Written Answers Nos. 39-69
53. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice the initiatives that are being pursued to ensure public order and safety on the streets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55094/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy thoughts remain with the young children and their crèche worker who were so viciously assaulted almost two weeks ago. The children, their carer, their families, friends and those who are caring for them must remain at the forefront of our thoughts.
The rioting and violent disorder we saw in Dublin was a disgrace and I condemn it in the strongest possible terms. I want to commend all Garda members for their quick and effective response in restoring order to the city.
In light of the riots, the Garda Senior Management Team has agreed on a range of measures to further support front-line Gardaí, including tooling all Gardaí with stronger incapacitant spray, expansion of the dog unit, increasing public order training, more tasers for public order policing, and provision of hand-held video cameras for public order units, among other measures.
I am pleased to say that the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Bill passed all remaining stages in the Dáil and has been signed into law by the President. The Act provides for body worn cameras, Garda CCTV, automatic number plate recognition, and Community CCTV. The crucial introduction of body-worn cameras is being accelerated through a separate proof of concept (POC) project involving the deployment next year of body-worn cameras in Dublin city centre.
I also intend to bring the general scheme of the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) (Amendment) Bill to Government in the coming weeks. This will empower Gardaí to use facial recognition technology in appropriate and limited circumstances to assist in identifying offenders in respect of serious violent offences. My intention is to include the offences of riot and violent disorder among the offences for which this technology may be used. It is a manifest waste of resources to have Gardaí manually reviewing thousands of hours of CCTV footage after an incident, delaying the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
We have also introduced tough new sentences, including doubling the maximum sentence for assault causing harm to 10 years. We have also increased the sentence for conspiracy to murder from 10 years to life, and the sentence for assaulting a Garda or emergency worker from 7 to 12 years.
54. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice what her plans are to ensure all urban areas outside of Dublin will be included in plans for increased Garda presence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55110/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the outset I can assure the Deputy that my Department is committed to building stronger, safer communities and a fully strengthened Garda Síochána is at the heart of that. This is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of €2.3 billion in Budget 2024, a 23% increase since 2020. This increased level of funding will allow for sustained investment in recruitment, equipment and technology.
While it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the allocation of Garda members to a given Division, District or Station, I am in regular contact with him to ensure An Garda Síochána have the resources they need. I am assured that the Garda Commissioner keeps the allocation of these resources under continual review, in light of operational policing demands, to ensure their optimum use.
Nothing is off the table when it comes to ways to improve recruitment and retention and the decision to increase the maximum age of recruitment from 35 to 50 was approved by Government last week.
Numbers in Templemore continue to increase, with attestations every 3 months. A total of 637 trainees entered the training college in 2023. Another class is due to enter Templemore this month putting An Garda Síochána on track for between 700 and 800 new recruits into the college this year.
237 new Gardaí have attested so far this year. The next attestation which was scheduled for 12 January has been brought forward to 15 December. Over 150 trainees are scheduled to attest on this date and will be deployed for policing duties over the Christmas period. They will return to the college to complete their studies at a later date.
As we continue to increase the number of Gardaí towards our current target of 15,000, I expect that the Commissioner will be in a position to allocate additional Gardaí to all areas of the country.
55. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Justice to outline her engagement with the Policing Authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55144/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Policing Authority is an independent statutory agency established under the Garda Síochána (Policing Authority and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015, which amends the Garda Síochána Act 2005.
The Authority's remit is to oversee the performance of An Garda Síochána in relation to policing services in Ireland. The 2005 Act was amended so that some functions which were previously the responsibility of the Government or the Minister were transferred to the Authority.
One of the functions of the Authority is to provide me, as Minister, with information and advice on a range of issues, including:
• matters relating to policing services, in particular matters relevant to the accountability of Government to the Oireachtas,
• the resources that are likely to be required by An Garda Síochána to perform its functions in each forthcoming financial year,
• measures taken by An Garda Síochána in relation to recommendations made in reports of the Garda Síochána Inspectorate,
• developments in respect of matters relating to policing services,
• recommendations to me to assist in co-ordinating and developing policy in that regard and,
• best policing practice.
I can assure the Deputy that there is ongoing engagement between my Department and the Authority on these matters and I have met with the Chair of the Authority on a number of occasions.
Most recently, on 29 November, I wrote to the Chair requesting that the Authority advise me as to what else might enhance policing performance and support the Gardaí in the exercise of their lawful powers in situations such as that which arose in Dublin on 23 November.
56. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide an update on her meeting request with a social media company (details supplied) regarding its role in monitoring online content following the recent riots in Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55093/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraRecent events which took place in our capital city serve to highlight the threat posed by violent political extremism. Messages of hate spread online resulted in physical violence on our city streets.
It is clear that social media companies have an important responsibility to resource and operate robust systems of detection including the timely removal of harmful content.
I can assure the Deputy that countering the threat posed by extremism is a top priority for An Garda Síochána and for me and my Department. Our strategy to deal with extremism is part of a whole of Government response to countering radicalisation to extremist ideologies, along with liaison with An Garda Síochána.
I and my Department are fully engaged with our EU partners through the Radicalisation Awareness Network (RAN), to develop our understanding of the evolution of the threat posed by extreme right wing actors with a view to putting in place appropriate measures to counter the threat. My Department is also responsible for policy in relation to illegal online content, including the implementation of the Terrorist Content Online Regulation, and policy on online extremism, including in respect of right wing extremists.
The law is kept under review and the Deputy will be familiar with the provisions of the new Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences) Bill, which I am currently bringing through the Oireachtas. This will criminalise the dissemination of exactly the kind of hate speech, offline and online, which often informs or encourages violent extremism.
The Garda Commissioner determines appropriate operational policing strategies and An Garda Síochána monitors activity and engages with social media companies in an effort to counter disinformation and misinformation, including seeking the removal of harmful material.
As the Deputy will be aware, my colleague the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media has introduced the Online Services and Media Regulation Act and established Coimisiún na Meán, to regulate online media, including enforcing rules about how online services or platforms should deal with harmful and illegal content on their services. Minister Martin is also overseeing the process to develop a National Counter Disinformation Strategy which will be published in 2024.
I understand that Coimisiún na Meán held meetings with platforms in the days following the disturbances together with the European Commission to get more information on how media companies responded to the incidents that unfolded online and offline. I echo their call to all platforms based in Ireland to limit the spread of such content and look forward to engaging further with the companies in relation to this important issue.
57. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Justice how many fully trained gardaí are projected to be available for duty at the end of 2023; and what the target is for the end of 2024. [55124/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities, and strengthening An Garda Síochána is at the core of that. We will continue to provide An Garda Síochána with the resources it needs to ensure communities around Ireland are safe and feel safe.
The unprecedented allocation of over €2 billion for 2023 and a further €2.31 billion for 2024 is providing for a steady pipeline of new Gardaí, with new recruits entering the Garda College approximately every 11 weeks.
At the end of October 2023, there were 13,940 Garda members across the country. This represents an increase of almost 9% since 2015. In addition, the civilianisation programme has freed up almost 900 Garda members from back office work for front line policing work since 2015.
The closure of the Garda College to intakes for much of 2020 and 2021 as a result of COVID-19 had a significant impact on Garda numbers. However, the number of recruits has continued to grow since its reopening.
A total of 637 trainees entered the training college so far in 2023. Another class is due to enter Templemore in December putting An Garda Síochána on track for between 700 and 800 new recruits into the college this year.
237 new Gardaí have attested so far in 2023. I welcome the Garda Commissioner's decision to bring forward the next attestation, which was scheduled for 12 January, has been brought forward to 15 December. A similar approach was taken in March 2020 when two classes attested early to support the policing response to Covid-19.
I understand that over 150 trainees will attest on this date and will be deployed for policing duties over the Christmas period. They will return to the college to complete their studies at a later date.
It is expected that 800 - 1000 new Gardaí will be recruited in 2024.
58. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide an update on the Garda operational model for County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55083/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Operating Model has been designed to reflect and strengthen the organisation to face the challenges of modern day policing more consistently around the country 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 from 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’.
The Operating Model introduces major changes to the structures of An Garda Síochána ensuring more front-line Gardaí, increased Garda visibility, and a wider range of policing services for people in their local area.
I am informed that An Garda Síochána's roll-out of the Model is progressing well, with 10 of 21 divisions now fully functioning under the Operating Model.
As the Deputy will be aware, the restructured Cavan/Monaghan/Louth Division went live on 3 December 2023.
The model, coupled with some realignment of responsibilities, will help to deliver a consistent, community-focused policing service.
I think most people would agree that community policing has been at the heart of An Garda Síochána since its founding over 100 years ago, and I can assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to maintaining that tradition, so that all communities feel safe and are safe.
59. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice the number of knives seized by gardaí in each of the past ten years and to date in 2023. [55100/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraWe are all sadly very conscious of the effect that knife crime can have on the quality of life for local communities and I can assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to supporting An Garda Síochána to tackle this issue.
The Expert Forum on Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) is examining a broad range of issues to address the factors which give rise to ASB, including knife crime. The knife crime sub-group of the ASB Forum 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 the question of what further measures might be progressed is subject to consultation with relevant stakeholders.
There is also a comprehensive and robust legal framework in place in Ireland with respect to knife crime, including heavy penalties for breaches of the laws concerned. The maximum penalty in the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990 for a conviction for possessing a knife in a public place, without good reason or lawful authority, was increased from one to five years in an amendment introduced via the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009.
Knife crime is a broad term, one which has no official classification in crime statistics compiled by An Garda Síochána and published by the Central Statistics Office. This is because knives may be used in the commission of many different types of offence, ranging from threats and intimidation, robbery and theft, to serious assaults and murder.
There are many complex, interlinked and variable causes for the use of knives in the commission of offences. As a result, there are no quick-fix solutions to tackling knife crime. Long term, evidence-based strategies are needed to address knife crime as part of a wider strategic response to anti-social behaviour, street violence, youth offending and domestic violence.
To be of assistance to the Deputy, I have contacted the Garda Authorities for the information requested and will provide the information separately. However I can inform the Deputy that 2,027 knives have been seized this year as of 4 December 2023.
60. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Justice to outline the value and volume of seizures of crack-cocaine and heroin in Limerick since the conclusion of Operation Copóg; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54638/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can assure the Deputy that tackling drug dealing and associated criminal activity, including by organised crime groups and those who fuel this very harmful and illegal trade, is a top priority for An Garda Síochána and the Government.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes all operational and investigative policing matters. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.
As the Deputy will be aware, Operation Copóg ran from March 2021 to September 2022 as a joint operation between An Garda Síochána and Limerick City & County Council to disrupt and target the sale and supply of controlled drugs in the St Mary’s Park area of Limerick city.
I have been informed that in the time period from 1 October 2022 to 30 November 2023, there were 216 seizures of drugs categorised under Possession of Drugs for the purpose of sale/supply and 609 seizures categorised under Simple Possession (personal use).
This included the seizure of suspected heroin to the estimated value of €283,000 and crack cocaine to the estimated value of €27,000. Last month a single seizure of suspected crack cocaine amounted to €20,000.
Some recent successes of Garda Operation Tara, which tackles drug dealing in local areas around the country include the seizure of over €120,000 of cannabis in Drogheda on December 5th, and the seizure of approximately €105,000 worth of suspected cocaine in Kildare on November 30th. These follow the huge seizure of the MV Matthew off the Cork coast in October. This shipment originated in Latin America and was bound for various locations, both here and across Europe.
These large seizures demonstrate the close cooperation between Gardaí and partner services to interrupt the supply of illegal drugs into and throughout the country.
The Garda Commissioner has also tasked an Inspector in every Garda Division to respond to the issue of drug-related intimidation. There are currently thirty nominated Garda Inspectors appointed to act as liaison officers for the Drug-Related Intimidation Reporting Programme, covering each Garda Division.
I will continue to provide An Garda Síochána with the resources it needs to ensure communities around Ireland are safe and feel safe. This is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of €2.3 billion in Budget 2024.
The record budgetary resources allocated to An Garda Síochána 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, GNDOCB, the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB).
61. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Justice has a specific unit tasked with overseeing and implementing strategy to combat the far right. [55125/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Covid-19 pandemic created a space for those intent on sowing hate and division to emerge and exploit and share their narratives online. They have continued to do this in relation to a range of issues.
The Government and relevant state bodies engage regularly with the EU and other partners on the evolving nature of the threats posed by extremism of various ideologies.
I would like to assure the Deputy that countering the threat posed by extremism is a top priority for An Garda Síochána and for me and my Department. Our strategy to deal with extremism involves a number of separate strands.
We are fully engaged with EU partners through the Radicalisation Awareness Network (RAN). This is to develop our understanding of the evolution of the threat posed by extremist actors to take appropriate measures to counter such threat. My Department is also responsible for policy in relation to illegal online content, including the implementation of the Terrorist Content Online Regulation, and policy on online extremism, including in respect of the far-right.
It is the role of the Garda Commissioner to determine the policing strategies of An Garda Síochána and he has my full support in this crucial work. Garda management deploy an increased presence where they deem it necessary in response to protests and demonstrations.
When people go beyond what is acceptable, and put others in danger, members of An Garda Síochána will protect all members of the public and uphold the law. I am satisfied there is a wide range of legislation under which threats and intimidation can be prosecuted, including the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Persons Act and Public Order legislation.
The law is kept under review and the Deputy will be familiar with the provisions of the new Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences) Bill, which I am currently bringing through the Oireachtas, will criminalise the dissemination of exactly the kind of hate speech, offline and online, which often informs or encourages violent extremism.
My colleague the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media has introduced the Online Services and Media Regulation Act and established Coimisiún na Meán, to regulate online media, including enforcing rules about how online services or platforms should deal with harmful and illegal content on their services. Minister Martin is also overseeing the process to develop a National Counter Disinformation Strategy which will be published in 2024.
I understand that Coimisiún na Meán held meetings with platforms in the days following the disturbances together with the European Commission to get more information on how media companies responded to the incidents that unfolded online and offline. I echo their call to all platforms based in Ireland to limit the spread of such content and look forward to engaging further with the companies in relation to this important issue.
62. 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 combat organised crime; whether sufficient intelligence, technology or other resources is adequate to make serious inroads on the structures operated by the criminal gangs; whether adequate powers exist to deal adequately with the situation; if further legislation is required; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55107/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraTackling serious and organised crime is a key priority for me as Minister for Justice. Crime is a global enterprise for many organised crime gangs and some individuals cross borders in an attempt to evade justice.
Serious and organised crime does not respect international borders, and Ireland is working closely with other States to fight organised crime and bring criminals to justice. The challenges we face are by definition transnational, and Ireland welcomes all efforts to develop a joined-up EU approach to confront them.
I was glad to receive Government approval this week to open extradition and mutual legal assistance negotiations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is important that criminals see there can be no hiding place from the law, and that the State will do everything in its power to bring those who spread misery in our communities to justice.
The Government is committed to taking a number of direct actions to tackle organised criminal groups, including by:
• Increasing the maximum sentence for conspiracy to murder from 10 years to life in prison to tackle those who direct organised and drug related crime;
• Introducing new legislation which will criminalise the grooming of children into a life of crime;
• Supporting the roll-out of Greentown, a pilot programme which is seeking to break the link between the gangs and the children they try to recruit.
• Cooperation with international law enforcement agencies remains a key element of the Garda response in view of the global nature of organised crime and the drugs trade, with Gardaí working closely with relevant law enforcement agencies such as INTERPOL and Europol to target drug trafficking.
• The Garda Liaison Officer Network has been expanded to several locations across the world. This has proven to be an effective and practical form of interagency cooperation between police services and has supported the exchange of information and the coordination of operations across borders.
• While we should not underestimate the difficulties the Gardaí face in tackling organised crime activity, we continue to see the significant results of its efforts in the arrests made and the people brought before the courts, both here and, importantly, in other jurisdictions, as well as the ongoing drugs and firearms seizures.
• The additional resources allocated to An Garda Síochána 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, and the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
• The Criminal Assets Bureau also continues to target the assets, wherever situated, of persons which derive or are suspected to derive, directly or indirectly, from criminal conduct. Since its inception, the Bureau has been at the forefront of fighting organised crime in Ireland, disrupting the activities of criminal gangs through the removal of their ill-gotten gains and has been recognised as a world leader in asset investigations, tracing and forfeiture.
63. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice the views of the Government and her Department on the recommendation made by the Independent Reporting Commission in its Fifth and its Sixth Report, published in December 2023 “for an agreed formal process of Group Transition, involving direct engagement with the paramilitary groups themselves, to bring about disbandment”; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55078/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Independent Reporting Commission is the body established under the Fresh Start Agreement 2015 to report on measures aimed at ending paramilitarism. The Commission submitted its first Report to the UK and Irish Governments in 2018 and its most recent report on 5 December. Both the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and I have welcomed the reports of the Commission.
The Commission views the Twin Track Approach as key to tackling paramilitarism. This involves progress both through the policing and criminal justice response, and a response to the wider socio-economic factors that exist in the communities where paramilitaries continue to operate. Coupled with this is an additional dimension, namely the consideration of an undertaking of a process of engagement with the paramilitary groups themselves, aimed at Group Transition and the end goal of disbandment.
One of the recommendations in the fifth report is that the Governments consider appointing an independent person to engage with the groups on transition.
The Governments have discussed the analysis and recommendations of the Commission including through the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference as recently as last month, and acknowledge that additional steps are needed to definitively achieve the ending of paramilitarism. It is simply not acceptable that paramilitarism be allowed to be perpetuated for this and future generations.
Officials from my Department, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Northern Ireland Office continue to engage on these matters. Both Governments agree that the Commission's recommendation for the appointment of an Independent Person to engage and report in detail on the question of the possible establishment of a formal process of comprehensive group transition has the potential to make a positive contribution, and will continue our joint work to consider this recommendation of the Commission.
My Department remains committed to continued constructive engagement with the Commission in respect of its work in 2024.
64. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice if she will now establish an independent public inquiry into the death of a person (details supplied), as previously agreed by both Houses of the Oireachtas. [55095/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe sudden loss of Shane O'Farrell at such a young age, with his whole life ahead of him is a desperate tragedy for all those who knew and loved him and one, which will always be an immense source of grief in their lives.
The sudden loss of Shane O'Farrell at such a young age, with his whole life ahead of him is a desperate tragedy for all those who knew and loved him and one, which will always be an immense source of grief in their lives.
The report of Judge Gerard Haughton arising from the Scoping Exercise into the circumstances surrounding the death of Shane O'Farrell, aged 23 in August 2011 was published on 3rd July 2023.
Judge Haughton was appointed by Minister Flanagan in 2019 to carry out a Scoping Exercise in light of the public controversy surrounding the circumstances of Mr O'Farrell's tragic death. Specifically, the purpose of the 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's work has resulted in a thorough and comprehensive 416 page report.
The main conclusion in the report is that there are no circumstances surrounding the death of Mr O'Farrell which warrant further investigation or inquiry beyond those already carried out. The report also finds that no inquiry is necessary into the systems and procedures for the sharing of information between An Garda Síochána, the Courts Service and other relevant State bodies operating at the time of Mr. O'Farrell's death.
The Judge makes a number of important recommendations on suspended sentences legislation, certain aspects in relation to dangerous driving (Road Traffic Act 1961), specific aspects of the law relating to inquests and the role of the Gardaí, and an audit of relevant Courts Service accounts by the Courts Service Audit and Risk Committee (in relation to the misplacing of Appeal papers by the Court Service).
All of the recommendations made by the Judge have been carefully considered by the relevant state bodies and agencies and implementation of those recommendations has commenced, where appropriate.
The Report was considered by the Attorney General, whose advice was sought prior to publication. The report was then brought to Government in April and published in July.
As the Deputy is aware, time was provided to members of both Houses to make statements on the Final Report of the Independent Scoping Exercise into the Circumstances Surrounding the Death of Mr. Shane O'Farrell on 17th October.
65. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Justice to report on the Garda response to the provisions relating to the anti-social use of scrambler motorcycles and quads included in the latest Transport Bill, and which are now law and therefore being enforced by some Garda divisions nationally. [55070/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is fully committed to taking actions to tackle anti social behaviour, including the misuse of scramblers. This is why legislation was enacted to increase Garda powers to seize scramblers.
As the Deputy will be aware, under section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business. This includes all enforcement matters related to road traffic and safety. As Minister of State, I play no role in these independent functions. Additionally, the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 rests under the remit of the Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan TD.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 has provided for the insertion of a new section 109A in the Road Traffic Act 1961. The new section 109A provides additional powers to An Garda Síochána, including a power of arrest without warrant and seizure of a vehicle without warrant within the curtilage of a dwelling (but not the dwelling itself).
This additional section was provided to deal with the issues of various vehicles causing a public nuisance and endangering members of the public in their use, namely motorcycles including scramblers and quad motorcycles.
An Garda Síochána is awaiting additional regulations to be created and signed by the Minister for Transport as per section 35(a) of the Road Traffic Act 1994 to restrict certain types of vehicles from defined areas of public recreation. This will include for example the restriction of the use of motorcycles/scramblers/quads in areas such as public beaches and Coillte Forests.
A consolidated directive will be issued to the Garda organisation upon the final Regulations being signed by the Minister for Transport.
Separately, Gardaí in Limerick have used the new powers afforded by section 109(A) over two days in October, the first use of these new powers since the enactment of the Act. A total of 44 scramblers and off-road vehicles were seized during 21 searches.
66. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice what steps her Department is taking to encourage more recruitment to An Garda Síochána. [55101/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to ensuring An Garda Síochána have the resources they need to build stronger, safer communities. This is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of €2.3 billion in Budget 2024. This 23% increase in funding since 2020 is allowing for sustained investment in recruitment, equipment and technology.
As of last month, there were just under 14,000 Garda members across the country. This represents an increase of around 9% since 2015 when there were 12,816 Garda members throughout the country.
Numbers in Templemore continue to increase. A total of 637 trainees entered the training college to date in 2023. Another class is due to enter Templemore this month putting An Garda Síochána on track for between 700 and 800 new recruits into the college this year.
237 new Gardaí have attested so far this year. The next Attestation which was scheduled for 12 January 2024 has been brought forward to 15 December. Over 150 trainees will attest on this date and will be deployed to policing duties over the Christmas period. They will return to the college to complete their studies at a later date.
5,000 applications were received in the most recent Garda competition reflecting the enduring popularity of a career with An Garda Síochána. A new competition will open again in the coming weeks.
I have stated regularly that nothing is off the table when it comes to recruitment, and I have already put in place measures to assist in attracting applications to join An Garda Síochána.
As part of Budget 2024, I secured a significant increase in the training allowance paid to trainees now €305 per week.
The decision to increase the maximum age of recruitment from 35 to 50 was approved by Government last week. This will broaden the pool from which An Garda Síochána can recruit from, and ensure members with more diverse experiences join the organisation.
I have said on several occasions that the retirement age for Garda members should be increased from the current compulsory retirement age of 60 to 62. I am engaging with Minister Donohoe on this matter and hope to make an announcement shortly.
Furthermore, I am advised by the Garda Commissioner that An Garda Síochána continue to work on the mitigation of various resourcing challenges including, but not limited to, actions such as:
• Engagement with Public Appointments Service (PAS) to ensure seamless transition between 2022 and 2023 Garda Trainee competitions with no gaps in timelines including continuous interviews every 4 weeks.
• Establishment of the Garda Training Steering Group.
• Identification of initiatives to improve attraction and retention of suitable eligible candidates.
Finally, a recruitment competition for the Garda Reserve is planned for early 2024.
67. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Justice her views the fast-tracking of Garda attestation in Templemore; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55143/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI fully support the Commissioner's decision to move forward the attestation date of more than 150 recruits by a few weeks to 15 December 2023. The Gardaí who attest on 15 December will be available for deployment by Garda management over the busy Christmas period. It is important to note that they will return to the college to complete their studies at a later date. A similar approach was taken in March 2020 when two classes attested early to support the policing response to Covid-19.
68. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the efforts currently in hand to ensure an adequate number of gardaí, by way of recruitment or delayed retirements, to ensure the adequate strength of the force; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55106/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities – and strengthening An Garda Síochána is at the core of that. We will continue to provide An Garda Síochána with the resources it needs to ensure communities around Ireland are safe and feel safe, including to invest in recruitment, in equipment and technology and in buildings.
Budget 2024 provides €2.3 billion to An Garda Síochána. This is a 23% increase since 2020. This funding allows for the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff and includes a significant increase in the training allowance paid to trainee Gardaí which is now €305 per week.
Nothing is off the table when it comes to ways to improve recruitment and retention and the decision to increase the maximum age of recruitment from 35 to 50 was approved by Government this week.
Recruitment into An Garda Síochána has accelerated following the forced closure of the Garda College due to Covid-19, and we are now seeing Garda recruits regularly enter Templemore.
Numbers in Templemore continue to increase, with attestations every 3 months. A total of 637 trainees entered the training college in 2023. Another class is due to enter Templemore this month putting An Garda Síochána on track for between 700 and 800 new recruits into the college this year.
237 new Gardaí have attested so far this year. The next Attestation which was scheduled for 12 January has been brought forward to 15 December. Over 150 trainees will attest on this date and will be deployed for policing duties over the Christmas period. They will return to the college to complete their studies at a later date.
Interest in a career with An Garda Síochána is as strong as ever and 5,000 applications were received in the most recent Garda competition. A new competition will open again in the coming weeks.
69. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice to provide an update on the provision of refuge spaces and the commitment to double the number of refuge spaces available across the country over the lifetime of the Zero Tolerance Strategy. [55072/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, legislation that provides for the establishment of the statutory domestic, sexual and gender based violence (DSGBV) agency completed its passage through the Houses last month. The agency, which I announced will be called Cuan, will be under the remit of my Department and dedicated to tackling and reducing domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) and supporting victims and survivors. The Agency is expected to become operational by the end of January 2024.
In addition to coordinating and reporting on the delivery of Government strategies relating to DSGBV (including the current National Strategy, Zero Tolerance), the agency will support and oversee the delivery of safe and accessible refuge accommodation, and ensure the delivery of excellent services to victims of DSGBV (including helpline and other supports).
A key priority under the Zero Tolerance strategy is to double the number of refuge places over the lifetime of the strategy to 280 spaces.
Development of up to 36 refuge units is underway in Wexford, Dundalk and Navan to be delivered by end 2024.
There will be 98 refuge units in priority locations delivered by end 2025 along with a further 19 additional and upgraded units by the end of the strategy.
The priority locations identified are:
• Sligo (8 family places)
• Cavan/Monaghan (8 family places)
• Cork city (12 family places – 6 new, 6 replacement)
• North Cork (5 family places)
• West Cork (5 family places)
• Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown (10 family places)
• Westmeath (8 family places – four new, four replacements)
• Portlaoise (8 family places)
• Balbriggan (10 family places)
• Longford (8 family places)
• Carlow (8 family places)
• Offaly (8 family places)
Engagement is ongoing to identify lead providers and sites in each of the priority locations with providers identified in most locations, and sites identified in many others.
In addition, an interdepartmental group is developing and progressing agreed processes and approaches to ensure we have the highest standard of refuge accommodation, delivered in the most efficient way.
This will result in a more streamlined process for capital funding applications for new refuges, and it has always been envisaged that the provision of new refuge spaces would accelerate as we progress through the lifetime of the Zero Tolerance strategy.
