Gino Kenny
Question:7. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Justice when GSOC will publish its investigation report into the killing of a person (details supplied) by gardaí; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60573/22]
Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions
Question No. 6 taken with Written Answers.
An Garda Síochána
It is almost two years since the death of George Nkencho in Clonee. George's family have been very patient regarding the investigation into his death, but they want to see the GSOC report as soon as possible. Can the Minister shed light on when the report will be published?
I thank Deputy Kenny for raising this matter. As we approach the second anniversary of the tragic death of George Nkencho, I want to extend my sympathies to his family on their very sad loss.
As the Deputy will be aware, the fatal shooting is being fully investigated by GSOC, which is the independent statutory body established with full powers to investigate such incidents. I understand that this investigation is ongoing. I am advised by GSOC that it has deployed significant resources to this investigation. I am further advised that the investigation is at an advanced stage. I understand that a draft report pursuant to section 101 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, as amended, has been prepared and is currently subject to internal and external peer review, as well as legal review. I understand that once the report is completed and a decision reached by the commission, GSOC will issue a statement on the matter. GSOC will make its findings publicly available as and when other statutory processes permit it to do so. GSOC has also informed me that it will continue to liaise with the Nkencho family on developments and will ensure that they are given appropriate notice before any public statement is issued.
The family had this a year ago. They were told that the report would be finalised this time last year, but another year has passed. There were media reports that a draft investigation had been submitted to the commissioners but that report was in the media a number of months ago. Where is it? Has the report of the internal draft investigation been submitted? Has the Minister seen it? That is what the family want to know. The family want answers. They want the State to shine a light on the death of George Nkencho. Has the Minister seen the interim report that has been flagged in the media?
The Deputy will appreciate that GSOC is completely independent in the exercise of its functions. As Minister, I cannot intervene in or comment on an ongoing GSOC investigation. I am assured, however, that GSOC has the resources necessary to complete the investigation of this tragic incident and it is not possible at this time to give an estimate of the remaining time needed to complete the investigation. As I stated, I am advised the investigation is at an advanced stage and its findings will be made publicly available when other statutory processes permit. I can confirm that I have not seen a report. It is at a final stage.
The circumstances surrounding the death of George Nkencho are extremely troubling, to say the least. George cannot be brought back, but the family want to know what the circumstances were that led to his death and that it will not happen to another family. That is the most important thing. The family want truth and justice. They want somebody to tell them this could have been prevented if something else had happened on that day. Whatever the GSOC recommendations, a public inquiry is needed in respect of George Nkencho's death. Anything less is an injustice to that family.
I, too, wish to express my sympathies to the family on the tragedy that occurred two years ago. I appreciate the comments of the Minister in respect of the independence of GSOC but I must express my disappointment at the turnaround time. Two years is an unacceptable period to wait for an assessment of this matter to be made. I fully understand the gravity of the situation and, indeed, of the report that is to be published. My understanding from Deputy Gino Kenny, however, is that a timeline of one year was outlined. Are the Minister or her Department aware of the communication GSOC has had with the family in the course of this process that has led them to approach Members of this House to bring the matter to the floor of the Dáil? It is not an ideal course to take. I completely understand why the Deputy has done so, however, and I commend him on doing it. It is a legitimate question in which other Members have a keen interest.
The shooting of George Nkencho is being fully investigated by GSOC. I hope the Deputies appreciate that I cannot comment on the GSOC investigation because it is independent in the exercise of its functions. GSOC has the power to prosecute following its investigations if it deems that necessary. That is not the case for a public inquiry. This is detailed work that GSOC is doing. It is important that we allow it to continue its work. As I stated, it is at the final stage. I agree it is important that it is moved on. It is not easy for the family, and it is particularly difficult at this time of year and coming up to the two-year anniversary. As I stated, it is at an advanced stage. A draft has been prepared and is currently subject to the internal and external peer review as well as a legal review. The process is nearing an end.
Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence
Alan Farrell
Question:8. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Justice her views on the increased supports for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence services in 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60237/22]
I congratulate the Minister on her appointment as Minister for Justice. I wish her well for what may be a limited amount of time in that role, although it may be longer.
My question relates to the third iteration of the Government's plan in respect of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence and, specifically, the supports and service provision therein. What are the views of the Minister in respect of how it is going?
I thank the Deputy for raising this matter, and for his kind comments. I wish the Minister, Deputy McEntee, well. She has just started her maternity leave. I hope all will go well with the birth of her second child.
Tackling domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is a priority for me and the Government. This includes focusing on prevention and providing victim-centred supports and services. It is opportune to highlight this work now, as my Department, and many others, are engaged in actively supporting the United Nations 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence. As the Deputy will be aware, the Minister, Deputy McEntee, recently published the third national strategy to combat domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. The goal is clear: zero tolerance in Irish society for any form of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.
Under budget 2023, an extra €9 million, a 22% increase, was secured. This includes increased funding of almost €7 million for organisations funded by Tusla to address acute service demands in existing services throughout the country, and for investment in new services as outlined in the strategy. The funding also strengthens the nationwide supports and will help to maintain the momentum in implementing the ambitious goals set out in the national strategy.
In total, Tusla has been allocated €37 million for funding domestic, sexual and gender-based violence services. Separate from this, my Department has allocated €6.09 million for measures to tackle domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, including through awareness-raising campaigns and funding for perpetrator programmes. My Department has also allocated an additional €5.8 million in funding to promote and assist the development of specific support services for victims of crime, including victims of domestic and sexual crime, within the criminal justice system.
Taken together with the ambitious plans for the development of refuge accommodation through the life of the strategy, I am confident the substantially increased investment in this critical area will make a real and lasting impact on the experience of victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.
I thank the Minister for her reply. At this time last year, the Ceann Comhairle agreed to the illumination of Leinster House to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women as part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence. That UN programme, in which Ireland participates, is commendable. There is a significant amount of work to be done. While I fully appreciate the sums the Minister stated have been allocated in various budgets across Departments and agencies, one of the things to come to light in the past 12 months has been the lack of refuge facilities on a county basis. How is that roll-out going across the various Departments? I have a related question on the number of gardaí across the country who are appropriately trained to deal with victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. Do we now have a number of gardaí in each Garda division across the State that is appropriate to the level of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence being reported?
A women's refuge for Carlow was deemed a priority in the Tusla emergency accommodation review in February 2022. An interdepartmental group was being assembled to consider what template was to be used for domestic violence services nationwide.
We need an interagency approach to planning and delivery of accommodation for victims of domestic violence. What is the status of this group at present? What are we doing to provide a women's refuge for Carlow? I thank the Minister for stating that the funding is there. A commitment has been given but we need to get it done through all of us working together We need to get this refuge as soon as possible. Safe Ireland's report will be out shortly. That will also be part of the wraparound supports, which is most welcome.
Plans are in place for refuge places. These locations have been chosen on the basis of required proximity to a refuge as well as a need for refuge spaces per head of population in densely populated areas. They represent areas where there is the most significant under-provision and are a starting point to increasing refuge spaces comprehensively in every county throughout the country. We have committed to the delivery of 24 refuge places, which is currently under way in Wexford, Dundalk and Navan, by 2024. We will deliver 98 refuge units in priority locations by 2025.
On north County Dublin, it is my intention that every person who needs a refuge space will have access to one. That is the Government's intention. As a start, the strategy commits to doubling the number of refuge places to 280. This will be the fastest ever expansion of refuge spaces. We will also work to deliver additional safe houses and step-down accommodation. The review of accommodation services for victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence undertaken by Tusla identifies priority locations where there is a particular urgency.
On Deputy Murnane O'Connor's question, part of the work being undertaken is to assess the readiness of locations to proceed with the construction of refuges having regard to local capacity, availability and suitable sites. My Department will engage with groups, including those in Carlow and in my constituency of Cavan-Monaghan, because we have no refuge there either. Making additional spaces available as soon as possible is a priority for me and this Government. Carlow, Cavan and Monaghan are on the list of priority locations.
I thank the Minister for her comprehensive response. I will have to put in a parliamentary question to get all of that in writing. I am not sure the Minister addressed my point about Garda training. It is important, not just for NGOs but victims, to know that An Garda Síochána has the appropriate resources and training available to it on a divisional basis throughout the country.
There are special units in every single division. Having spoken to some gardaí recently, they said the number of people coming forward to these specialised units dealing with domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is increasing. We are breaking down that stigma for some people who may be worried about coming forward and may be afraid. They are now going to specially trained people in this field. I know that gardaí have been specially trained to deal with victims because there is no doubt it is an awful place for people to find themselves. I was pleased to hear that the number of people coming forward is increasing all the time. It is important that these facilities are here and this support is available to them at a very vulnerable time for them. I thank the Deputy for raising this matter.
Question No. 9 taken with Written Answers.
Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence
Violet-Anne Wynne
Question:10. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Justice the Government’s strategy on step-down accommodation in cases in which a person leaves a domestic violence refuge; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56990/22]
As the Minister of State knows, the 16 days of activism on gender-based violence will end on Saturday but the work, needless to say, must continue. In view of this, will the Minister of State outline the Government's strategy on tackling DSGBV with respect to step-down accommodation in cases in which a person leaves a domestic violence refuge?
I thank the Deputy for raising this very important issue regarding the Government's strategy on step-down accommodation in cases where a person leaves a domestic violence refuge.
In June, the Government launched zero tolerance, the third national strategy on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. Under this five-year ambitious programme of reform, we want to achieve a society that does not accept domestic, sexual and gender-based violence or the attitudes that underpin it. It is a whole-of-Government and whole-of-society plan of action. This Government is committed to implementing in full the 144 detailed actions in the implementation plan for this year and next. The strategy sets out the Government’s objective that everyone who needs a refuge space will get one, and the overall number of spaces will double over the lifetime of the strategy. By 2024, we expect to have delivered 24 refuge units in Wexford, Dundalk and Navan. An interdepartmental group is developing and progressing agreed processes and approaches to ensure we have the highest standard of refuge accommodation delivered in the most efficient way.
In addition, safe homes, another form of emergency domestic violence accommodation, are an important part of that response. Safe homes are usually provided as a separate unit of accommodation, for example, a flat or a house at a community or local level. It generally suits those at low to medium-risk of serious harm. We expect to increase the number of safe homes available by 15 this year. Insofar as the question of step-down facilities is concerned, the new domestic, sexual and gender-based violence agency, working with Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, will review the pathways into this type of non-emergency accommodation.
The Deputy may also be aware that a protocol established during the pandemic by the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Humphreys, which removed the means test requirement for victims of domestic violence for a three-month period, has now been made permanent. This ensures ease of access for victims of domestic violence to rent supplements. In addition, under the third national strategy, we have committed to examining other options for victims of domestic violence, such as addressing barriers to remaining in the home, if that is their preferred option.
I thank the Minister. The third national strategy he referenced commits to quite a few actions. In particular, I note and welcome that he intends to form a policy on how to keep the survivor in the family home but with their abuser removed, as opposed to the current situation where, in so many unfortunate cases, survivors have no choice but to return to the arms of their abuser after their time in a refuge is up. This is because, among other reasons, our barring order system is grossly inadequate and, in many sad cases, there is absolutely no step-down accommodation available. In addition, their abuser has isolated them from everyone in their life so they have nowhere else to go.
According to Women's Aid, since 1996, 242 women have died violently, 57% of whom were killed by a current or former partner. Some 150 of these women died in their own homes and 18 children died alongside their mothers. Some 61% of the women who died violently in the past 26 years were murdered in their own homes. Will the Government acknowledge the correlation between that fact and the lack of step-down and wraparound supports that it provides? Will it do better?
I certainly hear the Deputy. I assure her that the Minister, Deputy McEntee, is determined to deliver as many refuge spaces as possible as quickly as possible. I agree with the Deputy that steps have to be taken to ensure that survivors can return to their homes without the presence of their abusers, who should be removed. We need to work more on ensuring that is the situation.
One of the overarching goals of the strategy is to ensure that everyone who needs a refuge space will get one. As I said, we will double the number of refuge spaces over the lifetime of the strategy, bringing them to 280. The Tusla review of accommodation services for victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence identified that priority locations for between 50 and 60 new refuge places are needed. Further analysis undertaken identified 12 locations nationwide where the delivery of 98 family refuge spaces would have the most impact if prioritised. In the initial phase of this work, we expect to deliver the 24 places in Wexford, Dundalk and Navan by 2024. The delivery of additional safe homes is also a key part of that response and is expected to increase over the duration.
I thank the Minister for his response. I will mention Clare Haven Services which has provided 30 years of invaluable service to women and families throughout the county, region and the country at large.
Through its educational arm and in collaboration with Technological University of the Shannon, Haven Horizons has put together a level 6 accredited course in domestic abuse and coercive control. Its work and contribution are invaluable and I thank it for those.
I am sorry to say that, for every family that Clare Haven accepted into refuge over the past three months, it unfortunately had to turn away two. These heart-breaking bottlenecks point towards the need for service-based organisations and wraparound supports to be directly involved in ramping up the provision of long-term accommodation for survivors of domestic violence. These people need beds, but they first need dignity.
Refuges across Ireland are like accident and emergency departments. They are not just overcrowded and underfunded by the Government but also are lacking in supply through no fault of their own. The third national strategy is admirable, as is the rent supplement the Minister of State mentioned, but without supply, these measures are futile.
I commend the Minister, Deputy McEntee, on her work and wish her well on her maternity leave.
Domestic violence support services and places of refuge must be easily accessible but no phone lines or offices provide help on weekends or after hours. When a person needs a refuge, there are no wraparound services. I am referring to local authorities and Women's Aid. There need to be emergency numbers, but there are none. There is nowhere to send women fleeing violence after initial support from the refuge. We need to provide proper facilities for women, who need to feel like they are starting again. They do not just need hostel beds, but assistance in finding jobs, affordable childcare and other types of practical help with wraparound services. Are we considering using approved housing bodies, AHBs, to provide housing support where women are in need? Must we consider legislating? There is so much more we can do in this crisis. The Government is committed to this area, but we need to do more.
I thank the Deputies for their contributions. What the Government is doing, led by the Minister, Deputy McEntee, will deliver. It has put in place the correct structures to deliver additional refuge accommodation, including the development of the new statutory agency. We will accelerate the number of additional spaces that can be delivered each year. Already, work is being undertaken to implement the strategy and preparations for it have been made, including a significant increase in funding under budget 2023.
The State has not done enough to date in terms of providing refuges, but what the Minister, Deputy McEntee, and the Department of Justice have put in place using a whole-of-government approach is a strategy that will deliver spaces. The strategy is backed by an implementation plan that is measurable and will be measured as we go along.
I visited the Aoibhneas refuge in Coolock last week. I heard harrowing stories and about the number of people it had to turn away. I was with the Ministers, Deputies McEntee and Darragh O'Brien, at the sod turning on the new property in Wexford. A great deal remains to be done but I believe the Minister's implementation plan will be effective.
Court Accommodation
Michael Moynihan
Question:11. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice if her Department owns the courthouse on Church Street, Kanturk, which has stood unused for many years; and the plans for the building, given that both the courthouse and the attached bridewell, which bears writing and graffiti from the War of Independence and the Civil War, are monuments of historical significance. [60593/22]
What plans are there for the courthouse on Church Street in Kanturk, which has stood idle for many years? The courthouse and the bridewell jail beside it have historical significance, with the jail containing a great deal of graffiti from the War of Independence and the Civil War, the centenary of which we are in at the moment. Will the Minister of State outline the building's ownership and who has responsibility for it?
I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter. The courthouse on Church Street has stood unused for a number of years. The building is a monument of historical significance in terms of the War of Independence and the Civil War. Deputy Michael Moynihan has been raising this matter for some time to try to make the building available for public use.
Under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts, including the provision of accommodation for court sittings, is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in the exercise of its functions. However, to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have made inquiries and the Courts Service has provided the following update on this matter.
Kanturk courthouse is owned by the Courts Service but closed as a venue in 2010. To this end, the Courts Service would welcome an approach from the Office of Public Works, OPW, or local authorities that would see the building being put back into public use or community use. In the past, the Courts Service has worked closely with local authorities to ensure that disused courthouses, which are often of significant local importance, have been repurposed for community use. The Courts Service would favour the same happening with Kanturk courthouse.
Regarding the building's ownership, will the Minister of State commit to getting the documentation from the Courts Service? It could then be forwarded to the committee that has been formed to restore the courthouse. It is important that we have the deeds or registration of title, whichever is the case, and I would appreciate it if we could get that documentation from the Courts Service.
In a supplementary question, I might discuss some of the historical documentation and other material within the courthouse that is in danger of being lost. Losing it would be a shame, given its significance.
As I know from my previous legal experience, identifying the title of old buildings can often be a challenge and take some work. I will undertake to contact the Courts Service to see whether it can do that work and ensure that the property's title is correctly identified as being under the Courts Service in order that steps can be taken in respect of the building's future use.
Regarding the preservation of the documents within the buildings, historical documents should be preserved. I will raise this matter with the relevant bodies.
The bridewell is adjacent to the courthouse. I commend the Courts Service, in particular Ms Ruth Penney, who was more than helpful in trying to preserve the bridewell last year. The building was porous with water flowing down it and some remedial work was done. There is graffiti in the old bridewell, which served as a jail for 200 years after the courthouse was built in the 1820s, but much of the graffiti dates from the War of Independence and the Civil War. That graffiti is significant and it would be a shame to see it being lost due to neglect of the building. The building is in the public realm and should be preserved. If it were in private ownership, there would be a duty on its owner to preserve it.
In the first instance, though, let us see if we can get the title. We can then revert on the other issue. I wish to apprise the Minister of State of the importance of the graffiti and the historical significance of the building in Kanturk.
I undertake to contact the Courts Service to emphasise the importance of preserving this courthouse and the attached bridewell, given their historical significance and that of the graffiti.
Court Procedures
Bernard Durkan
Question:12. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which current reforms of the family law courts might entail protection for mothers in respect of section 47 reports-parental alienation issues; if it is expected to ensure that ample opportunity is given to ensure the protection of children in such circumstances and prevention of any action which might result in psychological harm and ongoing trauma; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60531/22]
This question relates to a disgraceful and disgraced formula invented by a gentleman in the United States some years ago that is now used in the family law courts as a means of resolving and readjusting the minds of parents and children in the event of a divorce or separation.
I thank Deputy Durkan for raising this issue, which he feels strongly about. As he is aware, the courts are, subject only to the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions and the conduct of any court case is a matter entirely for the presiding judge.
On 16 November, the Minister, Deputy McEntee, published the first national family justice strategy and secured Government approval for the Family Courts Bill 2022, which was published on 1 December.
These are the mechanisms by which it is intended to reform how our family justice system operates to make it more supportive and protective when there are vulnerable parties, particularly in cases where there is a history of domestic violence. It will also make it more efficient and user-friendly and significantly less adversarial. The aim is to develop a system that puts the family at the centre of its work and that protects vulnerable parties throughout proceedings.
To support the legislative changes proposed in the Family Courts Bill 2022, the Minister, Deputy McEntee, established a family justice oversight group to develop the first national strategy. The work of the group was informed by a wide-ranging consultation process which heard from the voices of those most impacted by their experience of the system. The strategy has nine goals and more than 50 actions, with the aim of establishing a strong foundation for a future system which is more child and family-centred, which supports and protects, and which is more streamlined and user-friendly.
As the Deputy may be aware, under the Government’s new zero tolerance domestic sexual and gender-based violence strategy, the child is recognised as a victim or survivor of domestic violence in their own right for the first time. This will be an important link across to the family justice strategy, the first goal of which is supporting children and which includes as a priority an action to examine the role of expert reports in the family law process and make recommendations regarding their future application and function. This action will consider the commissioning and availability of these reports.
I thank the Minister for that detailed reply. I also acknowledge the work of the Minister, Deputy McEntee, in this area as well. There is a problem, however, and it is urgent. I refer to what to do about the children and their mothers, or fathers, who have been before the courts in the context of some cases where gardaí were ordered by the courts to go into classrooms, take the children out and place them in the hands of the person from whom they were previously taken. It is, to say the least, a contradiction. It is dangerous. The unfortunate part is the use of section 47, which is drawn from Dr. Richard Gardner's proposals in the United States. These have been discredited. To my mind, they are disgraceful in the sense that children, and their mothers in particular, have been left crying in the court. In some cases, the mother was placed in a cell while the matter was being discussed.
The case the Deputy referred to is a difficult one. These are difficult situations. We wish to see the child being put at the centre of proceedings. It is important that the needs of the child are considered. Situations, such as those mentioned by the Deputy, where children are taken out of school do not sound like a good situation for any child to be placed in.
I have asked my officials to prioritise this action in respect of the family justice strategy, which is to support children and includes as a priority an action to examine the role of expert reports in the family law process and make recommendations regarding their future application and function. The action will consider the commissioning and the availability of these reports, including their contents and future use. I have asked my officials to prioritise this undertaking. The Deputy has raised this issue with me. As I said, this work will be led in early 2023 by the Department of Justice, working closely with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. It is envisaged that the recommendations arising from the examination will enable the system to clearly hear the voice of children to ensure they are supported in their own right and that their safety, security and best interests are paramount and that they are not allowed to be used as pawns in what can be difficult and acrimonious situations.
The sad and tragic fact in these types of situations is that not only are the children treated as pawns, but they are also treated in the way that previous generations treated children in concentration camps. Their minds are taken to be reformed and reoriented in such a way that they will see a disadvantage as being an advantage, and vice versa. This leads to a situation of confusion, obviously, and terrible trauma insofar as the mothers are concerned. Some mothers have been forcibly separated from their children for up to three and four years to prove a point. In the case of vindictiveness, these kinds of things will happen. Worst of all, however, the section 47 reports are not being questioned. There is no allowance for cross-questioning of them. This must stop as a matter of urgency.
I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. This was the first topic I spoke on in the Dáil. I refer to the importance of having assessors trained in coercive control and other coercive behaviours regarding section 47 reports. I also said they should have the capacity to understand manipulation, where it exists. The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice has just considered these points and broader questions concerning enforcement of custody and access. I refer in particular to the insidious use of our State's court structure to further coercive or manipulating behaviour of another parent, of either gender, and the difficult nature of protecting children in these circumstances. Some steps in this regard have been taken, which are welcome, but these developments need to go much further in the new family law system to protect against the use of coercive and manipulative behaviours throughout the family court structure.
The Minister, Deputy McEntee, announced the new family justice system that is being put in place. This new system will improve the situation. She consulted with several groups and is committed to dealing with this issue. The Department of Justice has also arranged for a separate strand of independent research into parental alienation to be carried out last year. I am pleased to say that a final report has been received by my Department and it is now being reviewed. It is expected that the research and the public consultation will create a deeper understanding of the issue and inform the Department's consideration of policy and law in this area. Work is ongoing to integrate these strands of work and I expect a report outlining the outcome of the research and the consultation process, and any resulting recommendations that arise from it, in due course. The Deputies, though, are correct. We must do something about this issue.
Question No. 13 taken with Written Answers.
An Garda Síochána
Peter Fitzpatrick
Question:14. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Justice when bodycams will be introduced, and training provided to members in using these bodycams in view of the recent assault on members of An Garda Síochána; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60623/22]
This question is to ask the Minister when bodycams will be introduced and training provided to members of An Garda Síochána in respect of using them in view of the recent assaults on members of the force, and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I am sure Deputies will join me in condemning, in the strongest possible way, any attacks on members of An Garda Síochána and other front-line services. We are all immensely grateful to all gardaí for their outstanding dedication and commitment to serving the public. Communities up and down the country have paid warm tributes to gardaí throughout this centenary year. Attacks on the Garda cause injury, not only to the victims, but to communities as a whole. An attack on a member of An Garda Síochána is an attack on the safety of us all. It is imperative that front-line workers are protected in carrying out their work and that the law reflects and responds to the situations in which they find themselves.
The unprecedented €2.14 billion allocated to An Garda Síochána under budget 2023 demonstrates the Government’s commitment to ensuring that the Garda has the resources needed to carry out its vital service. This includes the provision of €3 million for preparatory work to support the introduction of body-worn cameras, along with €6 million for new ballistic vests to protect front-line gardaí.
The Deputy may be aware the Government published the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Bill 2022 on 4 August last, which will provide a legal basis for the deployment and use of body-worn cameras by An Garda Síochána.
The Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland stated in its report that policing organisations around the world have found that such devices can help improve front-line capability with the accurate recording of incidents, expedite analysis, enhance situational awareness and sometimes protect police from harm. While deployment of these devices, including related timelines, will be an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner once the legislation has been enacted, I hope that they will be brought into operation as quickly as possible.
The problem is there is no specific timeframe. There is no prioritisation of these. I believe they were supposed to be implemented in the next two years. The Garda members have asked me when gardaí can expect to wear these cameras. I am sure the Minister is fully aware of the benefits to gardaí of wearing these cameras.
No training has been provided or scheduled. As the Minister will be aware, in recent years in my constituency of County Louth we have had the murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe and also the tragic killing of Garda Tony Golden. In fairness, when a garda leaves his or her home, the family are hoping the garda will return safe and sound. This resource will be of major benefit to these gardaí. Will the Minister please answer the questions?
I thank the Deputy. I answered the question, but I will answer it again.
Any attacks on members of An Garda Síochána and other front-line services are strongly condemned. The Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Bill 2022 was published on 4 August last. It will provide a legal basis for the deployment and use of body-worn cameras by An Garda Síochána.
The Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland recommended the introduction of body-warn cameras. Policing organisations around the world have found such devices can help improve front-line capability with the accurate recording of incidents, expedite analysis, enhance situational awareness and sometimes protect police from harm. The Bill needs to be enacted before the body cameras will be deployed. The report has been prepared to go to Government and it will be going in the coming weeks.
I agree with the Deputy that these body cameras, or bodycams, are essential. It is essential the Garda Síochána is equipped with the most up-to-date technology to help gardaí do their job more effectively.
Recent comments by the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Varadkar, suggest more gardaí may be armed. That sounded a warning, especially for family members. Gardaí do not wear guns. If an intruder was coming to meet them, as it were, and all of a sudden a garda has a gun, it would change the whole situation. Will the Minister give us an update on the comments made by the Tánaiste?
We keep mentioning resources. I agree with the Minister that the body cameras will be a fantastic plus. I only hope the Bill can be passed as soon as possible. As I said to the Minister, the resources are so important. In other countries, they are wearing these camcorders and the results are beneficial to the protection and safety of their police. I would appreciate it if we could push the Bill as fast as we can.
There are families listening to this debate. On the comments the Tánaiste made, will the Minister give us an update on whether gardaí will be armed in the near future?
We will be bringing forward the Bill and I hope the Deputy will support us when we are bringing it through the Houses of the Oireachtas. I am sure the Deputy will.
The Deputy mentioned the Tánaiste. The Tánaiste was answering a direct question, and he answered it. He stated this was a matter for the Garda Commissioner, which it is. What the Tánaiste said was that if the Garda Commissioner requested additional supports or whatever, he would be happy to look at it if the Garda Commissioner looked for more armed gardaí. We have an effective armed response unit. They do excellent work.
The strength of An Garda Síochána has also been through policing by consent as an unarmed police force. As we have heard on many occasions in this centenary year, the Garda ethos is based not on force of arms but on its relationship with the community. I believe that ethos has served us well but I also believe we need to keep our streets safe. The Deputy mentioned bodycams. It is important, as I stated earlier, that gardaí are equipped with the right and most up-to-date equipment in terms of new technology to make sure they do their job.
Questions Nos. 15 and 16 taken with Written Answers.
We will fit in one last question. With Deputy Durkan's help, we might save a few seconds here.
Crime Prevention
Richard Bruton
Question:17. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice if she will outline the impact to date of new approaches to crime in areas of high incidence of crime and high risk of young people being recruited into a life of crime, and if there are lessons for the future. [60453/22]
This question I am taking for Deputy Bruton seeks to ascertain the impact to date of new approaches to crime in areas of high incidence of crime and of high risk of young people being permanently involved in crime, and what are the results.
My Department is committed to protecting all communities, especially those most affected by crime, to implementing policies designed to prevent our young people from falling into crime and, where they do, to providing them with a pathway to a better future free from crime.
It is important to say Ireland is, for the most part, a very safe place to live. According to the Garda Síochána public attitudes survey results published last week, less than 20% of those surveyed perceived crime in their local area as being a serious problem, and public trust in An Garda Síochána remains extremely high at 91%. While this level of support is unprecedented internationally, there is no room for complacency. There are clearly communities that are disadvantaged and where decent law-abiding residents are subjected to levels of crime that are not typical of the overall national situation. Those communities, whether it is in Darndale, Drogheda or Cherry Orchard, to mention a few, deserve our support and are getting it.
To support youth justice services and to ensure delivery of key objectives in the youth justice strategy, the Minister of State, Deputy Browne, secured an additional allocation of €6.7 million in budget 2022 and a further €2.5 million in 2023. This funding allows for expansion of services offered to young people by the youth diversion projects, which are funded by my Department. Three innovative pilot community safety schemes have also been trialled in Dublin's north inner city, Waterford and Longford. These pilot schemes are to run for 24 months with a view to then rolling them out nationwide. In addition, the community safety innovation fund was established in April 2021 to reinvest money seized from the proceeds of crime into community safety projects. A total of €2 million was awarded in funding across 22 projects, and a further €3 million in funding has been secured already under budget 2023.
Additional information not given on the floor of the House
Justice Plan 2022 commits to working to break the link between gangs and the children they seek to recruit, and we will continue to roll out the evidence-based community intervention programme "Greentown", which seeks to break the link between children who are engaged or at risk of engaging with a criminal gang. Additionally, in line with the commitment in the programme for Government and the youth justice strategy, my Department has this month launched a public consultation on appropriate diversion processes for young adults aged 18 to 24 who come into contact with the criminal justice system. It is well recognised internationally that more considered responses by justice systems for this age group may produce better results.
My Department is progressing the criminal justice (exploitation of children in the commission of offences) Bill, which aims to deal with those criminal elements who exploit children to advance their criminal activities. This Bill will criminalise adults who induce or groom children into committing offences, and I hope to bring it to Government for publication later this month.
By way of supplementary, I ask the extent to which the Minister and her Department have evaluated the measures to distract young people away from a life of crime. How successful are they? Is there evidence of a metric being taken to enable the Department and Deputy Humphreys, as Minister, to find out how successful the programmes are?
As I say, the Government continues its active priority focus on combating antisocial behaviour. Of course, we appreciate the damaging effect it can have on the quality of life for local communities.
A range of commitments are set out in the programme for Government and the Justice Plan 2022. There is included, in 2023, a €5 million increase in the overtime budget for An Garda Síochána to more than €100 million to support high-visibility policing to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour. In line with a programme for Government commitment, the Minister of State, Deputy Browne, established the expert forum on antisocial behaviour. The forum will 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. We keep all of these matters under review.
As the Deputy knows there is a big focus on diverting young people away from antisocial behaviour. We have the youth justice strategy and a number of other diversions projects to help them.
I urge the Minister of State in particular to advance the work he is beginning on a joint agency response to crime with regard to young offenders up to the age of 24. There is a necessity to target the 5% of this group who become persistent offenders. They are an extremely vulnerable group in many ways but there are persistent offenders who slip through the very successful youth diversion programmes we have that work so very well for so many children.
I thank the Deputy. The Minister of State, Deputy Browne is committed to the youth diversion projects. He has done a huge amount of work in this area. As Deputy Carroll MacNeill knows, these projects provide an invaluable support to complement the work of An Garda Síochána in addressing youth crime and protecting local communities.
Is féidir teacht ar Cheisteanna Scríofa ar www.oireachtas.ie.
Written Answers are published on the Oireachtas website.