Written Answers Nos. 297-316
297. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons, who having being issued with the Deportation Order or a Section 3 Letter consented to the deportation order, left the State voluntarily within an agreed time period or submitted a humanitarian leave remain application for 2022, 2023, 2024, in tabular form); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21834/25]
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.
298. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice the number of people who engaged with the voluntary returns unit per annum for 2022 to 2025 inclusive; the number persons that notified the relevant authorities of their intention to leave voluntarily during that period; in those cases, the number of instances of non-issuance of deportation orders were in fact issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21835/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is a central priority for me that our immigration laws are robust and enforced. The enforcement aspects of our laws, including deportation orders, are an essential requirement for the system to work effectively and to ensure that our people have confidence in the application of our laws in this area.
Last year, 1,116 people departed from the State under various mechanisms (i.e. enforced deportation, voluntary return etc.), an increase of 252% compared to 2023 (317). This year 647 people have had their departure confirmed through these pathways up to 30 April 2025. So far this year, two charter flight operations have removed 71 people who were subject to deportation orders from the State. Further operations will be conducted as the year progresses.
It is the preferred option to return people voluntarily and my Department has a voluntary return programme to assist people to return prior to the issuance of a deportation order. When a person avails of a ‘Voluntary Return’ they are not issued with a deportation order. The individual can make their own arrangements to leave or can be assisted by my Department or the UN International Organisation for Migration, which my Department funds for these purposes. In both circumstances, returns under this category are directly verified and confirmed by my Department.
Table 1 below sets out the total number of Voluntary Returns in 2023, 2024 and up to and including 30 April 2025.
|
Year |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 YTD |
|
Number of Voluntary Returns |
91 |
213 |
934 |
517 |
* Please note, figures are correct at time of issue, however, all statistics may be subject to data cleansing.
A deportation order is issued after the person is offered but does not avail of voluntary return. Information regarding the number of people who indicate they wish to leave voluntarily but then receive a deportation order as they fail to do so is not collated in the manner sought by the Deputy. A person’s engagement with my Department’s voluntary return unit is recorded on their individual record.
A deportation order is a legal order to leave the State; any person who has been ordered to leave the State and fails to do so is committing a criminal offence, and can be arrested without warrant if they come into contact with An Garda Síochána. Such an order remains on the person’s record permanently, unless revoked by the Minister for Justice – it means they may not enter Ireland again in future.
The number of deportation orders signed in 2024 (2,403) increased by 180% compared to 2023 (857). Table 2 below sets out the total number deportation orders signed in 2022, 2023, 2024 and up to and including the 30 April 2025.
|
Year |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 YTD |
|
Deportation Orders |
548 |
857 |
2,403 |
1,599 |
* Please note, figures are correct at time of issue, however, all statistics may be subject to data cleansing.
299. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice the resourcing of immigration services in this State; the number of immigration officers employed by the State; the resources attributed to their office and are adequately resourced to carry out their duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21836/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand the Deputy has clarified with my Department that he is seeking the number of immigration officers working in the Border Management Unit (BMU) of my Department and the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).
The BMU is responsible for frontline Immigration at Dublin Airport only. Other airports and other ports of entry are the responsibility of the GNIB.
I can advise the Deputy, as of 28 April 2025, there are 180 Immigration Control Officers of various grades in the BMU at Dublin Airport, excluding staff on unpaid leave, such as career breaks; the staffing levels in this unit are kept under constant review.
PublicJobs, on behalf of my Department, launched a new competition for Immigration Control Officers which closed for applications on 14 April. The competition will allow for a panel of suitable candidates to be formed in order to fill vacancies as they arise.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the deployment of Garda members throughout the State. The GNIB is responsible for the prevention, detection and investigation of illegal immigration, including the enforcement of deportation orders.
The Garda Commissioner has advised me that as of February 2025, the total number of Gardaí attached to the GNIB is 94. In addition to the members of GNIB, there are Gardaí who are certified Immigration Officers deployed across the country who fulfil immigration functions as the need arises.
300. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice the number of non-nationals have applied for stamp 4 residence permission on the basis of their child’s status in each of the years 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21837/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that a non-EEA national may apply for residency in the State on the basis that they are the parent to an Irish or EU citizen child.
If a visa required non-EEA national wishes to move to Ireland and is the parent of an Irish or EU citizen child, they must apply for, and be granted a visa prior to travel. This application must be made from outside the State.
Any non-visa required national can present directly at a port of entry with the necessary documentation, and can then apply to the Registration Office of my Department for an immigration permission.
Statistics on those that arrive in the state to take up residency on the basis of their EU or Irish citizen child are not available. While the Registration Office record each individual immigration permission application with the category of the stamp 4 being granted, sub-totals of such categories are not currently recorded.
Where a non-EEA national, already legally resident in the State becomes a parent to an EEA national child, they may be eligible and wish to apply for permission to remain in the state based on this relationship. They will need to apply to the EU Treaty Rights Division of my Department. Table 1 below outlines the number of such applications received from 2022, up to 31 March 2025.
If the child is an Irish citizen, they can apply directly to my Department's Registration Office for an immigration permission. Table 2 below outlines the number of such applications received from 2022, up to 31 March 2025.
Further information on the application process and eligibility criteria are available on my Departments Immigration Service website at the following link: www.irishimmigration.ie/my-situation-has-changed-since-i-arrived-in-ireland/the-parent-of-an-irish-citizen-child/#Eligible.
Table 1
|
Year |
Parent of EU Citizen Child Applications received |
|
2022 |
65 |
|
2023 |
103 |
|
2024 |
174 |
|
2025 (Up to 31 March) |
39 |
* Please note, figures are correct at time of issue, however, all statistics may be subject to data cleansing
Table 2
|
Year |
Parent of Irish Citizen Child applications received to DRP division |
|
2022 |
531 |
|
2023 |
607 |
|
2024 |
417 |
|
2025 (Up to 31 March) |
89 |
* Please note, figures are correct at time of issue, however, all statistics may be subject to data cleansing
301. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice the number of applicants that have applied for residence permission for their spouse/ partner under the ‘de factor relationship with an Irish National’ process in each of the years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21838/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that a De facto partnership is where a non-EEA national is in a long-term relationship but is not married to, or in a civil partnership, with the sponsor.
If a non-EEA national wishes to move to Ireland as a de facto partner, they must apply from outside the State and be granted permission prior to travel.
Visa required nationals will need to apply for a Join Family visa, while non-visa required nationals must apply for pre-clearance in advance of travelling.
For individuals already resident in the State on an existing immigration permission and who are eligible for De facto partnership permission, they can apply to the Domestic Residence and Permissions (DRP) division using the online portal, which can be accessed here: https://inisonline.jahs.ie/user/login.
Further information on the requirements and application process are available on my Department's Immigration Service website at the following link: www.irishimmigration.ie/my-situation-has-changed-since-i-arrived-in-ireland/de-facto-partner-of-an-irish-or-non-eea-national/#who.
Table 1 below outlines the number of people who applied for either a visa, or pre-clearance, to enter the State as a de facto partner of an Irish citizen from 2020, up to 31 March 2025.
Table 2 below outlines the number of De facto applications received by the DRP Division from 2020, up to 31 March 2025.
Table 1
|
Year |
Join Family (Irish nat.)(de facto partner) |
Preclearance – Join Family (Irish nat.)(de facto partner) |
|
2020 |
29 |
1 |
|
2021 |
64 |
77 |
|
2022 |
53 |
71 |
|
2023 |
39 |
57 |
|
2024 |
55 |
54 |
|
2025 (Up to 31 March) |
12 |
19 |
* Please note, figures are correct at time of issue, however, all statistics may be subject to data cleansing
Table 2
|
Year |
De Facto Relationship |
|
2020 |
308 |
|
2021 |
320 |
|
2022 |
391 |
|
2023 |
369 |
|
2024 |
567 |
|
2025 (Up to 31 March) |
233 |
* Please note, figures are correct at time of issue, however, all statistics may be subject to data cleansing
302. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice the number of successful applicants that were granted Stamp 4 permission to reside in the State for each of the years 2020-2025 inclusive, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21839/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe table below shows the number of Stamp 4 immigration permissions registered with the Registration Office of my Department from 2020 to 2024.
The figures relate to both first-time registrations and renewals processed in a calendar year. Data for 2025 is not yet available.
|
Year |
Stamp 4 |
|
2020 |
38,736 |
|
2021 |
47,110 |
|
2022 |
70,583 |
|
2023 |
90,609 |
|
2024 |
127,962 |
* Please note, figures are correct at time of issue, however, all statistics may be subject to data cleansing.
303. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice the number of applicants who have applied for subsidiary protection in the years 2022-2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21840/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe International Protection Office (IPO) is responsible for processing applications for international protection under the International Protection Act 2015. As part of the single procedure process, the IPO considers refugee status, subsidiary protection and permission to remain for each application. Individuals who apply for international protection are therefore applying to be considered for subsidiary protection as part of the same application process.
The number of applications for subsidiary protection are therefore the same as the number of applications for international protection, as detailed in the table below:
|
International Protection Applications 2022 - 2025 |
|
|
2025 |
3,947 |
|
2024 |
18,557 |
|
2023 |
13,266 |
|
2022 |
13,643 |
*To 27th April
**Figures correct at time of issue and may be subject to data cleansing.
If it is decided that a person is not a refugee, they may qualify for subsidiary protection.
This is a status which in some ways is similar to that of refugee. It is granted where the person does not qualify as a refugee, but where the person faces a real risk of suffering serious harm in his or her country of origin.
The precise definition of subsidiary protection according to the International Protection Act 2015 is that a person eligible for subsidiary protection is a person
• who is not a national of a Member State of the European Union,
• who does not qualify as a refugee,
• in respect of whom substantial grounds have been shown for believing that he or she, if returned to his or her country of origin/country of former habitual residence, would face a real risk of suffering serious harm, and who is unable, or, owing to such risk, unwilling to avail himself or herself of the protection of that country; and
• who is not excluded from eligibility for subsidiary protection for certain reasons.
The EU Migration and Asylum Pact is a new EU framework to manage migration and asylum for the long-term which will be implemented in June 2026. The overall objective of the Pact is to provide a fair, sustainable and efficient asylum procedure. This will be achieved through convergence in asylum practices across the EU.
Under the Pact current international protection decision process will be replaced by a streamlined single first-instance decision on refugee status, subsidiary protection, and return/permission to stay followed by a single appeal to cover refugee status, subsidiary protection, and return/permission to stay.
304. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice the number of deportation orders were revoked under section 3 (11) of the Immigration Act 1999 for each of the years 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21841/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 3(11) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, provides that a deportation order may be revoked. My Department receives submissions from people seeking that this provision be invoked. In assessing such submissions consideration is given to whether there is compelling new information or material changes in circumstances which were not previously put forward, nor capable of being put forward, when the original decision was made.
The main grounds advanced relate to the extent to which a person has established family, employment and other connections here. These include people who qualified under the terms of the Regularisation of Long-Term Undocumented Migrants Scheme in 2022, the processing of which is now largely concluded. All submissions are carefully assessed including in the context of any rights arising and a criminal records check is carried out in each instance.
An order may also be revoked on technical grounds where a person has been readmitted to the international protection process and permitted to remain in Ireland while their application is considered.
The table below details the number of deportation orders revoked under Section 3(11) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended.
|
Year |
Deportation Orders revoked |
|
2022 |
586 |
|
2023 |
417 |
|
2024 |
524 |
|
2025(YTD 30/04/25) |
127 |
* Please note, figures are correct at time of issue, however, all statistics may be subject to data cleansing.
305. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice the position regarding the number of people currently residing in IPAS centres that have fled the ongoing conflict in Sudan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21843/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe State is currently accommodating over 33,000 people who have applied for international protection in Ireland, about 9,000 of whom are children with their families.
The International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) provides accommodation in 325 International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres around the country, in every county.
As of 13th April 2025 there were 197 people from Sudan being accommodated in IPAS accommodation centres.
IPAS releases weekly statistics in relation to international protection applicants accommodated by IPAS. This includes a per county breakdown of where IP applicants are residing and a wide range of other details including gender and nationality.
These statistics are located on the Gov.ie website: www.gov.ie/en/international-protection-accommodation-services-ipas/publications/facts-and-figures/.
306. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of the recent increase in anti-social behaviour and the consequential public safety concerns at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21853/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to the principle that everyone, wherever they live in Ireland, should be safe and feel safe. Building safe and secure communities across the country by investing in An Garda Síochána is a top priority in the Programme for Government. I want every part of the country to be a safe space for people to live and work in, and the Citywest area in Dublin 24 is no exception to this.
Anti-social behaviour is a broad term often used to describe a range of actions and behaviours that violate social norms in specific contexts. I am conscious of the very damaging impact on the quality of life it can have in our communities.
The Government is committed to tackling the scourge of anti-social behaviour and crime to build safer streets and stronger communities through a number of ongoing measures, including:
• The deployment of body-worn cameras for Gardaí in Dublin City Centre, Waterford, and Limerick in 2024, with nationwide roll-out to follow;
• The introduction of Local Community Safety Partnerships around the country, to develop tailored Community Safety Plans for every area;
• Continued expansion of youth justice and youth diversion measures;
• New laws which have criminalised the grooming of children into a life of crime;
• Providing the funding necessary to enhance the equipment available to An Garda Síochána for public order policing, including the deployment of tasers and stronger incapacitant spray;
• Proposing solutions to public order and anti-social “wicked problems” through the Local Leadership Programme which brings together local stakeholders in a structured manner.
A number of actions are contained in the Programme for Government to reduce instances of anti-social behaviour and help people to be safe and feel safe in their local communities These include a commitment to enact legislation to combat anti-social behaviour through enhanced use of Anti-Social Behaviour Warnings and Anti-Social Behaviour Orders. Work to progress these commitments has commenced.
The typical Garda response to alleviate this type of criminality in any given area includes local Garda management instituting routine patrols of mobile, beat and bicycle officers in anti-social behaviour hot-spots.
Community Policing members would also continue to engage with young people by giving the talks about the consequences of criminal behaviour and consequences of assaults.
Through the Programme for Government and the Youth Justice Strategy, I am also committed to improving outcomes for young people at risk of a life of criminality through investment in youth justice services.
The Youth Justice Strategy 2021 – 2027 commits to expanding the network of Youth Diversion Projects (YDPs). YDPs are community based, multi-agency youth crime prevention initiatives which primarily seek to divert young people who have been, or are at risk of becoming, involved in anti-social and/or criminal behaviour. On average the YDPs engage with between 3,500 and 4,000 young people across the State in any one year.
307. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Justice the number of S.56 family reunification applications on hand at the family reunification unit; the current processing times of applications; the number of FTE staff in the unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21934/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that the average processing time for applications under Section 56 of the International Protection Act 2015 is currently 18 months.
Processing times can vary depending on the nature of the application, the documentation supplied, and the detailed and often complex assessment that is required to be carried out on such applications.
I understand that people are eager to have their families join them in the State and I want to assure anyone who has an application submitted, that the Family Reunification Unit of my Department is doing everything possible to progress applications as quickly as possible.
Currently, there are 1,963 sponsor applications in progress under the Act, accounting for 6,305 family members.
As of 1 May 2025, there are 13.5 staff working in the Family Reunification Unit; staffing levels in the unit are kept under constant review.
308. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of any concerns in relation to any matter that may have an implication for State security or community safety at the Islamic Cultural Centre in Dublin prior to its closure on 11 April 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21955/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of recent matters concerning the Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland and significant media reporting in this regard.
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the local Garda Station at Donnybrook continues to engage with the Centre, providing any necessary assistance and support and ensuring no breaches of public order.
As the Deputy will appreciate it would not be appropriate for me to make any further comment on operational matters which are the responsibility of An Garda Síochána.
309. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice the competencies that will be transferred to his Department from other departments, and the timeframe within which these transfers will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21956/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government includes a number of commitments that are being progressed and will lead to changes in the structure and responsibilities of my Department.
Responsibility for integration, International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS), and the Ukraine Division will transfer to my Department from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. This transfer will take effect today, 1 May, and will include the transfer of all staff, approximately 340 people, alongside a substantial budget transfer of approximately €2.1 billion. As the Department of Justice has existing responsibility for immigration and migration and the processing of applications for international protection, this transfer will underpin a more cohesive and strategic approach to migration and integration.
Other transfers of functions relate to the incoming transfer of the National Cyber Security Centre and related policy staff from the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications. In addition, responsibility for matters related to property services will transfer to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, while censorship will transfer to the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. Work to give effect to these commitments is being prioritised.
The implementation of the transfer of functions is guided by the Transfer of Functions Guidelines and Best Practice Handbook developed by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. This is available online at www.gov.ie/en/publication/a490d1-transfer-of-functions-guidelines-and-best-practice-handbook/.
310. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Justice to provide an update on the review of the family reunion policy, which was due to be completed last year; if consideration will be given to amending the policy to allow individuals in full-time employment to have their family with them from the start; when it is envisaged that this review will be finalised and the review findings issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21965/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Policy Document for Non-EEA Family Reunification, which was last amended in 2016, is currently under review. The review is examining a wide range of matters relating to applications for family reunification, however, I cannot pre-empt the changes to be introduced while the review is ongoing. Officials from my Department have consulted with a wide variety of stakeholders, including relevant Government departments and external organisations. I can advise the Deputy it is my expectation that the review will be brought to conclusion soon and that my officials will continue to engage with stakeholders regarding amendments to the Policy.
Insofar as current arrangements are concerned, Irish Citizens, holders of Critical Skills Employment Permits and other Category A sponsors can apply for immediate family reunification. A person residing in the State who is a Category B sponsor, such as those residing on the basis of a General Employment permits is eligible to apply for family reunification after 12 months, if they meet the income thresholds for the previous two years. Separately, it is open to spouses of general employment permit holders to apply for employment permits in their own right and enter the State for that purpose.
While I fully understand that some people moving to Ireland to live and work would wish to have their family join them, the issues to be examined as part of a family reunification application are complex. An important consideration in all family reunification applications, for example, is the ability of the sponsor to demonstrate a clear capacity to provide for their family members if they are to be granted a permission to come to Ireland.
I can also advise that, with effect from 15 May 2024, the first part of the review was implemented in that eligible spouses and partners of General Employment Permit and Intra-Corporate Transferee Irish Employment Permit holders, who have applied for and been granted family reunification, in accordance with the Non-EEA Family Reunification Policy, will now be registered on a Stamp 1G permission, rather than a Stamp 3. This will allow the holder to take up employment without the need to obtain a separate Employment Permit of their own.
311. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to respond to matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21768/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraRásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) is a commercial state body, established under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. RCÉ is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for RCÉ and, therefore, the question has been referred to the body for direct reply.
312. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide any updates from his Department’s interaction with the Forestry Forum (details supplied); the progress or agreement on the responsibility for safe corridors for electric supply lines through forestry; action points agreed; if there is a plan to assist or compensate forestry owners who have seen devasting damage done to their crop; and if there are any plans through Coillte to deal with the issue of clearing damaged forests across the west and northwest. [21785/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department recognises that the recent storms Darragh and Éowyn, have caused varying degrees of damage around the country, including significant damage to trees and in some cases electricity infrastructure and that this presents challenges to all stakeholders in forestry.
My Department is in regular contact with the ESB, particularly in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn. The Government requested and received a Winter 2025 Grid Resilience Plan from ESB Networks. A key component of this plan is a commitment to review forestry setbacks and corridors in relation to the safeguarding of the electrical network. In this regard the ESB continues to engage with my Department, Coillte, Department of Environment Climate and Communications and I understand they are also engaging with farmer representatives.
Coillte have been of great assistance to the ESB in clearing trees locally, so that fallen powerlines could be restored.
Finally, the Department is currently examining all potential options to support those forest owners affected by storm Darragh and Éowyn. However, without prejudging the outcome of these deliberations, you can be reassured that affected forest owners will not be disadvantaged by undertaking clearance or replanting now.
313. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the ongoing delays in the issuing of ACRES scheme payments; the number of participants currently awaiting payment; and the steps being taken to expedite processing. [21908/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the latest payment run on 25 April 2025, 43,368 ACRES participants, or just under 97%, are fully paid in respect of the 2023 scheme year. This means that 1,492 participants have not yet had their 2023 contract finalised, of which 1,198 have already received an interim payment of either €4,000 or €5,000, respectively.
In relation to the 2024 scheme year, 47,477 participants, which represents just under 88%, have now received their advance payment. 6,700 farmers are awaiting their 2024 advance payment.
The issues which are impacting on the making of payments in respect of each year are primarily the transfers of contracts, late or non-submission of scorecards, and alignment of ACRES information with data held by the Department on other IT systems. My Department is actively resolving the remaining issues through, for example, the development of the required IT functionality and the investigation of issues associated with specific contracts. In some cases, action is required by the participant to progress the payment claim.
In addition, a dedicated team has been put in place to complete the outstanding 2023 cases, and resources are being allocated, where required, to ensure that remaining payments are made as soon as possible. Payments will continue to issue on a weekly basis as cases pass all required validation checks.
My Department will continue to issue regular online updates over the coming period on the progress being made, with the expectation of having the vast majority of payments in respect of farmers’ participation in ACRES in 2023 and 2024 made by the end of May 2025, with the remaining more complex cases paid by the end of June 2025.
314. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for a detailed update on preparations underway for the next round of fisheries quota negotiations, including stakeholder engagement, key priorities for Ireland and concerns raised by the sector. [21909/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn an annual basis, my Department completes a Sustainability Impact Assessment (SIA) to examine the overall impacts the possible fishing opportunities for the following year could have on the sustainability of the fishing sector from a biological, economic and social perspective.
The SIA is based on the advice on fish stocks published by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES). The ICES advice also forms the basis of the scientific advice used by the European Commission in proposing Total Allowable Catches (TACs) and informs the EU's negotiating position for consultations with Third Countries, such as the UK.
The SIA involves a public consultation process along with expert contributions from the Marine Institute (MI) and Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM).
Stakeholders, including representatives of the Fishing Industry and environmental NGOs, will then be invited to discuss the assessment before the SIA is presented to the Oireachtas Committee for Fisheries and Marine Affairs.
My colleague, Minister of State Dooley, has met with the fisheries representative organisations in February to listen to their key concerns and priorities. Minister Dooley also outlined his commitment to positively engage with industry to build a sustainable future for our seafood sector and coastal communities and has committed to a series of industry engagements over the coming months.
315. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will initiate a full review of the funding, performance and regulatory oversight of the local authority marine infrastructure scheme; and if he will set out the issues identified by his Department with regard to project delivery and funding allocation under the scheme. [21910/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe responsibility for the development and maintenance of local authority owned piers, harbours and slipways rests with each local authority in the first instance and their parent Department, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, thereafter.
My Department, as a sub-scheme of its annual Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme, provides limited funding to assist coastal local authorities in carrying out small scale projects for the development and repair of piers, harbours and slipways in their ownership. The funding is for shovel-ready capital works only and not for the purpose of studies, surveys, planning and permitting processes, consultants and/or design fees, etc.
As scheme administrator, my Department is responsible for developing the Terms and Conditions which provide clarity for applicants and ensure the efficient operation of the scheme. The scheme is also subject to audit by the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General and the internal audit unit within the Department.
The scheme is reviewed each year within the context of available funding and national priorities. Accordingly, up to date Terms and Conditions are sent to local authorities with the invitation to apply for funding each year, and applicants are required to comply with these Terms and Conditions.
Applications are evaluated, taking into account the Terms and Conditions of the scheme, the priority attached to each project by the relevant local authority, available funding and the need to ensure a broad geographical spread of projects.
On March 13th last, Minister of State Timmy Dooley and I, announced an allocation of €4.3 million funding for coastal local authorities to support the repair, maintenance and development of fishery - and aquaculture - linked marine infrastructures under their ownership. The closing date for submission of applications was Friday April 4th last and my Department is currently assessing the large volume of applications submitted.
Where a project is approved for funding, it is a matter for each local authority to manage the delivery of any project(s) under their remit within the terms of the scheme. Each local authority is also responsible for compliance with regulatory requirements relevant to their project(s).
316. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to detail all applications made by Waterford City and County Council under the local authority marine infrastructure scheme over the past ten years, indicating the year of application, project title, funding sought, outcome (approved or not approved), and the amount granted were successful, in tabular form. [21911/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, under a sub-scheme of its annual Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme, provides limited funding to assist coastal local authorities in carrying out small scale shovel-ready projects for the development and repair of piers, harbours and slipways in their ownership. Applications are evaluated, taking into account the Terms and Conditions of the scheme, the priority attached to each project by the relevant local authority, available funding and the need to ensure a broad geographical spread of projects.
Between 2016 and 2021, Waterford City & County Council received funding of €1.88 million for various projects completed during that period.
This Department also administered the Brexit Adjustment Local Authority Marine Infrastructure (BALAMI) Scheme 2022-2023, which saw local authorities undertake capital projects in piers, harbour and slipways in their ownership.
Between 2022 and 2023, Waterford City & County Council was reimbursed €3.11 million for 10 projects completed under this Scheme.
In 2024, funding was only allocated to those local authority marine infrastructure projects which were previously allocated funding under the BALAMI Scheme but encountered delivery challenges including in relation to consenting, procurement, supply chain and weather delays to works. The BALAMI projects undertaken by Waterford City & County Council did not encounter such challenges.
On March 13th last, Minister of State Dooley and I announced an allocation of €4.3 million funding for maintenance and repair works of coastal local authority infrastructure under the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme 2025. The closing date for submission of applications was Friday April 4th. Waterford City & County Council did not submit any applications for consideration for this year’s scheme.
The attached table (Waterford CCoCo Marine Infrastructure 2016-2025.pdf) contains details of applications submitted by Waterford City & County Council since 2016, alongside the evaluation outcome, the funding allocated each year and the reimbursement claimed by the Council. My Department reimburses eligible project costs (pro-rata) on a matured liability basis following inspection of the capital works and verification of the evidenced expenditure.
