Pa Daly
Ceist:556. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice if she has any plans for reform of pre-action protocols in medical negligence cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26407/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraCourt Procedures
Ceisteanna (556)
Freagraí scríofa
Justice Plan 2022 commits to legislating for new pre-action protocols (clinical negligence) to encourage early resolution of allegations of negligence, promoting timely communications between parties, and reducing the number of clinical negligence actions which are brought, and to including these enabling provisions in a civil law miscellaneous provisions Bill.
Work, in conjunction with the officer of the Attorney General, in relation to pre-action protocols for clinical negligence cases, as recommended in the Report of an Expert Group, chaired by the High Court Judge, Mr Justice Charles Meenan, to consider an alternative mechanism to the court process for resolving clinical negligence claims.
The Working Group’s Report, which was published in December 2020, contains seventeen recommendations for change, six of which come under my Department’s remit. These recommendations relate to:
- the implementation of pre-action protocols for clinical negligence actions;
- the imposition of penalties for failure to comply with the requirements of pre-action protocols;
- the commencement, following the introduction of pre-action protocols, of section 221 of the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015, which will amend the Statute of Limitations in clinical negligence cases;
- the introduction by the Courts Service of case management of clinical negligence claims;
- the introduction by the Courts Service of a dedicated High Court list for clinical management claims; and
- the amendment of section 26 of the Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 to provide for sanctions where a defendant files a defence containing matters in respect of which there is no supportive expert report.
However, in preparing the regulations, difficulties have arisen in relation to the statutory basis for making pre-action protocol regulations pursuant to Part 15 of the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015 dealing with clinical negligence actions. As committed to in Justice Plan 2022, I intend to address these difficulties in legislation this year.
When made, the Protocols, as conferred under section 219 of the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015, will provide for disclosure of records, communications between the parties about allegations of possible clinical negligence, third party matters, mediation and the time-limits and forms of communications throughout the pre-action stage of engagement. The legislation also provides for the powers of the court to direct compliance with the pre-action protocol by the parties and to order the payment of costs by a party who has not so complied.
Commencement of the relevant section of the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015, which will amend the Statute of Limitations, will follow shortly after the introduction of the pre-action protocol regulations.
My Department will shortly be engaging with the Courts Service in relation to case management of clinical negligence actions and in relation to the possibility of a dedicated High Court list for such actions. Consideration of the recommendation to amend section 26 of the Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 is ongoing.
I will be updating the Government regarding implementation of the recommendations as they progress.
Residency Permits
Ceisteanna (557)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:557. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if her attention has been drawn to the fact that those renewing their residence permit are only allowed to apply one month prior to the expiration date of their permit, even though the current waiting time suggested by her Department for a new permit to be approved is nine to ten weeks plus two to three weeks issue and delivery, totalling up to 13 weeks; the action that she will take to expedite these applications; and if she will consider allowing people to apply further in advance of their permit expiry date. [26477/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department's Registration Office in Burgh Quay is responsible for registering immigration permissions for customers residing in the Dublin area only. Registrations outside of the Dublin area are processed by the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) through the Garda Station network. The allocation of appointments with GNIB is a matter for An Garda Síochána.
If a person is residing in the Dublin area and has an existing valid permission to be in the State, then they do not need to seek an in-person appointment to renew their permission. Since 20 July 2020 all renewals for the Dublin area are being processed online at: https://inisonline.jahs.ie. Anyone renewing their permission with a new passport can also now upload their passport bio data page online.
The requirement to wait until the final four weeks before renewing the permission has been amended. Customers may now apply to renew their permission up to 12 weeks in advance of the permission expiring.
On 17 December 2021, I announced a further temporary extension of immigration and international protection permissions to 31 May 2022. This extension applies to permissions that were due to expire between 15 January 2022 and 31 May 2022, and includes permissions that have already been extended by the previous temporary extensions since March 2020.
This extension provided the necessary time to make arrangements with my Department in Dublin or An Garda Síochána outside Dublin to ensure that registrations were renewed in the normal way by that date. People were encouraged to do so at the earliest opportunity and not to wait until May when demand was expected to be significantly higher.
In an emergency situation, customers can contact the Immigration Service Helpdesk at: immigrationsupport@justice.ie, who will endeavour to assist them.
My Department has also provided an online notice for employers confirming that non-EEA nationals may continue to work once they could provide documentary evidence of their ongoing application to renew their immigration permission. The notice can be viewed on my Department's immigration website at: www.irishimmigration.ie/notice-for-employers-may-2022/.
Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence
Ceisteanna (558)
Aindrias Moynihan
Ceist:558. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice her views on matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26478/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can inform the Deputy that I received a similar copy of the correspondence referred to directly from the organisation concerned, the contents of which which is focused on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.
I can assure you and the organisation involved that tackling these heinous crimes is a priority for me, my Department and this Government.
The prioritisation of this hugely-important work is evident in the policy and legislative developments implemented by Government and those that are currently being progressed. Additionally, increased budget allocations have been secured this year in order to combat all forms of domestic, sexual and gender based violence and to better support victims of such heinous and unacceptable behaviour.
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.
Officials in my Department are currently working to finalise the strategy for submission to Government in light of submissions received in the final consultative phase.
The strategy and aims will set a high level of ambition. I am also working on finalising an accompanying action plan for the rest of this year and next year which 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.
In 2020, the Department of Justice, in consultation with the Department for Children, Equality Integration Disability and Youth, initiated an audit of the effectiveness of existing structures to oversee DSGBV policy and its implementation.
The aim of the audit was to examine concerns about fragmentation and gaps given that responsibility for DSGBV is dispersed across various Departments and agencies. The audit findings indicated deficits across a range of areas and pointed to a need for more robust and authoritative co-ordination structures in the interest of more joined-up and effective services for victims.
On foot of these audits, and following extensive consultation with the Minister for Children, it was agreed that the Department of Justice would assume responsibility for services for victims of DSGBV, in addition to policy responsibility.
To deliver what is needed, not just in the short term but into the future, the Government is considering establishing in law a statutory based agency dedicated to DSGBV. An agency that will drive this work and bring the expertise and focus needed.
The agency would work with all state and non-state actors to bring about the changes and improved responses that victims deserve and that the sector is calling for.
We would hope to have this agency up and running within 18 months.
My Department is also continuing to drive forward the implementation of Supporting a Victim’s Journey, so that when a victim of a crime comes forward, they will be safe in the knowledge that they will be supported, informed and treated with respect and dignity at every stage of their journey through the criminal justice system.
I am also focused on strengthening legislation to combat all forms of DSGBV.
I recently secured Government approval to draft legislation to make stalking and non-fatal strangulation standalone offences.
While both stalking and non-fatal strangulation are already crimes, I am proposing a number of changes to make the law in this area clearer and stronger.
In the summer, I will publish a new Hate Crime Bill which will introduce new, specific aggravated offences with enhanced penalties for crimes motivated by prejudice against certain characteristics, including gender. This will mean that certain types of crimes can be prosecuted as hate crimes where they are motivated by misogyny.
Before the end of September, I will publish a new Sexual Offences Bill which will introduce important changes including:
- Extending victim anonymity to further categories of victims
- Repealing provisions for sentences to be delivered in public
- Legal representation for victims in certain circumstances.
Separately, I will seek to enact the Sex Offenders Bill later this year which will strengthen the management and monitoring of sex offenders in the community.
Under Justice Plan 2022, I have committed to examine reforms to the law on the mandatory life sentence for murder to allow judges set a minimum number of years to be served. I believe this reform will give the public more confidence that, in the most heinous murder cases, judges will have the discretion to set a minimum sentence.
Drug Dealing
Ceisteanna (559)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:559. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the number of arrests and prosecutions for drug dealing in the past two years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26490/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible by law for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including operational matters such as arrests for the sale and supply of drugs. As Minister, I have no role in the matter.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the following table outlines the count of Charges/Summons by Proceedings Created Year, and Prisoner Logs by Arrest or Entry Year.
|
Year |
2020 |
2021 |
2022* |
|
Prisoner Logs |
5262 |
4957 |
1552 |
|
Charges/Summons |
6711 |
6467 |
2322 |
*Up to 23/05/2022
I am informed that a search of the PULSE database was conducted on 23 May 2022 for Charges/Summons and Prisoner Logs associated with incidents of the type “Possession of Drugs for Sale or Supply” which were reported during the period 01/01/2020 – 23/05/2022. I am advised that the dataset of prisoner logs was then filtered to only include those with the arrest reason ‘Drugs’. The Charges/Summons dataset was filtered to only include those ‘Contrary to Section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977’.
The Deputy will appreciate that prosecutions are a matter for the Director of Public Prosecutions, who is independent in the performance of her functions. As Minister, I have no role in prosecutions.
The Courts Service have provided the following table, which outlines the number of offences and number of persons before the District Court for the ‘sale and supply of drugs’.
I am advised that the Courts Service can only provide data in relation to where offence codes provided on the system were used by prosecutors. Prosecutors may have used uncoded free text offences and any such offences would not be included in the table.
|
Year |
No. of offences before the District Court |
No. of persons before the District Court |
|
Jan-Dec 2020 |
3,689 |
2,290 |
|
Jan-Dec 2021 |
5,478 |
3,377 |
|
Jan-Mar 2022 |
1,359 |
903 |
|
Total |
10,526 |
6,570 |
Drug Dealing
Ceisteanna (560, 561)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:560. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which new measures to combat drug dealing are having success; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26491/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraBernard Durkan
Ceist:561. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which new international measures to combat drug dealing are being successful; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26492/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 560 and 561 together.
The continued disruption of the supply of all illicit drugs remains a priority for An Garda Síochána and the other State agencies tasked with responsibilities in this regard. A concerted effort has been made over the past two years to ensure that the detection and prevention of these types of criminal activity have not been adversely affected by the unprecedented demands placed on policing services by the vital enforcement of public health restrictions.
As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including Garda operations aimed at preventing and countering criminal activity, and the enforcement of legislation pertaining to illegal drugs. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
The Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) is having significant success in disrupting drug trafficking and the supply of illicit drugs by organised crime groups. The Bureau’s work is supported by Divisional Drugs Units nationwide, and by all Gardaí working in local communities. GNDOCB also works closely and productively with international law enforcement partners. Gardaí continue to work closely with local authorities, the HSE, NGOs, community groups and other State agencies to tackle the problems of drug addiction and abuse.
The Deputy may be aware that the Department of Health leads on Government policy in the area of drugs, and this policy is guided by the national drugs and alcohol strategy "Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery - a health-led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland 2017-2025". This strategy represents a whole-of-Government response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland. The implementation of the strategy is led by my colleague, the Minister for Health, however, the strategy includes actions for all stakeholders, including my Department and An Garda Síochána.
The strategy recognises the need for a balanced health-led approach - reducing demand, while also reducing access to illegal drugs - and is aimed at reducing the number of people criminalised for the possession of drugs for personal use. While this strategy supports vulnerable people who use drugs, it is also matched with strengthened enforcement measures across Government to tackle the supply of illegal drugs. Sustained action by An Garda Síochána continued unabated throughout the pandemic, bringing significant convictions and ongoing seizures of drugs, firearms and ammunition.
I can inform the Deputy that 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. The focus of Operation Tara is to disrupt, dismantle and prosecute drug trafficking networks at all levels - international, national and local - involved in the importation, distribution, cultivation, production, local sale and supply of controlled drugs.
Recent successes of Operation Tara include:
- Gardaí arrested and charged 3 men in Co Louth following the seizure of an estimated €90,000 worth of drugs on 10 May;
- A man and a woman arrested by the Galway Divisional Drugs Unit on 11 May following a seizure of €70,300 of suspected cannabis;
- An estimated €400,000 worth of drugs seized and two persons arrested in Cork on 09 May;
- Approximately €1.5 million found in follow up searches in the Newbridge area of Co Kildare after a man was arrested in Meath on the M1 with €39,750 in cash in his vehicle.
All drugs seized are subject to analysis by Forensic Science Ireland (FSI).
I am advised by the Garda authorities that in 2021, the GNDOCB seized €63.689m in illicit drugs, and seized cash of €5.6m and £38,751 (UK). In addition, €8.23m, £142,520 (UK) and $23 (US) was forfeited to the State in 2021.
I also wish to acknowledge the work of the Gardaí in tackling the Kinahan Organised Crime Group. The reports of further sanctions from the US recently demonstrate the tremendous value and power of international co-operation in tackling organised crime.
The cooperation on this investigation has been ongoing for four years or more, but the actions taken in recent weeks really show the degree to which the international criminal justice sector is focused on tackling the criminality associated with the Kinahan Organised Crime Group. We should not take for granted the huge achievement of the Gardaí in patiently and quietly harnessing this necessary coalition of support for their work to combat this criminal group.
The sanctions enforced internationally should send a very clear message to those involved in the gang, or associated with the gang; that your criminality will not go unnoticed or unpunished.
Question No. 562 answered with Question No. 36.
Question No. 561 answered with Question No. 560.
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (563)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:563. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the number of cold cases currently under investigation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26494/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will appreciate, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, as amended, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Serious Crime Review Team was established in 2007 under the direction of Detective Chief Superintendent, Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and its primary purpose is to assist Senior Investigating Officers in the investigation of serious crime by identifying new and investigative opportunities which require consideration of progression.
The process of serious crime review is also intended to shape future investigative and operational practices based upon the lessons learned and the identification of good practice for dissemination back in the investigative and operational units. Reviews are not regarded as re-investigation, but an integral element of the overall investigation, designed to assist and support the Senior Investigating Officer.
The commissioning of a review of an investigation is undertaken by Assistant Commissioner, Organised and Serious Crime, who is referred to as the Commissioning Officer. Upon completion of a review, the Reviewing Officer will submit a Review Report to the Commissioning Officer.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the Serious Crime Review Team are currently undertaking reviews in respect of 14 investigations.
Asylum Applications
Ceisteanna (564)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:564. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which backlogs in respect of applications for asylum have been overhauled in her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26495/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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.
I can assure the Deputy that my Department continues to work to improve the international protection process and to reduce processing times, in line with the recommendations made by the Expert Advisory Group, led by Dr. Catherine Day, and the commitments in the Government's White Paper. However, the substantially higher number of applications currently being received will present a significant challenge in achieving this. There has been a 600% increase in the number of international protection applications made to the International Protection Office of my Department year-on-year, with 3,354 applications made to the end of April 2022.
An end-to-end review of relevant international protection processes by a multi-disciplinary team from my Department has been completed and published. New measures and procedures will continue to be put in place to improve efficiencies across all aspects of the protection process. My Department will, by October 2022 at the latest, commence a review of progress made in reducing and improving processing times.
I have also introduced a separate strand under the Regularisation Scheme for international protection applicants who have been in the asylum process for a minimum of two years, implementing a key recommendation of the Expert Advisory Group. My Department has written to approximately 4,000 potentially eligible applicants inviting them to apply under the Scheme and I would encourage anyone who may be eligible to consider applying.
Approximately, 1,700 applications have been received to date with over 400 of those applicants having already received an immigration permission. This strand of the scheme is open for applications until 7 August 2022.
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (565, 566)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:565. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the total number of gardaí now available at any one given time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26496/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraBernard Durkan
Ceist:566. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the total strength of An Garda Síochána at present; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26497/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 565 and 566 together.
The Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs, with the unprecedented allocation provided in Budget 2022 of over €2 billion.
As the Deputy will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, which includes decisions on the deployment of personnel among the various Garda Divisions. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the overall strength of An Garda Síochána at 30 April 2022, the latest date for which figures are available, is 14,294. This represents an increase of over 11% since December 2015, when there were 12,816 Garda members nationwide.
Additionally, over 800 Garda members have also been redeployed in recent years from administrative duties to frontline policing roles where their expertise can be utilised fully.
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. Therefore, the full complement of resources fluctuates at any given time and where a deficiency in resources is identified the matter is considered fully and addressed accordingly.
I am further informed that it is not possible to provide a figure for the number of Gardaí on duty at any one time due to the fluctuating nature of crossovers, rosters, and other necessary changes.
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.
Further detailed information in relation to Garda numbers is available on my Department’s website. This information is updated every month with the latest data provided by An Garda Síochána, and includes the number of Gardaí by station across the whole country.
The information can be found at the following link: www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/An_Garda_Siochana_facts_and_figures.
Question No. 566 answered with Question No. 565.
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (567)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:567. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which improved Garda protection while on duty exists with particular reference to the increasingly violent society; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26498/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I 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.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
I refer to Parliamentary Questions 567 and 568 of 24 May 2022 where you asked: ‘The extent to which improved Garda Protection while on duty exists with particular reference to the increasingly violent society’; and “The number of Gardaí injured in the course of their duties in each of the past five years to date”.
As you will recall, I sought the information you requested and undertook to contact you again once the information was to hand.
As you will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including personnel matters. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that to ensure that Garda members can safely and effectively carry out their statutory and common-law duties, they are trained in arrest and restraint techniques. In addition, Gardaí are provided with the following personal protective equipment (PPE) and trained in its use:
- Ballistic stab vest
- Asp baton
- Incapacitant Spray
- Rigid handcuffs
In addition, while the criminal law in this area is being kept under ongoing review, there are a range of robust legislative provisions available to the Garda authorities in circumstances where threats or assaults are made against Gardaí.
Any assault causing harm on any person is an offence under section 3 of the Non–Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997. A person convicted of such an offence would be liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to a maximum fine of €2,500 or both, or on conviction on indictment, to a fine, or to imprisonment, for a term not exceeding 5 years or both.
Furthermore, an assault on a member of An Garda Síochána, a prison officer, a member of the fire brigade, ambulance personnel, or a member of the Defence Forces would constitute an offence under section 19 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994.
A person convicted of such an offence would be liable on summary conviction to a maximum fine of €5,000, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, or both. A person convicted of such an offence on indictment would be liable to a fine, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 years, or both.
As you may be aware, the Justice Plan 2022 commits to the publication of the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Bill, previously called the Digital Recordings Bill. This important legislation will make provision for Garda powers to use modern digital technology including body worn cameras.
The Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Bill is expected to be taken at second stage in the Dáil by the end of June. Committee stage is expected to take place in the autumn, and the Bill is expected to be fully enacted by the end of the year.
For your information, the table below, which was provided to me by the Garda authorities, shows the breakdown of occupational injuries to Garda members between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2021.
|
Year |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
Total |
|
Assault |
260 |
224 |
267 |
224 |
261 |
1,236 |
|
Non-assault |
396 |
381 |
315 |
347 |
309 |
1,748 |
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (568)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:568. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí injured in the course of their duties in each of the past five years to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26499/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I 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.
Crime Prevention
Ceisteanna (569)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:569. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which crime levels in County Kildare continue to be manageable; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26502/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, the Central Statistics Office publishes reported crime figures under reservation on a quarterly basis, currently available up to Q4 2021. A brief synopsis of trends indicates the reduction in incident levels that were seen during 2020 and 2021, whilst COVID-19 restrictions were in place, have seen a consequential increase as society returns to normal pre-pandemic activity.
There has been a significant decrease in burglary and related offences in Kildare since 2019. I also note the decrease in public order and other social code offences in Kildare over the same period and that driving/in charge of a vehicle while over legal alcohol limits is also down on previous years.
Controlled drug offences in Kildare have risen over the last year. While I am concerned to see this increase, we must recognise that it also reflects the increased Garda numbers on frontline policing duties and the concentrated work of the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) to detect these offences.
The Deputy may be aware that, 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.
The focus of Operation Tara is to disrupt, dismantle and prosecute drug trafficking networks, at all levels - international, national and local - involved in the importation, distribution, cultivation, production, local sale and supply of controlled drugs.
Gardaí recently seized over €1.5 million of suspected drugs, €39,750 in cash and arrested one man, following search operations conducted as part of Operation Tara in Counties Kildare and Meath on 7 May 2022.
As the Deputy will appreciate, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, which includes decisions on the deployment of personnel among the various Garda Divisions.
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. This significant investment demonstrates the Government's commitment to increasing the Garda workforce to enable the organisation to keep our communities safe, including in Kildare, and to preventing crime in all its forms.
As of 30 April 2022, the latest date for when figures are available, the Kildare Division has 435 Garda members of all ranks assigned. This includes 362 Gardaí, 61 Sergeants, 9 Inspectors and 3 Superintendents. This is a 39% increase since the end of 2015, when there were 312 members assigned to Kildare division.
Garda members in Kildare division are supported by 35 Garda Staff, which is a 17% increase on the 30 Garda Staff assigned to Kildare in 2015. This increase in Garda staff numbers means that additional Gardaí can be redeployed from administrative to operational policing duties, where their training and policing expertise can be used to best effect.
Departmental Communications
Ceisteanna (570, 612)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:570. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the reason for the memorandum limiting the secondment length of time, ignored by his Department in terms of the secondment of the Chief Medical Officer. [25915/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraPeadar Tóibín
Ceist:612. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the person who is in charge of the interpretation and implementation of circulars or memoranda in his Department; the number of circulars or memoranda that have been ignored or not implemented by his Department over the lifetime of this Government; the location of these circulars; the penalty for the non-implementation of circulars; the reason that circular 27/2001 limiting the length of time for a secondment (details supplied) was not adhered to. [25908/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 570 and 612 together.
My Department implements all circulars as applicable to its role.
Circulars covering all Government Departments are available to be viewed on the www.gov.ie website.
I have established an external review relating to the specific matter raised by the Deputy which is ongoing and will report to me in June.
Departmental Reports
Ceisteanna (571)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:571. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health when the evaluation of the individual placement and support services will be published; the cost of each individual placement and support service; the outcomes of each individual placement and support service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25967/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (572)
Mark Ward
Ceist:572. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the current and capital cost of establishing and operating a 24/7 multi-agency mental health crisis de-escalating team in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26245/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (573)
Cathal Crowe
Ceist:573. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if he, along with HSE officials, will re-engage with an organisation (details supplied) regarding the long-standing pay and career development issues that are impacting on staff recruitment and retention. [25662/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Firstly, I would like to acknowledge and pay tribute to the dedication, professionalism and commitment of all medical scientists throughout the country. Their drive and dedication have been key components in our managing of the pandemic.
I acknowledge the MLSA’s claim for pay parity between medical scientists and clinical biochemists. As you may be aware, the current public pay agreement, Building Momentum 2021-2022, includes the process of Sectoral Bargaining, to address outstanding claims such as this one. The MLSA were granted their own bargaining unit to progress this claim. The size of the Sectoral Bargaining fund available to the MLSA, and to all other cohorts of staff bound by this Agreement, equates to 1% of their basic pay. The MLSA and Health management have been engaged in talks over the last number of months with the aim of finding a way to advance their claim for pay parity through the Sectoral Bargaining process.
The Public Service Agreement Group (PSAG), comprised of union and civil service representatives with an independent chair, met on 11 May to consider this matter. They recommended that the matter be immediately referred to the WRC and that industrial peace be maintained in the meantime.
While the MLSA have agreed to engage at the WRC, they have not agreed to lift their strike action which is a breach of Building Momentum. This engagement between the parties took place on 17 May but, unfortunately, no resolution was reached.
The Department of Health is disappointed that industrial action has been initiated by the MLSA and remains open to engagement with them.
As this is an ongoing IR matter, it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this point.
Disabilities Assessments
Ceisteanna (574)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:574. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if an assessment of needs will be expedited for a child (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25664/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the HSE (Health Service Executive) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Medicinal Products
Ceisteanna (575)
Maurice Quinlivan
Ceist:575. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the status of the case of a person (details supplied) regarding a prescription for the person's medication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25665/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drugs schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. The Minister for Health has no role in these decisions.
The HSE has advised that Alirocumab (Praluent®) is available for reimbursement under the High Tech arrangements from 1 April, 2021 for adults with primary hypercholesterolaemia (heterozygous familial and non-familial) or mixed dyslipidaemia and adults with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) [myocardial infarction, stroke or peripheral arterial disease] to reduce cardiovascular risk by lowering low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels.
In accordance with the conditions outlined in the approval decision of the HSE EMT, a Managed Access Protocol is in place for Alirocumab (Praluent®). The protocol outlines the criteria that must be satisfied in order for a patient to be recommended for reimbursement of Alirocumab (Praluent®) under High Tech Arrangements.
The medical decision to prescribe or not prescribe any treatment for an individual patient is strictly a decision for the treating clinician, in consultation with their patient.