Written Answers Nos. 841-860
841. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice to consider reinstating the joint policing committees (JPCs) that have been replaced by community safety partnerships, or reforming the latter to undo the reduction of local democratic input into policing matters, that resulted from the abolition of JPCs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3460/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraA key principle of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland is that community safety requires multi-agency cooperation working in partnership with An Garda Síochána and crucially with communities themselves. The Report recommended the establishment of national and local structures to bring together Departments and State agencies involved in harm prevention to promote community safety.
The Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 provides for the establishment of this national infrastructure, central to which are Local Community Safety Partnerships which will operate at each local authority level. They are building upon the good work undertaken through Joint Policing Committees and supplementing it by bringing together a broader range of stakeholders including local councillors, An Garda Síochána, local residents, community representatives, business and education representatives, and a range of statutory agencies including the HSE, Tusla and each local authority.
Local elected representatives have an important role to play in the Partnerships, each of which will have seven elected council members as part of its mandated membership. In addition, all local elected representatives will have further opportunity to attend meetings of their local Partnership.
843. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice how many Garda recruits who completed their training in 2023 and 2024 are still awaiting a start date; the average wait time between the completion of training and start date; the measures being taken to overcome delays in the recruitment process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3491/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra848. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Justice the reason for the long delays in the An Garda Síochána recruitment process and once qualified, the reason for delays in the induction process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3598/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra849. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Justice the measures that are being taken to expedite the induction of qualified candidates to An Garda Síochána who have been waiting for an extended period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3599/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra850. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Justice if there is any possibility of prioritising applicants for An Garda Síochána who have already completed their training and are simply awaiting a start date, as opposed to requiring them to reapply and face further delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3600/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 843 and 848 to 850, inclusive, together.
This Government will be resolute in its support of Gardaí. We want to build safe and secure communities, and a well-resourced An Garda Síochána is critical to achieving that. The Programme for Government commits to examining a range of further measures to enable An Garda Síochána recruit 5,000 members across the next five years and I have spoken already with the Commissioner about how this might be achieved.
As the Deputy will be aware, under section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business, including the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff and that as Minister I have no role in these functions.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the current average time from when a Garda Trainee applicant is successful at interview (at which point their name is passed to An Garda Síochána to commence the remaining stages of the selection process), to the stage of offer to commence training is 29 weeks. The stages of the selection process which are carried out by An Garda Síochána include Physical Competency Test, Substance Misuse Test, Medical, and Vetting. It is worth noting that all applicants’ circumstances can vary and the time taken to complete the An Garda Síochána-led selection elements can vary significantly from applicant to applicant.
The Foundation Training programme for Garda trainees is 104 weeks in duration and is carried out across three phases. Garda Trainees are attested as members of An Garda Síochána upon successful completion of Phase 1 which is 36 weeks in duration. Following attestation, Probationer Gardaí are allocated to Training Stations for Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the Foundation Training programme.
In relation to security clearance and vetting, An Garda Síochána is unique in that it is not only the national police service but also the State's security service. As members of An Garda Síochána may be required to fulfil both of these roles throughout their careers, more stringent criteria apply than those in place across the wider Civil and Public Services. I am assured that every effort is made to process security clearance and vetting for applicants to An Garda Síochána as expeditiously as possible, without compromising the integrity of the system.
A total of 631 trainees commenced training in the Garda College during 2024 across four intakes. This included 162 trainees who entered the College in December. I can further inform the Deputy that 599 Probationer Gardaí attested in 2024 and were assigned to operational duties in stations across the State.
844. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Justice when the Government intends to introduce the conveyancer profession, in line with recommendations for improving access to affordable and efficient legal services in property transactions, as outlined in the Justice Plan 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3557/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra845. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Justice to provide an update on progress regarding the establishment of a conveyancer profession in Ireland, including progress on consultations undertaken with stakeholders, legislative preparations taken to advance the conveyancer profession, and anticipated timelines for implementation of legislative preparations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3558/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 844 and 845 together.
The Deputy may be aware that in 2021, in accordance with the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015, the then Minister for Justice asked the Legal Services Regulatory Authority (LSRA) to prepare and submit a report on the possible creation of a new profession of conveyancer. This request was in line with the provisions of section 34(1)(c) of the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015.
The ensuing report, including recommendations, was published and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas on 11 April, 2024. The report makes recommendations for reforms to enhance competition and increase efficiencies and transparency in the delivery of conveyancing services to consumers.
The report states that the creation of a new profession of conveyancer would only be viable as part of a wide range of other significant reforms. These include the digitalisation of conveyancing services and the need for increased transparency in the conveyancing sector, including in relation to costs to consumers. The report also points to the need for greater awareness among consumers of conveyancing services, in order to promote more informed decision-making in that regard.
The Deputy may be aware of existing work that is progressing across Government to improve the conveyancing process for buyers and sellers. In November 2023, a Working Group on Conveyancing and Probate was established to carry out a review of current conveyancing and probate processes and to identify scope for greater efficiency and streamlining. The recommendations in the 2024 Report of that Group are being taken forward by the Housing for All Implementation Group on Conveyancing and Probate. The Implementation group agrees with the view expressed by the LSRA in its report that this area should be looked at again when these other reforms have been substantially completed. However, the group recommends specifically that preparations and measures taken in relation to introducing eConveyancing between now and 2027 should anticipate the need to include conveyancers other than solicitors who, as and when such a profession is established, will need to operate the eConveyancing system on behalf of their clients.
846. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Justice the measures that are being introduced to increase the Garda presence in Dublin city centre and address crime and anti-social behaviour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3596/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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. As part of Budget 2025 Garda overtime has been boosted by 13%, rising to €150 million.
As 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.
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.
The Garda Síochána Analysis Service closely monitors crime trends, and disseminates analysis on a regional and divisional basis. This feeds directly into planning operational activities aimed at reducing and preventing crime. The Garda Commissioner has put significant additional resources into high visibility policing in Dublin City centre and that will continue.
There are a number of Garda Operations taking place in Dublin to provide a high-visibility policing presence and deter anti-social behaviour. These include:
• Operation Citizen, which aims to reassure citizens, visitors and the business community;
• Operation Saul which aims to provide a safe environment for commuters utilising public transport services;
• Operation Táirge targeting Retail Theft;
• Operation Tara tackling street level drug-dealing.
As part of Operation Citizen, uniform Garda members perform high visibility patrols on foot as well as pedal cycles and respond to reports of crime in the Dublin city centre.
The members deployed on Operation Citizen are drawn from Store Street and Pearse Street Garda stations, thus utilising the members that are best placed to provide an effective policing service, bringing with them local knowledge and ownership of the objectives.
The personnel from both Store Street and Pearse Street Garda Stations are allocated on a full-time basis to ‘Operation Citizen’.
With respect to the overall Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR), since the full reopening of the Garda training College in Templemore after the easing of public health restrictions in 2022, Garda recruitment has increased. There were 3,723 Gardaí in the DMR’s six divisions in 2022, and this has risen to 3,809 as of 31 December 2024, an increase of 86 Gardaí since the end of 2022.
In addition, there are now 513 Garda staff working across the DMR, which is an increase of over 21% since 2020.
The Government has taken a range of significant measures to boost recruitment including increasing the Garda trainee allowance to €354 per week; the age of entry has increased from 35 to 50; the mandatory retirement age to 62.
On a strategic level Local Community Safety Partnerships (LCSPs) are rolling out nationally and include residents, local councillors, community representatives (including representatives of young people, older people, new and minority communities), business and education representatives and a range of public services including the HSE, Tusla, An Garda Síochána and the local authority.
The Dublin North Inner City Community Safety Partnership published a community safety plan for the area for 2023-2026, which contains 50 actions across five priority areas aimed at enhancing safety in the area.
The Government will continue to provide An Garda Síochána with the resources it needs to ensure communities in Dublin and around Ireland are safe and feel safe.
847. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Justice the actions that are being taken to combat drug-related crime and gang activity in north Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3597/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and is deeply aware of the impact that serious crime, including drug related crime, can have on communities.
The Government’s approach to the misuse of drugs is set out in Ireland’s National Drug Strategy, ‘Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery’. This is a health-led approach to drug and alcohol use in Ireland, and it represents a whole-of-Government response to reduce demand and associated harms. The Government is also committed to limiting access to illegal drugs to the greatest extent possible.
I am fully committed to helping to significantly reduce the harms of illicit drug use by tackling organised crime, minimising the harms caused to those with addiction issues, and diverting people from involvement in crime and illicit drug related activity.
Unprecedented funding has been provided to An Garda Síochána which has enabled the Commissioner to assign extra resources to the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB), the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Armed Support Unit and the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB). This allocation of €2.48 billion in Budget 2025, represents a 27% increase since 2020.
This additional investment ensures that An Garda Síochána can continue to target those involved in street-level drug dealing across the country and also focuses on disrupting and dismantling the drug trafficking networks that impact on our communities, as well as prosecuting those involved at every level through Operation Tara. In January of this year, Gardaí confiscated cannabis worth €460,000 in two separate seizures in North Dublin.
The Government is committed to limiting access to illegal drugs to the greatest extent possible and is committed to taking a number of direct actions to tackle this. In the last year alone, the Government demonstrated this commitment by:
• Increasing the maximum sentence for conspiracy to murder from 10 years to life in prison to tackle those who direct gangland and drug related crime;
• Enacting new laws which criminalise the grooming of children into a life of crime;
• Rolling out a support programme to break the link between the gangs and the children they try to recruit.
The GNDOCB leads in tackling all forms of drug trafficking and the supply of illicit drugs in Ireland. Collaboration at an inter-agency and international level remain key in tackling this issue. Given the global nature of the drugs trade, international law enforcement co-operation is a critical element in the overall response.
852. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of requests to his Department that have been granted for various matters (details supplied); the number of such requests that were refused; and the grounds on which they were refused. [2499/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recognise the importance of Irish nationals on the staff of EU Institutions, and my Department is supportive of encouraging its staff in seeking opportunities which will improve Ireland’s representation among EU staff.
In this context my Department seconded National Experts to Directorates General across the EU Commission. There are 8 people in such positions at present. In relation to special leave, one application was sought and granted in 2024.
There were no refusals.
853. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to consider a scheme to provide financial support to farmers and small businesses that have suffered damage in recent storms in January 2025, whose insurance policies do not cover damage caused during these weather events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2793/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra870. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the financial supports available to farmers who experienced farm damage as a result of the recent storms. [2875/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra885. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will seek funding from Government to provide an emergency hardship fund for farmers affected by storm damage to farm buildings and farm machinery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3478/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 853, 870 and 885 together.
My Department is working as part of the co-ordinated Government response through the National Emergency Co-ordination Group, convened by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the lead Government Department on Severe Weather Incidents.
The National Emergency Coordination Group continues to coordinate the intensive work across the whole of government to restore power, water, telecommunications and other services to homes, farms and businesses.
I would like to take this opportunity to recognise the significant assistance the farming community provided within the wider local community at this busy time as they looked in on neighbours, cleared roads, where it was safe to do so, and helped to restore access to more remote rural areas.
Unprecedented damage has been done by Storm Éowyn. I am aware of reports of significant damage in the horticulture sector. My officials are engaging with Teagasc and other stakeholders to assess the extent and significance of the damage caused. This work is ongoing as some growers are still assessing the situation and indeed the full extent of the damage caused may not become apparent until repairs commence and crops develop.
In addition to the existing structures, Minister of State Healy-Rae and I have established a Forestry Windblown Taskforce, comprising stakeholders from across the sector.
The Taskforce, which met this week, will inform my Department’s, and the wider sector’s, response to the storms, with particular emphasis on dealing safely with the large areas of forest that have been blown down.
854. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures his Department is taking to protect Irish woodlands and their biodiversity moving forward from the effects of storms like Storm Éowyn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3130/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department recognises that wind events, such as the recent storms Darragh and Éowyn, can cause varying degrees of damage around the country, including damage to trees.
In response to storms Darragh and Éowyn a Taskforce to ensure that storm-damaged forests are managed safely and appropriately has been established. The Taskforce comprises stakeholders representing forest owners, forestry companies, Teagasc and Coillte and held its first meeting yesterday, which was chaired by my colleague Minister Michael Healy-Rae T.D. All issues surrounding these storms were discussed and it was agreed that all will work collaboratively to facilitate an appropriate and timely response to the significant number of blown trees in forests throughout the country.
Our immediate priority is the clearing of such trees in a safe and sustainable manner.
855. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department will support the expansion of oyster farms as a means of improving water quality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3594/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department supports the development of the Irish aquaculture sector under Ireland's Seafood Development Programme, which is co-funded by the Irish government and the EU Commission under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF). In 2024 a scheme providing grant-aid to aquaculture operators for capital investment measures was opened, which builds on the capital investment supports for aquaculture producers funded under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve. Work is also underway in my Department to progress implementation of the National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development 2030, which provides a framework to support the development and growth of this important sector.
856. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the introduction of a farm retirement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2189/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraLast October, an independent Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming was established. Farm succession is a complex area and there are many factors that impact farmers’ decisions. The Commission is adopting an objective, evidence-based approach to examining all the factors involved and is engaging closely with stakeholders. It will issue a report on options for the future, which will inform our next steps.
857. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is considering opening a farm retirement scheme during 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2252/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraLast October, an independent Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming was established. Farm succession is a complex area and there are many factors that impact farmers’ decisions. The Commission is adopting an objective, evidence-based approach to examining all the factors involved and is engaging closely with stakeholders. It will issue a report on options for the future, which will inform our next steps.
858. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposed date of payment of the Cooley flood damage relief measure. [2262/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2023 Flood Damage Relief Measure was implemented in response to damage to agricultural areas in the Cooley Peninsula, between 29th October – 4th November 2023.
The damage was the culmination of back-to-back storms occurring during late October 2023, resulting in additional heavy rainfall on already saturated ground and exceptionally high river levels.
Inspections of areas affected are now complete and administrative checks are being finalised currently.
My Department will complete these checks and funds will be released in the coming weeks.
859. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on an ACRES payment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2313/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named was accepted into Tranche 1 of the General stream of ACRES, and received payments totalling €4,882.05 in respect of the 2023 scheme year.
My Department has been in regular contact with the herdowner in relation to outstanding payments for the Wild Bird Food action on this contract. This action was not paid as the applicant initially had a zero claimed area on the parcel in question on the 2023 Basic Income Support for Sustainability Scheme (BISS) application. This has since been amended on BISS, and ACRES officials have advised the person named that this will be corrected in our financial reconciliation process.
I can advise that the ACRES advance payment in respect of 2024 has not yet issued as further validation checks are required. My Department is actively working to progress these checks as a matter of urgency (as is the case with all EU co-funded schemes, all ACRES applications must pass regulatory controls and validations before payment can issue).
I can assure you that everything is being done to pay, as soon as possible, all ACRES participants who clear pre-payment checks.
860. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the aquaculture assistance package that was mentioned in December 2024 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2384/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the €258m European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) 2021-2027, co-funded by the Irish Government and the EU. Aquaculture operators may access support under a number of schemes, such as the Seafood Training Scheme, the Sustainable Aquaculture Scheme, and the Seafood Capacity Building Scheme.
These schemes are all administered on my behalf by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) and further details are available on www.bim.ie.
BIM also provides a range of other supports and advisory services to aquaculture producers. In addition aquaculture producers also have access to finance under schemes implemented by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI).
I am aware of the challenges faced by the aquaculture industry due to rising costs and other challenges. Preparatory work to progress the implementation of The National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development has begun.
The implementation of this Strategy will provide a framework for engagement with the sector and an opportunity to identify and put in place measures to support the sustainable and continued development of this important sector over the coming years.
