Written Answers Nos. 658-677
658. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Question No. 831 of 4 February 2026 if the necessary information has been provided to him from Garda Authorities to answer this question. [16496/26]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is taking longer than anticipated for An Garda Síochána to compile. I apologise for the delay and will respond directly to the Deputy as soon as the information is to hand.
659. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to introduce a bridging right to work for international graduates (details supplied) on Stamp 1G who have submitted valid, in-time extension applications, similar to maintained status in Canada, Section 3C leave in the United Kingdom, Bridging Visa A in Australia, and interim visa arrangements in New Zealand. [16514/26]
View answerThe Third Level Graduate Programme was developed for international students to seek graduate level employment and to apply for an employment permit through the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (DETE). The purpose of the programme is to ensure that such students are making genuine efforts to access suitable graduate level employment.
When a graduate has completed their studies in Ireland and gained an award at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), they may qualify for a Stamp 1G under the Third Level Graduate Programme for 12 months. Where an individual receives an award at Level 9 NFQ or above, they may qualify for a further extension of 12 months, subject to the overall limit of eight years on student conditions that applies.
This period on the Stamp 1G immigration permission is to provide the graduate and any prospective employer an opportunity to make an application for an employment permit to the DETE. If that application is successful, the graduate can register on a Stamp 1 immigration permission.
The cohort cited by the Deputy relates to people who are seeking a temporary extension of their immigration permission when they have exhausted the maximum time permitted under the Third Level Graduate Programme. Such an application is categorised as an application for an Extension of Student Conditions (ESTC). Almost 9,000 people applied for an ESTC in the last two years, with over 4,000 of those requesting access to employment without an employment permit.
This route is intended for genuinely exceptional circumstances such as where students experience severe illness or accidents in the State, or where they could not return home during the Covid-19 pandemic and needed to work to support themselves. It is not intended for students or graduates who fail to secure an employment permit.
A temporary permission to work is not available whilst an ESTC application is being examined, nor are there any plans to introduce such a permission as suggested by the Deputy.
An application for an employment permit is the established route for individuals who wish to work beyond the expiry of their stamp 1G permission. It is the responsibility of the student or graduate to allow sufficient time to apply for an employment permit before their existing immigration permission expires.
660. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to list all schemes, funding programmes, capital funds, grant streams or other expenditure headings administered by his Department in 2025 and 2026 which result in allocations, awards, or spending that can be identified with a specific geographical location including county, district, town, or project site, to group these by funding stream or programme heading; to indicate, for each scheme, whether details of allocations or awards are published online; and if so, where such information may be accessed. [16555/26]
View answerIn December, I negotiated €2.18 billon under the National Development Plan Review to support major capital projects in the Justice sector from 2026-2030. The funding will support increased prison capacity, the opening of new Garda stations and new courthouses, further investment in the National Cyber Security Centre and the delivery of key technology for An Garda Síochána, the Department of Justice and the wider justice sector. Full details of my Department’s capital plan are available in the Justice Sectoral Investment Plan, which is published here: [assets.gov.ie/static/documents/72c5df9c/NDP_Sectoral_Investment_Plan-JusticeSector.pdf]
My Department also provides funding to a range of organisations including community and voluntary sector organisations through various funding streams and programmes. These organisations provide important services in many areas across the justice sector including youth justice services, crime prevention, supporting victims of crime, migrant integration, community safety and cybersecurity.
Responsibility for migrant integration funding transferred to my Department from the Department of Children, Disability and Equality in May 2025 with the transfer of the International Protection Accommodation Service, Integration and Ukraine Division (Vote 40).
Details of the various funding streams administered by my Department are provided below.
Community Safety Fund 2025
The Community Safety Fund (CSF) redirects proceeds of crime seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and An Garda Síochána back into communities. In 2025, the CSF funded applications of over €4.4 million, which was a 33% increase on the €3 million awarded in 2024
In October 2025, I announced details of the 42 community projects which were funded under the CSF 2025. Details of these projects, including a geographic breakdown are provided in here: [www.gov.ie/en/department-of-justice-home-affairs-and-migration/press-releases/minister-jim-ocallaghan-announces-allocation-of-over-4-million-from-proceeds-of-crime-to-42-community-projects-across-the-country/]
Victims of Crime Fund 2025
Each year, my Department makes funding available to support the work of organisations that specifically help victims of crime, under the Victims of Crime Fund. Previously, organisations assisting victims of domestic, sexual or gender-based violence (DSGBV) received funding under this Fund. These are now funded through Cuan, the national DSGBV agency, which was established in January 2024.
In 2024, my Department invited applications for 2025 Victims of Crime funding from registered charities, voluntary community groups, and other organisations which provide services to support victims in the criminal justice system.
Applicants included organisations that provide support, information and advice on the rights of victims, outreach work, court accompaniment and crime victim helplines. Details of awards under this Fund were announced in March 2025 and published online here: [www.gov.ie/en/department-of-justice-home-affairs-and-migration/press-releases/minister-ocallaghan-announces-funding-for-organisations-supporting-victims-of-crime/]
A geographic breakdown of the funding awarded under this Fund has been provided in Table 1 in the attached appendix.
Youth Justice Interventions
Youth Diversion Projects (YDPs) are community-based multi-agency crime prevention initiatives. They divert young people who have become involved in crime or antisocial behaviour and support wider preventative work within the community and with families at risk.
There are currently 94 YDPs in operation across the State providing nationwide coverage. For 2026, the funding allocated to overall Youth Justice Services increased to €41.4 million.
In general, funding for Youth Justice projects is provided on an ongoing basis to existing projects without the need to invite applications for funding. However, when new Youth Justice projects are being established, and following approval from my colleague, the Minister of State with responsibility for International Law, Law Reform, and Youth Justice Niall Collins, advertisements for expressions of interest are published to invite proposals from community and youth service organisations to establish new projects in the selected areas.
A geographic breakdown of funding for YDPs has been provided in the Table 2 in the attached appendix.
NCC-IE Cyber Security Improvement Grant
In 2024, the NCC-IE-FSTP Grant Scheme was established by the National Cyber Security Centre to support Irish small and medium companies to implement changes in their IT systems to increase cybersecurity. This support aligns with my Department's strategic objective of developing our national cyber resilience capabilities.
The grant scheme hosted three rounds; in October 2024, January 2025, and June 2025 respectively. Over all three rounds the NCC-IE received 116 applications for funding and awarded a total of 50 grants, for a total amount of approximately €1.7 million.
Full details of the funding awards, including a geographic breakdown are provided in the grant Evaluation Report, published by the NCSC in February 2026 here: [www.ncsc.gov.ie/ncc-ie/grants_for_SMEs/SME_Cyber_Security_Improvement_Grant_Report_2025%20v1.3.pdf]
Integration Fund 2025
In July 2025, my colleague Minister of State for Migration, Colm Brophy, announced a fund of €3.6 million would be made available under the 2025 Integration Fund. The Fund helps enable community organisations across Ireland to play a greater role in promoting the integration of migrants.
The Integration Fund combines two previously run funds – the International Protection Integration Fund (IPIF) and the Communities Integration Fund (CIF). Since their inception, both funds have provided close to €10 million in funding to over 1,000 projects across the country.
In November 2025, it was announced that 117 community-based projects would be awarded funding under the Fund. Details of these projects, including a geographic breakdown, are provided here: [www.gov.ie/en/department-of-justice-home-affairs-and-migration/news/117-projects-to-be-funded-under-the-2025-integration-fund/]
National Integration Fund 2023
The National Integration Fund (NIF) supports communities across Ireland to play a greater role in promoting the integration of migrants at a national or regional level. Approximately €850,000 is committed per year; funding can be used for both once-off initiatives and projects that run for 1-3 years. NIF 2023 results were announced in April 2024, with 18 projects being awarded grants with a combined total of over €2.8 million over a three-year period. The next NIF funding call is scheduled for 2026.
A geographic breakdown of funding administered under the NIF 2023 has been provided in Table 3 in the attached appendix.
Ireland Against Racism Fund 2025
In July 2025, Minister of State Brophy also announced that €1.5 million in funding would be provided under the 2025 Ireland Against Racism Fund (IARF). The IARF enables non-government and community organisations to provide national and regional projects and local initiatives that combat racism and promote racial equality.
In December, it was announced that 37 community organisations were awarded funding under the IARF. Details of these organisations, including a geographic breakdown, are provided here: [www.gov.ie/en/department-of-justice-home-affairs-and-migration/press-releases/minister-of-state-colm-brophy-announces-37-projects-to-be-supported-under-the-ireland-against-racism-fund-2025/]
Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) and European Social Fund Plus (ESF+)
My Department also operates a number of EU funding schemes related to migration and integration.
My Department is the Managing Authority of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) and beneficiary of the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) Integration and Employment of Migrants Action (IEM).
The AMIF provides reception and integration supports to International Protection applicants, beneficiaries of Temporary Protection, and other third-country nationals in Ireland. The Integration and Employment of Migrants (IEM) stream of the EIST 2021-2027 Programme is aimed at legally resident migrants who are experiencing barriers to participation and employment because of language difficulties, lack of training or social exclusion.
In February 2025, the 2025 AMIF Open Call for Proposals was announced by what was then the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration & Youth. One nationwide organisation, Spirasi, was awarded €1.5 million to provide rehabilitative services and other supports for survivors of torture residing in Ireland.
In July 2025, the 2025 ESF+ Open Call was announced by Minister of State Brophy. In December, it was announced that €2.7 million in funding had been awarded for 8 projects that will increase the employability of people who moved here as migrants. Details of these projects, including their geographic breakdown, are provided here: [www.gov.ie/en/department-of-justice-home-affairs-and-migration/press-releases/minister-of-state-for-migration-colm-brophy-announces-funding-for-eight-projects-supporting-the-integration-and-employment-of-people-who-have-moved-here-as-migrants/]#
661. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide the web link to his Department’s Q4 2025 published report of purchase orders/payments over €20,000, in line with the FOI model publication scheme requirements; the date on which this report was published; and if it has not yet been published, the planned publication date. [16573/26]
View answer662. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to confirm, in respect of his Department’s published quarterly reports of procurement-related payments or purchase orders over €20,000 (details supplied), where such reports are published in PDF format but originate from an Excel or similar spreadsheet file, that the underlying data was fully expanded and validated prior to conversion so that all columns including supplier names and descriptions are fully visible and readable in the published document; to clarify whether any quality assurance process is applied to ensure that data is not truncated or partially obscured in the PDF version; and where the source file exists in machine-readable format, whether his Department will make the original Excel or CSV file available alongside the PDF in the interest of transparency, accessibility and data re-use. [16590/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 661 and 662 together.
In line with an action in the Public Service Reform Plan (2011), my Department publishes all purchase orders (PO) of €20,000 or over on its website. These reports, including for Q4 2025, are available here: [www.gov.ie/en/department-of-justice-home-affairs-and-migration/collections/department-of-justice-purchase-orders-issued-over-20000-in-value/].
The PO reports show a reference number, supplier name, value of order raised in relevant quarter, description, total value of the order and confirmation if the order has been fully paid (Y), partially paid (P) or not yet paid (N).
Prior to Q3 2025, my Department published the PO report in PDF format only. My Department now publishes the report in PDF format and machine readable Excel format in the interest of transparency, accessibility and data re-use. A quality assurance exercise is undertaken during the production of each report to ensure the data is not truncated or partially obscured when converted from Excel into PDF format.
663. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether he or his Department was informed in advance by British authorities about the introduction of live facial recognition technology at Holyhead. [16620/26]
View answerIreland and the United Kingdom (UK) share a common interest in the effective operation of the Common Travel Area (CTA) and work together to prevent any abuses of the CTA.
There is extensive engagement, cooperation and information sharing at all levels between my Department’s officials and their Home Office counterparts, as well as significant operational cooperation between the Gardaí, UK Border Force, UK policing services and the Police Service of Northern Ireland in relation to both immigration and criminal matters.
This strong practical engagement and cooperation serves the mutual interests of both Ireland and the UK, and will continue. I can confirm that my officials were advised of the proposed trial of the technology at Holyhead port.
While it is in the nature of that cooperation that both parties keep each other apprised of relevant developments in relation to the management of their respective immigration arrangements, immigration measures implemented by the UK are entirely a matter for the UK authorities.
664. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if Britain will continue to be designated as a safe third country following the enactment of the International Protection Bill 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16669/26]
View answerSection 220 of the International Protection Bill allows the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to designate a country as a safe third country following an assessment of relevant information and subject to the criteria set out in the section regarding the protection of rights in the safe third country.
Subject to that assessment and consideration of the statutory criteria, It is my intention to make an order designating the UK as a safe third country under section 220 once the Bill is enacted. That designation will apply to international protection applications made once the International Protection Act 2026 becomes operational on 12 June.
The designation of the UK as a safe third country under the 2015 Act will continue to apply to applications made under that Act before 12 June.
665. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he is currently in negotiations or discussions with any campaign or group of asylum applicants who have received deportation orders; if he will detail what these negotiations or discussions are about, and what is being sought; and if he will ensure that the law is implemented in each situation. [16681/26]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that I have not met any groups or taken part in any negotiations or discussions in this regard.
666. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether his Department has issued any policy guidance, circulars, statutory codes or administrative instructions concerning the classification and statistical reporting of offences under section 24 of the Protected Disclosures (Amendment) Act 2022; whether his Department has undertaken any review of the adequacy of national reporting mechanisms for such offences since enactment; and whether legislative amendment is under consideration. [16704/26]
View answer667. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the statistical and reporting framework relied upon by his Department for compiling figures on referrals and prosecutions under section 24 of the Protected Disclosures (Amendment) Act 2022; whether those figures are drawn from offences recorded under a distinct legislative code within national reporting systems; and whether he is satisfied that current categorisation arrangements ensure complete and accurate reporting to the Oireachtas. [16705/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 666 and 667 together.
Section 24 of the Protected Disclosures (Amendment) Act 2022, inserted Section 14A into the Protected Disclosures Act 2014. Section 14A makes it an offence for any person to hinder, or attempt to hinder, a worker in making a report, penalise, or threaten to penalise, a reporting person, bring vexatious proceedings against a reporting person, breach the confidentiality of a reporting person, provide false information or fail to comply with the requirement in section 6(3), to establish, maintain and operate internal reporting channels and procedures referred to in the said section 6(3).
Any person who suspects that an offence has been committed under Section 14A should make a report to An Garda Síochána.
The Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitisation is the lead Department on protected disclosure legislation and provides guidance on all protected disclosure processes.
Section 22(1) of the Protected Disclosures Act provides that every public body, prescribed person and the Protected Disclosures Commissioner shall provide information to the Minister for Public Expenditure on the number of the reports of wrongdoing received in the preceding calendar year. My Department complies with Department of Public Expenditure’s reporting requirements, which does not include reporting under Section 14A of the Act.
668. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the reason a company (details supplied) was paid more in asylum accommodation payments for the last quarter of 2025 than it was in the last quarter of 2024, given that the State purchased both the Citywest Hotel and Convention Centre, which make up the greater part of the accommodation supplied by the former owner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16839/26]
View answer669. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the way the State's purchase of the Citywest Hotel and Convention Centre can be justified as a saving in public funding given that the former owners continue to be paid for the provision of accommodation, and at a higher level than before the sale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16840/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 668 and 669 together.
The purchase of Citywest Hotel and Convention Centre was completed in August 2025. State-owned centres like Citywest are part of the Government’s long-term plan to reduce reliance on private accommodation providers, resulting in better value for money of public funds and a more efficient international protection system.
The purchase was approved following an extensive due diligence process, including appropriate survey, legal review, and independent valuation, in line with the Government Infrastructure Guidelines. These guidelines set out the value for money guidelines for the evaluation, planning and management of public investment projects, including purchase or acquisitions of assets or shareholdings, in Ireland.
It is not the case that the contracted nightly rate being paid to the provider is higher since the transfer of ownership to the State. I assure the Deputy that the savings to the State in relation to this purchase are considerable.
We are moving from a status of leasing the whole site, and paying for day-to-day services, to a model where the site is State owned, with ongoing costs for accommodation provisions services to residents.
Since the purchase, a transitional service agreement is in place for the provision of accommodation and related services on the site, which now covers both the Hotel and the Convention Centre. Prior to the purchase services for Hotel and the Convention Centre were contracted separately.
While the Department treats details of contracts and rate as commercially sensitive, the nightly contracted cost for accommodation post-purchase represents improved value for money for the State.
In addition, as both payment systems and publication of payments have been subject to an ongoing transfer of functions to this Department in 2025, payments published during 2025 do not yet reflect the reduction in contracted costs arising from the purchase process.
The purchase of the site and overall expenditure on accommodation will form part of the 2025 Appropriation Account in due course, which will be subject to audit by the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG).
670. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to confirm when a citizenship application will be completed, in view that the application (details supplied) was first lodged in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16874/26]
View answerThe naturalisation application referred to by the Deputy has been approved and is listed as awaiting an invitation to attend a Citizenship Ceremony.
I am pleased to say that the next Citizenship Ceremonies will take place on 14 & 15 April at the INEC Killarney.
The Citizenship Division have confirmed that the applicant will be invited to attend a ceremony on either the 14 or 15 April. The invitation will be issued at the earliest opportunity.
All invitees attending a Citizenship Ceremony should ensure that they have an up to date IRP Card that provides details of their permission to remain in the State on the date of the ceremony.
Information on Citizenship Ceremonies is available on my Department’s website here: [www.irishimmigration.ie/how-to-become-a-citizen/citizenship-ceremonies/]
Applicants can now directly check the status of their immigration application on the Immigration Service’s Customer Service Portal. They can register for, or log in to their existing account, at: [portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/]
As an Oireachtas member, you can also request the status of individual immigration cases by e-mail, using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process.
671. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he can ensure officials finalise a contract and payment through the Ukrainian accommodation scheme (details supplied). [16882/26]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that officials from my Department are in contact with the person concerned and hope to resolve outstanding matters as soon as possible. The delay in completing the contract and making the associated payments is regretted.
672. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Question No. 746 of 24 February 2026, the number of instances where concerns regarding a renewal application were raised by his officials; the number of in-person renewals that were conducted to assess original copies of documents before completing the application; the number of instances where it was found that someone has presented fraudulent documentation relating to their online renewal and an investigation was initiated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16893/26]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that there are, and always have been, robust verification measures in place for online applications for the renewal of immigration residence permissions.
Based on an applicant’s immigration stamp type, they are required to supply a comprehensive list of documentation, as well as pay a €300 registration fee in most cases.
All documents submitted are checked and validated by officials in my Department for each online renewal application. If there are concerns regarding a renewal application, officials may directly contact employers, education providers, medical insurance providers, or any other relevant providers to verify the validity of a document provided, and may also arrange for an in-person renewal to assess original copies of documents before completing the application.
If Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) of my Department become aware that someone has presented fraudulent documentation relating to their online renewal, then ISD will investigate each individual case accordingly. In such instances, their registration will be refused and details will be provided to An Garda Síochána.
Further information on the renewal process as well as the list of documents required for each stamp type are available on the ISD website at the following link: [www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/how-to-register-your-immigration-permission-for-the-first-time/required-documents/]
Statistics on the number of relevant cases requested by the Deputy is not readily available. To source such information would require the manual examination of thousands of cases. Such an examination would require a disproportionate amount of time to compile and would deflect resources from processing applications for first-time registration and immigration permission renewals.
673. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to confirm that his Department have carried out a full review of the possible future use of the Old Cork Prison which is now vacant for a number of years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16972/26]
View answerI have secured a record capital investment of €527 million for the Irish Prison Service over the next 5 years, of which €495 million will be invested in building projects to further increase capacity. The target is to deliver over 1,500 new spaces by 2031. This will be the largest ever building programme in the prison estate, and will include a large extension to the existing Cork Prison on the site of the old decommissioned Cork Prison.
The proposed project for the extension to the existing Cork Prison is still at a very early planning stage. However, any new prison facility proposed on the Old Cork Prison site will be an extension of the function of the existing prison and will not be a second prison in The Glen area. This intended approach will ensure efficiencies with the design and the practical operations of the new facility in parallel with the existing prison. As the project progresses, there will be more engagement as part of the planning process.
674. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the average cost to the State of a murder prosecution and trial. [17002/26]
View answerCosts associated with the prosecution and trial of those accused of murder are borne across a number of State bodies and agencies, including An Garda Síochána, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Forensic Science Ireland, the Courts Service, the Office of the State Pathologist and, in cases where the defendant is remanded in custody, the Irish Prison Service. Costs associated with criminal legal aid and other administrative costs would also be applicable.
Given the unique and often complex circumstances that arise, as well as the range of stakeholders and the range of costs associated with such prosecutions and trials, the information sought by the Deputy is not available. Furthermore it should be noted that a significant element of the costs arising would relate to salary or pay. In this regard, the individuals concerned from the various State agencies and bodies involved in a trial will, at any point in time, have responsibility for several areas of work and it is not possible to account for the specific hours that an individual may have been involved in a particular prosecution or trial.
It should also be noted that, as Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, I have no role in the operations, functions, oversight or governance of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and am unable to provide any information relating to the Director's work as a result. The DPP is fully independent in her functions, under the Prosecution of Offences Act 1974 (as amended).
675. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his attention has been drawn to significant delays in an Irish Embassy in processing visas (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17007/26]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that my Department currently operates seven overseas Visa Offices in addition to the Visa Office in Dublin. These are located in Abuja, Beijing, London, Moscow, Ankara, Abu Dhabi and New Delhi. In addition, staff of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade process certain visa applications in Irish Embassies abroad under delegated authority from my Department.
Processing times for all applications are influenced by a number of factors. The time it can take varies depending on the type and complexity of application; individual circumstances; peak application periods; such as holidays or the start of the school year; and, crucially, the quality and completeness of the application lodged. Verifying an application is an important part of our immigration system and the checks involved can take time to complete.
Visa applications received by the Embassy of Ireland in Moscow are currently sent to the Dublin Visa Office for examination and processing.
The current processing times for Dublin visa decisions are available here:www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/
The date published on the website is the oldest date of application currently being processed under a given category. However, it should be noted that the Visa team continue to process and make decisions on applications received after the published processing date. If a particular application takes longer to consider this may result in the published processing date remaining unchanged. I can assure you that this does not indicate the processing of these applications has halted overall.
Applicants can now directly check the status of their application on the Immigration Service’s Customer Service Portal. They can register for, or log in to their existing account, at:
portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/
As an Oireachtas member, you can also request the status of individual immigration cases by e-mail, using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process.
676. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to the engagement of his officials before the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee (details supplied), if it is now his intention to not provide a domestic violence refuge centre in County Cavan; if he will outline those counties for which he does not intend to provide a domestic violence refuge centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17021/26]
View answer677. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the counties in which domestic violence refuge centres are present; the counties in which he intends to establish same; the timeframe in which it is intended to establish same; the capacity in each case, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17022/26]
View answer678. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the counties in which safe home projects are present; the counties in which he plans to establish same; the timeframe in which it is intended to establish same; the capacity in each case, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17023/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 676, 677 and 678 together.
This Government has taken unprecedented actions to tackle the scourge of domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence (DSGBV), including by increasing funding to almost €80 million under Budget 2026, to support Cuan and services working to tackle DSGBV and the implementation of the Zero Tolerance Strategy. The increased funding for Cuan and community organisations that support victims and survivors will accelerate the delivery of safe accommodation, while also providing stronger supports for victims.
Cuan is collaborating with various stakeholders, including domestic violence services, Approved Housing Bodies, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Housing Agency and Local Authorities to facilitate local action and support service development and delivery of safe accommodation and ancillary services.
I am informed by Cuan that in 2025 the number of domestic violence refuge units increased by 13 – four in Louth and nine in Dublin - bringing the total number to 172. A further nine units are being developed in Dublin 22 and are expected to be operational shortly. A 12-unit refuge located in Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown Council area is scheduled to be completed and become operational later this year. This will bring the total number of refuge units to 193 by the end of the year.
Furthermore in 2026, Cuan is also working towards having a minimum of 50 new refuge units under construction nationally, across multiple sites. Last year, the number of Safe Home units increased by 8. This has increased total Safe Home capacity to 60. Cuan is working to increase that capacity to 94 this year.
The Cavan-Monaghan region is a priority area for refuge development under the government’s Zero Tolerance strategy. The Capital Assistance Scheme Stage 1 application for a refuge site in Monaghan was approved by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage last October. Work is ongoing towards submitting a Stage 2 application, which will include further detail and costings on the full extent of works that will be required. The CAS process takes on average 75 weeks with construction typically taking 15 – 18 months. Safe Ireland is the lead Approved Housing Body on this development.
Both Cavan County Council and Monaghan County Council have committed to the allocation of three units from their social housing stock, which will deliver an additional six Safe Homes across the region. Cuan is now working with Safe Ireland to finalise operational and staffing costs. All six units will become operational in 2026. Safe Ireland is working with the stakeholder group to create a solid infrastructure and a coherent connected response across both counties.
Cuan has agreed the allocation of additional resources to Safe Ireland. These additional resources will support Safe Ireland in its capacity to expand its services to provide both emergency refuge and Safe Home accommodation in the Cavan-Monaghan region.
I am advised that Cuan is currently considering future options for potential refuge provision in Cavan.
Cuan funds 78 DSGBV organisations nationally, including 20 domestic violence refuges. I am advised that Cuan does not hold data on the number of available spaces in each county, but has provided data on the number of units. A unit can typically accommodate a family.
Cuan have advised that the included table breaks down safe accommodation units, by county, as of February 2026.
|
DV Accommodation by County |
DV Refuge Units |
Safe Home Units |
Total DV Accommodation |
|
Dublin - City |
17 |
16 |
33 |
|
Dublin - Dun Laoghaire* |
0 |
5 |
5 |
|
Dublin - Fingal* |
10 |
0 |
10 |
|
Dublin - South Dublin |
20 |
3 |
23** |
|
Carlow* |
0 |
2 |
2 |
|
Cavan* |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Clare* |
6 |
2 |
8 |
|
Cork* |
11 |
3 |
14 |
|
Donegal |
4 |
10 |
14 |
|
Galway |
10 |
0 |
10 |
|
Kerry* |
6 |
0 |
6 |
|
Kildare |
4 |
2 |
6 |
|
Kilkenny |
7 |
3 |
10 |
|
Laois* |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Leitrim |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Limerick |
16 |
0 |
16 |
|
Longford* |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Louth* |
17 |
0 |
17 |
|
Mayo |
5 |
0 |
5 |
|
Meath* |
8 |
0 |
8 |
|
Monaghan* |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Offaly* |
0 |
3 |
3 |
|
Roscommon* |
0 |
2 |
2 |
|
Sligo* |
0 |
2 |
2 |
|
Tipperary |
4 |
2 |
6 |
|
Waterford |
12 |
4 |
16 |
|
Westmeath* |
5 |
0 |
5 |
|
Wexford |
12 |
0 |
12 |
|
Wicklow |
7 |
0 |
7 |
|
Total |
181 |
60 |
241 |
*DV Refuge Development Programme – Refuge Development in Progress.
**9 Units to become operational in early 2026.
