Written Answers Nos. 253-277
253. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide details of the membership of the derelict sites working group; when the report of the group will be published; if he will outline the key changes to the Derelict Sites Act 1990 that the group is recommending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27295/24]
View answerThe Derelict Sites Act 1990 (the Act) imposes a general duty on every owner and occupier of land to take all reasonable steps to ensure that the land does not become, or continue to be, a derelict site. The Act also imposes a duty on local authorities to take all reasonable steps, including the exercise of appropriate statutory powers, to ensure that any land within their functional area does not become, or continue to be, a derelict site. The enforcement and implementation of the provisions of the Act is a matter for individual local authorities.
My Department initiated a review of the Derelict Sites Act in November 2021 and invited local authorities to make initial submissions on potential improvements to the legislative provisions and the way they are applied. A focused working group of nominated staff members from a number of local authorities was subsequently established. The working group, which is chaired by my Department, comprises nominated officials from Carlow County Council, Clare County Council, Cork County Council, Dublin City Council, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Galway City Council, Limerick City & County Council, Mayo County Council and South Dublin County Council. The group met on three occasions during 2022 and discussions on the review are continuing to date. I will consider the recommendations contained in the report of the working group once it is received.
The scope for the engagement of additional staff resources in local authorities to assist in the more effective enforcement and implementation of the provisions of the Act is also being explored in my Department in the context of an ongoing review of the staff resourcing needs of local planning authorities generally.
254. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason the blind allowance pension is reduced when a person reaches State pension age; and if her Department will rectify this situation. [27036/24]
View answer272. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps she will take to rectify an issue with the blind pension (details supplied). [27263/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 254 and 272 together.
My Department provides a suite of income supports for those unable to work due to illness or disability. These include insurance-based schemes, based on Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) contributions, and means-tested social assistance schemes.The primary social assistance scheme for people who are blind or visually impaired is the Blind Pension, which is a means-tested payment and the only income support payment designed to cater for a specific disability.Blind Pension is a working age payment paid to people aged 18 to 66 years.Eligibility for Blind Pension requires that a person’s vision is impaired to such an extent that they cannot perform any work for which eyesight is essential or cannot continue in their ordinary occupation. The maximum personal rate of Blind Pension is currently €232 per week.By contrast, the State Pension, whether Contributory or Non-Contributory, is not a working age payment. It is paid to those who have reached pensionable age 66. Currently, the maximum weekly personal rate of State Pension (Contributory) is €277.30, over €45 per week more than those in receipt of the maximum Blind Pension payment. A person in receipt of Blind Pension can get Widows Contributory Pension or Widows Non-Contributory Pension up to the age of 66 and then they must transfer to the State Pension, as Blind Pension is payable from 18 to 66 years of age.Any person experiencing financial hardship may seek financial assistance under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme, by way of an Exceptional Needs Payment or Urgent Needs Payment. This scheme does not have age criteria.I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
255. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on an invalidity pension appeal by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26730/24]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions. The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 12 March 2024. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Social Protection. The case was referred to an Appeals Officer on 8 April 2024, who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if necessary, hold an oral hearing. I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
256. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will offer free or subsidised use of the Passage East car ferry connecting County Wexford with County Waterford to free travel pass holders; if she is aware that this service is used by many residents of south County Wexford to access medical services in County Waterford, including University Hospital Waterford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26736/24]
View answerThe Free Travel scheme is available to people over 66 years and to people in receipt of certain social welfare payments who are under 66 years. From 29th July 2024, Free Travel is also available to persons who are medically certified as unfit to drive for a period of at least 12 months. Free Travel recipients must be permanently resident in the State. The scheme permits travel for free on most CIE public transport services, Luas, Local Link and over 80 private bus and ferry transport operators. Free Travel is also available on cross border journeys, and within Northern Ireland, for those over age 66. The car ferry, to which the Deputy refers, recently commenced accepting Free Travel for pedestrian passengers, effective from 1st June 2024. Travel by private car, including the cost of a car on a ferry crossing, is not covered under the Free Travel scheme. I trust this clarifies the matters for the Deputy.
257. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection to provide an update on an application by a person (details supplied) for carer’s allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26745/24]
View answerCarer's allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that as a result they require that level of care.Following the request to review the claim, the person's date of award has been revised and backdated to 13 April 2023. Arrears for the period 13 April 2023 to 11 October 2023 issued on 18 June 2024. The person concerned was notified on 18 June 2024 of this decision.I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
258. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Social Protection the annual cost of the benefit payment for 65-year-olds; the projected cost over the coming years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26766/24]
View answerThe Benefit Payment for 65-Year-Olds was introduced in line with the Programme for Government commitment to address the position of people who are required to or choose to retire at age 65 before the State pension age of 66. The payment is designed to bridge the gap for people who retire from employment or self-employment at age 65 until they qualify for the State Pension at age 66.The Benefit Payment for 65-Year-Olds is provided for under Jobseeker's Benefit and Jobseeker's Benefit (Self-Employed) schemes. Estimates are not prepared separately for those age 65 years and are included in the overall scheme costs. There were approximately 4,200 people in receipt of the Benefit Payment for 65-Year-Olds at end May 2024.The average weekly payment value for recipients of Jobseeker's Benefit from January to May 2024 is €247.02. Based on this average payment value, the estimated full year cost to the Exchequer in 2024 for recipients of Benefit Payment for 65-Year-Olds is approximately €53.9 million.The Revised Estimates Volume for 2024 provided overall funding of €454 million for Jobseeker’s Benefit and €10 million for Jobseeker’s Benefit (Self Employed).The Department’s estimates for 2025 will be agreed with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform over the coming months, as part of the annual Budgetary process. As such, it is not possible to provide an estimate for 2025 currently. Likewise, it is not possible to provide estimates for subsequent years. I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
259. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection for an update on a social protection appeal (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26793/24]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions. The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 13 March 2024. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Social Protection. The case was referred to an Appeals Officer on 13 May 2024, who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if necessary, hold an oral hearing. I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
260. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Social Protection if, given the unseasonably cold and wet weather throughout April, May and to date in June, and the consequent necessity for heating to be on and open fires to be lit in the period, she will consider the reinstatement of the fuel allowance for eligible people back dating it to the date of the final payment of the fuel allowance in April, up to and including, the week commencing 17 June, in order to assist the less-well-off with the additional costs incurred upon them through necessity caused by the unseasonably low temperatures and inclement weather; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26796/24]
View answerThe Fuel Allowance is a payment of €33 per week for 28 weeks (a total of €924 each year) from late September to April, at an estimated cost of €382 million in 2024. The purpose of this payment is to assist these households with their energy costs. Only one allowance is paid per household.
The provision of any additional supports such as reinstating the Fuel Allowance payment would have cost implications and could only be considered while taking account of the overall budgetary context and the availability of financial resources.
My Department does provide Additional Needs Payments as part of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme for people who have essential expenses, which they cannot meet from their own resources. Additional Needs Payments, where appropriate, can be paid to people who face difficulties in meeting fuel bills. Additional Needs Payments are not restricted to the fuel season and can be paid throughout the year.
The decision process for Additional Needs Payments involves consideration of the need presented and the ability of the person and their household to meet that need. This entails an assessment, as opposed to a specific means test, of an applicant’s weekly household income, their savings and investments, their outgoings and the type of assistance needed. This ensures that support is provided to people with the greatest financial need.
Any person who considers that they may have an entitlement to an Additional Needs Payment is encouraged to contact their local community welfare service. There is a National Community Welfare Contact Centre in place - 0818-607080 - which will direct callers to the appropriate office. In addition, applications can be made online via www.mywelfare.ie .
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
261. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on a disability allowance appeal by a person in County Kerry (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26924/24]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions. The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 27 March 2024. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Social Protection. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office and the case was referred to an Appeals Officer on 19 June 2024, who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if necessary, hold an oral hearing. I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
262. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Social Protection to provide an update on the status of an appeal for carer’s allowance for a person (details supplied); when a decision will be reached; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26945/24]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions.The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 16 February 2024. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Social Protection. Once those papers were received the case was referred to an Appeals Officer on the 8 April 2024, who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if necessary, hold an oral hearing. I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
263. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Social Protection to provide a breakdown of the current timeframes for a decision on an appeal for each social welfare payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26946/24]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions and management of the Appeals Office is the responsibility of the Chief Appeals Officer.
In 2023 the average overall processing times to finalise an appeal were 16 weeks. The time taken to process an appeal includes all elements of the process, which includes seeking documentation from the department on the grounds for the appeals. It also includes the preparation of documents by the department, which may involve further medical assessments in certain illness related cases or further investigation by Social Welfare Inspectors, where required. All of these elements can in certain circumstances lead to extended processing times.
A detailed report is published each year by the Chief Appeals Officer showing processing times of each scheme at a granular level. The report for 2023 will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas very shortly. In the meantime the table below provides details of the processing times for the main schemes for 2023.
|
Scheme |
Appeal Processing Time (Weeks) |
|
State Pension Non-Contributory |
26 |
|
State Pension contributory |
32 |
|
Jobseekers Allowance |
19 |
|
Jobseekers Benefit |
13 |
|
One Parent Family Payment |
25 |
|
Disability Allowance |
16 |
|
Domicillary Care Allowance |
17 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
15 |
|
Carers Allowance |
16 |
An Appeals Modernisation Project is currently underway with the first phase, a new appeals IT system supporting business processes, being introduced last November. The second phase, involving the introduction of an online appeals application system will be introduced later this year. These business changes, including the implementation of the new appeals system, have led to some temporary disruption, including an increase of work on hand and a lengthening of the time taken to process an appeal. This is due to the need to transfer data from the old system, implement new processes and to train staff. However, I am advised that the new system has already significantly reduced the time taken to register and acknowledge appeals lodged with the Appeals Office and will, in time, reduce the overall average processing times. A number of internal initiatives are also being undertaken under the direction of the Chief Appeals Officer to improve ways of working within the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
There is active engagement between the Appeals Office and my Department to ensure that the appeals process operates as efficiently as possible and that where the Deciding Officer's decision is not revised in favour of the appellant that the relevant files are provided as quickly as possible to the Appeals Office for consideration by an Appeals Officer.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
264. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Social Protection to provide a list of names of the six DEIS urban band 1 schools which were declined breakfast club funding in 2023/2024. [26958/24]
View answerThe objective of the School Meals Programme is to provide regular, nutritious food to children to support them in taking full advantage of the education provided to them. The programme is an important component of policies to encourage school attendance and extra educational achievement. Following the expansion of the programme in recent years, some 2,600 schools and organisations, covering 443,000 children are now eligible for funding.
In the 2023/2024 school year, six DEIS Urban Band 1 schools were not eligible for funding for a breakfast club as they were all schools newly designated as DEIS in 2022; however, I am pleased to say that these schools are eligible either for a hot meal (if they are a primary school) or a cold lunch (if they are a post-primary school).
A list of the six DEIS urban band 1 schools concerned is contained in the attached tabular statement.
My Department is happy to engage with these schools further as the expansion of the programme continues.
Any additional measures to expand the coverage of other meal options would have to be considered in a budgetary context.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
Tabular Statement
DEIS Urban Band 1 Schools declined breakfast in 2023-24
|
Roll Number |
School Name |
County |
DEIS Status |
|
16080N |
SN Phadraig Naofa |
Carlow |
New UB1 |
|
19730S |
Scoil Oilibheir |
Cork |
New UB1 |
|
19536W |
Holy Family |
Kerry |
New UB1 |
|
12975N |
St Joseph’s Convent |
Limerick |
New UB1 |
|
17060M |
Convent Of Mercy NS |
Limerick |
New UB1 |
|
20142I |
Scoil Iosa |
Mayo |
New UB1 |
265. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Social Protection to provide an update on the outstanding response from the appeals section on an application by a person (details supplied) who has been waiting on an appeal since September 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26995/24]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions. I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence, decided to disallow the carer's allowance appeal of the person concerned by way of a summary decision on 17 January 2023. Under social welfare legislation a decision of an Appeals Officer is generally final and conclusive. However, it may be reviewed by an Appeals Officer under Section 317 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 in the light of new evidence or new facts.A Section 317 review was subsequently carried out by the Appeals Officer on 18 July 2023 and the outcome was that the decision was not revised. I am advised that the person concerned has submitted additional evidence and that the Appeals Officer is currently considering the matter, again under Section 317 of the Act. The person concerned will be advised of the outcome of the review in the near future. I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
266. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Social Protection for a timeline on a decision for an appeal for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26996/24]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions. The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 12 April 2024. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Social Protection. The Appeals Office have reminded the department that these papers are required.Once those papers are received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer, who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if necessary, hold an oral hearing. I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
267. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Social Protection if legislation will be enacted before the summer recess, with approval now from the Cabinet, on the Supreme Court’s judgement to the entitlement of a unmarried co-habitant to a widows, widowers or surviving civil partner’s contributory pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27078/24]
View answerUnder the law as currently enacted, entitlement to a Widows, Widowers or Surviving Civil Partner’s Contributory pension is only available to a surviving partner who was party to a marriage or civil partnership.
On Monday 22nd January, the Supreme Court delivered its judgment in relation to the entitlement of an unmarried cohabitant to a Widows, Widowers or Surviving Civil Partner’s Contributory pension. The Supreme Court judgment overruled a previous High Court decision and found in favour of the claimant and his children.
In simple terms, the Court found that section 124 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (as amended) is inconsistent with the Constitution insofar as it excluded the claimant from the category of persons entitled to benefit from it. The Court reached that conclusion on the basis of the equality guarantee contained in Article 40.1 of the Constitution. The Supreme Court judgment notes that in order to resolve the issue raised by the judgment, a legislative amendment is required.
My officials, in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General have been considering the measures necessary to respond to the Supreme Court judgment. The judgment raised a number of complex issues, and my officials have been developing the draft legislative changes that are required to implement the decision.
Last week, I obtained Government approval for the priority drafting of the legislative changes required to respond to the Supreme Court decision and for the publication of the General Scheme of a Bill and its referral to the Joint Oireachtas Committee for Pre-legislative Scrutiny. Officials in the Department of Social Protection will now work closely with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel to finalise this legislation and I intend to introduce the legislation to Oireachtas as soon as possible.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
268. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection the total spend on the dental treatment benefit scheme in 2010; the cost to maintain 2010 levels of spending on the scheme between the years 2011 and 2023 respectively, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27118/24]
View answerTreatment Benefit is a PRSI-based scheme which provides free dental and optical services, and assistance towards the provision of audiological appliances and hair replacement products, to people who satisfy certain qualifying conditions, and to their dependent spouses/partners.
Dental Expenditure per year 2010-2023
|
Year |
Total Expenditure |
|
2010* |
€ 25,532,545.00 |
|
2011 |
€ 9,121,251.15 |
|
2012 |
€ 8,896,690.00 |
|
2013 |
€ 9,855,051.40 |
|
2014 |
€ 10,240,692.00 |
|
2015 |
€ 10,316,520.00 |
|
2016 |
€ 10,546,270.00 |
|
2017 |
€ 11,744,463.00 |
|
2018** |
€ 46,910,000.00 |
|
2019 |
€ 48,451,002.00 |
|
2020 |
€ 41,191,251.00 |
|
2021 |
€ 50,987,115.00 |
|
2022 |
€ 55,224,660.00 |
|
2023 |
€ 59,882,514.00 |
*In 2010/2011 there was a reduction in the number of dental treatments covered.
**In 2017/2018 eligibility was extended to the self-employed in addition to the reintroduction of cover for the scale and polish treatment.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
269. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection when a carer’s allowance appeal will be finalised for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27134/24]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 2 February 2024. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Social Protection. Once those papers were received the case was referred to an Appeals Officer on the 5 March 2024, who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if necessary, hold an oral hearing.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
270. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if an invalidity pension appeal can be awarded on behalf of a person (details supplied). [27158/24]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions. I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence, decided to disallow the appeal of the person concerned by way of a summary decision on 30 April 2024. Under social welfare legislation a decision of an Appeals Officer is generally final and conclusive. However, an appellant may seek a review of this decision under Section 317 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 if the appellent has any new evidence or new facts.I am advised that the person concerned has submitted additional evidence on 15 May 2024 and that the Appeals Officer is currently considering the matter under Section 317 of the Act. I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
271. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of contracted staff, full-time and part-time, employed by her Department, and by any body or entity under the aegis of the Department, who are specifically assigned to processing freedom of information requests (details supplied), in each of the past three years; the Civil Service grade of each; the number of freedom of information requests dealt with by her Department, or any body or entity under its aegis, in each of the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27240/24]
View answerThe Department of Social Protection receives the second highest number of FOI requests - only the HSE receive more. There is a dedicated unit in the Department to support the processing of Freedom of Information requests. It is comprised of:
• 1 Part time PO (as in has other responsibilities other than FOI)
• 1 Fulltime AP
• 1.7 Full-time equivalent HEOs
• 1 Fulltime EO
• 1 Fulltime CO
Both the Citizens Information Board and the Pensions Authority have a HEO each who is responsible for dealing with FOI requests among other duties.
Below are the number of freedom of information requests dealt with by the Department and bodies under the aegis of the Department by year:
|
2021 |
Total |
Personal information |
Non-Personal |
Mixed |
|
Department of Social Protection |
1733 |
1550 |
150 |
33 |
|
Citizen's Information Board |
22 |
7 |
15 |
0 |
|
Pensions Authority |
11 |
3 |
8 |
0 |
|
Social Welfare Appeals Office |
91 |
89 |
2 |
0 |
|
Social Welfare Tribunal |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2022 |
Total |
Personal |
Non-Personal |
Mixed |
|
Department of Social Protection |
2085 |
1922 |
157 |
6 |
|
Citizen's Information Board |
33 |
3 |
30 |
0 |
|
Pensions Authority |
6 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
|
Social Welfare Appeals Office |
59 |
56 |
3 |
0 |
|
Social Welfare Tribunal |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2023 |
Total |
Personal |
Non-Personal |
Mixed |
|
Department of Social Protection |
2468 |
2294 |
169 |
5 |
|
Citizen's Information Board |
19 |
1 |
18 |
0 |
|
Pensions Authority |
5 |
0 |
5 |
0 |
|
Social Welfare Appeals Office |
86 |
86 |
0 |
0 |
|
Social Welfare Tribunal |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
273. Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice the evidence that exists of passports or other international travel documents being thrown in bins or flushed down toilets in State airports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27090/24]
View answerI am advised that instances arise whereby passengers present documentation to carriers at the point of embarkation which is sometimes false or inadequate and then seek to destroy or conceal that documentation before they arrive at border control. This is evidenced by operational experience and, on occasion, the discovery of concealed or destroyed documentation on board airplanes or at points between disembarkation from airlines and border control.
The Border Management Unit (BMU) of my Department and the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) have an ongoing intelligence-led programme of operations at airplanes to detect passengers who may attempt to destroy or conceal documents inflight and to identify the point of embarkation of undocumented passengers.
BMU and GNIB carry out doorstop operations at airplanes; these are based on trends observed by immigration officials, who will conduct initial document checks as passengers disembark an aircraft in order to establish a person’s identity and nationality. Over 3,000 doorstep operations have been completed to end May 2024.
It is an offence under Section 11 of the Immigration Act 2004, for a non national to arrive in the state not in possession of a valid passport or equivalent document. An Garda Síochána has prosecuted over 100 people in 2024 for arriving without appropriate documentation.
The BMU and the GNIB are working closely with airlines on a range of measures to ensure that passengers have the appropriate travel documentation when boarding. Immigration officials are available 24/7 to assist airlines with queries in relation to immigration matters.
In addition to providing advice to airlines on specific queries, training is provided to airline ground staff on current travel documentation requirements to help them reduce the number of passengers boarding flights without correct documentation.
My Department has recorded a 34% reduction in 2023 in the number of persons arriving in the State without the correct documentation. Q1 in 2024 has seen a further reduction in the numbers arriving without documentation.
Earlier this month, I updated the Government of my intention to reform the carrier liability provisions of the Immigration Act 2003. Last week I received Government approval to introduced these reforms as part of wide-ranging Miscellaneous Provisions Bill, which is planned for enactment by the Summer recess. I am proposing to increase the fines on carriers from the current maximum of €3,000 to €5,000 if they do not comply with their obligations to ensure passengers have appropriate travel documentation.
This is one element of an overall goal to reduce the number of people presenting at ports of entry without appropriate travel documentation.
274. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Justice to respond to concerns raised by a local organisation (details supplied) in respect of the anti-social behaviour that is blighting the streets of Drogheda at present; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26737/24]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that the Government is determined to tackle anti-social behaviour and its causes and to ensure that people are safe and feel safe in their communities, including in Drogheda.
As the Deputy will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including all operational policing matters. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the Superintendent and Gardaí from Louth South Community Engagement Area met with representatives of the business community and the local Drogheda BIDS organisation in March 2024. A follow up meeting took place on 18 June 2024 and issues of antisocial behaviour and retail theft were discussed.
I understand that following the meeting, a high visibility policing operation was put in place, in line with Operation Táirge.
As part of this operation, the Garda Analyst in Drogheda Garda Station conducted a review of thefts from shops and examined trends in relation to repeat offenders. This resulted in the identification of a number of repeat offenders.
I am informed that high-visibility beat patrols are continuing and additional measures will be put in place by Gardai in the coming days and weeks to address additional concerns.
The Deputy will be interested to know that the information below, provided to me by the Garda authorities, shows a breakdown of theft and public order incidents recorded in Drogheda between 1 January 2024 and 17 June 2024.
Between 1 January 2024 and 31 March 2024 (Q1) there were 35 thefts reported to An Garda Síochána on West Street, Drogheda. 30 charges of theft arose from the 35 incidents and these cases are currently before the courts.
Between 1 April 2024 and 17 June 2024 (Q2) there were 51 thefts reported to An Garda Síochána on West Street, Drogheda. 27 charges of theft arose from the 51 incidents and these cases are currently before the courts. Other incidents of theft for this period are still the subject of investigation.
Between 1 January 2024 and 31 March 2024 (Q1) there were 14 public order incidents reported to An Garda Síochána which occurred on West Street, Drogheda. 14 charges arose from these 14 incidents and these cases are currently before the courts.
Between 1 April 2024 and 17 June 2024 (Q2), there were 11 incidents of public order reported to An Garda Síochána which occurred on West Street, Drogheda. Six charges arose from these 11 incidents and these cases are currently before the courts. Public order incidents for this period are still the subject of investigation.
I am assured by the Garda authorities, that "See Something, Say Something" is operating in Drogheda and efforts have been made to promote the service as a means to anonymously report anti-social behaviour to An Garda Síochána. I understand that 170 submissions have been received to date. These submissions are analysed and used to target anonymously-reported hotspots for anti-social behaviour, allowing local management to direct resources to these areas.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that local Gardaí continue to support the business community in Drogheda and have received great support in return.
275. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice the status of a citizenship application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26761/24]
View answerThe naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department.
I understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants. I want to assure anyone who has an application for naturalisation submitted that the Citizenship Division of my Department is doing everything possible to progress applications as quickly as possible.
It is important to note that no two applications are the same and some take longer than others to process. All applicants must undergo Garda vetting. Unfortunately, it is the case that some international checks can take a considerable amount of time and are largely out of the control of my Department. The previous backlogs in application processing in Citizenship had arisen largely due to the legacy of restrictions imposed on staff attendance in the office during the pandemic. The median processing time for applications had peaked at 19 months.
Since then, Citizenship Division have taken a significant number of steps to speed up the process for applicants. These included introducing an online digital application, online payments, and the introduction of eVetting. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that these changes are significantly reducing processing times. I expect that going forward the vast majority of applicants will receive a decision within one year.
In just over two years the Citizenship Division of my Department has gone from processing around 12,000 applications a year to processing over 20,000 applications in 2023.Already in 2024, 16,000 decisions have been made in the first half of the year. Last year, Citizenship Division more than doubled the number of ceremonies available to applicants with 15 held over the course of 2023. This was a significant increase on 6 Citizenship Ceremonies held in 2022. It is envisioned that this number will be significantly surpassed this year, with 15 ceremonies already taking place by the end of June.
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.
276. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of arrests from Raheny Garda station within the DMR in 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26776/24]
View answerAs you will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), which includes all operational policing matters. As Minister, I play no role in these independent functions.
To be of assistance to the Deputy I have made enquiries on his behalf. I am advised by the Garda authorities that a search of the PULSE database was conducted on 18 June 2024 for arrests that occurred between 1 January 2023 to 17 June 2024 in which the station of custody was recorded as Raheny.
Based on the numbers returned, the table below shows the number of arrests by year.
|
Year |
Custody Logs Created |
|
2023 |
370 |
|
2024* |
160 |
*Figures up to 17 June 2024.
It is worth noting that this incident data is based upon operational data from the PULSE system as was available on 18 June 2024 and is liable to change.
277. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 456 of 21 May 2024, if she has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26777/24]
View answerParliamentary Question No. 456 of 21 May 2024 refers to the number of Gardaí by rank attached to the Garda Mounted Unit as of 14 May 2024, in tabular form.
As the Deputy will appreciate, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including by arranging for the recruitment, training and appointment of its members and civilian staff. As Minister, I have no direct role in these independent functions.
However, to be of assistance, I sought the information you requested from the Garda authorities who have advised me that there were 14 Garda members attached to the Garda Mounted Unit on 14 May 2024.
I am further advised that 12 of these members are of Garda rank. The Garda authorities advise that they are unable to provide the rank of the two remaining members as data is not released by An Garda Síochána for counts less than ten for data protection reasons.
