Dáil Éireann

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Dáil Éireann Vol. 744 Tuesday, No. 4 25 October 2011 DÍOSPÓIREACHTAÍ PARLAIMINTE PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES DÁIL ÉIREANN TUAIRISC OIFIGIÚIL—Neamhcheartaithe (OFFICIAL REPORT—Unrevised) Dé Máirt, 25 Deireadh Fómhair 2011. Business of Dáil ……………………………… 727 Ceisteanna — Questions Minister for Justice and Equality Priority Questions …………………………… 728 Other Questions …………………………… 736 Leaders’ Questions ……………………………… 746 Ceisteanna — Questions (resumed) Ministerial Staff ……………………………… 754 Topical Issue Matters ……………………………… 772 Order of Business ……………………………… 773 Smarter Transport Bill 2011 — First Stage ……………………… 776 Private Notice Questions Flood Relief ……………………………… 776 Topical Issue Debate Employment Support Services ………………………… 788 Alcohol Products Tax …………………………… 790 General Practitioner Services ………………………… 792 Accident and Emergency Services ……………………… 794 Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Bill 2011: Order for Second Stage …………………………… 797 Second Stage ……………………………… 797 Private Members’ Business Health Services Delivery: Motion ……………………… 809 Report by the Interdepartmental Working Group on Mortgage Arrears: Statements (resumed) … … 831 Questions: Written Answers …………………………… 843 DÁIL ÉIREANN ———— Dé Máirt, 25 Deireadh Fómhair 2011. Tuesday, 25 October 2011. ———— Chuaigh an Ceann Comhairle i gceannas ar 2.00 p.m. ———— Paidir. Prayer. ———— Business of Dáil Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter): The House will be aware of the tragic incident in County Wicklow yesterday evening when Garda Ciaran Jones was swept away at Ballysmuttan bridge. The recovery of his remains today in Wicklow is dreadful news. My heart goes out to his parents and family members. I offer my condolences to Garda Jones’s colleagues and friends. The Garda Síochána, and all of us, have lost a brave man who put his life at risk in helping the public at a time of great danger. The Stepaside community has lost a dedicated member of its Garda Force. Garda Jones’s courageous actions were in the finest traditions of the Garda Síochána. I thank all of those involved in the rescue efforts, including Garda Jones’s colleagues, the local Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue team, the Defence Forces, Civil Defence, coastguard and members of the public. Their commitment and dedication in such hazardous conditions are deeply appreciated. The extraordinary, dreadful sacrifice, in seeking to save the lives of others in appalling conditions, made by Garda Ciaran Jones will be remembered by all of us in this House. Deputy Dara Calleary: I join with the Minister and House in expressing my sympathies to the family, colleagues and members of the Stepaside and Wicklow communities on the death of Garda Ciaran Jones. I endorse all that the Minister said. That Garda Jones was off duty when he undertook to protect his neighbours is an indication of his bravery. Our thoughts are with his family, including his parents who are travelling back from abroad — one can only imagine what they are going through — his brother and sister who were with him at the time of the accident, his colleagues and all those who in the most extraordinary of conditions last night searched throughout the night for him. It is at times like this that we are reminded of the bravery of our gardaí, on and off duty, in trying to save others in all circumstances. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. Deputy Stephen Donnelly: I too express my deepest sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of the late Garda Ciaran Jones. I went to Blessington this morning and asked the chief superintendent if there was anything more people could do or if he needed assistance mobilising volunteers. It is an extraordinary measure of the young man that the chief superin- tendent told me that such was the response from Garda Jones’s community they could not handle any more volunteers. 727 Priority 25 October 2011. Questions Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan: I welcome the Minister’s statement. I recall thinking to myself when watching television footage of the earthquake in Turkey that we are lucky not to have experienced that type of devastating loss of life in Ireland. I then heard that a young off-duty garda had lost his life while trying to help others. This is a sad day for him, his family and his colleagues. An Leas-Cheann Comhairle: I thank the Minister and Deputies for their contributions. Ceisteanna — Questions Priority Questions ———— Expenditure Reviews 38. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of his nego- tiations with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to the overrun on garda costs for the visits of Queen Elizabeth II and President Obama; the measures that have been proposed to make up that overrun; if he will guarantee that no services to the public will suffer as a result of this overrun; and the way he intends to enure that this will happen. [31363/11] Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter) (Deputy Alan Shatter): I have previously provided the House with details of the Garda costs that have arisen from the State visits of Queen Elizabeth and President Obama in May of this year. In that regard, Deputies will be aware that the relevant expenditure is approximately €36 million. I appreciate that this figure is substantial but I believe the visits provided this country with substantial benefits, which far outweigh the financial element involved. Additionally, unprecedented security measures had to be put in place and the safety of our visitors had to be the top priority. Funding for the State visits was not provided for in the Garda Vote for 2011 because the visits had not been planned when the current Garda Estimates were finalised. As a result a significant unanticipated body of expenditure has arisen. I am currently engaging with my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, in regard to the financial arrange- ments to be made in respect of the visits. These contacts are ongoing and I expect they will conclude shortly. I can assure the Deputy that an important part of the discussion is to ensure that frontline Garda services will not be adversely affected when it comes to meeting the cost of the visits. Deputy Dara Calleary: I thank the Minister for his reply. On 19 July 2011, some three months ago, we received from the Minister an answer in regard to the breakdown of costs. It is our duty to support the Minister in his work. There is no doubt of the benefits which accrued from the visits and that the expenditure was necessary in the circumstances. It is three months on from when the Minister provided the House with a detailed breakdown. How many meetings has the Minister had with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Howlin, since then? Is he placing any specific demands on the Minister to make up the overspend from within existing Garda resources? In view of the benefit the visits had for the country, is he in a position to get an extra allocation from other Departments given the collective gain for the country? Deputy Alan Shatter: The reason the funding for the visits has not yet been settled is that, ultimately, it will depend on the overall position in the Garda Vote in 2011. That context is 728 Priority 25 October 2011. Questions necessary to take into account all the expenditure and savings on the Vote during the year. This is a process where the relevant figures do not fully emerge until late in the year. We have now reached the stage where the final Garda Vote expenditure figures for 2011 are being established. It is obviously the right time to settle the issue, once the exact position becomes clear. As I indicated, I expect that my discussions with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform will finalise the arrangements shortly. I hope that within a short few weeks the position will be absolutely clear. It is my obligation, of course, to ensure that we deal with the matter in as financially efficient a manner as possible. If there are some savings in some part of the Garda Vote, that will, to some extent, offset some small part of the additional expenditure incurred. Deputy Dara Calleary: I am supportive of the Minister in his efforts with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform but Garda Síochána directive 109/11, which was issued to stations in the past few weeks, will considerably reduce the amount of Garda overtime involved in serving District and Circuit Courts and may have the impact of delaying cases because of the reduction in that overtime. Is that an indication of the kind of measure being taken or is that separate from the need to make up the overspend on the visits? Deputy Alan Shatter: It has no relevance to the visits. It is a question of ensuring that, generally speaking, the Department tries to comply with the overall financial envelope provided in circumstances where the Deputy’s colleagues in government substantially underfunded a number of the Votes within the Department of Justice and Equality thus giving rise to part- icular difficulties. We are trying to ensure resources are used as carefully and as efficiently as is possible as we go through the year. Garda Stations 39. Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the timeline associ- ated either with making decisions on the closures or on the actual closures of garda stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31294/11] 41. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of eligible garda who have indicated, by 30 September 2011, that they will be retiring before February 2012; the options examined by the review of the Garda Commissioner in relation to potential closure of garda stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Recommended publications
  • Garda Michael J. Reynolds Killed in the Line of Duty (1975)
    SÍOCHÁIN The Official Magazine of the Garda Síochána Retired Members’ Association GARDA MICHAEL J. REYNOLDS KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY (1975) AUTUMN 2015 ISSN 1649-5896 TRIBUTES TO JACK MARRINAN www.gardaretired.com THE VOICE FOR GardaÍ SÍOCHÁIN The Official Magazine of the Garda Síochána Retired Members’ Association GARDA MICHAEL J. REYNOLDS CONTENTS KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY (1975) AUTUMN 2015 Autumn 2015 ISSN 1649-5896 TRIBUTES TO JACK MARRINAN www.gardaretired.com Volume 44 • Issue 3 • ISSN 1649-5896 THE VOICE FOR GARDAÍ 7 ASSOCIATION NEWS 46 LONG SERVICE AWARDS 57 O’DONOVAN ROSSA Certificates were presented to two The story of O’Donovan Rossa’s Garda widows and nine retired Casket by Michael O’Sullivan, a 20 IN-HOUSE REPORT colleagues in Cork for their member of the Reenascreena dedicated service to the GSRMA. O’Donovan Rossa Centenary Committee who decided to have 29 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR it refurbished in time for the 2015 celebrations. 34 NEW CENTRAL COMMITTEE Profile of the six new Central Committee members of the GSRMA. 53 LOOK BACK 38 GARDA MICHAEL REYNOLDS Garda Dick Farrelly, Irish songwriter Retired Garda George Langan pays and poet, is best known for tribute to Garda Michael J. composing the lyrics and music to Reynolds on the 40th anniversary ‘The Isle of Innisfree’. of his death in Dublin. 61 ROGER CASEMENT A detailed account of Roger Casement’s 1916 voyage to Ireland in a ‘U19’ German submarine, his ill-fated landing on Banna Beach in Co. Kerry and his subsequent capture and arrest. 54 UN VETERANS Profile of Garda Seán Quinn who 42 WW1 MEMORIES had to resign from the Force in Retired Sgt Andrew Kenny shares the 1950s in order to undertake memories of his late father James UN Service.
    [Show full text]
  • An Garda Síochána Annual Report 2016 Garda.Ie
    An Garda Síochána Annual Report 2016 garda.ie 1 An Garda Síochána Annual Report 2016 Foreword by Garda Commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan 2016 was a challenging year for An Garda Síochána, but also a positive one. As the country celebrated the centenary of the 1916 Rising, An Garda Síochána can look back with pride on its own role not only in ensuring public safety at the events throughout the country during the last year, but also the vital role the organisation has played through its history and continues to play every day in protecting and supporting our communities. What pleased me most about the celebrations was not only 30%. Overall, the level of victimisation across all crime fell the great professionalism on display and the obvious pride from 11% to 8% in 2016, according to our Public Attitude in wearing the uniform, but the reaction from the public. Survey. The desire from families, children and individuals to get their photograph with Gardaí or shake their hand or give There were also significant quantities of drugs and guns them a simple word of thanks speaks volumes about our seized that would have been used to harm individuals and close relationship with communities. It is also testimony to communities. Many lives were saved through the high the regard local Gardaí are held in their communities. visibility policing introduced in Dublin city and throughout the country to deter heightened organised criminal activity. While the last decade has been very difficult for An Garda Síochána, this year saw significant investment by National security continued to be protected through Government in the service and many changes for the enhanced use of intelligence and collaboration with better.
    [Show full text]
  • An Garda Síochána Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021 1
    An Garda Síochána Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021 An Garda Síochána Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021 1 Contents Commissioner's Foreword 2 Executive Summary 4 Chapter 1: Renewing the Culture of An Garda Síochána 7 Chapter 2: Putting Victims at the Heart of the Garda Service 15 Chapter 3: Community Engagement and Public Safety 23 Chapter 4: Preventing Crime 31 Chapter 5: Bringing Crime Investigation to a New Level 37 Chapter 6: Roads Policing 47 Chapter 7: National Security and Organised Crime 55 Chapter 8: Cyber Security and Cyber Crime 63 Chapter 9: Leading and Governing a Changing Organisation 69 Chapter 10: Managing and Motivating our Best Asset 79 Chapter 11: Partnerships and Collaboration 89 Chapter 12: Technology 97 Chapter 13: Communicating Better on All Fronts 107 Chapter 14: Conclusion 115 2 An Garda Síochána Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021 Commissioner's Foreword As a landmark in the history of An Garda Síochána, this document is significant. It is the first time An Garda Síochána has laid out its mission, direction, plans and challenges spanning a five year period. It is also the culmination of a sustained period of self-examination and self-reflection. This has included seeking the views of our people and the public. Taking on board the findings of the reports of the Garda Inspectorate, as well as other critical friends including the Policing Authority, the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, the Department of Justice and Equality and other Government Departments, and countless individuals and organisations that take a view on how we do what we do.
    [Show full text]
  • 2014-Annual-Report.Pdf
    Foreword Authority in conjunction with the general public, to make our roads safer through education and enforcement. Unfortunately, last year saw another increase in road deaths. While the level of road deaths in 2014 was half that in 2004, one death is one too many and is the cause of untold heartbreak to the loved ones left behind. We will continue to maintain a strong focus on road safety, but all of us as road users also have to take personal re- sponsibility for our behaviour on the roads and ensure we travel with care and consideration for others. Our partnerships with Government Departments, State bodies and key stakeholders are also vital. A prime example of this was the joint operation in September between An Garda Síochána, Revenue Customs and the Irish Navy, assisted by agencies in France, the UK, and Portugal, to seize cocaine worth approxi- mately €358m off the coast of Cork. As with all other public sector bodies, An Garda Síochána intro- duced a range of measures designed to increase efficiencies and cut costs, while ensuring we maintained an effective police service. While these efficiencies, allied to the changes in how we oper- ate, means policing is being delivered differently, our focus on protecting and supporting communities, and particularly victims of crime, remains steadfast. I am pleased to present the 2014 Annual Report of An Garda In a very welcome development, 2014 saw the re-introduction of Síochána that details the work carried out by the organisation on new students to the Garda College for the first time since 2009.
    [Show full text]
  • An Garda Síochána
    _______________________ An Garda Síochána: Final Report of Audit Issued March 2014 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .........................................................................................................................4 Recommendations...........................................................................................................................5 1. BACKGROUND AND LEGAL BASIS FOR INSPECTION ..................................................................11 2. PRE-INSPECTION..................................................................................................................11 3. OVERVIEW OF AN GARDA SIOCHANA............................................................................13 4. PULSE .....................................................................................................................................13 4.1 PULSE Overview............................................................................................................14 4.2 Demonstration of PULSE ...............................................................................................15 4.3 Data Categorisation on PULSE......................................................................................15 4.4 Intelligence on PULSE and Criminal Intelligence Officers............................................20 4.5 Use of PULSE.................................................................................................................23 4.6 Adult Cautions on PULSE ..............................................................................................24
    [Show full text]
  • Outgoing General Secretary Paschal Feeney Bids a Fond Farewell
    SÍOCHÁIN The Official Magazine of the Garda Síochána Retired Members’ Association OUTGOING GENERAL SECRETARY PASCHAL FEENEY BIDS A FOND FAREWELL WINTERWinter 2019 2015 ISSNISSN 1649-58961649-5896 www.gardaretired.comwww.gardaretired.com SCAN QR CODE FOR MEMBERS’ AREA EDITORIAL COMMENT TAKING TIME TO REFLECT So comes the time for Paschal Feeney to write his last editorial for ‘Siochain’ magazine. Looking back on his appointment as General Secretary of the Garda Síochána Retired Members’ Association (GSRMA) and Editor of this fantastic magazine he wonders where the years have flown. am disappointed leaving my role that Garda pensions improved vastly, with messages dispatched on a daily I have not been fully restored to the levels of what basis. we describe as ‘normal pension levels’; and likewise I took it upon myself to ensure, where possible, disappointed that Garda officialdom use the General Data that the flow of communications would continue all Protection Regulation (GDPR) Act as an excuse not to year round, regardless of where in the world I was. I share information with me, as General Secretary so that, acknowledge all the thanks I have received from hundreds in turn, I can inform you the members and readers of of members throughout the country in that regard. where we stand, as regards members of the force retiring. As I retire as General Secretary I am delighted to On the other hand I am hugely proud to have been announce that we are launching our GSRMA App, which given the opportunity to serve as your General Secretary will improve the speed at which you receive the message and reflect on what has been achieved during my tenure.
    [Show full text]
  • 2008 Annual Report
    Garda pages 09 28/07/2009 10:39 Page 1 ANNUAL REPORT OF AN GARDA SÍOCHÁNA The Mission of An Garda Síochána is to achieve the highest attainable level of 2008 • Personal Protection • • Community Commitment • State Security • Garda pages 09 28/07/2009 10:40 Page 2 LOOKING TO THE FUTURE Commissioner’s Foreword — Looking to the Future I am pleased to present the Annual Report for 2008, constant emphasis on protecting the young and vulnerable, detailing the work of An Garda Síochána across all Divisions. as well as the public as a whole, from the effects of this The report outlines achievements in relation to our core reprehensible activity which leaves nothing but damage and commitments – the prevention and detection of crime, the devastation in its wake. protection of national security, and crucially, our day to day This report highlights the work of Gardaí in their work in communities around Ireland. communities, as they fight against serious crime, work to An Garda Síochána is committed to working within reduce deaths and serious injuries on our roads, address the communities to address the root causes of crime in order to causes of anti-social behaviour and implement other deliver excellent policing across the State. Engaging with initiatives which assist in building lasting and relevant these communities offers the organisation a chance to connections with the people they serve. promote public confidence in the work of the service and I An Garda Síochána is ready and willing to meet the am certain that this approach will yield strong crime challenges of policing as they manifest themselves in prevention results in the future.
    [Show full text]
  • An Garda Síochána Annual Report 2016 Garda.Ie
    An Garda Síochána Annual Report 2016 garda.ie 1 An Garda Síochána Annual Report 2016 Foreword by Garda Commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan 2016 was a challenging year for An Garda Síochána, but also a positive one. As the country celebrated the centenary of the 1916 Rising, An Garda Síochána can look back with pride on its own role not only in ensuring public safety at the events throughout the country during the last year, but also the vital role the organisation has played through its history and continues to play every day in protecting and supporting our communities. What pleased me most about the celebrations was not only 30%. Overall, the level of victimisation across all crime fell the great professionalism on display and the obvious pride from 11% to 8% in 2016, according to our Public Attitude in wearing the uniform, but the reaction from the public. Survey. The desire from families, children and individuals to get their photograph with Gardaí or shake their hand or give There were also significant quantities of drugs and guns them a simple word of thanks speaks volumes about our seized that would have been used to harm individuals and close relationship with communities. It is also testimony to communities. Many lives were saved through the high the regard local Gardaí are held in their communities. visibility policing introduced in Dublin city and throughout the country to deter heightened organised criminal activity. While the last decade has been very difficult for An Garda Síochána, this year saw significant investment by National security continued to be protected through Government in the service and many changes for the enhanced use of intelligence and collaboration with better.
    [Show full text]
  • Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform Annual Report 2004
    Annual Report 2004 Contents Page No Mission Statement and Values................................................................................................2 Foreword by Minister Michael McDowell, T.D.........................................................................3 Part 1 - Introduction Introduction by Secretary General ..........................................................................................7 Department’s Mandate ............................................................................................................8 Structure of Department ........................................................................................................8 Part 2 Progress on 2003-2005 Strategy Statement High Level Goals and other developments during 2004 Tackling Crime (HLG 1) ........................................................................................................11 Security (HLG 2) ..................................................................................................................21 Garda Síochána (HLG 3) ......................................................................................................22 The Courts (HLG 4) ..............................................................................................................26 Prisons & Probation and Welfare (HLG 5)............................................................................30 Criminal and Civil Law Reform (HLG 6)................................................................................34 Human Rights
    [Show full text]
  • Garda Annual Report 2004
    TO THE MINISTER FOR JUSTICE, EQUALITY & LAW REFORM DON AIRE DLÍ AGUS CIRT, COMHIONNANNAIS AGUS ATHCHÓIRITHE DLÍ ANNUAL REPORT OF AN GARDA SÍOCHÁNA TUARASCÁIL BHLIANTÚIL 2004AN GARDA SÍOCHÁNA COMPILED BY AN GARDA SÍOCHÁNA, GARDA HEADQUARTERS, PHOENIX PARK, DUBLIN 8. CURTHA LE CHÉILE AG AN GARDA SÍOCHÁNA CEANNCHEATHRÚ NA NGARDAÍ, PÁIRC NA FHIONNUISCE AN GARDA SÍOCHÁNA ANNUAL REPORT 2004 Foreword Dear Minister, I present herewith the report of An Garda Síochána for the year ending 31st December 2004. There was a decrease in the total number of headline offences recorded during the year to 98,964 or 4% on the 2003 figure. There were 37 murders, a reduction of 18% on the previous year. Sexual assaults dropped by 30%, with 1021 incidents recorded compared with 1449 in 2003. A 3% reduction was also seen in the number of assaults reported, with 4,583 such offences recorded. Robbery from the Person was down 13% to 1483, with a 14% decrease in Aggravated Burglary, where 284 incidents were recorded, while Burglaries fell by 689, or 3%, to 24,471. A total of 34,398 headline offences were detected during the year, equating to 35% of all such offences recorded. There were 133,957 non-nationals registered in Ireland on the 31st December 2004, a 5% increase on 2003, while there was an almost 40% decrease in asylum applications, with 4,766 applications compared with 7,900 the previous year. 624 persons were deported during the year, a 7% increase on 2003. Public disorder and drunkenness, the sale and distribution of drugs, and traffic management remained issues of concern for the public and An Garda Síochána and ongoing Garda initiatives and operations, including Operations 'Assist', 'Encounter', 'Cleanstreet' and Freeflow', continued during 2004 in order to address these concerns.
    [Show full text]
  • An Garda Síochána
    An Garda Síochána Vision for the Future of Policing in Ireland An Garda Síochána | Vision for the Future of Policing in Ireland Commissioner’s Foreword ................................................................................................. 4 Glossary ........................................................................................................................... 5 Executive Summary .......................................................................................................... 6 1 Overview of Current Position in An Garda Síochána ................................................. 16 1.1 Introduction .................................................................................................... 16 1.2 The Challenge Presented ................................................................................. 16 1.3 The Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021 ................................. 17 1.4 Conclusion ....................................................................................................... 21 2 The Role of Policing ................................................................................................. 22 2.1 Introduction .................................................................................................... 22 2.2 Core Policing Services ...................................................................................... 22 2.3 Future Vision ................................................................................................... 26 3 Leadership
    [Show full text]
  • War of Independence Starts with Soloheadbeg
    SÍOCHÁIN WAR OF INDEPENDENCE STARTS WITH SOLOHEADBEG CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM REFORM IS LONG OVERDUE AN APPRECIATION JOE WARD (RIP) WINTER 2015 ISSNSpring 1649-5896 2019 www.gardaretired.comISSN 1649-5896 SCAN QR CODE FOR www.gardaretired.com MEMBERS’ AREA EDITORIAL COMMENT LOOKING AFTER THE ‘JOB FOR LIFE’ If Ireland is to thrive as a nation fairness and equity is needed for all regardless of profession past or present, the new National Wage Agreement needs to enshrine the parity provision in the legislation. When serving in An Garda Síochána, members often heard that this job was one for life, but is this really the case wonders GSRMA General Secretary Paschal Feeney. ompulsory retirement age varied as we went through to pay for an aging Cour service. I grew up in a Garda household and while population. I am the compulsory retirement age was 63, the option to not saying when in retire was always there with full pension after 30 years employment we don’t approved service. continue to contribute Those words ‘approved service’ were critical back in to our pensions, that the 1960s and 70s, very seldom was the approved service is a given. However, abridged. Compulsory retirement age was then reduced it’s now over a decade to age 60 with 30 years’ service and then to 57 years, as since retired members always the criteria was with 30 years’ full service. of An Garda Síochána The trend at that time was to reduce the compulsory received any type of retirement age to 55 years. However, life as does lifestyle pension increase.
    [Show full text]