Tuesday, 24 Jul 2018

Written Answers Nos. 848-872

Courts Service Expenditure

Ceisteanna (850)

John Brady

Ceist:

850. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the costs associated with court cases involving child maintenance payments in each of the years 2012 to 2017. [33571/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

As the Deputy will be 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.

However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that the information sought by the Deputy is not available. The Courts Service do not allocate costs at the level required to answer the question.

Garda Civilian Staff Recruitment

Ceisteanna (851)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

851. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to increase the civilian staff numbers in the Garda technical bureau; the types of posts civilians may fill in this section; his further plans to increase the number of qualified policing staff in the section; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33637/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Garda Inspectorate Report entitled “Changing Policing in Ireland - Delivering a Visible, Accessible and Responsive Service” was published on 9 December 2015. The report recommended that the forensic functions of the Garda Technical Bureau be divested to Forensic Science Ireland and this recommendation was adopted by Government.

A plan to merge the forensic functions of the Garda Technical Bureau and Forensic Science Ireland has been drawn up by a Working Group chaired by my Department. Discussions are underway to implement this plan and it is expected that this merger process will commence in 2018. In the interim technical vacancies within the Garda Technical Bureau will be filled by civilians seconded from Forensic Science Ireland.

In addition, the Director General of Forensic Science Ireland is completing a work force plan to ensure that this merged organisation will have the right skills and resources to meet ongoing forensic service requirements. A recruitment campaign is currently underway to recruit scientists into Forensic Science Ireland.

The scenes of crime function, where Garda members attend to locations where crimes have been committed, will remain within An Garda Síochána and it is a matter for the Garda Commissioner to decide on the resources required to meet this operational requirement. 

Garda Data

Ceisteanna (852)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

852. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of police staff and civilian staff per specialised Garda unit and-or specialised section; the grade of civilian staff per specialised unit and-or specialised section on a divisional basis in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33640/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

As 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.

For the Deputy's information the following tables, received from the Garda authorities, presents the latest data for the national specialist units, which form Garda Special Crime Operations. It is important to note that these are national units which support the work of the 28 Garda Divisions across the Country and are consequently not broken down by Division.

I am informed by the Commissioner that the Special Detective Unit (SDU) is responsible for the investigation of threats to state security and the monitoring of persons who pose a threat to the security of the State on both national and international fronts. The Unit also provides security for visiting VIPs, cash in transit movements and armed response and is the operational wing of the Witness Security Programme. The highly trained and equipped specialist intervention unit, the Emergency Response Unit, is also part of SDU.

I am advised by the Commissioner that for security and operational reasons the strength of the SDU, ERU, Regional Support Units and the Special Tactics and Operational Command Unit cannot be provided.

  Garda Strength of Garda Special Crime Operations 31 May 2018

-	CR	DC	AC	CS	SU	IN	SG	GD	TOTAL
Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau	0	0	0	1	3	2	20	88	114
Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau	0	0	0	0	0	1	5	17	23
Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (formerly Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation)	0	0	0	1	2	2	16	47	68
Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation	0	0	0	1	3	0	15	62	81
Garda National Protective Services Bureau	0	0	0	0	3	2	17	41	63
Garda National Technical Bureau	0	0	0	0	1	2	16	49	68
Criminal Assets Bureau	0	0	0	1	1	0	9	31	42

Civilian Strength of Garda Special Crime Operations 31 May 2018

-	Other	PO	AP	AO	HEO	EO	CO	TOTAL
Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau	0	0	0	0	1	3	5	9
Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau	0	0	0	0	1	1	2	4
Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (formerly Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation)	3	0	0	0	0	3	11	17
Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation	0	0	0	0	0	1	5	6
Garda National Protective Services Bureau	0	0	0	0	1	2	10	13
Garda National Technical Bureau	3	0	0	0	0	1	15	19
Criminal Assets Bureau*	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

*There are no Garda Civilian Staff attached to CAB but there are officers of other bodies - details can be found in the recently published 2017 Annual Report

Court Accommodation Provision

Ceisteanna (853)

Seán Fleming

Ceist:

853. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a site will be finalised for a new building (details supplied); when construction work will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33677/18]

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 informed me that negotiations are at an advanced stage on the acquisition of a site for a new courthouse in Portlaoise. When a site has been secured, the design of the project can be advanced with the assistance of the OPW.

A number of 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.

Garda Civilian Staff Recruitment

Ceisteanna (854, 867)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

854. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated full year cost of employing five forensic accountants in the Garda national economic crime bureau. [33682/18]

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

867. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated full year cost of employing five forensic accountants in the Garda national economic crime bureau. [33740/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I propose to take Questions Nos. 854 and 867 together.

As the Deputy will appreciate, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, as amended, 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.  Further, the allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Commissioner, in light of the availability of resources and his identified operational demands.  As Minister I have no direct role in the matter.

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the estimated full year cost to An Garda Síochána of employing five forensic accountants in the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau would be approximately €334,500.

I am further advised by the Garda authorities that this estimated costing relies on the assumption of the 5 forensic accountants being placed on the first point of the relevant salary scale; and inclusion of employers PRSI at a rate of 10.85%.

Legal Aid

Ceisteanna (855, 864)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

855. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated full year cost of reducing the minimum contribution for free civil legal aid by €70, €80, €90 and €100, respectively, in tabular form. [33683/18]

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

864. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated full year cost of reducing free civil legal aid by €70, €80, €90 and €100, respectively, in tabular form. [33735/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I propose to take Questions Nos. 855 and 864 together.

I would refer the Deputy to my reply to his previous Question Number 555 on 12 June 2018. The position is unchanged.

To be of assistance, the figures are set out again as follows, using the contributions figure collected in 2017 (provisional figure €1,647,517) as a base line.

-	If Aid Contribution were Reduced by €70	If Aid Contribution were Reduced by €80	If Aid Contribution were Reduced by €90	If Aid Contribution were Reduced by €100
Amount which would have been collected in 2017	€1,067,236	€992,588	€918,887	€845,459
Difference from amount actually collected in 2017	-€580,281	-€654,929	-€728,630	-€802,058

Labour Activation Programmes Data

Ceisteanna (856)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

856. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated cost of increasing the number of members of An Garda Síochána who have CBD level 2 driving training if increased by rates (details supplied). [33685/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

As 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 the training of personnel. As Minister, I have no direct role in the matter.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the provision of Competency Based Driving (CBD) 2 training for 3 members takes a period of three weeks and involves one instructor and one vehicle.  Each additional 3 members trained at the same time would require an additional instructor and an additional vehicle.

The Garda authorities indicate that it is not possible at this time to quantify the cost of the specified percentage increases in training for CBD2 training as requested by the Deputy.  However a review is underway in order to establish the requirements to provide training capability to address organisational needs and when this is completed An Garda Síochána will be better placed to identify such costings.

Judicial Appointments

Ceisteanna (857)

John Curran

Ceist:

857. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of vacancies awaiting the appointment of judges; the timeframe to fill these vacancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33689/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

As the Deputy will be aware, judicial appointments are made by the President acting on the advice of the Government in accordance with articles 13.9 and 35.1 of the Constitution. The Government endeavours to ensure that judicial vacancies across the courts are filled in a timely manner.

There is one vacancy in the Court of Appeal which will be filled in accordance with Government Decision of 5 July 2018 by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy who is scheduled to be appointed by the President to the Court of Appeal in July 2018.

There are two vacancies in the High Court which will be filled in accordance with Government Decision of 5 July 2018 by Ms Teresa Pilkington, SC and Mr Michael Quinn, Solicitor; both of whom are scheduled to be appointed by the President to the High Court in July 2018.

There are two vacancies in the District Court, one of which will be filled in accordance with Government Decision of 5 July 2018 by Ms Eirinn McKiernan, Solicitor who is due to be appointed by the President to the District Court in July 2018. Arrangements are currently underway in regard to the filling of the second vacancy in the District Court.

 There are currently two vacancies in the Supreme Court which are being kept under review.

Lobbying Data

Ceisteanna (858)

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

858. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number and names of the groups he met each month to date in 2018 that fall under the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33714/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015 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.  Under the Act the obligation is on the person or organisation in contact with the Designated Public Official to consider whether those contacts fall under the scope of the legislation and it will not therefore always be known to the Designated Public Official whether a meeting they have held will require to be registered as lobbying.  I would therefore refer the Deputy to the lobbying.ie website in order to access the information sought.

Garda Recruitment

Ceisteanna (859)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

859. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated full year cost of employing ten new front-line gardaí. [33730/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

As 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.

Departmental Funding

Ceisteanna (860)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

860. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated full year cost of employing ten new administration staff located in An Garda Síochána. [33731/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

As the Deputy will appreciate that 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 personnel.  Further, the allocation of Garda resources and distribution of personnel are a matter for the Commissioner, in light of the availability of resources and his identified operational demands.

As of 31 May 2018, there were approximately 2,300 civilians undertaking administrative, professional, technical and industrial support duties within An Garda Síochána. The Government has agreed an overall vision for a Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 to include 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Garda Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. The projected 4,000 civilians, which will effectively double the current number, represents a medium-term target of 20% of the Garda full-time workforce comprised of civilians.

Progress is being made in relation to civilianisation. Since the beginning of 2017 approximately 290 new civilian posts have been sanctioned by the Policing Authority with the consent of my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The bulk were to address critical skills gaps and capacity issues with a proportion sanctioned to make a start on the redeployment of Gardaí to policing duties. Of particular significance is that a number of civilians have been appointed to newly created senior leadership posts at Executive Director level to take responsibility for Strategy & Transformation and Legal & Compliance. 

Current civilian positions in An Garda Síochána range from clerical support and financial management functions to specialised roles in HR, IT and telecommunications, teaching, finance and procurement, internal audit, communications, research and analysis, accommodation, scene-of-crime support, legal and medical services. In addition, civilians also work in operational areas including the Garda Central Vetting Bureau, the Garda information Service Centre, the Fixed Charge Processing Office and the Command and Control Centre. These offices have a large number of civilian staff.

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the cost of employing ten new civilian staff is approximately €430,000. This was calculated by using an average estimated cost per civilian employee of approximately €43,000.  

Garda Equipment

Ceisteanna (861)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

861. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated full year cost of providing all front-line gardaí with body cameras. [33732/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Deputy will appreciate that the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the provision of equipment for An Garda Síochána including specialist equipment such as body worn cameras. As Minister, I have no direct role in the matter.

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that a working group is currently researching and exploring options for the potential use of body worn cameras in An Garda Síochána.  I have been advised by the Garda authorities that this working group is examining issues including current legislation, the procurement process, storage of data and solutions in other jurisdictions.

I understand that the Garda authorities are not yet in a position to estimate the overall cost of a potential rollout of body cameras.

Garda Equipment

Ceisteanna (862)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

862. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated full year cost of providing front-line Garda vehicles with GPS. [33733/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

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, decisions in relation to the allocation and management of Garda equipment and resources, including ICT as well as fit-out of the Garda fleet, are matters for the Garda Commissioner and as Minister, I have no direct role in that regard.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that GPS does not form part of the current specified requirements for technical fit-out of Garda vehicles. As such and in the absence of a tendering process for this type of equipment, it is currently not possible to provide an estimated cost for installation of GPS facilities in all Garda vehicles.

However the Deputy may wish to be aware that the Garda authorities have advised that a significant number of Garda vehicles operating nationwide are fitted with TETRA radios and that as a result, the majority of those vehicles have a GPS facility.

I am further informed that the standard issue TETRA radio handheld devices issued to members include a GPS facility.  The secure TETRA digital radio system allows relevant details (including for example incident details, location directions if required and any other relevant operational information) to be provided by the relevant Garda Control Room to Garda members as required.

Garda Youth Diversion Projects

Ceisteanna (863)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

863. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated cost of establishing a new Garda youth diversion project; and the estimated full year running cost of such a project. [33734/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality

In 2017, my Department provided €13,290,518 in grant funding which covered the full year costs of 105 Garda Youth Diversion Projects operating nationwide. A further €1,372,178 in grant funding was provided to support a range of other activities, including project work relating to Local Drugs Task Forces, pilot mentoring initiatives and measures to support training and best practices.

The full year running costs of a Garda Youth Diversion Project will vary between projects and is dependent on several factors including location, catchment area and the number of participants.  The most recently established GYDPs, which were set up in 2015, were allocated a maximum annual budget of €125,000 each. This included any costs associated with the establishment of the project, but not any costs for additional work in the areas of mentoring, family support etc.

Question No. 864 answered with Question No. 855.

Courts Service Data

Ceisteanna (865)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

865. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated full year running cost of the Courts Service. [33736/18]

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 is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in exercising its functions, which include the provision of information on the courts system.

The Courts Service Vote for 2018 has a total allocation of €131.575 million to cover pay, non-pay and capital expenditure.  Appropriations in Aid (Receipts) of €47.969 million are expected to arise, primarily from Court Fees.  Such receipts are used to defray the cost of running the Courts Service.  This brings the estimated net running cost of the Courts Service this year to €83.606 million, as published in the 2018 Estimate Volume.

Garda Civilian Staff

Ceisteanna (866)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

866. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of forensic accountants dedicated to tackling white collar crime. [33739/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

As 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 Garda Commissioner that the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) (formerly the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation) was established on 1 September 2016. The Bureau has dedicated expert staff, including professional forensic accountants, to address white-collar and other fraud and economic crimes. I am further informed by the Commissioner that as of 31 May 2018, the latest date for which figures are available there were 68 Garda and 17 Garda civilian staff assigned to the GNECB including 3 Forensic Accountants.  Garda management continue to review the needs of the Bureau to enable it to fully realise to the aims of the MRP and to ensure that An Garda Síochána maximises it capability to investigate emerging forms of economic crime.

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.

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. 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 and these specialist units are also receiving significant investment.

I am informed by the Commissioner that 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 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. We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the Commissioner with the resources to fight all types of Criminal activity including white collar crime.

For the Deputy's information, the following tables, as supplied by the Commissioner, sets out the latest figures as requested.

Civilian Strength of Economic Crime Bureau 31 May 2018

-	Other	EO	CO	TOTAL
Economic Crime Bureau		3	11	14
Accountant Grade II	3			3

Strength of Garda Economic Crime Bureau 31 May 2018

-	CR	DC	AC	CS	SU	IN	SG	GD	TOTAL
Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (formerly Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation)	0	0	0	1	2	2	16	47	68

Question No. 867 answered with Question No. 854.

Garda Data

Ceisteanna (868)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

868. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the staff complement of the Garda national economic crime bureau by rank and role. [33741/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

As 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.

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.

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. 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 and these specialist units are also receiving significant investment.

I am informed by the Commissioner that 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 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. We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the Commissioner with the resources to fight all types of Criminal activity including white collar crime.

I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) (formerly the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation) was established on 1 September 2016. The Bureau has dedicated expert staff, including professional forensic accountants, to address white collar and other fraud and economic crimes.  I am further informed by the Commissioner that as of 31 May 2018, the latest date for which figures are available there were 68 Garda and 17 Garda civilian staff assigned to the GNECB including 3 Forensic Accountants.  Garda  management continue to review the needs of the Bureau to enable it to fully realise to the aims of the MRP and to ensure that An Garda Síochána maximises it capability to investigate emerging forms of economic crime.

Civilian Strength of Economic Crime Bureau 31 May 2018

-	Other	EO	CO	TOTAL
Economic Crime Bureau		3	11	14
Accountant Grade II	3			3

Strength of Garda Economic Crime Bureau 31 May 2018

-	CR	DC	AC	CS	SU	IN	SG	GD	TOTAL
Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (formerly Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation)	0	0	0	1	2	2	16	47	68

Garda Resources

Ceisteanna (869)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

869. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated cost of increasing funding to the Garda national economic crime bureau by 10%, 20% and 30%, respectively. [33742/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Deputy will be aware that the allocation and management of Garda resources, including the allocation of expenditure, is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner having due regard to his operational needs. As Minister, I have no role in the matter.

I have been advised by the Garda authorities that the estimate requested has been based on the actual expenditure for the Economic Crime Bureau in 2017.

On that basis, and assuming the specified percentage increases in funding for the bureau, the total cost of the Bureau would be approximately €6.2 million (total cost including a 10% increase); €6.76 million (total cost including a 20% increase) or €7.3 million (total cost including a 30% increase).

White Collar Crime

Ceisteanna (870)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

870. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has considered establishing a dedicated organisation to tackle white collar crime; and if so, the estimated cost of same. [33743/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Government has made clear its commitment to tackling white collar crime.  In November of last year, the Government published a suite of measures aimed at enhancing corporate governance, increasing transparency and strengthening Ireland’s response to White Collar Crime. The implementation of these measures is progressing across three Departments; Business, Enterprise and Innovation, the Department of Finance, and the Department of Justice & Equality. 

One of the recommendations proposed changes to the structure of the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement, which my colleague the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation is taking forward.

In addition to that, my Department has been tasked with reviewing the structures in place to prevent fraud and corruption, and a working group to bring this recommendation forward will be set up in September. The fight against corruption will be greatly assisted by the recently enacted Criminal Justice (Corruption Offences) Act. 

The Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB, formerly the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation) was established on 1 September 2016. The Bureau has dedicated expert staff, including professional forensic accountants, to address fraud, white collar crime, and other and economic crimes. I am further informed by the Commissioner that as of 31 May 2018, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 68 Garda and 17 Garda civilian staff assigned to the GNECB.  Garda  management continue to review the needs of the Bureau to enable it to fully realise the aims of the Modernisation and Renewal Programme, and to ensure that An Garda Síochána maximises its capability to investigate current and emerging forms of economic crime.

A steering group, involving my Department, the GNECB and various other Departments and agencies, has been established to tackle a particular area of economic crime, known as 'invoice redirection fraud', which involves companies being targeted by criminals posing as trusted suppliers claiming to have changed their bank account details. The steering group is setting up a task force to tackle this issue and work is at an advanced stage. The work of the task force will help to inform the wider review of anti-fraud and anti-corruption structures.

An Garda Síochána has already had a number of significant successes in combating this crime. It is important for businesses to ensure that they verify any claimed change of bank account details from a supplier with some they know in that company. If they fail to do so and fall victim to this crime, they should contact An Garda Síochána immediately, as this will greatly assist the Gardaí in recovering the money before it is transferred out of the jurisdiction.

These are not crimes that are taken lightly by this Government, or by Gardaí, and I reiterate our commitment to tackling this particular form of crime.

Garda Station Refurbishment

Ceisteanna (871)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

871. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the budget of An Garda Síochána for maintenance and small capital works in each of the past five years. [33744/18]

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 responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation, including official housing. 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.

I have requested the relevant information from the Garda Commissioner and will write to the Deputy when it is to hand.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A

I refer to your Parliamentary Question No. 871 for answer on 24 July 2018 regarding the budget for maintenance and small capital works for An Garda Síochána. At the time I responded that, I would request the information sought by you from the Garda Commissioner and that I would write directly to the Deputy on receipt of same. I apologise for the delay in providing this information.

As the Deputy will appreciate 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.

There has been very significant investment in Garda resources across the State in recent years. Considerable efforts are being made by the Government to enhance the working environment for members of An Garda Síochána and major investment has been committed under the Capital Plan 2016-2021 to upgrade Garda premises.

The Garda Station Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021 is an ambitious 5 year programme, based on agreed Garda priorities that will benefit over thirty locations around the country. The programme is providing new stations and modernising older stations at key locations around the country, ensuring safe, modern working environment for members and staff of An Garda Síochána as well as fit-for-purpose facilities for visitors, victims and suspects.

Separately to the major capital funding being provided to An Garda Síochana, the Garda Vote also includes provision for maintenance and small capital works not forming part of the overall Building Programme.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the budget, including the supplementary allocation and expenditure, in the Garda Vote for maintenance and small capital works in the years 2013 – 2017 was as set out in the following table.

Year	Original Budget Allocation €	Supplementary Allocation €	Expenditure €
2017	721,000	3,479,000	4,301,000
2016	721,000	2,979,000	3,818,000
2015	721,000	2,779,000	3,347,000
2014	721,000	1,719,000	2,901,000
2013	721,000	979,000	1,919,000

I trust that this information is of assistance .

Electronic Tagging

Ceisteanna (872)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

872. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated full year cost of electronic tagging of persons released from prison by individual. [33745/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am to advise the Deputy that Part 10 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 provides for the introduction of electronic monitoring.

Following a competitive tender in 2014, a company was awarded the contract for the supply of electronic monitoring of prisoners for the Irish Prison Service. The current service provider allows for the provision of up to 50 electronic tags to the Irish Prison Service. The contract requires a minimum usage of 10 tags and the Irish Prison Service currently have 20 tags available for their use. This contract is now due for renewal and a tender for the supply of an electronic monitoring service is being prepared by the Irish Prison Service.

I am advised by my officials in the Irish Prison Service that electronic monitoring is used to monitor some prisoners who have been granted Temporary Release including for the purpose of the Community Return/Support Scheme. The system is also used to monitor some hospital in-patients who have been granted temporary release from Prison. It thus allows for a significant reduction in staffing costs for hospital escorts.

The figures for 2017 are provided in the table.

It is important to stress that the electronic monitoring arrangements that operate within the Irish Prison system are different to those envisaged in legislation under the Bail Acts (as amended) where significantly different constitutional and operational considerations apply.

PQ 14790/91/93 - 2017 statistics

Prisoner	Number of days prisoner was monitored electronically	Overall monitoring cost per prisoner
1	28	€1,453.48
2	143	€7,423.13
3	112	€5,813.92
4	59	€3,062.69
5	10	€519.10
6	52	€2,699.32
7	20	€1,038.20
8	174	€9,032.34
9	29	€1,505.39
10	33	€1,713.03
11	26	€1,349.66
12	14	€726.74
13	34	€1,764.94
14	14	€726.74
15	205	€10,641.55
16	28	€1,453.48
17	158	€8,201.78
18	21	€1,090.11
19	38	€1,972.58
20	115	€5,969.65
21	49	€2,543.59
22	49	€2,543.59
23	40	€2,076.40
24	30	€1,557.30
25	82	€4,256.62
26	36	€1,868.76
27	30	€1,557.30
28	41	€2,128.31
29	36	€1,868.76
30	18	€934.38
31	219	€11,368.29
32	19	€986.29
33	78	€4,048.98
34	15	€778.65
35	14	€726.74
36	89	€4,619.99
37	76	€3,945.16
38	16	€830.56
39	67	€3,477.97
40	41	€2,128.31
41	97	€5,035.27
42	35	€1,816.85
43	81	€4,204.71
44	25	€1,297.75
45	15	€778.65
46	28	€1,453.48
47	36	€1,868.76
48	14	€726.74
49	30	€1,557.30
50	32	€1,661.12
51	65	€3,374.15
52	42	€2,180.22
53	89	€4,619.99
54	23	€1,193.93
55	20	€1,038.20
56	98	€5,087.18
57	23	€1,193.93
58	34	€1,764.94
59	55	€2,855.05
Total	3200	€166,112.00