Written Answers Nos. 478-490
478. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Social Protection the amount paid by her Department to external legal teams, HR specialists, accountancy firms, and consultants in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26239/23]
View answerMy Department paid €1,644,384 to external legal teams, HR specialists, accountancy firms, and consultants in 2022.
All expenditure incurred was necessary to enable my Department to continue furnishing a quality service to its customers.
479. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Social Protection if the application process for jobseeker's benefit for educators and education support staff at all levels, who are making a claim in respect of a holiday period, can be streamlined and speeded up; if she is aware that some applicants have received their initial payment in mid-August, or when they have returned to work after the holiday period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26251/23]
View answerAll Educational Sector Workers (ESWs) who wish to avail of income support while temporarily laid-off during the school breaks can apply for a jobseeker’s payment but must satisfy all the qualifying conditions to receive this payment. This includes completing the relevant claim application forms and supporting documentation in a timely manner while also being available for full-time work and genuinely seeking work at each school break.
Seasonal workers including educational workers should apply for Jobseeker’s Benefit as soon as they become unemployed. A jobseeker’s payment is paid for days of unemployment where the person is not being remunerated for by their employer, including receipt of any holiday pay entitlement during the school break.
Educational sector workers, who are employed on a temporary basis and who have previously been in contact with the Department, are issued with a repeat jobseeker’s application form and holiday entitlement form in advance of the school holiday periods. This advance process facilitates an efficient service to these customers and allows for speedy processing of their claim when the period of unemployment actually arises.
Applying online is the fastest and most convenient way to commence the application process.
Scheme areas are monitored on an on-going basis and processing procedures are reviewed to ensure that claims are paid to customers as quickly as possible.
If the Deputy could supply details of the cases referred to I will arrange for the matter to be examined.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
480. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she is satisfied with the operation of her Department's central call centre when clients are seeking to make contact with individual social welfare offices; if she has reviewed the operation of this centre to ensure that all clients are speedily responded to; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26366/23]
View answerThe National Intreo Contact Centre (NICC) in my Department provides central call handling for services delivered by all Intreo Offices and includes calls to the Community Welfare Service Helpline.
The NICC has approximately 80 staff assigned to it who provide information, query resolution and guidance to our customers with regards to the many schemes and processes within the Department. It does its utmost to provide a positive customer experience and outcome.
On a weekly basis the NICC receives 17,500 calls and currently has a high resolution rate for callers at their first point of contact. NICC agents resolve the query at this first contact where possible but, if necessary, will refer the query for further action to the relevant Intreo Centre or Community Welfare Service (CWS). All Intreo & CWS staff are committed to prioritising these follow-up requests.
The provision of an in-person service at Intreo Centres continues to be available for all our customers and remains an important part of service delivery.
The performance and outputs of the NICC are internally reviewed daily by NICC management and by senior management in my Department on a weekly basis with a view to continually improving the service to customers.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
481. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if he will outline the current situation regarding the spent convictions legislation committed to in the programme for Government. [25553/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Government commits in the Programme for Government to reviewing the Criminal Justice (Spent Convictions and Certain Disclosures) Act 2016 and to broaden the range of convictions that are considered spent. As part of this review process, a public consultation on spent convictions was launched by my Department in October 2020.
Bespoke research on the approach to spent convictions internationally was also commissioned. Based on the outcome of that consultation and other submissions received as well as the international research, my Department has compiled a report aimed at identifying and assessing the possible implications of amending the 2016 Act, so that the fairest possible outcomes can be achieved for the public. This matter and the report remain under consideration at this time.Furthermore, Justice Plan 2023 contains an objective to support the work of the Oireachtas in order to progress the Criminal Justice (Rehabilitative Periods) Bill 2018. My officials have engaged with Senator Ruane in relation to this Bill. As the Deputy is aware, this Bill proposes to amend and considerably extend the 2016 Act.
482. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Justice if his Department can expedite the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25613/23]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that the individual referred to was served with a notification pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999. This notification remains in place and I am informed that the person has submitted written representations in response to that notification.
The next step in the process is that a decision will be made to make a Deportation Order, or to grant a permission to remain in the State. All information and documentation on their case file will be examined in detail before such a decision is arrived at.
They should note that their case is amongst many to be considered at present and, as such, at this point in time, it is not possible to provide a specific indication as to when their case will be finalised. However, they can be assured that there will be no avoidable delay in having their case brought to finality.
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 (inisoireachtasmail@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.
483. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice if he will provide an update on each specific recommendation outlined in the Oireachtas Committee on Justice report on GDPR from 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25627/23]
View answerThe Programme for Government commits to ‘recognise the domestic and international importance of data protection in Ireland’ and states that the Government ‘will ensure that Ireland delivers on its responsibilities under the General Data Protection Regulation’.
As the Deputy is aware, the Data Protection Commission is statutorily independent in the performance of its tasks and the exercise of its powers. This is in line with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which states that supervisory bodies must be independent. Many of the recommendations made relate to the independent functions of the Commission, but I will provide an update on my department’s work in response to the report in question.
The Government is very conscious of the commitment to deliver effective data protection regulation and protection of the data privacy rights of EU citizens, which is critical to the development and growth of our digital economy. My Department’s role is to ensure that the Commission continues to have the resources required to fulfil its important, statutory obligations.
To that end, resources of the Commission have risen steadily over recent years. The Commission is funded under its own Vote as of the 1st of January 2020, the Commissioner now being Accounting Officer. The Commission received an allocation of €26.2 million under Budget 2023, an increase of €3m from 2022 and a more than seven-fold from its 2015 allocation of €3.6m.
The Commission has seen significant increases in staffing in recent years to support its work. At the start of 2019, the total fulltime staffing equivalent was in the region of 108 and had increased to 196 at the end of 2022, to 205 in May 2023, with further recruitment due across 2023.
My Department’s role requires regular review of the legislation underpinning the Commission’s work to ensure that it is up to date and fit for purpose.
For example, the Courts and Civil Law Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2023 as passed by Dáil Éireann, includes a number of amendments to the Data Protection Act 2018. These include amendments to confer jurisdiction to hear data protection actions in the District Court as well as, as it currently stands, the Circuit and High Court. Additional amendments enable the Commission to issue reprimands in relation to a wider range of procedures.
On 27 July 2022, Minister McEntee announced that the Government had approved commencement of the process to appoint two additional Commissioners to support the evolving organisational structure, governance and business needs of the Commission.
These appointments will be made in accordance with Section 15 of the Data Protection Act 2018, which provides for up to three Commissioners to be appointed. Section 15(5) of the Act specifies that the Public Appointments Service shall recommend a person for appointment as Commissioner following an open selection competition held by the Service for that purpose.
The preparatory work for the selection competition is concluding currently and the positions are expected to be advertised shortly with appointments then to be made before the end of 2023.
When the appointment of two additional Commissioners was approved, Minister McEntee also asked the Commission to undertake a review of governance structures, staffing arrangements and processes. This review is being carried out to support the work to be performed by the new three person Commission model. This review is ongoing.
484. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 467 of 9 May 2023, if he has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities to have this PQ answered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25641/23]
View answerI understand that Parliamentary Question No. 467 of 9 May 2023 refers to the ages of each horsebox vehicles currently within the Garda Mounted Unit.
As 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 purchase, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda equipment. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that at 30 April 2023, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 4 horseboxes attached to the Garda Mounted Unit.
I am further advised the 2 horseboxes are between 3 - 4 years old and 2 are between 5 - 6 years old. I am informed that the allocation of Garda vehicles is monitored and reviewed on a continual basis to ensure the best match with operational requirements.
485. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 456 of 9 May 2023, if he has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities to have this PQ answered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25642/23]
View answerI have again contacted An Garda Síochána for the information requested by the Deputy, regretfully this information was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.
486. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the closing dates for accepting tender offers for the new aircraft and helicopters for the Garda air support unit. [25643/23]
View answerAs 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 procurement, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda equipment. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
The Government is however committed to ensuring An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to deliver a modern, fit-for-purpose, policing service. Budget 2023 provides funding of over €2 billion for An Garda Síochána which includes funding to procure a new fixed wing aircraft.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that Prior Information Notices (PINs) for the procurement of Rotary (helicopter) and Fixed Wing Aircraft were published in December 2022.
I am also informed that following legal advice, for reasons of state security, the tender processes are being progressed pursuant to the derogation set out in Regulation 9(b) of the European Union (Award of Contracts Defence and Security) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 62 of 2012).
I am advised that as a result, details of the tender process are not available at this stage. I am also advised that details of any contracts awarded will, in due course, be published on completion of the processes.
487. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 453 of 9 May 2023, if he has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities to have this PQ answered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25644/23]
View answerI understand the Parliamentary Question No. 453 of 9 May 2023 refers to the number of vehicles seized by Gardaí for having no insurance within the Dublin Metropolitan Division in the years of 2021, 2022 and to-date in 2023.
As 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 enforcement of road traffic legislation. As Minister for Justice, I have no direct role in these matters.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the table below provides a yearly breakdown of the number of vehicles seized by Garda authorities in Dublin Metropolitan Region for having no insurance in 2021, 2022 and 2023 up to 3 May. Vehicles seized or detained relate to those detained under Section 41 of the Road Traffic Act.
|
2021 |
2022 |
2023 up to 3 May |
|
5,350 |
4,568 |
1,577 |
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that all information provided is based upon operational data from the PULSE system as was available on 4 May 2023 and is liable to change.
488. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 462 of 9 May 2023, if he has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities to have this PQ answered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25645/23]
View answerI understand that Parliamentary Question No. 462 of 9 May 2023 refers to the number of Senior Investigating Officers (SIOs); and the total full-time equivalent of each child protection unit since 2019 to-date in 2023, in tabular form.
As the Deputy is aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for managing and controlling the administration and business of An Garda Síochána, including the deployment of Garda resources and training of Garda personnel. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
A Senior Investigating Officer is appointed to investigate serious crime occurrences and critical incidents by a Divisional Critical Incident Management Team, which comprises of a Chief Superintendent, Superintendent and Detective Superintendent.
I am informed that the figures provided in the table below relate to the numbers of Garda members by Division that have completed Stage 1 of the SIO programme over the past 5 years.
I am also informed that it is not possible to breakdown the Senior Investigation Officers assigned specifically to a particular unit, as the SIO is appointed to take the lead in any serious investigations including sexual assaults and child protection, within a Division.
The Senior Investigating Officer programme is primarily aimed at Detective Inspectors who are tasked with the leadership and management of serious crime investigation and critical incidents.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the figures below represent the assignment of SIOs at time of training and movement of personnel within Divisions can affect these figures.
|
Division |
No. |
|
A/C Special Crime Operations |
1 |
|
CAB |
1 |
|
Cavan Monaghan |
3 |
|
Clare |
2 |
|
Cork City |
4 |
|
Cork North |
2 |
|
Cork West |
2 |
|
Criminal Investigation Bureau |
3 |
|
DMR East |
2 |
|
DMR North |
9 |
|
DMR North Central |
7 |
|
DMR South |
5 |
|
DMR South Central |
8 |
|
DMR West |
10 |
|
DOCB |
3 |
|
Donegal |
2 |
|
Economic Crime Bureau |
1 |
|
Ex Dir & Comm Tech |
1 |
|
GNBCI |
1 |
|
GNIB |
2 |
|
GNPSB |
4 |
|
Galway |
2 |
|
Governance & Accountability |
2 |
|
Kerry |
4 |
|
Kildare |
3 |
|
Kilkenny / Carlow |
1 |
|
Laois / Offaly |
3 |
|
Limerick |
4 |
|
Louth |
4 |
|
Mayo |
2 |
|
Meath |
2 |
|
Roscommon Longford |
3 |
|
Security & Intelligence |
4 |
|
Sligo / Leitrim |
1 |
|
Special Crime Operations |
1 |
|
Special Detective Unit |
3 |
|
Technical Bureau |
1 |
|
Tipperary |
2 |
|
Waterford |
2 |
|
Westmeath |
3 |
|
Wexford |
2 |
|
Wicklow |
5 |
|
Total |
127 |
Please note that these figures are operational and may be subject to change.
489. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí, by rank, attached to the Garda band as of 22 May 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25646/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes responsibility for decisions in relation to the allocation and control of Garda personnel and resources. As Minister for Justice, I have no role in these matters.
I am advised by the Garda authorities, that the band of An Garda Síochána comprises professionally trained musicians, who are also serving Gardaí, assigned to the Garda band.
I am advised that there is currently one Inspector and 24 Gardaí attached to the Garda Band.
490. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 1041 of 18 April 2023, if he has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities to have this PQ answered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25647/23]
View answerI understand that Parliamentary Question 1041 of 18 April 2023 and follow up question 454 of 9 May 2023 refers to the number of Gardaí by rank attached to each divisional crime scenes unit as of 12 April 2023.
As the Deputy will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes responsibility for the deployment of Garda members throughout the State. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.
I am assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of policing priorities and crime trends, to ensure their optimal use.
The table below, provided to me by the Garda authorities, outlines the number of Garda personnel attached to each divisional crime scene unit as at 17 April 2023.
|
Division as of 17/04/2023 |
Garda |
Sergeant |
|
Clare |
1 |
|
|
Cork City |
6 |
1 |
|
DMR East |
3 |
1 |
|
DMR North Central |
3 |
|
|
DMR South |
1 |
|
|
DMR South Central |
4 |
|
|
DMR West |
1 |
1 |
|
Donegal |
2 |
|
|
Galway |
1 |
|
|
Kerry |
1 |
|
|
Kilkenny/Carlow |
1 |
|
|
Laois/Offaly |
1 |
|
|
Limerick |
3 |
1 |
|
Mayo/Roscommon/Longford |
1 |
1 |
|
Meath |
2 |
1 |
|
Sligo/Leitrim |
2 |
|
|
Tipperary |
2 |
|
|
Wicklow |
2 |
|
|
Total |
36 |
7 |
Please note that these figures are operational and may be subject to change.
