Written Answers Nos. 811-830
814. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if the analysis carried out by the Residential Tenancies Board on behalf of the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage found that the accommodation recognition payment is having a significant impact on the private rental market; if data supporting this finding will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63761/25]
View answer815. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration when the findings of the analysis carried out by the Residential Tenancies Board for the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage, on the impact of the accommodation recognition payment on the private rental market will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63762/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 814 and 815 together.
I can confirm to the Deputy that research has been undertaken for the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on the impact of the Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) scheme on the private rental market. My Department has facilitated the transfer of anonymised ARP data to assist in that research.
The analysis, which was 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 any definitive conclusions on the matter, given wider issues impacting housing supply.
There is ongoing engagement between officials in this Department and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in respect of proposed changes to the ARP scheme that were approved recently by the Government. These change will limit eligibility to the ARP scheme to properties that have not previously been registered with the RTB. Work is underway in conjunction with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to draft the required amendments which will be published in the forthcoming Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill.
The question of publication of the analysis referred to is a matter for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
823. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if her Department has conducted a review of identity verification procedures used in deportation and asylum cases, following recent reports of individuals successfully avoiding deportation through the use of aliases. [63773/25]
View answer825. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if biometric identification (fingerprint or facial recognition) is currently used to verify identity before deportation; and if not, whether his Department plans to implement such technology to prevent fraudulent alias use. [63775/25]
View answer826. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his Department shares deportation and identity information in real time with An Garda Síochána, the Department of Social Protection and the section of his Department responsible for integration; and if not, the reason such data-sharing has not been automated. [63776/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 823, 825 and 826 together.
It is a central priority for me 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 and to ensure that there is confidence in the application of our legislation in this area.
The establishment of a person’s identity and nationality is an important feature of our immigration process.
When a person makes an application for international protection, they are photographed and have their fingerprints taken. These fingerprints are then checked against the EURODAC database, an EU-wide immigration database which stores the fingerprints of asylum applicants and those who have crossed borders illegally.
My Department also works closely with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), who are responsible for the enforcement of deportation orders, including with respect to identity verification. I can further advise the Deputy that my Department has a data sharing agreement with the Department of Social Protection. Information on each person issued with a deportation order is shared with the Department of Social Protection prior to the issuance of the order.
I can also advise the Deputy that prior to a deportation, my Department will ensure that biometric checks are conducted with the return country in the absence of identity documents for the person being returned.
824. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of deportation orders issued in each of the past five years; the number actually enforced; and the measures in place to monitor persons who abscond or provide false identities. [63774/25]
View answerIt is a central priority for me 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 and to ensure that there is confidence in the application of our legislation in this area.
Deportations are costly and complex to enforce. It is the preferred option to return people voluntarily and my Department has a voluntary return programme to assist people to return prior to the issuance of a deportation order. A person can only avail of voluntary return before a deportation order is issued and I have increased resources into this programme to enable people who wish to return before a deportation order is issued to them.
In 2024, 934 people left Ireland by way of voluntary return. This year 1,393 people have left Ireland by way of voluntary return up to 14 November 2025, which is an increase of 92% compared to the same period in 2024.
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, and my Department has taken action to significantly improve immigration enforcement measures and increase removals. The number of deportation orders signed in 2024 (2,403) increased by 180% compared to 2023 (857). This year 4,206 deportation orders have been signed up to 14 November 2025.
So far in 2025, six charter flight operations have removed 205 people from the State. Of these, five operations to non-EU destinations removed 182 people who were subject to deportation orders and one operation removed 23 EU citizens on grounds of criminality.
As Ireland does not operate routine exit checks at Irish borders, it is not possible to confirm in all instances that a person has departed. A person is only recorded as being deported when their deportation has been enforced by An Garda Síochána or when officials have been provided with evidence that they have left Ireland.
Accordingly, these figures do not take account of individuals whose departure has not been confirmed.
The tables below detail information in relation to deportations in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, up to 14 November 2025.
Table 1. Deportation orders signed from 2020 to 14 November 2025
|
Year |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025* |
|
Deportation orders signed |
598 |
33 |
549 |
859 |
2,403 |
4,206 |
* to 14/11/2025
Please note, figures are correct at time of issue, however, all statistics may be subject to data cleansing.
Table 2. Deportation Enforcement 2020 to 14 November 2025
|
Year |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025* |
|
Enforced Deportations |
42 |
5 |
24 |
51 |
134 |
155 |
|
Removed by Charter |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
182 |
|
Otherwise Confirmed Deportation (1) |
97 |
33 |
93 |
28 |
28 |
49 |
|
Total Deportations |
139 |
38 |
117 |
79 |
162 |
386 |
|
Other Removals (2) |
40 |
46 |
39 |
24 |
26 |
50 |
|
Number of Voluntary Returns |
201 |
132 |
91 |
215 |
934 |
1,393 |
|
Total Removed |
380 |
216 |
247 |
318 |
1,122 |
1,829 |
* to 14/11/2025
** * During the COVID- 19 Pandemic there was a moratorium on deportations. This was effective during the latter part of 2020, 2021 and for the first 8 months of 2022. During the moratorium only persons who whose presence in Ireland would be contrary to the public interest were deported. This moratorium was lifted in July 2022.
Please note, figures are correct at time of issue, however, all statistics may be subject to data cleansing.
1. Otherwise confirmed deportations is where it has been confirmed a person has left the state following receipt of a deportation order without being escorted.
2. Other removals include Dublin III Transfer Orders of International Protection applicants to another EU State and EU Removal Orders for the return of EU Citizens under the Free Movement Regulations (these orders are made on grounds of criminality) and people who are deemed inadmissible under the International Protection Act.
While over 300 of the people subject to deportation orders above have confirmed they have left the State independently since 2020, it is the case that a significantly larger number of individuals who were subject to Deportation Orders have left the State without notifying the relevant authorities.
I am informed that the Garda National Immigration Bureau has reviewed a large sample of cases of persons subject to deportation orders; their inquiries suggest a very significant number of these individuals have left the State.
827. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of prosecutions brought in the past three years for providing false or misleading information during asylum, visa, or deportation processes; and whether legislative amendments are being considered to increase penalties for such offences. [63777/25]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that prosecutions are a matter for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and as Minister I have no role in the operations of that Office, nor does my Department have statistics on prosecutions brought on the grounds referred to. Legislation in the field of immigration and other relevant areas is kept under ongoing review.
828. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to support a club (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63793/25]
View answerAt the outset, it is important to note that, as Minister, I do not comment on individual Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) applications.
Since the closure of the programme, my Department has continued to process and submit applications to the Evaluation Committee for consideration and recommendation.
My Department issued correspondence to IIP project owners earlier this year, advising that the Evaluation Committee had agreed to afford projects a final chance to provide further information before they proceed to make a final decision. Only information submitted before that deadline, which has now passed, will be considered by the Evaluation Committee. No further opportunity will be provided thereafter.
My Department is committed to ensuring that all applications will be examined on their own merits and will endeavour to conclude all decisions in a timely manner.
I can advise you that further details concerning the processing of outstanding IIP applications is published on the Immigration Service website of my Department, including an FAQ document. Both can be accessed at the following link: www.irishimmigration.ie/processing-of-iip-applications-on-hand-following-the-closure-of-the-programme/.
829. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if there is a medical and special unit for mentally disordered challenging prisoners at Limerick Prison; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63819/25]
View answerThere are currently no medical or special units for people in custody in Limerick Prison who have a diagnosis of a mental disorder and who present with behaviour that challenges.
All people committed to prison are subject to a comprehensive medical assessment by the Prison Healthcare Team, which includes a mental health assessment. The information provided as part of this process is recorded on the person’s individual medical record on the Prison Healthcare Management System (PHMS). This information allows for the development of an individual healthcare plan for the prisoner while in custody. Where necessary, the person is referred to a forensic clinician or IPS psychologist or both. Medical and/or psychological treatment is provided as clinically indicated.
People in custody with a diagnosis of major mental disorder, in addition to those with other mental health needs, are supported on an ongoing basis by the Irish Prison Service Primary Healthcare team and Psychology Service. People with major mental disorder are also supported by in-reach psychiatric services, provided by the HSE’s National Forensic Mental Health Service. This involves the provision of weekly forensic mental health sessions led by consultant forensic psychiatrists, supported by non-consultant hospital doctors, community psychiatric nurses, and social workers.
At the current time, Limerick Prison is the only closed prison in the estate without in-reach support from the HSE's National Forensic Mental Health Service. Multi-agency meetings are held weekly to discuss the healthcare and operational needs for people in custody in Limerick Prison who present with higher needs, at higher risk, including those with major mental disorder. People in custody are accommodated within Limerick Prison based on decisions made at these meetings.
The Irish Prison Service have advised that the HSE are currently recruiting for the National Forensic Mental Health Service in reach team for Limerick Prison.
830. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of sanctioned psychologist posts, by prison including the number of vacant posts, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63820/25]
View answerThe role of the Psychology Service in the Irish Prison Service is to develop, deliver and manage an integrated mental health and criminogenic needs assessment and treatment service for people in custody, in line with service plans and objectives, and within established professional standards, guidelines and policy.
Psychologists are employed directly by the Irish Prison Service. The Irish Prison Psychology Service has the following authorised posts: a Head of Service, a Principal Psychologist Manager, a Principal Specialist Psychologist, 14 Senior Psychologists, 23.4 Staff Grade Psychologists and 14 Assistant Psychologists. The latter is a fixed term contract unqualified grade.
The Psychology Service has engaged in a concerted effort to improve the recruitment and retention of Psychologists. A recruitment campaign for Psychologists recently concluded, resulting in the formation of a panel and it is anticipated that the current psychologist vacancies will be filled from this panel.
Table 1 attached shows the number of sanctioned psychologists post broken down by prison. Table 2 attached shows the number of current vacant psychologists post broken down by prison.
Table 1. Number of sanctioned Psychologist posts by Prison
|
Prison |
Head of Psychology |
Principal Psychologist Manager |
Principal Specialist (SVP) |
Senior Psychologist |
Senior Psychologist Specialist (Senior SVP) |
Staff Grade Psychologist |
Assistant Psychologist |
|
Arbour Hill |
|
1 |
1 |
|
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Castlerea |
|
|
|
1 |
|
2 |
1 |
|
Loughan House |
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
Cloverhill |
|
|
|
1 |
|
1.4 |
1 |
|
Shelton Abbey |
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
Cork |
|
|
|
1 |
|
2 |
1 |
|
Mountjoy Female |
|
|
|
1 |
|
.6 |
1 |
|
Limerick Female |
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
Limerick Male |
|
|
|
1 |
|
1 |
1 |
|
Mountjoy Male |
|
|
|
1 |
|
4 |
2 |
|
Training Unit |
|
|
|
|
|
.4 |
|
|
Midlands |
|
|
|
1 |
|
3 |
3 |
|
Midlands NVRU |
|
|
|
1 |
2 |
1 |
|
|
Portlaosie |
|
|
|
1 |
|
1 |
1 |
|
Wheatfield |
|
|
|
1 |
|
3 |
2 |
|
IPSC |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
HQ |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
1 |
1 |
1 |
11 |
3 |
23.4 |
14 |
Table 2: Number of vacant Psychologist posts by Prison
|
Prison |
Head of Psychology |
Principal Psychologist Manager |
Principal Specialist (SVP) |
Senior Psychologist |
Senior Psychologist Specialist (Senior SVP) |
Staff Grade Psychologist |
Assistant Psychologist |
|
Arbour Hill |
|
1 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
Castlerea |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
Loughan House |
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
Cloverhill |
|
|
|
|
|
1.4 |
|
|
Shelton Abbey |
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
Cork |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mountjoy Female |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Limerick Female |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Limerick Male |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mountjoy Male |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Training Unit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Midlands |
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
Midlands NVRU |
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
Portlaosie |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wheatfield |
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
IPSC |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
HQ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
1 |
|
1 |
|
8.4 |
|
