Verona Murphy
Question:491. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Justice her views on what constitutes an adequate number of Gardaí nationwide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36321/24]
View answerAn Garda Síochána
Questions (491)
Written answers
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, which includes all internal HR matters. The determination of adequate levels of Garda members in any area is a matter for the Commissioner. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
I can assure the Deputy that I am committed to building stronger, safer communities – and strengthening An Garda Síochána is at the core of that. The Government is determined that An Garda Síochána grows to 15,000 members and beyond. We are also committed to increasing the number of Garda staff to 4,000 and the Garda Reserve to 1,000 by the end of 2026 and to 2,000 thereafter. I have provided record levels of funding to the Garda Vote, including over €2.35 billion under Budget 2024 which is an increase of over 25% since 2020. This funding is supporting ongoing recruitment of Garda members and staff.
The most recent Garda recruitment campaign, which ran in January and February this year, received a very strong response with over 6,300 people applying to become a Garda. This is a significant increase on the 5,000 people who applied last year. It is good to see that so many people want to join An Garda Síochána with a strong response from people aged between 35 and 50. Well over a third of the applications were in that age group.
To assist with recruitment, I have taken a number of actions with colleagues in Government over the past number of months including:
• Increased the training allowance for Garda recruits to €354. This represents an increase of over 92% in the last 12 months;
• Increased the age of entry from 35 to 50;
• Increased the mandatory retirement age to 62.
An Garda Síochána continues to work on the mitigation of various resourcing challenges and I have established a Garda Recruitment Training Capacity Group to consider further measures to assist in reaching our current target of 15,000 sworn members.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (492)
Thomas Gould
Question:492. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice the number of Gardaí in each Cork Garda station on the last day of April, May, June, July and August respectively, in tabular form. [36341/24]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended) for the management and administration of Garda business, including all matters relating to HR and the Garda workforce. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.
I can, however, assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda Síochána is central to this policy. This commitment is demonstrated by the unprecedented provision of over €2.35 billion to the Garda Vote this year, which is allowing for sustained and ongoing recruitment and investment in new equipment and new vehicles. To be of assistance I am advised that the table below, provided by the Garda authorities, outlines the number of Gardaí in each Cork Garda station on the last day of April, May, and June.
|
Division |
Station |
April 2024 |
May 2024 |
June 2024 |
|
CORK CITY |
ANGLESEA STREET |
252 |
252 |
250 |
|
BLACKROCK |
14 |
15 |
15 |
|
|
BRIDEWELL |
24 |
24 |
23 |
|
|
COMMAND & CONTROL ANGLESEA STREET |
30 |
30 |
30 |
|
|
BLARNEY |
15 |
15 |
15 |
|
|
CARRIG NA BHFEAR |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
GURRANABRAHER |
52 |
51 |
52 |
|
|
GLANMIRE |
21 |
21 |
21 |
|
|
MALLOW ROAD |
||||
|
MAYFIELD |
54 |
54 |
53 |
|
|
WATERCOURSE ROAD |
32 |
32 |
32 |
|
|
BALLINCOLLIG |
49 |
50 |
50 |
|
|
BISHOPSTOWN |
19 |
20 |
20 |
|
|
CARRIGALINE |
18 |
19 |
19 |
|
|
CROSSHAVEN |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
DOUGLAS |
23 |
25 |
25 |
|
|
PASSAGE WEST |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
TOGHER |
62 |
56 |
57 |
|
|
CORK CITY Total |
670 |
669 |
667 |
|
Division |
Station |
April 2024 |
May 2024 |
June 2024 |
|
CORK NORTH |
BALLYNOE |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
CASTLETOWNROCHE |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
FERMOY |
65 |
65 |
64 |
|
|
KILDORRERY |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
KILWORTH |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
MITCHELSTOWN |
26 |
26 |
26 |
|
|
RATHCORMAC |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
WATERGRASSHILL |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
BUTTEVANT |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
CHARLEVILLE |
18 |
18 |
18 |
|
|
DONERAILE |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
GLANTAINE |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
KANTURK |
25 |
25 |
24 |
|
|
LISCARROLL |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
MALLOW |
64 |
64 |
65 |
|
|
MILFORD |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
NEWMARKET |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
BALLYCOTTON |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
CARRIGTWOHILL |
4 |
4 |
4 |
|
|
CLOYNE |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
COBH |
37 |
37 |
36 |
|
|
KILLEAGH |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
MIDLETON |
46 |
45 |
46 |
|
|
WHITEGATE |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
YOUGHAL |
19 |
19 |
19 |
|
|
CORK NORTH Total |
324 |
323 |
322 |
|
Division |
Station |
April 2024 |
May 2024 |
June 2024 |
|
CORK WEST |
BALLINEEN |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
BALLINHASSIG |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
BALLINSPITTLE |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
BANDON |
72 |
72 |
73 |
|
|
INNISHANNON |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
KILBRITTAIN |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
KINSALE |
18 |
18 |
18 |
|
|
TIMOLEAGUE |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
BANTRY |
38 |
38 |
38 |
|
|
CASTLETOWNBERE |
7 |
7 |
7 |
|
|
DRIMOLEAGUE |
1 |
|||
|
DURRUS |
||||
|
GLENGARRIFF |
||||
|
KEALKIL |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
SCHULL |
3 |
3 |
3 |
|
|
BALTIMORE |
||||
|
CLONAKILTY |
31 |
31 |
31 |
|
|
DRINAGH |
||||
|
DUNMANWAY |
19 |
19 |
18 |
|
|
ROSSCARBERY |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
SKIBBEREEN |
10 |
10 |
10 |
|
|
BAILE BHUIRNE |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
BÉAL ÁTHA AN GHAORTHA |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
BOHERBUE |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
COACHFORD |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
CROOKSTOWN |
13 |
13 |
13 |
|
|
MACROOM |
37 |
37 |
37 |
|
|
MILLSTREET |
14 |
14 |
14 |
|
|
RATHMORE |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
STUAKE |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
TARELTON |
||||
|
CORK WEST Total |
281 |
280 |
280 |
In the interest of transparency, information relating to the allocation of Gardaí by Division, District, Station and Rank is publicly available and can be found at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (493)
Thomas Gould
Question:493. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the meeting she held with the chief superintendent in Anglesea Street on Thursday, 5 September. [36342/24]
View answerWritten answers
I can advise the Deputy that I met with the Assistant Commissioner for the Southern Region and the Chief Superintendent for the Cork City Division at Anglesea Street Garda Station in Cork on 5 September, where I was briefed on policing in Cork City.
The Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities – and strengthening An Garda Síochána is at the core of that. Budget 2024 provides the highest ever allocation to An Garda Síochána - over €2.35 billion which is a 25% increase since 2020. This funding allows for the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff, as well as investment in vehicles, equipment, and facilities for the organisation.
Recruitment has regained significant momentum and is now occurring on a continual basis, with two intakes earlier this year and another two planned for September and December. At the end of June, 157 new Garda members were attested in a ceremony in Templemore, bringing the total strength of An Garda Síochána to around 14,100 members.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (494)
Mark Ward
Question:494. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Justice if the process for Garda clearance for local authority housing applicants has been centralised; if so, when this took place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36349/24]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended). This includes all operational matters such as the process for local authorities to obtain criminal record checks for local authority housing applicants. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions, nor can I seek to direct the Commissioner in these matters.
I have contacted the Garda authorities and have been advised that this process remains decentralised (the responsibility of the local Superintendent), as provided for under Section 15 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1997.
For the Deputy's information, Section 15 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1997 provides for local authorities to obtain criminal record checks in respect of persons applying for housing, including persons the authority believes may have been engaged in anti-social behaviour.
To be clear, no individual who applies for social housing in Ireland is subject to Garda vetting. The purpose of vetting under the National Vetting Bureau Acts is to act as an important component of safeguarding the most vulnerable members of society i.e. children and vulnerable adults. However, a local authority may seek information in relation to any person seeking a house from specified persons under section 15 of the 1997 Act, including An Garda Síochána, or from another local authority.
Prison Service
Questions (495)
Thomas Gould
Question:495. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice the electricity cost, by year, for the old Cork Prison site since it closed, in tabular form. [36350/24]
View answerWritten answers
I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Irish Prison Service. Unfortunately, it has not been possible to provide the information requested in the time allowed. I will write to the Deputy directly when the information is to hand.
Prison Service
Questions (496, 497)
Thomas Gould
Question:496. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice the security cost for the old Cork Prison site, by year, since it closed, in tabular form; and whether this will now increase. [36351/24]
View answerThomas Gould
Question:497. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice the future plans for the old Cork Prison site. [36352/24]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 496 and 497 together.
As the Deputy will be aware the former Cork Prison facility ceased operations in 2016 and was replaced with a new modern prison located on a site adjacent site.
Following the closure the old prison was largely decommissioned over the following 12 months with most systems being retired or terminated and all operations transferring to the new prison.
As the old prison is decommissioned and remains disused there has been no expenditure on security since it closed. I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that they are satisfied that there is no requirement to increase the level of physical security at the old prison site at this time however, this is kept under ongoing review.
The site of the former prison remains of strategic interest to the Irish Prison Service.
The Deputy will be aware that the Service commissioned a feasibility study on the condition of the buildings in the old Cork Prison with regard to their potential for use as prisoner accommodation in the short to medium term.
The Review will be completed later this month at which stage it will be considered.
Question No. 497 answered with Question No. 496.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (498)
Catherine Murphy
Question:498. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide an update in respect of the review of Garda recruitment and retention; if this review is being conducted internally; if not, if it has been put to consultation; if so, the persons and or company engaged to conduct the review; and the date on which it is expected to conclude. [36353/24]
View answerWritten answers
The 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. This is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of over €2.34 billion to An Garda Síochána – a 23% increase since 2020. This funding allows for the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff. As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business, including the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff, under section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended). As Minister, I have no direct role in the Garda recruitment process. The Garda Commissioner has confirmed that An Garda Síochána are devising a recruitment and retention strategy for the organisation. This strategy is an operational matter for the Commissioner.
An Garda Síochána continue to work on the mitigation of various resourcing challenges and I have established a Garda Recruitment Training Capacity Group, with an interim report and recommendations due from that group in due course. This group is chaired by senior officials from my Department and includes representatives from the an Garda Síochána, Public Jobs and the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.As Minister I continue to monitor all aspects of Garda recruitment and retention. Additionally, I have regular meetings with the Garda Commissioner to discuss all Garda matters, including recruitment, and there is ongoing engagement between officials in my Department and Garda senior management on such issues. I have, with Government colleagues, taken a number of significant measures to boost Garda recruitment and retention. This includes raising the age of entry from 35 to 50, increasing the mandatory retirement age from 60 to 62 and significant increases to the Garda training allowance to €354.
Recruitment into An Garda Síochána has accelerated following the forced closure of the Garda College during the pandemic. 746 trainees entered Templemore last year , which represents the highest intake since 2018, and a six fold increase on the total for 2022. 186 trainees entered the College in April and 159 in July, with further intakes scheduled for September and December of this year.
In May 2023, An Garda Síochána introduced an exit interview process to better understand why colleagues choose to resign and, furthermore, to support An Garda Síochána in seeking to address issues which may influence retention.
Visa Applications
Questions (499)
Niamh Smyth
Question:499. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice the status of a visa application (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36370/24]
View answerWritten answers
An application for a Personal Public Service Number from the person concerned has not yet been received by my Department.
Information on the requirements to apply for a Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) is available on www.gov.ie. Over 18s, residing in Ireland must complete an online application, after which they will be called for an in-person interview at one of my department' offices. They will need to provide identity documents and evidence of their need for a PPSN and address.
Queries relating to visas are a matter for the Department of Justice.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Citizenship Applications
Questions (500)
Pauline Tully
Question:500. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Justice the average waiting time for a citizenship application from application to decision; the average waiting time for a successful citizenship applicant to receive their certificate; and the actions she will take to speed up the process where a decision is made, and successful applicants receive their certificates. [36371/24]
View answerWritten answers
It has not been possible to collate the information requested by the Deputy in the time available. I will write to the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (501)
Jim O'Callaghan
Question:501. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 1553 of 23 July 2024, if she has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities in order for this PQ to be answered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36374/24]
View answerWritten answers
I understand that Parliamentary Question No. 1553 of 23 July 2024 sought “the full breakdown of the Garda costs incurred during the visit of the US president to Ireland in April 2023.”
As you will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes all operation protocols and security arrangements and their associated costs. As Minister I have no role in these matters.
As you will appreciate, high level visits to Ireland are of significant importance in the development and maintenance of our relations with other States. Such visits are to be welcomed and offer important opportunities to us, as a small outward-looking State, for positive engagement with partners.
In terms of the costs associated with the visit to Ireland of President Biden, you will appreciate that there is an obligation on the State to take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of every visiting dignitary, in line with risk assessment. Similar measures and courtesies are as a matter of course also extended to Ireland, when the President and members of Government travel on official visits to other States.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that a cost of €31.86 million is recorded as incurred by An Garda Síochána in relation to the visit of the US President in April 2023 to Ireland. A breakdown of this figure is provided below:
|
Overtime |
Employer PRSI |
Unsocial Allowances |
Travel & Sub |
Other Expenses |
Total |
|
22.2 |
2.41 |
1.87 |
1.01 |
4.37 |
31.86 |
To note, figures are in millions of euro. Information supplied is operational and subject to change.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (502)
Jim O'Callaghan
Question:502. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons arrested and charged with reckless discharge of a firearm within the M district of the Dublin Metropolitan Region zone in 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36375/24]
View answerWritten answers
I have been advised by the Garda authorities that the annual count of charge or summons for reckless discharge of a firearm in the specific district is less than 10 in any given year.
I am further advised that data is not released by An Garda Síochána for counts less than 10, for data protection and security reasons.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (503)
Jim O'Callaghan
Question:503. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if a new contract for the provision of new marked Garda vans will be put out to tender before the end of 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36376/24]
View answerWritten answers
As 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 resources. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
Garda vehicles, including vans, are purchased under contracts tendered by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP). The new tender process is being undertaken by the OGP.
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.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (504)
Jim O'Callaghan
Question:504. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of competitions held for sworn Gardaí to apply to join the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) in 2023 and to date in 2024; the number of posts, by rank, that were available in each competition; the number of Gardaí, by rank, that applied for each rank that were available within the GNIB in those competitions, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36377/24]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy is aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended). This includes the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff, and all internal Garda promotion competitions. As Minister I have no role in these independent functions.
To be of assistance I have contacted the Garda authorities and have been advised that the below table shows the number of competitions, number of vacancies and number of applicants by rank to join the Garda National Immigration Bureau.
|
Year |
Rank |
Number of Competitions |
Number of Posts |
Number of Applications |
|
2023 |
Detective Inspector |
1 |
2 |
<10 |
|
2023 |
Detective Sergeant |
1 |
5 |
45 |
|
2023 |
Sergeant |
1 |
3 |
23 |
|
2023 |
Detective Garda |
1 |
16 |
196 |
|
2023 |
Garda (in progress) |
1 |
10 |
121 |
An Garda Síochána do not provide data for counts of fewer than 10 due to security and data protection considerations.
Please note that the information supplied is correct as of 13 September 2024, is operational and is subject to change.
Cybersecurity Policy
Questions (505)
Jim O'Callaghan
Question:505. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of cases dealt with by the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau to date in 2024; the number of the cases dealt with that are deemed to be closed, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36378/24]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), which includes all operational policing and investigative matters. As Minister for Justice, I have no role in these independent functions.
To be of assistance, I have contacted the Garda authorities and am advised that the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau (GNCCB) provides assistance to investigators in the forensic examination of digital devices that have been seized as part of criminal investigations. GNCCB uses the term 'closed' when personnel attached to the Bureau have carried out all forensic examination processes required as part of each individual application for assistance.
In most instances, responsibility for progressing the substantive criminal investigation rests with the requesting Garda members, or team depending on the case, and it is they who retain responsibility for concluding their investigations. However, GNCCB are also available to provide any assistance/advice requested or considered appropriate in this regard.
The table below, provided by the Garda authorities, shows the number of case applications received and closed in the year to date. The table also provides the number of exhibits examined.
|
- |
Cases Received |
Cases Closed |
|
Number Cases |
510 |
506 |
|
Total Number of Exhibits |
1528 |
2011 |
Information is up to date to 10 September, is operational, and is subject to change.
GNCCB has received a total of 510 cases during 2024 to date, which represents an increase of 105% in the demand for services as compared to this time last year. Within these 510 case applications received, a total of 1528 exhibits have been submitted requiring digital forensic examinations at GNCCB.As of 10 September, GNCCB has closed a total 506 cases during 2024. Within these 506 cases closed, a total of 2011 exhibits required digital forensic examinations.
To note, cases closed in 2024 may have been received by the Bureau in previous years.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (506)
Jim O'Callaghan
Question:506. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 1550 of 23 July 2024, if she has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities in order for this PQ to be answered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36379/24]
View answerWritten answers
I understand that Parliamentary Question No. 1550 of 23 July 2024 sought the number of new Garda community relations vans that came into the fleet in 2023 and to date in 2024 and the number of Garda community relations vans that were withdrawn from the fleet during same period, in tabular form.
As 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 resources. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
However, to be of assistance I sought the information requested from An Garda Síochána and have been advised that the table below outlines the number of Community Engagement vans allocated and removed in 2023 and as of 30 June 2024. Please note that this information is operational and may be subject to change.
|
- |
Allocated |
Removed |
|
2023 |
2 |
0 |
|
2024 as at 30 June |
8 |
0 |
I am further advised that the purchase and allocation of vehicles by An Garda Síochána is made on the basis of identified operational demands and the availability of resources and is reviewed on a continual basis.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (507)
Jim O'Callaghan
Question:507. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the amount spent on purchasing new tasers and accessories for such tasers for specialist Garda units in 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36380/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is committed to tackling the scourge of anti-social behaviour and crime to build safer streets and stronger communities. Which includes providing the funding necessary to strengthen the equipment available to An Garda Síochána for public order policing, including the deployment of tasers and stronger incapacitant spray.
As 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 resources. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
However, to be of assistance I sought the information requested from An Garda Síochána and have been advised that the table below outlines the amount spent on tasers by An Garda Síochána in 2023 and to date in 2024.
|
YEAR |
SPEND (inclusive of VAT) |
|
2023 |
€1,113,297 (Taser Upgrade) |
|
2024 |
€376,380 |
Information supplied is operational and subject to change.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (508)
Jim O'Callaghan
Question:508. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 1556 of 23 July 2024, if she has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities in order for this PQ to be answered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36381/24]
View answerWritten answers
I understand that Parliamentary Question No. 1556 of 23 July 2024 sought ‘the full breakdown of the Garda costs incurred for the UEFA Europa League Final held on 22 May 2024; if An Garda Síochána has sought to recoup any of these costs from UEFA.’
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), which includes all operational policing matters. As Minister I play no role in these independent functions.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that €7.12 million is the cost incurred to date by An Garda Síochána in relation to the UEFA Europa League Final. This cost figure is operational and subject to change.
A breakdown of costs is below. Figures are in millions of euro.
|
Overtime |
Employer PRSI |
Unsocial allowances |
Travel & Subsistence |
Other Expenses |
Total |
|
4.86 |
0.56 |
0.49 |
0.04 |
1.17 |
€7.12 million |
For your information no recoupment from UEFA is being sought by An Garda Síochána. A letter of assurance was provided to UEFA that the State would cover costs incurred by An Garda Síochána for the Europa League Final.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (509)
Jim O'Callaghan
Question:509. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of each category of Garda car, van and motorcycle training courses held in either Garda HQ and/or Garda training college held in 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; the duration of each of those courses; the frequency with which each of these courses are held; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36382/24]
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As the Deputy will appreciate, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána, including the training of its members and civilian staff. I, as Minister, have no role in the matter.
The below table, provided to me by the Garda authorities, outlines the number of each category of Garda car, van and motorcycle training courses provided to Garda personnel in 2023 and to date in 2024, the duration of each course, and the number of personnel trained in 2023 and to date in 2024:
|
Course |
Duration (Days) |
Courses Provided 2023 |
No. of People Trained 2023 |
Courses Provided 2024 Year to Date |
No. of People Trained 2024 Year to Date |
|
CBD1 |
1 |
78 |
883 |
34 |
281 |
|
CBD 2 |
11 |
84 |
687 |
52 |
421 |
|
CBD 3 |
16 |
4 |
31 |
2 |
16 |
|
CBD 3 Controlled Stopping Module |
2 |
1 |
<10 |
0 |
0 |
|
CBD 4 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
31 |
|
CBD 5 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
<10 |
|
4 x 4 Vehicle |
4 |
7 |
39 |
5 |
11 |
|
Automatic Familiarisation |
1 |
5 |
22 |
0 |
0 |
|
Command Vehicle |
5 |
1 |
<10 |
0 |
0 |
|
HGV Category C1 |
5 |
1 |
<10 |
2 |
<10 |
|
HGV Category C |
5 |
3 |
<10 |
2 |
<10 |
|
Standard Motorcycle |
20 |
4 |
18 |
2 |
12 |
|
Advanced Motorcycle |
10 |
1 |
<10 |
1 |
<10 |
|
Motorcycle Escort |
5 |
2 |
10 |
2 |
10 |
|
Van/Personnel Carrier D1 |
4 |
14 |
60 |
10 |
30 |
|
Personnel Carrier & Trailer |
5 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
<10 |
|
Trailer Towing 4 x 4 |
4 |
4 |
25 |
0 |
0 |
|
Category B Van |
1 |
24 |
105 |
21 |
82 |
|
Garda Staff Risk Assessment |
1 |
2 |
10 |
6 |
40 |
|
UN 4 x 4 Familiarisation |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
<10 |
I am advised that course frequency varies and is dependent on operational priorities and demands within An Garda Síochána.