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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 17 Apr 2018

Vol. 967 No. 4

Other Questions

Prisoner Transfers

Mick Wallace

Ceist:

37. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the prisoner transfer system; the number of prisoners seeking a transfer; his plans to bring forth legislation to deal with the Supreme Court ruling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16533/18]

I understand the reason for the suspension of the transfer of sentenced persons, which is due to the High Court and Supreme Court judgments of the past few years, but I do not understand the reason for such a prolonged delay in resolving the matter. I appreciate that this is complex and legislative or administrative changes may be necessary. The problem is now several years old and both the prisoners and their families do not see an end in sight right now. Will the Minister please provide an update on his attempts to resolve the matter?

I recently published the Transfer of Sentenced Persons Annual Report 2017 on my Department's website and laid the report before the Houses of the Oireachtas. This report outlines Ireland's operation of the Transfer of Sentenced Persons Acts during 2017. In July 2016 the Supreme Court dismissed the State's appeal in the case of O'Farrell, McDonald, Rafferty v. The Governor of Portlaoise Prison. The case concerned an appeal taken by the State against a judgment of the High Court ordering the release of the three named prisoners who had been transferred to Ireland from the UK under the provisions of the Transfer of Sentenced Prisoners Acts 1995 to 1997. The judgment is detailed and has complex implications for the process of transferring prisoners from other states, and in particular the UK, to Ireland.

As of 11 April 2018 there are 29 applications on hold following the Supreme Court judgment and 23 of these applications are from the UK. The principal issue in the judgment is the significantly different sentencing systems that operate in the UK and in this State. In particular, the judgment raises the issue of how best to adapt and administer under Irish law a foreign sentence that contains features not found in Irish sentences. This is important, as it is not possible to operate a prisoner transfer system where there is uncertainty on the part of either the transferring or receiving State as to the length of sentence to be served by the prisoner concerned.

The complex legal and administrative implications of this judgment are being examined by my Department in consultation with the Attorney General's office. Detailed legal advice has been received and an amendment of the Transfer of Sentenced Prisoners Acts will be required. Work is under way on drafting that amendment and I will bring a proposal to the Government as soon as possible. In the meantime I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that all the applicants and officials in the appropriate sentencing states have been informed of the situation.

As I understand it, if a prisoner applied for repatriation before July 2016, the prisoner should have received a letter from the Irish Prison Service advising of the current situation and indicating that the application is on hold. However, if a prisoner applied for repatriation after July 2016, no processing of the application has taken place. The Minister can correct me if I am wrong about that. Given the substantial backlog in applications, will the Minister confirm if there has been a complete suspension of any and all activities in the processing of these applications?

A family has been in contact with me which has a son in prison in Australia. That family is seriously upset and frustrated but they made a very sensible proposal.

It is that, while we are waiting for the legislation to be amended, all necessary steps in respect of paperwork and other tasks to facilitate transfers should continue to be processed as far as possible. This would speed up the transfer of prisoners when the suspension is eventually lifted as many administrative and other tasks that can be done in the meantime will be completed and fully up to date. It would also let the prisoners and their families know they are not being abandoned and there is some hope.

There are 29 applications on hold from applicants wishing to transfer to Ireland to serve the remainder of their sentences within this jurisdiction. These applications include 17 from the UK, four from Northern Ireland, two from Australia, which I think is one of the two of interest to the Deputy, one from France, two from Scotland and three from Spain. On the basis of legal advice received, let me assure the Deputy that we are examining those applications made by prisoners in countries other than the United Kingdom. Sentences imposed there may not require adaption. This examination is ongoing. I understand it includes the specific case referred to by Deputy Wallace. The examination will be completed as soon as possible and I would be happy to engage bilaterally with the Deputy on the case he referred to.

I thank the Minister and will make contact with him. The Department previously indicated that the necessary legislative changes would be considered in the context of the European Union framework decision 2008/909/JHA which governs the transfer of prisoners between EU member states. The heads of a Bill to transpose the framework decision has been approved since 2013 but has not been brought before the Dáil. Is there progress on this? We agree this is a human rights issue. The argument for encouraging the transfer of sentenced persons has a strong basis in international human rights law. One of the main reason for the transfer of prisoners is to prevent others from being punished for someone else's crime, namely the parents. As can be imagined, if a person is in jail in Australia it is incredibly harsh on the parents. They can never see their child, irrespective of what he or she has done. The person is serving time in prison for what he or she has done but the parents should not be punished as well. I am glad of the Minister's point about making contact and I look forward to doing that.

The Deputy will appreciate that the principle underpinning the convention is that once the transfer takes place the home jurisdiction manages the sentencing according to its laws. I refer to how we manage our prisoners here and those transferred back or into this jurisdiction in accordance with Irish law. The policy of the convention, which is based on humanitarian considerations, is to overcome difficulties that might be posed for prisoners serving sentences in foreign jurisdictions. I refer to such difficulties as the absence of contact with relatives and differences in language and culture that may apply from time to time. In this respect, it has long been established Government policy that, whenever possible, prisoners should be permitted to serve their sentences close to their families. I ask the Deputy to appreciate that there are some complex legal and administrative issues here which arose on the decision of the courts. We are working through them and I would be happy to keep the House informed on progress on this issue.

Garda Strength

Lisa Chambers

Ceist:

38. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of new Garda recruits assigned to each Garda station in County Mayo in each of the years 2014 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16563/18]

I should state at the outset that the distribution of Garda personnel, including the allocation of newly attested gardaí, is exclusively the statutory responsibility of the Garda Commissioner. Notwithstanding the Commissioner's responsibility, I have provided for the record, in tabular form, the detailed information requested by the Deputy.

I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that, as of the 28 February 2018, the latest date for which figures are available, the strength of the Mayo division was 328. When appropriate, the work of local gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the armed support units, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau. I assure the House that the Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and to deter crime. To make this a reality for everybody, the Government has in place a plan for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021, including 15,000 Garda members.

Real, tangible progress has been made towards this goal. Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increased to 13,551 at the end of last year, a net increase of over 600 since the end of 2016. The Deputy will be aware that in 2010 a previous Government closed the Garda College and imposed a moratorium - the measures imposed at that time had a negative impact on garda numbers across all divisions and the legacy of these decisions continues to have consequences for policing. When it had brought about an early exit from the bailout and stabilised the public finances in September 2014, the then Government responded and the college in Templemore has since reopened and just under 1,800 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and are performing mainstream duties nationwide, 19 of whom have been assigned to the Mayo division.

Probationer Garda Allocations 2015 – 2018*

DIVISION

STATION

2015

2016

2017

2018

Total

MAYO

CASTLEBAR

5

0

10

0

15

BALLINA

0

0

4

0

4

Total

5

0

14

0

19

* To date in 2018

We know that the Minister's Government likes to hark back to 2010 and even further back. However, we need to deal with 2018 and current Government commitments. If the Minister says he has increased the Garda numbers in Mayo up to 328, that means an increase on last year of a grand total of 12 extra gardaí for the entire county. Last year, the figure for the traffic corps in Mayo was 11. To put that into perspective, in 2010 it was 27. Even if we take all of the brand new shiny 12 gardaí that the Minister has managed to give County Mayo this year and put them all into the traffic corps, we would still only be at 23. If we went back eight years we had 27. We are not actually getting to grips with the deficit in Garda numbers in Mayo. I appreciate that much of the focus of this Government appears to be more on the urban centres but rural crime, whether the Minister likes to accept it or not, is a massive issue. It is frightening people. They do not feel that they are properly protected because they know they do not have adequate numbers of gardaí. Will the Minister confirm how many gardaí went into the traffic corps and is he satisfied that an increase of 12 gardaí for a county the size of Mayo is sufficient to provide the policing that he has just articulated?

I have the figures in front of me for the division Garda numbers for December 2009 to now. There are more gardaí now in County Mayo than there were in 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 and in 2009. I can go back further if the Deputy wishes. However, I am pleased that funding has been provided to maintain this high level of investment in the Garda workforce. This year a further 800 new Garda recruits will enter the Garda College. In total, 800 Garda trainees are scheduled to attest during this year and 200 of these attested last month. Taking account of projected retirements, Garda numbers are on track to reach a total of 14,000 by the end of this year. The focus on investment in personnel is critical. We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the Commissioner with the resources needed to deploy increasing numbers of gardaí. Undoubtedly, the ongoing recruitment process will support all Garda activities, enhance Garda visibility within our communities and enable the Commissioner to provide additional resources across every division, including the Mayo division as new Garda recruits come onstream.

I have the figures provided by the Minister's Department in front of me as well. While we have an increase this year, my point is that it is 12. That is minuscule. The figure was on a downwards trajectory from 2011 to 2016. The increase is really only bringing us back up to 2008 levels. My point is that we need to police our country and enforce our laws.

We also have a second challenge born of the controversies with An Garda Síochána in recent years. We need to rebuild confidence.

Let us consider the strength of the traffic corps. At the end of last year we had 11 members of the traffic corps in County Mayo. Even if we directed all 12 of the new gardaí assigned to Mayo, which is unlikely to happen, we would still only be at 23, which is below the 2010 level by four. There was a commitment that the traffic corps numbers would increase by 10% by the end of last year, but that did not happen. The numbers were meant to increase by a further 10% this year. Will the Minister tell the House whether that will happen?

It is important that justice is seen to be done and that we enforce our laws. However, I do not believe the Minister or his Department are doing enough to rebuild the confidence that has been lost in An Garda Síochána because of the numerous controversies that have shaken the force in recent years. County Mayo deserves the same level of commitment as other parts of the country.

I am sure Deputy Chambers will accept the fact that the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources across the various Garda divisions and districts. As Minister for Justice and Equality I have no direct role in this matter. If I had, I imagine Deputy O'Callaghan and others would have something to say about it that might not be too complimentary. I am assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, including road traffic issues, to ensure optimum use is made of these resources. I assure the House that the Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country to maintain the strength of community engagement and provide reassurance to citizens. Members will be aware that the increase in Garda numbers last year represented the first significant increase since numbers stared falling in 2009, and that is good to see. It is great that we have been able to drive this level of recruitment. It has seen the number of gardaí assigned to the Mayo division increase by 30 as of 28 February last, the latest date for which figures are readily available, as compared with the end of 2014.

Undoubtedly, the investment in resources and the ongoing recruitment process will support Garda activities and enable the Commissioner to provide additional resources to County Mayo in response to the Deputy's submissions.

Criminal Law

Jim O'Callaghan

Ceist:

39. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline the status of his review into the legal protections offered to complainants in sexual assault cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16488/18]

I wish to ask the Minister for Justice and Equality about victims of sexual assault and rape. What steps does the Minister believe can be taken to encourage victims of sexual assault and rape to make complaints if they have been the victims of those criminal acts?

I imagine we can agree that one of the significant policy issues or problems that needs to be addressed is that significant numbers of victims are deterred from making official complaints when they have been the victims of crime. What steps does the Minister believe should be taken to deal with that?

As the Deputy will be aware, the Government has given significant consideration to law on sexual offences in recent years, including with regard to the needs of the complainant. The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 provides for a statutory definition of consent and other measures that give protections to complainants during court proceedings. I intend to bring forward further legislation this year, including the criminal law (sexual offences) (amendment) Bill 2018, the general scheme of which has been published. The Bill will deal with sentencing for sexual offenders. Further legislation will strengthen post-release supervision of sex offenders.

Other provisions serve to protect complainants in sexual offence cases from any additional trauma arising from the criminal process, including restrictions on public attendance at hearings and on press reporting. An Garda Síochána has begun a programme of establishing divisional protective services offices with specially trained staff to investigate these difficult crimes. The recently enacted Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Act 2017 has significantly enhanced protections for victims of crime, including victims of sexual offences.

The Deputy will also be aware that complainants in sexual offence cases can access legal advice in certain limited circumstances. This is given effect through the Legal Aid Board, which provides a legal advice service free of charge to complainants in prosecutions for certain rape and sexual assault cases. A person seeking this service is not required to undergo a means test or to make any financial contribution. A legal aid service is also provided in certain rape and sexual offences cases where the complainant's prior sexual experience has been raised by the defence in the course of the trial. In these instances the Legal Aid Board will appoint a solicitor and a barrister to represent the complainant where the issue of previous sexual history is being raised. This service is also available without a means test.

In this context, I am examining the investigation and prosecution of sexual offences as a whole to identify any scope for further practical or legislative steps that would support victims of sexual offences while fully respecting the rights of the accused.

We need to try to identify why so many victims of sexual assault and rape do not report the crime. Part of the reason is that in many instances they know the perpetrators, but it is unquestionably the case as well that another part of the reason is that they are deterred by the process. Part of the reason they are deterred by the process is that they think it is an alien process and one under which they will be challenged. This can mean issues in respect of their personal lives may be unnecessarily exposed.

We need to do something to create greater legislative support for people who are victims of crime and who are deterred from making a complaint in respect of sexual assault or rape. One method by which we could do this is to ensure that any individual who makes a complaint to An Garda Síochána in respect of sexual assault or rape would be given legal advice immediately by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. This legal advice could include advice on the process involved for such an individual. Many people are unaware that victims will have to give statements, other relevant witnesses will have to give statements, disclosure will have to be made to the person accused if there is to be a prosecution, and that subsequently there will be a trial at which the victim will have to give evidence and be cross-examined. We need to recognise that the lack of knowledge and awareness on the part of victims in respect of this matter is acting as a deterrent. We need to encourage them.

I am open to hearing from the Deputy about any submissions, observations or draft legislation. I know he has introduced some legislation in this area. I welcome that and I give my commitment to Deputy O'Callaghan, Deputy Ó Laoghaire and other Deputies that I am keen to listen and engage to ensure we can have the best possible legal system to deal with these deeply sensitive and personal issues.

The Government recently approved the drafting of the criminal law (sexual offences) (amendment) Bill following publication of the general scheme earlier this year. The main purpose is to provide for presumptive minimum sentences for repeat sexual offenders. The Bill also contains provisions relating to the crime of incest.

I will shortly bring to Cabinet the general scheme of a sex offenders (amendment) Bill. The scheme proposes several amendments to the Sex Offenders Act 2001 following a review of the management of offenders under that Act. The scheme includes several amendments to notification requirements on the sex offenders register under the 2001 Act as well as provisions for electronic monitoring of sex offenders and court powers to prohibit a sex offender from working with children. The important thing is to ensure that our courts system is no longer a cold and distant place for complainants or victims of crime.

The Minister is correct in saying that Fianna Fáil will be introducing legislation seeking to give effect to what I outlined earlier, that is to say, providing legal aid to a victim of sexual assault or rape at an early stage at the time he or she makes the complaint. We should bear in mind that the accused gets legal aid from the time the complaint is made. There should be a similar structure of to provide support to victims of such crimes. We believe it is important that they be provided with legal aid at an early stage as well as legal representation in certain limited circumstances.

We should recognise, however, that no matter what changes we make to our legal system, there will always be a difficulty when we have two conflicting accounts of what occurred on a particular occasion. If one person states that there was consent and another person states that there was not consent, we will always have a difficulty unless we have extraneous evidence corroborating one side or the other. No matter what system we have, it will always be difficult to determine where fault lies or if fault arises when we have two conflicting accounts in respect of consent. In any event, that should not deter us from trying to come up with new measures that will provide support to victims so that they can make a complaint in the knowledge of what will happen. No one could complain if we had a fair and supportive system that allowed a complainant to make a complaint and that allowed the process of justice then to take its course.

While the Deputy spoke of the matter of consent and the definition of it, and the legal position surrounding consent or the absence thereof, I want to refer to the recently passed Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act which introduced, for the first time, a statutory definition of consent to a sexual act. It states that a person does not consent to a sexual act if they allow the act to take place due to the application of force, or the threat of the use of such force. It also states that a person cannot consent if they are unconscious, asleep or intoxicated from alcohol use or any other substance. It further states that a person does not give consent if they are mistaken as to the nature or purpose of the act.

I agree with what Deputy O'Callaghan said. We can look at that further. At the request of the Attorney General, the Law Reform Commission has undertaken to examine and make further recommendations on the issue of a reasonableness test for an honest belief of consent.

In the context of the review that I recently announced, I intend to meet Rape Crisis Network Ireland and other representative groups in the next few days. The legal protections for complainants will form part of that review, which will include consultation with relevant stakeholders and take account of proposals made in this area such as the recent Rape Crisis Network Ireland convened interagency group report on vulnerable witnesses. The terms of reference of this review are currently being finalised. I would be happy to keep the House informed. I acknowledge the contributions of Deputies Ó Laoghaire and O'Callaghan and others in this area, and I would be happy to commit to working with them.

Question No. 40 replied to with Written Answers.

Garda Reports

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

41. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the report by An Garda Síochána regarding an incident (details supplied) in County Louth; and his further views on the need for a public inquiry into the matter. [16541/18]

The Minister published in the past month the report of a review into events in Omeath in October 2015 in which Garda Tony Golden was killed, Siobhán Phillips was previously wounded and Cravan Mackin took his own life. It was a shocking case. Garda Tony Golden was a very popular community garda. I would like to hear the Minister's response to the need for a public inquiry into this incident.

Garda Tony Golden lost his life in October 2015 serving his community. His death on that day has robbed the Golden family of a dearly loved husband, father, brother and son. A young woman suffered serious injuries as a result of the events of that day and she has also endured a great deal. It is important that we are sensitive to those who suffered so greatly as a result of the dreadful events in Omeath.

As the Deputy is aware, in late 2017 I received a report from the Garda Commissioner in regard to the review by the Garda authorities of the events surrounding the fatal shooting of Garda Golden. Conscious of the gravity of the matter and concerns expressed publicly by local public representatives, I decided in the public interest to publish the Garda report by laying it before the Houses. Following consultation with the Attorney General and the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, the report was subject to a number of minor but necessary redactions for legal, data protection and security reasons.

I would emphasise that the key and clear finding of the review was that the actions of Garda Tony Golden were beyond reproach.  He was an exemplary member of An Garda Síochána.

While the report highlights, inter alia, that two incidents of domestic violence were not recorded in accordance with the relevant policy and procedures, the report indicates it does not appear that the classification of the incidents was a causative factor in these tragic events in the night of the shootings.

The House should note that certain allegations in respect of the tragic events at Omeath are the subject of two investigations by GSOC and that these investigations are ongoing.  GSOC, as the Deputy will appreciate, carries out its work independently and it is essential that it should be allowed to do so without hindrance.

Since these dreadful events, I am informed that An Garda Síochána has taken necessary actions in a number of areas, especially in supporting vulnerable victims of crime, particularly where incidents of criminality occur in a domestic setting. I note also that the Policing Authority continues to monitor the work of An Garda Síochána on the classification of crime.

I would agree it is the case that the report clearly underlines that Garda Tony Golden was beyond reproach and a very valuable community garda. Notwithstanding that, significant matters of public interest are raised by the report and the events in Omeath in 2015. The report acknowledges, in particular, that the two incidents of domestic violence were not recorded properly by the Garda and that the report should have been taken at the first Garda station to which they presented. It also acknowledges that Craven Mackin's record of involvement with weapons and explosives was not disseminated to the general Garda membership in County Louth or noted on the system despite the special detective unit having knowledge that Craven Mackin was a dangerous individual. This failure meant that Garda Golden was not informed of Craven Mackin's history of violence and possession of weapons. I want to hear the Minister's response as to why that would have been the case, whether he is satisfied that was an appropriate way for the special detective unit to act and whether Garda Golden and his colleagues should surely have had the information that Craven Mackin was a dangerous individual while dealing with that case.

In accordance with the long-standing practice and procedure of this House, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the detail of allegations being made. I know there has been comment on the decisions made in respect of the charging of an individual with certain offences but it is important to make the point that the decision in respect of prosecution of offences are matters for the Director of Public Prosecutions who is fully independent, in accordance with the law, in the discharge of these functions. Such independence, being the cornerstone of our criminal justice system, has served the State well and it should be respected. It would not be fair of me at this stage to comment on certain allegations that have been made and allegations that are before the independent Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission in any event.

The Minister spoke of allegations but what I quoted are statements of fact outlined in the Garda's report. The Minister has repeatedly made reference to GSOC. It is stating very clearly that it does not have the resources or the capability to reach this. That is not a satisfactory answer for the family or with respect to the matters of public interest. This is clearly an issue that needs to be dealt with. I believe it requires a public inquiry.

The review report states that a comprehensive investigation file was forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions on 10 May 2017. However, the Minister responded to Deputy Adams in December last, six or seven months after that, that the criminal investigation by the Garda Síochána was still ongoing. Therefore, why was the family not informed of this development in May 2017 and why, when the matter was raised with the Minister, was Deputy Adams not told that the investigation had concluded? Clearly, it had concluded six or seven months in advance of that. I would like an answer to that question. How did it happen that either the Minister was not informed or did not put the correct information on the record and why was the family not informed in an appropriate way? It is clear that if GSOC is not capable resource-wise, or otherwise, of dealing with this matter, surely there is a need for a public inquiry.

I have two issues with that. First, regarding Deputy Adams, I met him on this issue. I kept him fully informed. I do not have the date of the meeting with him but I was keen at all times to keep the Deputy, as the local representative, fully apprised of the position. Second, regarding GSOC, I agree with Deputy Ó Laoghaire that there is a strong case for GSOC's staffing and resources to be increased. It is not in anybody's interest that there is any perception that GSOC cannot fulfil its statutory mandate for want of resources. I will continue to do everything in my power to ensure that GSOC has the appropriate level of resources it requires.

I received a proposal from GSOC on 19 February. GSOC's business case envisages both short-term and medium-term staffing demands with a longer-term business case dependent on changing legislation. The business case seeks a total of 37 extra staff in the short to medium term. Some 24 of the additional staff would be for the investigations-operation side of the organisation, with the remaining 13 being administrative. That business case is currently being examined and will be the subject of further discussion with GSOC and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. It is important to note and recognise that GSOC's budget was boosted by €1 million to allow it to engage external staff to carry out an investigation into certain allegations.

Garda Deployment

Michael Moynihan

Ceist:

42. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of new recruits assigned to each Garda station in north County Cork in each of the years 2014 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16553/18]

Will the Minister also make a statement on the wider policing situation in north Cork?

The distribution of Garda personnel, including the allocation of newly attested gardaí, is exclusively the statutory responsibility of the Garda Commissioner. Notwithstanding that responsibility, I have provided in tabular form the detailed information requested by the Deputy.

I am informed by the acting Garda Commissioner that, as of 28 February, the latest date for which figures are available, the strength of the Cork north division was 326. When appropriate, the work of local gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the armed support units, the National Economic Crime Bureau and the National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.

The Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance for citizens and deter crime. To make this a reality for all, the Government has in place a plan for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021, including 15,000 members of An Garda Síochána. Real, tangible progress has been made towards this goal. Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increased to 13,551 at the end of 2017, a net increase of over 600 since the end of 2016.

The Deputy will be aware that in 2010 a previous Government closed the Garda College in Templemore and imposed a moratorium. These measures had a negative impact on Garda numbers across all divisions and the legacy of these decisions continues to have consequences for policing. When it had brought about an early exit from the bailout and stabilised the public finances, the then Government reopened the college in September 2014. Just under 1,800 recruits have since attested as members of An Garda Síochána and are performing mainstream duties nationwide, 20 of whom have been assigned to the Cork north division.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House

I am pleased that funding is in place to maintain this high level of investment in the Garda workforce. This year a further 800 new recruits will enter the Garda College. In total, 800 Garda trainees are scheduled to attest during the year, 200 of whom attested last month. Furthermore, Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, are on track to reach 14,000 by the end of 2018.

This focus on investment in personnel is critical. We are rebuilding the organisation and providing the acting Commissioner with the resources needed to deploy increasing numbers of gardaí. Undoubtedly, the ongoing recruitment process will support all Garda activities, enhance visibility within communities and enable the acting Commissioner to provide additional resources across every Garda division, including the Cork north division, as new Garda recruits continue to come on stream.

Probationer Garda Allocations 2015 – 2018*

DIVISION

STATION

2015

2016

2017

2018

TOTAL

CORK NORTH

MALLOW

0

5

5

0

10

MIDLETON

0

0

5

0

5

FERMOY

0

0

5

0

5

TOTAL

0

5

15

0

20

*To date in 2018

I asked the Minister in good faith about the number of gardaí in north Cork, but he added a political dimension to it with mention of the bailout and other issues. I do not want to go down that route but to ask a sincere question of the Minister. There were a number of reconfigurations of the Garda division covering the Kanturk, Mallow and Macroom areas from 2012 to 2014. A commitment was given at the time that the position would be reviewed and that numbers would be increased over time. The issue is that Kanturk Garda station which was the mainstay for the Duhallow region was closed and part of the staff were transferred to Macroom and Mallow. Some of the Kanturk area to within a mile or two of Kanturk Garda station is now being covered from Macroom. While the gardaí operating from there are very fine and doing a great job with limited resources, I asked the Minister how many new recruits were deployed to north Cork. If he wants to go down the political route, we can do so, but I am asking him in good faith to outline the plans for the Garda division and whether it is likely Kanturk Garda barracks will be reopened on a full-time basis following what happened between 2012 and 2014.

I do not have the information to hand on Kanturk Garda station, but I will be happy to provide it for the Deputy directly in the next few days. According to the information I have on Garda numbers from December 2009 to this year for the Cork north division, that division now has its highest number of gardaí since 2008, at a total of 326 as of February. The number was 324 in 2017, 316 in 2016, 298 in 2015, 297 in 2014 and so on. I will provide the table for the Deputy. I am pleased that funding is in place to maintain a high level of investment in the Garda workforce. This year 800 further Garda recruits will enter the Garda College. Some of them will be allocated to stations in the north Cork region.

Kanturk Garda station is only open at certain times. It used to be a mainstay, with a superintendent based in it. Part of the area is being covered from Mallow, while another is covered from Macroom. Will the Minister commit to considering the possibility of having the station reopened, as it is in the centre of the Duhallow region, ensuring a 24/7 Garda presence in the area?

I will be happy to provide the local information for the Deputy once I receive it from the Garda. I do not decide the opening hours of Garda stations, but I agree with the Deputy on investment. The focus on investment in personnel is critical. We are building the organisation and providing the acting Commissioner with the resources needed to deploy increasing numbers of gardaí. Undoubtedly, the ongoing recruitment process will support all Garda activities, enhance visibility within communities and enable the acting Commissioner to provide additional resources across every Garda division, including north Cork, as Garda recruits continue to come on stream. On the specific information being sought by the Deputy, I will drop him a note in the next few days.

I will make a suggestion to the House in view of the time constraints. As two Deputies have been waiting a considerable time, I ask that they forfeit the 30 seconds they have to introduce their questions. I will then allow them to ask one supplementary question each.

Question No. 43 replied to with Written Answers.

Garda Deployment

Bobby Aylward

Ceist:

44. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of new recruits assigned to each Garda station in counties Carlow and Kilkenny in each of the years 2014 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16547/18]

The distribution of Garda personnel, including the allocation of newly attested gardaí, is the statutory responsibility of the Garda Commissioner. Notwithstanding this, I have provided in tabular form the detailed information requested by the Deputy. He will be aware from the replies to his previous questions that we are anxious to ensure the acting Commissioner will be able to provide additional resources across all divisions, including Kilkenny and Carlow, as new Garda recruits come on stream.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House

I am informed by the acting Garda Commissioner that, as of 28 February, the latest date for which figures are available, the strength of the Kilkenny-Carlow division was 327. When appropriate, the work of local gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the armed support units, the National Economic Crime Bureau and the National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.

The Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance for citizens and deter crime. To make this a reality for all, the Government has in place a plan for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021, including 15,000 Garda members. Real, tangible progress has been made towards this goal. Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increased to 13,551 at the end of 2017, a net increase of over 600 since the end of 2016.

The Deputy will be aware that in 2010 a previous Government closed the Garda College and imposed a moratorium. These measures imposed a negative impact on Garda numbers across all divisions and the legacy of these decisions continues to have consequences for policing. When it had brought about an early exit from the bailout and stabilised the public finances, the then Government reopened the college in September 2014. Just under 1,800 recruits have since attested as members of An Garda Síochána and are performing mainstream duties nationwide, 53 of whom have been assigned to the Kilkenny-Carlow division.

I am pleased that funding is in place to maintain this high level of investment in the Garda workforce. This year a further 800 new recruits will enter the Garda College. In total, 800 Garda trainees are scheduled to attest during the year, 200 of whom attested last month. Furthermore, Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, are on track to reach 14,000 by the end of 2018.

This focus on investment in personnel is critical. We are rebuilding the organisation and providing the acting Commissioner with the resources needed to deploy increasing numbers of gardaí. Undoubtedly, the ongoing recruitment process will support all Garda activities, enhance visibility within communities and enable the acting Commissioner to provide additional resources across every Garda division, including Kilkenny-Carlow, as new Garda recruits continue to come on stream.

Probationer Garda Allocations 2015 – 2018*

DIVISION

STATION

2015

2016

2017

2018

TOTAL

KILKENNY / CARLOW

KILKENNY

5

5

19

4

33

CARLOW

4

5

11

0

20

TOTAL

9

10

30

4

53

*To date in 2018

I thank the Minister for taking this question. We are on the run-in. As I have raised questions about this matter many times before, I will not go into all of the detail. Will the Minister update the House on the position regarding the provision of CCTV systems? It was agreed between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael in the programme for Government that CCTV cameras would be erected at all motorway junctions. As I have not received a satisfactory answer to this question before, I will ask it again. Can it be done? Will a timescale be set? Gangs are travelling from the main cities to rural Ireland via motorways in order to rob people and are on the motorway again within ten, 20 or 30 minutes. The only way to stop them is via the use of CCTV cameras. When will they be erected? What will the cost be and will it be done before the next general election?

Community policing is also important. I keep emphasising that every Garda station should have a community liaison officer. As people trust community liaison officers, the more we have, the better.

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for allowing me to ask my questions.

I am anxious to ensure all interested groups in urban and rural areas will take advantage of the grants scheme available in my Department. Last year I announced an annual sum of €1 million for three years which would be ringfenced for community CCTV system grants. The number of applications to date is lower than I wished for.

I ask all Deputies, including Deputy Aylward, to spread the word that these grants are available. Support and guidance is also available to help interested groups apply for the funding. I strongly encourage interested groups to contact my Department for assistance. We have set up a dedicated email address for this purpose, which is communitycctv@justice.ie. Bearing in mind that all applications approved to date have been from local authorities, any local authorities that have not yet applied may also find it useful to consider consulting their counterparts in other areas. I am not sure if I have an application from Kilkenny but I have an application approved for the adjoining county of Wexford. I am anxious to ensure - I see three rural Deputies in the House - that we provide the appropriate level of information to community groups to allow them to make the application. Grant aid and assistance in my Department will be up to €40,000 per application.

We agreed we would take one supplementary question. Otherwise I will have to deprive Deputy Casey of his opportunity.

All I want to say is the CCTV I am talking about is not the community CCTV in villages. I am talking about CCTV coming off motorways which should be sponsored by TII and the Government.

The final question-----

The Garda scheme is being progressed across many areas, as is the roll-out of the automatic number plate recognition introduced by An Garda Síochána which has been fitted to a number of Garda vehicles. It is being used day and night throughout the country, including in Kilkenny. It is assisting in the prevention and detection of crime. Garda cars, particularly new ones, are being fitted with this device which will allow them to recognise automatically the number of a car in the area.

Garda Deployment

Pat Casey

Ceist:

45. Deputy Pat Casey asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of new Garda recruits assigned to each Garda station in County Wicklow in each of the years 2014 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16578/18]

I thank Deputy Casey for his question. I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that as of 28 February 2018, the latest date for which figures are available, the strength of the Wicklow division was 306. When appropriate, the work of local gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the armed support units, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau. I assure the House the Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime. To make this a reality for all, the Government has in place a plan for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021, including 15,000 Garda members.

I assure Deputy Casey the recruitment of Garda Síochána is continuing apace. Just under 1,800 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and are performing mainstream duties nationwide. Of these, 31 have been assigned to the Wicklow division. While it is an issue for the Garda Commissioner, Deputy Casey will be pleased to hear the allocation of gardaí in the Bray and Wicklow stations is on the up. I am sure that with further gardaí coming out of Templemore later this year, the acting Commissioner, in his wisdom, will look at Wicklow as he does other areas in the country.

I thank the Minister for his reply. I sincerely hope the Commissioner looks at Wicklow because Wicklow has seen a continual decline in Garda numbers since 2009. In 2009, there were 360, which reduced to 355, 339, 334, 328 and all the way down to 299 in 2017. Last year, the number of inspectors decreased from nine to five. The number in our traffic corps has reduced from 30 to 16. The number of our community gardaí has reduced from 23 to 13. The number of Garda reservists has gone from 41 down to 20. This is unfair. The Commissioner has to look at it. We are all aware of rural crime. The Minister mentioned it. My colleague has mentioned before, as I have, the importance of CCTV to detect crimes concerning those coming off the motorways from Dublin.

The last time I spoke to the Minister in the Chamber I mentioned CCTV for Arklow and I thank him for ensuring that funding has come through for Arklow. The town team is working its way through that process. I thank the Minister for that.

We have seen a continual decline in Garda numbers for nearly ten years in Wicklow and we need to address it moving forward.

I thank Deputy Casey for what he said. I assure him that plans are on track to recruit 800 Garda trainees this year and 200 are in the Garda College in Templemore. I am happy to convey the Deputy's views on the distribution of resources, as stated here in the House, to the Garda Commissioner.

That concludes-----

May I make a very brief point on an earlier question?

I wish to clarify an aspect of my reply in respect of Question No. 32 regarding my proposals to give effect to the Ombudsman's recommendations. In my reply I stated the Ombudsman's recommendations referred to applications already received from a training or industrial school located in the same grounds as one of the 12 named institutions. However, it could not be restricted to existing applicants so at a minimum it would extend the scheme to at least another eight institutions. I wish to clarify that the implementation of the Ombudsman's recommendation with regard to eligibility for the redress scheme will be considered by an interdepartmental group chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach which will be established in the coming days. The terms of reference will be agreed in consultation with the Ombudsman. I do not wish to pre-empt that process but I will keep the House updated.

Written Answers are published on the Oireachtas website.
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