Malcolm Byrne
Question:440. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the measures that are in place for cross-border and transnational checking as part of the Garda vetting process. [16081/26]
View answerAn Garda Síochána
Questions (440)
Written answers
I am advised by Garda authorities that vetting process is delivered in a standardised format to all organisations that request vetting. This approach reflects established international best practice and complies with the requirements of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016.
Where a vetting subject has provided a biographical history that indicates that the vetting subject has lived in Northern Ireland, the Garda National Vetting Bureau (GNVB) has a reciprocal arrangement in place with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). The PSNI conducts vetting in respect of these individuals and provides the GNVB with any convictions recorded in respect of the vetting subject.
In addition, since the 7 July 2025, the GNVB, in alignment with EU Directive 2011/93/EU and the Criminal Records (Exchange of Information) Act, 2019 through the European Criminal Records Information System (ECRIS), has introduced additional child protection checks with all EU Member States and the United Kingdom. These enhanced measures are part of an EU-wide initiative to strengthen the protection of children by facilitating the secure exchange of criminal record information, particularly concerning sexual offences, across borders in circumstances where the individual is seeking to work with children in Ireland.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (441, 442, 445, 446)
Sorca Clarke
Question:441. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of Gardaí currently assigned to all Garda stations in County Longford. [16088/26]
View answerSorca Clarke
Question:442. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of Gardaí currently assigned to all Garda stations in County Westmeath. [16089/26]
View answerSorca Clarke
Question:445. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of Gardaí deployed on the beat in Edgeworthstown, Granard, Ballymahon, Lanesborough, Newtownforbes and Longford town. [16092/26]
View answerSorca Clarke
Question:446. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Justice the number of Gardaí deployed on the beat in Mullingar, Athlone Town, Kinnegad, Moate and Kilbeggan. [16093/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 441, 442, 445 and 446 together.
An Garda Síochána publishes information in relation to the allocation of Gardaí nationally. This includes a breakdown of Gardaí assigned by Garda Stations from 2009 to the end of December 2025, the latest date for which figures are available. This can be found at the following link:
www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/human-resources-and-people-development/garda-hr-directorate/garda-strength-breakdown-2025/
The Deputy should select the most recently available date and then select the file titled ‘Garda Members by Division District Station 2009 to the most recent date" to access a breakdown of Garda members assigned by station.
The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána under section 33 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, which includes the distribution and stationing of Gardaí throughout the State.
Question No. 442 answered with Question No. 441.
Question No. 443 answered with Question No. 434.
Question No. 444 answered with Question No. 434.
Question No. 445 answered with Question No. 441.
Question No. 446 answered with Question No. 441.
Departmental Inquiries
Questions (447)
Michael Cahill
Question:447. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16160/26]
View answerWritten answers
I can advise the Deputy that if the room in question is contracted to the Department, it may not be used for other purposes.
However, if that room is not contracted, the owner is not contractually prevented from renting it separately. Eligibility for the associated Rent-a-Room tax relief is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners, who should be able to advise the owner as to their entitlements.
It would be unusual for my Department to contract rooms in a person's home as suggested in the information provided. The Deputy or the person concerned might write to my Department with further details if this answer does not address his question.
Aquaculture Industry
Questions (448)
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Question:448. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of aquaculture licence determinations issued by the Department in 2022, 2023 and 2024 respectively; to provide a breakdown of how many of these were new licence applications or licence renewals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15665/26]
View answerWritten answers
My Department considers all applications for aquaculture licences in accordance with the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act, the 1933 Foreshore Act and applicable national and EU legislation. The licensing process is complex and involves consultation with a wide range of scientific and technical advisers as well as various Statutory Consultees. The legislation also provides for a period of public consultation. Decisions in respect of aquaculture licence applications are only taken following the fullest consideration of all consultations and public interest elements of each application, including environmental considerations.
The number of aquaculture licence determinations made by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in 2022, 2023 and 2024 (new and renewals) are provided in the table below:
|
Year |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
New applications determined |
34 |
4 |
0 |
|
Renewal applications determined |
3 |
1 |
3
|
Animal Welfare
Questions (449)
Brian Brennan
Question:449. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider legislation to make it illegal to give away live animals for prizes to stop animal suffering, like was introduced in Scotland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15736/26]
View answerWritten answers
The selling or supplying of pet animals is regulated by the Animal Health and Welfare (Sale or Supply of Pet Animals) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 681/2019).
These Regulations put into law certain requirements for sellers and suppliers of pet animals, including minimum ages for sale of certain mammals; record-keeping; registration with the Department; and the provision of certain information about the pet being advertised.
Under these regulations, anyone who sells or supplies 6 or more pet animals in a year must register with my Department. There is a voluntary Code of Practice for sellers and suppliers of pet animals, available on DAFM website, which provides guidance to sellers and suppliers of pet animal as part of their care and management of those animals.
The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 (No. 15 of 2013) obliges anyone who has an animal in their possession or control, to safeguard the animal’s health and welfare.
All reports of alleged animal cruelty or neglect received by my Department are fully investigated and appropriate action is taken.
My Department operates a confidential animal welfare helpline through which members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect for investigation. The dedicated email address and helpline in place for reporting suspected cases of animal welfare are:
Helpline Phone No: 01 607 2379.
Email address - animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie
Departmental Inquiries
Questions (450)
Naoise Ó Muirí
Question:450. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions his Department is taking to tackle an issue (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15792/26]
View answerWritten answers
I am aware of the issue to which the Deputy refers.
Animal welfare is a key priority for me as Minister and for the Government. My Department strongly condemns the mistreatment of any animal and takes the matter of animal welfare most seriously. Neglect of or causing unnecessary suffering to animals is not acceptable in our society.
My Department is committed to the continued robust enforcement of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, which provides a modern framework for regulating and applying standards in the area of animal health and welfare. In this regard, my Department and authorised officers appointed under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, including An Garda Síochána, Customs agents, local authorities and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) undertake appropriate enforcement action, where breaches or shortcomings are identified.
The welfare of equines is protected by legislation and there is a commitment in the Programme for Government to build on existing inspectorate supports across the country, ensuring a consistent approach to dealing with horse welfare. It must be emphasised that primary responsibility for the health and welfare of equines lies with the owner or keeper.
In December 2025, my Department provided funding of almost €6.5 million to 94 animal welfare charities throughout the country, under the Animal Welfare Grants programme. Of that figure, just over €4 million was awarded to charities involved in the care and welfare of horses.
The use of sulkies on public roads, as with the use of all vehicles, including animal-drawn vehicles, is governed by the relevant provisions of the Roads and Road Traffic Acts. Matters in connection with this legislation are a matter for my colleague the Minister for Transport. In addition, the drivers of all vehicles used on public roads, including horse-drawn carriages, are required to comply with road traffic legislation and to behave in a safe manner paying due care to other road users. The enforcement of such road traffic legislation is a matter for An Garda Síochána.
My Department operates a confidential animal welfare helpline through which members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect for investigation. The dedicated email address and helpline in place for reporting suspected cases of animal welfare are:
Helpline Phone No: 01 607 2379.
Email address - animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie