Written Answers Nos. 446-464
448. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether his Department has assessed conviction rates, prosecution rates, withdrawal rates or evidential barriers associated with coercive control prosecutions since 2019. [41164/26]
View answerCombatting all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, and ensuring that victims and survivors are fully supported, remain absolute priorities for this Government. These commitments underpin the Third National Strategy on DSGBV and a key element of achieving the Strategy’s aims is through robust legislation.
The offence of coercive control, newly provided for under section 39 of the Domestic Violence Act 2018, recognises and criminalises patterns of psychological and emotional abuse within intimate relationships. A person convicted of this offence is liable to receive a fine or face imprisonment for up to five years.
The Domestic Violence Act 2018 was commenced on 1 January 2019. In July 2019, my Department published a post-enactment report on the Act, which was laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.
The report updated on progress achieved regarding the implementation of the Act, including on the creation of the new offence of coercive control. The report is available on the website of the Houses of the Oireachtas: opac.oireachtas.ie/AWData/Library3/JUQdoclaid160719_111304.pdf
My Department keeps the operation of this, and all legislation, under review to ensure that it is achieving its intended purpose.
449. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether any national target or benchmark exists regarding maximum waiting times for protection orders, barring orders or safety orders in the District Court. [41165/26]
View answer450. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether his Department receives regular statistical reporting from the Courts Service regarding domestic violence-related applications and waiting times. [41166/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 449 and 450 together.
Management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in exercising its functions under the Courts Service Act 1998 and the Constitution. I am advised by the Courts Service that there is no national target or benchmark regarding maximum waiting times for protection orders, barring orders or safety orders in the District Courts.
I can confirm for the Deputy that my Department receives quarterly statistics on the median processing times for substantive Domestic Violence applications as part of the Courts Service CEO’s quarterly report to the Courts Service Board. This report is forwarded to my Department for information following its presentation to the Courts Service Board. The table below includes the latest statistics from Quarter 1 2026.
Domestic Violence Median Processing Times in Weeks – 2025 Q2 to 2026 Q1
|
- |
Q2 2025 |
Q3 2025 |
Q4 2025 |
Q1 2026 |
|
Ballina |
7 |
5 |
5 |
11 |
|
Bray |
12 |
14 |
13 |
9 |
|
Carlow |
14 |
11 |
18 |
15 |
|
Carrick On Shannon |
9 |
13 |
9 |
7 |
|
Castlebar |
9 |
9 |
15 |
17 |
|
Cavan |
11 |
12 |
13 |
9 |
|
Clonakilty |
4 |
6 |
3 |
2 |
|
Clonmel |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
|
Cork |
9 |
10 |
13 |
10 |
|
Donegal |
13 |
6 |
6 |
5 |
|
Dublin |
9 |
14 |
11 |
10 |
|
Dundalk |
7 |
6 |
10 |
9 |
|
Ennis |
12 |
15 |
15 |
17 |
|
Galway |
14 |
14 |
15 |
15 |
|
Kilkenny |
7 |
8 |
12 |
11 |
|
Letterkenny |
11 |
14 |
13 |
14 |
|
Limerick |
6 |
5 |
5 |
6 |
|
Longford |
7 |
10 |
10 |
8 |
|
Loughrea |
9 |
3 |
10 |
12 |
|
Mallow |
12 |
13 |
12 |
13 |
|
Monaghan |
14 |
15 |
16 |
13 |
|
Mullingar |
8 |
5 |
5 |
6 |
|
Naas |
45 |
33 |
36 |
41 |
|
Nenagh |
8 |
11 |
10 |
10 |
|
Portlaoise |
13 |
11 |
9 |
6 |
|
Roscommon |
5 |
8 |
14 |
13 |
|
Sligo |
16 |
14 |
21 |
16 |
|
Swords |
7 |
8 |
9 |
15 |
|
Tralee |
5 |
6 |
8 |
7 |
|
Trim |
9 |
9 |
13 |
12 |
|
Tullamore |
7 |
8 |
15 |
12 |
|
Waterford |
4 |
5 |
9 |
9 |
|
Wexford |
10 |
9 |
14 |
14 |
451. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether any cross-Government expenditure review has been undertaken to quantify total State spending on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence supports prior to the establishment of Cuan. [41167/26]
View answerThe Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence (DSGBV): An Audit of Structures, was published in 2021 and examined how responsibility for DSGBV was fragmented across Government Departments and agencies. It focused on exploring fragmentation within and across existing structures and was not intended to quantify overall State expenditure on DSGBV.
Its findings informed the development of improved Governance structures and the subsequent Zero Tolerance Strategy on DSGBV. A core output of the strategy was the establishment of Cuan as the dedicated agency to coordinate and drive implementation of the strategy on a whole of Government basis, including through coordinating the administration of funding for DSGVB organisations nationwide, working both in service provision and prevention.
The audit can be read here: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-justice-home-affairs-and-migration/publications/domestic-sexual-and-gender-based-violence-an-audit-of-structures/
452. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether any national forecasting model exists regarding future refuge accommodation demand arising from housing pressures, homelessness risk and population growth. [41168/26]
View answer455. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether the Government has conducted any updated assessment since the 2022 Tusla review regarding unmet demand for domestic violence refuge accommodation. [41172/26]
View answer456. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration which counties currently have no dedicated domestic violence refuge accommodation available. [41173/26]
View answer457. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether Ireland currently meets the Council of Europe Istanbul Convention-recommended level of domestic violence refuge accommodation provision. [41174/26]
View answer458. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the projected additional refuge units required nationally to meet estimated demand over the next five years. [41175/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 452 and 455 to 458, inclusive, together.
The Government and I continue to prioritise action to address domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV). Under Budget 2026, funding of almost €80 million has been provided to support Cuan, frontline organisations working in the DSGBV sector and implementation of the Zero Tolerance Strategy. This additional investment will support the acceleration of safe accommodation delivery and strengthen supports available to victims and survivors.
Since being established in January 2024, Cuan has advanced significant work in expanding safe accommodation capacity for victims of domestic violence and their families. The provision of safe accommodation is aligned with Article 23 of the Istanbul Convention, which requires States to provide appropriate and accessible shelters in sufficient numbers for victims, particularly women and children.
Refuges and safe homes provide essential protection and support to victims of domestic violence and their families during periods of crisis, while also facilitating access to wraparound supports that assist safety and recovery.
Cuan is working closely with a range of stakeholders, including domestic violence services, Approved Housing Bodies, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Housing Agency and local authorities, in order to support local action and the delivery of safe accommodation and related services.
At the commencement of the Zero Tolerance Strategy, there were 49 safe homes and 141 domestic violence refuge units in place nationally. This forms part of our overall commitment to deliver 282 safe spaces by 2026, significantly increasing capacity and access. By the end of 2026, this is expected to increase to 94 safe homes and 193 refuge units, in addition to 50 further units currently under construction. All refuges due to open during 2026 remain on schedule, including 12 units in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown which are expected to become operational in Quarter 3 of 2026.
Cuan is actively seeking further opportunities to develop emergency domestic violence accommodation, particularly in areas lacking such facilities. The development of safe homes in locations without existing provisions is crucial for supporting those fleeing domestic violence.
While specialised domestic violence service providers work to meet the diverse needs of victims, it is important to note that refuges and Safe Homes are crisis interventions and not designed to function as long-term accommodation solutions and therefore, collaboration is required among all key stakeholders to identify and develop appropriate referral pathways out of emergency domestic violence accommodation.
Cuan currently funds 78 DSGBV organisations nationwide, including 20 domestic violence refuges. I am advised that Cuan does not maintain data on the number of individuals who were unable to access emergency domestic violence accommodation, due to difficulties experienced by services in consistently capturing this information. However, data has been provided regarding the number of units available in each county. A unit may typically accommodate a family. Cuan has further advised that the table at the link below outlines safe accommodation units by county as of May 2026.
In addition, my Department engages with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and other relevant Departments through a number of interdepartmental structures and working groups, including in the context of the Child and Family Homelessness Action Plan, together with the Homelessness Prevention Framework, and will continue to work collaboratively with partners in the sector to strengthen supports and protections for victims and survivors.
459. Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of new Garda cars and vans added to the Garda fleet within Donegal division in the years 2025 and to date in 2026; the number of Garda cars and vans withdrawn from this division during same period, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41332/26]
View answerI have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Regrettably, this was not available in time and I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.
460. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the total amount paid to a company (details supplied) under the speed camera contract in each year from 2020 to 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41374/26]
View answerI have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Regrettably, this was not available in time and I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.
461. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will provide a report on the progress made on implementing the programme for Government commitments within his remit and on the achievements since the formation of the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41390/26]
View answerDelivering on the commitments laid out in the Programme for Government is a priority for me as Minister, my Department and my colleagues, Ministers of State Colm Brophy and Niall Collins. Working with them, I want to ensure that our justice system is modern, efficient, and responsive to the needs of all of our people. I want a justice system that serves the fundamental need of all people to feel safe and secure in their homes and in their communities.
Last November, I was pleased to publish the Statement of Strategy for my Department for 2025–2028. The Strategy aligns with the Programme for Government, sets out my Department’s strategic direction to 2028 and will further the work towards our shared vision of a safe, fair and inclusive Ireland.
Details of the strategy are set out at the following link:
462. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the total number of removal orders made under the European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) Regulations 2015 in each year from 2018 to date, in tabular form; the number of such orders effected in each year, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41419/26]
View answer463. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the grounds on which removal orders are made under the European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) Regulations 2015; the appeal mechanisms available to persons subject to such orders; the number of appeals made and the number successful in each year from 2018 to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41420/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 462 and 463 together.
The removal of people who are involved in criminality and those who are a danger to society is a priority for me as Minister and my Department works closely with An Garda Síochána and the Irish Prison Service to ensure high risk people are prioritised for removal from Ireland.
Under the European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) Regulations 2015, which transposes the Free Movement Directive (Directive 2004/38/EC) into Irish law, orders can be made for both the removal and exclusion of citizens of the European Union, European Economic Area and Switzerland.
Such orders are made after a full assessment of a person’s individual circumstances and can be made on the grounds of public policy, public security or public health; legally, such orders must not be disproportionate and an individual assessment of factors such as length of residence in the country, integration (e.g. work history), age, health etc. must be carried out.
Any person subject to a removal order is entitled to submit an appeal (review) of their decision within 15 days of issuance of the initial decision letter.
The information requested by the Deputy on the number of appeals received, as well as the number that were successful, is not readily available. My Department is currently compiling this information and I will write to the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.
The table below details the number of removal orders which have been signed and enforced under the European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) Regulations 2015 between 2018 and up to 25 May 2026.
|
Year |
Orders signed under the Regulations |
Orders enforced under the Regulations |
|
2018 |
42 |
70 |
|
2019 |
76 |
64 |
|
2020 |
33 |
32 |
|
2021 |
40 |
42 |
|
2022 |
58 |
37 |
|
2023 |
19 |
21 |
|
2024 |
24 |
18 |
|
2025 |
158 |
56 |
|
2026 (to 25 May) |
70 |
88 |
* Please note, figures are correct at time of issue, however, all statistics may be subject to data cleansing.
A removal order effected in any year may relate to an order signed in a previous year. There may be a time lag between the making of a removal order and its enforcement in circumstances such as where the subject is continuing to serve a period of imprisonment.
It is the case that a significant number of individuals who were subject to removal orders have left the State without notifying the relevant authorities; however, as there are no routine exit checks at Irish borders, it is not possible to definitely provide the number of people who have or have not complied with an order.
464. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration is being given to targeted supports for farmers engaging in emissions reduction measures under the climate action plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40855/26]
View answerThe Irish agri-food sector is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2030. My Department is assisting farmers with their transition to more sustainable practices while also supporting family farm incomes with a budget of €9.8bn under Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan. In ACRES, which is Ireland’s €1.5 billion flagship agri-environmental scheme 2023-2027, 54,000 farmers are contributing to a range of environmental, biodiversity, climate and water quality objectives. This has resulted in the planting of over 500,000 trees and over 2,500 kilometres of new hedgerows nationally, and I have secured an additional allocation of €280 million for ACRES in 2026 to continue this work.
I have also increased funding for Organic Farming which has resulted in 248,000 hectares currently being farmed organically in Ireland. Since 2021, the number of farmers in the Organic Farming Scheme has increased by 221% to 5,500, and I have allocated €58.6 million for 2026 to ensure continued progress.
I have allocated €260m to the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) to improve the genetic merit and the carbon efficiency of our national beef herd.
A budget of €1.3 billion underpins our National Forestry Programme, and for 2026, I have increased the allocation by 5.7% to €93 million which is supporting farmers and industry to reach climate targets by way of carbon capture.
My Department is providing additional financial supports to assist with emissions-reducing technologies, and for 2026 I have allocated €88 million to the Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS). Uptake of emission reducing technology at farm level is evident and according to the EPA 70% of slurry was spread using Low Emission Slurry Spreading, or LESS, technology in 2024.
Addressing climate change is a significant challenge for the Agriculture sector, however, my Department is committed to meeting its targets and continuing to support farm families in the transition to more sustainable practise.
