Written Answers Nos. 324-343
324. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the resources and trained Garda personnel are in place for each of the divisional protection services units established to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7111/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Garda Síochána Act 2005 as amended, the Garda Commissioner has responsibility for management of An Garda Síochána and for the allocation and efficient use of Garda resources. This includes responsibility for the distribution of personnel across the various Garda Divisions. As Minister I have no direct role in these matters. I understand, however, that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.
I have been informed by the Commissioner that 16 Divisional Protective Services Units (DPSUs) are now operational across 15 Divisions.
I am further informed that each DPSU is provided with dedicated office space for use in the provision of services that fall within its remit. Appropriate equipment, including IT equipment, has been provided for use within the DPSUs, along with one or more vehicles assigned for use by personnel attached to the relevant unit.
I understand that personnel assigned to DPSUs have been provided with a bespoke training course consisting of a number of modules addressing issues such as: investigation of sexual crime; child protection; investigation of domestic abuse; online child exploitation and sex offender management. This training course has been developed by the Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB), in conjunction with the Garda College.
I am assured that An Garda Síochána continues to implement the roll-out of DPSUs nationwide and aims to ensure that a DPSU will be in operation within every Garda Síochána division as soon as possible. Roll-out of these Units will meet a key commitment in A Policing Service for the Future , the four-year implementation plan giving effect to the recommendations of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland.
More broadly, the Deputy may be interested to know that addressing domestic abuse remains a key priority for An Garda Síochána and the justice sector as a whole at this time. In recognition of the added risk of domestic abuse at this time, my Department has led development of an inter-agency plan to address domestic abuse in the context of the Covid-19 crisis. This includes the provision of additional funding to frontline services, to ensure that supports and services remain available to victims and other measures to ensure that the civil and criminal justice system can continue to give priority to domestic abuse. An Garda Síochána continues to give priority to those who are at risk of domestic abuse, through a targeted operation “Operation Faoisimh”. And a public awareness campaign has also been launched, in partnership with the community and voluntary sector, to publicise the support which is still available. The campaign website www.stillhere.ie includes up to date information on domestic abuse and sexual violence, as well as information on the services and supports which are available to victims.
325. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda public order unit vans attached to each Garda division outside Dublin as at 11 May 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7112/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling the administration and business of An Garda Síochána. In addition, the allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Commissioner, in light of identified operational demands. This includes responsibility for the allocation of Garda vehicles among the various Garda Divisions.
As Minister, I have no role in these matters. I am assured, however, that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.
I understand that as part of the overall Garda fleet, a total of 29 vehicles categorised as public order vans are deployed nationally across all Garda regions. The following table, furnished to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the detail requested by the Deputy namely the public order vans attached to each Garda Division outside the Dublin Metropolitan Region as at 18 May 2020.
|
Division |
Public Order Vans |
|
Laois-Offaly Division |
1 |
|
Waterford Division |
1 |
|
Wicklow Division |
1 |
|
Donegal Division |
1 |
|
Galway Division |
1 |
|
Louth Division |
1 |
|
Clare Division |
1 |
|
Cork City Division |
2 |
|
Cork North Division |
1 |
|
Limerick Division |
1 |
|
Total (excluding DMR) |
11 |
Finally, it may be noted that significant capital investment is being made in An Garda Síochána. This includes a total of €46 million specifically for the Garda fleet between 2016 and 2021. Of this investment, a total of €9 million has been made available for purchase and fit-out of additional Garda vehicles in 2020. This continuing investment is intended to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit-for-purpose fleet and that Gardaí can be mobile, visible and responsive on the roads and in the community to prevent and tackle crime.
In that regard it may be of interest to the Deputy to know that, in order to protect the ongoing availability of vehicles and in anticipation of impacts of public health restrictions on motor factory or fit-out workplaces, 94 additional vehicles were purchased by the Garda authorities in March 2020 at a cost of €2.4m. The fit-out cost of these vehicles was €600,000. I am further advised that 210 hired vehicles have been allocated nationwide at this time, at a monthly hire cost €45,545, excluding fuel and other costs.
326. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the issuing of body worn cameras to each front-line Garda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7113/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland included a recommendation that An Garda Síochána develop a plan to deploy body worn cameras. The Implementation Plan for that report - A Policing Service for the Future - includes a related action in relation to legislative preparation for deployment of body worn cameras.
In June 2019, the Government approved the drafting of the general scheme of a Bill to allow for the introduction of body worn cameras by the Gardaí. My Department is working to progress a Bill to deal with that and related matters. It had been hoped to publish the general scheme of the Bill in 2019. However, progress has been slower than expected and it is now intended that the General Scheme will be ready for submission to Government by the end of June 2020. Approval of the General Scheme for publication will be a matter for the incoming Government. Subject to that approval and drafting, it is hoped that it will be possible to publish the Bill later in 2020. The intended timeline for enactment of the Bill is currently set for June 2021.
Both privacy and data protection issues are being fully considered during the drafting of the general scheme of the Bill. Relevant stakeholders such as the Irish Council for Civil Liberties and the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission have been consulted.
I understand that in parallel, a business case is being prepared by An Garda Síochána in relation to the introduction of these cameras for operational members. I expect that this will be submitted to my Department after approval by the Commissioner.
327. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a new competition for Garda collision forensic investigators will be held in Q4 of 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7114/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the management of An Garda Síochána, including personnel matters and efficient use of resources. As Minister, I have no responsibility for these matters. I am assured however that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that there are no plans at present to hold a competition for the position of Garda Forensic Collision Investigator in 2020.
I am further informed that the numbers trained in Forensic Collision Investigation currently meet the required number for An Garda Síochána. The following table, furnished to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the numbers trained in Forensic Collision Investigation per Region, for the information of the Deputy.
Current Number of FCIs By Region
|
Area |
Number |
|
DMR |
7 |
|
North Western Region |
13 |
|
Southern Region |
12 |
|
Eastern Region |
10 |
328. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated amount it would cost in 2021 if the budget for Irish Naturalisation and Immigrant Service increased by 6%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7115/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that the financial allocations are a matter for determination in the course of the estimates process in the normal way.
Following the recent transformation programme within my Department, the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) is no longer a dedicated function within the Department. Its operations have transferred between various other functional areas including Immigration Service Delivery and the budget allocation has also been appropriated between these relevant units.
I can inform the Deputy that the outturn for INIS was €72.6 million last year. This figure does not include Direct Provision or certain funding streams in relation to refugee and migrant integration. An indicative increase of 6% would be in the region of €4.3 million, but reflected in a range of areas throughout the vote rather than in one specific immigration subhead.
329. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of an application by a person (details supplied) to transfer to an Irish prison under the Transfer of Sentenced Persons Act 1995; the reason the application has been in the Office of the Chief State Solicitor for more than 12 months; when it will conclude its consideration of the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7174/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Irish Prison Service that it is aware of the application referred to, and that the application made on behalf of the person referred to is under consideration.
The Deputy will appreciate that this area is extremely complicated, has resulted in a number of legal challenges over the past number of years and that applications can take a considerable period of time to assess and complete.
I am advised by the Prison Service that all matters referred to the Chief State Solicitor’s Office in this instance are now complete. I am further advised that the application referred to is in the final stages of processing.
The Deputy will appreciate that I am not in a position to provide further information regarding this or any other individual case.
331. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which persons on stamp 4 or other similar or related categories of stamp have had their status updated notwithstanding the impact of Covid-19; if their legal position is clear, with particular reference to those who have lived in this jurisdiction for several years with and without authorisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7199/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that in light of the current uncertainties caused by the Coronavirus pandemic, COVID-19, I have announced that immigration permissions, due to expire between 20 May 2020 and 20 July 2020, have been automatically extended for two months.
This includes people in Ireland on short stay visas and those whose permissions have already been extended by the previous notice, which extended permissions between 20 March 2020 and 20 May 2020. The renewal of permission is on the same basis as the existing permission and the same conditions are attached.
Any permission which was renewed by the notice of 20 March 2020 and which therefore has a new expiry date between 20 May and 20 July 2020 is now automatically renewed for a further two months.
In relation to persons with existing permission under Directive 2004/38/EC (Free Movement Directive), the automatic renewal is subject to the requirement that the person is complying with the requirements of the Directive.
For international English language students, this means that they will continue to be able to work if they so wish, but they must also re-enrol in an on-line course of study to adhere to the conditions of their permission. Officials from my Department have engaged with MEI (Marketing English in Ireland), the representative body for the majority of language schools in Ireland. They have confirmed that most colleges are now offering on-line courses, and students should contact their college directly to make any necessary arrangements.
My Department has been engaging with the NGO sector on the issue of undocumented migrants. It is important to emphasise, that when it comes to people living here illegally, the only option for regularisation is on a case-by-case basis. Ireland along with other Member States of the EU, has committed, under the European Pact on Immigration and Asylum (2008), to a case-by-case approach as opposed to mass regularisation.
In all cases, people must engage with the authorities if they wish to be permitted to remain here legally. I would encourage any person who is resident in the State without permission to contact the Department or their local immigration office when they reopen to take all appropriate steps to regularise their own and their family's status.
As the Deputy will appreciate, high-demand public offices make applying social and physical distancing more difficult, and in recognition of these difficulties, the Registration Office in Burgh Quay and all Registration Offices for non-Dublin residents operated by An Garda Síochána remain temporarily closed due to COVID-19.
Therefore the requirement to present at a registration office to register a new permission or renew a current permission is also temporarily suspended. The requirement to register an immigration permission, in person, will not arise until the Registration Office Burgh Quay (and other registration offices) re-opens or alternative arrangements are put in place.
When the Registration Office reopens, priority will be given to those seeking to register for the first time. Those for first time registration who had appointments cancelled will have their appointments rescheduled automatically. Other appointments will be made available exclusively for other first time applicants.
Further updates will be provided on the Immigration Service website when available, and I would encourage the Deputy to view our updates on the Immigration Service website at:
http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/COVID-19-updates-and-announcements
A detailed Frequently Asked Questions document on the COVID-19 impact on immigration and international protection can also be found on the website. This document is regularly updated and is available here:
http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Immigration-Service-Delivery-Covid-19-FAQ4.pdf/Files/Immigration-Service-Delivery-Covid-19-FAQ4.pdf.
334. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the review of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 due in March 2020 will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7344/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra366. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the review of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 due in March 2020 will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8040/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 334 and 366 together.
Part 4 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 is due to be reviewed this year. This review arises under the provisions of the Act itself, and will include an assessment of the impact of the Act on the welfare of those who engage in sexual activity for payment.
The review will be conducted in an open and consultative manner and will take a broad approach to ensure consideration of the full range of issues raised in relation to the purchase of sex, can be examined in the context of the review. Deputies will appreciate that the approach to be adopted for the review, including the means for consultation with stakeholders, will need to take account of the current context of the Covid-19 pandemic. The approach to be adopted will be announced as soon as possible.
Finally, I can confirm that the report will be published by my Department when complete.
335. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons approved for recruitment under the Garda recruitment competition which commenced at the end of 2018; the number successfully recruited as part of that campaign; the number who passed their interviews and tests and are waiting for Garda clearance or the results of other inquiries before they are offered positions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7389/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraRecruitment to An Garda Síochána is governed by the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations 2013. The Public Appointments Service (PAS), on behalf of the Garda Commissioner, manages the initial recruitment stages for selection of Garda Trainees. The final stages of the recruitment process in which candidates are vetted, complete a physical competency test and a medical examination, are managed by the Commissioner. As Minister, I have no direct involvement in the matter.
The following table, furnished to me by An Garda Síochána, sets out the information requested by the Deputy in relation to the Garda recruitment competition 2018.
|
Actions |
Number |
|
Number successfully recruited and commenced training |
514 |
|
Number awaiting Garda clearance or other enquiries before being offered a position |
177 |
|
Applications withdrawn/rejected/failed |
287 |
|
Total number of persons approved by PAS |
978 |
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, subject to final approval by An Garda Síochána, successful applicants from previous campaigns are considered first for intakes into the Garda College, in accordance with the candidate's place on the Order of Merit.
I am further informed that there is no set time frame for offers to be made to applicants as this is dependent on their files being fully completed and the intake dates into the Garda College. All applicants remain on the panel until such time as they are offered a place in the Garda College, with the exception of those who are deemed unsuitable, fail the Medical or Physical Competence Test (PCT) or withdraw from the competition.
336. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to act on the recommendations made by the Insolvency Service of Ireland as part of its section 141 consultation submission made in June 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7390/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has completed extensive work on the review of Part 3 of the Personal Insolvency Acts 2012 to 2015, following the public consultation already held under section 141 of those Acts. Part 3 is the core of the personal insolvency legislation, dealing with the operation in practice of the three personal insolvency mechanisms – Debt Relief Notices, Debt Settlement Arrangements, and Personal Insolvency Arrangements.
In practice, the insolvency legislation has already been extensively reviewed and developed since 2012. Key reforms introduced include the section 115A court review process (which removed the so-called ‘bank veto’) enacted in 2015, interlocking reforms to bankruptcy also enacted in 2015, and the establishment in 2016, and extension in 2019, of the Abhaile Mortgage Arrears Resolution Service (which in effect ensures that borrowers at risk of losing their homes due to mortgage arrears can access free independent expert financial and legal advice to get solutions into place, and can access legal aid to support a section 115A court review application or appeal).
Nevertheless, we have always said that we will keep this important legislation under review, and will take any further action needed to ensure that it operates effectively.
In the course of the public consultation, a range of detailed submissions was received. These have been carefully analysed, and a number of follow-up discussions have been held with the stakeholders concerned.
The submission from the Insolvency Service of Ireland highlighted a number of points where it believes legislative amendments would be beneficial. Given the ISI’s statutory role in monitoring the operation of the personal insolvency system and advising me on matters related to their functions, their suggestions are particularly important for the review. Subsequent discussions with the ISI have highlighted additional possible changes to the Personal Insolvency Acts.
The ISI’s Consultative Forum, which brings together a variety of stakeholders involved in personal insolvency, made a separate submission to the review, which indicated a strong level of consensus between representatives of debtors and creditors in support of specified measures to streamline the personal insolvency process.
Submissions received also suggested measures to extend access to personal insolvency options to a wider cohort of borrowers, and to encourage more constructive engagement with the legislation by both creditors and debtors, with a view to supporting and accelerating the agreement of sustainable statutory personal insolvency options.
All of these proposals are being considered as part of the review.
Following the closing date for submissions, some additional issues emerged, and the timeframe for the review was extended to allow these to be taken into account. Most of these have since been resolved by a series of important court judgments under the Personal Insolvency Acts. A small number of remaining points are likely to be the subject of recommendations by the review.
The finalisation of the review, in consultation with my colleague the Minister for Finance, has been delayed by other urgent legislative priorities related to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it remains an active priority for completion. As the Deputy is aware from my replies to his recent questions (Dáil Question No. 486 of 20 May 2020 and Covid-19 PQ 5.709 of 5 May 2020), those priorities include consideration of certain specific formal or procedural statutory requirements which may be difficult or impracticable to comply with, due to COVID-19 restrictions, including a small number of requirements under the Personal Insolvency Acts, so that any necessary amendments could be addressed in an urgent forthcoming Bill.
I expect the review report to be finalised by September, following further consultations with the Department of Finance, as required by s. 141 of the Acts, and with the Office of the Attorney General. That timetable, as the Deputy will appreciate, is of course subject to the legislative priorities that will be decided in the new Programme for Government.
337. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason the changes have been made to the community return scheme; the reason persons who had already made their applications to the Probation Service before the changes were made had their cases investigated under the old scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7407/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Community Return Scheme is an incentivised early release scheme co-managed by the Irish Prison Service and the Probation Service. The Community Return Scheme was introduced in 2011 as a means of ensuring that where appropriate, prisoners released on Temporary Release engaged in structured activities within their communities, under the supervision of the Probation Service. Prisoners released on the Community Return Scheme contribute to their local communities by engaging in activities such as working in charity shops, maintenance of public areas, sports facilities etc. I am informed by my officials in the Irish Prison Service that all prisoners considered for early release under the Scheme are subject to a rigorous assessment process with the primary consideration being that of public safety.
The Programme has been a positive development since its inception. As well as allowing prisoners to complete their sentence by way of performing a service to the community, it has significantly helped these prisoners to successfully resettle in their communities.
The Scheme was evaluated in 2014 with that evaluation pointing to very high levels of compliance among prisoners at a rate of 89%.
The Scheme was further reviewed in 2019 and, acting upon the advice of my officials in both the Irish Prison Service and the Probation Service, I broadened the eligibility criteria for the Scheme with a view to identifying further numbers of prisoners who could be released safely into the community in response to capacity issues across the prisons estate arising from rising prisoner numbers. The change in criteria was also linked to increasing the cohort of prisoners who could avail of the rehabilitative effects of participation in the scheme.
Those changes to the eligibility criteria were introduced in August 2019. I am informed by the Irish Prison Service that it has recently emerged that a misinterpretation of the eligibility criteria resulted in a very small number of prisoners (three) having their cases assessed for eligibility under the old criteria. However, I am further advised that those cases have since been referred for assessment for suitability for release under the Scheme, and that their applications are currently under active consideration.
338. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the legal status of those undocumented persons carrying out essential front-line services such as care workers will be regularised. [7451/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that officials in my Department have been engaging with the NGO sector on the issue of undocumented migrants. I am aware of this cohort of undocumented migrants and the valuable work they undertake in the area of social care.
It is important to emphasise, that when it comes to people living here illegally, the only option for regularisation is on a case-by-case basis. Ireland, along with other Member States of the EU, has committed, under the European Pact on Immigration and Asylum (2008), to a case-by-case approach as opposed to mass regularisation.
In all cases, people must engage with the authorities if they wish to be permitted to remain here legally. I would encourage any person who is resident in the State without permission to contact the Department or their local immigration office and to take all appropriate steps to regularise their own and their family's status.
339. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí stationed in Athy, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7471/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the management of An Garda Síochána, including personnel matters and deployment of resources. As Minister, I have no responsibility for these matters. I am assured, however, that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.
The resources provided to An Garda Síochána have reached unprecedented levels, with an allocation for 2020 of €1.88 billion. This level of funding is enabling sustained, ongoing recruitment of Garda members and staff and as a result, An Garda Síochána is a growing organisation. There are now over 14,700 Gardaí nationwide, supported by over 3,000 Garda staff and these numbers are continuing to grow. Taken together, this increase in the number of Garda members and staff is delivering a significant growth in operational policing hours nationwide.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of Gardaí stationed in Athy Garda Station as of 30 April 2020 was 32, including 4 Sergeants and 28 Gardaí.
The Deputy may wish to know that detailed information in relation to Garda numbers is available on my Department’s website. This information is updated every month with the latest data provided by An Garda Síochána, at the following link: http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/002_Garda_Numbers_by_Division_District_and_Station_2009_to_March_2020.xlsx/Files/002_Garda_Numbers_by_Division_District_and_Station_2009_to_March_2020.xlsx
Additional information on Garda staff, the Garda Workforce and other facts and figures are available at the following links:
http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Garda_Workforce
http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/An_Garda_Siochana_facts_and_figures
340. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the provision of the new regional Garda headquarters in County Sligo as set out in the capital plan of his Department; the stage the project is at; when a planning application will be submitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7508/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, significant remedial works have already taken place in the existing Garda station in Sligo, including the complete upgrade of the three floors in the building containing the public office and the provision of new locker facilities. Further upgrade works are progressing and involve the provision of new cells and custody management facilities.
The Garda Commissioner has decided that rather than construct an entirely new building, as was originally intended under the PPP model, the upgrading of the existing station to a high standard will continue. I have been assured that the upgrades will ensure that accommodation needs are addressed and that the station is upgraded to meet the future operational requirements of Garda members, staff and the public who use it.
The Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the management and control of An Garda Síochána and for the effective and efficient use of Garda resources. Further and as the Deputy will be aware, the Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. Works in relation to Garda accommodation are therefore progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the OPW.
The overall priority of the Garda Building and Refurbishment Programme is to address deficiencies in the Garda estate and provide fit-for-purpose facilities for Garda members and staff as well as the public interacting with them.
341. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amounts spent by the Legal Aid Board on solicitors, barristers and personal insolvency practitioners for applications under the Personal Insolvency Act 2012 in each of the years 2016 to 2019 and to date in 2020, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7541/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra348. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount paid by the Legal Aid Board to personal insolvency practitioners, solicitors and barristers, respectively, under the PIA Review Legal Aid Service since its inception, that is, from 2016 to date; the details of the payments; the companies and persons that received same; the amount received by each company and person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7621/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 341 and 348 together.
The following schedule sets out in tabular format the amounts spent by the Legal Aid Board on solicitors, barristers and personal insolvency practitioners for applications under the Personal Insolvency Act 2012 in each of the years 2016 to 2019 and to date in 2020.
In a s.115A case, it is the borrower's personal insolvency practitioner (PIP) who must make the application for court review, explaining and certifying to the court by affidavit how he or she contends that the proposal made by the borrower satisfies the detailed statutory criteria which the judge has to apply in deciding whether the proposal has met the necessary standard.
Schedule
Fees paid (inc VAT) to personal insolvency practitioners, solicitors, and barristers in respect of legally aided applications under section 115A of the Personal Insolvency Act 2012 (as amended)
|
Financial Year |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
to April 2020 |
|
Fees to barristers |
€21,402 |
€165,721 |
€424,385 |
€496,892 |
€140,450 |
|
Fees to personal insolvency practitioners |
€36,900 |
€218,056 |
€707,410 |
€1,016,183 |
€281,045 |
|
Fees to solicitors |
€38,561 |
€280,379 |
€891,071 |
€1,574,518 |
€755,329 |
|
Totals |
€96,863 |
€664,156 |
€2,022,866 |
€3,087,593 |
€1,176,824 |
342. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will address issues related to a direct provision centre (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7552/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI want to assure the Deputy that I, Minister Flanagan and our officials take the safety and wellbeing of all international protection applicants and the community in which they reside extremely seriously. That has always been our priority.
I do appreciate that the circumstances in which the Skellig Accommodation Centre was opened did not allow for full engagement with local representatives, communities and services; to inform and reassure them and to answer their questions. That is certainly something that I, Minister Flanagan and our officials regret. But, during a public health emergency the decision to move people to a dedicated accommodation centre was seen as an appropriate positive response.
All centres are following the guidelines for our centres that have been published by the HSE’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre. These are publicly available at its website www.hpsc.ie. That guidance exists precisely because it is recognised that congregated settings such as Direct Provision centres present specific challenges in this pandemic. My Department is working closely with the HSE in doing so.
At the very outset of the crisis, my Department discussed with the HSE the fact that we were accommodating some people in commercial hotels that the Department did not have exclusive use of. This was seen as higher risk at that time in the early stages of the pandemic.
For that reason, we needed to move people to dedicated accommodation centres where they could receive the full set of State supports and services. To do this, we needed to open more accommodation. The Skellig Star hotel in Cahersiveen had been offered to us and was available for immediate occupancy.
We also opened new centres in Rosslare Harbour and Tullamore and temporary accommodation in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick.
In total, 600 people were relocated to support social and physical distancing including just over 100 people to the new centre in Cahersiveen.
The vast majority of the residents arrived in Cahersiveen on March 18 and 19. Some of them did come from a hotel in Dublin at which a case of COVID-19 was subsequently confirmed in an unrelated guest. My Department was not told of that confirmed case until it was brought to Minister Flanagan’s attention by Deputy Catherine Murphy on 6 April 2020.
From subsequent discussions with management at the hotel, our understanding is that the guest involved had only stayed at the hotel for one night in early March when they fell ill. The guest was removed to hospital and their close contacts were asked by the HSE to self-isolate for 14 days as is the norm. No one that we were accommodating in the hotel was approached as a traced contact, and there was no indication whatsoever that anyone we relocated from that hotel was in any way unwell, was awaiting a test or a test result. In fact, it was well over a fortnight after they arrived before any of our residents in Cahersiveen were confirmed as positive for COVID 19.
As the Deputy will appreciate, medical information such as testing, test results and the release of data relating to same are matters for the HSE in a public health context. We can confirm that, in line with our agreed policy with the HSE, anyone who has tested positive has been moved to a dedicated self-isolation facility where they are cared for until such time as the HSE considers that they can safely return to their centre. Everyone else in the centre was asked to self-isolate while the HSE continued to monitor the situation. Thankfully, the HSE has confirmed that that period of self-isolation ended on 20 May 2020 and all residents are now subject to the same restrictions as anyone else under Phase 1 of the Government’s Roadmap.
There are currently 69 residents (including 9 children) onsite in the centre, which has capacity for 150 residents, and 56 bedrooms. Residents are a mix of single people and small sized families. All single residents have been offered their own bedroom and all bedrooms in the centre are en suite. Some residents have declined this offer and have indicated that they wish to self-isolate with their roommate as a family unit. We continue to encourage these residents to accept the offer of their own room at this time.
Guidance has been provided by the HSE to centre management on the enhanced cleaning arrangements required at this time including through an onsite visit by a HSE infection control specialist. This applies to bedrooms, corridors, staircases, the dining room, kitchen, laundry room, lift, public toilets and reception and public areas. This is being strictly adhered to by centre management and staff.
My Department is working closely with the HSE and centre management to provide additional supports for residents during this time. There has been a HSE Community Development Worker onsite at the Centre seven days a week to monitor the health of residents. This person is supported by a wider healthcare team. Now that the outbreak has been declared over, he will remain at the centre until the end of May to support residents. Additional outdoor space has been opened up with some seating provided and, exercise equipment has been set up in the outdoor area for residents’ use. This outdoor equipment has been installed with the knowledge and support of HSE public health, and will be operated under their direction for safe use.
The residents are currently provided with three meals and snacks daily. However, in line with the overall policy objectives for accommodation centres, the service provider plans to introduce independent living arrangements with cooking facilities for residents in the coming period. In the meantime, the chefs in the centre are working with the residents to find out about preferred meals and staff have been asked to source and provide ethnic snacks for residents. Kettles have been provided in rooms so that residents can make refreshments throughout the day rather than using communal facilities and meals are also being delivered to rooms. The centre has a good Wi-Fi service and phone credit has also been provided for residents so that they can keep in touch with family and friends.
The current restrictions are especially difficult for children. In addition to the upgrades to the outdoor space, toys, puzzles and tablets have been being provided for children and laptops have also been provided for residents’ use. The Tusla official seconded to work with my Department has contacted the families to see what additional supports they need and to discuss any concerns they might have.
Officials from my Department have held virtual clinics with residents and a telephone support service for residents across all centres, run by the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), was launched on 20 May.
The Deputy can be assured that my Department will continue to work with accommodation centre management, health agencies and NGOs to provide every support possible to residents at this unprecedented and difficult time for all.
343. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a rigorous testing and tracing system will be implemented in a direct provision centre (details supplied) to address the spread of Covid-19 in the setting. [7553/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, medical information such as testing, test results and the release of data relating to same, are matters for the HSE in a public health context.
However, I can confirm that testing of residents and staff has already been completed in Cahersiveen by HSE Public Health. An Outbreak Control Team, convened and led by the HSE with representatives of my Department and the centre management have managed the outbreak.
In line with our agreed policy with the HSE, anyone who tested positive has been moved to an offsite self-isolation facility to be cared for until such time as the HSE considers that they can safely return to their centre. Everyone else in the centre was asked to self-isolate while the HSE continued to monitor the situation.
Thankfully, the HSE confirmed on 20 May 2020, that the outbreak was over and that the period of self-isolation for residents at the centre had ended. All residents are now subject to the same restrictions as everyone else under Phase 1 of the Government’s Roadmap. This means that they can leave the centre for limited reasons including to exercise within 5km, to shop for essential items or to attend a medical appointment.
I fully appreciate that the period of restrictions and self-isolation will have been very difficult for the residents. I want to record my appreciation for their cooperation and understanding and for working with us and the HSE to bring the outbreak under control.
