Written Answers Nos. 95-114
95. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if State prosecution witnesses receive ongoing support in serious criminal prosecution cases in which the witness may fear for their safety due to the release of the perpetrator; and the details of the supports a witness may have access to. [2122/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra96. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if State witnesses in serious criminal cases are informed prior to a decision on the early release of the person they testified against; and if such information is passed on as a matter of routine. [2123/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 96 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, there are specific legislative provisions in place, under section 41 of the Criminal Justice Act 1999, to protect witnesses and victims of crime from any form of intimidation in their reporting of crime and in their assisting An Garda Síochána in crime investigation. Under this Act, it is a criminal offence to harm or threaten, menace or in any other way intimidate or put in fear another person who is assisting in an investigation of an offence by An Garda Síochána.
I am assured that when An Garda Síochána become aware of a potential threat to life, whether against a witness in a serious criminal case or against anybody else, immediate steps are taken by Gardaí to mitigate against this danger such as, for example, the issuing of a Garda Information Message warning to those whose live might be in danger from criminals. However, I would encourage any person who fears for their safety, or indeed the Deputy if she is aware of such a concern, to contact their local/nearest Garda station as a matter of urgency. Alternatively, and if they so wished, they can contact An Garda Síochána by using the Garda Confidential Line on Tel: 1800 666111.
I can assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána will continue to place the highest importance on the safety of our citizens and will always be on hand to advise any individual regarding any safety concerns they might have.
97. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the optional protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities will be ratified. [2153/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, Ireland ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) following a cabinet decision on the 30th of January 2018. Following the passing of a resolution in the Dáil, the instrument of ratification was deposited with the UN on the 20th of March and the Convention came into force for Ireland on the 19th of April 2018.
The Convention and the Optional Protocol cover a broad range of commitments some of which require substantive cultural change such as those relating to de-congregation, personalised budgets and deprivation of liberty.
The Government’s approach to meeting the terms of the Convention is one of sustained and ongoing improvement. Work is continuing on the reforms needed for an optimum level of compliance with the Convention's requirements. Accordingly, the Optional Protocol is not being ratified at this time but will be ratified at the earliest opportunity following completion of Ireland's first reporting cycle, which will identify any additional actions needed to ensure the highest possible level of compliance with the Convention.
98. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the audit will be published of juvenile crime cases in which senior gardaí failed to take action on a significant number of the cases; the steps he plans to take in respect of the victims of these crimes; the way in which he plans to ensure accountability for these failures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2188/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, a number of issues relating to the treatment of youth crime cases were identified following the completion, in June 2017, of an examination of the Garda Diversion Programme by the Garda Professional Standards Unit (GPSU).
Subsequently, An Garda Síochána initiated a detailed review of youth crime cases from 2010 – 2017. Importantly, the Policing Authority has been monitoring the review process closely. It has taken some time to complete this very complex review task, which involved an assessment of over 22,000 youth crime cases spread over all 28 Garda Divisions. I expect that the public examination of the matter by the Policing Authority, which is due to take place today, 17 January, will help clarify the extent of the systemic problems involved.
I met with the Garda Commissioner recently who briefed me on the work which has been done as part of the review of youth crime cases. I am advised that we are dealing with significant systemic issues and it is clearly appropriate for the Policing Authority to pursue these matters in accordance with its remit.
I am informed that an interim report was presented to the Commissioner yesterday and remains under consideration within An Garda Síochána. I am also informed that the Commissioner has recently initiated a process of external evaluation of the matters raised in this report and I await the outcome of this process, which will also be notified to the Policing Authority.
99. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if consideration will be given to removing wards funds from the control of the High Court; and if so, if such funds will be given to an independent body in order that the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act 1993 can be amended to allow for auditing of same by the Comptroller and Auditor General. [2189/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the High Court has jurisdiction in wards of court matters and management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in exercising its functions under the Courts Service Act 1998.
At this time, I am not minded to remove wards of court funds, which are not public funds, from the control of the High Court. As the Deputy is aware, the Courts Service has advised that there is already independent oversight of the investment and management of wards' funds. These funds are independently audited by external auditors in compliance with Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAP) and the audited financial statements are published.
The Deputy will also be aware that the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 provides a modern statutory framework to support decision-making by adults with capacity difficulties. New administrative processes and support measures, including the setting up of the Decision Support Service within the Mental Health Commission (a body under the Department of Health), must be put in place before the substantive provisions of the Act can be commenced.
The Act provides for the repeal of the Lunacy Regulation (Ireland) Act 1871 and the Marriage of Lunatics Act 1811. The current Wards of Court system for adults will be phased out over a three year period from the commencement of Part 6 of the Act. The Act offers a continuum of options to support people in maximising their decision-making capability.
Each adult ward (a ward who has attained the age of 18 years by the date of commencement of Part 6 of the Act) will be reviewed in accordance with the new system. A ward who is found to have capacity will be discharged from wardship. A ward who continues to have capacity needs will be discharged from wardship and offered the support option most appropriate to his or her needs. Wards who are discharged from wardship will have their property returned to them in accordance with the provisions of Part 6 of the Act.
100. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status and likely eligibility for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2193/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the processing of the application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy is ongoing. On completion of the necessary processing the application will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible. Should further documentation be required it will be requested from the applicant in due course.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements, not only within the State but also at European Union level, and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. The nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
101. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the procedure to be followed to regularise residency in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2194/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the information provided by the Deputy is not sufficient to establish the correct identity of the individual concerned in order to provide a response on the matter.
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.
102. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the residency requirements of a person (details supplied) will be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2195/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that, in response to a notification pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the partner of the person named has not submitted written representations.
The position in the State of the partner of the person named will now be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and all other applicable legislation. If any representations are submitted, they will be considered before a final decision is made.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
103. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a person (details supplied) will be facilitated by way of stamp 4 or naturalisation in view of their marriage to an Irish citizen for more than 25 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2197/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that there is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy. A determination on whether an applicant satisfies the statutory criteria attendant to naturalisation can only be made after an application is received.
It is open to any individual to lodge an application for a certificate of naturalisation if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements as prescribed in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended.
Full details of the eligibility criteria and extensive guidelines are available on the INIS website at www.inis.gov.ie.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and I know the Deputy will appreciate that it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
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.
104. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a change of address will be noted in the case of a person (details supplied) with a view to continued assessment of their eligibility for appropriate residency status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2198/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe new address of the person concerned has been noted on his case file.
Given that the person concerned had no valid basis to remain in the State, he was, by letter dated 20 November 2012, notified that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making written representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should not have a Deportation Order made against him.
The position in the State of the person concerned will now be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and all other applicable legislation. Any representations submitted will be considered before a final decision is made.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
105. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if arrangements will be made to defer proposals to deport in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2199/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the persons concerned have no valid basis to remain in the State. They were notified, by letter dated 20 December 2018, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of them. They were given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making written representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why they should not have a Deportation Order made against them.
Written representations have not been received on behalf of the persons concerned to date.
The position in the State of the persons concerned will be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and all other applicable legislation. Any representations submitted will be considered before a final decision is made.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
106. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of an application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2203/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that, as indicated in my response to the Deputy's Parliamentary Question No. 94 of the 13 December 2018, the application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible. If further documentation is required it will be requested from the applicant in due course.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. The nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
107. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the procedure to be followed in the case of a person (details supplied); if stamp 4 will be updated with a view to reactivation or alternative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2204/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that, as indicated in my response to the Deputy's Parliamentary Question No. 95 of the 13 December 2018, the person referred to by the Deputy was invited to attend a citizenship ceremony which took place on 21 May 2018 in The Killarney Convention Centre, Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney, Co. Kerry but failed to attend. It is incumbent on Mr Kifu to write to the Citizenship Division outlining the reason for his non-attendance at the above-mentioned ceremony and requesting an invitation to a future ceremony, if he wishes to attend same.
The records indicate that the current permission to reside in the State granted to the person concerned expired on 22 May 2018. It is up to the person concerned to seek permission to remain beyond the expiry of his current permission. All non-EEA nationals are required to keep their permission to remain in the State up to date at all times, and to have such permission registered. Failure to do so may adversely affect an application for a certificate of naturalisation
As the Deputy will appreciate, the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements, not only within the State but also at European Union level, and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
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.
108. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the residency status and eligibility for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2206/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned has permission to reside in the State on Stamp 4 conditions as a dependant of an Irish national. This permission is valid until 28 November 2019 and may be renewed, subject to compliance with the relevant conditions, with the person's local Immigration Officer.
I am also informed that it remains open to the person concerned to make an application for Irish citizenship under the naturalisation process. Detailed information regarding eligibility for naturalisation in respect of the person concerned can be obtained from the INIS website at http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/citizenship.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
109. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if entitlement to work in the case of persons (details supplied) can be transferred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2207/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned has permission to reside in the State under Stamp 3 conditions until 21 November, 2020. I am further informed that INIS has no record of correspondence from the person concerned in relation to a request for a change of immigration status to allow the person work in the State.
I am further informed that it is open to the person concerned to make an application to vary their permission to reside in this State. In order to allow for a full examination of the person's circumstances, the person concerned should write to Unit 2, Domestic Residence and Permissions Division, INIS, 13/14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 and provide a detailed account and documentary evidence of their personal circumstances.
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.
110. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position in regard to eligibility for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2210/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that there is no record of a current application for a certificate of naturalisation from the persons referred to by the Deputy. A determination on whether an applicant satisfies the statutory criteria attendant to naturalisation can only be made after an application is received, and every application is considered on its individual merits, regardless of whether the applicant had applied previously.
As two of the persons referred to by the Deputy are adults it is open to them to lodge an application for a certificate of naturalisation if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements as prescribed in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended.
As regards the third person referred to by the Deputy, where sections 6A and 6B of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, are applicable, a child born in the island of Ireland on or after 1 January 2005 has an entitlement to Irish citizenship if, at the time of the birth of the child, one of his or her parents had, during the period of 4 years immediately preceding the person's birth, been resident in the island of Ireland for a period of not less than 3 years or periods the aggregate of which is not less than 3 years. Periods of unlawful residence, periods of residence which were for the sole purpose of having an application for refugee status determined or periods of residence where permission was granted for the purposes of study are excluded from the determination of periods of reckonable residence. Entitlement of a child to Irish citizenship is determined by the Passport Office following receipt of an application for a passport on the child's behalf.
Where a child born in the State did not at birth have an entitlement to Irish citizenship, the parent or guardian or person who is in loco parentis to the child may lodge an application for naturalisation on behalf of the child if and when the conditions for naturalisation are satisfied, including a requirement to have 5 years residence in the State.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and I know the Deputy will appreciate that it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
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.
111. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a reprieve will be granted in respect of a proposed deportation of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2212/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned is the subject of a Deportation Order signed on 29 September 2017. This Order requires the person to remove themselves from the State and remain outside the State. The enforcement of the Deportation Order is a matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau.
As previously advised, representations were received from the person concerned, pursuant to the provisions of section 3(11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), requesting that the Deportation Order be revoked. Following the detailed consideration of the information submitted in support of the request, the Deportation Order was affirmed and notified to Ms. Fernandes by letter dated 27 November 2018.
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.
112. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount spent in each year for the past five years on accountancy and consultancy firms in relation to capital projects; the specific capital project in which the costs were incurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2266/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has not engaged accountancy or consultancy firms in relation to capital projects in the past five years. Capital projects arise in the main within agencies in the Justice and Equality sector rather than the Department itself, or are managed by the Office of Public Works on behalf of the Department and its agencies. In that regard I have requested that the agencies under the remit of my Department respond directly to the Deputy.
113. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans in relation to the provision of additional resources to An Garda Síochána for community policing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2288/19]
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.
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.
Since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, almost 2,400 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide. This accelerated recruitment of Gardaí saw Garda numbers reach just over 14,000 by the end of 2018. Furthermore, a total budget of €1.76 billion has been provided to An Garda Síochána in 2019, an increase of over €100 million on the 2018 allocation. This substantial investment will provide new and leading edge technology to support our front line Gardaí in carrying out their work and increasing visibility in both rural and urban communities
The Garda Commissioner has informed me that it is his intention to recruit a total of 600 trainee Gardaí in 2019 along with a net 600 Garda Staff (civilians). The recruitment of these additional Garda staff will allow the Commissioner to redeploy this year a further 500 fully trained Gardaí from administrative duties to the frontline duties for which they are trained. I believe that the injection of this large number of experienced officers into the field, along with the new recruits, will be really beneficial in terms of protecting communities. This and on-going recruitment will clearly provide the Commissioner with the resources needed to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí across the organisation, including Community Policing in the coming years.
114. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if additional resources will be provided to An Garda Síochána to deal with the increasing problems due to the widespread availability of illicit drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2289/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, just under 2,400 Garda recruits have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, including 800 new Gardaí during 2018.
As the Deputy is aware, the manner in which the resources of An Garda Síochána are deployed is solely a matter for the Garda Commissioner and his management team and I, as Minister, have no direct role in this regard. However, I am informed by the Commissioner that the resources coming on stream has enabled him to assign additional resources to the specialist units that come within the ambit of Special Crime Operations, including the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.
The Government has increased the budget for An Garda Síochána to €1.76 billion for 2019, which included provision for the recruitment of up to 800 Gardaí this year. The Commissioner has informed me that he intends to recruit a total of 600 trainee Gardaí along with a net 600 Garda Staff. The recruitment of these additional Garda Staff will allow the Commissioner to redeploy this year a further 500 fully trained Gardaí from administrative duties to the frontline policing duties for which they were trained.
I am assured that An Garda Síochána remains resolute in its determination to act against those within society who pose a significant threat to the welfare and well-being of our citizens and the communities they serve. All Gardaí have a responsibility in the prevention and detection of criminal activity whether it be in the area of drug offences crime or otherwise. A core focus of the work carried out by An Garda Síochána is aimed at tackling drugs and organised crime.
The Garda Commissioner has confirmed that the Government’s commitment to increase the overall strength of An Garda Síochána to 15,000 Garda members will be achieved by the target date of 2021. The Government fully supports the Commissioner’s management decision which will ensure that increasing numbers of Gardaí are available for frontline duties in the prevention and detection of criminal activity whether it be in the area of drug offences crime or otherwise in 2019 and beyond.
