Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 May 2018
29. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has considered the updating of Garda information and technology systems with the specific aim of tackling child abuse online; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22725/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis morning, representatives of the Garda Inspectorate appeared before the Joint Committee on Justice and Equality. One of the key points raised in the discussion was a review of recommendations made in a 2012 report dealing with the approach of An Garda Síochána to child sexual abuse cases. The review found that only half the actions the Garda Inspectorate required the Garda to implement to properly protect children had been taken. Given the seriousness and nature of this type of crime, this is a matter of serious concern given the time that has elapsed since the report was produced.
As Deputy Ó Laoghaire will be aware, decisions regarding the provision and allocation of Garda equipment and resources, including updating of information and communications technology, ICT, systems are a matter for the Garda Commissioner. As Minister, I do not have a direct role in the matter. However, the unprecedented investment which is being made by the Government in Garda ICT should be noted.
Some €342 million, including €217 million in additional funding under the capital plan, is being invested in Garda information and communications technology infrastructure between 2016 and 2021. This will enable An Garda Síochána to deploy the latest cutting-edge technologies in the fight against crime. In addition, this significant investment will facilitate progress on important reforms arising from the Garda Inspectorate's report on crime investigation, as mentioned by the Deputy.
I am informed by Garda authorities that, for operational reasons and to safeguard the ability and capacity of An Garda Síochána to investigate online child abuse and exploitation offences, it is not possible to identify the particular information technology systems and tools in use. However, I can tell the House and Deputy Ó Laoghaire that the Garda authorities assure me they are currently satisfied with the IT tools available to investigate online child abuse and child exploitation offences. They will continue to monitor, develop and further invest in what can be described as international best practice. This includes investment in emerging technologies in this regard and working in partnership with other policing services.
More generally, it might be of interest to the House to note that Part 2 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 provides for a range of offences related to the sexual exploitation of children.
I am keen to identify some of the issues highlighted in the review. Six items have not been not implemented at all, six have been partially implemented and four have not been satisfactorily addressed. The Garda Inspectorate has said this is disappointing and has had a negative impact on the services currently delivered to victims.
A total of 66% of all sex crimes reported to the Garda involve child victims. This is a significant and serious category. The inspectorate found that victims were being dealt with by untrained gardaí; gardaí assigned to specialist child protection units had not received any child protection safety training; convicted offenders were not being properly supervised upon release; and there were communication failures between the Garda and Tusla. Of most particular concern is the fact that technology is available to the Garda to provide real-time intelligence on those accessing child abuse material. However, this technology is not being activated because of the additional demands it would produce and the difficulty in allocating time to assess it. Does the Minister agree that is clearly not a satisfactory state of affairs and needs to be addressed urgently?
I wish to acknowledge the ongoing and evolving situation regarding technological advances. I am keen to ensure, as is the Garda Síochána, that Garda equipment and investigative capacity is in a position to keep abreast of these changes.
I acknowledge the reforming nature of our legislation and in particular the recently enacted Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act. The Act significantly strengthens existing criminal law in combating child exploitation. I also acknowledge the success of Operation Ketch being carried out by An Garda Síochána. The operation specifically targets those in the business of possessing and distributing child exploitation material.
I wish to highlight the ongoing training and the Commissioner's five-year modernisation and renewal programme. The programme involves training for gardaí to ensure they are fully up to speed and can deliver a police service that, in the circumstances, is proper and adequate.
The Minister referred to the information technology aspect of this and obviously that is relevant. However, addressing this also involves resources of time and ability. Again, I make the point that technology is available but it is not being activated because the resources do not exist.
Mr. Toland appeared before the committee this morning. He welcomed the protected services bureau developments. However, he expressed the view that he was concerned because the numbers involved would be too few and the bureau would develop too slowly.
I acknowledge the manner in which the Garda Síochána is adapting to deal with emerging issues. I understand the matter was adverted to at the committee. The Deputy should note the significant reform programme. It is well under way in line with the Government five-year reform programme. The key driver of the reform is the Commissioner's five-year renewal programme from 2016-21. That takes on board the recommendations of the report of the Garda Inspectorate, Changing Policing in Ireland. The report included an extensive review of the culture within An Garda Síochána and identified significant scope for change. I wish to assure the House that the Government is committed to ensuring that an adequate level of resources is available. We have unprecedented Garda resources in this year's budget amounting to a sum of €1.6 billion. The implementation of the reform plan will continue to be overseen by the Policing Authority. It is clear that the progress reports submitted to date highlight the critical importance of this role. I wish to assure the House that every effort will be made by Government to ensure adequate resourcing of An Garda Síochána.
