Written Answers Nos. 164-181
164. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the vacancy in respect of the position of child protection officer in the Reception and Integration Agency will be filled; the length of time the position has been vacant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22596/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Direct Provision system encompasses the range of State services including accommodation, food, health, education and child and family services directly provided to international protection applicants through all the relevant Government Departments and Agencies.
While the child and family post remains vacant, RIA staff work in close liaison with Tusla on all relevant child and family related issues as they arise.
Tusla has confirmed that, subject to normal HR processes, that it is anticipated that this post will be replaced by end June 2019.
165. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the way in which Ireland is complying with its obligation under Article 22 of EU (Recast) Reception Conditions Directive 2013/33/EU with regard to the assessment of the special reception needs of vulnerable persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22597/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraDirective 2013/33/EU lays down standards for the reception of international protection applicants. Article 21 of the Directive requires Member States, in implementing the Directive, to take into account the specific situation of vulnerable persons, and Article 22 provides for the assessment of the special needs of vulnerable persons.
Vulnerable persons include minors, unaccompanied minors, disabled people, elderly people, pregnant women, single parents, victims of human trafficking, persons with serious illnesses, persons with mental disorders and persons who have been subjected to torture, rape or other serious forms of psychological, physical or sexual violence, such as victims of female genital mutilation.
The Directive was implemented through the European Communities (Reception Conditions) Regulations 2018 which provide for an assessment in relation to special reception needs within 30 days of presentation or application. Once assessed as having special reception needs, there are a number of ways in which those needs are responded to. For example, Tusla provides the required supports to meet the needs of unaccompanied minors once identified as such.
An initial interview is conducted with all applicants when they first attend the International Protection Office in Dublin. If the applicant indicates at that point that he or she requires accommodation, he or she will then be assessed for any specific reception needs. This assessment is taken into account when assigning accommodation to the particular individual.
As detailed in the Regulations, the Minister for Health and the HSE has a lead responsibility in relation to health assessments. Applicants are invited for an initial health assessment on a voluntary basis.
There is a specific Health Screening Team funded and managed by the HSE located on the site of the Balseskin Reception facility for the purpose of assessing those who have just arrived in the State. The team comprises of GPs, a Medical Officer, a Clinical Nurse Specialist and two nurses, a primary care social worker, two primary care psychologists and clerical/administration support. This team offers a range of individual services and screening for medical and psycho-social needs with onward referral as necessary. The individual professionals communicate with RIA (within the bounds of patient confidentiality) if a particular need is identified that will affect the person’s accommodation requirements.
In addition, arrangements are in place with Safetynet, who carry out health screening in various parts of the country on behalf of the HSE, to offer this screening service to those who do not, for whatever reason, avail of it in Dublin. Safetynet staff liaise with RIA if the person is deemed vulnerable on medical or related grounds. This can include a request that particular steps be taken as regards that person’s accommodation.
There is on-going liaison between RIA and the HSE in relation to how best to meet the health and related needs of protection applicants. The HSE National Office for Social Inclusion has commissioned research to explore the concept of vulnerability with a view to further improving on the processes which are already in place.
It is important to emphasise that all sectors within the Direct Protection system share a role in identifying and supporting applicants who present as vulnerable. This is particularly the case where vulnerabilities may become evident beyond the initial stage of the protection process.
The Department continues to work hard to improve how we deliver services to people who claim international protection and seek our assistance, and to meet the requirements of the 2018 regulations. despite significant pressures with regard to the provision of accommodation.
166. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the EU directives not transposed into law to date; the deadline imposed by the EU for the transposition of same; the estimated date for transposition into law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22598/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraPlease see the following table which outlines the EU directives that come within the remit of my Department which have not yet been fully transposed into law together with relevant information in relation to those Directives.
Where Directives have not yet been transposed this is generally down to a combination of factors, including, primarily, competing legislative priorities.
|
Directive |
Transposition Deadline |
Estimated Transposition Date |
Further information |
|
Directive 2017/541/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2017 on combatting terrorism and replacing Council Framework Decision 2002/475/JHA and amending Council Decision 2005/671/JHA. |
N/A, Ireland did not opt-in to the measure |
The Criminal (Terrorist Offences) Bill is included in the Government’s legislative programme and will, when passed, facilitate Ireland's participation in this measure, enabling transposition to take place. |
|
|
DIRECTIVE 2014/62/EU OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 15 May 2014 on the protection of the euro and other currencies against counterfeiting by criminal law, and replacing Council Framework Decision 2000/383/JHA |
23/05/2016 |
Year end 2019 |
The provisions required by the Directive largely already exist in Irish law by virtue of Part 5 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001. A number of, mostly technical, amendments will be required and draft provisions for that purpose are currently with the Office of the Attorney General for advice. It is hoped that the provisions required to make these amendments can be brought before the Oireachtas in the Autumn of 2019. |
|
DIRECTIVE (EU) 2017/1371 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 5 July 2017 on the fight against fraud to the Union's financial interests by means of criminal law |
06/07/2019 |
Year end 2019 |
This Directive requires a number of amendments to Part 6 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001. A general scheme for the legislation which will make those amendments was published in October 2018 and the Bill is on the priority publication list for the Summer session of 2019. It is intended that the Bill will make it’s way through the Oireachtas during the Autumn session. |
|
DIRECTIVE (EU) 2018/843 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 30 May 2018 amending Directive (EU) 2015/849 on the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purposes of money laundering or terrorist financing, and amending Directives 2009/138/EC and 2013/36/EU |
10/01/2020 |
10/01/2020 |
This Directive requires a number of amendments to Part 6 of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010. A general scheme for the legislation which will make those amendments was published in January 2019 and the Bill is on the priority publication list for the Summer session of 2019. It is intended that the Bill will make it’s way through the Oireachtas during the Autumn session. |
|
Directive (EU) 2017/853 amending Council Directive 91/477/EEC on control of the acquisition and possession of weapons |
14 September 2018 |
30 June 2019 |
Text of the Directive is complex and technical and required ongoing interaction with Advisory Counsel and Office of Parliamentary Counsel in the Office of the Attorney General. This was subject to delay due to the priority given to Brexit legislation. |
|
European Accessibility Act (DIRECTIVE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States as regards the accessibility requirements for products and services) |
April 2025 |
The Directive has only recently been agreed (9 April 2019) and no information is available in relation to transposition at this early stage. |
- |
167. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the review of the Defamation Act 2009; when it is likely to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22613/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently finalising the statutory review of the Defamation Act 2009. I expect a draft report with options for reform to be submitted to me in the coming weeks, with a view to my bringing proposals to Government in the autumn.
The Review is already addressing all the issues raised in submissions made to it, including those that featured in a recent campaign by the print media. These include:
- whether changes should be made to the respective roles of the judge and the jury in High Court defamation cases, in particular in relation to the question of damages; and
- whether any change should be made to the level or type of damages which may be awarded in defamation cases, or to the factors to be taken into account in making that determination.
It is important that the Defamation Act operates in practice to ensure that where damages are awarded for defamation, they are fair and proportionate. The objective set for the defamation review was to ensure that our defamation law strikes the right balance between protecting an individual’s good name and privacy, and protecting the right to freedom of expression, taking account of the vital role in our democracy played by a free and independent press.
168. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on Garda Operation Coatee; 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. [22630/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am currently awaiting a report on this Operation from An Garda Síochána. I will contact the Deputy directly as soon as the report is to hand.
169. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the requirement for those who have been given refugee status declaration to provide their national passport as part of an application for citizenship through naturalisation; and if his views on same in view of the fact that international protection applicants must surrender their national passport to the International Protection Office and may not retrieve it in normal circumstances if granted refugee status. [22699/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
All persons making an application for a certificate of naturalisation are required to provide satisfactory evidence of their identity and nationality. This is usually in the form of a currently valid passport and may include other original supporting documents, such as a previously held or an out of date passport, birth certificate and marriage certificate. In cases where the applicant for a certificate of naturalisation has already submitted a passport to another area of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS), the Citizenship Division of INIS will take the necessary steps to secure the passport for appropriate examination and will revert to the applicant if further clarification or documentation is required.
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.
170. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of additional marked roads policing unit vans that came into the fleet in 2018 and to date in 2019; the number withdrawn during the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22704/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is primarily responsible for the effective and efficient use of the resources available to An Garda Síochána. Further, decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda equipment and resources, including vehicles, are for the Commissioner in light of identified operational demands.
I have requested the relevant information from the Commissioner and I will write to the Deputy directly when I receive it.
171. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the work of the Garda Racial Intercultural and Diversity Office; the number of staff assigned to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22756/19]
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.
I am informed by the Commissioner that the Garda National Diversity and Integration Unit (GNDIU), formerly known as Garda Racial, Intercultural and Diversity Office (GRIDO) was established in April 2000. The GNDIU has responsibility for co-coordinating, monitoring and advising on all aspects of policing in the area of ethnic and cultural diversity. The unit leads on Garda policies, strategies, initiatives and training in respect of diversity, equality, integration and hate crime. The unit also liaises extensively with national and international stakeholders in the area of diversity, equality and integration to develop best policing practice that meets the policing needs of persons from diverse, minority and marginalised communities and groups. It is the conduit between An Garda Síochána and new communities who now reside in Ireland, representative groups and civil society organisations.
In addition to the Unit itself, there is a network of approximately 260 Ethnic Liaison Officers (ELOs) who are trained to engage positively with persons from diverse backgrounds and communities in the twenty-eight Garda Divisions across the State under the auspices of Community Policing.
A Garda Superintendent and a Garda Inspector currently directly supervise GNDIU. In addition, the Unit is assigned two Sergeants, a Garda and two administrative Garda Staff. One of the Sergeant positions is currently vacant due to promotion and transfer of a Sergeant.
172. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a comprehensive reply will issue to all of the matters raised by a person (details supplied); his views on the detailed allegations made of criminal and inappropriate activities within the Irish Prison Service; the action taken to investigate the allegations; if a person or persons have been held responsible for such activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22760/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that a response has issued to the person concerned. There are independent investigations and other processes underway in relation to the allegations raised and the person's concerns are being treated as a protected disclosure. The outcome of these processes is awaited.
173. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the pay claim which a group (details supplied) lodged in 2017; and when this case will be heard. [22761/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe established IR mechanism for dealing with claims and proposals relating to the conditions of service of civil servants is the Civil Service Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme. This Scheme is administered under the ambit of the Public Service Pay and Pensions Division of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. Where it is not possible to reach local agreement on claims relating to pay and/or conditions through a Department's local IR mechanism of Departmental Council, or where the costs of a claim are such that they would require sanction from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, such claims are recorded as 'disagreed' and referred to General Council.
The pay claim to which the Deputy refers has been the subject of ongoing discussion at Departmental Council in my Department. Earlier this month, it was formally recorded as 'Disagreed'. It will shortly be referred to General Council for arbitration and a hearing date will be set by that body.
174. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the relevant statistics are available to make a valid comparison between the number of accused persons released on bail while still on bail for a previous offence in each of the years 2016 to 2018 and to date in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22802/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs outlined in my response to the Deputy's Parliamentary Question No. 86 of 16 May 2019, I made enquiries in relation to the information sought by the Deputy (the number of persons on bail for more than one offence) and I am advised that this information is not available.
As the Deputy may be aware, the decision to grant bail in a particular case is a matter for the presiding Judge, who is independent in the exercise of his or her judicial functions. There is also a Constitutional presumption in favour of the grant of bail as, under Irish Law, a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The Criminal Justice Act 2017 strengthens the operation of the bail system with the aim of making the law as effective as possible in protecting the public against crimes committed by persons on bail.
Under the Act, a Court, in considering an application for bail, is required to have regard to persistent serious offending by an applicant for bail and may take into account the nature and likelihood of any danger presented by the grant of bail to a person charged with an offence that carries a penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment or more. The Court will also have the power, in certain cases, to hear evidence from the victim of an offence before a decision on bail is taken.
Where an accused person is granted bail, the Act provides for stricter bail terms for repeat serious offenders, strengthens Garda powers to deal with breaches of bail and increases the use of curfews.
175. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of enforcements or incidents of penalty points issued in relation to speeding on Carlingford Road, Drumcondra, Dublin 9 since the 30 km/h speed limit was introduced. [22824/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have sought a report from An Garda Síochána into the number of speeding incidents recorded on the road in question.
I will contact the Deputy directly on receipt of the Garda report.
176. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Dlí agus Cirt agus Comhionannais cé mhéad airgid a caitheadh ar sheirbhísí ateangaireachta i gcúirteanna na tíre gach bliain le cúig bliana anuas arna mhionshonrú de réir teanga; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [22849/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMar is eol don Teachta, faoi fhorálacha an Achta um Sheirbhís Chúirteanna, 1998, is í an tSeirbhís Chúirteanna atá freagrach as bainistiú na gcúirteanna, agus tá an tSeirbhís sin neamhspleách ag feidhmiú a feidhmeanna di, lena n-áirítear eolas a sholáthar faoi chóras na gcúirteanna.
Chun cuidiú leis an Teachta, áfach, chuir mé fiosrúcháin á ndéanamh agus tá caiteachas na Seirbhíse Cúirteanna ar sheirbhísí ateangaireachta de réir Contae do na blianta 2014-2018 curtha ar fáil aici.
Caiteachas ar Sheirbhísí Ateangaireachta de réir Contae le linn 2014-2018
|
Contae |
2014 € |
2015 € |
2016 € |
2017 € |
2018 € |
|
Ceatharlach |
8,135.58 |
13,611.62 |
15,431.31 |
19,624.70 |
33,611.43 |
|
An Cabhán |
35,945.40 |
29,827.95 |
29,563.12 |
23,430.37 |
41,748.81 |
|
An Clár |
8,538.74 |
5,600.44 |
5,347.77 |
2,561.21 |
2,364.91 |
|
Corcaigh |
82,904.92 |
82,366.38 |
74,730.47 |
89,849.90 |
121,246.19 |
|
Dún na nGall |
19,432.84 |
20,806.62 |
25,540.97 |
21,611.23 |
19,068.81 |
|
Baile Átha Cliath |
411,901.49 |
360,460.85 |
393,607.83 |
402,192.61 |
301,002.17 |
|
Gaillimh |
23,503.83 |
26,352.48 |
34,638.57 |
27,347.04 |
21,031.54 |
|
Ciarraí |
33,876.12 |
30,221.12 |
39,107.33 |
44,569.06 |
41,817.32 |
|
Cill Dara |
58,870.38 |
11,069.07 |
61,017.27 |
40,380.90 |
68,318.69 |
|
Cill Chainnigh |
4,814.59 |
7,056.67 |
8,065.63 |
8,513.56 |
4,342.32 |
|
Laois |
16,515.17 |
13,040.73 |
11,573.04 |
18,514.21 |
21,588.38 |
|
Liatroim |
995.63 |
4,661.88 |
10,703.88 |
7,041.57 |
5,284.68 |
|
Luimneach |
11,284.34 |
18,745.90 |
22,899.71 |
31,579.53 |
52,608.62 |
|
An Longfort |
4,754.65 |
8,045.67 |
6,207.76 |
9,704.50 |
15,683.01 |
|
Lú |
53,780.57 |
41,286.58 |
53,768.30 |
44,962.62 |
40,030.50 |
|
Maigh Eo |
9,509.04 |
4,650.62 |
9,268.19 |
12,453.56 |
9,335.10 |
|
Muineachán |
34,682.39 |
31,574.55 |
38,760.37 |
39,265.95 |
53,615.49 |
|
Uíbh Fhailí |
17,244.42 |
20,405.73 |
12,690.20 |
4,359.19 |
15,303.75 |
|
Ros Comáin |
17,832.21 |
16,130.59 |
17,313.29 |
20,290.88 |
23,437.90 |
|
Sligeach |
7,398.07 |
6,170.99 |
9,248.08 |
6,536.29 |
7,586.36 |
|
Tiobraid Árann |
27,906.19 |
25,536.32 |
43,914.68 |
37,548.65 |
58,599.18 |
|
Port Láirge |
20,541.42 |
17,397.13 |
15,277.25 |
17,438.31 |
433.80 |
|
An Iarmhí |
49,552.18 |
79,763.59 |
70,830.79 |
54,276.10 |
55,289.73 |
|
Loch Garman |
35,711.15 |
34,577.12 |
39,806.59 |
45,039.93 |
54,633.68 |
|
Cill Mhantáin |
11,931.20 |
14,129.88 |
16,383.08 |
2,587.04 |
9,911.37 |
|
An tIomlán |
1,007,562.52 |
923,490.48 |
1,065,695.48 |
1,031,678.91 |
1,077,893.74 |
Tá curtha in iúl ag an tSeirbhís Chúirteanna nach féidir briseadh síos a chur ar fáil ar an gcaiteachas sin de réir teanga. Tá eolas maidir le líon na n-iarrataí ar theangacha do na blianta 2015-2018 leagtha amach sa tábla thíos, áfach. Tá curtha in iúl ag an tSeirbhís Chúirteanna nach bhfuil a mhacasamhail de bhriseadh síos do 2014 ar fáil go réidh.
Iarrataí ar Ateangaireacht de réir Teanga 2015-2018
|
Teanga |
2018 |
2017 |
2016 |
2015 |
|
Polainnis |
2,587 |
2,155 |
2,420 |
2,141 |
|
Rómáinis |
1,541 |
1,306 |
1,449 |
1,433 |
|
Liotuáinis |
1,182 |
1,079 |
1,081 |
1,049 |
|
Rúisis |
905 |
819 |
797 |
712 |
|
Laitvis |
312 |
284 |
240 |
259 |
|
Mandairínis |
205 |
149 |
243 |
251 |
|
Portaingéilis |
430 |
357 |
232 |
166 |
|
Seicis |
176 |
164 |
194 |
160 |
|
Fraincis |
126 |
141 |
97 |
120 |
|
Araibis |
276 |
167 |
183 |
118 |
|
Eile |
1,330 |
1,176 |
1,079 |
1,081 |
|
Iomlán |
9,070 |
7,217 |
8,015 |
7,490 |
177. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if funding will be provided for the refurbishment of a facility (details supplied); when this work will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22859/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe resources provided by Government to An Garda Síochána have reached unprecedented levels, with an allocation of €1.76 billion for 2019. 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 the 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 significant Exchequer funding across the Garda and OPW Votes. In addition to that programme, other major works to the Garda estate which are ongoing include the pilot Garda station reopening project, the development of a new facility at Military Road and the major refurbishment of Fitzgibbon Street station. The 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 Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. Works in relation to Garda accommodation are progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the OPW.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the showers and toilets in the female and male lockers rooms at the Garda station referred to by the Deputy are being extensively refurbished. These refurbishment works commenced a number of weeks ago and I am informed that it is expected that these works will be completed this week.
178. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason the 2019 budget for Garda aircraft is only €1.050 million in view of the fact that the 2018 budget for the aircraft was €1.7 million; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22860/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 in An Garda Síochána, 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.
As the Deputy will appreciate, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling the administration and business of An Garda Síochána. Further, the allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Commissioner, in light of his identified operational demands.
I understand that the Garda Air Support Unit was established in 1997 and currently consists of 3 aircraft - one fixed wing aircraft and two helicopters.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the original budget for Garda aircraft in 2018 was €1.05 million. This was increased to €1.7 million following the supplementary estimates, in order to meet the cost of specific maintenance requirements for the aircraft in 2018.
My Department will continue to engage with Garda management on an ongoing basis in relation to current and capital resource needs.
179. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount spent on repairs to equipment on the boards in the Garda water unit in each of the years 2017, 2018 and to date in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22862/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling the administration and business of An Garda Síochána. Further, the allocation of Garda resources, including provision for the repair of specialist equipment, is a matter for the Commissioner, in light of identified operational demands.
I have asked the Commissioner for information in relation to the matter raised and when it is received I will write directly to the Deputy.
180. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount An Garda Síochána spent on improving poor quality CCTV camera images in each of the years 2017, 2018 and to date in 2019; if An Garda Síochána has its own resources to improve poor quality CCTV camera images; if this work must be outsourced; if so, the location it is outsourced to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22863/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, there has been an unprecedented level of investment in Garda resources across the State in recent years, including a budgetary allocation of €1.76 billion to An Garda Síochána for 2019. Significant capital investment is also being made in An Garda Síochána in terms of the Garda fleet, ICT infrastructure and the Garda estate.
In accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 as amended, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling the administration and business of An Garda Síochána and for the allocation of Garda resources, including ICT resources, in light of operational demand.
I have requested the specific information sought by the Deputy from the Commissioner. I will write to the Deputy directly when I receive it.
|
Year |
Cost |
|
2017 |
€1,339,030 |
|
2018 |
€1,291,717 |
|
Jan – May 2019 |
€545,797 |
181. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a person (details supplied) will commence work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22875/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe candidate was successful in an open competition for the post in question and I can confirm that the Human Resources Division in my Department has been in contact with all successful applicants. Following the standard pre-contract requirements being finalised, the Department is now in a position to agree a start date with the candidate.
