Mick Barry
Ceist:208. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of renewals which have been issued in 2017 of the atypical worker permit for non-EU migrant fishing crew. [28071/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraWork Permits Data
Ceisteanna (208)
Freagraí scríofa
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the Atypical Working Scheme for Seafishers commenced in February 2016.
Since the scheme commenced almost 190 atypical working permissions were granted. Of these, 68 permissions have been renewed in 2017 to date, with a further 9 awaiting processing.
Garda Data
Ceisteanna (209)
Robert Troy
Ceist:209. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí in each garda station in County Westmeath as of 30 June 2017; and the number of new recruits assigned to the division since recruitment resumed in 2014. [32878/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime. To make this a reality for all, the Government has in place a plan to achieve an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. In 2017, funding has been provided for the recruitment of 800 Garda recruits and up to 500 civilians to support the wide ranging reform plan in train in An Garda Síochána. Funding has also been provided for the recruitment of 300 Garda Reserves.
Last Thursday, 6 July, a class of 198 Garda trainees attested as members of An Garda Síochána - the largest class to attest since the Garda College reopened in September 2014. This brings the number of new recruits who have attested since the College reopened to almost 1,200, with another four hundred scheduled to attest later this year. This will bring Garda numbers to 13,500 by year-end once projected retirements are taken into account - an increase of 500 over last year. This is real progress on reaching our target of 15,000 members by 2021.
This focus on investment in personnel is critical. The moratorium on recruitment introduced in 2010 resulted in a significant reduction in the strength of An Garda Síochána. We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the Commissioner with the resources she needs to allow her to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí across every Garda Division, including the Westmeath Division in the coming years.
This investment in personnel is complemented by substantial investment in resources across the board for An Garda Síochána. The Deputy will be aware of the significant resources that have been made available to An Garda Síochána under the Government's Capital Plan 2016 - 2021. In particular, some €205 million in additional funding for Garda ICT and €46 million for new Garda vehicles has been allocated over the lifetime of the plan. This investment will facilitate the provision of more effective policing services and I have no doubt that these new resources now coming on stream will see an increase in Garda visibility in our communities.
As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions 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 27 newly attested Gardaí have been assigned to the Westmeath Division since the College reopened.
For the Deputy's information I have set out in the table, as provided by the Commissioner, the number of gardaí assigned to the Westmeath Division by station as of 31 May 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available.
|
WESTMEATH DIVISION 31 MAY 2017 |
||
|
DISTRICT |
STATION |
TOTAL |
|
ATHLONE |
ATHLONE |
75 |
|
BALLYMORE |
1 |
|
|
GLASSON |
2 |
|
|
KILBEGGAN |
2 |
|
|
MOATE |
14 |
|
|
TOTAL |
94 |
|
|
MULLINGAR |
BALLYNACARGY |
2 |
|
CASTLEPOLLARD |
3 |
|
|
DELVIN |
9 |
|
|
KILLUCAN |
3 |
|
|
KINNEGAD |
4 |
|
|
MULLINGAR |
144 |
|
|
MULTYFARNHAM |
1 |
|
|
ROCHFORTBRIDGE |
4 |
|
|
TOTAL |
170 |
|
|
WESTMEATH TOTAL: |
264 |
|
Garda Stations
Ceisteanna (210)
Robert Troy
Ceist:210. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if Garda stations in counties Longford and Westmeath which were closed or downgraded in recent years will be reopened or reviewed. [33017/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Deputy will appreciate that the Garda Commissioner is primarily responsible for the effective and efficient use of the resources available to An Garda Síochána and I, as Minister, have no role in the matter. This includes responsibility for the formulation of proposals in relation to the opening and closing of Garda Stations, taking into account crime trends and policing priorities, so as to ensure that the best possible use is made of these resources.
Indeed, this was the basis on which the Garda District and Station Rationalisation Programme was developed and implemented, resulting in the closure of some 139 Garda stations. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the closures have allowed front line Garda to be managed and deployed with greater mobility, greater flexibility and in a more focused fashion particularly with regard to various targeted police operations.
Under the Programme for a Partnership Government, 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. At its meeting on 13 June 2017, the Government noted the Garda Commissioner’s interim Report which analysed population and crime trends and, taking account of the availability of stations for reuse, makes a number of recommendations including that Stepaside Station in Co. Dublin be reopened on a pilot basis. The Report also indicates that the Commissioner is likely, subject to further analysis, to recommend the reopening of Loughlinbridge, Co. Carlow and Donard, Co. Wicklow in her final report. If a second station is to be reopened in Dublin, the Commissioner has indicated that, subject to further analysis, the former station at Rush, Co. Dublin will be recommended for reopening.
The Government has, accordingly, agreed in in principle to the reopening of Stepaside Garda Station on a pilot basis as soon as any necessary preparatory works have been completed and the Commissioner’s final recommendation in relation to Rush, Leighlinbridge and Donard Stations is expected to be received shortly.
Following any decision to reopen the former stations, the Garda authorities will work closely with the Office of Public Works in relation to any necessary preparatory works required to progress the reopenings.
The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Síochána Inspectorate is, at the request of the Policing Authority, examining the dispersal and use of resources available to An Garda Síochána in the delivery of policing services to local communities with a view to making recommendations to provide a more effective, visible and responsive policing service. The Authority has informed the Inspectorate that the review should take account of:
- the changing environments in rural, developing urban and suburban areas;
- the views of local communities;
- the allocation to and deployment of Garda resources at the local policing level, including the use of the Garda Reserve, Garda facilities and Garda equipment; and
- relevant recommendations made in previous Inspectorate reports.
It is expected that the Inspectorate will have completed the review by mid-2018.
Wards of Court
Ceisteanna (211)
Jonathan O'Brien
Ceist:211. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of staff allocated to the Wards of Court office; and the job title of each. [33166/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, the High Court has jurisdiction in wards of court matters and management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in exercising its functions under the Courts Service Act 1998.
However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that the number of staff in the Wards of Court Office is 21 as follows:
- 1 Principal Officer - Registrar
- 1 Principal Officer - Assistant Registrar
- 10 Assistant Principal Officers - Case Officers
- 2 Higher Executive Officers
- 4 Executive Officers
- 3 Clerical Officers
Stardust Fire
Ceisteanna (212)
Gino Kenny
Ceist:212. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if, in recognition and acknowledgement of the long campaign for justice for the victims of the Stardust tragedy, he will sanction payment for the most recent report carried out on behalf of the families of the victims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33225/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Deputy will be aware that the Government agreed to appoint Judge McCartan to assess any new and updated evidence uncovered by the Stardust Relatives and Victims Committee in order to recommend whether a Commission of Investigation should be established into the Stardust Tragedy of 1981. Judge McCartan was appointed on 7 March 2017 and officially commenced his role on 27 March.
The assessment process is being conducted completely independently of Government and the scope of the assessment process is outlined in the Dáil Motion of 26 January 2017.
Judge McCartan has discretion to afford the Stardust Relatives and Victims Committee whatever representation he believes is necessary in order for the Committee to present its evidence to the assessment process, in line with per diem rates for solicitors, junior Counsel and Senior Counsel respectively as agreed by the Government.
The Department has received a fee note from Judge McCartan on 10 July 2017 in respect of fees concerning the submission of the Stardust Relatives and Victims Committee's Report to him on 6 July 2017. This payment is currently being processed.
Crime Investigation
Ceisteanna (213)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:213. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to a number of knife attacks on transgender sex workers in recent months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33233/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am, of course, aware of the attacks referred to by the Deputy and I condemn all forms of knife-related violence unreservedly.
I am advised that An Garda Síochána is addressing the issue of knife crime through education and engagement with community initiatives. At an operational level, An Garda Síochána pro-actively target public disorder and anti-social behaviour, including knife related crime through the strategic deployment of Garda resources, and areas identified as public order hot-spots by local Garda management are the subject of additional foot and mobile patrols. Community Gardaí, in particular in the DMR, have used focus groups to discuss issues surrounding knife crime and the dangers associated with same. An Garda Síochána tackle knife crime through a tiered approach, by way of a rigorous enforcement policy, education programme and awareness raising campaigns. District Detective Units also monitor vendors engaged in the sale of knives.
I am further advised that An Garda Síochána is currently developing a national anti-knife, awareness-raising, crime-prevention initiative, for delivery to coincide with the Winter-Time ‘Operation Thor’ initiatives and Halloween which is traditionally a high knife crime period. In addition, Detective Units and Divisional Crime Task Forces may be utilised to provide a high visibility presence in areas such as late night bars, clubs etc, particularly when people are exiting, to deter and detect anti-social behaviour and possible altercations.
I would like to assure the Deputy that there are mechanisms in place to deal with hate motivated crime. Where a criminal offence such as assault is committed against a person based on their race, religion, colour, ethnicity, gender or some other ground, the offence is prosecuted through the wider criminal law. It is also accepted that such an offence is more serious on account of the hate or prejudice motivating the crime and Irish courts do consider evidence of a crime being motivated by hate or prejudice as an aggravating factor at sentencing.
More broadly, my Department is aware of the discrimination that transgender and intersex people face in society and in employment as has published proposals for amendments to the Disability (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 206 to make explicit a prohibition of such discrimination in employment and in the provision of goods and services. My Department will also commence work later this year on the development of an LGBTI Inclusion Strategy which will address issues relevant to LBGTI people generally, including transgender and intersex people.
Garda Data
Ceisteanna (214)
Stephen Donnelly
Ceist:214. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí per station in each station in each of the years 2012 to 2016, in tabular form; the number of additional gardaí deployed to each station each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33307/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions 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 in regard to the deployment of Garda personnel, a distribution model is used which takes into account all relevant factors including population, crime trends and the policing needs of each individual Garda Division. It is the responsibility of the Divisional Officer to allocate personnel within his/her Division.
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that on 31 May 2017, the latest date for which figures are currently available, the strength of An Garda Síochána was 13,137 members.
This Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime. To make this a reality for all, the Government has in place a plan to achieve an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. In 2017, funding has been provided for the recruitment of 800 Garda recruits and up to 500 civilians to support the wide ranging reform plan in train in An Garda Síochána. Funding has also been provided for the recruitment of 300 Garda Reserves.
This plan is progressing apace. I am informed by the Commissioner, since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, that almost 1,200 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide. I am also informed that a further four hundred Garda recruits are scheduled to attest later this year which will see Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increase to around the 13,500 mark by year end - an increase of 500 since the end of 2016.
This focus on investment in personnel is critical. The moratorium on recruitment introduced in 2010 resulted in a significant reduction in the strength of An Garda Síochána. We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the Commissioner with the resources she needs to allow her to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí across every Garda Division, in the coming years.
This investment in personnel is complemented by substantial investment in resources across the board for An Garda Síochána. The Deputy will be aware of the significant resources that have been made available to An Garda Síochána under the Government's Capital Plan 2016 - 2021. In particular, some €205 million in additional funding for Garda ICT and €46 million for new Garda vehicles has been allocated over the lifetime of the plan. This investment will facilitate the provision of more effective policing services and I have no doubt that these new resources now coming on stream will see an increase in Garda visibility in our communities.
I have received the information requested by the Deputy from the Commissioner set out in spreadsheets which I will forward directly to the Deputy.
Brexit Issues
Ceisteanna (215)
Stephen Donnelly
Ceist:215. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the development of sectorial response plans to Brexit; the publication date of these plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33343/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, on 2 May 2017, the Government published a comprehensive document which sets out the approach of the Government to the Brexit negotiations, following the successful campaign to have key Irish issues recognised in the EU negotiation position.
Following on from the publication of this document, work is underway across Departments to prepare adaptive Sectoral Brexit Response Plans to mitigate emerging sectoral challenges. These plans will build on ongoing cross-Government research, analysis and consultations with stakeholders, and will encompass the following themes:
- Sustainable fiscal policies to ensure capacity to absorb and respond to economic shocks, not least from Brexit;
- Policies to make Irish enterprise more diverse and resilient, to diversify trade and investment patterns, and to strengthen competitiveness;
- Prioritising policy measures and dedicating resources to protect jobs and businesses in the sectors and regions most affected by Brexit;
- Realising economic opportunities arising from Brexit, and helping businesses adjust to any new logistical or trade barriers arising; and
- Making a strong case at EU level that Ireland will require support that recognises where Brexit represents a serious disturbance to the Irish economy.
All of this work is ongoing and must also respond to the emerging developments in the Brexit negotiations. There is no decision as yet on publication dates.
Work is continuing in my Department on the analysis of the justice specific issues arising in response to the UK withdrawal from the EU. Weekly progress reports are provided to the Department's Management Board on the analysis and preparations underway and there is ongoing engagement with other relevant Departments concerning the cross Government aspects of these issues.
Garda Divisional Headquarters
Ceisteanna (216)
Noel Grealish
Ceist:216. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on the progress on the construction of a new Garda regional and divisional headquarters in Galway city; the date on which it will be operational; the timeframe between the first gardaí moving in and the building being fully operational; the cost of the new facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33354/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close co-operation with the Office of Public Works, which has the responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation, and I, as Minister, have no direct role in these matters.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the construction of the new Regional and Divisional Headquarters for Galway, on a site in Murrough, commenced in October 2015 and it is anticipated, at this point, that the project will be completed in early 2018.
Garda management are liaising with the OPW on an ongoing basis in relation to the hand-over of the new premises for use by An Garda Síochána with a view to the station being operational as close to the completion date as possible. The cost of the new building will be in the region of €25 million excluding VAT and contingency.
Garda Divisional Headquarters
Ceisteanna (217, 218)
Noel Grealish
Ceist:217. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí that will be assigned to the new regional and divisional headquarters in Galway city, by rank and including civilian staff; and the number of extra gardaí of all ranks that will be based in the city once the new headquarters and the existing station at Mill Street are operational. [33355/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraNoel Grealish
Ceist:218. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the functions that will be carried out from the existing Mill Street station in Galway city once the new regional and divisional headquarters opens; the number of gardaí and other staff that will be based there; the future opening times of the existing station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33356/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 217 and 218 together.
As the Deputy will be aware the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the Office of Public Works (OPW), which has the responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. The Garda Commissioner has responsibility for the day to day operation of An Garda Síochána and the allocation of personnel and resources and I, as Minister, have no role in these matters.
I have, however, been advised by the Garda authorities that the construction of the new regional and divisional headquarters is progressing well and it is anticipated that the project will be completed in Q4 2017. Garda management will be making arrangements with the OPW in relation to the hand over of the new Garda station with a view to the new station being operational as close to the completion date as possible.
I have been further advised by the Garda authorities that Mill Street Garda station will be retained as a fully functioning District Headquarters when the new premises are completed. While it is not possible at this time to indicate the specific nature of the resources that will operate from Mill Street, local senior Garda management will ensure that an effective policing service will be provided in the area.
Immigration Controls
Ceisteanna (219)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:219. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if an appointment to renew the appropriate stamp can be facilitated at Leixlip Garda station in the case of a person (details supplied) who are anxious to keep their status up to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33365/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that registration for people living outside Dublin City and County is a matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau.
In the case of the individual referred to by the Deputy, they must apply to Leixlip Garda Station for renewal of their appropriate Stamp status.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility 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 Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
Immigration Controls
Ceisteanna (220)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:220. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if an appointment to renew Stamp 4 can be facilitated in the case of a person (details supplied) at Leixlip Garda station; if the correct procedure to regularise both can be indicated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33366/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that registration for people living outside Dublin City and County is a matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau.
In the case of the individual referred to by the Deputy, they must apply to Leixlip Garda Station for renewal of their Stamp 4 status.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility 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 Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
Garda Stations
Ceisteanna (221)
Catherine Martin
Ceist:221. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the timeframe for the reopening a Garda station (details supplied); the number of gardaí that will be based there; the number of hours and days per week the station will be opened; if this information is not available, when these decisions will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33421/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Deputy will appreciate that the Garda Commissioner is primarily responsible for the effective and efficient use of the resources available to An Garda Síochána, and I, as Minister have no role in the matter.
The Deputy will be aware that, at its meeting on 13 June, the Government agreed to note the key recommendations in the Commissioner’s interim report in relation to the proposed reopening of former Garda stations and agreed in principle to the reopening of Stepaside Garda station on a pilot basis as soon as any necessary preparatory works have been completed.
I understand that the Garda authorities are liaising with the Office of Public Works in relation to these preparatory works. The question of staffing and opening hours for the station will be matters to be settled by the Commissioner in due course when the relevant works have been completed.
DNA Database
Ceisteanna (222)
John Curran
Ceist:222. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of samples from persons that are on the national DNA database to date in 2017 since its establishment; the number of convictions secured based on the use of evidence from the database; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33469/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) is responsible for the operation of the national DNA Database System. The database constitutes a major intelligence resource for the investigation of crime. The database is being populated with samples taken from persons suspected/convicted of serious crime and from crime scenes and the number of person samples added since the establishment of the database is 13,486.
I am advised by FSI that the DNA Database is not programmed in such a way as to establish the number of convictions secured as a result of evidence gained by the database. However, I am informed that, in 2016 the DNA Database identified 428 hits, which directly assisted 625 cases. Furthermore, FSI reports that 23 out of every 100 crime scene samples uploaded onto the database, will be linked to a person. The crime solving capacity of the database is expected to grow as the database grows in size and will continue to provide An Garda Síochána with a source of high quality intelligence that facilitates better targeted criminal investigations.
Charities Regulation
Ceisteanna (223)
John Curran
Ceist:223. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the increase that has been made to the staff in the Charities Regulators Office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33470/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Charities Regulatory Authority ('Charities Regulator') was established on 16 October 2014 pursuant to the Charities Act 2009. It is Ireland's statutory regulator for charitable organisations and is an independent regulatory agency under the aegis of my Department. Its mission is to regulate the charity sector in the public interest to ensure compliance with the law and to support best practice in the governance, management and administration of charities.
On establishment day (i.e. on 16 October 2014) there were 10 staff assigned to the Regulator. Staff headcount increased to 18 at end 2015 and to 30 at end 2016. The current staff count in the Charities Regulator is 37. However the Regulator was provided with funding to reach a staffing of 50 in the course of 2017 and and my Department is committed to working with the CRA to achieve its full approved staffing complement of 50 as soon as possible.
Garda Station Closures
Ceisteanna (224)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:224. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number and location of Garda stations scheduled to be reopened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33471/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Deputy will appreciate that the Garda Commissioner is primarily responsible for the effective and efficient use of the resources available to An Garda Síochána, and I, as Minister have no role in the matter.
The Deputy will be aware that, on 24 June 2016, the Government authorised the then Minister to request the Garda Commissioner, while fully cognisant of her statutory functions, to identify 6 stations for reopening on a pilot basis to determine possible positive impacts that such openings will have on criminal activity, with special emphasis on burglaries, theft and public order.
On 13 June 2017, the Government considered the second interim report of the Garda Commissioner in relation to the exercise. The Commissioner, having analysed population and crime trends and taking account of the availability of former Garda stations for reuse, makes a number of recommendations including that Stepaside Garda station should be reopened on a pilot basis as soon as any necessary preparatory works have been completed. The Report also indicates that the Commissioner is likely, subject to further analysis, to recommend the reopening of Leighlinbridge, Co. Carlow and Donard, Co. Wicklow in her final report. If a second station is to be reopened in Dublin, the Commissioner has indicated that, subject to further analysis, the former station at Rush, Co. Dublin will be recommended for reopening.
International Terrorism
Ceisteanna (225)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:225. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which An Garda Síochána has the necessary personnel, equipment and organisational capacity to withstand a terrorist attack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33472/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The level of threat of a terrorist attack here is kept under constant and active review by the Garda authorities. The Deputy will understand that it is not possible to go into the detail of the security measures in place in this regard. However, I can assure the Deputy that the authorities here will continue to take all necessary and appropriate measures to counteract the threat.
An Garda Siochána has in place appropriate operational measures to prevent and to respond to terrorist incidents in terms of intelligence, a well-trained and equipped special intervention capability and other national support resources, including armed support. The considerable operational skills and resources of the Defence Forces are also available where needed. Additional resources were provided in the Garda Vote last year that included a dedicated allocation of funding for combating the threat from international terrorism. This is being used in respect of certain additional training, operational equipment and personnel requirements.
The establishment of the Armed Response Unit for the Dublin region is a key investment in enhancing the armed response capacity for critical incidents and in freeing up and supporting the specialist capacity of the ERU. The resources requirements and allocations in this regard are being kept under active review.
The long-standing and progressive community relations programme that the Gardaí operate in respect of their interactions with minority communities is a key element of seeking to combat the potential for radicalisation in our Muslim community. That interaction will continue and be enhanced, aimed at protecting the community and addressing any concerns or vulnerable individuals who may be identified.
There is a very significant programme of investment ongoing to enhance the information resources available to the Garda Authorities, including access to the EU's Schengen Information System and the development of dedicated border security information systems to process passenger information.
The Garda authorities also work very closely with their EU and other international counterparts in taking measures to counteract what is a shared threat. As might be anticipated, there is a particularly close relationship with counterparts in Britain and Northern Ireland in this regard in taking measures to address this threat.
Gangland Crime
Ceisteanna (226)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:226. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of criminal gang members incarcerated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33473/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish to advise the Deputy that a report compiled by the Irish Prison Service identified 12 criminal gangs within the prison population excluding the subversive groupings in Portlaoise Prison. It is not possible to provide definitive numbers in relation to those gang affiliations within the prison system. Prisoners upon committal seldom state their allegiance to any criminal organisation. Membership/allegiance of these criminal gangs fluctuates on a continuous basis with some persons breaking links and others becoming affiliated.
The emergence in recent years of criminal gangs has had significant implications for the management of Irish prisons. Rivalries and feuds which develop on the outside continue inside of prison. Prison management must ensure that the various factions are kept apart and, as far as possible, that gang members do not have influence over other inmates in the prisons or criminal activities on the outside.
A number of initiatives have been introduced with a view to preventing identified gang leaders from conducting criminal activities while in custody and also to prevent them exerting inappropriate influence over other persons. For example, the security initiatives undertaken by the Operational Security Group have made it more difficult for prisoners to engage in illegal activities while in prison. These initiatives include the installation of airport style security including scanners and x-ray machines. Core functions of this group include gathering and collating intelligence information on criminal gang members in custody , carrying out intelligence led searches and preventing the flow of contraband, including mobile phones, into the prisons.
In addition, there is regular contact between the Prison Service and An Garda Síochána to discuss security issues including the operation of criminal gangs. Gardaí are also provided with reports detailing the release dates of this category of prisoner.
Garda Strength
Ceisteanna (227, 230)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:227. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which he expects Garda strength to increase over the next four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33474/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraBernard Durkan
Ceist:230. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the strength of An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33477/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 227 and 230 together.
As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions 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.
This Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime. To make this a reality for all, the Government has in place a plan to achieve an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. In 2017, funding has been provided for the recruitment of 800 Garda recruits and up to 500 civilians to support the wide ranging reform plan in train in An Garda Síochána. Funding has also been provided for the recruitment of 300 Garda Reserves.
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that on 31 May 2017, the latest date for which figures are currently available, the strength of An Garda Síochána was 13,137. Taking account of projected retirements, reaching a strength of 15,000 by 2021 will require some 2,400 new Garda members to be recruited on a phased basis over the next three years in addition to the 2,000 recruited that will have been recruited by the end of this year since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014.
In 2017, funding has been provided for the recruitment of 800 Garda recruits and up to 500 civilians to support the wide ranging reform plan in train in An Garda Síochána. Funding has also been provided for the recruitment of 300 Garda Reserves. I am engaging with my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, in relation to ensuring funding is available to allow sufficient recruitment into An Garda Síochána in 2018 and the coming years so that the planned overall Garda workforce of 21,000 is achieved.
This plan is progressing apace. I am informed by the Commissioner, since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, that almost 1,200 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide. I am also informed that a further four hundred Garda recruits are scheduled to attest later this year which will see Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increase to around the 13,500 mark by year end - an increase of 500 since the end of 2016.
This focus on investment in personnel is critical. The moratorium on recruitment introduced in 2010 resulted in a significant reduction in the strength of An Garda Síochána. We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the Commissioner with the resources she needs to allow her to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí across every Garda Division, in the coming years.
This investment in personnel is complemented by substantial investment in resources across the board for An Garda Síochána. The Deputy will be aware of the significant resources that have been made available to An Garda Síochána under the Government's Capital Plan 2016 - 2021. In particular, some €205 million in additional funding for Garda ICT and €46 million for new Garda vehicles has been allocated over the lifetime of the plan. This investment will facilitate the provision of more effective policing services and I have no doubt that these new resources now coming on stream will see an increase in Garda visibility in our communities.