Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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685. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of adult cautions issued per Garda division in each of the years 2015 to 2020, in tabular form [44839/20]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Adult Caution Scheme was introduced to An Garda Síochána in 2006 having been approved by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).  The operation of the scheme is an operational matter for An Garda Síochána and the DPP, both of which are independent in the exercise of their functions. 

I am advised by the Garda authorities that the table below shows relevant Adult Caution counts by Garda Region/Division. Counts are based on PULSE data as of 1:30am on the 4thJanuary 2021.  

Data was collated from PULSE for incidents (of any crime category) for the years 2015 to 2020 where the suspected offender or offenders were issued with an Adult Caution.

*The various Covid related restrictions represent a unique set of circumstances which make comparison of the 2020 figures with other years difficult.

The Deputy may wish to note that following collaboration between An Garda Síochána and the Director of Public Prosecutions, an expansion of the Adult Cautioning Scheme to include four additional offences has now been approved:

- Offences contrary to section 13 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 (Trespass in a manner likely to cause fear);

- Offences under section 21 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 (Control of access to certain events);

- Offences under section 3 of the Casual Trading Act 1995 (Casual trading without a licence or contrary to the terms of the licence);

- Offences under Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977/84 (Simple possession). This will relate to the possession of cannabis and cannabis resin only. 

An Adult Caution for any of these four offences can only be considered in respect of an offence committed on or after the 14 December 2020 and cannot be applied retrospectively.  An Garda Síochána will continue to work closely with the Director of Public Prosecutions in relation to all elements of the Adult Caution Scheme.