Written Answers Nos. 429-448
429. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason for the delay in drafting the Garda Síochána (compensation) Bill 2017 in view of the approval of the heads of the Bill and agreement that no further pre-legislative scrutiny was required by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice and Equality on 9 May 2017. [54426/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to reforming the system that provides compensation to members of An Garda Síochána who are injured in the course of their duty. The Scheme of the Garda Síochána (Compensation) Bill which was published in 2017 provides for new arrangements that will result in a more efficient and cost-effective system.
The major reform at the heart of the Scheme that has been published is a move away from the current arrangements under which the Minister for Justice and Equality approves cases to proceed to the High Court for determination of quantum to one where quantum is assessed by the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) and cases are handled to conclusion by the State Claims Agency (SCA).
In the time since the Scheme was published, my Department has consulted with PIAB and the SCA to further refine the new regime and the Scheme is currently with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel for drafting.
Allowing for other competing demands, I would hope that it will be possible to publish the Bill during 2019.
430. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the budget and spend in his Department for marketing, media and social media in each of the years 2016 to 2018; the projected spend for 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54468/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total spending by my Department on marketing, media and social media for each of the years from 2016 to 2018 is included in tabular format below. The funds allocated allowed the Department to raise public awareness of valuable initiatives including those dedicated to combatting domestic violence and human trafficking.
Spend in my department for marketing, media and social media may be allocated on a case-by-case basis. As such a full projected 2019 spend is not available. However, at this stage, the sum of €950,000 has been allocated for the national awareness campaign on sexual violence, to cover both media buying and creative advertising.
431. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of staff in his Department employed to work on marketing, media and social media in 2018. [54485/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's Press and Communications Office, which carries out all media-related work and which involves responding to a significant volume of media queries daily and also supports a range of internal communications, is staffed by seven full-time civil servants. In addition I have one media advisor.
432. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of premises in Dublin with slot machines; the licensing requirements for the operation of these machines; the legislative measures he is taking to address the use of slot machines in premises in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54503/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile the Minister for Justice and Equality has legislative oversight of gaming and lottery activities under the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956, my Department has no current role in respect of the licensing and regulation of gaming (slot) machines.
Lawful gaming in amusement and gaming arcades in Ireland is confined to areas in respect of which Part III of the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 is in force. Part III is only in force where a resolution has been passed by the relevant local authority to permit gaming machines.
‘Slot machines’ are not defined in Irish law. However, ‘gaming machines’ are defined in the Finance Act 1975 and ‘amusement machines’ are defined in the Finance Act 1992. A gaming machine allows a player to win a monetary prize, of any amount, or a non – monetary prize in excess of €7 in value. An amusement machine allows a player to win no more than an opportunity to play the machine again or to obtain a non-monetary prize up to €7 in value.
An operator of gaming machines must first apply to the District Court for a certificate for a gaming licence. This is required for each premises where it is intended to make gaming machines available for play. Provided the District Court grants this certificate, the operator must then apply to the Revenue Commissioners for a Gaming Licence for each premises concerned. The Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 provides that Revenue shall, on the application of a person who has been granted a certificate for a gaming licence by the District Court and on payment of the relevant excise duty, issue to that person a Gaming Licence.
An operator of gaming machines must also apply to Revenue for a Gaming Machine Licence in respect of each gaming machine made available for play. Gaming Machine Licences may only be issued by Revenue Commissioners to an operator who already holds a Gaming Licence (for premises) and who has paid the relevant excise duty.
An operator of amusement machines must apply to the Revenue Commissioners for an Amusement Machine Permit and pay the relevant excise duty. An application for an Amusement Machine Permit must include a schedule of the public places in the State where amusement machines are to be made available for play. Operators of amusement machines must also apply to Revenue for an Amusement Machine Licence for each amusement machine made available for play and pay the relevant excise duty.
While licensing of these machines is not the direct responsibility of my Department, to assist the Deputy, I have had enquiries made of the Revenue Commissioners.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that there are 2 premises in Dublin that either currently have a Gaming Licence (and are licensed to make gaming machines available for play) or were so licensed up to a recent date.
I am also advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a complete figure for the number of premises in Dublin specifically that are licensed for the operation of amusement machines is not readily available, as permits may be issued to an operator for any premises in Dublin or in other locations where amusement machines are made available.
I am again advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they are currently undertaking a national compliance project in relation to gaming and amusement machines. Questions with regard to this matter should be referred to my colleague the Minister for Finance.
As the Deputy will see from the above, the legislation in this area is complex, therefore I hope to publish the Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Bill early in the current Oireachtas session. This will be an interim reform measure, pending the bringing forward of comprehensive gambling control legislation.
The amendments proposed under the Bill address certain deficiencies with regard to the conduct of activities regulated under the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956, and provide for the modernisation of that Act by way of, among other matters, arrangements for the better promotion of lotteries, updating certain stake and prize limits and standardising the minimum gambling age at 18.
As regards wider reform of gambling licensing and regulation, the Working Group on Gambling is currently finalising its Report to Government. This Group was established to review the provisions of the 2013 General Scheme of the Gambling Control Bill and other relevant developments since. These included matters relating to the future approach to be taken to the licensing of gaming machines.
I hope to bring this Report to Government for approval as soon as possible.
The following revised reply was received on 15 February 2019
While the Minister for Justice and Equality has legislative oversight of gaming and lottery activities under the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956, my Department has no current role in respect of the licensing and regulation of gaming (slot) machines.
Lawful gaming in amusement and gaming arcades in Ireland is confined to areas in respect of which Part III of the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 is in force. Part III is only in force where a resolution has been passed by the relevant local authority to permit gaming machines.
‘Slot machines’ are not defined in Irish law. However, ‘gaming machines’ are defined in the Finance Act 1975 and ‘amusement machines’ are defined in the Finance Act 1992. Section 14 of the 1956 Act, relating to gaming machines, states that “no player can win any more than ten shillings in each game”. Applying the provisions of the Interpretation Act, this equates to a maximum win of 63 cent.
An amusement machine allows a player to win no more than an opportunity to play the machine again or to obtain a non -monetary prize up to €7 in value.
An operator of gaming machines must first apply to the District Court for a certificate for a gaming licence. This is required for each premises where it is intended to make gaming machines available for play. Provided the District Court grants this certificate, the operator must then apply to the Revenue Commissioners for a Gaming Licence for each premises concerned. The Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 provides that Revenue shall, on the application of a person who has been granted a certificate for a gaming licence by the District Court and on payment of the relevant excise duty, issue to that person a Gaming Licence.
An operator of gaming machines must also apply to Revenue for a Gaming Machine Licence in respect of each gaming machine made available for play. Gaming Machine Licences may only be issued by Revenue Commissioners to an operator who already holds a Gaming Licence (for premises) and who has paid the relevant excise duty.
An operator of amusement machines must apply to the Revenue Commissioners for an Amusement Machine Permit and pay the relevant excise duty. An application for an Amusement Machine Permit must include a schedule of the public places in the State where amusement machines are to be made available for play. Operators of amusement machines must also apply to Revenue for an Amusement Machine Licence for each amusement machine made available for play and pay the relevant excise duty.
While licensing of these machines is not the direct responsibility of my Department, to assist the Deputy, I have had enquiries made of the Revenue Commissioners.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that there are 2 premises in Dublin that either currently have a Gaming Licence (and are licensed to make gaming machines available for play) or were so licensed up to a recent date.
I am also advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a complete figure for the number of premises in Dublin specifically that are licensed for the operation of amusement machines is not readily available, as permits may be issued to an operator for any premises in Dublin or in other locations where amusement machines are made available.
I am again advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they are currently undertaking a national compliance project in relation to gaming and amusement machines. Questions with regard to this matter should be referred to my colleague the Minister for Finance.
As the Deputy will see from the above, the legislation in this area is complex, therefore I hope to publish the Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Bill early in the current Oireachtas session. This will be an interim reform measure, pending the bringing forward of comprehensive gambling control legislation.
The amendments proposed under the Bill address certain deficiencies with regard to the conduct of activities regulated under the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956, and provide for the modernisation of that Act by way of, among other matters, arrangements for the better promotion of lotteries, updating certain stake and prize limits and standardising the minimum gambling age at 18.
As regards wider reform of gambling licencing and regulation, the Working Group on Gambling is currently finalising its Report to Government. This Group was established to review the provisions of the 2013 General Scheme of the Gambling Control Bill and other relevant developments since. These included matters relating to the future approach to be taken to the licensing of gaming machines.
I hope to bring this Report to Government for approval as soon as possible.
433. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in the determination of an application for a visa in the case of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54524/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the applications referred to were refused on appeal by the Visa Office in Dublin. The decisions were communicated to the applicants on 8 January 2019.
It is open to the applicants to submit fresh visa applications at any time. However, they should bear in mind the reasons for refusal and be in a position to address them in any new application. 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.
434. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to establish a statutory child maintenance service in line with similar agencies in other states; his views on whether requiring parents to seek recourse through the courts to obtain child maintenance places an unnecessary financial burden on parents and creates additional work for the courts system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54528/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe establishment in Ireland of an agency comparable to the child maintenance services in other states would require substantial changes to the legal framework for determining issues relating to child maintenance. The requirement of Article 34 of the Constitution that justice be administered in courts established by law by judges appointed in the manner provided by the Constitution is a matter that would have to be carefully considered.
Parents are not automatically required to seek recourse through the courts to obtain child maintenance. It is open to parents whose relationship has broken down to decide between themselves on maintenance arrangements for their children. If they experience difficulties in reaching agreement on maintenance arrangements, they can try to work out a maintenance agreement through mediation. The general objective of the Mediation Act 2017, which came into operation on 1 January 2018, is to promote mediation as a viable, effective and efficient alternative to court proceedings, including proceedings relating to maintenance of children, thereby reducing legal costs, speeding up the resolution of disputes and relieving the stress involved in court proceedings.
Parents may seek a determination from the courts in cases where there are issues arising from disagreements about the provision of maintenance for dependent children, or failure by persons with maintenance responsibilities for children to provide proper maintenance. Relevant legislation in this area includes section 11 of the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964, the Family Law (Maintenance of Spouses and Children) Act 1976, section 8 of the Family Law Act 1995, section 13 of the Family Law (Divorce) Act 1996 and section 45 of the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010. The Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 provided for a number of improvements in the law relating to maintenance of children.
The law as it stands provides several mechanisms, including possible penalties, where a person fails to comply with court-ordered maintenance obligations. Section 10 of the Family Law (Maintenance of Spouses and Children) Act 1976 enables a maintenance creditor to apply to the court for an order that maintenance be paid by way of attachment of earnings, so the maintenance due is deducted directly from income. A person can apply for an attachment of earnings order when applying to court for a maintenance order, if he or she is concerned that maintenance will not be paid, or he or she can apply later if the maintenance is not paid.
The maintenance creditor may seek to recover sums owing through the courts by utilising the enforcement mechanisms available under section 8 of the Enforcement of Court Orders Act 1940 (as substituted by section 63 of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011). In addition, where the failure to pay maintenance is as a result of unwillingness, as distinct from inability, to pay, under section 9A of the Family Law (Maintenance of Spouses and Children) Act 1976, the District Court has the power to regard a failure by a parent to comply with a court order relating to maintenance as contempt of court and to deal with it accordingly, including by means of imprisonment.
While I have no plans at present for the establishment of a statutory child maintenance service, the Deputy will be no doubt aware that First 5 - A Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families 2019-2028, which was published in November 2018, includes a commitment that the Department of Justice and Equality will commence and progress a review of the effectiveness and accessibility of arrangements for recovery of maintenance payments by non-resident parents, including an examination of arrangements in other jurisdictions to ascertain the possibilities for making the maintenance recovery process easier for parents, improving the outcomes for children and reducing as far as possible the need for court proceedings for maintenance recovery. This review, which is set out under Strategic Action 3.1, is to be commenced within two years of the publication of the Strategy.
The Government is committed to significant reform of the courts, including the establishment of a family law court structure that is streamlined, more efficient, and less costly. My Department is working on a General Scheme of a Family Court Bill which will aim to streamline family law court processes, clarify jurisdictional issues and provide for a set of guiding principles to help ensure that the Family Court will operate in a user-friendly and efficient manner. The intention is to establish a dedicated Family Court within the existing court structures. The Family Court Bill will support the proposals in the Mediation Act 2017 by encouraging greater use of alternative dispute resolution to assist in more timely resolution of family law cases.
435. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí stationed in the Dublin 7 and 15 areas; the number that are community gardaí; the number of unfilled roles in the areas as of the end of 2016, 2017 and 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54548/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.
Dublin 7 and Dublin 15 are in the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) West Division. The Garda strength of the DMR West from 2009 to 30 November 2018 as provided by the Garda Commissioner is available on my Department’s website through the links below.
Garda Number by Division, District and Station
Community policing is at the heart of An Garda Síochána as it recognises that every community, either urban or rural, has its own concerns and expectations. The role of a community Garda is not a specialist role in An Garda Síochána; rather it is the case that all Gardaí have a role to play in community policing in carrying out their duties. The official categorisation of Community Garda simply refers to those who are exclusively assigned to building relationships with local communities and civil society including giving talks to schools, community groups and others. It is a matter for the Divisional Chief Superintendent to determine the optimum distribution of duties among the personnel available to him or her having regard to the profile of the area and its specific needs.
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the Community Garda Strength in Cabra, Mountjoy, Bridewell and Blanchardstown Garda stations in each of the years from 2016 to 30 November 2018, the latest date for which figures are currently available, as supplied by the Garda Commissioner are as set out in the attached table.
For more general information on Garda Facts and Figures please see the following link:
http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/An_Garda_Siochana_facts_and_figures.
Garda Strength Presented - Community Gardaí - Total
|
Station |
Cabra |
Cabra |
Mountjoy |
Mountjoy |
Bridewell |
Bridewell |
Blanchardstown |
Blanchardstown |
|
Year |
Community Gardaí |
Total |
Community Gardaí |
Total |
Community Gardaí |
Total |
Community Gardaí |
Total |
|
2016 |
6 |
61 |
42 |
191 |
21 |
158 |
11 |
143 |
|
2017 |
7 |
59 |
34 |
191 |
13 |
162 |
15 |
163 |
|
2018* |
7 |
61 |
30 |
211 |
11 |
174 |
14 |
181 |
*As of 30 November 2018
Total: means all those Gardaí at a station all of whom have community policing as an inherent part of their role.
Community Gardaí: are those with the official categorisation and are exclusively assigned to building relationships with local communities including giving talks to schools, community groups and others.
436. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason a person (details supplied) is being treated as if they were convicted of a crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1065/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe processing of vetting applications by the 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. I have no role in the processing of individual vetting applications.
With regard to the application of the Probation Act, I am informed that there are circumstances in which the application of the Act may be disclosed. Section 1(2) of the Probation Act allows the court to apply the provisions of the Act to a person who has been convicted on indictment of any offence punishable with imprisonment. Accordingly, court outcomes which result in Section 1(2) of the Probation of Offenders Act 1907 being applied are recorded as convictions. This being the case, the application of the Act may be disclosed in the vetting procedures.
The Deputy will appreciate that while it is the role of the National Vetting Bureau to provide vetting disclosures, it is for individual employers to determine their own vetting requirements and to assess the relevance of disclosed convictions to the vacancies they seek to fill. Therefore, it is not necessarily the case that the disclosure of a previous conviction to a potential employer means that the employer will automatically not consider a person for employment.
437. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the length of time it is taking from the date the post mortem is held to the date of the release of the results of the post mortem to the next of kin of the deceased by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1103/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Justice and Equality, I do not have any role in relation to the conduct of post mortems or the release of the results of post mortems to the next of kin by the coroner when available.
Coroners are officials who are independent in function and who deal with the families of the deceased during the most difficult of times. Due to the nature of their work they are acutely aware of the potential impact of any unnecessary delays in the release of the results of their investigations.
438. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of burglaries reported to An Garda Síochána in a district (details supplied) in each quarter of 2018; if he will provide a comparison with 2017; the number of perpetrators apprehended for each incident; the number brought before the courts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1137/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra439. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of burglaries reported to An Garda Síochána in a district (details supplied) in each quarter of 2018; if he will provide a comparison with 2017; the number of perpetrators apprehended for each incident; the number brought before the courts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1138/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra440. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of burglaries reported to An Garda Síochána in a district (details supplied) in each quarter of 2018; if he will provide a comparison with 2017; the number of perpetrators apprehended for each incident; the number brought before the courts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1139/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 438 to 440, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical agency, is responsible for the compilation and publication of recorded crime statistics, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose.
However, to be of assistance, I have asked the CSO to forward any available statistics in this matter directly to the Deputy.
441. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí in each of the three policing districts located within a division (details supplied) by rank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1140/19]
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.
The Garda strength of the DMR North Central Division from 2009 to 30 November 2018 as provided by the Garda Commissioner is available on my Department’s website through the following link:
Garda Number
For more general information on Garda Facts and Figures please see the following link:
http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/An_Garda_Siochana_facts_and_figures.
442. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda vehicles including bicycles in each of the three policing districts located within a division (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1141/19]
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. In total 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.
However I understand from the Garda authorities 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. 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.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the information as requested by the Deputy, namely the number of Garda vehicles and bicycles assigned to DMR North Central, is as set out in the following tables.
|
DMR North Central - Bicycles |
|
|
Store Street District |
24 |
|
Fitzgibbon Street District |
4 |
|
Bridewell District |
4 |
|
Cars |
Vans |
Motorcycles |
4x4 |
Others |
Total |
|
|
DMR NORTH CENTRAL DIVISION |
47 |
12 |
2 |
3 |
5 |
69 |
|
BRIDEWELL DISTRICT |
12 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
4 |
21 |
|
FITZGIBBON STREET DISTRICT |
12 |
3 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
17 |
|
STORE STREET DISTRICT |
23 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
31 |
443. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of stop and searches under misuse of drugs legislation in 2018 across each of the three policing districts located within a division (details supplied); the way in which this compares with each of the previous five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1142/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have requested a report from the Garda Commissioner in relation to the information sought by the Deputy. I will reply further to the Deputy when this report is to hand.
|
District |
Total |
2013 |
2014 % change |
2015 % change |
2016 % change |
2017 % change |
2018 % change |
|
Bridewell, Co.Dublin |
9,965 |
3,650 |
1,609 -56% |
1,978 23% |
698 -65% |
539 -23% |
1,491 177% |
|
Fitzgibbon Street |
13,322 |
1,492 |
1,202 -19% |
5,223 335% |
2,037 -61% |
1,291 -37% |
2,077 61% |
|
Store Street |
46,621 |
10,013 |
13,498 35% |
9,558 -29% |
2,668 -72% |
4,868 82% |
6,016 24% |
|
Total |
69, 908 |
15,155 |
16,309 8% |
16,759 3% |
5,403 -68% |
6,698 24% |
9,584 43% |
444. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress being made with the redevelopment and refurbishment of a Garda station (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1143/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere has been unprecedented investment in An Garda Síochána in recent years, in support of the Government’s commitment to ensure a strong and visible police presence throughout the country to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime. €1.76 billion has been allocated to the Garda Vote for 2019, representing an increase of over 6% over the initial allocation for 2018. Very significant capital investment is also being made in An Garda Síochána, including to address deficiencies in the Garda estate.
The Deputy will appreciate that the Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. The programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the OPW. 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 am advised by the Garda authorities that the refurbishment works at Fitzgibbon Street Garda Station will be carried out in two phases. The initial phase of enabling works commenced in September 2018. This phase is expected to be completed in April 2019.
The second phase of works will commence soon thereafter. It is currently anticipated that those works will take approximately twelve months to complete.
445. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress made to date on the delivery of a new permanent Garda station in an area (details supplied) as outlined in Project Ireland 2040; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1144/19]
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. In addition, 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. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I understand from the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána is currently engaging with the Dublin Port Company, the OPW and other relevant State stakeholders, regarding the provision of a single shared facility for all the State agencies with an operational requirement for a presence at Dublin Port.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that such a shared facility is expected to include office space for Garda Immigration Officers working in Dublin Port, rather than provision of a Garda station.
446. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide a progress report on the actions undertaken across 2017 and 2018 with regard to the implementation of an operation (details supplied) by Garda officers in conjunction with organisations such as an organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1145/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, actions undertaken in respect of particular Garda operations are a matter for the Commissioner. As Minister, I have no direct role in this regard.
I have requested the specific information sought by the Deputy from the Commissioner and I will write to him directly on receipt of same.
447. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress made to date with regard to a programme (details supplied); the initial works made with regard to the period beyond 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1147/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraVery significant capital investment is being made in An Garda Síochána, in support of the Government’s commitment to ensure a strong and visible police presence throughout the country, to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime.
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. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
The Deputy refers to the Garda Building and Refurbishment programme 2016-2021. The programme is based on agreed Garda priorities in relation to their accommodation needs nationwide and involves over €60 million exchequer funding spread across both the OPW and Garda Votes as well as a major PPP. This investment is intended to address deficiencies in the Garda estate and provide fit-for-purpose facilities for Garda members and staff as well as the public interacting with them.
The programme includes planned works at over 30 locations, including:
- major refurbishment of selected stations and facilities, including facilities for meeting victims of crime;
- essential remedial works to selected existing stations; and
- development of large scale Property and Exhibit Management Stores (PEMS).
The programme also includes a Cell Refurbishment Programme and provision of improved Custody Management Facilities.
Good progress is being made in implementation of the programme. I am informed by the Garda authorities and the OPW that work has already been completed at 83 stations under the Cell Refurbishment Programme. I further understand that refurbishments have been completed at locations including Tralee, Mullingar and Stradone; that remedial works have been completed in a number of locations, including Newport and Bailieboro; and that PEMS stores have been completed in Ennis and Castlebar. I further understand that fire safety works have been completed at a number of locations and that custody facilities have been completed at Henry Street, Limerick. I am informed that a range of other refurbishments and works included in the programme are progressing. In some cases contractors are on-site; while in other cases works are at various points in the design and procurement phases.
The Deputy will also be aware that in addition to works complete or ongoing under the Building and Refurbishment Programme, three new Regional and Divisional Headquarters have been constructed in Galway, Wexford and Kevin Street, Dublin with the provision of Government funding of over €100 million. Each of these headquarters has been completed and is now operational.
Other major building projects progressing in relation to the Garda estate include the ongoing refurbishment of Fitzgibbon Street station; development of a facility at Military Road, Dublin; and the Garda Station Pilot Re-opening Project.
These and other developments are the result of the unprecedented investment currently being made in An Garda Síochána and demonstrate the Government’s commitment to addressing the deficiencies in the Garda estate and the accommodation needs of the organisation in accordance with agreed Garda priorities and in a planned and structured way.
448. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of applications received during the first call for proposals under the refugee protection programme humanitarian admission programme 2 by nationality of the beneficiaries; the number of applications granted by nationality of the beneficiaries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1190/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Refugee Protection Programme Humanitarian Admission Programme (IHAP), which I announced in May 2018, provides a new humanitarian pathway for eligible family members coming from the world’s top ten major source countries of refugees, as part of the Government's plan to realise the full commitment of 4,000 agreed under the Irish Refugee Protection Programme in September 2015.
The Programme provides for up to 530 vulnerable family members to be admitted under the programme before the end of 2019. The first IHAP window for proposals closed on 30 June 2018.
Of the 908 applications received a significant number from eligible countries were incomplete (694 applications in respect of 1,672 beneficiaries). It is open to these proposers to submit completed applications for subsequent rounds of the scheme. In that regard, I announced the second call for proposals on 20 December 2018 and which is open until 31 January. A further 21 applications were received in respect of non-eligible countries.
The tables below set out the number of completed applications received and granted to date following the first call for proposals. A further 31 proposals received are undergoing final processing and a decision in respect of these applications will issue shortly.
Completed applications and Grants from Eligible Countries
|
Completed Applications Received |
Completed Applications Received |
Applications Granted |
Applications Granted |
|
|
Nationality |
Proposers |
Beneficiaries |
Proposers |
Beneficiaries |
|
Democratic Republic of Congo |
55 |
95 |
21 |
31 |
|
Syria |
71 |
181 |
28 |
56 |
|
Somalia |
26 |
94 |
5 |
12 |
|
Afghanistan |
33 |
99 |
11 |
22 |
|
Sudan |
21 |
27 |
13 |
15 |
|
Eritrea |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
|
South Sudan |
3 |
9 |
- |
- |
|
Burundi |
1 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
|
Myanmar |
1 |
1 |
- |
- |
|
Total |
214 |
511 |
82 |
141 |
