Written Answers Nos. 1040-1058
1040. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 273 of 12 July 2018, which was referred to the CSO, if the information to be provided will include in particular but not be limited to categories (details supplied). [34585/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical agency, is responsible for the compilation and publication of the official recorded crime statistics, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. I have asked the CSO to forward the available statistics in relation to the information requested directly to the Deputy.
1041. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda stations open in the Waterford Garda division in each year since 2009 by name; the number of Garda stations open in the Waterford Garda division that had access to broadband, in each year since 2009; and the number of Garda stations open in the Waterford Garda division that had access to high speed broadband, in each year since 2009. [34640/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda resources including ICT resources are a matter for the Garda Commissioner in light of his identified operational demands and the availability of resources. As Minister, I have no direct role in the matter.
I have asked the Garda Commissioner for the specific information requested and will write to the Deputy when it is to hand.
1042. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of extra employees to be hired in his Department between now and March 2019 to prepare for a hard Brexit; the specific roles these new employees will take up; the estimated cost of hiring these new employees; the impacts on his Department's expenditure ceilings for 2018 and 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34668/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government’s contingency planning for Brexit was initiated well in advance of the UK referendum in June 2016 and there has been a sustained intensification of this work over the last two years. To this end, co-ordination of the whole-of-Government response to Brexit is being taken forward through the cross-Departmental coordination structures chaired by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
While it remains difficult to fully assess the impact that Brexit will have on my Department from a resource perspective, my officials continue to engage in and monitor the progress of Brexit negotiations. The Deputy may wish to note that my Department has already assigned two additional Assistant Principal Officers to positions within the International Policy Division and the Permanent Representation in Brussels. In respect of any future demands, my Department will ensure that resources are assigned in a timely manner to address any of the matters that may arise in the context of Brexit and which impact on the work and functions of my Department.
1043. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of unfilled vacancies in his Department; the time these vacancies have been open from when the roles were first advertised to date for each vacancy or group of vacancies; the number of unfilled vacancies in each agency under his remit; the time these vacancies have been open from when the roles were first advertised to date for each vacancy or group of vacancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34686/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn managing the resources of my Department, my officials continually monitor the staffing requirements and vacancies that arise as a result of multiple factors including mobility, promotions and retirements. The Human Resources Division of my Department and the Human Resource units of agencies under my remit assess and prioritise the assignment of officers based on business needs and liaise closely with the Public Appointments Service (the body responsible for recruitment to the Civil Service) to ensure that we fill positions as quickly as possible. Following is a table of current vacancies within my Department and agencies under my remit.
|
Relevant Area |
Vacancies |
|
Department of Justice and Equality |
154 |
|
Courts Service |
37 |
|
Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission |
15 |
|
GSOC |
12 |
|
Policing Authority |
5 |
|
National Disability Authority |
2 |
The figures in the table above include bodies under the aegis of my Department with the exception of An Garda Síochána and the Irish Prison Service. I have asked both An Garda Síochána and the Prison Service to provide the information directly to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
1044. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda stations which have been closed in the Cavan-Monaghan Garda division in the past decade, in tabular form; the number of these buildings that have been sold; if An Garda Síochána has plans for the remaining stations in State ownership; his plans in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34699/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that the Garda Commissioner is primarily responsible for the effective and efficient use of the resources available to An Garda Síochána, including responsibility for the formulation of proposals in relation to the opening and closing of Garda stations, taking into account crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure that the best possible use is made of these resources. Further, 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, which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda estate currently includes 565 Garda stations, following the official opening of the new Western Region Headquarters, Galway in July 2018.
I am further informed by the Garda authorities that the Cavan/Monaghan Division currently comprises 25 stations, as follows: Arva, Bailieboro, Ballinagh, Ballybay, Ballyconnell, Ballyjamesduff, Belturbet, Blacklion, Carrickmacross, Castleblaney, Cavan, Clones, Cootehill, Dowra, Emyvale, Killeshandra, Kilnaleck, Kingscourt, Monaghan, Mullagh, Rockcorry, Scotstown, Shercock, Swanlinbar and Virginia.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda District and Station Rationalisation Programme developed and implemented in 2012 and 2013 resulted in the closure of some 139 Garda stations nationwide, including 10 stations closed in the Cavan/Monaghan Division during the period identified by the Deputy.
I understand that the 10 stations in Cavan/Monaghan Division which were closed as part of that rationalisation programme were as follows: Clontibret, Smithborough and Tullyvin (closed in 2012) and Bawnboy, Corrinshigagh, Newbliss, Redhills, Shantonagh, Stradone and Finea (closed in 2013).
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the closures implemented nationally under the rationalisation programme allowed front line Garda to be managed and deployed with greater mobility, greater flexibility and in a more focused fashion, particularly with regard to targeted police operations.
An Garda Síochána have further advised that the properties which formerly functioned as stations in Finea and Tullyvin were sold by public auction, while possession of the property at Shantonagh, which was a leased property, was returned to the landlord. The properties which formerly functioned as stations at Clontibret, Corrinshigagh, Newbliss, Smithborough, Bawnboy, Redhills and Stradone remain in State ownership.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for a Partnership Government commits to a pilot scheme to reopen 6 Garda stations to determine possible positive impacts on criminal activity, with special emphasis on burglaries, theft and public order. The former station at Bawnboy has been identified as one of the 6 stations to reopen under this scheme - the Garda Commissioner's final report on the matter, which is available on my Department's website, recommends that Bawnboy, Co. Cavan be reopened, along with stations at Ballinspittle, Co. Cork, Donard, Co. Wicklow, Leighlinbridge, Co. Carlow and Rush and Stepaside, Co. Dublin. The OPW and An Garda Síochána are actively engaged in progressing that pilot project.
In terms of the existing Garda estate in Cavan/Monaghan Division, the Deputy may also wish to note that the development of the planned new station at Bailieboro is additionally being progressed by An Garda Síochána in conjunction with the OPW.
1045. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the details of the EU directives that fall under his remit not yet transposed into law; the deadline imposed by the EU for the transposition of same; and the estimated date for the transposition of those directives into law. [34714/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn respect of the Deputy’s question please see the enclosed table which outlines the EU directives that come within the remit of my Department which have not yet been transposed into law, the estimated date for transposition into law and the EU deadline for transposition of same.
|
EU Directive |
Estimated Date for Transposition into Law |
EU Deadline for Transposition |
|
Directive (EU) 2018/843 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 amending Directive (EU) 2015/849 on the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purposes of money laundering or terrorist financing, and amending Directives 2009/138/EC and 2013/36/EU* |
By transposition deadline |
10 January 2020 |
|
Directive 2017/1371/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2017 on the fight against fraud to the Union's financial interests by means of criminal law. |
By transposition deadline |
6 July 2019 |
|
Directive 2017/853/EU of 17 May 2017 amending Directive 91/477/EEC on control of the acquisition and possession of weapons. |
By transposition deadline |
14 September 2018 (except for amendments to Article 4(3) and Article 4(4) of Directive 91/477/EEC which have a deadline of 14 December 2019) |
|
Directive 2017/541/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2017 on combating terrorism and replacing Council Framework Decision 2002/475/JHA and amending Council Decision 2005/671/JHA.** |
This Directive is largely already given effect to by the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Acts 2005-2015. Ireland did not opt in to this Directive under Article 3 of Protocol 21 given the time constraints in early 2016 |
8 September 2018 |
|
Directive 2015/849/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2015 on the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purposes of money laundering or terrorist financing, amending Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council, and repealing Directive 2005/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and Commission Directive 2006/70/EC.* |
Q4 2018 |
26 June 2017 |
|
Directive 2014/42/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 3 April 2014 on the freezing and confiscation of instrumentalities and proceeds of crime in the European Union. |
Substantially transposed by SI 540/2017 on 28 November 2017. Some further minor amendments are likely to be required. |
4 October 2016 |
|
EU Directive 2014/62/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 May 2014 on the protection of the euro and other currencies against counterfeiting by criminal law, and replacing Council Framework Decision 2000/383/JHA. |
December 2018 |
23 May 2016 |
1046. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress in relation to the need for a full and comprehensive investigation into the bombing in Belturbet in December 1972 which caused the death of two young persons and injuries to many others; if he is satisfied with the level of co-operation with the Northern Irish and British authorities in relation to a full investigation into this atrocity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34719/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe bombing of Belturbet in December 1972 was a callous atrocity, which claimed the lives of two innocent victims. I am very familiar with the facts of this case and I wish to extend my most sincere sympathy to the families of the young people murdered on that day. Like the many other vicious and unjustifiable acts of violence committed during the Troubles, the bombing at Belturbet has inflicted untold suffering on the families of those who died and, indeed, all those affected.
The Garda Authorities have informed me that the bombing and the murders were thoroughly investigated by An Garda Síochána at the time. The Defence Forces provided expert assistance and the investigation involved close liaison with the authorities in Northern Ireland. Despite every avenue of enquiry being pursued at the time there was no evidence to bring perpetrators of this crime to justice. It remains a source of disappointment and frustration that no one has been brought to account for these murders.
With the passage of 45 years and in the absence of new evidence being forthcoming, I regret that we must be pragmatic about the prospects for a successful prosecution in this case. Nonetheless, the investigation into the bombing and the two murders has not been closed and An Garda Síochána will pursue any new evidence or information that is made available. They would, of course, work in close co-operation with the PSNI where that could advance the investigation.
I would call on anybody with any information that may be relevant to this case, even at this remove, to bring it to the attention of the Garda Authorities.
1047. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if supervisory ranks will be filled at a location (details supplied); the positions vacant at present; when they will be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34750/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.
I am informed by the Commissioner that in regard to the deployment of Garda personnel, a distribution model is used which takes into account all relevant factors including population, crime trends and the policing needs of each individual Garda Division. Where a deficiency in resources is identified the matter is considered fully and addressed accordingly.
The Garda Station referred to forms part of the Cavan/Monaghan Division. I am informed by the Commissioner that on the 31 May 2018 the latest date for which figures are readily available the strength of the Cavan/Monaghan Division was 344, including 47 Sergeants and 7 Inspectors. I am further informed that the strength of the Garda Station in question on the 31 may 2018 was 43 including 6 Sergeants and 1 Inspector. There are also 11 Garda Reserves and 39 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 Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.
The filling of vacancies in the supervisory ranks of Sergeant and Inspector is a matter for the Garda Commissioner who has responsibility under the Garda Síochána (Promotion) Regulations 2006 (as amended) for holding competitions for the selection of members for promotion to these ranks.
I am advised by the Commissioner that there is currently competitions in train for promotion to the rank of Sergeant and Inspector with the aim of bringing the strength to 2,000 and 300 respectively, as agreed under the Employment Control Framework. I am assured by the Commissioner that following completion of these competitions the needs of all Garda Divisions including the Cavan/ Monaghan Division will be fully considered when determining the allocation of Sergeants and Inspectors.
1048. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of core unit gardaí attached to the Kilkenny division, in each of the years 2009 to 2017 and to date in 2018, broken down by division, district, and sub-district in tabular form [34759/18]
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.
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.
The table in the following link, as supplied by the Commissioner, sets out the latest figures as requested.
1049. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí attached to the Kilkenny division, in each of the years 2009 to 2017 and to date in 2018, by rank, division, district, and sub-district in tabular form. [34760/18]
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.
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.
The table in the following link, as supplied by the Commissioner, sets out the latest figures as requested.
1050. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number and type of Garda vehicles attached to the Kilkenny division, in each of the years 2009 to 2017 and to date in 2018, by division, district, and sub district in tabular form. [34761/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere has been very significant investment in Garda resources across the State in recent years. The Government's Capital Plan 2016 – 2021 provides €46 million for investment in the Garda fleet, to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit-for-purpose fleet. This is in addition to the investment of almost €30 million in the period 2013 to 2015. Indeed from 2013 to 2017 almost €44 million has been invested in the fleet with some 2,000 vehicles coming on stream in that period to ensure that Gardaí can be mobile, visible and responsive on the roads and in the community to prevent and tackle crime.
As the Deputy will appreciate, decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda vehicles across the various Garda divisions are a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the light of his identified operational demands and the availability of resources. As Minister, I have no role in that matter.
I understand that Garda management keeps the 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. The responsibility for the efficient deployment of all official Garda vehicles in each Division is assigned to the Divisional Officer, who may allocate vehicles between districts and stations as required by operational requirements.
The following tables set out information requested in relation to the number and type of Garda vehicles attached to the Kilkenny/Carlow Division. I am advised by An Garda Síochána, that for operational reasons, this information is provided at Division and District level only.
It should be noted that Kilkenny and Thomastown Districts are part of the Kilkenny /Carlow Division since 2010. In the first year of the period for which information is requested, 2009, they formed part of the Waterford / Kilkenny Division.
|
2018 |
Cars |
Vans |
Motorcycles |
4x4 |
Other |
Total |
|
CARLOW DISTRICT |
11 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
18 |
|
KILKENNY DISTRICT |
27 |
7 |
0 |
1 |
3 |
38 |
|
THOMASTOWN DISTRICT |
16 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
23 |
|
Total for Kilkenny / Carlow Division |
54 |
17 |
1 |
2 |
5 |
79 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2017 |
Cars |
Vans |
Motorcycles |
4x4 |
Other |
Total |
|
CARLOW |
13 |
5 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
19 |
|
KILKENNY |
33 |
6 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
43 |
|
THOMASTOWN |
14 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
20 |
|
Total for Kilkenny /Carlow Division |
60 |
15 |
1 |
2 |
4 |
82 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2018 |
Cars |
Vans |
Motorcycles |
4x4 |
Other |
Total |
|
CARLOW |
13 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
18 |
|
KILKENNY |
29 |
6 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
38 |
|
THOMASTOWN |
11 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
18 |
|
Total for Kilkenny /Carlow Division |
53 |
14 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
74 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2015 |
Cars |
Vans |
Motorcycles |
4x4 |
Other |
Total |
|
CARLOW |
13 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
18 |
|
KILKENNY |
20 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
25 |
|
THOMASTOWN |
12 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
14 |
|
Total for Kilkenny /Carlow Division |
45 |
8 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
57 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2014 |
Cars |
Vans |
Motorcycles |
4x4 |
Other |
Total |
|
CARLOW |
11 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
16 |
|
KILKENNY |
16 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
21 |
|
THOMASTOWN |
14 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
16 |
|
Total for Kilkenny /Carlow Division |
41 |
8 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
53 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2013 |
Cars |
Vans |
Motorcycles |
4x4 |
Other |
Total |
|
CARLOW |
8 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
13 |
|
KILKENNY |
15 |
4 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
20 |
|
THOMASTOWN |
15 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
18 |
|
Total for Kilkenny /Carlow Division |
38 |
10 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
51 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2012 |
Cars |
Vans |
Motorcycles |
4x4 |
Other |
Total |
|
CARLOW |
9 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
11 |
|
KILKENNY |
13 |
4 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
19 |
|
THOMASTOWN |
11 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
13 |
|
Total for Kilkenny /Carlow Division |
33 |
7 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
43 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2011 |
Cars |
Vans |
Motorcycles |
4x4 |
Other |
Total |
|
CARLOW |
9 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
12 |
|
KILKENNY |
14 |
3 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
20 |
|
THOMASTOWN |
9 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
12 |
|
Total for Kilkenny /Carlow Division |
32 |
6 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
44 |
Figures for 2009 and 2010 are available only on a Divisional basis as listed in the following table.
|
- |
Cars |
Vans |
Motorcycle |
4x4 |
Other |
Total |
|
Waterford /Kilkenny Division |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009 |
61 |
11 |
6 |
3 |
3 |
84 |
|
Kilkenny /Carlow Division |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2010 |
38 |
6 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
50 |
1052. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the full complement of gardaí in the Kilkenny division in each of the years 2009 to 2017 and to date in 2018 by district and sub-district. [34763/18]
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.
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.
The table in the following link, as supplied by the Commissioner, sets out the latest figures as requested.
1053. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of civilian staff attached to the Kilkenny division in each of the years 2009 to 2017 and to date in 2018 by division, district, and sub-district in tabular form. [34764/18]
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.
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.
The following table, as supplied by the Commissioner, sets out the latest figures as requested.
Garda Civilian Staff by Division 2010-2018
|
Station |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
May-18 |
|
D.M.R. South Central |
37 |
33 |
32 |
31 |
28 |
30 |
28 |
63 |
68 |
|
D.M.R. North Central |
44 |
43 |
40 |
42 |
39 |
38 |
38 |
43 |
42 |
|
D.M.R. NORTH |
52 |
49 |
47 |
48 |
46 |
44 |
43 |
39 |
43 |
|
D.M.R. EAST |
25 |
25 |
25 |
25 |
24 |
23 |
22 |
22 |
25 |
|
DMR SOUTH |
34 |
33 |
32 |
31 |
30 |
28 |
34 |
36 |
36 |
|
D.M.R. WEST |
53 |
53 |
50 |
50 |
50 |
47 |
47 |
52 |
55 |
|
Waterford |
33 |
30 |
30 |
30 |
29 |
26 |
28 |
30 |
33 |
|
Wexford |
29 |
28 |
28 |
27 |
28 |
28 |
28 |
32 |
32 |
|
Tipperary |
38 |
37 |
36 |
34 |
35 |
32 |
36 |
41 |
41 |
|
Kilkenny/Carlow |
25 |
26 |
27 |
27 |
27 |
27 |
30 |
31 |
33 |
|
Cork City |
63 |
63 |
63 |
61 |
61 |
58 |
58 |
70 |
71 |
|
Cork North |
25 |
25 |
24 |
26 |
25 |
25 |
28 |
31 |
33 |
|
Cork West |
26 |
24 |
26 |
24 |
24 |
23 |
24 |
26 |
27 |
|
Kerry |
33 |
33 |
34 |
34 |
34 |
34 |
34 |
36 |
36 |
|
Limerick |
53 |
54 |
52 |
50 |
51 |
51 |
51 |
52 |
54 |
|
Donegal |
30 |
30 |
30 |
30 |
30 |
30 |
31 |
36 |
35 |
|
Cavan/Monaghan |
38 |
38 |
38 |
37 |
38 |
38 |
37 |
38 |
39 |
|
Sligo/Leitrim |
27 |
26 |
24 |
25 |
25 |
27 |
25 |
31 |
31 |
|
Louth |
24 |
25 |
24 |
24 |
24 |
23 |
23 |
26 |
31 |
|
Clare |
35 |
35 |
33 |
31 |
31 |
31 |
31 |
31 |
33 |
|
Mayo |
34 |
35 |
33 |
34 |
33 |
33 |
34 |
32 |
34 |
|
Galway |
45 |
47 |
46 |
47 |
45 |
46 |
46 |
49 |
60 |
|
Roscommon/Longford |
26 |
26 |
26 |
27 |
26 |
26 |
28 |
29 |
32 |
|
Westmeath |
23 |
23 |
22 |
22 |
22 |
22 |
21 |
24 |
24 |
|
Meath |
27 |
28 |
27 |
27 |
27 |
26 |
27 |
30 |
30 |
|
Kildare |
30 |
30 |
31 |
30 |
29 |
29 |
30 |
30 |
30 |
|
Laois/Offaly |
25 |
25 |
20 |
23 |
23 |
22 |
22 |
25 |
25 |
|
Wicklow |
25 |
24 |
24 |
22 |
23 |
22 |
23 |
26 |
27 |
1056. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí by rank attached to the regional support unit in the Kilkenny division in each of the years 2009 to 2017 and to date in 2018, in tabular form. [34767/18]
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.
For the Deputy's information the attached table, 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.
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 |
1057. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí, by rank, attached to the emergency response unit, in the Kilkenny division in each of the years 2009 to 2017 and to date in 2018, in tabular form [34768/18]
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.
For the Deputy's information the attached table, 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.
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 |
1058. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí, by rank, attached to the special detective unit in the Kilkenny division in each of the years 2009 to 2017 and to date in 2018, in tabular form [34769/18]
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.
For the Deputy's information the attached table, 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.
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 |
