Written Answers Nos. 801-820
801. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí attached to each Garda station in south Kildare, by rank; the opening hours of each of those stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2491/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the distribution of Garda members between the different Garda units and Divisions. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
The Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to fight crime and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda organisation is central to this policy. The Garda budget is over €2.48 billion for this year, a 27% increase since 2020 which is supporting the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff.
While the Garda Commissioner is operationally responsible for the allocation of Garda resources, I look forward to engaging regularly with him to ensure our Gardaí have the resources they need. I am informed that when allocating and transferring Garda members to and from any Division, consideration is given to commitments and undertakings outlined in the Annual Policing Plan.
I understand that the requirements of all Garda Divisions nationwide are also taken into account, which include:
• Local and national crime trends and workloads;
• Policing arrangements and operational strategies;
• Minimum establishment statistics;
• Local population and trends, geographical area and size;
• Transfer applications, including welfare, personnel issues and concerns.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that as of 31 December 2024, there was a total of 14,191 Garda members nationwide.
I am pleased to note that at the end of December 2024, the latest date for when figures are available, there were 434 Garda members assigned to the Kildare Division, an increase of over 14% since the end of December 2018 when there were 380 Garda members assigned to the Division.
In the interest of transparency, the number of Garda members nationwide at the end of December 2009 up to 31 December 2024 (the latest date available for figures) broken down by Division, District and Station are published on my Department's website. Please be advised that these figures are operational and may be subject to change.
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/
The Deputy may also wish to be aware that information on Garda station opening hours is published on An Garda Síochána's website at the following link: www.garda.ie/en/contact-us/station-directory/
802. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if his Department sets the fees for solicitors on the Legal Aid Board's private panels or only sets out the overall budget. [2505/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Legal Aid Board is the statutory, independent body responsible for the provision of civil legal aid and advice to persons of modest means, in accordance with the provisions of the Civil Legal Aid Act 1995 (“the 1995 Act”) and the Civil Legal Aid Regulations 1996 to 2021.
The 1995 Act was amended by Section 54 of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011, which gave the Board the additional responsibility of providing a family mediation service. Section 3(3) of the 1995 Act states that the Board shall, subject to the provisions of the Act, be independent in the exercise of its functions.
Civil legal aid and advice is provided primarily through a network of law centres by solicitors employed by the Board. The Board operates a total of 34 full-time law centres and dedicated units along with three part-time centres, and three specialist legal offices. The Board also operates 19 family mediation centres. Eight of the law centres and family mediation offices are co-located. The Board also engages private solicitors to supplement the services provided by Board solicitors in certain areas of law on a case-by-case basis. These areas include District Court family law matters, Circuit Court judicial separation and divorce cases, international protection cases, and cases arising under the Abhaile scheme.
The Board has established a number of solicitor panels for different case types. Solicitors in private practice agree to be members of those panels and are paid a fee per case, depending on the terms and conditions of each panel. Such fees are agreed with my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.
The funding allocated to the Legal Aid Board for 2025 is €64.122m, which represents an increase of €5m on its allocation for 2024. The matter of staffing and resource allocation is, however, an operational matter for the Board, in accordance with the provisions of the 1995 Act.
803. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice when barristers can expect their fees to be fully restored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2514/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, over the past 2 years, there has been an 18% increase in the fees paid under the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme. The budget for criminal legal aid will increase in 2025 by over €9m, which includes an 8% increase in fees from 1 January 2025. This is in addition to the 10% increase in fees secured in Budget 2024.
The Programme for Government 2025 – Securing Ireland’s Future – contains a commitment to reform the operation of the criminal legal aid system and fully restore criminal legal aid fees. My Department will continue to engage with the Bar Council, the Law Society and all relevant stakeholders on the modernisation and funding structure of the scheme.
804. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí in each Dublin station, in each month, over the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2517/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the distribution of Garda members between the different Garda units and Divisions. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
The Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to fight crime and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda organisation is central to this policy. An Garda Síochána's budget allocation is over €2.48 billion for this year, a 27% increase since 2020 which is supporting the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff.
While the Garda Commissioner is operationally responsible for the allocation of Garda resources, I look forward to engaging regularly with him to ensure our Gardaí have the resources they need. I am informed that when allocating and transferring Garda members to and from any Division, consideration is given to commitments and undertakings outlined in the Annual Policing Plan.
I understand that the requirements of all Garda Divisions nationwide are also taken into account, which include:
• Local and national crime trends and workloads;
• Policing arrangements and operational strategies;
• Minimum establishment statistics;
• Local population and trends, geographical area and size;
• Transfer applications, including welfare, personnel issues and concerns.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that as of 31 December 2024, there was a total of 14,191 Garda members nationwide.
In the interest of transparency, information in relation to the allocation of Gardaí by Division and Station up to the end of 2024, including a breakdown of the number of Gardaí in the DMR Divisions, is publicly available and can be found at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/
805. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Justice how plans are progressing in relation to amending the current situation regarding Garda vetting and the current need for multiple applications for the same person for different entities and organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2530/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra819. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Justice the status of the review of the Garda vetting process; when the review will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2944/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 805 and 819 together.
The primary purpose of vetting carried out by the Garda National Vetting Bureau is to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults. I know the Deputy appreciates the importance of this task and I am sure he agrees with the need for it to be carried out thoroughly and correctly.
Vetting is carried out by An Garda Síochána in accordance with the provisions of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 - 2016. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I believe the many organisations whose work focuses on the safety, enjoyment and comfort of children and vulnerable people understand that they must take all reasonable steps to ensure that only suitable people are recruited and employed, and take this responsibility very seriously. This requires a robust Garda vetting process that reassures the public, and in particular parents, that appropriate checks are conducted on people taking on positions of trust.
I am advised by Garda authorities that the current system relating to Garda Vetting is delivered in a standard format to each organisation seeking Garda Vetting and this methodology is in line with good practice internationally.
The Garda Vetting Review Group was tasked with ensuring that any changes to the vetting process ensure it remains robust, efficient and effective while improving the service to customers. The membership of the group includes the Gardaí, officials from my Department, from Tusla, and from other relevant stakeholders.
I can assure the Deputy that the Group’s primary focus has been to examine the means of strengthening the vetting legislation in a workable and effective manner, while seeking to balance this with issues that have arisen regarding the re-vetting period and the transfer of vetting across other similar activities, for example with sports teams. I am informed that the Group’s report on arrangements for Garda Vetting is being finalised and I look forward to receiving the report in the near future.
I can also assure the Deputy that there will be no delay in responding to any recommendations made to me.
806. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 987 of 22 January 2025, the number of sex offender management and intelligence unit intelligence notifications that have been recorded on the Garda PULSE system in each of the years from 2010 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2532/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Information Sharing Agreement allows the sharing of information directly between the Sex Offender Management & Intelligence Unit (SOMIU), Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB) and the Public Protection Intelligence Unit, Police Service of Northern Ireland regarding convicted sex offenders who cross over the border between both jurisdictions.
When the SOMIU receives such a notification, the intelligence is recorded on the Garda PULSE system and the relevant nominated Divisional Inspector involved in the monitoring of sex offenders is notified immediately.
This Divisional Inspector is then required to organise for the monitoring of the offender, and where relevant, the offender is visited to ensure they understand their requirements under Part II of the Act of 2001.
However, I am informed by the Garda authorities that, having examined the database and liaised with officers within the Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB), the Garda Síochána Analysis Service (GSAS) is unable to supply the number of such notifications from the PULSE system in the manner requested by the Deputy.
807. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice the number of emergency calls to An Garda Síochána reporting domestic abuse, by county and-or Garda district, in 2024. [2537/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraCombatting all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is a priority for this Government, for the Department and for the Garda Commissioner. 'Zero Tolerance,' the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV), set out an ambitious five-year programme of reform to achieve a society which does not accept DSGBV or the attitudes which underpin these crimes. The Strategy, which was co-designed with the sector, also has a significant focus on improving the system for victims of these terrible crimes and on ensuring there is a full range of supports and services available nationwide to support and empower victims and survivors.
An Garda Síochána and my Department are continuing to work hard to strengthen trust and confidence in the system, so that victims will feel confident in coming forward to report what has happened to them and get justice.
An Garda Síochána prioritise and proactively respond to incidents of domestic abuse and the nationwide roll out of Divisional Protective Service Units (DPSUs) ensures that when vulnerable victims of crimes such as domestic abuse and sexual violence present to Gardaí, they are met with a consistently high standard of specialist, sensitive, professional and expert assistance. There is now a DPSU in every Garda Division.
Legislative action has also been taken to combat all forms of domestic, sexual and gender based violence, including by introducing new stand-alone offences of stalking and non-fatal strangulation and by doubling to 10 years the maximum sentence for assault causing harm, this being one of the most common offences in domestic violence cases and also commenced parts 1, 2, 4 and 5 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Act 2024 which, among other things, improve supports for victims.
An Garda Síochána have provided the following breakdown of emergency domestic abuse calls to AGS by Garda Division for both 2023 and 2024 (at the link below). The Deputy is advised that 'districts' are no longer in operation due to the current implementation of the new Garda Síochána Operating Model. I am further advised that 28 cases in 2023 and 100 cases in 2024, included in the overall totals, relate to National Specialist Units, and not to Regions/Division.
One of the key objectives in the Zero Tolerance Strategy is to encourage victims of domestic violence to come forward and to report the crimes that are being committed against them. This is an important step because historically there has been an under reporting of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. I want to reassure anyone who is a victim, or at risk of, domestic or sexual abuse that help continues to be available. I urge anyone who is in fear or danger due to domestic abuse or any other crime, to please contact the Gardaí as soon as you can do so safely.
808. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice if he will implement measures in the first 100 days of Government as requested by an organisation (details supplied). [2579/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraEstablishing a zero-tolerance approach to domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence (DSGBV) is vital for safeguarding individuals and promoting a safer society. In 2022, the five-year ‘Zero Tolerance’ DSGBV Strategy was published and in January 2024, Cuan, the DSGBV Agency, was established to drive the Strategy forward.
I was very pleased to meet with the CEO of Cuan for an early briefing on their progress. As the Deputy may be aware a fundamental aim of the Zero Tolerance Strategy is to change societal attitudes to sexual violence. Prostitution is recognised in the Strategy as a form of gender-based violence, and there are a number of related actions - including to reduce demand for prostitution, to raise awareness of the law around it, and a commitment to ensure those, primarily women, in prostitution have access to safety, health care, and support. It is generally recognised that prostitution is inherently exploitative of vulnerable persons, mainly women and girls, and that many people are forced into prostitution through trafficking, drug addiction, homelessness and poverty.
An Garda Siochana have reported progress on a number of national and international initiatives targeting organised prostitution and brothel keeping, and collaborated on welfare operations to support potential victims of organised prostitution and sexual exploitation in conjunction with the Women’s Health Service and Ruhama. An Garda Síochána continues to commit significant resources to the investigation of organised prostitution, and to supporting vulnerable victims including those who have been victims of trafficking.
Cuan is also engaging with partners across Government specifically to reduce demand for prostitution and ensure that those, primarily women, in prostitution have access to safety, health care, support and exit routes.
Cuan will work with my Department to consider and progress recommendations arising from the Review of Part 4 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017. The agency will also undertake exploratory work and partner with organisations, including Ruhama, to develop research to inform a prostitution-focussed awareness campaign that will be developed in the future.
While the sale of sex has been decriminalised in Ireland in recent years (by the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017) , the purchase of sex is illegal, and advertising prostitution services is illegal in Ireland. Websites advertising prostitution services are generally hosted outside of this jurisdiction, where purchase of sex and advertising of prostitution is not illegal. My Department is consulting with An Garda Síochána and other stakeholders to examine if practical steps can be taken about these and similar sites. While measures such as geo-blocking could ensure short-term disruption of access to these websites in Ireland, it is not clear that this would be effective in the longer-term.
I also share concerns raised regarding the prevalence of violent and abusive pornography, and the negative impact it has, especially on our young people. This is an area that requires a whole-of-Government approach, and I want to highlight a couple of areas on which I look forward to working with Cuan, the sector and colleagues across Government:
Cuan will be working with statutory partners including An Garda Síochána and Coimisiún na Meán to develop considered whole-of-government strategies to respond to technology-facilitated sexual exploitation, to highlight the dangers and to prevent children accessing pornography.
Under its mandate, Cuan will research, develop and subsequently disseminate materials which consider a continuum of relationships from healthy to unhealthy which will complement Department of Education initiatives in this area. There are also actions to develop education and public information campaigns raising awareness of the extreme harm of pornography and of how it can fuel misogyny and violence against women, and undermine gender equality.
Cuan has been engaging with partners and stakeholders to understand the research as it pertains to pornography and its linkages with violence against women and children. This will help in identifying a new range of actions, including the development of a public awareness campaign around the harms of pornography. This is a complex issue that requires a well-researched and considered response.
In 2025, the school curriculum and corresponding resources at primary level, junior and senior cycle SPHE/RSE will include age-appropriate content on consent, domestic violence and coercive control. Cuan has developed two comprehensive Consent Education Toolkit handbooks for ages ranging from 12-19, aligned with junior and senior cycle SPHE outcomes.
Actions in the Strategy in respect of education, including on updating the curriculum and educating about consent, are whole-of-Government initiatives, which we are committed to achieving.
809. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice the status of a citizenship application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2622/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy has been received by the Citizenship division of my Department, but has not yet been registered.
Citizenship Division are currently registering applications from October 2024. Once registered, a Personal ID and Citizenship application reference number will issue.
Once the application for the person referred to by the Deputy has been registered, they can directly check the status of their immigration application on the Immigration Service’s new Digital Contact Centre (DCC). They can register for an account or log in to their existing account at https://portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/.
As an Oireachtas member, you can also request the status of individual immigration cases by e-mail, using the Oireachtas Mail facility at IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process.
810. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice the status of a citizenship application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2623/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy has been received by the Citizenship division of my Department, but has not yet been registered.
Citizenship Division are currently registering applications from October 2024. Once registered, a Personal ID and Citizenship application reference number will formally issue. When the applicant submitted the online application for Naturalisation an auto-receipt will have been emailed.
Applications are strictly being registered and will be processed in chronological order. Unfortunately, applications cannot be expedited due to the intended purpose of naturalisation such as travel, or to join family members.
Once the application for the person referred to by the Deputy has been registered, they can now directly check the status of their immigration application on the Immigration Service’s new Digital Contact Centre (DCC). They can register for an account or log in to their existing account at https://portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/.
As an Oireachtas member, you can also request the status of individual immigration cases by e-mail, using the Oireachtas Mail facility at IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process.
811. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of German media reports that a terror threat against Ireland was posted earlier in January which has since been independently reported by an organisation (details supplied); if he will engage with his German counterpart to discuss the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2737/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that I am aware of the reports referred to by the Deputy.
The Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate, nor in the public interest, for me to comment on particular security arrangements.
I can, however, assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána, working with their international partners, remain vigilant regarding potential security threats and the authorities here are taking, and will continue to take, the necessary and appropriate measures to counteract the threat from terrorism.
812. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice if he will publish the ministerial brief he received following the recent formation of the Government. [2765/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that the brief I received following my appointment as Minister will be published in the coming weeks.
813. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Justice his plans to introduce a compensation scheme for survivors of the Stardust tragedy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2804/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, following engagement with the legal representatives for the families of the victims of the Stardust fire, the Government approved last August a two-phased approach to redress arrangements.
The first phase focused on the families of the 48 victims who tragically died in the fire and was developed in consultation and agreement with the legal representatives for the families of the deceased victims. It provided for a single, non-scaled ex gratia payment of €0.5m for each of the 48 people killed, totalling €24 million. I am glad to inform the Deputy that this phase is at an advanced stage of implementation, with most applications under this scheme now completed and payments concluded.
A second exceptionality phase which is to be examined in respect of survivors will take into account that compensation awards were made previously by the Stardust Victims’ Compensation Tribunal established in 1985. Officials from my Department have commenced work to develop proposals for this phase.
814. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Justice the number of juvenile liaison officers based in Clare Garda division in the years of 2023 and 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2861/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware Clare Division has merged with Tipperary Division under the Garda Operating Model. I am advised by the Garda authorities that there are, as of end of December 2024, five Juvenile Liaison Officer (JLOs) of Garda rank assigned to Clare/Tipperary Division.
I am also informed that there were two JLOs of Garda rank assigned to Clare Division at the end of December 2023.
I am further advised that, at the end of December 2024, the latest date for when figures are available, there were 115 members of An Garda Síochána allocated to JLO duties across the State, not inclusive of personnel allocated to the Garda National Youth Diversion Bureau (GNYDB) at Garda Headquarters.
As the Deputy may be aware JLOs are sworn members of An Garda Síochána and are appointed at Divisional level on full time JLO duties.
815. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice the amount spent on purchasing baton guns for armed gardaí in 2023 and 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form. [2887/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is the Accounting Officer for the Garda Vote under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended) and is accountable for the economy and the efficiency of the Garda Síochána in using its resources. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
The unprecedented allocation of over €2.48 billion for 2025 to An Garda Síochána demonstrates the Government's commitment to ensuring An Garda Síochána has provision for the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and personnel it needs to carry out vital policing work.
On a day-to-day basis, a Garda is equipped with a utility belt, torch, handcuffs, ASP baton, CS spray, radio and stab vest while on duty.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána do not use baton guns.
816. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice the number of fixed penalty notices, FPNs, that gardaí issued for parking on a footpath in 2024; and if An Garda Síochána is notified if that FPN has been paid or not. [2888/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible under section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended) for the general management and administration of Garda business. This includes the enforcement of all applicable legislation and the management of the Fixed Charge Notice system.
A total of 56 days is permitted by law for the payment of a fixed charge. The initial period of 28 days from the date of the Fixed Charge Notice (FCN) allows for payment at the fixed charge amount. A further period of 28 days is permitted to accept payment at the fixed charge amount plus 50% of the fixed charge amount. After 56 days, payment cannot be accepted under any circumstances.
An Garda Síochána is governed by legislation regarding the time periods for nominating drivers and accepting payments. No discretion is allowed with regard to extending these time periods.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that a total of 5,149 FCNs were issued for the offences of parking on a footway in 2024. 4,176 of these were paid or are within the active interval for payment.
Please note I am further advised by the Garda authorities that these figures are based on incidents which occurred from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024, inclusive. All information is based upon operational data from the FCPS system as was available on 31 January 2025, and is liable to change.
817. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the status of a citizenship application (details supplied); when it is likely that a decision will be reached noting that the application was first lodged in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2898/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department.
I expect that going forward, the vast majority of applicants will continue to receive a decision within one year; however, it is important to note that no two naturalisation applications are the same and some take longer than others to process.
I understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants, particularly considering the current processing times. 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.
Given the importance of citizenship, robust and comprehensive checks must take place on each application. Unfortunately, some international checks can take a considerable amount of time and these are largely out of the control of the Immigration Service.
Citizenship Division have also taken a significant number of steps to speed up the process for applicants. These included introducing an online digital application, online payments, and the introduction of eVetting. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that these changes are dramatically reducing processing times.
The length of time taken to process an application has dropped from 15 months in 2023, to 8 months in 2024.
The person concerned can now directly check the status of their immigration application on the Immigration Service’s new Digital Contact Centre (DCC). They can register for an account or log in to their existing account at https://portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/.
As an Oireachtas member, you can also request the status of individual immigration cases by e-mail, using the Oireachtas Mail facility at IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process.
818. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Justice if he will expedite an application for citizenship (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2941/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department.
This application is based on Section 16 'Irish Association', which can take typically longer to process than applications based upon residency.
Section 15 of the Act sets out the statutory conditions that must be fulfilled for a certificate of naturalisation to be granted. Section 16 of the Act gives discretion to waive the statutory conditions in certain circumstances, including where the applicant is of Irish descent or Irish associations (related through blood, affinity or adoption to a person who is or is entitled to be an Irish citizen).
Any application made under S16 should be supported by substantive documentation. This documentation should show that the S16 application is exceptional and one where the normal residency pathways to citizenship are not appropriate. However, there is no automatic right or entitlement to have any of the statutory conditions waived even where the applicant comes within the certain circumstances defined.
Officials in my Department are in the process of finalising guidelines, which will provide clarity to both applicants and decision-makers on what factors may be considered when deciding whether to waive such naturalisation conditions under section 16(1)(a) of the Act. These new guidelines are being developed in the interests of fair and transparent procedures and comprehensive decision making. Details of the new guidelines will be made publicly available once they have been finalised and should also assist in reducing processing times for these complex cases.
820. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Justice to list the number of members of An Garda Síochána in each of the local electoral areas of the county of Clare, by rank, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2962/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra821. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Justice the number of public sector workers in each of the local electoral areas in County Clare, per sector (details supplied), in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2973/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra837. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Justice the number of public sector workers in each of the local electoral areas in County Clare under headings (details supplied), in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3375/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra838. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Justice the number of members of An Garda Síochána in each of the local electoral areas in County Clare, by rank, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3376/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 820, 821, 837 and 838 together.
As the Deputies will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the distribution of Garda members between the different Garda units and Divisions. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
The Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to fight crime and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda organisation is central to this policy. The Garda Vote in Budget 2025 saw unprecedented funding of over €2.48 billion for this year, a 27% increase since 2020 which is supporting the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff.
While the Garda Commissioner is operationally responsible for the allocation of Garda resources, I look forward to engaging regularly with him to ensure our Gardaí have the resources they need. I am informed that when allocating and transferring Garda members to and from any Division, consideration is given to commitments and undertakings outlined in the Annual Policing Plan.
I understand that the requirements of all Garda Divisions nationwide are also taken into account, which include:
• Local and national crime trends and workloads;
• Policing arrangements and operational strategies;
• Minimum establishment statistics;
• Local population and trends, geographical area and size;
• Transfer applications, including welfare, personnel issues and concerns.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that as of 31 December 2024, there was a total of 14,191 Garda members nationwide.
As the Deputies will be aware, Clare Division has merged with Tipperary Division under the Garda Operating Model. I am informed that there were 659 Garda members assigned to Clare/Tipperary Division at the end of 2024.
I am further advised by the Garda authorities that as of 31 December 2024, there was a total of 3,501 (WTE) Garda staff working alongside Garda members, an increase of 12% since the end of December 2022. Garda staff carry out vital roles to increase availability of Gardaí to focus on frontline duties. The significant increase in Garda staff across the country in recent years has enabled Gardaí to be freed up for frontline duties.
The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform will be providing the number of civil service workers in County Clare in their response to these questions raised by the Deputies and this will include civil servants in justice sector agencies other than An Garda Síochána.
In the interest of transparency, information in relation to the allocation of Gardaí by Division and Station up to the end of 2024, including a breakdown of the number of Gardaí in County Clare and the number of civilian Garda staff in County Clare, is publicly available and can be found at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/
