Written Answers Nos. 1-69
40. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of new Garda recruits assigned to each Garda station in County Clare in each of the years 2014 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16560/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI should say at the outset that the distribution of Garda personnel, including the allocation of newly attested Gardaí, is exclusively the statutory responsibility of the Garda Commissioner.
Notwithstanding the Commissioner's responsibility, I have provided for the record, in tabular form, the detailed information requested by the Deputy.
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that, as of the 28 February 2018, the latest date for which figures are available, the strength of the Clare Division was 309. 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.
I can assure the House that the 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 make this a reality for all, the Government has in place a plan for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021, including 15,000 Garda members.
Real, tangible progress has been made towards this goal. Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increased to 13,551 at the end of 2017 - a net increase of over 600 since the end of 2016.
The Deputy will be aware that in 2010 a previous Government closed the Garda College and imposed a moratorium - the measures imposed at that time had a negative impact on Garda numbers across all Divisions and the legacy of these decisions continues to have consequences for policing. When it had brought about an early exit from the bailout and stabilised the public finances, in September 2014 the then Government reopened the College in and since then just under 1,800 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and are performing mainstream duties nationwide, 29 of whom have been assigned to the Clare Division.
I am pleased that funding is in place to maintain this high level of investment in the Garda workforce. This year a further 800 new Garda Recruits will enter the Garda College. In total, 800 Garda trainees are scheduled to attest during the year, 200 of whom attested last month. Further, Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, are on track to reach 14,000 by the end of 2018.
This focus on investment in personnel is critical. We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the Commissioner with the resources needed to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí. Undoubtedly, the ongoing recruitment process will support all Garda activities and enhance visibility within our communities and will enable the Commissioner to provide additional resources across every Garda Division, including the Clare Division, as new Garda recruits continue to come on stream.
Probationer Garda Allocations 2015 – 2018*
|
DIVISION |
STATION |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
TOTAL |
|
CLARE |
ENNIS |
10 |
5 |
10 |
2 |
27 |
|
|
KILRUSH |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
|
TOTAL |
|
10 |
5 |
10 |
4 |
29 |
*To date in 2018
43. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to ban dowries here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15368/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is no Irish law as such prohibiting the giving of a gift to or making a settlement in favour of a bride, a groom or a couple who are to be married, whether or not that gift or settlement is termed a 'dowry'. The term 'dowry' is not defined under Irish law and can have different roles in relation to marriage in different cultures.
The provision of a dowry on the occasion of marriage is a common practice in many countries, societies and cultures. It has not been unknown in Irish society, particularly in the past.
The Civil Registration (Amendment) Act 2014 deals in part with the issue of marriages of convenience. It provides factors for a Registrar to consider in forming the opinion that a marriage could constitute a marriage of convenience. Section 25 of that Act cites whether or not money was paid as an inducement for a marriage as a factor which may be considered by a Registrar in forming an opinion as to whether a marriage of convenience is in question. However, it excludes from this consideration a case where money is paid as a dowry as appropriate to the culture of one or each party to the intended marriage.
I have no plans at present to bring forward legislation to prohibit the provision of dowries in Ireland.
However, in the event that specific issues or concerns are brought to my attention by the Deputy or any other person or organisation, I will review the matter.
46. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to renew funding to a cultural centre (details supplied); his views on the evidence that shows that persons who have deeper levels of integration within communities are significantly less likely to experience crime and anti-social behaviour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15256/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office for the Promotion of Migrant Integration (OPMI), an Office of my Department, allocates public funding for migrant integration projects on the basis of competitive selection processes carried out in a fair, open and transparent way. This gives a wide range of community and voluntary organisations the opportunity to bid for government funding for projects to support the integration of migrants in our communities.
South Dublin County Partnership received funding from OPMI via South Dublin County Council between 2008 and 2016 under a National Integration Funding Programme that concluded in 2016. In 2017, a new 3 year National Integration Funding Programme was initiated. Grant allocation under this programme was by way of open competitive calls for proposals. All organisations wishing to be considered for funding – including those who had received funding under the previous programme - were required to make new applications. All eligible applications received were assessed by OPMI staff against the published selection criteria. The funding recommendations were reviewed by an assessment committee that included external representatives. In all, 15 projects were selected to receive funding from a total of 73 eligible applications.
An application was received from South Dublin County Partnership which included a request for funding to contribute to the cost of running the centre referred to by the Deputy. Regrettably, this application was unsuccessful in what was a highly competitive process.
My officials advise that at a subsequent meeting held with the Office for Promotion of Migrant Integration in November last year, representatives from South Dublin County Partnership outlined their concerns for the future of the centre in Clondalkin. Officials of my Department proposed a number of alternative options to secure funding. They invited the representatives of South Dublin County Partnership to consider these options further and to submit proposals. However, no such proposals have been forthcoming to date. These options remain open to the organisation.
The National Funding to Promote the Integration of Immigrants is one of a number of funding programmes, administered by or on behalf of my Department to support migrant integration. We also provide funding from the Asylum Migration and Integration Fund and the Communities Integration Fund. South County Dublin Partnership is in receipt of integration project funding under both these funds. In 2017 the Partnership was awarded a grant of €150,000 over three years under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund.
The Migrant Integration Strategy, which was published in February 2017, contains a number of very specific actions under the theme of promoting intercultural awareness and combating racism and xenophobia. These actions, which are being implemented, include ensuring appropriate migrant representation on local joint-policing committees, implementing victim-focused policing of racist crime, rapid removal of racist graffiti and the strengthening of legislation dealing with hate crime.
The Migrant Integration Strategy also makes provision for the continuation of funding through OPMI for integration related projects at community level up to and including 2020. Future "Calls for Proposals" under all integration funding programmes will be advertised on my Department's website, the Office for the Promotion of Migrant Integration and the EU Funds Unit of the Department. South Dublin County Partnership is entitled to apply as appropriate.
47. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of new Garda recruits assigned to each Garda station in County Westmeath in each of the years 2014 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16579/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI should say at the outset that the distribution of Garda personnel, including the allocation of newly attested Gardaí, is exclusively the statutory responsibility of the Garda Commissioner.
Notwithstanding the Commissioner's responsibility, I have provided for the record, in tabular form, the detailed information requested by the Deputy.
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that, as of the 28 February 2018, the latest date for which figures are available, the strength of the Westmeath Division was 271. 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.
I can assure the House that the 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 make this a reality for all, the Government has in place a plan for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021, including 15,000 Garda members.
Real, tangible progress has been made towards this goal. Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increased to 13,551 at the end of 2017 - a net increase of over 600 since the end of 2016.
The Deputy will be aware that in 2010 a previous Government closed the Garda College and imposed a moratorium - the measures imposed at that time had a negative impact on Garda numbers across all Divisions and the legacy of these decisions continues to have consequences for policing. When it had brought about an early exit from the bailout and stabilised the public finances, in September 2014 the then Government reopened the College and since then just under 1,800 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and are performing mainstream duties nationwide, 32 of whom have been assigned to the Westmeath Division.
I am pleased that funding is in place to maintain this high level of investment in the Garda workforce. This year a further 800 new Garda Recruits will enter the Garda College. In total, 800 Garda trainees are scheduled to attest during the year, 200 of whom attested last month. Further, Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, are on track to reach 14,000 by the end of 2018.
This focus on investment in personnel is critical. We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the Commissioner with the resources needed to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí. Undoubtedly, the ongoing recruitment process will support all Garda activities and enhance visibility within our communities and will enable the Commissioner to provide additional resources across every Garda Division, including the Westmeath Division, as new Garda recruits continue to come on stream.
Probationer Garda Allocations 2015 – 2018*
|
DIVISION |
STATION |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
TOTAL |
|
WESTMEATH |
ATHLONE |
0 |
5 |
7 |
0 |
12 |
|
|
MULLINGAR |
5 |
0 |
15 |
0 |
20 |
|
TOTAL |
|
5 |
5 |
22 |
0 |
32 |
*To date in 2018
48. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of new Garda recruits assigned to each Garda station in County Galway in each of the years 2014 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16561/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI should say at the outset that the distribution of Garda personnel, including the allocation of newly attested Gardaí, is exclusively the statutory responsibility of the Garda Commissioner.
Notwithstanding the Commissioner's responsibility, I have provided for the record, in tabular form, the detailed information requested by the Deputy.
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that, as of the 28 February 2018, the latest date for which figures are available, the strength of the Galway Division was 575. 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.
I can assure the House that the 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 make this a reality for all, the Government has in place a plan for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021, including 15,000 Garda members.
Real, tangible progress has been made towards this goal. Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increased to 13,551 at the end of 2017 - a net increase of over 600 since the end of 2016.
The Deputy will be aware that in 2010 a previous Government closed the Garda College and imposed a moratorium - the measures imposed at that time had a negative impact on Garda numbers across all Divisions and the legacy of these decisions continues to have consequences for policing. When it had brought about an early exit from the bailout and stabilised the public finances, in September 2014 the then Government reopened the College and since then just under 1,800 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and are performing mainstream duties nationwide, 22 of whom have been assigned to the Galway Division.
I am pleased that funding is in place to maintain this high level of investment in the Garda workforce. This year a further 800 new Garda Recruits will enter the Garda College. In total, 800 Garda trainees are scheduled to attest during the year, 200 of whom attested last month. Further, Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, are on track to reach 14,000 by the end of 2018.
This focus on investment in personnel is critical. We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the Commissioner with the resources needed to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí. Undoubtedly, the ongoing recruitment process will support all Garda activities and enhance visibility within our communities and will enable the Commissioner to provide additional resources across every Garda Division, including the Galway Division, as new Garda recruits continue to come on stream.
The Deputy will be aware, of course, that the new regional Garda headquarters for Galway is due to complete in Q2 2018 at a cost of some €31 million. This is one of 3 such projects, the other 2 being at Kevin Street in Dublin (also due to complete in Q2 2018) and Wexford (which was completed in September 2017), which represent a combined investment by the Government of some €100 million in the Garda estate.
Probationer Garda Allocations 2015 – 2018*
|
DIVISION |
STATION |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
TOTAL |
|
GALWAY |
GALWAY |
5 |
5 |
7 |
2 |
19 |
|
|
SALTHILL |
0 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
3 |
|
TOTAL |
|
5 |
5 |
10 |
2 |
22 |
*To date in 2018
49. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the fact that there may be potential security risks for the State in the near future due to the ongoing presence of Russian diplomats working here; if he has had discussions with An Garda Síochána and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade regarding these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16537/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can assure the Deputy that the Government affords the highest priority to the State’s security.
As he will be aware, An Garda Síochána carries out a range of functions in safeguarding our national security, including actions to counter terrorist threats, to support international security and to protect the State and its vital interests, where necessary, from espionage and unlawful acts of foreign interference.
In this regard the Garda authorities work very closely on a continuing basis with the Defence Forces and all other relevant authorities.
In respect of these functions I and the Government are briefed on an ongoing basis, both directly and through officials.
As the House will appreciate, it is a longstanding policy not to comment on the detail of specific security arrangements that may be put in place. To reveal the detail of such arrangements would be quite simply to undermine them and to hand advantage to those who my wish to do harm to people or to the State’s vital interests.
I feel sure the Deputy will understand when I tell him that I have no intention of departing from the longstanding practice of my predecessors in this regard.
In 1967 Ireland ratified the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations 1961 and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations 1963. These two international treaties codify what is perhaps one of the oldest and most accepted fields of international law, namely the formal relations between states and their official representatives.
As the Deputy will be aware, Ireland maintains friendly relationships with many other states and all members of diplomatic or consular missions are required to respect the laws of the states where they are assigned, including the very clear obligations under the Vienna Conventions.
Any breach of those obligations is treated seriously. The Deputy will appreciate that the accreditation of any diplomat is granted by the host state and can be terminated by the host state. The termination of an accreditation of a diplomatic staff member from another state is a matter for the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, in line with the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
50. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the current management and conditions of direct provision centres here; his plans to initiate a review into the use of direct provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16536/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the Direct Provision system encompasses the range of State services including accommodation, food, health and education directly provided to international protection applicants through all the relevant Government Departments and Agencies. It is a whole-of-government support system for those seeking international protection in Ireland, although the term is more often used to describe the Accommodation Centres provided by the Reception and Integration Agency of my Department. Notwithstanding the criticisms, particularly in terms of length of stay, the system has proven effective in ensuring that those who come to our country seeking international protection receive food and shelter and have immediate access to our state services. Over 60,000 people have been provided with shelter since its inception.
It is not possible to predict how many people may arrive in any given year seeking international protection. However, the system ensures that all applicants can be offered immediate shelter, full board accommodation and a range of services, such as health and education while their applications are being processed. Not every person who seeks international protection chooses to accept this offer, and some choose to live independently or with friends in communities across the country, as they are entirely free to do.
If the system was simply disbanded, as some have been calling for, without a viable alternative, the risks of consigning vulnerable people, who know neither our country, its systems nor our language, to poverty, exploitation and homelessness are multiplied. The Government cannot countenance that. I have not heard a viable alternative put forward as to how a person, who has unestablished needs and turns up here unexpectedly, can be immediately provided with shelter and an acceptable level of care.
In the absence of an alternative, any commitment to abolish a system that offers instant shelter and support would pose a serious risk to the wellbeing of protection applicants and undermine our international obligations.
As the Deputy will be aware, the system has already been subject to a complete review in 2014. Mr. Justice Bryan McMahon chaired a Working Group comprised of advocates and officials and made 173 recommendations for reform of the protection process including direct provision. The report was accepted by Government and three separate itemised progress reports on these recommendations were published on my Department’s website, resulting in change being achieved across 98% of the recommendations.
Very significant changes and improvements have been made to our Direct Provision Centres over the last two years. For example, substantial reforms to the living conditions of applicants. Five centres now provide independent living (food hall distribution and cooking) facilities to a total of 1,430 residents and it is planned that an additional 900 residents will have access to these facilities before the end of this year. Indeed by early next year over half of residents will have access to independent living within the next year.
Of course, individual problems and issues can and do arise when any individual interacts with a service provided by the state but, in such circumstances, where complaints are made and applicants are not happy with how matters are resolved, International Protection Applicants now have full access to the services of the Ombudsman and Ombudsman for Children.
Following on from the improvements made arising from the recommendations in the McMahon Report, the Government has looked to further consolidate those improvements and build upon them. In particular, the decision to opt into the (recast) Reception Conditions Directive represents another major reform of the process. The requirements now being formally placed on our system of Direct Provision to comply formally with EU norms is another welcome advancement, which will be concluded by June of this year. The opt-in to the EU’s Recast Reception Directive will further improve our processes, subject them to external oversight and place our services on a common European standard. The opt-in process is continuing and this will allow the European Commission to conduct its assessment of the management and conditions pertaining to our Direct Provision system and present their findings in the future.
I can assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to the ongoing reform in relation to Direct Provision or any other aspect of our asylum system that may be required in order that we have a system in Ireland that reaches or exceeds the standards required by the Reception Conditions Directive and that will compare favourably with the best systems of our EU partners.
51. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of new Garda recruits assigned to each Garda station in County Louth in each of the years 2014 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16571/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI should say at the outset that the distribution of Garda personnel, including the allocation of newly attested Gardaí, is exclusively the statutory responsibility of the Garda Commissioner.
Notwithstanding the Commissioner's responsibility, I have provided for the record, in tabular form, the detailed information requested by the Deputy.
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that, as of the 28 February 2018, the latest date for which figures are available, the strength of the Louth Division was 311. 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.
I can assure the House that the 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 make this a reality for all, the Government has in place a plan for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021, including 15,000 Garda members.
Real, tangible progress has been made towards this goal. Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increased to 13,551 at the end of 2017 - a net increase of over 600 since the end of 2016.
The Deputy will be aware that in 2010 a previous Government closed the Garda College and imposed a moratorium - the measures imposed at that time had a negative impact on Garda numbers across all Divisions and the legacy of these decisions continues to have consequences for policing. When it had brought about an early exit from the bailout and stabilised the public finances, in September 2014 the then Government reopened the College and since then just under 1,800 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and are performing mainstream duties nationwide, 69 of whom have been assigned to the Louth Division.
I am pleased that funding is in place to maintain this high level of investment in the Garda workforce. This year a further 800 new Garda Recruits will enter the Garda College. In total, 800 Garda trainees are scheduled to attest during the year, 200 of whom attested last month. Further, Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, are on track to reach 14,000 by the end of 2018.
This focus on investment in personnel is critical. We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the Commissioner with the resources needed to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí. Undoubtedly, the ongoing recruitment process will support all Garda activities and enhance visibility within our communities and will enable the Commissioner to provide additional resources across every Garda Division, including the Louth Division, as new Garda recruits continue to come on stream.
Probationer Garda Allocations 2015 – 2018*
|
DIVISION |
STATION |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
TOTAL |
|
LOUTH |
DROGHEDA |
5 |
4 |
16 |
4 |
29 |
|
|
DUNDALK |
5 |
13 |
18 |
4 |
40 |
|
TOTAL |
|
10 |
17 |
34 |
8 |
69 |
*To date in 2018
52. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of new Garda recruits assigned to each Garda station in County Tipperary in each of the years 2014 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16583/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI should say at the outset that the distribution of Garda personnel, including the allocation of newly attested Gardaí, is exclusively the statutory responsibility of the Garda Commissioner.
Notwithstanding the Commissioner's responsibility, I have provided for the record, in tabular form, the detailed information requested by the Deputy.
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that, as of the 28 February 2018, the latest date for which figures are available, the strength of the Tipperary Division was 390. 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.
I can assure the House that the 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 make this a reality for all, the Government has in place a plan for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021, including 15,000 Garda members.
Real, tangible progress has been made towards this goal. Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increased to 13,551 at the end of 2017 - a net increase of over 600 since the end of 2016.
The Deputy will be aware that in 2010 a previous Government closed the Garda College and imposed a moratorium - the measures imposed at that time had a negative impact on Garda numbers across all Divisions and the legacy of these decisions continues to have consequences for policing. When it had brought about an early exit from the bailout and stabilised the public finances, in September 2014 the then Government reopened the College and since then just under 1,800 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and are performing mainstream duties nationwide, 44 of whom have been assigned to the Tipperary Division.
I am pleased that funding is in place to maintain this high level of investment in the Garda workforce. This year a further 800 new Garda Recruits will enter the Garda College. In total, 800 Garda trainees are scheduled to attest during the year, 200 of whom attested last month. Further, Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, are on track to reach 14,000 by the end of 2018.
This focus on investment in personnel is critical. We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the Commissioner with the resources needed to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí. Undoubtedly, the ongoing recruitment process will support all Garda activities and enhance visibility within our communities and will enable the Commissioner to provide additional resources across every Garda Division, including the Tipperary Division, as new Garda recruits continue to come on stream.
Probationer Garda Allocations 2015 – 2018*
|
DIVISION |
STATION |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
TOTAL |
|
TIPPERARY |
THURLES |
5 |
5 |
5 |
0 |
15 |
|
|
CLONMEL |
0 |
4 |
11 |
0 |
15 |
|
|
NENAGH |
0 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
14 |
|
TOTAL |
|
5 |
14 |
21 |
4 |
44 |
*To date in 2018
53. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the level of contact that took place between his Department, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and An Garda Síochána with regard to the recent expulsion of a Russian diplomat; if he is satisfied that all due process was followed with regard to the role of his Department and An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16535/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the formal relations between states in respect of diplomatic representation are governed by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations 1961 and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations 1963, which Ireland ratified in 1967. These two international treaties codify what is perhaps one of the oldest and most accepted fields of international law, namely the formal relations between states and their official representatives.
Ireland maintains friendly relationships with many other states and all members of diplomatic or consular missions are required to respect the laws of the states where they are assigned, including the very clear obligations under the Vienna Conventions.
Any breach of those obligations is treated seriously.
Deputy Wallace will know that the accreditation of any diplomat is granted by the host state and can be terminated by the host state. The termination of an accreditation of a diplomatic staff member from another state is a matter for the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, in line with the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
The Tánaiste announced on 27 March that The Secretary General of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade had informed subsequently the Ambassador of the Russian Federation that the accreditation of a member of his staff with diplomatic status was to be terminated, in line with the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
It would not be appropriate to comment on the detail of any specific or individual case in which an accreditation would be withdrawn and I do not propose to do so. I can assure the Deputy, however, that the actions taken in respect of these events were informed by a full process of consultation between the relevant authorities here.
54. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of his Department's review of existing personal insolvency Acts; the main aspects of the current legislation he plans to address in such a review; when the review will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16528/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently finalising a review of Part 3 of the Personal Insolvency Acts. Part 3 is the core of the legislation, dealing with the operation in practice of the three personal insolvency mechanisms – Debt Relief Notices, Debt Settlement Arrangements, and Personal Insolvency Arrangements. This review also responds to the commitment in the Programme for a Partnership Government to review personal insolvency thresholds and processes, including for SMEs.
In practice, the insolvency legislation has already been extensively reviewed and developed since 2012. Key reforms already introduced include the section 115A court review process (which removed the so-called ‘bank veto’) and the Abhaile Mortgage Arrears Resolution Service (which in effect ensures that borrowers at risk of losing their homes due to mortgage arrears can access free independent expert financial and legal advice to get solutions into place).
Nevertheless, we have always said that we will keep this important legislation under review, and will take any further action needed to ensure that it operates effectively.
My officials have completed extensive work on the review, which included a public consultation launched last year. A range of detailed submissions were received and these have been carefully analysed. Furthermore, a number of additional issues and concerns emerged in recent months, after those submissions concluded. The review was extended to allow these also to be addressed. They have been discussed in detail with the relevant stakeholders, including the Insolvency Service, personal insolvency practitioners and banks.
I expect to receive a report from my officials on the review towards the end of May. In consultation with the Minister for Finance, I expect shortly afterwards to finalise a report to be laid before the Oireachtas and to bring proposals to Government to address the review’s recommendations – including, subject to Government agreement, proposals for legislative change.
55. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of new Garda recruits assigned to each Garda station in County Kerry in each of the years 2014 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16556/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI should say at the outset that the distribution of Garda personnel, including the allocation of newly attested Gardaí, is exclusively the statutory responsibility of the Garda Commissioner.
Notwithstanding the Commissioner's responsibility, I have provided for the record, in tabular form, the detailed information requested by the Deputy.
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that, as of the 28 February 2018, the latest date for which figures are available, the strength of the Kerry Division was 320. 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.
I can assure the House that the 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 make this a reality for all, the Government has in place a plan for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021, including 15,000 Garda members.
Real, tangible progress has been made towards this goal. Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increased to 13,551 at the end of 2017 - a net increase of over 600 since the end of 2016.
The Deputy will be aware that in 2010 a previous Government closed the Garda College and imposed a moratorium - the measures imposed at that time had a negative impact on Garda numbers across all Divisions and the legacy of these decisions continues to have consequences for policing. When it had brought about an early exit from the bailout and stabilised the public finances, in September 2014 the then Government reopened the College and since then just under 1,800 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and are performing mainstream duties nationwide, 29 of whom have been assigned to the Kerry Division.
I am pleased that funding is in place to maintain this high level of investment in the Garda workforce. This year a further 800 new Garda Recruits will enter the Garda College. In total, 800 Garda trainees are scheduled to attest during the year, 200 of whom attested last month. Further, Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, are on track to reach 14,000 by the end of 2018.
This focus on investment in personnel is critical. We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the Commissioner with the resources needed to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí. Undoubtedly, the ongoing recruitment process will support all Garda activities and enhance visibility within our communities and will enable the Commissioner to provide additional resources across every Garda Division, including the Kerry Division, as new Garda recruits continue to come on stream.
Probationer Garda Allocations 2015 – 2018*
|
DIVISION |
STATION |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
TOTAL |
|
KERRY |
TRALEE |
9 |
0 |
10 |
2 |
21 |
|
|
KILLARNEY |
0 |
0 |
7 |
1 |
8 |
|
TOTAL |
|
9 |
0 |
17 |
3 |
29 |
*To date in 2018
56. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of new Garda recruits assigned to each Garda station in counties Laois and Offaly in each of the years 2014 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16546/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI should say at the outset that the distribution of Garda personnel, including the allocation of newly attested Gardaí, is exclusively the statutory responsibility of the Garda Commissioner.
Notwithstanding the Commissioner's responsibility, I have provided for the record, in tabular form, the detailed information requested by the Deputy.
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that, as of the 28 February 2018, the latest date for which figures are available, the strength of the Laois/Offaly Division was 340. 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.
I can assure the House that the 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 make this a reality for all, the Government has in place a plan for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021, including 15,000 Garda members.
Real, tangible progress has been made towards this goal. Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increased to 13,551 at the end of 2017 - a net increase of over 600 since the end of 2016.
The Deputy will be aware that in 2010 a previous Government closed the Garda College and imposed a moratorium - the measures imposed at that time had a negative impact on Garda numbers across all Divisions and the legacy of these decisions continues to have consequences for policing. When it had brought about an early exit from the bailout and stabilised the public finances, in September 2014 the then Government reopened the College and since then just under 1,800 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and are performing mainstream duties nationwide, 76 of whom have been assigned to the Laois/Offaly Division.
I am pleased that funding is in place to maintain this high level of investment in the Garda workforce. This year a further 800 new Garda Recruits will enter the Garda College. In total, 800 Garda trainees are scheduled to attest during the year, 200 of whom attested last month. Further, Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, are on track to reach 14,000 by the end of 2018.
This focus on investment in personnel is critical. We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the Commissioner with the resources needed to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí. Undoubtedly, the ongoing recruitment process will support all Garda activities and enhance visibility within our communities and will enable the Commissioner to provide additional resources across every Garda Division, including the Laois/Offaly Division, as new Garda recruits continue to come on stream.
Probationer Garda Allocations 2015 – 2018*
|
DIVISION |
STATION |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
TOTAL |
|
LAOIS / OFFALY |
PORTLAOISE |
4 |
15 |
32 |
5 |
56 |
|
|
TULLAMORE |
5 |
5 |
10 |
0 |
20 |
|
TOTAL |
|
9 |
20 |
42 |
5 |
76 |
*To date in 2018
57. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of new Garda recruits assigned to each Garda station in County Waterford in each of the years 2014 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16549/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI should say at the outset that the distribution of Garda personnel, including the allocation of newly attested Gardaí, is exclusively the statutory responsibility of the Garda Commissioner.
Notwithstanding the Commissioner's responsibility, I have provided for the record, in tabular form, the detailed information requested by the Deputy.
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that, as of the 28 February 2018, the latest date for which figures are available, the strength of the Waterford Division was 300. 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.
I can assure the House that the 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 make this a reality for all, the Government has in place a plan for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021, including 15,000 Garda members.
Real, tangible progress has been made towards this goal. Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increased to 13,551 at the end of 2017 - a net increase of over 600 since the end of 2016.
The Deputy will be aware that in 2010 a previous Government closed the Garda College and imposed a moratorium - the measures imposed at that time had a negative impact on Garda numbers across all Divisions and the legacy of these decisions continues to have consequences for policing. When it had brought about an early exit from the bailout and stabilised the public finances, in September 2014 the then Government reopened the College and since then just under 1,800 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and are performing mainstream duties nationwide, 61 of whom have been assigned to the Waterford Division.
I am pleased that funding is in place to maintain this high level of investment in the Garda workforce. This year a further 800 new Garda Recruits will enter the Garda College. In total, 800 Garda trainees are scheduled to attest during the year, 200 of whom attested last month. Further, Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, are on track to reach 14,000 by the end of 2018.
This focus on investment in personnel is critical. We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the Commissioner with the resources needed to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí. Undoubtedly, the ongoing recruitment process will support all Garda activities and enhance visibility within our communities and will enable the Commissioner to provide additional resources across every Garda Division, including the Waterford Division, as new Garda recruits continue to come on stream.
Probationer Garda Allocations 2015 – 2018*
|
DIVISION |
STATION |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
TOTAL |
|
WATERFORD |
WATERFORD |
14 |
10 |
24 |
7 |
55 |
|
|
DUNGARVAN |
0 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
3 |
|
|
TRAMORE |
0 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
3 |
|
TOTAL |
|
14 |
10 |
30 |
7 |
61 |
*To date in 2018
58. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the investment by his Department in CCTV since the commitment given in the confidence and supply agreement to invest in CCTV; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16491/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the Programme for a Partnership Government commits to supporting investment in CCTV systems at key locations along the road network and in urban centres. This commitment is being progressed in a number of ways.
In pursuance of this commitment, a Community-based CCTV grant-aid Scheme was launched by my Department in April 2017 to assist groups in the establishment of community-based CCTV systems in their local areas.
Under the Scheme, which is being administered by my Department, eligible community groups can apply for grant-aid of up to 60% of the total capital cost of a proposed CCTV system, up to a maximum grant of €40,000. It is intended that the Scheme will run for 3 years from April 2017 with funding of some €1 million being made available each year.
To date 4 applications under the scheme have been approved, with approved funding totalling almost €120,000 with schemes to be established in County Wexford and County Wicklow.
A further 4 applications are under active consideration and another 3 applications have been returned to the applicants concerned, to enable them to provide the information necessary to qualify for grant-aid.
That scheme supplements the existing network of CCTV systems in operation in the State. I understand there are some 35 Garda CCTV schemes in operation throughout the State comprising in excess of 500 cameras. In addition, there are some 45 Community-based CCTV schemes in operation encompassing over 360 cameras to which An Garda Síochána have access, supported under the previous grant-aid scheme funded by my Department between 2005 and 2013.
As a condition of the scheme, there is a requirement for prior support of the relevant Local Authority, which must act as Data Controller. This is a long-standing statutory requirement, set out in the Garda Síochána (CCTV) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 289 of 2006), for the establishment and proper functioning of community CCTV systems generally.
Full details of the grant aid package including guidelines, application forms, code of practice and other relevant documentation are all available to download from my Department's website - www.justice.ie. Guidance is available to help local groups in both rural and urban areas to apply for this important funding and I am keen to ensure that groups take full advantage of the availability of this funding.
Regarding the road network, I can confirm that services under the Garda Safety Camera contract commenced in May 2017 and provide an annual minimum of 90,000 hours of monitoring and surveying vehicle speed across 1,031 designated safety camera zones.
Further, it should be noted that expansion of the use of technologies including CCTV and Automatic Number Plate Recognition is included under the Garda Commissioner's Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021. The intention in this regard is to utilise modern technology to identify key criminal and terrorist targets and to enhance community safety.
These developments are underpinned by significant Government investment under the Capital Plan of some €205 million in additional funding for Garda ICT; as well as some €46 million to provide An Garda Síochána with additional high-powered vehicles to ensure that Gardaí can be mobile, visible and responsive on the roads and in the community to prevent and tackle crime.
59. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to introduce shared paid parental leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8405/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for Partnership Government includes a commitment to increase paid parental leave during the first year of a child’s life, as research shows that parental care is of particular importance in the first year of life.
To further this commitment, the Government has established an interdepartmental working group to develop proposals to give effect to the programme commitments. The key objectives of this group are to:
- Develop options as to the duration of the leave, the age of the eligible child, and the level of payment to be offered;
- Determine the usefulness of adopting a phased approach;
- Estimate the likely costs arising; and
- Align any proposals as much as possible with a European Commission Proposal for a Directive on work-life balance for parents and carers which is currently under discussion at working group level under the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU.
The interdepartmental group is currently working on a policy approach and I expect it to report with its proposals towards the end of this month.
The move to introduce a paid parental leave entitlement is also in keeping with the policy approach put forward by the European Commission's proposal for a work-life balance directive, which is currently under discussion at working group level under the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU.
The specific objectives of the Directive are:
- To improve access to work-life balance arrangements and;
- To increase take-up of family-related leaves and flexible working arrangements by men.
The Directive’s key proposal is that parental leave should be made available to parents on a paid basis. This approach recognises that the provision of paid parental leave will be more effective and more appropriate in terms of encouraging fathers to share the caring role for their children. All the evidence shows that in parenting, what is best for children is the involvement of their fathers, in addition to their mothers, in their practical care and day to day lives.
Given that discussions are on-going at EU level and the interdepartmental working group is not due to present its proposals until later this month, the Deputy will appreciate that it would be premature at this juncture to propose any detailed plans in relation to parental leave policy.
60. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of new Garda recruits assigned to each Garda station in County Limerick in each of the years 2014 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16557/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI should say at the outset that the distribution of Garda personnel, including the allocation of newly attested Gardaí, is exclusively the statutory responsibility of the Garda Commissioner.
Notwithstanding the Commissioner's responsibility, I have provided for the record, in tabular form, the detailed information requested by the Deputy.
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that, as of the 28 February 2018, the latest date for which figures are available, the strength of the Limerick Division was 559. 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.
I can assure the House that the 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 make this a reality for all, the Government has in place a plan for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021, including 15,000 Garda members.
Real, tangible progress has been made towards this goal. Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increased to 13,551 at the end of 2017 - a net increase of over 600 since the end of 2016.
The Deputy will be aware that in 2010 a previous Government closed the Garda College and imposed a moratorium - the measures imposed at that time had a negative impact on Garda numbers across all Divisions and the legacy of these decisions continues to have consequences for policing. When it had brought about an early exit from the bailout and stabilised the public finances, in September 2014 the then Government reopened the College and since then just under 1,800 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and are performing mainstream duties nationwide, 53 of whom have been assigned to the Limerick Division.
I am pleased that funding is in place to maintain this high level of investment in the Garda workforce. This year a further 800 new Garda Recruits will enter the Garda College. In total, 800 Garda trainees are scheduled to attest during the year, 200 of whom attested last month. Further, Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, are on track to reach 14,000 by the end of 2018.
This focus on investment in personnel is critical. We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the Commissioner with the resources needed to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí. Undoubtedly, the ongoing recruitment process will support all Garda activities and enhance visibility within our communities and will enable the Commissioner to provide additional resources across every Garda Division, including the Limerick Division, as new Garda recruits continue to come on stream.
Probationer Garda Allocations 2015 – 2018*
|
DIVISION |
STATION |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
TOTAL |
|
LIMERICK |
HENRY STREET |
5 |
12 |
14 |
5 |
36 |
|
|
ROXBORO ROAD |
4 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
17 |
|
TOTAL |
|
9 |
17 |
18 |
9 |
53 |
*To date in 2018
61. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the procedure in his Department for logging all contact and communications with senior management in An Garda Síochána; if procedures have changed in recent times; and if so, when and the way in which this happened. [16447/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraRecords management procedures in my Department are aimed at ensuring that, whatever their provenance, letters/emails receive appropriate attention; any decisions taken, particularly by the Minister or the Secretary General, are recorded; and minutes are taken of meetings. However, officials throughout my Department have very frequent contact with An Garda Síochána in line with the Department's responsibilities under the Garda Síochána Acts and the Deputy will understand that it would not be practicable to log all such contacts.
The external review conducted by Mr Michael Collins, S.C. of my Department's discovery of documents to the Disclosures Tribunal. Mr Collins identified certain shortcomings arising from, in particular, the filing of electronic communications and these are being addressed. A civil service-wide project is underway in relation to electronic file management and this will help to ensure that electronic documents, including emails, can more easily be associated with relevant files. In the context of preparing for the introduction of this new system, the Department's procedures are currently under review.
62. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the difficulties many unmarried fathers are facing with the in camera rule and the need to resolve these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16443/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of the in camera rule in family law and child care proceedings is to protect the identity of the parties and any child to whom the proceedings relate. While the general principle as set out in Bunreacht na hÉireann is that justice be administered in public, the underlying concern is that family law proceedings relate to matters which are sensitive and private to the parties and there is no public interest in requiring that their identities be published.
The in camera rule offers protection to other family members from the publication or broadcasting of information relating to them which would affect the anonymity of the parties or any child concerned.
The in camera rule was modified by Part 2 of the Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013 to allow bona fide members of the press to be present in court during family law and child care proceedings and to report on such proceedings subject to strict conditions. This reform of the in camera rule was made to enable the media, researchers and legal professionals to gain access to valuable information on the operation of the law in this area. There has been increased coverage of family law proceedings in print and other media but with appropriate protection of the identities of individuals involved.
An important safeguard in this regard is section 40A of the Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 which makes it an offence to publish or broadcast any information which would be likely to lead members of the public to identify the parties to family law proceedings or any children to whom the proceedings relate.
I am aware of concerns that some unmarried fathers feel that they have been given unfair hearings and cannot articulate this because of the in camera rule. I have no role in the making of court orders in relation to family law issues. This is a function of the courts, which are, subject to the Constitution and the law, independent in the performance of their functions. Where a party to family law proceedings is dissatisfied with the outcome of the proceedings, it is open to that party to appeal the decision. The in camera rule does not prevent the judiciary from relying on judgments in previous relevant family law cases as precedents.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Judicial Council Bill 2017, which was published in June 2017 and which is currently awaiting Committee State in Seanad Éireann, will establish a Judicial Council to promote excellence in the exercise by judges of their judicial functions and high standards of conduct among judges. A Judicial Conduct Committee established under the Bill will have a central role in considering complaints against judges and referring them either for resolution by informal means or for formal investigation. The Judicial Council Bill does not preclude the consideration of an otherwise admissible complaint because the relevant proceedings have been held in camera.
63. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status on the working group examining the gambling control Bill; his plans to bring this legislation forward in a timely manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16444/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government, on 10 January, 2018, approved the updating of the 2013 General Scheme of the Gambling Control Bill. The proposed updating follows on from the review work undertaken in the Department of Justice and Equality over the past year and consultations with interested stakeholders. Changes to the Scheme will be subject to further consultations with the Office of the Attorney General and other relevant Departments.
In the context of reviewing and updating the General Scheme, I received Government approval to establish a Working Group, chaired by myself, comprising all stakeholder Departments, relevant Offices and the Office of the Attorney General. The Working Group had its first meeting in February 2018 and continues to meet. I hope that the Group can submit a final report to Government on its work in mid to late 2018.
It would be my intention to bring forward a revised General Scheme for approval by Government as soon as possible thereafter.
64. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has requested the Garda Commissioner to explain when and the way in which the information contained in the intelligence report that led to the expulsion of a Russian diplomat came to light regarding the activities of the person concerned; the number of meetings that took place between An Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces and other organisations in relation to completing the intelligence report; and if he is satisfied that An Garda Síochána has been appropriately monitoring this reported security threat. [16538/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can assure the Deputy that the Government affords the highest priority to the State’s security.
An Garda Síochána carries out a range of functions in safeguarding our national security, including actions to counter terrorist threats, to support international security and to protect the State and its vital interests, where necessary, from espionage and unlawful acts of foreign interference.
In this regard, the Garda Authorities work very closely with their colleagues in the Defence Forces on an ongoing basis and they engage with all other relevant authorities as necessary. The Authorities here also co-operate on an ongoing basis with their counterparts in other states.
As the House will appreciate, it is the longstanding policy not to comment on the detail of specific security arrangements that may be put in place. To reveal the detail of such arrangements would be quite simply to undermine them and to hand advantage to those who my wish to do harm to people or to the State’s vital interests. I do not propose to depart from the longstanding practice of my predecessors in this regard.
65. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of new Garda recruits assigned to each Garda station in counties Longford and Roscommon in each of the years 2014 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16582/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra70. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of new Garda recruits assigned to each Garda station in County Donegal in each of the years 2014 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16567/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra76. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of new Garda recruits assigned to each Garda station in counties Sligo and Leitrim in each of the years 2014 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16565/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra79. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of new Garda recruits assigned to each Garda station in County Meath in each of the years 2014 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16573/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra80. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of new Garda recruits assigned to each Garda station in west County Cork in each of the years 2014 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16551/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra89. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of new Garda recruits assigned to each Garda station in County Kildare in each of the years 2014 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16575/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra581. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of new Garda recruits assigned to each Garda station in County Wexford in each of the years 2014 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16585/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra582. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of new Garda recruits assigned to each Garda station in counties Cavan and Monaghan from 2014 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16569/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 65, 70, 76, 79, 80, 89, 581 and 582 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.
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.
I can assure the House that the 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 make this a reality for all, the Government has in place a plan for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021, including 15,000 Garda members.
Real, tangible progress has been made towards this goal. Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increased to 13,551 at the end of 2017 - a net increase of over 600 since the end of 2016.
The closure of the Garda College by the Government of the day in 2010 and the moratorium imposed at that time had a negative impact on Garda numbers across all Divisions and we continue to be negatively impacted by the legacy of the recession. Since when my Party took office in 2011 following the severe economic crash, we, along with our partners in Government, set about existing the bailout, stabilising the economy and returning to growth and job creation. We reopened the College in September 2014 and since then just under 1,800 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and are performing mainstream duties nationwide.
I am pleased that funding is in place to maintain this high level of investment in the Garda workforce. This year a further 800 new Garda Recruits will enter the Garda College. In total, 800 Garda trainees are scheduled to attest during the year, 200 of whom attested last month. Further, Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, are on track to reach 14,000 by the end of 2018.
This focus on investment in personnel is critical. We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the Commissioner with the resources needed to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí. Undoubtedly, the ongoing recruitment process will support all Garda activities and enhance visibility within our communities and will enable the Commissioner to provide additional resources across every Garda Division, as new Garda recruits continue to come on stream.
I have set out in the attached spreadsheet the number of new Garda Recruits allocated to each station in the Roscommon/Longford, West Cork, Sligo/Leitrim, Donegal, Meath, Kildare, Cavan/Monaghan and Wexford Garda Divisions, in each of the years 2014 and to date in 2018 as supplied by the Commissioner.
Probationer Garda Allocations 2015 – 2018*
|
DIVISION |
STATION |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
TOTAL |
|
ROSCOMMON/LONGFORD |
LONGFORD |
0 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
0 |
0 |
5 |
0 |
5 |
|
|
CASTLEREA |
0 |
0 |
5 |
0 |
5 |
|
|
TOTAL |
0 |
5 |
10 |
0 |
15 |
*To date in 2018
Probationer Garda Allocations 2015 – 2018*
|
DIVISION |
STATION |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
TOTAL |
|
CORK WEST |
BANDON |
5 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
15 |
|
CLONAKILTY |
0 |
0 |
5 |
0 |
5 |
|
|
TOTAL |
5 |
0 |
15 |
0 |
20 |
*To date in 2018
Probationer Garda Allocations 2015 – 2018*
|
DIVISION |
STATION |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
TOTAL |
|
SLIGO/LEITRIM |
SLIGO |
5 |
5 |
8 |
0 |
18 |
|
TOTAL |
5 |
5 |
8 |
0 |
18 |
*To date in 2018Probationer Garda Allocations 2015 – 2018*
|
DIVISION |
STATION |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
TOTAL |
|
DONEGAL |
LETTERKENNY |
10 |
5 |
13 |
4 |
32 |
|
TOTAL |
10 |
5 |
13 |
4 |
32 |
*To date in 2018
Probationer Garda Allocations 2015 – 2018*
|
DIVISION |
STATION |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
TOTAL |
|
MEATH |
NAVAN |
5 |
10 |
15 |
2 |
32 |
|
ASHBOURNE |
0 |
9 |
15 |
3 |
27 |
|
|
TOTAL |
5 |
19 |
30 |
5 |
59 |
*To date in 2018
Probationer Garda Allocations 2015 – 2018*
|
DIVISION |
STATION |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
TOTAL |
|
KILDARE |
NAAS |
5 |
5 |
24 |
2 |
36 |
|
KILDARE |
0 |
9 |
5 |
0 |
14 |
|
|
NEWBRIDGE |
5 |
0 |
8 |
0 |
13 |
|
|
LEIXLIP |
4 |
5 |
10 |
3 |
22 |
|
|
TOTAL |
14 |
19 |
47 |
5 |
85 |
*To date in 2018
Probationer Garda Allocations 2015 – 2018*
|
DIVISION |
STATION |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
TOTAL |
|
WEXFORD |
WEXFORD |
9 |
5 |
15 |
2 |
31 |
|
ENNISCORTHY |
5 |
5 |
11 |
2 |
23 |
|
|
NEW ROSS |
0 |
0 |
8 |
2 |
10 |
|
|
TOTAL |
14 |
10 |
34 |
6 |
64 |
*To date in 2018
Probationer Garda Allocations 2015 – 2018*
|
DIVISION |
STATION |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
TOTAL |
|
CAVAN/MONAGHAN |
MONAGHAN |
5 |
1 |
7 |
5 |
18 |
|
CAVAN |
5 |
7 |
10 |
3 |
25 |
|
|
CARRICKMACROSS |
0 |
0 |
5 |
5 |
10 |
|
|
TOTAL |
10 |
8 |
22 |
13 |
53 |
*To date in 2018
66. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the role his Department plays in An Garda Síochána's ICT governance board; the person that represents his Department on this board; the number of meetings they attend on an annual basis; if he is updated on the work of the board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16534/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that there is regular, detailed and structured engagement between my Department and An Garda Síochána in relation to governance and the Garda reform programme generally, including ICT matters.
I am advised that the Garda Information and Communications Technology Governance Board was established in November 2016, building on a recommendation of the Garda Síochána Inspectorate. I am further advised that the Board discharges its functions in line with its agreed Terms of Reference. Amongst other things, its overall role is to provide strategic direction and oversight for the ICT Programme in the context of the overall Garda reform strategy and to ensure that the portfolio of projects is aligned with the Modernisation and Renewal Programme and is delivering the intended value.
Board meetings are attended by representatives of An Garda Síochána, my Department, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer and the Policing Authority. My Department is represented on the Board by a Principal Officer and an Assistant Principal Officer.
The Board generally meets on a quarterly basis. There have been 5 meetings of the Board since its establishment in November 2016, with a further meeting scheduled for this month.
67. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position on expanding community policing and increasing the number of community gardaí in the Laois-Offaly division. [15334/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that it is the Garda Commissioner and his management team who are responsible for the distribution of all Garda resources, including personnel, and I as Minister have no role in such matters. However, I am informed by the Garda authorities that as of 28 February 2018, the number of Gardaí assigned to the Laois/Offaly Division was 340. 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 76 to the Laois/Offaly Division.
Community policing, as the Deputy is well aware, is at the heart of An Garda Síochána and every Garda has a role to play in community policing.
In addition, the National Community Policing Office, attached to the Garda Community Relations Bureau, captures best practice in community policing initiatives and disseminates these practices through its communication network.
An Garda Síochána's Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021 places a strong emphasis 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.
In terms of progress on this important initiative, I am informed by the Commissioner that a draft Community Policing Framework which outlines the manner in which Community Policing Teams and Community Safety Fora will be established has been completed and is subject to internal review before being approved by the Executive for implementation. The Commissioner anticipates that a number of Community Policing Teams will be established on a pilot basis this year.
In addition to an allocation of almost €100 million for Garda overtime to support anti-crime operations in 2018, the Government's Capital Plan 2016 – 2021 also provides for significant resourcing of An Garda Síochána. Some €46million was allocated for investment in the Garda fleet to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit for purpose fleet. This is in addition to the investment of almost €30 million in the fleet in the period 2013 to 2015. In total in the period 2013 to end of 2017 almost €44 million will have been invested in the fleet with some 2,000 vehicles coming on stream in that period.
Some €330 million, including €205 million under the Capital Plan, is being invested in Garda ICT infrastructure between 2016 and 2021. This major investment will allow An Garda Síochána to deploy the latest cutting edge technologies in the fight against crime and will facilitate progress on important reforms arising from the Garda Inspectorate's report on Crime Investigation.
Furthermore, the substantial increase in Garda numbers is tangible progress on achieving this Government’s vision of an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. Policing in Laois/Offaly Division, and in all other areas, will undoubtedly benefit from the resources now coming on stream.
68. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if there is a policy in his Department regarding the use of non-departmental or personal email for departmental or Government business; if so, when this policy was put in place; if it will be published; if a review of the senior management in his Department has been carried out to ensure that senior officials have never used non-departmental or personal email for departmental business; if not, the reason therefor; his plans to undertake a review of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16446/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAccess for all staff of my Department to web based emails is restricted by security infrastructure. The Department provides a secure remote access service to staff who require access to Departmental systems including emails outside of work hours. Like most people, officials in the Department would have personal email accounts and may occasionally use personal email accounts for work-related business; this would be rare and born of necessity, for example where ICT systems are inaccessible. Officials are aware that particular care is required not to communicate confidential information through non-official means. All work-related communications, including in respect of non-official email accounts, remain subject to relevant regulatory and legislative requirements such as FOI, archives and data protection.
In these circumstances, there are no plans to carry out a review along the lines suggested by the Deputy. The Department of Justice and Equality has an Acceptable Usage Policy in respect of ICT usage which was first put in place a decade ago and is currently in the process of being updated, particularly in light of ICT developments. In addition to being made available to existing employees, this policy is provided to new employees when they join the Department and is included in their induction programme. It does not currently address the use of non-official email accounts. The revised Acceptable Usage Policy will address the correct use of non-official email accounts for official business and when finalised will be made available on my Department's website.
69. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding Garda recruitment; his plans for additional recruitment; the number of new gardaí that have been allocated to County Kildare in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16527/18]
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 the strength of the Kildare Division on 28 February 2018, the latest date for which information is currently available, was 357. There are also 20 Garda Reserves and 30 Garda civilian staff attached to the Kildare 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.
Taking account of projected retirements, reaching a strength of 15,000 by 2021 will require some 1,600 new Garda members to be recruited on a phased basis over the next two years in addition to the 2,800 that will have been recruited by the end of this year since the re-opening of the Garda College in September 2014.
I am informed by the Commissioner that 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 85 have been assigned to the Kildare Division. I am pleased to say that Garda numbers, taking account of retirements, increased to 13,551 at the end of 2017 - a net increase of over 600 since the end of 2016.
I am also pleased that funding is in place to maintain this high level of investment in the Garda workforce to ensure that the vision of an overall workforce of 21,000 by 2021 remains on track. This year 800 new Garda recruits will enter the Garda College in four intakes of 200, the first of which entered in January. Also 800 Garda trainees are scheduled to attest during the year- 200 of whom attested last month- 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 Garda Division, including the Kildare Division.
