Written Answers Nos. 998-1017
998. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice to provide details of her Department’s engagements in 2024 on the issue of reducing the numbers of persons entering Ireland illegally with the European Border Management Agency FRONTEX; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1188/25]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that while Ireland is not a member of Frontex, Ireland participates in training with Frontex and engages with Frontex to share trends and assess the movement of migrants into the EU. While Ireland is not party to this aspect of the Schengen acquis, as a Member State of the European Union (EU), Ireland is invited to participate at the Frontex Management Board in a non-voting capacity and attended all Management Board meetings in 2024. An Garda Síochána is the primary point of contact for Frontex.
Ireland is not involved directly in Frontex land/sea operations, as these activities are carried out by the Frontex Standing Corps in respect of the Schengen external border. Ireland can seek to participate in joint return operations co-ordinated by Frontex on behalf of EU Member States and intends to explore possibilities in this area in 2025. Ireland provides no core funding to Frontex and covers its own cost for its participation in Frontex activities.
999. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons processed by the Garda National Immigration Bureau following the discovery of such persons in transport vehicles of any description at Irish harbours and ports of entry from 2018 to date in 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1189/25]
View answerThe State has a duty to protect its borders and following examination, ensure that all arriving passengers are entitled to enter the State. This is a fundamental exercise of State sovereignty, which is necessary to protect the security of the State and to prevent illegal immigration. The exercise of powers in this area is at all times subject to the law and to respect for individual rights.
The Garda National Immigration Bureau has responsibility for airports and other ports of entry in the State with the exception of Dublin Airport, where the Border Management Unit of my Department has responsibility for frontline immigration duties
I have sought the information requested from the Garda Commissioner and I will write to the Deputy directly should the information be available.
1000. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice the number of times gardaí have been called to the International Protection Office in Mount Street, Dublin in 2023 and 2024 in response to threatening or abusive behaviour from international protection applicants towards IPO staff members; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1190/25]
View answerThe primary focus and role of the International Protection Office (IPO) in Mount Street is the acceptance and examination of applications for international protection.
The IPO accept thousands of applications and conducts thousands of interviews with international applicants each year.
As the Deputy will be aware the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes all operational and investigative policing matters as well as recording of offences. While my Department does not retain figures on the number of instances where Garda assistance has been called, I am advised that vast majority of interactions between staff and applicants pass without incident.
1001. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí, by rank attached to Limerick Divisional Protective Services Unit as 3 January 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1225/25]
View answerCombatting all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based remains a priority for this Government, for my Department and for the Garda Commissioner.
'Zero Tolerance,' the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV), set out an ambitious whole of government five-year programme of reform to achieve a society which does not accept DSGBV or the attitudes which underpin these crimes.
The Strategy, which was co-designed with the sector, also has a significant focus on improving the system for victims of these terrible crimes and on ensuring there is a full range of supports and services available nationwide to support and empower victims and survivors.
The nationwide roll out of Divisional Protective Service Units (DPSUs) - which ensure that when vulnerable victims of crimes such as domestic abuse and sexual violence present to Gardaí, they are met with a consistently high standard of specialist, sensitive, professional and expert assistance - was an action under both the 'Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland' and ‘Supporting a Victim's Journey’.
There is now a DPSU in every Garda division across the country.
To ensure the continued level of delivery of policing services within Garda Divisions, local and Senior Garda Management are consulted during the allocation of personnel and are responsible for the specific deployment/assignment of duties being undertaken at Divisional level.
The situation remains closely monitored by the Garda Senior Leadership Team, particularly in view of commitments to the continued roll-out of the Operating Model of policing at Divisional level to ensure optimum use of all Garda Resources in providing the best possible Garda service to the community.
An Garda Síochána have supplied the following information in relation to staffing of the Limerick Divisional Protective Services Unit.
|
Sergeant |
Garda |
|
|
Limerick DPSU |
* |
12 |
* Denotes less than 10
1002. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice the current status of the proposed development of a domestic violence refuge in County Monaghan; the proposed location for such a development; the expected timeframe for delivery; if she will ensure that Cuan will provide information as committed to in Parliamentary Questions Nos. 1120 of 9 September and 303 of 7 November 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1226/25]
View answerOne 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 last 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 further develop refuge accommodation.
In 2025, Cuan expects 22 new units to be delivered in Dublin and Louth, with a further 49 units due to be under construction or due for refurbishment in 2025. This is in addition to the 12 new units delivered in 2024, including the state-of-the-art new refuge in Wexford.
This will bring the total amount of new units delivered and under construction to 230 by the end of 2025. This is from a starting point of 140 at the outset of the Strategy.
In late 2024, a site selection process for the building of a domestic violence refuge in the Cavan/Monaghan area was commenced. Cavan/Monaghan is one of the regions identified as a ‘Phase 1’ priority for refuge development under the Zero Tolerance Strategy.
Cuan is now responsible for coordinating all Government actions set out in the 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.
1003. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice the status of applications for family reunification by persons (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1248/25]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that the applications referred to were created on 18 June 2024. Supporting documentation was received in the Abuja Visa Office on 04 July 2024 where they await examination and processing.
My Departments business target for join family visa applications is 12 months. It must be made clear that these are business targets for the immigration service. The business target reflects the detailed and often complex assessment that is required to be carried out in relation to applications for family reunification.
It is not possible to give a definitive date as to when these applications will be finalised. All applications are processed in chronological order, based on date order of receipt. While every effort is made to process applications as soon as possible, processing times will vary having regard to the volume and complexity of applications, the possible need for the Immigration Service Delivery function of the Department to investigate, inquire into, or seek further information, and the resources available.
The applicants will be notified as soon as a decision has been reached by a Visa Officer.
Processing times and decisions at the Overseas Visa Offices can be checked at the following link:www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/#decisions
The person concerned can now directly check the status of their immigration application on the Immigration Service’s new Digital Contact Centre. They can register for, or log in to their existing account, at: portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/
As an Oireachtas member, you can also request the status of individual immigration cases 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.
1004. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Justice the number of Gardaí assigned to Rosslare Europort at year end for each of the years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1348/25]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, under Section 33 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution and stationing of the Garda Síochána throughout the State. As Minister I have no role in these independent functions.
The Government is committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the resources it needs to fight crime, and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda organisation is central to this policy. The allocation for An Garda Síochána now stands at €2.48 billion, and has increased by 27% since 2020. 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.
As of the end of December 2024 there were 14,191 Garda members assigned across the country. This represents an increase of almost 11% since 2015, when there were 12,816 Gardaí throughout the country.
A number of actions have been taken to support increased recruitment. We have increased the age of entry from 35 to 50 and most recently increased the training allowance to €354, representing an increase of over 92% in the last 12 months.
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.
In the interest of transparency, the number of Garda members nationwide at the end of December 2009 up to 31 October 2024, the latest date available for figures, broken down by Division, District and Station are published on my Department's website.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, as of 31 October 2024, the number of Garda members assigned to Rosslare Harbour in each year from 2020 are as follows:
|
Station |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
ROSSLARE HARBOUR |
11 |
11 |
11 |
11 |
11 |
Please be advised that these figures are operational and may be subject to change.
1005. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Justice the number of projects with which her Department is currently engaged under the immigrant investor programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1349/25]
View answerSince the closure of the programme, the Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) Unit has continued to process and submit applications to the Evaluation Committee for consideration and recommendation. At present, there are approximately 100 Immigrant Investor Programme project proposals undergoing, or awaiting, such consideration.
My Department’s IIP Unit is committed to ensuring that all applications will be examined on their own merits and will endeavour to conclude all decisions in a timely manner.
The IIP Unit of my Department communicates with projects seeking to benefit from investments made in connection with an IIP application in relation to how the terms of the programme apply to their particular project. The Unit also engages with projects and monitors them for their compliance with the IIP requirements.
I can advise you that further details concerning the processing of outstanding IIP applications is published on the Immigration Service Delivery website of my Department, including an FAQ document. Both can be accessed at the following link: www.irishimmigration.ie/processing-of-iip-applications-on-hand-following-the-closure-of-the-programme/
1006. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Justice when her Department will release the final tranche of funds under the immigrant investor programme to a group (details supplied) for its sports campus project; if her Department will meet with the group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1350/25]
View answerAt the outset, it is important to note that, as Minister, I do not comment on individual Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) applications.
I can, however, inform the Deputy that my Department does not receive or hold funds at any stage in the IIP process; this is a private matter between a potential investor(s) and a potential project concerned.
The IIP Unit of my Department communicates with projects seeking to benefit from investments made in connection with an IIP application in relation to how the terms of the programme apply to their particular project. The Unit also engages with projects and monitors them for their compliance with the IIP requirements.
1007. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Justice for an urgent update on the status of a visa application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1378/25]
View answerThe visa application referred to by the Deputy was refused by the Visa Office in Dublin on 11 March 2024. The reasons for this decision were set out in the refusal letter sent to the applicant at that time. An appeal of this decision was launched on 10 May 2024.
Appeals for applications of this type are processed in the order in which they are received, to be fair to all applicants. While every effort is made to process these applications as soon as possible, processing times will vary having regard to the volume of appeals received, their complexity, the possible need for the visa office to seek further information in relation to certain appeals and the resources available to process them.
All visa applicants are advised that the onus is on them to provide as much information in support of their application as they feel is necessary. Guidelines in this regard are posted on the Immigration Service website. When making an appeal, the applicant should take into account the reasons for refusal listed in the refusal letter. The appeal should include any further information or additional documentation they wish to have considered, and should be sent for the attention of the Visa Appeals Officer, in the relevant Visa Office, where the matter will be considered afresh.
Full consideration will be given to any appeals received on behalf of the applicants, however the onus is on applicants to satisfy the Visa Officer that visas should be granted.
Processing times and decisions at the Overseas Visa Offices can be checked at the following link:
www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/#decisions
The person concerned can now directly check the status of their immigration application on the Immigration Service’s new Digital Contact Centre (DCC). They can register for, or log in to their existing account, at:
portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/
As an Oireachtas member, you can also request the status of individual immigration cases 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.
1008. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice the number of members of An Garda Síochána currently assigned to the F and W districts in the Dublin Metropolitan District. [1391/25]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, under Section 33 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution and stationing of the Garda Síochána throughout the State. As Minister I have no role in these independent functions.
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.
In the interest of transparency, the number of Garda members nationwide at the end of December 2009 up to 31 October 2024 (the latest date available for figures) broken down by Division, District and Station are published on my Department's website.
The table below which was provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of Garda members assigned to the DMR East on 31 October 2024. Please be advised that these figures are operational and may be subject to change.
|
Station |
D.M.R. EAST |
GD |
SG |
IN |
SU |
CS |
Total |
|
BLACKROCK |
BLACKROCK |
69 |
9 |
4 |
1 |
83 |
|
|
DUNDRUM |
52 |
7 |
59 |
||||
|
STEPASIDE |
19 |
1 |
20 |
||||
|
TOTAL |
140 |
17 |
4 |
1 |
|
162 |
|
|
CABINTEELY |
DUN LAOGHAIRE |
23 |
5 |
28 |
|||
|
DUN LAOGHAIRE |
82 |
14 |
8 |
3 |
1 |
108 |
|
|
SHANKILL |
36 |
6 |
42 |
||||
|
TOTAL |
141 |
25 |
8 |
3 |
1 |
178 |
|
|
|
D.M.R. EAST Total |
281 |
42 |
12 |
4 |
1 |
340 |
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.
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 the year.
As of the end of December 2024 there were 14,191 Garda members assigned across the country. This represents an increase of almost 11% since 2015, when there were 12,816 Gardaí throughout the country.
A number of actions have been taken to support increased recruitment. We have increased the age of entry from 35 to 50 and most recently increased the training allowance to €354, representing an increase of over 92% in the last 12 months.
Since the reopening of the Garda college in September 2014 a total of 191 Probationer Gardaí have been assigned to the DMR East Division. In the interest of transparency, information in relation to the allocation of Probationer Gardaí by Division and Station breakdown is publicly available. I can also advise the Deputy that I have received the most recent figures for the attestation on 13 December 2024 from An Garda Síochána which has been published on my Department's website.
www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/
1009. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice if there are any plans to change the rules in relation to family reunification applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1398/25]
View answerThe review of the Policy Document for Non-EEA Family Reunification, which was last amended in 2016, is examining a wide range of matters relating to applications for family reunification, including the nature and suitability of current income thresholds and waiting periods. My Department has consulted with a wide variety of stakeholders and the expectation is that the review will be brought to a conclusion in the coming months.
While I fully understand that people moving to Ireland to live and work would wish to have their family join them, the issues to be examined as part of a family reunification application are complex. An important consideration in all family reunification applications, for example, is the ability of the sponsor to demonstrate a clear capacity to provide for their family member or members if they are to be granted a permission to come to Ireland.
I can also advise that, with effect from 15 May 2024, the first part of the review was implemented in that eligible spouses and partners of General Employment Permit and Intra-Corporate Transfer Irish Employment Permit holders, who have applied for and been granted family reunification, in accordance with the Non-EEA Family Reunification Policy, are now registered on a Stamp 1G permission, rather than a Stamp 3. This allows the holder to take up employment without the need to obtain a separate Employment Permit of their own.
1010. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice if she will approve for the post of police liaison support officer to be based at the Irish embassy in Canberra. [1418/25]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the management of An Garda Síochána, including personnel matters and deployment of resources. As Minister, I have no responsibility for these matters. I am assured, however, that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.
The deployment of Garda Liaison Officers has proven to be an effective and practical form of interagency cooperation between police services. It has supported the exchange of information and the coordination of operations across borders.
I can inform the Deputy that the development and expansion of the Garda Liaison Officer Network, subject to approval of the Government, is determined in consultation with my Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs. The development and expansion of the Garda Liaison Officer Network by An Garda Síochána aims to fulfil the strategic and operational objectives of all stakeholders.
In 2022, the Government approved the expansion of the Garda Liaison Officer Network, following a request from the Garda Commissioner. This expansion created two new posts for Garda Liaison Officers; the first in Abu Dhabi and the second in Bangkok. These posts are in addition to existing positions situated in Madrid, Paris, London, The Hague, Washington DC and Bogota.
I am advised by the Garda Authorities that the development and expansion of An Garda Síochána’s Garda Liaison Officer Network is under the direction of the Detective Chief Superintendent, Liaison & Protection Section, Garda HQ, and is driven by organisational and operational requirements from policing and security perspectives.
At present, there is a Garda Liaison Officer based in Bangkok accredited to the Irish Embassy. This officer provides Policing Liaison in the South East Asian / Australasian Region and is in a position to provide support where required.
1011. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice the number of full-time solicitors employed at Blanchardstown Law Centre as of 9 January 2025. [1419/25]
View answerThe Legal Aid Board is the statutory, independent body responsible for the provision of civil legal aid and advice to persons of modest means, in accordance with the provisions of the Civil Legal Aid Act 1995 and the Civil Legal Aid Regulations 1996 to 2021. Section 3(3) of the Act states that the Board shall, subject to the provisions of the Act, be independent in the exercise of its functions.
To be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Legal Aid Board has informed me that there are three full-time solicitors employed at Blanchardstown Law Centre as of 9 January 2025.
1012. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice if funding has been made available in 2025 to purchase additional larger horsebox vehicles for the Garda mounted unit. [1420/25]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including the expenditure of the Garda budget. As Minister I have no role in how the budget is allocated.
The Garda Commissioner is also responsible for the purchase, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda vehicles.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the purchase and allocation of vehicles by An Garda Síochána is made on the basis of identified operational demands and the availability of resources, and is reviewed on a continual basis.
1013. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Justice the licensing regulations regarding poker tournaments with prize money in excess of €50,000; and if there are any plans for further regulation. [1427/25]
View answerThe Gambling Regulation Act 2024 sets out the framework and legislative basis for the establishment of a new, independent statutory body – Údarás Rialála Cearrbhachais na hÉireann, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland.
The Act provides for a robust regulatory and licensing regime to regulate gambling in-person and online, including lotteries and other similar gambling activities permitted under the Act, and for the regulation of gambling advertising, websites and apps.
Games such as poker are currently regulated under section 9A of the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 as inserted by section 4 of the Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Act 2019. This section of the Act sets out the conditions for a licensee of a gaming permit under this Act, including the maximum stakes of €10 and maximum winnings of €3,000 per game. This section provides the Minister with the regulation making power to vary these amounts if necessary.
Under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, Schedule 2 provides for the maximum relevant payments and the maximum winnings for certain gambling activities. These amounts are based on the limits introduced in 2019 to the Gaming and Lotteries Acts 1956. These limits may be varied by the Authority, with the consent of the Minister, as provided in section 82(2) of the Act. The maximum relevant payment and winning limits in the Bill are not new and are a direct continuation of the measures, albeit modernised, already provided for in the 1956 Act, as amended.
It is also important to emphasise that the limits set out in Schedule 2 are an initial baseline, based on existing limits. The Authority will have the power to vary these amounts, with the consent of the Minister for Justice.
1014. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if consideration has been given to introducing legislation to restrict and control the supply of materials that can be used for bonfires, for example ensuring that companies secure materials that can be used for bonfires, tackling the storage of materials used for bonfires and securing equipment that can be used for the transport of bonfire materials. [1440/25]
View answerThe Department of Justice has responsibility for the regulation governing the importation and use of explosive materials, which includes the importation, sale, storage and use of fireworks and I am very aware that every year in the run up to Halloween, there are concerns among communities about the illegal use of fireworks.
The legislation governing the importation, storage, transport and use of fireworks is very prescriptive and is set out in law and further information on this is available on gov.ie - Fireworks
I am also aware that communities have concerns about the stockpiling of materials for bonfires and while the rules governing the storage and transport of such materials is not under the remit of my department, I am advised by An Garda Síochána that as part of their work under Operation Tombola, Gardaí work on identifying the scene(s) of unsupervised and unplanned bonfire locations and liaise with local authorities to have bonfire material removed in advance of Halloween.
Other actions undertaken by An Garda Síochána annually as part of Operation Tombola include:
• increased patrolling (overt and covert) of areas of interest, including but not limited to usual locations where young people congregate as well as areas where bonfire materials are likely to be stockpiled.
• High visibility patrols of public transport on Dublin Bus, LUAS and Dart services in the lead up to and on Halloween to prevent and detect incidents of anti-social behaviour.
• Engagement with schools and youth services throughout the region with talks designed and focused on engaging with those who may participate in sale/supply and use of fireworks.
• Proactive monitoring of open-source media to identify the location where individuals are operating the sale and supply of fireworks.
• Allocation of designated Garda personnel to monitor overt CCTV to ensure anti-social issues are effectively dealt with in a timely manner.
• Proactive engagement by liquor licensing inspectors with managers and business owners, reminding the business community of their responsibilities under Liquor Licensing Legislation.
• Policing the public consumption of alcohol and underage minors drinking.
Local authorities, who remove bonfire materials, are independent statutory bodies with democratically elected councils and their own management systems and structures and are, accordingly, responsible for their own actions. As the Deputy may be aware, local authorities fall under the aegis of the Department of Housing who may be able to provide further information on any planned legislation in relation to powers to remove bonfire material.
Legislation in relation to the storage and transport by companies of legitimate materials that could potentially be used to create bonfires would not be a matter for the Department of Justice and the Deputy may wish to direct questions in relation to how such companies are required to store and transport such materials to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
1015. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Justice the strength of the Garda traffic unit in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1460/25]
View answerRoad safety is a shared responsibility, and while led by the Department of Transport, it is one which is taken very seriously across Government.
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 both Roads Policing Gardaí 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. The Commissioner has also directed that all uniform Garda members are to be deployed on high visibility roads policing operations, of 30 minutes duration, in each tour of duty.
I am advised that as of 31 October 2024 (the latest date for when published figures are available), there were 623 Roads Policing Gardaí assigned across all Divisions.
Funding provided by the Government under Budget 2024 allows for the recruitment of new Gardaí, which will increase the number of frontline Gardaí available to the Garda Commissioner to allocate as he deems appropriate. It is expected that it will soon be possible to allocate more members to the Roads Policing units. The Commissioner has said that 150 Gardaí will be added to Road Policing units by the end of 2025 in order to meet road safety targets.
The information in the below table, which was provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of Garda members by Division assigned to Roads Policing duty in the years 2020 up to 2023, and at 31 October 2024, the latest date for when figures are available. Please be advised that this information is operational and may be subject to change.
|
Roads Policing |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
Oct-24 |
|
TOTAL |
733 |
736 |
692 |
632 |
623
|
1016. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Justice the number of members of the Garda traffic unit who have issued fixed notice charges in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1461/25]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, 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, on examination of fixed charge penalties issued by Roads Policing members, they are unable to provide the requested information.
While the data for each fixed charge does record an issuing member, the data is not structured to allow An Garda Síochána to extract whether it was specifically issued by members attached to Roads Policing Units.
For the Deputy’s information, detailed statistics relating to Fixed Charged Notices are publicly available and can be found in the Garda Commissioner's monthly reports to the Policing Authority on the Garda website at the following link: Commissioner's Monthly Reports to Policing Authority - Garda
1017. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Justice when the next citizenship ceremony will take place; and the location where this ceremony will be held. [1472/25]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that planning is underway for citizenship ceremonies to be held in Dublin in the first quarter of this year.
My Department is committed to providing regular opportunities for applicants to complete the naturalisation process.
My Department held 24 citizenship ceremonies last year, an increase from the 15 ceremonies held in 2023, and the 6 that were held in 2022. Citizenship ceremonies will continue to be held on a regular basis during 2025.
Further information on Citizenship Ceremonies is available on my Department’s website here: www.irishimmigration.ie/how-to-become-a-citizen/citizenship-ceremonies/
