Written Answers Nos. 585-604
585. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to expedite a naturalisation application (details supplied) in respect of a Kerry constituent who applied over 12 months ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49173/26]
View answerThe naturalisation application referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. All applications for a certificate of naturalisation are processed and assessed individually in accordance with the provisions of the Act. Given the importance of citizenship, robust and comprehensive checks take place on each application.
587. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for a detailed update on Protocol 21; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49219/26]
View answerIn May of last year I published the findings of a Review of the operation of Protocol 21, a legal mechanism that is part of the Treaties of the European Union and which uniquely provides for Ireland to be able to opt-into measures that relate to the area of freedom, security and justice on a case-by-case basis.
The review, which is available here: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-justice-home-affairs-and-migration/publications/review-of-irelands-protocol-on-the-area-of-freedom-security-and-justice-2024/, was undertaken by the Department of Justice and informed by detailed statistical analysis of relevant legislation, internal and external consultations, and by a targeted consultation process with a range of key stakeholders facilitated by the Institute for International and European Affairs (IIEA).
The Review recommends that Ireland continue to be covered by Protocol 21. It also recommends that greater adherence be given to the undertaking in Declaration No. 56, which was made by Ireland at the time of the negotiation of the Protocol, and which commits to Ireland participating to the maximum extent possible in all measure covered by the Protocol.
The Review’s headline recommendations, approved by Government, are that:
• Ireland should continue to be covered by the terms of Protocol 21; and
• That greater adherence be given to the undertaking in Declaration No. 56 to the Treaties to exercise Ireland’s right under Article 3 of Protocol 21 to take part in JHA measures to the maximum extent possible.
The review also recommends the following additional actions that the Department of Justice should consider further:
• To participate in JHA measures by default, opting out only where concrete and well-defined national interests are at stake.
• To undertake a comprehensive, retrospective review of all the Protocol 21-related measures in which we do not participate and determine whether we can accede to these measures or not.
• To consider, to the extent practicable, mirroring via domestic legislation those EU measures which it has not opted into due to administrative constraints.
• To explore the possibility of joining the European Public Prosecutor’s Office.
• To explore the creation of a specialised body to facilitate the processing of mutual assistance and mutual recognition requests in a more efficient way.
In addition to the headline recommendations, work is ongoing to advance some of the additional recommendations made, including in respect of participating in the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), the establishment of a Criminal Justice International Cooperation Office, and I can advise the Deputy that the additional recommendation to opt into JHA measure by default is being respected to the fullest extent possible. I am also committed to undertaking the comprehensive, retrospective review of all the Protocol 21-related measures in which we do not participate, when our term as Presidency of the Council of the European Union is finished.
588. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of subject access requests received by his Department relating to immigration and international protection matters in each of the years from 2020 to 2025 and to date in 2026; the number completed within the statutory one-month timeframe; the number for which an extension was applied; the average processing time for completed requests, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49234/26]
View answerMy Department is committed to protecting the rights and privacy of all individuals in accordance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation, 2016/679 (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Accordingly, my Department fully complies with Data Subject Access Requests (SARs).
Within the Department, securing and managing personal data in accordance with GDPR principles is a priority and is governed by a comprehensive set of policies, procedures and systems.
A Data Protection and Records Management Steering Group incudes senior personnel from across the Department to assist the Management Board and the Data Protection Officer in fulfilling their Data Protection responsibilities.
The Department also has a network of data stewards in place that champion data protection awareness in each business unit and work with our Data Protection Support and Compliance Office to ensure the timely processing of all SARs.
Please note that the Department tracks SARs by statutory deadline compliance and extensions applied and not by average processing times, therefore the requested data is unavailable.
The figures for Subject Access Requests for immigration and International Protection related cases recorded by my Department in each of the years 2020 to 2025 and to 25 June 2026, are provided in the table below. These numbers are distinguished by number completed within the 30-day time limit and the number where extensions were applied for.
|
Year |
SARs received* |
SARs issued on time |
SARs issued with extensions |
|
2020 |
373 |
207 |
134 |
|
2021 |
535 |
283 |
197 |
|
2022 |
565 |
399 |
82 |
|
2023 |
941 |
744 |
145 |
|
2024 |
2419 |
2220 |
138 |
|
2025 |
2988 |
2514 |
349 |
|
01/01/2026 to 25/06/2026 |
1280 |
774 |
175 |
*Please note that not all SARs are completed, some may be withdrawn, refused or closed due to insufficient information with no contact from the data subject after requesting clarification.
589. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to examine the delays affecting a long stay D visa application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49247/26]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that the Join Family visa application referred to was created on 24 February 2026. Supporting documentation was received in the Dublin Visa Office on 03 March 2026 where it awaits examination and processing.
My Department's business target for join family visa applications is 12 months. It must be made clear that these are business targets for the immigration service and some applications can take longer than others. The business target reflects the detailed and often complex assessment that is required to be carried out in relation to applications for family reunification.
While I acknowledge the personal difficulties an applicant might be experiencing; it is not possible to give a definitive date as to when this application will be finalised. All applications are processed in chronological order, based on date order of receipt.
While every effort is made to process applications as soon as possible, processing times will vary having regard to the volume and complexity of applications, the possible need for the Immigration Service Delivery function of my Department to investigate, inquire into, or seek further information, and the resources available.
The current processing times for Dublin visa decisions is available here: www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/.
The date published on the website is the oldest date of application currently being processed under a given category. However, it should be noted that the Visa team continue to process and make decisions on applications received after the published processing date. If a particular application takes longer to consider this may result in the published processing date remaining unchanged. I can assure you that this does not indicate the processing of these applications has halted overall.
I am acutely aware that join family applications are very important for the people impacted. I understand that people are eager to have their families join them in Ireland, and I am committed to improving the service my Department provides.
The person concerned can now directly check the status of their visa application on the Immigration Service’s Customer Service Portal. They can register for, or log in to their existing account, at: portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/.
As an Oireachtas member, you can also request the status of individual immigration cases by e-mail, using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process.
590. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide an update on the provision of housing for survivors and victims of domestic abuse over the past five years; the locations of such housing and potential delivery over the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49314/26]
View answerThis Government has taken unprecedented actions to confront the scourge of domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence (DSGBV).
This includes increasing funding to almost €80 million under Budget 2026, to support Cuan and services working to tackle DSGBV and the implementation of the Zero Tolerance Strategy.
The increased funding for Cuan and community organisations that support victims and survivors will accelerate the delivery of safe accommodation, while also providing stronger supports for victims.
Cuan is collaborating with various stakeholders, including domestic violence services, Approved Housing Bodies, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Housing Agency and Local Authorities to facilitate local action and support service development and delivery of safe accommodation and ancillary services.
At the time of the launch of the Zero Tolerance Strategy (June 2022), there were 141 domestic violence refuge units and 49 safe homes in place. There are currently 181 domestic violence refuge units – which includes nine new units in Dublin south - and 60 safe home units, bringing the total safe accommodation at present to 241.
By the end of this year, it is envisaged that we will have 193 refuge units completed and 94 safe homes, bringing total safe accommodation to 287, with 50 further refuge units under construction.
This includes 12 units in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown expected to be operational in Q3 2026.
Cuan remains committed to collaborating with key stakeholder to explore additional opportunities for developing DV accommodation, especially in areas where such facilities are currently lacking, while also considering interim refuges and alternative accommodation for those fleeing domestic violence.
The attached table gives an overview of domestic violence safe accommodation by county.
591. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the reason an application in 2022 to the Immigrant Investor Fund by an organisation (details supplied) was unsuccessful notwithstanding its eligibility criteria; the reason representations and a request for a meeting on behalf of the organisation have received no reply from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49316/26]
View answerAll projects which IIP applicants are investing in are examined in detail by an Independent Evaluation Committee, comprising of officials from my Department, the Department of Finance, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland.
This examination process involves an assessment of the viability of the project; employment outcomes associated with the proposed investment; and the overall benefit to the Irish State. The Committee makes a determination as to whether a project is suitable for IIP investment and if deemed suitable, the project and individual application(s) associated with it will be submitted to me, as Minister, for approval.
My Department does not publish the details of individual IIP applications.
The IIP is fundamentally a programme for investors, not for projects or funds. The investor is the primary applicant and makes an application for an immigration permission and nominates a proposed project as part of that application.
If a project owner has any queries, they can contact the IIP Unit of my Department directly.
592. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if the Garda Training Review Group will have its work concluded by July this year. [49332/26]
View answerThe Garda Training Review Group has been established to identify delivery options to increase the scale and capacity of high-quality education, training and continuous professional development in An Garda Síochána. This will help ensure that the skills needs of the organisation are met over the next decade.
A former Secretary General is Chair of the Group with senior officials representing the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, An Garda Síochána, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, the Office of Public Works and the Higher Education Authority.
The Group met for the first time on 30 January and met eight times subsequently to progress its work. I received the final report from the Chair today (30 June) and will be considering its contents over the summer.
594. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the percentage of speeding cases brought before the courts struck out for each of the past five years in each court district. [49419/26]
View answerThe management of the courts, operational matters and logistical functions are the responsibility of the judiciary and Courts Service, which are independent in exercising their functions under the Courts Service Act 1998 and the Constitution. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.
It should be noted that the Department does not record data relating to convictions, as this is a function of the courts.
To be of assistance I have referred this question to the Courts Service for their direct reply to the Deputy.
The Deputy may also wish to note that the Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas: oireachtasenquiries@courts.ie.
595. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the percentage of defendants of speeding cases brought before the courts that did not have a fixed charge penalty notices issued to them for each of the past five years in each court district. [49420/26]
View answerSpeeding remains one of the greatest risk factors on our roads. Speed reduces the time people have to react and makes collisions much more likely. It also makes it more likely that when collisions happen, they will lead to death or very serious injuries.
Fixed Charged Penalty Notices are governed primarily by the Roads Traffic Act 2010 and associated Acts. Fixed Charged Notices (FCPN) provide a system to avoid court proceedings for specific motoring and public order offences by allowing offenders to pay a set fine and accept penalty points.
In relation to speeding offences, under Section 35 (2) of the Road Traffic Act 2010 "A prosecution in respect of a fixed charge offence shall not be instituted unless a fixed charge notice in respect of the alleged offence has been served on the person concerned under this section and the person fails to pay the fixed charge in accordance with the notice."
I have been advised by the Garda authorities that it is only in circumstances where an individual does not pay a fixed charge amount on receipt of a FCN at any of the three payment points that they will be summonsed to appear in court.
It is also an option for any person to not pay a fixed charge penalty and to, instead, offer a defence in court.
596. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of motorists caught exceeding the speed limit on a static camera at locations (details supplied), since 18 December 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49423/26]
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 including all operational policing matters.
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that 14,538 fixed charge notices were issued for the period from 01/12/2025 to 31/05/2026, in respect of the Safety Camera at N80, Graiguenaspidogue, Co. Carlow.
Figures are based on Speeding FCNs which had a date of notice between 01/12/2025 and 31/05/2026, inclusive. All information contained in this report is based upon operational data from the FCPS system as was available on 29/06/2026 and is liable to change.
597. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Question No. 676 of 16 June 2026, to confirm if Stamp 1G renewal applicants can continue to work or accept a new paid position of employment during the period when their renewal application is being processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49446/26]
View answerA Stamp 1G immigration permission may be granted to spouses, de facto partners or minor children of Critical Skills Employment Permit, General Employment Permit or Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit holders, or researchers on a Hosting Agreement, as well as non-EEA national graduates under the Third Level Graduate Programme.
The Registration Office of my Department has issued a notice to employers regarding the legality of employing someone awaiting renewal. If an employee’s IRP card has expired and they are unable to obtain a new one by the expiry date of their current IRP card, they are still legally permitted to remain in the State on their existing IRP card for a maximum of 12 weeks. This is subject to the applicant submitting their renewal application prior to their current IRP card expiring. Further information on this notice can be found here: www.irishimmigration.ie/notice-to-employers-regarding-employees-awaiting-renewal-of-their-irp-card/.
In addition, customers may submit their renewal applications up to 12 weeks prior to expiry of permission, to allow sufficient time for an application to be reached and processed prior to a current permission expiring.
598. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to the published strength of the Cork City Garda division, the number of Gardaí assigned to that division who are attached to national or regional specialist units rather than to divisional duties, by unit and rank, in tabular form; the number of newly attested Gardaí allocated to the Cork city and Cork county divisions in each of the years 2021 to 2025 and to date in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49496/26]
View answer599. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of drug seizures made in the Cork city and Cork county Garda divisions in each of the years 2021 to 2025 and to date in 2026, by drug type, by division, in tabular form; the quantity seized of each drug type in each of those years; the estimated value of the drugs seized; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49497/26]
View answer625. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current staffing compliment of the Garda national drugs and organised crime bureau and of the Cork city divisional drugs unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49740/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 598, 599 and 625 together.
Under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution and stationing of Garda personnel throughout the State. I engage regularly with the Commissioner, and I am assured that the resourcing of each Garda Division is fully considered within the overall context of the needs and requirements of Garda Divisions throughout the country.
An Garda Síochána publishes information in relation to the allocation of Gardaí nationally, including a breakdown of Garda divisions and stations nationwide. Historical data on the allocation of Gardaí 2006 - 2025, and probationer Gardaí from 2015 - 2025, along with the same sheets for 2026 can be found here: www.garda.ie/en/information-centre/garda-statistics/human%20resources/.
As Minister, my priority is getting more Gardaí into all our communities by supporting increased recruitment and appropriate civilianisation where possible. A Garda budget of €2.74 billion in 2026 will fund the recruitment of up to 1,000 new Gardaí, 200 more Garda staff and additional members of the Garda Reserve.
The Garda Commissioner and his senior management team keep the distribution of resources under ongoing review. I understand that, when allocating and transferring Garda members to and from any Division, consideration is given to commitments and undertakings outlined in the Annual Policing Plan.
The Commissioner takes the requirements of all Garda Divisions nationwide into account, including:
• Local and national crime trends and workloads;
• Policing arrangements and operational strategies;
• Minimum establishment statistics;
• Local population and trends, geographical area and size;
• Transfer applications, including welfare, personnel issues and concerns.
Tackling the sale and supply of controlled drugs, and targeting the activities of organised crime groups that inflict intimidation, violence and harm on families and communities across Ireland, remains a top priority for the Government and my Department.
An Garda Síochána continues to implement an enhanced national anti-drugs strategy through Operation Tara. The focus of this operation is to disrupt, dismantle and prosecute drug trafficking networks at international, national and local level, including persons involved in the importation, distribution, cultivation, production, sale and supply of controlled drugs.
At national level, the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau leads in tackling drug trafficking and the supply of illicit drugs in Ireland. Inter-agency and international cooperation also remain key elements of the overall response, given the global nature of the drugs trade.
It should be noted that An Garda Síochána polices on a Divisional basis, with support provided by Regional and National Units as required.
[]I am advised by the Garda authorities that the figures relating to the number of Gardaí assigned to Garda regional and national specialist units cannot be provided as it is considered operationally sensitive.
I am further advised that as of 30 April 2026, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 45 members assigned to the Cork Division Drugs Unit, of whom 27 were assigned to Cork City.
I am advised by An Garda Síochána that the specific breakdown of the information requested by the Deputy in relation to the number of drug seizures made in the Cork City and Cork County Divisions in each of the years from 2021 to 2025 and to date in 2026, broken down by drug type, division, quantity seized and estimated value, is not available.
Information on drugs seizures is not available until analysed by Forensic Science Ireland (FSI).
Further to this, drug volumes, following analysis by Forensic Science Ireland, are provided at national level as part of the Garda Síochána Annual Report.
Previous Garda Annual Reports can be found at the following link: www.garda.ie/en/about-us/publications/annual%20reports/an-garda-siochana-annual-reports/.
The 2024 Annual Report, which contains the most recent data currently available on drug types and seizures, can be found at the following link: www.garda.ie/en/about-us/publications/annual%20reports/an-garda-siochana-annual-reports/2024-an-garda-siochana-annual-report.pdf.
The Garda Annual Report for 2025 will be published in due course and be available on the above link.
600. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of visit (tourist) visas issued in each of the years 2021 to 2025 and to date in 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49499/26]
View answer601. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of study visas issued in each of the years 2021 to 2025 and to date in 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49500/26]
View answer602. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of employment visas issued in each of the years 2021 to 2025 and to date in 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49501/26]
View answer603. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of join family visas issued in each of the years 2021 to 2025 and to date in 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49502/26]
View answer604. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of business visas issued in each of the years 2021 to 2025 and to date in 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49503/26]
View answer606. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of visa applications refused, broken down by visa category, in each of the years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49506/26]
View answer608. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of family reunification applications received under the International Protection Act 2015 and the number received under the Non-EEA Family Reunification Policy, in each of the years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49508/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 600, 601, 602, 603, 604, 606 and 608 together.
I can advise the Deputy that my Department currently operates seven overseas Visa Offices in addition to the Visa Office in Dublin. These are located in Abuja, Beijing, London, Moscow, Ankara, Abu Dhabi and New Delhi. In addition, staff of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade process certain visa applications in Irish Embassies abroad under delegated authority from my Department.
Visa and preclearance applications provide legal avenues for people moving to Ireland for employment, study and family reasons and also to facilitate visitors who wish to travel for business and/or tourism. These applications are screening processes, designed to establish that the person has a legitimate reason to come to Ireland prior to travel. Verifying an application is an important part of our immigration system.
Processing times and decisions at the Visa Offices in Dublin and overseas can be checked at the following link: www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/.
In December 2025, the Immigration Service of my Department introduced online payment functionality to my Department's online visa system. This allows applicants to pay visa fees as part of the online application process. The initiative is being rolled out on a phased basis and is currently live in 40 countries, with South Africa added in January 2026. This reduces the administrative burden on Irish Missions and visa teams, and allows visa officers to dedicate more time to core application processing and decision-making, contributing to improved processing efficiency over time.
