Bríd Smith
Ceist:53. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her views on recent tragic incidents in a direct provision centre and if they are fit for purpose. [27375/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraDirect Provision System
Ceisteanna (53)
Freagraí scríofa
It was with deep regret that I learned of the tragic incident to which the Deputy refers involving the death, in what appears to have been tragic circumstances, of a woman resident in a Direct Provision centre. The woman had been receiving support from the health services prior to her death. As the Deputy may be aware, health services to asylum seekers are 'mainstreamed' and health services are provided on the same basis to asylum seekers as to Irish citizens. These supports include access to GPs, psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers.
The woman in question had a child who is now in the care of Tusla.
Conscious of the loss experienced by other residents and staff, the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department arranged bereavement counselling and other supports for residents and staff of the centre in question.
I extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased at this time.
Community Policing
Ceisteanna (54)
Jim O'Callaghan
Ceist:54. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her views on the importance of community engagement and community policing as major factors in determining confidence in policing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27378/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I strongly support the principle of Community Policing and the development of partnerships between An Garda Síochána and local communities.
The Garda National Model of Community Policing plays a key part in responding to crime and encouraging community engagement by taking into account and responding to local conditions and needs, and all Gardaí have a role to play in Community Policing in carrying out their duties. In addition, the National Community Policing Office captures best practice in community policing initiatives and disseminates these practices through its communication network.
An Garda Síochána's Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021, published on 9 June 2016, places a strong emphasis on developing and supporting the community policing ethos of the organisation and enhancing the current delivery model so that Gardaí spend more time in the community, including the introduction of multi-skilled Community Policing Teams in every Garda District.
As part of the Community Policing approach Gardaí engage with a wide range of local groups, including informal community groups as well as participating in more formal structures such as Joint Policing Committees. In addition Gardaí support in excess of 3,700 Neighbourhood Watch and Community Alert groups established countrywide. Guidelines for the establishment and operation of such partnership initiatives, including Text Alert groups have been published by An Garda Síochána.
The Garda Text Alert Scheme is a particularly successful example of Community Policing in action with over 960 local groups in operation, involving in excess of 164,000 subscribers and with an estimated 3 million text messages sent annually. I am informed that every Garda Division, rural and urban, now offers the Text Alert service.
I was very pleased to secure more than a doubling of the funding available to my Department for initiatives such as Community Alert this year, and I was particularly pleased to announce recently the provision of €100,000 in 2016 for a rebate of costs incurred by local Text Alert Groups. This rebate scheme is available to all Text Alert Groups registered with An Garda Síochána and is being administered by Muintir na Tíre who already support the national and regional operation of the Community Alert programme. I believe it is only right that we recognise the considerable efforts involved in organising local groups and make a contribution to the costs which have, up to now, been borne entirely from voluntary contributions.
The ongoing development of Community Policing and partnerships between communities and their local Gardaí is underpinned by the Government’s commitment to increase Garda numbers to 15,000 through further recruitment into An Garda Síochána. This process will involve the recruitment of some 3,200 new Garda members on a phased basis over the next four years, to ensure that the service is renewed and has the capacity to provide visible, responsive and effective policing to every community throughout the country.
Community Policing
Ceisteanna (55)
Shane Cassells
Ceist:55. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to increase the number of community gardaí in the Meath Garda division. [27396/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including Community Gardaí, among the various Garda Divisions and Districts and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.
I have been informed that as of the 31 August 2016, the latest date for which figures are readily available, there were 780 Community Gardaí assigned to Garda Divisions throughout the country. Of these 11 were assigned to the Meath Division. It is, of course, the case that all Gardaí have a role to play in addressing community policing issues as and when the need arises. In that sense, community policing involves far more than a single unit within An Garda Síochána.
Community policing is at the heart of An Garda Síochána. It provides a means of recognising that every community – both urban and rural – has its own concerns and expectations. In this regard I welcome the strong emphasis placed by the Commissioner's Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021 on further developing and supporting the community policing ethos of the organisation so that Gardaí spend more time in the community, gaining public confidence and trust and providing a greater sense of security. Proposed initiatives include the establishment of local Community Policing Teams (CPTs) headed by an Inspector and made up of Gardaí from across a range of areas to proactively work with the community to prevent and detect crime; and the establishment of Community Safety Fora in every District comprising local Gardaí, local communities and key stakeholders.
The implementation of these initiatives will be supported by the Government's commitment to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country. This will be achieved though continuing the ongoing accelerated Garda recruitment programme with a view to increasing Garda numbers to 15,000, as well as doubling the Garda Reserve and increasing the number of civilian staff so as to free-up Gardaí for front-line policing. Taking account of projected retirements, reaching a strength of 15,000 members will require some 3,200 new Garda members to be recruited on a phased basis over the next four years in addition to the 1,200 that will have been recruited by the end of this year since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014. So far 534 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream uniform duties nationwide. Community policing, and all other Garda activities, will undoubtedly benefit from these resources now coming on stream.
In order to continue to ensure seamless ongoing recruitment I was very pleased to announce the commencement of a new recruitment campaign on 8 September. The campaign is being organised by the Public Appointments Service on behalf of the Commissioner. Applications must be made through www.publicjobs.ie. The existing recruitment campaign (launched last November) is ongoing and successful candidates will continue to be called from that campaign this year and into next year. It is expected that successful candidates from the new campaign will enter the Garda College from mid-2017.
The Government is also committed to prioritising community crime prevention schemes. My announcement last week at the National Ploughing Championships of a doubling of the funding for the Community Alert Programme to €350,000 which will go directly to local groups is a tangible expression of this commitment to supporting a partnership approach to crime prevention between local communities and An Garda Síochána.
Garda Reserve
Ceisteanna (56)
Seán Fleming
Ceist:56. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda reservists in the Laois-Offaly Garda division. [27407/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including Garda Reserves, among the various Garda Divisions and Districts, and I as Minister have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources. I am informed by the Commissioner that, as of the 31 August 2016, the strength of the Garda Reserve stood at 789 of which 22 were assigned to the Laois-Offaly Garda Division.
The members of the Reserve have undergone training in many of the skills required to be an effective full-time member of An Garda Síochána and make a real and tangible contribution to the policing of communities right across the country. This is recognised in the "Programme for a Partnership Government" which includes a commitment to double the Reserve to act in a supportive role undertaking local patrols and crime reduction measures. I have had discussions with the Commissioner in relation to the delivery of this commitment and what steps might be taken to ensure that the expanded Reserve is used to best effect in support of visible policing. In this regard, I welcome the recent assignment by the Commissioner of a Superintendent to head up the Garda Reserve Management Office. I understand that the Office is currently undertaking an audit of the experience and skills of Reserves which, when completed, will assist Garda management in considering the future role to be played by the Reserve. It has also started work on the development of a recruitment plan with the objective of recruiting and training 300 new Reserves annually starting next year. I understand that as part of the planning process the Office is examining the possibility of recruitment at the regional or divisional level, rather than centrally, and also the manner in which the training is delivered.
The expansion of the Reserve will complement the commitments in the Programme for Government to continue the ongoing accelerated Garda recruitment programme with a view to increasing Garda numbers to 15,000 and also to increase further civilianisation to free up Gardaí to front-line policing duties. The delivery of these measures over the lifetime of the Government will ensure a visible policing presence in communities nationwide. Taking account of projected retirements, reaching a strength of 15,000 will require some 3,200 new Garda members to be recruited on a phased basis over the next four years in addition to the 1,200 that will have been recruited by the end of this year since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014. So far 534 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream uniform duties nationwide. Another 150 will attest later this year.
In order to continue to ensure seamless ongoing recruitment of trainee Gardaí I was very pleased to announce the commencement of a new recruitment campaign on 8 September which includes a special stream for eligible reserve members. The campaign is being organised by the Public Appointments Service on behalf of the Commissioner. Applications must be made through www.publicjobs.ie. The existing recruitment campaign which was launched last November is ongoing and successful candidates will continue to be called from that campaign this year and into next year. It is expected that successful candidates from the new campaign will enter the Garda College from mid-2017.
Garda Districts
Ceisteanna (57)
Robert Troy
Ceist:57. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to review the existing boundaries of Garda divisions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27385/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for a Partnership Government recognises that community policing is the embodiment of An Garda Síochána, providing a means of recognising that every community, both urban and rural, has its own concerns and expectations. It commits the Government to ensuring visible, effective and responsive policing in every community.
Under the Programme, the Government is committed to asking the Policing Authority to oversee a review of, amongst other things, both the boundaries of Garda districts and the dispersement of Garda stations in rural, developing urban and suburban areas. In support of this objective, I have requested the Policing Authority to oversee this review for the purpose of ensuring both an efficient and optimum geographical distribution of stations and minimal response times. Once this review is completed, I will ensure that the outcome is put before the House.
In addition, the Government is committed to launching a pilot scheme to reopen 6 Garda stations, both urban and rural, to determine possible positive impacts that such openings will have on criminal activity, with special emphasis on burglaries, theft and public order. In accordance with this commitment, I have requested the Garda Commissioner, while fully cognisant of her statutory functions in relation to the distribution of Garda resources in the State, to identify for reopening 6 stations that were closed under the Garda Síochána District and Station Rationalisation Programme 2012 - 2013.
Garda Stations
Ceisteanna (58)
Josepha Madigan
Ceist:58. Deputy Josepha Madigan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if the Garda Commissioner and policing forum will consider the 2016 census figures which show a population increase of 2,362 in the Stepaside-Glencullen area when considering suitable stations for reopening on a pilot basis; when a decision on which stations have been selected will be available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27433/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for a Partnership Government recognises that community policing is the embodiment of An Garda Síochána, providing a means of recognising that every community, both urban and rural, has its own concerns and expectations. It commits the Government to ensuring visible, effective and responsive policing in every community, including the most minimal response times possible.
Under the Programme, the Government is committed to asking the Policing Authority to oversee a review of, amongst other things, both the boundaries of Garda districts and the dispersement of Garda stations in rural areas. In addition, the Government is committed to launching a pilot scheme to reopen 6 Garda stations, both urban and rural, to determine possible positive impacts that such openings will have on criminal activity, with special emphasis on burglaries, theft and public order.
In relation to the proposed pilot scheme, I have requested the Garda Commissioner, while fully cognisant of her statutory functions in relation to the distribution of Garda resources in the State, to identify for reopening 6 stations that were closed under the Garda Síochána District and Station Rationalisation Programme. I have also asked the Authority to initiate the proposed review.
Refugee Resettlement Programme
Ceisteanna (59)
Mick Wallace
Ceist:59. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if her Department, in conjunction with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, will introduce a humanitarian visa programme along the lines of the one in place in Belgium for those displaced by war in order to facilitate asylum applications and allow more legal migration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27431/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP) was established by Government Decision on 10 September 2015 as a direct response to the humanitarian crisis that developed in Southern Europe as a consequence of mass migration from areas of conflict in the Middle East and Africa. Under the programme the Government has pledged to accept a total of 4,000 persons overall under the EU Relocation and Resettlement programmes. This is made up of approximately 2,622 persons to be relocated to Ireland from other EU Member States (Italy and Greece) under the two EU Relocation Decisions and 520 programme refugees which Ireland pledged to resettle under the voluntary EU Resettlement programme. Persons admitted here under these programmes will also have an entitlement to family reunification, if they wish to do so, thereby further increasing the numbers accepted by Ireland.
My Department is fully engaged with our commitments under the Irish Refugee Protection Programme and all available resources are being directed to ensuring that we can meet these commitments within the time scales envisaged. The programme includes family reunification and I have no plans at present to introduce an additional humanitarian programme such as that referenced by the Deputy.
I continue to work proactively with my colleagues in Europe to ensure that Ireland and the European Union responds comprehensively to all aspects of the ongoing migration and refugee crisis.
Community Policing
Ceisteanna (60)
James Lawless
Ceist:60. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to increase the number of community gardaí in the Kildare Garda division. [27410/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including Community Gardaí, among the various Garda Divisions and Districts and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.
I have been informed that as of the 31 August 2016, the latest date for which figures are readily available, there were 780 Community Gardaí assigned to Garda Divisions throughout the country. While there are currently no Gardaí specifically assigned to the role of Community Garda attached to the Kildare Division, the Commissioner has advised that it is the case that all Gardaí have a role to play in addressing community policing issues as and when the need arises. In that sense, community policing involves far more than a single unit within An Garda Síochána.
Community policing is at the heart of An Garda Síochána. It provides a means of recognising that every community – both urban and rural – has its own concerns and expectations. In this regard I welcome the strong emphasis placed by the Commissioner's Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021 on further developing and supporting the community policing ethos of the organisation so that Gardaí spend more time in the community, gaining public confidence and trust and providing a greater sense of security. Proposed initiatives include the establishment of local Community Policing Teams (CPTs) headed by an Inspector and made up of Gardaí from across a range of areas to proactively work with the community to prevent and detect crime; and the establishment of Community Safety Fora in every District comprising local Gardaí, local communities and key stakeholders.
The implementation of these initiatives will be supported by the Government's commitment to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country. This will be achieved through continuing the ongoing accelerated Garda recruitment programme with a view to increasing Garda numbers to 15,000, as well as doubling the Garda Reserve and increasing the number of civilian staff so as to free-up Gardaí for front-line policing. Taking account of projected retirements, reaching a strength of 15,000 members will require some 3,200 new Garda members to be recruited on a phased basis over the next four years in addition to the 1,200 that will have been recruited by the end of this year since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014. So far 534 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream uniform duties nationwide. Community policing, and all other Garda activities, will undoubtedly benefit from these resources now coming on stream.
In order to continue to ensure seamless ongoing recruitment I was very pleased to announce the commencement of a new recruitment campaign on 8 September. The campaign is being organised by the Public Appointments Service on behalf of the Commissioner. Applications must be made through www.publicjobs.ie. The existing recruitment campaign (launched last November) is ongoing and successful candidates will continue to be called from that campaign this year and into next year. It is expected that successful candidates from the new campaign will enter the Garda College from mid-2017.
The Government is also committed to prioritising community crime prevention schemes. My announcement last week at the National Ploughing Championships of a doubling of the funding for the Community Alert Programme to €350,000 which will go directly to local groups is a tangible expression of this commitment to supporting a partnership approach to crime prevention between local communities and An Garda Síochána.
UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Ceisteanna (61)
Ruth Coppinger
Ceist:61. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will report on the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. [27437/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On 21 October 2015, the previous Government published a roadmap to Ireland’s ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities which outlines the considerable legislative changes to be undertaken to enable Ireland to ratify the Convention, along with the estimated deadline of end-2016 for ratification. The Roadmap to Ratification, which is available on my Department’s website, sets out the substantial legislative agenda required for ratification.
Considerable progress has already been made to overcome barriers to Ireland’s ratification. The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 was signed into law on 30 December 2015 and is a comprehensive reform of the law on decision-making capacity. Phased commencement of the Act will begin before the end of the year, which will allow us to ratify the Convention. The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2015 was passed by the Seanad on 26 January this year. When enacted, the Bill will reform Section 5 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 1993 to facilitate the full participation in family life of persons with intellectual disabilities and the full expression of their human rights. Achieving the necessary balance between those rights and ensuring appropriate protection is crucial.
Work is also underway on drawing up an Equality/Disability (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill to progress miscellaneous legislative amendments necessary to proceed to ratification. It is intended that the Bill will address issues such as the Convention's requirements in relation to reasonable accommodation and deprivation of liberty, as well as removing archaic references in existing legislation relating to mental health. The General Scheme of the Equality/Disability (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill is available on the Department's website. Enactment is expected by the end of the year.