Written Answers Nos. 589-605
589. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason garda inspectors newly promoted to the rank of superintendent receive a higher remuneration than existing superintendents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16697/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is not aware of any case where a newly promoted Superintendent earns more than one of his or her longer serving colleagues. My officials have engaged with the Association of Garda Superintendents on the issue of pay on promotion to Superintendent and will be pleased to so again, if the Association requires further clarification.
The recent decision by the Association of Garda Superintendents to sign up to the public service pay agreement (the PSSA) and the subsequent arbitration award have, I hope, gone some way to addressing the genuinely felt grievance of the Association in relation to pay and has helped to address an anomaly that arose from the Labour Court recommendation in favour of the GRA and AGSI in 2016.
590. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of vacant posts from the rank of sergeant upwards in An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16698/18]
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.
For the Deputy's information I have set out below the strength of each of the Garda ranks and the agreed strength under the Employment Control Framework as of 31 March 2018, the latest date for which figures are currently available.
The Deputy will be aware that a competition is in train to select the next Garda Commissioner. The process is being undertaken by the Public Appointment Service under the auspices of the independent Policing Authority for the first time. The competition closing date was 12 April last.
Appointments to the rank of Sergeant and Inspector are a matter for the Commissioner under section 14 of Garda Síochána Act 2005. I am advised by the Commissioner that there is currently a competition in train for promotion to the ranks of Sergeant and Inspector with the aim of bringing the strength to 300 and 2,000, respectively, as agreed under the Employment Control Framework. I am assured by the Commissioner that following completion of these competitions the needs of all Garda Divisions will be fully considered when determining the allocation of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors.
Strength of each rank as compared to the ECF as of 31 March 2018
|
Rank |
Strength |
ECF |
|
Commissioner |
0 |
1 |
|
D/Commissioner |
2 |
2 |
|
A/Commissioner |
9 |
9 |
|
Chief Superintendent |
45 |
45 |
|
Superintendent |
166 |
166 |
|
Inspector |
254 |
300 |
|
Sergeant |
1,861 |
2,000 |
591. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which adequate modern technology is available to An Garda Síochána in the context of the fight against organised crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16699/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra592. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the degree to which modern communication technology is readily available to An Garda Síochána with particular reference to the fight against organised crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16700/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 591 and 592 together.
As the Deputy will appreciate, decisions in relation to the allocation and management of Garda equipment and resources, including ICT, are a matter for the Garda Commissioner and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.
I can assure the Deputy that tackling organised crime activity is a key ongoing priority for both the Government and An Garda Síochána.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that ICT is recognised as an essential tool for supporting the day-to-day operations of over 16,000 Garda members, Garda reserves and civilian staff. On an annual basis, approximately 13.5 million vehicle registrations are read by the Automated Number Plate Recognition System, 1.9 million records are exchanged electronically with the Court Services, 9.3 million PULSE searches are conducted, 19.5 million TETRA digital radio calls are made and 118,000 fingerprints are searched. The TETRA Radio system provides a modern digital encrypted radio system to all operational members of An Garda Síochána allowing them to communicate securely.
The Deputy will be aware that the Programme for a Partnership Government recognises that gardaí must have the modern technology and resources necessary to detect and investigate crimes, and to prevent loss and harm to citizens and their property on a 24/7 basis.
Accordingly, the Garda Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016 - 2021 sets out a series of initiatives which will enable An Garda Síochána deploy the latest cutting-edge technologies in the fight against crime. In support of this plan, some €342 million, including €217 million under the Capital Plan, is being invested in Garda ICT infrastructure between 2016 and 2021.
In this context, a broad range of ICT projects are being delivered to support existing systems and develop them further, with the overall goal of supporting the ongoing business requirements of An Garda Síochána in all fields, including the fight against organised crime activity.
An Garda Síochána's Policing Plan sets out the organisation's priorities in tackling organised crime activity, together with its continued commitment to proactively target groups and individuals engaged in criminal activity, including organised criminal activities.
In tackling such activity, An Garda Síochána continues to develop and implement operations and strategies aimed at targeting, dismantling and disrupting criminal networks, utilising advanced analytical and intelligence methodologies. Multidisciplinary approaches are also employed to ensure the activities of individuals and groups involved in criminal enterprise are effectively targeted, including through the use of the Proceeds of Crime legislation, money-laundering legislation, the provisions of the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009 relating to organised crime and the powers of the Criminal Assets Bureau.
At international level, An Garda Síochána utilises the available international mechanisms for police co-operation and training including CEPOL, Interpol, and Europol. Garda Liaison Officers are based, on a full-time basis, in other EU Member States, including the Netherlands, France, United Kingdom, Spain and Portugal. Garda Liaison Officers are also based at Europol.
Additionally, An Garda Síochána continue to participate in joint and multidisciplinary and multi-jurisdictional investigations within the European Union and worldwide. Successful investigations, prosecutions and disruptions of criminal activities have been and continue to be achieved through these parallel investigations.
While we should not underestimate the difficulties which the Garda authorities face in tackling organised crime activity, we continue to see the significant results of their efforts in the arrests made and persons being brought before the Courts, as well as the ongoing drugs and firearms seizures made.
593. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of crimes committed by prisoners while on bail in each of the past ten years to date; the number in respect of which more than one crime was committed while still on bail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16701/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical agency, is responsible for the compilation and publication of the official recorded crime statistics, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. I have asked the CSO to forward any available statistics in this regard directly to the Deputy.
594. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of prisoners who have not been given educational or rehabilitative training in any year in the past ten; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16702/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that the Irish Prison Service provides a wide range of rehabilitative programmes to those in custody that include education, vocational training, healthcare, psychiatric, psychological, counselling, welfare and spiritual services. These programmes can offer purposeful activity to those in custody while serving their sentences and encouraging them to lead law abiding lives on release. These programmes are available in all prisons and all prisoners are eligible to use the services.
On committal, all prisoners are interviewed by the Governor and are informed of the services available in the prison. At this point prisoners may be referred to services or they can self-refer at a later date. Where Governors consider, on the information available, that a prisoner needs a particular intervention they will initiate a referral. The development of prisoner programmes forms a central part of the Irish Prison Service Three Year Strategic Plan 2016 - 2018. There is a clear commitment in the Strategy to enhance sentence planning through Integrated Sentence Management and the delivery of prison based rehabilitative programmes. As well as seeking to draw on best practice in adult and further education in the community, there has been a lot of curriculum development over the years that is specific to prison circumstances, such as courses on addiction, health issues and offending behaviour.
The Department of Education and Skills provides an allocation of 220 whole-time teacher equivalents to the Prison Service through the Education and Training Boards (ETBs). Education in prisons is delivered in partnership between the ETBs and the Irish Prison Service with a focus on providing education which is quality assured, student centred and which facilitates lifelong learning. The partnership endeavours to meet the needs of prisoners through helping them cope with their sentence, achieve personal development and prepare for life after release. A broad and flexible curriculum is provided which ranges from basic literacy classes and peer led tutoring to Open University. There is an increasing focus on QQI accreditation as the modular structure best meets the needs of individuals in prison. On some occasions, prisoners may have to wait for a place to become available on an educational programme.
Other areas where there has been significant progress in prison education are in physical education, in the provision for higher education, in the arts and in preparing prisoners for release and supporting their transition to life, and often to education, on the outside. A top priority for the Irish Prison Service is ensuring help for those with reading and writing problems and peer mentoring programmes are currently active in all of our prisons.
The guiding principles which underpin the prisons' work and training service are to make available, work, work-training and other purposeful activities to all those in custody. Training activities are chosen to give as much variety as possible and also to give opportunities for those in prison to acquire practical skills which will help them secure employment on release. Work Training Officers have been appointed and assigned to areas such as catering, laundry, industrial cleaning, industrial skills and gym. The Irish Prison Service has also been expanding the number of accredited courses and opportunities available to prisoners in Work Training in recent years. Enhanced partnership arrangements with accrediting bodies such as City and Guilds and the Guild of Cleaners and Launderers and the centralising of co-ordination and quality assurance arrangements have enabled us to extend the number of available courses and activities with certification.
The manner in which records are collated does not allow us to provide statistics re those who do not engage with educational or rehabilitative training in any year in the past ten.
However, from the records that are available I can inform the Deputy that 42.8% (1,626 persons) of the prisoner population (3,797) participated in Education activities in week ending 2 February 2018.
Similarly 23% (799 persons) of the average prison population engaged in vocational training in the month of January 2018.
It should be noted that a prisoner may participate in more than one activity.
595. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of criminal gang members serving prison sentences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16703/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by my officials in the Irish Prison Service that arising from a report compiled by them, there are currently 10 criminal groupings involving approximately 102 prisoners within the prison population excluding the subversive groupings in Portlaoise Prison and that the situation is subject to continuous monitoring and assessment.
Membership or allegiance of these criminal groups fluctuates on a continuous basis with some persons breaking links and others becoming affiliated on a daily basis. It is also the case that prisoners will not always declare their affiliation to certain groupings and it is therefore not possible to provide definitive numbers in relation to the number of known members of criminal groupings currently in custody.
The emergence in recent years of criminal groupings has had significant implications for the management of Irish Prisons. Rivalries and feuds which develop on the outside continue inside the prison. Prison management must ensure that the various factions are kept apart, and as far as possible, that members of criminal groups do not have influence over other inmates in the prisons or criminal activities outside.
The Irish Prison Service is committed to preventing identified members of criminal groups from conducting criminal activities while in custody and also to prevent them exerting inappropriate influence over other persons. For example, the security initiatives undertaken by the Operational Support Group have made it more difficult for prisoners to engage in illegal activities while in prison. These initiatives include the installation of airport style security including scanners and X-ray machines. The core function of the Operational Support Group includes the gathering and collating of intelligence information on members of criminal groups in custody, carrying out intelligence led searches and preventing the flow of contraband, including mobile phones, into the prisons.
In addition, there is regular contact between the Irish Prison Service and An Garda Síochána to discuss security issues including the operation of criminal groupings.
596. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number and location of Garda stations deemed to be in need of an upgrade; the number of those likely to receive attention in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16704/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
The Garda Síochána Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016 – 2021 includes a number of projects which reflect the priorities of An Garda Síochána, including:
- a Public Private Partnership (PPP) project to deliver new Garda stations in key areas;
- major refurbishment of stations/facilities including facilities for meeting victims of crime;
- essential remedial works to existing stations;
- development of Property and Exhibit Management Stores;
- upgrade of cells and provision of improved Custody Management Facilities.
Work is progressing with regard to the stations and facilities outlined in the Programme and will be progressed over the timeframe of the Programme, in conjunction with the OPW and other Government agencies as appropriate.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that to date in 2018, works relating to the provision of a dedicated custody facility at Henry Street Garda Station in Limerick have been completed and that Tralee Garda Station has been internally remodelled and new locker facilities have been provided.
In addition to the above, I understand that significant additions to the Garda estate are also in progress with a Divisional Headquarters at Kevin Street, Dublin due to open shortly and a Regional and Divisional Headquarters at Murrough, Galway expected to open in summer 2018.
In addition to the upgrades to existing facilities involved in the Building and Refurbishment Programme, I am informed by the Garda authorities that the OPW provides both planned and reactive maintenance to all Garda stations. Planned maintenance includes general replacement programmes as well as both summer and winter maintenance plans. The OPW advises that it is not possible to identify the number of Garda stations which will benefit from upgrades such as these during 2018 in the timeframe allowed.
In addition to the planned maintenance, Garda stations are included in the OPW Fabric Upgrade Programme, a rolling multi-annual programme, which provides capital upgrade work to Government owned properties nationwide. Works have been approved for five Garda stations under this programme in 2018 including in Dungarvan, Monaghan, Naas, Belmullet, and Schull.
597. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which the various categories of crimes continue to be reported in all Garda divisions and districts in County Kildare; the degree to which resultant prosecutions continue to be filed and processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16705/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical agency, is responsible for the publication of the official recorded crime statistics. The Deputy will be aware that the CSO recommenced its publication of crime statistics "under reservation" on 28 March 2018 and I have requested the CSO to contact the Deputy directly in relation to the information he has requested.
The Deputy will also appreciate that the manner in which prosecutions are processed is solely a matter for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and I, as Minister, have no role in this regard.
However, I am advised by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána continues to monitor all new and emerging crime trends and distribute all Garda resources, including personnel, with regard to the overall policing needs of the country. For its part, the Government remains committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the necessary resources to tackle all forms of criminality in our State. In this context, An Garda Síochána will undoubtedly benefit from the resources now coming on stream through the Garda recruitment programme, and in particular the 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.
So far this year 206 Garda trainees have attested and a further 600 trainees are scheduled to attest during the remainder of the year in June, September and November. The overall Garda strength is on track to be 14,000 at year end - a net increase of approximately 500 on the end of 2017.
598. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the full extent of the scale and value of assets seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau, CAB, in the past five years; if all such properties have been disposed of and the proceeds retained by the State; the status of such properties not yet disposed of in this context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16706/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will know, the objectives and functions of the Criminal Assets Bureau are set out in sections 4 and 5 respectively of the Criminal Assets Bureau Act 1996. In summary, they require the Bureau to:
(i) identify and investigate the proceeds of criminal conduct;
(ii) take action under the Proceeds of Crime Acts 1996-2016 to deny and deprive people of the benefit of assets that are the proceeds of criminal conduct by freezing, preserving and confiscating them;
(iii) take action under the Revenue Acts to ensure that the proceeds of criminal activity are subject to tax; and
(iv) investigate and determine claims for or in respect of benefits under the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act 1993.
The Proceeds of Crime Acts 1996 - 2016 provide the legal framework underpinning the Bureau's powers to take all necessary actions, including the making of applications to the High Court, in relation to the seizing and securing of assets with a view to their disposal in due course in accordance with the provisions of that legislation.
With regard to the specific information sought by the Deputy, I would point out that Section 21 of the Criminal Assets Bureau Act 1996 requires the Bureau, through the Garda Commissioner, to provide a report of its activities each year to the Minister for Justice and Equality who is then required to lay copies of the report before each House of the Oireachtas. The Annual Reports, including the most recent one for 2016, are available in the Oireachtas Library and on the website of An Garda Síochána and my own Department. The 2017 report is currently being prepared and will be submitted to my Department in the near future. The published reports provide details of the actions taken by the Bureau under the Proceeds of Crime Act 1996 - 2016, including details in relation to the volume and value of assets seized and disposed of by the Bureau.
In order to mitigate any risk of harm to a property, the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate to be specific about individual properties which could be in the process of sale on behalf of the Bureau, or which have been purchased.
599. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí stationed in Whitehall Garda station at the time of its closure; the number of gardaí stationed in Santry and Ballymun Garda stations at that time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16711/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra600. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí servicing the area previously covered by Ballymun, Santry and Whitehall Garda stations; if these gardaí are exclusively operating from Ballymun Garda station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16712/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 599 and 600 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 have requested the specific information sought by the Deputy from the Commissioner and I will write to him directly on receipt of same.
601. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the scoping exercise regarding a SAVI II report; the findings of the scoping group report which was due before Cabinet committee C on social policy and public services on 5 April 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16713/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraA scoping group was established to consider the availability of data and make recommendations on a study to identify the prevalence of sexual abuse and violence in Ireland today, and emerging trends. The agreed terms of reference for the scoping group are available on my Department's website. They provide that the group will report to the Cabinet Committee on Social Policy within 3 months of the first meeting of the group. The group first met on 5 January and was initially scheduled to report by 5 April. The 3rd meeting of the Group had to be rescheduled due to Storm Emma. Following the final meeting of the group on 9 April the Group's report is being finalised and the aim now is to have a report completed and submitted to me by 19 April. On receipt of the report it will be considered by me and by Government.
602. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the instrument of amalgamation with regard to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, UNCRPD, has been lodged; and the date on which the UNCRPD will come into force here. [16757/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe instrument of ratification in relation to the UNCRPD was lodged with the UN on 20 March 2018. The date of entry into force for Ireland is 19 April 2018.
603. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which An Garda Síochána can engage with and offer support to local communities that have suffered or continue to suffer from the attention and influence of criminal gangs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16785/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, community policing is at the heart of An Garda Síochána. It provides a means of recognising that every community - both urban and rural - has its own concerns and expectations.
I am informed by the Garda 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, including the tackling of criminal gangs. 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. Community policing is not, of course, confined to dedicated community gardaí, all gardaí have a role to play in community policing in carrying out their duties. 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.
Tackling criminal gangs remains a priority for this Government and 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 €46 million 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.
605. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if the critical skills list will include the need for planners in view of the housing crisis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14990/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt present, ‘Town Planning Officers’ are not listed on the Highly Skilled Eligible Occupations List however applicants are eligible to submit an application for a General Employment Permit, subject to the usual criteria that apply to that permit type.
The State’s general policy is to promote the sourcing of labour and skills needs from within the workforce of the State and other EEA states. Where specific skills prove difficult to source within the State and wider EEA, an employment permit may be sought by an employer to hire a non-EEA national.
It is imperative that the employment permits system remains correctly oriented to meet the State’s emerging labour market needs, be they labour or skills shortages. My Department is currently undertaking a review of our economic migration policy to ensure that it is supportive of the State’s labour market needs. An Interdepartmental Group is in place to steer the review with the principal objective to consider the policy rationale for the employment permit system where the economy is improving and the labour market is tightening. The review process includes a public consultation phase with participation from all sectors and interested parties. The timeframe for submission of the report is by end of June 2018.
The Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government is participating on this Interdepartmental Group reviewing the employment permits regime and housing related employments are being considered in that context.
