Tuesday, 24 Apr 2018

Garda Reserve

Ceisteanna (283)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

283. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a person (details supplied) will be admitted as a Garda Reserve having completed the application process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17754/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

As the Deputy will be aware, recruitment to the Garda Reserve is governed by the Garda Síochána (Reserve Members) Regulations 2006. The Public Appointments Service (PAS), on behalf of the Garda Commissioner, manages the initial recruitment stages for selection of Garda Reserve members with the final stages of the recruitment process being managed by the Garda Commissioner and I, as Minister, have no direct involvement in the matter.

The "Programme for a Partnership Government" includes a commitment to double the Garda Reserve to act in a supportive role undertaking local patrols and crime reduction measures. In line with this, the Government has in place a plan to achieve a Reserve strength of 2,000 by 2021 as part of an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 which will also comprise 15,000 Gardaí and 4,000 civilians.

To support the expansion of the Reserve the Commissioner undertook a recruitment campaign for Garda Reserves last March which attracted 2,394 applicants, of whom 498 successfully completed the initial stages carried out by PAS. These applications are currently being processed by the Garda Appointments Office. The time frame for this can vary due to a number factors including the length of the vetting process which may, for example, be more time consuming if the applicant has resided abroad or is deferred for medical reasons. Positions for training to become a member of the Reserve are only offered when all stages of the application process are completed and there is a need to ensure there are sufficient candidates for a class to enter training in the Garda College. It is expected that the first class from the current competition will commence training in the coming months.

Reserve members make a very valuable contribution to the communities they serve throughout the country and I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who have expressed an interest in joining their numbers.

I have been informed by the PAS and the Garda Appointments Office that any candidate involved in the recruitment process for the Garda Reserve competition must contact the Public Appointments Service or Garda Appointments Office themselves should they have any queries in relation to their application as these offices will not disclose or discuss any application to third parties in accordance with Data Protection policies.

Garda Data

Ceisteanna (284)

Michael Moynihan

Ceist:

284. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of new Garda recruits assigned to each Garda station in the Cork west division in each of the years 2014 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17800/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.

I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that, as of the 28 February 2018, the latest date for which figures are available, the strength of the Cork West Division was 298. There are also 8 Garda Reserves and 26 Garda civilian staff attached to the Cork West Division. When appropriate, the work of local Gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Armed Support Units, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.

I can assure the Deputy 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.

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 20 have been assigned to the Cork West Division. Garda numbers, taking account of retirements, increased to 13,551 at the end of 2017 – a net increase of over 600 since the end of 2016.

I am pleased that funding is in place to maintain this high level of investment in the Garda workforce to ensure that the vision of an overall workforce of 21,000 by 2021 remains on track. This year a further 800 new Garda Recruits will enter the Garda College; some 400 of whom have already done so. In total, 800 Garda trainees are scheduled to attest during the year, some 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 this year.

In addition, a further 500 civilians will also be recruited to fill critical skills gaps across the organisation and to facilitate the redeployment of Gardaí from administrative and technical duties to front-line operational duties. There are plans to strengthen the Garda Reserve with new Reserves expected to commence training in 2018.

This focus on investment in personnel is critical. The moratorium on recruitment introduced in 2010 resulted in a significant reduction in the strength of An Garda Síochána. We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the Commissioner with the resources needed to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí across every Division, including the Cork West Division.

In so far as the allocation of newly attested Gardaí is concerned, this is a matter for the Commissioner. I am assured by the Commissioner that the needs of all Garda Divisions are fully considered when determining the allocation of resources. However, it is important to keep in mind that newly attested Gardaí have a further 16 months of practical and class-room based training to complete in order to receive their BA in Applied Policing. To ensure that they are properly supported and supervised and have opportunities to gain the breadth of policing experience required, the Commissioner's policy is to allocate them to specially designated training stations which have the required training and development structures and resources in place, including trained Garda tutors and access to a permanently appointed supervisory Sergeant who is thoroughly familiar with their responsibilities under the training programme.

I have set out in the table the number of new Garda recruits assigned to each Garda station in the Cork West Division in each of the years 2014 -2017 and 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

Garda Retirements

Ceisteanna (285, 286, 297, 298, 299, 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317)

Michael Moynihan

Ceist:

285. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí who have retired in each Garda station in the Cork west division in each of the years 2014 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17801/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Michael Moynihan

Ceist:

286. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí who have retired in each Garda station in the Cork north division in each of the years 2014 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17802/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

297. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda retirements from 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. [18074/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bobby Aylward

Ceist:

298. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda retirements from each Garda station in counties Carlow and Kilkenny in each of the years 2014 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18075/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Mary Butler

Ceist:

299. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda retirements from 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. [18076/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Margaret Murphy O'Mahony

Ceist:

300. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda retirements from 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. [18077/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Michael Moynihan

Ceist:

301. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda retirements from each Garda station in north 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. [18078/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

John Brassil

316. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda retirements from 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. [18093/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

James Browne

Ceist:

317. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda retirements from 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. [18094/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I propose to take Questions Nos. 285, 286, and 297 to 317, inclusive, together.

This Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and to deter crime. To achieve this the Government has put in place a plan for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. We are making real, tangible progress on achieving this goal.

I am informed by the Commissioner that since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, just under 1,800 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide. Garda numbers, taking account of retirements, increased to 13,551 at the end of 2017 – a net increase of over 600 since the end of 2016.

I am pleased that funding is in place to maintain this high level of investment in the Garda workforce to ensure that the vision of an overall workforce of 21,000 by 2021 remains on track. This year a further 800 new Garda Recruits will enter the Garda College; some 400 of whom have entered already this year. In total, 800 Garda trainees are scheduled to attest during the year, some 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 this year.

I can assure the Deputy that projected departures from An Garda Síochána are kept under continuing review and the level of recruitment adjusted as necessary in order to achieve the desired strength.

In the spreadsheet at the following link I have set out for the Deputy's information the number of departures from An Garda Síochána in the years 2014 - 2018, as provided to me by the Garda authorities. These figures include departures arising from voluntary, compulsory, or cost neutral early retirement, resignation, death, dismissal and medical discharge.

Garda Departure Numbers 2014 - 2018

Immigration Status

Ceisteanna (287)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

287. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if stamp 4 will be awarded to a person (details supplied); if their stamp 4 eligibility can be considered on compassionate grounds with particular reference to the health circumstances of the person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17804/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that it is not possible to comment on an individual's circumstances.

I can inform you that INIS have previously been in contact as to the individual's request and would encourage her to write directly to Unit 2, Residence Division, Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service, 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 in order to allow for a full examination of her current circumstances.

In so doing the person concerned should be advised to supply the following documentation in relation to themselves, and as applicable, in relation to any partner or children that might be currently in the State.

1. Full copy (all pages) of their passport/s

2. Copy of their GNIB card/s

3. Evidence of residing in State with partner

4. Brief outline of their history in the State to include when and where they entered the State as well as a brief outline of their current circumstances.

5. Their current address.

6. Copies of letters from doctor and/or consultant briefly outlining their medical condition as detailed in this question.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Criminal Assets Bureau

Ceisteanna (288)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

288. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount collected by the Criminal Assets Bureau in 2017 and to date in 2018; the purpose these funds were used for when returned to the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17866/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

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.

All monies collected by the Criminal Assets Bureau are paid into the Government's Central Fund, from which the Government draws for expenditure on all necessary public services and investment.

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (289)

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

289. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the form, date and amount of all invoices issued to his Department by a company (details supplied) in each of the years 2007 to 2017, in tabular form. [17910/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I can confirm, following a review of the payments system, that there were no payments made to the company in question from the Department's Vote in the years 2007 to 2017.

Immigration Status

Ceisteanna (290)

Maurice Quinlivan

Ceist:

290. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason a person (details supplied) was refused a 12 month work visa stamp 1G; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17921/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned received a permission on stamp 1G conditions for a period of six months in accordance with the rules of the Third Level Graduate Programme which can be found at www.inis.gov.ie.

As the Deputy may be aware, the Third Level Graduate Programme Immigration Rules for Non-EEA students which were first published in 2007 and revised on 31 May 2017 state that the programme “is confined to graduates who have completed their studies in Ireland and have been awarded a qualification at Level 8 or above of the National Framework of Qualifications by a recognised Irish awarding body. As a wholly exceptional measure, students enrolled on or before 31 May 2017 in a programme leading to an equivalent award at Level 9 of the National Framework of Qualifications but accredited by an overseas awarding body may apply for a six months’ permission on Stamp 1G conditions. This provision will cease with effect from 31 August 2018”.

The intention of the programme is to allow legally resident Irish educated non-EEA graduates holding an award of a recognised Irish awarding body to remain in Ireland after their studies for the purpose of seeking graduate level employment.

Court Accommodation Provision

Ceisteanna (291)

Stephen Donnelly

Ceist:

291. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the provision of additional funds to the Courts Service to facilitate the completion of planned capital investment in county courthouses has been examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17939/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

As the Deputy is aware, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998 management of the courts, including the provision of accommodation for court sittings, is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in exercising its functions.

However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has advised that the project for the construction/redevelopment of courthouses at seven locations throughout the country by way of Public Private Partnership (PPP) is well advanced.

Arising from this PPP initiative, new courthouse developments have already been delivered at Drogheda, Letterkenny, Wexford, Limerick and Waterford over the last year and two more projects are due to be delivered in Cork and Mullingar shortly. The capital expenditure allocation for the Courts Service will continue to provide for the annual unitary payment associated with the provision of these facilities in the years ahead.

A number of other developments in relation to the Courts Service accommodation requirements are outlined in the Government's recent National Development Plan 2018 -2027. They include:

- Further new or refurbished courthouses in regional cities and county towns where facilities remain substandard (including Galway City, Wicklow Town, Portlaoise, Tralee and Roscommon) and further provincial locations such as An Clochan Liath (Dungloe) to serve as the Gaeltacht court for the region and Tuam;

- Regional Family Law Centres;

- A nationwide condition survey of all court buildings in the estate will be undertaken to determine their condition and identify works required in relation to any issues identified and meet ongoing maintenance requirements.

The precise allocation and timing of additional funding over the entire ten year period remains to be fully determined. It will be dependent on the outcome of further detailed planning and analysis of costs which will determine prioritisation of projects from a timing and budgetary perspective.

Naturalisation Applications

Ceisteanna (292)

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

292. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a decision in respect of a naturalisation application by a person (details supplied) will be reviewed in view of the exceptional circumstances that apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17953/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. It is open to any individual to lodge an application for a certificate of naturalisation if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory conditions for naturalisation prescribed in the Act. The statutory residence conditions are that the applicant must have a period of 1 year's continuous residence in the State immediately before the date of application and, during the 8 years immediately preceding that period, have had a further total residence amounting to 4 years (in the case of an application based on being the spouse or civil partner of an Irish citizen the Act reduces this further period to 2 years during the preceding 4 years).

Where an applicant is found to be non-resident for substantial periods of time such periods will not be reckonable for the purposes of fulfilling the statutory residency conditions for naturalisation stipulated in the Act. This is of particular importance with regard to the requirement to have 1 year’s continuous residence in the State immediately prior to the date of application, and may also mean the requirement of total residence is not met. The guidance notes attached to the application form inform applicants that arrangements for assessment of residence are on the basis that the person is physically resident in the State for the required period of time and that where there are significant absences from the State the application may be refused. A reasonable and generous period of up to 6 weeks is allowed to provide for absences from the State for normal holidays and other short term and temporary nature absences, such as for a family bereavement or medical emergency, and such short term nature absences from the State would not impact on the statutory residence requirement. Some further discretion may be allowed where there are wholly exceptional or unavoidable circumstances.

I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the application for naturalisation in respect of the person referred to by the Deputy is being reviewed in light of additional information supplied by the applicant. Following correspondence from the individual concerned on 19 April 2018, a letter issued to her on 20 April 2018 requesting certain information. Upon receipt of the requested information the case will be further processed and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.

Garda Station Closures

Ceisteanna (293)

Darragh O'Brien

Ceist:

293. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the reopening of Rush Garda station which was announced in 2016; the date it will be reopened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17960/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

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

As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for a Partnership Government commits to a pilot scheme to reopen 6 Garda stations, both urban and rural, to determine possible positive impacts that such openings will have on criminal activity, with special emphasis on burglaries, theft and public order.

The Garda Commissioner's final report, which is available on my Department's website, recommends that Rush Garda Station be reopened, along with stations in Ballinspittle, Co. Cork, Bawnboy, Co. Cavan, Leighlinbridge, Co. Carlow, Donard, Co. Wicklow, and Stepaside, Co. Dublin.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that a brief of requirements was provided to the OPW in relation to the reopening of these 6 stations, including Rush Garda Station, and that the Garda authorities in that regard requested the OPW to undertake technical surveys to determine the works which would be required to enable the stations to reopen and the costings of any such works.

I am further informed that the OPW has this week written to the Commissioner outlining the works and estimated cost involved.

I understand that at this stage it is not possible to provide a timeframe for reopening the stations concerned, which is dependent on a number of factors.

Regulation of Lobbying

Ceisteanna (294)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

294. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if under the lobbyist register it is expected that calls from lobbyists are recorded; if this is the practice in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17990/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015 (the Act) obliges lobbyists to register on the Register of Lobbying website which is maintained by The Standards In Public Office Commission. Lobbyists are required to provide information to the Commission three times a year. The information provided can be viewed and searched by the public free of charge.

The Act does not set out any formal obligations for Designated Public Officials to register, submit returns or validate information contained in the returns submitted by lobbyists. The Standards in Public Office Commission has, however, identified a number of best practices for Designated Public Officials which with regard to record keeping include the importance of maintaining good record keeping habits. The Human Resources Division of my Department advises officials who are Designated Public Officials of their obligations under the Act and I am assured that all of my officials act in accordance with their obligations in this regard.

Prison Service Data

Ceisteanna (295)

Jim O'Callaghan

Ceist:

295. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of prison officers subjected to an assault while on duty in each of the years 2014 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18040/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am advised by my officials in the Irish Prison Service that the number of recorded assaults on prison officers, by prison, from 2014 to 2017 are as outlined in the following table. Figures for 2018 are not yet available.

Prisoner on Staff assaults

Prison/Place of Detention	2014	2015	2016	2017
Arbour Hill	1	0	0	0
Castlerea	9	11	1	13
Cloverhill	20	8	21	8
Cork	13	7	3	9
Dóchas Centre	8	5	26	14
Limerick	3	2	4	8
Loughan House	0	0	0	0
Midlands	13	17	7	15
Mountjoy (Male)	30	22	12	18
St.Patrick's Inst.	20	0	0	N/A
Portlaoise	2	6	5	3
Shelton Abbey	0	0	0	0
Training Unit	0	0	0	0
Wheatfield	26	10	12	10
PSEC	6	3	5	6
OSG	0	0	2	0
Total	151	91	98	104

Every assault on a member of staff is treated as serious and appropriate action is taken by the Irish Prison Service, including the reporting of such assaults to An Garda Síochána for the purposes of investigation and criminal prosecution where appropriate.

Section 19 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 makes specific provision in relation to assaults or threats to peace officers including prison officers acting in the execution of their duty. Any person who assaults or threatens to assault a peace officer in the execution of their duty is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine or a term of imprisonment not exceeding 12 months or both or on convictions on indictment to a fine or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 years or both. In addition, the Act allows for judges to impose such sentences consecutively on persons found guilty of such offences.

In June 2015, following a number of serious assaults on prison staff, the State Claims Agency (SCA) commenced a review of assaults on prison staff by prisoners in accordance with Section 8 of the National Treasury Management Agency (Amendment) Act, 2000.

In November 2016, the SCA presented the report to the then Tánaiste. The report noted many positive findings including that given the number of committals in 2015 the ratio of assaults to the number of prisoners in the system was very low. The role of a prison officer is a difficult and challenging one. Prison staff must deal with a wide range of complex issues and there are occasions when they are subjected to unacceptable acts of violence.

The report contains a large number of recommendations. These recommendations were accepted and implemented - an undertaking that has been included as a Key Action in the Irish Prison Service’s Strategic Plan 2016-2018. The Irish Prison Service is committed to creating a safer environment for all those who work or live within our prison walls. In addition, the Service is committed to ensuring that any staff member who is subject to or witnesses an assault is given the necessary supports in the aftermath of the incident.

Given the substantive nature of the recommendations, the Irish Prison Service has an implementation plan in place and is in the process of implementing these recommendations.

Garda Vetting

Ceisteanna (296)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

296. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the fact that under new vetting procedures gardaí are no longer vetting all staff and board members operating in children's organisations and that only certain roles must go through the vetting process; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that there are no guidelines available as to the way in which to define roles or space on the forms to achieve this (details supplied); the way in which he plans to address these gaps in the new system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18047/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

As Deputy will appreciate, the primary purpose of the employment vetting carried out by the Garda National Vetting Bureau is to seek to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults. Vetting is carried out by An Garda Síochána primarily in accordance with the provisions of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012-2016.

The National Vetting Bureau conducts vetting on behalf of organisations registered in this jurisdiction, whose employees engage in relevant work or activities with children or vulnerable persons. Schedule 1 Part 1 and Part 2 of the Act define relevant work or activities as any work or activity which is carried out by a person, a necessary and regular part of which consists mainly of the person having access to, or contact with, children or vulnerable persons.

While the provisions of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012-2016 has made vetting mandatory for employees who engage in relevant work or activities with children and vulnerable adults, the Act does not create any provision for vetting in respect of positions which do not meet the criteria of relevant work or activities as defined.

I am informed by the Garda authorities the National Vetting Bureau has held information seminars for all registered organisations to assist and support them in embedding the requirements of the Act into their processes and procedures. The National Vetting Bureau has placed a significant focus on providing information to organisations as to their requirements to be vetted and supporting organisations to comply with the requirements of the Act. In this regard, the National Vetting Bureau continues to conduct presentations to a wide range of organisations nationwide. It is the intention of the National Vetting Bureau to continue with this supportive focus in line with the flexibilities and exemptions in the Act.

Questions Nos. 297 to 317, inclusive, answered with Question No. 285.