Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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477. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the implementation of the Programme for Partnership Government as it applies to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24579/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The Government recently approved its second progress report on the implementation of the Programme for Government. This report highlights the progress made over the past year in delivering commitments under the Programme for Partnership Government plan. The Annual Report will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas shortly and published thereafter.

Some of the key commitments progressed by my Department to date include:

- €55 million in funding allocated to the Gardaí to tackle gangland crime with measures introduced including the establishment of the Special Crime Task Force to enhance the response to organised crime, and the establishment of a dedicated Garda Armed Support Unit, operating on a 24/7 basis;

- 900 new Gardaí deployed in 2017 bringing the total to over 13,500;

- €100 million funding to complete new Garda HQs at Kevin Street, Galway and Wexford;

- A new Garda Business Watch scheme was established in 2017;

- Signing into law of the Criminal Justice Act 2017, which provides for more stringent bail conditions;

- Enactment of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 to enhance and update laws to combat the sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children;

- New legislation enacted strengthening rights and supports for Victims of Crime and to provide better protection for victims of domestic violence;

- A national awareness raising campaign, "What would you do?" was launched to increase the awareness of domestic and sexual violence, and to activate bystanders with the aim of decreasing and preventing this violence;

- New gender equality measures underway under National Strategy for Women and Girls;

- A new National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy 2017 – 2021 launched;

- A Migrant Integration Strategy 2017 - 2020 launched to provide a framework for Government action.

- €2 million for 15 projects under a national scheme to promote integration of migrants;

- A Single Application Procedure for International Protection applicants implemented to streamline the application process and reducing the time spent in State provided accommodation.

- Over 1,000 refugees accepted by Ireland under the EU Relocation Programme and 41 unaccompanied minors previously resident in a migrant camp relocated to Ireland;

- New Family Reunification Humanitarian Admission program to relocate 530 families here.