Written Answers Nos. 206-225
207. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide a schedule of all special advisors that are, or were, attached to her, to include Ministers of State special advisors, by grade, duration of role held and point on the pay scale. [38367/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, appointments of special advisers are made in line with the Public Service Management Act, 1997 and subject to Government approval - the formal appointment of a Special Adviser requires a Government Order and a copies of which are available in the Statutory Instruments section of the Irish Statute Book website at www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/statutory.html.
More information on the appointment of special advisers can be found at this link - www.gov.ie/en/publication/9ad159-special-advisers-pay/ .
Please find information in relation to Ministerial Advisers in my Department since the formation of this Government listed in the table below.
|
Name |
Salary Scale |
Duration of Employment |
Associated Minister |
|
Fiach Kelly |
Principal Officer - PPC |
2020 - 2023 |
Helen McEntee |
|
Patrick Cluskey |
Principal Officer - Non PPC |
2020 - To Date |
Helen McEntee |
|
Caroline Murphy |
Principal Officer - PPC |
2024 - 2024 |
Helen McEntee |
|
Cliona Doyle |
Principal Officer - PPC |
2024 - To Date |
Helen McEntee |
|
Adam Ledwith |
Assistant Principal - PPC |
2023 - 2024 |
James Browne |
|
Matthew Fenlon |
Assistant Principal - PPC |
2024 - To Date |
James Browne |
208. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Justice the legal status of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Ireland and Europe; and whether she is considering proscribing that organisation. [38380/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy may be aware that the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs has previously set out a number of concerns about Iran in relation to human rights, Iran's nuclear activities, support for Russia's unjust attack on Ukraine, and support for militant and extremist groups around the region. The Tánaiste has further indicated that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has been closely involved in many of these areas of concern.
As the Tánaiste has indicated, Ireland and the EU continue to work closely with international partners to ensure that there is a coordinated and firm response to Iran, including the IRGC. This includes extensive EU sanctions which have already been placed on the IRGC based on nuclear and human rights concerns.
The Tánaiste has also indicated that the question of designating the IRGC as a terrorist organisation has been considered at EU level, in the context of the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy. I am informed that such a designation in the EU is a legal process which requires unanimity and must be based on a legal designation as a terrorist organisation by a member state, and that there are differing views as to the value and effect such a move would have.
On the question of proscription under Ireland's terrorism legislation, the Deputy may be aware that Section 5 of the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act 2005, which was enacted with particular application to international terrorism, ensures that any organisation which engages in terrorist activity or terrorist-linked activity is an unlawful organisation within the meaning and for the purposes of the Offences Against the State Act 1939. This is the case whether the organisation is inside or outside the State, or whether the terrorist activity occurs in or outside the State.
209. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Justice the legal status of female genital mutilation in Irish law; and whether it is permissible for minors to be brought out of the State for such practices. [38381/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, our response to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is primarily a health-led response and in September 2012, the then Minister for Health signed the commencement order for the Criminal Justice (Female Genital Mutilation) Act 2012. As the long-title of the Act explains, this important piece of legislation creates an offence of female genital mutilation and provides for other offences related to female genital mutilation for the better protection of girls and women.
Under this Act it is a criminal offence for a person to attempt to or to perform FGM in Ireland and it is a criminal offence for someone resident in Ireland to take a girl to another country to undergo FGM.
Zero Tolerence, the third national strategy on domestic sexual and gender-based violence recognises FGM as a form of gender-based violence and the Strategy commits to putting in place special health support services required by victims/survivors of FGM. To fulfil this action, the HSE is undertaking a mapping exercise of current service provision with a view to identifying gaps in the current provision to victims/survivors of FGM. This mapping will include consultation with relevant community support organisations and will include looking at the needs assessment of staff.
In this year’s implementation plan for the Strategy, there are also actions with the HSE on this issue, including making FGM-specific content available to health staff and helpline workers in DSGBV training modules, and to provide FGM-specific awareness sessions. This work has progressed, including a training session for Social Inclusion staff in March of this year, with more than 55 professionals registered.
To raise awareness of the law, An Garda Síochána undertakes an information initiative called Operation Limelight and has provided information to passengers travelling to and from Ireland which explains in simple terms what FGM is, outlines the law in Ireland, and informs people what they can do if they are worried that a girl may be at risk of FGM.
210. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if urgent steps might be taken to examine the case of a person (details supplied); if urgent steps might be taken with a view to facilitating their request; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38441/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is open to anyone to make an application for citizenship once they meet the criteria as set out in the 1956 Act, as amended. Once an application is received, only at this point that can a determination be made on whether the applicant satisfies the statutory criteria for naturalisation.
The Citizenship Division of my Department have taken a significant number of steps to speed up the Naturalisation process for applicants, including introducing an online digital application, online payments, and the introduction of eVetting.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that these changes are significantly reducing processing times. I expect that going forward, the vast majority of applicants will receive a decision within one year.
In just over two years the Citizenship Division of my Department has gone from processing around 12,000 applications a year, to processing over 20,000 applications in 2023. Already in the first half of 2024, 16,000 decisions have been made.
Last year, in 2023, Citizenship Division more than doubled the number of ceremonies available to applicants, with 15 held over the course of the year. This was a significant increase on the 6 Citizenship Ceremonies held in 2022. It is envisioned that this number will be significantly surpassed in 2024, with 17 ceremonies already taking place this year.
Further detailed information on how to apply for naturalisation is available on my Department's Irish Immigration website at: www.irishimmigration.ie/how-to-become-a-citizen/.
211. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice when the relevant update of residency authorisation or GNIB card might be provided in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38447/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person referred to by the Deputy holds a Stamp 4 immigration permission valid until 26 May 2025.
The person's Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card was originally printed on 27 June 2022 and my Department has no record of an unsuccessful delivery for it.
However, I have arranged for the person's IRP card to be re-issued as soon as possible. Once printed, they should receive their card within 10-15 business days.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by email using the Oireachtas Mail facility at IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the email service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
212. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the current or expected position in regard to the regularisation of residency in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38449/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person referred to by the Deputy holds a Stamp 4 immigration permission valid until 21 November 2024.
An online registration renewal application was submitted by the person concerned on 22 September 2024. The Registration Office of my Department are currently processing applications submitted from the week commencing 03 September 2024. The processing date is advertised on the Immigration Service website and updated weekly.
If the application is approved, the person concerned can expect to receive their new Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card within the following 10-15 working days.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by email using the Oireachtas Mail facility at IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the email service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
213. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the reason a person (details supplied) continues to be subjected to continuous harassment and abuse from their former spouse, despite the existence of a protection order which appears to be not enforced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38450/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, the investigation and prevention of crime and potential criminal activity are operational matters for the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána,
That said, I have been informed that gardai that the person in question obtained a Protection Order on the 22 August 2024.
The Order was received from the Court Service, processed, and then transmitted to the respondent's local garda station for service.
The Protection Order was served on 24 September 2024, and the conditions and content were explained to the respondent.
Gardai are currently investigating complaints made by the victim regarding harassment.
Investigating members contacted the victim on 24 September last and updated her in respect of the position relating to the Protection Order and the ongoing investigations.
I want to reassure the Deputy that I am committed to preventing and combatting all forms of domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence (DSGBV), including through the introduction of new, stronger legislation to hold perpetrators to account and by improving supports for victims. In 2022, I published our five-year Zero Tolerance Strategy on DSGBV which sets out an ambitious, whole of government, programme of reform to achieve a society which does not accept DSGBV or the attitudes which underpin it.A key action of the Strategy is improving prosecutions of breaches of any and all DSGBV civil orders provided for in domestic violence and family law legislation.I am also leading on an ambitious programme of family justice reform. A central element of this is the establishment of dedicated Family Courts with specialist judges assigned on a full-time basis. This will ensure that our family justice system works better for everyone engaging with it, but particularly for those who need additional supports and protections, such as domestic violence victims. Earlier this year, I officially established Cuan, the new statutory DSGBV Agency, which is key to delivering on the ambition of the strategy, including in relation to prevention, education and awareness raising, training for all who come into contact with vulnerable victims (including the legal professions) and ensuring the right supports are there to protect victims. I have been informed by Cuan that the National Domestic Abuse Unit has engaged with the Garda College to assist in updating the training provided with regard to domestic abuse orders.This is in fulfilment of Cuan's goal to ensure that training and knowledge around prosecutions of domestic abuse orders, in particular barring orders, is reiterated and reinforced to the operational ranks of An Garda Síochána.
214. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the current and expected position in regard to citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38452/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department.
I understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants. I want to assure anyone who has an application for naturalisation submitted that the Citizenship Division of my Department is doing everything possible to progress applications as quickly as possible.
It is important to note that no two applications are the same and some take longer than others to process.
All applicants must undergo Garda vetting. Unfortunately, it is the case that some international checks can take a considerable amount of time and are largely out of the control of my Department. The previous backlogs in application processing in Citizenship had arisen largely due to the legacy of restrictions imposed on staff attendance in the office during the pandemic.
Since then, Citizenship Division have taken a significant number of steps to speed up the process for applicants. These included introducing an online digital application, online payments, and the introduction of eVetting. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that these changes are dramatically reducing processing times.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
215. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if leave to join spouse can be granted to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38456/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that based on the information supplied, it has unfortunately not been possible to any locate the application for the person referred to.
If more information can be provided we would be happy to re-examine your request.
Please supply:
• First / given name of applicant
• Family / surname of applicant
• Date of birth of applicant
• Application number
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
217. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if there are plans to address the financial threshold for qualification for legal aid, with particular reference to the fact that legal proceedings are increasingly expensive and those in well-paying jobs or receiving one income only struggle to afford same; if maintenance can be excluded from any income calculations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38459/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs you will be aware the Legal Aid Board is the statutory, independent body responsible for the provision of civil legal aid and advice to persons of modest means in the State, in accordance with the provisions of the Civil Legal Aid Act 1995 and the Civil Legal Aid Regulations 1996 to 2021.
Applicants for legal aid must meet the financial eligibility criteria under section 29 of the Act and the Regulations.
This provides that their disposable income (less certain allowances for spouse or partner, each qualifying adult/children, accommodation and childcare costs) must be below €18,000 and their disposable capital (less certain allowances and excluding the value of the home in which they live) must be below €100,000. The Regulations make detailed provision for the assessment of income and application of allowances.
In its over forty years of operation, the Civil Legal Aid Scheme has been a significant and beneficial public service, providing legal aid and advice to people of limited means in civil disputes, including family law.
However, since the Scheme was set up, Irish society has changed, and the demands on the service have grown. In June 2022, I established the Civil Legal Aid Review Group to review the current operation of the Civil Legal Aid Scheme and make recommendations for its future.
The Review Group is chaired by a former Chief Justice. The membership of the group is drawn from legal practitioners, academics, Department officials, those who work with marginalised groups, and representatives from the Legal Aid Board, which administers the statutory scheme.
The Group is considering many aspects of the scheme, in line with its terms of reference such as the appropriateness of the current eligibility thresholds, the scope of the scheme and whether it should remain primarily a family law service.
Progress is ongoing and the Civil Legal Aid Review Group is expected to conclude its work in the near future, at which point I look forward to considering its recommendations.
218. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which further measures in relation to bail are required in order to combat crime while on bail; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38460/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, restricting an accused person’s liberty prior to trial is a very serious matter, given the constitutional presumption of innocence and the presumptive entitlement to remain at liberty that flows from that.
In response to the Deputy, our bail legislation has been strengthened on several occasions. It now enables courts to refuse bail for a person charged with a serious offence to prevent the risk of a further serious offence being committed while on bail. It also provides for stricter bail terms for repeat serious offenders, including the use of curfews.
Additionally, it strengthens Garda powers to deal with breaches of bail. If an individual fails to comply with any bail conditions, the judge may issue a bench warrant, giving An Garda Síochána the power to arrest and bring the person before the court to answer all charges relating to the bail. If a member of An Garda Síochána has reasonable cause to suspect that a person has breached, or is about to breach, a bail condition and it is necessary to prevent harm to, interference with, or intimidation of a victim or witness, they may arrest the person immediately without a warrant.
I am advised by An Garda Síochána that the State's amended bail laws have proven to be effective, and can assure the Deputy that all legislative provisions are kept under review.
219. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which backlogs in respect of applications for asylum, citizenship, naturalisation and updates of residency status have been addressed; the progress made in the past six months to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38461/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith regards to Citizenship, I understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants. I want to assure anyone who has an application for naturalisation submitted that the Citizenship Division of my Department is doing everything possible to progress applications as quickly as possible.
Citizenship Division have taken a significant number of steps to speed up the process for applicants. These included introducing an online digital application, online payments, and the introduction of eVetting. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that these changes are dramatically reducing processing times.
Based on the current application levels, I expect going forward that most straightforward applications based on residency will receive a decision within one year.
The Domestic Residence and Permissions (DRP) division of my Department has also undergone a modernisation process in response to increased volume of applications and demand for services. DRP has issued 23% more decisions to the end of August 2024 in comparison to the same period 2023.
As part of the modernisation process, a review of the documentary requirements for immigration schemes took place with a view to streamlining application processes and making them user-friendly for customers. Application processes have been moved to a digital format for Student, De Facto partner, Spouse of Irish National, Irish Citizen Child, and Turkish Association immigration schemes over the last six months. This has simplified the application process for customers and made the process more efficient. Further schemes will move to a paperless system by the end of the year.
Finally, with regards to International Protection, my Department takes all necessary steps to manage the process efficiently and effectively, while ensuring the integrity of those processes is maintained at all times.
This year, asylum applications in Ireland have increased by 77.4% with 15,283 applications to 23rd September 2024, compared to 8,613 applications in the same period in 2023.
I am ramping up investment at every level of the international protection system, including in the International Protection Office (IPO). In recent years, the IPO has expanded its processing capacity, doubled its budget, and invested in process reform and digitisation.
One of the priority areas of focus has been to recruit both civil servants and panel members, to increase case processing. The International Protection Office now has 541 staff, an increase of 155% since 2022. This investment has led to the number of decisions issuing increasing threefold and is set to increase further this year.
The International Protection Appeals Tribunal’s operations have also continued to scale up to try and deal with the increase in appeals. The Tribunal received a €9.228m budget for 2024, which is a 53% increase on the €5.999m allocated in 2023.
Staff numbers at the International Protection Appeals Tribunal continue to increase year on year to meet the current challenges. In 2021, the agreed administrative staff of the Tribunal was 41. In March 2024 there were 62 administrative staff in IPAT. Currently there are 74 administrative staff with an aim to increase this to 78 by the end of 2024.
The number of tribunal members is also increasing. There were 43 new part-time Members recently appointed increasing part-time Members to 93. In January, sanction was given to increase the number of part time members to 160.
220. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the current total number of An Garda Síochána; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38462/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra223. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which policing is adequately provided for in all areas throughout the country, with particular reference to areas with a high incidence rate of crime or other vulnerability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38465/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 220 and 223 together.
At the outset I would like to assure the Deputy that the whole of Government are absolutely committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the resources necessary to make sure every community around Ireland are safe and feel safe.
As of the end of June, the latest date for which verified and published figures are available, there were over 14,000 Garda members assigned across the country. This represents an increase of approximately 10% since 2015, when there were 12,816 Gardaí throughout the country.
While the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the deployment of Garda members throughout the State, I am assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of policing priorities and crime trends.
The Government is committed to supporting Garda recruitment. In 2024, a budget allocation of over €2.35 billion has been provided to An Garda Síochána. This is a 25% increase since 2020 and will allow for the sustained recruitment of new Garda recruits through to next year.
A number of actions have been taken to support increased recruitment. We have increased the age of entry from 35 to 50, extended the retirement age to 62, and most recently increased the training allowance to €354. This represents an increase of over 92% in the last 12 months.
The response to this year’s Garda recruitment campaign in January and February was very strong. I am advised by the Garda authorities that 6,381 people applied for the 2024 Garda Trainee Competition. The Commissioner has also recently committed to running recruitment campaigns annually.
This year, 186 trainees entered the Garda college in April, another 157 entered in July, and 125 entered this week on Monday (23 September 2024). One more intake is scheduled for December of this year.
221. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which improved protection for An Garda Síochána while on duty now exists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38463/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including the purchase, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda resources. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
I have provided An Garda Siochana with its highest ever budget of over €2.3 billion in 2024 for the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and personnel it needs to carry out its vital policing work. This also includes an initial overtime provision of over €130 million.
I am informed that, on a day-to-day basis, a Garda is equipped with a utility belt, torch, handcuffs, ASP baton, CS incapacitant spray, radio and stab vest while on duty. Helmets are issued to members of An Garda Síochána assigned to duties such as motorcycle duties, pedal cycle duties, air support unit duties, public order duties, amongst others.
Further procurement and any required issuing of new personal protective helmets will be considered as part of the broader Estimates process for 2025.
A number of steps have also been included to improve protection including:
• Expansion of public order unit capability through increased training;
• The provision of stronger incapacitant spray to all Gardaí;
• The provision of smaller round shields to public order units, restraints and additional body armour;
• expansion of the public order fleet, including the business case for the procurement of two water cannon and;
• the proof of concept project for bodyworn cameras in Dublin, Limerick and Waterford.
In addition, I have taken a number of legislative actions to further support our Gardaí, including increasing the maximum sentence for assaulting a peace officer. I enacted the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Act 2023, which provides for the use of bodyworn cameras (BWCs) by Garda members.
Since I commenced this legislation, this technology has been rolled out to up to 600 uniformed members in four Garda Divisions across Dublin, Limerick and Waterford. I am pleased to confirm to the House that the first conviction has now been secured thanks to evidence recorded on a BWC.
Last December, I also secured Cabinet approval for the offences of riot and violent disorder to be included in the proposed scope of the new legislation which will provide for the use of facial recognition technology by the Gardaí. The maximum penalty for each of these offences is an unlimited fine, a prison sentence of up to 10 years, or both. The inclusion of these offences in this Bill will assist the Gardaí in the identification of suspects and the prosecution of serious crimes, including like those seen last November.
In addition, I intend to bring proposals forward to Government shortly to introduce a ban on the wearing of face covering or balaclavas at protests, where there is an intention to intimidate other persons.
222. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the number of Gardaí injured in the course of their duties in each of the past five years to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38464/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have contacted the Garda authorities for the information requested by the Deputy. Regrettably, this information was not available in time and I will write to the Deputy directly when it is to hand.
224. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which the deployment of Garda numbers in County Kildare is sufficient given the increased population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38466/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the deployment of Garda members throughout the State.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that a distribution model is used which takes into account all relevant factors including population, crime trends and the policing needs of each individual Division.
I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that personnel assigned throughout the country, together with the overall policing arrangements and operational strategies are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of resources and the best possible policing service is provided to the general public.
The Government is committed to supporting Garda recruitment. In 2024, a budget allocation of over €2.35 billion has been provided to An Garda Síochána. This is a 25% increase since 2020 and will allow for the sustained recruitment of new Garda recruits through to next year.
As of the end of June, the latest date for which verified and published figures are available, there were over 14,000 Garda members assigned across the country. This represents an increase of approximately 10% since 2015, when there were 12,816 Gardaí throughout the country.
A number of actions have been taken to support increased recruitment. We have increased the age of entry from 35 to 50, extended the retirement age to 62, and most recently increased the training allowance to €354. This represents an increase of over 92% in the last 12 months.
The response to this year’s Garda recruitment campaign in January and February was very strong. I am advised by the Garda authorities that 6,381 people applied for the 2024 Garda Trainee Competition. The Commissioner has also recently committed to running recruitment campaigns annually.
This year, 186 trainees entered the Garda college in April, another 157 entered in July, and 125 entered this week on Monday (23 September 2024). One more intake is scheduled for December of this year.
I can inform the Deputy that at end of June 2024 there were 418 Gardaí in the Kildare Division. This includes 16 Probationer Gardaí allocated to the Division this year in the March, June and September attestations.
I can also inform the Deputy that there are 18 dedicated Community Gardai across this Division as of the end of June 2024.
They are supported by 34 Garda Staff members as of the end of June 2024. Garda staff provide vital administrative support and help free up Garda members to focus on front line duties.
225. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which crime levels of an anti-social nature in County Kildare continue to be addressed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38467/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile I have no direct role in the assignment of Gardaí or any Garda resource, I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that personnel assigned throughout the country, together with the overall policing arrangements and operational strategies are continually monitored and reviewed. 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 Division.
In 2024, I provided a budget allocation of over €2.35 billion to An Garda Síochána. This is a 25% increase on 2020 and will allow for sustained investment in recruitment, equipment and technology.
As of the end of June 2024, there were 418 Garda members assigned to the Kildare Division, which is an increase of over 5% since the end of December 2019, when there were 397 Gardaí in the Division. The current total includes 141 members assigned to the Kildare District, 108 assigned to the Leixlip District and 169 members assigned to the Naas District.
Since 2015, 205 probationer Gardaí have been assigned to the Kildare Garda Division and that includes 16 so far in 2024.
I have taken a number of actions to support increased recruitment into An Garda Síochána. We have significantly increased the Garda Training allowance to €354 per week and increased the age of entry from 35 to 50. Earlier this month, I also announced changes to the Garda mandatory retirement age. Members of An Garda Síochána can now continue to work to 62 if they wish to do so.
I can also assure the Deputy that the Government is determined to tackle anti-social behaviour and its causes. A number of priority actions are contained in the Programme for Government to reduce instances of such behaviour and help people to be safe and feel safe in their local communities. As you may know, the establishment of the Anti-Social Behaviour Forum, which is chaired by my colleague, Minister of State James Browne was a key programme for government commitment.
