Written Answers Nos. 344-363
344. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the peace commissioners appointed from 1 January 2017 to date; the county and subdistrict of each appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7586/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraPeace Commissioners are appointed by the Minister for Justice and Equality under Section 88 of the Courts of Justice Act, 1924.
While every effort is made to maintain accuracy, it should be noted that Peace Commissioner records are appointment based and they do not always reflect the actual situation on the ground because the Department is reliant on the Peace Commissioners and other interested parties to advise of changes in circumstances which may occur subsequent to appointment.
Individuals requesting the services of a Peace Commissioner are advised to contact local Gardaí to ensure that a particular listed individual is active and available. The details of appointed Peace Commissioners are also retained by the Peace Commissioner Unit in my Department and my officials are happy to assist individuals who require the services of a Peace Commissioner. They can be contacted on (01) 4768637 or at info@justice.ie
This response interprets the Deputy’s question as relating to the number of Peace Commissioners appointed in each county and sub-district between 2017 and 2020 to date.
The total number of Peace Commissioners appointed between 2017 and 2020 to date is 344.
The total number of Peace Commissioners appointed so far in 2020 is 38.
The total number of Peace Commissioners appointed in 2019 is 116.
The total number of Peace Commissioners appointed in 2018 is 121.
The total Number of Peace Commissioners appointed in 2017 is 69
Note: some Sub-districts are not identified in the table below.
Peace Commissioners appointed during 2017 and 2020 to date:
345. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of a matter relating to a direct provision centre (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7617/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI want to assure the Deputy that I, Minister Flanagan and our officials take the safety and wellbeing of all international protection applicants and the community in which they reside extremely seriously. That has always been our priority.
I do appreciate that the circumstances in which the Skellig Accommodation Centre was opened did not allow for full engagement with local representatives, communities and services; to inform and reassure them and to answer their questions. That is certainly something that I, Minister Flanagan and our officials regret. But, during a public health emergency the decision to move people to a dedicated accommodation centre was seen as an appropriate positive response.
All centres are following the guidelines for our centres that have been published by the HSE’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre. These are publicly available at its website www.hpsc.ie. That guidance exists precisely because it is recognised that congregated settings such as Direct Provision centres present specific challenges in this pandemic. My Department is working closely with the HSE in doing so, and while the HSE advice has evolved over time, we have been assured by both it and the Office of the Chief Medical Officer that our approach is appropriate.
At the very outset of the crisis, my Department discussed with the HSE the fact that we were accommodating some people in commercial hotels that the Department did not have exclusive use of. This was seen as higher risk at that time in the early stages of the pandemic.
For that reason, we needed to move people to dedicated accommodation centres where they could receive the full set of State supports and services. To do this, we needed to open more accommodation. The Skellig Star hotel in Cahersiveen had been offered to us and was available for immediate occupancy.
We also opened new centres in Rosslare Harbour and Tullamore and temporary accommodation in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick.
In total, 600 people were relocated to support social and physical distancing including just over 100 people to the new centre in Cahersiveen.
The vast majority of the residents arrived in Cahersiveen on March 18 and 19. Some of them did come from a hotel in Dublin at which a case of COVID-19 was subsequently confirmed in an unrelated guest. My Department was not told of that confirmed case until it was brought to Minister Flanagan’s attention by Deputy Catherine Murphy on 6 April 2020.
From subsequent discussions with management at the hotel, our understanding is that the guest involved had only stayed at the hotel for one night in early March when they fell ill. The guest was removed to hospital and their close contacts were asked by the HSE to self-isolate for 14 days as is the norm. No one that we were accommodating in the hotel was approached as a traced contact, and there was no indication whatsoever that anyone we relocated from that hotel was in any way unwell, was awaiting a test or a test result. In fact, it was well over a fortnight after they arrived before any of our residents in Cahersiveen were confirmed as positive for COVID 19.
As the Deputy will appreciate, medical information such as testing, test results and the release of data relating to same are matters for the HSE in a public health context. We can confirm that, in line with our agreed policy with the HSE, anyone who has tested positive has been moved to a dedicated self-isolation facility where they are cared for until such time as the HSE considers that they can safely return to their centre. Everyone else in the centre was asked to self-isolate while the HSE continued to monitor the situation. Thankfully, the HSE has confirmed that that period of self-isolation ended on 20 May 2020 and all residents are now subject to the same restrictions as anyone else under Phase 1 of the Government’s Roadmap.
There are currently 69 residents (including 9 children) onsite in the centre, which has capacity for 150 residents, and 56 bedrooms. Residents are a mix of single people and small sized families. All single residents have been offered their own bedroom and all bedrooms in the centre are en suite. Some residents have declined this offer and have indicated that they wish to self-isolate with their roommate as a family unit. We continue to encourage these residents to accept the offer of their own room at this time.
Guidance has been provided by the HSE to centre management on the enhanced cleaning arrangements required at this time including through an onsite visit by a HSE infection control specialist. This applies to bedrooms, corridors, staircases, the dining room, kitchen, laundry room, lift, public toilets and reception and public areas. This is being strictly adhered to by centre management and staff.
My Department is working closely with the HSE and centre management to provide additional supports for residents during this time. There has been a HSE Community Development Worker onsite at the Centre seven days a week to monitor the health of residents. This person is supported by a wider healthcare team. Now that the outbreak has been declared over, he will remain at the centre until the end of May to support residents. Additional outdoor space has been opened up with some seating provided and, exercise equipment has been set up in the outdoor area for residents’ use. This outdoor equipment has been installed with the knowledge and support of HSE public health, and will be operated under their direction for safe use.
The residents are currently provided with three meals and snacks daily. However, in line with the overall policy objectives for accommodation centres, the service provider plans to introduce independent living arrangements with cooking facilities for residents in the coming period. In the meantime, the chefs in the centre are working with the residents to find out about preferred meals and staff have been asked to source and provide ethnic snacks for residents. Kettles have been provided in rooms so that residents can make refreshments throughout the day rather than using communal facilities and meals are also being delivered to rooms. The centre has a good Wi-Fi service and phone credit has also been provided for residents so that they can keep in touch with family and friends.
The current restrictions are especially difficult for children. In addition to the upgrades to the outdoor space, toys, puzzles and tablets have been being provided for children and laptops have also been provided for residents’ use. The Tusla official seconded to work with my Department has contacted the families to see what additional supports they need and to discuss any concerns they might have.
Officials from my Department have held virtual clinics with residents and a telephone support service for residents across all centres, run by the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), was launched on 20 May.
The Deputy can be assured that my Department will continue to work with accommodation centre management, health agencies and NGOs to provide every support possible to residents at this unprecedented and difficult time for all. The support shown by the local community to the residents is greatly appreciated and I hope that once our centres are open to visitors again they will come and visit.
346. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the statutory inquiry in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7619/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Inquiry referred to by the Deputy is ongoing.
In November 2019, I granted an extension of time until June 2020 for the Inquiry. I am satisfied this was appropriate in order to ensure that sufficient time is available to allow a proper consideration of all relevant matters.
I am informed by the Judge conducting the inquiry that progress has been made since this date but that, in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, he is not currently in a position to meet with a number of witnesses although he is open to the possibility of conducting remote hearings, if the logistical arrangements can be made to do so.
In light of these circumstances, the Judge has requested a further extension within which to complete this work. My officials and I are currently considering this request.
Once I have received the final report, the question of whether any further action is warranted will be considered.
347. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if additional support and protection is being provided to LGBTI+ residents of direct provision centres during the Covid-19 pandemic; if his Department has engaged with the management of these centres to ensure safeguarding of LGBTI+ residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7620/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, Minister Flanagan and I launched Ireland’s National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy 2019 – 2021 on 28 November last.
The Strategy contains over 100 actions that are aimed at promoting inclusion, protecting rights and improving the quality of life and wellbeing of LGBTI+ people. It reflects the commitment in the Programme for Government to create an equal, fair and inclusive society for all, to target discrimination and to enable LGBTI+ people to overcome the barriers they face.
The development of this Strategy was underpinned by a robust consultation process from October 2018 until February 2019 including a series of regional and thematically focused workshops. Specific workshop sessions were organised for international protection applicants, migrants and refugees.
Accordingly, the Strategy recognises the vulnerability of LGBTI+ people within the International Protection process and commits to measures to ensure they are treated sensitively and provided with appropriate supports over the course of the Strategy.
These measures include the introduction of new National Standards for our accommodation centres. The National Standards, published last August last year, were developed with UNHCR Ireland and members of the NGO community. The Standards are being implemented in new centres that are being contracted at present.
One of the Standards, which will benefit members of the LGBTI+ community in our accommodation centres, will be the need for continuous training to improve the service for all living in the centre, and confidential information provision through leaflets and posters in order to promote dignity.
I can also inform the Deputy of some current measures in place in our centres.
A Policy and Practice Document on safeguarding residents against Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence & Harassment is implemented in our accommodation centres, which includes safeguarding residents from harassment or violence based on their sexual orientation.
The International Protection Accommodation Service of my Department (IPAS ) have staff present at the International Protection Office when a person first applies for International Protection. Should an applicant require accommodation or other services, IPAS determines the most suitable accommodation based on the needs of each individual or family group. Where a person discloses their self-determined identity to IPAS, they are, in so far as is possible and practicable, assigned accommodation based on their needs. This determination may include the provision of shared accommodation with a partner who is also seeking accommodation or being accommodated within the Direct Provision system. This would, of course, only apply where this information is disclosed.
At any time during their stay in an accommodation centre, a resident has the option to request a transfer to a more suitable centre. The policy of the IPAS is to promote equality, prevent discrimination and protect the human rights of all residents. Staff working in accommodation centres receive regular training to equip them with the skills to support all residents.
The IPAS liaises with State and NGO support agencies to assist our residents who may need guidance or support. In this regard, LGBT Ireland work with residents in our centres who identify as LGBTI.
Since 2018, LGBT Ireland has facilitated a monthly peer support group for LGBTI+ people in the International Protection process. Is Rainbow Muid continues to be active and provide vital supports to LGBTI+ people living in our accommodation centres at this time.
I can also advise the Deputy that IPAS together with the Inclusion, Equality and Gender Equality Unit of my Department are in the process of developing a broad LGBTI+ policy, which will include a transgender accommodation policy to promote equality, take account of people's self-determined identity and ensure that the safety and wellbeing of all residents is also promoted. It had been hoped that the LGBTI+ policy for IPAS would be finalised by the end of the first quarter of this year. Unfortunately, this was not possible due to the Covid-19 crisis. However, important contacts have been made between IPAS and support agencies in the LGBTI community and a meeting between LGBT Ireland and IPAS took place at the beginning of March 2020. Further meetings with TENI and BelongTo will be arranged as soon as possible.
349. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí by rank attached to the Wexford Garda division drugs unit as of 31 December 2018 and 15 May 2020, in tabular form. [7629/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the management of An Garda Síochána, including personnel matters and deployment of resources. As Minister, I have no responsibility for these matters. 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.
In relation to the specific location referred to by the Deputy, I am informed by the Garda authorities that there were 5 Gardaí assigned to the Wexford Divisional Drugs Unit at 31 December 2018. I am further informed that as at 30 April 2020, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 8 Gardaí assigned to the Wexford Divisional Drugs Unit.
I understand that overall, there are now 278 Garda personnel in Divisional Drugs Units as of 30 April 2020, assigned to tackle drug related crime on a local basis throughout the country supported, as needed, by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau which has 89 Gardaí attached to it as of 30 April 2020.
More generally, the Deputy may wish to be aware that the resources provided to An Garda Síochána have reached unprecedented levels, with an allocation for 2020 of €1.88 billion. This level of funding is enabling sustained, ongoing recruitment of Garda members and staff and as a result, An Garda Síochána is a growing organisation. There are now over 14,700 Gardaí nationwide, supported by over 3,000 Garda staff and these numbers are continuing to grow. Taken together, this increase in the number of Garda members and staff is delivering a significant increase in operational policing hours nationwide.
A detailed breakdown of Garda numbers is available on my Department’s website. This information is updated every month with the latest data provided by An Garda Síochána. Information on Garda staff, the Garda Workforce and other facts and figures are available from the following links: http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Garda_Workforce
http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/An_Garda_Siochana_facts_and_figures
350. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has given consideration to increasing the recruitment age for gardaí beyond 35 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7646/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraRecruitment to An Garda Síochána is governed by the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations 2013 which provide that the age at which a person may apply to join An Garda Síochána as a full time member is not more than 35 years.
As the Deputy will be aware, in December 2018 the Government endorsed the report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland and the report is now being implemented in accordance with the targets and timelines set out in the 4-year plan "A Policing Service for the Future".
Among the issues highlighted in the Commission's report was that An Garda Síochána should reflect the diversity of Irish society and should therefore develop recruitment strategies to achieve a more diverse intake. These recommendations echoed those of the Garda Inspectorate following their examination of entry routes into An Garda Síochána. These reports highlighted certain issues in relation to recruitment strategies for An Garda Síochána, including the maximum age of recruitment.
It is planned that the question of the appropriate age for recruitment to An Garda Síochána will be considered as part of that broader review of entry to An Garda Síochána, which is being conducted under 'A Policing Service for the Future'. Work is currently underway on the drafting of Terms of Reference for a Working Group which will bring this review forward, once established.
351. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of community response forums that contain direct representation from persons living in direct provision, including asylum seekers in temporary emergency accommodation, by county; if they are not directly represented, if an assessment is being carried out in each county to ascertain if information is being adequately relayed from the forum to this cohort of persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7647/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that the Community Response Forums are administered by the Local Authorities which are under the remit of the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. Therefore, it is not possible for my Department to provide the information requested.
The Community Call initiative is a coming together of national government, local government and the community and voluntary sector, to put in place a safety net for people who are cocooning or self-isolating and need extra help at this time, particularly if their usual networks of support are not able to reach them.
On Friday, 27 March 2020, following the announcement by the Taoiseach of the introduction of strict measures to control the spread of COVID-19, my colleague, the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government directed all local authority chief executives to establish a Community Call Forum to respond to the needs of the most vulnerable in their communities.
Each Community Call Forum brings together all the principal response agencies in the public sector, including the HSE, An Garda Síochána and Civil Defence, and Community and Voluntary organisations responding locally to this emergency.
The role of the Forum is to ensure that everyone who needs support is identified, that the support required is carefully assessed and that the appropriate support is provided by a tried and trusted source. Each Forum is providing practical supports like the collection and delivery of food, meals, fuel, medication, pensions and other essential items, in strict accordance with public health advice.
The Deputy may be interested in accessing the following Government data hub which contains some useful facts and figures on the Community Call Forum -
https://community-call-covid-19-geohive.hub.arcgis.com/
352. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of applicants in the recruitment process to An Garda Síochána when the Covid-19 crisis and lockdown commenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7672/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraRecruitment to An Garda Síochána is governed by the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations 2013. The Public Appointments Service (PAS), on behalf of the Garda Commissioner, manages the initial recruitment stages for selection of Garda Trainees with the final stages of the recruitment process in which candidates are vetted, complete a physical competency test and a medical examination, are managed by the Commissioner. As Minister, I have no direct involvement in the matter.
I am informed by Garda authorities that when the Covid-19 pandemic began to impact on Ireland and public health restrictions were put in place, 1,031 applicants had been approved by PAS and were progressing through latter stages of the Garda Trainee selection process in which candidates are vetted, complete a Physical Competency Test (PCT) and a medical examination.
As the Deputy will appreciate, applicants must be successful at all elements of this process in order to be deemed suitable and eligible to be recruited as a Garda trainee.
It should also be noted that subject to final approval by An Garda Síochána, successful applicants from earlier campaigns (where the recruitment panels arising from those campaigns are not yet exhausted) are considered first for intakes into the Garda College, in accordance with the candidate's place on the Order of Merit.
There is no set time frame for offers to applicants as this is dependent on their files being fully completed and the intake dates into the Garda College. All applicants remain on the panel until such time as they are offered a place in the Garda College, with the exception of those who are deemed unsuitable, fail the Medical or PCT or withdraw from the competition.
353. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí currently issued with firearms cards; the equivalent figures in each of the previous nine years; the number of times gardaí have discharged firearms in a lethal manner in each of the past ten years; and if the discharges were accidental or not. [7715/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Commissioner is responsible for the direction and control of An Garda Síochána. The Commissioner is also responsible for the day to day management of An Garda Síochána which includes operational matters.
I have contacted An Garda Síochána in relation to the information sought and will write directly to the Deputy when a response is available.
|
Year |
No. of Notifications |
|
2016 |
0 |
|
2017 |
8 (Two relate to “Production of Firearm”)* |
|
2018 |
2 (Both relate to “Production of Firearm”)* |
|
2019 |
1 |
|
Jan 2020 to 07 August 2020 |
2 |
|
Year |
S.102 (1) |
S.102 (4) |
|
2009 |
1 |
n/a |
|
2012 |
1 |
n/a |
|
2015 |
1 |
n/a |
|
2016 |
1 |
1 |
|
2017 |
2(one of these is listed on the 2017 firearms notifications, and included in the figures provided for Annex 2 notifications) |
2 (both of these are listed on the 2017 firearms notifications, and included in the figures provided for Annex 2 notifications) |
|
2018 |
3 (one investigation concerned the discharge of a firearm at a dog, one investigation concerned the fatal self-inflicted discharge of a firearm by a garda member) |
n/a |
|
2019 |
1 (listed on the 2019 firearms notifications, and included in the figures for the Annex 2 notifications) |
n/a |
|
2020 (to date) |
2 |
n/a |
354. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons arrested to date by An Garda Síochána in the Dublin metropolitan region for being in breach of the Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid-19) Act 2020. [7793/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, An Garda Síochána has been carrying out extensive operations in support of the public health guidelines in place in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Garda action in this regard is underpinned by primary and secondary legislation introduced by the Minister for Health and in particular the additional temporary powers provided for under section 31A of the Health Act 1947 and brought into effect by the Health Act 1947- Section 31A- Temporary Restrictions (COVID 19) Regulations 2020.
A range of actions are being taken to ensure that the policing of these public health restrictions is carried out in an appropriate, proportionate and human rights compliant manner.
The Garda Commissioner and his senior team have implemented a carefully graduated policing response, based on its strong tradition of policing by consent. Garda members engage, explain and encourage members of the public to comply and, only as a last resort, make use of their enforcement powers under these regulations.
As Minister, I have taken a number of specific actions in the interest of transparency and in order to maintain public trust and confidence in the manner in which these powers are being exercised.
First, I requested the Garda Commissioner to compile and publish a record of any use of these temporary powers, and he is going so on a weekly basis.
Second, I also requested the Policing Authority to engage with the Commissioner to independently assess and report regularly on the use of these regulations. The Authority is providing me with reports of this kind on a fortnightly basis.
Third, I have made this information on the use of An Garda Síochána of these powers and associated monitoring by the Policing Authority publicly available on my Department’s website.
The Deputy may wish to note that the latest figures published by An Garda Síochána show that from 8 April, when the regulations came into effect, until 23 May 2020 inclusive, Gardaí have invoked the regulations 263 times out of more than one million interactions with the public. These include both arrests and incidents without arrest where name and address details were taken for consultation with the DPP on the decision to issue charges. Arrest remains a last resort.
The third report of the Policing Authority, dated 20 May, indicates that An Garda Síochána is continuing to act in a sensitive and proportionate manner and to use the powers provided for under the Health Regulations only sparingly. The report also identified clear evidence of the consistent application of the law and of policy throughout the country by Gardaí in all circumstances. It contains some geographic breakdown of the incidents where an Garda Síochána have invoked these powers - in particular, the report states that for the period 8 April until 16 May, 44% of incidents associated with Covid-19 Policing activity occurred in the Dublin Metropolitan Region.
This and more information is available on my Department’s website at the following link: http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Use_of_Covid-19_related_powers_by_An_Garda_S%C3%ADoch%C3%A1na
355. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason for the delay until February 2020 in his Department providing the family of a person (details supplied) with a December 2017 Courts Service report that was directed to be furnished to them in May 2018 by the Attorney General, senior counsel and him; the reason a freedom of information application for this report was denied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7798/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that my Department is in ongoing correspondence with the family in question about this issue and has provided what information is in its possession on the causes of the delay in releasing the documents to them. They have now been provided with the report, and Judge Haughton has agreed to include this report within the remit of his scoping exercise.
The Deputy is mistaken in the assertion that a freedom of information request for this report was denied. The report by the Courts Service was, in fact, provided under a Freedom of Information request and indeed was retrieved in the course of retrieving records for that request. Hard copy records had been provided to the requester. When the existence of additional paper records was discovered, including the report from the Courts Service, these records were also provided to the requester.
356. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of an application by a person (details supplied); when a decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7816/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Immigration Service of my Department that an application for permission to remain was received by the relevant Unit, from the person referred to by the Deputy. A decision will issue by post once current restrictions are eased.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the way the Immigration Services (ISD) of my Department conduct its business. In line with advice issued by Government, the HSE and the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), ISD have implemented a suite of measures to help reduce the spread of the virus. These measures include the closure of our offices in Burgh Quay and the implementation of remote working for Immigration Services staff in order to comply with social and physical distancing measures. These measures have unfortunately led to a reduction in processing capacity. While delays are expected, ISD is endeavouring to keep operating to the best of its ability.
Further updates will be provided on the Immigration Service website when available, and I would encourage the Deputy to view our updates and a detailed Frequently Asked Questions document on the Immigration Service website at:
http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/COVID-19-updates-and-announcements
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to 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 is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
358. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if an up-to-date list of peace commissioners and commissioners of oaths in County Meath will be provided. [7864/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraPeace Commissioners are appointed by the Minister for Justice and Equality under Section 88 of the Courts of Justice Act, 1924.
There are 147 Peace Commissioners appointed in Co. Meath.
While every effort is made to maintain accuracy, I must caution that this list is not always up to date in taking account of changes in the personal circumstances of individual Peace Commissioners since their appointment. My Department is reliant on the Peace Commissioners and other interested parties to advise of such changes in circumstances.
Individuals requesting the services of a Peace Commissioner are advised to contact local Gardaí to ensure that a particular listed individual is active and available. The details of appointed Peace Commissioners are also retained by the Peace Commissioner Unit in my Department and my officials are happy to assist individuals who require the services of a Peace Commissioner. They can be contacted at info@justice.ie.
Peace Commissioners appointed in Co Meath, by Garda sub-district
|
Sub-district |
Name |
|
Ashbourne |
Cleary, Billy |
|
Ashbourne |
Conway Smith, Rosemary |
|
Ashbourne |
Conway, Carmel |
|
Ashbourne |
Duff, Ronald P |
|
Ashbourne |
Flanagan, Bernadette |
|
Ashbourne |
Keenan, Thomas A. |
|
Ashbourne |
Killian, Nick |
|
Ashbourne |
McCarthy-Smith, Carmel |
|
Ashbourne |
O'Brien, Terence |
|
Ashbourne |
O'Grady, Sean |
|
Ashbourne |
Tobin, Alan |
|
Athboy |
Gallagher, Oliver |
|
Athboy |
Kelly, Cornelius |
|
Athboy |
MacDonncha, Padraig |
|
Athboy |
Murphy, Martin J. |
|
Athboy |
Sweeney, Niall |
|
Ballivor |
Cloak, Noel |
|
Ballivor |
Cunningham, Patrick John |
|
Ballivor |
Darby, Thomas Edward |
|
Ballivor |
Dargan, James |
|
Ballivor |
De Lacy, Philomena |
|
Ballivor |
Feeney, Andrew Oliver |
|
Ballivor |
Feeney, Patrick |
|
Crossakiel |
Cahill, James |
|
Crossakiel |
Carney, Patrick |
|
Crossakiel |
Coyne, Sean |
|
Crossakiel |
Fox, John O. |
|
Crossakiel |
Travers, John J. |
|
Duleek |
Corry, Stephen |
|
Duleek |
Heeney, Noel |
|
Duleek |
Keogan, Sharon |
|
Duleek |
Lynch, Richard J. |
|
Duleek |
Sullivan, Thomas |
|
Dunboyne |
Carey, Kevin |
|
Dunboyne |
Clarke, James W. |
|
Dunboyne |
Conniffe, Michael |
|
Dunboyne |
Field, Finian |
|
Dunboyne |
Fitzgerald, John |
|
Dunboyne |
Fox, Joseph S. |
|
Dunboyne |
Gunning, Hugh |
|
Dunboyne |
Henry, Seán |
|
Dunboyne |
Hughes, Daniel |
|
Dunboyne |
Leonard, Noel |
|
Dunboyne |
Mahon, Thomas |
|
Dunboyne |
Muldoon, Eoin |
|
Dunboyne |
Murphy, Maria |
|
Dunboyne |
O'Reilly, Damien |
|
Dunboyne |
Purcell, Eamon J. |
|
Dunboyne |
Quinn, Paul |
|
Dunboyne |
Rodgers, Richard Mark |
|
Dunboyne |
Sheridan, Patrick J. |
|
Dunboyne |
Ward, Robert A. |
|
Dunshaughlin |
Boyce, Alan |
|
Dunshaughlin |
Downes, Joseph B. |
|
Dunshaughlin |
Faughnan, Stephen |
|
Dunshaughlin |
Flynn, Seamus |
|
Dunshaughlin |
Harrahill, Mary |
|
Dunshaughlin |
Lynch, Jonathan |
|
Dunshaughlin |
Molloy, Nicholas |
|
Dunshaughlin |
O'Connor, Gerry |
|
Dunshaughlin |
Ralph, Andrew |
|
Enfeld |
Hackett, John |
|
Enfield |
Carey, William |
|
Enfield |
Costello, Martin |
|
Enfield |
Holton, Marguerita |
|
Enfield |
Holton, Patrick Joseph |
|
Enfield |
Mallon, Niamh Maria |
|
Enfield |
McGuinness, Trudy |
|
Enfield |
Prendergast, Patrick J. |
|
Kells |
Brady, John |
|
Kells |
Clarke, Bartholomew |
|
Kells |
Eiffe, Daniel |
|
Kells |
Gibney, Christopher |
|
Kells |
Gormally, Patrick Joseph |
|
Kells |
Greene, James |
|
Kells |
McCabe, Patrick |
|
Kells |
O'Neill, Marie |
|
Kells |
O'Reilly, Ciarán |
|
Kells |
Reilly, Bryan M. |
|
Kells |
Sullivan, John J. |
|
Kilmessan |
Swan, Rosemary |
|
Laytown |
Campbell, Colin |
|
Laytown |
Cassidy, Aidan |
|
Laytown |
Colville, Joseph |
|
Laytown |
Curran, Greg |
|
Laytown |
Darcy, Peter |
|
Laytown |
Downey, Peggy |
|
Laytown |
Kelly, Thomas |
|
Laytown |
Tolan, Sharon |
|
Longwood |
Cummins, Patrick G. |
|
Longwood |
Murray, Seamus |
|
Moynalty |
McCabe, Paul |
|
Navan |
Collier, Eamonn |
|
Navan |
Corcoran, Laurence |
|
Navan |
Crahan, Sean |
|
Navan |
Daly, Michael J. |
|
Navan |
Donegan, Kevin J. |
|
Navan |
Duffy, John |
|
Navan |
Ennis, Andrew Anthony |
|
Navan |
Fitzpatrick, Daniel J. |
|
Navan |
Fogarty, Denis |
|
Navan |
Healy, Richard |
|
Navan |
Henry, James Joseph |
|
Navan |
Kelly, Ross |
|
Navan |
Marry, Oliver |
|
Navan |
Marry, Paschal |
|
Navan |
McCormack, Laurence |
|
Navan |
Murphy, Paul |
|
Navan |
O'Connor, Thomas |
|
Navan |
O'Donoghue, John Patrick |
|
Navan |
O'Neill, Patrick |
|
Navan |
Quinn, Larry |
|
Nobber |
Shankey, John |
|
Oldcastle |
Curran, Thomas |
|
Oldcastle |
Farrelly, Gerard |
|
Oldcastle |
Gibney, John |
|
Oldcastle |
Gibney, Thomas |
|
Oldcastle |
Hamilton, Thomas |
|
Oldcastle |
Haughney, James |
|
Oldcastle |
Kellett, Thomas P. |
|
Oldcastle |
Masterson, James |
|
Oldcastle |
O'Reilly, Edward |
|
Slane |
Gough, Hugh |
|
Slane |
Macken, Kevin John |
|
Slane |
Mitchell, Anthony L. |
|
Slane |
O'Brien, Frank |
|
Slane |
Rooney, Andrew |
|
Summerhill |
Fagan, Shena Rose Anne |
|
Summerhill |
Gannon, Patrick John |
|
Summerhill |
McKeogh, Michael |
|
Summerhill |
Moore, James |
|
Summerhill |
O'Neill, Jim |
|
Summerhill |
O'Rourke, Dennis |
|
Summerhill |
Shannon, Patrick J. |
|
Trim |
Anderson, Paul |
|
Trim |
Cantwell, Martin Philip |
|
Trim |
Cheevers, Mark |
|
Trim |
Cheevers, Tara |
|
Trim |
Clancy, Liam |
|
Trim |
Cleary, Chris |
|
Trim |
Gorry, Bríd |
|
Trim |
Griffith, Robert Kiernan |
|
Trim |
Lenihan, Thomas Michael Patrick Joseph |
|
Trim |
McGonagle, Eugene |
|
Trim |
McHugh, Thomas Vincent |
|
Trim |
Reilly, Terence |
|
Trim |
Rispin, Christopher |
Commissioners for Oaths are appointed by the Chief Justice and the records of their appointments are held by the Supreme Court Office. As the Deputy is aware, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in exercising its functions. In order to be of assistance, I have had enquiries made and a list of Commissioners for Oaths in the Meath area has been provided.
As I have previously outlined in relation to the information provided on Peace Commissioners, while every effort is made to maintain accuracy, I must caution that this list of Commissioners for Oaths is not always up to date in taking account of changes in the personal circumstances of individual Commissioners for Oaths since their appointment. The Supreme Court Office is reliant on the Commissioners of Oaths to inform them of such changes in circumstances. Moreover, I understand that the list provided is very likely to contain the names of Commissioners for Oaths who have passed away. In providing the Deputy with this information, therefore, I would be anxious that the information be handled sensitively and that it would not be a source of upset to family members of a Commissioner of Oaths (or indeed a Peace Commissioner) within the lists who have since passed away. Due to the nature of the Commissioner of Oaths records , some of which are paper based and contained in ledger books while more recently moving to the electronic recording of this information, the Courts Service have advised that there is a small margin of error when creating a list to cover a full county area spanning many decades as this one does.
Commissioners for Oaths in Meath
|
Names |
Names |
Names |
Names |
|
Mary Farnan |
Michael Cooney |
Annette Kelly |
Vincent O’Reilly |
|
Rachel Ginnity |
Frank Dunne |
Louis Noonan |
Thomas Kelly |
|
Norbert Smith |
Michael Weldon |
Thomas Noonan |
Dermot Morris |
|
Seamus Murphy |
James Carolan |
Edward Rogers |
Thomas Daniel |
|
PJ McKenna |
Mary Connell |
William F. Dunphy |
Paul Brady |
|
James Walsh |
Rosemary Daniel |
Joseph Murphy |
Ambrose Steen |
|
Finian Field |
James P Gibney |
Andrew Donnelly |
Mary O’Malley |
|
Helena Gordon |
Timothy McCarthy |
Martin Shortt |
Patrick Ronald Duff |
|
Margaret O'Rafferty |
Oliver Farrell |
Desmond Griffin |
Noel O'Brien |
|
Peter J Fulham |
Mary Smith |
Brendan Carley |
Oliver Shanley |
|
Sean Clarkin |
359. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 202 of 28 January 2016, the progress made in introducing a streamlined process to register satisfaction of judgment debts in the appropriate court register in respect of judgment debts discharged under the Personal Insolvency Acts since his predecessor confirmed the matter was being examined in January 2016; his plans to introduce measures to permit personal insolvency practitioners or the Insolvency Service of Ireland to do same; if the satisfaction of the judgment process generally will be simplified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7889/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in exercising its functions, including the provision of information on the courts system. However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made with the Courts Service.
The current work in developing a programme to implement the Courts Service's modernisation plan includes streamlining civil processes and digitising services in areas where necessary and appropriate to customer needs. The provision for a register of debts registered and satisfaction pieces lodged will be considered as part of this modernisation programme. Progress on the various aspects of the Courts Service's modernisation programme will necessarily be dependent on the priorities identified, and availability of the required budget and resources.
It may be of interest to the Deputy to note that the courts process for registering satisfaction of judgment debts was not identified as a priority in the submissions made by stakeholders to my Department regarding review of personal insolvency legislation and procedures.
360. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amounts paid by the Legal Aid Board to personal insolvency practitioners, solicitors and barristers under the PIA Review Legal Aid Service since its inception; the details of these payments; the companies and persons that received same; the amount received by each company and person; the amounts that have been incurred but are unpaid by the Legal Aid Board to personal insolvency practitioners, solicitors and barristers under the PIA Review Legal Aid Service since its inception; the details of these liabilities; the companies and persons to which they are owed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7950/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have had inquiries made with the Legal Aid Board and am informed that the Legal Aid Board is not in a position to provide information as to individual amounts accrued in connection with individual service providers. It is for the person granted legal aid to engage their own solicitor from the panel on foot of a legal aid certificate and for that solicitor (if authorised to do so) to instruct Counsel. The Legal Aid Board does not generally become aware of which solicitor and barrister have been engaged on the individual legally-aided person’s behalf until a claim for payment on behalf of that solicitor or barrister is received.
Schedule A sets out in tabular format the amounts spent by the Legal Aid Board on solicitors, barristers and personal insolvency practitioners for applications under the Personal Insolvency Act 2012 in each of the years 2016 to 2019 and to the 30th April 2020.
Schedule B sets out in tabular format the amount paid to by the Legal Aid Board to each individual solicitor, barrister and personal insolvency practitioner for applications under the Personal Insolvency Act 2012 in each of the years 2016 to 2019 and to the 30th April 2020.
Schedule C sets out in tabular format the total amounts incurred but not yet paid by the Legal Aid Board in connection with solicitors, barristers and personal insolvency practitioners for applications under the Personal Insolvency Act 2012 as at 22nd May 2020.
361. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda mountain bikes allocated to each Garda district within the Meath Garda division as of 31 December 2018 and 18 May 2020, in tabular form. [7960/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that 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. Decisions in relation to the effective and efficient use of resources, including purchase and allocation of mountain bikes, are for the Commissioner in light of operational demands. I understand 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 have requested information from An Garda Síochána on the matter requested by the Deputy and will write directly to the Deputy when it is received.
362. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí by rank attached to the Meath Garda division as of 18 May 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7961/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra363. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí by rank attached to Meath Garda roads policing unit as of 18 May 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7962/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 362 and 363 together.
The Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the management of An Garda Síochána, including personnel matters and deployment of resources. As Minister, I have no responsibility for these matters. 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 resources provided to An Garda Síochána have reached unprecedented levels, with an allocation for 2020 of €1.88 billion. This level of funding is enabling sustained, ongoing recruitment of Garda members and staff and as a result, An Garda Síochána is a growing organisation. There are now over 14,700 Gardaí nationwide, supported by over 3,000 Garda staff and these numbers are continuing to grow. Taken together, this increase in the number of Garda members and staff is delivering a significant increase in operational policing hours nationwide.
Specifically in relation to Meath Division, I am informed by the Garda authorities that as of the end of April 2020, a total of 346 Garda members were assigned to the Meath Division, in addition to 41 Garda staff. This represents a significant increase in recent years: I understand that by contrast, in December 2015 there were a total of 277 Garda members and 26 Garda staff in the Division.
I am further informed that, as at 30 April 2020, the latest date for which figures are available, the strength of the Roads Policing Units stands at 739 Garda members. Of this, I understand that 18 Gardaí and 2 Sergeants were specifically assigned to Meath Roads Policing Unit as on the same date.
The Deputy may wish to be aware that a detailed breakdown of Garda numbers is available on my Department’s website, in the interests of transparency and for the convenience of Deputies and the wider public. This information is updated every month with the latest data provided by An Garda Síochána. Information on Garda members is available at the following link:
http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/002_Garda_Numbers_by_Division_District_and_Station_2009_to_March_2020.xlsx/Files/002_Garda_Numbers_by_Division_District_and_Station_2009_to_March_2020.xlsx
Information on the Garda workforce including Garda staff is available at the following link:
http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Garda_Workforce
