Written Answers Nos. 492-513
492. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí in each district in the Dublin region who have completed the CBD level-three driving course in each of the years 2016 and 2017 and to date in 2018; when this course will be next run; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24856/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs you will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who has statutory responsibility for carrying on and managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána including training and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. It is important to say that members of An Garda Síochána undertake a wide variety of roles that require different skill sets and different kinds of training including, for example, in relation to child protection, crime scene examination, cybercrime and so forth. It is not necessary for every member to have specialist knowledge of every area of policing. In the case of advanced driving skills, not all members are required to drive on a daily basis or to have the capacity to respond to emergency response calls in a high speed vehicle.
Responsibility for training lies with the Garda College and the Divisional Continuing Professional Development Schools under the overall responsibility of the Executive Director for Human Resources and People Development and I am informed by the Garda authorities that following a review of its driver training programmes in 2009, An Garda Síochána introduced a five level suite of competency based driving (CBD) courses with each level specifically catering for the required knowledge base, skill set and operational requirements of members undergoing the relevant training. The review was informed by the Garda Inspectorate’s report into roads policing. I understand that CBD Level 3 is of three weeks' duration and specifically designed for Gardaí assigned to the Specialist Units concentrating on the competencies necessary to drive Garda vehicles and carry out all driving emergency response and vehicle stopping relevant to the roles of the Specialist Units. While there is no set date for the next CBD3 training programme, the Commissioner has informed me that this will be facilitated in the third quarter of this year subject to operational demand.
The Deputy will be aware that under this Government's programme of accelerated recruitment, just under 1,800 new recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014. I am informed by the Commissioner that this welcome increase in the strength of the Garda rank together with some 2,000 new vehicles coming on stream in the period 2013 to 2017 has resulted in a continuous demand for driver training courses.
I am advised that Garda management are conducting a review to identify how the delivery of the current driver training system can be improved. I understand that consultations have taken place with the PSNI and other police services to identify best practice with regard to models of training. Pending the outcome of this review I am advised that places on driving courses will continue to be allocated on a scheduled basis with priority being given where there is an immediate operational demand for drivers in a Division or Unit.
As CBD3 training is specifically geared toward the Specialist Units, for the Deputy's information I have set out in the table the total number of gardaí who successfully completed CBD3 training, in each of the years 2016 and 2017 and up to 30 April 2018, the latest date for which figures are currently available.
Number of Gardaí who successfully completed CBD3 Driver Training in 2016 - 2018
|
Year |
2016 |
2017 |
2018* |
|
|
Total |
41 |
83 |
45 |
*Up to 30 April 2018
493. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to update the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24857/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe main purpose of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 2003 is to provide the Garda Síochána with additional powers to deal with late night street violence and anti-social conduct attributable to excessive drinking. It does this by providing for the closure of premises such as pubs, off-licences, late night clubs and food premises where there is disorder or noise on or close to the premises, as well as the making of exclusion orders on individuals convicted of a range of public order offences, in addition to any penalty they might receive under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994.
While the Public Order Acts are kept under continual review, I have no plans at present to update the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 2003.
494. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the age profile of asylum seekers currently resident in direct provision by age and gender in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24863/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are currently 34 accommodation centres located in 17 counties throughout the state.
Based on the most recently available information, the statistics requested by the Deputy (age profile by gender) are outlined as follows.
|
Age |
Female |
Male |
|
0-4 |
331 |
369 |
|
5-12 |
309 |
333 |
|
13-17 |
102 |
124 |
|
18-25 |
269 |
438 |
|
26-35 |
678 |
1,016 |
|
36-45 |
407 |
625 |
|
46-55 |
116 |
203 |
|
56-65 |
43 |
42 |
|
66+ |
20 |
13 |
|
Total |
2,275 |
3,163 |
495. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a Palestinian citizen who is married to an Irish citizen is eligible to apply for Irish citizenship. [24866/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. All applications for a certificate of naturalisation are processed and assessed individually in accordance with the provisions of the Act. A determination on whether an applicant satisfies the statutory criteria attendant to naturalisation can only be made after an application is received.
Section 15 of the Act provides that the Minister may, in his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation if satisfied that certain statutory conditions are fulfilled. The conditions are that the applicant must:
- be of full age, or a minor born in the State,
- be of good character,
- have had a period of one year's continuous residency in the State immediately before the date of application and, during the eight years immediately preceding that period, have had a further total residence in the State amounting to four years,
- intend in good faith to continue to reside in the State after naturalisation,
- have, before a judge of the District Court in open court, in a citizenship ceremony or in such manner as the Minister, for special reasons, allows -
(i) made a declaration, in the prescribed manner, of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State, and
(ii) undertaken to faithfully observe the laws of the State and to respect its democratic values.
Section 15A provides that, notwithstanding the above, where the application is based on being the spouse or civil partner of an Irish citizen the requirements are, inter alia, that the couple are married or civil partners to each other for a period of at least 3 years and are living together and, immediately before the date of application, have a period of one year's continuous residence in the island of Ireland and, during the preceding four years, have a further period amounting to 2 years (i.e. 3 years in total). Section 15A(2) provides that the Minister may, in his absolute discretion waive some of the conditions in relation to an application from a spouse or civil partner of an Irish citizen if he is satisfied that the applicant would suffer serious consequences in respect of his or her bodily integrity or liberty if not granted Irish citizenship.
It is open to any individual to lodge an application for citizenship if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory conditions as prescribed in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. The granting of Irish citizenship may have implications regarding any citizenship already held by applicants therefore appropriate research is advised with the authorities in the applicant's originating jurisdiction.
Detailed information on Irish citizenship and naturalisation, along with the relevant application forms and guidance notes, is available on the INIS website at ww.inis.gov.ie.
496. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the sections of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 which have not yet been commenced further to concerns raised by an organisation (details supplied) on behalf of same-sex couples; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24902/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 was enacted on 6 April 2015 but has not yet been fully commenced. The Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (Commencement of Certain Provisions Order) 2016 (S.I. No. 12 of 2016) commenced the bulk of the Act with effect from 18 January 2016. That Commencement Order brought provisions of Parts 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12 and 13 of the Act into operation. The Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (Commencement) Order 2017 (S.I. No. 355 of 2017) commenced part of section 47(c) of the Act with effect from 31 July 2017 and the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (Commencement) (No. 2) Order 2017 (S.I. No. 474 of 2017) commenced provisions of the Act relating to adoption by civil partners and cohabiting couples with effect from 2 November 2017.
Part 10 of the Act, which amended the Passports Act 2008, was commenced by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade on 1 July 2015.
Part 11 of the Act, which related to adoption, was not commenced and was repealed by section 2(2) of the Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017, which came into operation on 19 October 2017, as provided for by the Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 (Commencement) Order 2017 (S.I. No. 443 of 2017). The provisions in Part 11 have been incorporated into the Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017, for which the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs is responsible.
Section 177 of the Act which amends section 2 of the Adoptive Leave Act 1995 has not yet been commenced. Following adoption of the 34th amendment to the Constitution and its subsequent legislative changes, my Department identified a lacuna in the Adoptive Leave Act 1995 that prevents male same-sex married couples from availing of adoptive leave and benefits. To address this lacuna, my Department has prepared draft legislative proposals that will amend section 177 to afford the same entitlements to adoptive leave and benefits to all couples who are married, cohabiting or who are in a civil partnership, irrespective of gender.
Parts 2 and 3 of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 provide for parentage through donor-assisted human reproduction (DAHR). The issue of the recognition of parentage for same-sex couples and their children is dealt with under Part 2 of the Act. The Minister for Health has responsibility for commencement of Parts 2 and 3 of the Act.
Other provisions of the Act which relate to DAHR have not yet been commenced as they are linked to Parts 2 and 3. The commencement of the provisions of the Act which are related to Parts 2 and 3 will be co-ordinated with the commencement of those Parts by the Minister for Health.
In this regard, the Deputy will be aware that the General Scheme of the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill is undergoing pre-legislative scrutiny by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health. That Bill will provide for the establishment of an Assisted Human Reproduction Regulatory Authority which will, among other things, undertake certain functions under Parts 2 and 3 of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015.
Part 9 of the Act provides for a number of amendments to the Civil Registration Act 2004. No provision of Part 9 has yet been commenced. Some sections cannot be commenced until Parts 2 and 3 are brought into operation by the Minister for Health. Other sections are dependent on provisions of the Civil Registration (Amendment) Act 2014 being commenced and my Department is liaising with the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection in relation to scheduling the commencement of these sections.
497. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí in the Henry Street and Roxboro Road districts of Limerick city in each of the years 2007 to 2017 and to date in 2018, in tabular form. [24914/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
As the Deputy will be aware both Henry Street and Roxboro Road Garda Districts form part of the Limerick Division. I am informed by the Commissioner that on 30 April 2018, the latest date for which figures are readily available, the strength of the Limerick Division was 565, of whom 309 and 136 were assigned to Henry Street and Roxboro Road Garda Districts respectively. There are also 27 Garda Reserves and 53 civilians attached to the Division. When appropriate, the work of local Gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Armed Support Units, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.
This Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and to deter crime. To achieve this the Government has put in place a plan for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. We are making real, tangible progress on achieving this goal.
Since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, just under 1,800 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, of whom 53 members have been assigned to the Limerick 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 in March, with a further 200 attesting this Friday. Further, Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, are on track to reach 14,000 by the end of this year.
Taking account of projected retirements, reaching a strength of 15,000 by 2021 will require some 1,600 more Garda members to be recruited on a phased basis over the next two years. This is an ambitious programme of accelerated recruitment. To ensure a continuous pipeline of candidates the Public Appointment Service on behalf of the Commissioner recently launched a new recruitment drive with a closing date of 7 June. Successful candidates from this new competition are expected to enter the Garda College in Q2 2019.
In addition to the investment in more Gardaí, 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. 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.
For the Deputy's information I have set out as follows in tabular form the number of Gardaí allocated to the Henry Street and Roxboro Road Garda Districts in each of the years 2007 to 2017 and to date in 2018, as of 30 April 2018 the latest date for which figures are currently available, as supplied by the Commissioner.
Strength of Henry Street and Roxboro Garda Districts 2007-2018*
|
District |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018* |
|
Henry Street |
330 |
358 |
363 |
376 |
363 |
341 |
329 |
314 |
311 |
317 |
313 |
309 |
|
Roxboro Road |
134 |
139 |
141 |
140 |
148 |
137 |
134 |
129 |
124 |
125 |
129 |
136 |
*Up to 30 April 2018
498. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason the Policing Authority has not yet issued guidelines on CCTV schemes in accordance with section 31(d) of the Garda Síochána (Policing Authority and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015; when the Policing Authority will issue these guidelines; if he issued guidelines prior to the 2015 Act as per section 38(11)(a) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24932/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that CCTV systems installed for the purposes of crime prevention and as aids to policing in areas to which the general public routinely have access, such as town centres, fall into two distinct but complementary categories, namely Garda CCTV systems and community-based CCTV systems. Neither type of CCTV system may be established without authorisation by the Garda Commissioner under section 38 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, among other requirements.
Garda CCTV systems are planned and implemented on the basis of An Garda Síochána's identified operational needs and priorities. Accordingly, decisions in relation to the introduction or extension of such systems are a matter for the Garda Commissioner and I, as Minister, have no role in that regard.
Under the grant-aid scheme launched by my Department last year to assist groups in the establishment of community-based CCTV systems in their local areas, eligible 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.
I am very anxious to ensure that all interested groups, in both rural and urban areas, take advantage of the availability of this grant aid scheme. 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. Support and guidance is available to help interested groups to apply for this funding through a dedicated email address available for this purpose - communitycctv@justice.ie. In addition, the criteria for the installation and operation by authorised persons of the CCTV system in specified areas has been established.
As the Deputy is aware, the Policing Authority, under section 38(11) of the An Garda Síochána Act 2005, as amended, is required to issue guidelines to the Garda Commissioner concerning the supervision and control by the Commissioner of the monitoring of CCTV by authorised persons. I can confirm to the Deputy that while the Authority has not issued guidelines under section 38(11) as yet, my Department is engaging with the Authority on the issue.
As mentioned above my Department has issued a Code of Practice For Community based CCTV systems which is available from our website at www.justice.ie. This provides guidance to local authority groups and informs them of their legal and data protection obligations.
499. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 115 of 30 May 2018, the process involved in drawing up the codes of conduct referred to in section 32 of the Data Protection Act 2018; the way in which all relevant stakeholders, including bodies that represent the interests of children, can make an appropriate input into its development and implementation; if a consultation will be opened on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24934/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra500. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Question No. 115 of 30 May 2018, if he will meet an organisation (details supplied) in regard to drawing up the codes of conduct referred to in section 32 of the Data Protection Act 2018 in order that it can make an appropriate input into its development and implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24935/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 499 and 500 together.
The position is that section 32 of the Data Protection Act 2018 provides that the Data Protection Commission (DPC) shall encourage the drawing up of codes of conduct intended to contribute to the proper application of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) with regard to the protection of children, the information to be provided by a controller to children, the manner in which the consent of the holders of parental responsibility over a child is to be obtained for the purposes of Article 8 of the GDPR, integrating the necessary safeguards into the processing in order to protect the rights of children in an age-appropriate manner for the purposes of Article 25 of the GDPR and the processing of the personal data of children for the purposes of direct marketing and creating personality and user profiles.
In addition, section 32 provides that for the purpose of establishing whether a draft code provides sufficient appropriate safeguards, the DPC may consult with children and bodies who appear to the DPC to represent the interests of children, the holders of parental responsibility over children and the Ombudsman for Children.
The DPC - which acts with complete independence in the performance of its tasks and exercise of its powers - has advised that it has recently engaged with a number of stakeholders in the child protection and children’s rights areas and intends to carry out a public consultation around issues pertaining to the specific standards of data protection applicable to children and the rights of children as data subjects.
The DPC intends to involve children directly in this consultation. It will also invite responses from all stakeholders in this area, including amongst others, organisations which represent children’s rights, child protection organisations, representative bodies for parents and educators, as well as organisations that collect and process children’s data. This work will commence when the new school year starts in September 2018.
Arising from the consultation, the DPC will work with the industry, government and voluntary sector respondents and their representative bodies in a process to encourage the drawing up of a code of conduct to which entities which collect and process children’s data would demonstrably adhere.
It will be open to all interested parties to respond to the DPC public consultation process. As Minister for Justice and Equality, I do not have a role in relation to the drawing up or implementation of codes of conduct under section 32 of the Data Protection Act 2018.
501. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the INIS has access to an ink stamp to appropriately endorse a passport allowing a person to remain in the State (details supplied) on a stamp 1 basis and seek employment without the requirement for an employment permit; if not, if it will be supplied with same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24937/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that officials have been in contact with the Deputy directly to request further details to allow further investigation of this matter.
502. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of proceedings lodged in respect of repossession cases before the courts involving the family home; the number of proceedings dealt with; the number of adjournments granted in each of the years 2015 to 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24980/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in exercising its functions, which include the provision of information on the courts system.
However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has, further to Parliamentary Question No. 284 on 29 May 2018, provided information on the number of Circuit Court proceedings in respect of properties identified as the primary home lodged in 2015-2017 as well as the number of proceedings dealt with in 2015-2017.
Possession Proceedings in the Circuit Court in respect of properties identified as the Primary Home in 2015 - 2017
|
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
|
|
Civil Bills Lodged |
4,088 |
3,277 |
2,439 |
|
Orders Granted |
918 |
854 |
733 |
The Courts Service has advised that court statistics in relation to adjournments granted in Circuit Court possession proceedings do not distinguish between properties identified as the primary home and other properties. Information on adjournments broken down by property type would require the examination of individual court records which would require a disproportionate amount of staff time and resources. However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, the Courts Service has provided statistics on the number of adjournments granted by the Circuit Court in relation to all possession proceedings in 2015-2017.
Adjournments granted by Circuit Court in relation to Possession Proceedings
|
Possession Civil Bill Cases |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
|
Adjournments Granted |
24,052 |
21,855 |
22,147 |
Please note that these statistics include all adjournments in a case in each of the years.
503. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of fines that have been applied to persons driving without insurance in each of the years 2013 to 2017, by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25019/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in exercising its functions, and this includes the provision of information on the courts system.
However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has provided the following Report on the number of fines imposed for driving without insurance from 2013 to 2017, by Court Area (please note Report is by offence):
|
Court Area |
Jan-Dec 2013 |
Jan-Dec 2014 |
Jan–Dec 2015 |
Jan-Dec 2016 |
Jan–Dec 2017 |
|
ABBEYFEALE |
13 |
5 |
|||
|
ACAILL |
2 |
1 |
2 |
4 |
1 |
|
AN CLOCHAN LIATH |
12 |
14 |
18 |
14 |
23 |
|
AN DAINGEAN |
1 |
4 |
6 |
||
|
AN FAL CARRACH |
9 |
12 |
10 |
12 |
12 |
|
AN SPIDEAL |
2 |
||||
|
ARDEE |
19 |
15 |
21 |
17 |
30 |
|
ARKLOW |
32 |
35 |
20 |
25 |
41 |
|
ATHLONE |
80 |
118 |
103 |
112 |
156 |
|
ATHY |
25 |
31 |
34 |
37 |
40 |
|
BALLAGHADERREEN |
17 |
20 |
17 |
16 |
21 |
|
BALLINA |
22 |
26 |
39 |
33 |
39 |
|
BALLINASLOE |
51 |
50 |
66 |
33 |
52 |
|
BALLYCONNELL & SWANLINBAR |
5 |
||||
|
BALLYHAUNIS |
10 |
2 |
|||
|
BALLYSHANNON |
13 |
30 |
19 |
17 |
19 |
|
BALTINGLASS |
12 |
||||
|
BANDON |
36 |
53 |
62 |
55 |
60 |
|
BANTRY |
15 |
19 |
18 |
28 |
33 |
|
BEAL AN MHUIRTHEAD |
9 |
8 |
4 |
4 |
8 |
|
BIRR |
19 |
||||
|
BRAY |
78 |
118 |
73 |
108 |
125 |
|
BUNCRANA |
24 |
17 |
41 |
30 |
23 |
|
CAHIRCIVEEN |
7 |
1 |
4 |
||
|
CARLOW |
87 |
95 |
136 |
119 |
108 |
|
CARNDONAGH |
21 |
20 |
16 |
25 |
32 |
|
CARRICK ON SHANNON |
28 |
27 |
28 |
27 |
28 |
|
CARRICK ON SUIR |
18 |
22 |
17 |
12 |
14 |
|
CARRICKMACROSS |
27 |
43 |
44 |
83 |
91 |
|
CASHEL |
34 |
41 |
34 |
31 |
56 |
|
CASTLEBAR |
53 |
40 |
50 |
65 |
92 |
|
CASTLECOMER |
1 |
||||
|
CASTLEREA |
10 |
10 |
11 |
14 |
18 |
|
CAVAN |
54 |
65 |
96 |
120 |
125 |
|
CILL RONAIN |
1 |
4 |
3 |
1 |
|
|
CLIFDEN |
11 |
18 |
16 |
17 |
15 |
|
CLONAKILTY |
34 |
19 |
25 |
23 |
24 |
|
CLONES |
5 |
||||
|
CLONMEL |
57 |
48 |
41 |
40 |
50 |
|
CORK CITY |
539 |
425 |
398 |
500 |
481 |
|
DOIRE AN FHEICH |
13 |
18 |
15 |
18 |
25 |
|
DONEGAL |
9 |
13 |
23 |
24 |
17 |
|
DROGHEDA |
70 |
61 |
45 |
57 |
173 |
|
DUBLIN METROPOLITAN DISTRICT |
1,556 |
1,899 |
2,015 |
2,171 |
2,671 |
|
DUNDALK |
101 |
66 |
61 |
72 |
139 |
|
DUNGARVAN |
8 |
18 |
17 |
18 |
30 |
|
EDENDERRY |
24 |
||||
|
ENNIS |
181 |
211 |
177 |
188 |
195 |
|
FERMOY |
27 |
53 |
33 |
44 |
73 |
|
GALWAY |
168 |
151 |
180 |
203 |
240 |
|
GOREY |
84 |
82 |
90 |
79 |
133 |
|
GORT |
25 |
21 |
42 |
27 |
51 |
|
KELLS |
39 |
3 |
|||
|
KENMARE |
1 |
4 |
6 |
3 |
5 |
|
KILCOCK |
35 |
41 |
40 |
57 |
60 |
|
KILKENNY |
105 |
86 |
122 |
131 |
158 |
|
KILLALOE |
20 |
29 |
42 |
34 |
26 |
|
KILLARNEY |
6 |
18 |
19 |
30 |
36 |
|
KILLORGLIN |
1 |
6 |
2 |
2 |
5 |
|
KILMALLOCK |
1 |
||||
|
KILRUSH |
28 |
33 |
29 |
30 |
31 |
|
KINSALE |
10 |
1 |
|||
|
LETTERKENNY |
93 |
98 |
108 |
121 |
142 |
|
LIMERICK |
230 |
165 |
334 |
449 |
495 |
|
LISMORE |
4 |
2 |
6 |
4 |
13 |
|
LISTOWEL |
18 |
19 |
21 |
9 |
17 |
|
LONGFORD |
76 |
137 |
126 |
165 |
168 |
|
LOUGHREA |
38 |
59 |
40 |
56 |
58 |
|
MACROOM |
27 |
17 |
36 |
28 |
57 |
|
MALLOW |
31 |
55 |
78 |
71 |
103 |
|
MANORHAMILTON |
5 |
4 |
5 |
3 |
|
|
MEATH |
71 |
351 |
|||
|
MIDLETON |
42 |
59 |
58 |
67 |
81 |
|
MONAGHAN |
16 |
40 |
40 |
56 |
71 |
|
MULLINGAR |
71 |
63 |
96 |
147 |
184 |
|
NA GLEANNTA |
10 |
16 |
7 |
6 |
7 |
|
NAAS |
120 |
169 |
169 |
193 |
235 |
|
NAVAN |
61 |
90 |
80 |
39 |
3 |
|
NENAGH |
41 |
46 |
87 |
73 |
95 |
|
NEWCASTLE WEST |
75 |
73 |
105 |
94 |
135 |
|
PORTLAOISE |
97 |
116 |
120 |
145 |
201 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
38 |
41 |
49 |
41 |
35 |
|
SHANNON |
1 |
||||
|
SKIBBEREEN |
19 |
20 |
19 |
6 |
15 |
|
SLIGO |
41 |
57 |
57 |
66 |
92 |
|
STROKESTOWN |
4 |
9 |
15 |
11 |
7 |
|
SWINFORD |
3 |
||||
|
TEMPLEMORE |
3 |
||||
|
THURLES |
36 |
31 |
56 |
49 |
57 |
|
TIPPERARY |
28 |
26 |
33 |
20 |
33 |
|
TRALEE |
24 |
43 |
44 |
55 |
74 |
|
TRIM |
24 |
20 |
32 |
9 |
|
|
TUAM |
61 |
76 |
80 |
77 |
76 |
|
TUBBERCURRY |
11 |
8 |
14 |
17 |
18 |
|
TULLAMORE |
78 |
144 |
133 |
158 |
243 |
|
VIRGINIA |
81 |
94 |
72 |
86 |
64 |
|
WATERFORD CITY |
152 |
126 |
107 |
118 |
108 |
|
WESTPORT |
10 |
9 |
12 |
11 |
6 |
|
WEXFORD |
76 |
72 |
80 |
81 |
218 |
|
WICKLOW |
56 |
42 |
54 |
61 |
57 |
|
YOUGHAL |
10 |
14 |
13 |
21 |
10 |
|
Total |
5,808 |
6,322 |
6,814 |
7,498 |
9,428 |
504. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of vehicles seized for driving without insurance in each of the years 2013 to 2017, by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25021/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have requested a report from An Garda Síochána in relation to the statistics sought by the Deputy and I will be in contact with the Deputy directly on receipt of this report.
505. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of deaths arising out of accidents involving vehicles which were driven by uninsured drivers in each of the years 2013 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25022/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have requested a report from An Garda Síochána in relation to the statistics sought by the Deputy and I will be in contact with the Deputy directly on receipt of this report.
506. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 279 of 29 May 2018, if only 0.5% of residents on direct provision have been in the asylum process for more than three years (details supplied). [25055/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to the response to Parliamentary Question No. 279 of 29 May 2018, it is important to note that the figures provided in that response relate only to those that have applied for international protection that have not yet received a first instance decision.
The report of the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) from December 2017, that is cited by the Deputy for comparison, relates to all persons residing in Direct Provision, regardless of whether they have had a first instance decision or not. Moreover, it is important to note that not all of those who apply for international protection choose to reside in Direct Provision accommodation and that there are also people residing in Direct Provision that are no longer in the protection process (such as those that have received international protection status or have Deportation Orders issued against them and are obliged to remove themselves from the State).
In response to the Deputy's question regarding those in the international protection process and residing in Direct Provision (regardless of whether they have got a first instance decision or are at a later stage of the process), the percentage of such applicants resident for more than three years amounts to 8.3%.
507. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if Iveragh, County Kerry, will be supported with the installation of ANPR cameras to assist in policing (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25061/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for carrying on and managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána, including the distribution and allocation of Garda resources. As Minister, I have no direct role in the matter.
I have asked the Garda Commissioner for the specific information requested and when it is to hand I will inform the Deputy accordingly.
508. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a new superintendent will be appointed to Bruff Garda station, County Limerick. [25066/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, the distribution of personnel is a matter for the Garda Commissioner and I, as Minister have no direct role in the matter. I am assured by the Commissioner that Garda personnel assigned throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategies, are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda Resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public.
I am informed by the Commissioner that Bruff Garda District forms part of the Limerick Division and that a Superintendent will be assigned to the District on 14 June 2018.
509. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if consideration has been given to allow a person (details supplied) to remain legally here; if recognition has been given to the person's exceptional academic achievement in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25069/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that this case relates to a person who brought a Judicial Review to the High Court. As the case is still sub judice I do not propose to comment further at this time.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
510. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a reply will issue to correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25074/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to confirm receipt of the correspondence sent by the Deputy on 3 May 2018.
The Deputy will appreciate that it was necessary for the Department to enquire into the matter. However I understand that a response is in preparation and will issue to the Deputy as soon as possible.
511. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when he expects a decision on an immigration appeal by persons (details supplied) to be processed; if it will be expedited in view of the seriousness of the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25083/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that an appeal in respect of both applications was received on the 16 May 2018. The applications were made under the terms of 2004/38/EC Directive (Free Movement) on the rights of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of Member States. An appeals officer will examine the applications and give full consideration to all the information made available in the original application and in the appeal.
Appeals are generally processed in chronological order (i.e. based on date order of receipt) and while every effort is made to process them as soon as possible, processing times will vary having regard to the volume, their complexity, the possible need to investigate, enquire into, or seek further information in relation to certain applications, and the resources available. Unfortunately, I cannot therefore give a definitive date at this time as to when these appeals will be finalised.
The applicants will be notified in writing as soon as a decision has been reached.
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 INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
In addition, applicants may themselves e-mail queries directly to INIS (visamail@justice.ie).
512. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the lengths of time individual prisoners were placed in safety observation cells, closed observation cells and 22 and 23 hour lock up in 2017 and to date in 2018, by prison in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25085/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by my officials in the Irish Prison Service that the data in relation to the duration of time individual prisoners were placed in Safety Observation Cells, Close Supervision Cells, 22 hour lock up and 23 hour lock up is not collated in the format requested. To collate this data would require a manual examination of a large number of individual prisoner records. Such an examination would require a disproportionate and inordinate amount of staff time and effort, which could not be justified where there are other significant demands on resources.
I can advise the Deputy that special arrangements are in place for prisoners who have been identified as being at risk, whereby they are placed in either a Safety Observation Cell or Close Supervision Cell on special observation and checked every 15 minutes. Prisoners who may have received bad news (for example a bereavement) are also closely monitored. There is a clear distinction between Safety Observation Cells which are used only for medical health reasons and Close Supervision Cells which are used for managing violent, disruptive or distressed prisoners.
The restriction of a prisoner's regime can occur due to a number of factors, including the protection of vulnerable prisoners. This is provided for under Rule 63 of the Prison Rules 2007. A prisoner may, either at his/her own request or when the Governor considers it necessary, in so far as is practicable and subject to the maintenance and good order and safe and secure custody, be kept separate from other prisoners who are reasonably likely to cause significant harm to him/her.
Under Rule 62 of the Prison Rules 2007 a Governor may decide, for the maintenance of good order in the prison, to remove a prisoner from general association or structured activity to reduce the negative effect that a prisoner or prisoners may have on the general population. In addition a smaller number of prisoners may have their regimes restricted for medical (Rule 64) or discipline reasons (Rule 67).
The Prison Rules 2007 provide that the imposition of a restricted regime is closely monitored by the Irish Prison Service and the status of each prisoner on restricted regime within the prison system is regularly reviewed. The collation of a Quarterly Census of Restricted Regime Prisoners commenced in 2013. This census is published on its website (www.irishprisons.ie) and includes details on a prison by prison basis of the number of prisoners on 22 and 23 hour lock-up each quarter.
513. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of female and male prisoner, respectively, who exercised their right to vote in the referendum to repeal the eighth amendment. [25086/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that the number of prisoners who exercised their right to vote in the recent Referendum was 5,855 males and 3 females. I am advised by my officials in the Irish Prison Service that considerable efforts were made to facilitate prisoner voting prior to the Referendum date.
The Irish Prison Service complies with the provisions of the Electoral Amendment Act 2006 in the context of facilitating prisoner voting in general and local elections and referenda, through ensuring:
Information on voting is contained in the induction packs presented to all prisoners on committal. Prison officials have worked closely with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government in producing an information leaflet for prisoners on prisoner voting. This leaflet is widely available in all prisons.
All prisons have a stock of ballot application forms available to prisoners on request.
All prisons have a designated official who has been appointed under the provisions of the Electoral Amendment Act 2006 with responsibility for the facilitation of prisoner postal voting.
Prisoners have access to a range of media forms including newspapers, radio and TV through which they are kept informed of current affairs. The extensive educational facilities available in the various institutions also play a role in this process of increasing prisoner awareness of political developments. Both the library service and the educational services in the prisons play a valuable role in increasing awareness among prisoners of their rights in this area.
