Written Answers Nos. 21-40
21. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice his plans for further investment into CCTV systems to aid and assist An Garda Síochána conduct policing in urban areas across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7736/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have recently introduced the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Bill 2022 into the Dáil which will extend the powers governing Garda use of CCTV and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology to help prevent crime and prosecute those involved in criminal activity in line with the Programme for Government.
There are two types of CCTV scheme authorised by the Garda Commissioner under the Garda Síochána Act at present - Garda CCTV and Community CCTV Schemes.
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 that are installed and operated for the sole and primary purpose of securing public order and safety in public places.
Section 38 (a) provides for Garda CCTV schemes operated by An Garda Síochána. Garda CCTV can assist with the deterrence, prevention, detection and prosecution of offences.
It does so 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.
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.
Community-based CCTV is governed by Section 38(3)(c) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 and the Garda Síochána (CCTV) Order 2006 (SI 289 of 2006). This legal framework requires that any proposed community CCTV scheme must:
- be approved by the local Joint Policing Committee,
- have the prior support of the relevant local authority, which must also act as data controller, and
- have the authorisation of the Garda Commissioner.
To date, 36 such schemes have been approved for funding by my Department with a value of €958,689 committed to these projects.
The Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Bill will reform CCTV schemes. Under the Bill, community groups will be able to request schemes in their area. It is envisaged the Local Community Safety Partnerships being established under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill, once rolled out nationwide, will be the appropriate avenue to do so, given that local residents, Local Authority staff, Councillors and members of An Garda Síochána will all be represented on the partnerships.
22. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 34 of 6 December 2022, the status of the independent review of part IV of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017; when the review will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7230/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will know, a key purpose of the 2017 Sexual Offences Act was to provide additional protection to persons involved in prostitution, especially vulnerable persons and victims of human trafficking.
It allows those engaged in prostitution to provide information to Gardaí, for instance if they were subjected to violence by clients, without fear of prosecution for selling sexual services.
Section 27 of the Act provides for a review of Part 4 and my Department contracted an independent contractor to undertake this review.
In the context of the goal of the legislation, which is to protect vulnerable persons, the review will include consideration of whether further measures are needed to strengthen protection for persons who engage in sexual activity for payment.
It is my understanding that the independent report has not yet been finalised and I have asked my officials to engage with the study lead to ascertain when it will be made available, bearing in mind the need to respect the independence of the review.
Once received, any recommendations made in the report will be considered as a priority.
23. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Justice if he will provide an update on the processing and decision times for people seekinginternational protection; if he will confirm that there has been a reduction in the number of those working in the section of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6874/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is taking all necessary steps to manage the international protection process efficiently and effectively, while ensuring the integrity of the immigration system is maintained at all times. My Department is committed to reducing processing times for international protection applicants.
During 2022, the number of people claiming international protection increased significantly, with 13,651 applications made with the International Protection Office (IPO). This is a 186% increase on the same period in 2019, the last year in which application numbers were not impacted by COVID-19. There were 1306 applications made in January 2023 continuing the trend of higher numbers.
In order to speed up the processing of applications for international protection, there has been a 55% increase in staffing of the International Protection Office since 2019 (from 143 to 221 staff). This has resulted in a substantial increase in recommendations made by the IPO.
The small reduction of four administrative staff available to IPAT over recent years (from 50 to 46) has not impacted upon the number of cases processed. For context, at the end of 2022 IPAT had 850 cases on hand, and has capacity within existing resources to process 2,300 cases a year. Any suggestion that there is any backlog within the IPAT therefore appears to be a misunderstanding of the current position.
In addition to resourcing, it is important to acknowledge that action has already been taken by the Department to manage the high volume of applications by utilising all of its current resources. A number of measures have been implemented to improve efficiencies and throughput, in tandem with reforms to the application, interview and decision making process, and these are having a significant impact on processing times.
A new accelerated procedures for international protection applicants from safe countries of origin was introduced in November 2022 which is intended to significantly reduce processing times for first instance decisions. As it has only been recently introduced, my Department is monitoring implementation and the impact on processing times.
The Government has also committed additional funding of nearly €18m in 2023 that will also go towards increasing efficiency in processing applications, including by increasing staff numbers at the International Protection Office. Further reforms are being examined with a view to speeding up the processing of applications.
24. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Justice if he will indicate his support for a public inquiry into the killing of a person (details supplied) over two years ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7659/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI want to extend my sympathies and those of the Government to the family of George Nkencho on their very sad loss.
As the Deputy will be aware, the fatal shooting is being fully investigated by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC), which is the independent statutory body established with full powers to investigate such incidents. I understand that 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. I understand that a draft report, pursuant to section 101 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended) has been prepared, and is currently subject to internal and external peer review, as well as legal review.
I understand that once the report is completed and a decision reached by the Commission, GSOC will issue a statement on the matter. GSOC will also make its findings publicly available as and when other statutory processes permit it to do so.
GSOC has also informed me that it will continue to liaise with the Nkencho family on developments, and will ensure the family are given appropriate notice before any public statement is issued.
25. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been brought to the significant delays in the Donegal court system; if plans have been made to address this problem; if he has considered appointing an additional judge for Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7729/23]
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 exercising its functions. Furthermore, the scheduling of individual court cases and the allocation of court business are entirely matters for the Presidents of the Courts and the presiding judges who are, under the Constitution, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions.
It is my priority, as Minister, to ensure that the courts are resourced to administer justice efficiently and effectively. This is central to ensuring there is access to justice. The Government endeavours to fill judicial vacancies at the earliest opportunity.
In order to assist the Deputy, I have made enquiries and am informed by the Courts Service that the latest available waiting times for Donegal Town District Court and Letterkenny District Court are less than 8 weeks. It is important to note that domestic violence applications, urgent interim applications are dealt with immediately i.e., on next sitting day.
I can further advise that the Judicial Planning Working Group, established by Minister McEntee in 2021 as part of the Programme for Government and Justice Plan 2021, has submitted its final report to Minister Harris for consideration. The Group’s recommendations, which I will shortly bring to Government, will inform assessment of any future judicial resourcing needs, against the backdrop of modernisation of the work of the courts generally.
26. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice the up-to-date position regarding the consideration of the case for a posthumous pardoning in respect of a person (details supplied) similar to the recent pardoning of a person; when he expects a decision on the question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7652/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, a detailed application for posthumous Presidential pardons for Mr. Sylvester Poff and Mr. James Barrett was submitted by the Castleisland District Heritage, Incorpotating the Michael O’Donohue Memorial Project in December 2021.
An internal review of the application has been completed within the Department, and I have approved a proposal to engage an independent expert in trial law to further examine and review the case of Mr. Poff and Mr. Barrett. My Department has contacted the applicants to provide this update.
Following completion of the independent expert review of the case, I will consider the report and decide how to proceed.
27. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí in the Cavan/Monaghan drug unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7678/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes the allocation of Garda members to a given Division, District or Station or their assignment to specialist units.
I am advised by Garda authorities that, as of end of December 2022, the latest date for which figures are available, there are under 10 Gardaí attached to the Cavan/Monaghan drugs unit. I am further advised by the Garda authorities that counts of less than 10 cannot be provided and due to the impact on operational effectiveness and security.
I can assure the Deputy that the Commissioner keeps the allocation of resources under continued review to ensure their best use. Local and senior Garda management are also consulted during the allocation of personnel to ensure the continued level of delivery of policing services within Garda Divisions.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that when consideration is given to the allocation of resources account is given to commitments and undertakings outlined in the Annual Policing Plan and priorities as determined in delivering ‘A Policing Service for The Future’, including commitments related to the continued roll-out of the Operating Model of policing.
Other factors considered include the following: local and national crime trends and workloads; policing arrangements and operational strategies; and local population trends and geographical area.
My Department remains committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources needed to perform its vital role in the community. We are committed to building stronger, safer communities and a strengthened Garda Síochána is at the heart of that. This has been reflected in the unprecedented allocation of over €2 billion in Budget 2023 to support high-visibility policing.
28. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Justice if he will provide an update in relation to the ongoing roster discussions between Garda management and the Garda Commissioner. [7534/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
As the Deputy will be aware, 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.
I am regularly informed by the Commissioner on matters impacting Garda members, including matters related to rostering. The current Garda roster was introduced by the Commissioner to deal with the specific policing requirements that arose during the Covid pandemic. It was always intended by the Commissioner to be a temporary roster, to be replaced in due course.
There has been engagement over a prolonged period of time on the matter of roster reform. To assist this process an independent facilitator was appointed in July 2021. He published his recommendations on roster reform in August 2022 following intensive discussions with Garda Management and Garda Associations.
The Commissioner, the Association of Garda Chief Superintendents, and the Association of Garda Superintendents have accepted these new proposals. The Associations of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors rejected the proposals following a ballot of their members and the Garda Representative Association rejected them without a ballot. Garda Management continue to engage on the matter in line with An Garda Síochána dispute resolutions procedures.
In the meantime, the Commissioner has confirmed that the current roster will remain in place until 16 April 2023. The Commissioner has also confirmed that any new roster will be notified to all members three months of it coming into operation.
29. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice if he will make a statement with regards to a specific application for visas from Afghani citizens (details supplied). [6891/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person referred to made an application to the Afghan Admission Programme which was received by my Department on 9 March 2022. Processing of this application is ongoing at present.
To ensure as many people as possible can avail of this important programme my Department has been liaising with representatives of the Afghan Community and with applicants directly to ensure the Afghan Admission Programme team have everything needed to progress applications. Where applicants are missing important information, such as proof of identity and familial relationships, the Afghan Admission Programme Unit contacted people directly to gather the required documents. This process is now complete. The requested information has begun to be received and applications continue to be assessed in a pragmatic and humanitarian manner.
My Department commenced issuing decisions in the last quarter of 2022. Approvals issued in respect of 81 beneficiaries under the Afghan Admissions Programme up to the 31st of December 2022. The total number of approvals under this Programme up 15 February 2023 is 173 and to date, no refusal letters have been issued.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility (inisoireachtasmail@justice.ie) which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
30. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Justice the steps he intends to take to ensure adequate Garda recruitment to ensure adequate Garda resources in communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7390/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to assure the Deputy that both my Department and I are in ongoing contact with the Garda Commissioner to deliver on our target of 1,000 new Garda recruits in 2023.
Since 2015, the budget for An Garda Síochána has increased by approximately €672m, or 46%. This includes the unprecedented allocation of over €2 billion in Budget 2023. This has allowed for sustained and ongoing recruitment and as Minister, I am committed to delivering the necessary resources to bring the number of Gardaí in the country to 15,000 and beyond.
As of the end of December 2022, there were 14,133 Garda sworn members nationwide. This represents an increase of over 10% since 2015 when there were 12,816 Garda members throughout the country.
These Gardaí are supported by 3,126 Garda civilian staff, an increase of more than 50% on the number of civilian staff assigned in 2015. These concerted efforts in civilian recruitment have a critical impact on frontline policing, facilitating the redeployment of over 880 Garda members to operational policing duties.
I very much support the Commissioner’s ambition to accelerate Garda recruitment coming out of the pandemic and his commitment to reach the target to recruit 1,000 new Gardaí in 2023.
It is clear from the response to last year's competition that, despite intense competition in the employment market, a career in An Garda Síochána is attractive to a large number of people and it is equally clear from the 2022 Garda Culture Audit that Gardaí have high levels of job satisfaction, notwithstanding the risks and challenges associated with their role. While the recruitment process takes time for the reasons I've outlined, there is every reason to be confident that An Garda Síochána will continue to attract the numbers required to keep the public safe. I can assure the Deputy that this Government will not be found wanting in its support for that objective.
31. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice the progress being made in simplifying the process for employment permits and immigration permissions to improve on timelines to secure critical skill workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7668/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, my Department works closely with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in relation to non-EEA nationals who come to Ireland for the purpose of taking up employment. While the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is responsible for assessing labour market needs and processing employment permits, including for critical skills occupations, my Department is responsible for processing visa applications, where necessary, and processing residence permissions upon arrival. On foot of this cooperation, a range of arrangements have been put in place over time to support labour market needs and facilitate those seeking to take up employment here.
Of particular note is that work is underway to reform the current system whereby employment permits and immigration permissions are dealt with separately, with a view to improving the user experience and enhancing Ireland’s competitiveness in attracting skilled migrant workers. The government agreed in principle late last year that a single application procedure for employment permits and immigration permissions should be developed and that an Inter Departmental Working Group should be established to develop an implementation plan for consideration by Government.
The Inter-departmental Working Group will examine the operational, policy and legal considerations of simplifying the process for employment permits and immigration permissions to improve on timelines to secure critical skill workers. The Working Group’s report will also allow the government to consider opting-in to the recast EU Single Permit Directive at a future date. The objective of that measure is simplify the procedure for third country nationals wishing to migrate to the EU legally for work processes, through a single application procedure for a combined employment and residence permit.
32. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice the current strength of the Garda Reserve; the number of male and female members; the Government policy with respect to recruitment to the Garda Reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7679/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
As you will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business under section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended). This includes responsibility for the recruitment, training and deployment of Garda members and members of the Garda Reserve. As Minister I have no direct role in these matters. I am advised by the Garda authorities that as of 28 February 2023, the Garda Reserve strength is 371 members, which is made up of 90 females and 281 males.
As part of the Government’s plan to modernise and strengthen An Garda Síochána, A Policing Service for our Future (APSFF), the Garda Commissioner has developed the Garda Reserve Strategy 2021-2025, which provides a roadmap for the development of this important service.
The Strategy, published in October 2021, and available on the Garda website, is informed by an internal review of the Reserve, and sets out key commitments including recruitment, training and development, deployment, governance and evaluation. The Strategy aims to ensure that members of the Reserve are fully supported by local Garda management and that the role is recognised and promoted throughout the organisation.
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 to full-time membership of An Garda Síochána, including from minority communities.
A priority is a new recruitment campaign, which I understand will be held Q4 2023 or Q1 2024, and on foot of which new reservists will be appointed. I understand that 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. The Department of Justice is currently engaging with An Garda Síochána on revisions to the regulations governing the Reserve ahead of the commencement of this recruitment process.
I can assure you that An Garda Síochána continues to provide support and flexibility to Reserve Gardaí carrying out their functions in a voluntary capacity. For your information, detailed statistics on Garda Reserve numbers are published on gov.ie and are updated regularly by my Department from information provided by An Garda Síochána. The statistics can be accessed using the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/2e11c-garda-reserve/
I hope this information will be of assistance to you.
I have contacted An Garda Síochána for the information requested by the Deputy. Regrettably this information was not available in time and I will write to the Deputy again once the information is to hand.
33. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí by rank in each Garda station in the Dublin northern and western divisions as of 1 February 2023. [7391/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including responsibility for the recruitment, training and deployment of Garda members. I am assured that the Commissioner keeps the allocation of these resources under continued review, in line with crime and population trends, to ensure their optimum use.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, as of the end of December 2022, the latest date for which data is available, there were a total of 721 Garda members assigned to the DMR West Division and 767 Garda members assigned to the DMR North Division.
The attached table provides a breakdown of Gardaí by rank in each Garda station of the respective Divisions.
34. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Justice if he will provide an update on ongoing recruitment and retention of gardaí; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7268/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government is committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the resources it needs to ensure communities around Ireland are safe and feel safe.
Since 2015, the budget for An Garda Síochána has increased by approximately €672m, or 46%. This includes the unprecedented allocation of over €2 billion in Budget 2023. This has allowed for sustained and ongoing recruitment and as Minister, I am committed to delivering the necessary resources to bring the number of Gardaí in the country to 15,000 and beyond.
As of the end of December 2022, there were 14,133 Garda sworn members nationwide. This represents an increase of over 10% since 2015 when there were 12,816 Garda members throughout the country.
These Gardaí are supported by 3,126 Garda civilian staff, an increase of more than 50% on the number of civilian staff assigned in 2015. These concerted efforts in civilian recruitment have a critical impact on frontline policing, facilitating the redeployment of over 880 Garda members to operational policing duties.
I very much support the Commissioner’s ambition to accelerate Garda recruitment coming out of the pandemic. The Commissioner and his team have assured me that the target to recruit 1,000 new Gardaí in 2023 will be achieved this year.
It is clear from the response to last year's competition that, despite intense competition in the employment market, a career in An Garda Síochána is attractive to a large number of people and it is equally clear from the 2022 Garda Culture Audit that Gardaí have high levels of job satisfaction, notwithstanding the risks and challenges associated with their role. While the recruitment process takes time, there is every reason to be confident that An Garda Síochána will continue to attract the numbers required to keep the public safe. I can assure the Deputy that this Government will not be found wanting in its support for that objective.
35. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice his plans on reforming asylum seekers process; the number of additional staff to be hired; the way applications can be processed more efficiently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6616/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to reducing processing times for international protection applicants and continues to take all necessary steps to manage the international protection process efficiently and effectively, while ensuring the integrity of the immigration system is maintained at all times.
In order to speed up the processing of applications for international protection, there has been a 55% increase in staffing of the International Protection Office since 2019 (from 143 to 221 staff). This has resulted in a substantial increase in recommendations made by the IPO.
In addition to resourcing, it is important to acknowledge that action has already been taken by the Department to manage the high volume of applications by utilising all of its current resources. Since last November a number of measures have been implemented to improve efficiencies and throughput, in tandem with reforms to the application, interview and decision making process, and these are having a significant impact on processing times.
These steps have recently allowed applicants from safe countries of origin to receive a first instance decision in less than 3 months, which is a significant reduction from a norm of 22 to 26 months earlier last year. This new procedure is in its infancy and it is too early to see the real impact it will have on processing times but the Department is confident that these new measures will bring significant changes to the system.
The Government has also committed additional funding of nearly €18m in 2023 that will also go towards increasing efficiency in processing applications, including by increasing staff numbers at the International Protection Office. Further reforms are being examined with a view to speeding up the processing of applications.
36. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to the fact that over 5,000 persons arrived at Dublin airport in 2022 with no documentation or invalid documentation; the steps he will take to address this issue; the reason his Department does not record people under the age of 16 or minors as part of this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7544/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Border Management Unit (BMU) of my Department has responsibility for frontline immigration duties at Dublin Airport only. Other ports of entry are the responsibility of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).
Immigration officials conduct passport checks on arrival to ensure all passengers are properly documented in accordance with Section 11 of the Immigration Act 2004.
11.— (1) Every person (other than a person under the age of 16 years) landing in the State shall be in possession of a valid passport or other equivalent document, issued by or on behalf of an authority recognised by the Government, which establishes his or her identity and nationality.
As such, minors are not included in the overall refusal of leave to land figures or statistics on those that arrive without travel documents. It should be noted that the significant majority of individuals presenting without documentation are adults and that where any concerns in relation to a minor arises the matter is referred to Tusla.
Immigration Officials are actively engaging with airport authorities and airlines at a senior level to underscore the importance of passengers possessing correct documentation and to provide support in helping them to reduce the number of passengers boarding flights without the correct documentation.
The Border Management Unit and the GNIB are working closely with airlines on a range of measures to ensure that passengers have such documentation when boarding. Border Management Unit officials are available 24/7 to assist airlines with queries they have in relation to immigration matters.
If a person cannot produce a valid passport, or other equivalent document, then the Immigration Officer will arrange for the person to be referred to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB). Where a person without documentation wishes to make an application for International Protection that application will be processed in line with the provisions of the International protection Act 2015.
The establishment of a person’s identity and nationality is an important feature of our immigration process. This is especially important in the context of persons who enter the Irish State for the purposes of making a claim for international protection.
37. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí assigned to the drugs and community policing units in the Ballymun sub-district for the past five years up to the latest date possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7675/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, as amended, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business, including the distribution and stationing of Garda members throughout the State, including to specialist units within the organisation. As Minister, I have no role in these independent, operational functions.
I am assured that the Garda Commissioner keeps the allocation of resources under continued review to ensure their optimum use. This takes into account factors including crime trends, operational strategies and local population figures.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the number of Community Gardaí assigned to the Ballymun area is currently less than 10. I am further advised by the Garda authorities that counts of less than 10 cannot be provided due to data protection concerns.
The official categorisation as a Community Garda simply refers 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 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.
The table below, provided to me by Garda authorities, outlines the number of Gardaí assigned to the Drugs Unit in the DMR North Division, of which Ballymun is part.
|
Year |
Drugs Unit DMR North |
|
31/12/2018 |
19 |
|
31/12/2019 |
19 |
|
31/12/2020 |
30 |
|
31/12/2021 |
28 |
|
31/12/2022 |
29 |
38. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which the strength of An Garda Síochána is likely to be brought up to strength in line with demographics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7686/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes the allocation of resources, including Garda members, to a given Division, District or Station. I am assured that the Commissioner keeps the allocation of these resources under continual review, in line with crime trends and population stats, to ensure their optimum use.
I would like to assure the Deputy that we remain committed to the target of 1,000 new recruits in 2023. My Department and I regularly engage with the Garda Commissioner to ensure he has the necessary resources to deliver on this level of recruitment.
I am committed that Garda numbers would be brought o 15,000 and beyond.
I take great confidence in the level of interest shown in the latest Garda recruitment campaign despite a very competitive job market. This is a testament to the enduring popularity of a career with An Garda Síochána. I also take confidence knowing that a further recruitment campaign, which will be launched in the coming months, will ensure a pipeline of suitable candidates.
39. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the policing structure across County Mayo; if he will provide a breakdown of officers in each area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7726/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the distribution of Garda personnel and resources between the different Garda Divisions. As Minister, I have no role in these operational matters.
I can advise the Deputy that the new Garda Operating Model reflects and addresses the challenges of modern day policing by enabling specialisation in the delivery of key services and freeing up more Gardaí to focus on front line policing.
It will particularly enhance the investigation of crime through the delivery of a greater range of specialised services in local areas such as the investigation of sexual crime, domestic violence, cyber-crime, and economic crime.
The development and introduction of the Operating Model was a recommendation by both the Garda Inspectorate and the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland (CoFPI) and is a key element of delivering its implementation plan, ‘A Policing Service for the Future’.
Its focus is on community policing based on local needs consistent with the objective of “Keeping People Safe” by working closely with wider services to prevent crime and support vulnerable people.
The new model introduces major changes to the structures of An Garda Síochána by providing more front-line Gardaí, increased Garda visibility, and a wider range of policing services for people in their local area.
The Operating Model is designed to make each Division the central unit of policing administration rather than the current smaller District model to benefit from greater scale. This benefits will be by way of effective streamlining of administrative processes, reduction in bureaucracy and allow the release of Gardaí from back office functions.
The new Operating Model is currently being rolled out in all divisions and is fully commenced in six - Dublin South Central, Cork City, Kerry, Galway, Limerick and Mayo-Roscommon-Longford. For these divisions it means:
- Districts replaced with Community Engagement Functional Areas;
- Crime Functional Area established in each Division;
- All Personnel aligned to a Functional Area;
- Garda Stations Aligned to Community Engagement Functional Areas.
I am advised by the Commissioner that An Garda Síochána are planning for the continued rollout of the Operating Model during 2023, in consultation with the relevant stakeholders.
The Garda authorities have also indicated that the plan will include the continued roll out in the remaining divisions along with the implementation of the regional office standardised processes in the four regions during 2023.
The Deputy may also be interested to know that as of 31 December 2022, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 616 Garda members assigned to the Mayo-Roscommon-Longford Division. A full breakdown of Garda members nationwide is available on my Department's website, and updated monthly.
40. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of the impact on the ground in rural areas due to a lack of Garda resources; the steps that will be taken to improve recruitment of gardaí to increase resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7389/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the recruitment and allocation of Garda resources is an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner. This includes the assignment of Garda members to a given Division, District or Station. As Minister I have no role in these operational policing matters.
I am advised that the Garda Commissioner keeps the allocation of Garda resources under continual review to ensure their best use. Among the factors considered are crime trends, population statistics and operational need.
I would like to assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities, in both rural and urban areas, and a strengthened Garda Síochána is at the centre of that. The strong interest in the latest Garda recruitment campaign reflects the enduring popularity of a career with An Garda Síochána, even in the midst of a highly competitive jobs market. I want to acknowledge also that Garda recruitment was significantly and understandably disrupted when the Garda college at Templemore was necessarily closed during the COVID pandemic.
The Commissioner and his team have assured me that the target to recruit 1,000 new sworn Gardaí in 2023 will be achieved this year.
In tandem with this recruitment drive, additional reassignments of Gardaí to operational frontline policing and the continued rollout of the new Operating Model with its focus on community engagement will further consolidate Garda resources, enabling Gardaí to continue to deliver on An Garda Síochána's mission of Keeping People Safe.
