Written Answers Nos. 515-531
515. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide clarity regarding the placement of people seeking temporary international protection at Bert House, Athy, as the residents have still not received work permits despite being told were told it would take three months to issue them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25323/24]
View answerI understand the Deputy's question relates to people seeking International Protection.
Under the European Communities (Reception Conditions) Regulations 2018 (S.I. No. 230 of 2018), persons are eligible to apply for labour market access permission if:
* They are an international protection applicant; and
* They have waited at least 5 months from their “Application Received” date for their first instance recommendation; and
* They are cooperating with the international protection process – delays in receiving a recommendation must not be attributable to the applicant.
Following that, a person will be issued a permission for labour market access if, at 6 months, they have not yet received a first instance recommendation. This permission is valid for 12 months and may be renewed until a final decision is made on the person's international protection application.
From February 2024 the process of applying for Labour Market Access for International Protection applicants has moved to the International Protection Office (IPO) with a new online application process. The new system has provided a more streamlined process and shorter processing times for all new applications. The current processing time for these applications is 8 weeks.
All applications made prior to the this date, are being processed by the Immigration Service Delivery and are being dealt with in chronological order. This system is currently processing applications made in February 2024 and the processing time for these are approximately 17 weeks.
A significant increase in the number of applications was experienced during 2023, reflecting the increase of overall applications for international protection received since 2022. There has also been an increase in renewal applications.
The immigration services of the Department utilise the resources available in order to ensure that applications are processed in the shortest time frame possible. Both units in question are working to finalise applications as quickly as possible and appreciate customers’ patience as they deal with the very high levels of applications. The Department is also reviewing the processing arrangements generally to establish if they can be further streamlined.
Any queries in relation to a person's eligibility or otherwise for a labour market permission can be directed to: Lmauqueries@justice.ie or by post to the Labour Market Access Unit, PO Box 12931, Freepost FDN5264, Dublin 2
More information and further details on labour market access permission is available here:www.irishimmigration.ie/my-situation-has-changed-since-i-arrived-in-ireland/labour-market-access-permission/.
516. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if she is aware of the need for urgent legislation in relation to a victims right to be informed about the release of their attacker (details supplied); if she agrees that it is an issue that the privacy of the attacker is given more weight than the rights of the victim; if she will ensure that this loophole is addressed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24588/24]
View answerThe case referred to by the Deputy relates to an individual convicted for attempted murder, who has served the sentence handed down for that crime, but is now being separately detained, for a concurrent, but longer period of detention in the Central Mental Hospital on foot of an unrelated criminal offence.
This means that while the victim in the attempted murder case is entitled to be informed of the release date of the perpetrator in relation to that criminal conviction, that right is essentially moot. This is because the perpetrator will not be released at the end of that sentence but will remain in the Central Mental Hospital for a longer period as a result of the concurrent, but longer period of detention for the unrelated offence.
Given the unique and complex nature of this case, senior officials from my Department met with the victim to discuss the particular circumstances of their case.
On foot of that meeting, my officials have committed to examining how we can ensure that a person’s right to information about the release date would continue to operate where the actual date of release from detention is deferred due a separate detention in the CMH on an unrelated matter. This examination will include looking at whether amending legislation might be required.
517. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the estimated cost of providing the additional 140 domestic abuse refuge spaces to double the number of refuge spaces in Ireland, as committed to by end-2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24625/24]
View answerOne of the key actions in the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence is doubling the number of refuge spaces available during the lifetime of the Strategy to 280 spaces.
The 2024 implementation plan sets out the following deliverables for safe home and refuge delivery by Q4 of 2024:
• Active planning and engagement underway for the delivery of 150 additional family refuge units.
• Deliver 8 new family refuge units
• Ensure 25 additional family refuge units are under construction
• Increase the number of safe homes by a further 35%
• Commence the publication of quarterly reports on progress towards doubling the number of refuge spaces over the lifetime of the Strategy with an accessible tracking mechanism.
As well as delivering on supports such as accommodation, the new domestic, sexual and gender-based violence agency, Cuan, is tasked with putting in place a robust set of national service standards and governance arrangements to ensure adherence to the appropriate standards for these supports.
To assist the progression of projects, an interdepartmental group has developed and has progressed agreed processes and approaches to ensure that the highest standard of refuge accommodation can be delivered in the most efficient way.
This has already resulted in a more streamlined process for capital funding applications for new refuges and supports for applicant groups from the Housing Agency in relation to public procurement processes.
By introducing these new supports and more efficient processes for local organisations to undertake these projects, it is intended to accelerate the delivery of additional places year on year.
As the provision accommodation for victims of DSGBV falls under the remit of Cuan, I am referring the Deputy’s question to Cuan for direct response.
518. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 126 of 22 May 2024, to outline the situation with respect to the need for data controllers for community-based CCTV systems; if her Department has any role in providing such support to enable data controllers to be employed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24637/24]
View answerThe current legal framework providing for community CCTV schemes, which has been in place since 2006, requires that any proposed scheme must:
• be approved by the local Joint Policing Committee,
• have a data protection impact assessment prepared,
• have the prior support of the relevant local authority, which must act as a joint data controller with An Garda Síochána and a joint data controller agreement must be put in place, and
• have the authorisation of the Garda Commissioner.
The Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Act 2023, which was signed into law in December last year, will reform CCTV schemes. Under the Act, community groups will continue to have a say in keeping their community safe.
It is envisaged that the Local Community Safety Partnerships (LCSPs), which will be established under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 to replace Joint Policing Committees, will be the appropriate body to request community CCTV schemes in the future. Local residents, Local Authority staff, Councillors and members of An Garda Síochána will all be represented on the Partnerships, and will be best-placed to know how CCTV can be appropriately utilised in their area.
Other changes include new requirements for the Garda Commissioner to develop a Code of Practice for CCTV which will set out the procedures and standards to be followed, as well as the new rules around confidentiality, security, storage, access and retention of data and data subject rights. In authorising a CCTV scheme, the Commissioner will ensure that a data protection impact assessment and a human rights impact assessment have been carried out prior to an authorisation being granted. Authorisations must be reviewed every five years and no new cameras or increased capability can be added to a CCTV scheme without a new authorisation being sought. It will also be an offence to operate CCTV in a public place for crime prevention or public safety purposes without an authorisation from the Garda Commissioner.
As well as those new standards, persons who can operate CCTV cameras and have access to their servers will be limited to Local Authority staff and Garda staff. An Garda Síochána and the local authority will be required to enter into a joint-data control agreement which will set out their respective rights and responsibilities in relation to the data.
All those parts of the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Act which have yet to be commenced, including Part 5 which deals with the authorisation and operation of CCTV, will be commenced later this year or early next year.
The work of local authority data controllers for community-based CCTV systems is essential for ensuring legal compliance, protecting privacy, promoting accountability, managing risks, and facilitating effective management of schemes. As Local Authorities are independent in their functions, with pre-existing data protection obligations and designated staff, it entirely a matter for each Local Authority to decide if they require additional data protection controllers to support the operation of the community-based CCTV scheme.
519. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice whether it is proposed to introduce legislation to deal with the theft of companion pets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24641/24]
View answer542. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for an update in relation to the commitment to create new laws to make the theft of a family pet a specific, separate offence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24946/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 519 and 542 together.
Dog theft is a serious crime and that can come with prison sentences of up to ten years for theft and for handling of stolen property and up to five years for possession of stolen property. If a burglary is involved, the sentence may be up to 14 years imprisonment. When imposing sentences, judges are not limited to considering the monetary value of a pet. The sentimental value and the emotional distress to the victim caused by the offence can be and are taken into account.
The Animal Health and Welfare (Sale or Supply of Pet Animals) Regulations 2019 brought in new registration requirements which anyone trading in pet animals must adhere to. Both the person and the premises used must be registered with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Sellers must keep records of who they buy animals from and they may not sell animals younger than the ages specified.
The Microchipping of Dogs Regulations also apply. All dogs must be microchipped by the age of 12 weeks. If a person is advertising a dog for sale, the advertisement must now have the microchip code.
In 2021, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, launched Working Together for Ireland's Animal Welfare Strategy 2021-2025, which is Ireland's first stand-alone animal welfare strategy. Delivering on the strategy and in response to the Programme for Government commitment, Minister McConalogue established a new independently chaired Advisory Council on Companion Animal Welfare. Independent members with a range of expertise and experience were appointed, including members from Veterinary Ireland, UCD, the ISPCA, the DSPCA, Dogs Trust, and others. The Council is a critical stakeholder grouping that is assisting Minister McConalogue’s Department in prioritising and advancing policy initiatives relating to companion animals.
The Government is examining pet welfare, control and ownership in the round and changes to criminal law, if required, can only be a part of the answer. If the work being undertaken by Government colleagues on this important issue includes any evidence-based recommendations for an amendment to criminal legislation, my officials will work collaboratively to establish the best way forward.
520. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if she agrees that a victim’s counselling notes should not be used in a rape trial and that this could deter them from seeking therapeutic support or even seeking justice at all (details supplied); if she will make urgent changes to ensure that this is no longer allowed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24645/24]
View answerProtecting and supporting victims of sexual violence is a priority for me and my Department and I am keenly aware of the devastating physical and emotional consequences such crimes have on victims.
The issue of the disclosure of counselling records is a complex one. On the one hand, there is the victim’s right to personal privacy and on the other, the accused person’s right to a fair trial. The accused’s right to a fair trial entails a right to disclosure of any material that may strengthen the defendant's case or weaken that of the prosecution. Counselling records might contain such material. The accused’s right to a fair trial also places the onus on the prosecution to disclose all relevant information. If the accused’s right to a fair trial is breached, then the conviction will be quashed.
To strike a balance between these conflicting rights, section 19A of the Criminal Evidence Act 1992 was enacted. Whilst section 19A permits an accused person to make an application to the court for the disclosure of counselling records, it also allows the victim to object to the disclosure of their counselling records. If a victim objects to the disclosure, the judge will examine the counselling records and decide if there is relevant information to be disclosed to the defence. The victim is legally represented at this disclosure hearing and is entitled to have a solicitor or barrister engaged by the Legal Aid Board to act on their behalf.
Even where a court orders disclosure, it may impose any condition it considers necessary in the interests of justice and to protect the privacy of any person. These include a condition that part of the record be redacted, that the record not be disclosed to any other person without leave of the court, that no copies be made of it, that the record be viewed only at the offices of the court, that the record be returned to the holder, and that it be used solely for the purpose of the criminal proceedings.
Similarly, if a victim does not object to the disclosure of their counselling records, the disclosure is still made under strict conditions. The prosecution requires undertakings from the defence as to how the records will be held and used. For example, the records may not be copied or distributed to anybody else, they may be consulted only in certain settings, and they must all be returned to the Office of Director of Public Prosecutions.
The O’Malley Review of Protections for Vulnerable Witnesses, completed in 2020, did not recommend any changes to section 19A . It recommended that the existence of section 19A be brought to the attention of victims and any persons advising them so that victims are aware of their right to object to the disclosure of counselling records. Relevant statutory agencies are complying fully with this recommendation.
I can advise the Deputy that there is an action under the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence for the Department of Health to examine and review the rationale for the disclosure of counselling notes as part of court proceedings, including a victim/survivor perspective.
Scoping work for this action has commenced, including preliminary discussions with key stakeholders including with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. An inter-departmental working group has been also established and the inaugural meeting will take place at the end of June. The work of this interdepartmental group is expected to be finalised later this year.
To further support this work, an additional group of key stakeholders will be established, running in parallel throughout the process, and made up of representatives from the sexual violence NGO sector and other organisations. This will ensure that collaborative input from vital victim/survivor services is captured as an integral part of the process.
I can also advise the Deputy that further work is underway in my Department to support and protect victims of sexual crimes. The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Bill 2023, which is currently before the Seanad, will implement more recommendations from the O’Malley Review, including: ensuring anonymity for victims in all trials for sexual offences and extending the victim’s right to separate legal representation if, for example, they are being questioned about their previous sexual history. This will provide for stronger protections for victims of sexual crime, who are predominantly women and children.
521. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice to provide details of any anti-racism or unconscious bias training and presentations made available to staff in her Department during the period 2021 to date; the content of such training and presentations; the provider of any such training and presentations and the costs incurred for each event; if attendance at such training and presentations is mandatory or voluntary for staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24674/24]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, last year my colleague the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth published the Government’s National Action Plan Against Racism (NAPAR) 2023-2027.
One of the actions outlined in the Plan is for all public sector employers to introduce mandatory and continuing anti-racism education, including cultural competency and unconscious-bias training for all staff at all levels, as part of the fulfillment of the statutory Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty.
My Department is fully committed to fulfilling its responsibilities in that Action Plan, as well as the responsibilities to promote equality, prevent discrimination and protect the human rights of staff, the public we serve and everyone affected by our policies and plans, in accordance with the Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty, as contained in Section 42 of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Act 2014. In order to fulfil these commitments, my Department has provided, and will continue to provide, appropriate training for all staff.
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below.
|
Date |
Details of Training |
Contents |
Provider |
Voluntary/Mandatory |
Cost |
|
Date |
Details of Training |
Contents |
Provider |
Voluntary/Mandatory |
Cost |
|
2023/24 |
Cultural Competence Training for staff of the Border Management Unit. |
The purpose of the training is to understand Cultural Competence and how this can be used to promote more effective interventions. This training also focuses on unconscious bias and how to work to overcome such bias. |
The Irish Centre for Diversity |
Mandatory |
Total Cost: €8,800 Note: Each training session cost €2,200 |
|
2023/24 |
Equality and Human Rights in the Public Service – eLearning module available on OneLearning |
The purpose of the training is to support and enable staff within public bodies to understand and meet their obligations under the Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty (Public Sector Duty). The Public Sector Duty is a legal obligation on public bodies, contained in Section 42 of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014, to have regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, promote equality of opportunity and protect the human rights of public sector staff and service users. |
OneLearning eLearning module developed by Irish human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) |
Voluntary |
No cost arising to DOJ. |
|
2022 |
Decision Making Training for all Domestic Residence and Permissions (DRP) staff within Immigration Service Delivery |
The purpose of this training was to develop an understanding and awareness on the basis of good decision making in public bodies in terms of what is legal, fair and reasonable. This included reference to impartiality and unconscious bias. |
Delivered in-house |
Mandatory |
No cost associated. |
|
2022/2023 |
Traveller and Roma culture awareness training to support implementation of the Traveller and Roma Internship programme by enhancing knowledge and understanding of Traveller & Roma culture, identity and lived experience |
The purpose of the training is to create a better understanding of Traveller and Roma identity and cultures and to foster inclusivity, diversity in the organisation. |
The Traveller Visibility Group, Cork |
Voluntary |
Total Cost: €1,380 Note: Each training session cost €690.00* |
|
Ongoing |
Intercultural Awareness Module delivered as part of UNHCR/IPO Induction Training** |
Intercultural Awareness Module Focus Areas: The training concentrates on unconscious bias, cultural sensitivity, and fostering an inclusive workplace environment. Key Elements: Unconscious Bias: Participants learn to recognise and mitigate their own biases. Cultural Sensitivity: The training emphasises understanding and respecting diverse cultural backgrounds. Inclusive Workplace: Strategies and practices are discussed to create and maintain an inclusive work environment.This module was last delivered in February 2024. |
Delivered in-house by Department of Justice (DOJ) Staff in conjunction with UNHCR |
Mandatory |
No cost associated. |
|
March 2024 |
Various European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) Training Sessions |
The EUAA Introduction to Ethical and Professional Standards Module includes training on ethical behaviour and professional standards with specific learning outcomes: Cultural Diversity and Sensitivity: Participants are trained to recognise and appreciate aspects of cultural diversity and sensitivity in professional contexts related to asylum. Professional and Respectful Service: The module identifies behaviours that promote a professional and respectful service in multicultural asylum and reception settings. |
European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) |
Voluntary & Mandatory |
No cost associated. |
|
May/June 2024 |
Various European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) Training Sessions |
The EUAA Asylum Interview Method Module provides comprehensive training on conducting asylum interviews with a focus on several key areas: Interview Techniques and Bias Awareness: It emphasises the importance of understanding and mitigating unconscious biases that may influence the interview process. Cross-Cultural Communication: The module trains staff on how to effectively communicate with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds to facilitate better understanding and information gathering. Understanding Culture: Participants learn about the concept of culture and how cultural differences can impact the information obtained during interviews. Self-Awareness: The training encourages staff to reflect on their own backgrounds, opinions, beliefs, and values. It highlights the need to be mindful of personal prejudices or stereotypes that could lead to confirmation bias. |
European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) |
Voluntary & Mandatory |
No cost associated. |
*My Department also led on the creation of the Traveller and Roma Internship Programme in which three other Depts/Offices participated namely D/Agriculture, the Houses of the Oireachtas and the Public Appointments Service, who also participated in the training. The Department of Justice covered the cost of two of the training sessions at a cost of €1,380 while DAFM covered the cost of one session (€690)
**Staff of the International Protection Office benefit from a range of training sessions and presentations aimed at promoting awareness and understanding of unconscious bias and intercultural sensitivity. This training, which comprises both mandatory and voluntary sessions, is designed to ensure fair and equitable treatment within administrative procedures and international protection processes.
In addition, all staff members who sit on interview boards for the Public Appointments Service are required to undertake training which includes a component on unconscious bias. This is provided by PAS at no cost to my Department.
522. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice the total cost savings in each year to date of the decision in 2011 to abolish the entitlement of former Taoisigh to the use of State cars and drivers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24681/24]
View answerThe Government decided in 2011 that former Office Holders, including former Taoisigh, would no longer as a matter of routine be supplied with official cars or personal protection officers but that such transport would be made available to them, if required, on important State occasions. The Deputy should note that the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended). This includes all operational policing matters and as Minister I have no role in such matters.
I have been informed by An Garda Síochána that it is not possible to accurately calculate the annual savings accrued. This is due to the large number of variables involved, including, but not limited to; the number of former Taoisigh, the number and rank of Gardaí that would have been assigned, fuel and maintenance costs.
523. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice if her Department will be prioritising the progression of any specific pieces of legislation prior to the Dáil summer recess; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24706/24]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the Government Legislation Programme for the Summer 2024 Session was published on 16 April. As set out in the Programme, there are currently four Bills being progressed through the Houses by my Department:
1) the Gambling Regulation Bill
2) the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Bill
3) the Family Courts Bill 2022
4) the Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences) Bill
As well as the Bills referred to above, the Deputy will be aware from the legislation programme of the large number of Department of Justice Bills that are at various stages of the legislative process. While I would hope that substantial progress can be made on the legislation before the Houses, the Deputy will appreciate that the timetabling of legislation is a matter for the Houses.
524. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice the number of applications for naturalisation based on Irish association received in the years 2019 to date; the average processing time, by year, in tabular form; the current number of applications on hand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24718/24]
View answerThe granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is governed by the ##provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. All applications for a certificate of naturalisation are processed and assessed individually in accordance with the provisions of the Act. A determination on whether an applicant satisfies the statutory criteria for naturalisation can only be made after an application is received.
Section 15 of the Act sets out the statutory conditions that must be fulfilled for a certificate of naturalisation to be granted. Section 16 of the Act gives the Minister discretion to waive the statutory conditions in certain circumstances, including where the applicant is of Irish descent or Irish associations (related through blood, affinity or adoption to a person who is or is entitled to be an Irish citizen).
Any application under Section 16 that relies on Irish associations and affinity should be supported by substantive documentation that in the Minister’s view renders the application exceptional and one where the normal pathways to citizenship provided for under the legislation are not appropriate.
The Deputy should be aware that there is no automatic right or entitlement to have any of the statutory conditions waived, even where the applicant comes within the certain circumstances defined.
The information requested regarding applications for naturalisation based on Irish association is not currently available and I will write to the Deputy when it is to hand.
525. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Justice her views on domestic violence survivors’ experiences of navigating the courts system and dealing with An Garda Síochána; if she will report on the adequacy of her Department’s implementation of the O’Malley Report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24737/24]
View answerImproving victims' experiences of navigating the criminal justice system has been a priority for me since taking office.
As the Deputy will know, in 2020 I published my Supporting a Victims Journey plan, which was the implementation report for the 57 recommendations of the O’ Malley Review, commissioned to consider how to best guarantee protections for vulnerable witnesses during investigations into sexual offences.
I'm acutely conscious that coming forward to report sexual and/or domestic violence can be a deeply traumatic experience for victims and I am determined to do everything in my power to ensure that the criminal justice system empowers victims to have the confidence to report an offence, knowing they will be supported, informed, and treated respectfully and professionally for the entirety of the difficult journey they have to face.
A significant amount of work has been undertaken in this area, through the implementation of ‘Supporting a Victims Journey ’, including:
• The establishment of a course in University of Limerick to train intermediaries; with the register now open for graduates of the course to formally apply to work in our courts, supporting witnesses;
• Legislating for preliminary trial hearings;
• Undertaking a mapping exercise to identify gaps in services and supports provided for victims, both geographically and by service type, and the provision of increased funding to address them;
• The establishment of a dedicated sexual offences unit in the Director of Public Prosecutions ;
• The nationwide rollout of Divisional Protective Services Units which ensures that vulnerable victims are dealt with by Gardaí who have specialist expertise. Officers assigned to DPSUs receive bespoke training or engaging with vulnerable victims;
• An improved Victims Charter website, providing a comprehensive repository of information for victims, which has a dedicated section providing specialist information for victims of sexual offences;
• A national awareness campaign with a particular emphasis on reaching minority and harder-to-reach communities, including translating posters and leaflets into other languages commonly spoken among Ireland’s immigrant communities, to raise awareness of rights under the Victims of Crime Act;
• A national campaign on the importance of consent in healthy sexual relationships; and
• The establishment of a Victim’s Forum for state, social and community groups to discuss how best we can work together to meet the needs of victims.
I'm committed to strengthening legislation in this area, including through the introduction of new criminal offences for stalking and non-fatal strangulation provided for in the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023.
We have also widened the scope of the existing harassment offence to include any conduct that seriously interferes with a person’s peace and privacy, or causes alarm, distress, or harm – either when the conduct occurs or when the victim becomes aware of it.
I’m also progressing legislative provisions which will give effect to the O’Malley recommendations, which will ensure anonymity for victims in all trials for sexual offences and will extend the victim’s right to separate legal representation if, for example, they are being questioned about their previous sexual history. This will provide for stronger protections for victims of sexual crime, who are predominantly women and children. I intend to enact the Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking Bill before the summer recess.
Reforming our criminal justice system to make it more victim-centred was the focus of my Department’s work to implement the recommendations of the O'Malley review and now our Zero Tolerance Strategy for Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV) builds on the reforms already introduced.
The overarching purpose of the Strategy is to bring about changes in attitudes and in systems to ensure there is Zero Tolerance in our society for DSGBV.
I was pleased to launch the 2024 Zero Tolerance implementation plan in April. Key actions this year include increasing refuge spaces, empowering frontline professionals, reframing our understanding of ‘safe spaces’, creating a national services development plan and progressing legislative reform.
Central to delivering these actions will be the work of Cuan, the statutory DSGBV Agency, which opened in February of this year. Cuan has a mandate to drive the implementation of the strategy across Government, bringing the expertise and focus required to tackle this complex social issue.
526. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice the amount spent on free legal aid to people who have failed in their initial application for asylum in Ireland for each of the past ten years. [24748/24]
View answerIt has not been possible to collate the information requested by the Deputy in the time available.
I will write to the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.
527. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of spousal visa applications made from Abu Dhabi; and the number that were rejected over the past five years. [24757/24]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that there are currently seven overseas Visa Offices in addition to the Visa Office in Dublin. They are located in Abuja, Beijing, London, Moscow, Ankara, Abu Dhabi and New Delhi. In addition, the Department of Foreign Affairs process certain visa applications in Irish Embassies abroad under delegated sanction from my Department.
As with all visa services worldwide, the central concern in deciding on visa applications is to strike an appropriate balance between protecting the country's vital national interests by maintaining an effective immigration regime while at the same time not placing unnecessary or unreasonable obstacles in the way of intending visitors.
The table below details all applications and selected decisions for long stay join family type applications received by the Abu Dhabi Visa Office (ADVO) from 1 January 2019 to 31 May 2024.
|
Year |
Applications received |
Applications granted at first instance |
Refused at first instance |
Granted at appeal |
Refusal at appeal |
|
2019 |
692 |
548 |
114 |
14 |
25 |
|
2020 |
642 |
556 |
75 |
35 |
38 |
|
2021 |
1,091 |
628 |
165 |
38 |
11 |
|
2022 |
1,239 |
871 |
375 |
49 |
8 |
|
2023 |
979 |
755 |
254 |
20 |
17 |
|
2024(1st January to 31st May) |
536 |
342 |
51 |
15 |
<5* |
* Where the number is low (less than 5), a breakdown is not provided. This is for reasons of confidentiality.
**Please note, figures are correct at time of issue, however, all statistics may be subject to data cleansing. It should be noted that a decision made in a particular year may relate to an application received in a previous year.
I can advise the Deputy that applications based on De Facto partnerships and Family Reunification under the International Protection 2015, are sent to the Dublin Visa Office for processing. Information regarding these types of application is not detailed in the table above.
528. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice when a person (details supplied) will be invited to attend their citizenship ceremony. [24770/24]
View answerI understand that the person referred to by the Deputy has received an invitation to attend a Citizenship Ceremony to be held on the 20 June 2024.
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.
529. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Justice if the ban on under-18s being in a bookmakers provided for in the Betting Act 1931 will be maintained in the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 currently before the Houses of the Oireachtas; if so, if this ban will also apply to under-18s being present at a greyhound track; if it does not apply to under-18s being present at a greyhound track, the reason therefor; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24799/24]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Gambling Regulation Bill is a public health measure aimed at protecting our citizens from gambling harm, including younger people and those more vulnerable in our communities.
The legislation shall prohibit the participation of persons aged younger than 18 in gambling activities.
Section 172 of the Bill as approved by the Dáil provides that it shall be an offence for a licensee to permit a child onto a premises where gambling activities are being provided. This is a continuation of the policy provided in the Betting Act 1931 regarding the prohibition on children being present at a bookmaker’s premises. I would like to clarify that there will be no prohibition on children being present at greyhound racetracks during events. However, the Bill provides that children will be prohibited from taking part in gambling activities whilst there.
530. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Justice when the report will be available from the Working Group on Conveyancing and Probate; what actions she will take to implement the recommendations from the report; the anticipated timeline for implementation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24815/24]
View answer531. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Justice if she is aware of the ongoing delays associated with the conveyancing process; what actions she is taking to address these delays; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24816/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 530 and 531 together.
I can advise the Deputy that the then Taoiseach established a Working Group on Conveyancing and Probate in December 2023, to carry out a review of current conveyancing and probate processes and identify scope for greater efficiency and streamlining. The group comprises various experts including a solicitor, an auctioneer, consumer advocates as well as officials from the Department of the Taoiseach, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and my Department.
The group is engaging with key industry representatives from the financial services, legal services, local government, property services sectors as well as other stakeholders. It is envisaged that this Group will report with its recommendations by the Summer, and I along with ministerial colleagues, look forward to that report.
I can further advise the Deputy that as part of its ongoing Modernisation Programme, the Courts Service is working to digitally transform the way in which applications for probate are processed.
The eProbate project will deliver a facility to submit and track applications for Grants of Representation online via a public facing portal. This new digital offering is currently in the early stages of development and will continue to be developed throughout 2024 with an expected public launch in 2025.The public facing portal will act as a single point of contact for users to submit and track their applications through the entire process. The electronic submission of applications through the online portal, combined with automated validation of key information at submission time, will enable faster and more efficient processing of applications, with the aim of reducing waiting times.
It should be noted that major legislative reforms have been made to conveyancing law in recent years as part of the Government’s ongoing drive to reform and ensure greater efficiency in our property law and conveyancing practices - for example, the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Acts 2009 to 2021.
In addition, the Tailte Éireann Act 2022 consolidated the mandatory nationwide registration of property, along with property valuation, mapping and surveying functions, into a single State body, Tailte Éireann, from March 2023. A total of 90% of property titles nationally are now registered, which greatly simplifies the future conveyancing of that property.
