Written Answers Nos. 454-473
454. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons in respect of whom a deportation order has been made that are currently in the State insofar as her Department is aware; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17723/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraA deportation order is a legal order to leave the State. Any person who has been ordered to leave the State and fails to do so is committing a criminal offence, and can be arrested without warrant if they come into contact with An Garda Síochána. Such an order may remain on the person’s record permanently subject to review by the Minister on request by the person concerned. The existence of a deportation order means they cannot enter Ireland again in future, and it will likely also have an impact on their ability to travel to the UK and the EU.
The Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) carries out inquiries to confirm that people have removed themselves from the State and works closely with my Department to enforce deportations where this is not the case. We know that a much larger number of people will have left the State voluntarily, but as there are no exit checks at Irish borders, it is not possible to accurately quantify this number.
Enforced deportation operations are complex and costly. They often involve investigations, detection, detentions in custody, legal challenges, flights costs and confirmation with the return Country that the person is their citizen.
Alternatives to forced removals are therefore typically preferred. Most people ordered to leave the State will comply, and my Department provides assistance through a voluntary return programme to some who will benefit from some assistance to reintegrate in their home country.
The below table sets out the number of DOs issued each year for the years 2019 to 2023 and to date in 2024; and the number of DOs enforced by GNIB. To date in 2014 513 Deportation Orders have been signed, 330 of which have already been issued; the remainder will issue in due course.
|
Year |
DOs Issued |
Total confirmed Deportations (GNIB Enforced Deports & otherwise confirmed) |
DOs otherwise confirmed (1) |
DOs enforced by GNIB (2) |
Dublin iii Transfers (3) |
EU Removals (4) |
Voluntary Returns (5) |
All Returns |
|
2019 |
2005 |
298 |
143 |
155 |
30 |
64 |
261 |
653 |
|
2020 |
872 |
140 |
97 |
43 |
15 |
33 |
201 |
389 |
|
2021 |
29 |
38 |
33 |
5 |
4 |
42 |
132 |
216 |
|
2022 |
270 |
118 |
92 |
26 |
3 |
37 |
91 |
249 |
|
2023 |
948 |
80 |
28 |
52 |
3 |
21 |
213 |
317 |
|
2024 (to 14/04/24) |
330 |
32 |
5 |
27 |
1 |
5 |
116 |
154 |
*Please note, figures are correct at time of issue, however, all statistics may be subject to data cleansing.
*During the COVID- 19 Pandemic there was a moratorium on deportations. This was effective during the latter part of 2020, 2021 and for the first 8 months of 2022. During the moratorium only persons whose presence in Ireland would be contrary to the public interest were deported. This moratorium was lifted in July 2022.
*Numbers deported may relate to deportation orders issued in a previous year.
Information has come to hand or by inquiry to the effect that the individual has left the state following receipt of a DO.
Person escorted from the state by the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).
Transfer to another EU State to have their application for International Protection examined.
EU Citizen removed from the State under the Free Movement Regulations (generally criminals).
Persons who availed of the voluntary return programme without getting a deportation order.
My Department are taking a number of steps to strengthen immigration enforcement, including deportations:
The Department of Justice is taking over immigration registration function, freeing up to 100 Gardaí for other enforcement work
A tender has commenced for a charter plane to return unsuccessful IP applicants to their home country
One of the objectives of the EU Migration Pact is to make the deportation system more efficient to operate (e.g. we will send a take back notification to another EU member state, instead of a take back request). This will be particularly important for Ireland due to the high degree of secondary movement (i.e. an applicant already has applied for or gained international protection in another country, and then seeks to claim protection here.)
455. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Justice if she will bring forward legislation to extend the retirement age for prison officers to 62 years given some of the current staff will pass the age of 60 years in the coming weeks and months. [17876/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current maximum retirement age of 60 years for Prison Officers is set out in Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 and the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012.
As the Deputy may be aware, the Government recently approved increasing the mandatory retirement age to 62 years of age in a number of the uniform services, including the Irish Prison Service.
This increase, from 60 years to 62 years, to the mandatory retirement age reflects the reality across all sectors that people can, and in some cases do want to, work in their chosen careers for longer.
This increased mandatory retirement age in the uniformed services will be facilitated by amendments to the relevant legislation to be brought forward by the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform Paschal Donohoe, TD.
My Department has identified a suitable legislative vehicle which will allow for the relevant amendments to give effect to these changes and it is intended that revised legislation will be in place before the summer recess.
456. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice the timeline for the establishment of an independent examiner of security legislation following the enactment of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2023. [17877/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 was signed into law by the President in February 2024. Part 7 of the Act provides for the establishment of an Independent Examiner of Security Legislation.
The establishment of an Independent Examiner was a key recommendation of Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland, which recognised that responsibility for the security of the State did not rest solely with An Garda Síochána.
The Independent Examiner is an entirely new role and represents a significant development in enhancing independent oversight by reviewing the use of legal powers in the area of security, the delivery of security services and the effectiveness of our national legislation.
The primary function of the Independent Examiner will be to examine and keep under review the operation of legislation relating to the security of the State and the prevention and investigation of terrorism.
It is intended that the Independent Examiner, in carrying out their functions, will help promote public confidence in national security measures by assessing whether security legislation is necessary, proportionate and effective in protecting the security of the State while containing the appropriate human rights safeguards.
An implementation programme for the Act is in place in my Department and the implementation team, in conjunction with key partners, are working intensively on commencement readiness measures. I expect to be in a position to commence the relevant provisions of the Act over the coming months.
457. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the procedure to be followed to regularise their status in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17931/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that the persons referred to be the Deputy were granted Temporary Protection (TP) on 05 April 2022.
The Temporary Protection Certificate (TPC) issued to all Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BoTP) is a temporary permission to remain in Ireland and is renewable on an annual basis, as long as the Temporary Protection Directive (TPD) remains in force. Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection are granted access to the labour market and to Government supports, as required under the Directive.
The TPD has been extended until March 2025. Ireland favours a harmonised, EU-wide approach to exiting TP and continues to engage with the EU Commission and fellow member states to consider what provisions will be made for beneficiaries of TP, and how this might relate to immigration arrangements and schemes generally, when the Directive is no longer active.
458. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Justice if she will introduce legislation to improve the governance of owners’ management companies; if she will appoint an interim regulator for owners’ management companies; if she will prohibit owners’ management companies from discriminating against council tenants and tenants of approved housing bodies; if she will ensure that any restrictions imposed on residents in such properties are the same for home owners and for those who are accommodated by local authorities and approved housing bodies; if she is aware that there are situations where local authority tenants and tenants of approved housing bodies are facing restrictions in their homes which do not apply to other renters and home owners in these properties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17986/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Multi-Unit Developments (MUDs) Act 2011 was enacted with the primary purposes of reforming the law relating to the ownership and management of common areas of multi-unit developments, and facilitating the fair, efficient and effective management of owners' management companies (OMCs). Well-functioning OMCs are key to maintaining and sustaining higher-density residential developments, such as apartments.
Regarding the establishment of a Regulator for OMCs, there are no plans at present to introduce a specific oversight and enforcement mechanism for OMCs. However, it should be noted that OMCs are subject to company law provisions, including their own memorandum of association, and are subject to oversight by the Companies Registration Office and the Corporate Enforcement Authority. Furthermore, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission also plays a role in providing information and advice to intending purchasers of residential units in multi-unit developments.
In addition, the MUDs Act acknowledges the risk of disputes arising in the enforcement of rights and the performance of obligations imposed by its provisions and makes provision for the resolution of such disputes. For example, section 24 provides that a person, including any member of an OMC, may apply to the Circuit Court for an Order to enforce any rights conferred or obligations imposed by the Act. Section 24(2) allows the Court to take into account whether the parties have tried to resolve their differences by mediation or other alternative dispute resolution. While section 27 provides for court-directed mediation if the court considers that a ‘mediation conference’ between the parties would assist in reaching a settlement of the matter.
The protection of the rights of tenants are a matter for the Residential Tenancies Acts and the Residential Tenancies Board.
459. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice the amount spent to date on establishment and operation of the Office of the Gambling Regulator. [18007/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government includes a clear commitment to reform gambling legislation, with a focus on public safety and well-being from both an online and in person perspective. The Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 sets out the framework and legislative basis for the establishment of a new, independent statutory body – Údarás Rialála Cearrbhachais na hÉireann, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland – and for a robust regulatory and licensing regime to regulate gambling in-person and online, and for the regulation of gambling advertising, websites and apps.
At its core, this legislation is a public health measure aimed at protecting our citizens from gambling harm, including younger people and those more vulnerable in our communities.
A Programme Board has been established to ensure that the legislation and the operational preparations are progressed in parallel so that the Authority is in a position to commence operations, on a phased basis, as soon as possible after enactment of the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022. An implementation support team is working on the necessary preparatory arrangements.
The CEO Designate of the Gambling Regulatory Authority was appointed in September 2022, following an open, international competition run by the Public Appointments Service.
Expenditure of €161,000 was incurred in 2022 in respect of advance preparatory work for the Authority. Total expenditure of €1.631m was incurred in 2023 to support the establishment of the Authority. To date in 2024 (end-March) total expenditure in relation to the Authority’s establishment amounted to €303,000. A total provision of €4.091m has been made in the Department of Justice’s vote for 2024 to meet all costs associated with the establishment of the Authority for this year.
460. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice the breakdown of funding provided to Garda youth diversion projects in an area (details supplied) in each of the past five years and in 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18042/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraEvery young person deserves the opportunity to improve their quality of life and our commitment to expanding Youth Justice services and increasing funding similarly reflects our commitment to these young people. This commitment is a central point of our Youth Justice Strategy, launched in 2021, which provides a developmental framework to address key challenges and emerging issues in the youth justice area.
A top priority is the expansion and deepening of the services offered to young people by the Youth Diversion Projects (YDPs), which are fully funded by the Department of Justice. YDPs are community based, multi-agency youth crime prevention initiatives which primarily seek to divert young people who have been, or are at risk of becoming, involved in anti-social and/or criminal behaviour. On average, the YDPs engage with between 3,500 and 4,000 young people across the State in any one year. These projects provide an invaluable support to complement the work of An Garda Síochána in addressing youth crime and protect local communities.
In Budget 2024, the funding allocated to overall Youth Justice Services increased by 10% to €33 million. This will facilitate an increase in the availability of YDP services in the evenings and at the weekends when many young people need them the most, as well as an increase in supports for families, interventions for typically hard-to-reach young people and early interventions for 8-11 year olds who may be at increased risk of becoming engaged in criminal activity.
This increase in funding will also allow us to achieve our goal of full nationwide coverage for YDPs for the first time. This funding will be deployed with the assistance of the best available research and expert evidence to keep young people away from crime.
We know from international research that a number of factors place young adults in this age group at a higher risk of becoming involved in criminal behaviour. It is important to reach out to this age group and ensure they recognise they will not be abandoned and left to fend for themselves when they become young adults.
All of this work in the area of Youth Justice is central to this Government’s commitment to building stronger, safer communities. The Government’s commitment to helping the young people who need it has been reflected in our allocations of funding and resources to expand this network.
The below table outlines the YDPs operating in the Blanchardstown geographical area and the funding allocations provided. It should be noted that all three YDPs are under the Community Based Organisation, Foróige.
|
Youth Diversion Project |
Location |
2019 Allocation |
2020 Allocation |
2021 Allocation |
2022 Allocation |
2023 Allocation |
2024 Allocation |
|
BEAT |
Corduff/Mulhuddart, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 |
€182,704 |
€155,402 |
€157,441 |
€254,224 |
€296,082 |
€388,247 |
|
ORB* |
Huntstown/Phibblestown, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 |
€108,813 |
€105,082 |
€158,641 |
€206,673 |
€253,800 |
€260,190 |
|
WEB* |
Fortlawn/Tyrellstown, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 |
€168,574 |
€173,417 |
€193,313 |
€147,780 |
€184,457 |
€268,769 |
|
Total |
|
€460,091 |
€433,901 |
€509,395 |
€608,677 |
€734,399 |
€917,206 |
*2021 Allocation includes once off Capital Grant of €60,000 shared between ORB and WEB YDPs.
461. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice the number of young people participating in Garda youth diversion projects in an area (details supplied) in each of the past five years and to date in 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18040/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, Part 4 of the Children Act 2001 (as amended) provides the statutory basis for the Garda Youth Diversion Programme (GYDP). The intention of the programme is to divert children and young people who have engaged in criminal or anti-social behaviour away from the criminal justice system and towards more positive life choices. Children who commit criminal offences are considered for admission to the Programme. Each case is assessed individually and the Director of the GYDP, who is a Garda Superintendent, decides if the case is suitable for inclusion.
Youth Diversion Projects (YDPs) are a fundamental support to the operation of the statutory Garda Diversion Programme. The current network of 99 YDPs is extensive, but we will continue to develop it further to ensure every child who needs it is reached. Youth Diversion Projects are co-funded by the Irish Government and European Social Fund as part of the ESF+ Programme 2021-2027.
The Deputy may wish to note that I launched an evaluation of the YDPs last year, which demonstrates that the YDPs have proved very successful.
The below table outlines the number of participants for the YDPs operating in the Blanchardstown geographical area over the last five years. It should be noted that all three YDPs are under the Community Based Organisation, Foróige. The 2024 numbers will not be available until this time next year.
|
Youth Diversion Project |
Location |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
BEAT |
Corduff/Mulhuddart, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 |
38 |
65 |
66 |
72 |
85 |
|
ORB |
Huntstown/Phibblestown, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 |
21 |
39 |
57 |
70 |
45 |
|
WEB |
Fortlawn/Tyrellstown, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 |
59 |
64 |
54 |
56 |
41 |
|
Total |
|
118 |
168 |
177 |
198 |
171 |
* The participant numbers are taken from the ESF+ Participant returns, and are always subject to change.
462. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice the number of referrals by An Garda Síochána in an area (details supplied) to Garda youth diversion projects in each of the past five years and to date in 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18041/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, Part 4 of the Children Act 2001 (as amended) provides the statutory basis for the Garda Youth Diversion Programme. The intention of the programme is to divert children and young people who have engaged in criminal or anti-social behaviour away from the criminal justice system and towards more positive life choices. Children who commit criminal offences are considered for admission to the Programme.
Youth Diversion Projects are a fundamental support to the operation of the statutory Garda Diversion Programme and provide a vital ingredient in enhancing community policing partnerships. These projects are community based multi-agency crime prevention initiatives, which are funded directly by my Department. YDPs seek to divert young people who have become involved, or are at risk of becoming involved, in crime/anti-social behaviour away from future involvement with the Criminal Justice System.
An Garda Síochána is a referring agent to Youth Diversion Projects as well as a partner supporting the ongoing diversion of young people from criminal and anti-social behaviour.
While the projects primarily receive referrals from An Garda Síochána, they may receive referrals from other sources including schools, parents or self-referrals, including in some cases working with young people who are not under Garda supervision. Individual YDPs also undertake early intervention preventative work and support for families.
While my Department receives overall participant information (i.e. young people referred and admitted to Youth Diversion Projects), which I have provided to the Deputy in a separate PQ response with specific numbers for the Blanchardstown area, I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the data requested in this question is not retained by An Garda Síochána.
463. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the average processing time for applications for citizenship/naturalisation; the extent to which plans are in hand to improve processing times for such applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18053/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra470. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which the number of persons awaiting naturalisation is being addressed, with particular reference to those in this jurisdiction for more than five years and anxious to obtain employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18060/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 463 and 470 together.
I am deeply conscious of how important the granting of naturalisation is to all of those who apply for it. I understand that extended wait times can be frustrating and disruptive for applicants and my Department has been working hard to clear backlogs.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. However, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time. The median processing time for applications of Naturalisation is currently 19 months.
In a little over two years Citizenship Division has gone from processing around 12,000 applications a year to processing over 20,000 applications. This 66% increase in processing has been achieved through digitising and streamlining processes.
The digitisation measures introduced include eVetting and online payments, and more recently a move to online based applications. This provides a streamlined application process and helps guide applicants through what is required for their application.
I would also note that the granting of naturalisation is not a prerequisite for entering employment; there are a range of other immigration permissions that allow individuals to take up employment in the State.
Finally, I can advise the Deputy that the Citizenship Division of my Department continues to communicate regularly with all applicants to keep them informed as to updates on processing times and arrangements.
464. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the number of women currently serving in An Garda Síochána; the extent to which these numbers have fluctuated in the past eight years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18054/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra469. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the current total strength of An Garda Síochána, by gender; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18059/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 464 and 469 together.
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 all human resource matters and recruitment. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
However, to be of assistance I sought the information requested by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána and have been advised that the total number of women in all ranks of An Garda Síochána as of 31 March 2024, the latest date for which figures are currently available, was 4,006. This represents over 28% of total Garda strength. For context, this compares favourably with the total of 3,130, or around 22%, on 31 December 2008.
For the Deputy's information the following table, as supplied to me by An Garda Síochána, sets out the number of women in An Garda Síochána from the end of December 2014 up to the end of March 2024 the latest date for which figures are available. Please note that these figures are operational and may be subject to change.
|
Year |
31/03/2024 |
2023 |
2022 |
2021 |
2020 |
2019 |
2018 |
2017 |
2016 |
2015 |
2014 |
|
Number |
4,006 |
3,979 |
3,986 |
3,949 |
3,983 |
3,863 |
3,759 |
3,592 |
3,392 |
3,324 |
3,306 |
As this table shows, the number of women in An Garda Síochána has steadily increased. I understand that 28% is above the European average.
I am also informed that over the past decade the number of female Superintendents, Inspectors and Sergeants has doubled in the organisation. The Deputy may also be interested to know that at the end of March 2024 the Senior Leadership Team of Assistant Commissioner and above is now 50% female.
I am further advised that at the end of March 2024 there were 14,059 Garda members attached to An Garda Síochána, an increase of almost 10% since the end of December 2015. The table below sets out these Garda members by gender.
|
Rank - 31/03/2024 |
Male |
Female |
Total |
|
Commissioner |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Deputy Commissioner |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Assistant Commissioner |
4 |
4 |
8 |
|
Chief Superintendent |
37 |
11 |
48 |
|
Superintendent |
141 |
27 |
168 |
|
Inspector |
373 |
98 |
471 |
|
Sergeant |
1,631 |
533 |
2,164 |
|
Garda |
7,866 |
3,332 |
11,198 |
|
Total |
10,053 |
4,006 |
14,059 |
In the interest of transparency, detailed statistics on Garda workforce 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/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/
465. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which adequate judges are being appointed to the various courts in order to minimise delays; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18055/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is a priority for my Department to ensure that the courts are resourced to administer justice efficiently and effectively. To ensure the sufficient resourcing of all courts, Government committed to a historic increase in the number of judges in February 2023, following the publication of the Judicial Planning Working Group report.
The current legislative provision is for 197 judicial posts. As of 18 April 2024, there are two vacancies to be filled in the Circuit Court and one vacancy in the Court of Appeal. Work is under way to fill these vacancies as soon as possible. There are no vacancies in the District Court or High Court.
The Report of the Judicial Planning Working Group recommended that 44 additional judges should be appointed in two phases to address existing backlogs and reduce excessive waiting times across all court jurisdictions. In addition, the Working Group recommended a range of measures to ensure the more efficient use of judicial resources already in place.
A first tranche of 24 additional judges was approved and subsequently appointed by Government in 2023 which included 8 additional District Court, 8 additional Circuit Court, 6 additional High Court and 2 additional Court of Appeal judges. The report recommends that the second tranche of another 20 extra judges, which would include 6 additional District Court, 6 additional Circuit Court, 6 additional High Court and 2 additional Court of Appeal judges, should be put in place subject to an assessment of the impact of the first tranche on court business.
Work is currently under way to conduct the impact assessment and an Implementation Steering Group is progressing the implementation of the report’s other recommendations. The report outlines that the indicators monitored as part of the impact assessment should be capable of capturing improvements in efficiency and effectiveness and have regard to increased caseloads, changing demographics, economic conditions, and the impact of new legislation as well as improvements from the implementation of modernisation measures.
466. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which gardaí injured in the course of their duties are being compensated or are in the course thereof; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18056/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have sought the information requested by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána, and I will contact him when this is to hand.
467. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which she proposes to strengthen the law in regard to child sexual abuse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18057/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have sought the information requested by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána, and I will contact him when this is to hand.
468. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which tackling gangland drug activity continues to be a priority item, with specific intentions with particular reference to our capital city; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18058/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the outset I would like to assure the Deputy that tackling drug dealing and associated criminal activity, including by organised crime groups, is a top priority for An Garda Síochána and this Government.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management of Garda resources, including the assignment of Garda members to a given area or specialised unit.
Similarly, the Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including Garda operations aimed at preventing and countering organised criminal activity, and the enforcement of legislation pertaining to illegal drugs. As Minister, I have no direct role in these operational policing matters.
The Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) continues to have significant success in disrupting drug trafficking and the supply of illicit drugs by organised crime groups. The Bureau's work is supported by Divisional Drugs Units nationwide, and by all Gardaí working in local communities. The Bureau also works in cooperation with international law enforcement partners.
An Garda Síochána continues to target those involved in street-level dealing across the country and also focuses on disrupting and dismantling the drug trafficking networks that impact on our communities and prosecuting those involved at every level through Operation Tara. Some recent successes of Operation Tara include the seizure last week of cannabis worth an estimated €1 million across two separate raids in Donegal and Galway, as well a string of search operations across Dublin at the start of the month that saw over €5 million euros worth of drugs seized, alongside 10 firearms.
I am sure the Deputy will agree, it is important that communities work together with An Garda Síochána in relation to such behaviour. Reporting by the public of illegal activity, including drug dealing or intimidation, is important to assist in this work and there are a range of channels to do so, including through the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111. I encourage anyone with information in that regard to contact An Garda Síochána in this way.
The Deputy may also wish to know that the Garda Commissioner has tasked an Inspector in every Garda Division to respond to the issue of drug-related intimidation. There are currently 30 nominated Garda Inspectors appointed to act as liaison officers for the Drug-Related Intimidation Reporting Programme, covering each Garda Division.
471. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which educational and rehabilitation facilities remain available in all the prisons throughout the country; the extent to which first-time offenders have access to such services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18061/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraVarious rehabilitative options are made available to all prisoners, including first time offenders. I can assure the Deputy that all services are available to this cohort of people. These include integrated sentence management, education, vocational training, healthcare, psychiatric, offence related treatment, psychological, addiction counselling, welfare, employment, resettlement and spiritual services. These offer purposeful activity to all those in custody, including first-time offenders.
Education in prisons is delivered in partnership with the Education Training Boards (ETBs). A broad and flexible curriculum is provided from basic literacy through to state examinations and Open University. A priority for the Irish Prison Service is supporting those with literacy problems, and to this end, peer mentoring programmes are currently active in all prisons.
The Irish Prison Service has also expanded the number of accredited courses and opportunities available to prisoners in the area of work-training. Enhanced partnership arrangements with accrediting bodies such as City and Guilds, the Guild of Cleaners and Launderers and Cleanpass have enabled the Irish Prison Service to extend the number of available courses and activities with certification.
The Prison Education Taskforce, co-chaired by my Department and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, comprises key agencies such as the Irish Prison Service, Solas, the Probation Service, and the Education and Training Boards. The aim of the taskforce is to ensure greater alignment between prison education and work training and the tertiary education system to support prisoners in benefitting from education and training opportunities while in custody to support their rehabilitation and access to employment post-release. An example of this is the Retrofit Skills Course QQI Level 5 component award – which will be made available in Midlands and Wheatfield Prisons and will give the individual the skillset to gain well-paid meaningful employment in the area of retrofitting. The National Construction Centre, Mount Lucas has worked closely with the IPS over this past year to make this course available.
Other initiatives available to people in custody, depending on their location, include Men’s Shed, Horses of Hope, Gaisce, Red Cross and Listeners Scheme.
I can further advise the Deputy that all people committed to custody are medically assessed by the primary healthcare team. This includes a mental health assessment, which can be employed to develop an individual care plan. Where clinically indicated, a person may be referred to a specialist clinician e.g. psychologist or psychiatrist. For people coming into custody presenting with an addiction or dependence on prescription medications, they will undergo a full health assessment prior to a plan of treatment being agreed.
The Irish Prison Psychology Service pro-actively engages with 18-24 year olds who are committed to custody with a sentence of one year or more (without Post Release Supervision with the Probation Service). This initiative, known as the Building Identity Programme, is a specific, psychologically informed programme focussed on early engagement, assessment and the development of a psychological formulation. This initiative allows young people to learn more about themselves and why they came to prison, and to support their sentence management through the development of a bespoke care plan linked to their risks and needs. Working collaboratively with the young person, key rehabilitation services are identified, and the young person is encouraged to engage with those services in order to support desistance on release from prison.
472. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which cold cases continue to be under observation and investigation; the extent to which modern forensics are likely to be of help to such cases; the plans, if any, to allocate any additional funding to this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18062/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe unprecedented allocation of over €2.35 billion for 2024 to An Garda Síochána demonstrates the Government's commitment to ensuring An Garda Síochána has provision for the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and personnel it needs to carry out its vital policing work.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for all operational and investigative policing matters. As Minister I have no role in and cannot seek to direct the Commissioner in relation to such matters.
Further to this the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the allocation of Garda resources, including Garda members, to a given area or specialist unit. I am assured that the Commissioner keeps the allocation of these resources under continued review to ensure their optimum use.
I have been informed by Garda authorities that cold case investigations are prioritised in so far as is practicable, given the resources available to the unit. Every effort is made to assign adequate resources to a cold case investigation.
In order for a cold case investigation to be initiated, the ‘cold case’ itself must be assessed on the basis of whether or not a review can proactively and meaningfully progress matters or not, as the case maybe. In this regard, the type and nature of review to be applied is then considered on a similar rationale.
Cold case reviews are completed locally by a serious crime ‘peer’ review officer, or, on a national basis by An Garda Síochána Serious Crime Review Team, at the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) provide support and resources to An Garda Síochána. FSI delivers comprehensive scientific analysis, independent expert opinion, advice and training to support the Irish Criminal Justice system. It may interest the Deputy to note that FSI recently relocated to a new facility in Backweston, Co. Kildare. The construction of this facility represents the largest ever capital project directly funded by the Exchequer in the Justice sector, at just over €100 million. This investment reflects the important role that FSI plays in our criminal justice system and will enable FSI to take full advantage of evolving DNA and other technologies in criminal investigations and missing person investigations.
473. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice the average waiting times for the completion of an inquest, by coronial service area, in tabular form. [18064/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe coroners service comprises the network of coroners located in districts throughout the country. All coronial districts, with the exception of Dublin, are the responsibility of the relevant Local Authority. Coroners are independent quasi-judicial office holders whose core function is to investigate sudden and unexplained deaths.
I recognise the significance and sensitivity of the inquest process for loved ones of the bereaved, and that delays in holding inquests can cause distress for families of the deceased. A decision to direct a post mortem examination and / or hold an Inquest in to the death of a person, in any particular set of circumstances, rests with the individual coroner. My Department has no role in directing the work of Coroners during their death investigation function.
Based on information provided by Coroners, the holding of certain inquests may await receipt by the Coroner of a final post-mortem report from a pathologist, or the outcome of an ongoing investigation by An Garda Síochána or other statutory bodies (such as the HSE, GSOC, the Inspector of Prisons, or the Health and Safety Authority). Inquests may also be unable to proceed when the Coroner is awaiting information from a family, their legal representatives, or other interested parties.
Information on the number of Inquests heard in each Coronial district can be found at: www.gov.ie/en/collection/4dc84-coroners-annual-returns-2018-2020/
The Department does not collate data in respect of the waiting periods for Inquests within coronial districts. Contact details for all Coroners can, however, be accessed at www.gov.ie/en/service/304ba-find-your-local-coroner/
On 20 October 2023, I launched a wide-ranging consultation to inform the development of proposals for comprehensive reform of the Coroner Service in Ireland, which closed on 19 January 2024.
The consultation provided an opportunity for members of the public, stakeholder groups and members of the Oireachtas to express their views, express observations and provide proposals on how the Coroner Service might be enhanced into the future.
I am pleased to say that there was a very high level of public engagement in the consultation process with approximately 250 submissions received across both surveys. Departmental officials are currently analysing the information gathered during the consultation process with a view to bring forward proposals for the reform the Coroner Service.
