Written Answers Nos. 422-442
422. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of vehicles seized by Gardai within Kerry Division for having no tax in each of the years of 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026, in tabular form. [66561/26]
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.
The table below, provided by Garda authorities, provides a breakdown of the number of vehicles seized by Garda for having no road tax in the Kerry Division from 2024-2026. 2026 figures are up to date as of the 31 August 2026.
|
2024 |
2025 |
2026 |
|
330 |
304 |
211 |
Figures are based on incidents occurring from 01 January 2024 to 31 August 2026, inclusive. All information is based upon operational data from the Pulse system as was available on 21 September 2026 and is liable to change.
423. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the way he defines "a case" in the new flat fee payment model for criminal legal aid introduced on 1 July 2026; and the way this applies when an accused person is before the courts for separate and distinct offences committed on separate dates. [66557/26]
View answer424. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the amount the State expects to save annually from the new payment model for the criminal legal aid scheme he introduced on 1 July 2026. [66556/26]
View answer425. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the steps being taken to address the operational and financial impact on legal practitioners following the restructuring of the criminal legal aid scheme on 1 July 2026; if his attention has been drawn to concerns regarding the long-term viability of the system and the risk of reduced access to legal representation in smaller court venues; if consideration will be given to introducing judicial discretion to allow separate legal aid certificates for distinct cases, subject to a statutory cap or sliding scale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66624/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 423, 424 and 425 together.
I fully recognise the critical role played by the legal professions in our criminal justice system, and it is important to state that criminal legal aid reform does not affect the ability of legal professionals to engage in criminal legal aid work. Neither is it intended to reduce the cost to the State of providing criminal legal aid. Rather, it will improve efficiencies, reduce unnecessary adjournments, simplify the administration of criminal legal aid, speed up case resolution and enable faster payments to practitioners, while ensuring that those accused of crimes are provided with the legal representation to which they are constitutionally entitled.
It should be noted that my Department has no involvement in the granting of free legal aid or the assignment of solicitors. These matters are handled entirely by the courts. The Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas, at oireachtasenquiries@courts.ie.
The Review and Reform Proposal of the Criminal Legal Aid fee structure for the District Court, informed by a review carried out by my Department of data compiled by the Courts Service on approximately 350,000 District Court cases in the period 2022-2023, was published on 2 July 2026 The Review and Reform Proposal provides detail on the analysis conducted on these reforms.
It is my clear view that the old fee model was excessively complex, incentivised multiple hearings, delayed trials and was administratively burdensome and inefficient and risked undermining public confidence in the value of legal aid. To address these challenges, I introduced the new fee payment model. Under this new model, solicitors are being paid one fee per defendant, regardless of the number of appearances. This has removed the link between payments and the number of appearances or the number of accused represented on a given day.
Furthermore, the new fee is set at a rate that provides for full restoration of the so-called FEMPI cuts in line with the Programme for Government commitment. The fees payable to solicitors in the Circuit and Higher Courts increased by 8% from 1 July 2026 and where a case that starts in the District Court and is tried on indictment in the Circuit Court, the full €520 fee is paid for work carried out in the District Court in addition to increased Circuit and Higher Court fees. It should be noted that the flat fee has been set at a level intended to compensate for cases where multiple certificates would have been granted under the previous system.
Since the commencement of the new system, more than 1,800 new certificates for legal aid have issued. It is important to note that since the introduction of new regulations, multiple certificates have not been permitted. As such, since the two systems operate differently, it is not accurate to compare data year on year. Of the cases concluded under the new system since 1 July 2026, 75% concluded with one court appearance only and 99% of concluded cases were finalised within five appearances.
There has been ongoing engagement since October 2025 between officials in my Department, the Law Society and Bar Council and I in relation to the changes to the criminal legal aid fee structure, and my Department continues to keep the operation of the new criminal legal aid arrangements in the District Court under review.
426. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of Gardaí that are currently fully trained and licensed in the use of drones. [66722/26]
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.
427. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he has received a request from Garda management for additional funding to purchase additional water cannons and other public order equipment in 2026 to date. [66720/26]
View answerUnfortunately it has not been possible to obtain the information sought in the time available. I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.
428. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of appeals currently pending before the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT). [66789/26]
View answerMy Department takes all necessary steps to manage the international protection process efficiently and effectively while ensuring that the integrity of those processes is maintained at all times.
The number of international protection applications has steadily risen over the past number of years, reaching 18,500 in 2024. In 2025, application numbers fell by approximately one-third. Application numbers to the end of August 2026 show a further reduction compared to the same period in 2025.
Over the same period there has been a significant increase in investment in the international protection system which, combined with digitisation and process re-engineering, 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 with approximately 14,100 in 2024, representing 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.
As of 16 September this year, IPAT has 21,019 appeals on-hand. There have also been 6,643 appeals completed this year, which is an increase on the total number of appeals completed last year.
429. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to PQ63641/26, what individual assessment was actually undertaken before the accommodation was allocated to this family, what information was relied upon in determining that it was suitable, and did the decision-maker have access to an assessment addressing the child's (details supplied) actual disability, accessibility, manual-handling and personal-care requirements. [66792/26]
View answer430. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Question No. 2600 of 7 September 2026, the steps that were taken in the case of a family (details supplied) to maintain continuity of their established healthcare and supports. [66794/26]
View answer431. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Question No. 2600 of 7 September 2026, if the relocation decision was made before or after the relevant medical and disability evidence concerning a child (details supplied) was available to the decision-maker; if the decision was made without this information, whether the decision will now be reconsidered in light of the professional evidence which has been provided; if the information was already available, how was the proposed accommodation assessed as suitable in light of those needs. [66793/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 429, 430 and 431 together.
The ending of the provision of commercial accommodation for persons with temporary protection at the Citywest Hotel follows a Government decision of 26 May 2026. As previously communicated to all residents, on 30 June 2026, no further accommodation for those granted Temporary Protection will be provided at the Citywest Hotel from 18 September 2026.
Recognising that this is a significant change for residents, my Department, the Irish Red Cross and the International Organisation for Migration commenced dedicated engagement with those affected, providing information and practical support regarding available options. These included supports to facilitate independent living where appropriate.
At the same time, a self-declaration application process, which opened on 30 June 2026 and closed on 17 July 2026, was made available to residents who believed they continued to require temporary accommodation following the closure of the Citywest facility. An offer of accommodation has now issued to all residents whose applications were approved, taking into account, where relevant, any identified vulnerabilities or accommodation requirements.
It should be noted that the Government’s decision of May 2026 means that over the coming months the state’s contracted accommodation settings will be very significantly reduced. Accordingly, there is little to no room for bespoke responses to cases of a particular type. HSE colleagues and this Department are in regular contact to ensure the best options for those granted Temporary Protection are offered, having due regard to their circumstances and settings available.
While every effort has been made to continue to accommodate those with established HSE care plans to remain in the relevant Community Health Organisation area for continuity of care, there is no guarantee continued accommodation will be in the same area in which a person currently lives. My Department seeks however, insofar as practicable, to match accommodation to identified needs and remains committed to ensuring that vulnerable persons continue to receive appropriate supports throughout this transition. More information can be found here: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-justice-home-affairs-and-migration/collections/ongoing-supports-en/.
With specific reference to the issue of specialist educational needs raised, it should be noted that it is practice to try to retain children with special needs in the same area where possible. Families with children attending school who move area can contact their local Regional Education and Language Team (REALT). Relevant information is provided by the Department of Education on the Government of Ireland website at www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/publications/information-for-schools-ukraine/ if they need help finding a school place. Schools are required to admit all applicants unless the school is full or in very limited, defined circumstances. Families are encouraged to enrol their children as soon as they know the location of their new accommodation.
In cases however where documented medical needs present along with special educational needs, medical requirements are considered to be the priority in the accommodation allocation process. Where medical requirements may necessitate relocation to another accommodation centre, even if it is not in proximity to the current location, relevant HSE Social Inclusion teams are kept informed to ensure transfer of care packages and equipment as required.
In this specific case, the needs of all family members were carefully considered. When identifying suitable onward accommodation, priority was given to the father's submitted documented accommodation requirements, which had been assessed by his medical team as an absolute necessity. As a result, accommodation in Offaly was offered rather than in one of the centres closer to Citywest.
I trust this provides clarification and reassurance that individual needs have been taken into consideration to ensure that the onward accommodation best meets requirements and that affected residents continue to receive appropriate supports as they transition from Citywest.
432. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to expedite an IRP card renewal application in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66846/26]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that the renewal application for the person cited has been approved and they can expect to receive their new Irish Residence Permit (IRP) shortly.
As an Oireachtas member, the Deputy 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.
433. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the position regarding the repeal the Dance Halls Act 1935 and replace with a new Sale of Alcohol Bill as per the recommendations of the Night Time Economy Task Force. [66845/26]
View answerThe statutory provisions concerning the licensing of premises for the purposes of public dancing are set out in the Public Dance Halls Act 1935 and in sections 2 to 10 and 21 of the Licensing (Combating Drug Abuse) Act 1997, in so far as they relate to public dancing licences. The primary purpose of these statutory provisions is to ensure the welfare and safety of persons present at events on the premises.
There are no immediate plans to amend the Public Dance Halls Act 1935.
434. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the position regarding reforming the Licensing Acts 1833 to 2018 and the Registration of Clubs Acts 1904 to 2008. [66843/26]
View answerRegarding the reform of the mentioned Acts, neither the Sale of Alcohol Bill 2022 nor the Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2024 progressed during the lifetime of the last Government. The Programme for Government commits to updating our licensing laws. The Autumn Legislative Programme, published on 16 September, set out the 32 Bills that have been prioritised for publication, and 32 Bills for drafting, in the current Dáil session.
Other legislative projects, including work on intoxicating liquor legislation, will be taken forward in subsequent iterations of the legislative programme, to be determined by Government in due course.
435. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of Gardaí that are being moved from stations around the Country to cover EU presidency events. [66842/26]
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 responsibility for the allocation and deployment of resources available to him and for determining the manner in which members of garda personnel are to be distributed and stationed throughout the State.
Furthermore An Garda Síochána is responsible for the policing and security arrangements for Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
I am advised by Garda authorities that for security and operational reasons the number of Gardaí deployed to cover EU presidency events cannot be disclosed.
436. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the position regarding the mechanisms that were put in place to allow United States Secret Service operatives to carry firearms during President Donald Trump’s visit to Ireland. [66877/26]
View answerHigh-level visits to Ireland are of significant importance in the development and maintenance of our relations with other states.
Irish law has strict controls governing the issuing of firearm certificates by An Garda Síochána and stringent conditions on the holding of firearms. Since the commencement of the Firearms Act 1925, any person in possession of a firearm must be in possession of a firearms certificate for that firearm.
With regard to the mechanisms that were put in place to allow United States Secret Service operatives to carry firearms during President Donald Trump’s visit to Ireland earlier this month, under section 2 of the Firearms (Firearms Certificate for Non-Residents) Act 2000, the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration has the power to grant firearms certificates, including to official security personnel from other jurisdictions, where it is deemed necessary to do so. Decisions in relation to the grant of certificates to such personnel are made in accordance with the legislation and following consultation with the Garda authorities. This is a normal and established feature of relations between states.
It would not be appropriate to comment further on the detail of operational security arrangements.
437. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of prisoners actively following a course with the Open University at the present time in each institution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66872/26]
View answerThe Irish Prison Service (IPS) supports people in custody to use their sentence constructively and prepare for law-abiding and purposeful lives after release. I am advised that education in prisons is delivered in partnership with the Education and Training Boards (ETBs). The curriculum ranges from basic literacy and State examinations to Open University courses.
The Open University provides higher education opportunities through its Students in Secure Environments (SiSE) programme. It offers recognised undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications, adapted study materials and academic and administrative support. Where standard internet access is restricted, a secure intranet provides access to relevant learning resources.
The table below has been provided by the IPS and sets out the number of people in custody currently undertaking an Open University course in each institution, with the exception of Cloverhill Prison where there are currently no people in custody undertaking Open University programmes.
|
Prison/Education Centre |
Students Continuing |
New Students |
Total |
|
Arbour Hill |
19 |
1 |
20 |
|
Castlerea |
8 |
6 |
14 |
|
Cork |
8 |
4 |
12 |
|
Dochas |
4 |
0 |
4 |
|
Loughan House |
5 |
0 |
5 |
|
Limerick |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Portlaoise |
18 |
5 |
23 |
|
Midlands |
26 |
11 |
37 |
|
Mountjoy |
16 |
5 |
21 |
|
Mountjoy West |
17 |
7 |
24 |
|
Training Unit |
3 |
0 |
3 |
|
Shelton Abbey |
4 |
0 |
4 |
|
Wheatfield |
9 |
5 |
14 |
|
2026 |
138 |
45 |
183 |
438. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration when a location (details supplied) will be returned to community use; when the security fencing surrounding the site will be removed; and the total cost incurred to date in providing 24-hour security at the property. [66969/26]
View answerRiver Lodge was formerly used as emergency IPAS accommodation in 2024. It was agreed that the site would be returned to the HSE, bringing the licensed use of this site by the Department to an end.
Some minor works are underway as part of the return process, which will include the removal of the current security fencing. These works are expected to be completed by November 2026. It is intended that the site will be returned to the HSE as soon as possible pending these works being completed.
Security costs were provided as part of a facilities management contract up until the centre closed in 2024. The relevant security costs since then are outlined below.
In February 2026, the Department undertook a review of security services at River Lodge. Following appraisal, efficiencies were identified which resulted in cost savings at the site.
|
Reference |
2024 incl. VAT |
2025 incl. VAT |
2026 incl. VAT |
|
Security |
€357,747.68 |
€1,302,515.88 |
€480,408.48 |
439. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of times spiking was mentioned on the Garda PULSE system for the years 2021 to 2026. [66965/26]
View answerSpiking is a crime that preys on vulnerability, that undermines consent and that can have devastating consequences for victims. As Minister, I am committed to fostering a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV).
Spiking a person's drink or spiking someone by injection are, in effect, poisoning and are criminal offences under the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997. Depending on the circumstances of the case and the offences disclosed, a range of criminal charges may arise.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that data relating to reported spiking incidents is published annually. Per the published and updated data provided by An Garda Síochána, the number of reported spiking incidents nationwide was:
• 61 in 2021;
• 107 in 2022;
• 52 in 2023;
• 61 in 2024; and
• 58 in 2025.
Data for 2026 is not yet available.
I am informed that each of the reported incidents was investigated by An Garda Síochána. I am further advised that Garda division-level counts are not available due to the low volume of incidents recorded.
An Garda Síochána takes all reports of spiking seriously and thoroughly investigates each incident to determine the exact nature of the circumstances involved, including consideration of toxicology evidence where appropriate. I would encourage any victim of spiking to report the matter to Gardaí.
I am advised that the data on spiking incidents will continue to be made available through annual proactive publication.
440. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of Gardaí by rank currently attached to Galway Divisional Immigration Unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66987/26]
View answerThe Government is fully committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the resources it needs and this is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of over €2.74 billion in Budget 2026.
In accordance with the Policing Security and Community Safety Act 2024 the Garda Commissioner is responsible for distribution and stationing of Garda personnel throughout the State, including to the Garda National Immigration Bureau.
I am advised by the Garda Authorities there are currently 118 Garda Members assigned to the Garda National Immigration Bureau. This includes 97 Gardaí, 15 Sergeants, three Inspectors, two Superintendents and one Chief Superintendent. A divisional breakdown of these figures is not currently available.
441. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will address the concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding the proposed changes to the Irish Naturalisation Rules. [67060/26]
View answerThe Government recognises and values the significant contribution that migrants make to Irish society, communities and the economy, including the important role played by international healthcare professionals and other skilled workers who have chosen to make Ireland their home.
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to continue to implement a firmer and more sustainable migration system which protects the integrity of the State's immigration framework. In that context, the General Scheme of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Bill 2026 proposes a number of reforms to the citizenship process.
Citizenship represents the fullest expression of membership of Irish society and it is important that the legislative framework governing access to citizenship is robust, fair and sustainable. The proposed changes do not seek to restrict integration or exclude migrants from Irish society. Rather, they are intended to ensure that citizenship reflects a genuine and lasting connection to Ireland, an understanding of the State and its institutions, and an ongoing commitment to Irish society.
The proposed amendments relate to the conditions for acquiring citizenship and do not affect a person's entitlement to reside, work, study, establish a business or build a life in Ireland in accordance with the terms of their immigration permission.
The Government is aware of the concerns expressed by a range of stakeholders. Those views have been noted and will form part of the wider public and parliamentary discussion of the legislation.
As provided for in the General Scheme, the revised citizenship provisions are intended to apply following enactment and commencement of the legislation. Accordingly, citizenship applications made following commencement will be assessed under the legislative framework then in force.
Citizenship reflects a broader and enduring connection to the State beyond any individual profession, occupation or economic contribution. The Government's objective is to ensure that the citizenship system remains fair, effective and consistent for all applicants.
442. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for an update on the commencement of part 5 of the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Act 2023, in view of his Department accepting new applications for the community-based CCTV grant aid scheme. [67055/26]
View answerCommunity safety is a top priority for my Department and everyone has the right to be safe and to feel safe in their communities. CCTV in public places has a role in giving people a greater sense of security. It can also be effective in deterring criminal activity and antisocial behaviour while also assisting with the investigation of crime.
The Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Act 2023 provides for a new regime for the authorisation and operation of CCTV schemes, allowing for a member of Garda personnel or a Local Authority to apply in writing to the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána for an authorisation of CCTV. Part 5 of this Act relates to public CCTV.
Prior to commencement, the Garda Commissioner was required to draft a code of practice for CCTV in line with Part 8 of the Act. The consultation on that code of practice has been completed. An amendment to section 7 of the Act that provides for transitional arrangements for existing CCTV applications was also required. That amendment was included in the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) (Amendment) Act 2026 which was signed into law by the President on 16 July 2026.
The Commencement and Ministerial Orders, including the code of practice, are currently with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel (OPC) for drafting and I expect that the new CCTV provisions set out in Part 5 will be commenced within the next few weeks.
