Written Answers Nos. 813-832
814. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration his views on the merits of creating greater civilianisation within An Garda Síochána to reduce the administrative burden placed on Gardaí; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34464/26]
View answer815. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the position regarding any review within his Department that seeks to create greater civilianisation within An Garda Síochána to reduce the administrative burden placed on Gardaí; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34465/26]
View answer816. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the position regarding any engagement he has had with the Garda Commissioner in relation to civilianisation within An Garda Síochána to reduce the administrative burden placed on Gardaí; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34466/26]
View answer817. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the position regarding the number of civilian roles within An Garda Síochána, by position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34467/26]
View answer818. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the position regarding the number of civilian roles within An Garda Síochána, by year since 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34468/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 814, 815, 816, 817 and 818 together.
My first priority as Minister is to get more Gardaí on our streets through increased recruitment and appropriate civilianisation where possible.
The overall Garda workforce, which includes Gardaí, Garda Staff and Reserves currently stands at over 18,000.
As of the end of March 2026, the latest date for when figures are available, there are 3,495 whole time equivalent Garda Staff within An Garda Síochána, accounting for over 19% of the overall Garda workforce, This represents an increase of over 74% since 2015 when there were approximately 2,000 Garda Staff.
Garda Staff are an integral part of our police service and they are involved in the provision of a wide range of administrative, professional and technical services. As well as providing clerical support and financial management functions in Garda stations and offices across the country, Garda Staff carry out a range of specialised support roles.
In recent years, these additional staff have provided expertise in support of the investigation of crime and freed up 900 Gardaí for deployment to frontline duties. This proportion of Garda Staff to sworn members is still relatively low by international standards and I look forward to further civilianisation in key areas in the coming years.
In September 2018, the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland (CoFPI) published its Report outlining a clear vision and roadmap for strengthening An Garda Síochána and the broader national framework for policing, security and community safety. A key pillar of the proposed reforms was to bring more Gardaí to the frontline through civilianisation, contributing to the strategic vision for the organisation, building a stronger skill mix and delivering a better service to the public. There are advantages in having non-sworn personnel working at all levels of the organisation, bringing with them different skills and different perspectives, contributing to both the professionalism of policing and the effectiveness of the organisation.
The implementation of recommendations from CoFPI regarding increasing civilianisation can be seen in different areas. For example, prior to November 2024, An Garda Síochána carried out a number of immigration functions, including the renewal of immigration permissions. The transfer of these functions to the Department’s Immigration Service Delivery function from November 2024 has resulted in the release of over 100 Gardaí, enabling Garda management to focus resources more on enforcement and operational matters such as deportations and investigations.
CoFPI also recommended that Garda Staff be recruited directly to An Garda Síochána as public servants, rather than to the Civil Service. The Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 provides for this.
As Minister, it is my role to support the Commissioner in ensuring he has the resources he needs. Budget 2026 provides unprecedented funding of €2.74 billion to support recruitment and staffing. This will support recruitment of up to 1,000 Gardai, 200 more Garda staff and additional members of the Garda Reserve.
The Garda Commissioner keeps the distribution of resources under continual review, and I engage regularly with him to ensure that An Garda Síochána have the resources they need to keep our communities safe.
An Garda Síochána publishes information in relation to the allocation of Garda civilian Staff by Division.
Information for 2026 can be found at the following link:
https://www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/human-resources-and-people-development/garda-hr-directorate/garda-strength-breakdown-2026/garda-strength-breakdown-2026.html
Information for 2010 to 2025 years can be found at the following link:
https://www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/human-resources-and-people-development/garda-hr-directorate/garda-strength-breakdown-2025/december-2025.html
Details of Garda Staff by grade are also published monthly in the Commissioner's reports to the Policing and Community Safety Authority, available at the below link:
https://www.garda.ie/en/about-us/publications/general-reports/commissioner-s-monthly-reports-to-policing-and-community-safety-authority/
819. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the expected average time from lodgement of an international protection application to final decision and removal under the International Protection Act 2026; the anticipated impact of the new Tribunal for Asylum and Returns Appeals on appeal processing times and the right to remain pending appeal; the estimated additional annual cost of the Tribunal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34507/26]
View answerThe International Protection Act 2026 was passed into law last month and gives effect to the EU Migration and Asylum Pact. The new rules will take effect on 12 June 2026 and my Department continues to prepare in advance of this date.
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 first-instance decisions: six months for the standard procedure, three months for the accelerated procedure and two months for the examination to determine whether an application is inadmissible.
The maximum duration of the asylum border procedure shall be 12 weeks from when the application is registered until the applicant no longer has a right to remain in the State and is not allowed to so remain.
The maximum time periods provided for by section 197 of the 2026 Act for the conclusion of examinations of appeals are as follows:
(a) where the appeal is against a decision to reject an application as inadmissible, 2 months,
(b) where the appeal is in respect of an application considered in the accelerated examination procedure, 3 months,
(c) where the appeal is in respect of an application considered in the asylum border procedure, as soon as possible having regard to the maximum duration of that procedure,
(d) where the appeal is against a return decision and no appeal has been brought against the related decision, 28 days, and
(e) in every other case, 6 months.
Under the Pact examinations to determine whether a person qualifies as a refugee or is eligible for subsidiary protection will be conducted by the determining authority and the new appeals body, the Tribunal for Asylum and Returns Appeals (TARA), the appellate body under the 2026 Act IP Bill 2026 to determine appeals arising post 12 June 2026. IPAT will continue in existence to hear appeals relating to applications under the International Protection Act 2015.
In accordance with the Asylum Procedures Regulation, section 188 of the 2026 Act provides applicants with the right to remain within the State during the period in which they may make an appeal and whilst pending the outcome of an appeal. Provision is made for the circumstances in which applicants shall not have the right to remain in the State pending the outcome of an appeal.
Faster processing under the Pact will mean that applicants spend less time in International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) accommodation, and this will significantly reduce the cost of the asylum system to the State.
TARA was allocated a budget of €5.052m in the 2026 Revised Estimates Volume. In future years costs for TARA will be settled as part of the normal Estimates process.
820. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of screening centres designated to date under the International Protection Act 2026; the number of applicants exempted from the obligation to travel to a screening centre in the first three months of operation; the maximum duration of detention permissible under the new border return procedure; and whether he is satisfied that these provisions will result in faster removals of inadmissible applicants or if they will instead prolong stays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34508/26]
View answerThe International Protection Act 2026 was passed into law last month and gives effect to the EU Migration and Asylum Pact. The new rules will take effect on 12 June 2026 and my Department continues to prepare in advance of this date.
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 first instance decision under the standard procedure, three months for a first instance decision under the accelerated procedure, three months for a first and second instance decision under the border procedures, and two months for processing applicants under the inadmissibility procedure who have applied for protection elsewhere in Europe.
Faster decision-making will mean that successful applicants will be granted international protection sooner, and those whose applications are refused can be returned to their country of origin sooner. Ultimately, improved, faster processing will also result in decreasing annual costs by reducing the time an applicant remains in the system.
The Pact provides for enhanced screening measures to ensure that applicants are referred to and supported through the appropriate international protection application processing pathway. Screening of applicants will be conducted at the Citywest Reception Centre, the national screening centre for new international protection applicants from 12 June. Applicants are only exempt from screening where they or their parent or guardian hold a valid registration certificate and have permission to enter the State (as per section 22(4)).
The Asylum Border Procedure will have a 12-week time limit for first instance and appeal decisions to be completed for applicants from countries of origin with a recognition rate of 20% or less across the EU, or for those who have no documents, false documents, or are deemed a security risk.
In line with the State’s obligations under the Reception Conditions Directive, the International Protection Act 2026 provides for the use of detention only in certain exceptional and limited circumstances. Detention under the International Protection Act 2026 will be for as short a time as possible and applicants will be informed of their right to seek free legal assistance and legal representation once they have been detained.
Section 118 of the International Protection Act 2026 provides that a judge of the District Court may commit the person to a place of detention for a period not exceeding 21 days or release the person subject to conditions. The grounds for the detention of an applicant will continue to be monitored and where it is assessed that these grounds no longer apply, the applicant must be brought before a judge of the District Court who will order the release of the person. The District Court may, commit the person for further periods, if a ground for detention under section 112 still applies, (each period being a period not exceeding 21 days) pending the determination of the person’s application for international protection.
The detention period for a person under return border procedure is not exceeding 12 weeks if the grounds for detention apply under section 230 of the International Protection Act 2026.
A decision to detain an international protection applicant will be taken with the utmost seriousness and with due regard for the applicant’s fundamental rights. The intention of these provisions of the International Protection Act 2026 is to ensure that applicants are treated fairly and humanely while also ensuring the effective and efficient operation of our international protection system.
821. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the estimated number of family members expected to enter and reside in the State annually under the family reunification provisions of the International Protection Act 2026; the criteria applied to "stable relationships" and dependent relatives; the measures in place to prevent chain migration and additional pressure on housing and services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34509/26]
View answerMigration plays an important role in Ireland's economic, social, and community life. For those granted international protection, the ability to reunite with close family members can be a significant factor in supporting stability and integration. At the same time, family reunification policy must operate within the context of finite public resources. The State has a responsibility to manage migration in the interests of the economic and social wellbeing of the country, and the importance of encouraging independence and self-sufficiency from an integration perspective.
The number of family members granted a permission will be determined by a range of factors, including the number of people granted international protection and who, as sponsors, then apply to be reunited with family members and who also satisfy section 205(3)(d) of not becoming an unreasonable burden on the State. It is not, however, possible to provide a forecast of expected numbers at this juncture.
The Deputy will note that following their grant of international protection, sponsors will not be entitled to seek family reunification for a defined period of 2 years.
A stable relationship relates to one that is subsisting. Matters relating to dependent relatives are outlined in section 205 of the Act.
This approach reflects the Government's objective of supporting positive integration outcomes for both sponsors and their family members. In that context, my Department invests in a range of integration measures, including community led initiatives, to support the inclusion of migrants and their families in Irish society.
822. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the estimated additional annual cost to the State of providing material reception conditions under the Reception Conditions Directive as transposed in the International Protection Act 2026; the number of applicants expected to qualify for accommodation, allowances and health/education supports; whether reductions or withdrawals of benefits for non-cooperation have been applied in any cases to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34510/26]
View answerThe International Protection Act was passed into law last month and will enable implementation of the EU Migration and Asylum Pact.
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.
People applying for asylum will remain eligible for reception conditions, including accommodation and basic supports, and numbers eligible will depend on application numbers. However, faster processing times will mean that applicants will need to spend less time in International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) accommodation, and this will reduce costs to the State.
Faster decision-making will also mean that successful applicants will be granted international protection sooner, and those whose applications are refused can be returned to their country of origin sooner.
The Department continues to focus on preparing for these new rules, to take effect on 12 June 2026.
When people seeking international protection arrive at any IPAS accommodation centre, they are provided with the ‘IPAS House Rules’ which explains the rules and procedures that are designed to make reception and accommodation centres safe and effective.
Where a resident is repeatedly in breach of the house rules or, following a particularly serious breach, IPAS may relocate them to another accommodation centre. In instances where there are serious or repeated breaches of the house rules, consideration may be given under Section 7 of the Regulations to amending the reception conditions afforded to a resident. This involves withdrawing IPAS accommodation.
823. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the Government's planned annual intake under the Union Resettlement and Humanitarian Admission Framework as provided for in the International Protection Act 2026; the projected cost per resettled person including family members; the mechanism to ensure that such admissions do not undermine the integrity of the domestic asylum system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34511/26]
View answerThe Programme for Government provides for Ireland’s participation in the Union Resettlement and Humanitarian Admission Framework established under the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum. Ireland’s current planning assumption is for up to 650 admissions per annum in 2026 and 2027 under resettlement and complementary pathways, subject to operational capacity and available resources.
Resettlement and humanitarian admission programmes are distinct from the International Protection process. Persons admitted under these pathways are identified in cooperation with international partners, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and are admitted through planned Government programmes following appropriate screening and processing arrangements. These pathways provide safe and legal routes for persons in need of protection and operate separately from the assessment of spontaneous international protection applications made in the State. Programme refugees have full refugee status upon arrival into the State.
The costs associated with resettlement and humanitarian admission programmes vary depending on programme design, family composition, accommodation arrangements and the level of integration supports required. For this reason, a single standardised projected cost per person, including family members, is not available. Funding requirements are considered as part of the annual Estimates process and programme planning arrangements.
The Minister and the Government remain committed to delivering Ireland’s international protection and humanitarian commitments in a managed and sustainable manner, having regard to operational capacity and broader migration policy objectives.
824. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of Eurodac hits recorded since the commencement of the relevant provisions of the International Protection Act 2026; the number of those hits that resulted in accelerated procedures, transfer requests or removal orders; and whether he is satisfied that the biometric and data-sharing regime will prevent repeat or forum-shopping applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34512/26]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the International Protection Act was signed into law last month, giving effect to the EU Migration and Asylum Pact.
My Department continues to focus on preparing for the commencement of the Act on 12 June 2026, which is the day on which the measures of the Pact come into effect.
The new Eurodac Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2024/1358) expands the data collection requirement to individuals aged six and older; it broadens data collection to include facial images and travel documents.
It also extends the system's purpose beyond determining asylum responsibility to include law enforcement, children protection, and the control of irregular migration.
The Deputy should note that at this point the International Protection Act 2026 has not yet been commenced, and the relevant law in this area for the present remains the International Protection Act 2015 and the 2013 Eurodac Regulation.
The provisions of Part 6 of the Act implement the new Asylum and Migration Management Regulation, which replaces the Dublin III Regulation, and includes provisions which the Deputy refers to in relation to information sharing with other Member States of the European Union. The Regulation does not come into force until 12 June 2026. The existence of a Eurodac “hit” will assist the identification of applications whose applications should be dealt with by another Member State in accordance with that Regulation.
825. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the contingency plans and additional resources that have been allocated under the crisis and force majeure provisions (Regulation (EU) 2024/1359) of the International Protection Act 2026; the threshold for triggering temporary protection for mass influxes; whether these provisions include any mechanism to suspend new applications at the border during such crises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34513/26]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the International Protection Act 2026 was signed into law last month, giving effect to the EU Migration and Asylum Pact. My Department continues to focus on preparing for the commencement of the Act on 12 June 2026, which is the day on which the measures of the Pact come into effect.
The EU Migration and Asylum Pact has been designed to establish a common approach to migration and asylum that is partly based on the concepts of solidarity and responsibility amongst Member States.
The Crisis and Force Majeure Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2024/1359) addresses exceptional situations of crisis, including instrumentalisation, and force majeure, in the field of migration and asylum within the EU by means of temporary measures.
For the purposes of the Crisis and Force Majeure Regulation, a situation of crisis means:
(a) an exceptional situation of mass arrivals of third-country nationals or stateless persons in a Member State by land, air or sea, including of persons that have been disembarked following search and rescue operations, of such a scale and nature, taking into account, inter alia, the population, GDP and geographical specificities of the Member State, including the size of the territory, that it renders the Member State’s well-prepared asylum, reception, including child protection services, or return system non-functional, including as a result of a situation at local or regional level, such that there could be serious consequences for the functioning of the Common European Asylum System; or
(b) a situation of instrumentalisation where a third country or a hostile non-state actor encourages or facilitates the movement of third-country nationals or stateless persons to the external borders or to a Member State, with the aim of destabilising the European Union or a Member State, and where such actions are liable to put at risk essential functions of a Member State, including the maintenance of law and order or the safeguard of its national security.
For the purposes of the Regulation, force majeure refers to abnormal and unforeseeable circumstances outside a Member State’s control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided notwithstanding the exercise of all due care, which prevent that Member State from complying with obligations under the Asylum and Migration Management Regulation and the Asylum Procedures Regulation.
Should a Member State find itself in a crisis situation, it may request the European Commission to activate the procedure set out in the Crisis and Force Regulation. The Commission will make a decision on whether a Member State is facing a situation of crisis or force majeure, and Council will make an implementing decision, by qualified majority, on the appropriate measures to be taken under the Regulation to address the situation.
These measures may include flexibility in applying the border procedure and the extension of timeframes in determining the Member States responsible in the case of mass arrivals. While the Regulation does make provision for the possibility of longer registration deadlines to register applications for international protection, it does not envisage the suspension of new applications at the border.
Section 239 of the International Protection Act 2026 sets out the procedures to be followed where the Government consider the State to be in a situation of crisis or force majeure within the meaning of the Crisis and Force Majeure Regulation. A request to the Commission to activate the procedure in the Regulation can only be done on foot of a Government order. The draft of such a Government order and of the request to the Commission will be subject to a positive resolution of each House of the Oireachtas.
Temporary Protection is governed by Council Directive 2001/55/EC of 20 July 2001 on minimum standards for giving temporary protection in the event of a mass influx of displaced persons and on measures promoting a balance of efforts between Member States in receiving such persons and bearing the consequences thereof. Under the Directive, the existence of a mass influx of displaced persons shall be established by a Council Decision adopted by a qualified majority on a proposal from the Commission.
826. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the staffing levels, budget and first-year work programme of the newly established Office of the Chief Inspector of Asylum Border Procedures under the International Protection Act 2026; the number of inspections or investigations carried out to date; whether the Inspector's reports will be published and acted upon to ensure value for money and stricter border controls; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34514/26]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the International Protection Act 2026 was signed into law last month, giving effect to the EU Migration and Asylum Pact. My Department continues to focus on preparing for these new rules to take effect on 12 June 2026.
The Act provides for the establishment of an independent monitoring mechanism as provided for in the Screening Regulation and the Asylum Procedures Regulation. The Act allows for these functions to be conferred on a Chief Inspector of Asylum Border Procedures. It also makes clear provision for the functions and powers of the Chief Inspector, in line with the monitoring mechanisms set out in the above-mentioned Regulations, including powers to inspect, receive complaints and carry out formal investigations into potential breeches of fundamental rights. As the Office of the Chief Inspector has not been established yet no inspections or investigations have taken place to date.
The main role of the Chief Inspector will be to monitor asylum border procedures and compliance with European Union and international law, including the Charter, in designated asylum border facilities, in line with the independent monitoring mechanism provided for by the Screening Regulation and referred to in Article 43 of the Asylum Procedures Regulation.
The Act provides for an annual report to be submitted before each House of the Oireachtas by the Chief Inspector. This report is one focused on the performance of his or her functions and on any other such related matters during the previous year. If the Chief Inspector is of the opinion that a report on the foot of an investigation discloses a fundamental rights concern, recommendations shall be issued to the Minister as he or she sees fit. On the foot of this report, the Minister must notify the Chief Inspector of the action taken in response to the recommendations.
Initial steps have been taken toward the establishment of the Chief Inspector post, and funding of €0.6m has been allocated in the 2026 Revised Estimates Volume for this purpose. A recruitment competition for the Chief Inspector of Asylum Border Procedures closed on 2 April and the selection is ongoing.
827. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of applications still governed by the International Protection Act 2015 under the transitional provisions of the 2026 Act; the average processing time for those legacy cases; the steps being taken to prevent the new regime from inheriting or exacerbating the existing backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34515/26]
View answerThe International Protection Act was passed into law last month and gives effect to the EU Migration and Asylum Pact. The Pact will provide a fair, sustainable and efficient asylum procedure. The new rules will take effect on 12 June 2026 and my Department continues to prepare in advance of this date.
From 12 June 2026 there will in effect be two parallel systems running side by side. Those applications being processed under the International Protection Act 2015, the so-called legacy cases, and those being processed under the International Protection Act 2026.
Over recent years there has been a significant increase in investment into the international protection system which, combined with digitisation and process reengineering, has facilitated a major increase in processing capacity and demonstrates a strong commitment to reducing cases on hand.
In 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 2 months, while standard cases are processed in 16 months).
The median processing time for International Protection Appeals is 12.7 months. The median processing time under the accelerated procedure is 6.9 months and 16.1 months for all other appeals.
There are currently 35,129 cases on hand across the international protection system. These figures are detailed below:
|
Pending IP Applications |
|
|
IPO |
13,199 |
|
IPAT |
20,457 |
|
PTR Review |
1,379 |
|
MDU |
94 |
|
Total |
35,129 |
Notes:
- IPO figures are to COB 6 May 2025.
- Please note IPAT figures are to COB 3 May 2025.
Data correct at time of issue and may be subject to data cleansing.
The Pact introduces faster processing of asylum claims with a much more efficient decision-making system. Faster decision-making will mean that successful applicants will be granted international protection sooner, and those whose applications are refused can be returned to their country of origin sooner. Ultimately, improved, faster processing will also result in decreasing annual costs by reducing the time an applicant remains in the system.
828. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether his Department has engaged with the Data Protection Commission regarding the use of ad hoc video recording by businesses for the purpose of protecting staff and defending legal claims; and whether any cross-departmental guidance is being considered. [34521/26]
View answerEU data protection legislation including the GDPR, generally applies to people or organisations (as ‘data controllers’ or ‘data processors’) who record video and/or audio information about identifiable persons (‘personal data’).
Images of individuals constitute “personal data” under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The capturing of a person's image and its subsequent use constitutes processing of personal data within the meaning of the GDPR. As with any processing of personal data, the recording of identifiable images of persons must have a legal basis under the data protection legislative frameworks. Individuals have a right to have their personal data processed in a manner that complies with data protection law.
Under the General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018, the Data Protection Commission is independent in the performance of its tasks and the exercise of its powers as a supervisory authority.
The Data Protection Commission has published guidance for data controllers on the use of CCTV which is available at https://www.dataprotection.ie/sites/default/files/uploads/2025-01/CCTV%20Guidance%20Data%20Controllers_November%202023%20EN.pdf The guidance covers various scenarios including where business owners install CCTV for security, theft prevention and health and safety purposes.
829. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Question No. 420 of 7 October 2025, if he will provide an update on guidelines from the Judicial Committee established in July 2024, further to a review of the role of expert reports in the family law process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34524/26]
View answerA wide-ranging review into the role of expert reports in the family law process was published by my Department on 13 June 2024. The Review sets out 20 ambitious recommendations for reform, the implementation of which will, amongst other things, promote consistency and common standards in hearing the voice of the child and safeguarding their best interests. One of the review’s key recommendations was to establish a committee to produce guidelines on the commissioning, content and use of expert welfare reports.
The Chief Justice established a Judicial Committee on Welfare Report Guidelines, chaired by the Honourable Ms Justice Nuala Jackson of the High Court, to develop guidelines on the commissioning, content, and use of welfare reports. The Committee was supported by the Department in its work. I was delighted to launch the guidelines alongside Chief Justice Donal O’Donnell on 16 April 2026.
The guidelines are available at: https://www.courts.ie/publications/judicial-guidelines-on-the-commissioning-preparation-content---usage-of-expert-reports-in-family-law-proceedings-2026
830. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Question No’s. 421 and 422 of 7 October 2025, the status of the six recommendations to address the issues linked to actions within the Family Justice Strategy; the status of recommendations with the Parental Alienation Research Report and Policy Paper, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34525/26]
View answerMy Department committed to undertake both a public consultation and independent research on the topic of parental alienation. The findings of both were analysed and, arising from this, Departmental officials developed a policy paper on how to address the issue.
Both the paper and the report recognise that parental alienation is a highly contested and divisive concept. While there is little concrete information on the exact extent of accusations of parental alienation within the Irish courts, the research report found that, similar to other courts internationally, there appears to be increasing claims of parental alienation in family law proceedings. It appears to arise particularly in custody and access disputes and in cases where allegations of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence feature.
Despite the highly contested nature of the concept, there was consensus in the public consultation that the means to address parental alienation lie in improvements to the Irish family courts and family justice system. Reflecting on this, the policy paper puts forward six recommendations to address the issue of parental alienation, which are also linked to actions within the Family Justice Strategy. They centre on progressing elements of family justice reform, building the system’s capacity to adequately hear the voice of children, and improve the knowledge, skills and experience of all those involved in order to make the best determinations in relation to each case on its own merits. This is especially important in high-conflict cases, in which allegations of parental alienation can often arise.
The current status of the recommendations in the Parental Alienation Policy Paper can be found in the table below.
|
Recommendation |
Status |
|
Recommendation 1: Give priority to children’s voices being heard and considered by the court and support them in their journey through the system. |
In October 2024, my Department established a Voice of the Child Working Group with membership comprising both statutory and voluntary stakeholders in the family justice system. The group was set up in line with the commitment in Goal One of the Family Justice Strategy, that of “supporting children”. The group is taking forward some of the recommendations in the Review of Expert Reports, including the development of a Voice of the Child report template and guidelines and the development of the Children’s Court Advocate Pilot Project. The aim of the Voice of the Child Report Template and Guidelines is to ensure consistency of approach by experts in supporting children to have their voices heard. The Working Group has made significant progress on drafting the template and guidelines and they are now at design stage. The guidelines are expected to be published in the coming months. The Children’s Court Advocate Pilot Project will be established in two locations, Waterford and Clonmel in the coming months. The pilot will test a new way of hearing the voice of children in private family law cases and will provide regulation of assessors and consistency of practice. It will be a free service for children and their families. Running alongside the Pilot Project will be a comprehensive evaluation to assess its effectiveness in achieving its aim of improving how the voice of the child is heard and considered in private family law proceedings. |
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Recommendation 2: Examine how these reports are conducted, what they contain and how assessors are appointed. Provide additional training for those tasked with compiling assessments, particularly in relation to the dynamics of family breakdown.
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On 13 June 2024, a wide-ranging review into the role of expert reports in the family law process was published. The Review sets out 20 ambitious recommendations for reform, the implementation of which will, amongst other things, promote consistency and common standards in hearing the voice of the child and safeguarding their best interests. On 16 April 2026 Judicial Guidelines on the Commissioning, Preparation, Content and Usage of Expert Reports in Family Law Proceedings were published. A cross-jurisdictional committee of Judges chaired by Ms Justice Nuala Jackson prepared the guidelines. These guidelines are intended to promote consistency and best practice in the use of welfare reports in private family law proceedings in Ireland. They clarify the role and duties of an expert, the process of compiling a report and what a report should contain, releasing reports to the parties and the complaints mechanism, among other things. Officials in my Department are currently undertaking a preliminary scoping exercise to also progressing work on on cost controls and establishing a panel of family law assessors. The panel will address a number of issues identified in the Review of the Role of Expert Reports in the Family Law Process (https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/review-of-the-role-of-expert-reports-in-the-family-law-process.pdf), including lack of regulation of experts and lack of adequate training or accreditation. Once fully implemented, the recommendations in the Review of Expert Reports will improve the quality of expert reports in family law proceedings, standardising practises relating to how they are developed in situations where they are required. |
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Recommendation 3: Review assessment tools currently available to the courts, with a view to making recommendations to improve them, as well as identifying how to assist judges in considering issues on a case-by-case basis. |
In addition to the foregoing actions, as part of the Family Courts Act 2024, dedicated judges will be listed for family law cases. This will be an important element of reform to provide enhanced skills and greater space for consideration of issues on a case-by-case basis. An implementation plan for the Act was published on 22 April 2026 and engagement with the Judicial Studies Committee of the Judicial Council will be required as part of the implementation process. |
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Recommendation 4: Support and extend family support services, including ADR, and make them more accessible.
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A directory of services, initially for the Dublin area, has been developed by the Department in collaboration with CYPSC: https://dublincypschub.ie/family-justice/ The directory will assist parents in finding relevant information and support for family justice related matters. Work on increasing awareness and promotion of ADR among professionals, families and service users is ongoing. In particular, the Courts Service family law information hub provides detailed information for court users on many aspects of family law proceedings, as well as signposting people to services including mediation. The Legal Aid Board has also initiated a call back service for its Family Mediation Service. In delivering another action in the Family Justice Strategy, the Legal Aid Board has established a panel of private mediators to supplement its in-house family mediators to deliver an expanded service across the country. |
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Recommendation 5: Improve the training and awareness amongst legal professionals and others involved in high-conflict proceedings to increase their understanding of concepts and descriptors associated with behaviours of parents and children in these situations.
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The Family Justice Training Working Group was established in July 2024. The Working Group comprises membership from key government departments, state agencies and legal professional bodies, including the Judicial Council. The Group has developed a paper examining the minimum standards and proposing a recommended training approach. The paper was recently presented to stakeholders at the Family Justice Development Forum in January. The paper lays out an approach for the development of training for professionals working in family justice and work on implementing the approach is ongoing. |
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Recommendation 6: Actions should be implemented with regards to establishing, and in some areas improving, data collection on family justice issues. |
The Department is currently undertaking an in-depth data mapping exercise and a policy paper will be developed with recommendations on how family justice data collection can be improved. A tender process for a Family Law Reporting Project closed on 15 September 2025 and the Child Law Project, led by Dr. Carol Coulter, has been commissioned to deliver the Private Family Law Reporting Project. The Project will be delivered over three years and is expected to attend a representative sample of cases across different jurisdictions and geographical areas, reflecting the breadth of family law cases, jurisdictional issues, and urban and rural areas. The overall aim of the Project is to enhance transparency both for the public about family law proceedings and confidence in the judicial determination of family law disputes, while continuing to ensure the privacy of those proceedings for children and families. The systematic reports on aspects of family law cases that the Project will produce and publish will further public understanding and awareness of, and confidence in, the judicial determination of family law disputes. It is expected that the project will run for three years. |
831. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he is aware and will provide an update on the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34555/26]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that the person cited currently holds a valid immigration permission until 10 June 2027, and has no outstanding applications with the Immigration Service of my Department.
If the applicant has a specific question in relation to their registration, they can contact the registration office using the Customer Service Portal: https://portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/
Details on how to submit a query to the registration office can be found at the following link: https://www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/submitting-registration-or-renewal-queries/
Otherwise, they can renew their permission next year in the normal way. Further details on renewing an immigration permission are available here: Renewing your registration permission if you live in the Republic of Ireland - Immigration Service Delivery
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.
832. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for an update on the transfer of oversight of the Multi-Unit Developments Act 2011 legislation to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34567/26]
View answer863. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide an update on the transfer of functions including responsibility for the Multiple Unit Development Act and the Property Services Regulatory Authority from his Department to the Department of Housing; Local Government and Heritage. [35257/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 832 and 863 together.
Under the Programme for Government, Securing Ireland’s Future, responsibility for the regulation of owner management companies (OMCs) and the Multi-Unit Development Act (MUDs) is to be transferred from my Department, to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. This will streamline support for OMCs and improve oversight. A timeline for the transfer of functions is currently being advanced and engagement between the Departments is ongoing in this regard.
The transfer will initially be enabled by legislative amendments which are necessary to avoid a conflict of Ministerial responsibility as arose in the Mulcreevy case. These amendments are contained in the Criminal Law and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026 which has been referred to the Select Committee.
The new housing action plan, ‘Delivering Homes, Building Communities: An Action Plan on Housing Supply and Targeting Homelessness’ which was published in November 2025 , commits the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to undertake a review of the Act once the responsibility has transferred.
The Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA) functions were transferred from my Department to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on 1 August 2025.
