Written Answers Nos. 252-276
252. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the recent changes at the Reception and Integration Agency which have been carried out as part of his Department’s reorganisation; if he will provide an updated public representative inquiry telephone number and email; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41708/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that, as part of the Department’s Transformation Process, the Reception & Integration Agency (RIA), as it was formally known, was divided into two new sections within the Immigration Service Delivery Function; International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) and International Protection Procurement Services (IPPS). IPPS takes responsibility for the procurement, contract management, inspection and payments functions associated with the accommodation provided to persons seeking international protection. Previously, this was a dedicated unit within RIA. The other functions of RIA (operations, education, and child and family services) are now the responsibility of IPAS.
There were various reasons behind this division:
- RIA, although referred to as an Agency, was not formally established as an Agency and operated as a section within my Department, led by a Principal Officer;
- RIA’s integration function was assigned to another office of my Department in July 2007;
- The volume of work being undertaken in the area of contract management and procurement of accommodation has increased significantly in recent years. This is due to an increase in the number of centres, the movement to a new model of procurement of accommodation and the additional work associated with procurement and management of emergency accommodation.
The contact telephone number for IPAS remains the same as the historical contact number for RIA. A new email address (ipas_inbox@justice.ie) is now in operation and the historical email address (ria_inbox@justice.ie) will remain operational for an interim period to ensure continuity of service.
253. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps being taken to ensure that applicants seeking to renew their visas through the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service are not exploited by having to pay fees to Internet sites to secure appointments; if his attention has been drawn to the problems with the INIS online system caused by the block booking of slots by hackers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41736/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs outlined in responses to previous parliamentary questions, the Immigration Service of my Department became aware, in September 2018, that customers were experiencing difficulties booking registration appointments. Some of these difficulties had arisen because third party agents had been able to secure multiple appointments through the use of automatic software.
A set of software fixes was introduced in mid-September 2018 to prevent this abuse of the system. As far as can be determined, this software update has been successful in preventing the block booking of appointments by third party agents. The system is being regularly monitored in this regard. The Immigration Service is aware that some third party agents continue to book individual appointments with information supplied to them by customers. My Department strongly advises customers not to provide sensitive personal data to these unregulated agents.
I am also advised that the Immigration Service is currently developing a replacement online appointments system which is being designed to prevent the block-booking of appointments. This new system will also assist in streamlining and improving the current online booking process. As part of the INIS Service Improvement Plan 2018-2020, a number of other options are also being considered with a view to improving customer service and efficiency as well as meeting the growing demand for registration in Ireland.
254. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will consider lifting the limitation period relating to all thalidomide claims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41738/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe question of how best to support thalidomide survivors remains under consideration by my colleague, the Minister for Health, who holds primary policy responsibility for this area. In responding to the Deputy, I am also conscious of the fact that this is an area which is the subject of ongoing proceedings before the High Court to which Minister Harris is a party.
The Minister for Health has confirmed the Government’s intention to bring forward Heads of a Bill to provide for a package of health and personal social services for the Irish survivors of thalidomide. It is understood from the Department of Health that this work is still on-going and that Department remains in liaison with Thalidomide Ireland and other stakeholders on these matters.
My Department is engaged in an ongoing review of the broader Statute of Limitations regime in Ireland. However in terms of the question of any changes that might be made to the law as part of a specific Department of Health policy response in this area, the Government will, of course, be guided by the Minister for Health including in the context of the package of supports that he will be proposing to Government under his Department's anticipated Health Bill.
255. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons who claimed asylum at Dublin Airport and were denied accommodation in 2018 and to date in 2019, by month; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41739/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is responsible for offering accommodation and related services to international protection applicants while their claim for protection is being examined. These services are demand led and generally it is difficult to predict demand far in advance.
Due to an unexpected rise in applications (figures are up 53% in the first nine months of this year), the 38 existing accommodation centres, which offer accommodation, food, utilities and a suite of State services, have reached capacity.
I am advised by the Immigration Service, that a small number of international protection applicants were regrettably not initially accommodated in September 2018, as a result of our accommodation centres being at full capacity at that time. Those affected applicants who made a further request for accommodation, were subsequently accommodated. I can inform the Deputy that despite the continuing pressures on our accommodation system, no person in the international protection process who has required accommodation has been refused this year.
There are on-going tendering processes for new accommodation centres. Pending the opening of new centres, and to ensure that we continue to provide accommodation for all applicants who require it, the International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS, formerly the Reception and Integration Agency) of my Department has been accommodating applicants in emergency accommodation in hotels and guest houses.
As of 6 October 2019, 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.
256. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí who entered as recruits from 1 January 2014 who have since resigned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41759/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Garda Commissioner is responsible for carrying on and managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána, including by arranging for the recruitment, training and appointment of its members.
Since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, almost 2,800 Garda recruits have attested and been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide. Another 200 Garda recruits are due to attest before the end of this year.
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that of those recruits who have attested since 1 January 2014, 71 are no longer serving in the organisation. This figure includes the untimely deaths of two Garda members.
As the Deputy will be aware, this Government is 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. To achieve this the Government has put in place a plan for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 including 15,000 Garda members and 4,000 civilians. We are making real, tangible progress on achieving this goal. I am pleased to say that Garda numbers, taking account of retirements, increased to 14,032 at the end of 2018 - a net increase of over 1,200 since the end of 2014. Further, the Garda Commissioner’s decision to recruit a net 600 Garda staff in 2019 will allow for the redeployment of approximately 500 experienced Gardaí to frontline and visible policing duties by the end of this year.
The unprecedented funding of €1.882 billion provided to An Garda Síochána in Budget 2020 will allow for the recruitment of up to 700 new Gardaí and additional Garda staff next year. The appropriate balance between Gardaí and Garda staff will be for the Garda Commissioner to determine, on the basis of operational need. The ongoing recruitment will provide the Commissioner with the resources needed to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí to deliver a visible, effective and responsive policing service nationwide.
257. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí in east County Galway; the stations where these gardaí are located; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41772/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Garda Commissioner has responsibility for managing An Garda Síochána and for the allocation of Garda resources, in light of identified operational demands. This includes responsibility for personnel matters and the distribution of personnel across the varoius Garda Divisions. 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 wish to inform the Deputy that the Garda strength of Galway Division in each of the years 2011 to 2018 and to date in 2019, as provided by the Commissioner, is available on my Department’s website through the following link.
www.justice.ie/en/JELR/003_Garda_Numbers_by_Division_2006_to_August_2019.xlsx/Files/003_Garda_Numbers_by_Division_2006_to_August_2019.xlsx.
www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Garda_Workforce.
For further general information on Garda facts and figures the Deputy may also wish to consult the following link.
www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/An_Garda_Siochana_facts_and_figures.
258. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda juvenile liaison officers in east County Galway; the location of such positions and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41773/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra261. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of juvenile liaison officer posts that are unfilled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41779/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra262. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of juvenile liaison officer posts in each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41780/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 258, 261 and 262 together.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner has responsibility for managing An Garda Síochána and for the allocation of Garda resources, in light of identified operational demands. This includes responsibility for personnel matters and the distribution of personnel across the various Garda Divisions. 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 am advised by the Commissioner that Garda Juvenile Liaison Officers (JLOs) are specially trained to fulfil a key role in implementing the Garda Diversion Programme. Their role includes the administration of formal and informal cautions as well as appropriate supervision of children who have been admitted to the Diversion Programme, as provided in Part 4 of the Children Act 2001.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that as at 9 October 2019 there were 113 Juvenile Liaison Officers assigned at a divisional level nationally. That figure includes eight JLO Sergeants, who are assigned to each of the DMR Regions, Limerick City and Cork City. I am further informed that 3 JLOs have been assigned to the Galway Division.
I am informed by the Commissioner that the information requested by the Deputy is not readily available in the format requested, as JLOs are assigned on a Garda Divisional basis. Accordingly, for the Deputy's information the following table outlines the number of JLOs by Division as at 9 October 2019.
|
Division |
JLOs, as of 9 October 2019 |
|
Cavan /Monaghan |
2 |
|
Clare |
2 |
|
Cork City |
7 |
|
Cork North |
3 |
|
Cork West |
2 |
|
DMR East |
6 |
|
DMR North |
13 |
|
DMR North Central |
4 |
|
DMR South |
10 |
|
DMR South Central |
5 |
|
DMR West |
11 |
|
Donegal |
2 |
|
Galway |
3 |
|
Kerry |
4 |
|
Kildare |
3 |
|
Kilkenny/Carlow |
2 |
|
Laois/Offaly |
2 |
|
Limerick |
6 |
|
Longford/Roscommon |
2 |
|
Louth |
3 |
|
Mayo |
1 |
|
Meath |
3 |
|
Sligo/Leitrim |
1 |
|
Tipperary |
3 |
|
Waterford |
4 |
|
Westmeath |
2 |
|
Wexford |
3 |
|
Wicklow |
4 |
|
Total |
113 |
259. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of detector dogs used by gardaí in east County Galway; if more such dogs are being sought for the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41774/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, in accordance with Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, as amended, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for carrying on and managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána. Further, the allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Commissioner, in light of the availability of resources and his identified operational demands. As Minister I have no direct role in these matters.
I have been advised by the Garda authorities that the Garda Dog Unit is based at Kilmainham Garda Station, in the Dublin Metropolitan Region, and has a national remit. I am pleased to confirm that dog units have also been established in the Southern Region based at Togher Garda Station, Cork, and Henry Street Garda Station, Limerick. I understand that facilities for a future regional dog unit have also been included in the Western Region Garda Headquarters, Galway.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are currently 25 Garda dogs attached to the Garda Dog Unit, of which three dogs are based in Henry Street, Limerick and three in Anglesea Street, Cork.
I am further informed that the Garda Dog Unit is a National Unit and frequently assists with operations in Divisions nationwide, including in Galway. However, I am informed that the records concerning their deployment are held in multiple locations and the research required to compile the number of times these dogs were used in the East of County Galway would necessitate the expenditure of a disproportionate amount of Garda resources to compile.
260. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if an application or request for assistance for funding of the faulty CCTV system in an area (details supplied) has been received from Louth County Council in 2019; if the works will be financially supported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41775/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, Community CCTV is governed by section 38(3)(c) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 and the Garda Síochána (CCTV) Order 2006 (SI No 289 of 2006). This legal framework requires that any proposed community CCTV scheme must:
- be approved by the local Joint Policing Committee,
- have the prior support of the relevant local authority, which must also act as data controller, and
- have the authorisation of the Garda Commissioner.
This is the legal basis for all community CCTV schemes, regardless of how they are funded and these key legal requirements have not changed since 2006. The possibility of establishing a Community CCTV scheme is available to groups that meet these legal requirements, anywhere in the country.
Since 2017, my Department has administered a grant aid scheme supporting groups wishing to establish a community-based CCTV system in their area. To date, 21 applications have been approved under the scheme, involving approved grants totaling more than €540,000.
My Department has to date not received an application for funding for community CCTV in the area referred to by the Deputy, namely Moneymore, Drogheda, County Louth. The grant aid scheme remains open for applications from interested groups in 2019 and that all fully completed applications received before the end of 2019 will be considered.
Eligible groups, including community groups and local authorities nationwide, can apply for grant-aid of up to 60% of the total capital cost of a proposed CCTV system, up to a maximum total of €40,000. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I have recently expanded the grant aid scheme to cover not only new CCTV systems but also to allow funding applications for extension or upgrade of existing Community CCTV systems which are incomplete or obsolete. Applicants can now also seek a grant of up to €5,000 for minor maintenance costs.
I must emphasise that grant funding can be considered only for CCTV systems which meet the legal requirements for CCTV, in other words CCTV systems which have been approved by the relevant Joint Policing Committee, the relevant Local Authority (also acting as Data Controller) and which have received the authorisation of the Garda Commissioner.
If the Deputy is aware of groups wishing to avail of the scheme, further details are available to download from my Department's website - www.justice.ie and support and guidance is available to help interested groups through a dedicated email address communitycctv@justice.ie.
263. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of full-time and part-time civil servants his Department has recruited by grade in each of the years 2014 to 2018 and to date in 2019; the number of full-time and part-time civil servants his Department has lost due to retirement by grade in the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41822/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is included in the following tables, which set out the number of staff who were recruited and who retired in the relevant years. These totals include permanent and non-permanent staff employed by or through the Department, and include, amongst others, staff in the Probation Service, Forensic Science Ireland, the Insolvency Service of Ireland and headquarters staff in the Irish Prison Service.
Please note that the totals provided for retirements do not include staff who left the Department for reasons other than retirement, such as promotion or transfer within the civil service, career break or resignation.
On a full-time equivalent basis, the overall number of staff employed by the Department increased from 1,878 in 2014 to 2,391 in 2018. This reflected overall trends within the civil service and an expansion of the services provided by the Department.
Recruitment By Year
|
Grade |
Full Time 2014 |
Part Time 2014 |
Full Part 2015 |
Part Time 2015 |
Full Time 2016 |
Part Time 2016 |
|
Administrative Officer |
8 |
|
9 |
|
30 |
|
|
Assistant Principal |
4 |
|
7 |
|
23 |
|
|
Assistant Secretary |
1 |
|
1 |
|
1 |
|
|
Clerical Officer |
56 |
1 |
128 |
1 |
193 |
5 |
|
Deputy Secretary |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Executive Officer |
12 |
|
6 |
|
49 |
|
|
Higher Executive Officer |
5 |
|
4 |
2 |
11 |
|
|
Principal Officer |
2 |
2 |
3 |
|
11 |
|
|
Professional Technical Post |
1 |
|
2 |
|
1 |
|
|
Secretary General |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Staff Officer |
|
|
1 |
|
1 |
|
|
Service Officer |
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
Other |
|
|
1 |
|
1 |
|
|
Grade |
Full Time 2017 |
Part Time 2017 |
Full Time 2018 |
Part Time 2018 |
Full Time 2019 |
Part Time 2019 |
|
Administrative Officer |
34 |
|
22 |
1 |
22 |
|
|
Assistant Principal |
31 |
1 |
41 |
|
24 |
|
|
Assistant Secretary |
1 |
|
3 |
|
2 |
|
|
Clerical Officer |
299 |
1 |
228 |
2 |
234 |
1 |
|
Deputy Secretary |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
Executive Officer |
107 |
|
45 |
3 |
77 |
2 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
42 |
2 |
26 |
2 |
30 |
|
|
Principal Officer |
14 |
1 |
10 |
|
9 |
|
|
Professional Technical Post |
31 |
3 |
10 |
2 |
40 |
4 |
|
Secretary General |
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
Staff Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Service Officer |
2 |
|
1 |
|
5 |
|
|
Other |
1 |
|
1 |
|
|
|
Retirements By Year
|
Grade |
Full Time 2014 |
Part Time 2014 |
Full Part 2015 |
Part Time 2015 |
Full Time 2016 |
Part Time 2016 |
|
Administrative Officer |
3 |
|
1 |
|
4 |
|
|
Assistant Principal |
7 |
|
10 |
1 |
8 |
3 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
3 |
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
Clerical Officer |
4 |
5 |
6 |
6 |
3 |
6 |
|
Executive Officer |
5 |
1 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
2 |
1 |
4 |
1 |
6 |
3 |
|
Principal Officer |
9 |
|
5 |
|
4 |
|
|
Professional Technical Post |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Secretary General |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Staff Officer |
|
1 |
|
1 |
|
1 |
|
Service Officer |
2 |
1 |
2 |
|
4 |
|
|
Other |
|
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
4 |
|
Grade |
Full Time 2017 |
Part Time 2017 |
Full Time 2018 |
Part Time 2018 |
Full Time 2019 |
Part Time 2019 |
|
Administrative Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assistant Principal |
4 |
1 |
6 |
|
2 |
2 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
2 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
Clerical Officer |
6 |
7 |
4 |
8 |
2 |
3 |
|
Executive Officer |
3 |
5 |
4 |
3 |
7 |
2 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
1 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
4 |
2 |
|
Principal Officer |
1 |
1 |
5 |
|
5 |
|
|
Professional Technical Post |
8 |
1 |
7 |
3 |
10 |
3 |
|
Secretary General |
2 |
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
Staff Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Service Officer |
2 |
|
3 |
|
1 |
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
264. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41847/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal administers two schemes:
- the Scheme of Compensation for Personal Injuries Criminally Inflicted and;
- the Scheme of Compensation for Personal Injuries Criminally Inflicted on Prison Officers.
The Tribunal is made up qualified barristers and solicitors. Under the terms of the Scheme, the Tribunal is limited to a Chair and 6 ordinary members who provide services on a part-time basis. It is entirely independent in the matter of individual decisions on applications for compensation. The Deputy will appreciate that in these circumstances, I cannot comment on individual cases.
However, I can confirm that Tribunal staff indicate they are working to arrange a hearing in December and have been asked to provide an update on the status of the relevant appeal to the applicant, when the position in that regard is known.
265. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí by rank attached to each Garda divisional drugs unit as of 31 December 2018 and 7 October 2019, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41868/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra280. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí assigned to each divisional drug unit in 2017, 2018 and to date in 2019. [42013/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 265 and 280 together.
The Garda Commissioner is statutorily responsible for the management of An Garda Síochána, including personnel matters and deployment of resources. As Minister, I have no responsibility for these matters. Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of resources.
As the Deputies will be aware, a record €1.76 billion was allocated to the Garda Vote for 2019, as well as capital investment amounting to €92 million this year. I am pleased to have secured an overall increase of €122 million to increase An Garda Síochána's budget for 2020 to an unprecedented €1.882 billion for next year.
I have been informed by the Commissioner that the additional resources coming on stream have enabled him to assign resources to Specialist Bureaus such as the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau. This Bureau leads on the strategy for tackling drugs and works with Garda Divisional Drug Units nationwide in demand reduction and supply reduction at local level.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the attached spreadsheet outlines the number of Gardaí assigned to each Divisional Drug Unit for the years requested by the Deputies.
Drugs Unit Personnel at 30/09/2019
|
Division |
Inspector |
Sergeant |
Garda |
Total |
|
Cavan/Monaghan |
0 |
1 |
5 |
6 |
|
Clare |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
Cork City |
0 |
2 |
11 |
13 |
|
Cork North |
0 |
1 |
4 |
5 |
|
Cork West |
0 |
1 |
4 |
5 |
|
D.M.R.E. |
0 |
1 |
4 |
5 |
|
D.M.R.N. |
0 |
3 |
16 |
19 |
|
D.M.R.N.C |
1 |
2 |
13 |
16 |
|
D.M.R.S. |
0 |
3 |
13 |
16 |
|
D.M.R.S.C. |
1 |
2 |
14 |
17 |
|
D.M.R.W. |
0 |
1 |
6 |
7 |
|
Donegal |
0 |
0 |
6 |
6 |
|
Galway |
0 |
1 |
8 |
9 |
|
Kerry |
0 |
1 |
10 |
11 |
|
Kildare |
0 |
2 |
9 |
11 |
|
Kilkenny/Carlow |
0 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Laois/Offaly |
0 |
0 |
3 |
3 |
|
Limerick |
0 |
2 |
8 |
10 |
|
Louth |
0 |
0 |
3 |
3 |
|
Mayo |
0 |
1 |
4 |
5 |
|
Meath |
0 |
1 |
7 |
8 |
|
Roscommon/Longford |
0 |
1 |
4 |
5 |
|
Sligo/Leitrim |
0 |
1 |
5 |
6 |
|
Tipperary |
0 |
1 |
8 |
9 |
|
Waterford |
0 |
1 |
11 |
12 |
|
Westmeath |
0 |
2 |
5 |
7 |
|
Wexford |
0 |
0 |
9 |
9 |
|
Wicklow |
0 |
1 |
3 |
4 |
|
Total |
2 |
34 |
196 |
232 |
Drugs Unit Personnel at 31/12/2018
|
Division |
Inspector |
Sergeant |
Garda |
Total |
|
D.M.R.S.C. |
0 |
2 |
10 |
12 |
|
D.M.R.N.C |
0 |
2 |
13 |
15 |
|
D.M.R.N. |
0 |
3 |
16 |
19 |
|
D.M.R.E. |
0 |
1 |
8 |
9 |
|
D.M.R.S. |
0 |
3 |
13 |
16 |
|
D.M.R.W. |
0 |
1 |
10 |
11 |
|
Waterford |
0 |
0 |
6 |
6 |
|
Wexford |
0 |
0 |
5 |
5 |
|
Kilkenny/Carlow |
0 |
1 |
4 |
5 |
|
Tipperary |
0 |
1 |
7 |
8 |
|
Cork City |
0 |
1 |
17 |
18 |
|
Cork North |
0 |
1 |
4 |
5 |
|
Cork West |
0 |
0 |
4 |
4 |
|
Kerry |
0 |
1 |
9 |
10 |
|
Limerick |
0 |
1 |
11 |
12 |
|
Donegal |
0 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
|
Cavan/Monaghan |
0 |
1 |
3 |
4 |
|
Sligo/Leitrim |
0 |
0 |
6 |
6 |
|
Louth |
0 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
|
Clare |
0 |
1 |
3 |
4 |
|
Mayo |
0 |
1 |
4 |
5 |
|
Galway |
0 |
1 |
8 |
9 |
|
Roscommon/Longford |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
Westmeath |
0 |
1 |
5 |
6 |
|
Meath |
0 |
1 |
5 |
6 |
|
Kildare |
0 |
2 |
9 |
11 |
|
Laois/Offaly |
0 |
1 |
4 |
5 |
|
Wicklow |
0 |
1 |
3 |
4 |
|
Total |
0 |
29 |
193 |
222 |
Drugs Unit Personnel at 31/12/2017
|
Division |
Inspector |
Sergeant |
Garda |
Total |
|
D.M.R.S.C. |
0 |
1 |
8 |
9 |
|
D.M.R.N.C |
0 |
2 |
12 |
14 |
|
D.M.R.N. |
0 |
3 |
16 |
19 |
|
D.M.R.E. |
0 |
1 |
10 |
11 |
|
D.M.R.S. |
0 |
3 |
11 |
14 |
|
D.M.R.W. |
0 |
1 |
16 |
17 |
|
Waterford |
0 |
0 |
6 |
6 |
|
Wexford |
0 |
0 |
5 |
5 |
|
Kilkenny/Carlow |
0 |
1 |
4 |
5 |
|
Tipperary |
0 |
0 |
12 |
12 |
|
Cork City |
1 |
2 |
14 |
17 |
|
Cork North |
0 |
0 |
5 |
5 |
|
Cork West |
0 |
1 |
4 |
5 |
|
Kerry |
0 |
1 |
8 |
9 |
|
Limerick |
0 |
1 |
10 |
11 |
|
Donegal |
0 |
0 |
4 |
4 |
|
Cavan/Monaghan |
0 |
1 |
4 |
5 |
|
Sligo/Leitrim |
0 |
1 |
13 |
14 |
|
Louth |
0 |
0 |
5 |
5 |
|
Clare |
0 |
1 |
4 |
5 |
|
Mayo |
0 |
1 |
5 |
6 |
|
Galway |
0 |
1 |
8 |
9 |
|
Roscommon/Longford |
0 |
1 |
3 |
4 |
|
Westmeath |
0 |
1 |
5 |
6 |
|
Meath |
0 |
1 |
4 |
5 |
|
Kildare |
0 |
3 |
6 |
9 |
|
Laois/Offaly |
0 |
1 |
4 |
5 |
|
Wicklow |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total |
1 |
29 |
206 |
236 |
266. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the special scheme for students which was launched by INIS in October 2018; the number of persons granted residence through the scheme; if processing has been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41889/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Special Scheme for Students was launched on 15 October 2018 and closed on 20 January 2019. Approximately 3,100 applications were received under this Scheme. I am informed that, to date, the Immigration Service has made a decision on 2,969 cases of which 2,153 have been granted.
The Deputy will appreciate that it is necessary to process these applications in full compliance with legal requirements and in accordance with the criteria of the Scheme. I am assured by the Immigration Service that it continues to optimise all available resources, including the provision of overtime, to deliver decisions to all applicants under the scheme as soon as possible.
267. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the Garda Commissioner and-or his officers consulted with officials in his Department with regard to recent Garda divisional reforms in advance of the restructuring in the context of the analysis of existing population and population growth in respective geographical areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41918/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Justice and Equality, I welcome the announcement in recent weeks by the Garda Commissioner of a new Operating Model of An Garda Síochána.
This functional model has long been recommended by independent policing specialists, including the Garda Síochána Inspectorate and in the Report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland (CoFPI). Rollout of this model meets a key commitment in A Policing Service for the Future, the four-year implementation plan giving effect to the recommendations of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland. As the Deputy will be aware, the Commission on the Future of Policing engaged extensively in the course of its work including with members of the public, senior government leaders, politicians from all parties, academics in Ireland and abroad and officials from other jurisdictions, Gardaí and Garda staff.
I am informed by the Commissioner a number of considerations were taken into account in developing the new model and the restructuring of Divisions, including population, geography, projected growth, crime trends and workload across a range of work streams.
While new to Ireland, this model is the norm in other countries. It is designed to reduce bureaucracy and will shift real decision-making power from Garda Headquarters to the Chief Superintendents, closer to the communities they serve. Importantly, it will also result in significantly more Sergeants and Inspectors on the ground where leadership, supervision and mentoring is crucial.
I understand that the new model will be implemented on a phased basis throughout 2020. I welcome the Commissioner's announcement last month of the new Divisional HQs and also his announcement last week of the first five Divisions where the new Model will be implemented, namely Galway, Cork City, Dublin South Central, Meath/Westmeath and Limerick.
I further understand that the Commissioner and his team are willing to meet with Joint Policing Committees all over Ireland in the weeks ahead and that there will be opportunities for detailed local engagement at that stage.
I can confirm that while I have been informed of the Commissioner's plan and, of course, I was familiar with the recommendations of the Garda Síochána Inspectorate and the Commission on the Future of Policing on these matters, the detail of the plan was solely a matter for An Garda Síochána in line with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 which states that by law the allocation of all Garda resources, including the deployment and distribution of Garda personnel, is solely a matter for the Commissioner.
Finally, it may be noted that these changes are being introduced at a time of record investment in An Garda Síochána. €1.76 billion has been allocated to the Garda Vote for 2019, as well as capital investment amounting to € 92 million this year. I am pleased to have secured an overall increase of €122 million to increase An Garda Síochána’s budget for 2020 to an unprecedented €1.882 billion for next year in addition to €116million in capital investment. This level of funding will allow the Garda Commissioner to recruit up to 700 new Gardaí next year and additional Garda staff.
I am confident that this ongoing investment in Garda resources together with the ongoing reform process will result in an improved policing service for all communities, urban and rural, now and into the future.
268. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of injuries to members of An Garda Síochána that were recorded in the Waterford division in 2016 to 2018 by assault, needle stick injury and psychological shock or trauma. [41919/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate the Garda Commissioner is responsible for carrying on and managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána, including personnel matters. As Minister, I have no direct role in the matter.
However I fully appreciate the dangers the men and women of An Garda Síochána face and the traumatic incidents they encounter in the course of their duty. While the Deputy will appreciate that it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the provision of employee welfare supports, the Government is committed to supporting the work of An Garda Síochána and to ensuring that the organisation is properly resourced to carry out its important role in protecting our communities. As the Deputy will be aware, a record €1.76 billion was allocated to the Garda Vote for 2019, as well as capital investment amounting to €92 million this year. I am pleased to have secured an overall increase of €122 million to increase An Garda Siochana's budget for 2020 from €1.76 billion to an unprecedented €1.882 billion for next year.
The Deputy may also be interested to know that the report of the Commission on the Future of Policing recognised that policing is an unusually stressful job and in accordance with 'A Policing Service for the Future", the four year implementation plan giving effect to that report, work has begun on the development of a Wellness programme in An Garda Síochána.
In relation to the specific question raised by the Deputy, I am informed by the Garda authorities that sickness absences are recorded on the Sickness Management Absence System (SAMS) under the following categories- ordinary illness; occupational injury /illness arising from duty; and critical illness. The category of occupational injury/ illness arising from duty includes the following sub-categories:
- Injury on Duty: Accident
- Injury on Duty: RTA
- Malicious Injury Off Duty
- Malicious Injury On Duty
- Occupational illness arising from duty
I am advised by the Garda authorities that there is currently no specific sub-categories on the Sickness Management Absence System for the recording of absences due to assault, needle-stick injury and psychological shock or trauma (psychological shock or trauma may be recorded under the Mental Health category). It is not possible to add comments on a sickness absence report.
The table, which has been provided to me by An Garda Síochána, sets out the available statistics showing the number of Garda members who were absent on sick leave due to an injury arising from duty during the period referred to by the Deputy. However, it should be noted that as set out above, it is not possible to break these figures down further to address only the issue of assault needle-stick injury or shock or trauma; and further that these figures do not account for any case in which a member may have been injured in the course of duty but did not avail of sick leave.
Number of Injuries on Duty to members of An Garda Síochána that were recorded in the Waterford division in 2016 to 2018
|
Year |
Nos. |
|
2016 |
23* |
|
2017 |
17** |
|
2018 |
10*** |
*Sick Leave Statistics as recorded on SAMS and reported @ 01.02.2017
**Sick Leave Statistics as recorded on SAMS and reported @ 06.02.2018
***Sick Leave Statistics as recorded on SAMS and reported @ 05.02.2019
269. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if legislation to deal with hate crime will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41921/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently reviewing the Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act 1989, to determine what amendments are required in order to ensure it is effective and fit for purpose in a modern democracy. The public consultation on the Act to which the Deputy is referring is due to commence shortly and details will be published on my Department's website.
Separately, my Department is undertaking research into hate crime (offences under the general criminal law, such as assault or criminal damage, that are committed with a hate or bias motivation), to learn from the experiences of other jurisdictions who have taken different legislative approaches . That separate research project is well underway. This research will be completed in Q4 of this year and the results will help develop new approaches to ensure hate crime is addressed effectively in Ireland.
Taken together, this work will significantly advance our understanding of what is needed to ensure that legislation in this important area protects and supports those who are targeted by expressions and acts of hatred.
There is widespread public interest in reforming our approach to hate crime in this jurisdiction and this is something I welcome. I will consider the outcomes of all of the exercises which are now taking place in my Department on this subject, and will draw on this evidence to bring forward the necessary proposals for change.
Finally, I would point out that where a crime is identified as having hate as a motivation, this may be taken into account by the Court as an aggravating factor, thereby increasing the sentence imposed.
270. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the responsibility of serving sworn members of An Garda Síochána for providing information to regulatory bodies in respect of a person who is subject to the rules of the statutory body and who may be under investigation by An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41945/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra271. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the regulatory bodies in which there is a legal obligation on serving sworn members of An Garda Síochána to provide information on a person who is subject to the rules of the statutory body and who may be under investigation by An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41946/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 270 and 271 together.
I understand that the Deputy refers in this matter to the Medical Council.
As the Deputy will appreciate, my colleague the Minister for Health holds primary policy responsibility for this area.
I am informed by the Department of Health that the regulation of health professionals in Ireland is the responsibility of the regulators operating under the Medical Practitioners Act 2007, the Nurses and Midwives Act 2011, the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005, the Pharmacy Act 2007 and the Dentists Act 1985 respectively. These Acts enable each of the relevant health regulators to use fitness to practice processes to address complaints or deal with concerns raised about professionals on their registers, with the overriding objective of protecting the public.
I am further informed by the Department of Health that the Regulated Professions (Health and Social Care) (Amendment) Bill 2019, which has completed Committee Stage in Dáil Éireann, is intended to amend these five Acts in a number of respects. I understand that among the matters which the Bill addresses is the issue of requests for information to An Garda Síochána by the relevant bodies in the context of fitness to practice processes.
272. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if Garda human resources keep records of difficulties relating to medical certification in respect of serving sworn members of An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41947/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra273. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of civilian and Garda staff members since 1973 who have been arrested; the charges on which they have been arrested; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41948/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra274. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of serving sworn members of An Garda Síochána who have been reduced to zero level of pay while under investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41949/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra275. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of civilian and Garda staff members who have been reduced to zero level of pay while under investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41950/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra276. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of serving sworn members of An Garda Síochána, having been convicted in the courts, who have been reduced to zero level of pay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41951/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 272 to 276, inclusive, together.
The Garda Commissioner has responsibility for managing An Garda Síochána and for the allocation of Garda resources, in light of identified operational demands. This includes responsibility for personnel matters. As Minister I have no direct role in these matters.
I have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the matters raised by the Deputy. I will write directly to the Deputy once I receive it.
