Written Answers Nos. 415-430
416. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of new unmarked and marked Garda vans allocated to the Garda dog unit in 2021 and to date in 2022; and the number of these vehicles that were withdrawn during this period. [47168/22]
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 the purchase, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.
I am assured, however, that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.
I am informed that the Garda Dog Unit (GDU) is based at Kilmainham Garda Station, in the Dublin Metropolitan Region and has a National remit under the direction and control of Assistant Commissioner, Organised and Serious Crime, and the strategic control of Detective Chief Superintendent, Operational Support Services.
The table below, which has been provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of marked and unmarked vans allocated to the Garda Dog Unit and those removed from the Garda Dog Unit in the time frames requested by the Deputy.
Garda Dog Unit - Van Allocations & Removals for 2021
|
2021 |
Marked |
Unmarked |
Total |
|
Allocated |
0 |
2 |
2 |
|
Removed |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Garda Dog Unit - Van Allocations & Removals as of 23 September 2022
|
Allocated |
0 |
2 |
2 |
|
As of 23 September 2022 |
Marked |
Unmarked |
Total |
|
Removed |
0 |
0 |
0 |
417. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda immigration officers by rank attached to Dublin Port and Dun Laoghaire Port as of 1 January 2021 and 21 September 2022, in tabular form. [47169/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner has responsibility for the management and administration of Garda business, including the deployment of immigration officers countrywide and those attached to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).
As the Deputy will be aware, Garda Immigration officers have numerous functions, including registrations of immigration permissions for customers living outside the Dublin area, carrying out deportations, border control at ports of entry other than Dublin Airport, and investigations relating to illegal immigration.
I have contacted An Garda Síochána for the information requested by the Deputy, regretfully this information was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.
|
DATE |
Sergeant |
Gardaí |
|
01/01/2021 |
3 |
25 |
|
01/09/2022 |
3 |
22 |
418. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of prosecutions before the Children's Court in 2019, 2020 and 2021; the number of orders for fines against the child, compensation orders against the parents, guardian and or detention that were ordered in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47195/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraManagement of the courts, operational matters and logistical functions are the responsibility of the judiciary and Courts Service, which are independent in exercising their functions under the Courts Service Act 1998 and given the separation of powers 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: oireachtasenquiries@courts.ie.
Therefore, I have referred your question to the Courts Service for their direct reply.
419. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Justice if she proposes to publish legislation shortly reforming the alcohol licensing regime; if so, when this legislation can be expected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47198/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Justice Plan 2022 commits to publishing and enacting new laws to update and modernise alcohol licensing laws in Ireland. The Minister is delivering on that commitment by preparing Heads of a General Scheme of a Sale of Alcohol Bill.
The objective of the proposed Bill is to repeal the Licensing Acts 1833 to 2018, the Registration of Clubs Acts 1904 to 2008, and the Public Dance Hall Act 1935, and to replace them with updated and streamlined provisions more suited to the 21st century. In addition, codifying alcohol licensing law into a single Act will make it more accessible and user-friendly for the licensed trade, courts, Gardaí and the public.
The creation of new categories of intoxicating liquor licences in order to meet the needs of new areas of activity in the hospitality sector is under consideration.
Changes in alcohol licensing laws must be balanced with the need for regulation in the public interest, in particular, public health and public order. Reforms will be developed with a supportive approach to businesses, and the interests of public health, consumers and communities will be central to implementation.
Work on the consolidation and reform of the licensing laws and the drafting of the General Scheme is advancing well. This is a reform on which there are many views across society, and the legislation needs to be informed by those views.
Last November, the Minister launched a wide-ranging consultation to seek the views of the public on the modernisation of Ireland’s licensing laws. Members of the public, academics, sectoral groups, and representative organisations were invited to complete an online survey and/or make a written submission to the Department.
There was a high level of response to the consultation, with in excess of 5,000 responses received. The Department has reviewed these responses to ensure the reform of the legislation takes account of and is informed by this engagement.
On 10th March, the Minister hosted a consultation webinar and panel discussion event on the reform of the alcohol licensing laws to give an opportunity for further discussion of the issues of concern to stakeholders. That webinar can be viewed on the Department’s YouTube channel via the following link: youtu.be/0tMtKzd_9jA .
It is intended to progress this legislation in the months ahead. Submissions from stakeholders will of course be carefully considered in the context of publication of the forthcoming Bill. Details of the proposed reform will be included in the General Scheme when published.
420. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Justice the estimated cost to fit 100% of roads policing unit vehicles with automatic number plate recognition services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47239/22]
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 the purchase, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are currently 329 vehicles attached to Roads Policing units across An Garda Síochána, of which 117 are currently fitted with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) capabilities.
I am further informed that according to the most recent quote, received by the Garda authorities in 2020, the cost to fit one vehicle with ANPR equipment is approximately €12,500. To fit the equipment to the remaining 212 Garda vehicles would cost approximately €2,650,000.
I am advised that each of the 212 Garda vehicles that are not equipped with ANPR predate 2019. As such, fitting the equipment to some of these vehicles may not be cost-efficient.
I am informed that 110 of the outstanding 212 vehicles are Garda motorcycles. These vehicles are not currently being equipped with ANPR capabilities. Excluding these vehicles and equipping the remaining 102 vehicles would cost €1,275,000. I am also informed that there are currently 4 ANPR-equipped motorcycles which are testing this capability in this type of vehicle.
I am advised that due to the volume of Garda vehicles concerned, a third-party vehicle contractor would be required to undertake this work. I understand the above estimate does not consider any contractor fees.
421. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Justice the number of cases that the Garda human trafficking investigation and co-ordination unit has dealt with in 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47240/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraHuman trafficking is a particularly heinous crime, based on deception and exploitation of vulnerable people.
This Government is serious about preventing and prosecuting human trafficking. We are confident that the victim-centred policy approach we are taking will encourage more victims to come forward which will, in turn, strengthen prosecutions and convictions.
The General Scheme of the Criminal Justice (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Bill 2022, published in July, will put a revised National Referral Mechanism (NRM) on a statutory footing, making it easier for victims of trafficking to come forward, be identified, and access support.
The NRM is the framework through which the State fulfils its obligations to protect and promote the human rights of trafficking victims, working in partnership with civil society.
The proposed new NRM was approved by Government in May 2021 and is a key component in combatting human trafficking. It will provide for civil society groups that support victims to refer them for formal identification and will make it easier for victims of human trafficking to come forward and be identified so they can access all of the supports and resources that are available to them.
This is a clear demonstration of Ireland’s commitment to identify and support victims of this abhorrent crime and it will strengthen our international reputation in this area.
I also want to draw the Deputy's attention to the advanced work to develop a new National Action Plan on human trafficking.
My Department has engaged with a working group to draft the new National Action Plan high-level goals and outcomes. A draft Action Plan has been prepared and I intend to engage in a further round of stakeholder consultations before the plan is finalised and submitted to Government for approval in Q4 2022.
Other significant measures introduced in Ireland to combat trafficking, create a more victim-centred approach to identifying and supporting victims, and to raise awareness and provide training, include -
- The development of training, through NGOs, targeting front line staff in industries such as hospitality, airline, shipping and security who may come into contact with trafficked persons
- Increased funding for supporting victims of crime generally and increased funding dedicated specifically to supporting victims of trafficking.
- For the past number of years the Department of Justice has partnered with the United Nations International Organisation for Migration (IOM) office in Dublin on an annual campaign to raise awareness in society that victims of trafficking can be found anywhere and can be hidden in plain sight and we are looking forward to building on this work with IOM.
The Third National Strategy on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence that I recently launched contains an action to identify linkages between the implementation plan accompanying the Strategy, and the National Action Plan on human trafficking, as well as ensuring actions to prevent prostitution and combat trafficking for sexual exploitation are addressed in an integrated manner.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that a search of the PULSE database was conducted on 22 September 2022 to identify any incident of PULSE category “Human Trafficking” which includes the following types:
- Labour Exploitation - Person Other Than A Child
- Sexual Exploitation - Person Other Than A Child
- Labour Exploitation Of A Child
- Sexual Exploitation Of A Child
- Soliciting or Importuning for Prostitution
- Other Offences
- Any incident of PULSE category ‘Miscellaneous’ and of type ‘Human Trafficking Offences’
I have been advised that the count of unique incidents for the full year 2021 and YTD to 21/09/2022 is as follows:
|
2021 |
2022 |
|
|
Incidents |
51 |
29 |
Information provided is taken from PULSE as of 22 September 2022; it is operational and may be liable to change. Crime counting rules have not been applied to the incident count.
422. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Justice if a new contract for the provision of new Garda roads policing motorcycles will be put out to tender in Quarter 4 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47241/22]
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 the purchase, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I am advised, however, that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review to ensure their optimum use in light of identified operational needs and emerging crime trends.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that at 31 August 2022, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 3,299 vehicles assigned to the Garda fleet. This represents an increase of over 18% since end December 2019 when there were 2,794 vehicles assigned to the fleet.
As the Deputy is aware, all Garda vehicles are procured under contracts tendered by the Office of Government Procurement. I am advised by the Garda authorities that there is a current tender in place and that a new contract will not be put out to tender during Quarter 4 of 2022.
423. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Justice the number of cases Cavan-Monaghan that the divisional protection services unit has dealt with in 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47242/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to assure the Deputy that both Commissioner Harris and I are committed to combatting all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence and to ensuring that An Garda Síochána is resourced to provide support to victims of this terrible crime.
As I am sure the Deputy is aware, the national roll out of Divisional Protective Service Units (DPSUs) was an action under Supporting a Victim's Journey, and it has now been completed.
There is now a DPSU established in every Garda division across the country. This ensures that vulnerable victims of crimes, such as domestic abuse and sexual violence, presenting to Gardaí are met with a consistently high standard of specialist, sensitive, professional and expert assistance. This specialisation ensures that when victims of domestic and sexual violence present to Gardaí, at perhaps their most vulnerable moment, they are met with professional and expert assistance.
I would like to assure the Deputy that while officers attached to DPSUs receive a range of specialist training, all Gardaí are trained as first responders so they are equipped to deal with victims, including of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.
On foot of the Deputy's question, I contacted An Garda Síochána to seek the specific information requested concerning the number of cases that Cavan-Monaghan Protective Services Unit have dealt with in 2021 and to date in 2022. That information is presented in the table below:
|
2021 |
194 |
|
2022 (as of Friday, 23rd September, 2022 ) |
130 |
424. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Justice the number of standard and advanced motorcycle courses that have been held for gardaí within the Cavan-Monaghan division in 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47243/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, which includes Garda training. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I am advised by the Garda authorities no standard or advanced motorcycle courses have been held for Gardaí within the Cavan-Monaghan division in 2021 and to date in 2022.
425. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Justice if her Department will provide a person (details supplied) with a visa while they recuperate and pursue recourse given the catastrophic accident suffered by them as an undocumented migrant fisher on an Irish-flagged fishing vessel; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47292/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIf a person is resident in the State without an immigration permission I would encourage them to contact their local immigration office or to write to Unit 2 Domestic Residence and Permissions division of my Department and to take all the appropriate steps to regularise their status.
I have been informed that there is no immigration or Atypical Workers Scheme (AWS) for Seafishers application approved or pending in the name of the person whose details were supplied .
The AWS for Seafishers was introduced almost 6.5 years ago to prevent the need for undocumented work and to ensure that those legally employed in the fishing sector could avail of the employment protections and other state supports while participating in the AWS for Seafishers.
Any letter of application submitted should explain their current circumstances and future intentions in the State and provide any documentation they feel will support their application. In all cases, people must engage with the authorities if they wish to be permitted to remain here legally.
The Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) examines each application to remain in the State on a case-by-case basis and has consistently urged anyone in this position to come forward if they wish to apply to regularise their immigration position in the State.
Unit 2 can be contact by email or by letter, the contact details are:
Email: Unit2ResidenceDivision@justice.ie
Postal Address:
Residence Unit 2
Immigration Service Delivery
Department of Justice
13-14 Burgh Quay
Dublin 2 D02 XK70
Ireland
426. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health if the pandemic bonus payment has been paid to firefighters and paramedics to date; if not, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47036/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.
The HSE and the Department are currently examining progressing the rollout to the list of 6 non-HSE/non-Section 38 organisation types covered by the Government Decision. This measure will be ring fenced to staff working ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments.
It is hoped that information will be published shortly for those certain non-HSE/Section 38 healthcare employees that are covered by the Government Decision and the process available to their employers to implement this measure for their eligible staff. This shall cover eligible staff in:
1. Private Sector Nursing Homes and Hospices (e.g. Private, Voluntary, Section 39 etc.);
2. Eligible staff working on-site in Section 39 long-term residential care facilities for people with disabilities;
3. Agency roles working in the HSE;
4. Health Care Support Assistants (also known as home help / home care / home support) contracted to the HSE;
5. Members of the Defence Forces redeployed to work in frontline Covid-19 exposed environments in the HSE;
6. Paramedics employed by Dublin Fire Brigade to deliver services on behalf of the HSE.
The above 6 areas only are covered by this Government Decision and all eligible workers will be paid in accordance with the overarching eligibility criteria in place.
Regarding cohorts 5 and 6, the Department and HSE are engaging with other Departments where applicable to progress payments as soon as possible for eligible staff.
427. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Health if his Department will be recognising the recommendation of the European Commission and the EU Advisory Committee on Safety and Health at Work to recognise Covid-19 as an occupational disease for health care workers; if his Department will move to adapt legislation according to the updated Commission recommendation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46562/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU Advisory Committee on Health & Safety have recently recommended the recognition of Covid as an occupational illness in health and social care, however Member States vary in respect of their treatment of Covid in this regard.
In Ireland, Special Leave with Pay (SLWP) is available for the recommended isolation period, for civil and public servants nationally who contract Covid. SLWP provides for paid leave, including full pay, any fixed allowances payable as well as premium payments.
For those who remain unfit to attend the workplace and are suffering from long-Covid, a scheme, specific to the public health service has been developed to provide for Paid Leave for Public Health Service Employees unfit for work post Covid infection.
The HSE have issued the full details of the Scheme to all public health service employers by circular, and employees who meet the criteria for eligibility for the Scheme have been notified that they will transfer to the new Scheme retrospectively from 1st July 2022.
I am advised by officials from the Department of Social Protection who operate the national Occupational Injuries Benefit Scheme, that Covid-19 does not constitute a prescribed disease or illness as set out in the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 and that they do not intend on revising this position.
428. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if funding has been allocated to the building of primary healthcare centre in Drimnagh, Dublin; the timeframe for the commencement of building work; the estimated timeframe for the opening of this facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46583/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
429. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if respite care will be granted for a person (details supplied) in a hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46587/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
430. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Health if he is considering lifting the ban on water births; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46591/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the National Women and Infants Health Programme leads on the management, organisation and delivery of maternity, gynaecological and neonatal services, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
