Bernard Durkan
Ceist:284. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the position regarding the Garda Síochána (Compensation) Bill 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51947/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraLegislative Programme
Ceisteanna (284)
Freagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, Minister Helen McEntee and the Minister of State with responsibility for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Robert Troy published the Garda Síochána (Compensation) Bill 2021 on 23 April.
The Bill will bring Garda compensation claims within the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) process. This will benefit both claimants, in terms of quicker resolution of claims with an objective assessment of quantum, and the State as the respondent, in terms of lower legal and administrative costs. The publication of the Bill meets a commitment in my Department's Justice Plan 2021.
The Garda Síochána (Compensation) Bill 2021 is currently before the Seanad.
Question No. 285 answered with Question No. 273.
Deportation Orders
Ceisteanna (286)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:286. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which women, children or other vulnerable persons continue to seek the help of an Garda Síochána in relation to matters such as trafficking, physical, sexual or mental abuse; the number of such cases where individuals have been removed from this jurisdiction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51949/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have requested a report from An Garda Síochána on the matters raised by the Deputy. I will contact the Deputy directly when the requested information is to hand
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 286 for answer on 21 October 2021, in which you requested information on the extent to which women, children or other vulnerable persons continue to seek the help of an Garda Síochána in relation to matters such as trafficking, physical, sexual or mental abuse; and the number of such cases where individuals have been removed from this jurisdiction.
I am informed that during 2020, some 38 victims of human trafficking were identified by An Garda Síochána, 33 adult females and five adult males. To the 1st of October 2021, 25 victims of human trafficking have been identified by An Garda Síochána, 14 adult females, 10 adult males and one female minor.
I am further informed that An Garda Síochána maintains contact with all victims of Human Trafficking where investigations are ongoing. The Human Trafficking Investigation and Co-ordination Unit (HTICU) at the Garda National Protective Services Bureau is not aware of any victim of human trafficking being trafficked from the jurisdiction. In addition, the HTICU can confirm that no victims of human trafficking offences have been deported from this jurisdiction.
Human trafficking is a heinous crime based on deception and exploitation of vulnerable people. This Government is serious about preventing and prosecuting for human trafficking – the victim centred policy approach that we are taking will encourage more victims to come forward which will in turn strengthen prosecutions and convictions.
Over the past year my Department has introduced significant measures to combat trafficking, to create a more victim-centred approach to identifying and supporting victims and to raise awareness and provide training, including:
- The approval by Government earlier this year to revise the National Referral Mechanism to make it easier for victims of trafficking to come forward, be identified and access advice, accommodation and support;
- The drafting of a new National Action Plan on Human Trafficking;
- The development of training, through NGOs, targeting front line staff in industries such as hospitality, airline and shipping who may come into contact with trafficked persons;
- The improvements being made to the Criminal Justice System to support victims through the implementation of Supporting a Victim's Journey;
- A new anti-trafficking public awareness campaign, in conjunction with the International Organisation for Migration, which continues through November;
- An increase in funding for supporting victims of crime generally and increased funding dedicated specifically to supporting victims of trafficking.
A specialised Garda Unit, the Human Trafficking Investigation and Co-ordination Unit (HTICU), has been in place since 2009 to conduct investigations into human trafficking. It also provides advice, support and where necessary, operational assistance to investigations at district level.
Earlier this year saw the first convictions for human trafficking handed down by the Courts. On 28 September significant sentences were handed down in Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court for these crimes.
I trust that this information is of use to you.
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (287)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:287. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the number of community gardaí that are available to all districts throughout Ireland and County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51950/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business, including the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff. Under Section 33 of the Act, the Commissioner shall determine the distribution and deployment of An Garda Síochána throughout the State. As Minister, I play no role in these independent functions.
It is my understanding that those members who are designated as 'Community Gardaí' are members who are engaged primarily in outreach work with community groups, such as providing talks to schools.
However, community engagement has been a defining feature of An Garda Síochána since its establishment almost 100 years ago. This extends far beyond those Gardaí who have the official designation of a ‘Community Garda’, rather it is at the heart of the work of every member of the service. Daily, Gardaí encounter those who are vulnerable and who are often disproportionately impacted by crime. All Gardaí routinely engage with members of the community as well as the various community and voluntary groups active within any given area. The relationships built up form the basis of all local policing in the State and are part of every Garda’s work.
The following table provides a breakdown of the number of designated Community Gardaí assigned by rank, station and division as of 30 September, the latest date for when figures are available.
Community Gardaí as on 30/09/2021
|
Station |
Inspector |
Sergeant |
Garda |
Total |
|
DMR SOUTH CENTRAL |
||||
|
Donnybrook |
6 |
6 |
||
|
Irishtown |
5 |
5 |
||
|
Kevin Street |
1 |
1 |
9 |
11 |
|
Kilmainham |
2 |
8 |
10 |
|
|
Pearse Street |
1 |
3 |
22 |
26 |
|
Total |
2 |
6 |
50 |
58 |
|
DMR NORTH CENTRAL |
||||
|
Bridewell |
1 |
15 |
16 |
|
|
Mountjoy |
4 |
15 |
19 |
|
|
Store Street |
2 |
2 |
21 |
25 |
|
Total |
2 |
7 |
51 |
60 |
|
DMR NORTH |
||||
|
Balbriggan |
1 |
9 |
10 |
|
|
Ballymun |
1 |
7 |
8 |
|
|
Clontarf |
1 |
6 |
7 |
|
|
Garristown |
2 |
2 |
||
|
Howth |
2 |
2 |
||
|
Lusk |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Raheny |
6 |
6 |
||
|
Coolock |
3 |
3 |
||
|
Rush |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Santry |
1 |
8 |
9 |
|
|
Skerries |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Swords |
1 |
8 |
9 |
|
|
Total |
5 |
54 |
59 |
|
|
DMR EAST |
||||
|
Blackrock |
6 |
6 |
||
|
Cabinteely |
2 |
2 |
||
|
Dun Laoghaire |
1 |
5 |
6 |
|
|
Dundrum |
1 |
6 |
7 |
|
|
Shankill |
3 |
3 |
||
|
Total |
2 |
22 |
24 |
|
|
DMR SOUTH |
||||
|
Crumlin |
2 |
4 |
6 |
|
|
Rathfarnham |
1 |
7 |
8 |
|
|
Rathmines |
1 |
6 |
7 |
|
|
Sundrive Road |
6 |
6 |
||
|
Tallaght |
1 |
2 |
20 |
23 |
|
Terenure |
1 |
6 |
7 |
|
|
Total |
1 |
7 |
49 |
57 |
|
DMR WEST |
||||
|
Ballyfermot |
1 |
7 |
8 |
|
|
Blanchardstown |
1 |
11 |
12 |
|
|
Cabra |
1 |
7 |
8 |
|
|
Clondalkin |
1 |
9 |
10 |
|
|
Finglas |
11 |
11 |
||
|
Lucan |
1 |
5 |
6 |
|
|
Rathcoole |
4 |
4 |
||
|
Ronanstown |
1 |
8 |
9 |
|
|
Total |
6 |
62 |
68 |
|
|
Waterford |
||||
|
Dungarvan |
10 |
10 |
||
|
Lismore |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Waterford |
1 |
10 |
11 |
|
|
Total |
2 |
20 |
22 |
|
|
Wexford |
||||
|
New Ross |
9 |
9 |
||
|
Wexford |
3 |
3 |
||
|
Total |
12 |
12 |
||
|
Tipperary |
||||
|
Cahir |
2 |
13 |
15 |
|
|
Clonmel |
1 |
11 |
12 |
|
|
Nenagh |
1 |
18 |
19 |
|
|
Thurles |
1 |
20 |
21 |
|
|
Tipperary |
5 |
5 |
||
|
Total |
5 |
67 |
72 |
|
|
Kilkenny/Carlow |
||||
|
Ballyhale |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Bennetsbridge |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Borris |
2 |
2 |
||
|
Carlow |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
|
Castlecomer |
9 |
9 |
||
|
Glenmore |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Goresbridge |
2 |
2 |
||
|
Graiguenamanagh |
1 |
4 |
5 |
|
|
Hacketstown |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Kilkenny |
8 |
8 |
||
|
Mooncoin |
2 |
9 |
11 |
|
|
Muinebheag |
1 |
9 |
10 |
|
|
Myshall |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Piltown |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Rathvilly |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Stoneyford |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Thomastown |
5 |
15 |
20 |
|
|
Tullow |
2 |
10 |
12 |
|
|
Urlingford |
2 |
2 |
||
|
Total |
12 |
80 |
92 |
|
|
Cork City |
||||
|
Anglesea Street |
1 |
5 |
6 |
|
|
Ballincollig |
3 |
3 |
||
|
Bishopstown |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Blackrock |
2 |
2 |
||
|
Blarney |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Bridewell |
3 |
3 |
||
|
Carraigaline |
2 |
2 |
||
|
Douglas |
3 |
3 |
||
|
Glanmire |
2 |
2 |
||
|
Gurranbraher |
3 |
3 |
||
|
Mayfield |
2 |
2 |
||
|
Togher |
1 |
5 |
6 |
|
|
Watercourse Road |
1 |
5 |
6 |
|
|
Total |
3 |
37 |
40 |
|
|
Cork North |
||||
|
Charleville |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Cobh |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Fermoy |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Mallow |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Midleton |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Mitchelstown |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Youghal |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Total |
7 |
7 |
||
|
Cork West |
||||
|
Bantry |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Clonakilty |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Macroom |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Total |
3 |
3 |
||
|
Kerry |
||||
|
Killarney |
2 |
2 |
||
|
Tralee |
1 |
7 |
8 |
|
|
Total |
1 |
9 |
10 |
|
|
Limerick |
||||
|
Henry Street |
1 |
10 |
11 |
|
|
Mayorstone |
11 |
11 |
||
|
Roxboro Road |
2 |
8 |
10 |
|
|
Total |
3 |
29 |
32 |
|
|
Donegal |
||||
|
Ballintra |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Ballyshannon |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Bundoran |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Carrick |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Donegal Town |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Killybegs |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Letterkenny |
1 |
8 |
9 |
|
|
Mountcharles |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Pettigo |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Total |
1 |
16 |
17 |
|
|
Cavan/Monaghan |
||||
|
Castleblaney |
3 |
3 |
||
|
Bailieboro |
3 |
3 |
||
|
Carrickmacross |
2 |
2 |
||
|
Cavan |
4 |
4 |
||
|
Monaghan |
4 |
4 |
||
|
Total |
16 |
16 |
||
|
Sligo/Leitrim |
||||
|
Sligo |
1 |
5 |
6 |
|
|
Drumshambo |
1 |
3 |
4 |
|
|
Total |
2 |
8 |
10 |
|
|
Louth |
||||
|
Drogheda |
1 |
7 |
8 |
|
|
Dundalk |
1 |
4 |
5 |
|
|
Total |
2 |
11 |
13 |
|
|
Clare |
||||
|
Crusheen |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Ennis |
1 |
1 |
3 |
5 |
|
Ennistymon |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Kilrush |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Shannon |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Total |
1 |
1 |
7 |
9 |
|
Mayo |
||||
|
Ballina |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
|
Ballycroy |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Castlebar |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
|
Claremorris |
2 |
2 |
||
|
Westport |
3 |
3 |
||
|
Total |
2 |
10 |
12 |
|
|
Galway |
||||
|
Galway |
1 |
8 |
9 |
|
|
Órán Mór |
4 |
4 |
||
|
Ballinasloe |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Loughrea |
2 |
2 |
||
|
Tuam |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
|
Salthill |
1 |
4 |
5 |
|
|
Total |
3 |
20 |
23 |
|
|
Roscommon/Longford |
||||
|
Ballaghaderreen |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Ballymahon |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Boyle |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
|
Castlerea |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Edgeworthstown |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Granard |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
|
Longford |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
|
Roscommon |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Strokestown |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Total |
3 |
11 |
14 |
|
|
Westmeath |
||||
|
Athlone |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Mullingar |
1 |
5 |
6 |
|
|
Total |
2 |
5 |
7 |
|
|
Meath |
||||
|
Ashbourne |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Kells |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
|
Navan |
1 |
3 |
4 |
|
|
Oldcastle |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Total |
2 |
6 |
8 |
|
|
Kildare |
||||
|
Athy |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Clane |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Kilcullen |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Leixlip |
3 |
3 |
||
|
Maynooth |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Naas |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Newbridge |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Total |
9 |
9 |
||
|
Laois/Offaly |
||||
|
Birr |
2 |
2 |
||
|
Portlaoise |
1 |
7 |
8 |
|
|
Tullamore |
3 |
3 |
||
|
Total |
1 |
12 |
13 |
|
|
Wicklow |
||||
|
Arklow |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Baltinglass |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Bray |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
|
Greystones |
4 |
4 |
||
|
Total |
1 |
8 |
9 |
|
|
Overall Total |
6 |
79 |
691 |
776 |
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (288)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:288. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda juvenile liaison officers that are available to all districts throughout Ireland and County Kildare to ensure a comprehensive programme that will reflect on improved reliance on An Garda Síochána and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51951/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business, including the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff. Under Section 33 of the Act, the Commissioner shall determine the distribution and deployment of An Garda Síochána throughout the State. As Minister, I play no role in these independent functions.
Part 4 of the Children Act 2001 (as amended) provides the statutory basis for the Garda Youth Diversion Programme. The intention of the programme is to divert children and young people who have engaged in criminal or anti-social behaviour away from the criminal justice system and towards more positive life choices. Children who commit criminal offences are considered for admission to the Garda Diversion Programme, as provided in the Children Act 2001. Each such case is assessed and the Director of the Garda Diversion Programme, who is generally a Garda Superintendent, decides if the case is suitable or not for inclusion.
The operation of the programme includes informal and formal Garda warnings, delivered in the presence of parents or guardians, as well as provision for supervision by a Garda Juvenile Liaison Officer.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that as of 30 September, the latest date for when figures are available, the following table shows the number of Garda Juvenile Liaison Officers by Division and rank.
|
Division |
Sergeant |
Garda |
Total |
|
Cavan/Monaghan |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Clare |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Cork City |
1 |
6 |
7 |
|
Cork North |
3 |
3 |
|
|
Cork West |
2 |
2 |
|
|
D.M.R. East |
1 |
5 |
6 |
|
D.M.R. North |
7 |
7 |
|
|
D.M.R. North Central |
1 |
3 |
4 |
|
D.M.R. South |
1 |
8 |
9 |
|
D.M.R. South Central |
1 |
4 |
5 |
|
D.M.R. West |
1 |
10 |
11 |
|
Donegal |
3 |
3 |
|
|
Galway |
4 |
4 |
|
|
Kerry |
4 |
4 |
|
|
Kildare |
3 |
3 |
|
|
Kilkenny/Carlow |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Laois/Offaly |
3 |
3 |
|
|
Limerick |
1 |
5 |
6 |
|
Louth |
3 |
3 |
|
|
Mayo |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Meath |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Roscommon/Longford |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Sligo/Leitrim |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Tipperary |
3 |
3 |
|
|
Waterford |
4 |
4 |
|
|
Westmeath |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Wexford |
3 |
3 |
|
|
Wicklow |
4 |
4 |
|
|
Total |
7 |
101 |
108 |
Naturalisation Applications
Ceisteanna (289)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:289. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice when an application for naturalisation can be accepted in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51952/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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. A determination on whether an applicant satisfies the statutory criteria can only be made after an application is received.
All applicants are required to meet minimum periods of reckonable residence and standard checks are carried out as part of the overall process to maintain its integrity. It is open to any individual to lodge an application for citizenship if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory conditions as prescribed in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended.
Applicants are required to have five years residence in the state prior to making an application, except for spouses of Irish nationals where the requirement is three years. In both cases, the final 12 months must be continuous residence in the State with up to six weeks allowed to facilitate foreign travel for business family or holiday purposes.
It is open to the person concerned to submit an application for citizenship when they meet the residency requirements detailed above and the additional criteria as set on in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 as amended. Detailed information on Irish citizenship and naturalisation, along with the relevant application forms and guidance notes, is available on the Irish Immigration website at: www.irishimmigration.ie/how-to-become-a-citizen/.
Naturalisation Applications
Ceisteanna (290)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:290. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice when it will be possible for persons (details supplied) to apply for naturalisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51956/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
It is open to the parent of the child referred to by the Deputy to make an application for a certificate of naturalisation on behalf of their minor child once they are satisfied that they meet the statutory residence criteria.
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. A determination on whether an applicant satisfies the statutory criteria can only be made after an application is received.
Section 15 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 sets out the conditions for the grant of a certificate of naturalisation conferring Irish citizenship on a minor born in the State. One of the conditions for naturalisation is that the applicant must have had one year’s continuous residence in the State immediately before the date of the application and 4 years residence during the 8 years preceding that.
Detailed information on Irish citizenship and naturalisation, along with the relevant application forms and guidance notes, is available on the Irish Immigration website at: www.irishimmigration.ie/how-to-become-a-citizen/.
Dental Services
Ceisteanna (291)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:291. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51729/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Facilities
Ceisteanna (292)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Ceist:292. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health if there is a diabetes team in the gestational diabetes clinic in Mayo General Hospital that allows for the provision of insulin onsite; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51730/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Facilities
Ceisteanna (293)
David Cullinane
Ceist:293. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health his plans to increase the number of paediatric critical care beds in 2022; the current capacity; the number of beds which will be added in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51745/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland has two dedicated Paediatric Critical Care Units (PCCU) in Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) at Crumlin and Temple Street. A PCCU is a specialised facility within a children’s hospital that cares for the most critically unwell infants and children. Funding for two additional PCCU beds was provided as part of the Covid response in 2020.
The number of open and staffed PCCU beds on any given day is reported daily by the HSE and as of 20 October, 29 beds were open, staffed and occupied.
The new children's hospital which is being developed on the campus of St James’s Hospital will significantly increase critical care capacity. 60 new critical care beds are planned for within the hospital, to include both paediatric ICU and neonatal ICU beds.