Written Answers Nos. 806-825
806. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the attention of An Garda Síochána was drawn to the fact that an aircraft (details supplied) which landed at Shannon Airport on 11 and 12 July 2018 was on contract to the US military while it was at the airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33082/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have requested the specific information sought by the Deputy from the Garda Authorities and I will write to her directly when that information is to hand.
807. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if stamp 4 status will be offered in the case of a person (details supplied); if consideration will be given to awarding the person temporary stamp 4 status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33084/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that, in response to a notification pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), written representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned.
These representations, together with all other information and documentation on file, will be fully considered, under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), and all other applicable legislation, in advance of a final decision being made.
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 email service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
808. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 272 of 11 July 2018, if he will address matters (details supplied) relating to the case of a missing person. [33090/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have again requested a report from An Garda Síochána in relation to the missing person referred to by the Deputy, and have relayed the additional details supplied by the Deputy in this regard, and I will be in contact with the Deputy directly on receipt of this report.
809. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of prisoners classified as protection prisoners by each prison and place of detention on the day of the census of restricted regime prisoners in January 2018 and on the day of the census of restricted regime prisoners in April 2018, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33120/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by my officials in the Irish Prison Service that the statistics concerning prisoners classified as protection prisoners by each prison and place of detention on the day of the Census of Restricted Regime Prisoners in January 2018 and on the day of the Census of Restricted Regime Prisoners in April 2018 are available on the Irish Prison Service website, www.irishprisons.ie, under Information Centre – Statistics & Information – Census Reports.
810. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to a requirement with regard to family reunification visa applications which unfairly disadvantages young persons who pursue third level education (details supplied); if same will be investigated to ensure young persons who pursue education are not unfairly disadvantaged in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33125/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the Policy Document on non-EEA Family Reunification which is available on the INIS website at www.inis.gov.ie provides a comprehensive statement of national immigration policy in the area of family reunification.
It should be noted that financial capacity is just one of the conditions considered when making a determination on a family reunification application and the circumstances of the parties concerned are considered in the round on a case by case basis. However, financial considerations are important in order to ensure that persons coming to Ireland are in a position to support themselves or to be supported by their sponsor and do not become an economic burden on the State.
In assessing any application, the Visa Officer will have regard to all of the information available to them including any previous applications made. The onus rests at all times with the applicant to satisfy the Visa Officer that any visa sought should be granted and all of the information that the applicant wishes to have taken into consideration should be included with the visa application.
The central concern, as with all visa services worldwide, in deciding on visa applications is to strike an appropriate balance between protecting the country's vital national interests by maintaining an effective immigration regime, while at the same time facilitating travel for those who meet the criteria. Each visa application is decided on its own merits taking all relevant factors into account.
811. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the criteria that constitute special circumstances in join spouse visa applications which may warrant the granting of an application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33126/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that its website (http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/Join%20Family) contains comprehensive guidelines to assist an applicant with the application process.
The information on the website is for guidance purposes only and does not limit the discretion of the Visa Officer in dealing with individual applications. In assessing any application, the Visa Officer will have regard to all of the information available to them including any previous applications made. The onus rests at all times with the applicant to satisfy the Visa Officer that any visa sought should be granted and all of the information that the applicant wishes to have taken into consideration should be included with the visa application.
The central concern, as with all visa services worldwide, in deciding on visa applications is to strike an appropriate balance between protecting the country's vital national interests by maintaining an effective immigration regime, while at the same time facilitating travel for those who meet the criteria. Each visa application is decided on its own merits taking all relevant factors into account and, as such, it is not possible to say in advance if a particular circumstance would lead to the grant of a visa.
812. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a Garda vetting application by a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33158/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, the processing of vetting applications by the Garda National Vetting Bureau is an operational matter for the Garda Authorities and is carried out in accordance with the provisions of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012-2016 and other relevant law. My Department has no role in the processing of individual vetting applications.
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that as of 12 July, records at the Garda National Vetting Bureau indicate that no valid Garda vetting application has been received in respect of the person who is the subject of the Deputy's Question. In the circumstances, I would advise the person concerned to contact the relevant registered organisation to ascertain the status of their vetting application.
813. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the average waiting times for each probate office to provide a grant of probate and a grant of letters of administration; his views on whether probate offices are providing a timely service in all areas; his further views on whether they have adequate resources and staff to provide a timely and efficient service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33200/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra814. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the review of the probate system by the Courts Service; when it will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33201/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra903. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of probate cases being processed; the expected turnaround time for dealing with probate cases; the number of residential homes in the probate system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33798/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 813, 814 and 903 together.
The Probate Office is an office of the High Court and management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in exercising its functions under the Courts Service Act 1998.
However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had inquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that the final Report of the Probate Services Review Group was submitted to and approved by the Board of the Courts Service on the 23rd April 2018. The Review makes a number of recommendations as set out in the Report in relation to:
- Improvements to existing business processes (some of which are already underway);
- Communication with the District Probate Registries;
- re-allocation of functions;
- ICT efficiencies including the development of online filing functionality, through an eprobate system and electronic data exchange with the Revenue Commissioners.
Work has now commenced on planning for the implementation of these recommendations. I wish to inform the Deputy that the waiting times have reduced dramatically and are now in line with the normal waiting times for work of this nature. Work has begun on the medium term objectives including amendments to the Rules of The Superior Courts and changes in work practices and processes.
The current processing time for applications to the Principal Probate Registry in Dublin are as follows:
- 5 weeks – applications from solicitors
- 12 weeks – personal applications
The processing time for applications in the District Probate Registries are set out as follows.
|
County |
Processing time |
|
Cork |
10-12 weeks |
|
Letterkenny |
20 weeks |
|
Sligo |
18 weeks |
|
Castlebar |
6 weeks |
|
Galway |
18 weeks |
|
Cavan |
4 weeks |
|
Dundalk |
10 weeks (6-7 weeks for lay litigants) |
|
Mullingar |
11-12 weeks |
|
Limerick |
12 weeks |
|
Clonmel |
4-6 weeks |
|
Tralee |
10 weeks |
|
Waterford |
12 weeks |
|
Kilkenny |
8 weeks |
|
Wexford |
8 weeks |
Probate Cases currently on hand in the Districts (as at 23 July 2018):
|
County |
No. of Probate Cases |
|
Cork |
508 |
|
Letterkenny |
180 |
|
Sligo |
134 |
|
Castlebar |
71 |
|
Galway |
170 |
|
Cavan |
37 |
|
Dundalk |
149 |
|
Mullingar |
70 |
|
Limerick |
296 |
|
Clonmel |
112 |
|
Tralee |
65 |
|
Waterford |
69 |
|
Kilkenny |
102 |
|
Wexford |
113 |
|
Total |
2,076 |
Information on the number of cases processed annually by the Principal Probate Registry and the District Probate Registries is set out in the Courts Service Annual Reports. The Annual Report for 2017 shows as follows:
|
-- |
Incoming 2017 |
Incoming 2016 |
Resolved 2017 |
Resolved 2016 |
|
Principal Registry |
8,231 |
8,705 |
8,287 |
8,098 |
|
Local Registries |
8,373 |
8,407 |
7,793 |
7,854 |
|
Total |
16,604 |
17,112 |
16,080 |
15,952 |
The Principal Registry in Dublin has already issued 6,659 grants in the first six months of 2018 and has 800 cases on hand at present.
Statistics are not maintained on the number of probate applications for residential homes and could only be compiled by the examination of each individual probate file which would involve the expenditure of a disproportionate amount of staff time impacting adversely on the work of the office.
815. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the first and full year and second to fifth year cost, respectively, of hiring 100 new recruits to An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33202/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for carrying on and managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána, including by arranging for the recruitment and training of the members of An Garda Síochána.
I have asked the Commissioner for the specific information requested by the Deputy but it has not been possible to provide the information within the time available. I will write to the Deputy when the information is to hand.
816. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the average operational cost of a Garda station that is opened on a 24-hour basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33222/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána including primary responsibility for the effective and efficient use of the resources available to An Garda Síochána. Further, the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close co-operation with the Office of Public Works (OPW). As Minister, I have no direct role in these matter.
The operational costs of Garda stations are dependent on factors including in particular the scale and condition of the station as well as functions conducted therein. It should be recalled that Garda stations range from small Garda Stations, designed for public interaction and suitable for a small number of staff up to large, complex facilities designed to accommodate up to 300 people and a wide variety of operational functions.
Indeed running costs associated with Garda stations vary even at the level below District and Divisional Headquarters. These costs, including for example electricity, fuel, maintenance, repair and upgrade costs, are dependent on the size, usage, age and complexity of each station.
In the circumstances, I am advised by the Garda authorities that it is not possible to determine a cost that would accurately represent the average running cost of an unspecified Garda station given their widely differing sizes, the variety of functions conducted in each type of station, the number of personnel attached to stations and the cost of services provided.
817. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the five most recently built Garda stations; the cost associated with each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33223/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close co-operation with the Office of Public Works (OPW), which has the responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. As Minister I have no direct role in the matter.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the five new Garda Stations most recently constructed in the State are as follows:
|
Garda Station |
Completed |
|
Ballincollig, Co. Cork |
2011 |
|
Castleisland, Co. Kerry |
2011 |
|
Divisional HQ, Wexford |
2017 |
|
Divisional HQ, Kevin Street, Dublin |
2018 |
|
Regional HQ, Galway |
2018 |
The Garda authorities and Office of Public Works advise that the costs associated with the construction of Ballincollig and Castleisland stations were as follows:
|
Project |
Total final cost |
|
Ballincollig, Co Cork |
€4.5 million |
|
Castleisland, Co Kerry |
€3.7 million |
I understand that the final construction costs are not yet available for the new Divisional and Regional Headquarters at Wexford, Kevin Street Dublin and Galway. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the following table sets out the contract value as awarded in each case as indicated by the OPW. However, it is important to note that the full cost of the developments will be available only after all payments and the final accounts have been agreed between the contracting parties in each case.
|
Project |
Value of contract awarded (excluding VAT) |
|
Divisional HQ, Wexford |
€ 22.3 million |
|
Divisional HQ, Kevin Street, Dublin |
€ 27.4 million |
|
Regional HQ, Galway |
€ 24.974 million |
818. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons granted bail in each of the years 2015 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33224/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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.
However in order to be of assistance to the Deputy I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me of the following:
|
Year |
Number of persons who were granted bail |
|
Jan - Dec 2015 |
26,894 |
|
Jan - Dec 2016 |
28,668 |
|
Jan - Dec 2017 |
30,660 |
|
Jan - 30 June 2018 |
21,927 |
Note: Please note that the query is based on bail granted, the defendant may or may not have taken up the bail.
Note 2: Please note that if a person was granted bail more than once on the same charges or on new charges they only appear once in the report.
819. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in the determination of the status of a stamp 4 application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33263/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs background, the person's case is among a large number of cases held by INIS pending the outcome of the Supreme Court judgment in the Luximon and Balchand cases which was finalised on 24 April 2018. It is hoped that INIS will be in a position to consider the person’s situation shortly in the context of addressing issues which have arisen with a number of other applicants who entered the State within the same time period and who are in a similar position.
In this regard, the person’s request remains under active consideration and it may take some time to fully resolve the large number of cases involved so INIS would ask that the person concerned bear with them while these cases are worked through. INIS will be in contact with the person again when this work is finalised.
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.
820. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of cases before the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal involving the Prison Service; the length of time each one has been waiting for a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33277/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the allocation and management of Garda resources, including ICT resources, is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner having due regard to his operational needs and the availability of resources. As Minister I have no role in the matter.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that a project to enhance network access to rural Garda stations is being progressed under the Modernisation and Renewal Programme. 111 stations are currently not connected to the Garda network so to allow access to Garda ICT services including PULSE. However, any member attached to a currently unconnected station can access PULSE at their local district station. Members in non-networked locations can also contact the Garda Information Services Centre (GISC) or an associated networked station if required.
Garda authorities inform me that of these 111 stations, connectivity for 34 is now nearing completion. An Garda Síochána is also at the early stages of planning for the connection of an additional 12 stations. This work is due to be completed before the end of 2018.
I am further informed that An Garda Síochána is engaged in planning connectivity solutions for the remaining 65 stations, taking into account factors such as local access to broadband services and the potential for mobile connectivity.
I have asked the Commissioner for the specific information requested in relation to the 111 stations in question and will write to the Deputy when the information is to hand.
821. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of cases before the Criminal Injury Compensation Tribunal involving the prison service; the length of time each one has been waiting for a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33316/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra822. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number and names of those that serve on the Criminal Injury Compensation Tribunal; the number of cases dealt with each year; the cost per year of the tribunal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33317/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 821 and 822 together.
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal administers the Scheme of Compensation for Personal Injuries Criminally Inflicted (General Scheme) and the Scheme of Compensation for Personal Injuries Criminally Inflicted on Prison Officers. Under the terms of the Scheme, the Tribunal is entirely independent in the matter of individual decisions on applications for compensation.
The Tribunal consists of a Chair and six ordinary members who are practising barristers or solicitors, supported by a Secretariat staff. The current membership is:
|
- |
Current membership |
|
Chair |
Helen Boyle, B.L. |
|
Ordinary Member |
Martin Lawlor |
|
Ordinary Member |
Grace Mulherin, B.L. |
|
Ordinary Member |
Cian Kelly, B.L |
|
Ordinary Member |
Mema Byrne, B.L. |
|
Ordinary Member |
Niamh Tuite |
|
Ordinary Member |
Willliam Aylmer |
There are currently no vacancies to be filled on the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal. I have ensured that a full Tribunal membership has been maintained in order to continue to address claims as promptly as possible within the funds available.
The information requested regarding the number of applications received and the amount of compensation paid under the both schemes is provided in tabular form below.
|
Year |
Number of Applications Received (General Scheme) |
Compensation Paid (€) |
|
2014 |
257 |
3.955m |
|
2015 |
217 |
4.016m |
|
2016 |
210 |
3.765m |
|
2017 |
181 |
3.978m |
|
Year |
Number of Applications Received (Prison Officers) |
Compensation Paid (€) |
|
2014 |
76 |
0.977m |
|
2015 |
75 |
0.575m |
|
2016 |
89 |
0.750m |
|
2017 |
107 |
0.741m |
It is not possible to provide an average length of time to settle each claim as it varies depending on the circumstances of each case. While applications are processed with the minimum of formality compared to court proceedings where compensation is being claimed under the Civil Liability Acts, in making their decisions Tribunal Members must be satisfied that all supporting documentation submitted is in order. In some cases there can be delays pending the availability of all required documentation and some cases are complex in terms of medical conditions being assessed.
Because of the manner in which cases are recorded, in particular cases which are opened but not actively pursued by the applicant, it is not possible to provide the Deputy with the average length of time taken to bring cases to a conclusion as a composite figure for the number of cases actually requiring further deliberation is not readily available. I have asked that these matters are examined with a view to clarifying the position into the future.
823. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the improvement works to be carried out at Donegal town Garda station; the timeframe for the completion of these works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33357/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 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 Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021 is an ambitious programme, based on Garda priorities, which will benefit some 30 locations nationwide. The programme includes the significant refurbishment of Donegal Town Garda Station.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that a panel of main contractors has been established for the works involved. Tenders for the mechanical, electrical and lift specialists will be sought from existing OPW frameworks and the preparation of all tender documentation in that regard is progressing. I understand that the OPW expects to be in a position to publish the main tender by Quarter 4, 2018.
I am informed that the OPW advise that it is not possible at present to give a timeframe for the completion of the refurbishment works until both the public procurement process and contract award process are completed.
824. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda stations in County Donegal that do not have full access to high-speed broadband; the timeframe for connection of those stations which do not have broadband access; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33358/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 crime and to prevent loss and harm to citizens and their property on a 24/7 basis.
The Modernisation and Renewal Programme sets out a series of initiatives which will enable An Garda Síochána to 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.
As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána as well as for decisions in relation to the allocation and management of Garda equipment and resources, including ICT. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that a project to enhance network access to rural Garda stations is being progressed under the Modernisation and Renewal Programme. There are 565 operational Garda stations in the State. Various broadband networks and services are used by An Garda Síochána to connect stations to the Garda network for official purposes. I am advised by the Garda authorities that 111 stations are currently not connected to the Garda network. However any member attached to a currently unconnected station can access PULSE at their local district station and members in non-networked locations can also contact the Garda Information Services Centre or an associated networked station if required.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that 10 Garda stations in Donegal are not connected to the Garda network but which are at an advanced stage to be completed. I understand that these sites are awaiting infrastructure works to allow completion of the connection and that it is currently envisaged that these stations will all be connected by the end of 2018.
825. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda stations within the Donegal division that only have one Garda posted within the station; his views on whether in order to provide a critical basic service level that each station should have a minimum of two gardaí stationed at each station; if the possibility of providing such a minimum number of gardaí per operational Garda station within the Donegal division will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33359/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of personnel and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution under review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities to ensure optimum use is made of the resources.
I am informed by the Commissioner that in order to deliver an effective policing service, it is essential that Garda management have the flexibility to deploy Garda resources to meet operational policing needs and address critical issues as they arise. For this reason, it is a matter for the Divisional Chief Superintendent to determine the optimum distribution of personnel.
I am further informed by the Garda Commissioner that as of 31 May 2018 there are 9 Garda stations in the Donegal Division that have only one Garda posted. However, I can assure the Deputy that they have the full support of their Divisional colleagues as and when required. The work of local Gardaí is also 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.
The Deputy will be aware that on foot of a commitment in the Programme for Government, the Garda Síochána Inspectorate, at the request of the Policing Authority, is carrying out a review of the dispersal and use of resources available to An Garda Síochána in the delivery of policing services to local communities. The Authority has informed the Inspectorate that the review, which will be comprehensive and include a consultative process, should take account of:
- the changing environments in rural, developing urban and suburban areas;
- the views of local communities;
- the allocation and deployment of Garda resources at the local policing level, including the use of the Garda Reserve, Garda facilities and Garda equipment; and
- relevant recommendations made in previous Inspectorate reports.
The review is expected to be completed during the course of this year.
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 make this a reality for all, the Government has in place a plan for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021, including 15,000 Garda members. Real, tangible progress has been made towards this goal.
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 as new Garda recruits come on stream. Since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014 almost 2,000 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide. Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increased to 13,551 at the end of 2017 - a net increase of over 600 since the end of 2016. This year a further 800 new Garda Recruits will enter the Garda College and we are on track to reach 14,000 by the end of 2018.
In addition, a further 500 civilians will also be recruited to fill critical skills gaps across the organisation and to facilitate the redeployment of Gardaí from administrative and technical duties to front-line operational duties. There are plans to strengthen the Garda Reserve with new Reserves expected to commence training in 2018.
This focus on investment in personnel is critical and I am pleased that funding is in place to maintain this high level of investment in the Garda workforce to ensure that the overall vision for 2021 remains on track.
