Written Answers Nos. 452-471
452. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 862 of 9 April 2024, if she has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities in order to answer the question; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22878/24]
View answerSpiking is a serious offence with potentially devastating effects on victims.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that a proactive publication on all spiking incidents is currently being finalised.
It is already a crime under section 12 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997, which provides offence of administering a substance capable of interfering with the victim’s bodily functions. Where spiking is committed with intent to commit a further offence (such as sexual assault or theft), that further offence, or an attempt to commit it, may also be charged.
A number of legislative proposals for a separate offence have been made on this issue, including most recently the introduction of a Private Members’ Bill in the Seanad in May 2023, which proposes a new offence covering the administration of a substance with intent to sedate or overpower for the purposes of engaging in a sexual act, make a gain or cause a loss, or commit any other offence. This PMB has passed the Seanad.
Submissions have been received from the DPP and the Gardaí on the relevant issues and consideration is being given to whether legislative changes are needed.
In December 2021, then Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, and I launched an information campaign with the Union of Students of Ireland to raise awareness of the signs of drink spiking and to give guidance on how to help a potential victim. The initiative featured on various social media platforms and gave people information on spiking – for example, what exactly spiking is, what signs to look out for, and what to do if you think you or a friend have been targeted. It also spelled out to perpetrators or potential perpetrators that spiking is a very serious offence.
I urge anyone who has been a victim of or witness to assault or sexual assault, or spiking, to report it to Gardaí.
453. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of vacant WTE staff by grade currently within the border management unit of her Department as of 13 May 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22879/24]
View answerAs of 13 May 2024, there are 178 Staff working in the Border Management Unit (BMU) at Dublin Airport. This compares with 161 in May of 2023.
The staffing levels in the BMU are kept under constant review and additional staff have been assigned to the team, as required.
The vacancies in the BMU are outlined in the below table.
|
Grade |
WTE Vacancy |
|
Immigration Control Officer (Clerical Officer) |
14 |
|
Immigration Control Supervisor (Executive Officer) |
2 |
|
Higher Executive Officer / Administrative Officer |
1 |
|
Assistant Principal Officer |
1 |
|
Total |
18 |
7 new Immigration Control Officers were appointed to the unit and began their training on 20th May reducing the 14 vacancies at ICO level to 7.
454. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí by rank attached to each divisional drugs unit as of 14 May 2024 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22880/24]
View answerIt has not been possible to collate and examine all the information requested by the Deputy in the time available. I will write to the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.
455. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 505 of 30 April 2024, if she has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities in order to answer the question; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22881/24]
View answerIt has not been possible to collate and examine all the information requested by the Deputy in the time available. I will write to the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.
456. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí by rank attached to Garda mounted unit as of 14 May 2024 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22882/24]
View answerIt has not been possible to collate and examine all the information requested by the Deputy in the time available. I will write to the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.
457. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of dry custody cells in each district within the DMR as of 14 May 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22883/24]
View answerIt has not been possible to collate and examine all the information requested by the Deputy in the time available. I will write to the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.
458. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí by rank attached to the community policing unit within R district of the DMR as of 13 May 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22884/24]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, Community policing is at the heart of An Garda Síochána, and all Gardaí have a role to play in community policing in the course of carrying out their duties. Community policing is also fundamental to the new Garda Operating Model which is currently being rolled across the country and is fully commenced in thirteen Garda divisions.
The new model will provide more front-line Gardaí, increased Garda visibility, and a wider range of policing services for people in their local area. It will divide service delivery within division into four functional areas, one of the most important areas being Community Engagement. This will allow for a greater, more consistent focus on community policing in all divisions.
The Garda authorities have advised that a member of An Garda Síochána can be deemed to be a ‘Community Garda’ where that person is allocated to a Community Policing Team (CPT) and is responsible and accountable for applying a problem–solving approach to appropriate crime and policing quality of life issues in a specified geographic area through partnership and engagement. Examples of this engagement are working with Neighbourhood Watch, Community Alert, or local business fora.
Community Policing Teams strategically manage and lead the development, delivery and evaluation of the Garda Community Policing Framework. Like most Garda members, those assigned to CPTs have dual functions. In addition to their strategic roles in their Community Policing Teams, part of which requires them to regularly update their Community Engagement Superintendent on the policing needs of their community, they are also frontline members. It is also important to note that CPTs draw on all frontline Gardaí to carry out community policing.
I very much welcome the interactive map launched late last year on the Garda website which is designed to allow the public to identify the local CPT in their area. This map will continue to develop in line with the continued rollout of the new Garda Operating Model.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that on 31 March 2024 there were 63 Community Gardaí assigned to the DMR North Division, of which 16 Community Gardaí were assigned to the R District.
The table below, which was provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out these Community Gardaí by rank.
|
Community Gardaí - R District |
Insp |
Sergeant |
Garda |
Total |
|
Coolock |
0 |
1 |
7 |
8 |
|
Malahide |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Swords |
0 |
1 |
7 |
8 |
|
Total |
0 |
2 |
14 |
16 |
Please be advised that this information is operational and may be subject to change.
459. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of times An Garda Síochána have hired out an external forensic anthropologist for work on its behalf in the years of 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22885/24]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including all operational policing matters. As Minister, I have no role in these matters, nor can I direct the Commissioner with regard to them.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that no external Forensic Anthropologists were hired by An Garda Síochána in 2022 and 2023. I am advised that to date in 2024, Forensic Anthropologists have been hired on two occasions.
460. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the progress to date in processing an application for family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22888/24]
View answerThe Family Reunification application for the person referred to by the Deputy has been received by my Department and continues to be processed at this time. All applications are processed in chronological order.
I understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants and all applicants for Family Reunification would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. My Department will continue to engage with the applicant for any further information that may be required to assist with the processing of the application.
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 at: IMoireachtasmail@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 Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
461. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the Garda districts within the DMR that received additional Garda vehicles to date in 2024, in tabular form. [22893/24]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including the purchase, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
The 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 vital policing work.
There are now 3,516 vehicles in the Garda fleet, the highest ever, and an increase of over 34% since 2015. The fleet includes 2,658 cars, 565 vans, 139 motorcycles, 102 4x4 and 52 others (refers to MPV, SUV, Minibus or Prisoner Conveyance Vehicles).
The table below, which was provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of new vehicles allocated to each District within the DMR in 2024 as of 30 April 2024.
|
District |
No. of Vehicles Allocated |
|
Regional Office |
4 |
|
Balbriggan |
1 |
|
Blanchardstown |
1 |
|
Clondalkin |
1 |
|
DMR Traffic |
5 |
|
Dun Laoghaire |
2 |
|
Raheny |
1 |
|
Tallaght |
1 |
|
Terenure |
1 |
|
Total |
17 |
The purchase and allocation of vehicles by An Garda Síochána is made on the basis of identified operational demands, the availability of resources and is reviewed on a continual basis.
For the Deputy's information, in the interest of transparency An Garda Síochána publish monthly reports detailing the breakdown of the Garda fleet by vehicle type and District. These reports can be viewed at the following link:
www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/finance-services/finance-fleet-management.html
462. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of e-bikes seized by gardaí within the Kildare division in 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [22894/24]
View answerIt has not been possible to collate and examine all the information requested by the Deputy in the time available. I will write to the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.
463. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice to provide an update on the community access support team trial in Limerick. [22910/24]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Final Report and Recommendations of the High Level Task Force to consider the mental health and addiction challenges of those who come into contact with the criminal justice sector was published by myself and the Minister for Health in September 2022. The recommendations aim to ensure better support for people at the earliest point at which they encounter the criminal justice system and to divert them away from it where possible, while supporting them in their rehabilitation from addiction and in the recovery and management of their illness. One of the recommendations that came from the work of the subgroup of the High Level Task Force that looked at diversion, was the development of a Community Access Support Team or CAST. The development of the CAST approach should enhance diversionary practices for those experiencing crisis and situational trauma that leads to mental health difficulties. This approach moves towards the shared goal of providing a compassionate and effective response to people in distress and improving the experience and outcomes for those experiencing distress and those providing support.
Before nationwide rollout, the pilot project CAST will be trialled in the Limerick Garda Division. It is a partnership pilot between An Garda Síochána and the Mental Health Services HSE, Mid-West Community Healthcare. The pilot project is not a mental health de-escalation unit, but will endeavour to establish an appropriate co-response approach to calls relating to mental health and situational trauma. Contact is ongoing between officials from my Department and the Department of Health, An Garda Síochána and the Health Service Executive on the delivery of this initiative.
464. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice when a person (details supplied) will be provided with a determination and or update in respect of a renewal application. [22915/24]
View answerApplications to renew residency permits for persons living in, Dublin, Meath, Kildare and Wicklow are submitted online via the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) online portal, and a weekly updated live processing date is available on the ISD website. Applicants are also informed that applications for renewal of permission, including when changing stamp category, are accepted up to 12 weeks prior to expiry to allow sufficient time for processing.
In the interest of fairness, all online applications are processed in order of date received. The Registration Office of my Department are currently processing applications submitted the week of 31 March 2024. The applications from the persons concerned, which were submitted on 20 April 2024, are queued for processing and will be reached in due course.
Once processed, and if the applications are approved, the persons concerned can expect to receive their new Irish Residence Permit (IRP) cards within the following 10-15 working days.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by email using the Oireachtas Mail facility at IMOireachtasMail@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 Question process. The Deputy may consider using the email service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
465. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Justice if she is aware that some individuals are experiencing undue delays in the processing of their applications for Irish citizenship (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22928/24]
View answerThe naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department.
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.
I understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants and my Department has been working hard to clear backlogs.
My Department is taking a number of steps to speed up the processing of applications and a number of digitisation measures have been introduced to increase efficiency in the process, including eVetting and online payments.
My Department has recently moved from paper to online based citizenship applications. This is one of a number of measures introduced in an effort to optimise the application process and enhance the overall customer service experience. As part of the new online process, customers are issued with an acknowledgment on submission of the online application. The forms provide a seamless application process and help guide applicants through what is required for an application.
In a little over two years the Citizenship Division of my Department 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.
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.
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 at: IMoireachtasmail@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 Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
466. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice the status of work on the single permit to both work and live in Ireland; the timeline for the implementation of the single permit; the status of plans to opt into the EU’s Single Permit Directive, and the timeline for same, and the timeline for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22936/24]
View answerAs the Deputy is the Government has approved that a single permit for work and immigration permissions should be developed and implemented, subject to the consideration of an Inter-Departmental Working Group (IDWG). This group was established to examine the implications of a single permit; and to develop an implementation plan which would allow for the possibility of opting in to the Single Permit Directive.
The IDWG has now reported back to Government that it is feasible to begin implementation of the single permit and to opt-in to the Directive. On foot of this, the Government has recently agreed that implementation of the single permit should begin and that, in principle, Ireland should opt-in to the Directive. The opt-in will be subject to a further Government decision at the appropriate time. The Single Permit Directive requires that the decision to issue, amend, renew or reject the single permit shall constitute a single administrative act combining a residence permit and an employment permit within a 90 day timeline. The adoption of the Single Permit is expected to be completed over the course of the next three years. A programme management team is now being established between the Department of Justice and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, to commence implementation of the Single Permit. The programme is expected to be delivered on a phased basis, which will aim to streamline existing processes as a new application platform is developed with customer benefits in the shorter term, such as developing a single payment. Short term actions include establishing data sharing agreements and enhancing communications between the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and my Department, such as alignment of online information. My Department works closely with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to ensure that our economic migration arrangements are fair, efficient and responsive to the needs of Irish society and the economy and greater prosperity generally. The introduction of a Single Permit will increase Ireland’s competitiveness when attracting much needed skills and experience to the labour market across all sectors of the economy. This is matter which is increasingly important given the sustained full employment in Ireland and demographic challenges which face the whole of Europe.
467. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí, by rank, attached to the roads policing unit within Cavan-Monaghan division as of 30 April 2024; and if she will provide same figures as of 30 April 2021, in tabular form. [22950/24]
View answerWe have all been shocked by the recent loss of life on our roads, and concerned by the worrying increase in road fatalities after many years of progress in making our roads safer. Road safety is a shared responsibility and one which this Government takes very seriously.
Road traffic legislation is enforced as part of the day-to-day duties of all members of An Garda Síochána, as well as through a programme of high-visibility road safety and enforcement operations carried out in partnership with other state agencies, in order to make our roads safer for all. The Garda Commissioner has recently confirmed that all uniform Gardaí will undertake 30 minutes of high visibility roads policing in each tour of duty.
On average 25% of roads policing enforcement is carried out by regular members, with the exception of drug/drink driving checks, 75% of which are carried out by regular members.
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 managing the deployment of personnel among the various Garda Divisions. As Minister, I have no role in these matters. I am assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities.
As the Deputy may be aware, Louth Division has merged with the Cavan-Monaghan Division under the new Operating Model. As of the end of March 2024, there were 36 Garda members attached to Roads Policing in Cavan-Monaghan-Louth Division.
At the end of 2021 there were 18 Garda members attached to Roads Policing in Cavan-Monaghan Division and 25 in Louth Division.
The Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to keep people safe. An Garda Síochána has been allocated unprecedented funding of over €2.35 billion for 2024 representing a 25% increase since 2020. This funding will allow for the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff. The Garda Commissioner informed the Joint Committee on Transport recently that he plans to add 75 Gardaí to Roads Policing this year and a further 75 in 2025.
An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority continue to highlight to the public the dangerous behaviours which give rise to so many collisions and fatalities through road safety appeals and campaigns. Everyone who gets behind the wheel of a car, or is a passenger in a car has a role to play in ensuring that drivers behave in a safe manner.
There are still too many people willing to drive without due care, be that by speeding, driving recklessly, being distracted, perhaps by using a mobile phone, or driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Encouraging drivers to change poor behaviours will have a much greater impact on road safety than any number of additional Gardaí.
Whether its fixed cameras, average speed cameras or GoSafe vans, we need to use technology to work to reverse some of these trends. My Department and An Garda Siochána will play their part in the joint-agency working group, led by Transport Infrastructure Ireland, to develop a national Safety Camera Strategy.
468. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Justice the current status of the Communications (Retention of Data) Bill; and when the Bill will move to the next stage. [22951/24]
View answerThe Communications (Retention of Data) (Amendment) Act 2022 was enacted in July 2022, with the majority of the provisions commenced in June 2023 and remaining provisions commenced in August 2023.
That Act amended and updated the Communications (Retention of Data) Act 2011 on an urgent basis, to take account of rulings of the European Court of Justice.
An important consideration in developing this legislation was the provision of legal certainty to communications service providers and state agencies in relation to the obligations that apply to them with regard to the retention of communications data, which is vital for law enforcement and national security purposes.
The Deputy may be aware that I am committed to bringing forward further consolidated legislation in this area. Work is ongoing by my officials in that regard.
469. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice when an e-vetting request will be sent to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22964/24]
View answerThe naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department. I am advised by the Citizenship division of my Department that an eVetting invitation was issued to the applicant on the 15 May 2024.
I understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants and my Department has been working hard to clear backlogs.
My Department is taking a number of steps to speed up the processing of applications and a number of digitisation measures have been introduced to increase efficiency in the process, including eVetting and online payments.
My Department has recently moved from paper to online based citizenship applications. This is one of a number of measures introduced in an effort to optimise the application process and enhance the overall customer service experience. As part of the new online process, customers are issued with an acknowledgment on submission of the online application. The forms provide a seamless application process and help guide applicants through what is required for an application.
In a little over two years the Citizenship Division of my Department 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.
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.
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 at: IMoireachtasmail@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 Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
470. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice the requirements relating to the retention of information submitted by child safeguarding officers of organisations such as sporting bodies, voluntary organisations, charitable organisations religious bodies and so on, in relation to Garda vetting, taking into account the compliance requirements with the General Data Protection Regulation; if she intends introducing further regulations in relation to this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22972/24]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the primary purpose of the employment vetting carried out by the National Vetting Bureau is to seek to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults. It is carried out by An Garda Síochána in accordance with the provisions of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012-2016.
Garda vetting is conducted on behalf of registered organisations only and is not conducted for individual persons on a personal basis. A relevant organisation means a person (including a body corporate or an unincorporated body of persons) who employs, enters into a contract for services or permits any person to undertake relevant work or activities, a necessary and regular part of which consists mainly of the person having access to, or contact with, children or vulnerable adults.
I understand that relevant organisations which are registered with GNVB, that engage persons for work with children or vulnerable adults, are obliged to ensure that those persons are Garda vetted.
I hope the Deputy will appreciate that I cannot offer legal advice regarding retention periods for material on personnel files. Child safeguarding officers would receive vetting disclosures from GNVB, rather than submit information to the National Vetting Bureau.
471. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice when section 20 of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012 as amended by Section 23 of the Criminal Justice (Spent Convictions and Certain Disclosure) Act, 2016 will be commenced; if there are proposals to amend this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22973/24]
View answerThe primary purpose of vetting carried out by the National Vetting Bureau is to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate the importance of this task and the need for it to be carried out thoroughly and correctly.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Vetting Review Group was established in April 2021 and meets regularly to discuss potential amendments to vetting legislation. This group includes members of the Garda National Vetting Bureau (GNVB) in An Garda Síochána, officials from my Department, from Tusla, and from other relevant stakeholders.The primary focus of the Group is strengthening the vetting legislation in an effective manner, including any changes that may be possible in relation to multi-purpose vetting or re-vetting.
I expect to receive the Group’s report on arrangements for Garda Vetting in the context of the introduction of a statutory re-vetting regime by the end of quarter two of this year.
