To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the current processing times for the passport service; the steps that have been taken and the resources allocated to deal with the increased demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
- Darragh O'Brien. REPLY As the Deputy will be aware, last year just over 730,000 passports were issued. This represented an increase of over 9% on the year before and demand continues to be very strong so far this year. Notwithstanding these pressures renewal applications submitted through Passport Express continue to be processed within the fifteen working day target. Some categories, such as first time applicants, take longer because of additional anti-fraud measures for example first-time applicants are advised to allow twenty working days [current turnaround time is 19 working days]. As the Deputy will readily appreciate, it is very important that citizens use the right channel when applying for a passport. There have been a number of cases in recent times where applicants have used Passport Express despite their travel plans falling within the processing period for their passport – and I know that people in this category frequently contact my office and those of other Deputies. Where applicants are travelling in less than 15 working days, the best course of action is to make an online appointment at the Passport Office in Dublin or Cork. There are a limited number of appointments available daily in both offices. I appreciate the assistance of Members of these Houses in promoting good practice and I’d like to thank the Deputy in this regard. This week I will again circulate a note on good practice to Oireachtas Members. Significant customer service improvements that are being rolled out as part of the Passport Reform Programme will assist in managing growing demand. In particular the new online service for adult renewals to be launched in the coming months will result in reduced turnaround times for applicants and significant efficiency gains for the Passport Service. In the immediate term and to respond to the seasonal demand and the more general increases, a total of 230 Temporary Clerical Officers have been recruited into the Department. Over half of these Officers are already in place and most others will join by early March. They are assisting permanent staff with passport entitlement checking and customer care, including by responding to queries received via phone calls, emails and social media. The Passport Service will continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure the effective deployment of staff resources and to minimize the impact of the high demand on turnaround times and on customer service. The need for additional resources will be kept under review. The demolition structures in Palestine provided for by humanitarian aid and EU member states23/2/2017
To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has raised the issue of the demolition structures in Palestine provided for by humanitarian aid and EU member states at EU Foreign Affairs Council meetings; if any course of action has been decided upon; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
- Darragh O'Brien. REPLY The issue of the destruction by Israel of structures in Area C of the West Bank, which have been funded by the EU or its Member States, is a matter that is currently under discussion at EU level. It has been raised at the Foreign Affairs Council, and Ireland has taken an active role in extended consideration at official level. Ireland has argued for a stronger response to demolitions and confiscations and, in my view, the EU should request compensation in such instances. However, not all EU partners are of the same mind. Agreement on this point has not been reached, but I will continue to advocate for compensation. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the new efforts his department will make to secure the release of a person Ibrahim Halawa whose trial has been postponed for the nineteenth time; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
- Darragh O'Brien. REPLY As I have said in this House on many occasions, this consular case continues to be a top priority for the Government and substantial resources and time are being devoted to it, by the Taoiseach, by me as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, by officials in my Department, by our Ambassador and his team in Cairo, and by the entire Irish diplomatic network. The Government is doing everything it possibly can to ensure that the Egyptian authorities are in no doubt about our determination to see this young man returned to his home and his family in Ireland as soon as possible. I was disappointed that the court case in which our citizen is a defendant has once again been delayed following the most recent hearing on 14 February, and I very clearly expressed my concern in a statement which I issued that day. Ireland’s Ambassador to Egypt was present in the court for the hearing and reported to me on developments. The latest hearing was dominated by consideration by the judges of petitions from lawyers acting on behalf of some of the defendants. After hearing these, the judges decided that witnesses could not be called on this occasion because a number of defendants, who are also involved in other cases, were not present in the court. Our Ambassador’s assessment is that, notwithstanding the latest adjournment, the new panel of judges in the case are determined to move the case forward. Hearings in December and January have seen witnesses called and cross-examined for the first time since the trial began. The Irish Government has been present at and has observed every hearing in the trial to date and will be present at all future hearings. Between now and the next hearing date in March, it is envisaged that the Embassy team will conduct a further consular visit with our citizen in order to discuss with him directly any issues arising in relation to the case and his health and welfare. Officials from my Department maintain ongoing contact with this man’s family and his Egyptian and Irish-based legal teams and they have been in contact with the family again following the latest hearing in the case. The reality is that it is the Egyptian authorities that are detaining this citizen, and only the Egyptian authorities can make the decision to return him to Ireland. The Taoiseach has been in contact directly and personally with Egyptian President el-Sisi on numerous occasions now calling on him to exercise his powers under Egyptian law to resolve this case and return our citizen to Ireland. For my part, I have availed of every appropriate opportunity to raise this case with my Egyptian counterpart, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, and I can assure the House that I will continue to do so. I and my colleagues in Government and our officials will continue to do everything possible and appropriate to apply pressure on Cairo on this young man’s behalf both directly and through and with EU and international partners. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he raised the issue of the undocumented Irish during his recent visit to Washington; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
- Darragh O'Brien. As I made clear in my statement of 29 January, 2017, concerning the Executive Order signed by President Trump on 27 January last, while US immigration policy is a matter for the US authorities, it is clear that this decision could have far-reaching implications – both on humanitarian grounds and on relations between the US and the global Muslim community. Accordingly, I share the concerns expressed by other EU partners regarding this development. I have noted the clarification issued by the Embassy of the United States in Dublin on 31 January, 2017, to the effect that the Executive Order in question does not restrict the travel of dual nationals to the United States, so long as they hold the passport of an unrestricted country and possess a valid US visa, if required. The US courts have since intervened and imposed a suspension on the implementation of the Executive Order. Both the Executive Order of 27 January and the question of immigration reform in the United States were high on the agenda for my visit to Washington DC from 31 January to 2 February last. I had a number of engagements with the Administration and Congressional leaders, including the Speaker of the US House of Representatives, the House majority leader and the House minority leader, among others. In my meetings with Congressional leaders, as well as with the – now former - US National Security Advisor, General Flynn, I expressed Ireland’s deep concerns with regard to the nature and impact of the Executive Order of 27 January. In response, General Flynn outlined to me the rationale - in terms of US immigration policy - for these temporary measures, while I pointed out their damaging consequences in humanitarian terms, as well as for the international reputation of the United States. Achieving relief for the undocumented Irish citizens in the United States and securing greater legal pathways for migration to the United States remain key objectives for the Government. These priorities featured in all of my meetings in Washington, DC – including with General Flynn, with Speaker Ryan and with other Congressional leaders. Both the Administration and members of Congress are fully aware of the importance of this issue for Ireland and appreciate our strong and continuing interest in securing immigration reform. The Taoiseach’s forthcoming visit to Washington, DC, for St. Patrick’s Day will provide a key opportunity to raise the issue of immigration reform – especially the plight of our undocumented – directly with the US Administration as the highest levels. During my visit, I also met with members of the Irish community in Washington, DC and re-assured them of the Government’s commitment to immigration reform. I emphasised that, while the political context in Washington may have changed, the Government’s objectives remain constant: relief for the undocumented and finding greater pathways for legal migration to the United States. I noted that we can only advance these objectives if we engage and articulate our views with the key decision makers in the Administration and Congress. In addition to these contacts at political level, the Embassy in Washington and our Consulates across the United States continue to work with Irish immigration centres on a daily basis in providing support to Irish citizens in the United States. Our Ambassador to the United States, Anne Anderson, held a workshop with key immigration stake-holders, in the Irish community, from across the United States at the Embassy on 12 January last. The Government and my Department are committed to providing practical support to undocumented Irish citizens in the US, while also continuing to advocate for immigration reform. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his recent meeting with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Mr James Brokenshire; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
- Darragh O'Brien. REPLY I am in regular contact with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, James Brokenshire. We held a bilateral meeting most recently in Dublin on 14 February. On Brexit, I reminded the Secretary of State of the particular impact on Northern Ireland of the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union and of the entirely unique circumstances that pertain to Northern Ireland, given the political and constitutional settlement of the Good Friday Agreement, which is the foundation of the peace process. I emphasised the Government’s priority to ensure that the Good Friday Agreement is not in any way disturbed by the UK’s exit from the European Union and of course to maintain the open border on the island and the Common Travel Area. I underlined that the hard-won peace on the island must be protected, by both Governments as co-Guarantors of the Agreement. In relation to the question on a special status for Northern Ireland, I outlined to the Secretary of State, that the Government’s focus in relation to Northern Ireland is the substantive outcome on each of the key issues, rather than the label ascribed to the overall package. I emphasised that the Government will maintain its focus on pursuit of specific, effective, and realisable measures that address each of the issues of concern under Brexit. In relation to the border, I noted that while Prime Minister May’s commitment to work to retain an open border on the island is welcome, if this was to be achieved, significant flexibility would need to be shown by the British Government once the EU-UK negotiations begin. I also outlined to the Secretary of State the discussions that had taken place the previous day at the All-Island Civic Dialogue on Human Rights under the Good Friday Agreement. On the current political situation in Northern Ireland, the Secretary of State and I shared the view that it was of the utmost importance that the conditions would be in place for a power sharing Executive to be established as soon as possible following the Assembly election next month. I emphasised to the Secretary of State that as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, both Governments had a role to play in supporting the effective operation of the devolved institutions, and in upholding both the letter and the spirit of the Agreement as a whole. I also discussed with the Secretary of State last week the imperative of dealing with the range of issues related to the legacy of the Troubles, in a way that met the needs and expectations of victims and survivors, and of wider society, through the comprehensive legacy framework provided for under the Stormont House Agreement. I reiterated my determination that this be established at the earliest opportunity. Regarding engagement with the political parties in Northern Ireland, I have in recent months been in regular contact with the leaders of each of the main parties as the crisis in the Executive has deepened. I met last month with the DUP leader Arlene Foster, and a Sinn Féin delegation led by Martin McGuinness and spoke by phone with the leaders of the SDLP, UUP and Alliance Party. I also had the chance to hear from and engage with members of Sinn Féin, the SDLP and the Alliance Party at last week’s Civic Dialogue Plenary meeting in Dublin Castle. The Taoiseach has also been actively engaged and was in direct contact with the British Prime Minister, as well as with the leaders of both the DUP and Sinn Féin. I have agreed with the Secretary of State that both Governments should continue to work closely together in the weeks to come, looking ahead to the post-election period, when a new power-sharing Executive will need to be formed. We have also urged the parties to conduct their election campaigns in calm and respectful terms, conscious that polarising rhetoric and frayed relationships will damage the prospects of forming an Executive after the votes have been counted. We must all be mindful that effective devolved Government, underpinned by a genuine spirit of partnership, is what the people of Northern Ireland voted for in 1998 and what they expect their politicians to deliver. After the election, it will therefore fall to the parties to form a power-sharing Executive and this will require the parties to find a way forward on issues which contributed to the calling of the election. The Government is of course always ready to support and assist the parties in any way we can. Our commitment as a co-guarantor of the Agreement is a constant one – in good times and bad. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the proposed EU Libya migration deal; his further views on the conditions in Libya and its ability to provide a secure and safe haven for refugees; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
- Darragh O'Brien. REPLY Since mid-2015, the EU has responded to the migration crisis by adopting a range of measures, including engaging with countries of origin and transit to address the root causes of migration. The focus of recent months has been migration on the Central Mediterranean route, with Libya representing the main country of departure. Most recently, this was the subject of discussions at the informal European Council held in Malta on 3 February 2016 and at the Foreign Affairs Council on 6 February, where comprehensive conclusions were adopted. At the informal European Council meeting a Declaration was issued outlining the EU’s commitment to assist Libya, including through capacity building. The Declaration indicates that priority will be given to supporting the Libyan national coast guard; enhancing operational action on the route; supporting the development of local communities in Libya; ensuring adequate reception capacities and conditions for migrants; supporting IOM in stepping up assisted voluntary return activities; and enhancing information campaigns and outreach addressed at migrants in Libya and other countries of origin and transit. Priority will also be given to reducing pressure on Libya’s land border, including through enhanced border management capacity; monitoring of alternative routes and possible diversion of smugglers’ activities; supporting initiatives by Member States directly engaged with Libya; and deepening dialogue and cooperation with neighbouring countries. At the Foreign Affairs Council on 6 February the EU committed to doing its utmost to assist the stabilisation process in Libya, we re-affirmed the EU’s commitment to an inclusive political settlement under the framework of the Libyan Political Agreement and we re-affirmed the EU’s support to the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and to the UN Special Representative of the Secretary General, Martin Kobler. The EU is currently implementing a cooperation package worth 120 million euro, focussed on civil society, governance, health, youth and education, migration, security and mediation. The EU has also increased its humanitarian aid worth 10.8 million euro in 2016. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will confirm that when he stated in his recent press statement on 14 February 2017 that it is essential that none of the human rights protections or frameworks underpinned by the Good Friday Agreement are disturbed by any changes that are consequent from a Brexit agreement, that this includes the Northern Ireland Act 1998 and all the human rights and constitutional protections therein that give effect to the Good Friday Agreement; the action the government as co-guarantors has taken in view of the fact that the agreement is inviolable as part of a UN recognised international treaty to ensure the delivery of the outstanding human rights protections of that agreement, including the bill of rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
- Darragh O'Brien. For PRIORITY answer on Wednesday, 22nd February, 2017. Ref No: 8824/17 Lottery: 3 REPLY As a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, the Government is determined that all aspects of the Agreement are fully respected through the process of the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union, and thereafter. Our priority is to ensure that the Good Friday Agreement and the overall balance of the settlement is not in any way disturbed by the UK’s exit from the European Union. All provisions of the Agreement must be respected, including those relating to the constitutional status and to human rights. The human rights provisions of the Agreement are a fundamental pillar of the Agreement and of the peace process overall. In Northern Ireland, the human rights provisions support the confidence and willingness of all communities to participate in the agreed political institutions of the Agreement and ensure that every citizen is guaranteed equal status and equal protection under law. On 13 February, I convened a Sectoral Dialogue on human rights under the Good Friday Agreement to hear the views of civil society, North and South on the possible implications of Brexit for this pivotal chapter of the Agreement. This was a very valuable exchange and a number of key themes emerged, including: -The importance of upholding the Good Friday Agreement chapter on rights, safeguards and equality of opportunity, as an integral part of the Agreement as a whole. - The value of a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland as referred to in the Good Friday Agreement, in mitigating some of the potential impacts of Brexit for Northern Ireland. - The value of a Charter of Rights for the island of Ireland as referred to in the Good Friday Agreement. This would also support the provision in the Agreement on equivalence of rights on the island. Each of these themes demonstrate that human rights are central to the peace process and must be protected and sustained, regardless of the UK’s future relationship with the European Union. As provided for under the Good Friday Agreement, the UK’s Northern Ireland Act 1998, established the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, and the UK Human Rights Act 1998 incorporated the European Convention on Human Rights into domestic UK law. The Good Friday Agreement is clear that there is an obligation to incorporate the European Convention on Human Rights into Northern Ireland law and this is a continuing obligation, which is not diminished by the prospect of the UK leaving the EU. The Good Friday Agreement also provided for consideration of a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland and the Government advanced the view during the 2014 Stormont House talks, that a Bill of Rights could set out precisely and formally the rights upon which a shared society for Northern Ireland could be based. While there was not sufficient consensus to take this forward at that time, the parties to the Stormont House Agreement did commit to: “serving the people of Northern Ireland equally, and to act in accordance with the obligations on government to promote equality and respect and to prevent discrimination; to promote a culture of tolerance, mutual respect and mutual understanding at every level of society, including initiatives to facilitate and encourage shared and integrated education and housing, social inclusion, and in particular community development and the advancement of women in public life; and to promote the interests of the whole community towards the goals of reconciliation and economic renewal”. The Stormont House Agreement provides for regular review meetings with the participation of the Government, the British Government and the Executive party leaders. At the last two Review Meetings – most recently in December – I specifically raised the references to outstanding commitments in the Stormont House Agreement, including in relation a Bill of Rights, and suggested regular consideration of them at the Review meetings to ensure that they remain on the political agenda. The Government’s firm position is that the Good Friday Agreement and the subsequent Agreements must be implemented in full, and this is reflected in the Programme for a Partnership Government. The Agreements, and the principles and values underpinning them, are at the core of the Government’s approach to peace, reconciliation and prosperity on this island. The Government views as a solemn responsibility our role and mandate as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, and will continue to work with the British Government and the political parties to fulfil the full promise of the Good Friday Agreement and to advance political stability, reconciliation and economic prosperity in Northern Ireland. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the countries that have an association agreement with the European Union, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
- Darragh O'Brien. * For WRITTEN answer on Wednesday, 22nd February, 2017. Ref No: 8960/17 REPLY Article 217 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union provides that the Union may conclude with one or more third countries or international organisations agreements establishing an association involving reciprocal rights and obligations, common action and special procedure. The precise content of an association agreement, however, is not defined by the Treaty, and their nature, and terminology, may vary depending on the context in which they are used. Association agreements are just one particular category of international agreement entered into by the EU with third countries. In addition to association agreements, the EU has also entered into a number of economic partnership agreements, political and cooperation agreements, framework agreements, free trade agreements, as well as sectoral agreements, with third countries. A comprehensive database of agreements entered into by the EU is maintained by the General Secretariat of the Council of the EU and is available at http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/documents-publications/treaties-agreements/. The European Commission also maintains updated information as to the trade agreements entered into by the EU which is available at http://ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/countries-and-regions/agreements/. A list of Association Agreements entered into by the EU is as follows: Association Agreements Year of entry into force Central America (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama) Signed in 2012 but not yet in force Chile 2005 Georgia 2016 Moldova 2016 Turkey 1964, the framework for the 1995 Customs Union Ukraine Signed 2014, being provisionally applied in part from 1 January 2016 Stabilisation and Association Agreements Albania 2009 Bosnia and Herzegovina 2015 FYR Macedonia 2004 Kosovo 2016 Montenegro 2010 Serbia 2013 Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreements Algeria 2005 Egypt 2004 Israel 2000 Jordan 2002 Lebanon 2006 Morocco 2000 Palestinian Authority 1997 (Interim Agreement) Syria 1977 (suspended since 2011) Tunisia 1998 European Economic Area Agreement Iceland 1994 Liechtenstein 1995 Norway 1994 Other African, Caribbean and Pacific Partnership Agreement (Cotonou Agreement) 2003 To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the comments made by President Trump during his meeting with the Israeli Prime Minister regarding the two state solution; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
- Darragh O'Brien. * For WRITTEN answer on Wednesday, 22nd February, 2017. Ref No: 8868/17 REPLY I refer the Deputies to my reply to Question 29 today on this topic, which was as follows: The two state solution to the conflict between Israel and its Palestinian and Arab neighbours has been espoused by a consensus of the international community, and been supported by public opinion and responsible leaders in both Israeli and Palestinian society, for many years. This support has been based on clear reasoning and analysis of the various options and alternatives, and those reasons remain valid, despite growing concerns about the possibility of achieving such a solution. The inescapable fact is that a two state outcome remains better than any other model that has been considered, and is the only one which can deliver peace, security, freedom and justice for both Israeli and Palestinian peoples. An acceptable one state outcome could only be on the basis of full equality between all those living under its jurisdiction. Any belief that it will be possible instead to simply continue a version of the present occupation would be wholly unacceptable. The recent remarks of President Trump have stepped back from the clear support for the two state solution which previous Presidents have given, but without putting an alternative view in its place. The Administration has yet to enunciate a considered policy for the Middle East. I hope very much that when it does so, it will recognize the logic which has guided US policy for many years. For our part, the European Union has made clear that our support and advocacy for a two state solution remain unaltered. The strong international consensus on this basis was expressed only last month at the Paris Conference, which I attended, and in Security Council Resolution 2334 in December. We will continue to represent this view in our discussions with the new US Administration, bilaterally and at EU level, and in international fora such as the UN and the Quartet. QUESTION NOS: 47 to 52
DÁIL QUESTIONS addressed to the Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald) by Deputy Darragh O'Brien for WRITTEN on Thursday, 2nd February, 2017. * 47. “To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the Garda numbers in the R District, Dublin North for each of the years 2010 to 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter” * 48. “To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the Garda numbers for the Malahide Garda station in north Dublin for each of the years 2010 to 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter” * 49. “To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the Garda numbers for the Swords Garda station in north Dublin for each of the years 2010 to 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter” * 50. “To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the Garda numbers for the Balbriggan Garda station in north Dublin for each of the years 2010 to 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter” * 51. “To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the Garda numbers for the Lusk Garda station in north Dublin for each of the years 2010 to 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter” * 52. “To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the Garda numbers for the Garristown Garda station in north Dublin for each of the years 2010 to 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter” - REPLY. As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources. This 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 deter crime. To make this a reality for all, the Government has in place a plan to achieve an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. This year, funding has been provided for the recruitment of 800 Garda recruits and up to 500 civilians to support the wide ranging reform plan in train in An Garda Síochána. Appointments will also be made to the Garda Reserve of approximately 300. Since the reopening of the Garda College, 679 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, with a further 152 attesting today. To date 66 of these probationer Gardaí have been assigned to the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) North Division. I am informed by the Commissioner that another 750 trainee Garda are scheduled to attest this year which will bring Garda numbers to around the 13,500 mark by year end. This focus on investment in personnel is critical. The moratorium on recruitment introduced in 2010 resulted in a significant reduction in the strength of An Garda Síochána. We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the Commissioner with the resources she needs to allow her to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí across all Garda Divisions. This investment in personnel is complemented by substantial investment in resources across the board for An Garda Síochána. The Deputy will be aware of the significant resources that have been made available to An Garda Síochána under the Government's Capital Plan 2016 - 2021. In particular, some €205 million in additional funding for Garda ICT and €46 million for new Garda vehicles has been allocated over the lifetime of the plan. This investment will facilitate the provision of more effective policing services and I have no doubt that these new resources now coming on stream will benefit all areas of Garda activity. For the Deputy's information I have set out below in tabular form the information requested by station from 2006 to 31 December 2016, the latest date for which figures are readily available from the Commissioner. GARDA STRENGTH DMR NORTH DIVISION STATION 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 MALAHIDE 37 35 34 34 30 39 31 SWORDS 84 77 77 74 70 65 72 COOLOCK 120 117 114 112 109 103 105 LUSK 7 6 8 10 10 10 10 BALBRIGGAN 68 70 69 64 62 64 69 GARRISTOWN 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 QUESTION NO: 53 DÁIL QUESTION addressed to the Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald) by Deputy Darragh O'Brien for WRITTEN on Thursday, 2nd February, 2017. “To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Gardaí in the drugs unit in the R District, Dublin North for each of the years 2010 to 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter”. - REPLY. As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and Units and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that the allocation of Gardaí is continually monitored and reviewed taking into account all relevant factors including crime trends, demographics, and security assessments relating to the area in question so as to ensure optimal use is made of Garda human resources. It is important to note that all Gardaí have a responsibility in the prevention and detection of criminal activity whether it be in the area of drug offences or otherwise. I can assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána continues to pro-actively and resolutely tackle all forms of drug crime in this jurisdiction. The Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau leads out the policing strategy for tackling drugs supply and works closely with dedicated Divisional Drugs units and other national units, including the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) in targeting persons involved in the illicit sale and supply of drugs. This approach allows for the co-ordinated use of Garda resources in tackling all forms of organised crime, including illicit drug activity nationwide. This 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 deter crime. To make this a reality for all, the Government has in place a plan to achieve an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. This year, funding has been provided for the recruitment of 800 Garda recruits and up to 500 civilians to support the wide ranging reform plan in train in An Garda Síochána. Appointments will also be made to the Garda Reserve of approximately 300. Since the reopening of the Garda College, 679 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, with a further 152 attesting today. To date 66 of these probationer Gardaí have been assigned to the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) North Division. I am informed by the Commissioner that another 750 trainee Garda are scheduled to attest this year which will bring Garda numbers to around the 13,500 mark by year end. This focus on investment in personnel is critical. The moratorium on recruitment introduced in 2010 resulted in a significant reduction in the strength of An Garda Síochána. We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the Commissioner with the resources she needs to allow her to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí across the organisation including the Divisional Drugs Units. The investment in personnel is complemented by substantial investment in resources across the board for An Garda Síochána. The Deputy will be aware of the significant resources that have been made available to An Garda Síochána under the Government's Capital Plan 2016 - 2021. In particular, some €205 million in additional funding for Garda ICT and €46 million for new Garda vehicles has been allocated over the lifetime of the plan. This investment will facilitate the provision of more effective policing services and support An Garda Síochána in tackling illicit drug activity. I am advised by the Commissioner that Garda Drug Unit personnel are assigned on a Divisional basis and that the Garda District referred to by the Deputy is part of the DMR North Division. The table below gives a breakdown of the number of Garda members assigned to the DMR North Divisional Drugs Unit in each of the years 2010 to 2016 as of 31 December 2016. DMR NORTH DIVISIONAL DRUGS UNIT YEAR STRENGTH 2010 34 2011 32 2012 31 2013 27 2014 16 2015 25 2016 21 |
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