Seán Haughey
Ceist:101. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Justice the number of new gardaí that will be recruited in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51661/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (101)
Freagraí scríofa
I am pleased that Budget 2022 reflects the commitment of the Government that every community has the right to be safe and that An Garda Síochána has the resources to be an effective and trusted policing service.
The budget provided by Government to the Garda Commissioner continues to increase to unprecedented levels, with an allocation of €1.952 billion for 2021. Budget 2022 provides over €2 billion in funding. Since 2016 the budget for An Garda Siochana has increased by €500m, or 33%. This has enabled 3,340 new probationer Gardai to be deployed, as well as continued investment in modern equipment. In addition, we have freed up 800 Gardai for front line policing work through the recruitment of Garda staff.
As the Deputy may be aware, Covid-19 restrictions on the Garda Training College in Templemore constrained recruitment and training for periods over the last 18 months. However, I am glad to confirm that 450 Gardaí will be recruited this year and the funding provided for next year fully supports the sustained recruitment of Garda members and staff.
In particular, the funding announced last week includes provision for the recruitment of 800 new Garda recruits and 400 Garda staff in 2022 - an additional 1,200 personnel. This increase in the number of Garda members and staff will deliver significant growth in operational policing hours nationwide and improved services to the public generally. Redeployment of Gardaí from administrative and support roles will also continue next year, thus allowing highly trained Gardaí to focus on frontline policing duties. The organisation's capacity will be further strengthened by the recruitment of additional Garda staff, including to specialist roles to support the investigation of crime and enhance the management of the organisation .
An Garda Síochána have advised that a recruitment plan for 2022 is currently being developed to manage the recruitment processes for Garda members and Garda staff roles. I understand there are a number of successful candidates who will be called from the last competition but a new Garda Trainee competition is also being planned which will be launched before the end of this year or early next year.
Asylum Seekers
Ceisteanna (102)
Peter Fitzpatrick
Ceist:102. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Justice if she will consider introducing an amnesty to asylum seekers who are residents in the State over a specific period of time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51503/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department's objective is to have decisions made on applications from people seeking international protection, including the permission to remain consideration, as soon as possible. This ensures that those who are found to be in need of our protection can receive it quickly and begin rebuilding their lives here with a sense of safety and security.
My Department is fully committed to implementing the key recommendations in the Expert Advisory Group Report to reduce processing times of both first instance decisions and appeals to 6 months respectively, as outlined in the White Paper to End Direct Provision and Establish a New International Protection Support Service.
The White Paper proposes that the new system should be phased in and operational by 2024 and that the intervening period should provide an opportunity to progress improvements in the overall processing times for international protection.
The Advisory Group's recommendation in relation to applicants who will have been two years or more in the system being granted leave to remain, will be considered in the context of the ongoing analysis of progress towards achieving the objectives outlined in the White Paper.
My Department intends, in the first instance, to prioritise processing of all cases using improved processes and the planned ICT investment in the system. The International Protection Office of my Department is also examining and implementing measures with a view to speeding up processing times and reducing the overall number of applicants in the protection process. These measures include training more staff to conduct interviews and complete reports, whilst also streamlining processes to assist in expediting applications in the medium to long term. An end-to-end review of relevant international protection processes by a multi-disciplinary team from within my Department, has now been completed and published.
My Department will, by October 2022 at the latest, commence a review of progress made in reducing and improving processing times and based on the outcome of that review, decide by the end of 2022, whether additional measures are required in order to ensure that the new system can come into operation without the overhang of any significant number of legacy cases.
State Pardons
Ceisteanna (103)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:103. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice the position in relation to efforts to pardon a person (details supplied) who was wrongly hanged in 1895; if she will prioritise the continuation of the process already underway in order that the person will be pardoned; if closure can be given to their relatives; if she will provide an updated timeline regarding the future process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51636/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, a local group gathered a considerable amount of material relating to this case, and I know the Deputy has taken a very close interest in this application.
As the Deputy will also be aware, in early 2020, the then Minister for Justice and Equality engaged an expert on nineteenth century trial law in Ireland for their expert opinion on the safety, or otherwise, of the conviction. The report includes a detailed consideration of the murder and trial and its aftermath. It also considers the prevailing standards and procedures in nineteenth century Irish trials.
It is my Department’s intention to bring a memorandum to Government in the near future and I will update the Deputy directly thereafter.
Victim Support Services
Ceisteanna (104)
Willie O'Dea
Ceist:104. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Justice the increased funding being provided for victims under Budget 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51677/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, my Department provides funding to promote and assist the development of specific support services to victims of crime, including victims of domestic and sexual crime, within the criminal justice system. Our commitment in this area is reflected in the additional funding that has been secured by my Department under Budget 2022.
A total of €4.9m is being allocated to Victims of Crime. This includes the retention of emergency COVID-19 funding of €400k to address the impact of the pandemic on domestic violence services and an additional €785,000 in direct supports to NGOs and specific domestic violence intervention programmes. This will be important to ensure the momentum gained in supporting victims of domestic and sexual violence throughout the pandemic continues to grow. The additional funding will also ensure that court accompaniment related supports funded by my Department are available to all categories of victims of crime throughout the State.
An additional €1.1m in funding is being provided for the Legal Aid Board to begin putting in place a legal advice and legal aid service in court to victims of sexual violence. This is part of the vital work we are undertaking as a priority, to introduce important reforms to support and protect vulnerable victims and ensure our criminal justice system is more victim-centred.
Furthermore, funding of €1m is being made available under the Garda vote to refurbish and upgrade the Divisional Protective Service Units.
An additional €2.4m has also been secured for specific awareness raising and training programmes to combat domestic, sexual and gender based violence. This brings to €5.35m the funding available for combatting domestic sexual and gender based violence, which is a priority for me and for my Department. The funding will also play a key role in supporting the preventative focus of the Third National Strategy on domestic sexual and gender based violence which is to be agreed by the end of the year.
The additional funding secured under Budget 2022 will allow us to continue to build on the work undertaken this year. We will continue to improve the system for victims, to better support them and through various means to raise awareness of, and to combat, all forms of domestic, sexual and gender based violence.
Furthermore, I understand that Minister O'Gorman has secured an increase of €41m for Tusla under Budget 2022 which includes the budget for funding organisations that deliver frontline services, including the funding of refuge spaces.
Since 2014, this part of Tusla's budget has almost doubled from €17.5m to €30m in 2021. While I understand Minister O'Gorman, in consultation with Tusla, is finalising the detailed allocation of funding resources to various programmes and service areas, I am assured that the budget for 2022 will allow Tusla to maintain supports for DSGBV services, which have seen a significant increases in demand in the context of Covid-19, and to progress recommendations emerging from its review of refuge accommodation provision.
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (105, 109)
James Lawless
Ceist:105. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Justice the action being taken to ensure high visibility policing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51663/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Neale Richmond
Ceist:109. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Justice her plans to increase high visibility policing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51096/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 105 and 109 together.
I can assure the Deputies that the Government is committed to ensuring that there is strong, visible policing right across Ireland. Prioritising visible policing in rural and urban communities will ensure community policing is at the forefront of our police service and an integral strand of our social contract with the public. An Garda Síochána continues to implement high visibility policing plans to address public disorder related issues and anti-social behaviour, with particular overt and targeted policing of public places at times when public order incidents and anti-social behaviour typically increase.
I am pleased that Budget 2022 reflects the commitment of the Government to ensuring our communities are safe and that An Garda Síochána has the resources to be an effective and trusted policing service.
The budget provided by Government to the Garda Commissioner continues to increase to unprecedented levels, with an allocation of €1.952 billion for 2021. Budget 2022 provides over €2 billion in funding.
As the Deputies may be aware, Covid-19 restrictions on the Garda Training College in Templemore constrained recruitment and training for periods over the last 18 months. However, I am glad to confirm that 450 Gardaí will be recruited this year and the funding provided for next year fully supports the sustained recruitment of Garda members and staff.
In particular, the funding announced last week includes provision for the recruitment of 800 new Garda recruits and 400 Garda staff in 2022 - an additional 1,200 personnel. This increase in the number of Garda members and staff will deliver significant growth in operational policing hours nationwide and improved services to the public generally. Redeployment of Gardaí from administrative and support roles will also continue next year, thus allowing highly trained Gardaí to focus on frontline policing duties. The organisation's capacity will be further strengthened by the recruitment of additional Garda staff, including to specialist roles to support the investigation of crime and enhance the management of the organisation.
An Garda Síochána have advised that a recruitment plan for 2022 is currently being developed to manage the recruitment processes for Garda Members and Garda Staff roles. I understand there are a number of successful candidates who will be called from the last competition but a new Garda Trainee competition is also being planned which will be launched before the end of this year or early next year.
As the Deputies will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is also introducing the new Garda Operating Model, which is designed to make each Division the central unit of policing administration, rather than the current smaller District model. This is to provide a more comprehensive and inclusive policing service and will help strengthen the focus on community policing.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, as of 27 September, 820 Garda members have been released from posts not requiring Garda powers or expertise and their duties reassigned to Garda staff. This has in turn facilitated the redeployment of Garda members to operational duties. This process will continue in 2022.
Asylum Seekers
Ceisteanna (106)
Mick Barry
Ceist:106. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Justice if she will consider allowing asylum seekers to be granted residency after a number of years in the system given the undue delays assessing applications; if she will consider the case of a family (details supplied) for leave to remain; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51717/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department's objective is to have decisions made on applications from people seeking international protection, including the permission to remain consideration, as soon as possible. This ensures that those who are found to be in need of our protection can receive it quickly and begin rebuilding their lives here with a sense of safety and security.
My Department is fully committed to implementing the key recommendations in the Expert Advisory Group Report to reduce processing times of both first instance decisions and appeals to 6 months respectively, as outlined in the White Paper to End Direct Provision and Establish a New International Protection Support Service.
The White Paper proposes that the new system should be phased in and operational by 2024 and that the intervening period should provide an opportunity to progress improvements in the overall processing times for international protection.
The Advisory Group's recommendation in relation to applicants who will have been two years or more in the system being granted leave to remain, will be considered in the context of the ongoing analysis of progress towards achieving the objectives outlined in the White Paper.
My Department intends, in the first instance, to prioritise processing of all cases using improved processes and the planned ICT investment in the system. The International Protection Office of my Department is also examining and implementing measures with a view to speeding up processing times and reducing the overall number of applicants in the protection process. These measures include training more staff to conduct interviews and complete reports, whilst also streamlining processes to assist in expediting applications in the medium to long term. An end-to-end review of relevant international protection processes by a multi-disciplinary team from within my Department, has now been completed and published.
My Department will, by October 2022 at the latest, commence a review of progress made in reducing and improving processing times and based on the outcome of that review, decide by the end of 2022, whether additional measures are required in order to ensure that the new system can come into operation without the overhang of any significant number of legacy cases.
On the specific case raised by the Deputy, the Deputy will appreciate that I cannot comment on individual cases. However, I can assure you that each application for international protection is examined in detail on its individual merits, taking all factors into account. The permission to remain process includes a full consideration of their private and family rights in accordance with the European Convention on Human Rights as well as consideration of their work situation, among other issues. I encourage people to be as detailed as possible in their representations in support of this process, to ensure that a fully informed decision can be made at the appropriate time.
Courts Service
Ceisteanna (107)
Pa Daly
Ceist:107. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice her plans to reform family law facilities outside of Dublin; and her plans in relation to family law facilities in regional towns and cities. [51079/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can assure the Deputy that family law reform is a major element of my Department's Justice Plan 2021. The forthcoming Family Court Bill will provide for a dedicated Family Court structure, as set out in the Programme for Government. This Bill intends to create a new dedicated Family Court within the existing court structure and provide for court procedures that support a faster and less adversarial resolution of disputes in specialised centres.
In September 2020, the Government approved the drafting of a Family Court Bill along the lines of the General Scheme, which has been published. In the preparation of the General Scheme, account has been taken of the Report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice and Equality on the Reform of the Family Law System, published in October 2019. The General Scheme has been referred to the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel for drafting and to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice for pre-legislative scrutiny.
This significant piece of legislation will be a key element of the development of a more efficient and user-friendly family court system that puts families at the centre of its activities, provides access to specialist supports and encourages the use of alternative dispute resolution in family law proceedings. The development of sensible, comprehensive and sensitive family law procedures, particularly for vulnerable families, will be central to the new system.
My Department has also established a Family Justice Oversight Group to agree a high-level vision and key medium and longer-term objectives for the development of a national family justice system in parallel with the establishment of a dedicated Family Court structure as envisaged by the Family Court Bill. The Courts Service is represented on that group, as is the Legal Aid Board.
The Courts Service launched its Modernisation Programme in the first Quarter of 2021. One of the four pillars of that Programme is to modernise the current family law structures and one of its goals is the development of a user centric family law service to meet the provisions of the Family Courts Bill. The Programme’s family law pillar will look to reform how services are delivered to family law court users by developing new ICT systems, reforming practices and procedures and delivering services in more family law user centric facilities.
I understand that preliminary work has been carried out by the Courts Service to identify courthouses around the country that can best accommodate the new family law regional structures but that no decisions have yet been made on these locations. As the Deputy will be aware, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts, including court accommodation, is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in exercising its functions.
Crime Prevention
Ceisteanna (108)
Jim O'Callaghan
Ceist:108. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the measures that can be introduced to deter boys and young men from engaging in gratuitous violent behaviour against others; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51420/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is determined to tackle anti-social behaviour and I am very conscious of the negative effect it can have on the quality of life for our local communities. We are clear that incidents of assault or intimidation are completely unacceptable, and that people must be safe and feel safe in their communities.
An Garda Síochána continues to implement high visibility policing plans to address public disorder related issues and anti-social behaviour, with particular overt and targeted policing of public places at times when public order incidents and anti-social behaviour typically increase, such as at bank holiday weekends.
An Garda Síochána's ongoing ‘Use your brain, not your fists’ campaign highlights the dangers and consequences of any assault to both the victim and the attacker. The Garda Commissioner has also established Operation Soteria to ensure a reduction of assaults in public, reduce fear of assault within communities, prioritise assault investigations, and focus on problem areas and assault hotspots. The Operation includes targeting knife crimes in areas where it is shown to be relevant and necessary.
As the Deputy will be aware, a new Youth Justice Strategy for 2021 – 2027 was published on 15 April. In line with international best practice, a key principle of the new Youth Justice Strategy is providing as many opportunities as possible to enable young people to change direction in their lives and adopt more positive behaviours
The Strategy includes the full range of issues connected to children and young people at risk of coming into contact with the criminal justice system, including early intervention and preventative work, family support and diversion from crime, through to the court process and facilities, supervision of offenders, detention and reintegration and support post release.
The Strategy strengthens and expands the role of the Youth Diversion Projects (YDPs) and promotes appropriate linkages and alignment with other community-based initiatives. Bringing the full range of relevant interventions together in a coherent and holistic response to youth crime will support the objective of diverting young people from crime and anti-social behaviour. The immediate priority within the Strategy is to enhance engagement with children and young people who are most at risk of involvement in criminal activity, principally by strengthening the services available through the existing network of 105 Youth Diversion Projects (YDPs) across the State.
YDPs engage with young people through a range of supports, including education, training and employment support, social enterprise initiatives, as well as personal development and supports such as mentoring and personal development activities. Experience in the operation of the Children Act highlights the need to include children below the age of criminal responsibility (12 for most offences) in preventative measures, and to consider the extension of measures to divert young offenders away from the criminal justice system beyond the age of 18.
In line with a commitment in the Programme for Government, I have also established an Expert Forum on Anti-Social Behaviour. This forum is considering the effectiveness of existing legislation and will seek to propose new ways forward, including new powers for An Garda Síochána, if required, and additional interventions to support parenting of offenders.
Two subgroups of the forum have also been set up to examine the issues of knife crime and misuse of scramblers and quadbikes. Similar sub groups can also be established for other issues as appropriate.
Question No. 109 answered with Question No. 105.
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (110)
Alan Farrell
Ceist:110. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Justice the details of the consideration given to the introduction to a specialised Garda public transport unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51088/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Any acts of violence and anti-social behaviour on or near public transport are completely unacceptable. There are a number of tools at the disposal of the Garda Commissioner, who is operationally responsible, to respond to such incidents. The Commissioner is also responsible, as the Deputy will be aware, for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, and as Minister I have no role in these independent functions.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that Garda management engages extensively with transport operators, including the National Transport Authority, Irish Rail (DART and InterCity rail) and Transdev Ireland (Luas) to provide a high visibility presence through a co-ordinated approach.
I am informed that a range of regional and local operations have been put in place to prevent and detect incidents arising. For example, Operation Twin Track was a Community Engagement and Rail Safety Policing Initiative conducted by Gardaí in partnership with other public transportation stakeholders with the purpose of providing high visibility policing of rail and light rail transport within the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) and nationwide, and to deliver crime prevention advice.
A multi-agency review was conducted to examine the effectiveness of this operation and it was agreed that An Garda Síochána will continue to proactively engage with public transportation stakeholders and providers to conduct further similar operations.
I have been advised by the Garda authorities that each Chief Superintendent in Dublin has put in place a dedicated policing plan to tackle anti-social behaviour on public transport. Gardaí are conducting both overt and covert patrols of various public transport networks to address incidents of non-compliance under the Health Act 1947 (as amended), incidences of anti-social behaviour or any other criminal offences.
There is currently an operation in place as part of the J District Policing Plan aimed at the prevention of anti-social behaviour and graffiti damage on the DART. The operation aims to ensure the security and safety of Irish Rail staff and passengers, prevent of criminal damage to trains by graffiti, and identify and prosecute offenders engaged in defacing trains with graffiti.
There are a number of similar operations taking place in the lead up to and on Halloween, across the DMR, which will involve high visibility patrols of public transport on Dublin Bus, LUAS and Dart
services to prevent and detect incidents of anti-social behaviour.
I am advised that An Garda Síochána do not propose to establish a dedicated transport policing unit at this time.
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (111)
Richard Bruton
Ceist:111. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice if new initiatives to promote more recruitment and progression of women within An Garda Síochána are being undertaken. [51159/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible by law for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, which includes recruitment and personnel matters. As Minister, I play no direct role in these independent functions.
However, I am informed by Garda Authorities that as of 30 September 2021, 3,974 sworn members of An Garda Síochána are female. This means that 27.7% of sworn Garda members are female and 72.3% male. This compares with 24.4% female and 75.6% male in 2010.
A concerted effort is being made to encourage women and minority communities to consider a career in An Garda Síochána so that its membership reflects the community that it serves, in line with the recommendations of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland. Recent recruitment campaigns have made a significant effort through online videos and other media to attract female candidates as well as candidates from minority communities and diverse social groups.
I am advised by An Garda Síochána that Information Days have been held in advance of closing dates of internal competitions where women are underrepresented. I understand that having women available to answer questions who are already carrying out the particular role advertised is a key feature of the Information Days.
The Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, contains a commitment to increase the diversity within An Garda Síochána prioritising the identification and removal of barriers to recruiting and retaining people from diverse and minority background. This work is being taken forward as part of An Garda Síochána's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy (2020-2021). Work is ongoing to develop a successor Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, a key element of which will focus on addressing under representation of women at all levels of the organisation.
My Department's Justice Plan 2021 commits to supporting the EDI Strategy to ensure the organisation can attract, retain and develop a diverse and inclusive workforce, including preparation of a diversity recruitment roadmap.
While the current number of women members in An Garda Síochána is broadly in line with the percentage of women in police services across England and Wales, there is clearly scope for further improvement. I expect that the above steps being taken by An Garda Síochána will ensure that the membership of the organisation can evolve to more closely to reflect the society that it serves.
International Protection
Ceisteanna (112)
Thomas Pringle
Ceist:112. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice the status of the implementation of the changes to the asylum process which were approved by the Government; the details of the delays in the implementation of same; the new timeframe for the implementation of the changes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48971/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department's objective is to have decisions made on applications from people seeking international protection, including the permission to remain consideration, as soon as possible. This ensures that those who are found to be in need of our protection can receive it quickly and begin rebuilding their lives here with a sense of safety and security.
My Department is fully committed to implementing the key recommendations in the Expert Advisory Group Report to reduce processing times of both first instance decisions and appeals to 6 months respectively, as outlined in the White Paper to End Direct Provision and Establish a New International Protection Support Service.
The White Paper proposes that the new system should be phased in and operational by 2024 and that the intervening period should provide an opportunity to progress improvements in the overall processing times for international protection.
My Department intends, in the first instance, to prioritise processing of all cases using improved processes and the planned ICT investment in the system. The International Protection Office of my Department is also examining and implementing measures with a view to speeding up processing times and reducing the overall number of applicants in the protection process. These measures include training more staff to conduct interviews and complete reports, whilst also streamlining processes to assist in expediting applications in the medium to long term. An end-to-end review of relevant international protection processes by a multi-disciplinary team from within my Department, has now been completed and published.
My Department will, by October 2022 at the latest, commence a review of progress made in reducing and improving processing times and based on the outcome of that review, decide by the end of 2022, whether additional measures are required in order to ensure that the new system can come into operation without the overhang of any significant number of legacy cases.
Antisocial Behaviour
Ceisteanna (113)
Gino Kenny
Ceist:113. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide a progress report on the initiative for problematic use of scramblers and quad bikes in urban areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51516/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, I established a subgroup of the Anti-Social Behaviour Forum earlier this year to examine measures which can be taken with regard to the misuse of vehicles such as scramblers and quad bikes in communities.
The Anti-Social Behaviour Forum delivered a community based proposal to tackling the misuse of scramblers and other vehicles. This scheme is based on the model developed by the Moyross Youth Diversion Project (YDP) and, again, is a means of intervention and diversion from this type of activity, rather than enforcement.
My Department opened applications to all YDPs and interested groups, such as motocross clubs, for funding for these initiatives. Almost €200,000 in funding has been granted to eight projects; some of which are joint ventures between more than one YDP (a total of 10 YDPs applied for funding, 9 in Dublin, along with additional support provided for Moyross in Limerick).
The Deputy may also be aware that €6.7million has been provided for youth justice services in Budget 2022. This represents an increase of one third in support for youth justice services. It provides the resources to kick-start delivery of key objectives in the Youth Justice Strategy and, in particular, the programme to expand and deepen the range of supports made available through local YDP services.
The main elements are:
- Establishment of a limited number of new youth projects and boundary extensions of existing projects so as to ensure that the youth diversion services are available throughout the State by end-2022 or shortly thereafter.
- Enhancement of the youth diversion service, in accordance with identified local needs, to include:
- Early intervention and family support work
- Outreach with harder-to-engage young people
- Support for schools to retain challenging children
- Other specific initiatives e.g. in relation to anti-social use of scramblers and knife crime issues.
- Dedicated research and expert support, including best practice support for the nationwide project network, facilitated by the Research Evidence into Policy Programmes and Practice (REPPP) project team in the University of Limerick.
The Minister for Transport has this week published the Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021, which includes provisions to strengthen the law in relation to the dangerous and antisocial off-road use of scramblers, quads and other similar vehicles.
Immigration Policy
Ceisteanna (114)
Peter Fitzpatrick
Ceist:114. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Justice if she will she consider allowing stamp 2 visa holders to work full-time to help certain sectors of the economy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51507/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has responsibility for immigration-related matters, including the entry and residence conditions of non-EEA students, who are granted a Stamp 2 immigration permission, and continually consults and engages with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, among other key sectoral stakeholders, in this area.
Their primary purpose for being in the State is as a student. However, since April 2001, non-EEA students with an immigration Stamp 2 permission, and who are enrolled on courses with education providers listed on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP) including English language courses, have been afforded the opportunity to work.
This allows them to take up casual employment to supplement their income while studying in Ireland. During term time, non-EEA students can work up to 20 hours per week and during normal college holiday periods they can work on a full time basis up to 40 hours per week.
All applicants for permission to study in Ireland must show that they have sufficient funds to support their stay in Ireland without recourse to public funds, or the reliance on casual employment.
The conditions attaching to all immigration permissions are kept under ongoing review by my Department with all relevant stakeholders. Any changes to the work entitlements of non-EEA students would be a policy decision for the wider stakeholder group.
Cybersecurity Policy
Ceisteanna (115)
James Lawless
Ceist:115. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Justice the new measures her Department is taking in relation to cyber-security; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51664/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, the prevention and investigation of criminal activity, including cybercrime and related offences, are operational matters for An Garda Síochána. As Minister I have no direct role in these matters.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána has significantly stepped up its dedicated resources in the cyber area in recent years and is continuing to grow its capabilities. The dedicated Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau (GNCCB) is led by a Detective Chief Superintendent. As of 30 September, the latest date for which figures are available, there are 45 Garda members attached to GNCCB, and there are plans to continue to expand the Bureau between this year and next, including the recruitment of 20 civilian expert posts at engineer grade. Cyber Satellite Hubs have also recently been established in Cork, Galway, Mullingar and Wexford. These hubs are engaged in cybercrime forensics, investigations and support roles.
GNCCB is responsible for the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of cybercrime incidents in the State. Both the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the GNCCB continue to engage with telecommunications service providers regarding online scams and the identification of the persons involved in them.
It is important to note that combatting and preventing fraud and related cybercrime falls under the remit of several Departments and Agencies. There is close cooperation across the whole of Government on this issue, and in particular between An Garda Síochána and the National Cyber Security Centre.
The Deputy may also be aware that earlier this month I launched a major cybercrime awareness campaign, as part of European Cybersecurity Month. This campaign will see Community Gardaí and Crime Prevention Officers around the country providing information to local communities on how to avoid falling victim to such scams. This will be done through local information events, as well as through the normal engagement Gardaí have with their communities. There are also dedicated radio advertisements being broadcast nationally as part of the campaign.
Cooperation with our EU and international partners remains a key part of Ireland's response to cybercrime and online scams. Ireland is also committed to ratifying the Council of Europe Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, the first binding international treaty on cybercrime, when the necessary legislative requirements have been fulfilled. My Department's Justice Plan 2021 commits to drafting a general scheme of a Cybercrime Bill which will give effect to those provisions of the Budapest Convention not already provided for in Irish law.
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (116)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Ceist:116. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Justice the resources and supports by Garda division in County Louth and nationally dedicated to combating drug crime; the percentage of the spend against the total policing spend in these areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51721/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the distribution and management of Garda resources between the various Garda Divisions and the filling of any vacancies. As Minister I have no direct role in these matters, but I am assured that the Garda authorities keep this distribution under constant review, to ensure the optimum use of available Garda members.
The table attached to this answer, which was furnished to me by the Garda authorities, gives the breakdown of the number of Garda members attached to the drugs units in each Garda Division nationwide as of 30 September 2021, the most recent date for which figures are available. I can further advise the Deputy that as of that date, there were 14 full time Garda members assigned to drugs units in the Louth Division.
An Garda Síochána continue to disrupt the sale and supply of controlled drugs in communities across the State. Tackling serious crime is a key priority for the Government and I very much welcome the exceptional work which has been undertaken by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) so far this year. This vital work is having significant success in disrupting drug trafficking and the supply of illicit drugs by organised crime groups.
From its establishment in March 2016 to the end of 2020, GNDOCB has been responsible for the seizure of in excess of 133 firearms, €209 million worth of illicit drugs, 5,500 rounds of ammunition and €21.7 million in cash. In 2020 alone, GNDOCB seized €36.7 million worth of illicit drugs, 23 firearms, 2,131 rounds of ammunition, €8 million in cash and made 228 arrests.
The budget provided by Government to the Garda Commissioner continues to increase to unprecedented levels, with an allocation of €1.952 billion for 2021. Budget 2022 provides over €2 billion in funding. This significant investment by the government has allowed for sustained and ongoing investment into An Garda Síochána and into recruitment of new Gardaí, including in Louth.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the allocation of the Garda budget between the different Garda units in each Division and nationally is strictly a matter for the Commissioner and his management team. The Commissioner is the accounting officer for An Garda Síochána under the law. Within each Garda Division, local Garda management determine the allocation of available resources, in consultation with senior management and based on current operational requirements. As Minister, I have no role in such decisions or allocations. I am advised by the Garda authorities that it is not possible to break down the percentage spend in the manner requested by the Deputy.
Antisocial Behaviour
Ceisteanna (117)
Richard Bruton
Ceist:117. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice if she will report on the assessment of the problem of persons not feeling safe in the city centre following her round of meetings; and if new initiatives are in development. [51158/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can assure the Deputy that both I and the Government are committed to the safety of the public, whether they live or work in Dublin or want to visit and enjoy our capital city. The Government is determined to tackle anti-social and violent behaviour, and I am very conscious of the impact such behaviour can have on the quality of life for local communities, including in Dublin’s city centre.
As the Deputy is aware, I recently met with the Garda authorities, Dublin business owners and local representatives to discuss anti-social behaviour in the city centre. The Deputy will also be aware that last week’s budget includes significant additional funding to support initiatives under the Youth Justice Strategy and the new Community Safety Innovation Fund which will support community based initiatives to ensure public safety.
Gardaí continue to implement high visibility policing plans to address public disorder related issues and anti-social behaviour, with particular overt and targeted policing of public places at times when public order incidents and anti-social behaviour typically increase, such as bank holiday weekends. This includes specific high visibility operations to tackle anti-social behaviour in Dublin city centre in order to reassure citizens, visitors and the business community.
I am further informed that Operation Soteria is in place to target a reduction of assaults in public, reduce fear of violence within communities, prioritise assault investigations and focus on problem areas and assault hotspots.
Further, Operation Pier and Operation Spire are underway within Dublin City Centre, in the DMR South Central and North Central Divisions respectively. These operations form the basis of a regional response to city centre street-level drug dealing and possession of drugs, with members performing dedicated patrols in areas known to have a high concentration of such issues. Some key areas targeted are those that have a significant nightlife economy.
Both operations are undertaken by uniformed and plain-clothes members on a full-time basis, with the objective to investigate, detect, prevent and prosecute criminal offences committed under the Misuse of Drugs Act. A large proportion of these operations focus on high-visibility and pro-active policing and engagement with the residential and business communities.
As the Deputy will also be aware, in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, Minister of State James Browne last year established an Expert Forum on Anti-Social Behaviour. This forum is considering the effectiveness of existing legislation and looking at proposals for new ways forward, including new powers for An Garda Síochána and additional interventions to support parenting of offenders.
A subgroup of the forum has recently been established to examine the issue of knife crime, with a first meeting of the subgroup taking place on 26 September. This follows a previous subgroup which examined the misuse of scramblers and quadbikes. Similar sub-groups can also be established for other relevant issues where appropriate.
The Deputy will also be aware of the Local Community Safety Partnership pilot which is underway in the north inner city, chaired by Mr Cormac Ó Donnchú. Local Community Safety Partnerships are designed to take a holistic approach to safety issues in partnership with the community. The Partnerships will allow local communities to identify issues of particular concern within their area and work with the relevant State services to develop a local Community Safety Plan to specifically tackle these issues. The Local Community Safety Partnerships will be rolled out nationwide to all local authority areas after the pilot phase of two years.
Immigration Policy
Ceisteanna (118)
Mick Barry
Ceist:118. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Justice her plans for the scheme to regularise undocumented persons; when the scheme will be opened; if she will consider broadening the scheme to ensure all time living in Ireland will count towards eligibility to the scheme; if she will consider changes to citizenship law to allow for time being undocumented to count towards the residency condition for eligibility for citizenship; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51716/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, the Programme for Government contains a commitment to bring forward a regularisation scheme within 18 months of the formation of the Government, to create new pathways for long-term undocumented people and their dependents with due consideration of Ireland's European Union and Common Travel Area commitments.
Proposals for the draft scheme and the criteria to apply are being developed by my Department in line with this commitment. These are informed by research and consultation with key stakeholders and engagement with Government Departments as appropriate.
Following this engagement with stakeholders, my Department is now working to finalise the details for the scheme, including eligibility considerations and qualifying criteria, with a view to bringing a proposal to Government shortly to allow for the launch of the scheme before the end of this year.
In finalising a proposal, my Department is examining the implications of the principles underpinning this scheme for various groups who have spent extended periods in the country without an immigration permission to remain. It is not possible at this stage to confirm the details of the scheme until it has been finalised, considered and approved by the Government.
The aim of the scheme is to provide an opportunity to regularise those who have been living for many years in Ireland without a legal status in light of the uncertainty and vulnerability that this brings. Many adults and children are expected to benefit from this scheme, for example through increased career and educational opportunities and enabling those who qualify to get on the pathway to one day applying for Irish citizenship, if they so wish.
With regard to citizenship more generally, the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. All applications for a certificate of naturalisation are processed and assessed individually in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
While all legislation is kept under review, there are no plans at the moment to amend the applicable rules relating to undocumented periods of residency for applications for a certificate of naturalisation. However as noted above persons who are accepted under the undocumented scheme will in future be able to qualify for naturalisation.
Legislative Measures
Ceisteanna (119)
Denis Naughten
Ceist:119. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 4 of 10 September 2020, the progress to date in publishing the Sex Offenders (Amendment) Bill 2018; when it will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48279/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Sex Offenders (Amendment) Bill has completed drafting and I intend to bring it to my Government colleagues for approval to publish in the coming weeks.
As the Deputy will be aware, the purpose of the Bill is to enhance current systems for the assessment and management of convicted sex offenders and to put those systems on a statutory footing.
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (120, 145)
Emer Higgins
Ceist:120. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda civilian staff now supporting An Garda Síochána and enabling the redirection of Garda members to frontline services. [51275/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSeán Haughey
Ceist:145. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí that have been freed up from administrative duties in recent years in order to undertake frontline policing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51662/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 120 and 145 together.
As the Deputies will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the management and control of An Garda Síochána. This includes responsibility for the allocation of Garda resources. I have no direct role in these matters.
I understand that as of 30 September 2021, there are now 3,382 Garda staff (civilians) within An Garda Síochána.
I further understand that significant progress continues to be made in relation to the civilianisation process within the organisation. As of 27 September, 820 Garda members have been released from posts not requiring Garda powers or expertise and their duties reassigned to Garda staff. This has in turn facilitated the redeployment of those Garda members to operational duties where their training and expertise can be used to best effect.
Budget 2022 provides for the recruitment of an additional 400 Garda staff and an additional 800 Garda members next year. These extra Garda staff will allow for a further freeing up of Gardaí for frontline duties, and enhance the capacity of the organisation through the recruitment of staff to specialist and other positions to support the investigation of crime and the management and development of the organisation.
The Commissioner's implementation of the new Garda Operating Model also introduces major changes to the structures of An Garda Síochána by providing more front-line Gardaí, increased Garda visibility, and a wider range of policing services for people in their local area. All services will be managed and co-ordinated at divisional level, to allow greater specialisation and to release Gardaí from back office functions.