Written Answers Nos. 619-638
619. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will bring forward robust legislation to combat the phenomenon known as cuckooing (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33693/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Garda Síochána has access to a range of legislative powers to address the practice known as “cuckooing”. These include, but are not limited to, coercion under section 9 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997, harassment under section 10 of the same Act, and offences under section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, as amended.
An Garda Síochána continues to target those involved in the sale and supply of controlled drugs in Ireland through operational initiatives such as Operation Tara, a nationwide operation aimed at disrupting all forms of illegal drug activity, and Operation Fógra, which operates in the Dublin Metropolitan Region to address the serious issue of drug-related intimidation (DRI).
Drug-related intimidation is a high priority for An Garda Síochána. The organisation maintains the Drug Related Intimidation Reporting Programme (DRIRP), which assigns nominated inspectors throughout the country to assist individuals who are victims of intimidation.
On 8 May 2025, the Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, and I launched a new national campaign to raise awareness of supports for those impacted by drug-related intimidation and violence through the DRIVE (Drug-related Intimidation and Violence Engagement) project. Further information is available on the Department of Health website at gov.ie.
DRIVE is an interagency initiative that outlines systems and structures to respond to drug-related intimidation and associated violence. Developed by the National DRIVE Oversight Committee, the campaign encourages individuals, families and communities affected by such intimidation to seek help. It aims to reduce stigma and promote the range of confidential services and supports available.
One of the key resources available to those impacted by DRI is the DRIRP. Through this programme, individuals can report incidents confidentially and receive targeted support and practical safety information from specially trained Garda inspectors. These inspectors assist individuals in assessing and managing potential risks and provide advice and support.
Each Garda division designates at least one nominated DRI inspector who serves as a point of contact for those experiencing intimidation. These inspectors offer a safe and accessible avenue for individuals to seek help and advice. They also provide the option of an informal, confidential meeting where individuals can discuss their situation and receive guidance without any obligation to file a formal complaint. If the individual later decides to make a formal report, the inspector can assist with this process. The decision to proceed remains entirely with the individual.
The DRIVE project is funded by the Department of Health and supported by the Regional and Local Drug and Alcohol Task Force Networks, the Health Service Executive National Addiction Advisory Governance Group, An Garda Síochána, the Probation Service, the Department of Justice, the Health Research Board, the National Voluntary Drug & Alcohol Sector, and the DRIVE Project team.
There are over 400 publicly funded drug services across the country, including a comprehensive national network of family support services. These services are critical, as drug-related violence often affects entire families. Information about the Drug Related Intimidation Reporting Programme and a list of nominated inspectors is available on the websites of An Garda Síochána (garda.ie) and the DRIVE project (driveproject.ie).
620. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration in the case of youth diversion programmes for those aged 8 to 11 years old, who will be responsible for referring young people to the programme as they do not meet the minimum age of criminal responsibility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33700/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThrough the Programme for Government and the Youth Justice Strategy 2021 - 2027, I am committed to improving outcomes for young people at risk of a life of criminality through investment in youth justice services. The Youth Justice Strategy is a whole of government plan to take a coordinated strategic and tactical approach to the full range of issues connected to children and young people at risk of coming into contact with the criminal justice system.
The Youth Justice Strategy commits to extending the remit of the Youth Diversion Project (YDP) network to provide dedicated Family Support, Early Intervention and Harder-to-Reach programmes throughout the State. These interventions seek to specifically target the immediate family members of participants, children aged between 8 and 11 years who are at risk of coming to the attention of law enforcement once they reach the age of criminal responsibility, and prolific young offenders presenting to YDPs and youth-related services with complex needs, respectively.
Youth Diversion Projects (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.
YDPs receive referrals from a number of sources, including An Garda Síochána, but also from Tusla, schools and other community-based organisations. Young people aged between 8 to11 years old are not under Garda supervision but are working with the specialised youth service based in their local community that provides youth diversion services.
The current indications suggest that children who are selected for early intervention work on the basis that they are on a trajectory to coming under Garda supervision through a Juvenile Liaison Officer (JLO) during their teenage years, are not coming to Garda attention in later years. My Department will commission an evaluation of the early intervention work of the YDPs later this year to empirically evaluate the impact of this work.
621. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he would consider raising the age for diversion programmes to 21 as part of probation conditions, in line with some other European Union countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33701/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Youth Justice Strategy 2021-2027 is a whole of government plan to take a coordinated strategic and tactical approach to the full range of issues connected to children and young people at risk of coming into contact with the criminal justice system.
The key principles underlining the Strategy are linked to the standards endorsed by the international community as required to uphold children’s rights and include; early intervention and preventative work; family support; diversion from crime; court processes and facilities; supervision of offenders; detention and reintegration; and support post release.
The Youth Justice Strategy commits to extending the remit of the Youth Diversion Project (YDP) network to provide dedicated Family Support, Early Intervention and Harder-to-Reach programmes throughout the State. These interventions seek to specifically target the immediate family members of participants, children aged between 8 and 11 years who are at risk of coming to the attention of law enforcement once they reach the age of criminal responsibility, and prolific young offenders presenting to YDPs and youth-related services with complex needs, respectively.
The statutory framework relating to young offenders (between the ages of 12 and 18 years of age) and inclusion in the Garda Youth Diversion Programme is set out in the Children Act 2001. The Act provides that where a young person under 18 years of age is responsible for committing a crime, the young person shall be considered for admission to the Youth Diversion Programme. In order for a young person to be admitted to the Programme, the child must take responsibility for their offending behaviour; agree to be cautioned by a Garda; and where appropriate agree to terms of supervision.
The Youth Justice Strategy includes actions to develop diversion-based responses for young adults aged 18-24. It should be noted that we are not seeking to replicate the statutory Garda Youth Diversion Programme for the 18-24 year old cohort, as different considerations apply in the case of young adults.
A discussion document for public consultation on diversion paths for young adults aged 18-24 was published in November 2022. My Department sought opinions on appropriate diversion processes for young adults aged 18-24 who come into contact with the criminal justice system. The Department then held two further public open policy consultation forums in November 2023 with feedback and responses examined and compiled for inclusion in new policy proposals.
One final stakeholder consultation took place on 27 February 2025, following which my officials will submit policy proposals to me for consideration.
Considerable progress has been made to extend the YDP network throughout the State. Two new YDPs have been approved for East Clare and North Tipperary. Once these new projects are up and running there will be full nationwide YDP coverage, ensuring any child who needs access to their service can get it, no matter what part of the country they are in.
622. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of fixed charge penalty notices issued in each month, in each county, since April 2024, in tabular form; the percentage increase or decrease that number represents as against the same month in 2023, in tabular form. [33751/25]
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.
623. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he has been presented with a copy of and briefed on the report on the pilot scheme of Garda body-worn cameras (details supplied); if he will publish the report to allow for an independent assessment of the pilot's findings and to examine how the code of practice was applied, in advance of any further roll out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33760/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Garda Commissioner is responsible, under sections 33 and 34 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, for the management and administration of Garda business. This includes all operational policing matters. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
An Garda Síochána needs modern tools and equipment to help our Gardaí do their jobs in protecting people from harm and saving lives. This includes equipping all frontline Gardaí with body worn cameras which is something I am committed to progressing, as outlined in the Programme for Government.
Using technology to enhance policing services is part of the Garda Digital Strategy, and another step towards the overall goal of developing an information-led policing service. As part of Budget 2025, €100m of funding has been provided for ICT to equip Gardaí with the necessary tools to enhance crime prevention and detection.
Currently the 'proof of concept' phase for body-worn cameras is ongoing in selected stations in three locations: Dublin, Waterford and Limerick. The purpose of the trial is to assess how body-worn cameras and digital evidence management systems (DEMS) will be used operationally and to inform the technical design, required infrastructure and procurement process for the national solution for all of An Garda Síochána. There are 600 body-worn cameras in use across the five proof of concept stations including in three Dublin stations, namely Kevin Street, Pearse Street, and Store Street, and also in Limerick’s Henry Street Station and Waterford Garda Station.
An Garda Síochána have outlined in Transforming An Garda Siochana 2018 - 2024, (www.garda.ie/en/about-us/publications/general-reports/transforming-an-garda-siochana-2018-2024.pdf), that, following a review of the proof of concept phase in 2025, it is anticipated that tendering processes for provision of a DEMS system and Body Worn Cameras will take place, ahead of national rollout to all Garda Members. The experiences of the Gardaí on the ground will be invaluable in informing how best this technology can be rolled out in the future.
Upon completion and review of the proof of concept phase, my priority will be to support An Garda Síochána to move towards the nationwide roll-out of body worn cameras, and the development of a new digital evidence management system.
624. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of applications for family unification visas being assessed presently by his Department; if he considers his Department’s staffing levels adequate to process them in a timely manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33798/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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.
The table below details the total number of join family (JF) applications (all types) received and decisions made in 2024 and 2025 to 31 May 2025.
|
Year |
JF applications received |
JF decisions made |
|
2024 |
21,976 |
18,631 |
|
2025 (to 31/05/2025) |
8,913 |
9,208 |
* Please note, figures are correct at time of issue, however, all statistics may be subject to data cleansing.* A decision made in a particular year may relate to an application made in a previous year.
625. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for a full list of all documents, reports, strategies, and resources that have been “unpublished” by his Department over the past ten years (details supplied), including all such materials that have been “unpublished” by divisions, sections and units of his Department that became part of the Minister’s Department following a transfer of functions; and who “unpublished” the materials under a different Minister or Department. [33811/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's website is part of the gov.ie platform, which is the portal for government services and information. The Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO), a division of the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, hosts and manages the gov.ie platform.
Officials in my Department have contacted the OGCIO regarding the issue raised by the Deputy and have been informed that a major system upgrade on the gov.ie platform in April 2025 resulted in a number of links across the platform becoming broken. Any broken links were replaced by the placeholder text “Item has been unpublished or removed” rather than returning an error message. My Department is actively working with the OCGIO to resolve this issue for any affected pages on our website.
My Department is committed to the open publication of government information and I can assure the Deputy that no links or documents were intentionally removed from my Department’s website.
626. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to direct correspondence (details supplied), if he or his officials will advise of any channels available to Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas to support individuals in Gaza seeking assistance exiting Gaza; and if he or his officials will agree to a meeting to discuss the matter. [33831/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can assure the Deputy that I am acutely aware of the grave humanitarian crisis in Gaza and my Department has worked closely with colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs to ensure a coordinated national response to this volatile and evolving situation.
While my Department can issue visas to permit individuals to travel to Ireland, it is not in a position to provide practical assistance to individuals regarding any arrangements for their evacuation from Gaza.
My Department is in regular contact with the Embassy of Ireland in Israel regarding a number of visa applications from residents of Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon. The Embassy are actively engaging with applicants to gather the required documents to ensure that the Visa Division of my Department have everything needed to progress these applications.
If any Deputy or Senator wishes to seek assistance with Irish visa applications made by Palestinian nationals they can contact my Department by email using the Oireachtas Mail facility at IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie.
627. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of penalty points issued to learner drivers that were detected by Gardaí, by county, for driving a vehicle without being accompanied by a full licence holder in 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form. [33849/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraRoad traffic legislation, which is under the remit of the Department of Transport, specifies that an unaccompanied learner driver can receive both a fine and penalty points. This is provided for by section 35A(3) of the Road Traffic Act 2016. The Road Safety Authority outlines that learner permit holders detected driving unaccompanied by a qualified person may receive a Fixed Charge Notice and a fine of €160 along with two penalty points. If determined by a court, four penalty points may be issued.
The table below has been provided to me by the Garda Authorities and outlines the number of Fixed Charge Notices issued for unaccompanied learner drivers in 2023-2025.
|
|
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Clare/Tipperary |
359 |
323 |
140 |
|
Cork City |
441 |
566 |
160 |
|
Cork County |
447 |
525 |
257 |
|
D.M.R. Eastern |
166 |
209 |
111 |
|
D.M.R. North Central |
334 |
556 |
268 |
|
D.M.R. Northern |
920 |
968 |
426 |
|
D.M.R. South Central |
365 |
581 |
344 |
|
D.M.R. Southern |
599 |
630 |
298 |
|
D.M.R. Western |
1154 |
1516 |
749 |
|
Donegal |
90 |
137 |
51 |
|
Galway Div |
339 |
402 |
209 |
|
Kerry |
173 |
283 |
111 |
|
Kildare/Carlow |
588 |
762 |
282 |
|
Laois/Offaly |
418 |
446 |
170 |
|
Limerick |
243 |
355 |
96 |
|
Louth/Cavan/Monaghan |
381 |
381 |
138 |
|
Mayo/Roscommon/Longford |
261 |
265 |
144 |
|
Meath/Westmeath |
373 |
311 |
147 |
|
Sligo/Leitrim |
68 |
133 |
67 |
|
Waterford/Kilkenny |
572 |
649 |
282 |
|
Wexford/Wicklow |
524 |
581 |
257 |
|
Grand Total |
8815 |
10579 |
4707 |
Figures are based on incidents which occurred from 1 March 2023 to 4 June 2025, inclusive. All information contained in this report is based upon operational data from the FCPS system as was available on 4 June 2025 and is liable to change.
An Garda Síochána has further advised that they are not in a position to report on accurate totals of penalty points issued, as penalty points can be issued in a judgment of a relevant Court on conviction for an offence.
The management of the courts, operational matters and logistical functions are the responsibility of the judiciary and Courts Service, which are independent in exercising their functions under the Courts Service Act 1998 and given the separation of powers in the Constitution.
As Minister I have no role in these matters. The Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas: oireachtasenquiries@courts.ie.
628. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration when applicants (details supplied) will receive short-stay family visit visa application decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33885/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that the visit visa applications referred to were created on 19 and 25 March 2025. Supporting documentation was received in the South Africa Visa Desk on 23 April 2025 where it awaits examination and processing.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to give a definitive date as to when these applications will be finalised. All applications are processed in chronological order, based on date order of receipt.
My Department established a dedicated “South Africa desk” to process applications from residents of South Africa. It also established Visa Application Centres, located throughout South Africa, with an outsourced visa service provider. This is to ensure the facilitation of legitimate travel with processes that are robust, effective, and fair.
The current 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.
Target processing times and weekly decision reports, for this desk, are available at the following link:
www.irishimmigration.ie/south-africa-visa-desk/.
Applicants are advised that unforeseen delays can arise, which are outside the control of my Department. Processing times for all applications are influenced by a number of factors and 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.
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.
Any applicant can now directly check the status of their visa application on the Immigration Service’s new 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 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.
629. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to examine the case for rescinding an international protection accommodation contract (details supplied); if a full review will be carried out into how we have reached this point, despite the local community raising these concerns for over 12 months which have been completely ignored by the Department and Local Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33921/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe accommodation centre at Dundrum House Hotel, Co Tipperary, has been providing accommodation under contract to the Department since 2022, for people fleeing war in Ukraine and for international protection applicants.
The Department's has engaged extensively with the local community about this property since May 2024, including meetings, personal contacts and ongoing correspondence, including discussion of the potential accommodation of international protection applicants at the centre. Families of people seeking international protection are resident at the site since Summer 2024.
A new international protection accommodation contract commenced at this property in April 2025 and the centre is contracted to provide accommodation to up to 277 people in families.
In all instances where the Department enters into a contract with an accommodation provider, the onus is on the provider to ensure all activities at the property are within legal limits, including health and safety, fire, planning and building compliance.
As part of appraising a property for use as international protection accommodation, the Department requires the property provider to seek confirmation from the Local Authority that appropriate planning arrangements are in place.
In January 2025, Tipperary County Council provided confirmation that the planning arrangements for this property to be used as IPAS accommodation were in order. The relevant planning exemption was confirmed to the property owner by Tipperary County Council.
That decision of Tipperary County Council was subject to Judicial Review in April 2025, and this Department was not a party to the case. The Department notes that on June 17 2025, the local authority conceded that the January 2025 planning query was not correctly assessed.
The Department will now have to consider the implications of this in conjunction with Tipperary County Council, and in the context of the needs of the families resident on site and the ongoing need for international protection accommodation across the system.
630. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current average annual cost of keeping a person in prison; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33935/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by my officials in the Irish Prison Service that the average annual cost of an available, staffed prison space during the calendar year 2024 was €99,072. This includes net expenditure incurred within the year (such as salaries, utilities/ maintenance, ICT, prison services, etc.) excluding capital expenditure on buildings, ICT and vehicle purchases.
631. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Question No. 898 of 13 May, if he has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities in order for this PQ to be answered. [33965/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that Parliamentary Question No 898 of 13 May sought: "the amount that An Garda Siochana spent on purchasing anti-ram vehicle bollards in 2023, 2024 and to-date in 2025, in tabular form."
I have been advised by Garda Authorities that An Garda Síochána have not purchased any anti-ram bollards during the period in question.
632. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Question No. 896 of 13 May, if he has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities in order for this PQ to be answered. [33967/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to Parliamentary Question No. 896 of 13 May 2025 where you sought:
“To ask the Minister for Justice the number of competitions held for sworn Gardai to apply to join Divisional Collision Forensic Investigation Units, in 2024 and to date in 2025; and the number of Gardai that applied during each competition held, in tabular form.”
As you will recall, I sought the information from the Garda authorities and undertook to contact you again once the information was to hand.
A reply was issued to you on 3 June 2025.
A Forensic Collision Investigator (FCI) is a Garda member trained to forensically reconstruct a road traffic collision. They are based nationwide and are called to the scene of fatal collisions, or serious injury collisions likely to result in a fatality. They assist the investigating team in ascertaining the cause of the collision. They have been in operation since 2006 and are an invaluable resource in collision investigation.
The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána under section 33 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024. This includes all operational policing and being responsible for the allocation and deployment of resources available to him. Furthermore, under section 34 of the Policing Security and Community Safety Act 2024, the Garda Commissioner is independent in the performance of his functions.
I am informed by Garda authorities, based on information received as of 16 May 2025, that the below table provides the information requested on Forensic Collision Investigator competitions in 2024, and that no competitions have been held to date in 2025. I am further advised that a competition is due to be advertised for Sergeant & Garda rank in the near future.
|
Competition |
Rank |
No. of Applicants |
|
HQ.012.2024 |
Garda |
26 |
|
HQ.030.2024 |
Sergeant/Inspector |
10 |
633. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of persons whose fingerprints were checked against EuroDac in 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form. [33968/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Eurodac database, which began operation in 2003, is used to enable the comparison of fingerprints and assist in determining the country responsible for the assessment of an asylum claim presented in one of the Member States.
Statistical data on the work of the Eurodac Central System are made public at the end of each year in accordance with the Eurodac Regulation (Article 8(2) of Regulation (EU) No 603/2013). Information regarding the number of searches is not collated by the Member States authorities but can be found at the following website: Eurodac Annual Report|data.europa.eu (https://data.europa.eu/data/datasets/eurodac-annual-report?locale=en)
Currently, the statistical information for 2024 and 2025 has not been published.
634. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Question No. 899 of 13 May, if he has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities in order for this PQ to be answered. [33969/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to Parliamentary Question No. 899 of 13 May 2025 where you sought:
“To ask the Minister for Justice with regard to the Garda driver training unit at Garda HQ, the number of filled posts, the number of vacant posts; when will those vacant posts be filled, in tabular form.”
As you will recall, I sought the information from the Garda authorities and undertook to contact you again once the information was to hand.
I have been informed by the Garda Authorities that An Garda Síochána has two Driver Training Schools, both of which are under the remit of the Garda College. One is based in the Garda College in Templemore and the other is attached to Garda HQ.
The table below shows the number of Garda driving instructor posts at each of these centres and the existing vacancies as at 26 March 2025.
|
Location |
Driving Instructors |
Vacancies |
|
Templemore |
25 |
4 |
|
Attached to Garda HQ |
18 |
3 |
|
Total |
43 |
7 |
The allocation of additional resources is considered on an ongoing basis, and any allocation of additional personnel will be considered in the context of the overall requirements of the organisation including specialist bureaux and frontline operational divisions.
635. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will provide a schedule of the number of instances in which a Garda has utilised their telescopic baton; has utilised incapacitant spray; has utilised non-lethal ballistics and or taser use; and has discharged a firearm in 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025. [33996/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Garda Síochána's human rights based approach to policing provides general guidance to Garda members and Garda staff on how human rights are to be observed in the course of their work.
Additionally, as outlined in the Garda Public Order policy, it is the aim of An Garda Síochána to uphold and protect the human and constitutional rights of everyone by providing a high quality, effective policing service in partnership with the community and in co-operation with other agencies.
In carrying out their duties, members of An Garda Síochána must, as far as practicable and in so far as the circumstances dictate, consider non-physical means before resorting to the use of force in the resolution of public order incidents.
For the Deputy’s information, detailed statistics relating to the Use of Force are published, by mont and year, on the Garda website at the following link: Use of Force Statistics 2024 - Garda (www.garda.ie/en/information-centre/statistics/use-of-force-statistics-2024.html)
As is the case with all operational policing matters, the Garda authorities are responsible for the maintenance of public order. I am informed by Garda management that their approach to policing public order is predicated on keeping people safe, preventing anti-social and criminal behaviour, and the management of traffic. We must rely on Garda operational management and frontline Gardaí to use their discretion and judgment.
For the Deputy’s information, a monthly breakdown of use of force is also published in the Commissioner’s Report to the Policing and Community Safety Authority, available at the following link:
www.garda.ie/en/about-us/publications/general-reports/commissioner-s-monthly-reports-to-policing-and-community-safety-authority/.
Previous reports to the Policing Authority are also available at:
www.garda.ie/en/about-us/publications/general-reports/commissioner-s-monthly-reports-to-policing-authority-pre-2-april-2025-/.
636. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide details of any internal reports his Department has conducted in the past five years regarding the possibility of using vacant State-owned properties to house IPAS or Ukrainian refugees. [34061/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOver the last three years the State’s accommodation systems for international and temporary protection have been forced to expand at a rapid pace in response to a sharp increase in need.
Applications for international protection rose steeply during 2022, 2023 and 2024. At the same time, over 114,000 people fleeing the war in Ukraine came to Ireland.
In response to the increase, from 2022 onward, the Government explored and sought to provide a range of accommodation solutions in every county in Ireland. While the Government or my Department did not commission a specific report as referenced, a wide ranging effort was made across all Government Department and State agencies to respond to this need.
The State’s response to the war in Ukraine was co-ordinated by the Cabinet Committee on Migration and supported by a Senior Officials Group led by the Department of the Taoiseach.
Under this structure, an Accommodation Working Group was established involving the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the City and County Management Association to consider the accommodation needs of the large numbers of people arriving in Ireland having fled the war in Ukraine.
The International Protection and Integration Division, previously under the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth (DCEDIY), also reached out during this period on a number of occasions to other Government departments and public service bodies for buildings or sites that would be suitable for use as accommodation.
A number of organisations responded including the Departments of Education and Further and Higher Education for school and third level institution facilities; the Department of Defence for unused barracks and buildings; the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media for sporting and arts facilities; the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, Office of Public Works and the HSE for sites that can be used to support the department’s intensive efforts to provide shelter to people in need.
Many of the offers that have come through these requests have resulted in accommodation centres being established, both temporary and longer term. These options were taken up and were necessary in order to provide shelter to people seeking international protection, or people from Ukraine, to meet basic needs, meet legal and humanitarian commitments, and to prevent homelessness.
In March 2024, the Comprehensive Accommodation Strategy was published, which continued this commitment to examining the use of State-owned property for use as international protection accommodation, and this approach has been further affirmed in the new Programme for Government.
637. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the infrastructure projects being built or commissioned by his Department that are currently late in their delivery; and the infrastructure projects currently over budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34096/25]
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.
638. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for an update in respect of a property (details supplied); if his Department has extended or granted a contract to provide international protection applicants accommodation; the duration of contract, and whether it includes and optional extension; the amount provided to the provider to date since it has been used as an accommodation facility; and whether his Department has conducted an audit or review in respect of the ownership and beneficial ownership structure. [34163/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has a contract in place with a provider to provide international protection accommodation at this location. The property is contracted to provide accommodation to up to 90 women who have applied for international protection. The end date of that contract is 30 April 2026.
With respect to contract renewals, the provision of accommodation for international protection applicants is demand-led, and each premises is considered on a case by case basis to decide if the contract will be renewed as it approaches its end date.
The Department conducts all contractual negotiations on the basis of there being no guarantee of the continuity of a contract beyond its end date. At renewal stage, consideration will be given to the current and projected demand for accommodation, the provider's performance under contract, and compliance with standards and legal obligations.
The Department carries out due diligence on accommodation being contracted including checks via the Companies Registration Office to ensure compliance with Companies Registration Office (CRO) requirements and tax compliance checks by way of a valid Tax Clearance Certificate.
Detailed contractual arrangements for the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres are confidential and commercially sensitive, however quarterly reports on all payments over €20,000 are available online at Gov.ie here:
www.gov.ie/en/collection/dfdadb-department-of-children-and-youth-affairs-purchase-orders-for-20000-o/.
