Written Answers Nos. 535-554
535. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Justice the justification for not proceeding with the See Something, Say Something text alert initiative for Donabate, County Dublin in 2021, which had been processed and approved by Garda authorities at district level and Fingal County Council (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25790/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have contacted the Garda authorities to provide the information sought by the Deputy. Unfortunately, this was not to hand in time. I will write to the Deputy once the information is received.
536. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice the amount received by the courts through contributions to the court poor box to date in 2022; and the status of the Criminal Justice (Community Sanctions) Bill to replace the Probation of Offenders Act 1907. [25853/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Courts Service that from the period 1 January 2022 to 30 April 2022 inclusive, a total of €487,490.72 was received by the Courts through contributions to the Court Poor-Box.
The Deputy may wish to note that an in-depth analysis of the Poor-Box is completed annually (listed by both court office and by receiving charity) and this information is published on the website of the Courts Service.
Non-custodial penalties, particularly supervised community sanctions, play a significant and important role in addressing criminality, reducing reoffending and providing a degree of protection to the public. This is supported by Central Statistics Office figures on recidivism.
As part of the work to ensure a coherent approach to enhancing and sustaining a more just and safe society, Government committed to reviewing policy options for prison and penal reform. The report of the cross-sectoral group tasked with undertaking this review is expected to be published shortly. Among the issues the group will make recommendations on is the appropriate use of non-custodial sanctions and the role they can play in addressing criminality, reducing reoffending and providing protection to the public while holding the individual accountable.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Criminal Justice (Community Sanctions) Bill 2014 seeks to update the Probation of Offenders Act 1907. The aim of the Bill is to provide a modern statement of the law governing community sanctions, and the role of the Probation Service in the criminal justice system. It will facilitate the effective and efficient use of community sanctions by the courts, and will ensure that the courts have a wide range of appropriate options for dealing with people who have committed minor offences.
The legislation also takes account of the interests of victims of crime by making it a statutory requirement for the courts to have regard to the interests of victims when making decisions about community sanctions.
Justice Plan for 2022 commits to the policy review of the General Scheme of the Criminal Justice (Community Sanctions) Bill 2014 being completed in the second quarter of this year.
Once this review is complete, it is envisaged that it will be published and a revised General Scheme agreed in the third quarter of this year with the aim of publishing the Bill in the final quarter of 2022.
537. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice when the results of her Department's research into parental alienation will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25856/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo better inform further discussion on parental alienation, my Department arranged for research to be carried out last year. The aims of the research included:
- Identify the various definitions and characteristics of parental alienation being used internationally;
- Investigate what is known about the prevalence of this issue (in Ireland or internationally) through examination of the literature;
- Identify and outline the various approaches and responses being taken in other jurisdictions to deal with the issue of parental alienation (legislative and otherwise); and
- Describe, outline and evaluate any studies which have examined the effectiveness of these various international approaches and assess the relevance of these studies to the Irish context.
I am pleased to say that a draft report was received by my Department at the end of November. This report was reviewed and my officials have engaged with the authors regarding some clarifications on the initial draft. The authors have agreed to undertake some further work on the report.
It is also my intention to commence a public consultation on the topic shortly. Both the research and consultation will, I expect, create a deeper understanding of the issue, and inform my Department’s consideration of policy and law in this area.
538. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Justice the Ministerial contact details for persons (details supplied). [26114/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe contact details for my office and the office of the Minister of State, James Browne T.D., are as follows:
Minister for Justice: minister@justice.ie
Minister of State: mos@justice.ie.
539. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the level of firearms training provided to armed Garda personnel in each of the years 2019 to 2021 and to date in 2022; and the number of gardaí, by rank, with firearms training. [26152/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Unfortunately, this was not to hand in time. I will write to the Deputy once the information is received.
|
Overall number of firearms training places taken up by members each year* |
|||
|
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
To date in 2022 |
|
8,435 |
13,520 |
10,596 |
3,589 |
540. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of 800cc and 1200cc motorcycles that are in the Garda fleet as of 17 May 2022, in tabular form. [26153/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. In addition, the allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Commissioner, in light of identified operational demands. This includes responsibility for the allocation of motorcycles. As Minister, I have no role in these matters. I am assured, however, that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.
Budget 2022 provides in excess of an unprecedented €2 billion to An Garda Síochána, of which I am informed that €12m has been allocated for investment in the Garda fleet, which will mean more high visibility policing in our towns and cities.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are 48 1200cc motorcycles and no 800cc motorcycles attached to the Garda fleet at 17 May 2022.
541. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of evidential breath testing machines allocated to each Garda division as of 1 May 2021 and 17 May 2022, in tabular form. [26155/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. Under this legislation, the allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Commissioner, in light of identified operational demands. As Minister, I have no role in these decisions. I am assured, however, that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.
The table below, provided to me by the Garda authorities, shows the number of evidential breath testing machines allocated to each Garda Division in the month's requested by the Deputy.
|
Division |
May-21 |
May-22 |
|
Cavan/Monaghan |
5 |
5 |
|
Clare |
4 |
4 |
|
Cork City |
1 |
2 |
|
Cork North |
4 |
4 |
|
Cork West |
3 |
3 |
|
DMR East |
1 |
1 |
|
DMR North |
2 |
2 |
|
DMR North Central |
2 |
1 |
|
DMR South |
1 |
1 |
|
DMR South Central |
2 |
2 |
|
DMR West |
3 |
3 |
|
DMR Roads Policing |
0 |
0 |
|
Donegal |
5 |
5 |
|
Galway |
5 |
5 |
|
Kerry |
3 |
4 |
|
Kildare |
4 |
4 |
|
Kilkenny/Carlow |
2 |
2 |
|
Laois/Offaly |
3 |
3 |
|
Limerick |
3 |
3 |
|
Louth |
2 |
2 |
|
Mayo |
3 |
4 |
|
Meath |
4 |
4* |
|
Roscommon/Longford |
2 |
2 |
|
Sligo/Leitrim |
2 |
3 |
|
Tipperary |
7 |
6 |
|
Waterford |
2 |
2 |
|
Westmeath |
2 |
2 |
|
Wexford |
4 |
4 |
|
Wicklow |
4 |
4 |
* There are 4 Evidential Breath Testing machines currently allocated to the Meath Division. However, at present only 3 are operational, the machine allocated to Navan Garda Station is in storage while building works are being completed at the station.
542. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of vehicles in the Garda armed support units that were withdrawn from the fleet in 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form. [26156/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. The allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Commissioner, in light of identified operational demands. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions. I am assured, however, that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.
Budget 2022 provides in excess of an unprecedented €2 billion to An Garda Síochána, of which I am informed that €12m has been allocated for investment in the Garda fleet, which will mean more high visibility policing in our towns and cities.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that one vehicle was removed from the armed support unit in 2021 and no vehicles have been removed from the unit to date in 2022. I am further informed that it is intended to add an additional 10 new vehicles to the armed support unit in 2022.
The Deputy may also wish to be aware that An Garda Síochána publish information on Garda fleet, including a Divisional/District monthly breakdown, on their website at: www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/finance-services/finance-fleet-management.html.
543. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda public order unit vans attached to the Cavan-Monaghan Garda division as of 31 December 2020 and 16 May 2022, in tabular form. [26167/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. The allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Commissioner, in light of identified operational demands. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions. I am assured, however, that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.
Budget 2022 provides in excess of an unprecedented €2 billion for An Garda Síochána, of which I am informed that €12m has been allocated for investment in the Garda fleet, which will mean more high visibility policing in our towns and cities.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there were 30 vehicles assigned to the Garda public order unit on the 19 May 2022. I am further advised that the allocation of these vehicles is monitored and reviewed on a continual basis to ensure the best match with operational requirements.
I am advised that no public order vans were assigned to Cavan/Monaghan Division at 31 December 2020 and 19 May 2022. However, I understand that public order vans are issued as a regional resource and can be moved throughout Divisions as required.
The Deputy may also wish to be aware that An Garda Síochána publish information on Garda fleet, including a Divisional/District monthly breakdown, on their website at: www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/finance-services/finance-fleet-management.html.
544. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Justice the number of full-time medical staff, by job title, and psychology staff, by job title, working in each prison in Ireland as of 31 December 2020 and 16 May 2022. [26168/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that a breakdown of medical and psychology staff currently employed by the Irish Prison Service is set out in the tables below. I can further inform the Deputy that there a number of vacant posts for the grades of Doctor, Senior Psychologist and Staff Grade Psychologist and as these posts, where possible, are being filled through the use of locums, details on the use of locums in these circumstances are also included in the tables.
In respect of the vacant posts, the Irish Prison Service recently held a competition for the position of Prison Doctor, a panel has been formed and it is expected that assignments will be offered in the coming months.
The Prison Service are currently carrying a number of vacancies of Staff Grade Psychologist that are not filled through the use of locums. The Irish Prison Service will run a competition to recruit three permanent Senior Psychologists in the coming weeks. The Service has also commenced preparation for the recruitment of Clinical and Counselling Psychologists in order to fill vacant and new posts across the service. This campaign will run in line with completion of 2022 psychologist training programmes.
Separately, in order to positively impact recruitment and retention of psychologists, the Service has recommenced the process of funding psychologist training in 2022. This funding initiative is in line with other public bodies and mental health institutions such as the HSE and St Patrick’s Hospital respectively. Two Irish Prison Service sponsored clinical psychologists-in-training will commence the UCC Practitioner Doctorate in Clinical Psychology programme in September 2022.
545. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí, by rank, attached to each divisional protection services unit as of 13 May 2022. [26170/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, Divisional Protective Services Units (DPSUs) support the delivery of a consistent and professional approach to the investigation of sexual and domestic crime.
As the Deputy will also be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended) for the deployment of An Garda Síochána throughout the State as well as for the management and administration of Garda business, including the training and assignment of Garda members and staff. As Minister, I play no direct role in these independent functions.
The table below, which I have been provided with by the Garda authorities, shows the number of Garda members attached to Divisional Protective Services Units as of 13 May, 2022.
|
DPSU 20.05.2022 |
Detective Inspector |
Inspector |
Detective Sergeant |
Sergeant |
Detective Garda |
Garda |
Grand Total |
|
CAVAN/MONAGHAN |
0 |
|
1 |
|
10 |
|
11 |
|
CLARE |
1 |
|
1 |
|
6 |
|
8 |
|
CORK CITY |
0 |
|
3 |
|
16 |
|
19 |
|
CORK NORTH |
0 |
|
2 |
|
8 |
|
10 |
|
CORK WEST |
1 |
|
1 |
|
6 |
|
8 |
|
D.M.R. EAST |
0 |
|
2 |
|
9 |
|
11 |
|
D.M.R. NORTH |
0 |
|
4 |
|
18 |
|
22 |
|
D.M.R. NORTH CENTRAL |
0 |
|
4 |
|
17 |
|
21 |
|
D.M.R. SOUTH |
0 |
|
4 |
|
15 |
|
19 |
|
D.M.R. SOUTH CENTRAL |
0 |
|
2 |
|
10 |
|
12 |
|
D.M.R. WEST |
1 |
|
2 |
|
14 |
|
17 |
|
DONEGAL |
0 |
|
1 |
|
8 |
|
9 |
|
GALWAY |
0 |
|
2 |
|
15 |
|
17 |
|
KERRY |
1 |
|
2 |
|
9 |
|
12 |
|
KILDARE |
0 |
|
2 |
|
10 |
|
12 |
|
KILKENNY/CARLOW |
0 |
1 |
2 |
|
8 |
2 |
13 |
|
LAOIS/OFFALY |
0 |
|
2 |
|
10 |
|
12 |
|
LIMERICK |
0 |
|
0 |
|
10 |
1 |
11 |
|
LOUTH |
0 |
|
2 |
|
7 |
|
9 |
|
MAYO |
0 |
|
2 |
|
9 |
|
11 |
|
MEATH |
0 |
|
1 |
|
5 |
|
6 |
|
ROSCOMMON/ LONGFORD |
0 |
|
1 |
|
5 |
|
6 |
|
SLIGO/LEITRIM |
0 |
|
1 |
|
5 |
|
6 |
|
TIPPERARY |
0 |
|
2 |
|
8 |
|
10 |
|
WATERFORD |
0 |
|
2 |
|
11 |
1 |
14 |
|
WESTMEATH |
0 |
|
1 |
|
5 |
|
6 |
|
WEXFORD |
0 |
|
2 |
|
9 |
|
11 |
|
WICKLOW |
0 |
|
2 |
|
7 |
|
9 |
|
Grand Total |
4 |
1 |
53 |
270 |
4 |
332 |
546. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice if she has received reports of delays in the Probate Office and if the delays that arose during Covid are being overcome. [26204/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the Probate Office is an office of the High Court. Under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in its functions. Probate functions are also carried out by County Registrars at District Probate Registries in 14 provincial court offices, who are also independent in carrying out their functions.
Having made enquiries, I am informed by the Courts Service that probate applications by solicitors continued to be processed throughout the pandemic restrictions, in both the Dublin Probate Office and in the District Probate Registries.
The reintroduction of restrictions on travel in early 2021 necessitated the temporary closure of the personal applications process in the Dublin Probate Office. Interviews for personal applications resumed in May last year with additional resources allocated to facilitate these interviews. I am further advised that any arrears that had built up have also now been cleared and the wait times for personal applications stand at 10 to 12 weeks from the initial request for appointment. This is in line with the average wait times in previous years.
For new solicitor applications the waiting time varies between 10 to 12 weeks. This waiting time only applies to cases where the papers are error free. The Courts Service informs me that up to sixty percent of applications are returned to solicitors due to errors. The significant error rate in these cases not only slows up the processing of these cases but also adds significantly to the time taken to process all other applications.
I am informed that the development of the e-probate project, as part of the ambitious Courts Modernisation Programme, will have the benefit of standardising the processing of probate applications. The introduction of this improved system will hopefully lead to a faster and more efficient process time. By reducing the number of invalid applications, the development of the new system will allow staff resources to be better utilised in processing other applications for the benefit of court users.
547. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice if she has examined the tourism potential of the old Cork prison site. [22135/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the former Cork prison was built in the early 1800s and served as a military detention barracks until it was transferred to the ownership of my Department in 1972.
Due to the age, fabric and condition of the building including lack of in-cell sanitation, a decision was taken in 2014 to close it and construct a new modern prison on a site opposite the former prison.
I am advised that the Irish Prison Service has no strategic use for the former prison and remains open to receive submissions on how the building or site might be used to maximise its potential.
The Service has also advised that they have not received any submissions on the potential use of the facility by any organisation or agency for tourism purposes.
The condition of the former prison including building fabric, condition, age and lack of services and the requirement to comply with health, safety and building regulations will have to be taken into consideration by any entity wishing to repurpose the building.
548. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice the number of asylum seekers in Ireland still awaiting their temporary residence certificates to be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24505/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe overall objective of my Department is to have recommendations made on international protection applications as soon as possible. This ensures that those who are found to be in need of protection from the State can receive it quickly and begin rebuilding their lives here with a sense of safety and security.
Anyone who wishes to make an application for international protection must proactively do so on their own behalf and on behalf of any of their minor family members. If they apply initially at their port of entry to the State they will still need to make a formal application at the Dublin offices of the International Protection Office (IPO) of my Department. There is no need to make an appointment. Everyone completes their preliminary interview under Section 13 of the International Protection Act 2015 on the day they first attend the IPO offices.
In recent months, the number of people claiming international protection has increased significantly with 3,354 applications made to the end of April 2022. This represents a 600% increase on the same period in 2021 and a 129% increase on the same period in 2019, the last year in which application numbers were not impacted by COVID-19.
This has unfortunately impacted the IPO’s ability to complete an application and issue TRC cards on the same day to applicants. There are currently approximately 416 applicants who need to return to complete their applications.
The IPO has identified the practical efficiencies that can be made to improve the process and has put in place measures to ensure that the call back appointments are cleared as quickly as possible for the benefit of applicants, allowing the vast majority of applicants complete the entire process on the first day.
The target is to have the remaining call back appointments cleared by the end of May, including by offering appointments at weekends. The IPO is determined to maintain the positive momentum around this approach and to continuing to ensure that the majority of new applicants receive their TRC cards on the day of application.
549. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Justice if she will report on her continued work to tackle anti-social behaviour in towns and villages, particularly ahead of the summer months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26290/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Government is committed to tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB) and a number of priority actions are contained in the Programme for Government and Justice Plan 2022 to reduce instances of such behaviour and help people feel safer in their local communities.
In line with the Programme for Government, I have established an Expert Forum on Anti-Social Behaviour to examine a broad range of issues with a focus on developing measures which will counteract the negative impact of such incidents on community morale and quality of life. Two subgroups have been established under the forum to consider the specific issues of knife crime and the misuse of scramblers and quadbikes. Other subgroups may be established to tackle additional specific issues as required.
The knife crime subgroup has assessed available evidence to inform policy on knife crime, with particular reference as to the effectiveness of proposals, to inform both legislation and community safety policies, programmes and practices. The work of this subgroup is currently being finalised.
Arising from the work of the subgroup on the misuse of scramblers and quadbikes, funding of almost €200,000 is being provided to eight community-based projects to work with young people involved in the anti-social use of scramblers and quad bikes and related crime.
The Deputy will be aware that Budget 2022 includes significant additional funding to support initiatives under the Youth Justice Strategy and the new Community Safety Innovation Fund, €6.7 million and €2 million respectively, which will support community-based initiatives to divert those involved in anti-social or criminal behaviours and guide them towards pro-social behaviours.
Although ASB is sometimes represented as a youth-related problem, crime figures show that relevant offences occur across a wide age range, underlining the need for a considered and evidence informed approach to developing measures to counter ASB.
The budget provided by Government to the Garda Commissioner continues to increase to unprecedented levels, with an allocation of €2 billion in funding for 2022. This includes €12m for investment in the Garda fleet, which means more high-visibility policing in our towns and cities. This continuing investment is intended to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit-for-purpose fleet and that Gardaí can be mobile, visible and responsive on the roads and in the community to prevent and tackle crime, including ASB.
An Garda Síochána continues to implement high-visibility policing plans and targeted operations across the country to address public disorder-related issues and ASB, 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. For example, Operation Soteria, the national assault reduction strategy, continues nationwide. In addition, on 2 July 2021, An Garda Síochána commenced an enhanced national anti-drugs strategy, Operation Tara, which has a strong focus on tackling street-level dealing throughout rural and urban Ireland.
550. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Justice the steps that have been taken regarding hate crime legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26291/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI strongly condemn the actions of the small minority who subject others to abuse or attack resulting from their own prejudice.
We live in a diverse and welcoming country and our law and values should reflect this. Work is ongoing as a priority to legislate for hate crime and hate speech to ensure that Ireland is a safe and secure place for all.
A hate crime occurs where an offence is committed (for example assault or criminal damage), but where the victim is targeted because of their association, in the mind of the perpetrator, with a particular identity characteristic, e.g. sexual orientation or ethnicity.
Hate crimes are signal crimes. They tell the victim that they are not safe simply because of who they are. They send the disgusting message to victims that they, and people like them, are somehow lesser than the rest of us which is unacceptable.
These crimes are motivated by prejudice. They make victims feel afraid for their future, their friends and their families. They lead to a divided society, where whole communities can feel unsafe and angry. It’s important that we recognize the true harm of these crimes and ensure that our legislative framework can tackle them.
In November of 2020 I announced my intention to bring forward new legislation to combat incitement to hatred and hate crime in Ireland. This announcement followed on from the publication of the results of a widespread consultation process, (which included in-depth consultations with various civil society and community groups, academics and experts), a public consultation process and a detailed comparative study of approaches to hate crime in five other jurisdictions.
The purpose of the extensive consultation was to ensure the government’s proposal was based on the lived experience of those impacted by hate incidents.
On 16 April 2021 I published the General Scheme of the Criminal Justice (Hate Crime) Bill 2021.
The Bill will create new, aggravated forms of certain existing criminal offences, where those offences are motivated by prejudice against a protected characteristic. The aggravated offences will generally carry an enhanced penalty, compared to the ordinary offence, and the record of any conviction for such an offence would clearly state that the offence was a hate crime.
Following its publication, the General Scheme was referred to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice for pre-legislative scrutiny, which took place on 17 November 2021. The Committee published its report in April and its recommendations are being considered as part of the drafting process.
In line with commitments in the recently published Justice Plan 2022, I intend to publish the Hate Crime Bill in the summer.
551. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Justice the expected timeframe for the publication of the new national strategy on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26292/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government is committed to tackling domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) in all its forms, and to ensuring that people, particularly women and vulnerable people, feel safe and are safe in our communities.
As the Deputy is aware, I am currently leading work on a new whole of Government strategy to combat domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. This new plan will have a particular focus on prevention, and on ensuring victims are better supported. It will set an overall goal of zero tolerance in our society of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.
The strategy has been developed in partnership with the sector to ensure it is targeted, comprehensive and effective in achieving all of the goals set out. Earlier this year, I briefed those working in the sector on the progress of the strategy and, as part of that ongoing consultation, a wider public consultation run by my Department concluded in March.
Officials in my Department are currently working to finalise the strategy for submission to Government in light of submissions received in this final consultative phase.
The strategy and aims will set a high level of ambition and so I am also working on finalising an accompanying action plan for the rest of this year and next year. This will set out how each of these aims will be achieved, which Departments and agencies are responsible for them, and the timeframe for delivery, so that it is targeted, precise and deliverable.
I intend to bring both the finalised strategy and the action plan to Government in the coming weeks. They will both be published as soon as possible thereafter.
I have said on a number of occasions that this new Strategy will be the most ambitious to date, and I intend to deliver on that.
552. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Justice if the new national strategy on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence will include a timeline for the delivery of domestic violence refuges in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26293/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can assure the Deputy that it is my goal that everyone who needs a refuge space will get one, and I am deeply committed to working with our partners in the sector and with my Government colleagues to achieve that.
This Government has prioritised tackling domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) in all its forms, and ensuring that people, particularly women and vulnerable people, feel safe and are safe in our communities.
As the Deputy is aware, I am currently leading work on a new whole of government strategy to combat domestic, sexual, gender-based violence. This new plan will have a particular focus on prevention, and on ensuring victims are better supported.
It is my intention to publish the final strategy and accompanying action plan as soon as possible in the coming weeks.
In addition, in February, Minister O’Gorman and I published the review by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, of accommodation for victims of domestic violence
While the review says that a minimum of between 50 and 60 new refuge places are needed as a priority, further analysis has identified 10 locations nationwide where the delivery of 82 family refuge spaces would have the most impact if prioritised.
These locations and refuge need have been chosen on the basis of required proximity to a refuge, as well as a need for refuge spaces per head of population in densely populated areas.
These represent areas where there is the most significant under-provision and represent a starting point to increasing refuge spaces comprehensively and in every county across the country.
The initial areas identified in the Tusla review include Cavan/Monaghan, where eight family places are suggested as a starting point for prioritisation.
I fully acknowledge the need to dramatically increase the provision of refuges and that key to this will be ensuring organsiations can access funding.
To that end, my Department has established a high level Inter-Departmental Group to review the current system for the provision of refuge spaces and to identify changes that can be made to the system to deliver additional spaces as effectively as possible.
The timelines for delivery of this programme of work, as well as further targets for nationwide delivery of refuge accommodation, will be outlined in the third national strategy and further detail will be contained in the accompanying action plan.
553. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Justice the current position regarding the review of the compulsory retirement age for members of An Garda Síochána; when an announcement on the matter will be forthcoming; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26316/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, my Department has been conducting a review of the compulsory retirement age of Garda members, currently 60. This work is at an advanced stage and I expect to be in a position to consider recommendations shortly.
The Deputy will appreciate that any proposal to make changes to the age of retirement will involve the amendment of primary and secondary legislation. Detailed consultations will also be required with my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
554. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice the number of investigations, internal or external, commissioned by her Department into instances in which Departmental documents or information was leaked to the media, which were commissioned or conducted in each of the past ten years and to date in 2022; the nature of such leaks and investigations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26342/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that my Department conducted one investigation following a suspected information leak to the media in 2019.
Following an internal investigation, it was concluded that it was highly unlikely that the information was leaked from my Department as it was already in the public domain.
As I am sure the Deputy will appreciate, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on an individual case.
