making appointments to the ranks concerned and to ensure that it has arrangements in place to undertake required competitions without undue delay. Regulation 5 further provides that the Garda Commissioner shall keep the Authority fully informed with regard to vacancies likely to arise.
321. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the status of a work permit for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14048/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Employment Permits section of my Department inform me that an application for a General Employment Permit for the person concerned was received on 11 September 2017.
The application was referred for a pre-issue investigation to the Workplace Relations Commission. The application was refused on 8th February for a number of reasons, including the status of the employee in the State, the nature of business of the employer and outstanding documentation from the Revenue Commissioners.
The applicant was notified of this decision in writing and of their right to request a review of this decision within 28 days, in line with the provisions of the Employment Permits Acts. I am informed that no request for a review was received from the applicant or their authorised agent.
A refusal to grant an employment permit does not preclude an applicant from submitting another application for an employment permit. Such an application should comply with all of the legislative requirements for the particular employment permit type.
