Written Answers Nos. 416-436
416. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of Ukrainian nationals that have been granted international protection in Ireland in each of the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026; the number that were refused; and the number currently awaiting a decision on their application for protection, in tabular form. [54490/26]
View answerMy Department takes all necessary steps to manage the international protection process efficiently and effectively, while ensuring the integrity of those processes is maintained at all times.
There has been a significant increase in investment into the international protection system over the last number of years 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. This year as of 5th July, IPAT has already closed 4,812 appeals and is on track to significantly exceed the number of appeals closed in 2025.
To date in 2026 the median processing time for IPO first instance decisions is 12 months (accelerated cases are processed in 3 months, while standard cases are processed in 16 months).
The median processing time for International Protection appeals is 13.2 months. The median processing time under the accelerated procedure is 6.8 months and 16.5 months for all other appeals.
Please note my Department does not provide detailed statistics on international protection grant and refusal rates by nationality.
The table below shows the total number of International Protection Applications from Ukrainian Nationals from 2022 until 11 June 2026 under the International Protection Act 2015.
|
IP Applications |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
2026* |
Total |
|
Ukraine |
421 |
216 |
254 |
312 |
140 |
1,343 |
*To COB 11th June under IP Act 2015
The table below shows the total number of International Protection Applications from Ukrainian Nationals from 12 June 2026, following the enactment of the new International Protection Act 2026.
|
IP Applications |
2026** |
|
Ukraine |
23 |
**From 12th June to COB 14th July under IP Act 2026
Please note figures are correct at time of issue and may be subject to data cleansing.
Currently, there are 277 Ukrainian nationals awaiting a first instance decision from the IPO under the International Protection Act 2015 and 23 Ukrainian nationals awaiting a first instance decision under the new International Protection Act 2026.
As the Deputy will be aware, the International Protection Act 2026 entered into effect on 12 June 2026 and gives effect to 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.
Faster processing 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. 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.
417. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the reason additional information that has already been supplied has been requested from a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54494/26]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that in cases where incomplete naturalisation applications are received, the application is returned to the applicant with a request to provide the missing documentation within 28 days. A reminder is issued after 18 days if the required documentation has still not been provided.
In this case the applicant submitted an incorrectly certified document. The applicant was asked to submit a certified copy of the biodata page of their passport and given guidelines on how the document must be certified. The onus is on the applicant to check the documents they submit. As the applicant resubmitted the incorrectly certified document, his application was deemed ineligible and closed.
Although there is no appeal option provided for under the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, it is open to anyone to make a new application at any time. There is no time limit within which you can make a new application, nor is there any maximum limit on the number of applications. Applicants are advised that in making any new application they should bear in mind the reasons why the previous application was deemed ineligible.
My Department has published guidance online to help people better understand the naturalisation application process, including the key documents required for identity and residency. The page also provides guidance on how to have documents certified. Your constituent can view it here: How to Become an Irish Citizen Guide - Immigration Service Delivery (www.irishimmigration.ie/how-to-become-an-irish-citizen-guide/)
418. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide a breakdown of the speed limits that motorists were caught driving over and were fined on the N25 static speed cameras in Glenmore, County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54499/26]
View answerWhether it is fixed cameras, average speed cameras or GoSafe vans, the use of technology is a vital component of reducing speeding on our roads.
Road safety cameras are intended to be, first and foremost, a tool to support safety, prevention and behavioural change across the road network.
The aim of an enhanced use of cameras across Ireland is to encourage safer driving practices, reduce collisions and protect road users by promoting compliance with speed limits.
Nine static speed safety cameras are in operation across the country since 2024. The locations of these cameras were selected based on fatal and serious injury collision data and speed data, as well as feedback from stakeholders.
The table below has been provided to me by the Garda authorities and outlines the number of Fixed Charge Notices (FCNs) issued from the static speed camera zone on the N25 Ballinamona, Glenmore, Kilkenny:
|
FCNs issued |
Nov-25 |
Dec-25 |
Jan-26 |
Feb-26 |
Mar-26 |
Apr-26 |
May-26 |
Jun-26 |
|
N25 Speed Camera |
2,959 |
4,973 |
2,663 |
4,508 |
5,502 |
4,044 |
3,472 |
3,627 |
All information contained in this report is based upon operational data from the FCPS system and is liable to change.
I am advised by An Garda Síochána that they do not disclose a more detailed breakdown of these figures for operational reasons.
419. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Question No. 617 of 30 June 2026, with regard to the Multi Use Development Act 2011, whether the company that owns the common areas is, by law or regulation, required to act in the capacity of an owner management company, or whether it is obliged to do so upon the request of the owners of the individual units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54555/26]
View answerThe principal objective of the Multi-Unit Developments Act 2011 is to ensure the transfer of common areas of the development to the owners management company (OMC), and to facilitate the fair and effective management of the OMC. The Act promotes transparency, accountability and fairness.
Section 17 of the Act imposes obligations on OMCs. Specifically, it provides that OMCs must prepare an annual report and hold a meeting at least once a year to consider the report. That report must contain details of the annual service charges as well as planned expenditure on maintenance and repair, insurance cover, and contracts entered into by the company.
Section 18 of the Act provides that OMCs have the responsibility for setting the annual service charge for their development. It must be calculated on a transparent basis and be apportioned equitably between unit owners. The service charge must be approved at a meeting of the unit owners. The Act obliges each unit owner to pay the annual service charge which has been approved in this manner.
420. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of EU Presidency policy and administrative officers now employed on temporary contracts across his Department, in Ireland and abroad; if these individuals can apply to internal civil service competitions for these temporary contracts; the plans being developed to retain these individuals once their contracts cease, given they will have extensive and intimate knowledge of EU and Irish institutional operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54598/26]
View answerMy Department and I are committed to playing a full part in delivering a successful Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
My Department has hired eight temporary Presidency Policy Officers to work on matters relating to the EU Presidency in Dublin. In addition, two Graduate Policy Officers were hired locally on temporary contracts to work on Justice and Home Affairs matters in the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union in Brussels. These officers have been hired on fixed term contracts until the end of Ireland’s Presidency.
Temporary staff can apply for competitions run by my Department or Publicjobs, provided they meet the criteria for the competition at time of applying. While these temporary staff are encouraged to apply for permanent roles in my Department there are no plans to automatically retain these staff at the end of the Presidency.
421. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the country of birth of each prisoner in the Prison Service, by violent crime and nonviolent crime. [54614/26]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Prison Service that while it records self-reported nationality, it does not routinely record country of birth. Accordingly, the requested information in respect of country of birth is not available.
There are over 3,500 offences recorded on the Prisoner Information Management System as determined by the Irish Crime Classification System, which groups certain types of offences together. For example, the group for offences of a sexual nature includes both offences involving direct physical harm to a person and also offences for failure to notify An Garda Síochána of a change of address.
It is not possible to produce a report that will accurately disaggregate offences in the Irish Crime Classification System grouping that might be determined as meeting the definition of ‘violent’ or ‘non-violent’ crime. Identifying specific individuals for which their offence description might be termed ‘violent’ would require a manual trawl of all prisoners against the full suite of offence codes and background circumstances to the crime which would require an inordinate amount of time and resources.
Furthermore, the Irish Prison Service will not always have access to full information of the details of the crime that led An Garda Síochána to choose to bring a charge under a particular offence code. More information on the Irish Crime Classification System is available on the websites of An Garda Síochána and the Central Statistics Office.
For the Deputy’s information, the Irish Prison Service has provided the attached table containing the self-reported nationalities of persons in custody as of 30 June 2026, categorised according to whether the offence for their most significant sentence length is an offence that falls into an Irish Crime Classification System grouping that includes violent offences. It must be noted that some of the people captured in the grouping will be in custody for non-violent crimes.
In addition, to protect the identity of individuals and ensure compliance with data protection legislation, any category containing fewer than five individuals has been suppressed and is reported as ‘<5’.
Nationality Split as per 30th June 2026
|
Nationality |
VIOLENT OFFENCE |
NON-VIOLENT OFFENCE |
|
Irish |
2,788 |
2,002 |
|
Polish |
58 |
58 |
|
Romanian |
56 |
60 |
|
British |
77 |
67 |
|
Lithuanian |
31 |
65 |
|
Nigerian |
28 |
22 |
|
Brazilian |
27 |
29 |
|
Latvian |
20 |
22 |
|
Algerian |
17 |
12 |
|
Afghanistan |
10 |
<5 |
|
Czech |
9 |
9 |
|
Slovak |
9 |
8 |
|
Ukrainian |
9 |
20 |
|
Indian |
8 |
<5 |
|
Moldovan |
8 |
5 |
|
Zimbabwean |
8 |
<5 |
|
Pakistani |
7 |
<5 |
|
Portuguese |
7 |
<5 |
|
Croatian |
6 |
<5 |
|
Moroccan |
6 |
<5 |
|
Philippino |
6 |
<5 |
|
Russian |
6 |
<5 |
|
Somalian |
6 |
8 |
|
American |
5 |
6 |
|
Ghanaian |
5 |
<5 |
|
South African |
5 |
<5 |
|
Spanish |
5 |
11 |
|
Sudanese |
5 |
<5 |
|
Albanian |
<5 |
8 |
|
Angolan |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Argentinian |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Armenian |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Bangladeshi |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Belorussian |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Bolivian |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Botswanan |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Bulgarian |
<5 |
9 |
|
Canadian |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Central African Republic |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Chilean |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Chinese |
<5 |
15 |
|
Congolese |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Dutch |
<5 |
9 |
|
Egyptian |
<5 |
<5 |
|
El Salvadorian |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Equatorial Guinean |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Eritrean |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Ethiopian |
<5 |
<5 |
|
French |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Georgian |
<5 |
12 |
|
German |
<5 |
6 |
|
Hondouran |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Hungarian |
<5 |
10 |
|
Iranian |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Iraqi |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Italian |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Ivory Coast |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Japanese |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Jordanian |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Korean South |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Kosovon |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Kuwaiti |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Lebanese |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Lesothean |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Malawian |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Malaysian |
<5 |
5 |
|
Mauritanian |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Mauritius |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Mongolian |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Nepalese |
<5 |
<5 |
|
New Zealander |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Niger |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Norwegian |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Palestinian |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Saudi |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Serbian |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Sierra Leonean |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Slovenian |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Swedish |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Syrian |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Tanzanian |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Trinidad & Tobago |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Tunisian |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Turkish |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Ugandan |
<5 |
<5 |
|
Vietnamese |
<5 |
5 |
|
Zambian |
<5 |
<5 |
*Note* Due to Statistical Disclosure Controls, any category with less than 5 prisoners will be replaced with "<5"
422. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the position regarding all actions in each of the Climate Action Plans 2021 to 2025 under the remit of his Department; to provide a breakdown of the legacy actions remaining, broken down by the year of the climate action plan they were initially included in; and the estimated timelines for completion, in tabular form. [54633/26]
View answerThe Government of Ireland's Climate Action Plan 2021 (CAP21) was officially approved in July 2022. The following actions were included relating to my Department:
|
Action |
Description |
Lead/Owner |
Proposed Timeline |
Status |
|
62 |
Establish an appropriately resourced Climate Action Unit in every Government Department to ensure Climate considerations are at the core of policy development |
All Departments |
Q2 2021 |
Established in 2021 |
|
177 |
Establish a new Division of the High Court dealing with planning and environmental issues |
Department of Justice |
Q4 2022 |
Established in 2023 |
Subsequent Climate Action Plans did not include actions for my Department.
423. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of Gardaí who have left the force over the past five years; the number of Gardaí recruited in the same period, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54644/26]
View answerUnder section 33 of the Policing Security and Community Safety Act 2025, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána. This includes the recruitment, training and appointment of members of Garda personnel. The Commissioner is independent in his functions under section 34 of the Act.
An Garda Síochána publishes information in relation to the allocation of Gardaí nationally, including a breakdown of the allocation of newly attested Gardaí to Garda divisions and stations nationwide. Historical data on the allocation of Gardaí from 2015 - 2026 can be found here:
www.garda.ie/en/information-centre/garda-statistics/human%20resources/ .
The table below has been provided to me by the Garda authorities and outlines the number of retirements and resignations from 2022 to May 2026 the latest date for which figures are available.
|
Years |
Cost Neutral Early Retirement |
Compulsory Retirement |
Resignation (Ordinary) |
Voluntary Retirement |
Total |
|
2022 |
1 |
79 |
106 |
260 |
446 |
|
2023 |
8 |
66 |
167 |
245 |
486 |
|
2024 |
6 |
32 |
137 |
202 |
377 |
|
2025 |
4 |
10 |
141 |
204 |
359 |
|
31-May-26 |
2 |
10 |
47 |
54 |
113 |
|
Total |
21 |
197 |
598 |
965 |
1,781 |
Retirement eligibility requires both reaching the minimum retirement age and completing the necessary years of pensionable service. The minimum retirement age is either 50 or 55 years of age (depending on when a person joined), with 30 years service. The compulsory retirement age is currently 62.
424. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the most up-to-date figures on the number of members of An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54645/26]
View answerAn 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, along with the same sheet for 2026 can be found here:
www.garda.ie/en/information-centre/garda-statistics/human%20resources/ .
425. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current training capacity of the Garda Training College and the capacity in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54646/26]
View answerGetting more Gardaí on our streets to prevent and detect crime and to ensure that people are safe and feel safe, is my first priority as Minister.
This Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs and Budget 2026 provides unprecedented funding of €2.74 billion to the organisation to support it, including in relation to recruitment and staffing.
Overall, just under 800 trainees entered the Garda College in 2025, the highest number since 2018.
Following two attestations this year, 360 probationer Gardaí have been assigned across the country. 223 and 215 trainees entered the college in intakes in November of last year and February this year so I expect to see in excess of 200 Gardaí attesting in each of the two remaining attestations this year, which includes one at the end of July.
The number of Gardaí available to the Commissioner will continue to increase over the coming months as trainees currently in Templemore complete their training and attest from the Garda College. We are now regularly seeing groups of over 200 trainees entering Templemore. The most recent intake of 201 trainees on 4 May was the fourth intake in a row with 200 or more recruits entering the college.
The most recent recruitment competition, which closed on 3 June 2026, attracted over 4,000 applications and reflects a strong and steady interest in a career in An Garda Síochána.
It should be noted that the Garda College is also the primary training facility in the State for serving Gardaí and this is reflected in the capacity of the college. Work is under way to increase capacity in the short term with the support of the Office of Public Works and it is anticipated that additional capacity will become available this year.
The 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 includes consideration for the establishment of a second Garda training college and providing for Garda trainees to undergo part of their training in regionally based Universities or Technological Universities and 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 following data outlines the intakes to the college from 2021 to May 2026.
|
Year |
Intake |
No. of Trainees |
|
2021 |
Intake 211 |
147 |
|
2021 |
Intake 212 |
73 |
|
2021 |
Intake 213 |
114 |
|
2021 |
Intake 214 |
46 |
|
2022 |
Intake 221 |
24 |
|
2022 |
Intake 222 |
92 |
|
2023 |
Intake 231 |
135 |
|
2023 |
Intake 232 |
154 |
|
2023 |
Intake 233 |
174 |
|
2023 |
Intake 234 |
174 |
|
2023 |
Intake 235 |
109 |
|
2024 |
Intake 241 |
186 |
|
2024 |
Intake 242 |
157 |
|
2024 |
Intake 243 |
125 |
|
2024 |
Intake 244 |
162 |
|
2025 |
Intake 251 |
201 |
|
2025 |
Intake 252 |
170 |
|
2025 |
Intake 253 |
200 |
|
2025 |
Intake 254 |
223 |
|
2025 |
Intake 255 |
215 |
|
2026 |
Intake 261 |
215 |
|
2026 |
Intake 262 |
201 |
|
|
Total intake |
3297 |
426. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the average processing time of applications and appeals for international protection, by quarter in each of the years 2020 to date in 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54647/26]
View answerThere has been a significant increase in investment into the international protection system over the last number of years 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. This year, at 10 July, IPAT has already closed 5,008 appeals and is on track to significantly exceed the number of appeals closed in 2025.
To date in 2026 the median processing time for IPO first instance decisions is 12 months (accelerated cases are processed in 3 months, while standard cases are processed in 16 months).
The median processing time for International Protection appeals is 13.2 months. The median processing time under the accelerated procedure is 6.8 months and 16.5 months for all other appeals.
The table below shows the overall median processing time in months for international protection first instance decisions in the years 2020 to end of Q1 2026 by quarter.
|
Year |
Q1 |
Q2 |
Q3 |
Q4 |
|
2020 |
16 |
17 |
19 |
20 |
|
2021 |
22 |
27 |
23 |
22 |
|
2022 |
26 |
22 |
13 |
9 |
|
2023 |
10 |
12 |
14 |
16 |
|
2024 |
16 |
17 |
15 |
15 |
|
2025 |
14 |
14 |
14 |
14 |
|
2026 |
12 |
- |
- |
- |
The table below shows the median processing time in months for first instance international protection decisions under the accelerated procedure from 2022 to end of Q1 2026 by quarter.
|
Year |
Q1 |
Q2 |
Q3 |
Q4 |
|
2022 |
- |
- |
- |
1 |
|
2023 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
2024 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
|
2025 |
4 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
|
2026 |
3 |
- |
- |
- |
All IPO first instance decisions other than Refugee Status grants can be appealed to the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT).
The table below shows International Protection Appeals Tribunal median processing times in months for each quarter from 2020 to end of Q1 2026 by quarter.
|
Year |
Q1 |
Q2 |
Q3 |
Q4 |
|
2020 |
6 |
9 |
11 |
12 |
|
2021 |
15 |
16 |
13 |
14 |
|
2022 |
15 |
13 |
10 |
4 |
|
2023 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
7 |
|
2024 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
13 |
|
2025 |
14 |
15 |
16 |
15 |
|
2026 |
11 |
- |
- |
- |
Please note figures are correct at time of issue and may be subject to data cleansing.
As the Deputy will be aware, the International Protection Act 2026 entered into effect on 12 June 2026 and gives effect to 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.
Faster processing 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. 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.
427. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of persons identified as having overstayed their visa or immigration permission in each of the past five years; the number issued with deportation orders; the number of deportation orders enforced, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54648/26]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that compliance with immigration permissions is monitored through a range of measures, including registration and renewal requirements, oversight of education providers and intelligence-led enforcement by the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).
Additionally, immigration officers at airports and ports of entry routinely check the travel history of arriving non-national passengers, as well as verifying their identity, purpose of travel, and intent to leave the State.
Any person found to be in the state without an immigration permission can be arrested and issued with a proposal of intention to be deported under the Immigration Act 1999, as amended.
It is not possible without the examination of a large amount of individual records to provide the number of people who have been identified as overstaying their visa or immigration permission or to disaggregate the number of deportations orders issued and enforced to those found to have overstayed their visa or immigration permission.
428. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the funding requirements identified by his Department for the expansion of domestic violence refuge capacity; the estimated cost of meeting those requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54670/26]
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.
To lead the expansion of domestic violence refuge capacity, 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 support service development and delivery of safe accommodation and ancillary services.
This means the funding for the expansion of refuge capacity is split across various departments. For example, construction costs of refuge expansions sit within the budget of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Cuan remains committed to collaborating with all key stakeholders to explore additional opportunities for developing domestic violence accommodation, especially in areas where such facilities are currently lacking, while also considering interim refuges and alternative accommodation for those fleeing domestic violence.
Cuan’s funding is sought through the annual estimates process by which the Dáil approves and caps voted expenditure for the year. Cuan is currently preparing its estimate submission for 2027.
429. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the funding needs identified by the Irish Prison Service to meet current and projected service demands, including prisoner numbers, staffing and infrastructure requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54671/26]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that the 2026 gross budget for the Irish Prison Service is €581million, up 11% on 2025. Expenditure to end June 2026 is ahead of profile, due mainly to the growth in prisoner numbers and general inflation, and is subject to ongoing review and monitoring as the year progresses.
I remain committed to investing in the prison estate and its people, and providing for the humane treatment and rehabilitation of all those in custody.
Since 2024, 258 spaces have been constructed across the prison estate, with 126 constructed in 2024,106 constructed in 2025 and 26 constructed so far in 2026. There are plans to build another 39 spaces in 2026 and 70 in 2027.
This is part of an overall extensive prison building capital programme that will deliver over 1,500 new spaces between 2024 and 2031. I have secured the necessary capital funding for this programme through the NDP review in 2025, securing a record €528 million.
It will include a large extension to the existing Cork Prison on the site of the old, decommissioned Cork Prison, a new block in Wheatfield, and an additional block extension at Midlands prison. This is in addition to spaces at Castlerea, Mountjoy and the Dóchas Centre.
This record capital allocation will also allow for work to start to plan and develop a new prison on the Thornton site in North County Dublin. A master plan for the site is planned to be developed in 2026, determining its future use as a combined site for use by the IPS, International Protection Accommodation Services and An Garda Síochána with plans to commence works in 2030.
Last year, a total of 304 Recruit Prison Officers were recruited by the Irish Prison Service. The Pay budget, totalling €383m in 2026, will fund the IPS staffing plans which include a target of 250 prison officers onboarded in 2026. Additionally, the IPS will work with the Department to onboard 26 additional permanent clinical and allied health posts, in response to the challenges of managing prisoners with major mental illness.
I do recognise the pressures on prison staff, however, and my Department is continuing to engage with IPS on additional staffing needs.
430. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the additional funding sought by the Courts Service under the most recent Estimates process; the amount ultimately allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54673/26]
View answerManagement of the courts and operational matters, including matters pertaining to the maintenance and use of court buildings, are the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in the exercise of these functions.
As part of the budgetary process each year, the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation sets overall expenditure ceilings for each Ministerial Vote Group. These are laid out at Vote level in the Budget Day Expenditure Report published in October with further detail provided in the Revised Estimates for Public Services published in December.
Vote 22 is the Courts Service Vote. A total of almost €217 million is being provided for the Courts Service in 2026. The allocation allows for the continued progress of the courts modernisation programme, which will simplify court proceeding processes and make services more accessible. This ten year programme will deliver a new operating model for the Courts Service designed around the needs of the user, with clear, standardised services and accessible data to inform decisions.
Funding of €4.2 million has also been provided for additional staff to support the work of new and existing judges, reduce existing backlogs and help establish the new family courts. I am particularly pleased to note the progress made on advancing the progress of the new family law courts at Hammond Lane in Dublin, with construction of this public-private partnership project due to start next year.
431. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 332-338 of 9 July 2026, whether his Department has considered the establishment of a standalone entry/exit registration system for the island of Ireland, distinct from and not dependent upon the Schengen entry/exit system; if so, the assessments that have been undertaken regarding costs, staffing requirements, biometric capture infrastructure, data storage requirements and legislative changes necessary for its implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55076/26]
View answerImplementing effective border security arrangements is a priority for me, and the Programme for Government commits to developing a comprehensive border security strategy, including the use of technology to support border screening.
This work is underway and will, among other things, consider international developments in this regard, such as the development and roll-out of Exit-Entry Systems in the Schengen area and other jurisdictions.
Introducing such checks would have significant operational and practical implications, particularly in light of the land border and the operation of the Common Travel Area, and will require careful consideration in that context.
432. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount that has been paid by his Department to an organisation (details supplied) over the past ten years, by year, in tabular form. [54277/26]
View answerIt is not possible to provide the information requested by the Deputy in the required time. My Department will revert with a response as soon as the information is available.
433. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of commercial horticultural growers operating in the State in each year from 2020 to 2026, inclusive; the net increase or decrease in grower numbers since the publication of the National Strategy for Horticulture 2023–2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54400/26]
View answerThere are circa 1,070 Food Business Operators currently on my Department's Horticulture Food Register. This figure includes potato growers and/or packers. This register captures Food Business Operators offering fresh fruit and vegetables including potatoes for sale or supply regardless of the scale (small or large) of the enterprise. As the Horticulture Food Register is a live register, it is only possible to provide numbers of growers at the time of enquiry.
The metrics for the horticulture sector overall are limited, however, the industry estimates in the region of 200 commercial horticulture growers. To address data gaps this Key Strategic Action 6 of the National Strategy for Horticulture 2023-2027 is gathering better data and information and better insights on the sector as a whole. To enable the gathering of this valuable information a census of edible horticulture has taken place in 2026 and a census of the amenity sector is currently underway. This information gathering exercise will provide invaluable data and metrics on the sector once the two censuses are complete and the data is analysed.
434. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether his Department has assessed the impact of severe weather events, including prolonged rainfall, storms and wind damage, on the horticulture sector since 2023; the estimated financial losses incurred; and the additional supports being considered to improve climate resilience for growers. [54401/26]
View answerThe horticulture sector like all other sectors in agriculture is increasingly exposed to the impacts of climate change. Such changes can and do present difficulties for growers due to extreme weather events impacting negatively on growing conditions, reducing crop yield and/or quality and on occasion crop loss.
My Department closely monitors weather events as they arise, however no specific assessment has been carried out on the impact of severe weather events on the horticulture sector since 2023.
My Department published its new Agriculture, Forestry and Seafood Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan in November 2025. The Adaption Plan has been developed to protect and strengthen the resilience of these sectors in the face of climate change and sets out the Department’s strategy to build resilience and reduce vulnerability to climate change across these sectors including horticulture.
National and EU financial supports, via the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector and the Scheme of EU Aid for Producer Organisations in the Fruit and Vegetables Sector (under the CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027) are hugely important for the horticulture sector as they support horticulture practices around climate mitigation and adaptation.
Last year following the devastating impact of Storm Éowyn on the Irish horticulture sector, my Department announced a targeted reopening of the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector to support growers and assist their businesses to recover from the impact of the storm.
My Department will continue to keep the need for additional measures under review, informed by evidence, ongoing stakeholder engagement and delivery of the actions arising from the new sectoral adaptation plan, ensuring our horticulture sector is well positioned to respond to future climate related challenges.
435. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will expand the targeted agricultural modernisation scheme (TAMS), or introduce a dedicated grant aid measure, to support agricultural contractors in purchasing precision spot-spraying equipment and technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54574/26]
View answerThe Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) which is a key element of the current CAP Strategic Plan provides grants to farmers to invest in their farm businesses through building and/or improving a specified range of farm buildings and equipment on their holdings.
There is no provision in the current CAP Strategic plan to provide funding for agricultural contractors.
The investments items currently available under TAMS include a variety of precision technology equipment, including GPS sprayers.
436. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of EU Presidency policy and administrative officers now employed on temporary contracts across his Department, in Ireland and abroad; if these individuals can apply to internal civil service competitions for these temporary contracts; the plans being developed to retain these individuals once their contracts cease, given they will have extensive and intimate knowledge of EU and Irish institutional operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54586/26]
View answerMy Department is meeting EU Presidency staffing requirements primarily from within existing resources. An additional 25 officers are working to support this delivery, including three Graduate Policy and Local Administrative Support officers currently serving in Brussels.
The eligibility terms governing participation in each Department competition are clearly stated in the relevant individual competition booklet and any officer who meets the stipulated eligibility terms has an opportunity to participate.
The recruitment or retention of officers to my Department is led by ongoing workforce planning practices, ensuring a long term proactive and strategic plan is in place to meet current and future staffing needs.
