Tuesday, 5 Jul 2022

Written Answers Nos. 41-60

Antisocial Behaviour

Ceisteanna (41)

Thomas Gould

Ceist:

41. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice if she will consider funding a pilot scheme to address antisocial behaviour in hotspots in Cork city. [35951/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will be aware, the Government is committed to tackling anti-social behaviour 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 safe in their local communities.

In line with the Programme for Government, Minister Browne has 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.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that there are a range of fora in place in the Cork division for anti-social behaviour to be identified and responded to.

For instance, under the Community Policing Framework, An Garda Síochána is in regular contact with community representatives, councillors, residents associations and members of the public. This allows for the gathering and sharing of information around issues of anti-social behaviour. In turn, Community Policing Units target these areas in an effort to alleviate the problem. The Garda Analysis Service also assist in identifying areas of concern.

Members of the public can also highlight anti-social behaviour through Community Safety Forums which are held at least three times a year throughout Cork city. I am informed that any location highlighted as a concern for anti-social behaviour is noted at such meetings and added to a tasking sheet within the relevant Community Engagement Area and station for the implementation of increased patrols.

Liaison with external stakeholders is conducted on an on-going basis by Garda Community Engagement teams, including with Cork City Partnership, Hollyhill Youth Project, Cork City Council, as well as local sporting clubs. Community Policing members also liaise with Muintir Na Tíre and this is designed around safety for the elderly, particularly those living in areas where anti-social behaviour is reported.

The Joint Policing Committee is an additional forum where An Garda Síochána engages with external agencies to identify problem hotspots across the city. This will ultimately be expanded into a Local Community Safety Partnership when the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill is enacted.

More generally, the Department's community safety policy is published on the Gov.ie website and will be delivered through new Local Community Safety Partnerships (LCSPs), currently being piloted in three locations: Dublin’s North Inner City, Longford and Waterford. The pilots will run for two years and a robust evaluation is ongoing during this process in order to ensure the proposed structures are fulfilling their objectives. This process will inform the national rollout of the LCSPs across local authority areas.

The development of the Community Safety Innovation Fund is a key commitment under Justice Plan 2022 which will have a significant impact on the development of community safety projects throughout the country. The Deputy may wish to note that my Department opened applications on 11 April for the new Community Safety Innovation Fund, which will see the proceeds of crime re-invested in local projects to improve community safety. The fund will have an initial outlay of €2m for this year and will be subject to a robust evaluation at the end of Year 1 to inform future decisions.

It is anticipated that the kind of projects which may be supported will include new activities, not already covered by existing funding streams, including projects to:

- tackle crime or reduce the fear of crime;

- support the creation of safe and resilient communities; and

- divert vulnerable individuals away from engagement in criminal behaviour.

The fund is open to bodies involved in community safety and will support them in addressing local needs and opportunities for innovation not provided for in other funds managed by Departments and agencies. The call for applications for the fund ran until 8 June 2022 and grants will range from €20,000 to €150,000.

I can confirm that my Department has received 120 applications from a diverse range of organisations seeking to access funding for innovative projects to improve community safety. The process of initial eligibility assessment and scoring of the applications is ongoing and will continue through the summer. I expect that grants will be made to the successful applicants in the autumn.

As the Deputy may be aware, the Youth Justice Strategy 2021-2027 also provides a comprehensive developmental framework to support children and young people subject to multiple disadvantage and guide them away from involvement in anti-social or criminal behaviours.

Critically, the strategy commits to broadening the Youth Diversion Project (YDP) service so that every child or young person who could benefit from this service may do so, primarily through the expansion of the geographical coverage of the existing network of 105 Youth Diversion Projects, but also through the establishment of a small number of new projects where a need is identified. The YDP service will continue to play a vital role in combatting anti-social behaviour and supporting communities.

Budget 2022 provides an additional €6.7 million in funding for Youth Justice services and Minister Browne announced on 22 June that over 50 YDPs will benefit from this additional funding. This funding goes a long way to making full YDP coverage in all parts of the country possible because it will allow for current YDPs to expand their boundaries. This includes over €129,000 allocated for a boundary extension in the Watercourse Road, Greenmount area of Cork North Inner City.

Finally, one of the two pilots of the Youth Joint Agency Response to Crime (Y-JARC) is currently taking place in Cork, operated out of the Mayfield and Gurranabraher Garda Districts. This pilot seeks relevant State agencies to engage with the young people identified as causing most harm in their locality in a joined-up manner, in order to provide the necessary support to assist them in ceasing their offending behaviour.

Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence

Ceisteanna (42)

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

42. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if the new policy on domestic violence will ensure each county in the State will have a fully staffed and resourced refuge for victims of domestic violence; if overall numbers of spaces provided will be compliant with the Istanbul Convention; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35990/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

The guidance provided by the Council of Europe sets a recommended standard for the provision of shelter places which Government is committed to reaching.

Under the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence, we will see the fastest ever expansion in the number of refuge spaces.

We will double the number of spaces and will put in place the structures to go on to deliver in full the recommended Istanbul target. This will be the fastest ever expansion of refuge spaces and will ensure that every county has a refuge. In parallel we will introduce mechanisms to enable victims to stay safely in their homes.

As the Deputy is aware, Tusla completed a review of accommodation services for victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence which found that a minimum of between 50 and 60 new refuge places are needed as a priority.

The Strategy goes further and commits to doubling, to over 280, the number of refuge places over the next 5 years, which is one element of how we will achieve this. The delivery of additional safe homes and step down accommodation will also be a key part.

Further analysis, as well as the work of an interdepartmental group identified 12 locations nationwide where delivery of 98 family refuge spaces would have the most impact.

These locations represent areas where there is the most significant under-provision and are a starting point to increasing refuge spaces comprehensively across the country.

The Strategy commits to the delivery of 24 refuge places being developed in Wexford, Dundalk and Navan by 2024 with all units in priority locations delivered by the end of the Strategy.

The development of a new Agency and of new structures and processes, will enable us to scale up the number of spaces we can deliver each year.

This means we will be delivering a higher number of refuge spaces towards the end of the strategy, than at the beginning. I expect this higher rate of delivery to continue until we reach the recommended number of places as set out in the Istanbul guidance.

Despite the best efforts of many dedicated people, there has been under-provision and a significant lack of safe spaces in Ireland.

We are starting from a low base and the targets set out in the Strategy are ambitious but achievable. This, as a start, together with the changes we will make to the system for the delivery of refuge spaces, will ensure that women and men who seek safety will have refuge available to them.

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (43)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

43. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí currently on suspension from duty; if she will provide a breakdown of the times these members have been suspended for to date; the reason for suspension, in tabular form; if possible, her views on whether it is taking too long in some cases for suspension cases to be dealt with conclusively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35833/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will appreciate, disciplinary matters within An Garda Síochána are governed by the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended) and the Garda Síochána (Discipline) Regulations 2007, as amended by the Garda Síochána (Discipline) (Amendment) Regulations 2011, and are a matter for the Garda Commissioner. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.

However, I have sought the requested information from the Garda authorities and have provided with the total number of Gardaí currently suspended from duty, along with the number of suspensions per year and the reasons for suspension, in tabular format.

I am also informed by the Garda authorities that disciplinary procedure leading to suspension is a serious matter. Every effort is made to bring disciplinary enquiries to a conclusion in the shortest timeframe. However, the complexities of some cases and legal proceedings may lead to delays in concluding the matter.

Number of Gardaí Currently on Suspension

110

SUSPENSIONS BY YEAR (ONGOING)	No.
2014	1
2016	2
2018	4
2019	11
2020	31
2021	38
2022	23
Grand Total	110

Reason for Suspensions	No.
Accessing Garda Info System - Misuse	6
Assault - Causing Harm	9
Corrupt / Improper Practice	1
Discreditable Conduct	13
Drugs / Misuse of Drugs	10
Domestic Violence Act	10
Misuse of Garda Resources	2
Neglect of Duty	1
Perverting Course of Justice	16
Road Traffic Act / Driving Under the Influence	8
Sexual Offences	17
Theft / Forgery	17
Total	110

Departmental Funding

Ceisteanna (44)

Neale Richmond

Ceist:

44. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Justice the number of applications to the community safety innovation fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35718/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

The development of the Community Safety Innovation Fund is a key commitment under Justice Plan 2022 which will have a significant impact on the development of community safety projects throughout the country. Budget 2022 provided for the establishment of the new Community Safety Innovation Fund, which enables local communities to seek funding for innovative projects which will improve community safety in their areas. Community Safety is about people being safe, and feeling safe, within their communities and this goes beyond traditional, high visibility policing.

My Department has received 120 applications from a diverse range of organisations seeking to access funding for innovative projects to improve community safety. The process of initial eligibility assessment and scoring of the applications is ongoing and will continue through the summer. I expect that grants will be made to the successful applicants in the autumn.

The fund is designed to ensure that the best and most innovative proposals to improve community safety will get the funding they need and will encourage the development of innovative ways in which to improve community safety from those people who understand local community safety needs best. Additionally, it will allow best practice initiatives on community safety to be shared as new proposals get developed.

The fund reflects the success of the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and other agencies by using money seized from the proceeds of crime to support investment in community safety projects. The fund, which is expected to grow in the coming years, will have an initial outlay of €2m. The new Community Safety Innovation Fund closed for applications for its first year of operation on June 8 2022.

Northern Ireland

Ceisteanna (45)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

45. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice the consideration she has given to the most recent report of the independent reporting committee that was set up under the Fresh Start Agreement to monitor progress on tackling paramilitary activity in Northern Ireland; the actions, if any, she intends taking based on the report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35993/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

The Independent Reporting Commission plays a very important role in highlighting what still needs to be done to tackle residual paramilitarism in Northern Ireland.  

To facilitate monitoring of the implementation of measures aimed at ending paramilitary activity in Northern Ireland, the 2015 Fresh Start Agreement provided for the establishment by the two Governments of the Independent Reporting Commission.

In summary, the Commission’s functions are to report annually on progress towards ending continuing paramilitary activity connected with Northern Ireland; report on the implementation of the relevant measures of the three administrations; and to consult with relevant stakeholders in this regard. 

The Commission submitted its first report to the Governments in 2018, and its most recent report was received at the end of last year.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and I have welcomed the reports. They provide an opportune reminder of the continuing adverse impact of paramilitarism on society in Northern Ireland. The Reports set out a pathway to achieving progress.

The Commission, in their Reports, note the extent and effectiveness of the co-operation between the Authorities in both jurisdictions to tackle paramilitary activity and associated criminality.

In each report, the Commission also make a number of recommendations. I have met with the Commission to hear about the progress that it has been making in carrying out its functions and to provide any assistance this Government can offer to achieve its task. These meetings with members of the Commission have always been very informative and constructive.

The reports of the IRC and their recommendations continue to be considered as part of the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference with my colleague the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

Question No. 46 answered with Question No. 35.

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (47)

Gino Kenny

Ceist:

47. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Justice if her attention has been drawn to a report submitted to the United Nations by an organisation (details supplied) highlighting the case of a person who was killed by gardaí, the unacceptable delays in the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission investigation into their death and recommending that the investigation include consideration of issues of race and discrimination; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35956/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

I want to once again extend my sympathies to the family concerned on the tragic death of their son and brother.

I am aware of the reports submitted to the United Nations (UN) as part of Ireland's Fifth Periodic Examination under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

As the Deputy will know, for each UN Covenant or Convention, States Parties are obliged to submit periodic reports to specialised committees of the UN, known as the human rights treaty monitoring bodies, on the progress made in implementing the treaty domestically.

Civil society plays an important role in this process and I welcome the engagement of the organisations, including the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL), that submitted reports on the current examination under the ICCPR to the UN Human Rights Committee, which will be examining civil and political rights in Ireland from this week. Officials from my Department are part of Ireland’s delegation to the UN offices in Geneva contributing to this process and will be available to speak to questions raised at the review.

As the Deputy will be aware, the shooting of Mr. George Nkencho is being fully investigated by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC), which is the independent statutory body established to investigate such incidents. This is the case with every incident involving the Gardaí that results in the death or serious harm of a person. I understand this investigation is ongoing.

I am further advised that legal proceedings have recently been initiated against the State in this case and in these circumstances it would not be appropriate for me to comment further.

Domestic Violence

Ceisteanna (48)

David Stanton

Ceist:

48. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice the status of the prosecutions for coercive control since the commencement of the Domestic Violence Act 2018; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35952/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

Coercive control is a form of psychological abuse that is arguably a defining feature of cases of domestic violence, with can affect a victim as much as physical violence.

It is an abuse of the unique trust associated with an intimate relationship.

Creating a specific offence of coercive control sent a clear, consistent message that non-violent control in an intimate relationship is criminal.

As we have seen in other cases where we have legislated for new offences, it can take some time for prosecutions and convictions to come through the system.

The prosecutions and convictions to date should send a clear message to anyone who may be a victim – this is a crime, you can come forward and seek help and you will be supported by An Garda Síochána. And for perpetrators of this crime – you cannot act with impunity.

It is hoped that as more convictions follow, other victims of coercive control will feel confident to come forward.

Members of An Garda Síochána undergo training to assist them in recognising the signs of coercive control and this will be instrumental in ensuring they can deal with victims in a timely and supportive manner.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there have been 53 charges relating to offences where the offence type is ‘Coercive Control (Domestic Violence Act)’ or the offence wording indicates ‘Coercive Control’ since the commencement of the Domestic Violence Act 2018. (The information provided is taken from PULSE as of 30/06/2022; it is operational and may be liable to change.)

In terms of records on prosecutions, they are a matter for the Director of Public Prosecutions, who is independent in the performance of her functions, and the Courts Service. Management of the courts is the responsibility of the judiciary and Courts Service, which are independent in exercising their functions under the Courts Service Act 1998 and through the separation of powers, as provided for in the Constitution.

The Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas at: [e-mail].

Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence

Ceisteanna (49)

Mick Barry

Ceist:

49. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Justice the extra resources that will be made available to implement the proposals outlined in the recently announced Government strategy on domestic, sexual and gender based violence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35987/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy is aware, last week I published Zero Tolerance: the Third National Strategy to combat Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV).

The goal of our third national strategy is clear: zero tolerance of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. It is an ambitious five-year programme of reform to achieve a society which does not accept DSGBV or the attitudes which underpin it.

Reflecting the Government’s commitment to make this the most ambitious Strategy to date, and in particular to make a real impact on the provision of refuge units and other associated support services, will require additional expenditure.

The overall cost of implementing the entire Strategy is estimated to be in the region of €363m.This includes the continuation of existing funding within both my Department and Tusla, but also anticipates both the capital cost of doubling the number of refuge accommodation and the running costs for the accommodation. It further includes an estimate of cost for other expanded services and actions under the Strategy, including supports for victims, the cost of establishing and running the new Agency, training, awareness raising and educational programmes.

Antisocial Behaviour

Ceisteanna (50)

Jim O'Callaghan

Ceist:

50. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the action being taken to address antisocial and public order offences in Dublin city centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35650/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

The Government is committed to tackling anti-social behaviour and a number of priority actions are contained in the Programme for Government to reduce instances of such behaviour and help people to be safe and feel safe in their local communities. Justice Plan 2022, which I published earlier this year, will continue the Department’s focused commitment to working with An Garda Síochána, local communities and wider society to eliminate such behaviour and support community safety into the future.

In line with the Programme for Government, Minister Browne has 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.

I can inform the Deputy that there are a number of Garda operations in place in Dublin city centre and the wider DMR. In October 2021, Operation Citizen commenced in the city centre and was initiated to reassure the citizens, visitors and the business community in Dublin city centre that it is a safe place in which to visit, socialise, conduct business and enjoy its amenities. The aim of this operation is to deliver an enhanced high visibility policing presence in the city centre on a daily basis. This operation places a particular focus on anti-social behaviour, public order and quality of life issues, assaults and high-volume crimes, and involves increased visible policing, particularly at key locations.

In January this year, the Garda authorities launched Operation Saul to further support, enhance and strengthen the strategic and operational objectives of Operation Citizen. The aim of Operation Saul is to provide a safe environment for commuters utilising public transport services in the DMR.

Operation Boardwalk is in place in the DMR North Central Division designed to specifically tackle anti-social behaviour in the environs of the Liffey Boardwalk, Bachelor's Walk and Eden Quay and consists of proactive engagement with groups of youths and people engaged in public consumption of alcohol.

Operation Pier and Operation Spire are also underway within Dublin City Centre, in the DMR South Central and North Central Divisions respectively. These form the basis of a regional response to city centre street-level drug dealing and possession of drugs, with members performing dedicated patrols in areas known to have a high concentration of such issues. Some key areas targeted are those that have a significant nighttime economy.

Both operations are undertaken by uniformed and plain-clothes members on a full-time basis, with the objective of investigating, detecting, preventing and prosecuting criminal offences committed under the Misuse of Drugs Act. A large proportion of these operations focus on high-visibility and proactive policing and engagement with the residential and business communities.

In addition, Operation Irene commenced in the DMR on 1 June, 2022 and continues until 31 August, 2022. Operation Irene aims to combat under-age alcohol consumption and the consumption of alcohol in public places in the DMR, in a targeted operation through the enforcement of legislation regulating the sale, supply and consumption of alcohol and other associated legislation.

The Deputy may also wish to be aware that Operation Limmat is the DMR’s assault in public and public order reduction strategy. Operation Limmat promotes a pro-arrest and early-investigation approach to incidents of assault, together with driving high-visibility policing in public places to act as a deterrent to prevent and reduce assaults and public order offences in the DMR.

I can inform the Deputy that a new property on O’Connell Street has been identified as a strategically important location to enhance An Garda Síochána’s high-visibility policing service in the DMR North Central Division. When opened, this facility will support and enhance the existing policing service in Dublin city centre and will provide a range of Garda services to the public. The premises will also act as a base for members on a number of key Garda Operations running in the city centre, notably Operation Citizen.

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (51)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

Ceist:

51. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice when Leighlinbridge Garda station will reopen; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35671/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business, which includes all operational policing decisions regarding the Garda estate. This includes the opening of any individual Garda station.

As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions and am unable to seek to direct the Commissioner in such matters.

The Office of Public Works (OPW) manages the maintenance and provision of Garda accommodation in close co-operation with the Garda authorities. Capital works on the Garda Estate are subject to the usual Public Sector procurement and budgetary processes.

The 2016 Programme for Government contained a commitment to reopen six Garda Stations on a pilot basis. Six Garda stations were identified, four of which have been reopened to date: Rush Garda Station, Co. Dublin, Stepaside Garda Station, Co. Dublin, Donard Garda Station, Co. Wicklow, and Ballinspittle Garda Station, Co. Cork.

I am advised by the Commissioner that the reopening of the two remaining stations of Bawnboy Garda Station, Co. Cavan, and Leighlinbridge Garda Station, Co. Carlow has not been advanced as yet and is being considered in the overall context of the Garda capital programme.

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (52)

Alan Dillon

Ceist:

52. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide an update on the new divisional policing model currently been piloted within the Mayo Garda division; and if she will provide a breakdown of the allocation of 338 Garda members and civilian staff within functional areas, including community engagement, crime, performance assurance and business services. [35921/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will be aware, the transition to a new and modern Garda Operating Model as recommended by the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland is currently being piloted in four Divisional Policing Models (DPM), one of which is Mayo Division. A key aspect of the reform is to assign more Gardaí to frontline duties and to provide a greater focus on community policing based on local needs.

As the Deputy will appreciate, the rollout of the Operating Model is a matter for the Garda Commissioner and I, as Minister for Justice, have no role in such matters.

The new model, announced by the Garda Commissioner in August 2019, introduces major changes to the structures of An Garda Síochána by providing more front-line Gardaí, increased Garda visibility, and a wider range of policing services for people in their local area.

Reform of An Garda Síochána is a priority for me and the development of a leading edge and accountable policing service through the implementation of A Policing Service for our Future is one of the key goals in Justice Plan 2022.

Under the Divisional Policing Model being introduced, all services will be managed and co-ordinated at divisional level, to allow greater specialisation and to release Gardaí from back office functions, and Garda Districts will no longer form part of the organisational structure.

This will result in a reduction in the number of Garda Divisions from the current 28 to 19 with each comprised of four Functional Areas: Community Engagement, Crime, Performance Assurance and Business Services.

A significant change to the Mayo Division under the Operating Model is the amalgamation with the Roscommon/Longford Division. As an amalgamated Division, Mayo/Roscommon/Longford will have an increased number of Garda personnel across the region, enabling better management of workload and capacity, which will result in a standardisation of procedures and ways of working.

The Garda authorities inform me that the implementation of the Operating Model has initially focused on the Business Services Functional Area. The Mayo/Roscommon/Longford Division has established all elements of the Business Services Functional Area, led by an Assistant Principal. The Business Services Functional Area is reducing the amount of administrative activities performed by operational Members. In turn, this is releasing Garda members to focus on frontline and community policing.

Question No. 53 answered with Question No. 30.

Traveller Community

Ceisteanna (54)

Gino Kenny

Ceist:

54. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Justice if her attention has been drawn to the Irish Travellers’ Access to Justice Launch Landmark Report published recently by the University of Limerick that found that Travellers’ trust in the Irish criminal justice system is extremely low and that fears of wrongful arrest, excessive use of force, wrongful conviction, disproportionately high sentences and wrongful imprisonment frame the way that Travellers engage with and experience the criminal justice system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35955/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

The recently published Irish Travellers Access to Justice Report is a welcome and valuable body of research.

The Department’s mission is for a safe, fair and inclusive Ireland and a justice system that works for all. This report will be a valuable contribution to the evidence base available to inform future policy development in this regard.

While it is clear that there is more work to be done, significant work is underway across the justice sector to develop better relationships with the Traveller community.

In particular, An Garda Síochána is committed to providing a human-rights focused policing service that protects the rights of all people they come into contact with. This is at the heart of the Garda Code of Ethics and the Garda Decision Making Model, and has been spoken about repeatedly by Commissioner Harris.

The Garda Commissioner has put a strong focus on equality, diversity and inclusion, as An Garda Síochána seek to embed the principle that human rights are the foundation and the purpose of policing in Ireland. An Garda Síochána have demonstrated this in recent years through the establishment of the Garda National Diversity & Integration Unit (GNDIU), publication of an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy Statement and Action Plan.

Gardaí have made strides in developing good relationships with the Traveller Community and its representative bodies through initiatives such as the establishment of a Garda-Traveller Advisory Group, Garda-Traveller Dialogue Days, and Traveller representative groups assisting in providing training for Garda recruits and Garda members.

Furthermore, it is important that we ensure that police powers are exercised in a consistent and unbiased way and that marginalised individuals and groups are not disproportionately impacted. The An Garda Síochána (Powers) Bill will address the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland’s recommendation that - for the purposes of clarity and transparency - police powers of search, arrest and detention should be codified and supported by statutory codes of practice. This is supported by relevant training to ensure members have the personal and professional expertise to proactively police Ireland's diverse community.

I would also point to the important role of the Judicial Council in ensuring a high level of public confidence in, and maintaining, the acknowledged high standards of excellence of, our judiciary. The Judicial Studies Committee has been established to deliver regular judicial training, including on judicial conduct and ethics, and on unconscious bias and vulnerable witnesses.

In conclusion, the report will be considered across the justice sector with a view to taking all possible steps to improve service delivery and outcomes to our Travelling Community.

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (55)

Joe Carey

Ceist:

55. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Justice the total number of gardaí at present; the total number of trainees currently in training for An Garda Síochána; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35703/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes responsibility for the deployment of Garda members throughout the State. As Minister, I have no role in the matter.

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 optimal use. I understand that it is a matter for the Divisional Chief Superintendent to determine the distribution of duties among the personnel available to them, having regard to the profile of each area within the Division and its specific needs.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that on 31 May 2022, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 14,347 Garda members across the country. This represents an increase of almost 12% since 2015, when there were 12,816 Garda members throughout the country.

The Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs, with an unprecedented allocation provided in Budget 2022 of over €2 billion. The Deputy may be aware that there was a very strong interest in the recent Garda recruitment campaign, with over 11,000 people applying to become a member. The recruitment process is continuing to identify candidates to enter the Garda College over the coming period.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that on 31 May 2022, the latest date for which figures are available, there are 84 trainees currently in the college. The number of attestations this year so far is 317 (145 in Jan and 70 in Feb, 102 in May).

Departmental Funding

Ceisteanna (56)

Colm Burke

Ceist:

56. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice the number of applications received in respect of the new community safety innovation fund; when it is anticipated that funding allocations will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35735/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

The development of the Community Safety Innovation Fund is a key commitment under Justice Plan 2022 which will have a significant impact on the development of community safety projects throughout the country.

As the Deputy will be aware, my Department opened applications for the new Community Safety Innovation Fund on 11 April 2022.

The new fund will use money seized from the proceeds of crime to support investment in innovative community safety projects. This a fitting reflection of the successful work of An Garda Síochána and the Criminal Assets Bureau in identifying and seizing proceeds from criminal activity.

The fund has an initial allocation of €2 million under Budget 2022, and I expect this funding to grow in future to continue to reflect the successes of An Garda Síochána, the Criminal Assets Bureau and other agencies involved in denying criminal elements the benefits of their enterprises. Of course, any future allocations to the fund will be subject to the usual budgetary processes.

The new Community Safety Innovation Fund closed for applications for its first year of operation on June 8 2022. I can confirm that my Department has received 120 applications from a diverse range of organisations seeking to access funding for innovative projects to improve community safety.

The process of initial eligibility assessment and scoring of the applications is ongoing and will continue through the summer. I expect that grants will be made to the successful applicants in the autumn.

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (57)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

57. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice if her Department has any way of monitoring levels of visible Garda presence in locations; her views on whether visible presence is an important feature of policing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35832/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

I can assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to ensuring that there is strong, visible policing throughout the country.

The budget provided by Government to the Garda Commissioner continues to increase to unprecedented levels, with an allocation of over €2 billion for 2022. An Garda Síochána has a strong tradition of community engagement and visible policing, and this funding demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources required to build on this high level of engagement and to ensure our communities are safe.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that, as of 31 May 2022 there were 14,347 Garda members nationwide. In addition, and as a result of the increasing levels of recruitment of Garda staff to the organisation, over 800 Garda members to date have also been reassigned to frontline policing duties in recent years, where their expertise and training can be best utilised to provide visible policing to our communities.

The Deputy may be aware that there was a very strong interest in the recent Garda recruitment campaign, with over 11,000 people applying to become a member. The recruitment process is continuing to identify candidates to enter the Garda College over the coming period.

It is vital that everyone in our society sees members of their own communities serving in An Garda Síochána and I particularly welcome that 40% of applicants were women and that there is a notable increase in numbers applying from minority backgrounds including Travellers, Black Irish and Asian Irish. Successful candidates from this competition will begin entering the Garda college later this year, and the new panel will provide the capacity for continued recruitment into next year.

Very significant capital investment is being made in An Garda Síochána, including the provision for a capital budget of €147 million for An Garda Síochána’s ICT and Building Programme and ongoing investment in the organisation’s transport fleet.

Budget 2022 provides €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.

An Garda Síochána continues to implement high visibility policing plans to address public disorder related issues and anti-social behaviour, 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.

The Deputy will appreciate that, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the landscape of issues faced by An Garda Síochána is changing. For example, the increase in fraud offences shows that policing does not only take place on the streets, it must also put a focus on cyber-related crimes.

Finally, and of great benefit to the delivery of modern policing services in the community, the Garda Commissioner is in the course of introducing the new Garda Operating Model which, in line with the recommendations of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland, is designed to make changes to the structures of An Garda Síochána to provide for more frontline Gardaí, increased Garda visibility, and a wider range of policing services for people in their local area.

Closed-Circuit Television Systems

Ceisteanna (58)

James O'Connor

Ceist:

58. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice the position regarding the roll-out of community CCTV systems in Garda stations; if GDPR concerns have been addressed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35977/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy is aware, the rollout of community CCTV schemes across the country has benefitted many communities, helping people to feel safer in their local areas. It is a priority for my Department to ensure that community groups continue to be supported in their valued contributions to their local CCTV schemes. Community-based CCTV is currently governed by Section 38(3)(c) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 and the Garda Síochána (CCTV) Order 2006 (SI 289 of 2006). This legal framework requires that any proposed community CCTV scheme must:

- be approved by the local Joint Policing Committee,

- have the prior support of the relevant local authority, which must also act as data controller, and

- have the authorisation of the Garda Commissioner.

In September 2020, the Data Protection Commissioner Helen Dixon wrote to me setting out her concerns with the administration of the community CCTV schemes in Ireland. She noted that the arrangements had not been updated to take account of the GDPR and she suggested that she would use her extensive enforcement powers if there was no radical overhaul of the Community CCTV schemes.

Following receipt of this letter, my officials met with An Garda Síochána and the Data Protection Commission on a number of occasions. Agreement was reached on a proposed new scheme which has been included in the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Bill 2022 which has been approved by Government on 21 June 2022 and which will be published in the coming weeks. The new scheme is GDPR compliant.

The new scheme only allows for local authorities or members of An Garda Síochána to be authorised to run community CCTV schemes in the future. Authorisations will last for up to five years. Data protection impact assessments and joint data controller agreements will have to be provided.

Applications for schemes will have to be precise about the number of cameras, the exact location and the extent of their coverage. Specific details about the confidentiality of data, security, storage, retention, erasure and destruction of data will be set out in a Code of Practice to be drafted by An Garda Síochána and to be submitted to the Minister for Justice for inclusion in a Statutory Instrument. It shall be an offence to operate CCTV or to cause CCTV to be operated without the appropriate authorisation or to falsify ,conceal destroy or otherwise dispose of information gathered by CCTV under this legislation.

I am also conscious that I wish to retain community sector involvement in the new scheme even though, they will no longer be able to operate schemes or receive an authorisation. It is my intention that when the Community Safety Partnerships are established under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill, this will be the forum where community groups can make the case for having a CCTV scheme in their community. The scheme must get the approval of both the local authority and the Garda Commissioner but it is my intention to retain that important community link.

Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence

Ceisteanna (59)

Claire Kerrane

Ceist:

59. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Justice if consideration has been given to the allocation of additional refuge spaces in counties Roscommon and Galway given the recent transfer of responsibility for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence service delivery to her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35743/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

It is my intention that every person who needs a refuge space will have access to one. I fully acknowledge the need for a significant increase in the provision of refuge spaces and I am committed to achieving this in order to ensure that victims have a safe place when they need it.

Last week, I brought to Government the Third National Strategy to combat Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based violence. The Strategy has a particular focus on prevention, and on ensuring victims are better supported. It contains actions for nationwide delivery of refuge accommodation.

As a start, the Strategy commits to doubling the number of refuge places. This will be the fastest ever expansion of refuge spaces. By the end of the strategy we will have over 280 refuge spaces, and we will also work to deliver additional safe homes and step down accommodation as a key part of this.

As the Deputy will be aware, Tusla, the Child and Family Service, completed a review of accommodation services for victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence which identified a number of priority locations where there is a particular urgency. Among Tusla's considerations were population and distance from refuges.

It is my intention to use the findings of this review as one of the ways to address gaps in the provision of refuge places.

A key recommendation of the Tusla review is to provide more safe accommodation with a focus on short-term safe ‘emergency’ accommodation. Based on analysis at the time, it found a minimum of between 50 and 60 new refuge places are needed as a priority. Further analysis, as well as the work of an Inter-Departmental Group on the provision of domestic violence accommodation, has identified 12 locations nationwide where the delivery of 98 family refuge spaces would have the most impact, if prioritised.

These locations represent areas where there is the most significant under-provision and are a starting point to increasing refuge spaces comprehensively across the country.

Athlone, which services a significant catchment area within Co Roscommon, and Sligo are identified in the review as priority locations for the development of refuge services. It is expected that developments in Sligo and the wider midlands area would also improve access for those in Co. Roscommon and Co. Galway.

A practical approach will be taken to achieve targets as many factors can influence the speed at which a project is delivered such as, the identification of a suitable site or building, planning processes, tendering processes, appointment of contractors, etc. The areas identified are a priority for the development of refuge accommodation and every effort will be made to ensure this happens as speedily as possible.

As part of the work to implement the Third National Strategy, my Department will advance the recommendations made in the Tusla review to both improve how, and how quickly, we deliver refuge spaces.

The strategy contains actions for doing so both in the immediate and longer term and commits to the delivery of 24 refuge places currently underway in Wexford, Dundalk and Navan by 2024 with all units in priority locations delivered by the end of the strategy in 2026.

Departmental Reports

Ceisteanna (60)

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Ceist:

60. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide an update on the work programme and engagements of the Drogheda implementation board; the status of the recommendations contained in a report (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35982/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will be aware, the publication and implementation of the recommendations of the Drogheda scoping report are key actions in my Department's Justice Plan 2022. Last year my Department published a report I had commissioned from the former Director of the Probation Service, Mr. Vivian Geiran, who made over 70 recommendations on short and long-term responses to challenges the community faces in Drogheda. These include measures around crime prevention, youth services, drug addiction, education, infrastructure and community development. The recommendations highlight the need for improved interagency cooperation in the administration and delivery of State services in Drogheda, as well as the need to provide additional resources and services in certain areas. In July of last year, Minister Humphreys obtained Government approval for an Implementation Plan for the report. The Government also committed to a special focus on Drogheda, including Departments and State agencies prioritising necessary funding applications for projects related to the Drogheda Implementation Plan. The Implementation Plan identifies the relevant stakeholders for each recommendation and outlines the next steps for engagement and delivery. The Plan is a living document and will be reviewed by my Department each quarter, with progress reports produced twice yearly. This approach will facilitate ongoing engagement and consultation and my Department has just completed the first quarterly review. The first progress report of the Drogheda Implementation Plan, combining updates from Q1 and Q2 of 2022, is currently under development and will be published in Quarter 3 of this year.

The most important aspect of the Plan is at local level where the Drogheda Implementation Board is the core driver and co-ordinator of the activities outlined in the plan and my Department leads national oversight to ensure strategic direction, action planning and the delivery of the Drogheda Implementation Plan.

The first meetings of the Drogheda Implementation Board took place on 13 October 2021 and a number of positive actions have arisen from the plan to date. For example:

- The Department of Education has provided additional supports to the three Northside schools identified in the report for a five year period.

- My own Department and the HSE have provided further funding to the Red Door Project to ensure the continued provision of their important services. In total across 2021 and 2022, this represents an investment of €230,000 in staffing resources to provide additional services in the Drogheda area.

- Funding was also provided to the Moneymore Consortium to support their planning work for the proposed development of a community hub facility and to the Moneymore Childcare Centre to ensure the continuation of the essential meal service they provide to children.

- My Department has also secured a further €250,000 in Dormant Accounts Funding for continued implementation of targeted crime prevention and harm-reduction measures in Drogheda in 2022.

- My Department also announced additional Youth Diversion Funding of almost €75,000 for early intervention and family supports to the Boyne Project.

Further details on the progress to date will be available in the upcoming progress report.