Written Answers Nos. 1081-1100
1082. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice her views on pre-trial hearings as established under the Criminal Procedure Act 2021, their functions, how often they have been used and any plans she has to review their effectiveness; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37348/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, in March last year, I commenced the Criminal Procedure Act 2021, which allows for pre-trial hearings for the first time in Irish law.
The introduction of preliminary trial hearings is one of a number of recommendations of ‘Supporting a Victims Journey’, my plan to reform the criminal justice system to make it more victim-centred.
Their use will improve the trial processes for a range of offences, including sexual offence cases by helping the trial process run more smoothly and reducing the potential for further trauma for victims.
Preliminary trial hearings will also allow for certain technical and sensitive matters to be addressed in advance of the trial itself starting. In the case of sexual offence cases this will include defence applications to question a victim about his or her sexual experience.
I am committed to doing as much as I can to make the trial process as sensitive to the needs of the victim as possible, while still protecting the important rights that accused persons have to defend themselves robustly.
The Deputy may be aware that a post-enactment report on the Criminal Procedure Act 2021 was completed 12 months after enactment (in accordance with Dáil Standing Order 164A and Seanad Standing Order 168) and is available at the following link;
opac.oireachtas.ie/Data/Library3/Documents%20Laid/2022/pdf/RE9KZG9jc2xhaWQwODExMjJfMDgxMTIyXzEzMTcyMg==.pdf
The report indicated that it remains too early to make any statement about the overall impact of pre-trial hearings as the legislation only commenced last February.
I can assure the Deputy that all legislation is kept under review and I will consider any changes necessary to ensure it remains effective, proportionate and fully compliant with due process and the Constitution.
As the Deputy will be aware, management of the courts, operational matters and logistical functions are the responsibility of the judiciary and Courts Service, which are independent in exercising their functions under the Courts Service Act 1998 and given the separation of powers in the Constitution.
The Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas: oireachtasenquiries@courts.ie.
To be of assistance, I have referred the Deputy's question in relation to how often preliminary trial hearings have been used to the Courts Service for direct response.
1083. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice to report on the interdepartmental group with responsibility for refuge provision in the State; if she can provide an update on the provision for a women's refuge in Carlow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37356/23]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, Government is committed to doubling of the number of refuge places to 280 as part of our Zero Tolerance Plan, the Third National Strategy to tackle domestic, sexual and gender based violence.
In order to achieve this ambitious goal we are working with all stakeholders to put in place the necessary structures and supports to accelerate the delivery of additional refuge accommodation year on year. In addition, the enactment of legislation to provide for the establishment of a new DSGBV agency in January 2024, which will work with the sector and with Department of Housing to deliver more refuge spaces, is a key priority.
Work undertaken to implement the Strategy has already prepared the way for this, including through the development of agreed processes and approaches that will support organisations to deliver the highest standard of refuge accommodation in the most efficient and holistic way.
As the Deputy is aware, the development of 28 refuge units is underway in Wexford, Dundalk and Navan to be delivered by end 2024. There will be 98 refuge units in priority locations delivered by end 2025 along with a further 19 additional and upgraded units by the end of the Strategy.
I can assure the Deputy that Tusla is continuing to support the process of developing a refuge for Carlow, and is also is supporting Carlow’s Women’s Aid to progress a number of Safe Home units (4) in Carlow.
In relation to the development of a refuge in Carlow, which is a priority location, and as previously detailed to the Deputy, a group of local stakeholders associated with the local domestic violence network established the Carlow Refuge Development Advisory Group, and they have had considerable engagement with Tusla over the course of the year to date.
A process was undertaken by the group to identify possible organisations interested in taking a lead on developing a refuge in Carlow. This early-stage process was concluded in June and a report was submitted to Tusla with recommendations that will inform the next steps and timeline for the development of the Carlow domestic violence refuge.
Tusla has met with both organisations that the group have recommended. Both groups have expressed an interest in progressing in discussions with the refuge. I am advised that these discussions will resume this month.
1084. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Justice to examine a delay in a person (details supplied) receiving an employment permit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37367/23]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that the visa application referred to was created on 8 April 2023. Supporting documentation was received in the Tehran office on 20 April 2023. The application was forwarded to the Dublin Visa Office and received there on the 5 May 2023, where it awaits examination and processing.
It is not possible to give a definitive date as to when this application 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 the Department to investigate, inquire into, or seek further information, and the resources available.
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
It should also be noted that the granting of a work permit by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) has no bearing on whether a visa will be subsequently granted. There are two very distinct application processes with different checks and procedures in place in each respective Department.
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.
1085. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice the status of an appeal by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37393/23]
View answerThe visa applications referred to by the Deputy were refused by the Visa Office in New Delhi. The reasons for these decisions were set out in the refusal letters sent to the applicants on 30 March 2022. Appeals of these decisions were received on 31 May 2022.
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 our website. Applicants that meticulously follow these guidelines have an improved prospect of receiving a positive decision at first instance.
It should be noted that visa appeals are dealt with in strict chronological order.
Processing times and decisions at the Overseas Visa Offices can be checked at the following link: www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-offices/
Processing times can change during the year, for example before holiday periods or for study applications prior to a new college year.
I can assure the Deputy that a decision will be issued to the applicants as soon as full consideration has been given by a Visa Appeals Officer.
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.
1086. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice with regard to the withdrawal of professional service by criminal barristers which with occur on 23 October 2023 (details supplied), if she would support the call to confirm that the Government will establish a meaningful, independent and time-limited mechanism to determine the fees paid to barristers by the Director of Public Prosecutions and under the criminal justice legal aid scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37395/23]
View answer1132. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide an update on her plans to restore fees, arising from the FEMPI cuts, for barristers under the criminal justice (legal aid) scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37960/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1086 and 1132 together.
The Deputy will be aware that the Department of Justice administers the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme and is responsible for making payments under the Scheme and that the fee rates are set with the consent of the Minister of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.
Let me assure the Deputy that I recognise the important role played by barristers in undertaking criminal legal aid work and I am aware of the growing concern that the failure to reverse the FEMPI cuts is having a negative impact on the ability to retain Counsel at the criminal bar.
Barristers undertaking criminal legal aid work is a fundamental part of the criminal justice system.
My Department supports the restoration of fees paid under Criminal Legal Aid and is actively engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform to expedite a resolution of this matter.
My Department is also engaging with the Bar Council regarding their proposed withdrawal of services.
1087. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice for a breakdown, in tabular form, of the number of Garda vetting applications which solely return convictions more than 30 years old; and if she will make statement in relation to any legislative reforms she has planned to the Garda vetting process.; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37406/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the primary purpose of the employment vetting carried out by the Garda National Vetting Bureau is to seek to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults. Vetting is carried out by An Garda Síochána primarily in accordance with the provisions of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012-2016. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I have been informed by Garda authorities that information related to the number of Garda Vetting Applications which solely return convictions more than 30 years old is not available, as the eVetting system is not configured to produce reports of this nature.
As the Deputy may be aware, the Garda Vetting Review Group was established in April 2021 and includes members of the GNVB in An Garda Síochána, officials from my Department, from Tusla, and from other relevant Departments and stakeholders.
The primary focus of the Group is strengthening the vetting legislation in an effective manner, including any changes that may be possible in relation to multipurpose vetting or re-vetting.
I have been advised that the work of the review group is close to finalisation, and I expect to receive the Group’s report on arrangements for Garda Vetting, including any recommended legislative amendments, in the coming weeks.
1088. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Justice when the review of procedures in relation to the sharing of collision data as referenced in Parliamentary Question No. 229 of 25 July 2023, commenced; when that review is expected to complete; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37424/23]
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 sharing of data with other state agencies. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I am however advised by the Garda authorities that data in relation to road traffic collisions is the only data supplied to the Road Safety Authority (RSA) by An Garda Síochána. This data is extracted from the Garda PULSE system and provided on a nightly basis. This includes collision details, road details, vehicle details, person details, and any Garda opinion as to the cause of the collision.
I am also advised that data held and provided to partner organisations is collected in line with the Garda Data Quality Framework, which involves both automated and manual reviews of data quality. An Garda Síochána has published data quality statistics on its website since 2022, and the scope and content of these is regularly assessed.
I am informed that An Garda Síochána is also currently developing a new framework for data sharing with the RSA which will be in place in Q4 2023. I am also informed that the Department of Transport will shortly be issuing a Ministerial Directive under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, which will provide a legal framework for data sharing between An Garda Síochána and the RSA.
I understand that once this directive is issued, a Memorandum of Understanding in relation to the scope, frequency and protection of data sharing between the RSA and An Garda Síochána will be put in place. An Garda Síochána is also engaging with other relevant bodies on their requirements for roads policing data. I am advised by the Garda authorities that this structured and secure sharing of information is part of the overall goal of establish a policing data ecosystem, in line with the Garda Data and Technology Vision.
1089. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice the reason foreign language students in Ireland on six-month courses are limited to working a maximum of 20 hours per week as well as attending their course under the terms of their visas; whether she would consider changing this for all such students as long as there is adequate proof that they are attending the language course fully; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37431/23]
View answerMy Department has responsibility for immigration-related matters, including the entry and residence conditions of non-EEA students, who are granted a Stamp 2 immigration permission. My Department consults and engages with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, among other key stakeholders, in this area.
Permission to remain is granted on the basis that a student's primary purpose for being in the State is to study. All applicants for permission to study in Ireland must show that they have sufficient funds to support their stay in Ireland without recourse to public funds, or the reliance on casual employment.
However, since April 2001, non-EEA students with a Stamp 2 immigration permission, and who are enrolled on courses with education providers listed on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP) including English language courses, have been afforded the opportunity to work.
This allows them to take up casual employment to supplement their income while studying in Ireland. During term time, non-EEA students can work up to 20 hours per week and during normal college holiday periods they can work on a full time basis up to 40 hours per week.
The conditions attaching to all immigration permissions are kept under ongoing review by my Department with all relevant stakeholders, however, there are no current plans to revise this long-standing arrangement.
1090. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice the targeted processing time for visas; the average processing time in the years 2019 to 2022 and to date in 2023; the number of applications; the average processing time for a child, by visa type; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37454/23]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that the Immigration Service of my Department currently operate from seven overseas Visa Offices in addition to the Visa Office in Dublin. They are located in Abuja, Beijing, London, Moscow, Ankara, Abu Dhabi and New Delhi. In addition, the Department of Foreign Affairs process certain visa applications in Irish Embassies abroad under delegated sanction from my Department. The Deputy may wish to note that most applications in respect of a minor would be submitted together with an adult application.
The tables below set out the figures requested. It is important to note that the figures in the tables below relate to all visas processed regardless of the location of the Visa Office or Embassy which carried out the actual processing. The processing time in individual Embassies and Visa Offices can vary depending on the time of year, volume of applications and the resources available.
Table 1 - Type C Short Stay applications processed (granted or refused at 1st instance only i.e. no appeals)
|
Year Decision Made |
Number processed |
Avg Processing Time in Days* |
|
2019 |
121,766 |
17 |
|
2020 |
20,526 |
18 |
|
2021 |
13,734 |
27 |
|
2022 |
72,170 |
25 |
|
2023 (to 31 August 2023) |
68,593 |
24 |
Table 2 - Type D Long Stay applications processed (granted or refused at 1st instance only i.e. no appeals)
|
Year Decision Made |
Study |
Employment |
Join Family |
|||
|
|
Number processed |
Avg Processing Time in Days* |
Number processed |
Avg Processing Time in Days* |
Number processed |
Avg Processing Time in Days* |
|
2019 |
14,132 |
19 |
6,870 |
13 |
8,581 |
57 |
|
2020 |
7,978 |
16 |
5,371 |
17 |
7,526 |
72 |
|
2021 |
12,491 |
25 |
7,066 |
13 |
11,245 |
44 |
|
2022 |
19,290 |
32 |
16,777 |
18 |
17,313 |
38 |
|
2023 (to 31 August 2023) |
16,040 |
28 |
10,368 |
21 |
12,115 |
51 |
Table 3 - Type C Short Stay applications processed (granted or refused at 1st instance only i.e. no appeals) where applicant is aged less than 18 at date of application
|
Year Decision Made |
Number processed |
Avg Processing Time in Days* |
|
2019 |
12,189 |
22 |
|
2020 |
1,635 |
28 |
|
2021 |
1,027 |
49 |
|
2022 |
4,931 |
33 |
|
2023 (to 31st August 2023) |
5,354 |
31 |
Table 4 - Type D Long Stay applications processed (granted or refused at 1st instance only i.e. no appeals) where applicant is aged less than 18 at date of application
|
Year Decision Made |
D Visas - Excluding Join Family |
Join Family |
||
|
|
Number processed |
Avg Processing Time in Days* |
Number processed |
Avg Processing Time in Days* |
|
2019 |
462 |
20 |
3376 |
53 |
|
2020 |
263 |
21 |
3181 |
69 |
|
2021 |
337 |
19 |
4885 |
42 |
|
2022 |
387 |
26 |
7686 |
35 |
|
2023 (to 31st August 2023) |
370 |
31 |
5527 |
45 |
* Processing Days is the number of calendar days between receipt of the application and the first instance decision.
1091. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 1107 of 21 March 2023, if her Departmental files relating to the High Court, Supreme Court and European Court of Human Rights cases in relation to proposals for gay law reform which resulted in a landmark judgement and decriminalisation thirty years ago are going to be made publicly accessible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37463/23]
View answerI am pleased to inform the Deputy that in July my Department officially handed over documents relating to the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Ireland to the National Archives where they are now publically available.
The criminalisation of consensual sexual acts between men in Ireland came into effect prior to the foundation of the State and remained in place until its eventual decriminalisation in 1993.
The Victorian-era laws which were repealed by the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 1993 caused immeasurable harm to generations of gay and bisexual men, criminalising and stigmatizing them simply because of their sexual orientation.
I have published the final report and recommendations of the Working Group examining the feasibility of a scheme to disregard certain historic convictions related to consensual sexual activity between men.
The report contains 95 recommendations regarding the introduction of a statutory scheme to enable the disregard of relevant criminal records.
The report makes a number of recommendations on eligibility standards, the application process that should be followed and the offences to include in the scheme.
It also states that applications for disregard can be made on behalf of deceased persons and that emigrants and citizens of other countries who were affected can apply.
Input from a public consultation held in 2022 was invaluable in shaping the final recommendations for a number of key issues in this report.
The publication of the Working Group’s report marked an important moment in efforts to exonerate those impacted by these outdated laws and address some of the lingering harms of the past.
I look forward to considering the report’s recommendations with a view to progressing the introduction of a statutory scheme.
1092. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Justice the reason for capital expenditure running €34 million behind profile, as outlined in the Mid-Year Expenditure Report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37476/23]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that the underspend in capital expenditure of approximately €34 million relates to the Justice Sector, which includes An Garda Síochána, the Department of Justice, the Courts Service and the Prison Service.
There is a trend whereby an underspend can occur in the first six months, followed by increased levels of spending in the second half of the year as tenders and projects progress.
The Justice sector has a strong track record of utilising its Capital Budget which is monitored continuously and corrective measures are considered as required.
The current view is that the underspend is likely to be reversed over the coming months as invoices are certified and presented for payment.
1093. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if she has consulted with or has been engaged by the Garda Commissioner in respect of plans by an organisation (details supplied) to ballot members of the organisation regarding its views on his ability to fulfil his role as commissioner. [37489/23]
View answerI want to assure the Deputy at the outset, that the Commissioner has my full confidence and that of the Government.
I have of course discussed the ballot and the issue of the Garda roster with the Commissioner on a number of occasions.
I recognise the importance of rosters to members of An Garda Síochána in providing an effective service to the public whilst maintaining a work-life balance.
I have said previously that the ballot in question will not change anything and that, like any industrial relations dispute, this matter can only be resolved through engagement between the parties.
The Workplace Relations Commission stands ready to assist in finding a resolution to this dispute in relation to rosters.
1094. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice how many gardaí were suspended from the force in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37495/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, disciplinary matters within An Garda Síochána are governed by the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended) and the Garda Síochána (Discipline) Regulations 2007, as amended by the Garda Síochána (Discipline) (Amendment) Regulations 2011, and are a matter for the Garda Commissioner. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
However, to be of assistance I sought the information requested by the Deputy from the Garda authorities and have been informed that 44 members of An Garda Síochána were suspended from duty commencing on a date between 1 January 2022 and the 31 December 2022.
1095. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice how many gardaí are currently suspended from the force and/or are on sick leave; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37496/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, disciplinary matters within An Garda Síochána are governed by the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended) and the Garda Síochána (Discipline) Regulations 2007, as amended by the Garda Síochána (Discipline) (Amendment) Regulations 2011, and are a matter for the Garda Commissioner.
The Deputy will also appreciate that the Garda Commissioner is responsible for all HR matters relating to personnel within An Garda Síochána, including sick leave. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
However, to be of assistance I have sought the information as requested by the Deputy from the Garda authorities.
I have been informed that, as of 8 August 2023 (the latest date for when figures are available), a total of 113 members of An Garda Síochána were suspended from duty.
For the Deputy's information, the Garda Commissioner provides monthly information on sick leave to the independent Policing Authority. These reports are published and available at: www.garda.ie/en/about-us/publications/general-reports/commissioner-s-monthly-reports-to-policing-authority/
I am advised that the below figures are acquired from the monthly Commissioner's Report for July. These figures are correct at the time each monthly report is run. If sick absence is recorded for the period in a subsequent month, this variance will be captured in the Garda Annual Report.
As of 31 July, 742 Garda members were recorded on sick leave, of which 213 were recorded as injured on duty. Of these, 496 Garda members were recorded as long-term sick (on sick leave of 28 days or longer), of which 206 were recorded as injured on duty.
Comparing July 2023 to July 2022, year on year ordinary illness days have decreased for Garda members by 1.83%.
1096. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice her plans to expand the use of the Garda Reserve in order to ensure a greater presence of gardaí or Garda Reserve members on our streets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37500/23]
View answerAs part of the Government’s plan to modernise and strengthen An Garda Síochána, A Policing Service for our Future (APSFF), the Garda Commissioner has developed a Garda Reserve Strategy 2021-2025, which provides a roadmap for the development of this important service.
The Strategy published in October 2021, and available on the Garda website, is informed by an internal review of the Reserve, and sets out key commitments including recruitment, training and development, deployment, governance and evaluation. The Strategy aims to ensure that members of the Reserve are fully supported by local Garda management and that the role is recognised and promoted throughout the organisation.
The Garda Commissioner has established an implementation group and oversight committee to ensure the Strategy delivers on its objectives, and I look forward to working with him to increase the number of members of the Reserve and in realising its full potential as a resource to policing and in providing a pathway to full-time membership of An Garda Síochána, including from minority communities.
A priority is a new recruitment campaign, which is expected to be held in the first quarter of 2024, and on foot of which new reservists will be appointed.
I understand that the campaign will target a broad and inclusive range of candidates, in keeping with the Reserve's role as a visible form of community engagement. The Department of Justice is currently engaging with An Garda Síochána on revisions to the regulations governing the Reserve ahead of the commencement of this recruitment process.
I can assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána continues to provide support and flexibility to Reserve Gardaí carrying out their functions in a voluntary capacity.
As 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). This includes responsibility for the recruitment, training and deployment of Garda members and members of the Garda Reserve. As Minister I have no direct role in these matters.
Established in 2006, the Garda Reserve represents a real opportunity for anyone wishing to support policing and give something back to their communities. The Reserve reinforces An Garda Síochána's essential community links, and provides capacity to draw on additional resources to assist in policing.
I would like to acknowledge the important contribution made by all members of the Reserve who volunteer their time for the community's benefit.
1097. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for an itemised breakdown of the allocation and spending to date for the year 2023 of the Youth Justice funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37536/23]
View answer1098. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for an itemised breakdown of the allocation and spending for the past five years of the Youth Justice funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37537/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1097 and 1098 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, funding for Youth Diversion Projects (YDPs) and other Youth Justice measures has increased substantially in recent years, from €18 million in 2020 to a total allocation of just over €30 million in Budget 2023.
This funding is underpinned by ongoing research and expert evidence to keep young people away from crime. I believe every cent invested into building better outcomes for young people, and diverting them away from crime and exploitation, pays back significantly.
The table below sets out the breakdown of funding for the years requested by the Deputy. The advisory committees do not incur any significant costs.
Additionally, I hope to see the Criminal Justice (Engagement of Children in Criminal Activity) Bill 2023 passed through the Houses later this year. This Bill will deliver on a commitment to criminalise those who target some of the most vulnerable in our society, our children and young people, in order to commit offences.
1099. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the number of the 100 proposed additional prison officers who have been hired for the Irish Prison Service; the prisons to which they are assigned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37538/23]
View answerThe recruitment of Recruit Prison Officers by the Irish Prison Service has been ongoing since 2017 and has regard to such factors as organisational needs and exit levels. To support the operation of the prison estate and ensure that the organisation can continue to provide important rehabilitative services to those in our care in a safe and secure manner, the Irish Prison Service was allocated additional funding for the recruitment of circa 100 additional Prison Officers.
It is expected that by year end up to 250 Recruit Prison Officers will have been recruited in total and I can inform the Deputy that from the beginning of the year to 4 September 2023 a total of 133 Recruit Prison Officers have been recruited.
These newly recruited staff have been, and will continue to be, deployed across the Prison estate. For security and operational reasons, the Irish Prison Service is not in a position to provide a breakdown of the operational staffing resources allocated to individual locations however the allocation of staffing is based on the security and operational needs of each location. The number of staff required is influenced by various factors including, in particular, the numbers in custody, the category of prisoner and regimes, and a range of other factors, such as the risks and needs associated with specific areas and particular offenders.
I can further inform the Deputy that the Irish Prison Service launched their most recent Recruit Prison Officer campaign via the Public Appointments Service on 24 August 2023 which has generated significant interest to date. Further details on this campaign can be found on www.publicjobs.ie and www.irishprisons.ie.
1100. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for a breakdown, in tabular form, for the past ten years, of the total number of community gardaí; where they were located, by division and Garda station; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37539/23]
View answerCommunity policing is fundamental to the new Garda Operating Model recommended by the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland and currently being rolled out under 'A Policing Service for Our Future', the Government's implementation plan for the Commission's recommendations.
I want to emphasise that community policing is at the heart of An Garda Síochána, and that all Gardaí have a role to play in community policing in the course of carrying out their duties.
As the Deputy 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 am however assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review to ensure their optimal use.
The Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda Síochána is central to this policy. Funding has been provided for up to 1,000 new Gardaí this year and we are seeing more Garda recruits enter Templemore every 11 weeks.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that a member of An Garda Síochána can be deemed to be a ‘Community Garda’ where that member is allocated to a Community Policing Team (CPT) and is responsible and accountable for applying a problem–solving approach to appropriate crime and policing quality of life issues in a specified geographic area through partnership and engagement.
I am also advised that in some rural areas, the existing personnel will form CPTs. They will have dual functions as first responders and community policing members. Additionally, CPTs will be augmented by Community Support Gardaí who will perform front-line duties and will be assigned a particular Community Policing Area to support dedicated Community Gardaí.
I understand that each Division will have a number of CPTs assigned to it, consisting of an Inspector, Sergeant and Community Policing Gardaí. CPTs will prioritise engagement with communities for the delivery of long-term sustainable solutions to community needs.
The table below, which was provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of Community Gardaí by Division at the end of December 2013 up to the end of December 2022, and at the 23 July 2023, the latest date for when figures are available.
|
Community Gardaí by Division |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
July 2023 |
|
D.M.R. EAST |
29 |
27 |
30 |
32 |
34 |
28 |
25 |
21 |
24 |
29 |
29 |
|
D.M.R. NORTH |
68 |
57 |
58 |
53 |
47 |
51 |
39 |
26 |
61 |
64 |
70 |
|
D.M.R. NORTH CENTRAL |
152 |
139 |
121 |
110 |
90 |
83 |
75 |
71 |
66 |
40 |
34 |
|
D.M.R. SOUTH |
53 |
45 |
53 |
39 |
40 |
42 |
48 |
53 |
58 |
48 |
46 |
|
D.M.R. SOUTH CENTRAL |
58 |
43 |
38 |
34 |
30 |
28 |
48 |
57 |
54 |
44 |
50 |
|
D.M.R. WEST |
68 |
62 |
63 |
53 |
64 |
63 |
66 |
86 |
66 |
61 |
61 |
|
KILDARE |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
4 |
7 |
9 |
9 |
10 |
12 |
|
LAOIS / OFFALY |
8 |
18 |
4 |
2 |
2 |
8 |
8 |
13 |
13 |
12 |
10 |
|
MEATH |
12 |
9 |
8 |
9 |
7 |
9 |
6 |
9 |
8 |
10 |
10 |
|
WESTMEATH |
9 |
9 |
9 |
10 |
8 |
10 |
11 |
7 |
7 |
12 |
12 |
|
WICKLOW |
18 |
14 |
18 |
14 |
14 |
13 |
11 |
10 |
9 |
5 |
6 |
|
CAVAN / MONAGHAN |
7 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
2 |
0 |
4 |
5 |
16 |
16 |
15 |
|
DONEGAL |
29 |
26 |
24 |
2 |
2 |
4 |
4 |
15 |
17 |
68 |
7 |
|
LOUTH |
16 |
16 |
16 |
15 |
12 |
13 |
11 |
15 |
13 |
23 |
17 |
|
SLIGO / LEITRIM |
9 |
9 |
9 |
8 |
6 |
6 |
7 |
10 |
10 |
9 |
9 |
|
KILKENNY/CARLOW |
101 |
95 |
90 |
88 |
85 |
112 |
99 |
94 |
99 |
94 |
83 |
|
TIPPERARY |
85 |
80 |
77 |
71 |
68 |
72 |
79 |
72 |
73 |
9 |
8 |
|
WATERFORD |
52 |
46 |
44 |
44 |
35 |
35 |
15 |
26 |
22 |
21 |
20 |
|
WEXFORD |
16 |
14 |
8 |
8 |
7 |
6 |
12 |
11 |
11 |
17 |
17 |
|
CORK CITY |
32 |
28 |
24 |
26 |
27 |
24 |
32 |
38 |
40 |
36 |
36 |
|
CORK NORTH |
7 |
7 |
6 |
8 |
6 |
7 |
7 |
7 |
7 |
7 |
6 |
|
CORK WEST |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
|
KERRY |
9 |
8 |
7 |
7 |
9 |
9 |
10 |
9 |
10 |
10 |
9 |
|
LIMERICK |
61 |
58 |
58 |
42 |
38 |
31 |
30 |
31 |
33 |
31 |
26 |
|
CLARE |
7 |
6 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
8 |
7 |
9 |
9 |
10 |
10 |
|
GALWAY |
18 |
13 |
14 |
14 |
14 |
13 |
13 |
19 |
22 |
23 |
22 |
|
MAYO |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
13 |
12 |
12 |
10 |
9 |
|
ROSCOMMON / LONGFORD |
8 |
6 |
9 |
10 |
10 |
11 |
11 |
12 |
11 |
10 |
9 |
|
TOTAL |
940 |
848 |
807 |
718 |
676 |
695 |
702 |
751 |
784 |
733 |
647 |
Furthermore, the table in the attachment below sets out the number of Community Gardaí by Division and station at the end of December 2015 up to the end of December 2022, and at the 31 July 2023, the latest date for when figures are available. This information is operational and may be subject to change.
The Deputy will wish to be aware that in the interest of transparency, detailed statistics on Garda workforce numbers are published on gov.ie and are updated regularly by my Department from information provided by An Garda Síochána. The statistics can be accessed using the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/
Awaiting additional text
