Written Answers Nos. 782-801
782. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí within Tipperary who have successfully completed the Garda driving level 3 course in the years of 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [45034/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been advised by the Garda authorities that fewer than ten Garda members completed the CBD level 3 course in the Tipperary Division during the years requested by the Deputy. I am further advised that for returns less than 10, An Garda Síochána do not release these figures, in line with data protection requirements.
783. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 373 of 8 October 2024, if she has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities to answer the question. [45035/24]
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.
784. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice when she expects to publish the Policing Authority report on Garda public order training. [45047/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn light of the serious public order disturbances in Dublin City Centre on 23 November, I requested the Authority to look at the steps taken to implement the 2019 Garda Inspectorate report on Public Order Policing, including whether additional equipment, ICT, vehicles or training are needed, and if any changes to policies, procedures, or indeed the law are required.
Arrangements are being made to bring this report to Government prior to it's publication. The Commissioner has also discussed the report with the Policing Authority.
785. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice for an update on Operation Tombola this year, within DMR west. [45048/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra787. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice for an update on Operation Tombola this year within DMR north. [45050/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 785 and 787 together.
As the Deputy is aware, each year in the run up to Halloween, additional efforts are made by An Garda Síochána to combat the illegal importation, sale and use of fireworks, under what is known as Operation Tombola. Operation Tombola is a national operation.
I am informed by An Garda Síochána that Operation Tombola was actively implemented across the DMR in the lead-up to and during the Halloween period, with each Chief Superintendent overseeing targeted measures to address the sale, supply, and possession of fireworks, as well as anti-social behaviour.
I have been further informed that among the actions incorporated into the Divisional Policing Plans - particularly within the DMR North & West Divisions, as well as across all DMR divisions - were enhanced patrolling, with increased overt and covert patrols in key areas, including usual gathering locations for young people and areas likely to stockpile bonfire materials.
There were also regular patrols on Dublin Bus, LUAS, and DART services in the days leading up to Halloween, ensuring a visible presence to deter anti-social behaviour.
Gardaí conducted talks and sessions in schools and youth services throughout the region, specifically targeting young individuals who may be involved in the sale, supply, or use of fireworks, and the identification of unplanned and unsupervised bonfire sites also took place, followed by coordination with local authorities to remove any stockpiled bonfire materials before Halloween.
I have also been advised that gardaí engaged in active monitoring of open-source media to identify potential locations where individuals were engaging in the illegal sale and supply of fireworks, and designated Garda personnel were assigned to monitor CCTV feeds to ensure incidents were addressed swiftly and to capture necessary evidence for follow-up.
A key component of Operation Tombola this year has been active engagement with local authorities and partner agencies in each division, and gardaí collaborated closely with these stakeholders to ensure a unified approach to preventing anti-social behaviour during the Halloween period.
These measures were effectively coordinated to minimize the risk of anti-social behaviour, ensure public safety, and maintain a secure environment during the Halloween period.
I am informed by An Garda Síochána that there have been 53 seizures in the DMR during Operation Tombola involving the seizure of illegal fireworks.
786. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice if she has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities to answer Parliamentary Question No 331 of 1 October 2024. [45049/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraParliamentary Question No. 331 of 1 October 2024 refers to the number of Sergeants, Inspectors and Superintendents within the Dublin Metropolitan Region that have qualified as bronze commanders, silver commanders, and gold commanders to date in 2024 for dealing with major public order incidents.
As you will appreciate, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business. This includes the deployment of Garda resources and training of Garda personnel. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
The Garda authorities advise that the correct title for this training course is Strategic, Tactical and Operational Commanders training. The Garda College no longer uses the terminology of Gold, Silver and Bronze to differentiate training in this area.
I am further advised that in 2024 to date, 12 Chief Superintendents and fewer than 10 Assistant Commissioners have completed Strategic, Tactical and Operational Commanders training, in the Dublin Metropolitan Region.
I am advised that data is not released by An Garda Síochána for counts of fewer than 10 for data protection and security reasons.
788. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice the budget allocation for the Criminal Assets Bureau in 2023, 2024 and 2025, in tabular form. [45051/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraEradicating organised crime is central to building safer, stronger communities. I am absolutely committed to that goal, and strengthening and expanding the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) is an important element of this. It is essential to deprive criminals of the proceeds of crime and 2023 was a record year for the Criminal Assets Bureau in this regard.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) is a multi-agency statutory body established under the Criminal Assets Bureau Act 1996. The Bureau’s remit is to target a person's assets, wherever situated, which derive, or are suspected to derive, directly or indirectly, from criminal conduct. The Chief Bureau Officer is responsible to the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána for the administration and business of the Criminal Assets Bureau. As Minister for Justice, I have no direct role in these functions.
Since its inception, the Bureau has been at the forefront of fighting organised crime in this jurisdiction and disrupting the activities of criminal gangs by depriving them of ill-gotten assets.
Earlier this year, I announced plans to introduce legislation to further strengthen the State’s ability to seize criminal assets. The Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Bill 2024 will make significant changes to existing legislation to strengthen the ability of the Criminal Assets Bureau to target the proceeds of crime and will speed up the process to dispose of the asset for the benefit of the State.
The table below outlines the budget allocation for the Criminal Assets Bureau in 2023, 2024 and 2025:
|
Budget Allocation CAB |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
- |
€11.22m |
€11.93m |
€12.75m |
789. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of penal warrants outstanding in the Garda R District as of 25 October 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45066/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been informed by the Garda authorities that there are 829 penal warrants outstanding in the R District.
I am further informed that figures are based on penal warrants outstanding on 25 October 2024 in Coolock (R District). All information contained in this report is based upon operational data from the Pulse system as was available on 31 October 2024, and is liable to change.
As the Deputy may be aware, difficulties in relation to the execution of warrants are a long-standing issue for many police services around the world, notably relating to persons actively seeking to evade detection and where limited identification information might be available to support enforcement. These difficulties are compounded where the warrant has been outstanding for some years.
However, I am assured that An Garda Síochána executes warrants as expeditiously as possible, giving priority to the execution of warrants relating to serious crimes.
790. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of Gardaí, by rank, attached to each divisional scenes of the crime unit as of 29 October 2024, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45067/24]
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.
791. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda public order unit vans attached to DMR North as of 29 October 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45068/24]
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 vehicles. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
The unprecedented allocation of over €2.48 billion for 2025 to An Garda Síochána demonstrates the Government's commitment to ensuring An Garda Síochána has provision for the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and personnel it needs to carry out vital policing work.
There are now over 3,500 Garda vehicles. This is the largest fleet ever available to An Garda Síochána and represents a 34% increase since 2015.
I am advised by Garda authorities that there are currently 2 vans allocated to the public order unit in the DMR North Division. The responsibility for the efficient deployment of all official Garda vehicles in each Division is assigned to the Divisional Officer, who may allocate vehicles between Stations as required by operational circumstances.
The purchase and allocation of vehicles by An Garda Síochána is made on the basis of identified operational demands, the availability of resources and is reviewed on a continual basis.
792. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of new Garda cars and vans attached to each Garda district within DMR to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45069/24]
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.
793. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if funding will be provided for mobile fingerprint devices to be made available to frontline Gardaí; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45070/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling the administration and business of An Garda Síochána and for the allocation of Garda resources, in light of operational demands. This includes responsibility for the allocation of equipment among the various Garda divisions. As Minister, I have no direct role in that matter.
While the Commissioner is responsible for the management of Garda resources, I am in regular contact with him to ensure he has the resources needed to keep people safe. This commitment to supporting An Garda Síochána is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of €2.48 billion in Budget 2024, a 27% increase since 2020. This level of funding is allowing for sustained investment in recruitment, equipment and technology.
I have been informed by Garda authorities that the implementation of mobile fingerprint capabilities is dependent on the implementation of a new biometric (including fingerprint) identification system, which would meet the needs of my Department and Justice Sector agencies.
The requirement for the proposed new system was identified in a report commissioned by my Department. Officials within my Department are currently considering this report and any next steps required.
794. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of new unmarked motorcycles added to the Garda fleet in the years of 2023 and to date in 2024; the number of unmarked motorcycles withdrawn from the fleet during same period, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45071/24]
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 vehicles. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
The unprecedented allocation of over €2.48 billion for 2025 to An Garda Síochána demonstrates the Government's commitment to ensuring An Garda Síochána has provision for the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and personnel it needs to carry out vital policing work.
There are now over 3,500 Garda vehicles. This is the largest fleet ever available to An Garda Síochána and represents a 34% increase since 2015.
The below table, provided to me by the Garda authorities, details the number of unmarked motorcycles allocated to and removed from the Garda fleet in 2023 and as of 31 October 2024. I am further advised that the purchase and allocation of vehicles by An Garda Síochána is made on the basis of identified operational demands, the availability of resources and is reviewed on a continual basis.
|
Year |
Allocated |
Removed |
|
2023 |
0 |
0 |
|
2024 as on 31 October |
1 |
0 |
795. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of serious and fatal road traffic collisions that Gardaí attended between Junctions 7-11 on M50 in both directions to date in 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45072/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraRoad safety is a shared responsibility, and while the whole of Government response is led by the Department of Transport, it is one which is taken very seriously across Government. I continue to engage with colleagues across Government to ensure that every effort is made to increase safety on our roads.
As the Deputy may be aware, road traffic laws are enforced by Gardaí assigned to Roads Policing and as part of the day-to-day duties of uniformed Gardaí nationwide. This includes a programme of high-visibility road safety and enforcement operations carried out in partnership with other state agencies.
After a shocking and tragic first quarter of the year, the Garda Commissioner has responded effectively and directed that all uniformed Gardaí are to undertake 30 minute of high visibility roads policing in each tour of duty. This increase in enforcement is, thankfully, correlated with a slowing down of that upward trend in the number of road fatalities.
Of course, all loss of life is a tragedy, and it is important that none of us become complacent.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that there have been a total of two fatal or serious injury collisions on the M50 between Junctions 7 and 11 this year. These figures are based on incidents occurring from 1 January 2024 to 31 October 2024, inclusive.
796. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of vehicles seized for having no insurance within the Garda Y district in the years of 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45073/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the recording of traffic offences, collisions and seizures of vehicles. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
The unprecedented allocation of over €2.48 billion in Budget 2025 to An Garda Síochána demonstrates the Government's commitment to ensuring An Garda Síochána has provision for the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and personnel it needs to carry out vital policing work.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that 177 vehicles were seized for having no insurance in the Y district in 2023, and in 2024 up until the 30 October, a total of 215 vehicles were seized. I am further informed that these vehicles were seized under section 41 of the Road Traffic Act.
I am informed that the figures provided are based on incidents which occurred from 1 January 2023 up until the 30 October 2024 inclusive. All information contained in this report is based upon operational data from the Pulse system as was available on 31 October 2024 and is liable to change.
797. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of public order instructor courses held for Gardaí within the DMR region in the years of 2023 and to date in 2024; the number of these courses that are scheduled to be held between now and year-end, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45074/24]
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.
798. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda age ID cards issued to date in 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45075/24]
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 the administration of the Garda Age Card scheme. As Minister, I have no role in the issuing of Age Cards.
I advised by the Garda authorities that the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1988 (Age Card) Regulations 2010 provides for a voluntary Age Card scheme which can be obtained by individuals aged 18 and over to show that they have reached the legal age for purchasing alcohol.
The scheme is an important proof-of-age mechanism and has in co-operation with the licensed trade, helped to combat underage consumption of intoxicating liquor. The Garda National Youth Diversion Bureau (GNYDB) have responsibility for the Age Card scheme on behalf of An Garda Síochána. Applications for the card are made online via the Age Card website (www.agecard.ie). The current fee for an Age Card is €10.
The number of age cards issued for 2024 up until 31 October 2024 is as follows:
|
YEAR |
Age Cards Issued |
|
2024 |
19,177 |
799. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of bench warrants that are currently outstanding in the Garda C district within DMR as of 29 October 2024; of the number of bench warrants, the number that have been outstanding for periods of nine months or more, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45076/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, difficulties in relation to the execution of warrants, including bench warrants, are a long-standing issue for many police services around the world; notably relating to persons actively seeking to evade detection and where limited identification information might be available to support enforcement. I am assured, however, that An Garda Síochána executes warrants as expeditiously as possible, giving priority to the execution of warrants relating to serious crimes.
The Deputy will also appreciate that the figure for outstanding bench warrants recorded by PULSE at any given time reflects an accumulation of old bench warrants which have arisen over the years. Therefore, the total figure for outstanding bench warrants as shown on PULSE may not be a reliable indicator of the number of 'live' warrants which are actually enforceable.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the table below shows the number of bench warrants that were outstanding on the 29 October 2024 in Store Street District (C District).
|
Store Street (C District) |
Outstanding |
9 Months or Older |
|
Bench Warrant |
2,716 |
2,229 |
The figures provided were collated based on data from PULSE as of 31 October 2024. They are operational and liable to change.
800. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice the vetting process that will be conducted on the international protection applicants that are due to be placed in the Midlands accommodation centre in Athlone. [45099/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, my Department has no role in the management of accommodation for international protection applicants. I can, however, assure the Deputy that the establishment of a person’s identity and nationality is an important feature of the immigration process in general. When it comes to international protection applicants, each person that enters the process is fingerprinted and photographed. These fingerprints are checked against EURODAC, an EU immigration database which stores the fingerprints of asylum applicants and those who have crossed borders illegally.
Character and conduct checks are also carried out with An Garda Síochána at the point where consideration is being given to granting an applicant refugee status or other permission to remain in the State.
Furthermore, each and every person arriving at a port of entry in the State, or applying for international protection, is subject to Schengen Information System (SIS) check. Ireland sends and receives SIS II information (termed ‘Alerts’) on persons and objects; for example, persons wanted by Member States for criminal purposes, missing persons and objects which have been stolen or are wanted as evidence for a judicial purpose.
801. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if an application for a visa can be urgently re-examined in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45111/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe visa application referred to by the Deputy was refused by the Visa Office in New Delhi on 30 May 2024. The reasons for this decision were set out in the refusal letter sent to the applicant at that time. An appeal of this decision was launched on 22 July 2024.
It is not possible to give a definitive date as to when this appeal will be finalised. All applications are processed in chronological order, based on date order of receipt. While every effort is made to process applications as soon as possible, processing times will vary having regard to the volume and complexity of applications, the possible need for the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) function of my Department to investigate, inquire into, or seek further information, and the resources available.
All visa applicants are advised that the onus is on them to provide as much information in support of their application as they feel is necessary. Guidelines in this regard are posted on the Immigration Service website. Applicants that carefully follow these guidelines have an improved prospect of receiving a positive decision at first instance.
Please note that the granting of a work permit by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment does not guarantee that a visa will be subsequently granted. There are two very distinct application processes with different checks and procedures in place in each respective Department.
The applicant will be notified as soon as a decision has been reached by a Visa Officer.
Processing times and decisions at the Overseas Visa Offices can be checked at the following link: www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/#decisions
I can advise the Deputy, my Department has now introduced a Digital Contact Centre (DCC) for our customers. The DCC allows individuals to log in and review the status of their immigration applications.
In its first phase, the DCC can be used to check the status of and raise queries in relation to Citizenship Applications, Visa Applications, Domestic Residence Permission Applications, EU Treaty Rights Applications and Travel Documents Applications.
My Department’s new platform can be accessed at the following link: portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/
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.
