Written Answers Nos. 310-329
310. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason an overpayment has been applied to a person (details supplied); if an appeal was lodged on this overpayment, and the outcome of this appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14663/25]
View answerThe Pandemic Unemployment Payment was introduced in 2020 to provide support to people who had lost their employment due to the public health restrictions introduced in response to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Under Section 68L (1) (d) of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (as amended), PUP is not payable where a person is engaged in insurable employment, that is, works as an employee.
My Department has conducted an extensive analysis of Pandemic Unemployment Payments in the period since 5th August 2020 and has cross checked payments against payroll records from employers submitted to the Revenue Commissioners. The information available to my Department indicates that the person concerned was in receipt of an employment income for 20 weeks whilst concurrently in receipt of PUP. This resulted in a net PUP overpayment of €3,250.
If the person concerned is not satisfied with this decision, they can seek a review by writing to the Deciding Officer with additional documentary evidence detailing why they consider the decision to be incorrect. It is also open to the person to appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO). I can confirm that the person concerned has not lodged an appeal to the SWAO in relation to this overpayment.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
311. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of actual and attempted cyberattacks on his Department during each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024, the countries of origin of those attacks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14698/25]
View answerMy Department implements a security-by-design and defence-in-depth approach to cyber security. The department monitors and responds to cyber security events on a continual basis, working alongside industry partners and other government agencies. For operational and security reasons, we do not disclose arrangements in place in relation to cyber security tools and services and my Department does not comment on operational security matters.
312. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection if the processing of a section 317 review will be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14741/25]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision-making functions.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence, decided to disallow the carer's allowance appeal of the person concerned on 19th May 2023.
Under social welfare legislation a decision of an Appeals Officer is generally final and conclusive. However, it may be reviewed by an Appeals Officer under Section 317 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 in the light of new evidence or new facts.
Further medical information was received in relation to this appeal and as a result a Section 317 Review of the appeal officer's decision was opened. Having considered the new information provided, it was decided that a review of the decision was not warranted and the appeal remained disallowed. The customer was notified on 23rd March 2024.
On 22nd April 2024 the customer requested a second Section 317 Review. Having considered the new information provided, it was decided that a review of the decision was not warranted and the appeal remained disallowed. The customer was notified on 25th October 2024.
The customer was also advised in this letter that if their circumstances had changed since the original carer's allowance application was made in 2022, it is open to them to make a new application directly to carer's allowance section.
On 13th November 2024 a third Section 317 was carried out. Having considered the new information provided, it was decided that a review of the decision was not warranted and the appeal remained disallowed. The customer was notified on 24th March 2025.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
313. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Social Protection the total sum spent on cybersecurity measures within his Department during each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024. [14680/25]
View answerThe Department implements a security-by-design and defence-in-depth approach to cyber security. Each stage of the project lifecycle from business case, funding approval, project initiation and service introduction through to the development and implementation of ICT systems and networks must pass through numerous steps to satisfy cyber security and information security policies. Accordingly, it is not possible to separately identify the cyber security and information security components of much of the IT spend for the Department, because security is designed into how systems and networks are developed, built and managed.
314. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application for carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied). [14797/25]
View answerCarer's allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that, as a result, they require that level of care.
An application for CA was received from the person concerned on 13 June 2024.
As part of the decision process, the application was referred for the professional opinion of a Department Medical Assessor (MA). The claim was disallowed as the Deciding Officer, having regard to the opinion of the MA, decided that the information supplied did not show that the care recipient required full-time care.
The person concerned was notified of this decision on 10 July 2024. They were also notified of their right to have the decision reviewed (where further information is available) or to appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO).
A review was initiated on foot of correspondence received on 16 July 2024. Following this review, the decision remained unchanged. The person was notified of this decision on 3 September 2024.
A request to appeal the decision was forwarded to the SWAO on 19 August 2024. The appeal was disallowed and the original decision was upheld. The person concerned was notified of this decision on 25 February 2025.
Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of an Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed in the light of relevant additional evidence or new facts. It will be at the discretion of the Appeals Officer to reopen the case.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office can be contacted by phoning 0818-747434 or 01-6732800 or by emailing swappeals@welfare.ie.
It is also open to the person concerned to reapply for CA by completing a new CR1 application form. An application form has been forwarded by post to the address of the person concerned. A return envelope has been included for convenience.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
315. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application for invalidity pension in the name of a person (details supplied). [14838/25]
View answerInvalidity Pension (IP) is payable to an insured person who satisfies certain Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions and who is permanently incapable of work due to an illness or incapacity and for no other reason.
Claimants must have at least 260 (5 years) paid PRSI contributions (class A, E, H or S) since entering social insurance and 48 contributions paid or credited in the last or second last complete contribution year before the relevant date of an IP claim.
To date, there is no record of my Department receiving a claim for IP from the person concerned. Her eligibility for the payment can be determined on receipt of a completed application form.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
316. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Justice the current position with the community text alert scheme; the number of schemes operating in the country; the plans to change or enhance the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14934/25]
View answerMy Department funds Muintir na Tíre through a mix of grant funding and a rebate on the costs of their SMS Alert Scheme. Muintir na Tíre is a social movement that develops and assists rural communities across the country. My Department has worked with them for many years in the area of Crime Prevention and Community Development and provides funding to cover the costs incurred by communities in administering the community text alert scheme.
Community text alert operates nationally, with over 1,000 groups throughout the country. These groups are generally based around a parish or a townland and have an average membership of 205 people, representing over 200,000 people nationally. The groups are supported by Muintir na Tíre and An Garda Síochána.
Muintir na Tíre has a team of five Community Alert Development Officers (CADOs) across the country. The CADOs are supported by Muintir na Tíre Head Office for administration and other services. Groups are supported locally by An Garda Síochána primarily through Community Gardaí and Crime Prevention Officers guided by Inspectors and Superintendents. The programme is co-ordinated through regular contact between Muintir na Tíre and AGS Community Relations Bureau.
Activities typically carried out by Community Alert Groups include:
• Community Text Alert.
• Property Marking and Recording.
• Inter-community communication through the Cairde mobile app.
• Community Information events, such as Community Comeback.
• Ensuring the safety of vulnerable residents using the Community Support Register.
• Ensure medical well-being through the Bottle in the Fridge and the Personal Information Pack.
• Ensuring personal safety through the Seniors Alert Scheme (personal monitored alarms).
• Befriending services.
My Department are in regular contact with Muintir na Tíre to discuss new initiatives to increase the effectiveness of the scheme and will take any new proposals under consideration.
317. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Justice if he will consider increasing the number of hours a non-EEA national on a Stamp 2 is permitted to work from 20 hours to 30 hours per week given the rising cost of living; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14643/25]
View answerA Stamp 2 immigration residence permission indicates permission to study a full time course of education on the official Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP) for a specified period, subject to conditions.
The primary purpose of the Stamp 2 is to provide opportunities for study in Ireland. All applicants must show that they have sufficient funds to support their stay in Ireland without recourse to public funds, or the reliance on casual employment. Stamp 2 holders may, however, engage in casual employment for a maximum of 20 hours per week during school term and 40 hours per week during holidays.
While the conditions attached to all immigration permissions are kept under ongoing review by my Department with all relevant stakeholders, there are no plans to revise the current arrangements.
318. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Justice if it is intended to amend data protection rules to support Irish-based enterprises to maximise the use of available digital data to train their AI models; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14662/25]
View answerData protection is a fundamental right under EU law and is governed by the General Data Protection Directive (GDPR), and the Law Enforcement Directive. GDPR protects individuals' fundamental rights in the digital age and facilitates business by clarifying rules for companies and public bodies in the digital single market. A single law across the EU, reduces the fragmentation in approach providing for consistency in application.
The Artificial Intelligence Regulation (AI Act) sets out a set of risk-based rules for AI developers and deployers regarding specific uses of AI and is part of a wider package of EU policy measures to support development of AI.
In December 2024, the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) issued an opinion in relation to using personal data for AI training purposes. Ireland’s Data Protection Commission took the lead in seeking this opinion from the EDPB and thereby provide greater certainty to industry.
Ireland will continue to work within the EU regulatory framework to seek the right balance in promoting innovation while providing the necessary protections for fundamental rights.
319. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice the number of people currently in prison who have previously been in prison for a separate offence. [14729/25]
View answerI am advised by my officials in the Irish Prison Service that on the 27th February 2025, there were 5,202 persons in custody, of which 3,423 persons (66%) have previously spent time in custody.
320. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Justice the number of actual and attempted cyberattacks on his Department during each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024, the countries of origin of those attacks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14695/25]
View answer324. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Justice the total sum spent on cybersecurity measures within his Department during each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024. [14677/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 320 and 324 together.
For sound operational and security reasons, my Department does not disclose specific information relating to attacks, spend, training, and/or specific strategies employed to counter and combat the threats posed to information security.
My Department implements a security-by-design and defence-in-depth approach to cyber security. In addition to this, all staff in my Department have access to Cyber Awareness training. The Department has significantly enhanced its cyber security capabilities in recent years and continues to evolve this dynamically and systemically. To this end my Department engages specialist security third parties to further support its internal resources.
The technical team in my Department operate and monitor all relevant systems in alignment with appropriate security standards and liaise closely with the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to ensure that best and up to the minute practice is followed in relation to all aspects of cybersecurity. In line with a Programme for Government commitment, responsibility for the National Cyber Security Centre will be transferred from the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications to my Department in the coming months.
321. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice for an update on a citizenship application for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14733/25]
View answerThe naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department.
I understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants, particularly considering the current processing times. 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.
I expect that going forward, the vast majority of applicants will continue to receive a decision within one year, however, it is important to note that no two naturalisation applications are the same and some take longer than others to process.
Given the importance of citizenship, robust and comprehensive checks must take place on each application. Unfortunately, some international checks can take a considerable amount of time and these are largely out of the control of the Immigration Service.
Citizenship Division have also 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 dramatically reducing processing times.
The length of time taken to process an application has dropped from 15 months in 2023, to 8 months in 2024.
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: https://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.
322. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice the efforts of his Department to address backlogs in the processing of citizenship applications received prior to 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14734/25]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that the Citizenship Division of my Department is doing everything possible to progress applications as quickly as possible.
I understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants, however, 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 dramatically reducing processing times. The median processing time for a decision on an application in 2024 was 8 months, down from 15 months in 2023, and 19 months in 2022.
I expect that going forward, the vast majority of applicants will continue to receive a decision within one year, however, it is important to note that no two naturalisation applications are the same and some take longer than others to process. Given the importance of citizenship, robust and comprehensive checks must take place on each application. Unfortunately, some international checks can take a considerable amount of time and these are largely out of the control of my Department.
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 made more than 31,000 decisions in 2024.
Furthermore, 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. My Department has already held 6 ceremonies this year and will continue to hold ceremonies on a regular basis during 2025.
323. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice whether he will agree to meet with the family of a person (details supplied) whose family are campaigning for an independent inquiry. [14713/25]
View answerI would like to extend my deepest sympathies to the Wheelock family for their terrible loss, and the pain Terence's tragic death has caused to them.
My Department has previously written to the Wheelock family in response to a request which they have made for a public inquiry to be established to examine the circumstances surrounding Terence's death.
The circumstances surrounding Mr Terence Wheelock’s death were the subject of an inquiry by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) and the report of this inquiry was published by GSOC in March 2010. I understanding legal proceedings arising from these matters were settled in 2014.
Both GSOC and the Courts are fully independent in the exercise of their functions. It is not open to me to intervene in or comment on any inquiry that has been carried out by GSOC, or on the outcome of any Court proceedings.
As these matters have been fully considered by GSOC, and have also been the subject of legal proceedings, a further inquiry into Terence's tragic death is not being considered at this time.
As such, while I am truly sorry for the pain and anguish suffered by the Wheelock family, it would not be appropriate for me to discuss these matters with them.
325. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Justice the number of Gardaí in Pearse Street and Kevin Street Garda stations at the end of each of the past five years, in tabular form; the number of community Gardaí at these stations at the end of each of the past five years; whether he believes these numbers to be sufficient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14752/25]
View answerUnder the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the distribution of Garda members between the different Garda units and Divisions. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
While the Garda Commissioner is operationally responsible for the allocation of Garda resources, I engage regularly with him to ensure our Gardaí have the resources they need. I am informed that when allocating and transferring Garda members to and from any Division, consideration is given to commitments and undertakings outlined in the Annual Policing Plan and priorities as determined in delivering ‘A Policing Service For the Future’.
I understand that the requirements of all Garda Divisions nationwide are also taken into account, which include, but are not limited to:
• 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.
In the interest of transparency, figures related to the Garda workforce are published on my Department's website, including a station level breakdown of Garda members and the number of Community Gardaí by Division going back to 2008. This information is supplied by An Garda Síochána, is operational and subject to change. These figures are regularly updated by my Department, upon receipt of the information from the Garda authorities.
www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/
326. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Justice for the offences referred to the Garda Youth Diversion Programme (details supplied) for each year from 2010 and 2023, in tabular form. [14766/25]
View answer327. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Justice to provide a breakdown, in tabular form, of the following offences accepted into the Garda Youth Diversion Programme for each year from 2010 and 2023. [14767/25]
View answer328. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Justice the number of individuals referred to the Garda Youth Diversion Programme for a sexual offence, for each year from 2010 to 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14768/25]
View answer329. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Justice the number of individuals accepted into the Garda Youth Diversion Programme for a sexual offence, for each year from 2010 to 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14769/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 326, 327, 328 and 329 together.
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.
