Written Answers Nos. 742-761
742. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice the number of juvenile liaison officers, by rank, attached to the Meath Garda division in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44521/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible, by law, for the deployment of personnel and as Minister I have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this deployment under review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities to ensure optimum use is made of available resources.
I am advised by the Commissioner that Garda Juvenile Liaison Officers (JLOs) are specially trained to fulfil a key role in implementing the Garda Diversion Programme. Their role includes the administration of formal and informal cautions, as well as appropriate supervision of children who have been admitted to the statutory Garda Youth Diversion Programme, as provided in Part 4 of the Children Act 2001.
The intention of the programme is to divert children and young people who have engaged in criminal or anti-social behaviour away from the criminal justice system and towards more positive life choices. Children who commit criminal offences are considered for admission to the Programme.
Youth Diversion Projects (YDPs) are a fundamental support to the operation of the statutory Garda Diversion Programme. These projects are community based multi-agency crime prevention initiatives, which are funded directly by my Department. YDPs seek to divert young people who have become involved, or are at risk of becoming involved, in crime/anti-social behaviour away from future involvement with the criminal justice system.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that at the end of September 2024, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 115 Juvenile Liaison Officers nationwide, an increase of over 5% since the end of December 2020.
I am informed that at the end of 2020 up to the end of 2023, and as of 30 September 2024, there were fewer than ten JLO's assigned to Meath.
I am advised that data is not released by An Garda Síochána for counts of fewer than 10 for data protection reasons.
743. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice the number of Gardaí in Meath who have left the force in each year since 2020, in tabular form. [44522/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra744. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice the number of Gardaí, by county, who have left the force in each year since 2020, in tabular form. [44523/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 743 and 744 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, a further record-breaking increase in funding for An Garda Síochána was allocated in Budget 2025. The allocation for An Garda Síochána now stands at €2.48 billion, and has increased by 27% since 2020. This funding will support the recruitment of new Garda members, Garda staff and Garda Reserves, and reflects the Government’s commitment to supporting all parts of the organisation.
The Government are taking a number of steps to accelerate recruitment and support retention in An Garda Síochána, including almost doubling the Garda training allowance, increasing the age of entry from 35 to 50, increasing the mandatory retirement age from 60 to 62, and launching a new Garda Reserve Competition.
As of the end of September, the total strength of An Garda Síochána was 14,125, compared to 12,816 in 2015.
As the Deputy is aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended).
The table below, which was provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out by Division the members who have left An Garda Síochána in 2020 up to 2023 and in 2024 up to 31 October. I am informed that the figures include voluntary retirements, compulsory retirements, cost neutral early retirements, resignations, dismissals, deaths in service and medical discharges.
|
Division |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
Grand Total |
|
CLARE/TIPPERARY |
12 |
15 |
21 |
24 |
12 |
84 |
|
CORK CITY |
10 |
15 |
20 |
23 |
20 |
88 |
|
CORK COUNTY |
less than10 |
25 |
38 |
21 |
17 |
108 |
|
DMR EAST |
less than10 |
13 |
10 |
15 |
less than10 |
55 |
|
DMR NORTH |
17 |
15 |
26 |
18 |
20 |
96 |
|
DMR NORTH CENTRAL |
14 |
10 |
13 |
17 |
18 |
72 |
|
DMR SOUTH |
less than10 |
13 |
18 |
19 |
14 |
73 |
|
DMR SOUTH CENTRAL |
19 |
18 |
20 |
25 |
12 |
94 |
|
DMR WEST |
15 |
23 |
25 |
35 |
16 |
114 |
|
DONEGAL |
16 |
12 |
16 |
11 |
less than10 |
61 |
|
GALWAY |
13 |
23 |
16 |
19 |
19 |
90 |
|
KERRY |
15 |
less than10 |
11 |
19 |
less than10 |
59 |
|
KILDARE |
less than10 |
less than10 |
less than10 |
18 |
10 |
49 |
|
KILKENNY/CARLOW |
less than10 |
less than10 |
15 |
15 |
10 |
53 |
|
LAOIS/OFFALY |
10 |
less than10 |
16 |
12 |
11 |
58 |
|
LIMERICK |
less than10 |
less than10 |
14 |
17 |
less than10 |
55 |
|
LOUTH/CAVAN/MONAGHAN |
18 |
23 |
22 |
21 |
22 |
106 |
|
MAYO/ROSCOMMON/LONGFORD |
23 |
18 |
17 |
21 |
17 |
96 |
|
MEATH/WESTMEATH |
12 |
12 |
26 |
26 |
15 |
91 |
|
SLIGO/LEITRIM |
less than10 |
10 |
less than10 |
12 |
less than10 |
43 |
|
WATERFORD |
less than10 |
less than10 |
10 |
12 |
11 |
50 |
|
WEXFORD/WICKLOW |
10 |
23 |
11 |
20 |
16 |
80 |
|
Specialist Areas/Other |
66 |
90 |
99 |
101 |
66 |
422 |
|
Grand Total |
336 |
404 |
477 |
521 |
359 |
2097 |
Please be advised that this information is operational and may be subject to change.
As the Deputy may be aware, further data is not released by An Garda Síochána for counts of fewer than 10 for data protection and security reasons.
Question No. 744 answered with Question No. 743.
745. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice to provide a breakdown of the number of Garda officers, by rank, attached to all Meath east Garda stations in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024; the number of Garda officers who retired from Meath east Garda stations in the same period; and if this is commensurate with population increases in Meath from 2020 to 2024, in tabular form. [44524/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra746. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice to provide a breakdown of the number of Garda officers, by rank, attached to all Meath east Garda stations in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, in tabular form; the number of Garda officers who retired from Meath east Garda stations in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44529/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 745 and 746 together.
I 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.
747. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda officers, by rank, attached to Nobber Garda station in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, in tabular form; the number of Garda officers who retired from Nobber Garda station in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44530/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra808. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice for a breakdown by rank of the latest-available figures for the number of sworn Gardaí in the Meath division; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45201/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 747 and 808 together.
It has not been possible to collate the information requested by the Deputy in the time available.
I will write to the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.
748. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 149 of 9 October 2024, if she has received the necessary information from the Garda Commissioner in order to have this question answered. [44572/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the deployment of Garda members throughout the State.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that a distribution model is used which takes into account all relevant factors including population, crime trends and the policing needs of each individual Division.
I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that personnel assigned throughout the country, together with the overall policing arrangements and operational strategies are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of resources and the best possible policing service is provided to the general public.
As of 30 September 2024, the number of Gardaí attached to Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), by Rank, is as follows:
|
Chief Superintendent |
Superintendent |
Inspector |
Sergeant |
Garda |
Total |
|
* |
* |
* |
12 |
74 |
94 |
*Denotes less than 10
I am advised that a more detailed breakdown of these Garda members cannot be provided as data is not released by An Garda Síochána for counts less than 10, for data protection and security reasons.
The Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland (COFPI) recommended that immigration administrative functions should transfer from the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) to the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) function of my Department.
So far in 2024, my Department has taken the majority of responsibility for first time registrations from An Garda Síochána, and also handles immigration permission renewals for customers nationwide. It is anticipated that the nationwide transfer of registration functions to my Department will be substantively completed by early 2025.
It is important to note that GNIB is a national unit that provides assistance, advice and support to Immigration Officers located in Garda Divisions around the country on the administration and investigation of immigration related matters. Immigration officers located around the country are not members of GNIB, and therefore the number of Gardaí working on immigration matters is much higher than the table provided.
This civilianisation process which will be complete in early 2025 will have released up to 100 more Gardaí to support immigration enforcement activities.
749. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice the progress on the evaluation of the drug treatment court, as identified as a strategic priority under the National Drugs Strategy Strategic Action Plan for 2023-2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44596/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is fully committed to helping to significantly reduce the harms caused to families and communities by illicit drug use. The three main outcomes we are seeking to achieve in this area are tackling organised crime, ensuring that we minimise the harms caused to those with addiction issues, and diverting people from involvement in crime and illicit drug related activity.
As the Deputy may be aware, the Dublin Drug Treatment Court (Dublin DTC) is a supervised treatment, education, and rehabilitation programme, which provides an alternative to custodial sentences for persons found guilty of certain drug-related offences.
Established in 2001 on a pilot basis, it operates by way of a multi-disciplinary team made up of staff from various agencies, which are the Health Service Executive, An Garda Síochána, the Probation Service, the City of Dublin Educational Training Board, and the Courts Service and Judiciary.
Following the mid-term review of the National Drugs Strategy, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery, which covers the period 2017-2025 and is led by the Department of Health, six strategic priorities were identified for the remaining years of the strategy, up to the end of 2024. These are noted in the Strategic Action Plan 2023-2024, which marks a significant milestone in the further implementation of the National Drugs Strategy.
Strategic Implementation Groups (SIG) have been established to support the implementation of these priorities and actions. The fifth priority group, known as SIG 5, is to reinforce the health-led, rather than criminal justice-led approach to people who use drugs and who commit drug-related crimes.
Action 5.3 of SIG 5 is to evaluate the Dublin Drug Treatment Court and recommend the future direction of Drug Treatment Courts nationwide. This action is being led by my Department, in consultation with the Department of Health.
My Department is currently in the process of procuring an external consultant to assist in the completion of this vital work.
750. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice the progress on repealing enactments providing for the ineligibility of those serving presumptive minimum sentences for temporary release and parole, as recommended in her Department’s review of minimum sentences; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44597/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, a review of minimum sentences was carried out by my Department in accordance section 29 of the Judicial Council Act 2019.
The resulting report, which was laid before the Oireachtas in May 2024, recommended the repeal of statutory provisions which provide that persons sentenced to the presumptive minimum term of imprisonment for various offences are ineligible for temporary release and parole.
However, these recommendations have not been adopted by the Government.
751. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice the progress or findings of research by her Department and the Irish Prison Service on the outcomes of those being held on remand who subsequently receive no conviction or a sentence that does not result in imprisonment, as referred to in the report of the Prison Overcrowding Response Group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44598/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy in aware, in July 2023, a Prison Overcrowding Response Group was established, composed of officials from the Department of Justice and representatives from relevant agencies, to consider measures to address capacity issues in the prison estate.
A number of actions recommended by the Group are being implemented. These actions include developing new, innovative responses to deliver structured temporary release for suitable prisoners, progressing actions to increase the use of community service as a priority, and advancing legislative changes to support the delivery of community-based sanctions more generally.
The recommendation referred to by the Deputy is one of a number of research projects that are to be progressed by my Department over the coming period.
752. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice to provide an update on the case of a person (details supplied) who has been living in Ireland since they were a baby, has their public services card, voter card, pays PRSI, and so on, who, when they applied to renew their driving licence, was told they are not a citizen of Ireland and had to have a temporary residence permit to reapply for their licence. [44599/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise that the person cited by the Deputy has a stamp 4 permission granted until 04 June 2025.
The person referred to by the Deputy can renew their immigration permission online with the Registration Office of my Department. All renewals are being processed using the online portal which can be access at the following link: inisonline.jahs.ie
Any person who has an immigration permission may apply for a driving licence, subject to other application requirements. They can present an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card, which can be presented and accepted as proof of entitlement to be in the State and the conditions attaching to that stay.
Any further queries relating to the application process to renew a driving licence should be directed to the Minister for Transport & National Driver Licence Service (NDLS).
753. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 448 and 445 of 20 June 2023, to outline a breakdown of investment to the 6 REIT investments arising from the IIP scheme, the year of the individual investments, the nationalities of those who benefitted from visas and the years of investment; and to provide the addresses of the properties owned by the relevant REIT schemes. [44645/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the outset, it is important to note that, as Minister, I do not comment on individual IIP applications.
6 individual REIT Investor applications were approved in the period from 2016-2020. Given the small number of applicants involved, my Department is not in a position to provide a further breakdown of these applications as the publication of such information may allow for the identification of individuals.
754. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice to outline the total funding provided by an investor(s) through the IIP scheme for a school (details supplied); the nationality of the investor(s) if they were granted visas; what support her Department has offered the school to ensure its completion; and what shortfall in funding currently exists. [44649/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the outset, it is important to note that, as Minister, I do not comment on individual Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) applications.
The 'applicant' in the IIP process is the investor and not the project owner. The State has no responsibility for the performance of an investment under the Programme; these are a private matter between the investor and the project owner. It is a matter for the project owner to ensure delivery on an approved project within the timeframe set out in its own business plan.
My Department will however continue to engage with and monitor all projects going forward for delivery, specifically for compliance with the IIP requirements.
If the project owner has any queries they should contact the IIP Unit directly.
755. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Justice to provide an update on work to be carried out in building or refurbishing prisons throughout the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44696/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that Government is committed to the continued investment in the prison estate, to ensure that it is modern, fit-for-purpose and has the capacity to accommodate those committed to prison.
In recent years, the prison estate has been increased by in excess of 200 additional spaces through the reopening of the refurbished Training Unit in Mountjoy, the opening of new male accommodation in Limerick and the new standalone female prison in Limerick Prison.
I am very conscious of the challenges placed on the Prison environment and the Irish Prison Service due to the increased prison population and I have secured significant funding in Budget 2025 to enhance the existing prison infrastructure and provide additional capacity. The capital budget for the IPS will increase by over 70% in 2025 as part of the plan to deliver 1,100 extra spaces between now and 2030, and hire hundreds of extra staff - 150 prison staff will be hired in 2025. This is in addition to approximately 240 prison officers recruited to date in 2024. Funding has also been secured for 130,000 additional staff hours in 2025.
This represents one of the fastest ever expansions of prison capacity in Ireland. Works are in progress to deliver over 150 additional spaces by the year end. As part of these plans, I secured capital funding of €159m for the years 2024 to 2026, including securing an increase of €49.5m through the most recent NDP allocations, which will support the delivery of these plans.
While focused on rehabilitation and reducing offending, the Department is continuing to invest in our prison estate, to ensure that it is modern, fit for purpose and has the capacity to accommodate those committed to prison by the courts.
In July 2023, a Prison Overcrowding Response Group, composed of officials from the Department of Justice and representatives from relevant agencies, was established to consider measures to address capacity issues in the prison estate.
In June 2024, on foot of a report from this Group, I approved a range of actions and work to implement these is ongoing. These actions include developing new, innovative responses to deliver structured temporary release for suitable prisoners, progressing actions to increase the use of community service as a priority, and advancing legislative changes to support the delivery of community-based sanctions more generally.
In addition, and to further consider future prison capacity needs, the I have established a new Working Group which will make recommendations on the numbers and types of prison capacity needed out to 2035. This Group will also make recommendations on the future use of the site at Thornton Hall.
In addition, this year, I have secured a record level of funding to the amount of €525M in Budget 2025 to assist the Irish Prison Service in the delivery of its objectives.
756. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice the status of a visa application to enter Ireland by a person who has received a work permit (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44731/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that the application referred to was created on 23 June 2024. Supporting documentation was received in the New Delhi Visa Office on 10 July 2024 where it awaits examination and processing.
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 (ISD) function of my Department to investigate, inquire into, or seek further information, and the resources available.
Please note that the granting of a work permit by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment does not guarantee that a visa will be subsequently granted. These are two very distinct application processes with different checks and procedures in place in each respective Department.
The applicant will be notified as soon as a decision has been reached by a Visa Officer.
Processing times and decisions at the Overseas Visa Offices can be checked at the following link: www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/#decisions
I can advise the Deputy, my Department has now introduced a Digital Contact Centre (DCC) for our customers. The DCC allows individuals to log in and review the status of their immigration applications.
In its first phase, the DCC can be used to check the status of and raise queries in relation to Citizenship Applications, Visa Applications, Domestic Residence Permission Applications, EU Treaty Rights Applications and Travel Documents Applications.
My Department’s new platform can be accessed at the following link: portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department 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 Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
757. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice the average delay in the processing of applications for long-term visas being sought by people seeking to move to this jurisdiction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44761/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that 173,363 visa applications were received to 29 October 2024 in the current year. In the same period in 2023, 142,789 applications were received. This reflects an increase of 21%, compared to the same period in 2023, with 30,574 additional applications received.
The table below details the average processing times for Type C "short stay" and Type D "long stay" visa applications and appeals between 01 September 2023 and 31 August 2024.
|
Visa Type |
Average First Instance Processing times |
Average Appeal Processing times |
|
Type C Short stay all types |
3 and a half weeks |
5 months and 3 weeks |
|
Type D Long Stay all types |
6 weeks |
4 months 2 weeks |
The visa system is an essential part of our immigration system and is a preclearance mechanism to determine who can travel to Ireland. All applications are subject to scrutiny and must be supported by documentation to be approved.
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 (ISD) function of the Department to investigate, inquire into, or seek further information, and the resources available.
Although the current processing times for long stay visa applications may vary across the different visa decision making centres globally, processing times are largely in line with the expected processing times published across the Immigration Service Delivery websites.
As the Deputy may be aware, my Department has established a modernisation programme to transform its immigration operations to provide a modern, transparent system which is much more accessible and responsive to the public's needs.
The modernisation programme is restructuring the immigration system and will replace legacy information management systems, introducing a new single platform for immigration services. This platform is being delivered in phases and it will, over time, significantly improve customer service capacity.
On 24 October 2024, my Department introduced a Digital Contact Centre (DCC) for our customers. The DCC allows individuals to log in and review the status of their immigration applications.
In its first phase, the DCC can be used to check the status of and raise queries in relation to Citizenship Applications, Visa Applications, Domestic Residence Permission Applications, EU Treaty Rights Applications and Travel Documents Applications.
My Department’s new platform can be accessed at the following link: portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/
Processing times and decisions at the Dublin Visa Office can be checked at the following link which is updated each Tuesday: www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/
The date published on the above page 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 prevent the published processing date from advancing.
Processing times and decisions at the Overseas Visa Offices can be checked at the following link: www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/#decisions
758. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice the average delay in processing applications for naturalisation from people who have lived legally for the requisite period in this country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44762/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants and I want to assure anyone who has an application for naturalisation submitted, that the Citizenship Division of my Department is doing everything possible to progress applications as quickly as possible.
Processing times are now decreasing year on year. The median processing time for a decision on an application in 2023 was 15 months, down from a median processing time of 19 months in 2022.
Whilst a figure in respect of the current year is not yet available, based on the current output and at the current application levels, my Department expects that the median processing time will reduce again over the course of this year.
I expect that going forward the majority of applicants will receive a decision within one year.
It is important to note that no two applications are the same and some take longer than others to process.
The previous backlogs in application processing in Citizenship had arisen largely due to the legacy of restrictions imposed on staff attendance in the office during the pandemic.
Since then, Citizenship Division have taken a significant number of steps to increase processing with a view to speeding up the process for applicants. These included introducing an online digital application, online payments, and the introduction of eVetting.
In just over two years the Citizenship Division of my Department has gone from processing around 12,000 applications a year to processing over 20,000 applications in 2023 and has already made more than 24,000 decisions to date in 2024.
759. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 227 of 10 October 2024, if she has followed up on the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44789/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that individuals must be in possession of a valid passport or identity documents when they arrive in Ireland and it is an offence to not have the appropriate documents.
While there are exceptions for some passengers travelling within the Common Travel Area, in general, the requirement to have appropriate documents applies to Irish, EU and Non-EU arrivals.
We have a rules-based immigration system, and the establishment of a person’s identity and nationality upon arrival is an important and longstanding feature of our immigration process and international border controls.
As the Deputy will be aware, the prosecution of offences in these instances are a matter for An Garda Síochána and the Director of Public Prosecutions, who are independent in the exercise of their functions in this regard; as Minister I have no role in the taking of such prosecutions.
The information sought regarding the number and nationalities of persons charged under Section 11 and Section 12 of Immigration Act 2004 who subsequently seek international protection is not recorded in a manner which allows for the readily extraction of the precise number.
However, it is the case that the majority of those who present without appropriate documentation and are refused leave to land seek to enter the international protection process. Anyone who presents at the borders of the State, or is in the State, and indicates that they wish to make an application for international protection will have their application examined in detail in accordance with our obligations under international and EU law.
I am advised by the Garda Commissioner that up to 30 September of this year, there have been 132 charges preferred in relation to Section 11 of the Immigration Act 2004 and 141 charges preferred in relation to Section 12 of the Act. It is important to note a person may be charged with more than one offence and that charges relating to Section 12 of the Immigration Act 2004, ‘Failing to Produce on Demand a Valid Passport or other Equivalent Document’, cover multiple incident types and do not relate solely to persons arriving into the State.
I am also advised by the Courts Service of the number of court orders, the number of offences and number persons relating to Section 11 and Section 12 of the 2004 Act, before the District Court between 1 January 2024 and 30 September 2024 where the case in question has been finalised. It should be noted that the Court's Service reports are based on the court date and not when the offence was detected.
Table 1: The number of orders, the number of offences and number persons relating to Section 11 and Section 12 of the 2004 Act, before the District Court between 1 January 2024 and 30 September 2024
|
Offence |
Section |
No of Orders |
No of Offences |
No of Persons |
|
Landing in the State without Possession of a Valid Passport |
Sections 11(1) and 11(3)(a) of the Immigration Act, 2004 as substituted by section 34 of the Civil Law(Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011 and contrary to section 13 of the Immigration Act, 2004 |
113 |
110 |
110 |
|
Failing to Produce on Demand a Valid Passport or other Equivalent Document |
Sections 12(1)(a), and 12(2)(a) of the Immigration Act, 2004 as substituted by section 34 of the Civil Law(miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011 and contrary to section 13 of the Immigration act, 2004. |
126 |
125 |
120 |
|
Failing to Produce Asylum Card |
Sections 12(1)(B), (2) and 13 of the Immigration act 2004, and Section 9(3)(C) of the Refugee Act 1996 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
*Please note, figures are correct at time of issue, however, all statistics may be subject to data cleansing.
** A person could be before the court on more than 1 offence.
Table 2: The number and type of the orders issued relating to Section 11 and Section 12 of the 2004 Act, by the District Court between 1 January 2024 and 30 September 2024
|
Offence |
Court Orders |
No of Court Orders |
|
Landing in the State without Possession of a Valid Passport |
Dismiss Probation Act |
4 |
|
|
Fine |
2 |
|
|
Imprisonment |
53 |
|
|
Imprisonment - Part Suspended |
1 |
|
|
Imprisonment - Suspended |
2 |
|
|
Other |
3 |
|
|
Strike Out |
16 |
|
|
Taken Into Consideration |
31 |
|
|
Withdrawn |
1 |
|
Landing in the State without Possession of a Valid Passport Total |
|
113 |
|
Failing to Produce on Demand a Valid Passport or other Equivalent Document |
Dismiss |
6 |
|
|
Dismiss Probation Act |
14 |
|
|
Dismiss Probation Act on Payment |
1 |
|
|
Fine |
8 |
|
|
Imprisonment |
30 |
|
|
Imprisonment - Part Suspended |
1 |
|
|
Imprisonment - Suspended |
3 |
|
|
No Order |
1 |
|
|
Peace Bond |
1 |
|
|
Poor Box |
1 |
|
|
Strike Out |
31 |
|
|
Taken Into Consideration |
28 |
|
|
Withdrawn |
1 |
|
Failing to Produce on Demand a Valid Passport or other Equivalent Document Total |
|
126 |
|
Failing to Produce Asylum Card |
Other |
1 |
|
|
Strike Out |
2 |
|
|
Taken Into Consideration |
1 |
|
Failing to Produce Asylum Card Total |
|
4 |
|
|
Over all Total |
243 |
*Please note, figures are correct at time of issue, however, all statistics may be subject to data cleansing.
** A person could be before the court on more than 1 offence and a person could receive more than one court order for an offence.
760. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice for clarification on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44790/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, with effect from 10 July 2024 Irish visa requirements were applied to nationals of South Africa.
The Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme referred to by the Deputy, allows nationals of certain countries, who have entered the United Kingdom on foot of certain UK short stay visas, to travel to Ireland without the requirement to obtain an Irish visa. This programme is for those who are visiting the UK, to visit to Ireland before their permission to stay in UK ends, this is granted by an UK immigration official when they pass through UK immigration. This Programme cannot be availed of by persons who are permanently resident in the UK.
I can advise the Deputy it is open to South African nationals to apply for a multiple entry visa which is valid for a number of years, which may be more convenient for persons who intend to make frequent visits to Ireland.
If a person wishes to apply for a multiple entry visa, they must indicate upon application and pay the visa fee for a multiple entry visa. Multiple entry visas can be issued where a person can demonstrate previous compliant travel history.
Further information on the types of visas available is detailed on my Department's website at this link: www.irishimmigration.ie/single-multiple-visas/
761. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Justice if pods are being built in Portlaoise prison to increase the number of places available in the prison; if so, the total number of units, broken down by size (number of occupants), and the cost per unit of each, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44800/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that there are currently no plans to build Independent Living Units in Portlaoise Prison.
