Written Answers Nos. 41-60
42. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the measures he is taking to reduce the spend on IPAS accommodation made to private landlords; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52992/25]
View answerIreland has at all times endeavoured to provide accommodation and other basic supports to people seeking international protection as required by law.
The majority of International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) commercial emergency accommodation has been commissioned as part of the emergency response to increased demand since 2022.
Over 45,000 people arrived and applied for international protection during 2022, 2023 and 2024, almost matching the total number of applications made during the previous 16 years (44,000). This coincided with the invasion of Ukraine, and the arrival of over 120,000 people to Ireland fleeing that conflict.
In terms of international protection applicants, significant reform is underway to speed up the processing system, and reduce the demand for accommodation. That includes moving away consistently, over time, from the emergency use of commercial accommodation and putting in place more facilities on State-owned sites.
A range of changes are underway to achieve this. IPAS is reviewing contracts and driving improvements in standards, governance and compliance. The introduction of a new rate card model is driving costs down for new and renewed contracts, already saving over €52million since May 2025.
In parallel, we are developing more State-owned accommodation from a range of sources, building our ability to reduce reliance on commercial providers. As a key milestone, the State has purchased Citywest Hotel and Convention Centre, which has increased State-owned bed numbers from 900 spaces in early 2024 to over 4,000 today.
43. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for an update on the youth diversion programmes in place in County Louth. [54054/25]
View answerUnder the Programme for Government and the Youth Justice Strategy, I am committed to improving outcomes for young people at risk of a life of criminality through investment in youth justice services. Youth Justice interventions are about recognising that many young people who stray from the proper path need support and direction to turn their lives around. We can make a lasting difference to the quality of life not just for young people, but for the entire community.
The statutory framework relating to young offenders (between the ages of 12 and 18 years of age), and inclusion in the Garda Youth Diversion Programme, is set out in the Children Act 2001. The Act provides that where a young person under 18 years of age is responsible for committing a crime, the young person shall be considered for admission to the Youth Diversion Programme. In order for a young person to be admitted to the Programme, the child must take responsibility for their offending behaviour; agree to be cautioned by a Garda; and, when appropriate, agree to terms of supervision.
The statutory Youth Diversion Programme is supported by a network of Youth Diversion Projects (YDPs). YDPs are community-based multi-agency crime prevention initiatives, which seek to divert young people who have become involved in crime or antisocial behaviour and to support wider preventative work within the community and with families at risk.
A top priority for my Department has been the expansion and deepening of the services offered to young people by the YDPs, which are funded by my Department and run by community-based organisations. On average, the YDPs engage with about 4,000 young people across the State in any one year.
Additional budget funding of €7.3 million has been allocated under Budget 2026 for YDPs.
This will facilitate an increase in the availability of YDP services in the evenings and at the weekends when many young people need them the most.
It will also facilitate an increase in supports for families, interventions for typically hard-to-reach young people and early interventions for 8-11 year olds who may be at increased risk of becoming engaged in criminal activity.
There are currently four YDPs in operation across Co. Louth: Boyne YDP, Cable YDP, High Voltage YDP and Team YDP. In 2024, these projects engaged a total of 289 young people, children and family members at risk of participating in or currently engaged in criminality who were most in need of their services.
44. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aindrias Moynihan den Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration cad iad na hiarrachtaí faoi leith atá ar siúl chun breis Gaeilgoirí mhealladh isteach sna Gardaí; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [54151/25]
View answerTá dearbhaithe dom go ndíríonn an Garda Síochána ar a seirbhísí Gaeilge a neartú trí earcaíocht, trí oiliúint agus tríd an teanga a chur chun cinn d’fhonn seirbhís phóilíneachta a chur ar fáil a thacaíonn le pobail agus baill foirne ar mian leo bheith rannpháirteach trí mheán na Gaeilge.
Is é Coimisinéir na nGardaí atá freagrach as an nGarda Síochána a bhainistiú agus a riar, lena n-áirítear leithdháileadh acmhainní agus sannadh phearsanra an Gharda Síochána. Leagtar amach in alt 33(3) den Acht um Póilíneacht, Slándáil agus Sábháilteacht Pobail, 2024, go gcinnteoidh Coimisinéir na nGardaí, a mhéid is indéanta, go mbeidh comhaltaí de phearsanra an Gharda Síochána a bheidh ar stáisiún i gcuid de Rannán Garda Síochána a mbeidh limistéar Gaeltachta ar áireamh inti sách inniúil sa Ghaeilge chun a chur ar a gcumas í a úsáid go saoráideach agus a ndualgais á gcomhlíonadh acu.
D’eisigh an Garda Síochána Treoir sa bhliain 2018 chun a chinntiú nach n-aistreodh ach comhaltaí leis na scileanna cuí Gaeilge chuig stáisiúin Ghaeltachta, d’fhonn cur le líon an phearsanra dhátheangaigh sna stáisiúin sin.
Tá údaráis an Gharda Síochána tiomanta, chomh maith, dá chinntiú go gcuirtear seirbhís phóilíneachta ar fáil trí mheán na Gaeilge i Rannáin le stáisiún Gaeltachta a mhéid is féidir sa chomhthéacs foriomlán maidir le seirbhís shábháilte éifeachtach phóilíneachta a chur ar fáil ar fud an náisiúin.
Tá an Garda Síochána tiomanta don Ghaeilge i gcónaí. Foilsíodh Straitéis don Ghaeilge, 2022-2025, i Márta 2022. Tá mar aidhm leis an Straitéis seirbhísí Gaeilge a neartú laistigh den Gharda Síochána agus a chinntiú go gcomhlíontar oibleagáidí reachtúla teanga. Áirítear sprioc fhadtéarmach inti a chinntiú gach stáisiún Gardaí Gaeltachta a bheith go hiomlán dátheangach.
Leanfaidh staidéir sa Ghaeilge de bheith mar chuid den BA Póilíneachta a sholáthraítear do gach Garda faoi oiliúint i gColáiste na nGardaí, an Teampall Mór.
Mar is eol don Teachta, tá sruth tiomnaithe earcaíochta Gaeilge mar chuid de gach feachtas earcaíochta den Gharda Síochána anois.
45. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the measures he is taking to encourage greater use of restorative justice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53689/25]
View answerI am committed to progressing and implementing policies aimed at increasing the use of community sanctions that reduce offending, divert people away from imprisonment, and provide effective rehabilitation. Restorative justice is a key component of this work.
In April 2025, I approved the publication of the Probation Service restorative justice plan, ‘Restoring Relationships: Repairing Harm and Empowering Voices through Restorative Justice’. This plan aims to promote awareness and support increased use of restorative justice across the system. The plan also details how the Probation Service is further driving the integration of restorative justice into all its services, while also expanding this provision nationally.
The Probation Service delivers restorative justice (RJ) directly, and also through several Community Based Organisation (CBO's). Currently the Probation Service funds five CBO's to provide dedicated restorative justice programmes across 18 counties.
These are:
• Restorative Justice Services - Dublin, Meath, Wicklow and Kildare
• Restorative Justice in the Community - Tipperary, Laois, Offaly and Westmeath, Carlow, Kilkenny
• Le Chéile - Limerick, Cork, Clare and Kerry
• Cornmarket Project – Wexford
• Tuam Community Training Centre - Galway, Mayo, and Roscommon.
Other Probation Service funded CBOs use restorative practice approaches in their work with clients to promote respectful relationships and address the harm caused by their offending.
In 2024, €20 million of funding was provided for the continued development of 50 community based organisations, €1 million of which supported the development of capacity in CBOs that facilitate restorative justice services.
In Budget 2025, the Probation Service had a total budget of over €60 million to fund an expansion of crime-diversion programmes including restorative justice programmes and community-based alternatives to imprisonment.
I have secured an 11% increase in funding for the Probation Service in Budget 2026. This will allow for the recruitment of 100 additional staff and will be used to increase the use of supervised community sanctions in the criminal courts and the development and expansion of several schemes including restorative justice services.
The Probation Service, through its national Restorative Justice and Victim Services Unit (RJVSU), supports the integration of Restorative Justice models into practice across the country. This includes victim empathy programmes, family/restorative conferences, reparation projects, and victim-offender dialogues. The RJVSU also provides training to Probation teams and supports CBOs in delivering restorative justice programmes.
The Service is currently inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from community-based organisations interested in employing dedicated Restorative Justice project workers to deliver restorative justice services in the following regions:
• Donegal and Sligo area(s).
• Louth, Cavan and Monaghan area(s).
46. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the position regarding the retail crime strategy; the timeline for its publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49135/25]
View answerThis Government takes any risk to retailers and retail staff very seriously. As Minister, I am acutely aware of the personal and economic impact that retail crime is having on businesses, shop workers, and communities. I recognise that shoplifting and organised retail crime pose a significant threat to the economic welfare of Irish retailers and that retail theft is not a victimless crime.
The Programme for Government commits to publishing a Retail Crime Strategy with targeted actions to reduce retail crime and support affected businesses. Work has already commenced on preparing this Strategy.
I recently met with, and heard from, the retail community in this regard. My officials are considering their suggestions in the context of the development of the strategy.
My department organised a targeted stakeholder engagement event with members of the Retail Forum on the Retail Crime Strategy at the start of October. This event centred on discussions around what the strategy may contain and provided an opportunity for stakeholders to inform the ongoing development of a the Retail Crime Strategy.
My department has also undertaken research into how other jurisdictions are tackling such matters to see if we can learn from best practice elsewhere.
A coordinated approach across sectors will be required if strong, tangible actions are to be identified, implemented and achieved within the context of the Retail Crime Strategy.
The Programme for Government also makes a number of other commitments in relation to retail crime. These include:
• Support Garda Operations to tackle retail crime including through the use of organised crime and proceeds of crime legislation.
• Examine the introduction of a specific offence of assaulting a retail worker.
• Tackle the practice of “retail defamation”.
• Improve data sharing between retailers and Gardaí.
• Expand the use of community sanctions for retail crime.
• Update the Public Order Acts to allow a prolific offender to be excluded from a retail premises for a certain period of time.
• Improve data sharing between retailers and Gardaí.
There are a number of ongoing initiatives to address the issue and these include:
Supporting and resourcing ‘Operation Táirge’ which is a dedicated Garda operation aimed at detecting and preventing organised retail crime;
Supporting An Garda Síochána: Budget 2026 provides a record allocation of €2.59 billion to An Garda Síochána which will support the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff;
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment holds a Retail Forum on a quarterly basis with retailers and representative bodies, hosted by the Minister of State with responsibility for Small Businesses and Retail. This provides an opportunity to discuss key issues of importance with stakeholders in the sector. An Garda Síochána provide an update on retail crime matters at each forum.
It is planned that the Strategy will be finalised in the first quarter of 2026.
47. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the measures his Department is taking to improve the efficiency of court proceedings, which currently take 1.5 times longer than the European average; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54135/25]
View answerAs Minister, I am committed to resourcing the courts and judiciary sufficiently to ensure efficient and timely access to justice. However, management of the courts, operational matters and logistical functions are the responsibility of the judiciary and Courts Service, which are independent in exercising their functions under the Courts Service Act 1998 and given the separation of powers in the Constitution.
To be of assistance to the Deputy I have enquired of the Courts Service on measures that they are taking to improve the efficiency of court operations.
The Courts Service is currently progressing an ambitious 10-year Modernisation Programme to deliver digitally enabled services designed around the user. This programme commenced in 2020 with the approval of a multiyear business plan and is currently in the third of its four implementation phases, with the fourth phase scheduled to commence in 2026.
Efficiency related projects under this programme include the phased roll-out of a Unified Case Management System (UCMS), which will enable digital end to end journeys supporting court users and the courts dealing with matters digitally where appropriate, various data sharing projects within the Criminal Justice Sector to improve efficiencies between state bodies, a new online jury system to remove significant paper handling activities in processing the jury summons process, and the introduction of WiFi in courthouses to streamline court user digital content access for court. A new online portal as part of the UCMS supporting digital applications, responses, case tracking and order collection is currently being piloted for circuit family cases in Dublin and will expand to probate in the near future followed by other case types.
The Courts Service has continued the expansion of technologically enabled courtrooms, providing remote courts and digital evidence display functionality, which is now available in 167 courtrooms, increased from 46 at the start of 2020.
48. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of persons who have applied for asylum in the State in each of the past ten years and to date in 2025. [53288/25]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that I will take all necessary steps to manage the international protection process efficiently and effectively.
The number of International Protection applications have been rising over the past number of years, reaching 18,500 in 2024. This year, we are beginning to see application numbers noticeably reduce. There have been 38% fewer applications to quarter three 2025 compared to the same period of 2024 (9,589 compared to 15,583).
We know that patterns in international protection applications vary over time and that is why it is important that the Government’s response adapts accordingly.
There has been a significant increase in investment into the international protection system which, combined with digitisation and process re-engineering, has facilitated a major increase in processing capacity.
In 2024 there was a 65% increase in the total number of first decisions processed with over 14,000 in 2024 from over 8,500 in 2023.
In 2025, to the end of Q3, there has been a 51% increase in the total number of first decisions when compared to the same period in 2024.
The table below shows a yearly breakdown of IP applications made from 2015 to date in 2025.
|
Year of Application |
Total |
|
2015 |
3,276 |
|
2016 |
2,244 |
|
2017 |
2,920 |
|
2018 |
3,674 |
|
2019 |
4,783 |
|
2020 |
1,565 |
|
2021 |
2,647 |
|
2022 |
13,643 |
|
2023 |
13,271 |
|
2024 |
18,554 |
|
2025* |
9,691* |
*To cob 2 October 2025
Please note, figures are correct at time of issue, however, all statistics may be subject to data cleansing.
49. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of additional refuge units delivered to-date under the zero tolerance strategy; the locations of same; to provide an update on the delivery of the promised refuge units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54231/25]
View answerI am deeply committed under the Zero Tolerance Strategy, to expanding and improving refuge provision so that every victim of domestic violence has access to safety and support when they need it.
Delivering additional refuge units is a priority for Government and is being progressed through Cuan, the statutory agency dedicated to tackling domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.
As part of the Zero Tolerance Strategy, Government committed to doubling domestic violence accommodation capacity in Ireland by the end of 2026 from 141 to 282 family units. Cuan has a key function to coordinate delivery of the capital programme to increase safe accommodation capacity. A capital programme of this scale to deliver safe accommodation is unprecedented in Ireland.
Cuan is working closely with Domestic Violence services, Approved Housing Bodies, Local Authorities, the Department of Housing and the Housing Agency to coordinate local actions and to support local services with delivery. By the end of 2024, almost all (14/18) priority locations had identified a site. Estimated delivery timelines were worked through for all priority locations. At that point, new capacity had also been delivered, including a 12-unit refuge in Wexford. I am pleased to report that work on developing a new nine-unit refuge in Dublin city is now complete, and I officially opened that refuge yesterday.
Following my request, Cuan worked with services and partners to assess and review progress and identify a series of actions to accelerate delivery and to bring safe accommodation on stream as quickly as possible to meet the needs of those fleeing violence.
On foot of this review, completed in spring 2025, and in line with my commitment, the following will be delivered:
• 52 new family refuge units by the end of 2026;
• 45 new safe homes by the end of 2026; and
• 50 new units under construction by the end of 2026.
50. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will establish a historical investigations unit to allow for independent police investigation into unresolved deaths and incidents of torture or ill treatment, as proposed by the Irish Council for Civil Liberties and the Committee on the Administration of Justice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54042/25]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Historical Investigation Unit structure was a proposal contained in the Stormont House Agreement specific to Northern Ireland.
In this jurisdiction, the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, led by the Assistant Commissioner for Organised and Serious Crime, holds a national investigative remit and is specialised in the area of major crime investigation. It undertakes and supports investigations on the direction of the Garda Commissioner.
The Deputy will also be aware that the expertise of the Serious Crime Review Team (SCRT), established in 2007 to provide for independent review of historical investigations, including homicides, is available where appropriate. These reviews constitute an independent examination of evidence and other material, gathered during investigation and to ensure that it conforms to approved standards; that the investigation has been thorough, conducted with integrity and objectivity; and to identify further investigative opportunities. The remit of the SCRT is broad and would include reviews of Troubles-related cases, where appropriate.
I am assured that, in circumstances where historic offences have not been resolved, the investigations remain open and the Garda Authorities will, and do, follow up fully, on any new evidence or information that becomes available to them, whether that comes from the public, from other police services or from their own investigations.
I can also assure the Deputy that the Government is determined to fulfil our shared responsibilities as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement. The Programme for Government explicitly states our commitment to play our full part in legacy processes and to address the legacy of the conflict in this jurisdiction. As the Deputy will be aware, the Government at its meeting on 1 October formally approved the Joint Framework on the Legacy of the Troubles agreed with the British Government and announced on 19 September last. As part of this, the Government has committed to facilitating the cooperation of the relevant Irish authorities with the UK Legacy Commission, once established, to the fullest extent possible. The UK Government also commits to reciprocal cooperation by the UK authorities with investigations, inquests and inquiries on the same basis and in the same spirit.
As recognised in the Joint Framework investigations into Troubles-related incidents should be victim-centred. To further support this objective, the Garda Commissioner has committed to the establishment by the end of this year of a dedicated unit as a central point of contact for victims and families in relation to Troubles-related investigations undertaken by An Garda Síochána. An Garda Síochána has also committed, where possible, to endeavour to answer questions that a family may have in relation to the investigation of a Troubles-related incident and provide a report to the family. The provision of a family report may not prejudice an ongoing criminal investigation or prosecution. I am committed to keeping these arrangements under review.
51. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the plans to deliver more domestic violence shelters in Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54034/25]
View answerCombatting all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence and ensuring that victims and survivors receive the support and care they need is an absolute priority for me.
Since its establishment last year, Cuan has been working to accelerate the delivery of refuge spaces across the country.
Following a request from me, Cuan worked with services and partners to assess and review progress and identify a series of actions to accelerate delivery and to bring safe accommodation on stream as quickly as possible to meet the needs of those fleeing violence.
On foot of this review, completed in spring 2025, and following agreement with me, the following will be delivered:
• 52 new family refuge units by the end of 2026
• 45 new safe homes by the end of 2026
• 50 new units under construction by the end of 2026
At the outset of the zero-tolerance strategy there were 49 safe homes in place. Therefore, by the end of 2026 it is envisaged to have 94 safe homes and 193 refuge units completed bringing total safe accommodation to 287, with 50 further refuge units under construction.
Teach Tearmainn currently leads on the provision of refuge and safe home accommodation for victims and survivors of domestic and sexual abuse in County Kildare. Additionally, it provides children’s supports, outreach and court accompaniment services.
Cuan will continue its collaboration with Teach Tearmainn to develop their service provision to support those experiencing or fleeing domestic abuse.
While currently almost three quarters of the population in the State is within 30 minutes of a refuge location, Cuan is acutely aware of the need to improve on this, and to ensure that services are accessible to everyone living in rural and urban areas. Achieving this, including through the completion of a National Services Development Plan, is a core objective of Cuan’s Corporate Plan 2025-2027, which was published at the end of last year.
52. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of members of An Garda Síochána who have protection orders or barring orders against them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54225/25]
View answerUnder section 33 of the Policing Security and Community Safety Act 2024 the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána which includes all internal HR matters and the maintenance of Garda discipline. Under section 34 of the Act, the Commissioner is independent in the performance of his functions.
I have sought the information requested by the Deputy and I am advised by the Garda authorities that, as of 6 October 2025, there are currently 10 members of An Garda Síochána who have protection orders or barring orders against them.
53. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will provide a detailed cost breakdown of the modular units delivered at the Haywood site in Clonmel, specifically in relation to construction, site development and associated services; the consultations, if any, that are planned with residents living in the vicinity of the development since 328 Ukrainians have now been accommodated there; and the security arrangements in place going forward, having regard to concerns previously raised by this Deputy on this matter. [48001/25]
View answerWhile the site at Haywood, Clonmel has been completed and all 82 units now occupied by families fleeing the war in Ukraine, final costs for this site have not yet been signed off and agreed. There may be some final adjustments and amendments over the coming weeks before final figures can be agreed and published. As previously advised, full Rapid Build Programme costs are estimated to be in the region of €285.3m. I will be happy to provide definitive final costs for Haywood to the deputy when these are available.
Community engagement in respect of each of the Rapid Build sites has been extensive. As with other sites, my Department’s Community Engagement Team (CET) have been briefing local representatives in the Haywood area from the outset with the assistance of the Local Authority and the OPW.
Clear factual information prepared in co-ordination with the OPW, An Garda Síochána and the Local Authority, was delivered early in the process to each local home. This circulation was followed up with a public meeting on 24 July 2024, also attended by OPW, Sisk and CET members. In January of this year, a site visit was hosted for local elected representatives. More recently in April, the CET lead participated in a meeting, convened by the Local Authority, with key stakeholders in the development to discuss good co-operation on service delivery.
I am of course concerned at the incidents of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage that have taken place over the past couple of weeks. This is completely unacceptable and residents of Haywood can be assured that officials are pursuing these matters with the relevant agencies to ensure that appropriate responses are in place.
While security remained in situ for a number of weeks following occupation of the site, this was wound down and subsequently removed to allow residents to settle as has been the approach with all of our Rapid Build sites. Since the site was fully occupied, the Local Authority Integration Team (LAIT) have been engaging with residents on the site and provided information and support along with local Gardaí. Tuath continue to engage with residents and to escalate health and safety concerns as they arise. IOM are supporting the residents by collecting reports and providing translation where necessary. In addition, speed ramps were installed on 2nd October to reduce risks caused by speeding horses and carts.
The Department has met with An Garda Síochána and Tipperary County Council to address the impact of anti-social behaviour on the site, most recently on Monday 29th September where further measures were discussed with a view to curtailing antisocial behaviour in the area.
In the meantime, the local Gardaí and Tuath continue to monitor all anti-social behaviour at Haywood and residents are asked to continue to follow their advice.
54. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will amend the Criminal Law and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025 to provide for a complete ban on the use of counselling notes as evidence in criminal trials. [54200/25]
View answer77. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he is concerned that the potential continued use of counselling notes in criminal trials under The Criminal Law and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025 will deter victims of sexual violence from accessing counselling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54201/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 77 together.
I am advancing provisions to ensure that a victim’s counselling records can only be disclosed in court under very specific circumstances.
The disclosure of counselling records is a complex and highly sensitive balancing of individuals' rights, and I am committed to ensuring that legislative provisions balance the victim’s right to personal privacy and the accused person’s right to a fair trial.
In May, I secured Cabinet approval for the drafting of the General Scheme of the Criminal Law and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025. The General Scheme was before the Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for pre-legislative scrutiny on the 30th of September where the proposed amendments to the current legislative framework governing the disclosure of counselling records in criminal trials was extensively discussed, together with other provisions. Once the Committee’s report has been received, work on finalising the Bill will be prioritised.
The proposed legislation includes measures to ensure that counselling records are only disclosed where a court decides that not releasing them will result in an unfair trial, taking into account the rights of victims. To achieve this, it amends the existing legislation by requiring that a disclosure hearing takes place in all cases, removing the provision that allows for this vital judicial oversight to be waived.
Victims and survivors have made clear that they have felt compelled to agree to waive the disclosure hearing because of fears that not doing so would undermine their credibility as witnesses, and would delay the prosecution of the case.
Therefore, the amendment will ensure that the original intention of the legislation will apply, mandating courts to assess the relevance of any counselling records through a judicial process.
In each case, a judicial determination will be required before a counselling record can be disclosed. This will take into account factors such as whether this step is actually necessary for the accused to defend the charges against them in the particular case, as well as the need to protect the privacy of victims and to vindicate the public interest in encouraging victims of sexual offences to seek counselling.
The balancing of the right to a fair trial and the right to privacy in this context is necessary and has been acknowledged in recent Supreme Court judgments. The Attorney General has also advised that a total blanket ban on disclosure of counselling records risks infringing the constitutional right to a fair trial and likely lead to legal challenges, with convictions potentially being quashed as a result.
Once enacted, the operation of the legislation will be kept under review, as is the case with all criminal legislation, to ensure that it is achieving its intended purpose.
55. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of promotions to senior ranks which have occurred in An Garda Síochána since he became Minister; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53736/25]
View answerI am committed to supporting An Garda Síochána in its recruitment, retention, and leadership development efforts.
Under Section 33 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business.
Appointments to Garda ranks are matters for the Garda Commissioner under Sections 47 and 50 of the Act. Furthermore, under Section 34(1), the Garda Commissioner is independent in the performance of his functions.
Under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act (Appointment to the Ranks of Assistant Garda Commissioner, Chief Superintendent and Superintendent) Regulations 2025 (SI 113 of 2025) – competitions for vacancies at those senior ranks, named in the title, are now run by publicjobs, with appointments recommended by the Garda Board and made by the Commissioner.
I have sought the information from the Garda authorities regarding the number of promotions to senior ranks as referenced. I will write to the Deputy directly once this information is to hand.
56. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration following the launch of a new awareness campaign in September 2025 targeting the misuse of illegal fireworks, if he will consider additional measures in the coming years to address the prevalence of illegal fireworks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54150/25]
View answerI am well aware of the misery and distress the use of illegal fireworks can cause around this time of year. We also hear and see enough to know that they pose a real risk to the health and safety of young people, and the elderly and vulnerable. They also terrify family pets, service dogs and other animals.
My Department runs an annual awareness campaign which seeks to inform and educate the public about the serious dangers associated with fireworks and the penalties people can face for selling or using them. I was pleased to launch that campaign two weeks ago at the Dublin Fire Brigade Training Centre.
In addition to this awareness raising work in the run up to Halloween, An Garda Síochána through Operation Tombola operates a nationwide policing plan focused on the prevention and detection of the sale of fireworks and associated public order and anti-social behaviour issues during the Halloween period. It combats the importation, sale and distribution of illegal fireworks through intelligence-led operations, searches and seizures, as well as focusing on preventing associated public disorder and anti-social behaviour.
Over the past decade, under Operation Tombola, Gardaí have carried out 1,218 fireworks seizures to an estimated value of €225,000. These seizures have undoubtedly contributed to reducing the harm associated with the illegal use of fireworks. The penalties for importing, selling or using unlicensed fireworks are significant and Part 6 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 gives Gardaí power to arrest people found with unlicensed fireworks and sets out significant penalties on conviction, including fines up to €10,000 or up to five years' imprisonment for possession with intent to sell or supply.
These penalties, which can also apply to those convicted of throwing an ignited firework at a person or property, demonstrate the seriousness attached to breaches of the legislation governing the importation and use of fireworks.
I can further advise the Deputy that all pyrotechnics in Europe, including fireworks, fall under the EU Pyrotechnic Directive 2013/29/EU.
This Directive aims to provide free movement of fireworks throughout the EU and under Article 4 it permits Member States to restrict the availability of Category F2 and Category F3 fireworks to the general public.
The EU Commission are currently carrying out an evaluation of Directive 2013/29/EU to decide whether or not to carry out a full revision of this Directive. The outcome of this evaluation could be used to inform future decisions in relation to fireworks.
57. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the changes he will introduce to the accommodation recognition scheme in view of its impact on the private rental market, and the fact that landlords are using this scheme to avoid tenancy obligations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54043/25]
View answerThe Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) is a goodwill payment to recognise the contribution of hosts who have opened their homes to temporary protection beneficiaries from Ukraine. Over 40,500 persons who have fled the war in Ukraine are being accommodated in over 22,500 hosted accommodations with the support of this scheme.
ARP is not intended to substitute rent. It is not payable where there is a rental agreement in place between the host and the guest. According to research from the Irish Red Cross, the vast majority of hosts that avail of the ARP were never and have no future plans to be landlords.
I am aware of the concerns about the impact of the ARP scheme on the private rental market. Analysis carried out by the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) for the Minister for Housing suggests that some landlords could be diverting accommodation from the private rental sector to benefit from the ARP. It is difficult to reach definitive conclusions on the matter, given wider issues impacting housing supply.
I can, however, confirm that the Government agreed to a proposal brought jointly by the Minister for Housing and myself for the governing legislation to be amended to limit eligibility for the ARP to properties that are not rental properties with a view to safeguarding such accommodation for tenants.
This proposal follows the recent reduction in the ARP monthly contribution rate from €800 to €600 per month, which also sought to mitigate any unintended impact of the scheme on the private rental market.
58. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the efforts of his Department to address the misuse of e-scooters in residential areas. [54053/25]
View answerRoad traffic legislation is enforced as part of the day-to-day duties of members of An Garda Síochána. This includes a programme of high-visibility road safety and enforcement operations carried out in partnership with other State agencies. Our goal is to make our roads safer for all.
Legislation and policy concerning road traffic and road safety rests under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien TD. The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business, which includes all operational policing matters and is independent in these functions under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024.
Gardaí have, through various media and social media platforms, highlighted the dangers associated with the misuse of e-scooters.
In order to combat dangerous behaviour, intelligence is gathered at local level and areas are targeted as appropriate. Garda operations targeting the illegal use of those vehicles involve all members who are assigned to operational duties.
E-scooters can be legally used on public roads only if they meet the technical and usage requirements for the category. The safety requirements for e-scooters in Ireland are governed by S.I. No. 199/2024 - Road Traffic (Electric Scooters) Regulations 2024.
The requirements for an e-scooter to be used on public roads include that it must have a maximum design speed of 20 kilometres per hour or less, have a maximum continuous rated power output of 400 watts or less, and have a maximum net weight of 25 kilograms.
To enforce these regulations, Gardaí are deploying four testing units called dynamometers on a regional basis, with one unit assigned to each of the four Garda regions, including the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR).
This initiative is at proof-of-concept stage so Gardaí are not in a position to report on the number of tests conducted until the pilot is complete.
59. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration his plans for increasing the Garda training allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54039/25]
View answerThe 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, including changes to the Garda trainee allowance.
The Garda Trainee allowance increased from €305 to €354 per week with effect from 1 October 2024 and has increased by a total of €170 per week when compared with 2023.
Insofar as further increases to the allowance are concerned, these will be considered in the normal course in the context of the overall Garda recruitment situation.
The Deputy will also be aware that a Recruitment and Training Capacity Group was established in 2024 to support the achievement of increased recruitment.
The Group has now completed its work and its report has been published on my Department's website. Overall, the Group has concluded that the Government's recruitment plans are achievable but challenging.
The Group has recommended, inter alia, that research be conducted to gain further insights into the decision-making process of potential Garda recruits, to help inform further enhancements to the recruitment process. I expect that one of the issues that may be considered in this context is the Trainee allowance.
60. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to outline in detail the costs to An Garda Síochána of the visit of President Joe Biden in 2023. [50434/25]
View answerHigh level visits to Ireland are of significant importance in the development and maintenance of our relations with other States. Such visits are to be welcomed and offer important opportunities to us, as a small outward-looking country, for positive engagement with partners.
There is an obligation on the State to take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of every visiting dignitary, in line with risk assessment. Similar measures and courtesies are as a matter of course also extended to Ireland, when the President and members of Government travel on official visits to other States.
I have been advised by the Garda authorities that a cost of €31.86 million is recorded as incurred by An Garda Síochána in relation to the visit of the US President in April 2023 to Ireland.
A breakdown of this figure is provided below:
|
Cost |
€ millions |
|
Overtime |
22.20 |
|
Employer PRSI |
2.41 |
|
Unsocial Allowances |
1.87 |
|
Travel & Sub |
1.01 |
|
Operational Services, Supplies, and Sundry Equipment |
2.48 |
|
Digital Capital Infrastructure and IT Expenses |
0.26 |
|
Premises Expenses |
0.01 |
|
Clothing and Accessories |
0.30 |
|
Transport |
0.01 |
|
Communications and Other Equipment |
1.31 |
|
Total |
31.86 |
