Crime « Thurles Information

Community Safety Grants Of €2 Million To Be Reinvested From Proceeds Of Crime.

22 community projects to receive grants between €5,000 – €150,000
Community Safety Innovation Fund reinvests proceeds of crime, as seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau, back into communities
Funding will support delivery of innovative projects to build stronger, safer communities
Fund increased to €3million next year under Budget 2023 – a 50 per cent increase

Minister for Justice Mrs Helen McEntee has today announced the allocation of grants totalling €2 million, to successful applicants to the Community Safety Innovation Fund.

It is the first round of grants given out since Minister McEntee and Minister for Public Expenditure Michael McGrath established the Community Safety Innovation Fund which reinvests the proceeds of crime seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau, in local projects to build stronger, safer communities.

22 community projects across the country are set to benefit from grants ranging from €5,000 to €150,000, which will support the delivery of innovative projects to improve community safety in their local areas.

The Community Safety Innovation Fund was established in April 2021 and €2 million was allocated to it under Budget 2022 – and this will increase to €3 million next year under Budget 2023.

Minister McEntee stated: “This fund reflects the successes of An Garda Síochána and the Criminal Assets Bureau in identifying and seizing the ill-gotten gains of criminals. Equally, people across Ireland are working tirelessly in their communities to prevent crime from taking hold and make their local areas safer.

Working together, we will build stronger, safer communities. By putting this money back into the community, we can show that there is a direct link between the activities of law enforcement and improving community safety.

Based on the high quality of proposals received, I believe the successful projects have the potential to have a real impact on their respective communities.

I also want to encourage those who applied this year but did not receive funding to apply next year – we are increasing the size of the fund by 50 per cent under Budget 2023. My Department will provide guidance on how to achieve a successful application”.

The funding call for the Community Safety Innovation Fund invited applications from community safety initiatives as well as groups co-funded with local authorities, NGOs and community organisations working on issues relevant to community safety and youth justice.

The fund opened for applications in April 2022 and a total of 124 were received by the deadline of 8 June.

Minister McEntee added: “Community Safety is about people being safe and, just as importantly, feeling safe within their communities. It’s vital that we empower our communities to proactively address concerns and build stronger and safer communities.

One of the objectives of this fund was to encourage the development of innovative ways to improve community safety from those people who best understand local community safety needs. Each project has detailed how best the community wants to prevent crime and their proposals reflect community priorities and local safety issues“.

Minister McEntee will today visit the Dublin North Inner City Local Community Safety Partnership based in Dublin’s North Inner-City and the Meath Travellers Workshop, two organisations that will receive funding for projects to improve community safety under the initiative.

The Dublin Local Community Safety Partnership have received funding for a Community Safety Warden Scheme, which will help people safely enjoy the recreational space in Wolfe Tone Park and its environs through the employment of local community safety wardens.

The Meath Travellers Workshop engages with young members of the Travelling community who may be vulnerable to falling into crime across Meath.

The development of the Community Safety Innovation Fund was a key commitment under Justice Plan 2022, as part of the broader objective to drive community participation in a new approach to make communities safer, and work across government and with State agencies to support this goal.

Tipperary Man Appears In Court Following €1.26m Cocaine Seizure on Oct. 10th.

A Tipperary man, named as Mr John Carey, aged 54 years, and with an address at Rathanny, Golf-links Road, Tipperary Town, Co Tipperary, has been remanded in custody, following his appearence in court yesterday afternoon.

Mr Carey, who appeared before Judge Ms Paula Murphy at Dublin District Court yesterday afternoon, stands accused of unlawful possession of cocaine, with an estimated value of €1.26m, same intended for sale or supply at New Customs House, Promenade Road, Dublin Port on Monday, October 10th, last.

The arrest followed ongoing investigations, involving a joint intelligence-led operation, conducted by the Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau and personnel from the Revenue Customs Service.

The search of a vehicle resulted in the discovery of 18kgs of cocaine, same detected by the use of Customs Service sniffer dog “James”.
Initially a woman aged 43 years was also arrested with both accused of drug trafficking offences, however we understand that the woman has since been released without charge.

Mr Carey made no reply when charged and defence solicitor Ms Claire Finnegan confirmed that there was no application for bail at this time.

Judge Murphy remanded Mr Carey in custody to appear via video link at Cloverhill District Court on Tuesday, October 18th.

Joint Public Awareness Campaign For European Cyber Security Month Launched.

National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau (GNCCB) launch joint public awareness campaign for European Cyber Security Month.

These bodies work closely to identify methods used by cyber-criminals; and to advise businesses and the public how to avoid falling victim to cyber-crime.
An increase in ransomware attacks against businesses is evident, where payments are demanded.
Phishing attacks continue to target the most vulnerable in our communities – to steal personal data and money.

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, Mr Ossian Smyth TD; Minister for Justice, Mrs Helen McEntee TD and Assistant Garda Commissioner, Mr Paul Cleary have, this week, launched a joint public awareness campaign for October’s European Cyber Security Month.
This year’s campaign focuses on the twin themes of phishing and ransomware, urging vigilance and outlining their potential impacts on the everyday lives of Irish citizens and businesses. The campaign is being jointly promoted by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), and the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau (GNCCB).

Over the course of Cyber Security Month, which runs throughout October, the NCSC will raise awareness on phishing and ransomware across online and traditional channels. This will take place alongside work by the GNCCB; both bodies are engaging with target audiences — for example the elderly and SME businesses — to highlight the risks involved and the steps that can be taken against both phishing and ransomware attacks.

Phishing emails, used by attackers to lure people into disclosing personal details or clicking on malicious links, are used by cyber-criminals to gain unauthorised access to a computer or network. Hackers continue to design smarter and more sophisticated phishing emails, in the hope of gaining people’s trust and pressuring them into acting without thinking.

Throughout October 2022 a key focus will be on informing the public, in particular the elderly, on how to avoid becoming a victim of email phishing, how to spot the tell-tale signs of these types of emails and what to do if a person has fallen victim to an e-mail phishing attack.

Commenting on the launch, Minister McEntee said: “I know I am not alone in being bothered by fake calls and text messages, and I share people’s frustrations at having to fend off these criminals and their often sophisticated scams. The simple truth is that the same technological advancements that have made our lives easier in so many ways also open us up to new forms of criminality. And, by its nature, those seeking to take advantage of today’s global connectivity often sit outside the easy reach of domestic law enforcement. That is why we need to do everything we can to help people and businesses protect themselves.

The ability of international criminal gangs to launch ransomware attempts against Irish entities from anywhere in the world reinforces the importance of having well-designed and resilient cybersecurity procedures and systems in place.

European Cyber Security Month is a valuable opportunity for us all to work together to raise awareness of the dangers of cybercrime and try and protect those most at risk. And the continued expansion of the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau and the National Cyber Security Centre under this Government demonstrates our commitment to doing so”.

Assistant Commissioner Cleary, Organised & Serious Crime, commented: “We have seen an increase in ransomware attacks against businesses, where payments are demanded to regain access to critical data information systems. The impact of these types of crime can be significant where companies are no longer able to function and recovery costs are potentially severe.

At the same time, phishing attacks can target the most vulnerable in our communities — to steal their personal data and their money. The Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau and the National Cyber Security Centre work closely to identify the methods being used by cyber-criminals, so that we can advise companies and the public how to avoid being victims of cyber-crime and enable them to recover from a cyber-attack when it does occur.

Our collaboration for European Cyber Security Month is an important part of our cyber-security strategy and demonstrates the commitment of both agencies, and of Government, to make the online environment safer for businesses and the public”.

Tactics of criminal ransomware groups.
The second area of focus is ransomware. Focus will be on the stages of a ransomware attack chain, the impacts they have, and the important actions that can be taken in ‘breaking the chain’ and stopping an attack from occurring. Previously issued guidance will also be promoted, including a ‘Cyber Vitals’ checklist and ‘12 Steps to Cyber Security’ for businesses — to help to build and improve their cyber resilience (to defend against ransomware attacks).

The NCSC and GNCCB have seen a noticeable change in the tactics of criminal ransomware groups, whereby rather than largely focussing on Governments, critical infrastructure, and big business, they are increasingly targeting smaller businesses. Both agencies advise that ransom payments should not be made to criminal groups, highlighting that there is no guarantee that paying a ransom will lead to your data being successfully decrypted or prevent the data from being leaked online.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Smyth said: “As the National Cyber Security Centre and Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau have highlighted recently, there is an increasing and worrying trend globally of SMEs being targeted by ransomware groups, with Irish businesses being amongst those impacted. Organisations are facing a very real threat from cyber-criminals looking to disrupt these organisations from functioning properly – in return for a ransom.

We are also aware of the different forms of phishing out there. These can have a very damaging impact on citizens and businesses. European Cyber Security Month is a terrific way to raise awareness of these issues – amongst small and medium sized businesses and amongst all Irish citizens. This will ensure they have the necessary defences to protect themselves against these cyber-related threats”.

The NCSC and GNCCB will also take part in a webinar on ransomware hosted by IBEC and the Small Firms Association during the second half of October.
The webinar will involve panel discussions on key cyber-security challenges and what key steps businesses can take to defend against these types of online crimes. In addition, the Bureau will take part in a series of roadshows around the country organised by ISME to discuss cyber risks and awareness from the small and medium enterprise business sector. Full details of locations and dates are available on the www.isme.ie website. Similar support is being provided by Age Action and Age Friendly Ireland, who will use their networks to get the European Cyber Security Month 2022 cyber safety message out – to senior citizens and the wider community.

The NCSC will conduct several briefings for Operators of Essential Services (OES) and Government Departments to raise awareness of Cyber Security threats during October. The NCSC will also host the first session of the Cyber Irelands National Conference on Enhancing Resilience in an Uncertain World on 5th October.

Information On Disappeared Should Be Provided To Independent Commission For Location Of Victim’s Remains.

The Minister for Justice Mrs Helen McEntee, TD has called on those with information on the ‘Disappeared’ to provide it to the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ Remains.

The ICLVR is responsible for facilitating the location of the remains of victims of paramilitary violence (known as ‘the Disappeared’) who were murdered and secretly buried. The role of the ICLVR is purely humanitarian. Its only aim is to recover the remains of the disappeared in order to allow the families to give their loved ones a proper burial.

Minister McEntee said: “My thoughts are with the family of Columba McVeigh at this difficult time. We all hope that this latest search at Bragan Bog in County Monaghan will be successful.

I recently met with the Commission and their dedication to their task is clear. The families of the Disappeared have had to endure a particular cruelty, facing not only the tragedy and injustice of losing a loved one to murder, but not knowing for decades where that loved one was buried.

At this time we think also of the other families who still await the return of their loved ones’ remains. The Commission’s investigations are complicated and difficult, and information from the public is crucial to its work.

Someone out there may know something that might help. I would call on anyone with information that could help recover the remains of those still missing, to pass that information to the Commission without delay, safe in the knowledge that it will be treated in the strictest confidence”.

Report On Mental Health & Addiction Challenges Of Persons Coming Into Contact With Criminal Justice Sector Published

Multi-agency approach to be taken to rehabilitating and diverting offenders with addiction or mental health challenges away from crime.
New facility for the HSE National Forensic Mental Health Service at Portrane to open in mid-November.

The Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee TD and the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD have on Friday last, published the report and recommendations of the High Level Taskforce established to consider the mental health and addiction challenges of people who come into contact with the criminal justice sector.

Ministers McEntee and Donnelly thanked the independent Chair of the Task Force, Kathleen Lynch, and the Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler TD and the Minister of State for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Frank Feighan TD for their work on the Taskforce and the final Report.

The Taskforce was established in 2021 to meet the Government’s commitment to ensure the critical mental health needs of people in prison are met, addiction treatments are provided and appropriate primary care supports are available on release, in order to ensure improved outcomes for the individuals concerned and for society as a whole.

It is now widely recognised that the needs of many people who interact with the criminal justice system are complex, and are often influenced by mental health and addiction challenges. Providing proper care to these and ensuring rehabilitation, both in terms of health needs but also in order to prevent future reoffending and contact with the criminal justice system, means these issues cannot be addressed in isolation or by the criminal justice system alone.

The Taskforce had three subgroups focused on three key elements to holistically meet these needs going forward;

One subgroup, on Diversion, chaired by a member of An Garda Síochána, focused on diverting individuals with mental illness who have committed minor offences from progressing into the criminal justice system, in the best interests of both the public and the individual concerned.
A second subgroup, on Irish Prison Service/Central Mental Hospital Capacity, which was chaired by an Irish Prison Service Director, examined the existing and future needs of individuals within the custodial criminal justice system. The objective of this group was to ensure that there is adequate provision of services to meet the mental health and dual diagnosis needs of those in prison.
A third subgroup examined community issues and through-care upon release from custody, and was chaired by the Director of the Probation Service. The objective of this group was to ensure that there are sufficient safeguards in place and adequate provision of services to prevent individuals from relapsing into damaging behaviours undermining the rehabilitative efforts made by the individual and the State.

Overall, the Taskforce has put forward 61 recommendations which emphasise the shared responsibility of a number of Government Departments and agencies to deliver on meeting the needs of those with mental health and addiction challenges who come into contact with the criminal justice system.

Key actions include:

Progressive and empathetic approach by Gardaí to dealing with offenders with mental health and addiction challenges, informed by mental health and addiction awareness training for Gardaí
Efficient and effective means of implementing a prosecution avoidance policy when Garda members come in contact with adults with mental illness and addiction, through the adult caution scheme
The establishment of a pilot specialist dual diagnosis service to support prisoners with a mental health condition and substance misuse in a prison, to inform roll-out across the entire prison estate
Access to tiered mental health supports that are recovery oriented for every person with mental health difficulties coming into contact with the forensic system
Reducing attrition by maintaining engagement and motivation at the point of release, including through the use of community agreed discharge plans for prisoners (identifying multi-agency supports required).

Speaking on the publication of the report today, Minister Mrs Helen McEntee said: “We know that many of those who end up engaging with our criminal justice system have higher rates of mental health and addiction challenges than the rest of the population. This is not a coincidence. If we are to address the root causes of offending behaviours, we have to start here.

If we are to reduce the numbers who end up in a cycle of offending behaviour and if we are to create stronger and safer communities and reduce crime, we have to work together and deliver properly resourced, appropriately located systems of care. This is not something that one Department or agency can do alone. A collaborative approach has underpinned the work of the Task Force who have agreed a coherent range of ambitious, but realistic, time-lined actions to build and sustain progress.

In combination with the community safety work underway by my Department, which similarly recognises that delivering on stronger and safer communities requires the buy-in and participation of all relevant stakeholders and not just An Garda Síochána, I feel we are making tangible progress towards a more holistic and joined up way of thinking and working to improve quality of life and build stronger safer communities.

I would like to especially thank Kathleen Lynch for her dedicated work on the Taskforce and in producing this report, as well as the committed staff from a number of Departments and agencies”.

The report is the culmination of over a year’s work by the Task Force, chaired by Kathleen Lynch, former Minister of State, and was comprised of staff from both the Department of Justice and the Department of Health, representatives from the HSE, the Central Mental Hospital, the Irish Prison Service, the Probation Service, An Garda Síochána, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, the Judiciary and the Department of Housing.

The Plan, which accompanies the final report, recognises that the criminal justice sector does not operate in a vacuum, and requires collective will, planning and a strong focus on implementation to deliver a properly resourced, appropriately located, model of care, including Central Mental Hospital step down facilities, for some of the most vulnerable in our society.

Speaking on the publication of the report, Minister Mr Stephen Donnelly said: “I am particularly pleased that our Programme for Government commitment to produce this important HLTF report has materialised. It is thanks to the commitment of every member that such a timely and thorough report has been developed. This is a realistic and grounded report, which presents achievable recommendations in the short, medium, and long term. It has the potential to realise lasting positive changes in the lives of some of the most vulnerable in our society. The Government is committed to building on the work of the Taskforce, particularly around improving co-operation on all fronts in the future, as envisaged under Sláintecare.’’

Minister Ms Mary Butler, Minister of State at the Department of Health said: “It is recognised internationally that vulnerable people with mental health and addiction challenges are over-represented in our criminal justice systems. We have a responsibility to ensure that as many as possible within this population, are diverted away from the criminal justice system and provided with appropriate health and social care supports.

As we all know, there is no quick fix solution to the challenges highlighted by the Taskforce and no one service can address the change needed on its own. However, the report provides a clear path forward on how we can achieve this and work together to improve supports in the key area of forensic mental health care involving all relevant front-line agencies.

The Taskforce’s recommendations relating to the health sector will be progressed in line with Sláintecare, Sharing the Vision and other relevant health policies. I would like to thank all involved in the development of the report. It is evident that a huge amount of work and dedication went in to producing a platform for real progress over the next five years”.

In the context of the report’s publication proceedings, Ministers Donnelly and Butler are delighted to announce that the new facility for the HSE National Forensic Mental Health Service at Portrane, to replace the existing Central Mental Hospital (CMH) at Dundrum, will open in mid-November. The opening of this facility, which has been long called for by many mental health advocates including the HSE and is a key recommendation of the HLTF report to alleviate existing service pressures for the forensic mental health and judicial sectors.

Minister Mr Frank Feighan, Minister of State at the Department of Health said: “It is important that we divert people possessing drugs for personal use or experiencing mental health issues from the criminal justice system. As part of a health-led approach, we need to treat people with compassion, not to punish them. I believe that the health diversion programme we are implementing for people who are found in possession of drugs for personal use is a template that we can use for people who experience mental health issues. Referring these individuals to the health system for a SAOR screening and brief intervention will benefit the individual. It will also lead to a more effective use of resources in the criminal justice system”.