Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Question:4. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the work of Cuan. [26381/24]
View answerDomestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence
Questions (4)
Written answers
I thank the Deputy for her ongoing interest in this important topic. The establishment of Cuan was a hugely significant moment in the Government’s work to tackle all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence and the realisation of a key priority in Ireland’s Zero Tolerance strategy.
Since I established it in January Cuan has worked closely with my Department to develop the 2024 Zero Tolerance implementation plan, which I published in April. As the Deputy is no doubt aware, a CEO was appointed in February followed by an excellent Board in April who are prioritising the appointment of additional suitably skilled staff with a view to bringing the team up to full strength.
Part of the Agency’s important function is to coordinate and drive the implementation of the Zero Tolerance strategy across Government and I understand Cuan has now met with almost all partner organisations involved in implementation. A robust transparent approach to regular reporting on progress is being developed, with the first report to be available in the summer.
The Agency is also working collaboratively with the NGO and DSGBV services sector to ensure the best possible service to meet the needs of victims and survivors.
A priority for the Government is the provision of safe accommodation, and planning and engagement by Cuan is underway for the delivery of 150 additional family refuge units. This is part of the Government’s Plan to double the number of refuge spaces within the lifetime of the Zero Tolerance Plan.
I am informed that good progress has also been made on setting out the approach the Agency will take to strategy coordination and implementation, and a Corporate Plan is being developed.
Other key actions this year will include work on the National Services Development Plan, progressing legislative reform, evaluating the effectiveness of awareness raising campaigns, and the development of a research and data plan.
I think the Deputy will agree that good progress made by Cuan so far and I am confident that it will, over the coming years, play a key role in combatting the scourge of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.
Question No. 5 answered orally.
National Development Plan
Questions (6)
Alan Farrell
Question:6. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Justice to provide an update on progress being made under the NDP Justice Projects 2024-2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26529/24]
View answerWritten answers
From my first day as Minister for Justice, I have prioritised building stronger, safer communities. In support of this I was very pleased earlier this year to secure additional funding under the National Development Plan which now contains investment of over €300 million a year in capital projects for the Justice sector. This capital investment ranges across a number of areas such as ICT, Transport investment and capital building and refurbishment works in An Garda Síochána, the Irish Prison Service, the Courts Service and my own Department.
I am very proud of what has already been delivered under the current NDP, in particular:
• A new state of the art laboratory for Forensic Science Ireland (FSI). This is the largest ever capital project directly funded by the Exchequer in the Justice sector, at a cost of over €100 million which reflects the crucial role that FSI plays in the criminal justice system;
• Walter Scott House in Dublin, the new Garda Security and Crime Operations Centre is a modern fit for purpose building, housing key national crime units, delivered in 2022 at a cost of €87 million;
• The redevelopment of Limerick prison included a new world class women’s prison and a new male wing. This project was completed in 2023 at a cost of €70 million.
Earlier this year I secured an additional €93 million for Justice capital projects over the next three years bringing the total budget to €930 million including over €500 million for Garda Capital Programmes. This funding will deliver:
• Significant additional prison capacity with four capital projects planned at Castlerea, Cloverhill, the Midlands and Mountjoy prisons. This will ensure Ireland’s prison facilities can accommodate people committed to prison by our courts;
• New Garda stations in Macroom, Clonmel and Portlaoise;
• An unprecedented €100 million per annum investment in Garda ICT projects which enables and equips our Gardaí to carry out their frontline duties far more efficiently. This capital investment will also support the implementation of Body Worn Cameras and the delivery of a new airplane and helicopter.
The funding will also continue to support modernisation of the Garda fleet, providing a range of new vehicles which will support detection and enforcement of serious crime and management of public order.
I am particularly pleased that the planned Dublin Family Courts PPP project will provide a modern, purpose-built court facility (of approximately 18,000 square metres) where family law cases can be held in a dignified, secure and non-threatening environment with a range of support services at hand. The new complex will provide 19 Family law courtrooms, interview rooms and rooms for consultations/mediations, and variety of public waiting areas including child and family friendly waiting area and will be constructed with the specific needs of family law court users in mind. On completion it will replace existing family law facilities in central Dublin at Dolphin House, Chancery Street and Phoenix House. The project received approval in principle from my Department in July of 2023. Planning permission under part 9 of the Planning and Development Regulations was granted by the Commissioners of Public works in April 2024 and the procurement process will begin later this year.
Questions Nos. 7 and 8 answered orally.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (9)
John Brady
Question:9. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Justice to provide Garda numbers for each district, and station in Wicklow for each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26507/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to fight crime and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda organisation is central to this policy. I was pleased to secure unprecedented funding of over €2.35 billion for this year, a 25% increase since 2020 which is supporting the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff.
While the Garda Commissioner is operationally responsible for the allocation of Garda resources, I engage regularly with him to ensure our Gardaí have the resources they need. I am informed that when consideration is given to the allocation and transfer of Garda members to and from any Division, account is given to commitments and undertakings outlined in the Annual Policing Plan and priorities as determined in delivering ‘A Policing Service for The Future’.
I understand that the requirements of all Garda Divisions nationwide are also taken into account, which include:
• Local and national crime trends and workloads
• Policing arrangements and operational strategies
• Minimum establishment statistics
• Local population and trends, geographical area and size
• Transfer applications, including welfare, personnel issues and concerns.
At the end of April this year, there were 287 Garda members assigned to Wicklow Division, of which 123 Garda members were assigned to the Bray District, (101 Gardaí, 17 Sergeants, 4 Inspectors and 1 Superintendent). In the Wicklow District there were 99 Garda members (81 Gardaí, 14 Sergeants, 3 Inspectors and 1 Superintendent). While in the Baltinglass District there were 65 Garda members (57 Gardaí, 7 Sergeants, and 1 Inspector).
These Garda members are supported by 33 Garda staff, an increase of 50% since end 2015.
I am pleased to note that since 2015, a total of 88 Probationer Gardaí have been assigned to Wicklow Division. This includes 9 Probationer Gardaí who attested in March this year.
As numbers rise towards our target of 15,000 Gardaí, the number of Gardaí per head of population will increase further.
Coupled with the continued roll-out of the new Operating Model, I am confident that the Commissioner will have the resources and plans in place to continue to deliver on An Garda Síochána's mission of Keeping People Safe.
Questions Nos. 10 to 13, inclusive, answered orally.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (14)
Brendan Griffin
Question:14. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice her views on ways to establish a more tangible Garda presence in rapidly growing communities that do not have a Garda station in the immediate locality; how community policing can be built and strengthened; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26454/24]
View answerWritten answers
Everyone deserves to be safe and feel safe in their own communities, and of course having a visible Garda presence in the community is an important part of that.
The unprecedented allocation of over €2 billion for 2023 and €2.35 billion for 2024 to An Garda Síochána demonstrates the Government's commitment to ensuring An Garda Síochána has provision to recruit the personnel it needs to carry out its vital policing work. This funding allows for the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff.
The Deputy mentioned community policing and this is at the heart of An Garda Síochána. All Gardaí have a role to play in community policing in the course of carrying out their duties. Community policing is also fundamental to the new Garda Operating Model which is currently being rolled out across the country and is fully commenced in 13 Garda divisions.
The new model will provide more front-line Gardaí, increased Garda visibility, and a wider range of policing services for people in their local area. It will divide service delivery within the division into four functional areas, one of the most important areas being Community Engagement. This will allow for a greater, more consistent focus on community policing in all divisions.
The Garda authorities have advised that a member of An Garda Síochána can be deemed to be a ‘Community Garda’ where that person is allocated to a Community Policing Team (CPT) and is responsible and accountable for applying a problem–solving approach to crime and policing quality of life issues in a specified geographic area through partnership and engagement. Examples of this engagement are working with Neighbourhood Watch, Community Alert, or local business fora.
Like most Garda members, those assigned to CPTs have dual functions. In addition to their strategic roles in their Community Policing Teams, part of which requires them to regularly update their Community Engagement Superintendent on the policing needs of their community, they are also frontline members. It is also important to note that CPTs draw on all frontline Gardaí to carry out community policing.
Of course, the Gardai cannot be solely responsible for safety in the community. Our whole-of-government Community Safety Strategy aims to address issues relating to community safety by bringing the relevant social service providers and the Gardaí together to work with the community in a collaborative manner by focusing on tackling the concerns identified by the local community itself. The roll-out of Local Community Safety Partnerships across the country later this year will be a core part of that.
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. A new recruitment campaign for Garda Reserves was also launched recently. This competition will be open until 4 July.
I am assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of Garda resources under continual review, in the context of crime trends and policing priorities.
Immigration Policy
Questions (15)
Marc Ó Cathasaigh
Question:15. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Justice her views on the streamlining of the process between the work permit system and the Irish residence permit system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24271/24]
View answerWritten answers
I am sure the Deputy will agree that migration plays an essential and very positive role in Ireland’s society and economy. Legal migration pathways are vital to addressing labour shortages across the economy. Our success in ensuring we can attract and retain the skills our economy needs has been a key driver of economic growth in Ireland.
In order to ensure that these pathways are as efficient and convenient as possible, my colleague the Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment and I recently secured Government approval for our plan to introduce a single permit to both work and live in Ireland.
This decision follows detailed engagement by an interdepartmental group to explore the feasibility of such a measure. As you are aware, currently, to work in Ireland, a person from a country outside the European Economic Area has to first make an application for an employment permit, and then make a second application for a visa, if from a visa-required country, and then finally apply for an immigration permission following their arrival.
The interdepartmental group developed a detailed plan for how to streamline and unify these steps and an implementation team has now been established between the two departments to put that plan into effect. Once the single permit is implemented, Ireland would also then be able to opt-in to the EU Single Permit Directive to ensure Ireland is not at a competitive disadvantage when attracting skills, experience and talent to the economy.
Work to facilitate the adoption of the single permit will be completed over the course of the next three years. In the short term a number of actions will be taken to streamline the existing process, including removal of duplication in the data sought from applicants and in the related checks, as well as the introduction of a single payment mechanism. These steps will simplify the process for applicants and employers, while work takes place to develop a common application platform.
These measures form one part of an overall range of actions being take to ensure Ireland's employment and immigration authorisation system meets the needs of our society and economy.
My Department is making significant investments in technology to fully digitise the immigration service and has also recently introduced measures to enable the spouses and partners of employment permit holders to themselves take up employment without a separate authorisation.
All of these initiatives are designed to ensure the long-term sustainability of our economy and to support and recognise the vitally important contribution made by migrants to so many areas of our economy and society.
Prison Service
Questions (16)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:16. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 41 of 22 February 2024, if the detailed assessment/report of the old Cork Prison facility has been completed; if not, when it will be completed; if she will commit to ensuring that any works recommended progress expeditiously in light of capacity issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26195/24]
View answerWritten answers
The old Cork Prison facility was built in the early 1800s and operated as a prison up to 2016 when it was deemed no longer suitable for use due to the condition of the facilities, the size of the cellular accommodation and the lack of in-cell sanitation. It was closed in February 2016, following the construction and opening of the new prison.
Since then the old Cork Prison has remained vacant and I understand it has fallen further into disrepair.
The Irish Prison Service is engaged in reviewing all its buildings at present to maximise accommodation and see if any might provide a feasible option to help with overcrowding. This includes a review of the old Cork Prison. The Irish Prison Service expects to receive the final report in September 2024.
However, this is only one of a number of options being examined and, in fact, the Irish Prison Service have already identified a significant number of spaces that can be brought online relatively quickly, during 2024 and 2025.
These are separate to the medium and longer term projects for which I have secured capital investment, and which have the potential to deliver additional accommodation for up to 860 people between 2026 and 2030.
A High Level Working Group is being established to look at future prison capacity requirements beyond what I have outlined, and I can assure the Deputy that my Department will look to progress the most appropriate and suitable options identified by that Group as a priority.
Question No. 17 answered orally.
Programme for Government
Questions (18)
Patrick Costello
Question:18. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the Programme for Government commitment to broaden the range of convictions that can be considered spent. [26444/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Programme for Government 2020 contains a broad range of commitments that represent a coherent approach to enhancing and sustaining a safe, secure and inclusive Ireland. My Department remains steadfast in its efforts to deliver on the commitments laid out in the Programme over its lifetime.
The Criminal Justice (Spent Convictions and Certain Disclosures) Act 2016, provides for certain convictions to become spent once seven years have passed since the date of conviction. We committed, as part of the Programme for Government, to review the Act with the intention of broadening the range of convictions that could be considered spent. As part of this review process, a public consultation on spent convictions was launched by my Department in October 2020. Bespoke research was also commissioned into how spent convictions are handled internationally.Based on the outcome of that consultation and the international research, my Department compiled a report aimed at identifying and assessing the possible implications of amending the 2016 Act, so that the fairest possible outcomes can be achieved for the public. This matter and the report remain under consideration currently.
We know that one of the most effective ways of reducing reoffending is securing stable employment post-release and I will soon publish a new Strategy detailing how we will work with employers, big and small, and with social enterprises to address the systemic barriers to employment faced by people with past convictions.
Questions Nos. 19 and 20 answered orally.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (21)
Brendan Griffin
Question:21. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice to provide an update on the success or otherwise of recent Garda recruitment efforts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26453/24]
View answerWritten answers
At the outset I would like to assure the Deputy that I am absolutely committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the resources necessary to make sure communities around Ireland are safe and feel safe.
In 2024, the Government have provided a budget allocation of over €2.35 billion to An Garda Síochána, which includes funding for the recruitment of between 800 to 1,000 Garda trainees and 400 Garda staff this year. A new recruitment campaign for the Garda Reserve was also launched recently and I have set a target of 1,000 members of the Reserve by the end of 2026. Garda Reserves work alongside full time Garda members performing varied work and supporting the regular day-to-day community policing work of An Garda Síochána. I hope that, in time, this route will further expand the pool of those joining the Gardaí.
Nothing is off the table in terms of supporting recruitment into An Garda Síochána. I have taken a number of actions to support this already, including significantly increasing the Garda Training Allowance by 66% and increasing the age of entry from 35 to 50. I will also shortly enact legislation to increase the mandatory retirement age from 60 to 62.
Over 6,300 people have applied to become a Garda under the most recent recruitment campaign earlier this year. I am glad to see that so many people want to join An Garda Síochána and I am particularly pleased at the strong response from people aged between 35 and 50. Well over a third of the applications were in that age group.
This is the third year of Garda recruitment competitions post-Covid and while we have seen sustained interest among people in applying to join An Garda Síochána, the conversion rate remains challenging. I am engaging constantly with the Garda Commissioner and his senior team to ensure the level of interest converts to new recruits.
746 trainees entered Templemore last year which was the highest intake into Templemore since 2018. The total intake for 2023 represents a six-fold increase on the 2022 intake of 116. A further 185 trainee Gardaí entered the Garda College in April with intakes planned for July, September and December of this year. Based on last year’s recruitment intakes, the total number of attestations in 2024 is likely to be between 600 and 700. This will allow the Garda Commissioner to ensure each Division has additional policing resources.
Based on anticipated retirements and resignations, the number of Garda members is anticipated to continue to grow during 2024 and will continue to increase towards the current target of 15,000 during 2025.
Domestic Violence
Questions (22)
Violet-Anne Wynne
Question:22. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the Domestic Abuse Intervention Policy review; the progress of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26543/24]
View answerWritten answers
Combatting all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is a priority for this Government, for me as Minister for Justice and for the Garda Commissioner.
An Garda Síochána published its current Domestic Abuse Intervention Policy in 2017.
Every Garda policy is reviewed after 12 months, and again every three years thereafter or as appropriate. This ensures that the policies remain up-to-date and effective.
Since 2017 there have been a number of significant developments in the understanding of domestic abuse, the legislation to address it, and in the recognition of the supports and protections that victims need and deserve.
Training for all Gardaí to equip them to respond appropriately to domestic abuse incidents and to protect and support victims has been updated in recent years.
There are now Divisional Protective Service Units in every Division meaning specially trained Gardai are now available to assist and support vulnerable victims.
The Government has also introduced much stronger legislation to address domestic abuse, including through the introduction of the offence of coercive control which came into effect in 2019, the introduction of intimate image abuse in 2021 and, more recently, in November 2023 through the creation of the standalone offence of non-fatal strangulation.
Zero Tolerance, the whole of Government Third National Strategy on Domestic Sexual and Gender Based Violence was published in 2022 which has a very clear goal – zero tolerance for any form of domestic, sexual or gender-based violence in Irish society and An Garda Síochána were a key partner in helping develop this strategy.
As such, the review of the Garda Domestic Abuse Intervention Policy at this point in time is particularly important and timely.
I am advised that the review itself is nearing completion and that it will be published shortly.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (23)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Question:23. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda graduates who have been assigned to stations in Carlow 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26380/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to fight crime and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda organisation is central to this policy. I was pleased to secure unprecedented funding of over €2.35 billion for this year, a 25% increase since 2020 which is supporting the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff.
While the Garda Commissioner is operationally responsible for the allocation of Garda resources, I engage regularly with him to ensure our Gardaí have the resources they need. I am informed that when consideration is given to the allocation and transfer of Garda members to and from any Division, account is given to commitments and undertakings outlined in the Annual Policing Plan and priorities as determined in delivering ‘A Policing Service for The Future’.
I understand that the requirements of all Garda Divisions nationwide are also taken into account, which include:
• Local and national crime trends and workloads
• Policing arrangements and operational strategies
• Minimum establishment statistics
• Local population and trends, geographical area and size
• Transfer applications, including welfare, personnel issues and concerns.
I am advised that, since 2015, a total of 115 Probationer Gardaí have been assigned to Kilkenny/Carlow Division and that includes 4 so far in 2024. Of that total, 55 Probationer Gardaí were assigned to the Carlow Garda Station in that Division.
In addition, the Kilkenny/Carlow Division is supported by 47 Garda staff members. Garda staff provide vital administrative support and help free up Garda members to focus on front line duties.
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.
Based on anticipated retirements and resignations, the number of Garda members is anticipated to continue to grow during 2024 and will continue to increase towards the current target of 15,000 during 2025. As numbers rise towards our target of 15,000 Gardaí, the number of Gardaí per head of population will increase further.
Coupled with the continued roll-out of the new Operating Model, I am confident that the Commissioner will have the resources and plans in place to continue to deliver on An Garda Síochána's mission of Keeping People Safe.
Question No. 24 answered orally.
Departmental Policies
Questions (25)
Brendan Smith
Question:25. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice the additional legislative measures that will be introduced to deal with the scourge of drugs throughout the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26532/24]
View answerWritten answers
I want to assure the Deputy that I am conscious of, and hugely committed to, tackling the devastating impact that illegal drugs have on communities across the country. My Department is steadfast in working to address the harms caused to families and communities by the activities of transnational organised crime groups and, as part of this, all the laws and powers available to An Garda Síochána are kept under close review.
Tackling drug dealing, and the associated criminal activity that fuel this illegal and very harmful trade, is a top priority for An Garda Síochána and the Government. During my time in office I have taken a number of key measures, including:
• Increasing the maximum sentence for conspiracy to murder from 10 years to life in prison to target the people directing drug related crime;
• Introducing new legislation to criminalise the exploitation and grooming of children into a life of crime;
• Supporting the development and roll-out of Greentown, an internationally recognised programme designed to break the link between organised crime groups and the children they try to recruit.
The Deputy may also be aware that An Garda Síochána have successfully partnered with multiple international police services to target transnational criminal groups. My Department is currently engaged in negotiations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in relation to extradition and mutual legal assistance processes. It is important that criminals see there can be no hiding place from the law, and that the State will do everything in its power to bring those who spread misery in our communities to justice.
The Criminal Assets Bureau continues to successfully target the assets of persons which derive or are suspected to derive, directly or indirectly, from criminal conduct. Since its inception, the Bureau has been at the forefront of fighting organised crime in Ireland, disrupting the activities of criminal gangs through the removal of their ill-gotten gains and has been recognised as a world leader in asset investigations, tracing and forfeiture.
Earlier this year, I announced plans to introduce legislation to significantly strengthen CAB’s seizure powers. The Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Bill 2024 will also speed up the process to dispose of the asset for the benefit of the State and the communities devastated by drug use, which I am supporting through the Community Safety Innovation Fund.
I have also ensured that An Garda Síochána continue to be effectively resourced. Record budgets have been allocated in recent years which have enabled the Garda Commissioner to assign extra resources to the specialist units involved in tackling organised crime. These include the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB), the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Armed Support Unit and the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB). Between 2019 and 2022, over €160m in drugs were seized by the Gardaí and these seizures continued to grow throughout 2023 and to date this year. As of 31 March 2024, just over €11 million of illicit drugs were seized by GNDOCB in 2024.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (26)
Alan Farrell
Question:26. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Justice the efforts being made by her Department to increase the number of Garda reserve members; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26530/24]
View answerWritten answers
The new competition to join the Garda Reserve represents a real opportunity for anyone wishing to learn more about and support An Garda Siochana and make a contribution to their communities. Reserves serve a very valuable role in assisting Gardai with local patrols, crime reduction initiatives and administration. They also assist in the policing of major incidents and events, and provide operational support to Gardaí on the basis of the Garda Reserve’s skills or local knowledge.
I was delighted to launch the Garda Reserve recruitment campaign, the first since 2017, which is being run by Public Jobs on behalf of the Commissioner. The competition will close on 4 July. I believe this also represents a great opportunity to broaden the recruitment pool for An Garda Siochana particularly among communities which have not traditionally joined the service in large numbers.
To further support this competition, I was pleased to bring forward new regulations governing recruitment, training and deployment of the Reserve. While their work is voluntary, an annual stipend is paid to Reserve members and the maximum payment has been increased to €3,000. There are currently around 340 Garda Reserves, and Government has set a target of 1,000 Reserves by 2026. I am fully committed to working with the Garda Commissioner to achieve this goal.
This year 6,300 people applied to join An Garda Síochána, a significant increase on the number applying last year. No stone will be left unturned in boosting overall Garda recruitment and I am continuing to look at additional measures we can take. The Garda Reserve is a big part of our plan. I wish all prospective applicants the best of luck and look forward to welcoming new members of the Reserve in the coming months.
Departmental Policies
Questions (27)
Richard Bruton
Question:27. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice if the review of the rioting in Dublin has resulted in new approaches being put in place; and if there is a need to develop a wider range of policies to create a capacity for coordinated responses to potential problems. [26505/24]
View answerWritten answers
At the outset I am sure the Deputy would want to join me in paying tribute to the rapid response on 23 November of An Garda Síochána and the other emergency support services, which brought the unrest to a halt and quickly restored order to the city which has been successfully maintained since.
As the Deputy will have noted, the Gardaí continue their investigations and continue to bring people before the courts in relation to the series of serious public disorder events. To date a total of 40 people have been charged in connection with those incidents.
As the Deputy will appreciate the operational response is a matter for the Commissioner but I am aware that, following any emergency operation, An Garda Síochána’s practice is to conduct an operational debrief to identify any lessons to be learned and to inform the development of future policing operations and responses and that has been completed in this instance. Acting on that learning is a priority for An Garda Siochana and the Commissioner has already actioned a number of follow up actions, for example enhanced equipment has been provided to the Garda Public Order Unit, increased strength incapacitant spray was issued in February 2024. In addition, I understand that 600 round shields have been procured and provided to public order units. Three new public order vans have been commissioned and work is ongoing on a business case to procure two water cannons. Garda management are also considering any further actions deemed necessary on foot of the debrief.
As the Deputy will be aware, on 29 November last year I requested the Policing Authority to examine the public order capability and advise me as to what else might enhance policing performance and support the Gardaí in the exercise of their lawful powers in situations such as arose in Dublin on 23 November. I am advised by the Authority that it expects to report to me in the coming weeks.
Another important development is the introduction of the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Act 2023 which has been commenced providing for the deployment of body-worn cameras by Garda members. A pilot deployment proof of concept commenced last month in Dublin city centre and will be extended to Waterford and Limerick later this year, pending the full national roll-out next year.
The Government has also recently agreed to publish a general scheme of a new bill to provide for the use of facial recognition in detecting serious crime, including riot and violent disorder in a number of limited and defined circumstances.
The Garda budget is over €2.35 billion this year, the highest ever, which is supporting An Garda Síochána in relation to the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and personnel it needs to carry out its vital work. I was also pleased to note that 115 new Gardaí were assigned to the Dublin region in December and a further 101 were assigned in April of this year.
Middle East
Questions (28)
Catherine Connolly
Question:28. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 39 of 23 April 2024, for a status update on the number of people currently in Gaza who have permission to remain in Ireland, or who have a visa to live, study or work in Ireland; the steps being taken by her Department to assist them in exiting Gaza; the details of her Department’s engagement with the Department of Foreign Affairs in this regard since October 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26521/24]
View answerWritten answers
I am acutely aware of the grave humanitarian crisis unfolding before us in Gaza.My Department is working closely with colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs to ensure a coordinated national response to this volatile and evolving situation. This includes their work to evacuate Irish citizens and their families who may require visa assistance.The Embassy of Ireland in Israel is actively engaging with the applicants to gather the required documents to ensure that the Visa Division of this Department have everything needed to progress these applications. My Department will ensure that visa applications for immediate family members are, wherever possible, processed speedily and sympathetically.Since last October, my Department has issued over 100 visas to Palestinian nationals permitting them to come to live in Ireland. The vast majority of these applications were to join spouses, children and parents living in Ireland. I understand that a small number of Irish citizens or immediate dependants of Irish citizens remain in Gaza. The Tánaiste and his Department continues to advocate with the authorities in relation to those who have not yet been able to leave, including the immediate dependants of Irish citizens. A person who has a valid immigration permission to reside in Ireland does not need a visa to re-enter the State and they do not have to inform my Department if they leave the State. The Deputy will appreciate this prevents my Department from giving an estimation of on the number of people currently in Gaza that may have permission to live in Ireland.I am advised that the Department of Foreign Affairs is very limited in the assistance that it can provide to individuals in Gaza who are not Irish citizens or immediate dependents accompanying Irish citizens. The decision to permit or refuse exit from Gaza is made by the relevant authorities on the ground. In this context, I am however aware that the Department of Foreign Affairs was able to assist a small number of student visa holders to request the necessary clearance to exit Gaza as they travelled to Ireland to take-up or continue their studies.
Legislative Reviews
Questions (29)
Catherine Connolly
Question:29. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 14 of 23 April 2024, the status of the independent review of part 4 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017, which is now being completed by her Department; if she has received any updates or interim reports regarding the review from the Data and Research Unit of her Department since they took over the work; the expected timeline for the publication of the completed review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26520/24]
View answerWritten answers
My Department commissioned an independent consultant to undertake the statutory review of Part 4 of the Act but, due to a number of reasons, it was not possible for the review to be completed within the desired timeframe.
I acknowledge that the report is now significantly overdue and the Deputy is aware, from previous questions, of the circumstances that have delayed its completion.
Expressions of interest for a new Study lead to complete the Part 4 review of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act, 2017 were sought and following the closing date for receipt of applications, all options for concluding this work were considered.
A very small number of expressions of interest were received, none of which met the necessary requirements to complete the review.Arising from those considerations and in view of the research already undertaken and the work done compiling and analysing the submissions received, all of which have been made available to my Department, I decided that the most efficient way to complete the review is for the Research and Evaluation Unit in my Department to draft the report using the material provided.
As an action under the Justice Plan 2024, I receive regular updates in relation to progress on this review and I am aware that the Research Team has analysed the data and documentation submitted on foot of the consultation process undertaken by the previously appointed external reviewer.
Substantial progress has been made on advancing the report, and it is expected that the report will be finalised over the summer.
Departmental Policies
Questions (30)
Richard Bruton
Question:30. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice the planning which has been put in place to roll out the community safety plans; the approach which will be taken to their creation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26493/24]
View answerWritten answers
Community safety is about people being safe and, importantly, feeling safe in their own communities. At the heart of this policy is the principle that every community has the right to be and feel safe in order to thrive and flourish.
Our approach to community safety is a whole-of-Government one. We want to bring the relevant social service providers and the Gardaí together with the community in a collaborative manner, by focusing on the concerns identified by the local community itself.
The Local Community Safety Partnerships (LCSPs) are provided for in Part 3 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, which was signed into law by the President in February 2024. It is my intention that the LCSPs will be rolled out across Ireland later this year. Work is underway to ensure local coordinators are appointed for each prospective partnership and that a chair is selected.
In preparation for the national rollout of LCSPs, an Expression of Interest process will be undertaken by each Local Authority to identify a suitable Chairperson for each Local Community Safety Partnership over the course of the summer. I am hopeful that many communities will start to see Local Community Safety Partnerships established in their areas over the coming months.
The Partnerships will operate at local authority level and they will replace Joint Policing Committees (JPCs). The Partnerships will have a wider membership than JPCs and will include residents, local councillors, community representatives (including representatives of young people, older people, new and minority communities), business and education representatives and a range of public services including the HSE, Tusla, An Garda Síochána and the local authority.
Pilot partnerships have been running in Longford, Waterford and Dublin's North Inner City, and each has published a local community safety plan, which are available on the respective local authority websites. The plans set out a number of agreed actions to be undertaken by the members of the partnerships to enhance community safety in that area. Each newly established LCSP will be required to develop and implement its own tailored community safety plan and will take a strategic approach to their work so that issues arising can be dealt with in a coordinated manner; addressed collectively by relevant service providers in partnership with the community.
I will also be establishing a National Office for Community Safety, which will have responsibility for delivering the objectives of the national strategy. The National Office will provide training, guidance and other support to the Local Community Safety Partnerships.
Residency Permits
Questions (31)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:31. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice when the online system for non-EEA migrants to renew their residence permit cards in Cork will be launched; if she is aware of the significant backlogs in Cork at present; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26196/24]
View answerWritten answers
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that with effect from 8 July 2024, responsibility for first time registrations and renewals of Irish immigration residence permissions for non-EU/EEA/UK/Swiss nationals residing in counties Cork and Limerick, will transfer from the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) to the Registration Office of the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) of my Department.
With this transfer, approximately 80% of all national registrations and renewals have now transferred from An Garda Síochána to the Department of Justice.
This represents a further significant civilianisation of the immigration residence permission registration process, as recommended by the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland. In 2023, there were some 10,000 first registrations and 22,000 renewals of permission carried out by Gardaí in Cork and Limerick.
From 8 July 2024, first time registrations for individuals residing in these counties will be registered at the Burgh Quay Registration Office in Dublin. Applications for renewal of permission can be submitted using the ISD online renewal portal.
I am committed to pursuing all opportunities to civilianise administrative functions within An Garda Síochána, in line with the recommendation contained in the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland report.
Nationwide, over 100 Gardaí have been assigned to immigration duties, including registration. Civilianising registration functions releases valuable Garda hours to focus on operational and enforcement matters, such as deportations and investigations.
The transfer of registration functions for counties Cork and Limerick represents an important step forward in this effort.
It is anticipated that the nationwide transfer of registration functions to the Department of Justice can be substantively completed by early 2025.
Judicial Appointments
Questions (32)
Patrick Costello
Question:32. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice her plans to ensure an adequate number of district court judges are provided for across the State. [26443/24]
View answerWritten answers
It is a priority for the Government to ensure that the courts are resourced to administer justice efficiently and effectively. To ensure the sufficient resourcing of all courts, Government committed to a historic increase in the number of judges in February 2023, following the publication of the Judicial Planning Working Group report.
The current legislative provision is for 197 judicial posts, of which 72 are District Court judges. As of 14 June 2024, there is one vacancy to be filled in each of the High Court, Circuit Court and District Court. Work is under way to fill these vacancies as soon as possible.
The Report of the Judicial Planning Working Group recommended that 44 additional judges should be appointed in two phases to address existing backlogs and reduce excessive waiting times across all court jurisdictions. In addition, the Working Group recommended a range of measures to ensure the more efficient use of judicial resources already in place.
A first tranche of 24 additional judges was approved and subsequently appointed by Government in 2023 which included 8 additional District Court, 8 additional Circuit Court, 6 additional High Court and 2 additional Court of Appeal judges. The report recommends that the second tranche of another 20 extra judges, which would include 6 additional District Court, 6 additional Circuit Court, 6 additional High Court and 2 additional Court of Appeal judges, should be put in place subject to an assessment of the impact of the first tranche on court business.
Work is currently under way on assessing the impact of the increased judges, including capturing improvements in efficiency and effectiveness with regard to caseloads, changing demographics, economic conditions, and the impact of new legislation as well as improvements from modernisation measures. An Implementation Steering Group is progressing the implementation of the report’s other recommendations.
International Protection
Questions (33)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Question:33. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Justice if she will outline her plans for improving the processing times for those seeking international protection in the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26450/24]
View answerWritten answers
My Department takes all necessary steps to manage the international protection process efficiently and effectively, while ensuring the integrity of those processes is maintained at all times.
I am ramping up investment at every level of the international protection system, including in the International Protection Office (IPO). In recent years, the IPO has expanded its processing capacity, doubled its budget, and invested in process reform and digitisation.
One of the priority areas of focus has been to recruit both civil servants and panel members, to increase case processing. The International Protection Office now has 423 staff, an increase of 100% since 2022.
This investment has led to the number of decisions issuing increasing threefold and is set to increase further this year. It has also led to a significant improvement in processing times, with all first-instance decisions reducing from 18 months in 2022 down to 13 months in 2023. The median processing time for appeals was 5.5 months in 2023 down from 13.5 months at the start of 2022.
Recent strategic policy and operational approaches to speed up applications from safe countries and the country with the highest number of applications are also proving effective. Applications from designated safe countries have dropped by 50% in the year since these procedures were introduced in November 2022.
This year, asylum applications in Ireland have increased by 99.5% with 9,952 applications to 14th June 2024, compared to 4,994 applications in the same period in 2023.
To ensure the gains made through the recent reform efforts are not compromised by a significant increase in applications I intend to further increase resourcing of the entire end-to-end international protection process. This will include further additional staffing, to maintain processing times, significantly increase removals and enhance border security.