Results 19,641-19,660 of 27,613 for speaker:Heather Humphreys

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: An Garda Síochána (6 Dec 2022)

Heather Humphreys: The number of people retiring is very small when it is taken in the context of overall Garda numbers. In 2018, there were 0.5% retirements, and in 2022, the number is 0.7%. When we take account of the overall Garda numbers, the number of retirements is relatively small. We continue to provide resources. As the Deputy will be aware, resource management, including succession planning, is a...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: An Garda Síochána (6 Dec 2022)

Heather Humphreys: In 2022, there were 101 resignations out of a total Garda force of 14,211. Those are the actual figures. The Deputy mentioned the Dublin metropolitan region. In 2015 there were 590 gardaí in Dublin north central. There are 655 gardaí there in 2022. In Dublin metropolitan area south central in 2015 there were 627 gardaí and on 30 September 2022 there were 692 gardaí....

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: An Garda Síochána (6 Dec 2022)

Heather Humphreys: I thank Deputy Fitzpatrick for raising this issue. The Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs, as shown by the unprecedented allocation provided in budget 2023 of €2.14 billion. This level of funding will support the planned recruitment of up to 1,000 new Garda members and 400 new Garda staff. It is clear that we...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: An Garda Síochána (6 Dec 2022)

Heather Humphreys: The 92 recruits started. Possibly some of them may have dropped out. Sometimes when you start a job it might not take you too long to realise that it might not be the job for you. We know of many people who started in other careers. I remember when I started in the bank many moons ago, we used to start the training course in tranches of six and maybe after the first few days one or two...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: An Garda Síochána (6 Dec 2022)

Heather Humphreys: I think perhaps if they fail on the fitness side of things they get an opportunity to do the test again. As to whether they are called back for a second interview, I will have to check that information out because I do not have it to hand. This starts off with a pass process. The Garda Síochána and the Garda Commissioner then deal with the processing of the applications. I can...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: An Garda Síochána (6 Dec 2022)

Heather Humphreys: I thank Deputy Kenny for raising this matter. As we approach the second anniversary of the tragic death of George Nkencho, I want to extend my sympathies to his family on their very sad loss. As the Deputy will be aware, the fatal shooting is being fully investigated by GSOC, which is the independent statutory body established with full powers to investigate such incidents. I understand...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: An Garda Síochána (6 Dec 2022)

Heather Humphreys: The Deputy will appreciate that GSOC is completely independent in the exercise of its functions. As Minister, I cannot intervene in or comment on an ongoing GSOC investigation. I am assured, however, that GSOC has the resources necessary to complete the investigation of this tragic incident and it is not possible at this time to give an estimate of the remaining time needed to complete the...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: An Garda Síochána (6 Dec 2022)

Heather Humphreys: The shooting of George Nkencho is being fully investigated by GSOC. I hope the Deputies appreciate that I cannot comment on the GSOC investigation because it is independent in the exercise of its functions. GSOC has the power to prosecute following its investigations if it deems that necessary. That is not the case for a public inquiry. This is detailed work that GSOC is doing. It is...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (6 Dec 2022)

Heather Humphreys: I thank the Deputy for raising this matter, and for his kind comments. I wish the Minister, Deputy McEntee, well. She has just started her maternity leave. I hope all will go well with the birth of her second child. Tackling domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is a priority for me and the Government. This includes focusing on prevention and providing victim-centred supports and...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (6 Dec 2022)

Heather Humphreys: Plans are in place for refuge places. These locations have been chosen on the basis of required proximity to a refuge as well as a need for refuge spaces per head of population in densely populated areas. They represent areas where there is the most significant under-provision and are a starting point to increasing refuge spaces comprehensively in every county throughout the country. We...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (6 Dec 2022)

Heather Humphreys: There are special units in every single division. Having spoken to some gardaí recently, they said the number of people coming forward to these specialised units dealing with domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is increasing. We are breaking down that stigma for some people who may be worried about coming forward and may be afraid. They are now going to specially trained people...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Court Procedures (6 Dec 2022)

Heather Humphreys: I thank Deputy Durkan for raising this issue, which he feels strongly about. As he is aware, the courts are, subject only to the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions and the conduct of any court case is a matter entirely for the presiding judge. On 16 November, the Minister, Deputy McEntee, published the first national family justice strategy...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Court Procedures (6 Dec 2022)

Heather Humphreys: The case the Deputy referred to is a difficult one. These are difficult situations. We wish to see the child being put at the centre of proceedings. It is important that the needs of the child are considered. Situations, such as those mentioned by the Deputy, where children are taken out of school do not sound like a good situation for any child to be placed in. I have asked my...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Court Procedures (6 Dec 2022)

Heather Humphreys: The Minister, Deputy McEntee, announced the new family justice system that is being put in place. This new system will improve the situation. She consulted with several groups and is committed to dealing with this issue. The Department of Justice has also arranged for a separate strand of independent research into parental alienation to be carried out last year. I am pleased to say that a...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: An Garda Síochána (6 Dec 2022)

Heather Humphreys: I am sure Deputies will join me in condemning, in the strongest possible way, any attacks on members of An Garda Síochána and other front-line services. We are all immensely grateful to all gardaí for their outstanding dedication and commitment to serving the public.  Communities up and down the country have paid warm tributes to gardaí throughout this...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: An Garda Síochána (6 Dec 2022)

Heather Humphreys: I thank the Deputy. I answered the question, but I will answer it again. Any attacks on members of An Garda Síochána and other front-line services are strongly condemned. The Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Bill 2022 was published on 4 August last. It will provide a legal basis for the deployment and use of body-worn cameras by An Garda Síochána. ...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: An Garda Síochána (6 Dec 2022)

Heather Humphreys: We will be bringing forward the Bill and I hope the Deputy will support us when we are bringing it through the Houses of the Oireachtas. I am sure the Deputy will. The Deputy mentioned the Tánaiste. The Tánaiste was answering a direct question, and he answered it. He stated this was a matter for the Garda Commissioner, which it is. What the Tánaiste said was that if the...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Crime Prevention (6 Dec 2022)

Heather Humphreys: My Department is committed to protecting all communities, especially those most affected by crime, to implementing policies designed to prevent our young people from falling into crime and, where they do, to providing them with a pathway to a better future free from crime. It is important to say Ireland is, for the most part, a very safe place to live. According to the Garda...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Crime Prevention (6 Dec 2022)

Heather Humphreys: As I say, the Government continues its active priority focus on combating antisocial behaviour. Of course, we appreciate the damaging effect it can have on the quality of life for local communities. A range of commitments are set out in the programme for Government and the Justice Plan 2022. There is included, in 2023, a €5 million increase in the overtime budget for An Garda...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Crime Prevention (6 Dec 2022)

Heather Humphreys: I thank the Deputy. The Minister of State, Deputy Browne is committed to the youth diversion projects. He has done a huge amount of work in this area. As Deputy Carroll MacNeill knows, these projects provide an invaluable support to complement the work of An Garda Síochána in addressing youth crime and protecting local communities.