Written Answers Nos. 539-559
540. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Justice the processing period for citizenship applications, in view of the fact a person (details supplied) has now being waiting five years since initially applying for citizenship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13297/25]
View answerThe naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department.
This application is based on Section 16 'Irish Association', which can take longer to process than applications based upon residency.
Section 15 of the Act sets out the statutory conditions that must be fulfilled for a certificate of naturalisation to be granted. Section 16 of the Act gives discretion to waive the statutory conditions in certain circumstances, including where the applicant is of Irish descent or Irish associations (related through blood, affinity or adoption to a person who is or is entitled to be an Irish citizen).
Any application made under S16 should be supported by substantive documentation. This documentation should show that the S16 application is exceptional and one where the normal residency pathways to citizenship are not appropriate. However, there is no automatic right or entitlement to have any of the statutory conditions waived even where the applicant comes within the certain circumstances defined.
Officials in my Department are in the process of finalising guidelines, which will provide clarity to both applicants and decision-makers on what factors may be considered when deciding whether to waive such naturalisation conditions under section 16(1)(a) of the Act. These new guidelines are being developed in the interests of fair and transparent procedures and comprehensive decision making. Details of the new guidelines will be made publicly available once they have been finalised and should also assist in reducing processing times for these complex cases.
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.
541. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice when two visa application will be completed (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13300/25]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that the applications referred to were created on 10 December 2023. Supporting documentation was received in the Manila Visa Office on 03 May 2024. The applications are currently in the Dublin Visa Office 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 (ISD) function of the Department to investigate, inquire into, or seek further information, and the resources available. Processing times and decisions at the Dublin Visa Office can be checked at the following link which is updated each Tuesday: www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/ The date published on the website is the oldest date of application currently being processed under a given category. However, it should be noted that the Visa team continue to process and make decisions on applications received after the published processing date. If a particular application takes longer to consider this may result in the published processing date remaining unchanged. I can assure you that this does not indicate the processing of these applications has halted overall.
I am acutely aware that join family applications are very important for the persons impacted. I understand that people are eager to have their families join them in Ireland and I am committed to improving the service my Department provides.
To provide greater clarity, officials in my Department are currently in the process of updating the Immigration Service website to provide processing times for decisions on visa applications at the Dublin visa office. 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, atIMoireachtasmail@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.
542. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to the firing of three members of the US Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board by the Trump Administration and the resulting lack of quorum on the board; whether he has considered this issue in light of the key role of the board in satisfying the standards necessary to facilitate transfer of private and personal data outside of the EU, as agreed in the 2023 Transatlantic Data Privacy Framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13386/25]
View answer543. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Justice the steps he is taking to ensure Irish data transferred to the US is being adequately protected under GDPR, considering recent changes in the US Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, and the resulting impact on the EU US Transatlantic Data Privacy Framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13389/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 542 and 543 together.
The European Commission adopted its adequacy decision for the EU-US Data Privacy Framework on 10 July 2023, pursuant to Article 45 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
The adequacy decision concludes that the United States ensures an adequate level of protection – compared to that of the EU - for personal data transferred from the EU to US companies participating in the EU-US Data Privacy Framework. Once an adequacy decision is in place, participating companies can transfer personal data freely without the need for additional data protection safeguards such as standard contractual clauses.
The EU-US Adequacy Decision is important not only for business certainty, but for the proper protection of EU citizens’ data and the successful operation of the GDPR.
As required under the GDPR, the European Commission continues to monitor developments in respect of these matters. In this regard, Article 45 of the GDPR provides that an adequacy decision can be, to the extent necessary, repealed, amended or suspended where an adequate level of protection is no longer ensured.
544. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice the reason a convicted rapist (details supplied) was allowed into this country; if there is protection in place by the Government to stop a convicted criminal coming into the country; if so, the protections that are in place; if the person was in Ireland on a visa or as an asylum applicant and if he was checked with Eurodac when he came to Ireland. [13391/25]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, as Minister for Justice I cannot comment on any individual case.
Implementing stronger border security at our ports and borders and ensuring the enforcement of removal orders is a priority for me as Minister.
In general terms, when a non-EEA national presents at a port of entry, an Immigration Officer will determine whether that person should be granted leave to land and gain entry to the State.
Section 4(3) of the Immigration Act 2004 sets out the grounds on which a person may be refused permission to enter the State; these include, among others:
• Where they have been convicted (whether in the State or elsewhere) of an offence that may be punished under the law of the place of conviction by imprisonment for a period of one year or by a more severe penalty, and
• Where it is considered that their entry into, or presence in, the State could pose a threat to national security or be contrary to public policy.
There are systems in place to ensure that relevant information in relation to individuals can be checked at the border. Everyone arriving at a port of entry in the state is subject to a Schengen Information System (SIS) check. Under this system Ireland sends and receives SIS II information (termed ‘Alerts’) on persons and objects; for example persons wanted for criminal purposes, missing persons and objects which have been stolen or are wanted as evidence for a judicial purpose. Systems to protect the Common Travel Area are also utilised.
The removal of persons who are involved criminality and those who are a danger to society is a priority for me as Minister, my Department and the Garda Commissioner. My officials work closely with members of An Garda Síochána and the Irish Prison Service to ensure high risk persons are prioritised for removal from Ireland.
545. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice if the threshold to qualify for legal aid will be reduced; and when this matter was last reviewed. [13408/25]
View answerIn its over forty years of operation, the Civil Legal Aid Scheme has represented a significant and beneficial public service, providing legal aid and advice to people of limited means in civil disputes, including family law. However, since the Scheme was set up, Irish society has changed, and the demands on the service have grown.
In June 2022, the independent Civil Legal Aid Review Group was established to review the current operation of the Civil Legal Aid Scheme and make recommendations for its future. The Review Group is chaired by a former Chief Justice. The membership of the group is drawn from legal practitioners, academics, Department officials, those who work with marginalised groups, and representatives from the Legal Aid Board, which administers the statutory scheme. The Group is considering many aspects of the scheme, in line with its terms of reference such as the appropriateness of the current eligibility thresholds, the scope of the scheme and whether it should remain primarily a family law service.
As part of the review, a comprehensive multi-phased process of consultation was conducted to ensure that as wide a range of views as possible on these issues is captured. The Group has considered the findings from this extensive consultation and the research processes it has undertaken, in the overall context of its terms of reference, the existing legal support landscape in Ireland and how best to meet the civil legal needs of individuals now and in the future.
The Group is currently finalising its report, which is expected shortly, at which point I look forward to considering its recommendations.
546. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Justice the timeline to ratify of the Council of Europe's Budapest convention on cybercrime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13431/25]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that Ireland remains fully committed to ratification of the Council of Europe ‘Budapest’ Convention on Cybercrime.
The Convention is divided into three main sections: criminalisation of listed offences; measures for the gathering of evidence in relation to the listed offences and from computer systems generally; and international cooperation.
The vast majority of the Convention’s substantive criminalisation requirements have already been incorporated into Irish law through a number of existing acts. In this regard, the Deputy may wish to note that the Criminal Justice (Offences Relating to Information Systems) Act 2017 provides a comprehensive legal framework for the prosecution of cybercrime offences based on the requirements of the Budapest Convention. Furthermore, the Article 9 requirement of the Convention concerning offences related to ‘child pornography’ (child sexual abuse material - CSAM) is also already addressed by section 2 of the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998; section 7 of the Criminal Law Act 1997; and sections 6, 8 and 12 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017.
Regarding the other elements of the Convention, I am pleased to inform the Deputy that, in January 2024, the Government approved the General Scheme of the Criminal Justice (Protection, Preservation of and Access to Data on Information Systems) Bill 2024, which is intended to give effect to all but four of the remaining articles of the Convention and thus make substantial further progress towards ratification.
For the information of the Deputy, the four remaining articles are Articles 20, 21, 33 and 34, which concern real-time collection of traffic data, interception of content data and the mutual legal assistance provisions around both. It is my intention to address these four articles via separate legislation in due course and to ratify the Convention as soon as possible after that legislation is in place.
547. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Justice the number of CCTV cameras located within the Dublin metropolitan region operated by An Garda Síochána between 2020 and to date in 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13458/25]
View answerIt has not been possible to collate the information requested by the Deputy in the time available.
I will write to the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.
548. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Justice for an update on Garda numbers in a region (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13481/25]
View answerIt is my first priority as Minister for Justice to get more Gardaí on our streets through increased recruitment and civilianisation where appropriate.
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. The Garda Vote in Budget 2025 saw unprecedented funding of over €2.48 billion, a 27% increase since 2020 which is supporting the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff.
While the Garda Commissioner is operationally responsible for the allocation of Garda resources, I look forward to engaging regularly with him to ensure our Gardaí have the resources they need. I am informed that when allocating and transferring Garda members to and from any Division, consideration is given to commitments and undertakings outlined in the Annual Policing Plan.
I understand that the requirements of all Garda Divisions nationwide are also taken into account, which include:
• Local and national crime trends and workloads;
• Policing arrangements and operational strategies;
• Minimum establishment statistics;
• Local population and trends, geographical area and size;
• Transfer applications, including welfare, personnel issues and concerns.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that as of 31 January 2025, there was a total of 14,167 Garda members nationwide. The information sought by the Deputy in relation to the number of Gardaí assigned to Counties Wicklow and Wexford by Station up to the end of January 2025 is publicly available and can be found at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/66833-garda-workforce/
The Deputy can access the file titled “Garda Members by Division District Station 2009 to 31 January 2025” for a breakdown of total Gardaí numbers by division and by rank.
549. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons that received a holiday visa, a working visa or a student visa or any other visa for each of the past ten years; and the breakdown of the top 15 countries in each cohort. [13512/25]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that any visa required national that wishes to enter the State, and remain, for up to 90 days must have a Type C Short Stay Visa. A visa required national that wishes to reside in the State for longer than 90 days must have a Type D Long Stay Visa. My Department publishes information online regarding the number visa applications received, visa decisions issued and the nationality of visa applicants, from 2017 to 2024. This information is here: data.gov.ie/organization/department-of-justice
The central concern in deciding on visa applications, as with all visa services worldwide, is to strike an appropriate balance between protecting the country's vital national interests by maintaining an effective immigration regime while at the same time facilitating travel for those who meet the criteria.The visa system provides various legal pathways to facilitate travel to Ireland, the processing time depends on the type of visa sought and may vary due to several factors, such as the number of applications on hand, individual circumstances, and the complexity of applications.
The number of Tourism and Visit Family/Friend applications received from 01 January 2014 to 31 December 2024 is 592,742.
The number of Tourism and Visit Family/Friend applications approved, at first instance, from 01 January 2014 to 31 December 2024 is 485,278.
The table below shows the top 15 countries for Tourism and Visit Family/Friend applications approved, at first instance, from 01 January 2014 to 31 December 2024.
|
No |
Nationalities |
Total No. of Applications approved at first instance |
|
1 |
India |
130863 |
|
2 |
People's Republic of China |
63782 |
|
3 |
Russian Federation |
44388 |
|
4 |
Nigeria |
22239 |
|
5 |
Philippines |
20241 |
|
6 |
Turkiye |
17343 |
|
7 |
Saudi Arabia |
16123 |
|
8 |
Pakistan |
15084 |
|
9 |
Indonesia |
13287 |
|
10 |
Ukraine |
9764 |
|
11 |
Kuwait |
8553 |
|
12 |
Thailand |
7809 |
|
13 |
Colombia |
6953 |
|
14 |
Egypt |
5825 |
|
15 |
Serbia |
5026 |
* Figures are correct at time of issue however all statistics may be subject to data cleansing.** An application refused at 1st instance may have subsequently been granted at appeal. These applications are not included.
*** An application approved in a particular year may relate to an application received in a previous year.
The number of Employment applications received from 01 January 2014 to 31 December 2024 is 91,548. The number of Employment applications approved at first instance from 01 January 2014 to 31 December 2024 is 84,486.
The table below shows the top 15 countries for Employment applications approved, at first instance, from 01 January 2014 to 31 December 2024.
|
No |
Nationalities |
Total No. of Applications approved at first instance |
|
1 |
India |
41119 |
|
2 |
Philippines |
11117 |
|
3 |
Pakistan |
4896 |
|
4 |
People's Republic of China |
4478 |
|
5 |
Zimbabwe |
2063 |
|
6 |
Russian Federation |
1904 |
|
7 |
Turkiye |
1832 |
|
8 |
Egypt |
1581 |
|
9 |
Sudan |
1545 |
|
10 |
Nigeria |
1502 |
|
11 |
Ukraine |
1322 |
|
12 |
Sri Lanka |
1158 |
|
13 |
Thailand |
960 |
|
14 |
Ghana |
705 |
|
15 |
Viet Nam |
572 |
* Figures are correct at time of issue however all statistics may be subject to data cleansing.** An application refused at 1st instance may have subsequently been granted at appeal. These applications are not included.
*** An application approved in a particular year may relate to an application received in a previous year.
The number of Study applications received from 01 January 2014 to 31 December 2024 is 190,075.
The number of Study applications approved, at first instance, from 01 January 2014 to 31 December 2024 is 147,281.
The table below shows the top 15 countries for Study applications approved, at first instance, from 01 January 2014 to 31 December 2024.
|
No |
Nationalities |
Total No. of Applications approved at first instance |
|
1 |
India |
46655 |
|
2 |
People's Republic of China |
26018 |
|
3 |
Russian Federation |
18936 |
|
4 |
Turkiye |
12123 |
|
5 |
Saudi Arabia |
8639 |
|
6 |
Mongolia |
4490 |
|
7 |
Nigeria |
4284 |
|
8 |
Kuwait |
3459 |
|
9 |
Pakistan |
3073 |
|
10 |
Oman |
1857 |
|
11 |
Viet Nam |
1479 |
|
12 |
Ukraine |
1096 |
|
13 |
Colombia |
1002 |
|
14 |
United Arab Emirates |
866 |
|
15 |
Kenya |
823 |
* Figures are correct at time of issue however all statistics may be subject to data cleansing.** An application refused at 1st instance may have subsequently been granted at appeal. These applications are not included.
*** An application approved in a particular year may relate to an application received in a previous year.
The number of Other applications (these include such applications as Business Visas, Conference Visas, Medical Visas etc.) received from 01 January 2014 to 31 December 2024 is 488,891.
The number of Other applications approved, at first instance, from 01 January 2014 to 31 December 2024 is 415,659. The table below shows the top 15 countries for Other applications approved, at first instance, from 01 January 2014 to 31 December 2024.
|
No |
Nationalities |
Total No. of Applicants |
|
1 |
India |
124786 |
|
2 |
People's Republic of China |
51756 |
|
3 |
Russian Federation |
32752 |
|
4 |
Turkiye |
20618 |
|
5 |
Pakistan |
15794 |
|
6 |
Philippines |
11529 |
|
7 |
Nigeria |
11241 |
|
8 |
Egypt |
10538 |
|
9 |
Ukraine |
10092 |
|
10 |
Saudi Arabia |
6771 |
|
11 |
Serbia |
6590 |
|
12 |
Belarus |
5685 |
|
13 |
Zimbabwe |
4335 |
|
14 |
Colombia |
4104 |
|
15 |
Thailand |
4017 |
* Figures are correct at time of issue however all statistics may be subject to data cleansing.** An application refused at 1st instance may have subsequently been granted at appeal. These applications are not included.
*** An application approved in a particular year may relate to an application received in a previous year.
550. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Justice when a decision will be made in respect of a family reunification application (details supplied). [13532/25]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that the applications referred to were created on 04 April 2024. Supporting documentation was received in the New Delhi Visa Office on 03 May 2024.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.
While I acknowledge the personal difficulties an applicant might be experiencing, it is not possible to give a definitive date as to when this application will be finalised. All applications are processed in chronological order, based on date order of receipt.
I am acutely aware that join family applications are very important for the persons impacted. I understand that people are eager to have their families join them in Ireland and I am committed to improving the service my Department provides. 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 (ISD) function of the Department to investigate, inquire into, or seek further information, and the resources available. Processing times and decisions at the Overseas Visa Offices can be checked at the following link:www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/#decisions
As an Oireachtas member, you can also request the status of individual immigration cases by e-mail, using the Oireachtas Mail facility, atIMoireachtasmail@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.
551. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Justice to detail the total expenditure on public procurement by her Department and its agencies, including spending on goods, services and works acquired through public procurement processes, in each of the past five years, in tabular form.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13554/25]
View answerPublic procurement is governed by EU and national rules and my Department ensures that appropriate procedures are followed for procurement activity. Departments are obliged to ensure that public procurement is discharged in line with the standard accounting and procurement rules and that contracts awarded represent best value for money.
Public procurement practices are subject to audit and scrutiny under the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act 1993. Procurement is also subject to internal audit within my Department.
Department of Finance Circular 40/02 requires Government Departments and Offices to submit an annual report to the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General for contracts above €25,000 (exclusive of VAT) awarded without a competitive process by 31 March of the following year and details of contracts awarded by my Department without the use of a competitive process are outlined in the Department’s Appropriation Accounts.
In addition, Circular 09/2024 sets out a new annual reporting requirement relating to the use of centralised procurement arrangements. The report will identify any contracts for goods or services, valued more than €143,000 (exclusive of VAT), where a central procurement arrangement has not been used. My Department is currently preparing its 2024 return for submission in advance of the deadline of 1 July next.
Circular 05/2023 sets out that all public procurement tenders, where they have an estimated value above specified national thresholds, must be advertised on the national electronic tendering platform (eTenders).
I have been informed by my Department after consulting with agencies under its aegis that it is not possible to retrieve the granular level of detail of information for total expenditure on public procurement, for the period requested across the Department and agencies under its aegis. I have been informed that to collate this information would involve a disproportionate amount of time and resources.
552. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Justice to provide a list of regulatory, appeal or other bodies, either funded by or under the remit of his Department, which are quasi-judicial in nature. [13579/25]
View answerMy Department understands the term quasi-judicial to refer to a proceeding conducted by a body or organisation that is similar to a court proceeding. The information requested by the Deputy relating to regulatory, appeal or other bodies, either funded by or under the remit of my Department, which are quasi-judicial in nature is listed below:
• Censorship of Publications Appeal Board*
• Classification of Films Appeal Board
• Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal
• Mental Health (Criminal Law) Review Board
• Parole Board
• Private Security Appeal Board
• International Protection Appeals Tribunal
• Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal
• Legal Services Regulatory Authority
• Property Services Appeal Board
• Trust or Company Service Provider (TCSP) Appeal Tribunal
*This body is currently in abeyance pending repeal of the Censorship of Publications Act 1929.
553. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Justice the number of motor vehicle users that have been detected travelling in excess of the new speed limits but within the old speed limits since they were modified. [13596/25]
View answerIt has not been possible to collate the information requested by the Deputy in the time available.
I will write to the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.
554. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Justice if he will provide an update on the Afghan Admissions Programme for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13617/25]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that the application from the person cited was approved on appeal.
As an Oireachtas member, you can also request the status of individual immigration cases by e-mail, using the Oireachtas Mail facility, atIMoireachtasmail@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.
555. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to cases of delayed delivery of personal items to prisoners when they are being transferred between the Midlands Prison and the progression unit in Mountjoy (details supplied); if the Minister will instruct his Department to investigate this and ensure prisoners are able to receive their property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13648/25]
View answerThe Irish Prison Service Policy on Prisoner Property ensures that prisoner property is managed across the prison estate in a standard and consistent manner and in line with the Prison Rules 2007.
In line with the policy, when a prisoner is transferred, all property retained in cell and in storage should transport with the prisoner. If this is not possible, all property should be sent to the receiving prison as soon as possible, but no later than one week after transfer.
All property transferred out and in is logged on the Prisoner Information Management System and a printed list sent with the property.
Since the start of 2025, more than 60 prisoners have been transferred from the Midlands Prison to Mountjoy Prison for population management reasons. On occasion, prisoners were transferred without their property accompanying them. Where this occurred, Mountjoy Prison management made arrangements to have it sent on.
While the intention is that all transfers of property are completed within a week as per the prisoner property policy, due to the high volume of transfers since the start of the year, there have been some delays with the transfer and logging of property.
I am advised by the IPS that all of these property items have now been logged in each individual prisoner's property.
556. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice if there are adequate checks at ports and airports in relation to the movement of persons to this State; the proposals to install new technology for checking the identity of persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13778/25]
View answerImplementing effective border security arrangements is a priority for me as Minister. The Programme for Government commits to developing a border security strategy to deliver stronger border security, ensuring technology supports border screening and to reviewing the potential of extending pre-clearance mechanisms, such as electronic travel authorisation, for travel from designated third countries.
The Border Management Unit (BMU) of my Department is responsible for frontline Immigration at Dublin Airport. Other airports and other ports of entry are the responsibility of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).
There are already systems in place to ensure that relevant information in relation to individuals can be checked at a port of entry. Everyone arriving at a port of entry will have their travel documents inspected by either an Immigration Officer or, for certain confined categories, an electronic system (E-gates). They will also be subject to a Schengen Information System (SIS) check. Under this system Ireland sends and receives SIS II information (termed ‘Alerts’) on persons and objects; for example persons wanted for criminal purposes, missing persons and objects which have been stolen or are wanted as evidence for a judicial purpose.
Ireland and the United Kingdom share a common interest in the effective operation of the Common Travel Area (CTA), and work together to prevent any abuses of the CTA. The Programme for Government also contains commitments to ‘Continue to work with the UK Government to introduce further measures to tackle abuses within the Common Travel Area (CTA) and strengthen the external border of the Common Travel Area, including greater exchange of information’ and to ‘Carry out joint threat analysis with other jurisdictions and ensure technology supports stronger border screening’. This work is underway.
Technology contributes significantly to the maintenance of border security both in terms of data systems and physical infrastructure such as E-gates; the potential to enhance this contribution is kept under continual review.
557. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice the amount An Garda Síochána has spent on purchasing vehicle stinger devices in 2024 and to date in 2025; and if each divisional roads policing unit has its own supply of vehicle stinger devices for each category of vehicle. [13841/25]
View answerThe 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.
The table below was provided to me by the Garda authorities and outlines the total cost for purchase of stingers for the period referred in question.
|
2024 (inclusive of VAT) |
2025 (Year to Date) |
|
€95,812.97 |
0 |
The above figure includes the purchase of training devices (inert Stingers) to the value of €22,140 in 2024 and the costs of importation of some of the units from the UK.
In accordance with HQ Directive 88/2025, Vehicle Stopping Devices Policy and Procedure, each Divisional Roads Policing Unit will be allocated one Vehicle Stopping Device (the length of which is to be determined on divisional demographic).
As a minimum, each Division will be allocated five Vehicle Stopping Devices, the lengths of which will be determined on divisional demographic.
Work is ongoing to ensure that these allocations are met.
I trust this will be of assistance to the Deputy.
558. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice if the Minister of State at his Department, Deputy Niall Collins, met with the Mexican President during the recent St. Patrick's Day events. [13842/25]
View answerMinister of State Collins did not meet with the Mexican President during his recent visit to Mexico for Saint Patrick's Day.
During his three day visit to Mexico, Minister of State Collins held positive and constructive discussions on bilateral relations with representatives from the Mexican government. This included Mexican Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, María Teresa Mercado, and Mexican Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and Human Rights, Enrique Ochoa.
Minister Collins also visited Irish businesses operating in Mexico and participated in a working lunch with the Irish-Mexican Chamber of Commerce. Minister Collins attended a St Patrick's Day Reception at the Irish Ambassador to Mexico's Residence, where 50 years of formal diplomatic relations between our two countries was marked.
559. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice the number of indoor and outdoor firearm shooting ranges (excluding shooting ranges owned by the Defence Forces) to which armed Gardaí have access for firearm training practice, in 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form. [13843/25]
View answerI have sought the information requested by the Deputy and I am informed by the Commissioner that it has not been possible to collate the information in the time available.
I will write to the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.
