Written Answers Nos. 367-386
367. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Justice the number of new Garda vehicles provided to each Garda division over the past three years to date; the type of vehicle; the quantity to each division, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13079/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes the distribution of resources, including Garda fleet, across the various Garda Divisions and National/Specialist Units.
The Government is committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the resources needed to keep people safe. Over €2.48 billion has been provided in Budget 2025 and this is allowing for sustained investment in recruitment, equipment, technology, and vehicles.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, at the end of February 2025, there were 3,668 vehicles attached to the Garda fleet, the highest total of vehicles ever in use by An Garda Síochána. This represents an increase of over 17% since the end of December 2020.
An Garda Síochána publishes detailed information on the Garda fleet from 2008 to date, including a Divisional/District monthly breakdown. I note the monthly Fleet reports are currently available from 2020 to February 2025. This is publicly available on their website at the following link: www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/finance-services/finance-fleet-management.html
368. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Justice his plans to streamline the process of Garda vetting to reduce the number of applications an individual currently needs for multiple ventures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13080/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe primary purpose of vetting carried out by the Garda National Vetting Bureau is to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults.
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.
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. The Group’s report on arrangements for Garda Vetting is being finalised and I look forward to receiving the report in the near future.
369. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Justice the number of joint family visa applications received by his Department for the last five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13081/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra370. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Justice the number of join family visa applications successfully processed by his Department for the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13082/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra379. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Justice the timeframe for processing joint family visa applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13265/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 369, 370 and 379 together.
I understand that extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants and I want to assure anyone who has made an application for a join family visa that my Department is doing everything possible to progress these applications as quickly as possible.
The entitlement to family reunification varies depending on the permission granted to the sponsor of the application. Accordingly, there is no average processing time available for each type of join family visa.
Family members of Critical Skills Employment Permit holders can apply for join family visas at the same time as the Sponsor’s employment visa. When these visas are applied for together, they are processed in tandem and are typically completed within 12 weeks.
My Department aims to process join family visas applications within 12 months. The business target reflects the detailed and often complex assessment that is required to be carried out in relation to applications for family reunification. The majority of join family visas receive a first instance decision within this business target. In 2024 the average processing time for all types of Join Family visa application was 72 calendar days.
In 2024, approximately 201,000 visa applications, of all types, were received by the Visa Division of my Department. This reflects an increase of 21%, compared to 2023, with over 35,000 additional applications received. Approximately 22,000 join family visa applications were received by my Department in 2024; this represents an increase of 14% compared to 2023, with 3,000 additional applications received.
I am acutely aware that join family applications, are very important for the persons impacted and I am committed to improving the service my Department provides. In recent months, additional resources and staff have been assigned to my Department’s Visa Division which I expect will reduce the waiting times for join family applications.
The table below shows the number of Long Stay Join Family Visa applications received, decisions made and application grants from 2021, up to 18 March 2025.
|
- |
Total Join family applications received |
Join family Decisions |
Join family Granted |
|
2021 |
12,021 |
11,286 |
10,140 |
|
2022 |
18,505 |
17,269 |
15,783 |
|
2023 |
19,452 |
17,000 |
15,236 |
|
2024 |
21,982 |
18,631 |
17,325 |
|
2025 (to 18.03.25) |
4,151 |
4,107 |
3,910 |
* Please note, figures are correct at time of issue, however, all statistics may be subject to data cleansing.* A decision made in a particular year may relate to an application made in a previous year.
371. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice the number of e-scooters that have been seized by Gardaí in 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form. [13115/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended) the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, which includes all operational policing matters. As Minister, I play no role in these independent functions.
Road traffic legislation is enforced as part of the day-to-day duties of members of An Garda Síochána, as well as through a programme of high-visibility road safety and enforcement operations carried out in partnership with other state agencies, in order to make our roads safer for all.
An Garda Síochána has, through various media and social media platforms, highlighted the dangers associated with the misuse of e-scooters. In order to combat dangerous behaviour, intelligence is gathered at local level and areas are targeted as appropriate. Garda operations targeting the illegal use of those vehicles involve all members who are assigned to operational duties.
Garda authorities have provided the below breakdown for the number of e-scooters that have been seized by Gardaí from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024, and from 1 January 2025 to 18 March 2025.
|
2024 |
2025 |
|
190 |
63 |
I am advised that these figures are based on operational data from the PULSE system, are liable to change.
372. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda public order unit vans attached to each division outside of Dublin region as of 13 March 2025; and if he will provide same figures as of 31 December 2022, in tabular form. [13116/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána which includes the distribution of resources across the various Garda Divisions. As Minister, I have no direct role in this matter.
The Programme for Government commits to prioritising investment across the justice system, including in An Garda Síochána.
The Government is committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the resources it needs to fight crime, and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda organisation is central to this policy. Over €2.48 billion has been provided in Budget 2025, a 27% increase since 2020. This funding is allowing for sustained investment in recruitment, equipment, technology and vehicles.
The responsibility for the efficient deployment of all official Garda vehicles in each Division is assigned to the Divisional Officer, who may allocate vehicles between stations as required by operational circumstances.
I am advised that the purchase and allocation of vehicles by An Garda Síochána is made on the basis of identified operational demands, the availability of resources, and is reviewed on a continual basis.
To be of assistance, I sought the information requested by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána.
The table below shows the number of Public Order Unit vans nationally, excluding Dublin Metropolitan Region, on 28 February 2025 and 31 December 2022. Only divisions with public order vans on the relevant dates are listed. Implementation of the new operating model in the period since 2022 is reflected in the 2025 data.
|
DIVISION |
28/02/2025 |
|
LAOIS-OFFALY |
2 |
|
WATERFORD |
1 |
|
WEXFORD/WICKLOW |
2 |
|
GALWAY |
2 |
|
LOUTH/CAVAN/MONAGHAN |
1 |
|
MAYO/ROSCOMMON/LONGFORD |
1 |
|
CLARE/TIPPERARY |
2 |
|
CORK CITY |
1 |
|
CORK COUNTY |
1 |
|
LIMERICK |
1 |
|
DIVISION |
31/12/2022 |
|
LAOIS-OFFALY |
2 |
|
WATERFORD |
1 |
|
WICKLOW |
1 |
|
DONEGAL |
1 |
|
GALWAY |
1 |
|
LOUTH |
1 |
|
CLARE |
2 |
|
CORK CITY |
1 |
|
CORK NORTH |
1 |
|
LIMERICK |
1 |
An Garda Síochána publishes information on the Garda fleet, including a Divisional/District monthly breakdown, on their website at:
www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/finance-services/finance-fleet-management.html
373. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice the progress that has been achieved to date regarding the new Garda dog training centre; and when this project will move to the next stage. [13117/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the management of An Garda Síochána, including the addition of new facilities to the Garda estate. Works on the Garda estate are carried out in close cooperation between the Office of Public Works (OPW) and Garda management.
Under the NDP, the Government is committed to investing significant levels of capital funding into An Garda Síochána to deliver a Garda station modernisation and refurbishment programme; to delivering strategic ICT and digitalisation projects; and to providing a modern, fit for purpose Garda fleet.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána work on the provision of a National Centre of Excellence for the Garda Dog Unit is at an initial stage of development. An Garda Síochána are engaging with the Office of Public Works and all relevant stakeholders to progress the project.
No site has yet been identified or secured, and detailed design will only be possible subsequent to the securing of a suitable site. In addition to the work underway with the Office of Public Works to identify a possible site, Garda Estate Management is also researching similar facilities elsewhere to inform the design of a National Centre for the Dog Unit.
374. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice the number of additional staff, by grade, that were recruited for the international protection office in 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form. [13132/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can assure the Deputy that I am fully committed to ensuring that Ireland’s International Protection system is robust and rules based, and that our borders are protected.
Increased staff levels, more investment in technology and infrastructure, and increases in Panel Members in the International Protection Office (IPO) has allowed for a major increase in processing capacity and the introduction of accelerated processing.
The IPO now has 612 staff, an increase of 189% over 2022. In addition, 244 case processing panel members are contracted by the International Protection Office.
The table below shows the number of additional IPO staff, by grade, recruited in 2024 and to date in 2025:
|
Grade |
2024 |
2025 |
|
PO |
0 |
1 |
|
AP |
4 |
0 |
|
AO |
18 |
2 |
|
HEO |
15 |
4 |
|
EO |
155 |
24 |
|
CO |
80 |
4 |
|
TCO |
7 |
0 |
|
Total |
279 |
35 |
All data provided is correct at time of issue and may be subject to data cleansing
375. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice the number of competitions held for sworn Gardaí to apply to join Garda National Immigration Bureau in 2024 and to date in 2025; the number of vacancies, by rank, that were available during each of those competitions; and the number of Gardaí, by rank, that applied for each of those competitions, in tabular form. [13133/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt 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.
376. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice the number of motorcycles attached to the DMR north roads policing unit as of 13 March 2025; and if he will provide same figures as of 13 March 2021, in tabular form. [13134/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes the distribution of resources, including Garda fleet, across the various Garda Divisions and National/Specialist Units.
The Government is committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the resources needed to keep people safe. Over €2.48 billion has been provided in Budget 2025 and this is allowing for sustained investment in recruitment, equipment, technology, and vehicles.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, at the end of February 2025, there were 3,668 vehicles attached to the Garda fleet, the highest total of vehicles ever in use by An Garda Síochána. This represents an increase of over 17% since the end of December 2020.
The table below was provided to me by the Garda authorities and outlines the number of motorbikes assigned to the DMR Traffic Roads Policing unit on 28 February 2021 and on 28 February 2025.
|
Date |
Motorbikes |
|
28 February 2021 |
36 |
|
28 February 2025 |
35 |
Motorbikes allocated to roads policing duty in the DMR are centrally operated from the regional roads policing unit based in DMR Traffic Division.
The purchase and allocation of vehicles is made on the basis of identified operational demands, the availability of resources and is reviewed on a continual basis.
For the Deputy’s information, detailed statistics relating to the Garda Fleet are publicly available on the Garda website at the following link: Finance Fleet Management - Garda
377. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Justice the details of any secondments from consulting firms to his Department since 2020; the consulting firm involved; the purpose of the secondment; the durations of the secondments; who paid the salary of the individual seconded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13187/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that there have been no secondments from consulting firms to my Department since 2020.
378. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Justice if he intends to publish a 2025 programme of work for his Department; the timeline for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13227/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraDelivering on the commitments laid out in the Programme for Government is a priority for me as Minister, my Department and my colleagues, Ministers of State Colm Brophy and Niall Collins. Working with them, I want to ensure that our justice system is modern, efficient, and responsive to the needs of all of our people. To serve the fundamental need of all people to feel safe and secure in their homes and in their communities.
To achieve this, the Government will invest in every aspect of the justice system – from An Garda Síochána to our Courts Service, our prison and probation services, the immigration system, and the security of the State. Preventive measures in areas such as youth justice and domestic, sexual and gender based violence will be prioritised, to break the cycle of crime before it begins.
In line with the provisions of the Public Service Management Act 1997 my Department is currently preparing a new Statement of Strategy covering the period 2025-2028.
Preparation of the Strategy involves comprehensive engagement through public and stakeholder consultations. Our Strategy will be informed by the Programme for Government, key Government priorities, policy frameworks and other significant issues, and will set out our high-level goals for the period. For the lifetime of the Strategy, the work of my Department will be formulated around these goals.
I intend that the new Department of Justice Statement of Strategy will be published later in the year.
380. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the work of Cuan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13266/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraA central element of delivering on the Zero Tolerance goal of the Third National Strategy was the establishment, in January 2024, of Cuan, the statutory domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) agency.
Cuan has a specific mandate to drive the implementation of the strategy across Government, bringing the expertise and focus required to tackle this complex social issue. Under Budget 2025, DSGBV funding was increased to €70 million, with increased funding for Cuan to €67 million.
The Government has set an ambitious target to double the number of refuge units in the country in the lifetime of the Zero Tolerance strategy. There are currently 159 refuge units, following the delivery of 12 new units last year. The new units include the state-of-the-art refuge in Wexford. Construction or refurbishment of another 54 units is planned for this year.
Cuan has also established multi-stakeholder inter-agency bodies including local service providers, local authorities, and housing bodies in 18 priority areas to progress this work as quickly as possible.
Cuan funds 78 organisations providing DSGBV services for victims, survivors and those at risk of DSGBV. It is now prioritising the creation of a robust, scalable funding model, and the development of data systems that track capacity and activity. This has been a priority programme of work that will mature this year.
Cuan is also currently running a number of awareness campaigns intended to galvanise nationwide action to end DSGBV, including:
• 'Serious Consequences', which deals with intimate image abuse.
• 'Always Here', which raises awareness of the services available for victims of DSGBV.
• 'Let’s Have the Consent Conversation', which aims to generate a national conversation on consent in sexual relationships.
• ‘Hardest Stories’, which addresses the hidden nature of DSGBV within society and was launched last month.
As well as working in partnership with the Department of Education on the new SPHE curriculum across Junior and Senior Cycle in secondary schools, Cuan oversees the highly successful ‘Consent Ed’ project which provides training for secondary school teachers as well as a NCCA-approved toolkit and resources for teachers to use in the classroom.
It is also Cuan’s intention to work on a targeted and strategic approach to Zero Tolerance implementation as it relates to professional training and to formal and informal education this year.
381. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice if his Department, or any agency under his Department’s remit, have, since 1 November 2024, entered any contract in respect of a hotel (details supplied) or have had any discussions, or received any offers, in respect of using this premises for any reason; the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13282/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraNeither my Department nor any agency under its aegis has entered into any contract or held contract discussions with the hotel in question.
382. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine where fallen trees impede access on public roads and/or damage ESB transmission lines and telecom provider lines on public roads or on private property and where the ownership of such property is not readily known to the local community or to the local authority or emergency services, if there is provision to provide statutory agencies or public utility providers with the names of the owners of such property to ensure that they can be requested, without delay, to remedy the difficulties that have arisen or to bill them for emergency work that may need to be carried out by or on behalf of statutory agencies or public utilities (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12970/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs a matter of law, the care and management of trees adjacent to roads is the responsibility of the landowner on whose land the roadside trees are growing. It is advisable that landowners make themselves aware of the full legal extent of their land ownership and of any obligations arising from this.
The implementation of the legislation on the management or removal of dangerous roadside trees is the responsibility of the local authority, in its capacity as the relevant road authority and usually does not require a tree felling licence.
As regards forestry and powerlines, the legislative provisions reside in section 98 of the Electricity (Supply) Act 1927, as amended by Section 45 of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999. These allow the ESB and its representatives, to lop or cut any tree, shrub or hedge which obstructs or interferes with any electrical wires. Such works are a matter between the ESB and anyone acting on their behalf, and the landowner in question. Such works do not require a felling licence from my Department.
One of the actions for my Department in the Programme for Government is to work collaboratively with the ESB to support and accelerate the timber and vegetation clearance programme. I, along with my colleagues, Ministers Healy-Rae and O’Brien, have established a Working Group to consider the issues that have arisen from recent storms in relation to the interaction of forests with power lines.
These matters are also being discussed in the Forest Windblow Taskforce, which is chaired by Minister Healy-Rae and whose primary focus is the safe and appropriate management of storm-damaged forests.
The primary method for state bodies and the public to establish land ownership is to make enquiries with Tailte Éireann (www.landdirect.ie).
383. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of copper communication lines within his Department currently in active operation and for which his Department is paying for on a monthly basis inclusive of ISDN, PTSN and copper-based lease lines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12979/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has approximately 70 WAN circuits delivered on DSL over copper. The costings for the WAN circuits on copper lines are approximately €25 per circuit per month. My Department’s Telephony Service uses 587 lines at €20,055.70 per month ex. Vat. My Department has no active copper-based lease lines. The number of lines continues to reduce as the Department move away from using copper-lines to fibre optic based media.
384. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applicants to ACRES from whom his Department is now seeking repayments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13049/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are currently 171 herdowners with ACRES overpayments outstanding, of which 97 are part of the General stream and 74 are part of the Co-operation stream.
As the Deputy may be aware, it was announced in February 2024 that an interim payment would be made to support those Tranche 1 participants who had not yet received their advance payment in respect of 2023. ACRES General participants received an interim payment of €4,000 and ACRES Co-operation participants received an interim payment of €5,000.
My Department wrote to all participants receiving an interim payment at the end of February 2024 to advise that the final ACRES Year 1 payments would be based on the ACRES actions approved in their contract and, where results-based actions are included, the scores assigned by their advisor. It was also advised that, if the ACRES payment calculation amounted to less than the interim payment, the difference/shortfall would be shown on the participant's Department account as a debt, which would be offset against future payments.
My Department issued letters outlining the options available to each participant who had received an overpayment. It has offered a flexible approach in the collection of these overpayments, and has encouraged any farmer not in a position to make the full refund, or to have it recovered from the next DAFM payment, to engage with my Department in relation to alternative payment arrangements. These include the possibility to recover the outstanding amount from the next ACRES payment.
385. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has met formally with the CEO of Horse Racing Ireland since his appointment. [13124/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial state body established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, and is responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
Whilst I have not formally met with the CEO of HRI since my appointment, I have met the CEO as part of my wider engagements with the horse racing industry.
386. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated full year cost to recruit one additional WTE veterinary inspector in his Department. [13135/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraVeterinary Inspector is the recruitment level grade within the Veterinary team of my Department.
Veterinary Inspectors who are newly recruited into my Department are placed on the Civil Service pay scale which, since March 2025, has a starting point of €68,683 (PPC) €72,468 (Non PPC)
