Written Answers Nos. 678-697
679. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the status of a citizenship application for a person (details supplied); when a decision will be reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17039/26]
View answerThe naturalisation application referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department.
I expect that going forward, the majority of applicants will receive a decision within one year, however, it is important to note that no two naturalisation applications are the same and some take longer than others to process.
My Department has taken a significant number of steps to speed the process for applicants. These included introducing an online digital application, online payments, and the introduction of eVetting. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that these changes are reducing processing times.
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: https://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
680. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the status of a citizenship application for a person (details supplied); when a decision will be reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17040/26]
View answerThe naturalisation application referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department.
I expect that going forward, the majority of applicants will receive a decision within one year, however, it is important to note that no two naturalisation applications are the same and some take longer than others to process.
My Department has taken a significant number of steps to speed the process for applicants. These included introducing an online digital application, online payments, and the introduction of eVetting. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that these changes are reducing processing times.
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: https://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
681. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his Department intends to consult with the further education sector prior to making any policy changes in relation to international language students and stamp 2 permissions. [17056/26]
View answerThe Programme for Government contains a commitment to publish a National Migration and Integration Strategy detailing how the Government intends to meet the demands and opportunities facing Ireland’s society and economy over the next decade. My Department is currently working with other Government Departments to develop this strategy with the aim to publish it later this year.
As part of this strategic approach, I am reviewing the area of student permissions, including with regard to English Language students. This work is aimed at ensuring that the system remains rules-based, supports high-quality education providers, and continues to offer a positive experience for genuine students coming to Ireland.
Ireland welcomes international students who wish to travel here in order to pursue a course of study, thereby providing economic and other benefits to Ireland, as well of course as to the students themselves.
At Government level, the administration and management of international student programmes is within the remit of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, with my Department having responsibility for visa and related residency policies.
Minister O'Callaghan and I have met with the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless, to discuss this work and explore how the two departments can continue to collaborate effectively on this work. My Department will consider its engagement with the English Language sector once more detailed proposals are developed.
682. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the average processing time of applications for international protection in the years 2020 to date in 2026, by quarter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17119/26]
View answerIn 2025, the International Protection Office (IPO) delivered over 20,200 first decisions compared to approximately 14,100 in 2024, a 44% increase. The International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) more than doubled the number of appeals closed from 3,100 in 2024 to nearly 6,300 in 2025.
In 2026 the median processing time for IPO first instance decisions is currently 12 months (Accelerated cases are processed in 3 months, while standard cases are processed in 17 months).
The median processing time for International Protection Appeals in is 11.5 months. The median processing time under the accelerated procedure is 7.2 months and 15.6 months for all other appeals.
The table below shows the overall median processing time in months of applications for international protection in the years 2020 to 2025, by quarter.
|
Year |
Quarter |
Median |
|
2020 |
Qtr 1 |
16 |
|
2020 |
Qtr 2 |
17 |
|
2020 |
Qtr 3 |
19 |
|
2020 |
Qtr 4 |
20 |
|
2021 |
Qtr 1 |
22 |
|
2021 |
Qtr 2 |
27 |
|
2021 |
Qtr 3 |
23 |
|
2021 |
Qtr 4 |
22 |
|
2022 |
Qtr 1 |
26 |
|
2022 |
Qtr 2 |
22 |
|
2022 |
Qtr 3 |
13 |
|
2022 |
Qtr 4 |
9 |
|
2023 |
Qtr 1 |
10 |
|
2023 |
Qtr 2 |
12 |
|
2023 |
Qtr 3 |
14 |
|
2023 |
Qtr 4 |
16 |
|
2024 |
Qtr 1 |
16 |
|
2024 |
Qtr 2 |
17 |
|
2024 |
Qtr 3 |
15 |
|
2024 |
Qtr 4 |
15 |
|
2025 |
Qtr 1 |
14 |
|
2025 |
Qtr 2 |
14 |
|
2025 |
Qtr 3 |
14 |
|
2025 |
Qtr 4 |
14 |
Accelerated processing was introduced in November 2022, and it now applies to those from designated safe countries of origin, applicants who have received protection elsewhere in Europe and those from a country with a particularly high number of applications.
The table below shows the median processing time in months of applications for international protection under the accelerated procedure in the years 2022 to 2025, by quarter.
|
Accelerated Procedure |
|
|
|
Year |
Quarter |
Median |
|
2022 |
Qtr 4 |
1 |
|
2023 |
Qtr 1 |
2 |
|
2023 |
Qtr 2 |
2 |
|
2023 |
Qtr 3 |
2 |
|
2023 |
Qtr 4 |
2 |
|
2024 |
Qtr 1 |
3 |
|
2024 |
Qtr 2 |
2 |
|
2024 |
Qtr 3 |
2 |
|
2024 |
Qtr 4 |
3 |
|
2025 |
Qtr 1 |
4 |
|
2025 |
Qtr 2 |
4 |
|
2025 |
Qtr 3 |
3 |
|
2025 |
Qtr 4 |
2 |
Please note figures are correct at time of issue and may be subject to data cleansing.
All IPO first instance decisions other than Refugee Status grants can be appealed to the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT).
The table below shows International Protection Appeals Tribunal median processing times in months for each quarter from 2020 to 2025.
|
Year |
Q1 |
Q2 |
Q3 |
Q4 |
|
2020 |
6 |
9 |
11 |
12 |
|
2021 |
15 |
16 |
13 |
14 |
|
2022 |
15 |
13 |
10 |
4 |
|
2023 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
7 |
|
2024 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
13 |
|
2025 |
14 |
15 |
16 |
15 |
Please note figures are correct at time of issue and may be subject to data cleansing.
My Department continues to focus on preparing for the EU Migration and Asylum Pact in advance of June 2026. The Pact will provide a fair, sustainable and efficient asylum procedure. This will be achieved through convergence in asylum practices across the EU including standardised processing times for decisions: six months for a standard procedure, three months for accelerated and border procedures and two months for processing applicants who have applied for protection elsewhere in Europe.
The new International Protection Bill 2026 will give effect to the measures of the EU Migration and Asylum Pact. Enactment of the Bill and commencement of the Act is required by 12 June 2026.
683. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the timeline for the ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on Cybercrime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17214/26]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that Ireland remains fully committed to ratification of the Council of Europe ‘Budapest’ Convention on Cybercrime.
The Convention is divided into three main sections: criminalisation of listed offences; measures for the gathering of evidence in relation to the listed offences and from computer systems generally; and international cooperation.
A significant number of requirements of the Convention have already been met by the Criminal Justice (Offences Relating to Information Systems) Act 2017. The remaining articles of the Convention will be addressed by two legislative projects that are currently underway.
The Criminal Justice (Protection, Preservation of and Access to Data on Information Systems) Bill aims to give effect to most of the outstanding provisions of the Budapest Convention. The relevant provisions of the Bill will provide for the expansion of Ireland’s regime of "preservation orders" and "production orders", whereby Irish law enforcement authorities will be able to request access, through a court, to data being held on IT systems controlled by Irish-based internet service providers. The General Scheme of the Bill was approved by the Government on 6 February 2024, and has completed pre-legislative scrutiny. It is intended that the Bill will be published later this year.
Four further articles of the Convention relating to interception powers will be addressed in a separate Bill following a review of Ireland’s current interception legislation. This review is a priority project for the Department. The four remaining articles are Articles 20, 21, 33 and 34, which concern real-time collection of traffic data, interception of content data and the mutual legal assistance provisions related to these two aspects.
684. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to detail ongoing engagements with European colleagues to tackle cyber-crime and online extremism; the way in which these interactions are to be strengthened in the Third National Cyber Security Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17215/26]
View answerMy Department is responsible for developing policy in relation to cybercrime and coordinating a range of different cyber initiatives at national and international level.
In particular, work is currently ongoing to implement the EU e-Evidence Package. This is comprised of Directive (EU) 2023/1544 and Regulation (EU) 2023/1543, which sets out a cross-border framework for accessing electronic evidence (subscriber, traffic and content data) held by online and electronic communications service providers during specific criminal investigations in the EU.
Once implemented, this will allow authorities in one EU Member State to issue an order to produce electronic evidence to a service provider based in another EU Member State. Implementation of this package is significant, and will have a major impact on Ireland and other EU Member State’s ability to ensure effective access to digital evidence in tackling serious crime, including cybercrime.
Ireland also remains committed to the ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on Cybercrime (‘Budapest Convention’). A significant number of requirements of the Convention have already been met by the Criminal Justice (Offences Relating to Information Systems) Act 2017. The remaining articles of the Convention will be addressed by two legislative projects that are currently being progressed.
Ireland also recently signed the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime in Hanoi, Vietnam on 25 October 2025. Participation in instruments such as these enable us to improve our ability to tackle cybercrime and cyber enabled crimes, by providing the legal mechanisms and tools which enhance co-operation between law enforcement authorities across jurisdictions.
As of 31 December 2025 there were 72 members of An Garda Síochána attached to the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau. The Bureau plays a key role as the national Garda unit tasked with the forensic examinations of computer and mobile devices that have been seized during the course of any criminal investigations.
Another important role of the Bureau is the investigation of cyber dependent crimes that target significant or complex attacks on computer systems, corporate networks or critical national infrastructures. The Bureau also provides cyber safety and prevention advice to all sectors of industry and the community on the current and emerging risks to online activity and personal or sensitive data. This comes from its liaison with law enforcement colleagues across the globe, academia and industry partners on ways to identify crime trends.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) came under the remit of my Department in June of 2025, as per this Government’s commitment to ensuring the proper alignment of our national security infrastructure. The 2026 budget for the NCSC has increased by over 50% to €12 million.
The NCSC and An Garda Síochána actively collaborate in relation to cyber incidents that are also cybercrimes as defined by the Criminal Justice (Offences Relating To Information Systems) Act 2017 and related laws. There are existing information sharing arrangements between NCSC and An Garda Síochána to share cyber intelligence. The organisations also work together to promote awareness of cyber risks among businesses and individuals. Work is underway to formalise the operational relationship, including the secondment of Gardaí to the NCSC by way of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
Officials in my Department are currently consulting with other relevant Government Departments and Agencies including the Department of An Taoiseach, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Department of Defence on developing Ireland’s third National Cyber Security Strategy.
Internal engagement within my Department is also a key part of this development process. This includes engagement and collaboration between the National Cyber Security Centre, the unit with responsibility for cyber security policy and those with a remit for cybercrime, to ensure the Strategy accurately reflects Ireland’s ambitions for strengthening and developing our cyber security ecosystem. This work will also ensure alignment with other relevant strategies including the Maritime Security Strategy and the Digital and AI Strategy.
685. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of new Garda cars and vans allocated to Garda R and J districts of DMR in 2025 and to-date in 2026; and the number of Garda cars and vans withdrawn from these districts during same period, in tabular form. [17231/26]
View answerThe 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 all operational policing matters, such as the distribution and deployment of the Garda fleet across the State. The Commissioner is independent in his functions under Section 34 of the Act.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, as of 28 February 2026, there were 3,658 vehicles attached to the Garda fleet.
The Garda authorities have provided the table below which provides the number of cars and vans allocated and removed from DMR North Division in 2025, and as of 27 February 2026.
|
Year |
Allocated cars |
Allocated vans |
Removed cars |
Removed vans |
|
2025 |
4 |
1 |
5 |
0 |
|
2026 |
3 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
The purchase and allocation of vehicles by An Garda Síochána is made on the basis of identified operational demands, the availability of resources, and is reviewed on a continual basis.
The Deputy may wish to note that the allocation of Garda resources, including vehicles, is informed by the organisation’s Operating Model. Under this model, An Garda Síochána has moved away from the former District structure, including R and J Districts within the Dublin Metropolitan Region, and now operates on a Divisional basis.
The Operating Model is designed to enhance frontline policing, strengthen community engagement and provide a greater focus on specialised services at Divisional level. As a result, vehicle allocations are made at Divisional level rather than by reference to the former District structure.
686. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department collaborates with the Department of Transport to identify horse welfare breaches occurring on public roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16289/26]
View answerThe 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. Issues 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 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 Act, including, amongst others, An Garda Síochána, undertake appropriate enforcement action, where breaches or shortcomings are identified.
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]
All reports of alleged neglect or cruelty received by my Department are investigated and appropriate action is taken.
687. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if any of the €4 million in equine funding awarded to charities involved in the care and welfare of horses is specifically earmarked for the seizure or rehabilitation of horses involved in illegal road racing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16290/26]
View answerAnimal welfare is a key priority for me as Minister and for the Government. Considerable funding is provided to support, eligible, animal welfare charities, nationwide, through the annual Animal Welfare Grant Programme, which is administered by my Department.
Each year my Department invites eligible animal welfare charities to submit a funding application, under the Animal Welfare Grants Programme. To qualify, applicants must meet specified requirements, which are made available through the application process. The application process is robust and comprehensive. Applicants are asked to provide information on their activities, including reporting specific data and metrics, requested as part of the process, with successful applicants allocated funding on the basis of objective criteria which are reviewed on an annual basis.
The awards support a wide range of criteria including the numbers of animals assisted, re-homing figures, the provision of education and knowledge sharing to the public on animal welfare and responsible pet ownership, helping to raise animal welfare standards. Veterinary inspection results are also taken into consideration when grant amounts are determined.
In December 2025, I provided funding of almost €6.5 million to 94 animal welfare charities throughout the country, of that figure, just over €4 million was awarded to charities involved in the general care and welfare of horses. My Department has no involvement in the day to day running of these charities. However, funding is provided for the direct benefit of animals and to aid the stated activities of the charities, which are provided through the application process.
688. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a grant application (details supplied) will be processed and awarded as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16338/26]
View answerThis issue has already been drawn to the attention of my Department, specifically matters related to a grant application by the company referenced under the Sustainable Aquaculture Scheme implemented by Bord Iasciagh Mhara (BIM).
My Department is currently working with BIM staff to review the grant application to ensure that the application and the payment claim are in compliance with all the terms and conditions set out under the scheme, and the EU Regulation governing the granting of funding under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) which funds this scheme.
Once this review has been completed, BIM will revert back to the applicant with a final decision.
689. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of WTE qualified entomologists employed by his Department as of 24 February 2026, in tabular form. [16508/26]
View answerMy Department engages in workforce planning to assess its current and future recruitment needs. The educational qualifications required and the relevant selection criteria are reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis to ensure that they meet these needs. Tailored to specific grades, my Department's recruitment campaigns may invite candidates who hold qualifications in a variety of areas including for example, horticulture, plant health, animal health, animal welfare and food safety. With specific reference to officers employed in the grade related to ‘Entomology’ in my Department, as at 24th February 2026, there are no officers currently serving in the grade of Assistant Agricultural Inspector Entomology. While it is not envisaged that the role will be advertised in the near future, this will remain under review.
690. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 455 of 19 February 2026, if he will provide the information requested, for the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16519/26]
View answerMy Department has sponsored five pieces of primary legislation and made one relevant piece of secondary legislation in the last five years. The attached table sets out:
• The provisions in that legislation which has not yet been commenced;
• The provisions in that legislation providing for the making of regulations that have not been utilised; and
• The provisions providing for the making guidelines that have not been utilised.
|
Legislation |
Not commenced |
Regulations not made |
Guidelines |
|
Act No. 4/2022 - Animal Health and Welfare and Forestry (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 |
Section 10 not yet commenced |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Act No. 2/2022 - Sea-Fisheries (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 |
(commenced in full) |
15E |
N/A |
|
Act No. 21/2023 - Veterinary Medicinal Products, Medicated Feed and Fertilisers Regulation Act 2023 |
(commenced in full) |
8 (1) 17 (2) 26 (1) 27 (1) |
section 18(1) |
|
Act No. 19/2023 - Agricultural and Food Supply Chain Act 2023 |
(commenced in full) |
56 |
section 40 (2) (d) section 40 (5) |
|
Act No. 38/2024 - Agriculture Appeals (Amendment) Act 2024 |
Ss. 1-15 not yet commenced |
S13 |
N/A |
|
European Union (Veterinary Medicinal Products and Medicated Feed) Regulations 2022 (S.I. No. 36 of 2022) |
N/A |
N/A |
Regulation 26 |
691. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the lime subsidy scheme; if he will consider reintroducing this scheme for 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16520/26]
View answerThe National Liming Programme was launched in March 2023 as a once-off funded measure from the National Exchequer. The measure was introduced to offset significant cost increases for both fertiliser and ground limestone arising from Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. In excess of 14,500 farmers submitted payment claims under the Liming Programme, by the extended claims deadline of 7th November 2023, with total expenditure exceeding €8.2 million.
There is no funding available within Budget 2026 for this measure and therefore it will not be possible to re-introduce the Programme.
692. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware that valais blacknose ovine semen is being imported from the UK that does meet Scrapie 1 regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16526/26]
View answer693. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason Ireland is registering valais blacknose sheep that are the progeny of UK sheep who do not meet the Scrapie 1 regulations; and are bred using imported ovine semen. [16527/26]
View answer696. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has contacted those breeders who are registered with an organisation (details supplied) as having valais blacknose sheep that are not meeting Scrapie 1 regulations to determine where they received the ovine semen to breed these sheep. [16530/26]
View answer697. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the continuation of breeding of sheep with ovine semen that does not meet Scrapie 1 will affect Ireland’s scrapie status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16531/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 692, 693, 696 and 697 together.
There is no Valais Blacknose sheep organisation currently recognised by my Department as a breed society in accordance with the Animal Breeding Regulations (Regulation (EU) 2016/1012). Germinal products (semen, embryos, ova) must only be imported into Ireland from Approved Germinal Product Establishments, must be accompanied by Health Certificates and must be registered on TRACES as per EU Delegated Regulation 2020/686 and EU Delegated Regulation 2020/692.
The illegal import of semen into Ireland poses a risk to the health of the national flock. Following previous similar complaints to my Department, an intensive investigation was carried out and actions taken to, inter alia, inform breeders of their legal obligations in this area. Any information on illegal activities should be brought to the attention of my Department.
My Department published on gov.ie an information note for the importation of sheep/ovine germinal products: [Information Note] and a note was also placed in the Teagasc Sheep Newsletter in August 2024: [Teagasc Sheep Newsletter].
My Department has not contacted breeders registered with the named organisation regarding the scrapie status of the Valais Blacknose breed. The onus is on sheep breeders to ensure that their breeding operation does not adversely affect the scrapie status of their individual flock.
694. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if it is illegal to import ovine semen that does not meet Scrapie 1 regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16528/26]
View answer695. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is concerned that ovine semen from animals that are do not meet Scrapie 1 regulations is being imported into the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16529/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 694 and 695 together.
My Department carries out import controls on ovine semen imported into Ireland to ensure it is compliant with the requirements for the importation of germinal products into the EU laid down in Regulation (EU) 2017/625. These rules include the requirement for the certifying export veterinarian to attest that the semen complies with the Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSE) Regulation (EC) 2001/999, which lays down the rules for the prevention, control and eradication of TSEs, including scrapie. Any consignments found not to comply with these requirements are rejected from entering Ireland.
