Written Answers Nos. 1162-1181
1162. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for an update in relation to Operation Táirge; the number of gardaí involved in this operation; the amount of funding it has received; the number of arrests and prosecutions arising from the operation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35281/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
Operation Táirge was launched in December 2023 by Assistant Commissioner, Roads Policing & Community Engagement and both I and my colleague, the Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Neale Richmond TD were in attendance.
The operation's aim is supporting operational activity aimed at detecting and preventing organised retail crime. As the operation takes an organisational approach to the issue of organised retail crime, I am advised that all operational Gardaí are aware of, and contribute to the aims and objectives of the operation.
The Garda authorities have informed me that, in the period from 15 July 2023 to 15 July 2024, there were 18,150 proceedings commenced in relation to retail theft, which is an 18% increase on the previous 12 month period. This increase aligns with the commencement of Operation Táirge.
I am further advised that Operation Táirge is not separately identifiable on the Financial Reporting system. The Garda authorities are therefore unable to provide details on any specific expenditure related to the operation.
1163. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for an update in relation to Operation Tara; the number of gardaí involved in this operation; the amount of funding it has received; the number of arrests and prosecutions arising from the operation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35282/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Regrettably, this was not available in time and I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.
1164. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for an update in relation to Operation Irene; the number of gardaí involved in this operation; the amount of funding it has received; the number of arrests and prosecutions arising from the operation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35283/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes all operational and investigative policing matters. As Minister, I have no role in these matters and cannot seek to direct the Commissioner in relation to such.
I am informed by the Garda Authorities Operation Irene is implemented every year throughout the Dublin Metropolitan Region from 1 June to 31 August.
This is a multi-agency operation with the key objective to prevent and detect anti-social behaviour, combat underage alcohol consumption and the consumption of alcohol in public places through the enforcement of legislation regulating the sale, supply and consumption of alcohol to enhance community safety and confidence.
An Garda Síochána work in conjunction with the various councils across Dublin and other stakeholders including the transport authorities, local resident associations and local businesses to identify key areas where people congregate during the summer months. These areas are policed by both high visibility patrols and plain closes Gardaí to ensure the public’s safety and peaceful enjoyment of local amenities.
As the Deputy will appreciate, An Garda Síochána does not hold and cannot provide a return for convictions. Queries regarding convictions data should be directed toward the Courts Service, who are responsible for providing such information. The Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas: oireachtasenquiries@courts.ie
The Garda authorities have also advised me that specific details in relation to this operation are not disclosed publicly for operational reasons.
The Garda Commissioner has assured the Minister that there will continue to be a high-visibility policing presence in the DMR. He has the resources to do so under Budget 2024, with an overtime budget to use as required and a stream of new Gardaí entering the organisation from the recruitment competitions carried out over the last three years.
Last year, the Minister for Justice provided additional overtime in Dublin and it is important to note that the overall Garda overtime budget for 2024 is a substantial increase on last year.
It may interest the Deputy to note that, as of the end of June 2024, there were 3,682 Garda members assigned to the Garda Divisions across Dublin. This represents a 5.5% increase on the number assigned to Dublin in 2015 when there were 3,491.
1165. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for an update in relation to Operation Limmat; the number of gardaí involved in this operation; the amount of funding it has received; the number of arrests and prosecutions arising from the operation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35284/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes all operational and investigative policing matters. As Minister, I have no role in these matters and cannot seek to direct the Commissioner in relation to such.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that Operation Limmat was introduced in January 2022 in the DMR, with specific emphasis on reducing the harmful effect of assaults in public places in the DMR Region. This operation drives a pro-arrest, pro-enforcement, early investigation approach when incidents of assault and associated crime occur in the DMR.
Operation Limmat also promotes early prosecution of offenders with intelligence-led policing to identify hotspots where assaults occur and with a view of identifying prolific recidivist offenders.
Operation Limmat is still active in the DMR Region. All assaults that occur in public places are considered relevant to Operation Limmat.
As the Deputy will appreciate, An Garda Síochána does not hold and cannot provide a return for convictions. Queries regarding convictions data should be directed toward the Courts Service, who are responsible for providing such information. The Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas: oireachtasenquiries@courts.ie
The Garda authorities have also advised me that specific details in relation to this operation are not disclosed publicly for operational reasons.
However, as per the recorded crime statistics compiled by the Central Statistics Office, there is a 3.7% reduction in assaults causing harm in the DMR when 2023 is compared with 2022.
The Garda Commissioner has assured the Minister that there will continue to be a high-visibility policing presence in the DMR. He has the resources to do so under Budget 2024, with an overtime budget to use as required and a stream of new Gardaí entering the organisation from the recruitment competitions carried out over the last three years.
Last year, the Minister for Justice provided additional overtime in Dublin and it is important to note that the overall Garda overtime budget for 2024 is a substantial increase on last year.
It may interest the Deputy to note that, as of the end of June 2024, there were 3,682 Garda members assigned to the Garda Divisions across Dublin. This represents a 5.5% increase on the number assigned to Dublin in 2015 when there were 3,491.
1166. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for an update in relation to Operation Soteria; the number of gardaí involved in this operation; the amount of funding it has received; the number of arrests and prosecutions arising from the operation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35285/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes all operational and investigative policing matters. As Minister, I have no role in these matters and cannot seek to direct the Commissioner in relation to such.
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that Operation Soteria concluded at the end of 2021. This operation ran nationally and promoted a pro-arrest, pro-enforcement, early investigation approach when incidents of assault and associated crime occur in the DMR.
I am further advised that Operation Limmat was introduced at the beginning of 2022 in the DMR to replace Operation Soteria. This operation builds upon the work undertaken as part of operation Soteria, with specific emphasis on reducing the harmful effect of assaults in public places in the DMR Region. As with Soteria, Limmat drives a pro arrest, pro enforcement, early investigation approach when incidents of assault and associated crime occur.
Operation Limmat also promotes early prosecution of offenders with intelligence led policing to identify hotspots where assaults occur and with a view of identifying prolific recidivist offenders.
As the Deputy will appreciate, An Garda Síochána does not hold and cannot provide a return for convictions. Queries regarding convictions data should be directed toward the Courts Service, who are responsible for providing such information. The Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas: oireachtasenquiries@courts.ie
The Garda authorities have also advised me that, since the conclusion of Operation Soteria, the operation is now an organisation-wide response to promote personal safety and is not restricted to a specific number of Gardai. The operation was incorporated into the local policing plan and does not receive specific funding. I am further advised that the number of arrests associated with the operation cannot be provided for operational reasons.
1167. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for an update in relation to the expansion of youth justice and youth diversion measures, noting how many staff are assigned per youth diversion programme; how much funding each youth diversion programme has received; the number of children referred to each youth diversion programme; the number of children accepted into each youth diversion programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35286/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, Youth Diversion Projects (YDPs) are community-based, multi-agency youth crime prevention initiatives which primarily seek to divert young people who have been, or are at risk of becoming, involved in anti-social or criminal behaviour. YDPs are run by community-based organisations and are a vital support to the statutory Garda Youth Diversion Programme.
A top priority for my Department is the expansion and deepening of the services offered to young people by the YDPs, which are fully funded by my Department. On average, the YDPs engage with about 4,000 young people across the State in any one year.
In Budget 2024, the funding allocated to Youth Justice Services increased by 10% to €33 million. This will facilitate an increase in the availability of YDP services in the evenings and at the weekends when many young people need them the most, as well as an increase in supports for families, interventions for typically hard-to-reach young people and early interventions for 8-11 year olds who may be at increased risk of becoming engaged in criminal activity.
The current network of 100 YDPs is extensive, but we will continue to develop it further to ensure that every child who needs support is reached. Four new YDPs are in the process of rolling out services (in South Monaghan, Claremorris and district, South and East Co. Wicklow and West Cork (North of Bandon)), with a further two projects (in East Clare and in Thurles and surrounding towns in North Tipperary) planned for introduction later this year. With the roll-out of these projects, full national coverage of the Youth Diversion Project Service will be achieved.
The table at the following link contains the information requested by the Deputy. Please note that my Department does not collect statistics on the numbers of children referred to each YDP, or the number of children accepted into each YDP. Only the numbers of engaged participants are recorded i.e. young people that have been referred, admitted and have engaged. Data for 2023 is currently available, data for 2024 will be available next year. The table can be accessed at the link:
I would also draw the Deputy's attention to the column titled “2024 Full Time Equivalents Funded”. Full-time equivalent (FTE) is a unit of measurement that indicates the workload of an employed person in a way that makes workloads comparable across various contexts. An FTE of 1.0 is equivalent to one full-time worker, while an FTE of 0.5 signals half of a full work load. In many cases there are part time work arrangements and these stats set out the overall number of staff at work in the Youth Diversion Projects in any one month. Exact data on full time workers and part time workers is not readily available, but this measure gives the best indication of the required staffing for each project.
1168. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for an update in relation to proposing solutions to public order and anti-social “wicked problems” through the local leadership programme which brings together local stakeholders in a structured manner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35287/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra1174. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the Anti-Social Behaviour Forum review of the powers available to An Garda Síochána in relation to public order and anti-social behaviour, including the effectiveness of anti-social behaviour orders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35296/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1168 and 1174 together.
In line with a Programme for Government commitment, an Expert Forum on Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) was established in 2020. The Forum is examining a broad range of issues with a focus on developing measures which will counteract the negative impact of ASB on community morale and quality of life. The Forum most recently met on 10 July 2024 and is scheduled to meet again in October.
The Forum has established four sub-groups. These sub-groups consider the specific issues of the misuse of scramblers and quadbikes, knife crime, responses to ASB impacts on housing complexes managed by Local Authorities (LA) or Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs), and the powers available to An Garda Síochána in relation to public order offences. Similar sub-groups can be established to examine other issues as required.
Members of the Forum are drawn from a number of State agencies, including An Garda Síochána, the Probation Service and key Government Departments, as well as a broad representation of community, business, academic and other experts.
The sub-group to consider the issues of Anti-Social Behaviour that are arising within Approved Housing Bodies' accommodation complexes have completed a Local Leadership Programme (LLP) in a trial location and will be rolling out LLPs in more locations moving forward.
The recommendations of this sub-group could include possible pilot approaches to address this issue in one or more geographical areas. Officials in my Department are currently in discussions with colleagues in the Department of Housing to introduce LLPs in local authority housing estates, and to look at broader Anti-Social Behaviour issues affecting these estates.
The sub-group tasked with reviewing Garda powers has produced a policy paper with recommendations focused on offences under the Public Order Acts, but not serious crime, such as drugs and organised crime, and not low-level nuisances such as litter, graffiti, etc. for which Gardaí do not have responsibility.
On 16 May, Minister McEntee and I secured approval from Cabinet to make a number of amendments to legislation to strengthen the use of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) which were also recommended by the Forum.
These include lowering the minimum rank for application for an ASBO from Superintendent to allow an Inspector to apply for same, and carrying out a review of legislation regarding the 30 day time limit in which notification of an Anti-Social Behaviour Warning (ASBW) is served, with consideration to be given to options for extension.
Recommendations related to changing Garda training and policy , and to court policy and practice around ASBOs and ASBWs, were also made by the Forum. The Department of Justice and An Garda Síochána are currently in discussions to bring these proposals forward.
1169. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for an update in relation to the work of Garda juvenile liaison officers; noting how many Garda juvenile liaison officers, by rank, there are in each Garda division; the amount of funding it has received; the number of arrests and prosecutions arising from the operation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35288/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have sought the information requested by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána, and I will contact him again when this is to hand.
1170. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice the number of times restorative justice was used in both adult and juvenile cases over each year since 2018, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35289/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the Probation Service’s overall strategy to further develop capacity to deliver a high quality service and meet the requirements contained in section 26 of the Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Act 2017, the Service established a National Restorative Justice and Victim Services Unit (RJVSU) in October 2018. The Unit meets two core objectives:
Provide leadership and support for the consistent and integrated provision of a range of restorative justice models within the context of Probation assessment and supervision.
Act as the central point of contact for the Service to ensure an effective response to requests and queries from victims. This may include a request for engagement in a restorative justice process.
At its core, restorative justice aims to enable all those affected by an offence to participate actively in repairing the harm done and to find a positive way forward.
The 2020 Programme for Government committed to working with all criminal justice agencies to build capacity to deliver restorative justice, safely and effectively. Working towards fulfilling this pledge, and following extensive consultation and development, the Minister of State with responsibility for Law Reform and Youth Justice, James Browne TD, published the policy paper 'Promoting and supporting the provision of Restorative Justice at all stages of the criminal justice system' in August 2023.
This policy paper signposts the next steps for continuing to ensure the safe and effective delivery of Restorative Justice initiatives, and sets out a roadmap for present and future attainment of the highest standards in this area. The Probation Service has been charged with delivering the goals of this policy paper, and has received an increase in dedicated funding to achieve this.
The Probation Service delivers restorative justice directly, and through several community-based organisations that receive referrals at specific points in the criminal justice process and is currently provides funding to five community-based organisations to provide dedicated restorative justice programmes. These 5 programmes, and the areas they provide services to, are listed below:
• Restorative Justice Services - Dublin, Wicklow, Meath and Kildare
• Restorative Justice in the Community - Tipperary, Laois, Offaly and has recently expanded to Westmeath
• Le Chéile - Limerick, Cork & Clare (for young people aged 16-24 years)
• Cornmarket Project - Wexford
• Tuam Community Training Centre - Galway, Sligo, and Roscommon.
Other Probation Service funded CBOs also use restorative approaches in their work with clients to promote respectful relationships and address the harm caused by their offending.
In 2020, Restorative Justice Strategies for Change (RJS4C) Ireland began mapping the organisations involved in restorative justice, the levels of training, and the use of restorative justice and restorative practices in the Irish criminal justice system. RJS4C have published data tracking restorative justice in Ireland from 2019-2023: restorativejustice.ie/service-map/
The information requested by the Deputy is contained in the table below.
|
- |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
Probation Service (Adult) |
37 |
24 |
36 |
63 |
81 |
|
Young Person's Probation |
11 |
15 |
5 |
12 |
X |
|
Le Chéile |
31 |
26 |
21 |
12 |
21 |
|
Cornmarket |
16 |
11 |
19 |
10 |
23 |
|
Restorative Justice Services |
433 |
177 |
187 |
240 |
245 |
|
Restorative Justice in the Community |
200 |
87 |
132 |
88 |
77 |
To note, Probation figures for 2023 do not distinguish between adults and juveniles.
Due to limitations with existing data collection systems, the Probation Service records the number of restorative justice referrals but it does not capture the number of restorative justice interventions used. As such, the figures above under-represent the number of times restorative justice was used in the work of the Probation Service.
All Probation interventions seek to address the harm caused by offending behaviour and consequently victim consideration is incorporated into pre-sanction assessment and supervision. The Service has recognised the need to advance data and ICT capability as a strategic priority for the organisation and is working with the Department to develop plans to meet these objectives over the course of the next 12 months.
1171. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the Greentown programme, detailing how many staff were assigned at each site; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35290/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the Greentown programme was established by the Department of Justice in 2020 with an objective to incorporate the latest scientific thinking into an intervention design, which is specifically focused on improving the outcomes for children at risk of or actively engaged in criminal networks.
The Greentown Programme has been in place in two trial sites since 2021 and has now been extended for a further three years. Each trial site has an annual budget of approximately €500,000 and the intervention is managed by a qualified community based organisation with Department funding.
I can advise the Deputy that there are 5 Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) staff at one site, and 5.5 WTE (including part time staff) at the other site.
The specified two goals for the programme are:
• To reduce the influence of criminal networks on children at risk of involvement
• To improve the likelihood of extrication and pro-social outcomes for children who are already involved in criminal networks.
Support is provided from An Garda Síochána and expert youth justice services specialising in family support and engaging with hard-to-reach young people. Individuals who are considered Harder-to-Reach are engaged in prolific serious offending and may also be engaging in network-related criminal activity.
1172. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice the total amount of funding allocated, per year, for youth justice, in each of the years 2000 to date. [35291/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, Youth Diversion Projects (YDPs) are community-based, multi-agency youth crime prevention initiatives which primarily seek to divert young people who have been, or are at risk of becoming, involved in anti-social or criminal behaviour. YDPs are run by community-based organisations and are a vital support to the statutory Garda Youth Diversion Programme.
In Budget 2024, the funding allocated to Youth Justice Services increased by 10% to €33 million, and a top priority for my Department is the expansion and deepening of the services offered to young people by the YDPs, which are fully funded by my Department. On average, the YDPs engage with about 4,000 young people across the State in any one year.
The table at the following link contains a breakdown of the funding allocated to Youth Justice for every year since 2008, and up to 6 September this year. Data for before 2008 is not available as financial reports cannot be run before that date.
1173. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice the number of anti-social behaviour orders handed down, per county and by age group, in each of the years 2004 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35292/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to assure the Deputy that the Government is determined to tackle anti-social behaviour and its causes. The unprecedented allocation of over €2.35 billion for 2024 to An Garda Síochána demonstrates the Government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring Gardaí have the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and, most importantly, the personnel they need to carry out their vital work. This level of funding is enabling sustained, ongoing recruitment of Garda members and staff. As a result, there are now approximately 14,100 Garda members as of 30 June 2024.
The Government is also 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 to deter crime.
A search of the PULSE database was conducted on 29 August 2024 for incidents matching the following types: Behaviour Warning, Behaviour Order, and Behaviour Contract.
The table below indicates the number of incidents matching these types from 2008, the most recent year for which PULSE incident data is available, to date, at Regional level. Please note that this information is accurate as of 28 August 2024, are operational, and are subject to change.
|
Dublin Region |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
Adult |
228 |
339 |
672 |
377 |
531 |
457 |
775 |
722 |
383 |
953 |
773 |
511 |
268 |
294 |
205 |
147 |
109 |
|
Child |
258 |
254 |
364 |
208 |
202 |
126 |
125 |
112 |
51 |
66 |
23 |
42 |
85 |
33 |
33 |
28 |
25 |
|
Eastern Region |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
Adult |
28 |
75 |
85 |
131 |
105 |
104 |
82 |
53 |
39 |
85 |
83 |
64 |
133 |
105 |
59 |
64 |
33 |
|
Child |
33 |
64 |
32 |
51 |
39 |
25 |
21 |
12 |
15 |
17 |
21 |
19 |
37 |
11 |
20 |
12 |
<10 |
|
North Western Region |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
Adult |
53 |
83 |
225 |
165 |
140 |
99 |
108 |
82 |
86 |
67 |
105 |
74 |
122 |
123 |
98 |
71 |
51 |
|
Child |
50 |
47 |
32 |
17 |
19 |
15 |
17 |
<10 |
13 |
<10 |
<10 |
<10 |
10 |
21 |
<10 |
10 |
<10 |
|
Southern Region |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
Adult |
137 |
89 |
227 |
180 |
140 |
222 |
176 |
154 |
172 |
125 |
320 |
303 |
812 |
529 |
280 |
229 |
231 |
|
Child |
214 |
113 |
194 |
187 |
86 |
140 |
81 |
105 |
138 |
42 |
90 |
53 |
59 |
20 |
43 |
46 |
<10 |
Please note that An Garda Síochána do not report on data sets of fewer than 10 incidents due to data protection considerations.
1175. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for an update in relation to the work of Garda crime prevention officers, noting how many crime prevention officers, by rank, there are in each Garda division; the amount of funding crime prevention has received; number of arrests and prosecutions arising from the crime prevention operations. [35297/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs you will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the management of An Garda Síochána, including the distribution of Garda members between the different Garda units and Divisions. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I can, however, assure you 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 more than €2.35 billion to An Garda Síochána this year, which is allowing for sustained and ongoing recruitment and investment in new equipment and new vehicles.
This level of funding provides for a steady pipeline of new Gardaí in the coming years, with new recruits entering the Garda College approximately every 11 weeks. Additionally, the Garda Commissioner has committed to yearly recruitment competitions.
In addition to new recruits, the rollout of the new Garda Operating Model will support the redeployment of Gardaí from non-core duties to frontline policing across the country. The new model will see larger divisions with more resources, increased Garda visibility in communities, a wider range of locally delivered policing services, and a strong focus on community policing.
Within each Garda Division, there are specialist Crime Prevention Officers (CPOs). CPOs are trained to encourage, promote and advise on crime prevention in both private and business communities.
There are currently 33 Crime Prevention Officers in the country. The list of which can be found here: www.garda.ie/en/crime-prevention/who-is-my-local-crime-prevention-officer-/
These figures are correct as of 5 August 2024. All Crime Prevention Officers are of Sergeant rank.
The funding for Crime Prevention is incorporated in to the local policing plan and is aligned to the Crime Prevention and Reduction Strategy 2022-2024. It doesn’t receive specific funding as it is integrated into day to day operational policing.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that all arrests and prosecutions that are made by An Garda Síochána are crime prevention operations. As the Deputy will be aware, the Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical agency, is responsible for the compilation and publication of all crime statistics.
The CSO produces these statistics using data recorded on An Garda Síochána’s PULSE system and makes regular releases in relation to various crime statistics.
The most recent statistics were released on 26 June 2024, providing statistics for Recorded Crime for Quarter 1 2024. However, it is worth noting that crime statistics for Q2 of 2024 are not yet available and are due to be published by the CSO towards the end of September.
The most recent figures in respect of recorded crime incidents can be found on the CSO website at the following link: www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-rc/recordedcrimeq12024/data/
1176. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice the number of full-time and part-time staff, broken down by rank, assigned to the Garda national crime and security intelligence service, in tabular form; the number of positions currently vacant. [35307/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy’s question seeks detailed information with regard to the Garda National Crime and Security Intelligence Service
The Garda Síochána Act 2005, as amended, sets out the functions of An Garda Síochána, which include the provision of security services for the State. The Garda National Crime & Security Intelligence Service carries out a range of activities including the identification of security threats, the implementation of necessary security mitigation measures and the provision of advice to the Government on security threats.
Under the Act, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business, including the assignment of Garda personnel throughout the State. This responsibility is inclusive of specialist units within the organisation, such as the National Crime and Security Intelligence Service. As Minister, I have no role in these independent, operational functions.
The Deputy will appreciate that for security and operational reasons it is not the practice to comment on the numbers deployed or the means used by An Garda Siochana to safeguard the security of the State. However, I am aware that the Garda Commissioner keeps the allocation of resources under continued review and he is acutely aware of the developments in this area.
As the Deputy is aware the Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs and has provided funding of over €2.35 billion to An Garda Síochána in 2024 which is a 25% increase since 2020 and is allowing for sustained investment in recruitment, equipment and technology.
1177. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice the number of full- and part-time staff, broken down by rank, assigned to the Garda national cyber crime bureau, in tabular form; the number of positions currently vacant; her views on whether the bureau’s current capacity is sufficient; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35308/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 operational policing decisions related to the capacity of Garda units. Additionally, under Section 33 of the Act, the Commissioner determines the distribution and stationing of the Garda Síochána throughout the State. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
I am advised by the Garda Authorities that the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau currently has a total of 71 Garda members of all ranks assigned, and 11 Garda Staff of Clerical Officer, Executive Officer and Higher Executive Officer Grades.
As figures broken down by rank/grade would provide returns of fewer than 10, and may identify particular members, a breakdown is unavailable. An Garda Síochána do not provide data for counts of fewer than 10 due to security and data protection considerations.
1178. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice her views in relation to recent reports of foreign state espionage in Ireland (details supplied); the measures her Department is taking to combat it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35314/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can assure the Deputy that the Government affords the highest priority to the State’s security.
The remit of An Garda Síochána with regard to the provision of security services in the State, as set out in section 3A of the Garda Síochána Act, includes protecting the State from espionage.
The Garda National Crime and Security Intelligence Service lead out on this work.
An Garda Síochána work closely with the Defences Forces and other relevant bodies in the State in respect of any threats identified that may have adverse implications for the security of the State.
An Garda Síochána also work closely with their international counterparts in identifying and managing such threats.
The Deputy will appreciate that, for sound reasons, it is not the practice to comment on the detail of security matters..
The Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs. The 2024 allocation provides a budget of over €2.35 billion to An Garda Síochána. This is a 25% increase since 2020 and is allowing for sustained investment in recruitment, equipment and technology.
1179. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice the measures her Department is taking to counter the far-right agitators identified by the Garda security and intelligence section (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35316/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra1180. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice the measures her Department is taking to reduce the threat level posed by violent political extremists, following advice (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35317/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1179 and 1180 together.
Ireland, like every other democratic state, is not immune from the threat of violent extremism.
Violent political extremism, including by violent far-right individuals and groups, is an area which An Garda Síochána monitors closely with a view to countering identified threats.
The level of threat is kept under constant review by An Garda Síochána in consultation with the Defence Forces. An Garda Síochána also use the powers available to them to investigate and make arrests where appropriate.
While the rights of people with regard to freedom of speech and the right to protest must be - and are - respected, people do not have the right to act in a way that causes others to fear for their safety or in a way that threatens public order. When people go beyond what is acceptable, and put others in danger, members of An Garda Síochána will protect all members of the public and uphold the law.
Although there are many benefits to the internet, there is no doubt that the online environment enables the spread of harmful content and also facilitates increased transnational collaboration among like-minded individuals and groups. The manifestation of on-line disinformation and incitement as violent action in the physical world is of particular concern to my Department and An Garda Síochána and part of the Garda response to such incidents is to investigate the role of relevant online activity.
There is a range of legislation which is relevant in dealing with the type of behaviour outlined, including the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act and Public Order legislation. Under the Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act, it is an offence to incite hatred against persons on account of certain identity characteristics. Additionally, the provisions of the new Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences) Bill, which is currently before the Houses, will criminalise the dissemination of exactly the kind of hate speech, offline and online, which often informs or encourages violent extremism.
Ireland is not unique in terms of dealing with issues of extremism. The Government and relevant state bodies also engage regularly with the EU and other partners on the evolving nature of extremism in various ideologies. My Department is fully engaged with EU partners through the Radicalisation Awareness Network (RAN). This is to develop our understanding of the evolution of the threat posed by extremist actors in order to take appropriate measures to counter such threats.
An Garda Síochána works closely with domestic bodies in respect of any threats identified that may have adverse implications for the security of the State, and with their international counterparts in identifying and managing threats.
1181. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Justice her views on the 120- to 150-day waiting period for those waiting for labour market access letters to access further education and her plans to ensure that those waiting on such letters will be enabled to upskill in relevant institutions. [35357/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, overall responsibility for third level education in the State lies with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS).
I can, however, advise the Deputy that International protection applicants can access third level education with the assistance of the International Protection Student Scheme while they await a final decision on their application. DFHERIS has overall responsibility for the operation of the Scheme and the Scheme is administered by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) on their behalf.
There is no requirement for International Protection applicants to apply for a labour market access permission from the Department of Justice to access third level education.
