James O'Connor
Question:31. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for an update on his work to increase the number of civilian staff in An Garda Síochána. [36665/25]
View answerAn Garda Síochána
Questions (31)
Written answers
One of my top priorities as Minister is to get more Gardaí on our streets through increased recruitment and appropriate civilianisation where possible.
The overall Garda workforce, which includes Gardaí, Garda Staff and Reserves currently stands at over 18,000.
As of the end of May 2025, the latest date for when figures are available, there are 3,507 whole time equivalent Garda Staff within An Garda Síochána, accounting for about 19% of the overall Garda workforce, This represents an increase of over 75% since 2015 when there were approximately 2,000 Garda Staff.
Garda Staff are an integral part of our police service and they are involved in the provision of a wide range of administrative, professional and technical services. As well as providing clerical support and financial management functions in Garda stations and offices across the country, Garda Staff carry out a range of specialised support roles.
In recent years, these additional staff have provided expertise in support of the investigation of crime and freed up 900 Gardaí for deployment to frontline duties. This proportion of Garda Staff to sworn members is still relatively low by international standards and I look forward to further civilianisation in key areas in the coming years.
In January of this year, the nationwide transfer of immigration registration functions from An Garda Síochána to my Department was completed. This completes the full civilianisation of the Garda administrative immigration functions.
Prior to this transfer over 100 Gardaí were assigned to immigration duties. The release of these Gardaí now enables Garda management to focus resources more on enforcement and operational matters such as deportations and investigations.
The Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland (CoFPI) also recommended that Garda Staff be recruited directly to An Garda Síochána as public servants, rather than to the Civil Service. A central tenet of the CoFPI report was that An Garda Síochána should be seen and treated as a single organisation with a single workforce who share a common mission. It found that more integrated workforce structures were required to leverage the different skills and perspectives of Garda members and Garda staff and thereby contribute to enhancing the capacity of the organisation to deliver better policing outcomes.
It is for this reason that the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 provides that Garda Staff will in future be recruited and appointed by the Garda Commissioner as public servants. Senior members of Garda Staff will be appointed by the Commissioner with the approval of an Bord an Garda Síochána.
International Agreements
Questions (32)
Michael Cahill
Question:32. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the proactive action undertaken to ensure that if and when unnamed criminals depart from a country (details supplied), the arm of the Irish law will be on their respective heels; if countries where they may be received have been identified; if so, if these countries have been engaged with to establish an extradition process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36621/25]
View answerWritten answers
Organised crime groups may think they can evade justice by crossing borders; they cannot. It is essential that they see there can be no hiding place from the law. I would like to assure the Deputy, that this Government is taking all necessary steps to dismantle organised crime groups, and that the State will do everything in its power to bring criminals to justice.
Over the past number of years, Ireland has stepped up international co-operation in combatting transnational organised crime.
The recent agreement of a Bilateral Treaty on Extradition and a Bilateral Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) with the United Arab Emirates, which came in to force in May of this year, represents a crucial step in intensifying our combined efforts to combat this serious threat. These agreements emphasise the critical importance of ensuring effective co-operation between judicial authorities in both jurisdictions in criminal matters, including criminal investigations, prosecutions, and proceedings.
The negotiation of treaties with the UAE is part of a wider programme of work by the Department that is supported by a cross-departmental and inter-agency Bilateral Treaties Working Group (BTWG), the objective of which is to ensure Ireland takes a comprehensive and consistent approach to the negotiation of bilateral MLA and extradition treaties; and to input to the consideration and negotiation of such treaties, in consultation with relevant stakeholders as required.
A number of steps have been taken to support international policing cooperation, which is crucial to dismantling organising crime gangs who engage in criminal activities such as money laundering, drugs and human trafficking. The deployment of Garda Liaison Officers is 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. These posts are currently situated in Madrid, Paris, London, The Hague, Washington D.C., Bogota, Abu Dhabi and Bangkok.
Road Traffic Offences
Questions (33)
Barry Heneghan
Question:33. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will provide data on the number of seizures, arrests and prosecutions related to the illegal use of electric bikes and mopeds over the past 12 months; and if he will outline whether Operation Meacan or similar initiatives are active in the Dublin metropolitan region north; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36634/25]
View answerWritten answers
Gardaí have significant legislative powers to combat antisocial and dangerous use of mopeds and electric motorbikes including under the Road Traffic Act 1961, the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997, and the Criminal Law Act 1997.
In June 2023, the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 was signed into law. The Act included provisions that aim to tackle the anti-social use of mopeds and electric bikes through measures such as granting An Garda Síochána new powers of seizure.
Road traffic legislation is enforced as part of the day-to-day duties of members of An Garda Síochána, as well as through a programme of high-visibility road safety and enforcement operations carried out in partnership with other state agencies, in order to make our roads safer for all.
I can assure the Deputy that Gardaí in the DMR North Division respond to reports of anti-social behaviour and conduct operations on a continuous basis, targeting people engaged in anti-social activities using stolen mopeds and electric motorbikes in public places. These initiatives are supported by campaigns across various media and social media platforms to highlight the dangers connected with the use of these vehicles.
In dealing with this dangerous behaviour, An Garda Síochána gathers intelligence at a local level and targets these areas. Such operations focus on the illegal use of mopeds and electric bikes and involve all Gardaí a assigned to operational duties.
Operation Meacan is a proactive response, targeting the use of electric vehicles that are being used for criminal activity across the Dublin Metropolitan Region, including the DMR North Division.
As part of Operation Meacan, from June 2024 to May 2025 there have been;
• 7 Days of Action conducted
• 112 searches conducted
• 22 Arrests made
• 24 Prosecutions taken
• 142 Electric Powered Bikes seized
• 102 Mopeds seized.
Vehicles seized or detained include, but are not exclusively, those seized or detained under section 41 of the Road Traffic Act.
Courts Service
Questions (34)
Noel McCarthy
Question:34. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Question No. 177 of 15 May 2025, to provide an update on the operation of the court service at Youghal, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36648/25]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will appreciate, the allocation of court business are matters for the Presidents of the Courts and the presiding judges who are, under the Constitution, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions. Furthermore, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in the exercise of its functions.
As Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, I cannot comment on the logistical or operational matters of the courts. However, to be of assistance to the Deputy, my officials have made enquiries of the Courts Service regarding an update on District Court sittings in Carrick-on-Suir and Cashel.
I have been informed by the Courts Service that the District Judge assigned to District 21 covering east Cork, south Tipperary and west Waterford, wrote to the Head of Circuit and District Court Operations in March indicating plans to transfer District Court sittings from Youghal to Dungarvan and from Cashel and Carrick-on-Suir to Clonmel. The directions for the transfer issued pursuant to Section 27 (3) of the Courts of Justice Act 1953 and Order 2, Rule 1 (2) of the District Court Rules with effect from 1st November 2025.
The Courts Service has engaged with the various stakeholders including solicitors, An Garda Síochána and unions representing court staff and others to explore any possible impacts and unintended consequences of the proposed transfers. The consultation process has now been completed and the Courts Service will report on its findings to the relevant District Judge and make operational plans accordingly. The report is in the process of being compiled.
Additionally, with effect from 1 June 2025 (under Statutory Instrument Number 77 of 2025) there will be four additional scheduled sittings in District 21, including an additional sitting on the second Friday of each month where cases from Youghal and Dungarvan will be heard in Dungarvan. It is planned that this additional sitting will be for child and family law matters. Details of the additional sittings (among others) are set out in Statutory Instrument Number 77 of 2025, and can be found on the Courts Service website at: www.courts.ie/content/counties-cork-tipperary-and-waterford
Local Community Safety Partnerships
Questions (35)
Matt Carthy
Question:35. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration when he will sign the regulations to establish community safety partnerships, as provided for in the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36601/25]
View answerWritten answers
I can assure the Deputy, it is absolutely my intention that the Local Community Safety Partnerships will be established as soon as practicable. The Partnerships are the cornerstone of our policy on community safety and so it is vital we get them up and running so that they can begin work on the development of a community safety plan for their respective areas. Last week I signed the regulations for the safety partnerships and these came into operation on Monday, 30 June. This now paves the way for a total of 36 partnerships to be established across the country with partnerships in each local authority administrative area.
The regulations outline very clearly how the safety partnerships will operate in practice and will ensure that each partnership operates with transparency, strategic focus, and strong local engagement.A key principle of the Report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland is that community safety requires multi-agency cooperation working in partnership with An Garda Síochána and crucially with communities themselves. The Commission's report recommended the establishment of national and local structures to bring together Departments and State agencies involved in harm prevention, alongside representatives of the local community, to promote community safety.
Local Community Safety Partnerships (LCSPs) will replace and build upon the good work of the Joint Policing Committees, supplementing this by bringing together a broader range of relevant stakeholders. This will include local councillors, An Garda Síochána, local residents, community representatives, business and education representatives, and a range of statutory agencies including the HSE, Tusla and each local authority.
I believe they will be very effective in seeking to achieve what is set out in the legislation, namely to have a broader representation within the partnerships so the issues affecting local communities, not just in respect of policing but also in community safety, can be dealt with in one forum within each local authority area.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (36)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:36. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of gardaí who have taken early retirement in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36230/25]
View answerWritten answers
Strengthening An Garda Síochána is one of my main priorities and retention of experienced qualified Gardaí is of course an important element of this. The Government has provided the funding to allow for sustained recruitment and is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs.I am informed by the Garda Authorities that there has been 22 early retirements in the past five years.
The following table outlines the number of Gardaí who have taken early retirement (cost neutral early retirements) from 2020 to 2025, as of 30 May 2025 (the latest date for when figures are available).
|
Year |
Cost Neutral Early Retirements |
|
2020 |
3 |
|
2021 |
2 |
|
2022 |
1 |
|
2023 |
8 |
|
2024 |
6 |
|
2025 |
2 |
|
Total |
22 |
Information supplied is operational and subject to change.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (37)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:37. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will provide an update on the number of attacks on members of An Garda Síochána; the number of man hours lost consequently, for the years 2022, 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35408/25]
View answerWritten answers
We are all immensely grateful to our Gardaí for their outstanding dedication and commitment to serving the public and for the important role that they play in our society.For the most part, the relationship between Gardaí and the public is one built on very significant trust. An Garda Síochána is a largely unarmed, and yet hugely effective, community policing service.An assault on a member of An Garda Síochána, a prison officer, a member of the fire brigade, ambulance personnel, or a member of the Defence Forces is an offence under section 19 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994.
In November 2023, the Government increased the maximum sentence for assaulting or threatening to assault a Garda or other on-duty emergency workers from 7 to 12 years.These changes send a very clear message that attacks on frontline workers will not be tolerated, and will be dealt with robustly.
I am informed by Garda authorities that the below table shows the number of attacks on Garda members for the years 2022, 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025.
Number of Gardaí who reported sustaining an occupational injury as a result of being assaulted in 2022,2023,2024 and to date in 2025 (as of 26 June 2025)
|
Year |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
Total |
|
Gardaí |
337 |
470 |
372 |
128 |
1307 |
The Garda authorities have advised me that data on the number of hours lost due to occupational injuries is not available. However, the Garda Commissioner does disclose details of days lost both through injury on duty and through illness each year in the published annual report which are available at this link: www.garda.ie/en/about-us/publications/annual%20reports/an-garda-siochana-annual-reports/
Local Community Safety Partnerships
Questions (38)
Brian Stanley
Question:38. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration when the replacement for joint policing committees will come into place, that is, local community care partnerships, nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36057/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, which I commenced on Wednesday 2 April 2025, provides for the establishment of Local Community Safety Partnerships (LCSP) within each local authority area.
Community Safety means Government Departments, state agencies, community organisations and the public working together alongside An Garda Síochána with the common aim of making Ireland safer. While An Garda Síochána will always be available to prevent and respond to crime, they cannot be expected to enhance community safety alone, it must be a collective and collaborative approach. Local Community Safety Partnerships will help prioritise the voice of local people in identifying and addressing community safety issues in their own area.
Local Community Safety Partnerships are the cornerstone of our approach to community safety and so it's vital we get them up and running so that they can begin work on the development of a community safety plan for their respective areas. Last week I signed the regulations for these Safety Partnerships and these came into operation on Monday 30 June. 36 Partnerships can now be established in local authority areas across the country, and this will be done as soon as is practicable. Safety Partnerships replace and build upon the good work previously undertaken by Joint Policing Committees and will bring together a broader range of relevant stakeholders to address community safety issues in their area.
Local Community Safety Partnerships will have a maximum of 30 members and membership will include local councillors; An Garda Síochána; HSE; Tusla; local authority executive; business; education; local residents and community representatives, including representatives of youth, new communities, and the voluntary sector. Each safety partnership will be led by a voluntary Chair and supported by a full-time coordinator and administrator. The Chair will be elected from amongst, and by, the Partnership membership.
Each newly established Local Community Safety Partnership is required to develop and implement its own tailored community safety plan. The Safety Partnerships will take a strategic approach to their work so that issues arising can be dealt with in a coordinated manner and addressed collectively by relevant service providers in partnership with the community. Each safety partnership will have the ability to consider the local landscape as it relates to the services already being provided, and those that are needed.
The Act also provides for a National Office for Community Safety. As part of the implementation process, my officials and the National Office team have been engaging with relevant bodies, including local authorities and other stakeholders such as An Garda Síochána, the HSE, and Tusla, to support the establishment of safety partnerships. A function of this Office is to provide training, guidance and support to LCSPs.
National Office staff are engaging directly with appointed staff, local authorities and other stakeholders to support establishment of Local Community Safety Partnerships. The National Office has prepared, in consultation with a variety of stakeholders, a comprehensive guidance document for their establishment and operation.
Drug Dealing
Questions (39)
Brendan Smith
Question:39. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if, in view of the increasing prevalence of drugs throughout urban and rural Ireland, additional measures will be introduced to deal with the scourge of such illegal products, taking into account the awful damage and hardship being inflicted on individuals, families and communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36643/25]
View answerWritten answers
Tackling the scourge of drug dealing and targeting the work of organised crime groups, who inflict intimidation, violence and misery on families and communities in rural Ireland is a top priority for the Government and my Department.
The Government is fully committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the resources it needs to fight crime. This is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of over €2.48 billion in Budget 2025, a 27% increase since 2020.
An Garda Síochána continue to implement the enhanced national anti-drugs strategy in Operation Tara, the focus of which is to disrupt, dismantle and prosecute drug trafficking networks, at all levels - international, national and local - involved in the importation, distribution, cultivation, production, local sale and supply of controlled drugs.
As part of Operation Tara and ongoing investigations targeting the sale and distribution of controlled drugs and associated criminal activity in the Southern Region, Gardaí from the Kerry Divisional Drugs Unit and local Crime Unit have seized a significant quantity of drugs and arrested one male during an operation carried out in County Kerry on Friday, 13 June 2025.
In addition, earlier this week Gardaí seized an estimated €35m worth of cocaine off the coast of Cork. Four men were also arrested as part of this operation.
The Garda Commissioner has tasked an Inspector in every Garda Division to respond to the issue of drug-related intimidation. This programme has been developed to respond to the needs of drug users and family members experiencing drug related intimidation. Information in relation to the Drug-Related Intimidation Reporting Programme and a list of the nominated Inspectors countrywide is available on the Garda website.
In dealing with any complaint of drug-related intimidation or advice sought in relation to this issue, An Garda Síochána will do so with the utmost safety in order to afford the person or family subject to the threat of the best level of security, advice and support which can be offered.
The Department of Health leads on Government policy in the area of drugs, and this policy is guided by the whole of Government national drugs and alcohol strategy which sets out a health-led response to drug and alcohol use. The implementation of the strategy is led by my colleague, the Minister for Health, however, the strategy includes actions for all stakeholders, including my Department and An Garda Síochána.
The strategy recognises the need for a balanced health-led approach - reducing demand, while also reducing access to illegal drugs, and is aimed at reducing the number of people criminalised for the possession of drugs for personal use. While this strategy supports vulnerable people who use drugs, it is also matched with strengthened enforcement measures across government to tackle the supply of illegal drugs. Sustained action by An Garda Síochána has continued unabated throughout and since the pandemic, bringing significant convictions and ongoing seizures of drugs, firearms and ammunition.
In May, alongside Minister of State with responsibility for Public Health, Well Being and the National Drugs Strategy, Minister O' Callaghan launched the DRIVE (Drug related intimidation & violence engagement) project. DRIVE’s primary goal is to establish effective systems and structures for a unified, timely, and sensitive response to drug-related intimidation. It focuses on responding to incidents, supporting those affected, and preventing future occurrences.
DRIVE promotes interagency collaboration by bringing together law enforcement, health services, social services, and community organisations to tackle Drug Related Intimidation from multiple perspectives. It operates on a national scale across Ireland, ensuring consistent and comprehensive support in all regions.
Additionally, community safety is a top priority for my Department, as everyone has the right to be safe and feel safe in their communities, both rural and urban. A central principle of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 is that to achieve this, we require multi-agency cooperation working in partnership with An Garda Síochána and, most importantly with rural communities themselves. The Act provides for the establishment of these national structures, central to which are Local Community Safety Partnerships which will operate in each local authority to meet specific local needs.
International Protection
Questions (40)
Michael Murphy
Question:40. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for a detailed summary of moneys paid to the owners of a hotel (details supplied), in each year and to date in 2025, as it relates to contracts entered into for those fleeing the war in Ukraine and those seeking international protection. [35245/25]
View answerWritten answers
Dundrum House has been used to accommodate people fleeing the war in Ukraine since 2022, and international protection applicants since 2024.
Details of payments, contractual arrangements or per night prices in relation to specific accommodation centres are not routinely provided by the Department. This is because such details are considered commercially sensitive and publishing them would damage our ability to achieve best value for public funds in managing or negotiating ongoing and new contracts.
However, details of payments over €20,000 to suppliers of the Department generally, including accommodation providers, are available online at gov.ie, published on quarterly basis, at:
www.gov.ie/en/collection/dfdadb-department-of-children-and-youth-affairs-purchase-orders-for-20000-o/
Deportation Orders
Questions (41)
Paul Murphy
Question:41. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will stop deporting children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36515/25]
View answerWritten answers
I am fully committed to ensuring that Ireland’s immigration system is robust and rules based. The enforcement aspects of our laws, including deportation orders, are an essential requirement for the system to work effectively.
A deportation order is a legal order to leave the State. If a person does not remove themselves from the State following the issuance of a deportation order, they will be removed.
I can advise the Deputy that I do not intend to introduce a policy that would prevent the removal of children and families who are subject to deportation orders. Any such policy would make Ireland an outlier in Europe and could encourage more people to come here with children, knowing that they could not be removed regardless of the outcome of their case.I can assure the Deputy, that my officials aim to process families in a holistic manner and the consideration of a child’s immigration case is highly dependent on the status of their parents. Each child’s circumstances are examined in detail before a deportation order is made. If deportation orders are made against a family, the parents are informed of this and are required to engage with Gardaí to make arrangements to leave Ireland.I recognise that an enforced removal is an unfortunate and challenging experience for a child, which is why they are carried out only as a measure of last resort when the family concerned has not removed themselves from the State. I can advise the Deputy that children have only been returned as part of family units.
The preferred option is to return people voluntarily and my Department operates a voluntary return programme to assist people to return prior to the issuance of a deportation order. This programme offers families a reintegration grant to help them resettle in their home countries.People are strongly encouraged to avail of this option, and are informed of this option at each stage of the International Protection process.
Drug Dealing
Questions (42)
Cathal Crowe
Question:42. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will provide details on the capacity of drug units in each Garda division; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36297/25]
View answerWritten answers
Tackling drug dealing and targeting the work of organised crime groups, who inflict intimidation, violence and misery on families and communities, is a top priority for the Government and my Department.
A number of key actions have been taken as part of our plan to tackle illegal drug use. This includes:
• Increasing the maximum sentence for conspiracy to murder from 10 years to life in prison to tackle those who direct gangland and drug related crime;
• Enacting new laws to criminalise the grooming of children into a life of crime;
• Drafting new laws which will provide for the use of facial recognition technology in the investigation of certain drug offences;
• Rolling out a support programme to break the link between the gangs and the children they try to recruit.
My Department is also working to introduce legislation to further strengthen the State’s ability to seize criminal assets and to target the proceeds of crime. The new Bill will also speed up the process to dispose of seized assets for the benefit of the State. In addition to the legislative and other measures introduced by my Department, unprecedented funding has been provided to An Garda Síochána which has enabled the Commissioner to assign extra resources to the specialist units involved in tackling organised crime.
The Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) leads in tackling all forms of drug trafficking and the supply of illicit drugs in Ireland. The GNDOCB was established in 2015. Since then the unit has seized €627 million in illicit drugs, 171 firearms and 6,586 rounds of ammunition, and made 1,722 arrests.
An Garda Síochána continue to target those involved in street-level drug dealing across the country and also focuses on disrupting and dismantling the drug trafficking networks that impact our communities, and prosecuting those involved at every level, through Operation Tara.
The focus of Operation Tara is to disrupt, dismantle and prosecute drug trafficking networks, at all levels - international, national, local - involved in the importation, distribution, cultivation, production, local sale and supply of controlled drugs.
Under Operation Tara, individuals and groups involved in the drug trade will be the target of enforcement activity based on intelligence and the latest crime trends.
Where criminality is identified, Divisional Asset Profilers identify unexplained wealth and may submit appropriate referrals to the Criminal Assets Bureau for further investigation.
I sought the information requested by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána and have been advised that this information cannot be shared for security reasons.
I am informed that it is the experience of the Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB), that such information is invaluable to local drug trafficking networks and can at times be taken into account when active in their respective criminal enterprises.
I am also informed by the Garda authorities that this information can facilitate the identification of all officers deployed full time on such duties, and in turn the work patterns of such officers.
I am however assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review, in the context of crime trends and policing priorities.
Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence
Questions (43, 57)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:43. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to outline his engagement with the Garda Commissioner in light of the recent Women's Aid report on domestic violence to ensure future training on domestic violence is targeted at all areas of the Garda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36628/25]
View answer
Grace Boland
Question:57. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the steps his Department is taking to ensure consistency, accountability and trauma-informed practice in the front-line Garda responses to domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence across all divisions, in light of the Women’s Aid 2024 report, which found that 44% of women who sought Garda support in such cases found the response unhelpful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36520/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 43 and 57 together.
Tackling domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence through sustained investment, robust policy measures and cross sectoral collaboration is a priority for me and for Government.
I want to acknowledge the powerful and important contribution of Women's Aid and their 2024 impact report.
The report is a difficult but essential read, and it reflects the lived experiences of thousands of women. It also provides valuable insight into how An Garda Síochána are responding, and where further progress is needed.
The Garda Commissioner and I are committed to ensuring that victims are met with a response that is informed, compassionate and effective.
An Garda Síochána have confirmed that dedicated training in DSGBV, is a core component of the their initial education for Garda Recruits in Templemore. In phase one of training, as part of the BA in Applied Policing, trainee Gardaí complete 34 hours of instruction on domestic and sexual crime investigation with dedicated classes on domestic abuse investigation in phases two and three.
Trainees receive:
• an online presentation on the basics of domestic violence investigation where the importance of positive first contact with victims is highlighted.
• an in-person workshop on the Domestic Violence Act 2018 and An Garda Síochána policy on domestic abuse intervention.
At the 9-week operational stage, trainee Gardaí assume an observational role attached to Garda Stations and receive exposure to domestic abuse calls and interactions.
Trainees receive further training at this point as outlined below:
• Utilise the Garda Decision Making Model and apply it to a scenario based on a domestic abuse incident. Offences such as assault, harassment and stalking are covered.
• Complete an in-person instructor-led workshop on the importance of the Domestic Abuse Risk Evaluation Tool in assessing the safety risks for the victim.
• Complete a class which recaps on the learning around domestic abuse, and receive online presentations in coercive control, post-incident engagement and file preparation.
There are several active continuous professional development e-learning programmes available post-attestation including:
• Domestic Abuse Online Training which is delivered over 9 Modules (4 hours). Currently 88% have completed this training.
• PULSE – Domestic Violence Orders – 4 Modules (1 hour). Currently there is an 82% national completion rate.
• Domestic Abuse Risk Evaluation Tool has a 70% national completion rate of required personnel.
I am informed that in light of the Women's Aid impact reports findings, that An Garda Síochána will examine the report in detail, particularly the feedback provided by women who have engaged with Gardaí in the context of domestic abuse, coercive control, and gender-based violence.
Additionally, further training is being developed in An Garda Síochána with input from policy and leadership teams.
I want to reaffirm that I remain committed to delivering on the Zero Tolerance strategy and the 2025-2026 implementation plan. That includes concrete actions to strengthen frontline response, expand support services, and embed the survivor voice into how we design and deliver justice and protection.
Departmental Meetings
Questions (44)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:44. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will list the occasions when he met with the Garda Commissioner since he took office. [36229/25]
View answerWritten answers
I can confirm to the Deputy that I have held seven meetings with the Garda Commissioner since taking office. The relevant dates are as follows:
• 24 January 2025
• 7 February 2025
• 6 March 2025
• 28 April 2025
• 5 June 2025
• 9 June 2025.
In addition to these formal meetings, I have also met the Commissioner on several occasions in the normal course of performing our respective duties, including at Templemore, in Government buildings and at various Garda events.
International Protection
Questions (45)
Catherine Connolly
Question:45. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration his plans to review the process whereby international protection applicants may, at very short notice, be moved from the communities in which they have established connections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36346/25]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Justice, my goal is to ensure a robust and enforced immigration system. The international protection system should be efficient, giving people speedy decisions as to whether they are being granted international protection and integrated into our society, or not.
At the beginning of 2022, Ireland's international protection accommodation service sheltered about 7,000 people. By the end of 2024, this had expanded by almost 400% to accommodate 32,000 people, including over 9000 children with their families. This is a significant expansion, and the pressures that arise as a result must be managed.
People resident in IPAS accommodation may be moved to alternative accommodation centres as part of the accommodation process. For example, on initial arrival, people may spend time in centres that are designated for newer arrivals, while a longer-term assignment of accommodation is made for them.
During their period in IPAS accommodation, people may have to move to alternative centres for a variety of reasons, including family needs, renovations, regulatory or compliance issues at their accommodation, and pressures on capacity within the system overall.
IPAS works with residents and advocates to support people who may need to move accommodation. IPAS has a resident welfare team who support needs, including access to essential services like healthcare, and connect with other public and community services like the education system and local authority integration supports.
When a person completes their international protection application and gets a positive decision, they have a legal status that allows them to remain in Ireland. This also means they gain access to the full range of housing supports available to all Irish residents, which are not available to people going through the application process. There is a need for people with status to transition to living independently in our communities, improving their integration into our society while also creating space within IPAS accommodation for newer arrivals.
At the moment, approximately 5,300 people in IPAS accommodation have a legal status allowing them to remain in Ireland. When they are granted permission to remain, they are advised to seek alternative accommodation, and supports are available to help them to secure new accommodation options. It is the case, where people have not been able to source their own private accommodation solution, that we have to ask people in IPAS accommodation to move to different centres at times.
In the past 18 months, over 7,000 people with status have left IPAS accommodation and progressed into the community.
Over the coming months, IPAS will be moving an additional 600 families with status from IPAS accommodation into the community or, if necessary, to alternative emergency accommodation. The first moves will begin from 4 July and they will continue on a phased basis throughout the summer.
Families being moved have had status for more than 12 months and were first informed about the planned moves a year ago. IPAS also sent them a follow up letter in March 2025.
To help people move from IPAS accommodation and find housing options in the community, IPAS has a team that works in collaboration with DePaul Ireland, the Peter McVerry Trust, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and Local Authorities.
This overall policy is in place to help ensure accommodation in non-emergency settings is available to newly arrived people seeking International Protection who have an entitlement to accommodation under EU and Irish law and who do not have any access to standard social welfare or housing supports.
Closed-Circuit Television Systems
Questions (46)
James Geoghegan
Question:46. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will outline his plans to better integrate Garda-operated CCTV with other State-operated CCTV systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36166/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Act 2023, which was signed into law in December 2023, provides for a new regime for the authorisation and operation of CCTV schemes. In order to introduce the new regime for CCTV, Part 5 of that Act must be commenced.
There is a new requirement under that Act for the Garda Commissioner to develop a Code of Practice for CCTV which will set out the procedures and standards to be followed, as well as the new rules around confidentiality, security, storage, access and retention of data and data subject rights. I am advised by Garda authorities that work is ongoing with respect to the development of this Code of Practice.
I am further advised by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána are currently working on a new CCTV Strategy which will outline how CCTV infrastructure utilised by AGS can be modernised and integrated with other CCTV infrastructure throughout the State. It is hoped that implementation of a modernised CCTV platform for An Garda Síochána can commence in 2026, subject to funding through the National Development Plan.
Legal Aid
Questions (47)
Conor D McGuinness
Question:47. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he is concerned about staffing levels within the legal aid service nationally, its ability to meet demand, and potential impacts of understaffing within the legal aid service on the wider courts system. [36626/25]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, the 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 (“the 1995 Act”) and the Civil Legal Aid Regulations 1996 to 2021. Section 3(3) of the 1995 Act states that the Board shall, subject to the provisions of the Act, be independent in the exercise of its functions.
Civil legal aid and advice is provided primarily through a network of law centres by solicitors employed by the Board. The Board operates a total of 34 full-time law centres and a number of part-time law centres. Specific law centres in Dublin, Cork and Galway include an international protection speciality and there are also dedicated units in Dublin dealing with personal injury and/or medical negligence cases and cases involving children at risk. The Board also operates 20 family mediation centres, some of which are co-located within the law centres and Four Courts-based offices. The Board also engages private solicitors in certain areas of law, and on a case-by-case basis, to supplement the services provided by Board’s own solicitors.
Funding is provided annually to the Legal Aid Board by my Department and, given its statutory independence, it is a matter for the Legal Aid Board and its management team to allocate their allotted funding as they deem appropriate. Officials from my Department are, however, in regular contact with the management team in the Legal Aid Board, including on the question of resourcing.
In this regard, I can advise that funding to the Board has increased in recent years, from €53.06m in 2023, to €59.122m in 2024 and €64.122m in 2025.
I would also note that in June 2022, the Civil Legal Aid Review Group was established, with a comprehensive terms of reference. I can confirm that the Civil Legal Aid Review was completed with the submission of majority and minority reports to me in April 2025. Both the majority and minority reports of the Review contain findings and recommendations regarding the future of the Scheme and the broader landscape of legal support, in line with the Group's terms of reference. I am currently considering the findings and recommendations contained in the reports. It is my intention to bring the Review to Government for consideration shortly and to publish it thereafter.
The Legal Aid Board provides a very important service to those who need its support in matters of civil dispute and in more general matters of civil law and operational practice. Given its wide remit and national reach, both I, as Minister, and my Department, will continue to work closely with the Legal Aid Board to ensure it has the resources necessary to meet its most immediate needs and the additional demands it will face going forward.
Victim Support Services
Questions (48)
Paul McAuliffe
Question:48. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether his Department has considered the impact on victims of crime by those who are convicted by reason of insanity, in that they are not made aware of the person's release from incarceration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36676/25]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has no involvement in the processes for victims of people detained following a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. The Central Mental Hospital (CMH) is a designated centre run by the HSE under the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006 and is part of the National Forensic Mental Health Service (NFMHS), which provides a range of forensic mental health services to its patients.
I understand that if a victim wishes to receive information about a patient detained in the CMH in relation to an offence against them, they may register with the NFMHS Victim Liaison Officer. More information in relation to that service and how to register is available from National Forensic Mental Health Service and on: www.gov.ie/en/victims-charter/publications/national-forensic-mental-health-service/
The Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Act 2017 sets out the supports afforded to victims of crime by relevant agencies and authorities including the Clinical Director of a designated centre such as the CMH. In accordance with the 2017 Act, registered victims are notified by the CMH of certain information relating to the temporary release of a patient. However, under the provisions of the 2017 Act, the Clinical Director may also make a decision not to provide information in respect of a patient and, as the Deputy will appreciate, that is a matter for the Director and neither I nor my officials can comment on that.
Human Trafficking
Questions (49)
Roderic O'Gorman
Question:49. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the actions his Department has taken on foot of the US Department of State 2024 Trafficking in Persons report to seek to improve Ireland’s ranking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36458/25]
View answerWritten answers
Human trafficking is an exploitative and particularly heinous crime. It preys on some of the most vulnerable, and is committed with no regard for life, dignity or for the most basic of human rights.
Across Government, we acknowledge the seriousness of this crime and are determined to reach and help those who have been affected by it and to take them out of these horrific situations.
The Trafficking in Persons Report is the US Government’s principal diplomatic tool to engage foreign governments on human trafficking and it rates States in a three-tier system based on their perceived efforts to acknowledge and combat human trafficking.
Ireland was downgraded to Tier 2 watch list in 2020, and in 2022 was upgraded to Tier 2 with the US State Department noting the government is “making significant efforts” in this area. It remains at Tier 2 in the 2024 Report.
I strongly believe that Ireland should be moved up to Tier 1 on the basis of increased prosecution and conviction rates for traffickers which the US State Department had indicated would reflect positively on Ireland’s rating.
The prosecution of five individuals in 2024 represents a 150% increase on 2023, when two prosecutions were initiated. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) also reported the first conviction for conspiracy to commit human trafficking in this jurisdiction last year.
Ireland also saw an increase in the identification of victims of human trafficking last year. An Garda Síochána formally identified 67 people as victims of human trafficking which marked a 26% increase in the number of victims identified in 2024 in comparison to 2023.
In addition, the enactment of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Act 2024 was pivotal. This legislation introduces a statutory framework for a revised National Referral Mechanism (NRM), streamlining the identification and support processes for trafficking victims and strengthening the overall legal response to human trafficking.
A number of significant measures to combat trafficking, to create a more victim-centred approach to identifying and supporting victims and to raise awareness and provide training, have been introduced.
I would like to highlight that, in addition to work underway to revise the National Referral Mechanism which will make it easier for victims of trafficking to come forward, be identified, and access support, there are other ongoing initiatives. These include:
• The implementation of a new National Action Plan on Human Trafficking, published in 2023, which reflects our renewed determination to prevent this crime and to ensure victims are identified and supported - both nationally and with international partners
• The delivery of training, through NGOs, targeting front line staff in industries such as hospitality, airline, shipping and security who may come into contact with trafficked persons;
• The improvements being made to the criminal justice system to support victims through the implementation of Supporting a Victim's Journey;
• Increased funding for supporting victims of crime generally and increased funding dedicated specifically to supporting victims of trafficking, and
• The opening of accommodation for female victims of human trafficking.
International Protection
Questions (50)
Ken O'Flynn
Question:50. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether his Department is aware of properties being retrofitted or acquired for IPAS use in advance of planning or public notification; and whether he will commit to a register of sites under assessment, to be shared with local authorities and Deputies. [35227/25]
View answerWritten answers
The International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) provides accommodation and other basic supports to people applying for international protection in Ireland. This is part of EU and Irish law.
As part of our work to source and develop international protection accommodation, the Department receives multiple offers of accommodation from property owners and providers around the country.
The Department does not have a role in planning regulation; Local Authorities are responsible for processing and reviewing applications for planning permission.
As part of preparing documentation in order to make an offer to the Department, a provider may make an application to the Local Authority under the Planning and Development Act 2000 for change of use of that property as accommodation for international protection applicants.
This is a single stage in the overall comprehensive appraisal process for international protection accommodation and often occurs before the Department of Justice has commenced a detailed appraisal.
As such, information requested in relation to potential properties being acquired or retrofitted in advance of planning application is not available in this Department.
All commercial offers are appraised by a dedicated team according to a range of factors. These include the site and its potential, value for money to the State, due diligence on the provider, and planning and regulatory matters. Consideration is also given to the location and locality, access to services and health, wellbeing and security factors.
Part of the appraisal process for a new contract includes review of the property’s services and compliance, and this done in conjunction with the Local Authority where relevant.
In relation to current offers of accommodation being made to the Department, the Community Engagement Team is available to provide timely responses to elected representatives who have queries about such offers.
If a property is approved for use as international protection accommodation, the Department provides detailed information to elected representatives and the local community in advance of it coming into operation.