Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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1211. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the amount of cash that was seized by gardaí on suspicion of being the proceeds of crime and was returned to the Exchequer in the years 2022 to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38823/23]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) is a multi-agency statutory body established under the Criminal Assets Bureau Act 1996. The Bureau’s remit is to target a person's assets, wherever situated, which derive, or are suspected to derive, directly or indirectly, from criminal conduct. Since its inception, the Bureau has been at the forefront of fighting organised crime in this jurisdiction and disrupting the activities of criminal gangs by depriving them of ill-gotten assets.

As evident in the almost 13% increase in funding since 2021, the Government is committed to ensuring that adequate resources are provided to support the work of the Criminal Assets Bureau in targeting the proceeds of crime.

Under the Criminal Assets Bureau Act 1996, the Chief Bureau Officer is responsible for the management and control of the administration and business of the Criminal Assets Bureau, including the staffing of the Bureau. Under the Act, the Chief Bureau Officer is responsible to the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána for these functions. As Minister for Justice I have no direct role in these functions.

The Bureau works closely with Gardaí and all law enforcement agencies at national and international levels and continues to focus its efforts on targeting assets deriving from all types of criminal conduct. The Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Act 2005 makes provision for the Bureau to seize assets that were generated in foreign jurisdictions. This Act enables the Bureau to cooperate fully with other international asset recovery agencies.

I am advised that all monies seized by CAB are remitted to the Central Fund of the Exchequer after the appropriate statutory time frame under the Proceeds of Crime Acts (currently seven years must elapse from date of seizure to remittance to the Exchequer). Therefore, assets (including cash) seized in a given year are not remitted to the Exchequer in that year. Additionally, legal challenges may also extend the length of time from asset seizure to disposal and remittance.

A 'Consent Order' may be obtained under Section 4A of the Act, which allows for agreement between both parties to remit the money earlier than the 7 year waiting period.

I can confirm that no money seized in 2022 or 2023 has been remitted under Section 4A of the Act at present.

I am advised by the Bureau that figures relating to asset recovery under the Proceeds of Crime Act by CAB are available publicly in the annual reports published on the Bureau's website:

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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1212. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí by rank attached to each divisional drugs unit in tabular form; if any of these divisional drugs units received additional personnel in the past six months; if so, which division and the number of additional gardaí; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38824/23]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I can assure the Deputy the Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and the 2023 Budget of over €2 billion is allowing for the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff, with Garda recruits entering Templemore regularly.

Overall, since 2015 there has been an almost 9% net increase in the number of Gardaí. These Gardaí are supported by around 3,140 Garda staff, which is over 56% more than the number of staff in 2015. This increases the availability of Gardaí to concentrate on frontline policing duties.

As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the distribution and stationing of the Garda Síochána throughout the State. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.

I understand that it is a matter for the Divisional Chief Superintendent to determine the optimum distribution of duties among the personnel available to them, having regard to the profile of each area within the Division and its specific needs.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that at the end of July 2023, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 330 Garda members assigned to Divisional Drugs Units nationwide. This represents an increase of almost 5% since the end of January 2023 when there were 315 Garda members assigned to these units.

The table below, which has been provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the total number of Garda members by rank assigned to each Divisional Drugs Unit at the end of July 2023, the latest date for when figures are available. Please note that this information is based upon operational data which has been provided by An Garda Síochána and may be liable to change.

The table below, which was provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the total number of Garda members assigned to each Garda Drugs Unit at the end of January 2023 and at the end of July 2023. Please note that this information is based upon operational data which has been provided by An Garda Síochána and may be liable to change.

For the Deputy's information, detailed statistics on Garda workforce numbers are published on my Department's website and can be accessed using the following link:

www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/.

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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1213. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated cost in 2024 to double the number of dogs in the Garda dog unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38825/23]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business by law. This includes the distribution of Garda resources to the various Garda units/Divisions. As Minister, I play no role in these independent functions.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that the Garda Dog Unit is based at Kilmainham Garda Station in the Dublin Metropolitan Region. The Unit has a national remit.

As of 4 September, there are 24 dogs attached to the Garda Dog Unit. This is inclusive of the Southern Regional Dog Unit based in Cork and Limerick.

The cost of purchasing dogs varies from €3,000 to €6,000. Therefore it would cost in the region of €72,000 to €144,000 to purchase an additional 24 dogs for the Garda Dog Unit.

Increasing the number of dogs would also require a significant increase of personnel and raise the ongoing running costs for the Unit, which would include veterinary fees, feed and kennelling.

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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1214. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of cases of arson that were reported to gardaí in the U district within DMR in the year 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38826/23]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the recording of information on the Garda PULSE system. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.

The below table, provided to me by the Garda authorities, outlines the number of incidents of Criminal Damage (by fire) reported within the U District for 2022 and 2023, as of 3 September.

It should be noted that this is operational data from PULSE and, as such, may be liable to change.

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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1215. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of full-time forensic accountants working in the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau in the year 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; if this number will be further increased; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38827/23]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Unfortunately the information was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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1216. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the Garda divisions that currently have a Garda community relations vans within their division, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38828/23]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the purchase, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.

The below table, provided to me by the Garda authorities, outlines the number of vans attached to Community Engagement as of 31 August 2023, the latest date for when figures are available.

For the Deputy's information an additional 179 vehicles are attached to Community Engagement nationally, which is comprised of 156 cars and 23 other vehicles.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that the purchase and allocation of vehicles is made on the basis of identified operational demands, the availability of resources and is reviewed on a continual basis.

This information provided to the Deputy is operational and subject to change.

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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1217. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of road traffic collisions in each of the years 2020 to 2022 in each Garda district within Dublin; the number that resulted in a fatality or serious injury, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38829/23]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will appreciate the enforcement of road traffic legislation is an operational matter for An Garda Síochána.

Road traffic legislation is enforced as part of the day-to-day duties of members of An Garda Síochána, as well as through a programme of high-visibility road safety and enforcement operations, carried out in partnership with other State agencies, including Government Departments, the Road Safety Authority, the National Roads Authority, and the community, in order to make our roads safer for all.

The Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical agency, is responsible for the compilation and publication of all crime statistics including the number of road deaths (fatalities) and the number of injured/casualties on the roads in Ireland each year.

These statistics are prepared by the Road Safety Authority following analysis of the fatality reports provided to the RSA by An Garda Síochána and are available at the link below:

data.cso.ie/product/rsars

Provisional data is also available on the RSA website at the following link:

www.rsa.ie/road-safety/statistics/road-traffic-collision-data

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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1218. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons arrested and charged with driving while disqualified within Garda C district within DMR in 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38830/23]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the recording of traffic offences. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.

Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act 1961, as amended by section 12 of the Road Traffic Act 2006, creates the offence of ‘Driving without a Driving Licence’. I am advised by Garda authorities that there is no separate offence of ‘Driving While Disqualified’.

Section 38 creates an offence of driving without a licence and section 38(5) provides a more severe penalty for driving without a licence during the period of disqualification; however, the offence remains one of simply driving without a licence.

The below table, provided to me by the Garda authorities, outlines the number of charges and summonses created for the offence of ‘Driving Without a Driving Licence’ in Store Street district.

The figures for 2023 are up to date as of 6 September 2023. These figures are based on operational data from the PULSE system and, as such, may be liable to change.

Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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1219. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of new Garda vehicles allocated to the Garda Technical Bureau to date in 2023; and the number of vehicles withdrawn from the Garda Technical Bureau to date in 2023. [38859/23]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Government is committed to ensuring An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to deliver a modern, fit-for-purpose, policing service. Budget 2023 provides funding in excess of €2 billion for An Garda Síochána, of which €10m has been allocated for investment in the Garda fleet.

As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the purchase, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.

I am however assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.

I am advised that on the 31 August 2023, the latest date for when figures are available, there were 15 vehicles assigned to the Garda Technical Bureau. This includes, 10 cars, four vans, and one 4x4. I am further advised that no vehicles were assigned or removed from the Technical Bureau in 2023. I am also advised that the figures provided are operational and may be subject to change.

Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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1220. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of vehicles seized by gardaí for having no insurance within Meath Garda Division in 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [38860/23]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including all operational policing matters. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.

The below table, provided to me by the Garda authorities, outlines the number of vehicles seized by Garda authorities in Meath Garda Division for having no insurance in 2022 and to date in 2023.

*2023 figures cover the period from 1 January 2023 to 31 August 2023

Figures are based on incidents which occurred between 1 January 2022 to 31 August 2023, inclusive. All information contained in this report is based upon operational data from the PULSE system, as was available on 6 September 2023, and may be liable to change.

The Deputy should note this data covers vehicles seized or detained under Section 41 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 (as amended).

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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1221. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí that have resigned from the Force in the past five years; if she can outline what divisions they left; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38863/23]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including HR matters. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.

However, I can assure the Deputy that the government is committed to ensuring An Garda Síochána have the resources they need to perform their vital role in the community. This is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of over €2 billion in Budget 2023.

The below table, provided to me by Garda authorities, details the number of Gardaí who have resigned in the last five years, by region, as of 4 September 2023:

I am advised by the Garda authorities that exit interviews were initiated in An Garda Síochána in April 2023 to develop an understanding of why personnel may decide to leave the organisation, and where appropriate, to address issues which may influence retention. I understand that exit interviews are carried out by a Chartered Occupational Psychologist working within An Garda Síochána's Human Resources and People Development Section. As too few interviews have taken place to date, there is currently insufficient data to extrapolate definitive themes. The option of a confidential online survey will also be made available shortly which will increase the data collection.