Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Ceist:599. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons availing of fish assist in each county, in tabular form. [34480/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraDepartmental Data
Ceisteanna (599)
Freagraí scríofa
As of 31st May 2025, there were 52 recipients of Fish Assist nationwide. The breakdown of recipients by county is set out in the table below. Counties with fewer than three recipients have been combined.
|
- |
|
|
County |
Recipients |
|
Clare/Galway |
15 |
|
Cork |
3 |
|
Donegal |
12 |
|
Kerry |
5 |
|
Mayo/Sligo |
5 |
|
Waterford |
5 |
|
Wexford |
7 |
Social Welfare Benefits
Ceisteanna (600)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:600. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Social Protection to outline the entitlements of EU and UK nationals living in Ireland to jobseekers allowance, jobseekers benefit, children’s allowance, and any other additional supplementary or emergency payments; to outline the conditions attached to such claims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34490/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The eligibility requirements that underpin the social welfare schemes listed, apply to all Irish, UK and EU citizens.
For UK and EU citizens, social welfare entitlements in Ireland are generally protected under a number of bilateral agreements and regulations. Once an EU citizen has established legal residence in Ireland, their rights to social welfare are generally maintained in line with those of Irish citizens. The Common Travel Area arrangement between Ireland and the United Kingdom provides for reciprocal rights to move freely between both countries and provides for associated rights and privileges in both countries, including access to social welfare.
To qualify for Jobseekers Allowance (JA), a person must be aged 18 years or over and under 66 years, be fully unemployed (or work for 3 days a week or less), be available for full-time work and genuinely seeking work, be capable of work, pass a means test and meet the Habitual Residence Condition.
To qualify for Jobseeker's Benefit (JB), a person must be under 66 years, or under 70 years and?deferring their State Pension (Contributory), be unemployed (must be unemployed for at least 4 days out of 7), have had a substantial loss of employment and as a result, be unemployed for at least 4 days out of 7 (this does not apply to casual workers and part-time fire fighters), be capable of work, be available for and genuinely seeking work and, have enough social insurance (PRSI) contributions
To qualify for Child Benefit, a person must be living in Ireland and meet the Habitual Residence Condition, have a child/children under 16 years, or aged 16, 17 or 18 years and in full-time education or training, or are aged 16, 17 or 18 years, have a disability, and be unable to support themselves. Child Benefit is considered a 'Family Benefit' and is exportable to the UK and other EU Member States. According to EU Regulations the EU Member State of employment pays Child Benefit even though the family may reside in another EU Member State.
The Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme is the safety net within the overall social welfare system in that it provides assistance to eligible people in the State. A person will normally qualify for Supplementary Welfare Allowance if they satisfy the following conditions:
• they are living in the State;
• they satisfy the SWA means assessment;
• they have applied for any other benefit or allowance they may be entitled to;
• they have registered for work with a local Intreo Centre if they are of working age;
• they satisfy the Habitual Residence Condition.
EU/EEA and Swiss migrant workers who have been working in Ireland can access basic SWA and supplements without having habitual residence assessed, provided they have the right to reside in Ireland. However, people from the EU/EEA or Switzerland who move to Ireland in search of employment are subject to the habitual residence test in the normal way while seeking employment
The Habitual Residence Condition does not apply to additional needs payments, excluding ongoing supplements, under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme. Decisions on these payments are made at the discretion of the officer administering the scheme, taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all relevant circumstances of the case.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Payments
Ceisteanna (601)
Liam Quaide
Ceist:601. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will report on progress on completing and publishing the study on benchmarking and indexing working-age social protection payments committed to in the Mid-Term Review of the Roadmap for Social Inclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34532/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2020-2025 contains a commitment to "Consider and prepare a report for Government on the potential application of the benchmarking approach to other welfare payments". The Mid-term Review of the Roadmap identified this commitment as one of the focuses for 2023 to 2025.
The roadmap also includes a commitment to develop a benchmarking approach for use in adjusting the value of State pension payments. It is worth noting that indexing weekly social protection rates to only one measure, such as inflation, presents a challenge as it can widen the income gap between those dependent on social protection payments and other people in society.
The smoothed earnings approach proposed by the Department to index the rate of State Pension payments was subsequently endorsed by the Commission on Pensions and addresses this challenge as it links the pension rate to 34% of average earnings, and allows for variation in periods where inflation exceeds earnings growth.
In 2022 the Government decided that the Minister for Social Protection would, in submitting budget options, set out a rate of pension payment calculated using the smoothed earnings benchmark approach as an input for consideration as part of Budget discussions, on an annual basis, starting from September 2023.
Since then, this calculation was prepared and submitted annually to Government, most recently in September 2024, as part of preparations for Budget 2025. Any increases calculated under the smoothed earnings approach may be met, or exceeded, by a combination of rate increases and one-off measures taken by the Government in periods of high inflation.
A report on benchmarking and indexing working age social protection rates is being finalised by my Department and I will consider the report carefully once I have received it.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Payments
Ceisteanna (602, 603)
Liam Quaide
Ceist:602. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will provide an update on his Department's examination of the concept of income adequacy as a lever to take people out of consistent poverty in the context that our social protection payments are not linked to the cost of living; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34534/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraLiam Quaide
Ceist:603. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will provide an update in relation to MESL 2025; the steps that are necessary to ensure that Ireland's obligations under the European Pillar of Social Rights and the UN Sustainable Development Goals are met regarding providing everyone with an income that allows them to live with dignity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34536/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 602 and 603 together.
I welcome the recent publication of the 2025 Minimum Essential Standard of Living (MESL) on June 17th. The report provides an update of the MESL income needs to reflect price changes in 2025.
The Government acknowledges the impact that increases in the cost of living have on people, especially in relation to income adequacy. That is why the Government delivered Budget 2025, which provided significant €12 across the board increases in primary social protection weekly rates in addition to a range of targeted increases to schemes. The total value of the Social Protection measures in Budget 2025 was almost €2.6 billion.
It is not all about the headline rate. Our social protection system also provides a range of targeted secondary supports, such as the Living Alone Allowance, the over 80 Allowance, Adult Dependent Allowances, Child Support Payments and the Fuel Allowance, which are provided to people dependent on their particular circumstances and unique needs. Therefore, tailored targeted support is a feature of our social protection system.
In addition to these ongoing measures, the Social Protection package included a range of once-off cost-of-living supports delivered in Q4 2024. The cost of these cost of living supports was €1.4 billion and they were paid late last year.
Independent research from the ESRI showed that the impact of these measures was broadly progressive, supporting households in the lower income deciles.
The recently published MESL 2025 report focusses its analysis on the permanent adjustments to core rates and secondary supports – it does not take account of the once-off supports provided by Government in recent budgets, including Budget 2025.
Focusing particularly on Children in 2025, the MESL report notes the positive impact of a number of recent policy measures in this area, including the New Baby Grant, the expansion of the Hot School Meals programme and free school book schemes.
Nevertheless, the Government continues to monitor the situation and will of course take this valuable analysis from the Vincentian MESL Research Centre into account in preparing the budget. The analysis from the Vincentian MESL Research Centre is funded by the Department of Social Protection.
The report and other useful research and analysis, including the latest prices data published by the CSO, will be important inputs to the Government’s consideration when framing Budget 2026.
Question No. 603 answered with Question No. 602.
Fire Safety
Ceisteanna (604)
John Brady
Ceist:604. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if an IPAS centre which was deemed non-compliant in regard to fire safety (details supplied) is now fully compliant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34511/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The State provides international protection accommodation in over 320 centres nationwide. In all instances where the Department holds a contract with an international protection accommodation provider, the onus is on the provider to ensure all activities at the property are within legal and regulatory limits, including health and safety, fire, planning and building compliance.
Any ongoing matters relating to fire, building or planning regulations remain between the Local Authority and the provider.
The Department is currently engaging with the accommodation provider referred to and working to resolve this matter. This is being done in conjunction with the relevant Local Authority.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (605)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:605. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration how well the State is prepared for a chemical, biological or radioactive attack or event. [34522/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Arrangements in respect of major emergencies are set out in the Framework for Major Emergency Management (MEM) which is intended to enable the Principal Response Agencies to prepare for and make a coordinated response to such emergencies.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that Chemical, Biological, Radioactive or Nuclear (CBRN) attacks or events have a multi-agency response under the MEM Framework and training and exercises are conducted between agencies at a strategic and operational level for such incidents. I have previously advised the Deputy that An Garda Síochána has a large cohort of trained CBRN responders.
An Garda Síochána are the lead agency in a malign CBRN attack and conduct training with first responders, armed units and intervention teams for such an attack.
Alternative lead arrangements apply in respect of non-malign CBRN incidents as set out in the Framework.
Visa Applications
Ceisteanna (606)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:606. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current turnaround time for long stay employment visa applications for individuals with a general skills work permit submitted to an embassy (details supplied); the date range of applications currently being processed under this category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33532/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can advise the Deputy that the New Delhi Visa Office publish a list of processing timeframes for visa applications submitted to that office. These indicative timeframes, which were last updated in April 2025, detail that an employment visa application from a General Employment Permit holder can expect to have their application processed within 60 working days. These processing times are available at the following link:
www.ireland.ie/en/india/newdelhi/services/visas/processing-times-and-decisions/#Expected%20visa%20processing%20times
As of close of business on 18 June 2025, the New Delhi Visa Office have 468 employment visa applications pending. This includes all forms of employment visa applications such as Critical Skills Employment Permits, General Employment Permits and Atypical Working Scheme applications. Of this number, 87% are within the current processing time.
Visa and preclearance applications provide legal avenues for people moving to Ireland for employment, study and family reasons and also to facilitate visitors who wish to travel for business and/or tourism. It is important to recall these applications are screening processes, designed to establish that the person has a legitimate reason to come to Ireland prior to travel.
Visa applications can only be determined when all the required information is received and considered by the Visa Office. This information is not limited to considering the documentation submitted by the applicant themselves. The Visa Office also must take steps to verify the details and documentation submitted in support of each application. This is an important part of our immigration system and the checks involved can take time to complete. These requirements are detailed in the privacy notice which all visa applicants agree to upon submitting their application.
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. These increases have continued, in the first five months of 2025, my Department's Visa Division received approximately 88,400 visa applications and has issued over 76,900 decisions. This reflects an increase in applications of 14%, compared to the same period in 2024, with over 10,700 additional applications received. My officials are working to meet the increased level of demand, and over 5,400 additional visa decisions have issued in the first five months of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024.
While every effort is made to process applications as soon as possible, processing times will vary having regard to the volume and complexity of applications.
Departmental Funding
Ceisteanna (607)
Mattie McGrath
Ceist:607. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if the EU is funding the development of modular homes for beneficiaries of temporary protection in Ireland given that the 11 sites being developed in the State are exempted developments and are being developed under the European Union (Planning and Development), (Displaced Persons from Ukraine Temporary Protection) Regulations 2022; the full cost of the development of the 11 sites, by site together with the breakdown of the costs; the way in which these developments are funded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33546/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Rapid Build Programme is funded from the Exchequer. EU funding has not been sought to deliver the 11 sites.
Exchequer funding was sanctioned for the programme further to a Government decision in June 2022 (S180/20/10/2271A) to approve the provision of 500 units to accommodate up to 2,000 people with temporary protection, using an accelerated tender process and a subsequent Government decision in July 2023 (S180/20/10/253) which increased the target output to 700 units. This was subsequently revised to 654 units in May 2024 due to the lack of availability of suitable sites.
As the Deputy will be aware from my response to Parliamentary Question 24468/25, while estimates of costs have been provided, definitive final costings are not currently available pending completion of the project.
Departmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (608)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:608. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the amount a company (details supplied) has been paid by the Government to date; if the company or an associated company owes money to any State agency or Department; and if so, the amount.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33547/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
IGO Emergency Management Services are a facilities management provider at four IPAS Accommodation Centres.
In seeking to meet Ireland’s obligation to provide material reception conditions to people seeking international protection, the Department can consider offers of accommodation from a tax-compliant company, subject to compliance with statutory requirements and minimum standards.
The Department carries out due diligence on accommodation being contracted including checks via the Companies Registration Office (CRO) to ensure compliance with CRO requirements and tax compliance checks by way of a valid Tax Clearance Certificate.
Apart from ensuring that the provider has valid tax clearance on an ongoing basis, this Department does not have access to information relating to a provider's wider financial arrangements or liabilities outside of our accommodation contracts.
While detailed contractual arrangements for IPAS centres are confidential and commercially sensitive, the Department publishes quarterly reports on all payments to accommodation service providers over €20,000.
These reports are publicly available online at Gov.ie
Visa Applications
Ceisteanna (609)
Liam Quaide
Ceist:609. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of visit family/friend visas processed by the South Africa visa desk within the target processing time of 6-8 weeks; the number of visas processed which exceeded the target processing time in 2024; the number of tourist visas processed by the South Africa visa desk within the target processing time of 12 weeks; the number of visas processed which exceeded the target processing time in 2024; the number of join family (category B) visas processed by the South Africa visa desk within the target processing time of 12 months; and the number of visas processed which exceeded the target processing time in 2024. [33576/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can advise the Deputy that on 10 July 2024 visa requirements were introduced for nationals of South Africa.
My Department has established a dedicated “South Africa desk” to process applications from residents of South Africa. My Department also established Visa Application Centres, located throughout South Africa, with visa service provider VFS Global. This is to ensure the facilitation of legitimate travel with processes that are robust, effective, and fair.
Table 1. below details the number of first instance decisions issued for short stay visas processed by the South African Visa Desk from 10 July 2024 to 31 December 2024.
|
Processing times |
First instance Decision Number |
|
Processing time under 12 weeks |
3,778 |
|
Processing time over 12 weeks |
1 |
* Please note, figures are correct at time of issue, however, all statistics may be subject to data cleansing.
Since July 2024 over 11,700 applications of all types have been received by the South African Desk and over 7,900 decisions have issued with an overall 89% grant rate.
The current (2025) target processing times for visa applications submitted to the South Africa Visa Desk are 10 to 12 weeks for applications to visit family/friend and approximately 14 weeks for tourist applications. I can assure the Deputy that efforts are being made to improve the current processing times.
Insofar as join family visas are concerned, as the visa requirements for South African nationals were only introduced in July 2024, none of the join family applications have exceeded the 12 month target referred to by the Deputy.
Table 2. below details number of first instance decisions issued for join family visas processed by the South African Visa Desk from 10 July 2024 to 31 December 2024.
|
Sponsor Type |
First instance Decision Number |
|
Non-EEA Sponsor |
172 |
|
Irish Citizen Sponsor |
25 |
* Please note, figures are correct at time of issue, however, all statistics may be subject to data cleansing.
I understand extended wait times can be frustrating. I want to assure anyone who is waiting on a decision that my Department is doing everything possible to progress applications as quickly as possible. 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 all applications.
Departmental Communications
Ceisteanna (610)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:610. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the reason the long-standing practice of issuing licences for firearms should change (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33583/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
An Garda Síochána exercise a range of functions with regard to the operation of firearms legislation, including the issuing of firearms certificates and authorisations. An Garda Síochána are responsible under provisions of the Firearms Act 1925 to 2009, for the administration and consideration of applications for firearm authorisations in the State. The Firearms (Firearm Certificates for Non-Residents) Act 2000 gives the authority for granting licences to Superintendents of An Garda Síochána. Superintendents, when considering firearms licence applications, are considered 'persona designata' and cannot have their decision-making process fettered in any way.
As a result, neither I nor my Department are in a position to intervene in this matter.
Departmental Programmes
Ceisteanna (611)
Liam Quaide
Ceist:611. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the timeline for the progression of the Sale of Alcohol Bill 2022; his plans to fulfil the Programme for Government commitment to enact legislation to update licensing laws; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33589/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government commits to updating our licensing laws and in keeping with that commitment, the legislation will be advanced in due course.
The Government's Summer Legislative Programme, published on 29 April, set out the Bills that have been prioritised for publication and for drafting in the current Dáil session. Further elements of the Programme for Government, including in this field, will be advanced in subsequent legislative programmes.
Departmental Policies
Ceisteanna (612, 675)
Ruth Coppinger
Ceist:612. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to consider legal or policy changes to allow State agencies and courts to be able to refer abusers to structured, long-term rehabilitation programs that include therapy, behaviour change, and psychological oversight; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33607/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraLiam Quaide
Ceist:675. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration his views on making a national programme to reduce the risk of re-offending mandatory for sexual offenders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34518/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 612 and 675 together.
The courts are required to impose a sentence which is proportionate not only to the crime, but to the individual offender, identifying where on the sentencing range the particular case should lie and then applying any mitigating factors which may be present.
On 16 May 2025, the Judicial Council’s Sentencing Guidelines and Information Committee’s report on sentencing in relation to offences captured by section 40 of the Domestic Violence Act 2018 was published.
I will respond to the questions raised about treatment and rehabilitation programmes under the following headings Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Offences.
Sexual Offences
The Building Better Lives (BBL) programme has been delivered as the treatment programme for sexual offending in Irish Prisons since 2009. It is based on Canada’s Rockwood model of treatment. The programme is provided over two stages; a shorter motivational group Exploring Better Lives; (EBL) and the longer term more intensive treatment group, Practicing Better Lives (PBL). Typically eight participants attend each group and participation occurs in the last 2 years of a person’s prison sentence.
The Irish Prison Service have since developed and implemented a new model of intervention for people who are convicted of a sexual offence called ‘New Chapters’. Anyone who has been convicted of a sexual offence and committed to custody from 1st November 2024 has been managed under this new model.
Where the Court imposes Probation Supervision, as part of sentencing, the Probation Service engages with the offender, be that in custody or the community, carrying out an assessment of areas of risk, which informs a broader case management plan.
PACE is a voluntary sector organisation that works with people with a wide range of criminal convictions. PACE provides three separate programmes aimed at people with convictions for harmful sexual behaviour: Safer Lives Treatment Programme, Foothold Floating Support Service, and Circles of Support and Accountability.
The Safer Lives treatment program is designed to support men who have engaged in harmful sexual behaviour. The Safer Lives program is an offence focused strengths-based intervention which aims to reduce the treatment needs/risk of participants.
CoSA (Circles of Support and Accountability). CoSA is a community-based initiative operating on restorative principles. CoSA assists individuals who have been convicted of a serious sexual offence(s) in their efforts to live a life free of crime and harmful behaviour.
The Foothold Floating Support Services was established to provide support for high risk, high need sex offenders who need support in accessing and maintain accommodation in the Greater Dublin area. It is a trauma informed service dealing with clients who have experience of homelessness, addiction and mental health issues (in addition to their harmful sexual behaviour).
Domestic Violence Offences
In line with the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (2022 – 2026) the Probation Service committed to make available a 1:1 rehabilitation programme to be delivered by trained staff as an option for men convicted of intimate partner violence.
Funding has also been secured to underpin the programme with an integrated victim support component to safeguard the partners of these men. This is being done in collaboration with Probation funded perpetrator programme providers MOVE Ireland (Men Overcoming Violence) and MEND (Men Ending Domestic Abuse), both of whom deliver the ‘Choices’ treatment programme. This is a group work intervention focussed on teaching men about the impact of their destructive behaviour on the family. It also supports them to develop the necessary skills to live non abusively.
Probation Officers receive training in responding to perpetrators and victims of domestic abuse and coercive control, as part of in-service training. This includes the SARA 3 risk assessment instrument, which includes the identification of victim vulnerabilities in domestic abuse cases, as well as perpetrator risk factors is utilised by the Probation Service.
Other relevant intervention training undergone by Probation Service staff includes:
• HSE SafeTalk Suicide Prevention Awareness;
• The AIM3 framework for young people with sexually harmful behaviour;
• Autistic Spectrum Disorder considerations for offenders;
• Non-fatal strangulation Awareness Training (delivered by the British based charity, “Safer Lives.”)
The Irish Prison Service and Probation Service also provide the following assessment and interventions to prisoners and offenders they work with:
• Individual offence focused work by Irish Prison Service Psychology / Probation Service;
• Individual or group work focused on mental health, emotional regulation or other offence related need by Irish Prison Service Psychology Service;
• Psychology ‘Pathways to Change’ group (focuses on an introduction to risk factors);
• Engagement with prison in-reach Psychiatry for stabilisation and maintenance of mental health where a mental health diagnosis is made;
• Sex Offender Risk Assessment and Management (SORAM);
In line with the Programme for Government, I intend to review the sentencing guidelines legislation and consider specialised judges to handle domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence cases and invest in training for Gardaí and the DPP to better support victims.
Departmental Inquiries
Ceisteanna (613)
Gary Gannon
Ceist:613. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to examine the case of a person (details supplied) requiring a temporary travel document; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33623/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, my Department is unable to publish any information that would identify any person as being an international protection applicant. This is a separate matter to the law dealing with data protection matters more generally.
Additionally, I can assure you that it is a priority to have recommendations made on all international protection applications as soon as possible. This gives status to those who are entitled to international protection to rebuild their lives here, while also ensuring faster decision making in respect of those who do not meet the criteria.
It is my intention to continue to ramp up investment in the end-to-end international protection process to speed up decision making. This will support reaching key targets, including making 25,000 decisions in the IPO in 2025 and to increase the number of appeals at the IPAT completed over the course of 2025.
To be helpful to the Deputy I have detailed general information on travel for international protection applicants below:
Section 16 of the International Protection Act 2015 deals with permission to enter and remain in the State in the context of international protection applicants. Section 16(3)(a) provides that an applicant, as defined in section 2(1) of the same Act, shall not leave, or attempt to leave, the State without the consent of the Minister.
The practical and operational manifestation of that provision is that a person in the international protection process can request the consent of the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to leave the State for a specified reason and for a specified period. Such requests, suitably documented, can be conveyed by email to mduinfo@justice.ie
It is important to note that any international protection applicant who obtains ministerial consent to leave the State will also be required to satisfy the immigration requirements of the country of destination before they can make concrete plans to leave the State.
Visa Applications
Ceisteanna (614)
Conor D McGuinness
Ceist:614. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration when an individual (details supplied) who has been waiting eight months since the date of their application for a long stay ‘D’ visa, will receive the outcome of said application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33626/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can advise the Deputy that the application referred to was created on 13 November 2024. The application and supporting documentation was received in the Hanoi office on 15 November 2024. The application was received in the Dublin Visa Office on 03 December 2024 where it awaits examination and processing.
My Departments business target for join family visa applications is 12 months. It must be made clear that these are business targets for the immigration service. The business target reflects the detailed and often complex assessment that is required to be carried out in relation to applications for family reunification.
While I acknowledge the personal difficulties an applicant might be experiencing, it is not possible to give a definitive date as to when this application will be finalised. All applications are processed in chronological order, based on date order of receipt.
While every effort is made to process applications as soon as possible, processing times will vary having regard to the volume and complexity of applications, the possible need for the Immigration Service Delivery function of my Department to investigate, inquire into, or seek further information, and the resources available.
Processing times and decisions at the Dublin Visa Office can be checked at the following link which is updated each Tuesday:
www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/
The date published on the website is the oldest date of application currently being processed under a given category. However, it should be noted that the Visa team continue to process and make decisions on applications received after the published processing date. If a particular application takes longer to consider this may result in the published processing date remaining unchanged. I can assure you that this does not indicate the processing of these applications has halted overall.
I am acutely aware that join family applications are very important for the persons impacted. I understand that people are eager to have their families join them in Ireland and I am committed to improving the service my Department provides.
To provide greater clarity, officials in my Department are currently in the process of updating the Immigration Service website to provide processing times for decisions on visa applications at the Dublin visa office.
The person concerned can now directly check the status of their immigration application on the Immigration Service’s new Customer Service Portal. They can register for, or log in to their existing account, at:
portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/
As an Oireachtas member, you can also request the status of individual immigration cases by e-mail, using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process.
Visa Applications
Ceisteanna (615)
Conor D McGuinness
Ceist:615. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the length of time the average long stay ‘D’ visa application process takes from the date of application to the notification of final outcome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33627/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised the Deputy has clarified that he is referring to the processing of Type D Join Family visa applications.
I can advise the Deputy that there are currently seven overseas Visa Offices in addition to the Visa Office in Dublin. They are located in Abuja, Beijing, London, Moscow, Ankara, Abu Dhabi and New Delhi. In addition, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade process certain visa applications in Irish Embassies abroad under delegated sanction from my Department.
I understand that extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants, and I want to assure anyone who has made an application for a visa that my Department is doing everything possible to progress these applications as quickly as possible. 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 all applications.
I can advise the Deputy that majority of join family visas receive a first instance decision within the 12-month business target. In 2024 the average processing time for all types of Join Family visa application was 72 calendar days.
Processing times for all applications are influenced by a number of factors and some applications may take considerably longer than average to progress to finalisation.. The time it can take varies depending on the type and complexity of application; individual circumstances; peak application periods; such as holidays or the start of the school year; and, crucially, the quality and completeness of the application lodged.
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. These increases have continued, in the first five months of 2025, my Department's Visa Division received approximately 88,400 visa applications and has issued over 76,900 decisions. This reflects an increase in applications of 14%, compared to the same period in 2024.
My officials are working to meet the increased level of demand, and over 5,400 additional visa decisions have issued in the first five months of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024.
Public Procurement Contracts
Ceisteanna (616, 617, 618)
Albert Dolan
Ceist:616. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his Department has a designated head of procurement; if each agency or public body under his Department’s remit also has a designated head of procurement; and if so, to list those entities, along with the name or grade of the person holding that role. [33645/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAlbert Dolan
Ceist:617. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of staff within his Department and its agencies who hold a formal procurement qualification or certification (for example, CIPS, NFQ Level 6 or higher in procurement, EU public procurement training), broken down by organisation, in tabular form. [33663/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAlbert Dolan
Ceist:618. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his Department and each agency or public body under its remit uses a formal contract management system or procurement tracking platform; to list the systems in use; and if they are centrally monitored or independently operated. [33681/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 616, 617 and 618 together.
My Department has a designated qualified Head of Procurement who is a Principal Officer and I am informed that seven staff members in the Procurement Unit also hold formal procurement qualifications. These qualifications include; Certificate in Public Procurement from the Institute of Public Administration, and Advanced Diploma in Public Procurement Law from King’s Inns.
In addition, Procurement Unit staff hold ancillary / related qualifications at NFQ levels eight and nine in Business, Business Administration, Computer Science, Project Management and Strategic Management. Staff involved in procurement throughout the Department also regularly attend Office of Government Procurement (OGP) information and training sessions.
Public procurement practices are subject to audit and scrutiny under the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act 1993. Procurement is also subject to internal audit within my Department.
My Department and its aegis bodies use the Irish Government’s procurement portal, ‘eTenders’ (www.etenders.gov.ie), to conduct procurement competitions for all goods and services over €50,000. This platform is the responsibility of the OGP.
eTenders tracks the following parts of the procurement process:
• Advertising including Pre-Market Consultation (as appropriate).
• Publication of tender documentation.
• Management of clarifications.
• Receipt of tenders.
• Secure and formal tender response opening procedure.
• Management of contract award letters and award notices.
For procurements below the €50,000 threshold, the Department and bodies under its remit comply with OGP guidelines which are provided in its publication ‘Public Procurement Guidelines for Goods and Services’. This document is available on the OGP website.
My Department utilises its own internal Supplier Agreement Database to assist with the management of procurement contracts. This system is designed to:
• Capture details of contracts in place across the Department.
• Send alerts on upcoming contract expiry dates; and
• Provide data for reports.
Independent bodies under the aegis of my Department may also record information relating to their contracts on their relevant information systems. For the most part these systems are independently operated. I am informed that Forensic Science Ireland, Legal Services Regulatory Authority, Policing and Community Safety Authority, Legal Aid Board and Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland use their own independently operated contract tracking platforms.
The table below shows details of the designated heads of procurement in aegis bodies under the remit of my Department. Smaller bodies may not have a designated head of procurement and rely on advice from their own experienced internal staff, my Department’s Procurement Unit and the Office of Government Procurement (OGP).
|
Agency/Body |
Head of Procurement – Grade of Officer |
|
Agency/Body |
Head of Procurement – Grade of Officer |
|
Courts Service of Ireland |
Higher Executive Officer |
|
Data Protection Commission |
Assistant Principal Officer |
|
Fiosrú |
Assistant Principal Officer |
|
Forensic Science Ireland |
Forensic Scientist – Grade 1 |
|
Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland |
Assistant Principal Officer |
|
Irish Prison Service |
Principal Officer |
|
Insolvency Service of Ireland |
Assistant Principal Officer |
|
Legal Services Regulatory Authority |
Assistant Principal Officer |
|
Parole Board |
Higher Executive Officer |
|
Property Services Regulatory Authority |
Assistant Principal Officer |
|
Policing and Community Safety Authority |
Assistant Principal Officer |
|
Private Security Authority |
Assistant Principal Officer |
Further to this, listed below are agencies under my Department’s aegis whose staff hold procurement qualifications of NFQ Level six or above. It has not been possible to provide a breakdown of the number of staff in agencies with these qualifications.
|
Body/Agency |
|
|
Courts Service of Ireland |
|
|
Criminal Assets Bureau |
|
|
Data Protection Commission |
|
|
Fiosrú |
|
|
Forensic Science Ireland |
|
|
Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland |
|
|
Irish Prison Service |
|
|
Insolvency Service of Ireland |
|
|
Legal Services Regulatory Authority |
|
|
Property Services Regulatory Authority |
I am informed that it has not been possible for An Garda Síochána to collate the information requested in the timeframe provided. Once this information is available, I will forward it to the Deputy directly.
Question No. 617 answered with Question No. 616.
Question No. 618 answered with Question No. 616.