Written Answers Nos. 603-622
603. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the total number of people incarcerated in Irish prisons as of 31 December in each year from 1990 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32076/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total number of people detained in Irish prisons as at 31 December in each year from 1990 to date is outlined in the attached table. Prisoner population statistics are published on a daily basis and are available on the Irish Prison Service website (www.irishprisons.ie). This information can be located in the Information Centre, under Statistics & Information – Daily Prisoner Population.
|
Year 2024 |
5,001 |
|
Year 2023 |
4,691 |
|
Year 2022 |
4,245 |
|
Year 2021 |
3,704 |
|
Year 2020 |
3,650 |
|
Year 2019 |
3,950 |
|
Year 2018 |
3,911 |
|
Year 2017 |
3,646 |
|
Year 2016 |
3,595 |
|
Year 2015 |
3,647 |
|
Year 2014 |
3,554 |
|
Year 2013 |
3,975 |
|
Year 2012 |
4,066 |
|
Year 2011 |
4,099 |
|
Year 2010 |
4,257 |
|
Year 2009 |
3,911 |
|
Year 2008 |
3,512 |
|
Year 2007 |
3,184 |
|
Year 2006 |
3,075 (29th December) |
|
Year 2005 |
2,870 (30th December) |
|
Year 2004 |
2,924 |
|
Year 2003 |
2,989 |
|
Year 2002 |
2,946 |
|
Year 2001 |
2,760 (28th December) |
|
Year 2000 |
2,696 (29th December) |
|
Year 1999 |
2,462 (30th December) |
|
Year 1998 |
2,470 (30th December) |
|
Year 1997 |
2,275 |
|
Year 1996 |
2,122 |
|
Year 1995 |
1,882 (29th December) |
|
Year 1994 |
1,906 (30th December) |
|
Year 1993 |
2,012 |
|
Year 1992 |
1,993 |
|
Year 1991 |
2,054 (23rd December) |
|
Year 1990 |
1,973 |
604. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the total number currently being detained in Irish prisons; the total number who are Irish citizens, citizens of the UK or EU/EEA, and from the rest of the world; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32077/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that as of 31 May 2025 that there were 5372 prisoners in custody of which 4418 were recorded as Irish, 459 were from the EU, 119 were British and 376 were from the rest of the world. The overall breakdown is set out in the table further below.
|
Nationality Group |
Female |
Male |
Total |
|
African |
17 |
143 |
160 |
|
Asian |
1 |
62 |
63 |
|
British |
7 |
112 |
119 |
|
Central American |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
European Union |
20 |
439 |
459 |
|
Irish |
207 |
4,211 |
4,418 |
|
The Middle East |
0 |
14 |
14 |
|
Northern America |
2 |
8 |
10 |
|
Oceania |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Other European |
4 |
51 |
55 |
|
South American |
6 |
65 |
71 |
|
The Caribbean |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Grand Total |
264 |
5,108 |
5,372 |
605. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if the State has a policy of issuing deportation orders against non-nationals on completion of a prison sentence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32078/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand the Deputy has clarified that she is referring to non-EEA/UK citizens and also those who have acquired Irish citizenship through the citizenship/naturalisation process.
I am fully committed to ensuring that Ireland’s immigration system is robust and rules based. The removal of persons in the immigration system who are involved in criminality or who are a danger to society is 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.
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, within the timeframe issued with the deportation order, 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 – it means they may not enter Ireland again in future.
Under Section 3 of the Immigration 1999, as amended, a Deportation Order may be issued on a number of grounds, including:
• under Section 3(2)(a), a person who has served or is serving a term of imprisonment imposed on him or her by a court in the State,
• under Section 3(2)(b), a person whose deportation has been recommended by a court in the State before which such person was indicted for or charged with any crime or offence,
• under Section 3(2)(i), a person whose deportation would, in the opinion of the Minister, be conducive to the common good.
The removal of persons who are involved criminality and those who are a danger to society is a priority for me as Minister, my Department and the Garda Commissioner. My officials work closely with members of An Garda Síochána and the Irish Prison Service to ensure high risk persons are prioritised for removal from Ireland. The option to voluntary return is not offered to persons who have serious criminal convictions.
My Department has taken action to significantly improve immigration enforcement measures and increase removals. The number of deportation orders signed in 2024 (2,403) increased by 180% compared to 2023 (857). This year 2,113 deportation orders have been signed up to 13 June 2025.
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 939 persons have had their departure confirmed through these pathways up to 13 June 2025.
So far in 2025, three charter flight operations have removed 106 people who were subject to deportation orders from the State with a further 58 removed on commercial airlines. Further charter operations and removals on commercial aircraft will be conducted as the year progresses.
Finally, I can advise the Deputy that deportation orders are not made in respect of Irish citizens. The revocation of Irish citizenship granted by naturalisation is a separate process. Revocation of Irish citizenship is only undertaken in the most serious of circumstances, where citizenship has been obtained fraudulently or when an individual poses a serious risk or threat to the State.
606. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of Gardaí assigned to every Garda station in counties Carlow Kilkenny for the years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32089/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the interest of transparency, information in relation to the allocation of Gardaí by Division, Station and rank, including for each Garda station in Carlow/Kilkenny, 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/.
The Deputy should access the file titled “Garda Members by Division District Station 2009 to 30 April 2025” under "Garda Workforce" for a breakdown of total Gardaí numbers by Garda station and by rank going back to 2009.
Please be advised that this information is operational and may be subject to change.
607. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of Gardaí due to retire in 2026,2027 and 2028; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32091/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra608. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of Gardaí, per county, due to retire in 2026, 2027 and 2028, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32092/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 607 and 608 together.
It is the case that once a Garda has completed 30 years of service, they may opt to retire on full pension at age 50 if they joined before 1 April 2004, or at 55 years of age if they joined on or after that date.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that, in addition to those who may have already reached the eligibility criteria by year end 2025, during 2026 224 members of An Garda Síochána will meet the criteria to retire. A further 358 and 412 Garda members will meet those criteria by years end 2027 and 2028 respectively.
I am further advised by the Garda authorities that 66 Gardaí will have reached compulsory retirement age in 2026, a further 28 Gardaí in 2027, and 56 Gardaí in 2028.
It should be noted that it is the practice for some Gardaí to work well beyond the point at which they become eligible for retirement and, for some Gardaí, even beyond the age of mandatory retirement.
The Garda Commissioner may with my consent as Minister, extend the age of retirement of a Garda member beyond 62, where this is in the interests of the efficiency of An Garda Síochána due to special qualifications or experience possessed by that member.
This allows any Garda member to make an application to the Commissioner, through their line management, seeking an extension of their service. I can confirm that I have already consented to a number of such requests allowing Garda members to continue to serve beyond the age of 62.
I am informed that An Garda Síochána are not in a position to provide a breakdown of the number of Gardaí, per county, due to retire in 2026, 2027 and 2028.
609. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for an update on the prison visitation committee application of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32121/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe work undertaken by Prison Visiting Committees provides an invaluable perspective on our prisons and the experiences of those in their care, and ensures important issues are highlighted.
My officials have engaged with the individual in question and the matter has been brought to a conclusion.
610. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if, in light of the increasing demand for accommodation for both international protection applicants and beneficiaries of temporary protection, particularly those fleeing the war in Ukraine, he will outline in full any current or projected plans for the establishment, expansion or repurposing of accommodation centres within Cork north central over the next twelve months; if his Department has identified or is actively examining specific sites or properties in the area for potential use in this regard; and if he will provide a list of all such locations currently under consideration, negotiation, or formal agreement, including timelines for activation and capacity projections for each. [32133/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra611. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether he or his officials have engaged directly with local property owners, commercial agents, or other private accommodation providers within Cork north central to secure such facilities, and to detail the nature and extent of those engagements to date (details supplied). [32134/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 610 and 611 together.
In terms of demand for Ukraine accommodation, since 2024 and over recent months we continue to see decreases in the numbers of those fleeing the war in Ukraine arriving in Ireland, or requesting accommodation from the State.
In addition, those who have already been accommodated continue to choose to move on from State-provided Ukraine accommodation for more independent living.
As a result the procurement of accommodation for those fleeing the Ukraine war has been paused.
While the demand for IPAS accommodation remains high, the rate of increase in new applications for international protection has reduced in recent months. The State is currently accommodating almost 33,000 people who have applied for international protection in Ireland.
Access to wider public services such as health and education services for international protection applicants is set out in Irish and EU law, and this is planned for and provided by the HSE, the Department of Education and other cross-Government services.
There are currently no properties in the Cork North Central area under consideration by my Department to provide international protection accommodation.
The Department receives regular offers of accommodation from external commercial providers, and does not predetermine their geographical location. All offers of international protection accommodation are reviewed by the Department under a standardised appraisal procedure.
Factors in the appraisal of international protection accommodation include the site and its potential, the value for money it offers, planning matters and any works required to meet the required standards.
Consideration is also given to the location and locality, access to services, resident welfare, health and wellbeing, and the current level of need in the sector.
612. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of WTE staff, by job title, working at a location (details supplied). [32164/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that the Probation Service team based in the Donaghmede Office have responsibilities across a large area of Dublin North which includes Dublin 17, Dublin 13, Dublin 5 and a part of Dublin 3. This team also covers all rural areas north of Dublin Airport to the county boundary including Swords, Malahide and Portmarnock.
At any one time the team may be working with up to 250 persons referred from the criminal courts for assessment or supervision.
The Deputy should note that those referred by the Courts may be met with in the local office in Donaghmede as well as in other Probation Service offices on the Northside of Dublin. Client meetings also take place in the clients’ homes or in other community organisations/facilities as appropriate.
I am advised that the number of full-time Probation Staff working at Donaghmede Shopping Centre are 1 Senior Probation Officer, 4 Probation Officers, 1 Clerical Officer, 1 Higher Executive Officer, 1 Executive Officer, and 1 Probation Assistant.
An additional Probation Officer works out of the location three days a week, which is 0.6 WTE, and a Regional Manager with responsibility over this region works out of this location on occasion.
613. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration when a person (details supplied) will receive their citizenship certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32177/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the Deputy has been in contact with my Department's Immigration Oireachtas service and that an invitation to the upcoming June citizenship ceremonies has re-issued to the person concerned.
614. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the actions his Department is taking to address the growing misuse of social media platforms, particularly the sharing of graphic or distressing recordings of tragic incidents; the current or planned legislation, inter-agency efforts or engagement with social media companies to protect the dignity of victims and their families; and if a public awareness campaign is being considered to discourage the online spread of such content. [32186/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI fully recognise the growing and deeply troubling trend of people recording and sharing videos or images of fatal accidents, often using smartphones or similar devices. These actions can cause immense distress to victims’ families, violate the dignity of the deceased, and worsen the trauma of an already tragic situation. What is particularly alarming is that, in some cases, loved ones are first made aware of a fatality through graphic content posted online, rather than through respectful and official channels. That is simply not acceptable.
Criminalisation is never a quick fix and I know the Deputy is not suggesting it is. However, it can only ever be part of the answer to change behaviours. In certain cases, of course, the sharing of such images may already constitute a criminal offence. One example is under section 10 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997, where harassment includes persistent acts that cause alarm or distress — this could potentially apply where distressing images are targeted at or repeatedly shared with victims’ families.
More broadly, significant steps have been taken to enhance regulation in this space. The Online Safety and Media Regulation Act, under the remit of the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, came into force in March 2023. This represents a major shift away from industry self-regulation. It created a strong independent regulator, Coimisiún na Meán, which is tasked with holding online platforms to account. In October 2024, Coimisiún na Meán published the finalised online safety code, which places obligations on video-sharing platforms like YouTube, Instagram and Meta (Facebook). These obligations include the restriction of harmful content such as cyberbullying, incitement to hatred or violence, and racist or xenophobic material. The code also mandates platforms to implement parental controls, content rating systems, and effective reporting and complaints mechanisms.
In addition to the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act, the EU Digital Services Act, under the remit of the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, places clear obligations on social media platforms to remove illegal content without delay. The longer such material remains online, the broader its reach and the greater the potential harm. Ensuring compliance with these obligations - particularly the prompt detection, banning, and removal of harmful or unlawful content - is a key priority.
Coimisiún na Meán, as Ireland’s Digital Services Coordinator under the Act, works closely with the European Commission to regulate platforms operating within the EU. Breaches of the Digital Services Act can result in significant penalties, including fines of up to 6% of a platform’s global turnover, while non-compliance with the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act can attract fines of up to 10% of relevant turnover.
While the Government is not currently proposing to introduce new legislation specifically criminalising the recording or sharing of fatal accident footage, I recognise the harm that can be caused. Deputy Duncan Smith’s Private Member’s Bill, Protection of Accident Victims from Non-Consensual Recording of Images Bill, is an important contribution to the debate in this area, which the Government did not oppose. However, a number of complex legal and constitutional questions remain, including how best to balance privacy and dignity with the rights to freedom of expression and the public interest in transparency.
Coimisiún na Meán, which is under the remit of my colleague Minister Patrick O’Donovan, encourages members of the public who see distressing content online to report it to the platform where they saw it. Some online platforms may contain in their Terms and Conditions restrictions on content, including the sharing of images or videos depicting tragic incidents, which can be harmful, but not necessarily illegal. Platforms are required under the Digital Services Act to implement their Terms and Conditions diligently. In 2024, Coimisiún na Meán ran a Spot it, Flag it, Stop it campaign to help people realise what constitutes illegal content online and provide guidance about how to report it.
Coimisiún na Meán also developed educational resources for post-primary schools last year that advised students, parents and teachers of their rights under the Online Safety Framework. These educational resources were produced in collaboration with Webwise, and include both junior and senior cycle lesson plans, teacher guides and downloadable posters and infographics. The resources were shared with every post-primary school in Ireland.
Coimisiún na Meán hope to develop further educational resources for schools this year. Additionally, in July, Coimisiún na Meán will be launching a four-week, nationwide advertising campaign in cinemas across Ireland focused on the rights of users online. This campaign will also outline the ongoing importance of reporting illegal or harmful content to online platforms.
615. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he has plans for works to be carried out to upgrade CCTV cameras in a location (details supplied); if so, when these works will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32194/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Regrettably, this was not available in time and I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.
616. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will provide an update in respect of a property (details supplied). [32229/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe International Protection Procurement Service (IPPS) had received an offer from this property, but this is no longer under consideration for international protection accommodation.
All offers of international protection accommodation are reviewed by the Department under a standardised appraisal procedure. Properties from all areas undergo the same transparent process, including the necessary compliance checks and examining a range of important factors.
Factors in the appraisal of international protection accommodation include the site suitability, the value for money it offers, planning matters and any works required to meet the required standards.
Consideration is also given to the location with regard to access to services, resident welfare, health and wellbeing, and the current level of need in the sector.
617. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will provide an update on an individual's application under the Turkish Association Agreement (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32230/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application under the Turkish Association Agreement from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by the Domestic Residence and Permissions Division of my Department.
Applications are processed in strict chronological order of receipt. The Division endeavours to process applications as quickly as possible. However, processing times may vary due to a number of factors such as the number of applications on hand, the complexity of applications, whether further information is required, and the resources available.
The person concerned can now directly check the status of their immigration application on the Immigration Service’s Customer Service Portal. They can register for, 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 email, 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.
618. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration his plans to issue specific guidelines for the submission of video content via the Garda traffic watch online reporting system, in order to avoid inconsistencies in how Gardaí investigate incidences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32246/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Garda Commissioner is responsible for the allocation and deployment of resources available to him under section 33 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, and for the management and administration of all operational policing matters such as the Garda traffic watch online reporting system. As Minister, I do not direct such operational policing decisions and am unable to issue guidelines for the use of Garda systems.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that Traffic Watch is a partnership approach to reducing the number of road collisions and fatalities. It brings road users, An Garda Síochána, the Road Safety Authority and other stakeholders together in a united and sustained effort to improve safety on our roads.
As part of An Garda Síochána’s ongoing commitment to road safety, a new online Traffic Watch reporting form was launched on the Garda website in August 2024.
Members of the public can report non-emergency traffic-related incidents using the online reporting form. In an emergency situation, members of the public should always call 999/112.
These online reports are logged by Garda Staff at the Garda Information Services Centre (GISC) who then forward the report to the Superintendent in the relevant Community Engagement Area to progress by appointing a member of An Garda Síochána to investigate a Traffic Watch complaint.
Video or photographic evidence cannot be uploaded to this page and members of the public are requested to hand any video evidence to a member of An Garda Síochána.
The submission of video or photographic evidence will require the development of a Digital Evidence Management System (DEMS) to store, manage and process any footage received.
This system is also required to progress the implementation of body worn camera technology in An Garda Síochána.
The project to introduce body worn cameras and DEMS to An Garda Síochána is underway.
This system, in addition to supporting body worn cameras, will support the use of an online portal to facilitate the uploading and submission of video footage to An Garda Síochána by the public.
Garda authorities envisage that the portal will be developed across the remainder of 2025, and 2026.
619. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the criteria used to determine suitability of a site for a new prison building.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32261/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra621. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether he has contacted the Land Development Agency or any other agency to discuss potential greenfield sites for a new prison in Cork. [32263/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra622. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to outline the engagement he has had with the community in the Glen, Cork, regarding the proposed second prison. [32264/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra623. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to outline the engagement he has had with local Gardaí in the Glen, Cork, regarding the proposed second prison. [32265/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra624. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to publish the report into the Old Cork Prison site immediately. [32266/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra625. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether the Irish Prison Service supports the new prison in the Glen, Cork. [32267/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 619, 621, 622, 623, 624 and 625 together.
In considering the pressing need for new prison spaces, while also considering value for money for the taxpayer, the Irish Prison Service has developed a renewed capital plan to deliver over 1,500 new spaces. This plan makes optimal use of existing sites as this is a more cost effective and efficient path to delivery of the required spaces.
The plan includes significant refurbishment and upgrade works in the existing prison estate, which has delivered over 150 new spaces since 2024, and includes the construction of new blocks within existing prisons. In order to meet demand, it has been necessary to consider the options for the old Cork Prison site to house a new prison.
Subject to securing the necessary funding for these projects, through the Government’s review of the National Development Plan, an accelerated approach to delivering 960 spaces in the plan will speed up timelines by 12 to 18 months.
The plan aims to deliver 230 (Male) and 100 (Female) additional spaces on the old Cork Prison site. Given the estimated completion date of 2031, the Deputy will understand that planning for the project is still at a very early stage.
620. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of unused sites or buildings owned by his Department in each county, in tabular form. [32262/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails of properties owned by my Department that are currently vacant is provided in the below table.
|
Property |
Address |
|
Westview House |
Audley’s Place, Cork City |
|
Old Cork Prison |
Rathmore Road, Cork City |
|
Thornton Hall |
Kilsallaghan, Co. Dublin |
The Westview House property in Cork City is under the Probation Service and has been largely vacant since 2019 apart from some ad hoc use to conduct remote interviews for international protection.
The old Cork Prison site consists of a number of buildings including prisoner accommodation blocks, some of which date back to the 19th Century, a work and training area and staff mess. The facility closed in 2016 following the transfer of prisoners to a new facility built on a site adjacent to the former prison. The facility is in a very poor physical state and unsuitable for use in its current form. It is intended to construct a new prison on the site of the old Cork Prison. Planning for this is at an early stage, and will be subject to necessary funding being allocated.
The 160 acre site at Thornton Hall was purchased by the State in January 2005 and has been made available to other agencies while retaining some of the site for any future prison needs. The site has been used by a farmer in recent years and a portion of the site is currently being developed to accommodate people applying for International Protection. Responsibility for international protection accommodation transferred to my Department from the Department of Children, Disability and Equality in May 2025. More information in relation to this project can be found at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/3c8dc-thornton-hall/.
