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Thursday, 17 Sep 2020

Written Answers Nos. 165-184

Road Traffic Offences

Ceisteanna (165, 166)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

165. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of drivers detected driving while disqualified per year in 2018, 2019 and up to 31 July 2020; the number per year arrested at the roadside for the offence; the number per year convicted for the offence; the penalties imposed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24633/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

166. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of disqualified drivers detected by county by gardaí using the new Garda mobility device application to date in 2020; the number arrested by county for the offence; the penalties imposed by the court; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24634/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 165 and 166 together.

I have requested a report from An Garda Síochána about the issues raised by the Deputy in these questions. I will revert to the Deputy when this is to hand.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
I refer to Parliamentary Questions Number 165 and 166 for answer on 17 September 2020, in which you asked the Minister for Justice the number of drivers detected driving while disqualified per year in 2018, 2019 and up to 31 July 2020; the number per year arrested at the roadside for the offence; the number per year convicted for the offence; the penalties imposed; and if she will make a statement on the matter and the number of disqualified drivers detected by county by Gardaí using the new Garda mobility device application to date in 2020; the number arrested by county for the offence; the penalties imposed by the court; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
You will recall that the information could not be obtained in the time available and I undertook to contact you again when the information was available. I have made appropriate enquiries with both An Garda Síochána and the Courts Service. With regard to the requested information from An Garda Síochána, I am advised by the Garda authorities that the following table shows the number of proceedings taken in relation to driving without a driving licence 2018-2020. The 2020 figures are for the period from January – July.

Year

2018*

2019*

2020 YTD*

Year

2018*

2019*

2020 YTD*

Driving without a Driving licence

22,527

20,557

10,515

* All figures provided are provisional, operational and subject to change.
The statistics are not compiled in such a way as to identify specific number of detections or arrests for driving while disqualified (Additional powers were provided to An Garda Síochána, allowing the arrest of people who drive while disqualified under section 6(b) and (c) of the Road Traffic Act 2014), as this would necessitate a manual trawl of all relevant incidents recorded on PULSE to collate same, which would require a disproportionate expenditure of Garda time and resources.
With regard to the use of the Garda mobility device, I am further informed by the Garda authorities that the mobile data station is a key tool used by frontline Gardaí in detecting motoring offences, allowing them to access real time information on drivers and vehicles, and most recently to electronically initiate fixed charge penalty notices. It is part of an overall programme of digitalising policing where Garda tradecraft and experience are being increasingly complemented by device-based access to data. It is important to emphasise that it is the Garda rather than the device that makes the detection. Equally, it should be noted that there is not necessarily a correlation between a lookup on a device and a subsequent detection.
As such, it is not possible to definitively answer the question as to the exact number of detections of driving without a licence made using a mobile data station because this involves a degree of subjective assessment.
The Courts Service has advised that the statistics that the Courts Service can produce in relation to specific offences are obtained by running a report on its Criminal Court Tracking System, using the code for each specific offence. The codes in all instances are provided by An Garda Síochána.
I am informed that An Garda Síochána has been instructed to cease using a code for the offence of 'driving while disqualified', after advice was received from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions clarifying that there is no separate offence of ‘driving while disqualified’.
Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act 1961, as amended, creates an offence of driving without a licence. Section 38 (5) of the Act provides an increased penalty in respect of a person who is summarily convicted of an offence of driving without a licence during the period of disqualification (namely a fine not exceeding €5,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or both). However, the specific offence remains one of driving without a licence, and so the code 'driving while disqualified' has now been discontinued. As such, the Courts Service is not in a position to supply the court convictions and penalties statistics requested by the Deputy.
Furthermore, with regard to “the penalties imposed by the court” for offences detected using the Garda mobile data station, for the reasons outlined by An Garda Síochána above, it is not possible to separate out those offences detected using the device, and, therefore, I am advised by the Courts Service that it similarly cannot provide such statistics.
I hope this information has been of assistance to you.

Road Traffic Offences

Ceisteanna (167)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

167. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of drivers detected driving without a licence in 2018; 2019 and up to 31 July 2020; the number summoned to court for the offence per year; the penalties imposed per year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24635/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I have requested information from An Garda Síochána and the Courts Service on the matter requested by the Deputy and will write directly to the Deputy when it is received.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 167 which was for answer on the 17 September 2020, in which you asked for; ‘the number of drivers detected driving without a licence in 2018; 2019 and up to 31 July 2020; the number summoned to court for the offence per year; the penalties imposed per year; and if she will make a statement on the matter’ As you may recall, the information you requested could not be obtained in the time available and I undertook to contact you again when the information was to hand. The requested information has now been provided by An Garda Síochána and the Courts Service.
The following table provided by An Garda Síochána show the number of proceedings taken in relation to Driving without a driving licence 2018-2020. 2020 figures are for the period from January – July 2020.

Year

2018

2019

2020 (Jan – July)

Driving without a Driving licence

22,527

20,557

10,515

* All figures provided are provisional, operational and subject to change.
Please note that we have been advised by An Garda Síochána that these statistics are not compiled in such a way as to identify specific number of arrests for driving while disqualified under section 6(b) and (c) of the Road Traffic Act, as this would necessitate an extensive manual trawl of all relevant incidents recorded on PULSE to collate same, which would require a disproportionate expenditure of Garda time and resources.
Further to the statistics provided by An Garda Síochána, the Courts Service have provided the tables appended to this reply. Please note that we have been informed by the Courts that they can only provide data in relation to where offence codes provided on the system were used by prosecutors. Prosecutors may have used uncoded free text offences and any such offences would not be included in the data provided.
I trust this information is of assistance.
Appendix 1
Report on the number of drivers before the courts by way of summons or charge sheet for driving without a licence for 2018, 2019 and Jan – July 2020.

Year

No of Persons before the Courts

Jan – Dec 2018

16,851

Jan – Dec 2019

17,726

Jan – July 2020

7,531

Report on the no of orders & no of persons per order for the years 2018; 2019 & Jan – July 2020.

Jan – Dec 2018

Jan – Dec 2019

Jan – 31 July 2020

Court Orders

No of Orders

No of Persons

No of Orders

No of Persons

No of Orders

No of Persons

Community Service Order

66

64

76

68

21

19

Dismiss

184

176

253

242

122

120

Dismiss Probation Act

44

44

53

52

9

9

Disqualification

480

411

535

445

216

176

Fine

3,440

3,166

3,428

3,100

1,094

1,016

Imprisonment

234

171

312

244

123

86

Imprisonment - Part Suspended

1

1

1

1

1

1

Imprisonment - Suspended

180

177

194

187

63

56

No Order

89

83

115

95

41

39

Other

3

3

12

6

2

2

Peace Bond

3

3

2

2

3

3

Poor Box

6

6

11

11

3

3

Probation Order

52

34

45

37

8

8

Sent forward for Trial

3

3

1

1

Strike Out

6,813

6,386

6,449

6,041

2,122

2,032

Strike Out - Not Served

4,680

3,865

4,986

4,184

2,728

2,485

Taken Into Consideration

3,623

2,826

3,903

2,990

1,451

1,144

Withdrawn

1,621

1,545

2,365

2,265

924

897

Total

21,519

18,961

22,743

19,973

8,932

8,097

Please note that a person may have received more than one order and will appear on the above report twice and an offence may have more than one penalty imposed and as such will also appear twice on the report.

Road Traffic Offences

Ceisteanna (168, 172, 173)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

168. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if An Garda Síochána is capturing driver licence numbers at point of detection and recording the driver number on summonses; if the Courts Service is accepting this data and inputting the information on the disqualification orders for recording onto the national vehicle and driver file database; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24637/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

172. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if she will address the fact that the Courts Service is still using a manual form of sending details of drivers disqualified in court in batches of 1,600 at the end of each month to the RSA for later input onto the national driver file database (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24641/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

173. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if she will report on plans by the Courts Service to automate its system of recording drivers disqualified in court and forwarding the data electronically to the national vehicle and driver file; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24642/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 168, 172 and 173 together.

I have requested information from An Garda Síochána and the Courts Service on the matter requested by the Deputy and will write directly to the Deputy when it is received.  

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
I refer to Parliamentary Questions No. 168, 172 and 173 which were for answer on 17 September 2020, where you asked; - if An Garda Síochána is capturing driver licence numbers at point of detection and recording the driver number on summonses; if the Courts Service is accepting this data and inputting the information on the disqualification orders for recording onto the national vehicle and driver file database
- ‘If I will address the fact that the Courts Service is still using a manual form of sending details of drivers disqualified in court in batches of 1,600 at the end of each month to the RSA for later input onto the national driver file database (the database that Gardaí at the roadside rely on for the latest, most up to date driver information to identify, on the spot, those driving while disqualified) ’; and,
- ‘If I will report on plans by the Courts Service to automate its system of recording drivers disqualified in court and forwarding the data electronically to the national vehicle and driver file ’.
You will recall that the information could not be obtained in the time available and I undertook to consult with An Garda Síochána and the Courts Service and contact you again when the information was available.
As you know, I sought clarification from your office in relation to Question 168 and you have confirmed you were referring to the licence number.
As you are aware the Commissioner is responsible for the direction and control of An Garda Síochána. The Garda Commissioner is also responsible for the day to day management of An Garda Síochána which includes operational/road traffic matters.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána have the facility to perform driver look-ups when engaging with motorists, when they are using the Mobility Data Stations.
This aids in the capture of the driver licence number at point of detection and using the Fixed Charge Notice (FCN) App allows this number, once captured, to follow the offence until completed, either by payment of fine or completion in Courts.
As you are 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, which include the provision of information on the courts system.
However, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that a project is underway to provide for electronic transfer of disqualification orders to the relevant agency once the time period to lodge an appeal has passed, and no appeal has been lodged. I am further informed that this project is being progressed under the oversight of the Circuit and District Courts Operations Directorate.
I understand that this project is being pursued by the Courts Service independently of the work ongoing in An Garda Síochána to progress the mobility project.
I am further advised that manual notices continue to be sent to the Road Safety Authority with details of drivers disqualified. However, the Courts Service has been ready to automate the electronic transfer to disqualification to the National Driver Licence Service and the Road Safety Authority since the end of 2019 and are awaiting confirmation from the Department of Transport that they are able to receive the data in this format.
Since the 1st May 2020, the Courts Service has been sending the manual Court Notices relating to disqualifications to the Road Safety Authority on a weekly basis as opposed to monthly.
I trust this information is of assistance.

Road Traffic Offences

Ceisteanna (169)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

169. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of disqualified drivers that were summoned to court in each year for the failure to surrender their licence to the RSA in 2018, 2019 and up to 31 July 2020; the number convicted in each year for the offence; the value of the penalties imposed by the court; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24638/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy is aware, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, the management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in exercising its functions.  This includes the provision of information on the courts system.

However, in order to be of assistance, I have made appropriate enquiries and the Courts Service has advised that the following tables contain the information sought by the Deputy:

Jan – Dec 2018

No of Drivers Before the court between 1 Jan – 31st Dec 2018

No of Drivers Convicted

The Amount of Fines Imposed

Value of Fine

32

14

14

€2,700.00

Jan – Dec 2019

No of Drivers Before the court between 1 Jan -  31st Dec 2019

No of Drivers Convicted

The Amount of Fines Imposed

Value of Fine

22

9

9

€2,630.00

Jan – July 2020

No of Drivers Before the court between 1 Jan – 31 July 2020

No of Drivers Convicted

The Amount of Fines Imposed

Value of Fine

8

2

0

-

I am further advised by the Courts Service that they can only provide data where offence codes provided on the system were used by prosecutors.  Prosecutors may have used uncoded free text offences and any such offences would not be included in the data provided above.

Road Traffic Offences

Ceisteanna (170)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

170. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of learner drivers detected by gardaí driving on motorways in each year since 2014; the number prosecuted for the offence per year; the number convicted in court; the penalties imposed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24639/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I have requested information from An Garda Síochána and the Courts Service on the matter requested by the Deputy and will write directly to the Deputy when it is received.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51

I refer to Parliamentary Question Number 170 for answer on 17 September 2020, in which you requested “the number of learner drivers detected by Gardaí driving on motorways in each year since 2014; the number prosecuted for the offence per year; the number convicted in court; the penalties imposed; and if she will make a statement on the matter.”

You will recall that the information could not be obtained in the time available and I undertook to consult with An Garda Síochána and the Courts Service and contact you again when the information was available.

I am informed by An Garda Síochána that the number of Summonses issued for Driving On a Motorway with a Provisional License Contrary to Section 43 of the Roads Act, 1993 were as follows:

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020 (Jan-July)

57

28

18

16

20

17

7

I am further informed by the Garda authorities that it is not possible to provide numbers for detections as this would necessitate a manual trawl of all relevant incidents recorded on PULSE to collate same, which would require a disproportionate expenditure of Garda time and resources.

I am informed by the Courts Service that the two reports appended to this reply detail:

-Report for Jan – Dec for each year 2014 - 2019 & Jan – 31 July 2020, on the number of Learner Drivers driving on motorways which were before the courts and the number of those drivers that were convicted of the offence;

-Report on the penalties imposed for convictions.

For ease of reference these reports are appended to this reply, please note the following with regard to these reports:

Note 1: The reports are based on offence codes that have been coded i.e.

(DRIVING ON MOTORWAY WITH PROVISIONAL LICENCE), Contrary to Section 43 and Section 81 of the Roads Act, 1993.

Note 2: The reports also include summonses that were not served but were listed for court.

Note 3: The reports include Summonses & Charge Sheets.

Note 4: Courts can only provide data in relation to where offence codes provided on the system were used by prosecutors. Prosecutors may have used uncoded free text offences and any such offences would not be included in the data provided.

Report 1: Report on the number of persons before the court & the number of persons convicted

Jan – Dec 2014

Number of persons before the court

80

Number of persons convicted

19

Jan – Dec 2015

Number of persons before the court

45

Number of persons convicted

14

Jan – Dec 2016

Number of persons before the court

23

Number of persons convicted

12

Jan - Dec 2017

Number of persons before the court

23

Number of persons convicted

8

Jan – Dec 2018

Number of persons before the court

15

Number of persons convicted

4

Jan – Dec 2019

Number of persons before the court

17

Number of persons convicted

6

Jan – July 2020

Number of persons before the court

6

Number of persons convicted

4

Report 2: Report on the penalty imposed for convictions

Orders

Jan - Dec 2014

Jan - Dec 2015

Jan - Dec 2016

Jan - Dec 2017

Jan - Dec 2018

Jan - Dec 2019

Jan - July 2020

Fine

19

14

12

8

4

6

3

Disqualification

1

Road Traffic Offences

Ceisteanna (171)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

171. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if the new Garda mobility device records and stores information on the number of disqualified drivers detected at roadside checks; if An Garda Síochána is keeping records of the number detected driving while disqualified for operational and statistical reasons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24640/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I have written to An Garda Síochána requesting a report on the information sought by the Deputy, and will revert when this is to hand.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
I refer to your Parliamentary Question No. 171 which was for answer on the 17 September 2020 where you asked if the new Garda mobility device records and stores information on the number of disqualified drivers detected at roadside checks and if An Garda Síochána is keeping records of the number detected driving while disqualified for operational and statistical reasons. As you may recall, the information you requested could not be obtained in the time available and I undertook to contact you again when the information was to hand.
The requested information has now been provided by An Garda Síochána and accordingly, please note the following.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the mobile data station is a key tool used by frontline Gardaí in detecting motoring offences, allowing them to access real time information on drivers and vehicles, and most recently to electronically initiate fixed charge penalty notices.
It is part of an overall programme of digitalising policing where Garda tradecraft and experience are being increasingly complemented by device-based access to data. It is important to emphasise that it is the Garda rather than the device that makes the detection. Equally, it should be noted that there is not necessarily a correlation between a lookup on a device and a subsequent detection.
It is important to note that the device does not retain incident data locally for security reasons and it is not possible to definitively answer the question as to the exact number of detections of driving while disqualified made using a mobile data station because this involves a degree of subjective assessment.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that statistics are not compiled in such a way as to identify specific numbers of detections or arrests for driving while disqualified (additional powers were provided to An Garda Síochána, allowing the arrest of people who drive while disqualified under section 6(b) and (c) of the Road Traffic Act 2014), as this would necessitate a manual trawl of all relevant incidents recorded on PULSE to collate same, which would require a disproportionate expenditure of Garda time and resources.
I trust this information is of assistance.
Questions Nos. 172 and 173 answered with Question No. 168.

Garda Strength

Ceisteanna (174)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

174. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda members in each roads policing unit by Garda division; the number of members in each division trained in the use of the new mobility device to facilitate the issuing of fixed charge notices at the roadside; the divisions yet to receive training; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24643/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I have asked An Garda Síochána for the information requested by the Deputy, and I will revert to her when this is to hand.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51

I refer to Parliamentary Question Number 174 for answer on 17 September 2020, in which you requested “the number of Garda members in each Roads Policing unit by Garda Division; the number of members in each Division trained in the use of the new mobility device to facilitate the issuing of fixed charge notices at the roadside; and the Divisions yet to receive training’.

You will recall that the information could not be obtained in the time available and I undertook to consult with An Garda Síochána and contact you again when the information was available.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that there are 64 Roads Policing units nationally. I am informed that at 31 August 2020 there were 730 Garda personnel assigned to these units. A full breakdown of members attached to each Roads Policing Division is attached at Appendix 1.

It is important to note that road traffic legislation is enforced as part of the day-to-day duties of all members of An Garda Síochána, as well as through specific enforcement operations.

I understand that the Commissioner established the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau to ensure a consistent approach to road safety and enforcement of road traffic legislation across the country. This is achieved through coordination of enforcement and development of policy based on research and analysis of statistics and by engaging in campaigns in partnership with other State agencies.

I also understand that in addition to a focus on the lifesaver offences of speeding, seatbelts, mobile phones and driving under the influence, Divisional Roads Policing Units work closely with other relevant Divisional Units to target known criminals and to disrupt their activities through strict enforcement of road traffic legislation.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that 323 members have been provided access to the FCN App on their mobility device. As part of the deployment of this technology all members are required to complete online training on how to use the new FCN App.

The number of members by Division that have access to the FCN App is attached at Appendix 2.

I am further advised that additional FCN App workshops are currently planned and a list of same by Division is attached at Appendix 3.

For further information about Roads Policing Gardaí numbers, I would refer you to the tables that are available on my Department’s website which cover every year since 2009 and give a breakdown of Gardaí assigned to Road Policing roles by Division.

These tables are updated monthly and may be found at: http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Roads_Policing_Unit

Appendix 1

Members assigned to Roads Policing Duties at 31 August 2020

DIVISION

Aug-20

D.M.R. EAST

11

D.M.R. NORTH

17

D.M.R. NORTH CENTRAL

22

D.M.R. SOUTH

12

D.M.R. SOUTH CENTRAL

15

D.M.R. WEST

20

D.M.R. TRAFFIC

109

KILDARE

30

LAOIS / OFFALY

24

MEATH

19

WESTMEATH

17

WICKLOW

21

CAVAN / MONAGHAN

19

DONEGAL

22

LOUTH

20

SLIGO / LEITRIM

20

KILKENNY/CARLOW

22

TIPPERARY

30

WATERFORD

16

WEXFORD

24

CORK CITY

32

CORK NORTH

27

CORK WEST

23

KERRY

24

LIMERICK

31

CLARE

17

GALWAY

39

MAYO

26

ROSCOMMON / LONGFORD

21

TOTAL

730

Appendix 2

Members with FCN App

Division

Members with FCN App

DMR

45

Kildare

28

Kilkenny/Carlow

27

Wicklow

20

Laois/Offaly

29

Meath

19

Waterford

29

Wexford

29

Westmeath

19

Louth

7

Donegal

8

Mayo

5

Sligo/Leitrim

2

Cavan/Monaghan

1

Galway

1

Clare

4

Tipperary

11

Cork City

8

Cork North

5

Kerry

1

Cork West

2

Limerick

23

Total

323

Appendix 3

List of Divisions to receive additional training

North Western Region

Southern Region

Dublin Metropolitan Region

Louth

Clare

DMR North

Donegal

Tipperary

DMR North Central

Mayo

Cork City

DMR South

Sligo/Leitrim

Cork North

DMR South Central

Visa Applications

Ceisteanna (175)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

175. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice when the online renewal system for non-EU migrants which only applies to Dublin will be extended to the rest of the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24652/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department registers persons residing in the Dublin area only. The Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) processes all applications outside of Dublin through the Garda Station network.    

The Immigration Service of my Department works closely with the GNIB to ensure that we continue to focus on delivering high quality services to all of our immigration customers outside of the Dublin region. While there are no immediate plans to extend the online renewal system to Registration Offices outside Dublin, this is being kept under review, including in the context of implementing the recommendation of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland. 

Individuals wishing to register or renew their permissions, and who reside outside Dublin, should contact their local Immigration Officer on the email address provided prior to attending at a Garda Station. Individuals without an appointment will not be seen. Further information on the contact details for all the registration offices outside Dublin is available on:

https://www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/office-of-corporate-communications/news-media/reopening-of-registration-offices.html.

Garda Strength

Ceisteanna (176)

Mark Ward

Ceist:

176. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Justice if the August 2020 Garda figures include the latest gardaí attested in 2020; the breakdown for each division of the new gardaí deployed in 2020, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24683/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the management and administration 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 Deputy may wish to know that detailed information in relation to Garda numbers is available on my Department’s website.  This information is updated every month with the latest data provided by An Garda Síochána, at the following link:

http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/002_Garda_Numbers_by_Division_District_and_Station_2009_to_August_2020.xlsx/Files/002_Garda_Numbers_by_Division_District_and_Station_2009_to_August_2020.xlsx.

I can confirm that the figures supplied to my Department by An Garda Síochána include the newly attested members.

With regard to the distribution of newly attested members, the Garda authorities have provided me with a breakdown of the deployment by station of Probationer Gardaí, which I have attached to this answer for the Deputy's information. 

Probationer Garda Numbers since College Reopening in 2014

Garda Strength

Ceisteanna (177)

Mark Ward

Ceist:

177. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Justice the number of new gardaí deployed to the area of community policing over each of the past five years, including the latest recruits attested in 2020, by division, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24684/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I have asked An Garda Síochána for the information requested by the Deputy, and I will revert to him when this is to hand.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51

At the outset I want to emphasise that Community Policing is at the heart of An Garda Síochána.  That is why it is important to recognise that the role of a community Garda is not only a specialist role in An Garda Síochána; rather it is the case that all Gardaí have a role to play in community policing in carrying out their duties. The official categorisation as a Community Garda simply refers to those who are exclusively assigned to building relationships with local communities and civil society including giving talks to schools, community groups and others. It is a matter for the Divisional Chief Superintendent to determine the optimum distribution of duties among the personnel available to him or her having regard to the profile of the area and its specific needs

Since 2015 3488 new Garda members have attested, and all of them have a role to play in fulfilling An Garda Síochána’s role as a community centred police force. It is however not possible to give a breakdown of whether these newly attested members were assigned specifically to the Community Policing roles outlined above, as such assignments are operational decisions for each Division, and it is not possible to collate the data in this way.

For the Deputy’s information, I have appended to this reply a breakdown of the assignment of newly attested Garda members by Division and station since 2015 up to July of this year. For further information about Community Gardaí numbers, I would refer the Deputy to the tables that are available on my Department’s website which cover every year since 2009 and give a breakdown of Gardaí assigned to specific Community Policing roles by Division. These tables are updated monthly and may be found at: http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Community_Policing

For the Deputy’s further information, I have also attached a breakdown of the number of Community Gardaí by Division and station as of August 31 2020.

I hope this information is of assistance.

Disability Services Funding

Ceisteanna (178)

Johnny Mythen

Ceist:

178. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Health if he will increase the funding for adult care centres particularly to a centre (details supplied). [24529/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives.

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Hospital Staff

Ceisteanna (179)

Mark Ward

Ceist:

179. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if funding will be secured for the recruitment of an additional full-time consultant urologist for Tallaght University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24465/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Eating Disorders

Ceisteanna (180)

Mark Ward

Ceist:

180. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year capital and current costs of doubling the number of beds dedicated to eating disorders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24466/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Hospital Staff

Ceisteanna (181)

Kieran O'Donnell

Ceist:

181. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for Health if the need for dieticians and nurse specialists in insulin pump therapy funding in the University of Limerick Hospital Group (details supplied) will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24467/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service issue, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Hospital Services

Ceisteanna (182)

Cathal Crowe

Ceist:

182. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken by the University of Limerick Hospitals Group to provide insulin pump therapy as a treatment option to all eligible adults with type 1 diabetes; the plans of the group to provide type 1 diabetes self-management education to adults attending its clinics; if the group has included the specialist nursing staff and dieticians required to provide insulin pump therapy for adult diabetes services across the group within its budget proposal; and if he will fund same. [24489/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service issue, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Dental Services

Ceisteanna (183)

Neasa Hourigan

Ceist:

183. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health his plans to ensure the oral healthcare of children and special needs patients are not being neglected due to Covid-19 restrictions in view of reports that young children are being prescribed antibiotics instead of having much-needed extractions; when a full resumption of community oral healthcare services will take place in Dublin north city CHO9; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24490/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Covid-19 Tests

Ceisteanna (184)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

184. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of medical scientists employed in laboratories which are conducting Covid-19 tests; his plans to increase the number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24495/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

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