Written Answers Nos. 304-325
304. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding roadside accident statistics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6497/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by An Garda Síochána that the species of animals involved in road traffic collisions is recorded in the general narrative of the incident. Road traffic enforcement data is transferred by An Garda Síochána to the Road Safety Authority (RSA), on an ongoing basis, for detailed analysis in the context of the RSA's road safety promotion function.
I have been informed by the RSA that, in their latest figures, from 2012 to 2016*, there were 99 single vehicle collisions with animals, five of which involved deer. Of the 99 recorded incidents there were three cases in which the animal species was not specified, therefore, deer were involved in only 5.2% of collisions, during this period, where the species was recorded. I am satisfied that this method of data collection provides sufficient detail with regard to the overall rate of vehicle collisions with animals.
* data for 2016 is provisional and subject to change.
305. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of advisers and special advisers employed by his Department in 2017 and 2018 and to date in 2019; the areas of expertise covered by such advisers; the annual salaries associated with same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6575/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that I have two Special Advisers both of whom are remunerated on the Principal Officer standard pay scale (PPC).
Ms. Sarah Kavanagh was appointed as Special Adviser in June 2017. She holds a BA degree in History and Politics, an MA degree in Politics, an MA in Political Communication, a Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies and a Barrister at Law Degree. Ms. Kavanagh worked in the Houses of the Oireachtas as a Parliamentary Assistant and Senior Policy Officer for nine years and as a Special Advisor in three Government Departments over the last five years.
Ms. Caroline Murphy was appointed Special Adviser in April 2018, replacing Mr. Tom Fabozzi who served as special adviser from June 2017 until April 2018. Ms. Murphy has over 30 years’ experience in the fields of communications and media having worked with RTÉ in both TV and radio. In addition, she is qualified as an Organisational Psychologist.
In order to assist with the extensive significant legislative programme for which I am responsible, Mr. Robert Bourke was employed by my Department as a Legal Adviser from March to December 2018. Mr. Bourke came to my office with over ten years’ experience as a practising barrister and having worked for nine months as a Legal Researcher for the Company Law Review Group. He holds a BA degree in Business, Politics and French, a Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies and a Barrister at Law Degree. Mr. Bourke was also remunerated on the Principal Officer standard pay scale (PPC).
306. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of refugees settled here under the Irish refugee protection programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6626/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 10 September 2015, as part of Ireland's response to the migration crisis in central and southern Europe, the Government established the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP). Under this programme, the Government committed to accepting up to 4,000 people into the State, through a combination of the EU Relocation Programme (established by two EU Council Decisions in 2015 to assist Italy and Greece) and the UNHCR-led refugee Resettlement Programme, which is currently focussed on resettling refugees from Lebanon. To date, a total of 2,251 people have arrived in Ireland under the Irish Refugee Protection Programme. Preparations are currently underway to bring the latest group of refugees from Lebanon who were selected in a mission in October 2018.
307. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of boards or agencies his officials have been appointed to; if there are guidelines or protocols for members of staff being appointed to boards or agencies; if so, when same were last updated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6650/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe table outlines the State boards and agencies which my officials have been appointed to. The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform’s (DPER) Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards as well as the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies which was issued by DPER in 2016 applies to all such board memberships. It should be noted that in the process of making appointments to State Boards under the Minister's remit, regard is had to the Government target of at least 40% representation of each gender on all State Boards.
|
Name of State Board or Agency that Departmental official has been appointed to |
Number of officials and position on Board or Agency |
|
Courts Service Board |
1 Official of the Department nominated by the Minister |
|
Legal Aid Board |
1 Official of the Department nominated by the Minister. |
|
National Disability Authority |
1 Official of the Department nominated by the Minister |
|
Parole Board |
3 Officials - comprising one each from the Irish Prison Service, the Probation Service and the Department of Justice and Equality, nominated by the Minister. |
|
Private Security Authority |
1 Official of the Department nominated by the Minister |
|
Property Services Regulatory Authority |
1 Official of the Department nominated by the Minister |
|
Public Appointments Service Board |
1 Official of the Department, nominated by the Minister for Justice and Equality and appointed by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. |
308. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of prosecutions initiated in respect of road worthiness-related infringements against HGV operators in each of the years 2016 to 2018; the number of such prosecutions against foreign operators and their countries of origin; the number of convictions secured; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6733/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have sought a report from the An Garda Síochána in relation to the statistics requested by the Deputy. I will contact the Deputy directly on receipt of said report.
309. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the capital expenditure proposed by An Garda Síochána in the north Dublin Garda division in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6775/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, there has been unprecedented investment in An Garda Síochána in recent years, in support of the Government’s commitment to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement and provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime.
The resources provided by Government to An Garda Síochána have reached unprecedented levels, with an allocation for 2019 of €1.76 billion. This represents an increase of over 6% over the initial allocation for 2018.
Very significant capital investment is also being made in An Garda Síochána. This includes
- investment of €342 million in Garda ICT infrastructure between 2016 and 2021 to enable An Garda Síochána to deliver on reform and deploy the latest cutting edge technologies in delivering professional policing and security services for the community;
- investment of €46 million in the Garda Fleet over the same period; and
- considerable capital investment is also being made in the Garda estate.
As the Deputy will appreciate, it is a matter for the Commissioner to efficiently manage these resources provided for An Garda Síochána and to determine the allocation of budgets to all Divisions, including those in the Dublin Metropolitan Region, based upon operational requirements. I am informed by the Garda authorities that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review so as to ensure their optimum use.
For example, I can confirm to the Deputy a capital allocation of €10 million will be available to An Garda Síochána for the Garda fleet in 2019. I am not in a position to confirm to the Deputy today what the exact allocation will be across the Garda Divisions, including those in the DMR, of the additional vehicles which will be purchased from this allocation.
A total of €61 million has been allocated to Garda ICT infrastructure and Communications for 2019. I understand that a full list of ICT projects for 2019, together with a breakdown of the roll-out of additional ICT infrastructure across the Divisions, is still being finalised within An Garda Síochána.
In terms of the Garda estate, I would recall that the Office of Public Works (OPW) has the responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation and accordingly the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the OPW.
The Garda Building and Refurbishment programme 2016-2021 will continue to be delivered during 2019. 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.
In terms of the Garda Divisions in the DMR, this investment includes the development of a new Garda Station and Immigration Facility at Transaer House in Dublin Airport. Work on this project commenced in 2018. Construction works are ongoing on this development and I am informed by the Garda authorities that they are expected to be complete by the end of Q1, 2019.
Other major building projects which will continue to be progressed during 2019 for the benefit of the Divisions in the DMR include the ongoing refurbishment of Fitzgibbon Street station and development of a facility at Military Road, Dublin.
In addition, the Programme for Government contained a commitment to re-open six Garda Stations on a pilot basis to determine possible positive impacts on criminal activity, with special emphasis on burglaries, theft and public order. A report was prepared by the Garda Commissioner which identified the six Garda Stations to be reopened on a pilot basis, including two stations in the DMR, namely Rush and Stepaside. I understand that the Garda authorities and the OPW are cooperating closely on implementation of the pilot project. Reopening of all relevant stations is being pursued as a priority and I am informed by the OPW that it expects that work will be completed at all remaining stations in 2019.
The clear goal of this significant investment is 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 in locations identified in accordance with agreed Garda priorities.
310. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on Garda operation disruption; the number of persons arrested and charged to date; the number of successful convictions obtained to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6776/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have sought a report from the Garda authorities in relation to this matter and I will contact the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.
311. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to introduce grants for the installation of intruder alarms for older persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6779/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI must inform the Deputy that my Department does not provide funding for the installation of intruder alarms for older persons.
However, I can advise the Deputy that the Department of Rural and Community Development funds the Senior Alert Scheme, which provides grant assistance towards the purchase and installation of personal monitored alarms for persons aged 65 or older and of limited means.
The objective of the Seniors Alert Scheme (SAS) is to encourage community support for vulnerable older people in our communities through the provision of personal monitored alarms to enable older persons, of limited means, to continue to live securely in their homes with confidence, independence and peace of mind. I am advised that the grant assistance is made available through community, voluntary and not-for-profit organisations that are registered with Pobal. Any decision to extend the scheme to house alarms, rather than personal alarms, would be a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Rural and Community Development.
Notwithstanding the above, I can advise the Deputy that An Garda Síochána continues to pursue a range of measures to support elderly and more vulnerable people in the community, working closely with Community Alert, Neighbourhood Watch and other community groups. For many years, my Department has supported community crime prevention by providing funding for the Community Alert programme, which is operated by Muintir na Tíre, in partnership with the Garda authorities. At the Ploughing Championships last September, I announced that up to €150,000 would be made available for local communities in 2018 towards the cost of running the Scheme.
I can assure the Deputy that the Government remains 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. 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. These unprecedented resources are underpinned by the Government's ongoing commitment to achieving a Garda workforce of 21,000 by 2021.
312. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 175 of 9 October 2018 and 241 of 4 December 2018, when a reply will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6822/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI apologise for the ongoing delay in issuing a response to your question of 9 October 2018, however, you will appreciate that the requested statistics, on complaints made to An Garda Síochána by insurers under section 19(1) of the Criminal Justice Act 2011, are not held by my Department.
I have, again, requested an urgent response from An Garda Síochána and my officials will forward this information to you directly, as soon as it is received.
313. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when he expects to receive the policing plan for 2019 for An Garda Síochána. [6824/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that it is important that the annual Policing Plan takes into account all relevant factors impacting on the delivery of policing services.
Exceptionally, for 2019, in light of the fact that the Commissioner was appointed in September 2018 and taking into account the approval of the report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland by the Government in December, I acceded to a request from the Policing Authority, with the agreement of the Commissioner, that the deadline for the submission to me of the 2019 Policing Plan be deferred to 31 March 2019.
I expect that the new deadline will be met.
314. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the allocation in 2019 for the Garda station bundle; the date in 2019 the project is expected to commence; the projects that will commence and be completed in 2019; if they will be impacted by the cost overrun with the national children's hospital; if he or his officials have been consulted by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6900/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, there has been unprecedented investment in An Garda Síochána in recent years, in support of the Government’s commitment to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime.
The resources provided by Government to An Garda Síochána have reached unprecedented levels, with an allocation for 2019 of €1.76 billion. Very significant capital investment is also being made, including investment of €342 million in Garda ICT infrastructure between 2016 and 2021; and investment of €46 million in the Garda Fleet over the same period.
In terms of investment in the Garda estate, the Garda Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021 is an ambitious 5-year programme based on agreed Garda priorities, which continues to benefit over 30 locations around the country, underpinned by over €60 million in Exchequer funding as well as a major Public Private Partnership (PPP). There has been some good progress on the programme in 2018, as well as in other major projects in relation to the Garda estate, including in particular the completion and entry into operational use of 3 new Divisional and Regional Headquarters at Wexford, Galway and Kevin Street (Dublin), which collectively required funding of over €100 million. The clear goal of this investment is 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 Deputy will appreciate that the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the Office of Public Works (OPW), which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation.
The Public Private Partnership arrangement included in the Building and Refurbishment Programme is intended to deliver new stations at Macroom, Clonmel and Sligo as well as a new custody suite at the Garda Station at Anglesea Street Cork.
I am informed by the OPW and the Garda authorities that the OPW has acquired sites for the development of the new stations in Macroom and in Sligo. The site in Clonmel is a portion of the former Kickham Barracks and has at all material times been in state ownership. Having previously been transferred from the Department of Defence to Tipperary County Council, I am informed by the OPW that all difficulties in relation to completion of transfer of the site from the Council to the OPW are resolved and that the transfer is now being finalised. On completion, ownership of all three sites will be vested in the OPW.
The development of PPP projects is progressed under the auspices of the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA). As the Deputy will appreciate, preparation of a PPP can be complex, but my Department and An Garda Síochána are actively engaging with the NDFA with a view to progressing the matter further. These engagements concern the appropriate scope and governance of the PPP bundle, as well as costings and design for the stations. The Department is also engaging with the NDFA in relation to delivery via PPP of a Courts Service project at a site in Hammond Lane, Dublin.
It is not possible at this point to provide a timeframe for completion of the projects. However I can assure the Deputy that delivery of the new Garda stations at Clonmel, Macroom and Sligo through this PPP arrangement is being pursued as a priority.
There is no indication, nor is it anticipated that this project will be impacted by the budgetary position in relation to the National Children’s Hospital.
315. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 291 of 16 October 2018, if he has received a response to his communication with the Garda Commissioner regarding domestic homicide reviews; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6932/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been advised by the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána that the Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB) has introduced a process whereby specific homicide incidents, which are believed to have involved domestic violence, are the subject of review. The purpose of each review is to establish lessons which can be learned from examining the circumstances of an incident, in order to inform the updating of current Garda Síochána policy on domestic violence. While there are no plans to amend the law at this time, the matter is being kept under review, including assessing the UK experience.
316. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of mountain bikes attached to each district in the Westmeath Garda division as of 31 January 2018 and 31 January 2019. [6996/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda resources, including mountain bikes, across the various Garda divisions are a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the light of his identified operational demands. As Minister, I have no role in that matter. I understand however that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that as at 31 January 2018, 5 mountain bikes were assigned to Mullingar District and that 5 mountain bikes were also assigned to the Athlone District.
I am informed that as of the 31 January 2019, the number of mountain bikes assigned to both the Mullingar District and Athlone District remains unchanged.
317. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to details relating to a complaint made by a member of An Garda Síochána (details supplied) providing evidence of alleged assault, bullying and intimidation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7006/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra318. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason no action was taken in the case of a person (details supplied); the reason suspensions have not taken place; the attempts that have been made to rehabilitate the career of the person; his plans to compensate the person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7007/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 317 and 318 together.
In the first place, as the Deputy is aware, the matters referred to in the questions are the subject of an investigation by GSOC. Accordingly, I do not propose to comment in any way on that matter.
I can, however, say that my predecessor was notified by the Garda referred to in the Deputy's question that a complaint had been made to GSOC citing the Protected Disclosure’s Act 2014. In order to be of assistance, in April 2017 the then Minister opted to utilise her powers under section 102(7) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 to refer that correspondence to the Ombudsman Commission. This was so the Commission could assess whether the contents might form part of their investigation. The individual concerned was notified of the Minister’s actions at that time. That investigation is on-going at present.
The Deputy will, no doubt, appreciate the statutory independence of GSOC, which prevents me from interfering with its operational functions. That is the guarantee to persons making complaints that their complaints will be considered independently and free from outside interference. I have full confidence in the role that GSOC plays in investigating complaints of wrongdoing in the Gardaí, including protected disclosures from members.
As the Deputy is aware, the Protected Disclosures Act was enacted in 2014 to allow employees to bring alleged wrongdoing to the attention of the appropriate authorities. The Act also affords very important protections to persons making protected disclosures. The Act provides that the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) is a designated body for receipt of protected disclosures. The protections afforded under the Act include protection from dismissal and other forms of penalisation and for the protection of the identity of persons making disclosures. I am sure that the Deputy appreciates that the protection of whistleblowers rightly prioritises the confidentiality of the process.
With regard to the actions taken by the Garda Authorities in respect to these allegations it is important to remind the Deputy that I, as Minister, have no authority to direct the Garda Commissioner in matters concerning the control, operation and direction of An Garda Síochána. Similarly, certain workplace issues which have also been raised in the correspondence are not matters in which I have authority to act, nor indeed would the Deputy wish me to have such authority. These are properly matters for the Garda Commissioner.
319. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will address a matter relating to a posting on social media (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7008/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI want to make it clear that neither I nor my Department would seek in any way to influence GSOC in carrying out its statutory duties.
I can inform the Deputy that the social media posting to which he refers was issued by a national newspaper wholly in error and was removed at the request of the journalist concerned as soon as he saw the inaccurate tweet.
The Deputy will note that in the actual content of the article which the tweet in question purported to refer, I stated the importance of due process in all investigations, and reiterated my commitment that GSOC be fully resourced so as to address these matters in a timely and appropriate manner. At no stage did I make reference to any individual person or investigation.
320. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to introduce a differentiation in the process for persons applying for citizenship (details supplied) who have been here for a long period of time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7014/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. All applications for a certificate of naturalisation are processed and assessed individually in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
Minimum periods of reckonable residence are required and standards checks are carried out as part of the overall process. These checks are required, notwithstanding the duration of time a person maybe in the State.
There is also specific provision in the Act in relation to persons resident on the island of Ireland. Section 15A provides that, where the application is based on being the spouse or civil partner of an Irish citizen the requirements include that the couple are married or civil partners to each other for a period of at least 3 years and are living together and, immediately before the date of application, have a period of one year's continuous residence in the island of Ireland and, during the preceding four years, have a further period amounting to 2 years (i.e. 3 years in total).
It is also open to an applicant generally to apply under Section 16(a) of the 1956 Act where the applicant is of Irish descent or has Irish association. In such cases the Minister may in his absolute discretion waive the conditions for naturalisation set out under Section 15 of the Act, including residency. The onus is on the applicant to provide evidence of Irish descent or Irish association to the Minister for consideration.
The standard fees payable by an applicant are designed to reflect the effort and cost involved in processing applications for a certificate of naturalisation. The Deputy will be aware that formal citizenship ceremonies have been introduced at no extra cost to applicants. These have been universally well received by participants as the ceremonies provide a sense of dignity and occasion that serves to underscore the importance to both the State and the applicant of the granting of Irish citizenship.
As part of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service published Customer Service Improvement Plan, it is planned to improve the provision of services for applicants for citizenship through a series of measures including the introduction of on-line forms, on-line payments and customer feedback during the application process.
321. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the expenditure and allocations attributable to drugs programmes that were made available in each of the past five years; the projects and programmes supported by the funding in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7111/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra322. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the expenditure and allocations attributable to the drugs programme that were made by An Garda Síochána in each of the past five years; the projects and programmes supported by the funding in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7117/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 321 and 322 together.
Drug-related public expenditure includes any drug-related spending across the various functions of government. Total expenditure is categorised under the Classification of the Functions of Government (COFOG) system.
Broadly speaking, drug-related public expenditure is described as “labelled” or “unlabelled”.
- Labelled expenditure is identified as drug-related expenditure in government budgets.
- Unlabelled expenditure is not identified as specifically drug-related expenditure and must therefore be estimated.
As per the COFOG classification, the reported expenditure is not specific to particular projects and programmes, but relates to different categories of drug-related operations and services.
The figures reported for the Department of Justice and Equality relate to funding provided to the Maritime Operational and Analysis Centre – Narcotics (MAOC-N) situated in Lisbon; the Drug Treatment Court; Community Based Organisations providing services to offenders (through the Probation Service) and youth crime diversion programmes (through the Irish Youth Justice Service). Expenditure by An Garda Síochána relates to policing and investigation costs.
In response to Question 323 I have provided detailed information on the drug treatment programme expenditure in the Irish Prison Service.
In regard to specific projects and programmes supported by funding provided by my Department and by An Garda Síochána, it was not possible to collate this information in the time allowed. I will provide the Deputy with this information as soon as it has been collated.
323. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the expenditure and allocations attributable to the drugs programme that were made by the Irish Prison Service in each of the past five years; the projects and programmes supported by the funding in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7118/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been advised by the Irish Prison Service that figures for 2018 expenditure on drug treatment programmes are not yet available. The aggregate spend in the previous five year period is set out in the table below:
|
Year |
Drug Treatment Pharmacist Service |
Addiction Counselling |
Addiction Psychiatry |
Methadone Treatment |
Total |
|
2017 |
€417,067 |
€1,036,361 |
€109,734 |
€53,058 |
€1,616,220 |
|
2016 |
€456,428 |
€1,076,887 |
€118,080 |
€77,571 |
€1,728,966 |
|
2015 |
€455,283 |
€1,048,041 |
€95,902 |
€65,481 |
€1,664,707 |
|
2014 |
€512,325 |
€1,142,384 |
€89,828 |
€82,438 |
€1,826,975 |
|
2013 |
€781,709 |
€1,225,039 |
€93,529 |
€78,237 |
€2,178,514 |
The table does not include the substantial staffing costs for other healthcare staff, and for prison officers on treatment related duties. This work forms part of the overall duties that they perform, and it is not possible to apportion separately.
The Irish Prison Service continues to seek to construct a range of programmes, support services and through-care options for prisoners demonstrating a commitment to addressing their substance misuse. The IPS engages Merchants Quay Ireland to provide a prison based addiction counselling service, with structured assessments and evidence-based counselling interventions with clearly-defined treatment plans and goals. The counselling service provides a range of generic counselling and intervention skills related to substance misuse and dependency. These skills include, motivational interviewing, motivational enhancement therapy, twelve step facilitation programme, cognitive behavioural therapy and harm reduction approaches. There are currently 19.8 whole time equivalent addiction counsellors employed across the prison estate.
The IPS has an agreed protocol with the Health Service Executive for the seamless transition of prisoners established on drug treatment into community drug treatment settings.
The number of prisoners who received drug treatment (methadone) for the years in question are as follows:
|
Year |
2017 |
2016 |
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
|
Total Patients |
1695 |
1793 |
1865 |
1886 |
1922 |
As of December 2017, some 530 prisoners were in receipt of methadone on a daily basis. In addition, the number of addiction counselling sessions provided in 2017 was 10,252
The Irish Prison Service has a number of drug treatment programmes in operation. This includes a nine week programme in Mountjoy Prison which accommodates 9 prisoners, with up to 6 programmes being facilitated annually.
In addition, the Medical Unit at Mountjoy Prison has 9 beds available to be utilised exclusively for the Drug Treatment Programme at any one time. Some of the other services which are available include Slow Detoxification, and Stabilisation and Relapse Programmes in all prisons.
324. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the supports and guidance that will be provided by her Department and agencies under her remit for businesses arising from standards and certification changes due to Brexit. [6257/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department and its agencies are providing extensive supports and guidance to help businesses prepare for the impacts of Brexit. These supports aim to assist businesses in identifying key risk areas and the practical preparatory actions to be taken.
The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI), an agency of my Department, is the State body with responsibility for developing and promoting the use of standards. It works to improve the performance of organisations and protect consumers by developing, publishing and distributing standards and issuing certification in the quality and safety of goods and services. It is an EU Notified Body for the purpose of certifying products in several areas, including medical devices, motor vehicles, construction products and measuring instruments.
Since the UK Government notified the European Council of its intention to leave the EU, the NSAI has been developing mitigating strategies in the areas of standards and certification. In line with Government policy, an inclusive approach has been adopted by the NSAI which continues to work closely with other Government agencies to fully provide the information and supports required by Irish businesses.
Brexit is an ongoing and evolving process which requires a fluid and adaptive response in the provision of guidance and support. A dedicated Brexit Unit was established in the NSAI last year which has developed a three-strand approach focused on raising public awareness, engaging with Government and industry, and assessing and developing strategies to mitigate the impact of Brexit on Irish businesses.
Over the past number of months, the NSAI has organised a series of standalone general and sector-specific Brexit briefings. As well as raising public awareness through participation at Brexit information events, a number of online supports have been developed. These include a dedicated Brexit webpage outlining guidance for businesses, a dedicated point of contact for individuals seeking advice, and Brexit factsheets which provide succinct and clear information on standards and certification issues in several sectors.
A key message from NSAI to businesses is that if a business relies on a UK Notified Body for conformity assessment certificates, they need to be aware that certifications from UK Notified Bodies will no longer be valid after Brexit. NSAI is also advising businesses to examine their supply chains to check for risks and vulnerabilities to the UK. If they depend on sourcing a product, component or perhaps a service from the UK, their supply chain may be at risk.
To ensure that businesses that use standards and require certification are fully informed about their requirements post-Brexit, the NSAI is engaging proactively with industry representatives and other stakeholders. It has undertaken analysis work to identify possible gaps and exposure in the provision of certification services to Irish companies, including wider formal engagement with all Irish Notified Bodies.
This work forms part of the concerted efforts across my Department and agencies to ensure that businesses make the necessary preparations for Brexit.
325. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding a legislative proposal. [6259/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraDue to legislative and other commitments, I have not been in a position to respond to the request for a meeting made in the correspondence referred to by the Deputy, but hope to be able to do so in the near future. While I will consider carefully the points made in the correspondence, it is not my intention to make the change to proposed legislation sought in the correspondence.
