Martin Kenny
Question:330. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Justice the number of individuals accepted into the Garda Youth Diversion Programme between 2010 and 2023, in tabular form, by category (details supplied). [14770/25]
View answerAn Garda Síochána
Questions (330)
Written answers
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.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (331, 332)
Martin Kenny
Question:331. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that the committee appointed to monitor the effectiveness of the diversion programme ceased publishing anonymised national data on referrals made to the Garda Youth Diversion Programme for specific offence categories in its annual reports for 2021 and 2022, apparently due to data protection concerns raised by An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14771/25]
View answerMartin Kenny
Question:332. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Justice if he is satisfied that the committee appointed to monitor the effectiveness of the diversion programme is fulfilling its statutory obligations under section 44 of the Children’s Act 2001 by reviewing all aspects of the Garda Youth Diversion Programme; if he is concerned that the committee has yet to publish annual reports for 2023 and 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14772/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 331 and 332 together.
Section 44 of the Children Act, 2001 provides that a committee is appointed to monitor the effectiveness of the Diversion Programme.
The Monitoring Committee has since its inception produced annual reports on the basis of material provided by An Garda Síochána. I am informed by the Garda authorities that they are concerned that publication of disaggregated data, in situations where there are a small number of crimes in specific categories, could lead to individual children being identified. Decisions on the precise level of detail to be provided in the annual reports are a matter for the Garda authorities and I understand the concern on this point.
I am also informed by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána Analysis Service adhere to the highest standards for protection of personal data processed for law enforcement purposes, in line with the requirements the Data Protection Act 2018. Care is taken to ensure any information released for statistical purposes does not identify or make identifiable any data subject where it is not necessary to do so.
The annual reports for 2021 and 2022 have been laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. The 2023 report has lately been received by my Department and will be published as soon as possible.
The Government’s Youth Justice Strategy 2021-2027 includes an objective to replace the existing Monitoring Committee with a more robust evidence-based system of reporting on the whole Youth Justice System, which would encompass much more than the Garda functions referenced in the Monitoring Committee Reports. The design of the new monitoring system was pursued as part of a strategic research partnership with the University of Limerick, guided by a cross-departmental Governance and Strategy Group chaired by the Department of Justice.
Replacing the existing Monitoring Committee required legislative change and provision has been made in the Policing, Security and Community Safety (PSCS) Act 2024 to delete the existing provisions in sections 44 and 45 of the Children Act which establishes the Committee.
The rationale for repealing sections 44 and 45 is that the general function of the existing Committee to monitor the effectiveness of the Garda Diversion Programme is now within the scope of functions of the new Policing and Community Safety Authority, as set out in section 122 of the PSCS Act. Research and policy advice to assess the effectiveness of the Youth Justice Strategy and the overall youth justice system will be provided by the Research Evidence into Policy Programmes and Practice Project (REPPP) in the University of Limerick, who are our strategic partners on youth justice issues.
Once these provisions have been commenced, a final report for 2024/2025 will be prepared and An Garda Síochána will continue to report annually on the operation of the Garda Youth Diversion Programme.
Question No. 332 answered with Question No. 331.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (333)
Ryan O'Meara
Question:333. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Justice with regard to Garda driving instructor posts in Templemore College, the number of filled posts; the number of vacant posts; if there are any vacant posts; when these will be filled; if there are plans to increase the number of posts; if so, when will they be increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14783/25]
View answerWritten answers
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.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (334)
Alan Kelly
Question:334. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice the plans he has in the future to train Gardaí in locations other than the current Garda training college in Templemore. [14791/25]
View answerWritten answers
I am committed to building stronger, safer communities, and strengthening An Garda Síochána is at the core of that. I will continue to provide An Garda Síochána with the resources it needs to ensure communities around Ireland are safe and feel safe, including investment in recruitment, in equipment and technology and in buildings.
Over €2.48 billion has been allocated to An Garda Síochána in 2025, a 27% increase since 2020.
Significant measures have been made to boost recruitment and retention including increasing the Garda trainee allowance to €354 per week; the age of entry has increased from 35 to 50; and the mandatory retirement age has been raised to 62.
The impacts of these changes have been positive so far with the latest Garda recruitment campaign launched in February and receiving over 6,700 applications. In addition, the Garda College, on 10 March 2025, welcomed 201 candidates to begin training which represents the highest Intake since 2019.
The Programme for Government commits to examining a range of further measures to enhance recruitment to An Garda Síochána. These include commitments to:
• Enable An Garda Síochána recruit 5,000 members across the next five years
• Continue to support and expand the Garda Training College in Templemore
• Reform the Garda recruitment and training processes to increase capacity and to widen the talent pool which will include expanding capacity at Templemore Garda Training College
• Consider the establishment of a second Garda training college.
A Recruitment and Training Capacity Group has been established, chaired by my Department, to support the achievement of increased recruitment. The Group will keep me informed on actions being taking to maximise future intakes and to ensure the 2025 recruitment can be as effective as possible.
The Group’s work is ongoing and all options to enhance recruitment are being considered, including the commitments in the Programme for Government in relation to training capacity. I look forward to the submission of the final report to me in the summer.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (335)
Peter 'Chap' Cleere
Question:335. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Justice the measures that will be taken to make a career in An Garda Síochána more attractive for new recruits and existing members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14823/25]
View answerWritten answers
I am committed to building stronger, safer communities, and strengthening An Garda Síochána is at the core of that. I will continue to provide An Garda Síochána with the resources it needs to ensure communities around Ireland are safe and feel safe, including investment in recruitment, in equipment and technology and in buildings. Over €2.48 billion has been allocated to An Garda Síochána for 2025, a 27% increase since 2020.
My first priority as Minister for Justice is to get more Gardaí on our streets through increased recruitment. Significant measures have been introduced in recent years to boost recruitment and to make An Garda Síochána a more attractive career for new recruits and existing members, including increasing the Garda trainee allowance to €354 per week; the age of entry has increased from 35 to 50; and the mandatory retirement age has been raised to 62.
There is strong interest in a career in An Garda Síochána. In February the latest recruitment competition took place. It attracted just over 6,700 applicants, This builds on the 5,000 applications which were received in 2023 and the almost 6,400 last year.
In mid-March, we saw 201 trainee Gardaí enter Templemore. This is the largest intake since 2019. It is also the first of four intakes for 2025. I am committed to working with the Garda Commissioner to explore ways of increasing the number of trainees who enter Templemore.
The Programme for Government commits to examining a range of further measures to enable An Garda Síochána recruit 5,000 members across the next five years, and I have already had initial conversations with the Commissioner about how that might be achieved.
A Recruitment and Training Capacity Group has been established, chaired by a senior official in my Department, to support the achievement of increased recruitment. The Group will keep me informed on actions being taken to maximise future intakes and to ensure recruitment can be as effective as possible. The Group will also provide a final report to me by the summer which I expect will include further measures to support recruitment and retention.
Crime Prevention
Questions (336)
Peter 'Chap' Cleere
Question:336. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Justice the measures being implemented to tackle rural crime in Carlow and Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14824/25]
View answerWritten answers
Tackling rural crime is absolutely a priority for me as Minister for Justice. I have said consistently that the best way for us to address concerns around all types of crime is by recruiting more Gardaí.
An Garda Síochána has been allocated €2.48 billion in 2025, a 27% increase since 2020, which demonstrates our commitment to ensuring An Garda Síochána has provision to recruit the personnel it needs to carry out its vital policing work.
The introduction of the new Garda Operating Model, which has been rolled out in the Kilkenny/Carlow Garda Division, will provide more front-line Gardaí, increased Garda visibility, and a wider range of policing services for people in their local area.
It supports greater service delivery across the division through four functional areas, one of the most important being Community Engagement. This will allow for a greater, more consistent focus on community policing in all divisions.
With regards to burglaries, which can be of particular concern for people living in rural areas of the country, I can say that An Garda Síochána have had considerable success in reducing the prevalence of this through Operation Thor, which focuses on the prevention of burglaries and associated crimes throughout Ireland, using strategies which are adapted for both rural and urban settings.
I recognise that rural safety and community safety is not a job for An Garda Síochána alone, it requires a multi-agency, multi-sectoral and a whole-of-Government response. The National Rural Safety Forum, which is a partnership between the IFA, An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice, comprises a dedicated and varied group of people and organisations with a common purpose of ensuring rural safety. Supporting the work of the Forum, the Department published the Rural Safety Plan 2022-2024.
The Plan’s vision is to ensure people and communities in rural Ireland feel safe and are safe in their homes, places of work, and their local environments. A lot has been achieved in the lifetime of the plan and a new Rural Safety Plan is currently being developed.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (337)
Peter 'Chap' Cleere
Question:337. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Justice the number of buildings An Garda Síochána owns in counties Carlow and Kilkenny, for all stations in Carlow and Kilkenny; the frequency with which they are opened; the number of staff assigned to each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14825/25]
View answerWritten answers
I am 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 for this year, a 27% increase since 2020 which is supporting the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff.
In the interest of transparency, information in relation to the allocation of Gardaí members and Garda Staff by Division and Station, including for stations in Carlow and Kilkenny is publicly available and can be found at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/
Furthermore, information on Garda station opening hours is publicly available and published on An Garda Síochána's website at the following link: Station Directory - Garda.
I am advised by the garda authorities that in order to answer calls for service in a community, it is sometimes necessary to close Garda Stations during posted opening times. This is particularly true in stations where there is only one member assigned. When closed, stations are covered for service by larger Hub Stations.
Under Garda Safe Command and Control, members from any Garda Station may be despatched to calls and incidents in any area. Regularly, members from the main centres at Kilkenny, Thomastown and Carlow are despatched to calls in rural areas on occasions where there may be no members working/available in those rural areas. In addition, specialised capabilities including Detectives, Roads Policing and Community Policing members may be despatched as required.
Citizenship Applications
Questions (338)
Marie Sherlock
Question:338. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice when a person (details supplied) will receive his citizenship certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14874/25]
View answerWritten answers
I can advise the Deputy that the person concerned recently attended one of the Citizenship Ceremonies hosted by my Department last month. All certificates of naturalisation for the attendees of these ceremonies are currently in the process of being printed and will be issued via registered post.
I want to assure anyone who is waiting for their certificate of naturalisation that they do not need to renew their immigration permission whilst they await a certificate. I am advised that introducing a parallel temporary certification document at this stage would divert resources from the process of issuing the Certificates.
By not issuing certificates on the day of the ceremonies, my Department has been able to simplify the administrative steps required to be completed at registration desks. This in turn has made it possible to significantly increase the number of attendees who can attend any one day of Ceremonies.
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 more ceremonies on a regular basis during 2025.
These steps are part of an overall programme of work to speed up the naturalisation process for applicants. This includes introducing an online digital application, online payments, and the introduction of eVetting.
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.
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.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (339)
John Paul O'Shea
Question:339. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Justice if he will consider facilitating local Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) signing for people with deportation orders who are required to travel to GNIB in Dublin and attend in-person to sign once every 40 days; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14898/25]
View answerWritten answers
I can inform the Deputy that matters relating to reporting requirements for individuals subject to deportation orders are operational considerations for An Garda Siochana
An Garda Síochána
Questions (340)
John Clendennen
Question:340. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Justice the number of Gardaí stationed at each Garda station in Offaly from 2019 to 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14954/25]
View answerWritten answers
I am 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 for this year, 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 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.
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 County Offaly by station, in the years 2019 up to the end of 2024, is publicly available and can be found at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/66833-garda-workforce/
The Deputy should access the file titled “Garda Members by Division District Station 2009 to 31 December 2024” for a breakdown of total Gardaí numbers by Garda division and by rank.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (341)
John Clendennen
Question:341. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Justice the number of patrol vehicles assigned to each Garda station in Offaly from 2019 to 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14955/25]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes the distribution of resources, including Garda fleet, across the various Garda Divisions and National/Specialist Units. As Minister, I have no direct role in this matter.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, at the end of February 2025, there were 3,668 vehicles attached to the Garda fleet, the highest total of vehicles ever in use by An Garda Síochána. This represents an increase of over 17% since the end of December 2020.
They have also provided the following information in relation to Offaly:
Vehicles assigned to patrol duty in Offaly from 2019 to 2024
|
2019 |
Total |
|
Birr District |
5 |
|
Tullamore District |
5 |
|
2020 |
Total |
|
Birr District |
3 |
|
Tullamore District |
5 |
|
2021 |
Total |
|
Birr District |
2 |
|
Tullamore District |
5 |
|
2022 |
Total |
|
Birr District |
2 |
|
Tullamore District |
5 |
|
2023 |
Total |
|
Birr District |
3 |
|
Tullamore District |
5 |
|
2024 |
Total |
|
Birr District |
4 |
|
Tullamore District |
7 |
Offaly is part of the Laois-Offaly Division. The responsibility for the efficient deployment of all official Garda vehicles in each Division is assigned to the Divisional Officer who may allocate vehicles between Stations as required by operational circumstances. The allocation of Garda vehicles is monitored and reviewed on a continual basis.
An Garda Síochána publishes detailed information on the Garda fleet from 2008 to date, including a Divisional/District monthly breakdown. I note the monthly Fleet reports are currently available from 2020 to February 2025. This is publicly available on their website at the following link:
www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/finance-services/finance-fleet-management.html
An Garda Síochána
Questions (342)
Brendan Smith
Question:342. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice the progress to date in an investigation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14962/25]
View answerWritten answers
The murder of two innocent young people in Belturbet in December 1972 was an appalling act of brutality. The perpetrators of this bombing demonstrated a callous disregard for human life and it is a source of great regret that in spite of a comprehensive investigation, it has not been possible for those responsible to be prosecuted for their crimes.
As the Deputy is aware, in recent years a comprehensive review of the investigation was carried out by An Garda Síochána which identified a number of lines of inquiry. In 2022 a Senior Investigating Officer was appointed to lead the investigation from the incident room at Ballyconnell Garda Station. An Garda Síochána has issued appeals for those with information in relation to the Bombing to make contact, including via RTÉ’s Crimecall.
I am aware of recent media reporting with regard to the case. Clearly it would not be appropriate for me as Minister for Justice to comment on the details of an investigation. What I can say is that An Garda Síochána has confirmed to me that the investigation remains open and their work continues with the aim of bringing the perpetrators to justice.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (343)
Brendan Smith
Question:343. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice the progress to date in restoring a service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14963/25]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Agriculture Supports
Questions (344)
John McGuinness
Question:344. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure that the insurance issues pertaining to the drawdown of the recently announced grants under the breeding fund will be resolved as a matter of urgency. [14719/25]
View answerWritten answers
The contract for delivering Equine National Breeding Services (NBS) on behalf of my Department was awarded to Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) following a competitive public procurement competition. The programme of measures delivered by HSI under the NBS includes a 'Breeding Grant' scheme.
I understand from HSI that it is engaging directly with scheme applicants regarding the requirement for the provision of an insurance policy.
Cybersecurity Policy
Questions (345)
Malcolm Byrne
Question:345. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine 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. [14684/25]
View answerWritten answers
For operational and security reasons, the Department has been advised by the National Cyber Security Centre not to disclose details which could, in any way, identify potential vulnerabilities in departmental cybersecurity arrangements.
Cybersecurity Policy
Questions (346)
Malcolm Byrne
Question:346. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total sum spent on cybersecurity measures within his Department during each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024. [14666/25]
View answerWritten answers
For operational and security reasons, my Department has been advised by the National Cyber Security Centre not to disclose details which could, in any way, identify potential vulnerabilities in Departmental Cyber-security arrangements.
Greyhound Industry
Questions (347)
John Lahart
Question:347. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views in relation to the record number of greyhounds euthanised at races in the last year; the steps it is intended to take, or that have been taken, to deal with this significant problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14782/25]
View answerWritten answers
Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) is a commercial state body, established under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958, chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. RCÉ is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for RCÉ and, therefore, the question has been referred to the body for direct reply.
Agriculture Schemes
Questions (348)
Peter 'Chap' Cleere
Question:348. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the approximately 10,000 farmers who are awaiting ACRES payments will be paid; if they will be paid an interim payment as happened in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14801/25]
View answerWritten answers
Following the most recent pay run, I can confirm that advance payments totalling €193.5 million have now been made to 44,939 farmers in respect of their participation in ACRES in 2024. This number represents 83% of all participants. Advance payments remain to be made to 9,316 participants across the two tranches.
This means that €441 million has now been paid to ACRES participants to date, as €247.4 million has also been paid to 42,631 farmers, or 95% of all ACRES participants, in respect of their participation in the Scheme in 2023. A further 2,302 farmers have yet to receive their final payments for 2023. Of these, 2,008 have already received an interim payment which, in many instances, will cover the entire payment due.
Certain issues such as transfers of contracts, late or non-submission of scorecards, and alignment of ACRES information with data held by the Department on other IT systems, have contributed to the delay in the making of those payments. My Department is actively resolving these remaining issues. In some cases, action is required by the participant to progress the payment claim.
My focus remains on getting all of the outstanding payments processed as quickly as possible.
My Department will be issuing regular online updates over the coming period on the progress being made, with the expectation of having the payments in respect of farmers’ participation in ACRES in 2023 and 2024 made by the end of June.
Aquaculture Industry
Questions (349)
Michael Cahill
Question:349. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on oyster licences in respect of an applicant in County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14802/25]
View answerWritten answers
My Department considers applications for aquaculture and foreshore licences in accordance with the provisions of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997, as amended, the Foreshore Act 1933 (as amended), and applicable national and EU legislation. The licensing process involves consultation with a wide range of scientific and technical advisers as well as various Statutory Consultees. The legislation also provides for a period of public consultation. Decisions in respect of aquaculture licence applications are only taken following the fullest consideration of all consultations and public interest elements of each application, including environmental considerations.
All aquaculture licence applications, including the applications referred to by the Deputy, must be both technically assessed and screened for an Appropriate Assessment. The Department’s Marine Engineering Division reports on technical matters and the Marine Institute, as the scientific advisor to the Department, was requested to undertake a full Appropriate Assessment.
The Final Appropriate Assessment Report in respect of these applications is currently under consideration. When the Appropriate Assessment and associated Determinations have been finalised, my Department will be in contact with the applicant on the next stage of the process.
As the applications referred to by the Deputy are currently under consideration it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on individual applications.