Tuesday, 28 Jun 2022

Written Answers Nos. 693-712

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (693, 694)

Thomas Gould

Ceist:

693. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice the number of arrests from the Ballincollig Garda station in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. [33657/22]

Thomas Gould

Ceist:

694. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice the number of arrests for anti-social behaviour from the Ballincollig Garda station in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. [33658/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

I propose to take Questions Nos. 693 and 694 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible by law for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including all operational policing and enforcement matters. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters. For the Deputy's information, I am advised that Ballincollig Garda Station is not a 24 hour station and is part of the Togher District.

I am informed by Garda Authorities that a search of the PULSE database was conducted for prisoner logs where the arrest or entry date is within the period 01/01/2018-31/12/21 and the station was ‘Ballincollig’.

There were 13 total prisoner logs for this period.

In relation to arrests for anti-social behavior, I have been advised by the Garda authorities that it is not possible to provide a statistical breakdown as the low number of total arrests may present a data protection concern.

Please note that this incident data is based upon operational data from the PULSE system as was available at 01:00 on 24/06/2022 and is liable to change.

Question No. 694 answered with Question No. 693.

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (695)

Thomas Gould

Ceist:

695. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice the number of calls received regarding anti-social behaviour to the Ballincollig Garda station in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. [33659/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

I have contacted the Garda authorities for the information requested by the Deputy, however, the information was not available in time. I will write again to the Deputy once the information is to hand.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51

I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 695 of 28 June 2022 where you sought:

“The number of calls received regarding anti-social behaviour to the Ballincollig Garda station in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021.”

As you will recall, Minister McEntee sought the information you requested from the Garda authorities and undertook to contact you again once the information was to hand. The delay in responding is regretted.

As you will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible by law for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there is no facility to record the nature of calls received at this time.

I am also informed that the table below sets out the number of offences reported to Ballincollig Garda station under the headings Public Order and Assaults in 2018 up to 2021. I am advised that these may not equate to calls received regarding anti-social behaviour to the Ballincollig Garda station.

Year	Public Order - Includes Public Order and Other Social Code Offences (Under Reservation)	Assaults - Includes Attempts/threats to murder, assaults, harassments and related offences. (Under Reservation)
2018	72	65
2019	107	63
2020	145	63
2021	104	67

You may also wish to be aware that public order offences and assaults are available at a station level at the following location for the years 2003 to 2021 on the CSO website at the following link: https://data.cso.ie/table/CJA07

I hope that this information is of assistance.

Visa Applications

Ceisteanna (696)

Mick Barry

Ceist:

696. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Justice if her Department will consent to giving a person (details supplied) a visa that will permit them to work and survive pending the conclusion of the pending Labour Court case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33661/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

The person referred to by the Deputy has made an application to request a change of status to the Domestic Residence and Permissions Division of my Department. That application continues to be processed at this time.

All applications are processed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account all the information available to the decision maker. However, where there is an outstanding Court decision which may impact on the person's application for a residence status, it is normal practice to await that decision before finalising and making a decision on an application.

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (697)

Colm Burke

Ceist:

697. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice the full number of gardaí across all ranks attached to all Garda stations in the Cork city and county area in each of the years from 2017 to 2021 and to date in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33676/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

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 role in these matters.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that at 31 May 2022, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 14,347 Garda members nationwide. This represents an increase of almost 6% since end December 2017 when there were 13,551 Garda members.

For the Deputy's information the attached spreadsheet, which was provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of Gardaí assigned to Cork City, Cork North, and Cork West Divisions at end December 2017 to end December 2021, and at 31 May 2022, the latest date for which figures are available.

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.

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.

In the interests of transparency, further detailed information in relation to Garda numbers can be found 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:

http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/An_Garda_Siochana_facts_and_figures

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (698)

Claire Kerrane

Ceist:

698. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Justice when the 2022-2026 An Garda Síochána Capital Building Programme will be published. [33796/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy is aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended) the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business, including the management of the Garda Estate.

I can advise the Deputy that a new Garda Capital Plan is still undergoing consideration between my Department, An Garda Síochána and the OPW.

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (699)

Jackie Cahill

Ceist:

699. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Justice the status of an application by a person (details supplied) for leave-to-remain following the completion of Garda vetting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33803/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

The person referred to by the Deputy lodged a review application in respect of their EU Treaty Rights application decision on 11 May 2021. This application is currently under consideration by my Department. My officials will correspond with them if further documentation or information is required. 

Applications are dealt with in strict chronological order, and a decision will issue to the applicant in due course.  While every effort is made to process these applications as soon as possible, processing times will vary having regard to the volume of applications received, their complexity, the possible need for the EU Treaty Rights Unit to seek further information in relation to the application, and the resources available to process them. Although it is not possible at the present time to provide a definitive date by which a decision will be reached in this case, the Deputy can be assured that there will be no avoidable delay in completing same.

The person concerned has also made an application under the scheme for the Regularisation of Long Term Undocumented Migrants. Processing times may vary depending on the complexity of the application, whether it is a single or family application, the supporting documentation and the vetting process with An Garda Síochána. Applications where there is an existing deportation order in place will also require additional processing.

Each application will be assessed individually in accordance with the published criteria, available on my Department's immigration website at: www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Undocumented-Policy-Scheme-January-2022.pdf

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility ([e-mail]), which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited. 

Departmental Bodies

Ceisteanna (700)

Michael Ring

Ceist:

700. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice the State boards that are under her remit; the details of each State board; the details of all the persons who are currently on each board in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33836/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

The information sought by the Deputy is set out in tabular form in the attached document. 

For the Deputy's information, details of the State Boards under the remit of my Department are published on the Gov.ie website at the following link;  

http://membership.stateboards.per.gov.ie/department/Department%20of%20Justice/.

State Boards

Visa Applications

Ceisteanna (701)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Ceist:

701. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice when a decision will be made on a visa application by a person (details supplied);; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33894/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

Following full consideration by a Visa Officer, the visa application for the person referred to by the Deputy was refused. A letter issued to the applicant on 8 June 2022 outlining the reasons for this refusal. On 15 June 2022, an appeal was lodged to the relevant Visa Office, where it is currently awaiting examination.

Visa appeals are dealt with in strict chronological order. The Dublin Visa Office is currently processing appeals of this type received on 19 October 2021. Processing times and decisions at the Dublin Visa Office can be checked at: www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/. 

A decision will issue to the applicant as soon as full consideration has been given to the appeal by a Visa Appeals Officer. 

All visa applicants are advised that the onus is on them to provide as much information in support of their application as they feel is necessary. Guidelines in this regard are posted on my Department's immigration website (www.irishimmigration.ie). Applicants that follow these guidelines have an improved prospect of receiving a positive decision at first instance.

Applicants are advised not to pay for a travel ticket before they receive a decision on their visa.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility ([e-mail]) which has been specifically established for this purpose.  This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process.  The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited. 

Visa Applications

Ceisteanna (702)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Ceist:

702. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice when a decision will be made on a visa application by a person (details supplied);; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33895/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

Following full consideration by a Visa Officer, the visa application for the person referred to by the Deputy was refused. A letter issued to the applicant on 14 June 2022 outlining the reasons for this refusal. On 15 June 2022, an appeal was lodged to the relevant Visa Office, where it is currently awaiting examination.

Visa appeals are dealt with in strict chronological order. The Dublin Visa Office is currently processing appeals of this type received on 19 October 2021. Processing times and decisions at the Dublin Visa Office can be checked at: www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/. 

A decision will issue to the applicant as soon as full consideration has been given to the appeal by a Visa Appeals Officer. 

All visa applicants are advised that the onus is on them to provide as much information in support of their application as they feel is necessary. Guidelines in this regard are posted on my Department's immigration website (www.irishimmigration.ie). Applicants that follow these guidelines have an improved prospect of receiving a positive decision at first instance.

Applicants are advised not to pay for a travel ticket before they receive a decision on their visa.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility ([e-mail]) which has been specifically established for this purpose.  This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process.  The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited. 

Visa Applications

Ceisteanna (703)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Ceist:

703. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice when a decision will be made on a visa application by a person (details supplied);; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33896/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

Following full consideration by a Visa Officer, the visa application for the person referred to by the Deputy was refused. A letter issued to the applicant on 8 June 2022 outlining the reasons for this refusal. On 15 June 2022, an appeal was lodged to the relevant Visa Office, where it is currently awaiting examination.

Visa appeals are dealt with in strict chronological order. The Dublin Visa Office is currently processing appeals of this type received on 19 October 2021. Processing times and decisions at the Dublin Visa Office can be checked at: www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/. 

A decision will issue to the applicant as soon as full consideration has been given to the appeal by a Visa Appeals Officer. 

All visa applicants are advised that the onus is on them to provide as much information in support of their application as they feel is necessary. Guidelines in this regard are posted on my Department's immigration website (www.irishimmigration.ie). Applicants that follow these guidelines have an improved prospect of receiving a positive decision at first instance.

Applicants are advised not to pay for a travel ticket before they receive a decision on their visa.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility ([e-mail]) which has been specifically established for this purpose.  This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process.  The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited. 

Visa Applications

Ceisteanna (704)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Ceist:

704. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice when a decision will be made on a visa application by a person (details supplied);; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33897/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

Following full consideration by a Visa Officer, the visa application for the person referred to by the Deputy was refused. A letter issued to the applicant on 13 June 2022 outlining the reasons for this refusal. On 15 June 2022, an appeal was lodged to the relevant Visa Office, where it is currently awaiting examination.

Visa appeals are dealt with in strict chronological order. The Dublin Visa Office is currently processing appeals of this type received on 19 October 2021. Processing times and decisions at the Dublin Visa Office can be checked at: www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/. 

A decision will issue to the applicant as soon as full consideration has been given to the appeal by a Visa Appeals Officer. 

All visa applicants are advised that the onus is on them to provide as much information in support of their application as they feel is necessary. Guidelines in this regard are posted on my Department's immigration website (www.irishimmigration.ie). Applicants that follow these guidelines have an improved prospect of receiving a positive decision at first instance.

Applicants are advised not to pay for a travel ticket before they receive a decision on their visa.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility ([e-mail]) which has been specifically established for this purpose.  This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process.  The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited. 

Flexible Work Practices

Ceisteanna (705)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

705. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice the total number of persons who are employed by her Department; the number who are currently working remotely; and the estimated number of persons in her Department who ordinarily worked from home prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. [33979/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

The total number of staff employed by my Department is currently 1,617. The Department has not formally moved to a blended working model as yet but approximately 30% of staff are attending the workplace on a full-time basis and the remainder are attending the workplace on patterns ranging between 2 and 4 days per week, depending on service delivery and business requirements.

In May 2022, the Department launched its formal blended working policy, which is closely aligned to the Blended Working Framework for civil service organisations agreed with union groups and formally launched by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) on 31 March 2022. Formal applications for blended working will be processed when the online application form, which is being developed centrally becomes available. It is anticipated that this will be around mid-August 2022.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic there were no formal arrangements in my Department for remote working.

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (706)

Martin Kenny

Ceist:

706. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Justice the estimated cost of training 100 additional gardaí per annum. [34046/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

I have contacted the Garda authorities for the information requested by the Deputy, however this information was not available. I will write to the Deputy again once the information is to hand. 

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51

I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 706 of 28 June 2022 where you sought: ‘The estimated cost of training 100 additional Gardaí per annum’

As you will recall, I had sought the information you requested from the Garda authorities and undertook to contact you again once the information was to hand.

By law, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including all human resource matters and recruitment. As Minister, I have no direct 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.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda College has a total budget of almost €36.9 million for 2022 and that all AGS organisational training costs must be met from this budget.

This includes the following three organisational training areas; 1) Foundation Training of Recruits to a BA in Applied Policing degree level, 2) Crime Specialist and Operational Skills training, and 3) Leadership management and development training. I am advised that the Foundation Training Programme is the initial training and development programme for newly recruited Garda Trainee and Probationer Gardaí in An Garda Síochána, and incorporates the training required to perform the role and functions of a Garda in an efficient and effective manner.

The Programme incorporates a BA in Applied Policing Skills, which contains three Phases of training. Upon successful completion of Phase I, Garda Trainees are attested as members of An Garda Síochána and commence their probationary period

I am informed that the current estimated payroll and subsistence related cost of training 100 additional Gardaí is approximately €726,000.

This comprises a payroll cost of €665,000 that is calculated based on the basic allowances that new recruits receive while they undergo Phase 1 training (32 weeks based on current delivery). Employer’s PRSI at 8.8% is also calculated as a cost. In line with the 2022 Garda Trainee Recruitment competition the training assignment will be for a period of 33 weeks or for such longer or shorter periods as the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána may determine.

The second component is a subsistence related cost of €61,000 and relates to a payment that recruits are eligible to receive per rostered shift during their 8 week deployment to an operational station.

I am advised that upon attestation Probationer Gardaí move to the first point of the Garda pay scale and subsequently are also eligible to earn allowances that they may qualify for depending on their assignments.

Non-pay and subsistence related costs of training are not currently included in the estimated cost figure.

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (707)

Martin Kenny

Ceist:

707. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Justice the estimated cost of equipping an additional 100 gardaí per annum. [34047/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

I have contacted the Garda authorities for the information requested by the Deputy, however this information was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy once this information is to hand. 

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51

I refer to Parliamentary Question No.707 of 28 June 2022 where you sought:

“The estimated cost of equipping an additional 100 Gardaí per annum”.

As you will recall, Minister McEntee sought the information you requested from the Garda authorities and undertook to contact you again once the information was to hand. The delay in responding is regretted.

As you will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible by law for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, which includes the provision of uniforms and equipment to Garda members. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the cost of equipping an additional 100 Gardaí per annum would be in the region of €120,000.

Please note that this total cost includes the provision of the Garda uniform and standard equipment provided to all Garda members, which is listed below.

- Utility Belt

- Torch

- Handcuffs

- ASP Baton

- CS Spray

- Radio

- Stab vest

I hope that this information is of assistance.

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (708)

Martin Kenny

Ceist:

708. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Justice the estimated cost of training an additional 1,000 gardaí in the competency-based driver level 2 course per annum. [34048/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána, including the training of personnel. As Minister, I have no direct role in the matter. 

The table below, furnished to me by the Garda authorities, provides a breakdown of the costs associated with training an additional 1,000 Gardaí in CBD level 2. 

Competency-based driver level 2 course

-	Total Costs
Online learning	€37,000
In person training - subsistence - instructors	€87,440
In person training- subsistence- trainees	€438,760
Total Costs	€563,200

I am advised that CBD Level 2 training consists of the one day online learning and ten day in-person driving instruction.   

One day Online Learning / Instruction

Proprietary online resources access and certification is €37 per Garda in training.  This would amount to 37,000 for 1,000 training places. 

Ten day in-person driving instruction

This segment of training takes place in driver training centres in the Garda College and the Dublin Metropolitan Region.  I am advised that the Garda/Instructor ratio is 2:1 for this segment of the course.  

It is worth noting that the costings do not include potential travel expenses that participants may incur travelling from various locations throughout the country to the training centre, however, 

Gardaí are entitled to subsistence when working away from their station, e.g over night stays and to cover the costs of meals etc. 

Each instructor requires the use of a vehicle for the duration of the course, with each vehicle accumulating approximately 2,000 km’s per course. The cost of associated fuel and maintenance is not included.

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (709)

Martin Kenny

Ceist:

709. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Justice the estimated cost of providing an additional two members of An Garda Síochána to Garda divisional protective services units per annum. [34049/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will be aware, the national roll out of Divisional Protective Service Units (DPSUs) was an action under both the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland and in Supporting a Victim's Journey, and it has been completed.

There is now a Divisional Protective Services Unit (DPSU) established in every Garda division across the country. This ensures that when vulnerable victims of crimes such as domestic abuse and sexual violence present to Gardaí, they are met with a consistently high standard of specialist, sensitive, professional and expert assistance. 

This specialisation will ensure that when victims of domestic and sexual violence present to Gardaí, at perhaps their most vulnerable moment, they are met with professional and expert assistance.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that the estimated annual payroll cost for two additional Garda in a DPSU is approximately €124,000.

I am further advised that the response is based on basic annual salary costs of a detective Garda on the midpoint of the current Garda rank pay scale and also includes fixed allowances which the member is entitled to. An estimate of employer’s PRSI is also included.

Allowances pertaining to unsocial hours and any potential overtime payments in excess of standard briefing time are not included. Non-pay costs are not included in the estimated figures.

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (710)

Martin Kenny

Ceist:

710. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Justice the estimated cost of providing two crime prevention officers per annum, including all associated costs such as administrative and technological support. [34050/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

I have contacted the Garda authorities for the information requested by the Deputy, however this information was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy once this information is to hand. 

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51

I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 710 of 28 June 2022 where you asked:

‘the estimated cost of providing two crime prevention officers per annum, including all associated costs such as administrative and technological support.’

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, the Garda Commissioner is responsible, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended) for the management and administration of Garda business, including the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff. Furthermore, under the provisions of the Act, the Commissioner is also the Accounting Officer for the Garda Vote, and the distribution of funds to operational units from the Vote is a matter for the Commissioner.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that the estimated payroll cost of providing two crime prevention officers is approximately €146,000 per annum.

Salary costs are calculated using the midpoint of the current Garda Sergeant salary scale and include fixed allowances which the member is entitled to. An estimate of Employer’s PRSI is also included. Allowances for unsocial hours and any potential overtime payments in excess of standard briefing time are not included.

The initial costs of providing basic technological support to two crime prevention officers is currently approximately €4,400. Annual licensing charges for the associated equipment is currently approximately €2,400 for two crime prevention officers.

I am informed that there is no cost breakdown available for specific administrative support costs for crime prevention officers.

I am also informed that, generally, crime prevention officers may require support material when engaging with groups and members of the public such as leaflets/reading material and merchandise with regard to ongoing campaigns or community engagement, for example Bloom, the National Ploughing Championships and various days of action. The costs for such material is not included. Crime prevention officers also receive data analysis support from the Garda Síochána Analysis Service (GSAS), with the level of input varying on a case by case basis, and such costs are also not included above.

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (711)

Martin Kenny

Ceist:

711. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Justice the estimated cost of GDPR and data protection training for at least two members of An Garda Síochána per district headquarters. [34052/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

I have contacted the Garda authorities for the information requested by the Deputy, however this information was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy once this information is to hand. 

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51

I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 711 of 26 June 2022 where you asked:

‘the estimated cost of GDPR and data protection training for at least two members of An Garda Síochána per district headquarters.

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, the Garda Commissioner is responsible, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended) for the management and administration of Garda business, including the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff. As Minister I play no role in these independent functions.

The Garda authorities have informed me that it is difficult to provide one estimate to the question given the variety of learning options, both internal and external, available.

The duration and format are significant factors in the costing of any proposed training course. Some other factors that will impact costing include:

- The number of members partaking,

- The number of Garda Districts involved,

- The number of days training,

- Subsistence costs,

- Extraction cost (cover for members partaking using overtime),

- Cost of external providers,

- Cost of regional venues,

- Cost of Garda instructors, etc.

Whilst the Garda College does not currently provide a GDPR and data protection training course for members in Districts, I am advised that external training provided in this area, which is incorporated into the 2022 Garda training plan, includes an Advanced Diploma in Data Protection, a bespoke Data Protection in Law Enforcement course and specialist courses in Data Protection Audits and Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs).

Internal training and awareness raising is also provided by the An Garda Síochána Data Protection Unit, including an overview of key elements of Data Protection legislation incorporated as part of development courses available on the Garda College Learner Management System (LMS).

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (712)

Martin Kenny

Ceist:

712. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Justice the estimated cost of updating the entire An Garda Síochána ICT structures, including all hardware and software. [34053/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

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. Since 2016 the budget for An Garda Síochána has increased by approximately €500m, or 33%.

The 2022 allocation includes provision for a capital budget of some €147 million encompassing an Garda Síochána’s ICT and Building Programme and ongoing investment in the organisation’s transport fleet.  Budget 2022 also provides an additional €10.5 million for Garda operational expenditure – including provision for new mobile devices.

The ongoing provision of capital funding on Garda ICT infrastructure will support both existing and new ICT systems and develop them further. This investment will support the ongoing business and operational requirements of An Garda Síochána enabling them to deploy the latest, cutting edge technologies in the fight against crime.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended) and is also the Accounting Officer for the Garda Vote under the provisions of the Act. 

The Garda authorities have advised that An Garda Síochána developed its Connect Digital Strategy in 2019, describing the necessary modernisation of their systems to enable police and support staff to connect to the information they require and to each other. This strategy also outlines how they can connect and collaborate with their partner agencies to achieve An Garda Síochána’s strategic goals and, most importantly, that An Garda Síochána can connect with the public whom they endeavour to keep safe. 

The 2020 Data & Technology Vision builds on the Connect Digital Strategy to describe how An Garda Síochána will deliver on the 8th  principle of the report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland – that Policing should be “information led”. The Data & Technology Vision has been agreed with stakeholders such as the Policing Authority and the Implementation Group on Policing Reform.

Projects to modernise the technology available to An Garda Síochána are prioritised and delivered based on their impact and the resources and funding available on a multi-year basis with costs determined following detailed planning and responses to public tender competitions. 

As the Deputy will appreciate funding for the Garda Vote, of which ICT programmes are a component, is agreed through the standard Budgetary process including within the capital provisions at Vote Group level provided in the National Development Plan.