Thomas Gould
Ceist:41. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice the number of community gardaí in Cork currently; the number considered a complete cohort; and the plans she has to resolve this. [60535/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (41)
Freagraí scríofa
An Garda Síochána takes pride in being a community police service, with strong links to the communities it serves built on a culture of policing by consent.
The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the general management and administration of the Garda organisation, including decisions on the deployment of personnel among the various Garda Divisions. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.
I am however 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 each Divisions.
I can inform the Deputy that as of 31 October 2022, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 49 Gardaí assigned to Community policing in Cork, which consists of 38 members assigned to Cork City Division, 7 assigned to Cork North Division and 4 assigned to Cork West Division.
This is an increase of 40% compared to the 35 members assigned to Community Policing in Cork in 2015.
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. Community policing is at the heart of An Garda Síochána and 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.
Closed-Circuit Television Systems
Ceisteanna (42)
James O'Connor
Ceist:42. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice the position regarding the ongoing efforts to enable the rollout of CCTV systems for An Garda Síochána in urban areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60619/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing the administration, budget and business of An Garda Síochána, which includes responsibility for Garda CCTV. As Minister, I have no direct role in this matter.
The Garda Commissioner provides for the authorisation of CCTV Schemes installed and operated for the sole and primary purpose of securing public order and safety in public places, by facilitating the deterrence, prevention, detection and prosecution of offences, in respect of a specified area within the administrative area of a Local Authority, having been approved by the Local Authority after consulting with the Joint Policing Committee, for that administrative area.
Section 38 (a) provides for Garda CCTV schemes operated by An Garda Síochána. I am informed by An Garda Síochána that there are currently 47 Garda-controlled CCTV Schemes in operation throughout the state.
I am assured that the Garda National Crime Prevention Office continues to work with both local authorities and local Garda management to provide assistance with the application process.
Private Security Authority
Ceisteanna (43)
David Stanton
Ceist:43. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice if she will outline the main benchmarks achieved by the Private Security Authority in 2021; her future plans, if any, for the authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60515/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Deputy is aware, the Private Security Authority (PSA) is an important body tasked with regulating the activities of those involved in the private security industry to ensure that the interests of consumers are fully protected through the establishment, promotion, monitoring and enforcement of appropriate standards.
In 2021 the PSA continued their commitment to meeting the highest standards of regulation and ran a number of public information campaigns across radio, newspapers and trade magazines to raise awareness of the benefits of a regulated security industry.
Minister McEntee recently published the PSA 2021 Annual Report detailing progress made on improving regulation in the access control sector of the industry. To summarise the activity of the PSA in numbers for 2021:
- 1,447 contractors licensed
- 32,439 individuals licensed
- 164 licences revoked
- New standard published for Access Control
- 870 enforcement cases
- €2,638,738 income from fees
- 10,498 applications processed
In 2021, the Private Security Services (Amendment) Act 2021 extended licensing requirements to enforcement guards, who are responsible for assisting in enforcing civil court orders. The Authority established a working group to develop the licensing requirements for enforcement guards and launched a public consultation on the requirements for contractors in December 2021. During the year the PSA also worked on improving regulation across the security industry, continued with the publication of PSA 67:2021, a new standard for the access control sector, and improving the oversight of the bodies auditing these standards.
As to the future, I know the Private Security Authority and the Board have submitted the fifth Strategic Plan in 2022, which builds on the success to date. In particular, I look forward to the upcoming regulation of enforcement guards. This will be another important step forward for the Private Security Authority and one I know will be very welcomed by society as a whole.
The Private Security Annual Report 2021 can be accessed on the Gov.ie website.
Crime Data
Ceisteanna (44)
Seán Haughey
Ceist:44. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Justice the number of knife assaults recorded in each of the Dublin Garda divisions to date in 2022 [60504/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may appreciate, assault is not one crime but covers a broad range of offences up to and including murder. I have been advised by An Garda Síochána that consequently details on the number of knife assaults are not collated on the PULSE system, as the range of possible incidents is too broad.
The Deputy may be aware that I established and am pleased to chair the Expert Forum on Anti-Social Behaviour. The Forum has established two sub-groups, with the possibility of establishing additional sub-groups to examine other issues. The two sub-groups have looked at the misuse of scramblers and knife crime.
The knife crime sub-group has examined existing data and possible approaches to community responses as well as the legislative position. I have been briefed on the work of the sub-group and am considering what further measures might be progressed. My Department remains in contact with An Garda Síochána and the Probation Service in this regard.
It is important to note, based on international evidence, that there are no quick-fix solutions to tackling knife crime and it is clear that longer term, evidence-based strategies are needed. Knife crime cannot be addressed in isolation but as part of the strategic responses to address anti-social behaviour, street violence, youth offending and domestic violence.
My Department's overriding concern is that we pursue the actions which have the best chance of being effective and making a real difference. Therefore, we have to balance the strong impulse to react based on our shared outrage at violent crimes with a careful consideration of the best available evidence on what is most likely to yield real improvements.
I am advised that An Garda Síochána have used data from the HSE, together with their own internal crime data to perform an analysis of knife crime which was published to the Garda website.
www.garda.ie/en/about-us/publications/general-reports/analysis-of-knife-related-crime-data-february-2021.pdf.
I am further advised that it is the intention to update this report in coming months with the latest data.
Immigration Policy
Ceisteanna (45)
Bríd Smith
Ceist:45. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if she will clarify the position of those workers, many of whom are presently working in sectors suffering chronic shortages of staff, who are presently in the state on a G1 graduate visa, when their visa has or is due to expire and where their job would ordinarily require the position to be advertised and filled in line with the labour market needs test; if such workers remain in their employment; if their visa can be extended; if she will examine such extensions beyond the present time limits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60610/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A Stamp 1G is granted or renewed under the Third Level Graduate Programme where the graduate demonstrates that he or she has taken appropriate steps to access suitable graduate level employment, for example, attendance at job interviews, signing up with graduate employment agencies etc.
The Third Level Graduate Programme provides that when an applicant has completed their studies in Ireland and gained an award at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) or above, that person may qualify for a Stamp 1G for 12 months. Where an individual receives an award at Level 9 NFQ, they may qualify for a Stamp 1G for up to 24 months subject to the overall limit of 8 years on student conditions that applies.
Graduates at level 9 NFQ or above who qualify for a Stamp 1G permission will be granted the permission for 12 months initially. This can be renewed for a further period of twelve months, subject to the overall eight year limit on student conditions not being exceeded.
It is open to a prospective employer to make an application for an employment permit on behalf of the Stamp 1G graduate, and where the employment permit is granted they can register the permit at their local registration office where they will be issued with a stamp 1 immigration permission.
Further details are available on my Department's website at: www.irishimmigration.ie.
Antisocial Behaviour
Ceisteanna (46)
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
Ceist:46. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Justice if her Department has engaged with the Garda Commissioner in preparation for the introduction of the power to seize scramblers and quads under the Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2022. [60509/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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 training of Garda members. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I have been informed by An Garda Síochána that they are aware of the Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021, currently before the Oireachtas.
There has been engagement with An Garda Siochana in relation new proposals in relation to scramblers and quad bikes. Once the Bill has been enacted, An Garda Síochána will determine what operational steps they are required to take.
I established a subgroup of the Anti-Social Behaviour Forum in 2021 to examine measures which can be taken with regard to the misuse of vehicles such as scramblers and quad bikes in communities. An Garda Síochána is represented on the Forum at senior level and has taken part in the discussions around approaches to tackling the issue of misuse of scramblers and quad bikes.
The Anti-Social Behaviour Forum delivered a community based proposal to tackling the misuse of scramblers and other vehicles. This scheme is based on the model developed by the Moyross Youth Diversion Project (YDP) and, again, is a means of intervention and diversion of young people from this type of anti-social activity, rather than enforcement.
My Department opened applications to all YDPs for funding for these initiatives. Almost €200,000 in funding has been granted to eight projects; some of which are joint ventures between more than one YDP (a total of 10 YDPs applied for funding, 9 in Dublin, along with additional support provided for Moyross in Limerick).
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (47)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:47. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice if she has met with the Garda Representative Association over concerns regarding changes in rostering [60309/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, which includes the deployment and rostering of staff. As Minister, I have no role in the management of these functions, nor have I had any engagement with the Garda Representative Association or any other Garda association in respect of the matters referred to by the Deputy.
The Commission on the Future of Policing concluded that Garda rostering arrangements should be replaced by tailored rosters that work better for both police and the communities they serve.
The current Garda roster was introduced by the Commissioner to deal with the specific policing requirements that arose during the Covid pandemic. The current roster was always intended by the Commissioner to be a temporary roster, to be replaced in due course by a revised roster. The Commissioner has confirmed that the current roster will remain in place until 22 January 2023.
I am informed by the Commissioner that following a process under an independent facilitator between Garda management and the Garda Associations, proposals were put forward by the facilitator to provide a basis to move forward on roster reform. All parties were given 8 weeks to consider the proposals. I am further informed that the Commissioner has since met with the Garda Associations in relation to progressing this matter.
Departmental Funding
Ceisteanna (48)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:48. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide her response to the annual report from an organisation (details supplied). [60306/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I acknowledge the important role the Free Legal Advice Centres (FLAC) play in the provision of legal information, advice and advocacy work. It also engages regularly with my Department on access to justice matters.
I am pleased to say that my Department provides substantial annual funding to ensure that it can continue working to help people with legal problems. In Budget 2021, Minister McEntee trebled the funding to FLAC and maintained that level of funding in 2022 and 2023.
As such, I have noted the publication of the FLAC’s annual report for 2021. The report notes, among other things, that last year FLAC received the highest number of calls made to the referral line since 2015, with over 13,000 calls. It also notes that almost a third of all queries to its Telephone Information and Referral Line related to family law matters.
Reforming Family Courts is a Programme for Government commitment and a priority for my Department. Ensuring we have a more efficient and user-friendly family court system that puts children and families at the centre of its work is the central focus of these reforms. I am pleased to say that two important milestones have been recently reached in this area. On the 16th of November, Minister McEntee published the first National Family Justice Strategy. Following Government approval, the Family Courts Bill 2022 was published last Thursday, 1st December. Together, the Strategy and the Bill will provide many of the building blocks essential to the reform of the family justice system.
As the Deputy will be aware, Minister McEntee was committed since coming into office to undertake a comprehensive review of the Civil Legal Aid Scheme. The Minister established the Review Group in June this year, a moment which FLAC described as very significant in the history of access to justice.
The Review Group held its first meeting on 22 June 2022, and its work is now ongoing. The Review Group is being chaired by retired Chief Justice Frank Clarke, with membership drawn from those who work with marginalised groups, legal practitioners, academics, Department officials and representatives from the Legal Aid Board, which administers the current Scheme. FLAC is an important member of the Review Group and its insights will be of great value as the Group’s work continues.
On 14th November, Minister McEntee welcomed the opening of a consultation to seek the views of key stakeholders on how the Civil Legal Aid Scheme can be reformed.
This call for submissions is the first element of what I understand will be a multi-phased consultation process. It is an important opportunity for stakeholders to express their views and inform the Group’s thinking on the current scheme and its recommendations for the future.
Full details of the submission process can be found here: www.gov.ie/en/consultation/a7aa6-stakeholder-consultation-on-the-review-of-the-civil-legal-aid-scheme/.
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (49)
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
Ceist:49. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Justice if there is an update on the progress of the opening of a Garda station at Northern Cross, Dublin 17. [60508/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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 including the Garda estate. Matters in relation to Garda accommodation are progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the OPW.
I understand that there is ongoing engagement between Dublin City Council, OPW and An Garda Síochána in respect of the project referred to, which is a strategic priority for Garda accommodation under the National Development Plan 2021 - 2030.
Inquiry into the Death of Mr. Shane O'Farrell
Ceisteanna (50, 60, 472)
Bríd Smith
Ceist:50. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if she will clarify the outcome of her meeting with the family of a person (details supplied); if she has considered their demand for an independent public inquiry into their death; if she can report on the status of the scoping inquiry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60611/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Matt Carthy
Ceist:60. 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. [60568/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:472. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice if she will now initiate a public inquiry into the death of a person (details supplied) as instructed by the Dáil on the 14 June 2018 in view of the completion of the scoping exercise. [60658/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 50, 60 and 472 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 Minister McEntee 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.
Minister McEntee wrote to each Department/Agency responsible for issues giving rise to recommendations in the Report and on 27 July Minister McEntee provided the O’Farrell family with a copy of the report on a strictly confidential basis. I also understand that Minister McEntee, together with the Taoiseach, recently met with members of the O’Farrell family regarding the report, both in terms of content and publication.
As I have just taken over this Ministerial portfolio, I will need to consider this important report myself before deciding on how best to proceed in the light of its recommendations.
Crime Prevention
Ceisteanna (51)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:51. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide an update on progress to date on implementing the Gerian Report by the Drogheda Implementation Board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60454/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, Minister McEntee published the Drogheda Implementation Plan Progress Report last month. This is the first of a twice yearly progress report on the Government’s plan to improve community wellbeing in Drogheda.
The update highlights the progress made on actions within the Drogheda Report Implementation Plan up to the end of June 2022, showing positive progress made against actions addressing crime, drug use, youth and community development and educational supports.
Several recommendations outlined in the Geiran Report have been progressed, including the provision of €230,000 across 2021 and 2022 to the community-based Red Door Project for addiction services. A further €98,000 was recently allocated to The Red Door Project under my Department’s Community Safety Innovation Fund to facilitate employment of a Prison Links Worker.
The Department of Education have allocated additional teachers to three primary schools in Drogheda.
Funding has also been provided to the CABLE and Boyne Garda Youth Diversion Projects across 2021 and 2022 for delivery of vital services to young people at risk of offending.
Through the Dormant Accounts Fund, €15,000 was provided towards a preliminary site plan for the Moneymore Community Hub facility and €48,000 in funding from my Department towards the extension of kitchen and dining facilities for the Moneymore Childcare Centre.
Implementation of the plan is continuing and recent announcements, which fall outside the end of June 2022 timeline for the progress report, include a new craft skills training hub which will open early next year in Drogheda. As announced by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, it will provide training to approximately 336 apprentices each year and will also deliver 20 permanent jobs.
The collective, multi-agency approach to community safety adopted in Drogheda is at the heart of the great work that is happening there. We must continue that momentum as we focus on the road ahead and our goal of building a better future for all in Drogheda. It is intended to publish the next progress report in Q1 of 2023.
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (52)
Christopher O'Sullivan
Ceist:52. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice the number of community gardaí assigned to the Bandon, Bantry and Clonakilty districts. [60514/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
An Garda Síochána takes pride in being a community police service, with strong links to the communities it serves built on a culture of policing by consent.
The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the general management and administration of the Garda organisation, including decisions on the deployment of personnel among the various Garda Divisions. As Minister, I have no role in these matters. I am, however, assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review to ensure their optimal use.
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. Community policing is at the heart of An Garda Síochána and 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.
I can inform the Deputy that as of 31 October 2022, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 4 Gardaí assigned to community policing in Cork West Division, which includes the districts of Bandon, Bantry, Clonakilty and Macroom.
Legislative Measures
Ceisteanna (53)
Thomas Pringle
Ceist:53. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice if all sections of all Acts passed in the past ten years have been commenced; the number of sections that are outstanding and the number of acts that have review periods; if the reviews have taken place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60612/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish to advise the Deputy that not all sections of all Acts passed in the timeframe outlined have been commenced. Detailed information is outlined in the table as follows:
|
Relevant Act |
Outstanding Sections |
|
National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012 |
Section 20 (on re-vetting) not yet commenced |
|
Criminal Justice Act 2013 |
Section 5 not yet commenced |
|
Legal Services Regulation Act 2015 |
Sections 46, 47, 103 and 201 of the Act are partially commenced. Sections 100 to 102, 104 to 117, 121, 178 to 180, 196, 199, 217 and 219 to 221 are not yet commenced. |
|
International Protection Act 2015 |
Paragraphs (b), (f), (i), (l), (m), and (p) of section 6(2) of the International Protection Act 2015 have not yet been commenced. |
|
The Civil Debt (Procedures) Act 2015 |
Whole Act not commenced |
|
Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 |
Section 52 not commenced |
|
Criminal Justice Act 2017 |
Sections 2, 4, 7, 11 and 12 not yet commenced |
|
Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Act 2017 |
S. 30(d) and Section 30(b)(ii) not yet commenced for a small number of courts districts. |
|
Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) (Amendment) Act 2018 |
S. 32 not yet commenced |
|
Data Protection Act 2018 |
Section 30 not yet commenced |
|
Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union (Consequential Provisions) Act 2019 |
Part 13 (sections 91 to 94) (Extradition provisions) not yet commenced |
|
Civil Law and Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2020 |
Section 32 not yet commenced |
|
Counterfeiting Act 2021 |
Section 29 not yet commenced |
|
Personal Insolvency (Amendment) Act 2021 |
Sections 4, 8, 9, 11, 12, 15, 16 not yet commenced |
|
Private Security Services (Amendment) Act 2021 |
The insertion of the definitions of “court messenger” and “enforcement guard” in section 2 (1) (a) have not commenced. |
|
Garda Síochána (Functions and Operational Areas) Act 2022 |
Not yet commenced |
|
Communications (Retention of Data) (Amendment) Act 2022 |
Not yet commenced |
|
Garda Síochána (Compensation) Act 2022 |
Not yet commenced |
Further to the Deputy’s question about Acts with review periods, details of the relevant Acts are as follows:
- Section 141 of the Personal Insolvency Act 2012 required a review of the operations of Chapter 3 of the Act within three years. This review is expected to be completed soon. Significant amendments were made to the Act in 2013, 2015 and 2021.
- Section 61 of the Garda Síochána (Policing Authority and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015 provides for a review of the operation of the amendments of the Principal Act made by that Act insofar as those amendments relate to the Authority, not later than 5 years after the establishment day of the Authority. This review has been completed and is published on the website of the Policing Authority.
- Section 27 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 provides for review of the operation of Part 4 of the Act to be carried out within three years of commencement. This review is currently underway.
- Section 31 of the Data Protection Act 2018 fulfils the requirement of Article 8 of GDPR to establish a digital age of consent. Section 31(1) of the legislation set the age at 16, Section 31(3) of the Act states that the Minister shall commence a review of the operation of subsection (1). This review is currently underway.
- Section 12 of the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020 provides for a review of the operation of the Act to be carried out within three years of enactment.
It is important to note that it has not been possible in the time available to review all Acts for statutory reviews that are not currently in progress or due. I will revert to the Deputy if further review clauses are identified.
Crime Prevention
Ceisteanna (54)
Alan Farrell
Ceist:54. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Justice the status of efforts to tackle crime as detailed in the Justice Plan for 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60238/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
One of the overarching goals set out in Justice Plan 2022 aims to build a safer Ireland by reducing and preventing crime, continually working to enhance national security, and by transforming and strengthening An Garda Síochána.
In the long term, our success against this goal will be reflected by a reduction in recorded crime, the strength and skill of the Garda workforce, public perceptions of personal safety in homes and communities, and the trust that members of the public have in An Garda Síochána. According to the 2021 Garda Public Attitudes Survey, 91% of respondents have trust in An Garda Síochána, which remains at the same high level as 2019 (91%), and is an increase of two percentage points from 2017 and 2018.
The Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to fight crime, with record funding of over €2.14 billion allocated to the Garda Vote in Budget 2023. This includes provision for the recruitment of up to 1,000 additional Garda members and 400 Garda staff over the course of 2023. Budget 2023 also includes an allocation of €3 million to begin procurement of body worn cameras, an extra €21 million in the ICT budget and a €10 million investment in the Garda fleet.
Minister McEntee recently received approval to publish the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill which, when enacted, will give effect to the recommendations made by the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland (CoFPI). The Bill will, amongst other changes, provide for new local community safety partnerships, which are currently being piloted in three locations across the country (North Inner City Dublin, Longford and Waterford).
These partnerships bring together all of the key stakeholders to develop a community safety plan for their area under the guidance of an independent chair, who then ensures that the actions are delivered by the individual members representing State agencies, the community and voluntary sector and local government, who are tasked with specific actions under the plan.
Following Government approval, the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Bill 2022 was published in August 2022. This important Bill makes provision for Garda powers to use modern digital technology in the fight against crime, including body worn cameras, automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) and CCTV, in line with the recommendations of CoFPI.
In coordination with colleagues in the National Rural Safety Forum, Minister James Browne launched the Rural Safety Plan 2022-2024 in September 2022. The Plan’s vision is to ensure people and communities in rural Ireland feel safe and are safe in their homes, places of work, and their local environments.
An Garda Síochána also has a range of operations aimed at reducing crime, anti-social behaviour and improving feelings of community safety. Operation Tara, An Garda Síochána's enhanced national anti-drugs strategy, commenced in July last year and has a strong focus on tackling street-level drug dealing throughout rural and urban Ireland.
Operation Citizen, which commenced in Dublin city centre in October 2021, is a Garda Operation aimed at reassuring the public that Dublin city is safe through high visibility patrolling and community engagement. Introduced in January 2022, Operation Saul is a complimentary operation to Operation Citizen, focused on public transport networks in the DMR.
I can assure the Deputy that crime trends are analysed on a monthly basis by An Garda Síochána at Divisional meetings. If trends are recognised, resources are dedicated to combat the identified issues. When specific crime-trends/pattern 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.
For instance, Operation Préachán was initiated in August 2022 to disrupt, detect and prevent criminal activities in the Cherry Orchard area of Ballyfermot, with a focus on Unauthorised Taking of mechanically propelled vehicles, Criminal Damage, Dangerous Driving and Public Disorder.
In line with a commitment in the Programme for Government, an Expert Forum on Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) was established last year and chaired by my colleague, Minister Browne. Members of the ASB Forum are drawn from key State agencies, including An Garda Síochána, the Probation Service and key Government Departments, as well as a broad representation of community, business, academic and other experts.
The ASB Forum is examining a broad range of issues with a focus on developing measures which will counteract the negative impact of such behaviour on community morale and quality of life.
Departmental Policies
Ceisteanna (55)
David Stanton
Ceist:55. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice if she will report on the outcomes of her Department’s Resource Efficiency Action Plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60516/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, the Government Decision S180/20/10/0434C of 3 January 2019 on the topic of Single Use Plastics, Prevention of Waste and Green Public Procurement, instructed that each public body must report to its respective Minister, by end-November 2019, on the measures being taking to minimise waste generation and to maximise recycling.
The Decision also instructed departments to eliminate single-use plastic beverage cups, cutlery and drinking straws from end January, 2019 and included an instruction to Government Departments to publish a Resource Efficiency Action Plan (REAP) for headquarters buildings.
My Department completed its REAP for its Head Office building at 51 Saint Stephen’s Green in 2019 and has since extended it to 10 other buildings in the Justice portfolio for 2020 and 2021
As requested by the Deputy, the outcomes of my Department’s REAP since 2019, as published on our website, are detailed below.
Energy Awareness
The Energy Performance Officers’ Forum, The Energy Managers’ Forum and the Green Team cover all sites and were established in 2019. The Energy Forum provides expertise and leadership to Justice-sector bodies at senior level. The Energy Managers’ Forum provides knowledge-sharing to Justice-sector Energy Managers and the Green Team raises awareness on sustainability and energy issues among Justice staff.
Electricity
- Fluorescent lights replaced with LEDs on two floors of Head Office at 51 St Stephen’s Green;
- Air conditioning systems replaced with more energy efficient units at two of our sites – Hanover Street in Dublin 2 and Chapter House. 26-30 Abbey St Dublin 1.
Thermal
- Gas boiler replaced with LPG at our offices at Deerpark Road Killarney, Co Kerry;
- Feasibility study on the rollout of solar PV on suitable roof areas at our Head Office site in 51 St Stephen’s Green Dublin 2.
Water
Water barrel purchased to harvest rainwater from downpipe for watering biodiversity area in the summer months at the Department’s site in Killarney Co Kerry.
Waste Management
- Individual bins replaced with centralised waste stations at several sites across the building portfolio;
- Cleaning staff and departmental staff advised of proper waste separation.
Biodiversity
- Installation of bee hives on the roof at our Head Office site at 51 St Stephen’s Green Dublin 2;
- Re-wilding, planting of pollinator-friendly flowerbeds and native trees at our site in Killarney Co Kerry.
The Deputy may wish to note that in 2019, an Energy Performance Officers’ Forum was established across the Justice sector, bringing together senior managers with budgetary responsibility for energy and expenditure on projects to reduce energy use.
An Energy Managers’ Forum was also established for Facilities and Accommodation Managers with day-to-day responsibility for energy use, recycling, waste disposal and other environmental considerations; and a Green Team, with members from across various grades and business units, has also been established, with the aim of advancing the sustainability agenda through awareness campaigns, events, and actions.
Finally, my Department submits energy usage data annually to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) through the Monitoring and Reporting system (M&R). The report for 2021 indicates that the Department achieved energy efficiency savings of 42.4%.
Crime Prevention
Ceisteanna (56)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:56. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice if she will meet with the Safer Meath Campaign at a public meeting on the growing concerns regarding crime and anti-social behaviour in County Meath. [60308/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I would like to say at the outset that this Government is committed to tackling anti-social behaviour and building stronger, safer communities in Meath and across the country.
It is also important to note that, generally, Ireland is a safe country. Our crime rates are comparatively low. There is, of course, always room to improve.
Statistics from the CSO also show a decrease in a range of categories of crime, including burglaries, when compared with the pre-Covid period of 2019.
The Deputy will be aware of the recent Government approval of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill, which marks a new departure for policing in Ireland giving effect to the recommendations made by the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland (CoFPI). The Bill aims to improve the performance of our policing and security services to deliver on our commitment that every community has a right to be and feel safe.
To achieve this it provides for a comprehensive framework for the governance and independent oversight of policing, a new approach to improving community safety, and new arrangements to strengthen independent review of security legislation and the delivery of security services.
The complementary reforms under A Policing Service for Our Future, including the rollout of the new Garda Operating model by the Commissioner, are aimed at streamlining Garda administrative processes and increasing civilianisation so that more Garda members can be deployed to front-line policing. I am advised that over 870 members have already been reassigned as the result of civilianisation, where their training and expertise can be put to the best use.
In relation to the new approach to community safety, the Bill makes the prevention of harm, in particular to individuals who are vulnerable or at risk, a specific objective of An Garda Síochána recognising the vital work Gardaí do on the ground every day. It also embeds a whole of Government approach to promoting safer communities recognising that community safety is not something that can be achieved by An Garda Síochána and my Department alone but requires state agencies and local community representatives to work together to identify and prioritise community concerns and act to address them.
The intention is that the Bill will become law next year and be fully commenced in January 2024.
In addition, before she went on maternity leave, Minister McEntee recently welcomed the commitment of An Garda Síochána to the development of a new station to serve Laytown and the surrounding areas.
The Garda Commissioner visited Laytown on 14 November and met with Minister McEntee to discuss the new station, as well as issues of facilities, resourcing, criminality and public order. This followed a number of other changes underway to improve the policing service being provided to the East Meath area, two of which commenced on 8th November 2022, with the transfer of Garda members.
Laytown Garda station became a core-unit response station, operating on a 24/7 basis with four core units. This change allows for handover briefings and the exchange of information between units, and provides for enhanced supervision and governance.
Duleek Garda station became a community policing hub with the transfer of new members to form a dedicated community policing unit. This new dedicated community policing team will provide high visibility community policing across the Ashbourne district.
I am advised that as at 31 October 2022 there were 323 Garda members assigned to Meath Division. The number of Gardaí in the Division has grown by over 16% since 2015 when there were 277 Gardaí assigned to Meath Division.
The funding allocated in Budget 2023 to An Garda Síochána is in excess of an unprecedented €2.14 billion which will allow the Commissioner to recruit up to 1,000 new Garda members and an additional 400 Garda Staff next year.
With the continued roll out of the new Operating Model, with its focus on community engagement, I am confident that the Commissioner has the resources and plans in place to continue to deliver on An Garda Síochána's mission of 'Keeping People Safe'.
Drug Dealing
Ceisteanna (57, 490)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:57. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which she and her colleagues at international level remain focused on the need to ensure the cut-off of the illegal supply of drugs, thereby putting the drug barons out of business; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60532/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraBernard Durkan
Ceist:490. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which adequate resources continue to be made available to An Garda Síochána to sustain the battle against drug barons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60966/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 57 and 490 together.
I can assure the Deputy that tackling organised crime activity is an absolute priority for An Garda Síochána and the Government.
I wish to acknowledge the superb and painstaking work of the Gardaí in harnessing an international coalition of support to tackle the criminality associated with a particular Organised Crime Group. The enforcement of sanctions demonstrates the tremendous value and power of international co-operation in tackling organised crime and the actions taken recently send a very clear message to those involved in the group, or associated with the group, that criminality will not go unnoticed or unpunished.
While we should not underestimate the difficulties which the Garda authorities face in tackling organised crime activity, we continue to see the significant results of their efforts in the arrests made and people being brought before the Courts, both here and in other jurisdictions, as well as the ongoing drugs and firearms seizures made.
An Garda Síochána tackles organised criminal activity through a range of targeted measures designed to disrupt and dismantle the operations of criminal organisations. To the greatest extent possible, these measures include the use of advanced analytical and intelligence methodologies.
The additional resources allocated to AGS in recent years have enabled the Garda Commissioner to assign extra resources to the specialist units involved in tackling organised crime, including the Armed Support Unit, Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB).
An Garda Síochána uses multi-disciplinary approaches to ensure the activities of individuals and groups involved in criminal enterprise are effectively targeted. Such approaches include the use of money-laundering legislation and the powers available to CAB under the proceeds of crime legislation.
Other measures taken to tackle organised crime include the strengthening of legislation where required, the establishment of a second Special Criminal Court in 2016, and the establishment of Garda Armed Response Units in all Garda regions which are available to support all divisions countrywide.
The Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) is having significant success in disrupting drug trafficking and the supply of illicit drugs by organised crime groups. I am advised by the Garda authorities that in 2021, the GNDOCB seized almost €64 million worth of illicit drugs and around €6 million in cash, a significant increase from 2019, when there were over €21 million worth of illicit drugs and over €2.5m in cash seized.
The Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) conducted a search operation in Counties Donegal, Limerick and Cork on Friday 14 October 2022 targeting a Limerick based Organised Crime Group (OCG). The operation was conducted by Bureau Officers, supported by the Southern Regional Armed Response Unit and Gardaí from Donegal and Limerick. The search operation marks a significant development in the overall CAB proceeds of crime investigation which will target assets including properties linked to this OCG. In addition, the CAB were successful in a recent application to the Courts to have a property effectively owned by a prominent OCG recognised as being the proceeds of crime.
The Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill is being progressed, which will increase the maximum sentence for conspiracy to murder from ten years to life in prison. These new laws will ensure that An Garda Síochána and our Courts have the tools they need to take firm and decisive action to deal with our most serious criminals.
Justice Plan 2022 commits to working to break the link between gangs and the children they seek to recruit. In 2022, we will also progress draft legislation to outlaw the grooming of children into a life of crime. In parallel, we will continue to roll out a community intervention programme “Greentown” which seeks to break the link between children who are engaged or at risk of engaging with a criminal gang.
Immigration Policy
Ceisteanna (58)
Aindrias Moynihan
Ceist:58. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice if she is satisfied that the timelines on the Irish Immigration Service website on processing times for applications are accurate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60533/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department provides indicative processing timeframes for certain immigration applications on the immigration website www.irishimmigration.ie. It is important to note that these are business targets for the immigration service and reflect the detailed and often complex assessment that is required to be carried out in relation to immigration applications. All applications are assessed individually and on their own merits, therefore, individual processing times will vary.
In relation to the published decision making timeframes for visa applications, I can inform the Deputy that the processing times for visa applications will vary depending on the type and complexity of applications, individual circumstances, peak application periods, seasonal factors, and the resources available. While every effort is made to process applications as quickly as possible, processing times inevitably vary as a result.
In order to be fair, to all applicants, applications are processed in chronological order by the date received in the relevant office. New decisions are published on the visa pages of each of the seven overseas visa offices and the relevant Embassy website.
Processing times and decisions at the Dublin Visa Office can be checked at the following page which is updated each Tuesday:
www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/.
Prison Service
Ceisteanna (59)
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill
Ceist:59. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide an update on the steps being taken by her Department to promote and to support the reduction of reoffending; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60359/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for Government 2020 contains a broad range of policies and proposals that represent a coherent approach to enhancing and sustaining a more just and safe society, with a specific commitment to review policy options for prison and penal reform.
In respect of delivering on this commitment the Review of Policy Options for Prison and Penal Reform 2022-2024 was published in August 2022. This review is a very important development as we seek to reduce crime prevent offending and make everyone safer.
To reduce offending and reoffending and better support victims, families and communities, the Review of Policy Options for Prison and Penal Reform 2022-2024 identifies measures to expand community based sanctions that reflect the needs of Ireland’s diverse society; drive rehabilitative interventions that sustain desistance from offending; reduce the reliance on prison as a sanction and mitigate overcrowding in prisons; and embed collaborative, innovative approaches to the complex causes of offending at all stages of the criminal justice system.
The relationship between substance misuse and offending behaviour is well understood with a history of substance misuse a strong predictor for reoffending.
In this regard, and in fulfilment of another Programme for Government commitment, the Final Report and Recommendations of the High Level Task Force to consider the mental health and addiction challenges of those who come into contact with the criminal justice sector was published by the Minister for Justice and the Minister for Health in September 2022.
The recommendations of the Task Force ensure better support for people at the earliest point at which they come into contact with the criminal justice system seeking to divert them away from it where possible, while supporting them in their rehabilitation from addiction and in the recovery and management of their illness. Further, the recommendations seek to address the question of better support for prisoners in their rehabilitation when justice requires a prison sentence, and that the progress made in prison is not lost after release which is the foundation upon which the system works with that person to build a better future.
In addition, Minister Browne published the Youth Justice Strategy 2021-2027 last year, which provides a developmental framework to support children and young people subject to multiple disadvantage and guide them away from involvement in anti-social or criminal behaviours.
There are currently 105 Youth Diversion Projects in operation, which are community based organisations that are a key support to An Garda Síochána in the operation of the statutory Garda Youth Diversion Programme under the Children's Act 2001. The intention (in line with the Youth Justice Strategy) is to provide full geographic availability of youth diversion services throughout the State by the end of 2023.
To that end, Minister Browne secured almost €780,000 in funding from Budget 2022 to expand the Youth Diversion Project network. The Department has invited proposals this week from community and youth service organisations to establish new Youth Diversion Projects in South Monaghan, Claremorris, Co. Mayo, South and East Co. Wicklow and West Cork.
An additional €2.5 million was secured in Budget 2023, to a total of €30.5 million, to implement the Youth Justice Strategy – this will help us expand these important services to everyone who needs them to create better outcomes for young people.
Expressions of interest in principle from community-based organisations in establishing new Youth Diversion Projects in any of these areas should be submitted to yjs@justice.ie by 12 January 2023, having regard to the operational requirements as set out at: www.gov.ie/en/collection/1a1cd-youth-diversion-projects/.
Question No. 60 answered with Question No. 50.