Written Answers Nos. 509-526
509. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí who successfully completed the van/personal carrier course in 2022, 2023 and to-date in 2024, in tabular form; and the duration of this course. [16285/24]
View answerAs you may be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), which includes all operational policing matters. As Minister, I play no role in these independent functions.
The table below gives details of the number of Gardaí who completed the van/personal carrier course from 2022 to date 2024.
|
Year |
Passed |
|
2022 |
37 |
|
2023 |
68 |
|
2024 to date |
30 |
I am informed that the duration of the course is five days.
510. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of trainee and newly attested Garda officers that were deployed and or stationed at Bray Garda station in 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024. [16325/24]
View answer511. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of whole-time-equivalent gardaí and civilians, by rank and grade, which are attached to Bray Garda station as of 9 April 2024. [16326/24]
View answer512. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide a breakdown of the Garda vehicle fleet allocated on a full-time basis at Bray Garda station. [16327/24]
View answer513. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of dedicated community Garda officers stationed at Bray Garda station. [16328/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 510 to 513, inclusive, together.
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 distribution of Garda members and Garda vehicles between different Garda units and Divisions. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I can, however, assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda Síochána is central to this policy. This commitment is demonstrated by the unprecedented provision of more than €2.35 billion to An Garda Síochána this year, which is allowing for sustained and ongoing recruitment and investment in new equipment and new vehicles.
In addition to new recruits, the roll-out of the new Garda Operating Model will support the redeployment of Gardaí from non-core duties to front-line policing across the country. The new model will see larger Divisions with more resources, increased Garda visibility in communities, a wider range of locally delivered policing services, and a strong focus on community policing.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that, as of 31 March 2024, the latest date for when figures are available, there were a total of 14,059 Garda members nationwide. This represents an increase of almost 10% since the end of December 2015. In addition, the civilianisation programme has freed up almost 900 Garda members from back office work for front line policing work since 2015
I can inform the Deputy that, at the end of March 2024, there were 289 Garda members assigned to Wicklow Division. These Garda members are supported by 33 Garda staff, an increase of 50% since the end of December 2015.
As of the same date there were 84 Garda members, which includes 68 Gardaí, 11 Sergeants, 4 Inspectors and 1 Superintendent and 9 Clerical Officers (8.5 WTE) and 6 (5.6 WTE) Executive Officers assigned to Bray Garda station.
I can inform the Deputy that a total of 88 Probationer Gardaí have been assigned to Wicklow Division since 2015. The table below, which was provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of Probationer Gardaí who were assigned to Wicklow Division by station.
|
WICKLOW DIVISION |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
Station Totals |
|
BRAY |
10 |
0 |
14 |
16 |
4 |
3 |
1 |
5 |
2 |
6 |
61 |
|
WICKLOW |
0 |
0 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
3 |
22 |
|
ARKLOW |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
NEWTOWNMOUNTKENNEDY |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
|
Total |
10 |
0 |
19 |
21 |
9 |
10 |
1 |
7 |
2 |
9 |
88 |
Community policing is at the heart of An Garda Síochána, and all Gardaí have a role to play in community policing in the course of carrying out their duties. Community policing is also fundamental to the new Garda Operating Model which is currently being rolled across the country and is fully commenced in thirteen Garda divisions.
The new model will provide more front-line Gardaí, increased Garda visibility, and a wider range of policing services for people in their local area. It will divide service delivery within division into four functional areas, one of the most important areas being Community Engagement. This will allow for a greater, more consistent focus on community policing in all divisions.
The Garda authorities have advised that a member of An Garda Síochána can be deemed to be a ‘Community Garda’ where that person 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. Examples of this engagement are working with Neighbourhood Watch, Community Alert, or local business fora.
At the end of March 2024 there were 8 Community Gardaí assigned to Wicklow Division, an increase of 60% since the end of December 2022. I am advised that at the end of March there were 4 Community Gardaí assigned to Bray Garda station.
There are now 3,513 vehicles in the Garda fleet, the highest ever and a 34% increase since 2015. I am advised by the Garda authorities that at the end of March 2024 there were 68 vehicles attached to Wicklow Division. I am further advised that An Garda Síochána do not supply a breakdown of vehicle type by station for operational reasons.
|
WICKLOW DIVISION |
Cars |
Vans |
Motorcycles |
4 x 4 |
*Others |
Total |
|
BALTINGLASS |
12 |
3 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
16 |
|
BRAY |
22 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
28 |
|
WICKLOW |
15 |
4 |
0 |
4 |
1 |
24 |
|
WICKLOW TOTAL |
49 |
11 |
1 |
6 |
1 |
68 |
*The category 'others' refers to MPV, SUV, Minibus or Prisoner Conveyance Vehicles
The Deputy may wish to be aware that information in relation to the allocation of Gardaí by Division and Station can be found at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/
514. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the current residency status in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16332/24]
View answerThe person referred to has made a request to have their deportation order revoked, pursuant to the provisions of section 3(11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended). This request was received on the 26 March 2024 and will be considered as soon as possible.
It should be noted that this request is amongst many to be considered at present and, as such, it is not possible to provide a specific indication as to when this case will be finalised. However, the person concerned can be assured that there will be no avoidable delay in having their case brought to finality.
The decision to ensue from the consideration of this request will be that the existing deportation orders will be either ‘affirmed’ or ‘revoked’. Once this decision has been made, it will be notified to the person concerned in writing.
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.
515. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice if Members of Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann will be presented with an opportunity to vote on the approval of the EU New Pact on Migration and Asylum; if the Pact requires transposing legislation to be brought forward; if the Pact contains any provisions that may require a constitutional referendum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16384/24]
View answer529. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice if, with respect to the five EU Regulations that comprise the EU Migration and Asylum Pact (details supplied) which was approved by the European Parliament on 10 April 2024, the Regulations will be directly effective under Irish law in circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16762/24]
View answer530. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice to clarify certain matters with respect to the five EU Regulations that comprise the EU Migration and Asylum Pact which was approved by the European Parliament on 10 April 2024 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16763/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 515, 529 and 530 together.
I am committed to ensuring that Ireland’s International Protection system is robust and rules based, and that our borders are protected.
The EU Asylum and Migration Pact will significantly reform the current approach to migration and asylum both in Ireland and across the EU by providing a robust legislative framework to address the challenges faced in this area.
The overall objectives of the Pact is to create a fair, sustainable and efficient asylum procedure in ordinary times as well as in times of migratory pressure and crisis situations. It will ensure a fair sharing of responsibility, developing robust and fair management of external borders and providing stronger governance of asylum and migration policies.
These reforms can be seen against a backdrop of some of the long-standing challenges faced by Member States in dealing with asylum applications, particularly in the context of the large influx of asylum seekers in 2015 and 2016, and again in 2022 and 2023. There is little indication that this trend will abate in an increasingly unstable world.
The Pact recognises that the challenges presented by migration and asylum cannot be effectively addressed by any state acting alone in a globalised and interdependent world. As such, it will establish a more coherent approach across the EU to migration, asylum, integration and border management, fit for the 21st century.
The Pact will require:
• The full repeal of the International Protection Act 2015.
• Legally binding timeframes for making decisions on international protection applications and appeals.
• A greater focus on efficient returns for unsuccessful applicants
• Accelerated processing including for those from safe countries, those with no or false documents, and those who have crossed borders illegally.
• Those who are processed under the border procedure will be accommodated in dedicated accommodation centres. Their applications, appeals and removal decisions must be processed within 90 days.
• A new solidarity mechanism requiring countries to make a financial contribution, agree to relocate some asylum seekers or deploy personnel. These resources will be used to take the pressure off countries facing particular pressure.
• The expansion of the Eurodac database, used to check migrants fingerprints, will enable even more information to be shared between countries.
Opting-in to the Pact is an opportunity for Ireland to undertake coordinated wide-reaching reforms in an area that has seen mounting public interest and concern in recent times.
The Pact does not contain any provisions that would require a constitutional referendum, but as measures under Protocol 21, any opt-in requires prior approval by both Houses under Art 29.4.7 of the Constitution, and I will seek that approval in the coming weeks. Any existing EU measures on asylum and migration in which Ireland participates, such as the Reception Conditions Directive, were approved by the Houses prior to Ireland opting-in to those measures.
The measures referred to by the Deputy will have direct effect in Irish law due to the fact that they are EU Regulations rather than Directives. However, there will be a need to replace the International Protection Act and relevant secondary legislation to facilitate the operation of the measures. I intend to bring forward substantial legislation to give effect to the Pact, which will be debated in both Houses of the Oireachtas in the normal way.
In order for Ireland to operationalise the Pact at the same time as other Member States in 2026, work on transposing legislation and operational reform would begin at pace following approval by the Houses of the Oireachtas. My Department will then establish an interdepartmental Project Board to develop and progress an implementation plan for the Asylum and Migration Pact, with the support of the Commission, to ensure transposition of the measures by mid-2026.
516. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 91 of 28 February 2024, if she has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities to have this Parliamentary Question answered. [16397/24]
View answerAs you will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the management of An Garda Síochána, including the distribution of Garda members between the different Garda units and Divisions. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I can, however, assure you that the Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda Síochána is central to this policy. This commitment is demonstrated by the unprecedented provision of more than €2.35 billion to the Garda Vote this year, which is allowing for sustained and ongoing recruitment and investment in new equipment and new vehicles.
This level of funding provides for a steady pipeline of new Gardaí in the coming years, supporting the recruitment of 800 to 1,000 Garda members this year, with new recruits entering the Garda College approximately every 11 weeks.
In addition to new recruits, the roll-out of the new Garda Operating Model will support the redeployment of Gardaí from non-core duties to front-line policing across the country. The new model will see larger divisions with more resources, increased Garda visibility in communities, a wider range of locally delivered policing services, and a strong focus on community policing.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, as of 21 March, the following divisions currently have vacant Crime Prevention Officer positions.
|
Location of Divisional Vacancy |
Competition status |
|
Meath |
No date for competition confirmed |
|
Clare |
Competition in progress |
|
Tipperary |
Competition in progress |
|
Cork City |
Competition in progress |
|
Cork North |
Competition in progress |
|
Carlow/ Kilkenny |
No date for competition confirmed |
I am informed that it is a matter for the Divisional Officer in each location, engaging with the Garda National Community Engagement Bureau, to arrange recruitment competitions and ensure Crime Prevention Officer positions are filled.
You may also be interested to know that contact details for Crime Prevention Officers can be found on the Garda website and the following link: www.garda.ie/en/crime-prevention/who-is-my-local-crime-prevention-officer-/
517. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice if each of the recommendations of the Garda Inspectorate Report in 2019 on public order training have been fully implemented; and if not, the recommendations that have yet to be implemented. [16398/24]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes the training of Garda members. As Minister I have no role in this matter.
The Garda Inspectorate Report on Public Order Policing, published in April 2019, contains four recommendations that reference training.
I have been advised by An Garda Síochána that three of these recommendation have been fully implemented:• Recommendation 6 - Selection and TrainingThe Inspectorate recommends that An Garda Síochána develop a standardised, transparent selection process for the National Public Order Unit. This process should be overseen by the Human Resource and People Development Department to ensure consistency, fairness and equality of opportunity. Selection should be contingent on the member having up-to-date refresher training in use of force and having signed the Code of Ethics. Unsuccessful candidates should receive appropriate feedback.
A new selection process for Garda National Public Order Unit personnel has been introduced in An Garda Síochána. Oversight is provided by the Chair of the Garda National Public Order Steering Group.• Recommendation 7 – Selection and Training
The Inspectorate recommends the adoption of a specific strategy into the greater female representation in public order policing.
In April 2021, a new Garda National Public Order Unit selection model was rolled out across An Garda Síochána in consultation with the Garda College and in line with international best practice to promote greater female representation in public order policing. Oversight is provided by the Chair of the Garda National Public Order Steering Group.• Recommendation 15 – Decision Making
The Inspectorate recommends that An Garda Síochána embed the Garda Decision-Making Model into operational practice though the provision of scenario- based exercises in all use of force and public order training.
New scenario-based exercises were developed and incorporated into new training material in 2020. Public Order training materials and policies have been updated with Garda Decision-Making Model.There is one recommendation that is not yet fully implemented:
• Recommendation 17 – Organisational Learning
The Inspectorate recommends that An Garda Síochána formalise its debriefing process by involving external stakeholders including organisers, protesters and wider representation from internal organisational units. Lessons learned should be reviewed by the Public Order Steering Group and should influence subsequent selection, training and development of tactics and strategy.
Guidance on Briefing and De-Briefing and the new Garda Decision Making Model has been strengthened in the new Event and Public Order and Public Safety Policy and Procedure documents, which are currently being piloted.
518. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice if funding has been secured in 2024 to purchase additional vehicles for the Garda armed support units. [16399/24]
View answerBudget 2024 provided an unprecedented budget of €2.35 billion for the Garda Vote, a total increase of 25% since 2020. The unprecedented level of investment into An Garda Síochána has enabled:
The roll out of the highest number of mobility devices ever allowing all Gardaí to conduct certain policing tasks on the move.
At the end March 2024 there were 3,513 vehicles attached to the Garda fleet, including in the Armed Support Unit. This represents an increase of almost 13% since the end of December 2020.
Major investment in new and refurbished stations.
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 vehicles. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
However, to be of assistance I sought the information requested by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. I can inform the Deputy that funding for continued capital investment in An Garda Síochána Fleet Management has been provided for under the 2021-2030 National Development Plan.
I am assured the number and types of vehicles to be procured with this funding will be based on identified operational needs. The availability of resources and will be reviewed on a continual basis.
519. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice to Parliamentary Question No. 454 of 23 January 2024, if she has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities to have this Parliamentary Question answered. [16400/24]
View answerAs you will appreciate, the Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation and works in relation to Garda accommodation are progressed by the Garda authorities in close cooperation with the OPW. As Minister I have no role in such matters.
I have made enquiries with An Garda Síochána and I am informed by the Garda authorities that the table below sets out the location of PEMS (Property & Exhibit Management System) stores located nationally by Garda Region and by Garda Division.
I am advised by An Garda Síochána that information on the capacity of (PEMS) stores is not readily available and would require a disproportionate amount of Garda time and resources to compile.
|
Region |
Division |
PEMS Stores |
|
DMR |
DMR East |
1 |
|
DMR |
DMR North |
1 |
|
DMR |
DMR North Central |
2 |
|
DMR |
DMR South |
3 |
|
DMR |
DMR South Central |
2 |
|
DMR |
DMR West |
1 |
|
Eastern |
Laois/Offaly |
9 |
|
Eastern |
Meath/Westmeath |
2 |
|
Eastern |
Waterford/Kilkenny/Carlow |
2 |
|
Eastern |
Wexford/Wicklow |
2 |
|
North Western |
Donegal |
4 |
|
North Western |
Galway |
2 |
|
North Western |
Louth/Cavan/Monaghan |
3 |
|
North Western |
Sligo/Leitrim |
1 |
|
North Western |
Mayo/Roscommon/Longford |
1 |
|
Southern |
Clare/Tipperary |
2 |
|
Southern |
Cork City |
1 |
|
Southern |
Cork County |
2 |
|
Southern |
Kerry |
1 |
|
Southern |
Limerick |
1 |
|
Organised & Serious Crime |
Dublin |
1 |
|
Total |
44 |
520. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice the number of full-time probation officers by grade employed by her Department in the years of 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [16401/24]
View answerThe Probation Service, which is an executive agency of the Department of Justice, has an important role to play in diverting people, in particular young people, away from criminal behaviour, supervising community sanctions imposed in lieu of a custodial sentence by the courts, as well as supervising people post release. The work that they do contributes significantly to reducing reoffending and thus to keeping communities safer.
I can advise the Deputy that the number of full-time probation officers, by grade, employed by my Department at equivalent points in time in 2023 and 2024 is as follows -
|
2023 |
2024 |
|
|
(11th April) |
||
|
Senior Probation Officers |
49 |
50 |
|
Full-Time Equivalent |
48.7 |
49.7 |
|
Total |
49 |
50 |
|
Probation Officers (Total) |
244 |
246 |
|
Full-Time Equivalent |
237.9 |
240.3 |
|
TOTAL |
244 |
246 |
521. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice if any gardaí have gone to the UK for specialist training which is not available within the State in 2023 and to date in 2024; and if so, the type of training sought and the duration of this training, in tabular form. [16402/24]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business, including the training of Garda members and staff. As Minister, I have no role in the specific training provided to any Garda member to undertake any part of their duties.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that no Garda members travelled to the UK for training in the years referred to.
522. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Justice how funding will be spent (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16467/24]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, earlier this year the Government established Cuan, a new statutory agency with a dedicated focus on Domestic Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
The agency has a specific mandate to drive the implementation of the Zero Tolerance: Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence across Government, bringing the expertise and focus required to tackle this complex social issue. As part of it's remit, the agency has responsibility for the provision of DSGBV services, including the provision and funding of refuge spaces.
As such, I have referred the question posed by the Deputy to Cuan for direct reply.
523. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Justice the number of organisations, by name and year, which have applied for the community CCTV scheme since its inception; how many of those have drawn the funding down; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16476/24]
View answerCommunity safety is a top priority for my Department and everyone has the right to be safe and feel safe in their communities. Community CCTV plays a vital role in achieving this goal.
As the Deputy may be aware, since 2017 my Department has administered a grant-aid scheme supporting groups wishing to establish a community-based CCTV system in their area.
The CCTV grant scheme was extended in 2019 to cover not only new CCTV systems, but to also provide funding for the extension or upgrade of existing CCTV systems which are incomplete or obsolete. Applicants may now also seek a once-off grant of up to €5,000 for minor maintenance costs.
Grants of over €950,000 for 36 Community CCTV schemes have been approved to date and a list of these CCTV projects is attached for the Deputy's information.
A further €1 million in funding has been made available towards the development of community-based CCTV schemes in 2024. Applications for funding are now open and can be made directly by the relevant Local Authorities.
This level of funding underlines my commitment to working with communities to ensure everyone feels safe.
The legal framework which provides for the operation of community CCTV requires that any proposed scheme must:
be approved by the local Joint Policing Committee*,
have a data protection impact assessment prepared,
have the prior support of the relevant local authority, which must act as a joint data controller with An Garda Síochána and a joint data controller agreement must be put in place, and
have the authorisation of the Garda Commissioner.
The Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Act 2023, which was signed into law in December last year, will reform CCTV schemes. Under the Act, community groups will continue to have their say in keeping their community safe as they will be able to request schemes in their area
In tandem with this, the Act also provides for Garda use of Body Worn Cameras (BWC), CCTV and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR).
The parts of the Recording Devices Act that are necessary for the deployment of BWCs will be commenced first, prior to their introduction. Other parts of the Act will be commenced once the codes of practice for those parts are fully drafted in line with part 8 of the Act.
Recognising that community safety is a whole of Government responsibility, my Department has established three pilot Local Community Safety Partnerships (LCSPs). These partnerships, trialled in Longford, Waterford and Dublin’s North Inner City, bring together Gardaí, community groups and local representatives which have each created a community safety plan tailored to that area’s needs.
*Once commenced, the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 will provide for the nationwide roll-out of LCSPs. The LCSPs will then become the appropriate avenue for community groups to request local authorities to consider schemes in their area. Meanwhile, however, it is open to groups to request their Local Authorities to apply for funding for schemes through this allocation.
|
County |
Locality |
Year Funding Application Approved |
Funding Allocation |
Fully, Partly or Still have to request Funding Drawn Down |
|
Carlow |
St Mullins |
2019 |
€30,083.50 |
Fully |
|
Carlow |
Tullow |
2021 |
€5,000.00 |
Fully |
|
Kerry |
Killarney Outer |
2021 |
€31,254.00 |
Partly |
|
Kerry |
Killarney Town Centre |
2021 |
€40,200.00 |
Partly |
|
Kerry |
Ballyspillane |
2021 |
€24,300.00 |
Partly |
|
Kilkenny |
Urlingford |
2020 |
€26,000.00 |
Partly |
|
Laois |
Mountmellick |
2019 |
€40,938.77 |
Partly |
|
Laois |
Woodenbridge |
2020 |
€13,040.00 |
Partly |
|
Laois |
Donaghmore |
2019 |
€22,409.03 |
Partly |
|
Laois |
Borris in Ossory |
2020 |
€10,107.62 |
Fully |
|
Leitrim |
Carrick On Shannon |
2018 |
€40,000.00 |
Fully |
|
Limerick |
Newcastlewest |
2019 |
€31,071.33 |
Partly |
|
Limerick |
Castleconnell |
2019 |
€27,310.22 |
Partly |
|
Limerick |
Askeaton |
2019 |
€28,115.54 |
Partly |
|
Limerick |
Abbeyfeale |
2019 |
€22,800.94 |
Partly |
|
Limerick |
Kilmallock |
2019 |
€30,370.01 |
Partly |
|
Limerick |
Rathkeale |
2019 |
€34,172.66 |
Partly |
|
Limerick |
Adare |
2019 |
€22,406.01 |
Partly |
|
Limerick |
Caherconlish |
2019 |
€16,481.38 |
Partly |
|
Limerick |
Croom |
2019 |
€19,277.12 |
Partly |
|
Limerick |
Murroe |
2019 |
€21,945.33 |
Partly |
|
Limerick |
Pallasgreen |
2019 |
€18,691.09 |
Partly |
|
Limerick |
Cappamore |
2019 |
€14,218.00 |
Partly |
|
Limerick |
Patrickswell |
2019 |
€30,363.85 |
Partly |
|
Limerick |
Foynes |
2019 |
€17,349.85 |
Partly |
|
Longford |
Longford Town |
2021 |
€40,000.00 |
Partly |
|
Louth |
Rathmullen |
2020 |
€34,516.70 |
Partly |
|
Louth |
Moneymore |
2020 |
€34,516.70 |
Partly |
|
Mayo |
Ballina |
2021 |
€5,000.00 |
Fully |
|
Monaghan |
Monaghan Town |
2020 |
€45,000.00 |
Partly |
|
Sligo |
Cranmore |
2019 |
€13,835.00 |
Partly |
|
Wexford |
Courttown/Riverchapel |
2018 |
€28,636.05 |
Partly |
|
Wexford |
Gorey Town Park |
2018 |
€28,603.46 |
Fully |
|
Wexford |
Wexford |
2018 |
€25,675.00 |
Fully |
|
Wicklow |
Arklow Town |
2018 |
€45,000.00 |
Fully |
|
Wicklow |
Blessington Town Centre |
2021 |
€40,000.00 |
Partly |
|
€958,689.16 |
524. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Justice if her Department has assessed the impact of the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 on organisations within the charity sector who run national online raffles; if consideration has been given to providing exemptions around the daytime advertisement requirements outlined in the Bill for organisations within the charity sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16498/24]
View answerThe Programme for Government includes a clear commitment to reform gambling legislation, with a focus on public safety and well-being from both an online and in person perspective. The Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 sets out the framework and legislative basis for the establishment of a new, independent statutory body – Údarás Rialála Cearrbhachais na hÉireann, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland – and for a robust regulatory and licensing regime to regulate gambling in-person and online, and for the regulation of gambling advertising, websites and apps.
At its core, this legislation is a public health measure aimed at protecting our citizens from gambling harm, including younger people and those more vulnerable in our communities.
The Government recognises and appreciates the hard work of, and services provided by, not-for-profit and voluntary organisations, including the many charitable organisations in this country. In that regard, the Bill provides for a new type of licence that permits gaming, betting and lottery activities for fundraising for charitable or philanthropic purposes, including charities, sporting organisations and local sports clubs.
Neither the Government nor I want to prevent charities from fundraising via lotteries, raffles and other gambling activities. I have had wide-ranging engagement with the charity sector and have listened to their concerns. My officials and I met with 14 individual organisations from the sector in February 2023 to hear their views on the Bill. In addition, my Department has corresponded with over 40 charities in relation to the Bill. A further meeting between Department officials and representatives from the Charities Institute Ireland took place in August 2023.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Bill includes restrictions on gambling advertising, including the introduction of a pre-watershed ban on gambling advertising, which was included on the recommendation of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice’s pre-legislative scrutiny report (May 2022). In line with that recommendation, section 141 of the Bill provides for a watershed prohibiting the broadcast of gambling advertising on television, radio and on audio-visual media services between the hours of 5.30am and 9.00pm, with a focus on protecting children from the widespread proliferation of gambling advertising across these forms of media. Additionally, the Deputy may also like to note that the watershed provision does not apply to advertising online via social media.
The Bill does not equate the charity and not-for-profit sectors with commercial gambling operators. Charities may continue to advertise and promote their work in all fora without hindrance. The advertising watershed will only apply to charitable / philanthropic licence holders when advertising gambling activities, and not advertising generally.
It is important to note that charities and other organisations that operate and promote lotteries as part of their fundraising model are already subject to regulation via the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956. The Gambling Regulation Bill is a direct continuation of this existing policy, and the measures, albeit modernised, provided for in the 1956 Act and the exclusion of the charity sector from the provisions of the Bill would result in a removal of safeguards and protections that that sector has complied with for close to the past 70 years.
It is essential that charities, not-for-profit and voluntary organisations of all kinds and their activities continue to be well regulated, and are also seen to be well regulated to ensure public confidence in them, and that is what the Bill provides for. It is also imperative to ensure that someone cannot operate and offer gambling activities under the guise of a charity, charitable cause or as a sports club. To exclude these organisations from the scope of the legislation, or to reduce its application, would remove important protective legislative safeguards for legitimate organisations, and create a scenario where anyone could apply for a charitable or philanthropic licence to circumvent being subject to the regulation, scope or accountability contained in the Bill.
As I noted at Committee Stage, and following engagement with stakeholders, I intend to bring a number of amendments to the Bill during Report Stage to provide clarification to the advertising provisions and related matters.
525. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if she will adopt and promote the Firearms and Offensive Weapons (Amendment) Bill 2021; and if not, the measures to increase penalties for knife crime she will introduce. [16559/24]
View answerWe are all sadly very conscious of the effect that knife crime can have on the quality of life for local communities and I can assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to supporting An Garda Síochána to tackle this issue. While I am conscious that Ireland has a comparatively low level of knife crime compared to neighbouring jurisdictions, every incident where a person is stabbed is a very serious matter.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Anti-Social Behaviour Forum was established arising from a commitment in the Programme for Government in 2021 to set up a special expert forum on anti-social behaviour, to consider the effectiveness of existing legislation and propose new ways forward including new powers for An Garda Síochána and additional interventions to support parenting of offenders.
An Anti-Social Behaviour Forum (ASB) knife crime subgroup was established in 2021. The subgroup has assessed the available evidence to inform policy on knife crime and has made a number of recommendations, including the introduction of longer sentences for those convicted of more serious knife crime offences in Ireland.
I recently brought these recommendations to Government and received approval to increase a number of the available penalties for knife crime.
As a result, I am proposing to increase the penalties in sections 9(5), 10, 11, and 12 of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990, as follows:
Section 9(1): possession of a knife in a public place, to remain at a maximum penalty of 5 years.
Section 9(5): possession with intent to unlawfully cause injury, to increase the maximum penalty of 5 years to 7 years.
Section 10: trespassing with a knife, weapon of offence or other article, to increase the maximum penalty of 5 years to 7 years.
Section 11: production of an article capable of inflicting serious injury (to unlawfully intimidate another person), to increase the maximum penalty of 5 years to 7 years.
Section 12: the manufacture, importation, sale, hire or loan of offensive weapons, to increase the maximum penalty of 7 years to 10 years.
This is in accordance with the spirit of the Deputy’s Private Members Bill, but places a greater focus and target on those who possess and/or produce knives with an intent to use them or to intimidate or harm another person, rather than simple possession. It also ensures consistency and proportionality with other relevant offences, such as where harm is actually caused through the use of a knife, or firearm.
526. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Justice the progress on considering the recommendations contained in the LSRA report on the profession of conveyancer and identifying proposals for reform; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16668/24]
View answerIn 2021, in accordance with the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015 Act, I asked the Legal Services Regulatory Authority (LSRA) to prepare and submit a report on the possible creation of a new profession of conveyancer. This was instigated under section 34 of the Legal Services Regulation Act, which makes specific provision to address this remaining area of legal services reform.
The report, including recommendations, was published and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas on 11 April 2024.
I and officials in my Department will examine, in detail, the complex considerations associated with the introduction of a profession of conveyancer as laid out in the report.
I welcome and support the LSRA’s commitment to leading on the development of a national awareness campaign aimed at empowering consumers to make informed decisions when seeking conveyancing services.
The report makes recommendations for reforms to enhance competition and increase efficiencies and transparency in the delivery of conveyancing services to consumers.
This report and its recommendations come at a crucial time when there are concerns about delays in the conveyancing process that are adversely impacting people trying to buy homes. I am pleased to note that the report indicates high levels of satisfaction with conveyancing services among consumers.
The report states that the creation of a new profession of conveyancer would only be viable as part of a wide range of other more significant and pressing reforms. These include the digitalisation of conveyancing services and the need for increased transparency in the conveyancing sector, including in relation to costs for consumers.
The report also points to the need for greater awareness among consumers of conveyancing services, in order to promote more informed decision-making.
The Deputy may be aware of existing work that is progressing across Government to improve the conveyancing process for buyers and sellers.
In November 2023, the then Taoiseach established a Working Group on Conveyancing and Probate to carry out a review of current conveyancing and probate processes and identify scope for greater efficiency and streamlining. I have asked my officials to refer this report to the Working Group as it may assist them in their work.
My Department has led a number of reforms to conveyancing law in recent years including the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Acts 2009 to 2021.
As part of its ongoing Modernisation Programme, the Courts Service is also working to digitally transform the way in which probate is granted in the conveyancing process.
The eProbate project will deliver a facility to submit and track applications for Grants of Representation online via a public facing portal. This new digital offering is currently in the early stages of development and will continue to be developed throughout 2024 with an expected public launch in 2025.
In addition, the Tailte Éireann Act 2022 consolidated the mandatory nationwide registration of property, along with property valuation, mapping and surveying functions, into a single State body, Tailte Éireann, from March 2023.
A total of 90% of property titles nationally are now registered, which greatly simplifies the future conveyancing of that property.
My government colleagues and I are ambitious for continued progress, competition and reform in this area, which should ultimately work for all those who seek prompt, cost-effective, user-friendly conveyancing services.
In this regard, work is underway in my Department to give further consideration to the various recommendations put forward by the LSRA and how they can be progressed.
