Written Answers Nos. 227-251
227. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Skills if an SNA will be made available for a pupil with severe intellectual disabilities in circumstances in circumstances in which the pupil has been accepted to a national school in the pupil's home town but the allocation of SNAs in the school has not increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42127/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible for allocating a quantum of Special Needs Assistant (SNA) support for each school annually taking into account the assessed care needs of children qualifying for SNA support enrolled in the school.
The NCSE allocates SNA support to schools in accordance with the criteria set out in Department Circular 0030/2014, which is available on my Department's website at www.education.ie, in order that students who have care needs can access SNA support as and when it is needed.
In considering applications for SNA support for individual pupils, the NCSE take account of the pupils' needs and consider the resources available to the school to identify whether additionality is needed or whether the school might reasonably be expected to meet the needs of the pupils from its current level of resources.
SNAs are not allocated to individual children but to schools as a school based resource.
SNA allocations to all schools can change from year to year as children with care needs leave the school, as new children with care needs enrol in a school and as children develop more independent living skills and their care needs diminish over time.
The NCSE Appeals Process may be invoked by a parent or a school where it is considered that a child was not granted access to SNA support because the requirements outlined in Circular 0030/2014 were not complied with. Schools may also appeal a decision, where the school considers that the NCSE, in applying Department policy, has not allocated the appropriate level of SNA support to the school to meet the special educational and/or care needs of the children concerned.
Where a school has received its allocation of SNA support for 2019/20, but wishes new enrolments or assessments to be considered, which were not taken into account when the initial allocation was made, they may continue to make applications to the NCSE.
As this question relates to a particular child, I have referred the question to the NCSE for their direct reply. I do not have a role in making determinations in individual cases.
228. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a child (details supplied) in County Cork will have a cognitive assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42130/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that my Department’s National Educational Psychological Service provides educational psychological support to all primary and post-primary schools. This involves direct support in the event of a critical incident, access to national and regional support and development work to build school capacity to support students, access to a NEPS psychologist for responses to queries arising, and access to individual pupil casework via a NEPS psychologist or through the Scheme for the Commissioning of Psychological Assessments. (SCPA).
In common with many other psychological services and best international practice, NEPS has adopted a consultative model of service. The focus is on empowering teachers to intervene effectively with pupils whose needs range from mild to severe and transient to enduring. Psychologists use a problem solving and solution oriented consultative approach to maximize positive outcomes for these pupils. NEPS encourages schools to use a continuum based assessment and intervention process whereby each school takes responsibility for initial assessment, educational planning and remedial intervention for pupils with learning, emotional or behavioural difficulties. Teachers may consult their NEPS psychologist should they need to at this stage in the process. Only in the event of a failure to make reasonable progress, in spite of the school's best efforts in consultation with NEPS, will the psychologist become involved with an individual child for intensive intervention or assessment.
This system allows psychologists to give early attention to urgent cases and also to help many more children indirectly than could be seen individually. It also ensures that children are not referred unnecessarily for psychological intervention.
Should the parents of the child, the subject of the Deputy's question, have specific concerns about his educational progress they should, in the first instance, speak to the Principal of the school concerned, with a view to raising these concerns with the assigned NEPS psychologist for the appropriate individual intervention.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
229. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason his Department does not audit schools directly; the person or body that checks the accountants being paid by the schools; if major discrepancies in accounts that are continually ignored by schools are examined by his Department; the further reason schools cannot submit directly to the financial support services unit; if extra funding is being provided for schools to carry out accountancy work as required under circular 60/2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42171/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is important to ensure that appropriate governance arrangements are in place for transparency and accountability in the management of public money.
Therefore, all Boards of Managements of schools are obliged to comply with Section 18 of the Education Act 1998 and the arrangements set out in my Department’s circulars 0060/2017 and 0002/2018 in relation to the operation of the Financial Services Support Unit (FSSU). This includes the submission of accounts to the FSSU by an external accountant/auditor who has a current Practising Certificate, Professional Indemnity Insurance and is registered with a prescribed accountancy body in the State.
The independence of an external accountant/auditor provides assurance to the Board and the State that the accounts are prepared in line with good accounting practice and standards.
Responsibility for procurement of an external accountant/auditor and payment of same rests with the Board of Management in respect of schools operated by them. Boards of Management should take a proactive approach when it comes to sourcing accountancy services in order to ensure best value is obtained and to ensure compliance with public procurement procedures.
Schools Procurement Unit which has a national remit is available to advise and assist schools in relation to procurement matters.
The FSSU, which is fully funded by my Department, carries out audits in schools at the request of my Department. The FSSU also provides assistance for schools when sourcing accountancy services.
In Budget 2020 I was pleased to have been able to provide for a further 2.5% increase in standard capitation funding for primary and post-primary schools that will apply from the start of the 2020/2021 school year. This is in addition to the 5% increase that applies from the start of the 2019/2020 school year.
In addition to the increase in standard capitation, the enhanced rates of capitation payable at primary level in respect of pupils attending special schools and special classes attached to mainstream schools will be increased by 7.5% from the start of the 2020/21 school year.
230. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of assessments completed under the scheme for the commissioning of psychological assessments for the 2018-19 academic year for which the certification of completion of assessment forms has been submitted by school principals between 4 September 2018 and 30 September 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42192/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that my Department’s National Educational Psychological Service provides educational psychological support to all primary and post-primary schools. This involves direct support in the event of a critical incident, access to national and regional support and development work to build school capacity to support students, access to a NEPS psychologist for responses to queries arising, and access to individual pupil casework via a NEPS psychologist or through the Scheme for the Commissioning of Psychological Assessments. (SCPA).
Access to SCPA is afforded to schools where a dedicated NEPS psychologist is temporarily not available due to vacancies arising from retirement or resignation or circumstances such as maternity leave, etc. My Department maintains a panel of private practitioners under the scheme and pays a fee of €304 per assessment upon certification of a satisfactory delivery from school authorities. Private practitioners must satisfy a number of requirements for membership of the SCPA panel including qualification to carry out the required educational psychological assessments. Currently there are 54 private practitioners listed on my Department’s website on the SCPA panel.
In answer to the Deputy’s specific question in the matter, I can inform her that some 2,061 assessments were certified by school principals under the scheme in the period 4th September 2018 to 30th September 2019.
231. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason there has been a delay in tendering for the building contract for the permanent school building for a school (details supplied) in view of the fact it received planning permission in the middle of 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42195/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra232. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills when the tendering process for a school (details supplied) will take place; when the tender will be awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42196/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 231 and 232 together.
The procurement process for a bundle of projects is due to commence in the coming weeks with the publication of a contract notice to determine a shortlist of interested contractors. The new school building for the school referred to by the Deputy is part of this bundle of projects.
The procurement process (and the associated tendering to short-listed contractors) for this bundle of projects will be ongoing during Q4 2019 and Q1 2020.
It is anticipated that construction of this school building project will commence in Q2 2020. A phased construction programme is planned to facilitate occupation of the new permanent school building by end 2020/early 2021.
My Department is well aware of the urgency of this project and the issues in relation to it's current temporary location and will be working with the school authorities in relation to solutions for same.
233. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the measures that will be put in place for a school (details supplied) while it is awaiting the building of its permanent school, given the delay in commencing the tendering process for the new school building and the fact that it is under pressure to leave its temporary accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42197/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe procurement process for a bundle of projects is due to commence in the coming weeks with the publication of a contract notice to determine a shortlist of interested contractors. The new school building for the school referred to by the Deputy is part of this bundle of projects.
The procurement process (and the associated tendering to short-listed contractors) for this bundle of projects will be ongoing during Q4 2019 and Q1 2020.
It is anticipated that construction of this school building project will commence in Q2 2020. A phased construction programme is planned to facilitate occupation of the new permanent school building by end 2020/early 2021.
My Department is well aware of the urgency of this project and the issues in relation to it's current temporary location and will be working with the school authorities in relation to solutions for same.
234. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a community drugs rehabilitation and educational service (details supplied) is the subject of a funding for mainstream project review; if he will ensure that this service continues to receive funding in the interim; the length of time it will take to complete the review; his views on ensuring that this vital service continues into 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42206/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraCircular 13/2014 published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on the Management of and Accountability for Grants from Exchequer Funds outlines the public financial management principles, procedures, and additional reporting requirements that must be followed in the governance of grant funding as well as compliance with all public financial procedures and legislation.
The overall principle is that there should be transparency and accountability in the management of public money in line with economy, efficiency and effectiveness. To ensure compliance with these requirements, as grantor, my Department must ensure that it has an effective grant-funding supervision regime in place for all of the grants it administers to inform evidence based decision making and to ensure it achieves best value for money in the use of public moneys.
For over 20 years my Department, has provided funding to this organisation towards the day to day expenses of the community based drug rehabilitation project. The grant allocation is approved on an annual basis with the conditions of funding set out in the annual allocation letter which includes full compliance with the provisions of Circular 13/2014. In line with its obligations as grantor, my Department carried out a review of funding of the project in 2011 and has since then provided over €1.2 million in funding for the project.
In correspondence to the organisation in August this year, my Department advised that it was planning a review of funding of the project. Review of the grant to this organisation, which commenced last month, is one of a number of grants under similar review. The organisation has been advised that they will be kept informed on progress throughout the review. The findings and recommendations from the review, which will take into account the impact of its recommendations on service users, will be conveyed to the organisation in due course.
235. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a reply will issue from the school transport section of his Department to a letter sent to the section on 1 August 2019 and which was followed by a reminder on 3 September 2019 (details supplied); the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42216/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.
In the 2018/2019 school year over 117,500 children, including over 13,000 children with special educational needs, were transported in over 5,000 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country covering over 100 million kilometres at a cost of over €200m in 2018.
In general, children with Special Educational Needs are eligible for school transport where they are attending the nearest recognised school that is or can be resourced to meet their special educational needs.
Eligibility is determined following consultation with the National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers.
The child in question is not attending her nearest school and is therefore not eligible for school transport under the terms of our scheme. The child is availing of Special Concessionary transport and commenced on the service on the 9th September 2019
The terms of the School Transport Schemes are applied equitably on a national basis.
236. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna cén uair a dhéanfar cinneadh ar achomharc a rinneadh chuig an rannóg iompair ina roinn maidir le híocaíocht iompair scoile (sonraí tugtha); cén chúis atá leis an moill ar chinneadh a dhéanamh sa chás seo; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [42228/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraOibríocht thábhachtach is ea Iompar Scoile atá á bainistiú ag Bus Éireann thar ceann na Roinne.
Is é is cuspóir do Scéim Iompair Scoile de chuid mo Roinne, le haird chuí ar na hacmhainní atá ar fáil, ná tacú le hiompar leanaí a chónaíonn i bhfad ón scoil is gaire dóibh chuig an scoil agus uaithi.
Sa scoilbhliain 2018/2019 iompraíodh breis is 117,500 leanbh, breis is 13,000 leanbh ag a bhfuil riachtanais speisialta oideachais san áireamh, i mbreis is 5,000 feithcil go laethúil chuig bunscoileanna agus iarbhunscoileanna ar fud na tíre. Clúdaíodh breis is 100 milliún ciliméadar agus ba é breis is €200 milliún an costas a bhí air in 2018.
Beifear ag féachaint ar an achomharc a bhfuil an Teachta Dála ag tagairt dó ag an chéad chruinniú eile den Bhord Achomhairc um Iompar Scoile ar an 17ú Deireadh Fómhair 2019.
237. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount of funding historically provided to an organisation (details supplied) through the Skillnet stream of funding; the way in which this funding is monitored in order to ensure it is used appropriately; if audits are conducted on bodies in receipt of this stream of funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42236/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraSkillnet Ireland has funded the Restaurant and Hospitality Skillnet of which the contracting and promoting organisation is the Restaurants Association of Ireland. Skillnet Ireland do not fund the Restaurant Association of Ireland directly. The Skillnet was established in 2017 in response to acute skills shortages within the sector, as highlighted within the EGFSN Report “Assessment of the Future Skills Needs within the Hospitality Sector 2015-2020”.
The organisation has received the following amounts of grant funding in the years 2017 to 2019:
|
Year |
Amount of Grant Paid € |
|
2017 |
48,000 |
|
2018 |
63,659 |
|
2019* |
107,450 |
|
Total |
219,109 |
*2019 to date: 10th October 2019
Skillnet Ireland have confirmed that a Compliance Review of the Restaurant and Hospitality Skillnet was conducted in October 2018. This review provides assurances regarding the adequacy and effectiveness of the financial and governance related controls in place and forms an assessment on the operating model of the Skillnet. Skillnet Ireland are currently scheduling the next Compliance Review of this Skillnet.
Each Skillnet is obliged to commission an annual Independent Accountant’s Report which confirms that the Skillnet is of sound financial standing and provides additional assurances on compliance with specified conditions in the Skillnet Ireland Operating Framework.
Grant payments are made to each Skillnet on a staged basis throughout the annual funding cycle and are subject to grant payment reviews conducted by Skillnet Ireland. The review process includes analysis of training delivery targets and a risk assessment of each Skillnet.
An independent evaluation of Skillnet funded programmes is also undertaken on an annual basis. The independent evaluation addresses the following thematic areas:
- Consistency with Government Policy;
- Impact on Participating Businesses;
- Impact on Learners; and
- Effectiveness and Efficiency.
238. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 174 of 17 September 2019, if tenders have now been invited for the project; the closing date for receipt of tenders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42258/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy has recently completed Stage 2(b) of architectural planning and has been progressed to tender stage.
A tender stage normally takes between 7 and 8 months to complete.
239. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 173 of 17 September 2019, if there has been further progress in resolving the technical considerations; if a design team will be put in place for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42259/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy has been previously advised - agreement in principle has been reached with a landowner for the acquisition of a site at Donaghcumper, Celbridge. My Department is continuing to engage with the landowner and Kildare County council in regard to the technical considerations crucial to the delivery of the site and the commencement of architectural planning.
It is a priority for my Department to commence the architectural planning process for this site at the earliest possible stage. For the time being, and as previously indicated - given the commercially sensitive nature of site acquisitions in general, I am unable to elaborate further.
240. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 170 of 17 September 2019, if approval has now issued for the invitation of tenders for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42260/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis building project referred to by the Deputy is included in my Department’s Construction Programme which is being delivered under the National Development Plan.
The major building project is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning Stage 2b – Detailed Design, which includes securing Planning Permission, Fire Certificate and Disability Access Certificate and the preparation of tender documents.
The process of Pre-Qualification of contractors to compile a shortlist of suitable candidates is now complete. The next step for this project will be Stage 3 – tender stage. In that context, the Department will shortly be in contact with the school and Design Team to update them on the further progression of this major building project.
241. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 84 of 26 September 2019, if the letter of acceptance has issued to the preferred contractor; when the contractor will go on site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42265/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the delivery of the project for Naas Community College has been devolved to Kildare and Wicklow Education & Training Board (KWETB).
The Deputy will also be aware that a preferred contractor has been identified. While the letter of acceptance has not yet issued, I can confirm that it is still on target to proceed to site next month.
242. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 169 of 17 September, 2019; if authorisation has issued to invite tenders for the project; if so, when tenders will be invited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42266/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is currently at Stage 2(b) – Detailed Design.
The pre-qualification process to select a shortlist of suitable contractors has been completed and the Design Team is currently finalising the tender documentation.
Once this work is complete, my Department will be in contact with the Board of Management of the school regarding the progression of the project to the next stage of architectural planning, Stage 3 - tender stage.
243. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Education and Skills the schools in west Dublin constituency that have applied for funding for school building projects and are awaiting a decision. [42286/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to inform the Deputy that my Department does not hold information in the format requested.
244. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Education and Skills the schools in the west Dublin constituency that have been approved for funding for school building projects and have yet to draw down all funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42287/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department does not hold the specific information to which she refers on a district or constituency basis.
However, I can inform her that details of all school capital works that are being funded by my Department may be viewed on my Department's website at www.education.ie and this is updated regularly. In particular in that respect, I would draw the Deputy's attention to the list to be found on the website at the following address: https://www.education.ie/en/Schools-Colleges/Services/Building-Works/Additional-Accommodation/additional-accommodation-ongoing.pdf. This is a list of projects under my Department's Additional Accommodation Scheme which have been approved for delivery but are not yet completed.
245. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the reduced capital budget for 2020 and the impact this will have on planned school building and renovation works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42288/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraCapital planning and budgeting is undertaken on a multi-annual basis. Under Project Ireland 2040, the education sector will receive a total of approximately €12 billion over the period 2018-2027. This includes some €8.8 billion for the schools sector and €2.2 billion for higher education infrastructure. The specific allocations in each area are closely monitored and may be adjusted from year to year to take account of project progress and other factors.
The allocation for my Department's School Buildings programme in 2020 is broadly in line with the allocation for 2019. In 2019 the allocation was €622m. The allocation envisaged for 2020 is €620m. The allocation for schools will support circa 60 new school building projects going to construction in 2020 delivering in excess of 30,000 school places (permanent additional and replacement places). This is in addition to in excess of 40 existing projects which are currently in construction and being progressed through 2020 delivering up to 25,000 school places.
This allocation will also include a provision for a Summer Works Scheme, details of which will be announced later in 2019
In addition, the Minor Works Grant is due to be paid to all primary schools either in December or at the latest early January 2020.
Finally, demographics at primary level have increased over the last decade but have now peaked and are starting to reduce. This will start to reduce some of the pressures on the capital budget.
246. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons living in direct provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42079/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is responsible for offering accommodation and related services to international protection applicants while their claim for protection is being examined. Due to an unexpected rise in applications (figures are up 53% in the first nine months of this year), existing Direct Provision Centres, which offer accommodation, food, utilities and a suite of State services, have reached capacity.
I am advised that as of 6th October 2019, 7,547 persons were being provided with accommodation by the International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS, formerly the Reception and Integration Agency) of my Department. Currently, there are 6,094 persons residing in the 38 accommodation centres located nationwide across 18 counties. As these centres are at full capacity, there are also a further 1,453 applicants residing in 35 emergency accommodation locations in hotels and guest houses.
My Department is actively working on securing additional capacity, both in its existing centres and through sourcing new accommodation centres. IPAS has sought expressions of interest from parties who would be interested in providing accommodation and related services to people in the international protection process and has also launched a nationwide, regional tendering process to source new accommodation centres.
247. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason 1 November 2019 was chosen as the date of eligibility for the new parental leave scheme as detailed in the Parent's Leave and Benefit Bill 2019; if an earlier or retrospective date was considered during drafting to allow all parents with a child in its first year to avail of the scheme; and when it will be available subject to the passing of the legislation. [41626/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Parent’s Leave and Benefit Bill 2019 will provide for two weeks of parent’s leave and benefit for all new parents in employment or self-employment in respect of children born or placed for adoption on or after 1 November 2019. This will facilitate parents in spending more time with their children in their critical first year of life. The Bill gives the Minister power to increase the leave to a maximum of nine weeks and there is already a commitment to increasing both leave and benefit to seven weeks for each parent by 2021.
Any retrospective date for entitlement to parent’s leave and benefit would amount to backdating the scheme. This would have the effect of creating a backlog of applications immediately on the introduction of the scheme and would have considerable unforeseen cost implications. Depending on the extent of backdating, this provision could also have the effect of extending parent’s leave beyond the first year after birth or adoption. With all of this in mind, the selection of I November 2019 as the date on which entitlement to parent’s leave and benefit will arise is considered the optimal choice for launching this important new initiative.
248. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons employed in direct provision centres by the companies operating same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41655/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of people employed in each direct provision accommodation centre is a matter for the contracted service provider. Such statistics are not maintained by my Department.
As the Deputy may be aware, the agreed National Standards for accommodation offered to people in the protection process were published by my Department in August 2019. The Standards will apply to all service providers contracted by the Department to operate and manage accommodation centres. They provide a framework for the continued development of services and supports for residents by improving the quality of care and ensuring consistency across the centres. A number of the standards relate to the employees of the centre, for example, their competencies, recruiting, training and support.
In addition, regular inspections of the centres are undertaken to ensure that the required contracted services are being provided to the required standard.
249. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if members of the drugs squad are no longer operating out of the Garda station in Clondalkin, Dublin 22; when the last remaining members of the drugs squad were removed from that station; the number of drugs squad personnel and the rank of each stationed in the station in each of the years 2007 to 2018 and to date in 2019; and the impact the loss of the unit from the station will have on efforts to address the issue of drug crime in that divisional area. [41657/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, the management and efficient use of Garda resources is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner. This includes responsibility for deployment of personnel. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters. 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 have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the information sought by the Deputy. I will write directly to the Deputy once I receive it.
250. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of marked and unmarked Garda cars and motorcycles attached to Meath Garda roads policing unit as of 27 September 2019. [41694/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe resources provided by Government to An Garda Síochána have reached record levels, with an allocation for 2019 of €1.76 billion. I am also pleased to have secured an overall increase of €122 million to increase An Garda Síochána's budget to an unprecedented €1.882 billion for next year.
Very significant capital investment is also being made in An Garda Síochána, including a total of €46 million for investment in the Garda fleet between 2016 and 2021. This continuing investment is intended to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit-for-purpose fleet and that Gardaí can be mobile, visible and responsive on the roads and in the community to prevent and tackle crime.
€10 million capital funding has been made for the purchase and fit-out of Garda vehicles in 2019. I understand from the Garda authorities that this allocation is being used for purchase and fit-out of over 300 new vehicles for operational use this year. A further €9 million has been allocated for the Garda fleet in Budget 2020.
As the Deputy will appreciate, in accordance with Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 as amended, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling the administration and business of An Garda Síochána. Further, the allocation of Garda resources is also a matter for the Commissioner, in light of his identified operational demands. This includes responsibility for the allocation of Garda vehicles among the various Garda divisions. As Minister, I have no direct 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 so as to ensure their optimum use.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that as at 30 September 2019, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 3 Cars, 1 motorbike and 1 4x4 attached to roads policing duty in Meath Division. For security and operational reasons it is not possible to provide a breakdown between marked and unmarked vehicles.
251. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the review of the Garda Reserve will be completed; if the findings of the review will be published; and the status of the promised recruitment campaign that had a stated objective of an increase of 1,500 Reserve members. [41705/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the allocation and distribution of resources including the recruitment and training of Garda members and members of the Garda Reserve is entirely a matter for the Garda Commissioner. I am assured 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.
The Deputy may wish to note that a class of approximately 100 Garda reserve recruits commenced training in March 2019 at the Garda College, Templemore. This is a positive development and delivers on the target set out under 'A Policing Service for the Future', the implementation plan for the Report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland.
An Garda Síochána is currently conducting a strategic review of the Garda Reserve to inform future decisions around its use. I understand that the review is at an advanced stage. This approach is in line with the relevant action in "A Policing Service for the Future". The Strategy is expected to inform the development and preparation for a new Reserve recruitment drive by the end of 2019. The decision to publish the findings of the review will be a matter for the Garda Commissioner, who is responsible for managing and controlling the administration and business of An Garda Síochána.
