Written Answers Nos. 639-658
639. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide a schedule of number of deportation orders issued and fully executed from 2000 to date in 2025, in tabular form; and the number of orders that remain open. [34164/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is a central priority for me that Ireland’s immigration system is robust and rules based. The enforcement aspects of our laws, including deportation orders, are an essential requirement for the system to work effectively and to ensure that there is confidence in the application of our legislation 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.
Deportations are costly and complex to enforce. It is the preferred option to return people voluntarily and my Department has a voluntary return programme to assist people to return prior to the issuance of a deportation order. A person can only avail of voluntary return before a deportation order is issued and I have increased resources into this programme to enable persons who wish to return before a deportation order is issued to them.
If a person does not remove themselves from the State following the issuance of a deportation order, they will be removed, and 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 2,120 deportation orders have been signed up to 20 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 980 persons have had their departure confirmed through these pathways up to 20 June 2025.
The Tables below detail information in relation to deportation orders signed in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 up to 20 June 2025.
Information from earlier years is being collated from a number of record sources and I will forward to the Deputy when this is available.
Table 1. Deportation orders signed from 2021 to 2025
|
Year |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025* |
|
Deportation orders signed |
33 |
548 |
857 |
2403 |
2120 |
* to 20/06/2025
** Please note, figures are correct at time of issue, however, all statistics may be subject to data cleansing.
During the COVID- 19 Pandemic there was a moratorium on deportations. This was effective during the latter part of 2020, 2021 and for the first 8 months of 2022. During the moratorium only persons whose presence in Ireland would be contrary to the public interest were deported. This moratorium was lifted in July 2022.
Table 2. Deportations 2021 to 2025
|
Year |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025* |
|
Enforced Deportations |
5 |
26 |
52 |
134 |
59 |
|
Removed by Charter |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
106 |
|
Otherwise Confirmed Deportations (1) |
33 |
92 |
28 |
22 |
26 |
|
Total Deportations |
38 |
118 |
80 |
156 |
191 |
* to 20/06/2025
* Please note, figures are correct at time of issue, however, all statistics may be subject to data cleansing.
Otherwise confirmed Deportations is where it has been confirmed the individual has left the state following receipt of a Deportation Order without being escorted.
As there are no routine exit checks at Irish borders, it is not possible to accurately provide the number of people who are currently in Ireland subject to deportation orders. While over 200 of the people subject to deportation orders above have confirmed they have left the State independently, it should be noted that many will have left the State without informing the authorities.
So far in 2025, three charter flight operations have removed 106 people who were subject to deportation orders from the State with a further 59 removed on commercial airlines. Further charter operations and removals on commercial aircraft will be conducted as the year progresses.
640. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the amount expended on an annual basis on commercial and charter flights, to include a schedule of ancillary costs in the context of the deportation of persons from the jurisdiction from 2000 to date in 2025; and if he will include a breakdown of the number of flights used for this purpose on annual basis, over the same time period. [34165/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is a central priority for me that Ireland’s immigration system is robust and rules based. The enforcement aspects of our laws, including deportation orders, are an essential requirement for the system to work effectively and to ensure that there is confidence in the application of our legislation 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.
Deportations are costly and complex to enforce. It is the preferred option to return people voluntarily and my Department has a voluntary return programme to assist people to return prior to the issuance of a deportation order. A person can only avail of voluntary return before a deportation order is issued and I have increased resources into this programme to enable persons who wish to return before a deportation order is issued to them.
If a person does not remove themselves from the State following the issuance of a deportation order, they will be removed, and 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 2,120 deportation orders have been signed up to 20 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 980 persons have had their departure confirmed through these pathways up to 20 June 2025.
It is not possible to provide all of the information requested by the Deputy, which spans over a time period of 25 years. To do so would require the manual examination of a large quantity of case files. Such an examination would require a disproportionate amount of time to compile.
So far in 2025, three charter flight operations have removed 106 people who were subject to deportation orders from the State with a further 59 removed on commercial airlines. Further charter operations and removals on commercial aircraft will be conducted as the year progresses.
The costs for the provision of the aircraft for these operations has been as follows:
• €102,476 for a one-way flight to Georgia in February.
• €103,751 for a one-way flight to Georgia in May.
• €324,714 for a return flight to Nigeria in June.
Costs for the provision of supporting charter flight services such as ground handling services, on-board paramedics and a flight manager have been €46,352 so far in 2025.
Table 1 below shows the cost of charter and commercial flights from 2021 to 2025. The figure for commercial flights includes both the flight costs (often through hubs and long-distance) for removal operations completed and also the costs of returning accompanying escorts to Ireland when a one-way charter flight is used.
Table 1: Costs for Charter and Commercial flights in 2021, 2022, 2023 2024 and 2025 (up to 20/06/2025)
|
- |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Charter Flight costs |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
€530,941 |
|
Commercial Flight costs |
€428,131 |
€467,289 |
€494,829 |
€1,202,750 |
€527,003* |
*includes the return of escorts for one way charter operations.
From 2016 up to the end of 2023, my Department was able to reclaim some costs of commercial flights under the Asylum Migration and Integration Fund. A new fund opened in 2024 and my Department continues to reclaim funding for commercial flight costs under this EU Fund (for deportation costs only).
A number of factors impact the costs associated with deportation operations. In particular, the costs for any particular deportation reflect the numbers travelling in each instance, the destination country, and if direct flights are not available the escorts and deportee transit through a hub airport.
In some cases a person may resist deportation and the Garda National Immigration Bureau risk assessment may give rise to the need for additional escorts. Flight costs also can often be impacted by the need to make arrangements to enable escorts to return on the same flight; where, for example, it is necessary for the personal safety of the escorts.
Table 2 sets out the number of removals enforced on commercial airlines from 2021, up to 20 June 2025. During the COVID- 19 Pandemic there was a moratorium on deportations. This impacted the latter part of 2020, 2021 and for the first 8 months of 2022. During the moratorium only people whose presence in Ireland would be contrary to the public interest were deported. This moratorium was lifted in July 2022. Due to the pandemic, travelling incurred additional costs. When deportation orders and other types of removal orders are enforced using commercial airlines, they are normally returning one individual to their country of nationality.
Table 2. Deportations and Removals enforced in 2021, 2022, 2023 2024 and 2025 (up to 20/06/2025)
|
- |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025* |
|
Deportation orders enforced on commercial airlines |
5 |
24 |
51 |
134 |
59 |
|
Other removals enforced on commercial flights** |
47 |
40 |
24 |
26 |
10 |
*(to 20/06/2025)
**Other enforced removals include Dublin III Transfer Orders of International Protection applicants to other EU State and EU Removal Orders for the return of EU Citizen under the Free Movement Regulations (these orders are made on grounds of criminality) and persons who are deemed inadmissible under the International Protection Act.
641. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of visa applications submitted to the South African visa desk in the Dublin Visa Office, for each month, from July 2024 to 31 May 2025; the number of applications which have been processed in the same timeline, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34218/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra642. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the action his Department is taking to ensure that target processing times of visa applications to the South African visa desk in the Dublin Visa Office are being met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34219/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 641 and 642 together.
I can advise the Deputy that on 10 July 2024 visa requirements were introduced for nationals of South Africa, bringing our arrangements into alignment with the visa requirements of Schengen members states, and with those of the UK.
The Dublin Visa Office have 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.
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.
Since July 2024 to date, 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 table below provides the total number of visa applications received and decisions made by month, from 10 July 2024, up to 31 May 2025.
|
Month/Year |
Applications received |
Decisions made |
|
July 2024 (from 10 July 2024) |
1,137 |
227 |
|
August 2024 |
1,672 |
884 |
|
September 2024 |
881 |
1,363 |
|
October 2024 |
1,136 |
1,218 |
|
November 2024 |
933 |
1,200 |
|
December 2024 |
443 |
512 |
|
January 2025 |
669 |
361 |
|
February 2025 |
1,047 |
349 |
|
March 2025 |
1,037 |
469 |
|
April 2025 |
1,124 |
584 |
|
May 2025 |
1,206 |
537 |
* Please note, figures are correct at time of issue, however, all statistics may be subject to data cleansing.** A decision made in a particular month may relate to an application received in a previous month.
The South Africa Desk publishes guidance for applicants, target processing times and weekly decision reports, at the following webpage:
www.irishimmigration.ie/south-africa-visa-desk/.
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. I can assure the Deputy that efforts are being made to improve the current processing times.
If an application has significantly exceeded the above times, it is possible that, on initial assessment, the application has not met the criteria to be issued a visa, and further assessment/verification is required. In such instances, processing times will be longer than those stated above.
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.
Applicants are advised that unforeseen delays can arise, which are outside the control of the Visa Desk. Processing times for all applications are influenced by a number of factors. 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.
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/.
643. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration his plans to amend the Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime ) Act 2017; and if he will address an issue regarding section 4(1), which introduces a distinction between victims’ rights pre-and post the legislation, where no such distinction is contained in the relevant Directive, leading to impermissible discrimination between victims. [34227/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Act 2017, transposes Directive 2012/29/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council into Irish law, and provides for a comprehensive framework of rights for victims of crime.
Section 4 (1) of the Act states that its provisions shall not apply to a decision referred to in section 8 (2), (c), (d), (e) or (f) – if those decisions were made before the relevant provisions commenced. Amendment 10 introduced during Oireachtas debates made two key changes to section 4. First, it removed the general exclusion of the Act from applying to ongoing cases that began before its commencement - provided its application would not compromise the fairness of those proceedings. It also added a new subsection (2), clarifying that victims do not need to prove an offence was committed or that they were harmed to access rights under the Act.
In July 2023, the European Commission published a proposal for a Directive amending the Victims Directive which is still the subject of ongoing negotiations between the Council and the Parliament. Once negotiations at EU level are finalised, officials in my Department will, as a matter of standard practice, review our victims’ rights legislation and policies during the transposition process.
644. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration his plans to amend the Parole Act 2019; and if he will address the need to ensure that persons such as the next of kin of a person (details supplied) are not excluded from future processes. [34228/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Parole Board, as provided for under the Parole Act 2019, was established on 31 July 2021. The 2019 Act placed the parole process on a statutory footing and established an independent, statutory Parole Board to decide on parole applications independently from the Minister for Justice. This legislation also refers to provisions in the Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Act 2017 in dealing with victims.
The Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Act 2017, transposes Directive 2012/29/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council into Irish law and provides for a comprehensive framework of rights for victims of crime, establishing minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime.
In July 2023, the European Commission published a proposal for a Directive amending the Victims Directive which is still the subject of ongoing negotiations between the Council and the Parliament.
Once negotiations at EU level are finalised, officials in my Department will, as a matter of standard practice, review our victims legislation and policies during the transposition process.
645. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the amount the OPW spent on installing high-speed electric vehicle charging points at Garda stations in the years of 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form; and if he will provide a schedule of Garda stations that have and do not have EV charging points.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34257/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been informed by An Garda Síochána that the following table sets out the expenditure incurred in the installation of EV charging points at Garda stations during the 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025 years, noting that these installations were funded through the Garda Vote.
|
Total 2023 |
Total 2024 |
Total 2025 to Date (19 June 2025) |
|
€294,105.70 |
€793,588.82 |
€9,652.26 |
It is important to note that OPW financial records do not distinguish between standard and high-speed charges. Therefore, the figures provided reflect the overall cost of EV charging installations, irrespective of type.
Investment in this infrastructure increased by more than 169% in 2024 compared to 2023, supporting the phased transition of the Garda fleet to electric vehicles.
The rollout of charging points across the Garda estate is ongoing, with new stations being equipped each month. The list attached sets out Garda stations were EV charging infrastructure has already been installed.
Garda stations with EV charging points:
|
Adare |
Ballyvourney (Gaeltacht) |
Cil Ronan |
|
Anglesea Street |
Banagher |
Clane |
|
Ardee |
Barraduff |
Claremorris |
|
Arles |
Bishopstown |
Clifden |
|
Ashbourne |
Blackrock (Cork) |
Clonakilty |
|
Athboy |
Blanchardstown |
Clonaslee |
|
Athenry |
Bonniconlon |
Clondalkin |
|
Athleague |
Borrisokane |
Clones |
|
Athlone |
Bunclody |
Clonmany |
|
Balla |
Caherconlish |
Clonroche |
|
Ballinamore |
Cahir |
Clyde House |
|
Ballindine |
Cappamore |
Cobh |
|
Ballingarry |
Carnew |
Collon |
|
Ballingeary |
Carrickbyrne |
Collooney |
|
Ballivor |
Carrickmacross |
Cong |
|
Ballybay |
Carrigans |
Coolaney |
|
Ballybofey |
Carrigtwohill |
Corofin |
|
Ballybunion |
Castlebellingham |
Crosshaven |
|
Ballycotton |
Castleblayney |
Crusheen |
|
Ballycroy |
Castlebridge |
Delvin |
|
Ballycullane |
Castlecomer |
Donard |
|
Ballyheigue |
Castledermot |
Donegal |
|
Ballyjamesduff |
Castlegregory |
Donnybrook |
|
Ballylinan |
Castlepollard |
Drogheda |
|
Ballymun |
Castletownroche |
Drumad |
|
Ballyneety |
Cavan |
Drumshanbo |
|
Ballynoe |
Celbridge |
Dublin Airport |
|
Ballyvaughan |
Charlestown |
Duleek |
|
Dunboyne |
Monasterevin |
Templemore |
|
Dunmore |
Mooncoin |
Terenure |
|
Edenderry |
Mountmellick |
Thurles |
|
Elphin |
Mountrath |
Tipperary Town |
|
Emyvale |
Moville |
Trim |
|
Enfield |
Muff |
Tuam |
|
Enniscorthy |
Murroe |
Tullow |
|
Enniscrone |
Newmarket (Tipperary) |
Tulsk |
|
Ennistymon |
Newport (Tipperary) |
Urlingford |
|
Falcarragh |
Newport (Mayo) |
Virginia |
|
Ferns |
Newtownmountkennedy |
Watergrasshill |
|
Fitzgibbon Street |
Nobber |
Westport |
|
Foxford |
North West Region HQ |
Wexford |
|
Foynes |
Oldcastle |
Wicklow |
|
Galway |
Oranmore |
|
|
Garda College |
Oughterard |
|
|
Garda HQ |
Oulart |
|
|
Glasson |
Oylegate |
|
|
Glenamoy |
Partry |
|
|
Glengarriff |
Patrickswell |
|
|
Glin |
Portarlington |
|
|
Gort |
Portumna |
|
|
Grange |
Rathangan |
|
|
Gurteen |
Rathcormac |
|
|
Henry Street |
Rathdrum |
|
|
Irishtown |
Rathfarnham |
|
|
Kanturk |
Riverstown |
|
|
Keadue |
Ronanstown |
|
|
Kevin Street |
Roosky |
|
|
Kilcock |
Roscrea |
|
|
Kildorrery |
Rosscarbery |
|
|
Killybegs |
Rosses Point |
|
|
Kilmacthomas |
Rosslare Harbour (Pier) |
|
|
Kilmaine |
Rosslare Strand |
|
|
Kiltimagh |
Roundwood |
|
|
Kinnegad |
Roxboro Road |
|
|
Knock |
Shannon |
|
|
Laytown |
Sixmilebridge |
|
|
Leixlip |
Skibereen |
|
|
Letterkenny |
Slane |
|
|
Lifford |
Sligo |
|
|
Liscarroll |
Spiddal |
|
|
Mhuine Bheag |
Stepaside |
|
|
Milford (Cork) |
Store Street |
|
|
Miltown Malbay |
Stradbally |
|
|
Moate |
Summerhill |
|
|
Mohill |
Tarbert |
I am advised that this work will continue in line with the organisation’s wider sustainability objectives and climate commitments.
646. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Question No. 706 of 20 May 2025, if the necessary information has been supplied to him to answer this PQ. [34260/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that Parliamentary Question No. 706 of 20 May 2025 sought “the number of occasions that An Garda Síochána have hired out an external forensic archaeologist to carry out work on its behalf, in 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form.”
Regretfully, I have been informed by Garda authorities that it is taking longer than anticipated to compile this information as it is being collated from a number of sources. I am assured An Garda Síochána will provide the information as soon as possible. I will write to the Deputy again once this information is to hand.
|
- |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
DMR |
4 |
1 |
0 |
|
Eastern Region |
0 |
1 |
2 |
|
Southern Region |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
North Western Region |
0 |
1 |
0 |
647. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his Department has plans to use State-owned accommodation in Meath west as an IPAS centre. [34276/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is no State-owned site being built or developed for international protection accommodation in Co. Meath at this time.
648. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his Department has met with an organisation (details supplied) regarding its pre-Budget 2026 submission and associated position paper on supporting Irish business with digital compliance; if his Department has assessed the merit of its proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34286/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraNeither I nor any officials of my Department have met with the organisation in question regarding its pre-Budget 2026 submission and associated position paper. I am informed that there is no record of any recent correspondence from the organisation.
649. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will provide a breakdown of the number of full EV and hybrid EVs in the Garda fleet, by vehicle type. [34296/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe table below, provided to me by the Garda authorities, provides a breakdown of full EVs and Hybrid EVs in the Garda fleet as of 23 June 2025:
|
Vehicle Type |
Battery EVs |
Plug-in Hybrid EVs |
Hybrid EVs |
Total |
|
Cars |
267 |
30 |
104 |
401 |
|
Motorbikes |
2 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
Total |
269 |
30 |
104 |
403 |
650. Deputy Natasha Newsome Drennan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if a joint spouse visa decision will be examined (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34336/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that the application referred to was created on 23 April 2024. The application and supporting documentation was received in the Abu Dhabi Visa Office on 13 May 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 Overseas Visa Offices can be checked at the following link:
www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/#decisions.
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.
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.
651. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Question No. 667 of 20 May 2025, if the information is now available regarding the number of officers assigned to each of the 28 victim service offices within An Garda Síochána in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34362/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraA response issued to the question the Deputy is referring to on 20/6/25 as follows:
I refer to your Parliamentary Question of 20 May 2025 in relation to the number of officers assigned to each of the 28 victim service offices within an Garda Síochána in each of the past five years.
As you will recall, the specific information you requested was not readily available at that time and I requested the information from the Garda authorities with a view to responding to you as soon as possible.
The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána which includes decisions regarding the deployment of Garda resources throughout the State under section 33 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024.
I can assure you that the Garda Commissioner and I are committed to combatting all forms of crime and to ensuring that the Service is resourced to support victims.
The table below outlines the number of officers assigned to the Garda Victim Service Offices over the last 5 years. It should be noted that due to operational restructuring within An Garda Síochána over the last 5 years a number of offices have merged, thus resulting in a decrease in the number of offices nationally.
|
Year |
No of Offices |
No of Garda members/Garda Staff assigned to Offices |
|
2021 |
24 |
44 |
|
2022 |
24 |
39 |
|
2023 |
24 |
49 |
|
2024 |
24 |
46 |
|
2025 |
23 |
47 |
652. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Question No. 204 of 9 April 2025, if the information sought is now available, including the financial supports available to victims of crime and witnesses to cover the costs of travel to court, and for accommodation where they are required to be available to attend court for a period of days; the annual budgetary allocation for these supports; if these supports are available in a consistent manner across the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34366/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraA response to the Deputy's question issued on 20 June as follows:
I refer to your Parliamentary Question No. 204 of 9 April 2025 in relation to the financial supports available to victims of crime and witnesses to cover the costs of travel to court and for accommodation where they are required to be available to attend court for a period of days, the annual budgetary allocation for these supports, and if these supports are available in a consistent manner across the state.
As you will recall, the specific information you requested was not readily available at that time and I requested the information from the Garcia authorities with a view to responding to you as soon as possible.
I am informed by the Garcia authorities that as per the revised estimates for Public Services 2025 as distributed by the Department of Public Expenditure, NOP Delivery and Reform, Vote 20 pertains to the allocation for An Garda Síochána. Under subhead A.9 covering witness expenses, the total budget is €2.155m.
This budget covers several areas including expenses for expert / professional witnesses, expenses for lay witnesses and professional reports. I am informed that as the budget is not broken down further it is not possible to confirm the budget allocation for travel and accommodation costs for victims of crime and witnesses.
An Garda Síochána is responsible for ensuring that the expenses incurred by all categories of witnesses are covered. This is the cost of coming to court to give evidence. These expenses may include the cost of taking time off work, travelling expenses, meals, and accommodation if the witness lives in another part of the country. There are a range of financial supports available based on the needs of the witness, some of these are listed below.
Civilian/lay witness expenses are paid according to the circumstances of the individual. Self-employed persons claim for loss of time certified by their accountant. Salary or wage earners claim the actual amount certified by employer as permanently lost by reason of attendance at court. Individuals who do not earn an income can claim €22 for 4 hours or more and €11 for less than 4 hours.
All claims for public transport are supported by receipts. Mileage can be claimed at €0.37 per kilometre for lay witnesses, while serving civil servants claim mileage at the current rate applicable to Class A.
Hotel accommodation is available to a maximum of €82 supported by receipts.
Additionally, the Internal Travel Bureau of An Garda Síochána book and pay for hotel accommodation for witnesses attending the Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin. For all courts outside Dublin the witness hotel accommodation is arranged through the local District Office. The Bureau also arranges and pays for foreign witness flights.
Subsistence allowance for meals, is available at a daily rate of €11 for 5 hours but not exceeding 10 hours and a daily rate of €17 if the hours exceed 10 hours.
My Department developed a Victims Charter and a supporting website which sets out all the information a victim of crime might need in an easily accessible and user friendly way. Importantly, the charter outlines the role of An Garda Síochána in supporting victims of crime - www.gov.ie/en/victims-charter/publications/an-garda-s%c3%adoch%c3%a1na/.
The charter also sets out information on the services offered by the State as well as voluntary groups who work with victims of crime. It outlines how to get in touch with those services and what supports they can offer to victims. This is available at www.gov.ie/en/victims-charter/collections/support-and-reporting/#what-support-is-available-to-victims-of-crime.
Lastly, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions publishes a guide for witness that includes a section on financial supports available. This can be found at https://www.dppireland.ie/app/uploads/2024/04/Going-to-Court-as-a-Witness-updated-June-2023.pdf
653. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether existing gym and pool services in Citywest Hotel will continue to be open to local residents following the decision by Government to purchase the hotel with the intention of making it an IPAS centre; if information of what services will remain open to residents can be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34398/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Cabinet provided approval on 17 June 2025 for the State purchase of the Citywest Hotel and Convention Centre for international protection accommodation.
The purchase of the site is a key part of the Government’s strategy to develop a stable and sustainable accommodation system for people seeking international protection by moving away from commercial properties to State-owned centres.
State-owned centres are part of the Government’s long-term plan to reduce the reliance on private accommodation providers in communities resulting in better value for money of public funds and a more efficient international protection system.
The purchase of Citywest makes prudent financial sense for the State, compared to the current costs of leasing the site. The purchase represents a payback period to the State of approximately 4 years, and over 25 years, the purchase and operating cost model offer savings of more than €1billion, while delivering a permanent State asset.
The State has been leasing the site since 2020, first as part of the COVID-19 response and subsequently since 2022 as a transit hub and accommodation centre for Ukrainian citizens and people seeking international protection.
There are no immediate plans to increase capacity at the site as part of the purchase.
The Department is also in ongoing discussions to ensure the leisure centre on the site remains open to the public following the purchase. The leisure centre has approximately 3,000 members and is a valuable amenity for the local community.
Following the purchase, the Department will initiate a transition plan with the current service provider for a period of 12 months to ensure there is no disruption to the accommodation services at the site.
The service provider will continue to oversee the management and provision of services including catering, cleaning, maintenance and security, resident check in, operational support, finance and other services.
The purchase of this site comes with a strong commitment to engagement with the local community and the Department's Community Engagement team has now begun working with local community leaders, community groups and stakeholders and will keep people in the area informed about progress on the purchase.
654. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to a Topical Issues debate on the subject of the Citywest hotel sale in Dáil Éireann on 17 June 2025, to specifically outline the areas where the community engagement team "is already working closely with local community leaders, community groups and stakeholders"; the community leaders, community groups and stakeholders which have been contacted in this regard over the last three years, with key dates and topics specified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34405/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra655. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to a Topical Issues debate on the subject of the Citywest hotel sale in Dáil Éireann on 17 June 2025, to outline the areas where the Citywest hotel complex already enjoys good relationships and operational partnerships in the community with State services and community representatives, including elected representatives; whether this relates to integration issues only or to operational matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34406/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra656. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to a Topical Issues debate on the subject of the Citywest hotel sale in Dáil Éireann on 17 June 2025, to outline how "community engagement will focus on providing direct public information"; to clarify if this will include leaflet drops; whether this would involve meetings and workshops; if so, within what timeframe and how often; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34407/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra657. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to a Topical Issues debate on the subject of the Citywest hotel sale in Dáil Éireann on 17 June 2025, how the Department will be "proactively engaging with people" and "creating a space for safe and sound dialogue" in relation to its planned purchase of the Citywest hotel complex; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34408/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra658. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to a Topical Issues debate on the subject of the Citywest hotel sale in Dáil Éireann on 17 June 2025, and noting his comments about "creating a space for safe and sound dialogue", whether such dialogue will allow for operational changes should the views of local residents be clearly articulated in a matter that is not in agreement with expansion plans or long-term operation at the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34409/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra659. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to a Topical Issues debate on the subject of the Citywest hotel sale in Dáil Éireann on 17 June 2025, to outline the process whereby the decision to purchase the Citywest hotel complex was made; when negotiations commenced; how often this matter discussed at Cabinet; the weighting that was given to value for money as opposed to site suitability; what pre-consultation, if any, took place with the local community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34410/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra660. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to outline why explicit requests from the local community for a meeting with the Minister, prior to any decision being made to purchase the Citywest hotel complex, were ignored, given that groups living and working in the area would have an excellent and relevant knowledge of the site, its suitability and other relevant issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34411/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra661. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether any impact assessment on the local community or IPAS/Ukrainian residents was carried out prior to the decision to purchase the Citywest hotel complex; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34412/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra662. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to a Topical Issues debate on the subject of the Citywest hotel sale in Dáil Éireann on 17 June 2025, and noting his comments that there "are no immediate plans to increase the capacity" at the Citywest Hotel site, to outline the earliest period whereby such a decision could be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34413/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra663. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration what guarantees are in place to ensure that the gym and leisure centre remain open at the Citywest hotel complex; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34414/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra664. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to a Topical Issues debate on the subject of the Citywest hotel sale in Dáil Éireann on 17 June 2025, and his statement that "The Department has given a strong commitment to support amenities and local services in the area", what additional funding, aside from the approximately €148 million purchase price, will be set aside to improve local amenities and services; the channels through which such funding will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34415/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra665. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to a Topical Issues debate on the subject of the Citywest hotel sale in Dáil Éireann on 17 June 2025, how he proposes to "minimise" the impact of the Citywest hotel complex on local GP and healthcare services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34416/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra666. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to a Topical Issues debate on the subject of the Citywest hotel sale in Dáil Éireann on 17 June 2025, and his statement that "new spaces for international protection applicants will be achieved by using the existing capacity currently being used by Ukrainians", the additional supports that will be put in for an increased number of IPAS residents, including but not limited to areas such as physical and mental health care, education, leisure activities, training on Irish societal norms and laws, guidance regarding groups gathering in public, language support, positive community outreach and opportunities to volunteer with local groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34417/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra667. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to a Topical Issues debate on the subject of the Citywest hotel sale in Dáil Éireann on 17 June 2025, and his statement that "new spaces for international protection applicants will be achieved by using the existing capacity currently being used by Ukrainians", the additional security measures that will be put in place, including measures to deter and penalise anti-social behaviour, security for those facing deportation and removal to secure facilities off-site for anyone facing charges for assault of any nature; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34418/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra668. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the measures that will be in place to deter misinformation being spread in relation to the Citywest hotel complex through regular updates and factual responses that provide adequate and meaningful information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34419/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 654 to 668, inclusive, together.
The Cabinet provided approval on 17 June 2025 for the State purchase of the Citywest Hotel and Convention Centre for international protection accommodation.
The purchase of the site is a key part of the Government’s strategy to develop a stable and sustainable accommodation system for people seeking international protection by moving away from commercial properties to State-owned centres.
State-owned centres are part of the Government’s long-term plan to reduce the reliance on private accommodation providers in communities resulting in better value for money of public funds and a more efficient international protection system.
The purchase of Citywest makes prudent financial sense for the State, compared to the current costs of leasing the site. The purchase represents a payback period to the State of approximately 4 years, and over 25 years, the purchase and operating cost model offer savings of more than €1billion, while delivering a permanent State asset.
The State has been leasing the site since 2020, first as part of the COVID-19 response and subsequently since 2022 as a transit hub and accommodation centre for Ukrainian citizens and people seeking international protection.
There are no immediate plans to increase capacity at the site as part of the purchase. The Department is also in ongoing discussions to ensure the leisure centre on the site remains open to the public following the purchase. The leisure centre has approximately 3,000 members and is a valuable amenity for the local community.
Following the purchase, the Department will initiate a transition plan with the current service provider for a period of 12 months to ensure there is no disruption to the accommodation services at the site.
The service provider will continue to oversee the management and provision of services including catering, cleaning, maintenance and security, resident check in, operational support, finance and other services.
The purchase of this site comes with a strong commitment to engagement with the local community and the Department's Community Engagement team has begun working closely with local community leaders, community groups and stakeholders.
The Community Engagement Team has been in place since the end of 2023 and has close working relationships with community representatives and stakeholders in all areas of the country. These relate to both operational matters around both IPAS and Ukraine accommodation centres, and integration supports and services.
The team has responded to a wide range of queries about the Citywest site over recent months, through calls and contacts from local representatives and stakeholders, and issued a circular to local representatives in the weeks prior to the Government announcement about the potential purchase.
While a Government decision was required to confirm a purchase of this significance, a planned, comprehensive engagement and communications plan is now progressing.
While this is not a new centre, my Department recognises that the local community will have questions and concerns that they would like to raise.In line with the commitments in the Programme for Government, the Community Engagement Team is engaging with local stakeholders.
The Department is committed to ensuring that the local community has access to accurate information and that structures to plan for provision of essential and supports services, such as healthcare and education, are in place to assist with the integration process.
The team is in contact with local community stakeholders, including the Local Authority, the Local Authority Integration Team and Community Integration Forum and the Local Development Company, to co-design an engagement plan.
The team will be sharing regular Community Update documents with elected representatives and local stakeholders, the first of which was issued on 19 June 2025.
They will be available to engage with and meet groups of people within the community, to provide regular information updates to the public and to partners and stakeholders.
Meetings are being planned and scheduled in the first place with elected representatives at national and local authority level, and it is expected that these will commence shortly.
A dedicated webpage to support the public to keep them informed of developments has been published at www.gov.ie/communityengagement.
This will be kept up to date with progress as the purchase progresses, and will be used to share factual, trusted information and tackle and mis or disinformation that may be circulated about this process or the centre. Following consultation with local representatives on the content and topics that are most needed by the community, printed local information is also planned.
I am keen to support amenities, local services and integration in the area. Our Community Engagement team is ready to work closely with local community leaders, community groups and stakeholders.
