Tuesday, 3 Nov 2020

Written Answers Nos. 1045-1062

Closed-Circuit Television Systems

Ceisteanna (1045)

Cathal Crowe

Ceist:

1045. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Justice if local authorities can be data collectors for CCTV footage used for crime prevention; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33864/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy may be aware, community-based CCTV is governed by section 38(3)(c) of Garda Síochána Act 2005 and the Garda Síochána (CCTV) Order 2006. This legal framework requires that any proposed community CCTV scheme must:

- be approved by the local Joint Policing Committee;

- have the prior support of the relevant local authority, which must also act as data controller in accordance with SI 289 of 2006; and

- have the authorisation of the Garda Commissioner.

This is the legal basis for all community CCTV schemes, regardless of how they are funded and these key legal requirements have not changed since 2006. The option to establish a Community CCTV scheme is available to groups that meet these legal requirements, anywhere in the country. As part of the application process the Local Authority must provide assurance that they will act in the data controller role.

The Deputy will be aware that the new Programme for Government, Our Shared Future , commits the Government to reviewing the legal and organisational framework governing community CCTV. To that end, I am progressing a range of new Bills relating to Garda governance and policing powers. It is my intention to repeal the provisions currently contained in Section 38 of the 2005 Act, and to replace them with provisions in the Garda Síochána (Digital Recording) Bill. I hope to bring the general scheme of that Bill to Government for approval very soon.

Oireachtas Joint Committee Recommendations

Ceisteanna (1046, 1049, 1050)

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

1046. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Justice her views on the recommendations contained in the report of the Joint Committee on Justice and Equality on the reform of the family law system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34202/20]

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

1049. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice if the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Justice and Equality on reform of the family law system have been considered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32358/20]

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

1050. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice if she will consider implementing recommendations 9, 11 and 36 of the report of the Joint Committee on Justice and Equality on reform of the family law system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32359/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1046, 1049 and 1050 together.

The Government is fully committed to modernising the family law system in Ireland. We will introduce a new Family Court Bill and develop a dedicated family court system. The development of sensible, comprehensive and sensitive family law procedures, particularly for vulnerable families, will be central to the new system. This is a commitment in the programme for government and includes resolving disputes in a less adversarial manner.

My intention is to reform the family justice system to create a more efficient and user-friendly family court system that puts families at the centre of its activities and will:

- Provide access to specialist supports.

- Encourage the use of alternative dispute resolution in family law proceedings.

- Streamline family law court processes to make them more efficient and more user-friendly, while encouraging greater use of alternative dispute resolution.

A Family Justice Oversight Group has recently been established in my department which, in addition to department officials, also includes representation from the judiciary, the Courts Service, the Legal Aid Board and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. The Group held its first meeting in September and has been tasked with agreeing a high-level vision and key medium and longer-term objectives for the development of a national family justice system having regard to international best practice, in parallel with the establishment of the dedicated Family Court structure as envisaged by the forthcoming Family Court Bill.

A work plan is currently being developed by the group and I understand that one of the tasks to be undertaken is consideration of the various recommendations contained in the Joint Committee on Justice and Equality Report on Reform of the Family Law System including those specifically referred to by the Deputy.

Residency Permits

Ceisteanna (1047)

Paul Donnelly

Ceist:

1047. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice the status of the dispatch of a permit for a person (details supplied); if the permit been dispatched; and if so, when. [32307/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

The Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card for the person referred to by the Deputy was issued and sent to the address provided on 10 August 2020.

However, as the person concerned reported not having received it, a new IRP card has been printed and the person concerned can expect to receive this in 5 to 10 working days.

Irish Prison Service

Ceisteanna (1048)

Pa Daly

Ceist:

1048. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice the status of the local complaints procedure for the Irish Prison Service; and when she will extend the Ombudsman’s remit to include complaints from those within the Irish Prison Service. [32329/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

The Deputy will wish to note that a prisoner complaints system was introduced by the Irish Prison Service in November 2012. I am informed that this system was based on a model recommended by the then Inspector of Prisons, the late Judge Michael Reilly. A copy of this Complaints Policy can be found on the website of the Irish Prison Service.

All prisoners have the right to make a complaint at any time and all complaints are treated with the utmost seriousness. As you will appreciate, complaints vary in nature and seriousness - for example, some may relate to conditions of accommodation, quality of food or access to services while other complaints can be more serious such as allegations of assault, mistreatment or intimidation.

The current system categorises complaints according to their nature and seriousness, ranging from the most serious 'Category A' complaint through to a 'Category F' complaint.

Further information on this system, including these categories, is available on the website of the Irish Prison Service at the following link: https://www.irishprisons.ie/prisoner-services/prisoner-complaints/

The most serious "Category A" complaints are those alleging assault or use of excessive force against a prisoner, or ill treatment, racial abuse, discrimination, intimidation, threats or any other conduct against a prisoner of a nature and gravity likely to bring discredit on the Irish Prison Service. I understand that Category A complaints are investigated by persons outside of the Prison Service.

The introduction and implementation of a new Prison Service Complaints Policy is a priority for the Irish Prison Service and I am advised that work is well advanced on measures to implement the new Policy, which includes a fully integrated IT complaints system to streamline the management of all complaints along with a new appeal process.

More specifically, I understand that a new Complaints Unit has been established in the Irish Prison Service and that training is currently being rolled out to prison staff. Amendments required to the Prison Rules, 2007 are also currently being finalised. I am please to say that I can advise the Deputy that the Irish Prison Service expects to introduce the new prisoner complaints system by the end of November 2020.

In addition, it is envisaged the Ombudsman’s Office will extend their remit to include complaints made by prisoners once the system is fully operational.

Questions Nos. 1049 and 1050 answered with Question No. 1046.

Commencement of Legislation

Ceisteanna (1051)

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

1051. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Justice the sections of Bills enacted by the Houses of the Oireachtas yet to be commenced by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32360/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

In response to the Deputy’s question, details of Bills enacted by the Houses of Oireachtas passed and yet to be commenced by my Department since 1 January 2015 are set out in the table below.

Relevant Act	Details
Civil Debt (Procedures) Act 2015	Act is not yet commenced. It is envisaged that the Act will be largely commenced once the drafting of the necessary Rules of Court has concluded. Engagement with the Department of Social Protection in respect of deductions from social welfare payments is also continuing.
Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Act 2019	Act is not yet commenced. Due to be commenced on 1 December 2020.
Parole Act 2019	Act is not yet commenced.
Children and Family Relationships Act 2015	Section 177, which amends section 2 of the Adoptive Leave Act 1995, has not been commenced.
Civil Law and Criminal Law (Miscellaneous) Provisions Act 2020	Section 32 is not commenced.
Criminal Justice Act 2017	The sections of the Act which are not commenced are: 2, 4, 7, 11, 12.
Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) (Amendment) Act 2018	Section 32 is not commenced.
Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017	Section 36 other than insofar as it inserts s. 14C in the Criminal Evidence Act 1992. Section 38 not yet commenced. Section 52 not yet commenced.
Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Act 2017	Section 30(b)(ii) other than for the Central Criminal Court, the Circuit Court, the Dublin Metropolitan District of the District Court and the District Courts sitting in Districts 1-3, 5-10, 12, 13, 15, 19, 22-25. Section 30(d) other than for the Central Criminal Court, the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court and the Dublin Metropolitan District of the District Court.
Data Protection Act 2018	Section 30 is not commenced.
Family Law Act 2019	Part 3 of the Family Law Act 2019 will not be commenced, will be repealed by the Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union (Consequential Provisions) Bill 2020.
International Protection Act 2015	Paragraphs (b), (f), (i), (l), (m), and (p) of section 6(2) of the International Protection Act 2015 have not been commenced.
Legal Services Regulation Act 2015	The sections of the Act which are partially commenced are: 5, 46, 47, 103, 201 and 218. The sections of the Act which are not yet commenced are: 100 to 102, 104 to 117, 121, 178 to 180, 183, 196, 199, 207, 217 and 219 to 221.

International Time Zones

Ceisteanna (1052)

Cormac Devlin

Ceist:

1052. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Justice the daylight savings time arrangements for 2020-2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32420/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

Ireland switches to “summer time” on the last Sunday of each March and switches back to “winter time” on the last Sunday of each October. This year, “winter time” commenced at 1.00 a.m. on Sunday 25 October and will end at 1.00 a.m. on Sunday 28 March 2021.

Ireland is currently party to an EU-wide arrangement on this issue. There is an ongoing proposal under discussion within the EU Working Party on Transport for an EU Directive to discontinue seasonal clock changes.

The EU Commission’s proposal would have particular implications for the island of Ireland, especially in the context of the UK’s pending withdrawal from the European Union. A wide ranging public survey, stakeholder engagement and a public opinion poll were conducted in the context of developing Ireland’s position on this proposal.

The results demonstrated that the overwhelming majority of respondents would not be in favour of any change that would result in two time zones on the island of Ireland, which would inevitably lead to increased difficulties for business and the general public.

More generally, in the context of the EU proposal, Ireland’s position, along with a number of other Member States, has reflected concern that the proposal could reduce synchronicity and result in a ‘patchwork’ of time zones across the EU, thereby causing unnecessary confusion in the Single Market. Ireland has supported a call for a full impact assessment of this proposal to be carried out prior to any final decisions being made at EU level.

Departmental Functions

Ceisteanna (1053)

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

1053. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Justice when the transfer of immigration functions to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth will take place; the specific functions to be transferred; the functions which will remain in her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32467/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

A number of functions recently transferred from my Department to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. This transfer came into operation on 14 October 2020.

The specific details about the immigration and other functions that transferred to Minister O'Gorman's department are set out in the transfer of functions order, S.I. No. 436/2020 - Disability, Equality, Human Rights, Integration and Reception (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order 2020, which can be accessed at the following link:

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2020/si/436/made/en/print

All other immigration functions, including responsibility for the International Protection Office will continue to be the responsibility of my Department.

Prisoner Data

Ceisteanna (1054)

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

1054. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons currently serving prison sentences in the State; the length of sentences on average being served; the number of women in prison at present; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32469/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

I can inform the Deputy that according to the latest analysed snapshot of the prison population, taken on the 30 September 2020, there was a total of 3,714 prisoners in custody, of which 154 were women. There were 2,918 prisoners serving a sentence, of which 109 were women. A breakdown of sentence length for all prisoners and the sentence length for female prisoners is set out in the tables below.

The Irish Prison Service also have advised that detailed statistical information in relation to numbers in prison custody, prison sentences and length of sentences is available on the Irish Prison Service website www.irishprisons.ie This information can be found on the Irish Prison Service website in the Information Centre – under Statistics & Information. Statistics available include daily prison population, monthly information note statistics, snapshot statistics and yearly statistics.

Table 1. Sentenced Prisoners by Sentence Length 30/09/2020
Sentence Length	Total
<3 Mths	25
3 to <6 Mths	90
6 to <12 Mths	174
1 to <2 Yrs	357
2 to <3 Yrs	335
3 to <5 Yrs	639
5 to <10 Yrs	693
10+ Yrs	252
Life Sentence	353
Total	2918

Table 2. Sentenced Female Prisoners by Sentence Length 30/09/2020
Sentence Length	Total
<3 Mths	4
3 to <6 Mths	9
6 to <12 Mths	14
1 to <2 Yrs	28
2 to <3 Yrs	9
3 to <5 Yrs	24
5 to <10 Yrs	10
10+ Yrs	2
Life Sentence	9
Total	109

Probate Applications

Ceisteanna (1055)

Michael Ring

Ceist:

1055. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice the status of an application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32574/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

The Probate Office is an office of the High Court and management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in exercising its functions under the Courts Service Act 1998. Probate functions are also carried out by County Registrars at District Probate Registries in 14 provincial court offices.

However, in order to be of assistance, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has provided the following information to me.

While the Courts Service does not comment on individual cases, I am informed that the normal processing time in the Dublin Probate Office is currently approximately 8 weeks. This is dependent on the documents lodged by the solicitor being in order. If they are not in order, they will be returned for amendment and this will add to the processing time.

Immigration Policy

Ceisteanna (1056)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

1056. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if the seriousness of a medical condition can be taken into account as a means of expediting the processing of an application under consideration in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32596/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

The person concerned is the subject of a Deportation Order made on 1 February 2019. As the Deputy will be aware, the effect of a Deportation Order is that the person named on the Order is legally obliged to leave the State and to remain out of the State. The enforcement of the Deportation Order is an operational matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau.

Representations were received on behalf of the person concerned requesting that the Deportation Order be revoked, pursuant to the provisions of section 3(11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended). That request will be considered as soon as it is possible to do so at which point any new information advanced by the person concerned, including the information now being advanced by the Deputy, will be duly considered before a decision is made on the revocation request.

The decision to ensue from the consideration of this request will be that the existing Deportation Order will be either ‘affirmed’ or ‘revoked’. Once such a decision has been made, it will be notified in writing. In the meantime, the Deportation Order remains valid and in place and, as such, the person concerned remains legally obliged to comply with any reporting requirements placed on them by the Garda National Immigration Bureau.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the Immigration Service of 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.

Legislative Measures

Ceisteanna (1057)

Jim O'Callaghan

Ceist:

1057. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice her plans to promote the Firearms and Offensive Weapons (Amendment) Bill 2019 that sought to increase the maximum sentence for possession of a knife with intent to cause harm from 5 years to 10 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32609/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

A comprehensive and robust legal framework is in place with respect to knife crime, including heavy penalties for breaches of the laws concerned. Problems have emerged in neighbouring jurisdictions in relation to knife crime and the Government is determined to ensure similar problems do not develop here in Ireland. Although the problem is not of a similar scale here, any stabbing incident can cause irreparable physical harm and have potentially tragic consequences. That is why a comprehensive and robust legal framework is in place with respect to knife crime, including heavy penalties for breaches of the laws concerned.

Under the provisions of the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, the maximum penalty for a conviction for possessing a knife in a public place without good reason or lawful authority was increased from one to five years. An Garda Síochána also has an extended power of search without warrant for knives and offensive weapons. I am advised a substantial number of convictions have been secured in the courts over the past number of years for possession of a knife or other similar article. Sentencing policy is kept under ongoing review by my Department.

There has been a reduction in reported crimes against persons in the first two quarters of this year versus last year and according to the Central Statistics Office, in the first quarter the "assault causing harm" category fell 23.9% and in the second quarter it fell 16.9% when compared with the same periods in the previous year.

An Garda Síochána is currently operating an assault reduction strategy for 2019 to 2021, which is targeted at tackling all types of assaults in public, including use of knives. This strategy is informed by a pro-arrest, early investigation and proactive high-visibility approach. It places particular emphasis on prevention, education and awareness. The strategy promotes early prosecution of offenders where feasible and operationally appropriate. An Garda Síochána also addresses knife crime through education and engagement with community initiatives. At an operational level, gardaí proactively target public disorder and antisocial behaviour, including knife-related crime, through the strategic deployment of Garda resources, and areas identified as public order hotspots by local Garda management are the subject of additional foot and mobile patrols.

In relation to the Firearms and Offence Weapons (Amendment) Private Member’s Bill (PMB), this Bill passed second stage in the Dáil on 2 October 2019. However, this Bill subsequently lapsed with the dissolution of the Dáil and the Seanad, and was not restored.

I will shortly commence a public consultation on the development of a new Three Year Strategy for the Department of Justice. I would of course welcome any submission the Deputy would like to make in relation the priorities which should be set as part of this Plan.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (1058)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

1058. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice if a bingo activity (details supplied) can be categorised similar to drive in cinema; the person or body in her Department this group can contact in relation to same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32640/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

The regulations concerning the nature and extent of restrictions necessary to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic are a matter for the Minister for Health. The latest regulations, in force from 22 October are the Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No. 8) Regulations 2020 - S.I. 448 of 2020. These Regulations supersede relevant previous Regulations.

S.I. 448 of 2020 requires persons to stay in their home and not to leave it without reasonable excuse. This restriction would appear to preclude attendance at the type of drive-in bingo event as described.

With regard to the current law, there is a prohibition under section 26 of the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 from holding a lottery without a valid lottery permit or licence. The current provisions applying to lotteries (draws, raffles, bingo, etc.) are sections 27 (Garda Permits) and 28 (District Court licences) of that Act. It is not obvious from the Deputy's question as to which provision applies with regard to the organisation in question.

Section 27 does not refer to how the lottery is to be conducted, and thus would seem to allow for the issue of a Garda permit for the holding of drive-in bingo as the lottery activity – once every six months for the same beneficiary. Similarly, a lottery licence issued by the District Court under section 28 of the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 would permit promotion of the lottery on a weekly basis.

A decision whether to issue a lottery permit or licence is a matter for the Superintendent of the district or the District Court respectively. Any number of relevant factors may be taken into consideration, including safety and traffic issues.

The Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Act 2019, which contains modernised provisions with regard to the promotion of gaming and lotteries will come into effect on 1 December 2020.

Passport Services

Ceisteanna (1059)

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

1059. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Justice if her attention has been drawn to the difficulty that has risen for Venezuelan citizens resident here whose passport has expired and who cannot renew their passports due to the difficulty in their home country; if she will authorise extension stamps for such residents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32781/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

At various times, nationalities will have difficulties renewing or obtaining passports due to conflict, etc. The Immigration Service of my Department takes this into account when considering the renewal of an immigration permission of a person who does not hold a valid passport, if the applicant can provide a satisfactory explanation of any circumstances that may prevent them from producing a valid passport. This is subject to all other aspects of their application being in order and each case is considered on its individual circumstances.

My Department is aware of the current difficulties with procuring passports from Venezuela and an applicant should include a note to that effect when they apply. Applicants from Venezuela should utilise the online registration renewal system where appropriate. My Department can assist such people by issuing a six month permission pending receipt of the new/extended document.

On 18 September 2020, I announced that immigration and international protection permissions due to expire between 20 September 2020 and 20 January 2021, are automatically renewed to the 20 January 2021. The renewal of permission is on the same basis as the existing permission and the same conditions attach. This measure also applies to Venezuelan nationals who are legally resident here and they should continue to apply in the usual manner to have their permissions registered, specifying any issues they may have with producing a valid passport as outlined above.

Garda Transport Provision

Ceisteanna (1060)

Jennifer Whitmore

Ceist:

1060. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Justice the amount of funding which is being set aside in budget 2021 to purchase new Garda vehicles; the number of new Garda vehicles that will be electric vehicles; if not electric, the reason for not purchasing electric vehicles; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32808/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

The Deputy will be aware that in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. In addition, the allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Commissioner, in light of identified operational demands. This includes responsibility for the allocation of Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no role in 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.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that as of 30 September 2020, there were 3,046 vehicles attached to the Garda Fleet, including vehicles attached to the national units. For clarity, this figure does not include the additional 210 vehicles which have been hired by An Garda Síochána this year, to provide additional capacity during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Deputy may be interested to know that significant capital investment is being made in An Garda Síochána, including a total of €46 million specifically for the Garda fleet between 2016 and 2021. This continuing investment is intended to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit-for-purpose fleet and that Gardaí can be mobile, visible and responsive on the roads and in the community to prevent and tackle crime.

An Garda Síochána has been allocated an unprecedented budget of €1.952 billion for 2021 with an allocation of €8 million further investment in the Garda fleet in 2021.

The mix of vehicles, including electric vehicles, will be determined by operational priorities and has not as yet been determined for 2021.

Proposals are being finalised to install additional electric vehicle charging points at a number of Garda Stations around the country, with suitable locations currently being assessed. Following this, the number of electric vehicles to be purchased will be reviewed.

Garda Equipment

Ceisteanna (1061)

Denise Mitchell

Ceist:

1061. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice the number and type of Garda vehicles attached to the Dublin metropolitan region north division for each year from 2009 to 2019 and to date in 2020, by division, district and sub-district in tabular form. [32843/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

The Deputy will be aware that in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. In addition, the allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Commissioner, in light of identified operational demands. This includes responsibility for the allocation of Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no role in 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.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that as of 30 September 2020, there were 3,046 vehicles attached to the Garda Fleet, including vehicles attached to the national units. For clarity, this figure does not include the additional 210 vehicles which have been hired by An Garda Síochána this year, to provide additional capacity during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The attached spreadsheet, furnished to me by the Garda authorities, sets out detail of the vehicles allocated to the DMR North Division for the dates requested by the Deputy.

Finally and more broadly, the Deputy may be interested to know that significant capital investment is being made in An Garda Síochána, including a total of €46 million specifically for the Garda fleet between 2016 and 2021. This continuing investment is intended to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit-for-purpose fleet and that Gardaí can be mobile, visible and responsive on the roads and in the community to prevent and tackle crime.

An Garda Síochána has been allocated an unprecedented budget of €1.952 billion for 2021 with an allocation of €8 million further investment in the Garda fleet in 2021.

Fleet number by year

Juvenile Offenders

Ceisteanna (1062)

Denise Mitchell

Ceist:

1062. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice the number of juvenile liaison officerss attached to the Dublin metropolitan region north division for each year from 2009 to 2019 and to date in 2020, by division, district and sub-district in tabular form. [32844/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible by law for the distribution of personnel and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution under review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities to ensure optimum use is made of the resources.

I am advised by the Commissioner that Garda Juvenile Liaison Officers (JLOs) are specially trained to fulfil a key role in implementing the Garda Diversion Programme. Their role includes the administration of formal and informal cautions as well as appropriate supervision of children who have been admitted to the Diversion Programme, as provided in Part 4 of the Children Act 2001.

I am informed by the Commissioner that not all of the information requested by the Deputy is readily available in the format requested, as JLOs are assigned on a Garda Divisional basis.

For the Deputy's information, the table below, as supplied by the Commissioner, sets out the number of JLOs assigned to the DMR North from 2009 and up to and including 30 September 2020.

Division	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	*2020
DMR North	12	11	11	11	12	13	13	13	12	12	12	6

*As of 30 September 2020

The Deputy will be aware, as of 16 March 2020, a contingency roster was introduced into An Garda Síochána owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. I am informed by the Garda authorities that with the introduction of the contingency roster, Community Policing and JLO members have been allocated to regular units on a temporary basis to aid frontline policing during the epidemic. It should be noted that Community Policing duties were and are being conducted by members attached to the regular units. I am informed that these members will be returned to Community Policing and JLO in the near future and that while this contingency roster is in effect, JLOs are still performing their JLO duties.

General information on the Garda workforce is available on my Department's website at the following link http://justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Garda_Workforce