Written Answers Nos. 205-226
205. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of public services cards distributed to international protection applicants in each of the years 2019 to 2023 and to date in 2024; the expiry date on PSC cards that were distributed in each of those years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22265/24]
View answerThe Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) is the unique reference number for transactions between individuals and Government Departments and other public service providers, and forms part of the Public Services Identity (PSI) data set.
Verification of a person’s identity is carried out during the SAFE Registration process following which a Public Services Card (PSC) is issued. A person’s immigration status is not collected during this process as it does not form part of the PSI data set.
As previously advised to the Deputy in my responses to Parliamentary Questions 330 (5339/23) and 121 (7618/12), on 2 and 15 February 2023 respectively, my Department does not collect data on the numbers of PPSNs allocated to international protection applicants. I can inform the Deputy therefore that my Department does not hold records of the number of PSCs issued to international protection applicants.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
206. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Social Protection if she is aware that the fees paid to optometrists providing eyecare under her Department’s adult eyecare schemes are inadequate and do not reflect the cost of providing a modern eye examination; the steps being taken to address this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22294/24]
View answerThe Treatment Benefit Scheme provides dental, optical and aural services to insured workers, the self-employed, retired people and their dependent spouse/partner who have the required number of social insurance (PRSI) contributions.
In 2023, €44.68 million was paid in respect of approximately 1 million Optical Treatments.
The process of conducting a review of the optical benefit scheme has commenced and the Department will meet with representatives of Optical Practitioners in due course.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
207. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when an application for the one-parent family allowance can be processed in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22306/24]
View answerOne-Parent Family Payment (OFP) is a payment for parents under 66 years who are parenting without the support of a partner and whose youngest child is under 7 years of age. Following your representation, an OFP application form was posted to the person concerned on 15/05/2024. The fully completed application form can be returned to the Newbridge Intreo Centre, Moorefield Road, Newbridge, Co. Kildare W12 T257. The person’s application will be assessed and they will be advised of the outcome in writing. I trust this clarifies the matter.
208. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the correct rate of disability allowance or other allowance payable in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22308/24]
View answerDisability Allowance (DA) is a weekly allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged 16 or over and under the age of 66. This disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to a medical assessment, means test and Habitual Residency conditions.
Following a successful appeal, the person concerned was awarded Disability Allowance on 26 October 2023, with effect from 7 December 2022, at the maximum personal rate from that date.
The person concerned is currently in receipt of the weekly rate of €256.50, that is a Personal Rate €232.00, a Living Alone Allowance €22.00, and Telephone Support €2.50.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
209. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if an exceptional needs payment might be considered in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22310/24]
View answerUnder the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme, my Department may make an Additional Needs Payment (ANP) to help meet essential expenditure which an eligible person could not reasonably be expected to meet from their weekly income. An ANP application can be made for assistance with funeral and burial expenses where there is an inability to pay these costs, in part or in full, by the family of the deceased person without causing hardship. According to the records of the Department, the person concerned applied for an ANP on 27/03/2024 to assist with funeral costs for their late son. A letter subsequently issued to the person in which they were asked to provide further documentation in support of their claim. As this information was not received, the person’s application could not be progressed at the time. Contact will now be made with the person concerned in relation to the application and the information that is needed.
Upon receipt of all the necessary documentation, the person’s claim will be assessed, and they will be advised of the outcome in writing.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
210. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the basis on which a disability allowance was reduced in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22312/24]
View answerDisability Allowance (DA) is a weekly benefit for eligible individuals with a disability expected to last over a year, subject to medical assessment, means testing, and Habitual Residency conditions.
The Department approved a DA application for this individual on 10 August 2022, granting the maximum personal rate and additional payment for qualified child from the same date.
As previously advised, following a review of the claim on foot of additional information received, the person concerned was asked on 5 March 2024 to complete a household composition form and to verify her means. The information returned to the Department included details of maintenance payments.
The DA means assessment determines that half the weekly maintenance received should be attributed as means on a DA claim. The means assessment in this instance is based on the court order for maintenance provided as part of the review. Consequently, the weekly DA rate has been adjusted to €297.50 beginning 15 May 2024. The person was informed of this change on 23 April 2024.
This assessment is in line with legislative provisions on assessing means from maintenance. Future legislative amendments concerning child maintenance disregards will prompt another review of this matter.
This case has now been referred to a Social Welfare Inspector (SWI) for fresh means assessment, to establish any discrepancies between the information provided and the income being received. The weekly rate payable will be reassessed upon receipt of the SWI report.
The person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
211. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Justice if appointments to the policing and community safety authority will be made by the end of June 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22179/24]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 was signed into law by the President in February 2024. Part 4 of the Act provides for the establishment of the new Policing and Community Safety Authority (PCSA), An tÚdarás Póilíneachta agus Sábháilteachta Pobail.
The establishment of the Authority is an important element of the broad overall suite of changes being delivered under the 2024 Act. When established, the Authority will consolidate and enhance the broad-ranging oversight functions of the existing Policing Authority and the expert inspection functions of the Garda Síochána Inspectorate into a new body. This is a key step toward a more cohesive and effective framework for the independent oversight of An Garda Síochána and to help us build stronger, safer communities.
I can inform the Deputy that the competition to recruit a Chief Executive Officer for the PCSA has concluded. Furthermore, the State Board competition for the Chair and ordinary members of the new Authority has recently closed and I understand the Public Appointments Service are currently processing applications.
Once recommendations from the Public Appointments Service are received and considered, I intend seeking Government approval for Authority appointments on a designate basis, in preparation for the commencement of the Act.
212. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Justice the expected timeframe of the next intake to begin their training at the Garda College, Templemore; the number of Garda recruits in the next intake; whether there will be further intakes in 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22187/24]
View answerAs 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 for the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
However, to be of assistance I sought the information from the Garda authorities and have been informed that, the next intake of Garda trainees into the Garda college, is scheduled to take place on 1 July 2024 and the numbers are not yet finalised for this intake. There are two further intakes planned for later this year.
The Garda Commissioner and I are committed to exploring every avenue which will lead to the increased recruitment of Garda members. This commitment is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of over €2 billion for 2023 and €2.35 billion for 2024 to An Garda Síochána, this funding includes provision for the continued recruitment of between 800-1000 Garda members this year and in particular funding that provided a boost to the Trainee Allowance by 66% to €305 per week.
213. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Justice the number of prosecutions of HGV drivers for the contravention of the ban on five-axle vehicles in Waterford, Dublin, Limerick, Galway and Cork from 2019, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22188/24]
View answerI understand that the ban referred to falls under the provisions of the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 to 2006, which falls under the remit of the Minister for Transport.
The Regulations provide that the Local Authorities are the competent authority for the ban.
As the Deputy will be aware, as Minister for Justice I have no role in the operations, functions, oversight or governance of the Local Authorities. I am unable to provide any statistical information related to the work of the Authorities as a result.
Additionally, the management of the courts, operational matters and logistical functions are the responsibility of the judiciary and Courts Service, which are independent in exercising their functions under the Courts Service Act 1998 and given the separation of powers in the Constitution.
The Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas: oireachtasenquiries@courts.ie
To be of assistance to the Deputy I have referred the question to the Courts Service for direct reply; however, it should be noted that the Courts Service can only provide information on the number of convictions for the offence mentioned, and not the number of prosecutions undertaken.
214. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Justice if there are plans to increase the legal age for gambling to 21 years in line with proposals to increase the legal age for smoking. [22198/24]
View answerThe Programme for Government includes a clear commitment to reform gambling legislation, with a focus on public safety and well-being from both an online and in person perspective. The Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 sets out the framework and legislative basis for the establishment of a new, independent statutory body – Údarás Rialála Cearrbhachais na hÉireann, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland – and for a robust regulatory and licensing regime to regulate gambling in-person and online, and for the regulation of gambling advertising, websites and apps.
At its core, this legislation is a public health measure aimed at protecting our citizens from gambling harm, including younger people and those more vulnerable in our communities.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Bill includes restrictions on: gambling advertising, the use of credit cards for gambling, targeted inducements to gamble, the participation of children in gambling, the employment of children in gambling services, the presence of children on gambling premises.
The legislation shall prohibit the participation of persons aged younger than 18 in gambling activities. There are no plans to increase the age prohibition to 21.
215. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice the number of fixed-charge speeding notices issued and paid in each county or local authority area, by month, over the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22200/24]
View answerAs 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, which includes the enforcement of road traffic legislation and the recording of information on Garda IT systems. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the information sought is not available in the format the Deputy has requested; however, to be of assistance, the Garda authorities have provided the table below, which sets out by Garda Division the number of instances where a party was issued with a Fixed Charge Notice for the offence of speeding in the years 2019 up to 2023 and in 2024 up to 12 May.
|
Division |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
Clare/Tipperary |
8072 |
11589 |
13168 |
17226 |
21730 |
6270 |
|
Cork City |
4092 |
7164 |
12250 |
10449 |
8180 |
1579 |
|
Cork North |
4940 |
6607 |
6316 |
7409 |
4942 |
1372 |
|
Cork West |
4849 |
3444 |
4034 |
4571 |
3079 |
1112 |
|
D.M.R. Eastern |
4400 |
5529 |
4024 |
4526 |
3032 |
882 |
|
D.M.R. North Central |
3325 |
4010 |
3688 |
2479 |
2512 |
640 |
|
D.M.R. Northern |
8668 |
11682 |
9672 |
7245 |
5581 |
2328 |
|
D.M.R. South Central |
3014 |
2736 |
2648 |
2729 |
1954 |
640 |
|
D.M.R. Southern |
1535 |
3438 |
3690 |
4601 |
4426 |
1032 |
|
D.M.R. Western |
3302 |
12895 |
8704 |
8639 |
7936 |
2960 |
|
Donegal |
3344 |
3743 |
3715 |
3808 |
3196 |
1048 |
|
Galway |
9476 |
13815 |
10625 |
12456 |
9203 |
2543 |
|
Kerry |
4108 |
3846 |
4043 |
3331 |
3894 |
1442 |
|
Kildare |
12830 |
12700 |
15623 |
11132 |
9800 |
2841 |
|
Laois/Offaly |
5335 |
6723 |
8706 |
6544 |
6237 |
1824 |
|
Limerick |
10908 |
8543 |
9253 |
9130 |
7617 |
2421 |
|
Louth/Cavan/Monaghan |
6804 |
10530 |
9865 |
9040 |
10490 |
2632 |
|
Mayo/Roscommon/Longford |
8488 |
8341 |
6524 |
5161 |
5103 |
2321 |
|
Meath/Westmeath |
6778 |
13197 |
12482 |
13273 |
12338 |
2970 |
|
Sligo/Leitrim |
3123 |
1910 |
3143 |
2173 |
2262 |
845 |
|
Waterford/Kilkenny/Carlow |
10083 |
10600 |
12056 |
9641 |
10782 |
3236 |
|
Wexford/Wicklow |
9666 |
18221 |
15622 |
10138 |
10240 |
4129 |
|
Total |
137140 |
181263 |
179851 |
165701 |
154534 |
47067 |
The table below sets out by Garda Division the number of instances where a party was issued with a Fixed Charge Notice for the offence of speeding and that Fixed Charge Notice was subsequently paid in the years 2019 up to 2023, and in 2024 up to 12 May.
|
Division |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
Clare/Tipperary |
6628 |
10023 |
11456 |
13740 |
16357 |
3468 |
|
Cork City |
3557 |
6340 |
10844 |
9077 |
7002 |
1009 |
|
Cork North |
4304 |
5884 |
5615 |
6433 |
4212 |
919 |
|
Cork West |
4228 |
3078 |
3667 |
4033 |
2687 |
742 |
|
D.M.R. Eastern |
3922 |
4945 |
3623 |
4098 |
2676 |
538 |
|
D.M.R. North Central |
2399 |
2892 |
2642 |
1823 |
1765 |
320 |
|
D.M.R. Northern |
7010 |
9647 |
8020 |
5961 |
4616 |
1405 |
|
D.M.R. South Central |
2590 |
2215 |
2182 |
2239 |
1603 |
404 |
|
D.M.R. Southern |
1290 |
2912 |
3167 |
3947 |
3717 |
671 |
|
D.M.R. Western |
2779 |
10521 |
7288 |
7115 |
6503 |
1634 |
|
Donegal |
2732 |
3234 |
3224 |
3287 |
2641 |
681 |
|
Galway |
8039 |
12192 |
9251 |
10446 |
7650 |
1527 |
|
Kerry |
3439 |
3310 |
3606 |
2885 |
3358 |
1013 |
|
Kildare |
10606 |
10907 |
13291 |
9519 |
8160 |
2037 |
|
Laois/Offaly |
4533 |
5728 |
7634 |
5631 |
5223 |
1182 |
|
Limerick |
9195 |
7264 |
7783 |
7540 |
6223 |
1479 |
|
Louth/Cavan/Monaghan |
5677 |
8882 |
8229 |
7586 |
8519 |
1647 |
|
Mayo/Roscommon/Longford |
7403 |
7301 |
5739 |
4496 |
4377 |
1559 |
|
Meath/Westmeath |
5790 |
11325 |
10614 |
11173 |
10116 |
1896 |
|
Sligo/Leitrim |
2693 |
1707 |
2791 |
1905 |
1995 |
568 |
|
Waterford/Kilkenny/Carlow |
8626 |
9237 |
10615 |
8350 |
9211 |
2187 |
|
Wexford/Wicklow |
8341 |
15752 |
13486 |
8710 |
8508 |
2717 |
|
Total |
115781 |
155296 |
154767 |
139994 |
127119 |
29603 |
All information contained in these tables is based upon operational data from the FCPS system as was available on 13 May 2024 and is liable to change.
216. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice when a naturalisation certificate will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22214/24]
View answerI can advise that the Certificate of naturalisation for the person referred to by the Deputy has printed and they can expect to receive it shortly.
In a little over two years the Citizenship Division of my Department has gone from processing around 12,000 applications a year to processing over 20,000 applications. This 66% increase in processing has been achieved through digitising and streamlining processes.
Last year Citizenship Division more than doubled the number of Citizenship Ceremonies available to applicants with 15 held over the course of the year. These took place in the RDS, Dublin in March, in the INEC, Killarney in June, and in the Convention Centre in both October and December. This was a significant increase on 6 Citizenship Ceremonies held in 2022. The next Citizenship Ceremonies will take place on 10 and 11 June 2024 at the INEC Killarney and also on 20 and 21 June at the Convention Centre Dublin.
Finally, I can advise the Deputy that the Citizenship Division of my Department will continue to communicate regularly with all applicants to keep them informed on updates on processing times and arrangements.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
217. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice if there are plans to revise the age of retirement for the Prison Service (details supplied). [22216/24]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the current maximum retirement age of 60 for Prison Officers and members of An Garda Síochána is set out in Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 and the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 and in related secondary legislation.
Recently the Government, approved increasing the mandatory retirement age to 62 years of age in a number of the uniform services, including the Irish Prison Service and An Garda Síochána.
This increase, from 60 years to 62 years, to the mandatory retirement age reflects the reality across all sectors that people can and want to work in their chosen careers for longer.
This increased mandatory retirement age in the uniformed services will be facilitated by amendments to the relevant legislation, as well as related secondary legislation. My Department has identified a suitable legislative vehicle to include the relevant amendments which will be drafted by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, and which will allow for the relevant amendments to the primary legislation to be made and it is intended that revised legislation will be in place before the summer recess. There are no immediate plans for further changes but the matter will be kept under review in consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
218. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí in each Garda district in each Garda division at the end of April 2024, or the latest date available, in tabular form. [22296/24]
View answerAs 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 managing the deployment of personnel among the various Garda Divisions. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.
I am assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities.
The Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to keep people safe. An Garda Síochána has been allocated unprecedented funding of over €2.35 billion for 2024 representing a 25% increase since 2020. This funding will allow for the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff. There are currently around 14,000 Garda members across the country. This represents an increase of around 9% since 2015 when there were 12,816 Garda members throughout the country.
The following table, which was provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of Garda members by Division and District at the end of February 2024, the latest date for when figures are available.
|
Division |
District |
Feb-24 |
|
D.M.R. EAST |
BLACKROCK TOTAL |
157 |
|
DUN LAOGHAIRE TOTAL |
186 |
|
|
D.M.R. EAST Total |
343 |
|
|
D.M.R. NORTH |
BALBRIGGAN TOTAL |
130 |
|
BALLYMUN TOTAL |
254 |
|
|
COOLOCK TOTAL |
229 |
|
|
RAHENY TOTAL |
151 |
|
|
D.M.R. NORTH Total |
764 |
|
|
D.M.R. NORTH CENTRAL |
BRIDEWELL |
158 |
|
FITZGIBBON STREET TOTAL |
192 |
|
|
STORE STREET TOTAL |
301 |
|
|
D.M.R. NORTH CENTRAL Total |
651 |
|
|
D.M.R. SOUTH |
CRUMLIN TOTAL |
144 |
|
TALLAGHT TOTAL |
265 |
|
|
TERENURE TOTAL |
127 |
|
|
D.M.R. SOUTH Total |
536 |
|
|
D.M.R. SOUTH CENTRAL |
COMMAND & CONTROL |
50 |
|
DONNYBROOK TOTAL |
142 |
|
|
KEVIN STREET TOTAL |
247 |
|
|
PEARSE STREET |
248 |
|
|
D.M.R. SOUTH CENTRAL Total |
687 |
|
|
D.M.R. WEST |
BLANCHARDSTOWN TOTAL |
328 |
|
CLONDALKIN TOTAL |
199 |
|
|
LUCAN TOTAL |
180 |
|
|
D.M.R. WEST Total |
707 |
|
|
D.M.R.OFFICE |
D.M.R OFFICE H/SQ |
11 |
|
DMR ROADS POLICING |
DMR ROADS POLICING |
88 |
|
KILDARE |
KILDARE TOTAL |
141 |
|
LEIXLIP TOTAL |
108 |
|
|
NAAS TOTAL |
171 |
|
|
KILDARE Total |
420 |
|
|
LAOIS/OFFALY |
BIRR TOTAL |
50 |
|
PORTLAOISE TOTAL |
216 |
|
|
TULLAMORE TOTAL |
109 |
|
|
LAOIS / OFFALY Total |
375 |
|
|
MEATH/WESTMEATH |
ASHBOURNE TOTAL |
116 |
|
ATHLONE TOTAL |
117 |
|
|
KELLS TOTAL |
36 |
|
|
MULLINGAR TOTAL |
129 |
|
|
NAVAN TOTAL |
102 |
|
|
TRIM TOTAL |
49 |
|
|
MEATH /WESTMEATH TOTAL |
549 |
|
|
WICKLOW |
BALTINGLASS TOTAL |
65 |
|
BRAY TOTAL |
125 |
|
|
WICKLOW TOTAL |
101 |
|
|
WICKLOW Total |
291 |
|
|
LOUTH/CAVAN/MONAGHAN |
ARDEE TOTAL |
61 |
|
BAILIEBORO TOTAL |
72 |
|
|
CARRICKMACROSS TOTAL |
76 |
|
|
CAVAN TOTAL |
103 |
|
|
DROGHEDA TOTAL |
143 |
|
|
DUNDALK TOTAL |
161 |
|
|
MONAGHAN TOTAL |
95 |
|
|
LOUTH/CAVAN/MONAGHAN TOTAL |
711 |
|
|
DONEGAL |
BALLYSHANNON TOTAL |
93 |
|
BUNCRANA TOTAL |
84 |
|
|
LETTERKENNY TOTAL |
177 |
|
|
MILFORD TOTAL |
67 |
|
|
DONEGAL Total |
421 |
|
|
SLIGO/LEITRIM |
BALLYMOTE TOTAL |
53 |
|
LEITRIM TOTAL |
96 |
|
|
SLIGO TOTAL |
130 |
|
|
SLIGO / LEITRIM Total |
279 |
|
|
KILKENNY/CARLOW |
CARLOW TOTAL |
99 |
|
KILKENNY TOTAL |
150 |
|
|
THOMASTOWN TOTAL |
63 |
|
|
KILKENNY/CARLOW Total |
312 |
|
|
CLARE/TIPPERARY |
CAHIR |
55 |
|
CLONMEL |
74 |
|
|
ENNIS |
217 |
|
|
KILRUSH |
71 |
|
|
NENAGH |
84 |
|
|
THURLES |
104 |
|
|
TIPPERARY TOWN |
57 |
|
|
CLARE/TIPPERARY TOTAL |
662 |
|
|
WATERFORD |
DUNGARVAN TOTAL |
59 |
|
TRAMORE TOTAL |
51 |
|
|
WATERFORD TOTAL |
210 |
|
|
COMMAND & CONTROL |
33 |
|
|
WATERFORD Total |
353 |
|
|
WEXFORD |
ENNISCORTHY TOTAL |
129 |
|
NEW ROSS TOTAL |
59 |
|
|
WEXFORD TOTAL |
147 |
|
|
WEXFORD Total |
335 |
|
|
CORK CITY |
ANGLESEA STREET TOTAL |
292 |
|
COMMAND & CONTROL ANGLESEA STREET TOTAL |
30 |
|
|
GURRANABRAHER TOTAL |
68 |
|
|
MAYFIELD TOTAL |
111 |
|
|
TOGHER TOTAL |
172 |
|
|
CORK CITY Total |
673 |
|
|
CORK NORTH |
FERMOY TOTAL |
97 |
|
MALLOW TOTAL |
113 |
|
|
MIDLETON TOTAL |
110 |
|
|
CORK NORTH Total |
320 |
|
|
CORK WEST |
BANDON TOTAL |
99 |
|
BANTRY TOTAL |
49 |
|
|
CLONAKILTY TOTAL |
61 |
|
|
MACROOM TOTAL |
72 |
|
|
CORK WEST Total |
281 |
|
|
KERRY |
KILLARNEY TOTAL |
109 |
|
LISTOWEL TOTAL |
49 |
|
|
TRALEE TOTAL |
176 |
|
|
KERRY Total |
334 |
|
|
LIMERICK |
BRUFF TOTAL |
50 |
|
HENRY STREET TOTAL |
311 |
|
|
NEWCASTLE WEST TOTAL |
79 |
|
|
ROXBORO ROAD TOTAL |
125 |
|
|
LIMERICK Total |
565 |
|
|
GALWAY |
BALLINASLOE TOTAL |
46 |
|
CLIFDEN TOTAL |
30 |
|
|
GALWAY TOTAL |
304 |
|
|
LOUGHREA TOTAL |
75 |
|
|
COMMAND & CONTROL NWRHQ TOTAL |
36 |
|
|
SALTHILL TOTAL |
56 |
|
|
TUAM TOTAL |
59 |
|
|
GALWAY Total |
606 |
|
|
MAYO/ROSCOMMON/LONGFORD |
BALLINA |
63 |
|
BELMULLET |
26 |
|
|
CASTLEBAR |
67 |
|
|
CASTLEREA |
70 |
|
|
CLAREMORRIS |
110 |
|
|
GRANARD |
37 |
|
|
LONGFORD |
93 |
|
|
ROSCOMMON |
83 |
|
|
WESTPORT |
40 |
|
|
MAYO/ROSCOMMON/LONGFORD TOTAL |
589 |
219. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the current status of an application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22303/24]
View answerThe naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. However, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.
I understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants and my Department has been working hard to clear backlogs.
My Department is taking a number of steps to speed up the processing of applications and a number of digitisation measures have been introduced to increase efficiency in the process, including eVetting and online payments.
My Department has recently moved from paper to online based citizenship applications. This is one of a number of measures introduced in an effort to optimise the application process and enhance the overall customer service experience. As part of the new online process, customers are issued with an acknowledgment on submission of the online application. The forms provide a seamless application process and help guide applicants through what is required for an application.
In a little over two years the Citizenship Division of my Department has gone from processing around 12,000 applications a year to processing over 20,000 applications. This 66% increase in processing has been achieved through digitising and streamlining processes.
Finally, I can advise the Deputy that the Citizenship Division of my Department continues to communicate regularly with all applicants to keep them informed as to updates on processing times and arrangements.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
220. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the progress to date in determination of an application for citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22305/24]
View answerThe naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy has been approved and the Citizenship Division are now awaiting payment of fees from the applicant.
In a little over two years the Citizenship Division of my Department has gone from processing around 12,000 applications a year to processing over 20,000 applications. This 66% increase in processing has been achieved through digitising and streamlining processes.
Last year Citizenship Division more than doubled the number of Citizenship Ceremonies available to applicants with 15 held over the course of the year. These took place in the RDS, Dublin in March, in the INEC, Killarney in June, and in the Convention Centre in both October and December. This was a significant increase on 6 Citizenship Ceremonies held in 2022. The next Citizenship Ceremonies will take place on 10 and 11 June 2024 at the INEC Killarney and also on 20 and 21 June at the Convention Centre Dublin.
Finally, I can advise the Deputy that the Citizenship Division of my Department will continue to communicate regularly with all applicants to keep them informed on updates on processing times and arrangements.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
221. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the progress to date in assessing an application to have a deportation revoked in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22307/24]
View answerThe person referred to has made a request to have their deportation order revoked, pursuant to the provisions of section 3(11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended). This request was received on the 26 March 2024 and will be considered as soon as it is possible to do so. The decision to ensue from the consideration of this request will be that the existing deportation orders will be either ‘affirmed’ or ‘revoked’. Once this decision has been made, it will be notified to the person concerned in writing. It should be noted that this request is amongst many to be considered at present and, as such, at this point in time, it is not possible to provide a specific indication as to when this case will be finalised. However, the person concerned can be assured that there will be no avoidable delay in having their case brought to finality. Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
222. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the assistance that can be provided in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22313/24]
View answerAn appeal by the person concerned under the Regularisation of Long Term Undocumented Migrants scheme has been received and continues to be processed.
It is not possible to provide a guideline as to when processing of all appeals will be completed. It should be noted that processing times may vary depending on the complexity of the application and the number of appeals received.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by email using the Oireachtas Mail facility at IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the email service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
223. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Justice if appointments of lay members to the Judicial Appointments Commission will be made by the end of June 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22353/24]
View answerAn open application process to select lay members of the Judicial Appointments Commission is currently being run under the State Boards unit of the Public Appointments Service (PAS). I expect the Judicial Appointments Commission to be formally established later this year.
224. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his Department's plans to publish the final papers for the biomethane strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22221/24]
View answerA dedicated Biomethane Working Group, chaired by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, was established to oversee an all-of-government approach to developing a National Biomethane Strategy. The National Biomethane Strategy will set out a pathway to achieving CAP targets of producing 5.7 TWh of indigenous biomethane by 2030.
Following engagement with key stakeholders and industry experts, a Draft National Biomethane Strategy was developed. A public consultation was launched on 30 January 2024 on this Draft Strategy and the proposed roadmap to develop a biomethane industry of scale in Ireland. The public consultation received a total of 200 submissions. These submissions have been reviewed and feedback received has directly informed the final National Biomethane Strategy.
The large response rate to the public consultation demonstrates the high level of interest in a Biomethane industry in Ireland. In Ireland, the development of a biomethane industry is at a nascent stage of development but there is significant potential. Biomethane has the potential to displace fossil gas in many hard-to-decarbonise sectors and will play a significant role in enabling our transition to a net-zero economy, while also playing a significant role in the decarbonisation of Ireland’s agriculture sector.
It is my expectation that the Strategy will be ready for consideration by Government in the coming weeks ahead of subsequent publication.
225. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the list of grants available for biomethane; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22222/24]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the Climate Action Plan commits to the development of a National Biomethane Strategy, which is being co-led by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC). This strategy is currently at an advanced stage of development and will be finalised in the not-too-distant future.
The National Biomethane Strategy is being developed around a number of key pillars, one being the economics of biomethane. This will involve assessment of optimal deployment approaches, agri-centric considerations, and the scale of plants. My department has explored potential funding opportunities to kick start the Biomethane industry in Ireland. I hope to have an update on this soon. The Strategy will also set out key actions that must be delivered to assist Ireland with meeting its binding climate and renewable commitments.
226. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will bring forward the payment date for the ANC scheme in light of the huge cash flow challenges faced by farmers due to adverse weather conditions over the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22228/24]
View answerPayments to farmers under the wide range of schemes operated by my department are of critical importance to ensuring the on-going viability of Irish farms.
In relation to the Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) Scheme, which is a Pillar II Scheme, in 2024 my Department will commence payments from September 18th to ensure money flows as soon as practically possible to farmers. This payment date is in line with the traditional payment date of the ANC Scheme to farmers and is a full month earlier than in 2023.
The payment dates for decoupled Direct Payments, which include the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS), the Complementary Redistributive Income Support for Sustainability (CRISS), the Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers (CISYF) and ECO schemes, along with the decoupled Protein Aid are set out in Regulation.
The earliest date that payments can commence is December 1st, but a provision in the regulations allows for an advance payment to be made before this, but not earlier than 16th of October.
As set out in the terms and conditions for BISS and other 2024 Area Based Schemes, advance payments will commence from this earliest possible date, which is October 16th for the main Pillar 1 Direct Payment Schemes.
