Written Answers Nos. 73-102
73. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will report on the work to support volunteering and the provision of volunteer centres for each county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8478/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s Community & Voluntary Supports programme provides a cohesive framework of support for the community and voluntary sector. €5.5m has been provided in 2022 under this programme to support 29 Volunteer Centres, a number of national organisations such as Volunteer Ireland and to support the implementation of the National Volunteering Strategy 2021-2025.
Funding under this framework is provided to strengthen and support volunteering, to facilitate and foster volunteerism in Ireland and to build a support structure to develop volunteering locally. It enables Volunteer Centres in each county to play a central role in facilitating and supporting the development of volunteering in their areas.
Since the publication of the National Volunteering Strategy in December 2020 a number of actions have been completed or initiated, including Action 29, the upgrade of seven Volunteer Information Services to full Volunteer Centres. As of May 2021 every county now has a volunteer centre that is supported and funded by my Department.
Funding has also been provided to The Community Volunteer Programme. This programme is co-ordinated by Volunteer Ireland and the network of Volunteer Centres with support from the local authorities. The programme will enhance current volunteering capacity for forthcoming events and potential emergencies.
74. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will consider running a national rural development programme concurrently with the 2023 -2027 LEADER Programme. [8717/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government clearly recognises the vital role that LEADER plays in delivering impactful rural development projects at local level and it will continue to support investment in Rural Ireland.
In the 2014-2020 CAP programming period, €250m was allocated to LEADER. For the 7 year programming period from 2021 to 2027 this funding allocation will be maintained. It is comprised of €70m provided for the transitional period from 2021 to 2022, and the recently announced indicative allocation of €180m for the period 2023 to 2027. The maintenance of the €250m funding from the 2014-2020 period is evidence of the Government's continued support for the LEADER programme.
Any discussion of rural development investment must also take account of the record levels of investment in recent years. A range of schemes have been implemented in recent years, such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Walks Scheme, and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.
Budget 2022 also saw increases secured across all my Department's rural schemes and the National Development Plan outlines a clear commitment to a continuation of investment in Rural Ireland as a matter of priority. Capital funding allocations for my Department have seen an increase from €88m in 2018 to €205m in 2025 under the NDP.
This increased funding will help to deliver on the range of actions for our rural communities into the future as set out in the Government’s ambitious Rural Development Policy - Our Rural Future.
75. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the engagement she has had with counterparts in Government and in Europe on LEADER funding. [8700/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe LEADER programme is a key intervention implemented by my Department which will help to underpin the Government's rural development goals as outlined in Our Rural Future.
The programme is co-funded by the EU under Pillar II the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is Ireland's Managing Authority for the CAP and thus has lead responsibility for negotiations of the new CAP which is to be introduced from 2023. My officials has engaged extensively with both the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the EU Commission on the design of a new LEADER programme to form part of the new CAP Strategic Plan. The draft CAP Strategic Plan, which includes LEADER, was submitted to the EU Commission by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine at the end of December 2021.
My officials will continue to work closely with colleagues from the DAFM and the EU Commission over the coming months with a view to obtaining approval for the CAP Strategic Plan as a priority.
76. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the successful projects under the 2021 town and village renewal scheme will be announced; the details of all towns and villages in respect of which applications were made by local authorities under the 2021 scheme; the estimated amount of funding available to each local authority under the 2021 scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8799/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) aims to assist with the rejuvenation of rural towns and villages throughout Ireland, making them more attractive places to live, work, and visit.
In line with the commitment in Our Rural Future, the 2021 scheme prioritises the renovation of derelict and vacant buildings in our town centres, with a view to bringing these buildings back into use. I was delighted with the interest shown in the 2021 scheme, with 167 project applications for standard TVRS funding as well as 24 applications for the Project Development Measure which was introduced as a new addition to the 2021 Scheme.
The assessment of the applications made under the 2021 scheme is now being finalised and I expect to be in a position to announce the successful projects and the level of funding approved for each local authority shortly. The tables below provide details of all towns and villages for which an application was submitted to my Department under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme in 2021.
Table 1: Details of the 167 towns/villages in respect of which applications were made by local Authorities under the 2021 Town and Village Renewal Standard Scheme
|
County |
Town/Village |
|
Carlow |
Ballinkillen |
|
Carlow |
Borris |
|
Carlow |
Clonegal |
|
Carlow |
Hacketstown |
|
Carlow |
Myshall |
|
Carlow |
Rathoe |
|
Carlow |
Tullow |
|
Cavan |
Bailieborough |
|
Cavan |
Cavan Town |
|
Cavan |
Cootehill |
|
Cavan |
Kilnaleck |
|
Cavan |
Redhills |
|
Cavan |
Swanlinbar |
|
Cavan |
Virginia |
|
Clare |
Clonlara |
|
Clare |
Crusheen |
|
Clare |
Drumgeely, Shannon |
|
Clare |
Kilrush |
|
Clare |
Mountshannon |
|
Clare |
Tulla |
|
Cork |
Blarney |
|
Cork |
Cobh |
|
Cork |
Kealkill |
|
Cork |
Kiskeam |
|
Cork |
Midleton |
|
Cork |
Upper Glanmire |
|
Cork |
Castletownbere |
|
Cork |
Glanmire |
|
Cork |
Kileens |
|
Cork |
Macroom |
|
Cork |
Mitchelstown |
|
Donegal |
Churchill |
|
Donegal |
Donegal Countywide |
|
Donegal |
Moville |
|
Donegal |
NewtownCunningham |
|
Dublin |
Ballyboughal |
|
Dublin |
Naul Village |
|
Dublin |
Oldtown |
|
Dublin |
Stepaside Village |
|
Galway |
Athenry |
|
Galway |
Barnaderg |
|
Galway |
Caherlistrane-Kilcoona, Ardrahan and KIlcolgan, Moylough and Mountbellow |
|
Galway |
Clifden |
|
Galway |
Kilconnell |
|
Galway |
Leenane |
|
Galway |
Tuam |
|
Kerry |
Blennerville |
|
Kerry |
Brandon |
|
Kerry |
Castleisland |
|
Kerry |
Countywide |
|
Kerry |
Cromane |
|
Kerry |
Dingle (Daingean Ui Chuis) |
|
Kerry |
Moyvane |
|
Kildare |
Churchtown |
|
Kildare |
Curragh |
|
Kildare |
Johnstown |
|
Kildare |
Kilcullen |
|
Kildare |
Monasterevin |
|
Kilkenny |
Callan |
|
Kilkenny |
Gowran |
|
Kilkenny |
Graiguenamanagh |
|
Kilkenny |
Kilmanagh |
|
Kilkenny |
Piltown |
|
Kilkenny |
Urlingford |
|
Laois |
Ballylinan |
|
Laois |
Camross |
|
Laois |
Killeshin |
|
Laois |
Knock |
|
Laois |
Mountrath |
|
Laois |
Rathdowney |
|
Laois |
Vicarstown |
|
Leitrim |
Carrick on Shannon |
|
Leitrim |
Dromahair |
|
Leitrim |
Drumshanbo |
|
Leitrim |
Keshcarrigan |
|
Leitrim |
Kiltyclogher |
|
Leitrim |
Mohill |
|
Leitrim |
Rossinver |
|
Limerick |
Askeaton |
|
Limerick |
Doon |
|
Limerick |
Kilfinane |
|
Limerick |
Patrickswell |
|
Longford |
Ballinalee |
|
Longford |
Ballycloughan |
|
Longford |
Ballymahon |
|
Longford |
Bungay |
|
Longford |
Lanesborough |
|
Longford |
Longford Town |
|
Longford |
Moyne |
|
Louth |
Arlee |
|
Louth |
Baltray |
|
Louth |
Carlingford |
|
Louth |
Colon |
|
Louth |
Dunleer |
|
Louth |
Termonfeckin |
|
Mayo |
Balla |
|
Mayo |
Ballycastle |
|
Mayo |
Ballycroy |
|
Mayo |
Belmullet |
|
Mayo |
Bohola |
|
Mayo |
Claremorris-Swinford |
|
Mayo |
Partry |
|
Meath |
Bettystown |
|
Meath |
Dunboyne |
|
Meath |
Dunshaughlin |
|
Meath |
Enfield |
|
Meath |
Kilcloon |
|
Meath |
Kilmainhamwood |
|
Meath |
Longwood |
|
Monaghan |
Annyalla |
|
Monaghan |
Clones |
|
Monaghan |
Drum & Rockcorry |
|
Monaghan |
Inniskeen |
|
Monaghan |
Monaghan |
|
Monaghan |
Scotstown |
|
Monaghan |
Threemilehouse |
|
Offaly |
Ballyboy |
|
Offaly |
Clara |
|
Offaly |
Clonbullogue |
|
Offaly |
Killeigh |
|
Offaly |
Moneygall |
|
Roscommon |
Ballintubber Village |
|
Roscommon |
Cloonfad |
|
Roscommon |
Cootehall |
|
Roscommon |
Cortober |
|
Roscommon |
Dysart |
|
Roscommon |
Monksland |
|
Roscommon |
Roscommon |
|
Sligo |
Aclare |
|
Sligo |
Ballygawley Village |
|
Sligo |
Ballymote |
|
Sligo |
Calry |
|
Sligo |
Geevagh |
|
Sligo |
Keash |
|
Sligo |
Kilglass |
|
Tipperary |
Ballina |
|
Tipperary |
Ballingarry |
|
Tipperary |
Ballyporeen |
|
Tipperary |
Carrick on Suir |
|
Tipperary |
Fethard |
|
Tipperary |
Golden Village |
|
Tipperary |
Tipperary Town |
|
Waterford |
Ballyduff Upper |
|
Waterford |
Copper Coast |
|
Waterford |
County Waterford - various locations |
|
Waterford |
Dunmore East |
|
Waterford |
Lismore |
|
Waterford |
Touraneena |
|
Waterford |
Villierstown |
|
Westmeath |
Ballynacargy |
|
Westmeath |
Fore |
|
Westmeath |
Kinnegad |
|
Westmeath |
Rochfortbridge |
|
Wexford |
Caim |
|
Wexford |
Craanford |
|
Wexford |
Kiltealy |
|
Wexford |
Murrintown |
|
Wexford |
New Ross |
|
Wexford |
Ramsgrange |
|
Wexford |
Rosslare Strand |
|
Wicklow |
Ballinaclash |
|
Wicklow |
Coolboy |
|
Wicklow |
Donard |
|
Wicklow |
Hollywood |
|
Wicklow |
Kiltegan |
|
Wicklow |
Lacken |
|
Wicklow |
Wicklow |
Table 2: Details of the 24 towns/villages in respect of which applications were made by Local Authorities under the 2021 Town and Village Renewal Scheme Project Development Measure
|
County |
Town/Village |
|
Carlow |
Graiguecullen |
|
Cavan |
Blacklion |
|
Clare |
Corofin |
|
Cork |
Kerry Pike |
|
Donegal |
Dunlewey |
|
Dublin |
Lusk |
|
Galway |
Castletownbere |
|
Galway |
Woodford |
|
Kerry |
Dingle Peninsula |
|
Kilkenny |
Johnstown |
|
Laois |
Mountrath |
|
Leitrim |
Manorhamilton |
|
Limerick |
Bruree |
|
Longford |
Longford |
|
Mayo |
Louisburgh |
|
Meath |
Duleek |
|
Monaghan |
Castleblaney |
|
Offaly |
Walsh Island |
|
Roscommon |
Ballintubber and Tarmonbarry |
|
Sligo |
Enniscrone |
|
Tipperary |
Thurles |
|
Waterford |
Portlaw and Environs |
|
Westmeath |
Moate |
|
Wexford |
Duncannon |
77. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the level of funding provided since the February 2020 general election to date with regard to the provision of community and remote work hubs in County Wicklow; if she plans further funding specifically in this area; if so, the timeframe for the funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8273/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department operates a number of schemes that focus on projects supporting the development of remote working hubs as outlined in Our Rural Future– Ireland’s Rural Development Policy 2021-2025.
To date, approximately €100m has been provided by my Department through various funding streams to support the development of digital hubs and remote working facilities across Ireland.
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme both support the establishment of digital hubs. Under last year's schemes, projects that bring vacant properties in town centres back into use as remote working hubs were eligible for funding. The repurposing of existing community or publicly owned buildings in town or village centres to facilitate remote working was also eligible application themes.
Last year I awarded almost €9 million in funding through the Connected Hubs funding stream to more than 100 applicants from all across the country. This included funding for 3 remote working hubs in Wicklow, namely - Wicklow Hub, Wicklow Office Suites and the Arklow Business Enterprise Centre. This has enabled them to, for example, create additional office spaces, install video conferencing equipment, and to enhance their remote working offering. A list of successful applicants is available on my Department's website.
The development of a National Hubs Network is a key commitment in Our Rural Future and I am committed to continuing my Department's support for the development of a comprehensive and integrated network of remote working hubs in recognition of the vital role that they can play in our post-Covid recovery.
I am currently reviewing all my Department’s funding streams and I will make an announcement shortly on the plans for 2022.
79. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her plans to engage for SMEs and employers to facilitate and further encourage the use of working hubs as long-term arrangements for business opportunities in rural communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8574/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur Rural Future, Ireland’s Rural Development Policy 2021-2025, recognises the opportunity for rural rejuvenation that remote working presents and commits to establishing a comprehensive and integrated network of remote working hubs over the lifetime of the policy to 2025.
In May last year I launched the National Connected Hubs network together with the connectedhubs.ie platform. The platform offers a suite of booking and hub management applications to members of the Network. There are currently 189 hubs live on the platform, with this number growing on an ongoing basis.
The National Hub Network includes a diverse range of hubs, services and facilities, thus facilitating companies of different sizes. To date our focus has been to develop a critical mass of hubs on the connectedhubs.ie platform - the focus will now shift to raising awareness of the network to relevant stakeholders, including SMEs/business owners and hub users. Work is also ongoing to consult with hub managers across the country in developing the future strategic direction of the National Hub Network.
A significant number of initiatives will be developed through the Network including; supporting collective engagement between Connected Hubs and large scale employers; supporting collective engagement between Connected Hubs and Government agencies; and supporting collaborative projects in the Network to drive economies of scale.
The development of a National Hubs Network is a key commitment in Our Rural Future and I am committed to continuing my Department's support for the development of a comprehensive and integrated network of remote working hubs in recognition of the vital role that they can play in our post-Covid recovery.
80. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding available in her Department under the Rural Regeneration Fund for 2022; the funding already allocated under this heading to date; when the next round of allocations are expected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8751/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) forms part of the wider rural regeneration and development programme which also includes the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.
Calls for applications to the RRDF are sought under two categories – Category 1 and Category 2. Category 1 relates to large scale ambitious capital projects with all necessary planning and other consents in place and which are ready to proceed. Category 2 provides smaller grant funding to enable the development of project proposals suitable for future calls for Category 1 applications
In terms of both RRDF Category 1 and Category 2, funding of €275 million has been approved to date for 191 projects worth a total of €375 million.
The 2022 allocation for the RRDF Category 1 and Category 2 projects is €60 million. There is also a carry forward of €9 million which can be utilised across the wider programme area depending on demand.
I announced the fourth call for Category 1 applications in December 2021. The closing date for applications is 29th April 2022. An application form and guidance document is available on my Department’s website for those seeking further information. I expect to announce the successful projects from the fourth call before the end of 2022.
90. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Justice if she will report on the work taking place to make the streets safer for everyone, particularly women, from lighting to increased Garda presence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8532/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraEvery community has a right to be safe and to feel safe.
Fear should not be normalised and across Government we are working on a number of initiatives to make the streets safer for everyone, particularly women and vulnerable people.
I am leading the development across Government of the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence, with valued input from victims and survivors as well as those working in the frontline.
The Strategy will be underpinned by clear actions, timelines, effective governance and accountability mechanisms.
It will be resourced as it should be, and its goal is clear: zero tolerance for domestic, sexual and gender based violence.
Following the publication of the Report of the Night-time Economy Taskforce, my Department brought together a subgroup to examine appropriate actions for inclusion in the Third National Strategy and relevant actions have been identified.
Gardaí and the criminal justice system have an important role to play and Budget 2022 reflects Government's commitment to ensuring our communities are safe and that An Garda Síochána has the resources to be an effective and trusted policing service.
An increase in the number of Garda members, staff and investment in IT will deliver significant growth in operational policing hours nationwide and improve services.
I have also established an Expert Forum on Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) to examine a range of issues and develop measures to counteract the negative impact Anti-Social Behaviour has on communities.
Gardaí run a number of proactive policing initiatives aimed at reducing assaults and improving feelings of community safety, including Operation Soteria and Operation Citizen.
The Commission on the Future of Policing highlighted that policing and crime prevention are shared responsibilities across Government agencies and the local authorities. Last year we established Community Safety Partnership pilots in advance of a national roll-out once the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill is enacted. These Partnerships and the existing Joint Policing Committees (JPCs) provide a forum to raise specific concerns of communities.
We are also establishing a Community Safety Innovation Fund for projects that can improve community safety.
Effective lighting and building in safety in design when local authorities and other public bodies are undertaking public realm projects are also important elements in creating public spaces that are safer.
Education and awareness raising is also an important part of our fight against sexual and gender-based violence. This too will be reflected in the Third National Strategy.
Government is committed to doing everything possible to ensure that everyone, particularly women and vulnerable people, feel safe and are safe in our communities.
91. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice if she will report on the work to modernise and reform Ireland’s licensing laws; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8485/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government commits to ‘modernising our licensing laws and application processes’ and my Department’s Justice Plan 2021 committed to reviewing and modernising alcohol licensing. In addition, the issue of outdated alcohol licensing legislation was a key challenge identified by stakeholders in the published report of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce.
I intend to modernise alcohol licensing laws by bringing forward a Sale of Alcohol bill.
Last September, the government agreed that Heads of a General Scheme of a Bill would be prepared to modernise our licensing law and I am prioritising this work at present.
Existing legislation, some of which dates to 1833, does not reflect the dynamic and diverse society that we have become. I intend that the outdated Licensing Acts 1833 to 2018 and the Registration of Clubs Acts 1904 to 2008 will be repealed and replaced with updated and streamlined provisions more suited to the 21st century. It is also the intention to repeal the Public Dance Hall Act 1935.
I am happy to say that work on the consolidation and reform of the licensing laws and the drafting of the General Scheme is advancing well. Obviously this is a reform on which there are many views across society and the legislation I bring forward needs to be informed by those views. So, in November last, I launched a wide ranging consultation to seek the views of the public on the modernisation of Ireland’s licencing laws. The consultation, which ran until 21 January this year, looked at how best to update the existing laws governing the sale and regulation of alcohol in Ireland. I am pleased to say that there was a very high level of public engagement with more than 5,000 responses received, which I think speaks to the importance of this issue and the range of views in society at large including regarding the societal harms that can result from abuse of alcohol. My Department is now reviewing these responses to ensure the legislation takes account of this engagement and will also host a webinar in early March to give an opportunity for further discussion.
I intend to progress this legislation in the months ahead with a view to enacting it this year. I look forward to working with members of this House to bring about this important reform.
93. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Justice the action she will take in relation to the growing anxiety in rural areas regarding crime levels; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8616/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI want to assure the Deputy that I am very much understand the anxiety which many people in rural areas are feeling in light of the recent horrific attacks on people in their homes.
Notwithstanding the devastation which is caused by any such attack, it is important that we recognise that such incidents are relatively rare. As I have stated, there has been a 66% reduction in residential burglaries when comparing 2021 to 2015, the year in which Operation Thor commenced.
Provisional crime figures for 2021, issued by An Garda Síochána last month, further reported that residential burglary was down 18% last year compared to 2020, while aggravated burglary was down by 20% and robbery from the person by 22%.
It is also important to acknowledge that while people aged over the age of 65 are the least likely to be the victims of crime, they are the most likely to be understandably worried or fearful about becoming a victim. I believe it is important that all of us in this House provide reassurance to those living in our communities that both the Government and Gardaí are taking a wide range of steps to tackle all forms of rural crime.
In addition to the very effective actions being taken by Gardaí under Operation Thor, there is a wide range of other initiatives which are being taken to ensure community safety in rural areas. These include the Older People Registers maintained at many Garda stations, Community Alert and Neighbourhood Watch schemes, Text Alert, Community CCTV, the Bogus Caller Initiative and the Senior Alert Scheme, amongst many others.
In addition, the Garda Community Engagement Bureau promotes ‘Supporting Safer Communities’ campaigns each year. The main focus of the crime prevention campaigns is burglary prevention and reduction. The National Crime Prevention Unit at Garda Community Engagement Bureau also supports a nationwide network of Crime Prevention Officers, with each Garda division having an appointed Crime Prevention Officer.
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department is currently developing a new community safety policy, central to which is the importance of ensuring the local communities in which people live and work both are safe and, importantly, feel safe. A key part of this policy is the establishment of new Local Community Safety Partnerships, which will be established in every local authority area under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill. The Partnerships will provide a forum for local communities to assess their specific local needs of their community and to establish Local Community Safety Plans to tackle them. Pilot partnerships are currently in place in Longford, Waterford and north inner city Dublin and will run for two years ahead of the nationwide rollout.
98. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Justice if she will report on the transition from the joint policing committees to the new community safety partnership system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8483/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn April 2021 I secured government agreement to publish the general scheme of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill.
The Bill will provide for a key principle from the report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland, namely that preventing crime and harm and making our communities safer does not rest with An Garda Síochána and my Department alone. Rather, it will be best achieved as a ‘whole of government’ responsibility, with Departments and agencies responsible for health and social services, education authorities and local authorities, the Gardaí and the wider community working together.
The new Bill will achieve this by establishing innovative Local Community Safety Partnerships (LCSPs) to develop local safety plans, tailored to the priorities and needs identified by communities themselves. The LCSPs will replace and build upon the existing Joint Policing Committees and will provide a forum for State agencies and local community representatives to work together to act on community concerns.
Each Partnership will devise and oversee a Local Community Safety Plan, which will be informed by the community itself. Membership of the Partnerships will be broader than that of the existing JPCs and will include residents, community representatives (including youth, new communities and voluntary sector representation), business and education sector representation, relevant public services including the HSE, Tusla, An Garda Síochána, and local authorities as well as local councillors.
The Deputy will be aware that in November 2020, I announced the establishment of three Local Community Safety Partnerships on a pilot basis in the north inner city of Dublin, Waterford and Longford. The locations of the pilots, which will run for 24 months, were chosen based on a number of factors including population density, crime rates and deprivation. An independent Chairperson has been appointed to chair each Partnership pilot and I am deeply grateful to them for their public service.
As the pilots progress, they will be carefully evaluated and any necessary changes made to ensure the Partnerships work as effectively as possible for the communities involved. The pilots will inform the further development of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill, which will facilitate the rollout of Local Community Safety Partnerships in every local authority area.
The role of the LCSPs seeks to build on the good work done by Joint Policing Committee, but through an evolution and expansion of that structure. The LCSP will bring a broader focus to community safety issues, of which policing is but one factor, to enable communities to be safe and feel safe.
99. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice if she plans to establish an independent public inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of a person (details supplied) and the roles of the State agencies prior to and subsequent to their death, as previously agreed by Dáil and Seanad Éireann. [6708/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to assure the Deputy that I recognise the ongoing pain and anguish of the O'Farrell family on the tragic death of Shane and I sincerely sympathise with them on their loss.
As the Deputy will be aware, a highly respected retired Judge has been conducting a scoping exercise into the tragic circumstances surrounding Shane O'Farrell's death. The purpose of this exercise is to advise as to whether any further investigation or inquiry beyond those already carried out is necessary and, if so, to advise on the form of such investigation or inquiry and its terms of reference.
My Department maintains regular contact with the Judge and has assured him that any assistance he requires to complete his final report will be made available. I am informed that the judge had sought comments on various sections of his draft report from the parties named in it and has confirmed that he has received responses from most of the relevant principal parties. Once this process is concluded, I understand the judge should be in a position to finalise his report.
Once I have received the final report, the advice of the Attorney General will be sought on publication and any other issues arising.
I wish to conclude by re-stating in clear terms that the Government has never been opposed to the possibility of a further inquiry into this case if that is what is recommended. However, the Deputy will understand that I cannot pre-empt any view or advice that the judge considers appropriate in his final report.
100. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí in County Carlow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8558/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the general management and administration of the Garda organisation under the Garda Síochána Act 2005. This includes the deployment of Garda members throughout the State.
I am assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of policing priorities and crime trends, to ensure their optimum use. I understand that it is a matter for the Divisional Chief Superintendent to determine the optimum distribution of duties among the personnel available to them, having regard to the profile of each area within the Division and its specific needs.
The budget provided by Government to the Garda Commissioner continues to increase to unprecedented levels, with an allocation in excess of €2 billion for 2022, which includes funding for the recruitment of up to 800 additional Garda trainees and up to 400 Garda staff. This significant investment demonstrates the Government's commitment to increasing the Garda workforce to enable the organisation to keep our communities safe, including in Co. Carlow, and to preventing crime in all its forms.
I can inform the Deputy that as at 31 January 2022, the latest date for which figures are available, there are 114 Garda members assigned to Garda Stations in County Carlow, an increase of approximately 7.5% per cent since the end of 2015, when there were 106 Gardaí assigned to Carlow Garda Stations. In addition, as at 31 December 2021, there are 14 civilian staff.
As the Deputy will appreciate, Garda numbers nationwide can be affected by a number of factors, including retirements, medical discharges and resignations. The impact of policing measures and other steps to support the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic has also had an exceptional impact across the country over the past two years. However, I am pleased to note that recruitment has resumed and that there are currently 234 trainees engaged in training. I was also pleased to launch a new Garda recruitment campaign last week.
101. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if she will amend the regularisation of the long-term undocumented migrants scheme to ensure those who are unsuccessful in their application to the scheme will not suffer targeting and deportation as a result of their attempt to become documented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8732/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI was pleased to open the landmark Regularisation of Long Term Undocumented Migrants Scheme for applications on 31 January. Applications will be accepted for six months until 31 July, when the scheme will close. The scheme includes a parallel strand, which opened for applications on 7 February 2022, to implement the recommendation included in the report of the Expert Advisory Group, allowing international protection applicants who have an outstanding application for international protection and have been in the asylum process for a minimum of 2 years to apply.
This once-in-a-generation scheme is designed to give long-term undocumented people without a current permission to remain in the State, the chance to regularise their status, access the labour market and begin their path to citizenship. As the Deputy will be aware, it has been widely welcomed by those who have long campaigned for this right.
I am pleased to note that almost 2,200 applications have been received up to 16 February. This is a very positive start and I encourage anyone who may be eligible to apply.
My Department has designed the criteria and application form to be as simple and clear as possible. A suite of supporting materials including a useful Frequently Asked Questions document; guidance material for making an application either as a family or an individual; a demonstration video of the online application system; and a required documents guide have been published on my Department’s website and translated into a number of languages. Therefore, it is possible for people to be reasonably certain whether or not they will qualify for the scheme prior to making an application. My Department is engaging with embassies and NGOs with a view to informing as many eligible people as possible.
There is also an appeals process, in which unsuccessful applications will be reviewed by another officer. If a person does not wish to appeal, or if their appeal is also unsuccessful, they will be referred for further consideration of their case by my Department, in accordance with relevant domestic immigration law and the European Convention on Human Rights.
I would stress to the Deputy that, in assessing eligibility for both strands of the scheme, applicants must meet standards regarding good character and criminal record/behaviour and not pose a threat to the State. Having convictions for minor offences will not, of itself, result in disqualification but anyone who is the subject of serious concerns will not be eligible for regularisation in the interests of public safety.
As the Deputy is aware, my Department and the Garda National Immigration Bureau adopted a very humane approach to the enforcement of deportation orders during the pandemic. During this time, no orders were enforced except in cases where an individual would be considered a threat to national security or whose presence in Ireland would be contrary to the public interest.
However, with the lifting of public health restrictions and a return to more normal travel, it must be acknowledged that those who do not have a legal right to remain in this country, have a duty to return to their own country, following fair procedure and having gone through all available avenues for appeal. Many people already do this voluntarily and are assisted by my Department and other organisations, like the International Organization for Migration, where appropriate.
102. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Justice the timeline for when the Garda Reserve will reopen for recruitment of new volunteer members given recruitment is currently under way in all statutory and non-statutory voluntary emergency services with the exception of the Garda Reserve. [8795/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), for the management of An Garda Síochána as well as the allocation and distribution of resources. This includes responsibility for the recruitment, training and deployment of Garda members and members of the Garda Reserve. As Minister, I have no responsibility in these matters.
The Garda Commissioner recently published the Garda Reserve Strategy, which has a focus on how to make best use of the Reserve and includes a commitment regarding future recruitment of the Reserve. The first strategic objective of the Garda Reserve Strategy 2021-2025 is to recruit Reserve Gardaí on an initial five year tenure, while both eliminating perceived barriers and promoting inclusive recruitment.
I am informed that preparatory work is ongoing by management in An Garda Síochána for an upcoming recruitment competition to the Reserve. I understand An Garda Síochána have also set up an internal working group to review the legislative and policy requirements around the Reserve ahead of this competition.
It is currently anticipated that a Garda Reserve recruitment process will be launched later in 2022, predicated upon agreement with the Public Appointments Service as to the timeframe.
Consideration will clearly have to be given as part of the process to ensuring that the Reserve can serve as a pathway to future recruitment competitions for Garda members, where individuals have a desire to progress to that position.
As the Deputy will be aware, last week An Garda Síochána commenced their new recruitment campaign for Garda members. I would urge anyone who wants to join An Garda Síochána to apply for a position in the service but I would particularly urge women, members of new Irish communities and people from minority groups to consider a career in An Garda Síochána. Both the Government and the Garda Commissioner are committed to increasing diversity within An Garda Síochána and ensuring that all communities can see themselves reflected in our police service. Budget 2022 has provided for the recruitment of up to 800 Gardaí and 400 Garda staff this year and many of the 800 Gardaí to be recruited will be drawn from this competition.
