Written Answers Nos. 21-40
21. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Justice her plans to introduce compulsory disability training for those involved in the administration of justice, in view of the fact that the Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill 2022 is close to completing all stages of the legislative process and the decision support service will open thereafter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52428/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am committed to supporting and building upon the high quality of the Irish judiciary, which has served Ireland so well over the last 100 years. This will be achieved through a number of important measures to reform legal education, judicial appointments and training and to enhance accountability and public confidence.
Though the judiciary is independent in carrying out training through the Judicial Council, I am aware that the Judicial Council has provided training for the High Court and Circuit Court judges in relation to the Act. The Decision Support Service (who will operate the provisions of the Act) participated in two training sessions for judges, organised by the Judicial Council. The presentation focused on the new support framework under the Assisted Decision-making (Capacity) Act 2015. The DSS indicated that there were a number of other speakers participating, including from the National Advocacy Service.
The Decision Support Service also provided an information session for the Courts Service and have been in regular contact to support preparations for commencement of the Act.
The Courts Service also rolled out “Just A Minute Card” training to all its staff in 2021. JAM Card allows people with a hidden disability or communication barrier to tell others that they need extra time and understanding in a private and easy way.
The programme for Government commits to commencing the Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act 2015, recognising the importance of the much-needed reform that it represents. The Act will bring into effect a new legislative framework to support decision-making by adults with capacity difficulties.
Responsibility for the Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act 2015 now rests with my colleague, the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality, Integration and Youth Minister O'Gorman, and his Department.
22. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide an update on efforts to tackle rural crime, and to particularly protect those who are vulnerable, either living alone or in rural, isolated areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52120/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe safety and welfare of every person, especially the most vulnerable in our communities, is of utmost importance.
The 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. The ongoing work of my Department in this area is highlighted in Justice Plan 2022. I was delighted, as one of the actions of this year's Justice Plan, to publish the Rural Safety Plan 2022-2024 at the Ploughing Championships in September.
I recognise that rural safety is not just about the number of Gardaí. Community Safety is a whole of Government responsibility and it requires a multi-agency approach. As the Deputy will be aware, my Department funds a number of initiatives around the country to help build rural safety.Of course 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.This year's winter phase of Operation Thor was launched by Gardaí on 01 October. 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.Since its inception in 2015, Operation Thor has proved highly successful in tackling property related crime and figures show that there has been a 36% reduction in the rate of such offences when compared to the pre COVID-19 levels in 2019. The Operation's winter phase places particular emphasis on preventing any predicted surge in burglaries of residential properties during this period. The Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs, with an unprecedented allocation provided in Budget 2023 of over €2.14 billion. I am advised that so far, the Public Appointment Service have provided to An Garda Síochána the first two batches of candidates from this year's recruitment campaign following the interview process, totalling approximately 270 candidates.
Coupled with the Commissioner's intention to launch another recruitment campaign in mid-2023 and the level of funding provided by Government, this will provide An Garda Síochána with a pipeline of recruits.
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.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 to develop local safety plans, tailored to the priorities and needs identified by communities themselves. The Local Community Safety Partnerships 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.
23. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide a detailed update on the progress made with respect to the Drogheda implementation report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52170/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraClear actions and timelines regarding the Drogheda Implementation Plan are included in the Justice Plan 2022, which reflects the Government’s commitment to put a special focus on Drogheda. As the Deputy may be aware, in 2021 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.
The report explored the challenges on the ground as well as local strengths and resources. It also identified measures that could support community safety and chart a path to improved community wellbeing in and around Drogheda.
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. The first progress report of the Drogheda Implementation Plan, combining updates from Q1 and Q2 2022, is currently under development and will be published in the coming weeks.
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, with my Department providing national oversight to ensure strategic direction, action planning and the delivery of the Drogheda Implementation Plan through the Drogheda Oversight Board, which has met twice to date.
The first meeting 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 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 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 announced additional Youth Diversion Funding of almost €75,000 for early intervention and family supports to the Boyne Project.
- Drogheda based projects the Red Door Project (€98,014) and Foróige (€150,000) also received funding under the Community Safety Innovation Fund announced this week.
- The Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris recently announced funding for a new craft skills training hub in Drogheda which will provide training to approximately 336 apprentices each year.
Further details on the progress to date will be available in the upcoming progress report.
24. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Justice if she will outline her Department’s plan going forward to expand the availability of domestic violence refuge in the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52051/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne of the overarching goals of the Zero Tolerance policy to address Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence is to ensure that everyone who needs a refuge space will get one, and I am committed to working with my Government colleagues and those working in the sector to achieve this.
In line with the priority which this government is attaching to tackling domestic, sexual and gender based violence, we will double the number of refuge spaces over the lifetime of the strategy, bringing it to 280.
The Tusla review of accommodation services for victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence identified priority locations where between 50 and 60 new refuge places are needed.
Further analysis undertaken identified 12 locations nationwide where the delivery of 98 family refuge spaces would have the most impact if prioritised.
In the initial phase of this work, we expect to have delivered 24 places in Wexford, Dundalk and Navan by 2024. The delivery of additional safe homes is also a key part of the response and it is expected to increase the number of safe homes by 15 this year.
In addition, by putting in place the correct structures to deliver additional refuge accommodation now, including the development of a new statutory agency, we will accelerate the number of additional spaces that can be opened each year.
Already, work undertaken implementing the Strategy has prepared the way for this, including a very significant increase in funding under Budget 2023.
An interdepartmental group is developing and progressing agreed processes and approaches to ensure we have the highest standard of refuge accommodation, delivered in the most efficient way.
This has already resulted in a streamlined process for capital funding applications for new refuges.
Supports for applicant groups from the Housing Agency in relation to public procurement processes and direct engagement between Department of Housing Architectural Advisors and the Design Teams recruited by the applicant groups are also in place.
Over the past two years I have had the privilege to visit a number of refuges around the country to see first-hand the fantastic work that is being done.
I am determined that the implementation of the Strategy, we will bring us significantly closer to reaching our Istanbul target and to ensuring that organisations providing these vital services to victims are supported in doing so.
Since launching Zero Tolerance in June, the tendering process for the new Refuge in Wexford has moved to the final stage of completion.
Developments in Navan and Dundalk are continuing to make progress at design and planning stages, while developments in the other priority locations are mainly focused on establishing local stakeholders and lead organisations and on site selection.
25. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice the total number of gardaí who have been assaulted while on active duty in the State in each of the past ten years and to date in 2022. [51621/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI condemn, in the strongest possible way, any attacks made on members of An Garda Síochána and other frontline services.
We are all immensely grateful to members of our police service for their outstanding dedication and commitment to serving the public and for the important role that they play in our society.
Attacks on members of An Garda Síochána not only injure the victims but communities as a whole. An attack on our police force is an attack on the safety of all of us. It is imperative that frontline workers are protected in carrying out their work and that the law reflects and responds to the situations in which they find themselves.
The unprecedented €2.14 billion allocated to An Garda Síochána under Budget 2023 demonstrates the Government’s commitment to ensuring that Gardaí have the resources they need to carry out their vital service. This includes the provision of €6 million for new ballistic vests to protect frontline Gardaí.
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.
I have signalled my intention to increase the maximum penalty available for this offence to 10 year imprisonment, in amendments to the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, which is currently before the Oireachtas.
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. The latter penalty was increased from a maximum term of 5 years in 2006.
The table below, furnished to me by the Garda authorities, outlines the number of Gardaí who have been assaulted while on active duty in the State in each year of the past ten years and to date in 2022.
|
YEAR |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022* |
Grand Total |
|
Totals |
144 |
194 |
256 |
253 |
242 |
227 |
206 |
247 |
205 |
241 |
196 |
2411 |
*Information provided is taken from PULSE as of 14 October 2022.
26. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 590 of 11 October 2022, the reason for the delay in approving applications under the Afghan admissions programme, which was announced in September 2021, but under which no applications have been approved to date; the analysis that her Department has carried out into the eligibility criteria for the programme; if they are operating as intended; the timeline for when decisions on applications will be issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52189/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, my Department remains focused on processing applications for family reunification made under all admission avenues, including the Afghan Admissions Programme for family members of Afghan nationals living in Ireland. The Afghan Admissions Programme is an additional avenue open to Afghan nationals to bring close family members to live here with them. There are a number of other options already in place through existing immigration programmes that have been availed of by members of the Afghan community in Ireland and we continue to also process these applications sympathetically.
I can inform the Deputy that my Department has received 528 applications to the Afghan Admission Programme. Considerable information was provided to assist proposers in Ireland filling out the application form for their family members. This included a detailed guidance document published in conjunction with the application form on 16 December 2021 and a Frequently Asked Questions document, drafted in light of queries received and published on 31 December 2021.
The guidance document also included a detailed checklist to assist proposers in ensuring that all of the requested information was provided. The original closing date for the Programme was delayed at the request of civil society groups to allow proposers time to gather the required information.
The information was requested to ensure the Programme benefitted its intended beneficiaries, and that my Department was satisfied as to the identities of both the proposers and their family members coming to Ireland. My Department reviewed the information received with a humanitarian and pragmatic eye, but unfortunately in many cases the information provided was not sufficient to process the application to its conclusion.
My Department is now in the process of writing out to proposers where the information provided was not sufficient, specifying the information required and asking them to return that information within 20 working days of receipt of the e-mail requesting the information.
27. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide an update on the status of Operation Citizen and high-visibility policing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51375/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, Operation Citizen was commenced with the aim of reassuring the public that Dublin City Centre is a safe place to visit, to socialise in and in which to conduct business.
I am informed that this operation was launched by An Garda Síochána on 22 October 2021. Operation Citizen delivers a high visibility police presence to Dublin City Centre and aligns with the government's overall aim to ensure people are safe and feel safe. It also focuses on collaborative community and stakeholder engagement, as the positive use of the public area is not just a matter for An Garda Síochána.
For the period 22 October 2021 to 12 October 2022, there were are a total of 3,383 crime incidents recorded under Operation Citizen on the Garda PULSE System. I understand that these incidents are either under active investigation or currently before the Courts.
My Department is committed to ensuring An Garda Síochána have the resources they need to perform their vital role in the community, though the Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the allocation of these resources. In Budget 2023, my Department committed an unprecedented €2.14 billion to An Garda Síochána, an increase of over €78 million on 2022.
As part of Operation Citizen, I am told there are over 20 dedicated Gardaí on foot and mountain bike patrols, who are supported by 12 mobile patrols from Pearse Street, Store Street, Bridewell and Kevin Street Garda Stations. There are in excess of 100 Gardaí deployed to patrol Dublin City Centre every weekend with in excess of 500 additional policing hours provided each week to the area.
I have also been informed that eight Gardaí assigned to this operation full time are specifically patrolling the boardwalk and quays areas between 4pm and 4am daily. These are supported by 30 additional Gardaí on city centre beat patrols and five Regional Armed patrols on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. The Garda National Public Order Unit, which consists of 25 personnel on mobile patrols, also provides support for frontline units where necessary.
Operation Citizen is also supported by a number of different operations currently ongoing in the Dublin City Centre area. These include Operation Saul, which aims to provide a safe environment for commuters travelling in the Dublin Metropolitan Region, and Operation Spire, which tackles on-street drug dealing and anti-social behaviour in the O'Connell Street area.
I am told that under Operation Saul, a total of 116 crime incidents were recorded on the Garda PULSE system between 31 January and 12 October 2022.
Operation Spire is focused between the hours of 8am and 8pm daily and takes a robust targeted approach to all those involved in criminal and anti-social behaviour, particularly drug related activity. The operation also includes liaison activity between DMR North Central and DMR South Central with homeless hostels and drug treatment centres. This is an essential element to responding to drug-related activity, as Garda enforcement alone will only displace the activity to another nearby location.
The Deputy may also be aware that 13A Upper O’Connell Street has been identified as a strategically important piece of infrastructure to enhance An Garda Síochána’s high visibility policing service in Dublin City Centre.
It is envisaged that the premises will act as a ‘hub’ where Gardaí attached to certain operations such as Operation Citizen and Spire will be able to report for duty at the hub rather than their home station.
I am also informed that The Irish Tourist Assistance Service (ITAS), which provides assistance to tourists who have been the victims of crime, will be co-located at the premises.
28. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice the progress in the delivery of the new Cork county Garda divisional headquarters in Macroom; her engagement with the OPW on progressing the delivery of the divisional headquarters in Macroom; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52436/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs provided for in the National Development Plan (NDP) 2021 - 2030, the new Cork County Garda Divisional Headquarters in Macroom, Co. Cork is to be built as part of a Public Private Partnership (PPP) along with the Family Law Court in Hammond Lane, Dublin 7 and the new Garda Station in Clonmel.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including the Garda estate. The Deputy will also be aware that the Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. Works in relation to Garda accommodation are progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the OPW.
My Department, as the Approving Authority under the Public Spending Code, provided approval in principle to the An Garda Síochána (and Courts Service) in June 2022 to proceed with the project under the PPP mechanism. Formal project structures are being established with all relevant stakeholders including OPW and the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) in order to progress the project as quickly as possible.
29. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Justice the current strength of the Garda Reserve; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52176/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra54. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice the current strength of the Garda Reserve; the gender breakdown of the Garda Reserve; the situation with regard to recruitment to the Garda Reserve; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52356/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 54 together.
While the Garda Commissioner is operationally responsible I can inform the Deputy that as of 31 August there are 389 Garda Reserves.
I can also inform the Deputy that a total of 72 Garda Reserves attested in 2021 and 1 in 2022.
For the Deputy's information, detailed statistics on Garda workforce numbers are published on my Department's website and can be accessed using the following link:
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/
The table below, furnished to me by the Garda authorities, outlines the current strength and the gender breakdown of the Garda reserves as of 31 August 2022.
|
Total |
Male |
% |
Female |
% |
|
389 |
289 |
74 |
100 |
26 |
The Deputy may wish to know that, as part of the government’s plan to modernise and strengthen An Garda Síochána, A Policing Service for our Future, the Garda Commissioner has developed a Garda Reserve Strategy 2021-2025, which provides a roadmap for the development of this important service.
The Strategy, published in October 2021, is informed by an internal review of the Reserve, and sets out key commitments including recruitment, training and development, deployment, governance and evaluation. A priority of the Strategy is a new recruitment campaign which will be held next year, and on foot of which new Reserves will be appointed for five years initially.
30. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Justice the mental and emotional supports that are available to members of An Garda Síochána who, in the course of their duties, are faced with tragic and violent situations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52423/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána is committed to protecting the health, safety and welfare of all Garda members and Garda staff.
Last year An Garda Síochána launched 'Keeping Our People Supported', the Health and Wellbeing Strategy Statement and Action Plan 2021-2023. This plan identified three key goals to improve the health and welfare of members of An Garda Síochána.
The goals were to identify, communicate and enhance existing resources to promote health, wellbeing and work ability across the organisation, to develop partnerships with key stakeholders inside and outside An Garda Síochána in order to to build capacity, and to provide support and advice.A new wellbeing app called Keeping Our People Supported (KOP) was launched as part of the strategy. The app makes support available to members of An Garda Síochána 24/7 and can be accessed on any mobile device. It was created to ensure members who may be distressed and in need or urgent assistance can access the supports available to them at any time.
Policing as a profession exposes people to sometimes traumatic and challenging incidents – it is important that personnel have access to and avail of these supports when they need them.
In an attempt to negate the harmful effects of traumatic incidents, the Employee Assistance Service (EAS) are available to provide a confidential, professional, support and assistance service to members who may have been involved in a traumatic incident in work. I understand the service is available to help resolve work or personal issues that are causing stress, worry or disruption to an individual’s life.
I am further informed that in conjunction with the EAS, a Peer Supporter Programme was established within An Garda Síochána. Peer Supporters are colleagues who have received appropriate training to help members cope with the effect of a traumatic incident in the workplace. Very often in circumstances of traumatic incidents, the response from a peer supporter has a huge impact in assisting colleagues in the aftermath of such occurrences.
I am advised that following each traumatic incident, a peer supporter is activated. They will contact the member and offer support. In the event that the peer supporter deems it appropriate, they may refer the member to the Employee Assistance Service.
I am also advised that since June 2016, a 24/7, 365 Independent Helpline and Counselling Service is available to all staff within An Garda Síochána with the service available for both work and personal difficulties. The service is not mandatory and is self-referral. Each member of the Organisation may avail of six free sessions of counselling per year, an additional two will be provided if clinically approved. All appointments and consultants are arranged directly between the Service Provider and the staff member.
Trauma-based counselling is also now available to all personnel following on from a traumatic incident in work. This counselling is a self-referral and is accessed through the same helpline, but the individual indicates to the call taker that the request is as a result of a traumatic incident. Trauma counselling provides 6 free sessions to the individual with the option of an additional 6 sessions if clinically approved. If further sessions are required a request will be made to the Occupational Health Department.
Additional arrangements are also in place in respect of personnel attached to the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau (GNCCB), Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB) and Divisional Protective Services Units (DPSU), who are involved in the investigation of crimes involving the exploitation of children and sexual offences. As the Deputy can appreciate, investigations of these kind may include interaction with abusive or offensive material which is both violent and exploitative in nature.
Since February 2021, personnel in the areas mentioned above attend two mandatary one-to-one psychological sessions to step back from work and explore ways they can protect their wellbeing through improved resiliency/coping strategies, better self-care, having a healthy lifestyle and a better work-life balance. The sessions also provide a space for members to reflect upon and speak about how working with the trauma of others may impact upon their own mental health. These sessions must be attended and there is access to additional counselling sessions for staff attached to these units if required.
Finally, An Garda Síochána's Occupational Health service and the Chief Medical Officer also provide intervention and support to personnel who are referred via local management following injuries on duty, sickness absence or traumatic events.
31. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Justice the number of cases at Circuit Court level that have been heard in Limerick courthouse since it was opened; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52334/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts, is the responsibility of the Courts Service which is independent in the performance of its functions.However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has provided me with the following update.In terms of Disposed of cases (ICMS) for the CCJ Limerick, Mulgrave street, the numbers, since opening can be seen tabular form below:
|
YEAR |
NUMBER |
|
2018 |
93* |
|
2019 |
98 |
|
2020 |
226 |
|
2021 |
155 |
|
2022 |
120** |
*March to December – Mulgrave Street opened in March 2018)
** January to September 2022
32. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the role she believes that the Garda reserve should play in policing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52116/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate the Garda Commissioner is responsible under law for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, which includes, determining the roles and responsibilities of both members of An Garda Síochána and of the Garda Reserves.
I would like to take this opportunity to convey my gratitude to the members of the Garda Reserve for their service and for the valuable contribution they make to policing throughout the country.
The Garda Reserve is an opportunity for people from all communities to support policing and to give back to their communities. Reserve Gardaí provide a quality service, supporting proactive policing and represent the partnership between An Garda Síochána and the many communities they serve.
The Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland (CoFPI) concluded that the Garda Reserve programme was not utilised to its full potential and recommended that future recruitment to the Garda Reserve should be paused, pending the outcome of a comprehensive strategic review, in order to examine how best to structure the Garda Reserve to meet the needs of An Garda Síochána.
The Garda Commissioner developed a Garda Reserve Strategy 2021-2025, which provides a roadmap for the development of this important service.
The Strategy, published in October 2021, was informed by an internal review of the Reserve, and sets out key commitments including recruitment, training and development, deployment, governance and evaluation. A priority is a new recruitment campaign, which will be held next year, and on foot of which new reservists will be appointed for five years initially.
The campaign will target a broad and inclusive range of candidates, in keeping with the Reserve's role as a visible form of community engagement. An Garda Síochána are actively engaging with my Department and the Public Appointments Service to ensure that a recruitment campaign is inclusive of diverse and underrepresented groups, and also reaches out to those from Gaeltacht areas.
I am informed that updated roles and responsibilities are currently being developed to ensure all Garda Personnel are more aware of the assistance Reserve Gardaí can provide when on duty.
Furthermore, the Garda Commissioner has established an Implementation Group and Oversight Committee to ensure the Strategy delivers on its objectives, and I look forward to working with him to increase the number of members of the Reserve and in realising its full potential as a resource to policing and in providing a pathway for minority communities to full-time membership of An Garda Síochána.
33. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice if she has received the scoping report into the death of a person (details supplied); and the actions that she intends to take on foot of that report. [51969/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra55. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice the progress to date into any developments on an independent inquiry into the death of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52421/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra59. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice if she intends to establish an independent public inquiry into the death of a person (details supplied), as previously agreed by both Houses of the Oireachtas. [51968/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 33, 55 and 59 together.
In 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 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 2022. Since receipt of the final report, the advice of the Attorney General was sought and received in relation to the issue of publication and other matters arising.
I have written to each Department/Agency responsible for issues giving rise to recommendations in the Report and on 27 July I provided the O’Farrell family with an advance copy of the report on a strictly confidential basis.
I hope to conclude shortly my deliberations in relation to the report and on how best to proceed in the light of its recommendations and the legal advice received.
34. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if she will indicate her support for a public inquiry into the killing of a person (details supplied) almost two years ago; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52182/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI want to once again extend my sympathies to the family concerned on the tragic death of their son and brother.
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 advised by GSOC that it has deployed significant resources to this investigation. I am further advised that the investigation is at an advanced stage, but that it is not possible at this time to give an estimate of the time that the remaining steps in the investigation will take.
I am further advised that legal proceedings have been initiated against the State in this case and in these circumstances it would not be appropriate for me to comment further.
35. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Justice the number of community gardaí currently serving in the Dublin south division; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52183/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs, with the unprecedented allocation provided in Budget 2023 of €2.14 billion. This unprecedented amount will fund the planned recruitment of up to 1,000 new Garda recruits as well as over 400 Garda staff.
While the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the general management and administration of the Garda organisation, I am assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review 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 further advised that there are no set requirements to have a specific number of Community Gardaí posts across the Divisions.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that on 31 August 2022, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 54 Community Gardaí assigned to the DMR South. This represents an increase of 35% since December 2017 when there were 40 Community Gardaí assigned to the Division.
The table below, which has been provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of Community Gardaí assigned to the DMR South by station and by rank at 31 August 2022, the latest date for which figures are available.
|
Community Gardaí assigned to DMR SOUTH Division 31/08/2022 |
Garda |
Sergeant |
Inspector |
Total |
|
Crumlin |
5 |
2 |
7 |
|
|
Rathfarnham |
9 |
2 |
11 |
|
|
Rathmines |
6 |
1 |
7 |
|
|
Sundrive Road |
4 |
4 |
||
|
Tallaght |
14 |
2 |
1 |
17 |
|
Terenure |
7 |
1 |
8 |
|
|
Total |
45 |
8 |
1 |
54 |
To date, the official categorisation as a Community Garda has simply referred to those who are exclusively assigned to building relationships with local communities and civil society, including giving talks to schools, community groups and others. It is important to note, however, that community policing is at the heart of An Garda Síochána and that all Gardaí have a role to play in community policing in the course of carrying out their duties.
Indeed, this is fundamental to the new Garda Operating Model recommended by the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland and currently being rolled out under 'A Policing Service for Our Future', the Government's implementation plan for the Commission's recommendations.
36. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Justice the number of new gardaí who have been recruited to date in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52412/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs, with the allocation provided in Budget 2023 of €2.14 billion, an increase of €78 million on last year. This unprecedented amount will fund the recruitment of up to 1,000 new Garda recruits as well as over 400 Garda staff.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that at the end of August this year, there are 14,283 Garda members, supported by over 3,117 whole time equivalent Garda staff. This represents an increase of almost 12% since 2015 when there were 12,816 Garda members throughout the country.
I am further informed that a total of 369 new Garda members have attested from the Garda college this year.
The latest recruitment campaign for An Garda Síochána in 2022 saw more than 11,000 people express interest in joining the service and the first successful candidates from the campaign will enter the Garda college at the end of November this year. Another campaign will open next year to help ensure consistent entry of recruits into the Garda college.
37. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Justice her plans to bring forward legislation to enable the use of automatic number plate recognition systems to assist gardaí in their law enforcement duties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52445/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAutomatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) was introduced into An Garda Síochána in 2008 and is used on a daily basis to assist in the prevention and detection of crime on our roads network.
The Deputy may also be aware that the Government published the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Bill 2022 on 4 August 2022, the text of which is available on the Oireachtas website. This important Bill makes provision for Garda powers to use modern digital technology, including providing for the expanded use of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR).
Part 3 of the Bill deals specifically with ANPR, expanding its use beyond road traffic offences. Going forward, ANPR will be used for the prevention, investigation, detection and prosecution of criminal offences, the protection of the security of the State and the safeguarding against, and the prevention of, threats to public security, including securing public safety and public order.
Its use must be necessary and proportionate. The Bill provides for the automatic transfer of ANPR records from designated third parties on an ongoing basis and provides An Garda Síochána with the power to process those records. Initially, this will be the Dublin Port Company, the National Roads Authority and Dublin Airport Authority PLC, all bodies with extensive ANPR camera networks already in place.
The Bill allows for other bodies to be designated for this purpose and also allows for An Garda Síochána to establish its own cameras in strategic locations if it chooses to do so. It is also expected that ANPR cameras will be attached to many more Garda cars going forward.
In relation to serious offences or national security matters, a member of An Garda Síochána will be able to apply to monitor the movements of a particular vehicle, if they believe that the vehicle in question is connected to an investigation into an arrestable offence or a national security matter.
If a car, subject to focussed monitoring passes an ANPR camera, an alert will be created in a Garda monitoring room. If the period of monitoring is three months or less, a Superintendent not connected to the investigation may approve it, if he or she believes it is necessary and proportionate. Alternatively a Judge may provide the authorisation. The operation of ANPR generally will be subject to oversight by a High Court Judge who will report annually to the Taoiseach.
A Code of Practice relating to the operation of ANPR will also be prepared by the Garda Commissioner. In accordance with Part 8 of the Bill, the Code of Practice will set out the procedures to be used and the requirements relating to confidentiality, security, storage, access, retention, erasure and destruction of data. Part 8 also establishes the requirements for consultation on the Code of Practice which, when finalised, will be submitted to the Minister for Justice and published in a Statutory Instrument.
I would like to assure the Deputy that extensive legal advices have been provided on this Bill and appropriate safeguards are built into the legislation. There will be full compliance with GDPR and the Data Protection Act of 2018. The Data Protection Commissioner was consulted during the preparation of the Bill.
38. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Justice if a specific transport police unit will be introduced, in light of public safety fears concerning public transport, especially at night; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52425/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI want to say at the outset that acts of violence and anti-social behaviour are completely unacceptable. The safety and security of both public transport passengers and staff, including arrangements to deal with anti-social behaviour, are important matters that must be managed by every public transport company, in conjunction with An Garda Síochána where appropriate. This Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs, with an unprecedented allocation of over €2.14 billion in Budget 2023.
The Commissioner is responsible, as the Deputy will be aware, for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, which includes the establishment of any operational policing units within the Gardaí. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
I am advised that the Commissioner has no current plans to introduce a dedicated transport police unit, as An Garda Síochána's mission of 'Keeping People Safe' extends to all areas of our communities, including public transport.
There are a number of tools at the disposal of the Garda Commissioner, who is operationally responsible, to respond to anti-social behaviour on public transport.
Garda management engages extensively with transport operators, including the National Transport Authority, Irish Rail (DART and InterCity rail) and Transdev Ireland (Luas) to provide a high visibility presence through a coordinated approach. I am further informed that there is ongoing communication between An Garda Síochána and the respective control centres, and access to good quality CCTV can provide assistance to Gardaí when investigating serious incidents.
I am advised by An Garda Síochána that legislation covering anti-social behaviour is sufficient for An Garda Síochána to police these incidents. There are a number of existing pieces of legislation that are available to Gardaí to tackle anti-social behaviour, including the Public Order Acts.
An Garda Síochána is also currently operating a Reduction in Assaults Strategy, which includes advertising on social media regarding the consequences of perpetrating an assault on another person.
An Garda Síochána has a range of regional and local operations in place to prevent, pre-empt and detect incidents arising.For example, Operation Twin Tracks, a community engagement and rail safety policing initiative, is being conducted by Gardaí in partnership with other public transportation stakeholders. This Operation was launched with the purpose of providing high visibility policing of rail and light rail transport within the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) and the rail networks and train stations nationwide, and to deliver crime prevention advice to rail and light rail users.
Two days of action were held on 3 June and 29 July where high visibility patrolling operated between the hours of 3pm and 11pm on each day within the Dublin Region (Connolly and Heuston Stations) and nationwide on eight intercity routes. Local Crime Prevention Officers and Community Policing Gardaí were available to deliver crime prevention advice at community engagement/crime prevention stands at a number of stations on each of the days. In January this year, the Garda authorities also launched Operation Saul to further support, enhance and strengthen the strategic and operational objectives of Operation Citizen, the Garda operation to reassure people that Dublin City Centre is a safe place to visit. Operation Saul aims to provide a safe environment for commuters using public transport services in the City.
It is important to note that operators have noted a decrease in incidents since the beginning of Operation Saul. For instance, the Luas has seen a fall of almost 40% in anti-social behaviour notwithstanding an overall increase in passenger numbers.
39. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide an update on when the community safety innovation fund successful projects are expected to be announced; the total number of applications received; the future plans to expand the fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52169/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the Community Safety Innovation Fund was established in April 2022 and €2 million was allocated to it under Budget 2022. This will increase to €3 million next year under Budget 2023.
I can confirm for the Deputy that 22 community projects across the country will receive grants ranging from €5,000 to €150,000, totalling €2 million, under the Community Safety Innovation Fund.
The fund opened for applications in April 2022 and a total of 124 applications were received by the deadline of 8 June. The allocation of funding was announced on 17 October and a full list of successful projects is available on my Department's website.
The funding call for the Community Safety Innovation Fund invited applications from community safety initiatives as well as groups co-funded with local authorities, NGOs and community organisations working on issues relevant to community safety and youth justice.
The Fund reinvests the proceeds of crime seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau in local projects to build stronger, safer communities. Each successful project has detailed how best the community wants to prevent crime and their proposals reflect community priorities and local safety issues.
Based on the high quality of proposals received, I believe the successful projects have the potential to have a real impact on their respective communities. I also want to encourage those who applied this year but did not receive funding to consider applying again next year.
40. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice the status of the independent review of part IV of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017; the timeline for the publication of the review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52190/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn July 2020, my Department contracted an independent expert to undertake the review of Part 4 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act.
As part of the review, an online public consultation was opened and contributions were received from a broad range of organisations with different perspectives. The review will consider all aspects outlined in the Terms of Reference.
The review is being conducted independently of the Department but it is expected it will be completed by the end of the year.
Once received, any recommendations made will be considered as a priority.
