Written Answers Nos. 61-79
61. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Justice if she will indicate her support for a public inquiry into the death of a person (details supplied) in a hit-and-run near their home in Monaghan over ten years ago; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35959/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn February 2019, retired District Court Judge Gerard Haughton was appointed by the then Minister for Justice and Equality to carry out a scoping exercise in the light of the public controversy surrounding the circumstances of the death of Shane O'Farrell. The purpose of the scoping exercise was to advise the Minister as to whether any further investigation or inquiry beyond those already carried out was necessary and, if so, to advise on the form of such investigation or inquiry and its terms of reference. Judge Haughton submitted his final report to me on 1 June. Upon receipt of the final report the advice of the Attorney General was sought in relation to the issue of publication and other matters arising. I am currently considering the Report and the Attorney General’s advice which I have received. I will decide how to proceed once I have concluded my deliberations.
62. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice the progress made to date on the implementation of the national youth justice strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35953/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, Minister Browne and I published the new Youth Justice Strategy 2021-2027 in April last year. I wish to thank the Deputy for his significant work on the Strategy during his tenure as Minister of State.
The Strategy includes consideration of the full range of issues connected to children and young people at risk of coming into contact with the criminal justice system, including early intervention and preventative work, family support and diversion from crime, through to court process and facilities, supervision of offenders, detention and reintegration and support post release.
The Strategy document, as published on my Department's website, includes a comprehensive implementation statement, laying out the key objectives and actions of the plan, and the lead agency for each deliverable.
The Strategy commits to the publication of an annual implementation update from the Governance and Strategy Group (GSG) provided for in the implementation statement, the first of which is due to be published shortly.
However, I can share the following update of actions that are already in progress:
- Since the launch of the strategy in April 2021, we have established dedicated inter-agency oversight and co-ordination groups at national level, led by my Department.
- We have established a stakeholder advisory group, chaired by Minister Browne, to ensure that we maintain a strong working relationship with the community sector as we go about implementing the strategy.
- We have established an enhanced research partnership, known as REPPP, with the University of Limerick which is providing dedicated research and evidential support for policy development as well as supporting effective practices in front-line Youth Justice services.
- REPPP is also supporting cutting edge pilot initiatives such as the Greentown programme to engage with children involved in criminal networks, and the expansion of the Bail Supervision Scheme.
We have made important progress with an ambitious expansion programme for the network of Youth Diversion Projects, and enhancing the scope of the services which they provide. Budget 2022 provides an additional €6.7 million in funding for Youth Justice services, which meets a key commitment of the Strategy to expand the Youth Diversion Project (YDP) network so that every child/young person who could benefit from these services is able to do so. There are currently 105 YDPs across the State, acting as a vital community based support to the statutory Garda Youth Diversion Programme.
Minister Browne announced on 22 June that over 50 YDPs will benefit from this additional funding to:
- Extend the boundaries of some YDPs to increase coverage, as provided for in the Youth Justice Strategy,
- Increase funding to engage with the harder to reach cohort of referrals,
- Provide additional early intervention supports,
- Provide family supports to the relatives of those young people engaged with the YDPs,
- Further develop the Solas initiative in Dublin.
Of this €6.7million, approximately €780,000 has also been set aside to establish a limited number of additional YDPs this year in geographical areas not currently covered by YDPs to ensure that the service is available to every child or young person in the State who would benefit from it.
63. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice her views on recent crime trends in Dublin; and the reports she is receiving from the Garda Commissioner on changes in operational policing. [35975/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with goal one of Justice Plan 2022 to Tackle crime, enhance national security and transform policing, I have been informed that An Garda Síochána are undertaking a number of operations in Dublin as part of the government’s overall aim to ensure that people are safe and feel safe in their own community.
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, which includes responsibility for the organisation's approaches to preventing and investigating criminal activity. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.
I can inform the Deputy that the Garda Síochána Analysis Service (GSAS) closely monitors crime trends and disseminates analysis on a regional and divisional basis. This feeds directly into planning operational activities aimed at reducing and preventing crime.
I can also assure the Deputy that local Garda management continue to monitor crime trends across their respective Divisions. I understand that when specific crime trends/patterns are identified, local management consider additional measures outside of normal policing responses, including location-specific patrols, intelligence-led operations, and searches and arrests to combat known individuals involved in such crimes. As the Deputy will appreciate, these measures are best implemented on a local basis and this is an operational decision for the Gardaí.
I am informed by the Garda authorities 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. 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 Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR).
In addition to the above, Operation Irene commenced in the DMR on 1 June, 2022 and continues until 31 August, 2022. The aim of this operation is 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.
Operation Limmat is the DMR’s Assault in public and public order reduction strategy. The Operation 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.
65. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice the number of applications received for the regularisation of long-term undocumented migrants scheme to date; the number of successful applications to date; the number of unsuccessful applications to date; the number of appeals that have been lodged to date, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35736/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department opened the once-in-a generation scheme for the Regularisation of Long Term Undocumented Migrants in the State on 31 January 2022 for a six month period. The scheme is designed, following detailed engagement with the people affected, to give long-term undocumented people without a current immigration permission the chance to regularise their status, access the labour market and begin their path to citizenship.The scheme genuinely is a once-off, life-changing opportunity to obtain status in the State. I encourage everyone eligible for the scheme, who has not yet made an application, to do so before the closing date. I can assure people that we are examining applications pragmatically and humanely and we are considering all viable proofs of residence.If the Deputy is aware of someone who might be eligible for the scheme please encourage them to come forward. Applicants will be supported in a positive way and if they are not eligible for the scheme, other immigration options can be explored.
Applications can be made online at: inisonline.jahs.ie. The figures requested by the deputy are set out in the table.
|
Regularisation Scheme |
Applications Received |
No Of Persons |
Successful Applicants to date |
Unsuccessful/ineligible Applicants |
Appeals received |
|
General Scheme - to 29-June |
5242 |
6604 |
1200 |
0 |
0 |
|
International Protection Strand – to 24 June |
2038 |
2038 |
392* |
148 |
0 |
* In addition a further 422 equivalent permissions have been granted to applicants under the international protection strand since 7 February 2022, under either the statutory permission to remain or permission to remain review processes provided for in the International Protection Act 2015, before their applications under the scheme had been finalised.
Full details regarding the qualifying criteria, a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document and the required documentation for the Scheme is available on my Department's website at: www.irishimmigration.ie/regularisation-of-long-term-undocumented-migrant-scheme/.
Details of the International Protection strand of the scheme are available at: What's New - International Protection Office (ipo.gov.ie)
66. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide an update on the status of the work of her Department in tackling drug-related intimidation and reporting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35981/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is acutely aware of the substantial and ongoing damage that drug dealing has on communities across the country. Organised criminal activity, including drug dealing, represents a serious threat to community safety.
As the Deputy will be aware, 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.
Drug-related intimidation is a very serious issue and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) previously worked with the National Family Support Network to develop ‘the Drug Related Intimidation Reporting Programme’ to respond to the needs of drug users and family members experiencing drug-related intimidation, which met the obligations of An Garda Síochána under action 4.1.42 of the national drugs and alcohol strategy.
I am informed by Garda authorities that the Commissioner tasked an Inspector in every Garda Division to respond to the issue of drug related intimidation. There are currently thirty nominated Garda Inspectors appointed to act as liaison officers for the Drug Related Intimidation Reporting Programme, covering each Garda Division.
Additionally, the Drug Related Intimidation Reporting Programme annual conferences, which are coordinated via the National Drug Strategy Project Office at the GNDOCB, play a very important role in creating awareness of the programme among Garda members and the general public via the nominated Inspectors and Local / Regional Drugs and Alcohol Task Force representatives in attendance. The next conference is scheduled to take place during August 2022.
People seeking assistance may contact their local Inspector confidentially who will provide practical personal security and safety information and advice in relation to particular threats or instances of intimidation. Information in relation to the Drug Related Intimidation Reporting Programme and a list of the nominated Inspectors countrywide is available on the Garda Website, www.garda.ie. Furthermore, people may seek assistance or report a crime by contacting the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666111 or Crimestoppers on 1800 250025.
As the Deputy may be aware, in November 2021, Minister of State with responsibility for Public Health, Well Being and the National Drugs Strategy, Frank Feighan TD, launched A Data Driven Intervention Model to Respond Effectively to Drug Related Intimidation and Violence in Communities in Ireland, which is a report and model developed under the Drug Related Intimidation & Violence (DRIVE) project. The DRIVE Project is a multi-agency national initiative to build the capacity of communities to respond more effectively to drug related intimidation and violence with an outline of systems and structures that could be replicated in any community.
67. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí nationwide at the end of June 2022 or the latest date available; the equivalent number of at the end of 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35919/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe government has allocated An Garda Síochána with an unprecedented budget of over €2 billion for 2022. This level of funding is enabling sustained, ongoing recruitment of Garda members and staff. As a result, Garda numbers are now at over 14,300 Garda members and over 3,100 Garda staff nationwide. 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.
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. At the end of 2020, that number was 14,491.
As the Deputy will appreciate, Garda numbers nationwide can be affected by a number of factors, including retirements, medical discharges and resignations. The impact of policing measures and other steps to support the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic has also had an exceptional impact across the country over the past two years.
For the Deputy's information, detailed statistics on Garda workforce numbers are published on my Department's website and updated on a monthly basis.
69. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Justice the action being taken to tackle crime in rural areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35918/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to ensuring that people across both rural and urban Ireland are safe and feel safe, and to ensuring that there is strong, visible and effective policing, including community policing. A key pillar of the Programme for Government is building stronger and safer communities. As the Deputy will be aware, my Department funds a number of initiatives around the country to help build rural safety. In coordination with our colleagues in the National Rural Safety Forum, Minister Browne intends to develop and publish a Rural Safety Action Plan this autumn, which will complement the work of the Forum and consolidate the many excellent initiatives which are already underway on rural safety nationally.
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 detecting crime. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
The 2021-2022 winter phase of Operation Thor was launched by Gardaí in October 2021. Operation Thor is designed to tackle burglaries and associated criminal activities, which often increase in the darker winter months, through targeted enforcement and crime prevention activity and information.
This annual focus from Operation Thor has proved highly successful in tackling property-related crime since its inception in November 2015. In 2015, there were in excess of 18,800 residential burglaries reported. By contrast, in 2021 there were just over 6,000 residential burglaries reported, a reduction of over 66% or approximately 13,000 fewer residential burglaries.
While the COVID-19 pandemic was clearly a factor in some of this reduction, with people more likely to be present in their homes throughout the day, there has been a marked and consistent downward trend in such offences since the introduction of this Garda focus through Operation Thor.
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.
In addition to new recruits, the rollout of the new Garda Operating Model will support the redeployment of Gardaí from non-core duties to frontline policing across the country. The new model will see larger Divisions with more resources, increased Garda visibility in communities, a wider range of locally delivered policing services, and a strong focus on community policing.
My Department has for many years provided funding for the employment and associated costs of the national Community Alert Programme, including the employment of regional Development Officers. In 2021, my Department committed in the region of €150,000 to local communities who wish to apply for a rebate towards the costs associated with running their local Text Alert Scheme, which is administered by Muintir na Tíre. This is a continuation of the annual funding made available by the Department for the Text Alert Rebate scheme each year since 2016.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill will also provide for the establishment of innovative Local Community Safety Partnerships (LCSPs) to develop local safety plans, tailored to the priorities and needs identified by communities themselves. The LCSPs will replace and build upon the existing Joint Policing Committees, and will provide a forum for State agencies and local community representatives to work together to act on community concerns. Three pilot partnerships are currently underway in Longford, Waterford and Dublin's North Inner City.
70. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice the measures that are being taken to address the backlog of naturalisation applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35964/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Justice Plan 2022 commits to developing a fully digital, customer-centric immigration service and to enhance the efficiency of our immigration system. In line with these commitments, a number of actions have been taken to reduce the impact on immigration processing times, including the introduction of online applications, a new customer service helpdesk and a new customer-focused immigration website.
As a result of the introduction of the temporary statutory declaration process in January 2021, and the additional staff assigned to the citizenship team, last year, 11,512 citizenship decisions were delivered, which is the highest number of decisions since 2015 and reflects positively the significant changes undertaken to date.
For the first six months of 2022, almost 7,900 citizenship decisions have been issued, including 980 decisions on minor applications. This exceeds the total number of minor decisions issued during the whole of last year (868 minor decisions).
Since 1 January 2022, new applicants for citizenship no longer have to submit their original passport with their application. Instead, they can provide a full colour copy of their entire passport, including the front and back covers. This is also freeing up valuable staff that up to now have been engaged in returning passports to applicants and will also help to reduce processing times.
A number of digitisation measures have also been introduced to increase efficiency in the process, including eTax clearance, eVetting and online payments. The end result of the digitisation process will be to free up more staff to focus on processing applications in a timely and efficient manner, to improve service to our customers and reduce waiting times.
71. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide a list of active Garda stations within the Mayo Garda division, including opening and closing hours for each station. [35922/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including operational matters such as the opening and closing hours for each Garda station. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
The table, provided to me by the Garda authorities, outlines the opening and closing hours for all Garda stations in the Mayo Division.
|
Ballina |
24/7 |
|
Killala |
Wednesday 15:00 – 16:30 (Clinic In Ballycastle community centre 1st Wed every month 12:00 -13:00) |
|
Bonniconlon |
Monday 13:00 – 14:30 |
|
Foxford |
Monday 15:00 – 16:30 |
|
Crossmolina |
Wednesday 13:00 – 14:30 |
|
Belmullet |
24/7 |
|
Bangor Erris |
Monday 13:00 – 15:00 |
|
Glenamoy |
Tuesday 13:00 – 15:00 |
|
Ballycroy |
Wednesday 13:00 – 15:00 |
|
Claremorris |
24/7 |
|
Knock |
11 am – 12 pm subject to local roster arrangements |
|
Ballindine |
10 am – 1 pm subject to local roster arrangements |
|
Ballyhaunis |
Monday 19:00 – 20:00 Wednesday 19:00 – 20:00 |
|
Swinford |
Monday to Friday 10:00 – 14:00 |
|
Kiltimagh |
Open when member is rostered and available. |
|
Charlestown |
Open when member is rostered and available. |
|
Ballinrobe |
Tuesday 20:00 – 21:00 Thursday 20:00 – 21:00 |
|
Cong |
Open when member is rostered and available. |
|
Shrule |
Open when member is rostered and available. |
|
Kilmaine |
Open when member is rostered and available. |
|
Kilkelly |
Currently not open to the public due to maintenance works. |
|
Castlebar |
24/7 |
|
Balla |
Monday 08:00 – 10:00 Thursday 20:00 – 22:00 Saturday 10:00 – 12:00 & 17:00 – 19:00 |
|
Partry |
Monday 08:00 – 10:00 Thursday 20:00 – 22:00 Saturday 10:00 – 12:00 & 17:00 – 19:00 |
|
Westport |
24/7 |
|
Newport |
Open when member is rostered and available. |
|
Louisburg |
Open when member is rostered and available. |
|
Achill |
Open when member is rostered and available. |
|
Keel |
Open when member is rostered and available. |
Further detailed information in relation to Garda station opening hours can be found on the Garda website.
The information can be found at the following link: Station Directory - Garda
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:
www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/An_Garda_Siochana_facts_and_figures
72. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the total number of gardaí currently off duty as a result of injuries received in the course of their duties; the degree to which efforts are made to ensure any such attacks are minimised; if further action is required in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35893/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), 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 informed by the Garda Authorities that as of June 2022, there were 199 Garda members on sick leave due to an injury sustained while on-duty.
I am also advised by the Garda authorities that to ensure Garda members can safely and effectively carry out their statutory and common-law duties, Gardaí are trained in arrest and restraint techniques and they are provided with the following personal protective equipment (PPE) and trained in its use:
- Ballistic stab vest
- Asp baton
- Incapacitant Spray
- Rigid handcuffs
I am informed that Local Garda management conduct risk assessments on a regular basis to identify the hazards, assess the risk presented by the hazards and put control measures in place. The completed risk assessments are brought to the attention of all personnel. I am also informed that injury on duty records are not solely related to injuries arising from attacks on Garda members.
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.
73. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Justice if her attention has been drawn to the chronic need for refuge places for victims of domestic violence in north County Dublin; if she will outline in detail the timeline for the roll-out of refuge places; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35673/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt 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 Zero Tolerance: 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. 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.
The initial areas identified in the Tusla review include Balbriggan where ten family places are suggested as a starting point for prioritisation.
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.
74. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice her response to the issues raised in the 2021 annual report of the Free Legal Advice Centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35618/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have noted the publication last week of the Free Legal Aid Centre's annual report for 2021. FLAC plays a key role in the provision of legal information, advice and advocacy work and regularly engages with my Department on access to justice matters. My Department also provides substantial annual funding to FLAC to ensure that it can continue its important work helping people with legal problems. In Budget 2021 I trebled the funding for FLAC's telephone information referral line and I maintained that level of funding for this year. Their Annual Report notes that last year the highest number of calls were made to the referral line since 2015, with over 13,000 calls. The Annual Report also highlights an unmet legal need particularly in the areas of family and employment law. As the Deputy will be aware, I recently announced a review of the civil legal aid scheme, which FLAC has called a very significant moment in the history of access to justice. FLAC is an important member of the Review Group and its insights from working to promote equal access to justice for all will be invaluable to the Group as its work progresses.The review will allow for an assessment of how well access to justice is facilitated by our Civil Legal Aid Scheme, particularly for those on low incomes. The Review Group will make recommendations for its future, including in relation to eligibility. The Review Group is chaired by the former Chief Justice, Frank Clarke, and follows on from the work he has previously led under the Chief Justice's Access to Justice Working Group. The Review Group has commenced its work, which is expected to take a period of 12 months. It will report periodically on the progress of its work, before submitting its final report to me once its work is completed. The Review of the Civil Legal Aid Scheme is part of a broader civil justice reform programme that I am spearheading across my Justice Plan 2022. FLAC’s Annual Report highlighted that in 2021 almost a third of all queries to its Telephone Information and Referral Line related to family law matters. I am determined to overhaul the operation of the Family Justice System, to ensure we have a more efficient and user-friendly family court system that puts the family at the centre of its work. Work on drafting the Family Court Bill is progressing with a view to publishing the Bill as soon as possible in 2022.
75. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice if existing community CCTV schemes are precluded from funding under the community safety partnership funding stream; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35737/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, three Local Community Safety Partnerships are currently being piloted over 24 months in North Inner City Dublin, Waterford and Longford. These locations allow the proposed structure to be trialed in a high population density area, a medium population density area and a low population density area, with a regional distribution. The pilots are subject to independent evaluation, with learning outcomes taken into account in the drafting of the statutory framework for community safety and applied to the national roll out of similar partnerships in communities across the country. Membership of these Local Community Safety Partnerships includes representatives from relevant public services including the HSE, Tusla, An Garda Síochána, local authorities and councillors as well as residents and community groups, representatives of youth, new communities and the voluntary, business and education sectors. The pilots are each chaired by an independent chairperson and each pilot is also supported by a dedicated staff member - the local community safety coordinator - whose role is to support the Partnership, engage the residents in the community on safety issues and link them in with the work of the Partnership. The three pilot LCSPs have received funding for the provision of administrative support to undertake their work by my Department through the Dormant Accounts Fund. In addition, in recognition of the scale and complexity of the work of the North Inner City Dublin Partnership, additional funding was made available from the North East Inner City (NEIC) initiative and from my Department. Each Local Community Safety Partnership will develop a Local Community Safety Plan which will identify actions and the Department or Agency with responsibility for fulfilling these actions. Support to implement these actions will come from existing budget allocations. Local Community Safety Partnerships may also apply for funding for additional community safety interventions through the new Community Safety Innovation Fund, the establishment of which is provided for in Budget 2022. It is intended that this fund will support investment in projects which propose an innovative approach to improve community safety and which aren’t already covered under the costing funding streams. The fund, which is expected to grow in the coming years, has an initial outlay in 2022 of €2m. The call for applications for 2022 closed on 8 June. 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. Under the criteria of the fund, the applications for capital funding costs will only be considered if they are integral to a proposal itself and appropriately apportioned. Applications for capital costs alone are not eligible. The maintenance and expansion of an existing community CCTV scheme would therefore not be eligible. However, the Department also administers a Community Based CCTV Grand Aid Scheme. The scheme is intended to support local communities wishing to install and maintain CCTV security systems in their area, with the aim of increasing public safety and deterring illegal or anti-social behaviour. Further information is available on my Department's website at the following link www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Community_based_CCTV_grant_aid_scheme_Information_and_Documentation
76. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Justice the reason there has not been a publication of a general prison inspection report of an operational prison since 2014; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35908/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of the Inspector of Prisons is a statutory body, independent in how it carries out its work, set up under the Prisons Act 2007.
The Inspector's key role is to carry out regular inspections of prisons and the Inspector plays a vital role in ensuring effective independent oversight of our prison system. The Inspectorate also has responsibility for investigating deaths of prisoners in the custody of the Irish Prison Service.
The Office of the Inspector of Prisons has developed 'An Inspection Framework for the Inspection of Prisons in Ireland' which was launched on 15 September 2020. It sets out how the Inspectorate will conduct inspections of prisons in Ireland and is informed by the statutory underpinning of the Inspector in legislation, national legislation relating to prisons and prisoners’ rights, and international obligations owing to prisoners. Under this Framework, the Inspector will engage with and survey both prisoners and prison staff to gather information on prison conditions and prisoner welfare.
Following this, the Inspector embarked on an inspection of all prisons in Ireland in 2021. These inspections, while short in duration due to the situation with COVID-19, examined the treatment of prisoners and conditions in prisons across the Framework focus areas which are -
- Safety and Security;
- Respect and Dignity;
- Health and Wellbeing;
- Rehabilitation and Development;
- Resettlement.
The Inspectorate also developed a COVID-19 staff survey to assess the experience of prison staff working in prisons in 2021, and engaged in ongoing discussion with prison management and the Prison Service to provide robust inspections of all prisons in Ireland. These inspections resulted in twelve inspection reports which, when taken together, provide a general inspection account of the prison estate during the COVID-19 pandemic. These inspection reports, and the COVID-19 Staff Survey report, have all been published and can be found on the websites of the Inspector of Prisons and my Department.
I am advised that the Office of the Inspector of Prisons will conduct two general inspections of Irish Prisons in 2022 and one thematic inspection of a high-risk area. The Office of the Inspector of Prisons will also conduct a Strategic Threat and Risk Assessment Process in Q4 2022. This process will determine the inspection programme for 2023.
77. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice her views on whether persons convicted of domestic violence or violence against a partner or former partner should be placed on a register of domestic violence offenders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35641/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSetting up a domestic violence register is something I discussed with Jason Poole, brother of Jennifer Poole who was murdered by her ex-partner, when I met with Jason earlier this year.
After that meeting, I also discussed this with Commissioner Harris and it is included in the Third National Strategy on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence as a priority for consideration.
It is being considered as part of research to identify and address issues arising from the interface and interaction between civil and criminal law proceedings, which my Department is funding Dublin Rape Crisis Centre and National Women's Council of Ireland to undertake.
78. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice the status of the provision of a domestic violence refuge for counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35672/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt 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 Zero Tolerance: 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. 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 and the work of an Inter-Departmental Group on the provision of domestic violence accommodation 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.
The initial areas identified in the Tusla review include Cavan/Monaghan, where eight family places are suggested as a starting point for prioritisation.
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.
79. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Justice her plans to strengthen bail laws; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35648/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, the restricting of a person’s liberty is a serious issue, given the Constitutional presumption that a person is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
While the State’s bail laws do provide for the refusal of bail in certain circumstances, the presiding judge is entirely independent in the exercise of their judicial functions and the decision to grant bail in a particular case is solely a matter for the judge.
As the Deputy may be aware, the Bail Act 1997, which followed the 1996 Constitutional Referendum on the issue, enabled a court to refuse bail for a person charged with a serious offence to prevent the risk of another serious offence being committed while on bail.
The State’s bail laws have been further strengthened on three more occasions, specifically by the Criminal Justice Act, 2007, the Criminal Justice Act, 2015, and most recently by the Criminal Justice Act, 2017.
In considering whether to refuse bail under the 1997 Act, the Court is required to have regard to persistent serious offending by an applicant and, in specific circumstances, the nature and likelihood of any danger to a person or to the community from granting bail.
The 2017 Act provides for stricter bail terms for repeat serious offenders, including the use of curfews and strengthens Garda powers to deal with breaches of bail. If an individual fails to comply with any bail conditions, the judge will issue a bench warrant and this gives An Garda Síochána power to arrest and bring the person before the court to answer all charges relating to the bail.
In the event of a breach of High Court bail, the defendant must be brought before the Court as soon as practicable for a revocation hearing. A breach of bail may also result in an additional charge and an order and/or surety for ‘forfeiture and estreatment’ of the bail money.
While I am advised by An Garda Síochána that the State's amended bail laws have proven to be effective, all legislative provisions are kept under review, in light of the existing provisions and safeguards relating to the granting of bail.
Zero Tolerance, the Third National Strategy on Domestic Sexual and Gender Based Violence commits to establish a review cycle to identify outstanding and emerging further reforms required to law, practice and procedure outside of supporting the victim/survivor (with attention to the voices of adult and child survivors). As part of this work, consideration will be given to the possibility of placing limitations on the availability of bail for breaches of barring orders where there is a history of violence.
