Thursday, 7 Nov 2024

Crime Prevention

Questions (291)

Réada Cronin

Question:

291. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Justice the funding provided under the Garda youth diversion scheme in the past two years; the amount provided to each project during the period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45598/24]

View answer

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Justice

As the Deputy will be aware, Youth Diversion Projects (YDPs) are community-based, multi-agency youth crime prevention initiatives which primarily seek to divert young people who have been, or are at risk of becoming, involved in anti-social or criminal behaviour. YDPs are run by community-based organisations and are a vital support to the statutory Garda Youth Diversion Programme.

YDPs are co-funded by my Department and the European Union's European Social Fund through the ESF+ fund.

A top priority for my Department is the expansion and deepening of the services offered to young people by the YDPs, which are fully funded by my Department. On average, the YDPs engage with about 4,000 young people across the State in any one year.

In Budget 2025, €33 million has been allocated to Youth Justice Services. This does not include Dormant Accounts funding which is allocated at a later date. This will facilitate an increase in the availability of YDP services in the evenings and at the weekends when many young people need them the most, as well as an increase in supports for families, interventions for typically hard-to-reach young people and early interventions for 8-11 year olds who may be at increased risk of becoming engaged in criminal activity.

YDPs were allocated just under €30 million in 2023 and over €33 million in 2024. The table attached to this response outlines these allocations by project.

The current network of 100 YDPs is extensive, but we will continue to develop it further to ensure that every child who needs support is reached. Four new YDPs are in the process of rolling out services (in South Monaghan, Claremorris and district, South and East Co. Wicklow and West Cork (North of Bandon), with a further two projects (in East Clare and in Thurles and surrounding towns in North Tipperary) planned for introduction later this year. With the roll-out of these projects, full national coverage of the Youth Diversion Project Service will be achieved.

				Allocation*
Youth Diversion Project		Location	2023	2024
ABLE	Ballyfermot	Dublin 10	€317,953	€333,748
ACORN	Edenderry	Co. Offaly	€159,165	€158,724
ALF	Athlone	Co. Westmeath	€214,917	€238,025
Athy	Athy	Co. Kildare	€147,357	€207,125
Balbriggan	Balbriggan	Co. Dublin	€481,296	€495,692
BALL	Lisduggan	Waterford	€206,000	€206,000
Ballymun Youth Block	Ballymun	Dublin 11	€433,328	€433,328
Bandon & Kinsale	Bandon	Co. Cork	€263,267	€276,431
BAP	Ballincollig	Co. Cork	€164,889	€173,134
BEAT	Blanchardstown	Dublin 15	€296,082	€388,247
Boyne	Drogheda	Co. Louth	€225,933	€289,382
Bradóg	Rotunda	Dublin 1	€505,165	€532,367
Bray New Directions	Bray	Co. Wicklow	€316,154	€307,882
Bridge	Celbridge	Co. Kildare	€210,137	€230,993
Brú	Crumlin	Dublin 12	€187,560	€205,123
CABLE	Drogheda	Co. Louth	€376,914	€435,939
CASTLE	Carrickmines	Dublin 18	€208,653	€175,942
Castlebar Youth Action Project	Castlebar	Co. Mayo	€118,806	€170,485
Cavan 365	Cavan	Co. Cavan	€428,114	€468,360
Claremorris	Claremorris	Co. Mayo	€0	€206,965
CLAY	Crumlin	Dublin 12	€293,386	€296,271
Cloyne Mobile Diversion	Charleville/Middleton	Co. Cork	€301,875	€321,818
CODY	Ballyfermot	Dublin 10	€493,448	€540,819
COMPASS	Kilkenny	Co. Kilkenny	€153,450	€155,899
CYD	Clonmel	Co. Tipperary	€206,845	€206,845
DAY	Dungarvan	Co. Waterford	€184,518	€184,517
DEN	Nenagh	Co. Tipperary	€187,376	€188,224
Donegal	Falcarragh	Co. Donegal	€844,003	€754,952
Donnycarney	Donnycarney	Dublin 5	€232,408	€191,335
Douglas West	Douglas	Cork	€148,740	€155,359
Dublin City South ^ (DÁN, KRIB and Liberties Club)		Dublin 8	€670,777	€665,019
East Tallaght ^ (APT and KEY K)	Tallaght	Dublin 24	€566,311	€606,449
EDGE	Carrick on Suir	Co. Tipperary	€210,886	€210,886
Ennis Youth	Ennis	Co. Clare	€182,490	€182,127
EYE	Mullingar	Co. Westmeath	€203,685	€233,847
FAYRE	Farranree	Cork	€202,419	€208,255
Feabhas	Cobh	Co. Cork	€131,276	€139,271
Finglas Youth Service	Finglas South	Dublin 11	€877,487	€838,727
Fusion	Tullamore	Co. Offaly	€225,053	€227,951
Galway City and West ^ (BÁN and Meas)	Galway	Co. Galway	€337,718	€460,646
GAP	The Glen	Co. Cork	€285,500	€376,680
GRAFT	Clondalkin	Dublin 22	€240,059	€213,663
HAY	Summerhill	Dublin 1	€617,233	€568,483
HERON	Carrigaline	Co. Cork	€115,729	€121,515
High Voltage	Dundalk	Co. Louth	€217,305	€219,856
HUB	Carlow	Co. Carlow	€175,415	€235,879
Janus Justice	Limerick	Co. Limerick	€222,847	€224,774
JETS	Swords	Co. Dublin	€435,635	€511,966
Junction	Ballinasloe	Co. Galway	€359,591	€304,070
KEEP	Tralee	Co. Kerry	€674,537	€769,824
Kerry KEY Service	Kilmore West	Dublin 5	€1,004,003	€1,119,447
Kilrush	Ennis	Co. Clare	€127,144	€126,833
Knocknaheeny	Knocknaheeny	Cork	€193,628	€200,504
LAB	Dun Laoghaire	Co. Dublin	€265,688	€292,081
LEAP	Longford	Co. Longford	€533,110	€521,200
Limerick Youth Service	Ballynanty	Limerick	€616,448	€630,001
Loop ^ (BLOCK and PORT)	Portlaoise	Co. Laois	€571,496	€553,356
Mallow	Mallow	Co. Cork	€155,396	€167,015
MAY	Mahon	Co. Cork	€178,240	€240,734
MNYP	Monaghan	Co. Monaghan	€293,444	€689,511
MOYROSS	Moyross	Limerick	€290,356	€297,073
Naas	Naas	Co. Kildare	€141,435	€223,652
North Bay	Donaghmede	Dublin 5	€342,065	€355,656
NOW	Ballyboden	Dublin 16	€324,908	€339,729
NYPD	Navan	Co. Meath	€437,289	€473,382
ORB	Blanchardstown	Dublin 15	€253,800	€260,190
PACT	Ferrybank	Waterford	€187,257	€187,257
RAD	Roscommon	Co. Roscommon	€150,749	€288,940
Rathkeale	Rathkeale	Co. Limerick	€171,265	€179,828
RAY	Roscrea	Co. Tipperary	€188,506	€189,346
RUA/TRY		Dublin 8/12	€797,920	€867,473
SAFE	Wexford	Co. Wexford	€165,174	€192,220
SAY	Sandyford	Dublin 18	€230,894	€196,947
SEM	Navan	Co. Meath	€510,010	€502,745
Slaney	Enniscorthy	Co. Wexford	€221,100	€232,155
SMART	Trim	Co. Meath	€294,852	€350,274
Southside Youth Initiative	Limerick	Co. Limerick	€254,021	€306,913
Step Up	Cabra	Dublin 7	€285,792	€275,350
SUB	Birr	Co. Offaly	€222,965	€212,986
SWAN	Dunne Street	Dublin 1	€506,029	€654,636
SWAY	Waterford	Co. Waterford	€182,321	€182,321
SWIFT	Clondalkin	Dublin 22	€290,174	€249,551
TACT	Togher	Cork	€263,998	€324,207
TAR	Tipperary	Co. Tipperary	€114,066	€114,067
TEAM	Dundalk	Co. Louth	€237,414	€240,957
The CAN	Newbridge	Co. Kildare	€217,612	€234,494
Treo Nua	Tuam	Co. Galway	€160,896	€238,154
Treóin	New Ross	Co. Wexford	€167,065	€181,203
TYRE	Tramore	Co. Waterford	€191,768	€191,768
UCAN	Lucan	Co. Dublin	€362,736	€380,873
Valley	Clondalkin	Dublin 22	€234,897	€213,402
WAY	Wicklow	Co. Wicklow	€346,787	€604,632
WEB	Blanchardstown	Dublin 15	€184,457	€268,769
West Cork	West Cork	Co. Cork	€0	€544,807
West Limerick	Newcastle West	Co Limerick	€290,457	€397,979
West Tallaght ^ (Boost, JAY and KEY F)	Tallaght	Dublin 24	€828,430	€818,089
Woodale	Darndale	Dublin 17	€250,125	€247,213
YAB	Ballina	Co. Mayo	€127,350	€178,278
YAPSL	Sligo	Co. Sligo	€170,085	€236,669
Youghal	Youghal	Co. Cork	€139,574	€144,436
		Total	€29,934,886	€33,369,122

* Allocation includes Once Off Capital Grants. Actual drawdown may differ due to project budgetary requirements.

^ Projects merged in 2024 to operate as a single YDP.

Citizenship Applications

Questions (292)

Réada Cronin

Question:

292. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Justice the number of applications for citizenship received in each of the past three years; the number of successful applicants in each of these years; the current average wait time for processing applications; the length of time the longest applicant is waiting; if she will address the current delays; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45599/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Justice

I would like to inform the Deputy that 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, and has already made more than 28,000 decisions to date in 2024.

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. The median processing time for a decision on an application in 2023 was 15 months - down from a median processing time of 19 months in 2022.

Whilst a figure in respect of the current year is not yet available, based on the current output and at the current application levels, my Department expects that the median processing time will reduce again over the course of this year.

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. 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.

Of the approximately 42,000 files on hand, the majority are either from 2024 or the second half of 2023. Due to the significant efficiency improvements implemented within citizenship, I expect that going forward, the vast majority of new applicants will receive a decision within one year.

Insofar as older applications are concerned, my Department is currently carrying out an exercise to establish whether the application is still being pursued by the applicant or can be closed. Typically the last action on these cases will have been a request from the Department for further or clarifying information.

The number of applications received for the past three years is outlined in the table below:

Year	Total Applications Received
2021	11,973
2022	17,188
2023	23,114

Public Inquiries

Questions (293)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

293. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Justice if, given the recent statement by the Garda Commissioner that a public inquiry into the Creeslough tragedy could occur at the same time as the criminal investigation, if she will reconsider her position and support a public inquiry into what happened; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45626/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Justice

My thoughts are with the victims, their families and loved ones, and the wider community of Creeslough that were affected by the terrible tragedy that happened two years ago.

I had the privilege of meeting families last week along with Minister Eamon Ryan and Minister Charlie McConalogue, where I heard the personal stories of the families who have lost loved ones, and others affected by the Creeslough tragedy.

Naturally, the families want answers and information about what caused the deaths of their loved ones. The public also want to know how something like this could have happened and along with the families they want reassurance that something like this will not be allowed to happen again.

As there is an ongoing criminal investigation, I cannot comment on any specifics. I am however aware that there is multi-agency engagement and that the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) and the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) are supporting An Garda Síochána in their criminal investigation. These bodies are responsible for investigating the understandable concerns of the families and the public; be it public safety, regulatory compliance, or any potential criminal responsibility.

As I said at the meeting with the families, while the Government does not rule out a public inquiry it is important that the Garda investigation, the HSA investigation and the CRU investigation complete their work.

Fines Administration

Questions (294)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

294. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice the number of fixed penalty notices that Gardaí issued for parking on a footpath in each Garda division to date in 2024, in tabular form. [45637/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Justice

Road safety is a shared responsibility that this Government takes very seriously.

Successful road safety strategies require us to consider a number of matters that together can make our roads safer: technology, road design, driver behaviour and education, severity of penalties, speed limits and funding. And of course, where all else fails, enforcement.

Road traffic legislation is enforced as part of the day-to-day duties of members of An Garda Síochána, as well as through a programme of high-visibility road safety and enforcement operations carried out in partnership with other state agencies, in order to make our roads safer for all.

As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the enforcement of road traffic legislation. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.

The information in the table below, which was provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of fixed penalty notices that Gardaí issued for parking on a footway in each Garda division to date in 2024.

Figures are based on incidents which occurred from 1 January 2024 up to 4 November 2024, inclusive. All information contained in this report is based upon operational data from the Fixed Charge Processing System as was available on 5 November 2024 and is liable to change.

Division	FCNs issued
Clare/Tipperary	290
Cork City	328
Cork County	24
DMR East	215
DMR North Central	371
DMR North	1,171
DMR South Central	157
DMR South	83
DMR West	239
Donegal	35
Galway	148
Kerry	98
Kildare	88
Laois/Offaly	47
Limerick	508
Louth/Cavan/Monaghan	96
Mayo/Roscommon/Longford	64
Meath/Westmeath	123
Sligo/Leitrim	68
Waterford/Kilkenny/Carlow	87
Wexford/Wicklow	214
Total	4,454

An Garda Síochána

Questions (295)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

295. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice the number of Gardaí, by rank, attached to each divisional roads policing unit as of 29 October 2024, in tabular form. [45638/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Justice

Road safety is a shared responsibility, and while the whole of Government response is led by the Department of Transport, it is one which is taken very seriously across Government. We have all been shocked by the loss of life on our roads, and concerned by the worrying increase in road fatalities after many years of progress in making our roads safer.

I continue to engage with colleagues across Government to ensure that every effort is made to increase safety on our roads.

Road traffic laws are enforced by Gardaí assigned to Roads Policing and as part of the day-to-day duties of uniformed Gardaí nationwide. This includes a programme of high-visibility road safety and enforcement operations carried out in partnership with other state agencies. Following the Commissioner’s direction, uniform Garda members are now deployed on high visibility roads policing operations, of 30 minutes duration, in each tour of duty.

Every frontline Garda member now has a mobility device, which is essentially a mobile phone that allows them to access a number of specialised Garda apps at the roadside. These include the ability to issue a Fixed Charge Notice, to check a vehicle's insurance status, if a vehicle is taxed and whether a driver is disqualified. These tasks can now be done within moments, without the need to return to the station making much better use of their time. The Commissioner also stated his aim is to have an additional 100 static road safety cameras in place by the end of next year.

I am advised that as of 30 June 2024, there were 622 Roads Policing Gardaí assigned across all Divisions. It is expected that it will soon be possible to allocate more members to the Roads Policing units. An Garda Síochána have committed to increasing Roads Policing numbers by 150 members by the end of 2025.

In the interest of transparency, information in relation to the allocation of Roads Policing by Division is publicly available and can be found at the following link.

www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/.

State Properties

Questions (296)

Thomas Gould

Question:

296. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the options currently being considered for the old Cork Prison site in the Glen. [45712/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will be aware from my answer to his recent Parliamentary Question No. 134 for written answer on Wednesday 23rd October 2024, Engineering Consultants were engaged by the Irish Prison Service in late 2023 to carry out a detailed assessment of the old Cork Prison facility and to provide a feasibility report on the site with various options for its use.

The draft report has been received by the Irish Prison Service and it is currently being considered by them.

An Garda Síochána

Questions (297)

Thomas Gould

Question:

297. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda vehicles in Cork in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, by station. [45713/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Justice

As you will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including the purchase, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda resources. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.

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 €2.48 billion under Budget 2025, a 27% increase since 2020 which is supporting the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff.

I am advised that at the end of October 2024 there were 3,545 vehicles attached to the Garda fleet, an increase of almost 14% since the end of 2020. I am further advised that there were 305 Garda vehicles assigned to Cork City and Cork County, an increase of 12% since the end of December 2020.

The attached spreadsheet, which was provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out these Garda vehicles by Division. I am informed that An Garda Síochána do not provide vehicle allocations by Garda Station for security reasons. However, I am assured that the Commissioner keeps the allocation of these resources under continued review, in line with crime and population trends, to ensure their optimum use.

The Deputy may also wish to be aware that An Garda Síochána publish information on Garda fleet, including a Divisional/District monthly breakdown, on their website at: www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/finance-services/finance-fleet-management.html.

DISTRICT	Vehicle Type	Dec-20	Dec-21	Dec-22	Dec-23	Oct-24
ANGELSEA STREET
	CARS	54	51	55	58	60
	VANS	12	15	14	14	15
	MOTORCYCLES	1	1	1	0	0
	4x4	2	1	1	1	1
	OTHERS	1	1	1	1	1
	TOTAL	70	69	72	74	77
GURRANABRAHER
	CARS	19	20	18	22	21
	VANS	4	3	3	3	3
	MOTORCYCLES	8	8	8	7	7
	4x4	1	1	1	1	1
	OTHERS	1	1	1	1	1
	TOTAL	33	33	31	34	33
MAYFIELD
	CARS	12	12	13	13	13
	VANS	3	4	3	3	4
	MOTORCYCLES	1	1	1	1	1
	4x4	0	0	0	0	0
	OTHERS	4	4	3	3	3
	TOTAL	20	21	20	20	21
TOGHER
	CARS	16	16	21	22	21
	VANS	1	2	2	3	4
	MOTORCYCLES	0	0	0	1	1
	4x4	0	0	0	0	0
	OTHERS	1	1	1	1	1
	TOTAL	18	19	24	27	27
FERMOY
	CARS	17	17	16	19	20
	VANS	3	3	4	4	5
	MOTORCYCLES	1	1	1	1	2
	4x4	0	0	0	0	0
	OTHERS	0	0	0	0	0
	TOTAL	21	21	21	24	27
MALLOW
	CARS	15	18	17	16	17
	VANS	2	2	2	2	3
	MOTORCYCLES	1	1	1	1	1
	4x4	0	0	0	0	0
	OTHERS	0	0	0	0	0
	TOTAL	18	21	20	19	21
MIDLETON
	CARS	15	15	15	17	16
	VANS	6	6	6	6	6
	MOTORCYCLES	1	1	1	0	1
	4x4	0	0	0	0	0
	OTHERS	0	0	0	0	1
	TOTAL	22	22	22	23	24
BANDON
	CARS	21	23	28	29	22
	VANS	7	6	7	7	7
	MOTORCYCLES	1	2	2	2	1
	4x4	0	0	0	0	0
	OTHERS	1	1	1	1	1
	TOTAL	30	32	38	39	31
BANTRY
	CARS	5	8	8	7	7
	VANS	3	2	2	3	2
	MOTORCYCLES	0	0	0	0	0
	4x4	1	1	1	1	1
	OTHERS	0	0	0	0	0
	TOTAL	9	11	11	11	10
CLONAKILTY
	CARS	10	11	10	10	11
	VANS	2	1	2	1	2
	MOTORCYCLES	0	0	0	0	0
	4x4	0	0	0	0	0
	OTHERS	0	0	0	0	0
	TOTAL	12	12	12	11	13
MACROOM
	CARS	15	15	18	18	18
	VANS	1	1	1	1	1
	MOTORCYCLES	0	0	0	0	0
	4x4	2	1	1	1	1
	OTHERS	1	1	1	1	1
	TOTAL	19	18	21	21	21
TOTAL		272	279	292	303	305

*The category 'others' refers to MPV, SUV, Minibus or Prisoner Conveyance Vehicles

An Garda Síochána

Questions (298)

Thomas Gould

Question:

298. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice the number of Gardaí who retired or left the force from Cork in each of the past five years, respectively, by station; and the number of new recruits assigned to Cork stations, in tabular form. [45714/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Justice

I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Regrettably, this was not available in time and I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.

Crime Prevention

Questions (299)

Thomas Gould

Question:

299. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice the number of fireworks seized under Operation Tombola, by county. [45715/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy is aware, each year in the run-up to Halloween, additional efforts are made by An Garda Síochána to combat the illegal importation, sale and use of fireworks, under what is known as Operation Tombola which is a national operation.

I am informed by An Garda Síochána that there have been 172 seizures of fireworks objects nationally under Operation Tombola this year up to 4 November. The regional breakdown of seizures is set out in the table below.

Region	Fireworks Objects Seized
Dublin Region	50
Eastern Region	36
North Western Region	29
Southern Region	57

I am advised that a single object record in PULSE can refer to multiple fireworks, so the actual count of fireworks may be higher than the PULSE count of objects and that a further breakdown to Garda Divisional level is not possible.

An Garda Síochána

Questions (300)

Thomas Gould

Question:

300. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice the number of unanswered 911 calls originating in Cork, in each of the past 12 months, in tabular form. [45729/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for all operational policing matters, including responses by An Garda Síochána to emergency calls. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána operates a Regional Control Room strategy which ensures that Garda resources are available to respond to calls for service from the public, including situations where a local resource is not immediately available.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that all 112 or 999 calls were answered in the Southern Regional Control Centre, Cork City during the last 12 months.

I hope that this information is of assistance.

An Garda Síochána

Questions (301)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

301. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice the number of Gardaí currently working in each of the Garda stations in Longford and Westmeath, by rank, in tabular form. [45799/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the deployment of Garda members throughout the State under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended) and, as Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.

I can, however, assure you that the Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda Síochána is central to this policy. This commitment is demonstrated by the unprecedented provision of more than €2.48 billion in Budget 2025. This funding will support the recruitment of new Garda members, Garda staff and Garda Reserves, and reflects the Government’s commitment to supporting all parts of the organisation.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that a distribution model is used which takes into account all relevant factors including population, crime trends and the policing needs of each individual Division.

I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that personnel assigned throughout the country, together with the overall policing arrangements and operational strategies are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of resources and the best possible policing service is provided to the general public.

At the end of June 2024 there were 546 Garda members assigned to Meath/Westmeath Division and 94 members assigned to Longford Community Engagement Area (CEA) of the Mayo/Roscommon/Longford Division.

The tables below, which were provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of Garda members assigned to Meath/Westmeath Division and Longford CEA by rank at the end of June 2024, the latest date for when figures broken down by Division, District/CEA and Station are available.

Division	District	Station	GD	SG	IN	SU	CS	AC	Total
MEATH/WESTMEATH	ASHBOURNE	ASHBOURNE	46	7	3	1			57
		DULEEK	4						4
		DUNBOYNE	9	1					10
		DUNSHAUGHLIN	19	3					22
		LAYTOWN	19	5					24
		TOTAL	97	16	3	1			117
	ATHLONE	ATHLONE	71	14	6	1			92
		BALLYMORE	1						1
		GLASSON	1						1
		KILBEGGAN	3	1					4
		MOATE	17	3					20
		TOTAL	93	18	6	1			118
	KELLS	BAILE ÁTHA BUÍ	4	1					5
		KELLS	22	6	1				29
		OLDCASTLE	3						3
		TOTAL	29	7	1				37
	MULLINGAR	BALLYNACARGY	1						1
		CASTLEPOLLARD	3	1					4
		DELVIN	11	1					12
		KILLUCAN	3						3
		KINNEGAD	4	1					5
		MULLINGAR	73	15	5	2			95
		MULTYFARNHAM	1	1					2
		ROCHFORTBRIDGE	2						2
		TOTAL	98	19	5	2			124
	NAVAN	NAVAN	79	10	3	1	1		94
		NOBBER	1						1
		SLANE	5	2					7
		TOTAL	85	12	3	1	1		102
	TRIM	BALLIVOR
		ENFIELD	2						2
		LONGWOOD	1						1
		SUMMERHILL	1						1
		TRIM	34	8	2				44
		TOTAL	38	8	2				48
MEATH/WESTMEATH Total			440	80	20	5	1		546

District	Station	GD	SG	IN	SU	CS	AC	Total
LONGFORD	BALLYMAHON	9	1					10
	KENAGH
	LANESBORO	2						2
	LONGFORD	66	12	3	1			82
	TOTAL	77	13	3	1			94

Irish Language

Questions (302)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

302. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Justice the number of Irish speaking Gardaí covering Gaeltacht areas in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45822/24]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Regrettably, this was not available in time and I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.

Domestic Violence

Questions (303)

Matt Carthy

Question:

303. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice to provide an update on the proposal to establish a domestic violence refuge centre in County Monaghan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45826/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Justice

One of the overarching goals of Zero Tolerance, the Third National Strategy on DSGBV, which I published in June 2022, is to ensure that everyone who needs a refuge space will get one and under the strategy we have committed to doubling the number of refuge units across the country.

This represents the fastest ever expansion of refuge accommodation in this country.

To accelerate the delivery of additional refuge accommodation year on year, I formally established Cuan - the Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence Agency – at the start of this year.

Cuan is working closely with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the Housing Agency to put in place the necessary structures and supports for organisations to take forward plans.

Last week, I welcomed the commencement of a site selection process for the building of a domestic violence refuge in the Cavan/Monaghan region, one of the regions identified as a ‘Phase 1’ priority for refuge development under the Zero Tolerance strategy to combat domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.

Cuan is now responsible for coordinating all Government actions set out in the Third National Strategy and has a dedicated team in place to support the development of domestic violence refuges.

As this question relates to work being carried out by Cuan I have referred it to the agency for direct response.

An Garda Síochána

Questions (304)

Pa Daly

Question:

304. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice the number of Gardaí currently working in each of the Garda stations in Kerry, by rank, in tabular form. [45845/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the deployment of Garda members throughout the State under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended) and, as Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.

I can, however, assure you that the Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda Síochána is central to this policy. This commitment is demonstrated by the unprecedented provision of more than €2.48 billion in Budget 2025. This funding will support the recruitment of new Garda members, Garda staff and Garda Reserves, and reflects the Government’s commitment to supporting all parts of the organisation.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that a distribution model is used which takes into account all relevant factors including population, crime trends and the policing needs of each individual Division.

I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that personnel assigned throughout the country, together with the overall policing arrangements and operational strategies are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of resources and the best possible policing service is provided to the general public.

At the end of June 2024 there were 335 Garda members assigned to Kerry Division. This represents an increase of around 11% since 2015.

The table below, which was provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of Garda members assigned to Kerry Division by rank at the end of June 2024, the latest date for when figures broken down by Division, District and Station are available.

Division	District	Station	GD	SG	IN	SU	CS	AC	Total
KERRY	KILLARNEY	BARRADUFF	1						1
		CAHERCIVEEN	12	3	1				16
		GLENBEIGH	1						1
		KENMARE	10	1					11
		KILLARNEY	48	12	3				63
		KILLORGLIN	9	1					10
		PORTMAGEE	1						1
		SNEEM	1						1
		WATERVILLE	1						1
		TOTAL	84	17	4				105
	LISTOWEL	BALLYBUNION	6	1					7
		BALLYDUFF	1						1
		BALLYHEIGUE	1						1
		KNOCKNAGOSHALL	1						1
		LISTOWEL	30	7	1				38
		LIXNAW	1						1
		TARBERT	1						1
		TOTAL	41	8	1				50
	TRALEE	AN DAINGEAN	10	2					12
		ANNASCAUL	1						1
		ARDFERT	2						2
		BAILE AN FHEIRTÉARAIG	1						1
		CASTLEGREGORY	2						2
		CASTLEISLAND	30	6	1				37
		CASTLEMAINE	1						1
		FARRANFORE	1	1					2
		TRALEE	88	24	7	2	1		122
		TOTAL	136	33	8	2	1		180
KERRY Total			261	58	13	2	1		335

Domestic Violence

Questions (305)

Pa Daly

Question:

305. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice the number of domestic abuse refuge beds in Kerry in each of the past five years, in tabular form. [45846/24]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Justice

One of the overarching goals of Zero Tolerance, the Third National Strategy on DSGBV, which I published in June 2022, is to ensure that everyone who needs a refuge space will get one and under the strategy we have committed to doubling the number of refuge units across the country.

This represents the fastest ever expansion of refuge accommodation in this country.

To accelerate the delivery of additional refuge accommodation year on year, I formally established Cuan - the Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence Agency – at the start of this year.

Cuan is working closely with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the Housing Agency to put in place the necessary structures and supports for organisations to take forward plans.

In September, I announced that a €7.3m funding application for the expansion and redevelopment of a domestic violence refuge in Kerry had successfully passed the first stage approval by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

ADAPT Kerry, with the support of Kerry County Council, the Housing Agency and Cuan is looking to increase the capacity of its refuge in Tralee from six to 13 units.

Tralee is one of 18 priority locations identified for domestic violence refuge development as part of the Government’s work under Zero Tolerance, the Third National Strategy on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, to double the number of refuge units.

Cuan is now responsible for coordinating all Government actions set out in the Third National Strategy and has a dedicated team in place to support the development of domestic violence refuges.

As this question relates to work being carried out by Cuan and data held by Cuan, I have referred it to the agency for direct response.

Domestic Violence

Questions (306)

Matt Carthy

Question:

306. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice the services available to persons experiencing domestic abuse in Castleblayney and the surrounding area; her proposals to enhance these services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45988/24]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Justice

A central element of delivering on the Zero Tolerance goal of the Third National Strategy was the establishment of Cuan, the statutory domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) agency, which I officially opened at the start of this year.

Cuan has a specific mandate to drive the implementation of the strategy across Government, bringing the expertise and focus required to tackle this complex social issue.

Under Budget 2025, I was pleased to announce that DSGBV funding has increased to €70m, of which €67m is allocated to Cuan.

This more than triples the funding for DSGBV services from when I first became Minister for Justice, and represents a further significant increase for 2025.

Increasing funding for Cuan to €67m will provide for additional resources to support the implementation of the Zero Tolerance strategy.

One of the overarching goals of the Zero Tolerance strategy is to ensure that everyone who needs a refuge space will get one and under the strategy we have committed to doubling the number of refuge units across the country.

This represents the fastest ever expansion of refuge accommodation in this country.

Last week, I welcomed the commencement of a site selection process for the building of a domestic violence refuge in the Cavan/Monaghan region, one of the regions identified as a ‘Phase 1’ priority for refuge development under the Zero Tolerance strategy to combat domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.

Developments will also include Safe Home accommodation, as we are aware of the need for services to be accessible to those living in rural areas.

This will be developed in the context of a wider array of services which will be part of a National Services Development Plan.

Cuan is now responsible for coordinating all Government actions set out in the Third National Strategy and has a dedicated team in place to support the development of domestic violence refuges.

As this question relates to work being carried out by Cuan I have referred it to the agency for direct response.

An Garda Síochána

Questions (307)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

307. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Justice the number of Gardaí currently stationed across Galway and the number of new Gardaí in Galway who have been recruited in the past five years, in tabular form. [46004/24]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that Garda members assigned throughout the country, together with the overall policing arrangements and operational strategies are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of resources and the best possible policing service is provided to the general public.

The Government is committed to supporting Garda recruitment. In Budget 2025, over €2.48 billion has been allocated to An Garda Síochána. This is a 27% increase since 2020 and will allow for the sustained recruitment of new Garda recruits through to next year.

At the end of June 2024, the latest date for when figures are available, there were 599 Garda members assigned to Galway Division, an increase of 7% since the end of December 2015.

The table below, which was provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of Probationer Gardaí who were assigned to Galway Division in the years 2019 up to 2023, and in 2024 up to the 20 September, the date of the latest attestation.

Galway Division	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024	Station Totals
GAILLIMH	14	8	7	9	3	2	43
SALTHILL	0	1	0	0	0	0	1
BALLINASLOE	0	1	0	0	0	0	1
GORT	0	1	0	0	0	0	1
LOUGHREA	0	1	0	0	0	0	1
TUAM	0	1	0	0	0	0	1
Total	14	13	7	9	3	2	48

In the interest of transparency, information in relation to the allocation of Probationer Gardaí by Division and Station breakdown is publicly available and can also be found at the following link. I can also advise the Deputy that I have received the most recent figures for the attestation on 20 September 2024 from An Garda Síochána which has been published on the website. www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/.

Family Reunification

Questions (308)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

308. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if a join family visa might be offered to the family of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46014/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Justice

I can inform the Deputy that based on the information supplied, it has unfortunately not been possible to locate an application for the person referred to.

Information for persons residing in Ireland who wish to have their family members join them is available on my Departments website at the following link:

www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-join-family-in-ireland.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Citizenship Applications

Questions (309)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

309. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice when regularisation of residency/Stamp 4 update/citizenship might be progressed in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46015/24]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The person referred to by the Deputy holds a Stamp 4 immigration permission valid until 22 June 2025.

If the person concerned wishes to renew their permission at the end of this period, they should apply via the ISD online renewal portal available at inisonline.jahs.ie/user/login .

I can advise the Deputy, my Department has now introduced a Digital Contact Centre (DCC) for our customers. The DCC allows individuals to log in and review the status of their immigration applications.

In its first phase, the DCC can be used to check the status of and raise queries in relation to Citizenship Applications, Visa Applications, Domestic Residence Permission Applications, EU Treaty Rights Applications and Travel Documents Applications.

My Department’s new platform can be accessed at the following link: portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by email using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the email service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Residency Permits

Questions (310)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

310. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46016/24]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The person referred to by the Deputy holds a Stamp 4 immigration permission valid until 22 June 2025.

A naturalisation application from the person concerned has been approved and they are listed as awaiting an invitation to a Citizenship Ceremony.

I can advise the Deputy, my Department has now introduced a Digital Contact Centre (DCC) for our customers. The DCC allows individuals to log in and review the status of their immigration applications.

In its first phase, the DCC can be used to check the status of and raise queries in relation to Citizenship Applications, Visa Applications, Domestic Residence Permission Applications, EU Treaty Rights Applications and Travel Documents Applications.

My Department’s new platform can be accessed at the following link: portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by email using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the email service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.