Written answers

Tuesday, 30 January 2024

Department of Justice and Equality

An Garda Síochána

Photo of Seán SherlockSeán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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404. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of outstanding GNIB renewal appointments; and the length of time it is expected each appointment will have before one is granted for stamp renewal, by each GNIB station, in tabular form. [3869/24]

Photo of Seán SherlockSeán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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405. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí specifically allocated to working on stamp renewals, by station, in tabular form. [3870/24]

Photo of Seán SherlockSeán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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406. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she is aware of the significant delays impacting the working lives for applicants seeking stamp renewal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3871/24]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 404 to 406, inclusive, together.

The Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) has responsibility for the first time registration and renewal of Irish immigration residence permissions for persons residing outside of the Dublin area. My Department's Registration Office in Burgh Quay is responsible for registering immigration permissions for customers residing in the Dublin area only.

The responsibility of the registration function at Immigration Offices outside of the Dublin rests with local Superintendents or the relevant Detective Superintendent. The deployment of Gardaí in this regard is an operational matter for the Garda authorities.

I am advised by an Garda Síochána that the requested information is not readily available and would require a disproportionate amount of Garda time and resources to compile.

It should note that applications for renewal of residence permission, including when changing stamp category, are accepted up to 12 weeks prior to expiry to allow sufficient time for processing.

Photo of Catherine MurphyCatherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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407. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí by rank attached to each divisional public service vehicle inspectors as of 22 January 2024, in tabular form. [3877/24]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen 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. An Garda Síochána’s 2024 allocation provides funding of over €2.3 billion, which includes funding for between 800 to 1,000 new Gardaí and an additional 250 Garda staff.

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, as well as for decisions on the deployment of personnel among the various Garda Divisions. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that, as of 29 January 2024, there are 18 Public Service Vehicle Inspectors at the ranks of Sergeants and Gardaí.

I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that personnel assigned throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategies, are continually monitored and reviewed. This ensures that optimum use is made of resources and the best possible policing service is provided to the public.

Photo of Catherine MurphyCatherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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408. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of new Garda vehicles added to the Kildare and Wicklow Garda divisions in 2023 and to date in 2024; the number of Garda vehicles withdrawn from those divisions in 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [3878/24]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The unprecedented allocation of over €2 billion for 2023 and €2.35 billion for 2024 to An Garda Síochána demonstrates the Government's commitment to ensuring An Garda Síochána has provision for the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and personnel it needs to carry out its vital policing work.

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.

The tables below, provided to me by the Garda authorities, show new vehicles allocated to, and removed from, the Kildare and Wicklow Divisions in 2023 and to date in 2024 (as of 25 January).

Kildare Allocated Removed
2023 6 6
2024 to date 1 0
Wicklow Allocated Removed
2023 3 4
2024 to date 0 0

The purchase and allocation of vehicles by An Garda Síochánais made on the basis of identified operational demands, the availability of resources and is reviewed on a continual basis. Information supplied is operational and subject to change.

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