Written Answers Nos. 350-374
350. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has raised the progress on the development of the new Garda station at Northern Cross, Dublin 17 previously committed to by An Taoiseach in June 2019. [8570/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. Works in relation to Garda accommodation are progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the OPW.
The current Garda Building and Refurbishment Programme which runs to 2021 is based on agreed Garda priorities and covers over 30 locations around the country, supported by significant Exchequer funding across the Garda and OPW Votes. While a new station in Clongriffin is not part of the current programme, I understand from An Garda Síochána that proposals for a new station will be considered as part of the next Garda accommodation programme. In the meantime I am further advised that local Garda management have a policing plan for the District in question which incorporates a weekly Garda Clinic in the area, operated by the Community Policing Unit from Coolock. This includes regular liaison meetings with resident groups to deal with policing matters.
351. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the procedure for a business (details supplied) to obtain a licence to sell directly to the public and not through an intermediary; if he is considering changes to the licensing laws to make it easier for businesses to sell directly to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8607/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe position is that excise licences issued by the Revenue Commissioners for the manufacture of intoxicating liquor, including a distiller of spirits licence under the Finance (1909-1910) Act 1910, do not permit retail sales to the public. However, the Intoxicating Liquor (Breweries and Distilleries) Act 2018 contains statutory provisions which allow craft breweries and distilleries to obtain a producer’s retail licence from the Revenue Commissioners which enables then to sell intoxicating liquor manufactured on the premises to persons visiting the premises subject to specified conditions.
Section 1(6) of the Act provides that a licence issued or renewed under the Act shall operate to authorise the sale on the premises to which the licence is attached of intoxicating liquor manufactured on the premises:
a. between the hours of 10.00 a.m. and 7.00 p.m. each day (other than Christmas Day) for consumption on or off the premises, to persons who have completed a guided tour of the premises, where the licence has been issued on foot of a Circuit Court certificate,
b. between the hours of 10.00 a.m. and 7.00 p.m. each day (other than Christmas Day) for consumption off the premises, to persons who have completed a guided tour of the premises, where the licence has been issued on foot of a District Court certificate, or
c. between the hours of -
(i) 10.00 a.m. and 7.00 p.m. each day (other than Christmas Day) or a day to which subparagraph (ii) applies, and
(ii) 12. 30 p.m. and 7. 00 p.m. on a Sunday, other than a Christmas Day which falls on a Sunday, and St. Patrick’s Day, for consumption off the premises, to persons who have not completed a guided tour of the premises, irrespective of whether the licence has been issued on foot of a Circuit Court or a District Court certificate.
It can be seen, therefore, that off-sales to persons who have not completed a guided tour of the premises are permitted subject to conditions under the 2018 Act, in particular the continued availability of facilities for guided tours of the premises.
This information may be of some assistance to craft brewers and distilleries throughout the country who, like many enterprises, are finding it very difficult to keep their businesses going during this public health emergency.
352. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding a Chinese citizen and Irish visa holder that cannot return from China to get their visa stamped in July 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8622/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy may be aware that, on 13 May 2020, I announced that immigration permissions due to expire between 20 May 2020 and 20 July 2020 will be automatically extended for two months. This includes any permission, which was renewed by the earlier notice of 20 March 2020 and which therefore has a new expiry date between 20 May 2020 and 20 July 2020.
This exceptional temporary measure also applies to non-nationals currently outside the State and provided the person otherwise meets the conditions set out in the notices. However, any visa required nationals currently overseas whose Irish Residence Permit card has expired will need to obtain a new visa prior to seeking to travel to Ireland.
While every effort is being and will be made to expedite applications, it is not possible to prioritise every category of applicant when there is a resumption of services. Applications are dealt with in chronological order and any request to prioritise an application will be considered by the Visa Office/Embassy on a case-by-case basis and will depend on identified priorities by Government regarding resumption of economic activity and circumstances in particular countries as restrictions are lifted.
The position as of now is that my Department intends to resume accepting visa applications and reopen Visa Application Centres as soon as safety concerns abate and travel restrictions are lifted. This will be decided in accordance with World Health Organisation (WHO) and Health Service Executive (HSE) guidelines both in Ireland and globally.
The Immigration Service of my Department has provided a Frequently Asked Questions document on the impact of COVID-19 on immigration and international protection on its website (www.inis.gov.ie). This document is regularly updated. Additionally any person intending to travel should also take note of the General COVID-19 Travel Advisory issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
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.
353. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his Department is in talks to provide a direct provision centre at a location (details supplied). [8639/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that there are no plans currently to open an accommodation centre for international protection applicants at the location supplied by the Deputy.
354. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when inspections of direct provision centres will recommence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8702/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra355. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the way in which in view of the absence of inspections, he can be confident that operators of direct provision centres are maintaining appropriate health and safety standards during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8703/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 354 and 355 together.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the maintenance of all health and safety requirements is, in the first instance, a matter for the service provider who manages the day-to-day running of the centre. Such matters are subject to the normal inspection regimes by the respective authorities, such as the fire authority and the health and safety authority. The respective authorities determine when these inspections are to be carried out.
In addition, I can inform the Deputy that all accommodation centres under contract to my Department are subject to three unannounced inspections per annum: twice by officials of the Immigration Service of my Department and once by an independent company (QTS Limited).
These inspections cover a wide range of issues such as fire safety issues, food hygiene, food quality, information provision, general security and emergency details, child protection issues, provision of TV and Wi-Fi services, staff rosters and the upkeep of all communal areas and bedrooms.
Any issue identified is communicated in writing to the contractor and the contractor is required to address any issue identified immediately. Officials from the Immigration Service follow up to ensure that relevant issues have been addressed.
As a result of the current health and safety restrictions with respect to the COVID-19 crisis, it has not been possible for our inspections to be carried out at this time. Additionally, all centres are currently closed to any visitors to protect residents and staff. As soon as the HSE advises that it is appropriate to commence these inspections again, the relevant officials in the Immigration Service will resume the inspection process.
During this time, while we are unable to continue inspections, we are in daily contact with our centres through a dedicated communications team from the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS). This team undertakes daily calls with all centre managers across our network of permanent and temporary centres. Feedback from these conversations is reflected in the newsletters circulated to all centre managers to promote shared learning and best practice, which are available to view on our website www.accommodationcentres.ie . The daily calls also ensure that any issues or concerns can be raised without delay for appropriate resolution for the benefit of residents and staff.
Should residents have any issues or concerns that they wish to raise directly with my Department, they can do so via an email address which is made known to all residents. Residents can also raise concerns with the Office of the Ombudsman and the Ombudsman for Children and contacts details for these offices are also provided. Officials of my Department have begun holding virtual clinics with residents and a telephone support service run by the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) has also been established as an additional support for residents.
All accommodation centres are carefully following the guidelines for our centres that have been published by the HSE’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre, which can be found on 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.
During this time, centre managers have also been advised to increase the standard and frequency of cleaning throughout the centres, paying particular attention to communal areas. A regular supply of hand sanitiser for centres is in place and this is distributed to centres as required. Other PPE is distributed, as needed, and in line with the HPSC guidelines for its appropriate use in residential settings.
In partnership with the HSE and Safetynet, my Department has put in place a national clinical telephone service to provide public health advice to support centre staff. It is also being used to advise, support and work with locations where vulnerable groups are present relating to the implementation of COVID-19 guidelines and measures.
While inspections of accommodation centres cannot take place at this time, officials of my Department are continuing to work closely with the HSE and centre management during this time to ensure that any issues arising are addressed promptly. They are also engaging directly with residents, whose health and wellbeing continues to be the priority, to hear and address their concerns.
356. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the measures in place between the HSE, operators of direct provision centres and his Department in relation to notification of suspected and-or positive cases of Covid-19 in direct provision centres whether amongst residents or staff members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8704/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, the COVID-19 pandemic is a public health crisis, the response to which is being led by HSE Public Health, as is appropriate. My Department and centre management across our network of accommodation centres (both permanent and temporary) are working closely with the HSE to implement their public health advice.
With regard to medical information such as testing, test results and the release of data relating to same, the Deputy will appreciate that these are matters for the HSE in a public health context. Both the HSE and my Department are committed to protecting the medical confidentiality of our residents.
In line with our agreed policy with the HSE, any centre resident with a positive COVID-19 result has been transferred to an offsite self-isolation facility where they are cared for until such time as the HSE considers that they can safely return to their centre. The offsite facilities are supported by a non-profit (Section 39) organisation and healthcare staff.
Residents who are COVID-19 detected will be contacted and informed directly by the HSE. Residents who are COVID-19 non-detected will receive a letter or text message from the HSE informing them of this outcome.
There are numerous pathways of referral for a COVID-19 test. For a suspected case where a resident is feeling unwell, the HSE protocol is to contact a GP so he/she can order a COVID-19 test for the symptomatic person. A resident may also be considered a suspect case by virtue of the fact they have been deemed a close contact of someone who has received a result of COVID-19 detected. In such circumstances, the relevant Public Health official can order a COVID-19 test for the person or persons categorised as a close contact.
My Department and I will continue to work hard with local management, health agencies, and NGOs to provide every support possible to the residents and staff in our accommodation centres at this difficult time.
358. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of bench warrants outstanding in the Kildare Garda division as of 22 May 2020; and the number of those warrants outstanding for a period of a minimum of four months. [8778/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the administration and business of An Garda Síochána. In addition, the allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Commissioner, in light of identified operational demands. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.
As the Deputy will appreciate, difficulties in relation to the execution of warrants, including bench warrants, are a long-standing issue for many police services around the world; notably relating to persons actively seeking to evade detection and where limited identification information might be available to support enforcement. I am assured however that An Garda Síochána execute warrants as expeditiously as possible, giving priority to the execution of warrants relating to serious crimes.
The Deputy may also be interested to note that the roll-out of the Garda Mobility project continues. I understand that there are now over 3,900 mobile devices in use among operational Garda members. I am confident that this ongoing development will bring real efficiencies and benefits to the work of An Garda Síochána.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that, as of 22 May 2020, the number of bench warrants outstanding in the Kildare Garda Division was 1,021. I am further informed that the number of bench warrants outstanding for a period of no less than four months as of 22 May 2020 was 649.
359. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the documentation that can be supplied to progress an application by a person (details supplied) apart from documents already supplied and an email submitted in response to correspondence dated 21 April 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8826/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) of my Department that the person concerned made an application on 1 October 2019, for permission to remain in the State as a de facto partner of an Irish national. The Deputy will appreciate that in the interests of fairness to all applicants, applications are dealt with in chronological order.
I understand that the application, as well as the email received by the Immigration Service on 2 May 2020, is currently under consideration and the person concerned will be contacted in due course.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by email 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 Question process. The Deputy may consider using the email service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
360. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the alternative temporary location for Roscommon District Court; when it is envisaged that the relocation will take place; when works will commence on the refurbishment of the courthouse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8828/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts, including the provision of accommodation for court sittings, is the responsibility of the Courts Service which is independent in exercising its functions.
The Government’s National Development Plan 2018-2027 has a number of key Courts Service accommodation projects including the new or refurbished courthouses in regional cities and county towns where facilities remain substandard. Roscommon is one of five County towns where the Courts Service intends to refurbish or replace the County Courthouse. The precise allocation and timing of additional funding over the entire ten year period of the National Development Plan remains to be fully determined. In late 2017, Courts Service acquired full ownership of the historic courthouse building from Roscommon County Council.
In recent months, some issues have arisen with the historic building which make it necessary to move court sittings to an alternative venue pending refurbishment works. The intention is to keep court sittings in Roscommon Town and the Courts Service is in negotiations regarding the lease and fit out of a temporary venue in the town.
The Deputy will appreciate that as such negotiations are commercially sensitive, it would not be appropriate to set out time lines at this juncture.
361. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of drugs seizures and value of drugs seized by An Garda Síochána in County Tipperary by month to date. [8869/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraA core focus of the work carried out by An Garda Síochána is aimed at tackling drug distribution and organised crime. The continued disruption of the supply of all illicit drugs remains a priority for An Garda Síochána and the other state agencies tasked with responsibilities in this regard.
Since its establishment in 2015, the National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, which manages national and international drug trafficking and organised crime investigations, has continued to make significant seizures of controlled drugs and make related arrests. Divisional Drug Units also continue to have a significant impact.
It is important to say that the Commissioner is by law responsible for the administration and business of An Garda Síochána and for direction of operational matters.
The following table, furnished to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of drug seizures and their estimated value, in respect of Tipperary Division for the period January to May 2020.
|
- |
January 2020 |
February 2020 |
March 2020 |
April 2020 |
May 2020 |
Total |
|
Drug Seizures Tipperary |
44 |
56 |
60 |
71 |
84 |
315 |
|
Estimated value |
€19,691 |
€42,636 |
€71,093 |
€127,141 |
€106,983 |
€367,544 |
The Deputy may also be interested to note that An Garda Síochána indicates that, since January 2020, the number of personnel attached to the Divisional Drugs Unit in Tipperary Division has increased from one Sergeant and five Garda members to two Sergeants and fourteen Garda members. Overall and benefiting from record financial provision of €.88 billion this year, the Garda workforce is now at its highest ever, consisting of over 14,700 Gardaí nationwide, supported by over 3,000 Garda staff.
As the Deputy will appreciate, An Garda Síochána continue to work to protect and support communities by preventing and detecting crime, while taking extensive action in support of public health restrictions in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. The latest report from An Garda Síochána indicates that incidents detected during policing operations to support public health guidelines since 8 April 2020 have resulted in pre-existing enforcement powers being used by Gardaí in over 1,800 incidents nationwide. During this period An Garda Síochána have made significant seizures of drugs and firearms, arrests for thefts of vehicles and burglaries, and enforcement of road traffic offences including drink and drug driving.
362. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Covid-19 cases in direct provision centres in Portarlington, County Laois and Monasterevin and Newbridge, County Kildare; if there have been deaths due to Covid-19 in these centres; his plans to ensure all residents and staff in these centres are tested for Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8904/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, the COVID-19 pandemic is a public health crisis, the response to which is being led by HSE Public Health, as is appropriate. My Department and management across our network of accommodation centres (both permanent and temporary) are working closely with the HSE to implement their public health advice.
With regard to medical information such as testing, test results and the release of data relating to same, the Deputy will appreciate that these are matters for the HSE in a public health context. Both the HSE and my Department are committed to protecting the medical confidentiality of our residents.
I can confirm that, in line with our agreed policy with the HSE, any centre resident with a positive COVID-19 result has been transferred to an offsite self-isolation facility where they are cared for until such time as the HSE considers that they can safely return to their centre. The offsite facilities are supported by a non-profit (Section 39) organisation and healthcare staff.
My Department and I will continue to work hard with local management, health agencies, and NGOs to provide every support possible to our residents at this difficult time.
363. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will respond to concerns raised by residents (details supplied) regarding direct provision accommodation. [8914/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that we are taking the issues raised in this correspondence extremely seriously. The welfare of residents is, at all times, our key concern. We are examining all the issues raised in the correspondence and an official from my Department has made direct contact with the Group to discuss their concerns.
My officials will hold a virtual clinic with residents later this week to hear from them directly, with interpreters available as needed.
Residents have also been reminded that the national telephone support service run by the Jesuit Refugee Service is also available to them as an additional confidential support. This is a Freephone number and was highlighted to residents by way of a leaflet drop to the centre last week.
364. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will clarify with the Garda Commissioner, the plans for the reopening of the Garda Training College, Templemore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9007/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe administration and management of An Garda Síochána is by law a matter for the Garda Commissioner. This includes responsibilities for matters including recruitment and training of members. These are not matters for which I am responsible as Minister.
As the Deputy will appreciate and in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic and associated public health restrictions, public access to the Garda College has been prohibited since 12 March 2020. At that time, over 300 Garda trainees attested earlier than scheduled and sworn members of Garda College staff were deployed to operational duties in order to enhance Garda capacity to respond to that pandemic.
In terms of current position, I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that arrangements have now been made to permit further intakes of Garda recruits, despite the current situation.
I am informed that approximately 150 new recruits are beginning training under a revised delivery method, in light of the current circumstances. The first batch of approximately 75 commenced training on 25 May, and second batch of 75 recruits are due to commence training on 22 June.
I understand that training will consist of:
- 3 weeks on-line distance learning;
-1 week residential at the Garda College;
- Weeks 5-16 assisting operational policing in allocated training stations in home divisions;
- Weeks 17-32 residential at the Garda College and attestation (all other things being equal).
I am further informed that the Garda College has put in place strict contingencies for the period during which recruits will attend the college and strict social distancing will be enforced for the duration.
365. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of new Garda vehicles that were added to the roads policing unit in 2019 and to date in 2020; and the number of vehicles withdrawn during the same period. [9030/20]
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.
I have requested information from An Garda Síochána on the matter raised and will write directly to the Deputy when it is received.
|
2019 |
Cars |
Vans |
Motorbikes |
4X4 |
*Others |
Total |
|
Allocations |
23 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
23 |
|
Removals |
24 |
0 |
8 |
3 |
0 |
35 |
|
Reallocated to other duty |
7 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
|
1 Jan to 4 June 2020 |
Cars |
Vans |
Motorbikes |
4X4 |
*Others |
Totals |
|
Allocations |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
|
Removals |
9 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
12 |
|
Reallocated to other duty |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
366. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated full year cost of recruiting two additional full-time accountants for the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau. [9031/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 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, including the training of its members and Garda staff. The Commissioner is also responsible for the effective and efficient use of the resources available to An Garda Síochána, in light of identified operational demands. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the estimated full year cost of recruiting two additional full-time accountants for the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau would be approximately €137,778 (€68,889 per person).
I am further advised by the Garda authorities that this estimated costing relies on the assumption of two full-time accountants being placed on the first point of the relevant salary scale and includes employer's PRSI at a rate of 11.05%.
367. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of firearms seized by gardaí in 2018, 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form. [9032/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Garda Commissioner is, in accordance with section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, responsible for the direction and control of An Garda Síochána, including operational issues, as well as the administration and business of An Garda Síochána.
The following table, furnished to me by the Garda authorities, details the number of suspected firearms submitted for examination to the Ballistics Section at the Garda National Technical Bureau in the years 2018, 2019 and this year to 28 May 2020. Not all such items are found to be firearms, upon examination.
|
2018 |
2019 |
2020 (to 28 May) |
|
|
Firearms submitted for examination |
537 |
705 |
261 |
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the figures for 2019 include submission of one large collection of 55 guns which was not criminal in nature.
As the Deputy will appreciate, all firearms are dealt with in accordance with relevant legislation, after examination.
368. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if funding is available in 2020 to replace the aircraft or helicopters within the Garda air support unit; and if so, if the contract to replace the aircraft or helicopter has been put out to tender. [9033/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for carrying on and managing the administration and business of the organisation as well as for the allocation of Garda resources, in light of identified operational demands. As Minister, I have no role in those matters.
I understand that the Garda Air Support Unit was established in September 1997 and that it currently comprises one fixed wing aircraft and two helicopters.
While record resources of €1.88 billion, as well as a substantial capital allocation of €116 million, have been made available to An Garda Síochána in 2020, there is no provision in the Capital Plan or the 2020 budget to replace the aircraft or helicopters within the Garda air support unit. Funding has been allocated for the upgrade of equipment on one of the air support helicopters. I am advised that the tender process has been completed and a tender has been awarded.
As the Deputy will appreciate, decisions on prioritising the upgrading or replacement of Garda equipment or these aircraft in particular are in the first instance for the Commissioner and his management team, in the context of the investment being made in An Garda Síochána and his operational priorities.
Regarding the fixed wing aircraft and as the Deputy may be aware, a Technical Advisory Group comprising of personnel from my Department, An Garda Síochána, the Department of Defence and the Irish Air Corps was established to examine the options in relation to future replacement of that aircraft. A number of options have been examined but I understand there is currently no plan for replacement of the aircraft at this time.
My Department continues to engage with Garda management on an ongoing basis in relation to that matter, as well as ongoing engagement more generally on current and capital resource needs.
369. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of an application for an extension of a stamp 2 visa by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9109/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that my Department received an Extension of Student Permission application from the person concerned on 27 January 2020. The processing of this application remains ongoing at this time.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the current extraordinary circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic makes it more difficult to process applications in the normal way. This is because many Government office buildings, including those where the relevant case files are held, are temporarily closed or, if they remain open, they have very limited opening hours. This is in line with Government public health policy on social and physical distancing. It is hoped that this situation will change in the near future but any such decision will be based on public health considerations.
In the meantime, the Registration Office in Burgh Quay and all Registration Offices for non-Dublin residents operated by An Garda Síochána have temporarily closed. Consequently, the requirement of an individual to present to at a registration office is temporarily suspended. However under the measures I originally announced on 20 March 2020, and further extended on the 13 May 2020, people residing in the State whose permission is due to expire between that date and 20 July 2020 have been automatically renewed for a period of two months. The renewal of the permission is on the same basis as the existing permission and the same conditions attach.
These new immigration arrangements and the various measures being taken by the Immigration Service to implement them can be found here:
http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/COVID-19-updates-and-announcements
A detailed Frequently Asked Questions document on the impact of COVID-19 on immigration and international protection can also be found on the website at the link below. This FAQ document is regularly updated.
http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Immigration-Service-Delivery-Covid-19-FAQ3%20(3)[1].pdf/Files/Immigration-Service-Delivery-Covid-19-FAQ3%20(3)[1].pdf
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.
370. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will recommend the reallocation of probationer gardaí attached to districts as part of the Covid-19 response back to those districts as soon as their training is complete (details supplied) [9134/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána and for the allocation of Garda resources, in light of identified operational demand. This includes responsibility for personnel matters and the deployment of personnel across the various Garda Divisions. As Minister I have no direct role in these matters.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that no decision has been made at this time in respect of the allocation, following completion of their training, of the probationer Gardaí who attested early and were allocated from the Garda College in March 2020 in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic.
More generally, it should be noted 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. We now have approximately 14,700 Gardaí nationwide, supported by over 3,000 Garda staff and these numbers are continuing to grow.
I am assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources and deployment of personnel under continual review, to ensure their optimum use and deployment.
The Deputy may also be interested to know that arrangements have now been made by the Garda authorities to permit further intakes of Garda recruits, despite the Covid-19 pandemic.
371. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the new community policing framework; if online public consultation will be carried out on the draft document which will include working with local authorities and local joint policing committees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9147/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the Deputy is referring to the Community Policing Framework developed by An Garda Síochána which is currently being piloted in 4 Garda Divisions - DMR South Central, Cork, Galway and Mayo. I understand that this new Framework takes into account the recommendations of the Report on the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland, and is focused on multi-agency cooperation and community partnerships in delivering a more localised and responsive policing service.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the control and direction of An Garda Síochána, and I as Minister have no direct role in these matters. I am informed by the Garda authorities that online public consultation is not envisaged as part of a planned review of the piloted Community Policing Framework. However, I understand that the initial review will encompass public consultation with local stakeholders in each of the pilot Divisions and that those findings will be reviewed prior to roll-out of the Framework nationwide.
Further and as the Deputy will be aware, implementation of this Community Policing Framework takes place in the wider context of implementation of 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. In its report published in September 2018, the Commission outlined a vision and roadmap for strengthening An Garda Síochána and the broader national framework for policing, security and community safety. The report followed extensive consultations with communities and a wide range of stakeholders over fifteen months.
It is important to note that the Community Policing Framework is being piloted in tandem with the roll-out of An Garda Síochána’s new Operational Model, which meets a key commitment in A Policing Service for the Future. The Garda Operating Model reorganises resources around the delivery of frontline policing, placing and increased emphasis on engaging with communities and supporting victims of crime. I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that in each Division, there will be a dedicated Superintendent leading a community engagement team. I am confident that this reorganisation will further strengthen community policing and engagement, and provide a more localised, responsive policing service for each Division nationwide.
In a broader sense, the Deputy might also wish to note that implementation of A Policing Service for the Future will see the Garda Síochána Act 2005 repealed and replaced by a Policing and Community Safety Act. My Department is progressing work on the preparation of Policing and Community Safety Bill as a matter of priority.
In addition to setting out a new governance and oversight framework for policing, it will redefine the functions of An Garda Síochána to include prevention of harm to those who are vulnerable, place an obligation on relevant state agencies to cooperate with An Garda Síochána in relation to the broader issue of community safety and refine local structures supporting local accountability for policing. In that context, my Department is currently in the process of finalising the most appropriate model to achieve this. All existing structures and approaches to community safety have been considered as part of this work and in line with the goal of the Commission on the Future of Policing that community policing and community engagement should be at the heart of new structures and policing arrangements.
Work is well advanced on the preparation of the General Scheme of the Bill. Once it is finalised it will be brought to Government for approval and publication in the normal manner.
372. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will give consideration to establishing a dedicated Garda Síochána transport police section to deal with public transport in urban areas in particular; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9148/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the administration and business of An Garda Síochána, including personnel matters and deployment of Garda resources. I am assured however that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in light of operational demand, to ensure their optimum use.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that it is not proposed to establish a specialist or dedicated public transport policing unit at this time and that instead Gardaí deploy a wide range of operational measures aimed at tackling public-order offences and anti-social behaviour in all contexts, including the policing needs of the rail or transport network and its stakeholders. The legal framework which assists the Gardaí in tackling this type of crime, include provisions under the Criminal Damage Act 1991; the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994; the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 2003; and the Intoxicating Liquor Acts 2003 and 2008.
In terms of safety on public transport generally, I understand that Garda management engages with transport operators and that a range of regional and local operations have been put in place to address incidents and issues that have arisen at specific locations. I am further informed that there is ongoing communication between An Garda Síochána and the respective control centres, and access to good quality CCTV can provide assistance to Gardaí when investigating serious incidents.
More generally too, it may be noted 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. We now have approximately 14,700 Gardaí nationwide, supported by over 3,000 Garda staff and these numbers are continuing to grow, which will allow Gardaí to continue to meet the challenge of crime of all categories, in rural and urban areas, nationwide.
373. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of applications received from potential community sponsors in the county and city of Galway respectively, under the community sponsorship Ireland scheme; the number that have received refugees to date; the number approved as community sponsors and undergoing training; the number awaiting approval; the name of each group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9168/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that to date, eight refugee families (30 individuals) have arrived in Ireland under community sponsorship and have been warmly received by their host communities. A further nine communities have been approved as community sponsorship groups and are now actively undergoing the required training through their respective Regional Support Organisation.
Of these communities, none are currently from the county or city of Galway. It is expected that as the programme grows and becomes more established this is likely to change.
As the Deputy may be aware, Community Sponsorship Ireland is a new community based sponsorship programme which invites members of the public to play a key role in the integration of refugees into Irish society. This new initiative was developed by my Department in collaboration with civil society organisations and formally launch in November last year, when I also held a briefing session for Oireachtas Members. Following this, in January, I also wrote to all Oireachtas Members providing information on the Programme and asking members to consider lending their support to the establishment of a Community Sponsorship Group in their locality.
Community Sponsorship provides a new mechanism to enhance existing rights-based support. Under the programme, private citizens and community based organisations will provide direct support and assistance to refugees settling in their locality through a structured programme of supports. Involved communities will be empowered to promote, support and facilitate access to services and supports tailored to transition vulnerable families into Irish society and towards independent living through inclusion into the wider community.
Last December, Minister Flanagan and I unveiled plans to welcome up to 2,900 more refugees between 2020 and 2023 through a combination of resettlement and the new community sponsorship initiative.
Ireland remains committed to accepting a minimum of 100 individuals for resettlement under the community sponsorship model for 2020. As the Deputy will appreciate, the situation at this time remains challenging due to travel restrictions in place owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.
374. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on whether it is appropriate for haulage companies to charge for the release of vehicles that have been impounded after accidents on request of gardaí; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9199/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the Deputy refers to charges by private haulage companies. This is not a matter within my remit as Minister for Justice and Equality.
I understand that legislation underpinning the impounding of vehicles is the responsibility of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, and the Deputy may wish in the first instance to consult that Department on the general issues raised.
