Written Answers Nos. 146-165
148. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration on each occasion since January 2024 where a serious offender was granted bail or released early due to prison or detention centre overcrowding, the nature of the offence that was, the alternative arrangements that were made for public safety, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34907/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra150. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the assessment that has been made of the risk to public safety posed by the release or non-detention of individuals accused of involvement in organised crime due to the lack of remand spaces; and if he will publish this assessment. [34910/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 148 and 150 together.
As Minister for Justice, it is not open to me to comment or intervene in any way in relation to how particular court proceedings are conducted, or on the outcome of those proceedings. These are matters entirely for the presiding judge.
The Irish Prison Service must accept into custody all people committed to prison by the courts. Considerations relating to prison capacity are not a feature of Ireland’s legal framework in relation to bail and decisions on bail.
The law sets out that a court may refuse bail where there is a risk that the accused might abscond, interfere with witnesses, or otherwise obstruct the course of justice. In addition, under section 2 of the Bail Act 1997, as amended, bail may be refused in respect of a person charged with a serious offence where the court is satisfied that such refusal is reasonably considered necessary to prevent the commission of a serious offence by that person.
In exercising this jurisdiction, the court must consider certain mandatory criteria, including the nature and seriousness of the charge, the accused’s criminal record, and any previous offending while on bail. Where relevant, the court may also consider the extent to which the accused’s prior convictions suggest persistent serious offending, as well as the potential danger posed to individuals or the community by their release. In all cases, the court is required to give reasons for its decision to grant or refuse bail.
If bail is granted, the court has wide discretion to impose conditions that it considers necessary and proportionate. These may include conditions to protect the victim or their family, such as a curfew, a requirement to reside or remain at a specified address, restrictions on travel to certain areas, prohibition on contact with specified individuals (including victims).
Where an individual fails to comply with any bail conditions, the judge may issue a bench warrant, giving An Garda Síochána the power to arrest and bring the person before the court to answer all charges relating to the bail.
With regard to children, the Bail Supervision Scheme (BSS) offers courts an alternative option to remanding a young person to detention by providing them the possibility of granting bail with intensive supervision supports. The scheme currently operates at three sites, Dublin, Cork and Limerick. Plans to expand the scheme are currently under consideration. BSS reduces the need for remand in detention places. It provides an opportunity to focus on developing successful community resources designed to prevent children subject to BSS from engaging in criminality.
In relation to the release of individuals from prison, where the number of people in custody exceeds the maximum capacity in any prison, the Irish Prison Service make every effort to deal with this through a combination of inter-prison transfers and appropriate use of structured Temporary Release.
Short term measures like inter-prison transfers and temporary release are used in prison systems across the world to manage prison populations and have long been a feature of the Irish Prison Service activities.
I can assure the Deputy that decisions in relation to temporary release are considered on a case by case basis. The safety of the public is paramount in those decisions, taking into account factors such as the gravity of the offence committed and the sentence received, offending history, behaviour while in prison, engagement in rehabilitative activities and risk of reoffending.
In relation to the records sought, my officials have advised that to provide these would require a manual examination of a considerable amount of records. Such an examination would require a disproportionate and inordinate amount of resources which I regret could not be justified.
149. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of prison or remand places occupied in the past 12 months by individuals detained purely for immigration-related reasons; and the total cost of this to the State. [34908/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Minister and the Department are acutely aware of capacity restraints in our prisons and have committed to increasing capacity of our prisons by 1,500 under the Programme for Government. This work has already commenced.
It can be necessary to detain people in advance of deportation to prevent absconding. Alternatives to detention are widely used where they are deemed appropriate.
When a person does not comply with a deportation order they can be arrested and detained under Section 5 of the Immigration Act 1999 for up to 56 days for the purpose of ensuring their deportation from the State. An application to extend this period of detention must be made to the District Court.
In the case of a person refused leave to land to enter the State, arrangements are made by the Garda National Immigration Bureau to return the person to their point of embarkation at the earliest opportunity, which may take a number of days. Detention in such circumstances is only undertaken as a last resort.
I can advise the Deputy that in 2024 there were a total of 204 instances of individuals detained for immigration-related reasons in Irish prisons, for various periods within the parameters set out above. To date in 2025, the number is 179. At any point in time the number is far less than the overall annual total.
The total costs of detention for this specific purpose is not available.
151. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has examined the capabilities of Irish food and drink SMEs to implement market diversification, particularly in non-English speaking markets; if new measures are being considered to support Irish business to enhance the necessary capabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34584/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department and Bord Bia are engaging in the development of the Government Action Plan on trade diversification, and collaborating across Government to optimise the impact of trade promotion and development initiatives in markets across the globe. A full range of actions are being discussed and my Department will play an active role in the implementation of any relevant actions which emerge through this process.
The importance of market diversification for the agrifood sector is already reflected in my Department’s Food Vision 2030 strategy, and in the work carried out in cooperation with Bord Bia, my Department’s overseas agricultural attachés and the wider Embassy network.
The Government has committed in the Programme for Government to opening up new markets for Irish food products. The market access team in my Department, supported by our Attaché and Embassy network and Bord Bia, focuses on opening and maintaining our access to international markets.
Trade missions are a key tool in encouraging trade diversification, as well as in building on well-established trading relationships. This year, I have visited the United States to highlight the importance of the bilateral trading relationship between Ireland and the US, and have more recently led a trade mission to Korea and Japan, which built on significant progress we’ve made in two of our priority markets in Asia in recent years. Planning is also under way for a further trade mission to China later this year. These trade missions form a crucial part of my Department’s strategy to grow the value of our agrifood exports in international markets.
Bord Bia also provides significant support to food and drink businesses to develop overseas contacts through their network of 14 overseas offices in strategic locations.
Finally, my Department, together with the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, co-funded the Capital Investment Scheme for the Marketing and Processing of Agricultural products, which is implemented by Enterprise Ireland. A total of €100m was allocated under this scheme to successful applicants in the meat and dairy sectors to support them to expand and diversify, and to increase sales of higher value-add products in the global marketplace.
152. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of horse passports issued annually, by passport issuing organisation; and by year since 2008, in tabular form. [34655/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of equine passports issued annually is set out in the table below. A breakdown by passport issuing organisation (PIO) cannot be provided as requested as this information is deemed to be commercially sensitive as disclosure could potentially undermine fair market competition.
|
Year |
Passports issued |
|
2008 |
48,815 |
|
2009 |
34,777 |
|
2010 |
27,462 |
|
2011 |
28,012 |
|
2012 |
33,336 |
|
2013 |
30,158 |
|
2014 |
29,742 |
|
2015 |
30,337 |
|
2016 |
28,806 |
|
2017 |
28,983 |
|
2018 |
28,960 |
|
2019 |
28,117 |
|
2020 |
27,481 |
|
2021 |
30,311 |
|
2022 |
30,601 |
|
2023 |
29,666 |
|
2024 |
27,959 |
|
2025 |
5,566 |
153. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the average waiting time for passport issuance by Horse Sport Ireland, by county, by year for the past 10 years, in tabular form. [34656/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse Sport Ireland (HSI) is one of seven approved equine passport issuing organisations in Ireland. The average waiting time for passport issuance is an operational matter and requests in relation to metrics are more appropriately directed to HSI itself.
Notwithstanding this, my Department is in regular contact with HSI, and has been informed by HSI that it has introduced a number of measures to assist in reducing the turnaround time, and that continuous improvements are being made.
While the issuance of passports is a matter for each passport issuing organisation, including HSI, I am aware of the impacts that delays can cause, and I have instructed my officials to continue to work closely with HSI to ensure that commitments for the 2025 season are delivered upon.
154. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications for horse passports currently outstanding, by passport issuing organisations, to provide a breakdown, by county, in tabular form. [34657/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is not readily available and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
155. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to confirm the number of horse passports issued over the past 10 years that have included a "Do Not Enter Food Chain" stamp, by reason, county and year. [34658/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is not readily available and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
|
Reason |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
Total |
|
Irish - Duplicate |
254 |
162 |
292 |
249 |
252 |
262 |
176 |
111 |
95 |
71 |
67 |
259 |
2250 |
|
Irish - Other Not for Human Consumption Reason |
546 |
311 |
4096 |
4210 |
4719 |
5548 |
5908 |
5962 |
5997 |
4586 |
2513 |
1307 |
45703 |
|
Irish - Replacement |
3 |
1 |
4579 |
4852 |
4178 |
4153 |
4257 |
5028 |
4200 |
3703 |
3493 |
1919 |
40366 |
|
Total |
803 |
474 |
8967 |
9311 |
9149 |
9963 |
10341 |
11101 |
10292 |
8360 |
6073 |
3485 |
88319 |
156. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the annual number of complaints received regarding horse passport delays, errors or irregularities, by county, and by year since 2010. [34659/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department estimates that approximately 100 complaints/queries were made, either directly to the Minister’s office or to officials, concerning matters relating to studbooks/passport issuing organisations in 2023 and 2024. My Department has a record of approximately 25 complaints so far in 2025. Please note that these figures are approximate, as correspondence can be submitted in a number of ways, and a register centralising and categorising all correspondence received is not maintained. There is no data available prior to 2023.
157. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to confirm whether a centralised national microchip and passport database for equines exists; and if not, whether there are plans to establish one. [34660/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraA central equine database was established in 2013 and contains the records of all equines registered in Ireland as reported by the seven authorised Passport Issuing Organisations (PIOs). In addition, EU Regulation 2016/429, the Animal Health Law, makes it obligatory for Member States to establish and maintain a computer database containing certain information regarding equines.
For each animal the database records a number of key fields, including:
• their unique code (passport number)
• the method of identification linking the animal concerned with the identification document referred to in point
• date of birth
• country of birth
• exit date
• whether a replacement or duplicate passport was issued
• whether the animal is fit for human consumption.
In 2014, it was made mandatory for all premises where horses are kept to be registered with my Department. Currently, there are approx. 29,000 registered equine premises.
In 2021, my Department launched the first equine census to gain a more accurate understanding of the equine population within Ireland. The census, which has been conducted annually since 2021, links horses to the premises where they are kept for the first time. In line with the recommendations of Professor Patrick Wall's report, Reforms to Strengthen Equine Identification, Traceability and Welfare, my Department intends to integrate the profile of the equine population gathered through the census into the central equine database for the most accurate reflection of the equine population in Ireland. Seventy-three percent of keepers have responded to the 2024 census and approximately 120,000 horses have been linked to their habitual residence as a result.
158. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to outline the Department's strategy for supporting the wider equine sector, particularly small-scale breeders and leisure horse owners. [34661/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs you are aware, Ireland has a rich equestrian heritage, and has long been celebrated for its passion for horses and the exceptional quality of its equine industry. We are world-renowned for our affinity with horses and are proud of our reputation of being the ‘Land of the Horse’. The Irish equestrian industry has a deep-rooted history in our culture and is also a critical contributor to a balanced regional economy.
Therefore, I am committed to ensuring that the sport horse industry achieves its maximum potential, and in so doing, contributes to national economic and social development over a wide geographic distribution. This is an important pillar of current Government policy.
My Department provides approximately €6 million in funding annually for the development of the breeding and production side of the industry, through contracting services to deliver breeding and marketing initiatives and for specific equine industry projects, as follows:
• Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) is contracted to deliver National Breeding Services, which has a total budget of €4.4m per annum, while the Irish Horse Board (IHB) is contracted to deliver Marketing Services, with a total budget of €0.8m per annum.
• My Department also provides a secondary funding stream to the industry through the ‘Equine Technical Support and Equine Breeding Scheme’ (ETS), which has a budget of €854,000 for this coming year. The funding is allocated to various equine projects based on merit, using a competitive application process.
In addition, my Department is providing funding to the equine sector under the Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3), where equine holders now have an opportunity to obtain funding to invest in important infrastructure for their farms. Supports are available for housing, training facilities and fencing to help make the breeding and handling of horses safer for farmers and the animals.
Many small farmers have benefited from the support under the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES), with priority access through the option on the ‘Conservation of Rare Breeds’, where they keep Connemara ponies, Kerry Bog ponies or Irish Draughts. This is an important strategy of my Department to conserve the genetic diversity of native breeds that are at risk of extinction, and to endeavour to retain and, where possible, increase populations of these rare breeds to ensure their long-term survival.
Finally, as recognition of the sport horse sector's value, I look forward to continuing my support, which also aligns with broader Government objectives.
159. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to detail the level of State investment in the horse sport and leisure industry, in each of the past 10 years, broken down by programme and county. [34662/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following tables outline the money provided from my Department to the sport horse sector in the past ten years:
|
Year |
Sport Horse Sector Grant |
Equine Technical Support and Equine Breeding Schemes |
|
2016 |
€1,870,000 |
€845,763 |
|
2017 |
€2,060,000 |
€850,000 |
|
2018 |
€2,500,000 |
€843,152 |
|
2019 |
€2,995,923 |
€713,531 |
|
2020 |
€3,985,921 |
€551,937 |
|
2021 |
€4,359,096 |
€695,523 |
|
2022 |
€4,546,125 |
€718,836 |
From 2023, the sport horse sector funding was distributed under contract and split between national breeding services and marketing services.
|
- |
National Breeding Services |
National Breeding Services Operational Fund * |
National Marketing Services* |
Equine Technical Support and Equine Breeding Schemes |
|
2023 |
€2,245,621 |
€1,500,000* |
€800,000* |
€653,738 |
|
2024 |
€2,229,749 |
€1,500,000* |
€800,000* |
€718,354 |
|
2025** |
€2,900,000 |
€1,500,000* |
€800,000* |
€854,000 |
*Net of VAT
**Budget Available
Other State investment which have benefited the sport horse sector from my Department during this period include:
• Under the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, the equine sector was included in the Knowledge Transfer Programme which had a total budget of €100m.
• Eligible equine holders have an opportunity to obtain funding from the current Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) which facilitates them to invest in important infrastructure for their farms. Supports are available for housing, training facilities and fencing which assists to make the breeding and handling of horses safer for farmers and the animals.
• Under the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES), eligible equine breeders, who keep Connemara ponies, Kerry Bog ponies or Irish Draughts have had priority access to the scheme through the option on the ‘Conservation of Rare Breeds’ measure.
Breakdown of all State funding by county is not readily available.
160. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the timeline by which he expects ministerial functions to be delegated to the Minister of State for Fisheries and the Marine, if he will account for the delay of almost five months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34663/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMinister of State Dooley, while having responsibility for Fisheries at my Department, also has responsibility for matters relating to the Marine at the Department of the Environment, Climate Change and Communications. The legislation to be delegated to Minister of State Dooley relating to both Fisheries and the Marine is both complex and wide-ranging. Officials at my Department are in consultation with the Department of the Environment, Climate Change and Communications to ensure correct delegation of the legislation and to ensure that both roles are compatible and that there are no conflicts.
Once finalised, the details of the functions delegated will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.
161. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is concerned about the closure of smaller scale abattoirs and the difficulties now facing small producers and organic producers in processing their animals (details supplied); to highlight any solutions or supports that might be available to these small-scale producers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34718/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is not readily available and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
|
Group |
Project name |
Funding 2025 |
Funding 2026 |
Funding 2027 |
|
Organic Livestock Information Roadshow |
Information Roadshow to co-ordinate organic livestock supplies |
€12,000 |
€12,000 |
€12,000 |
162. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a license was issued (details supplied) in spite of not all the requirements being met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34945/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department considers applications for aquaculture licences in accordance with the provisions of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997, the Foreshore Act 1933 (as amended), and applicable national and EU legislation. The licensing process involves consultation with a wide range of scientific and technical advisers, as well as various Statutory Consultees. The legislation also provides for a period of public consultation. Decisions in respect of aquaculture licences are only taken following the fullest consideration of all consultations and public interest elements of each application, including environmental considerations.
A decision to grant the licence referred to by the Deputy was made in December 2017. The reasons for determining to grant a licence were published at the time and are available at the following link: https://wayback.archive-it.org/org-1444/20201126182152/https:/www.agriculture.gov.ie/media/migration/seafood/aquacultureforeshoremanagement/aquaculturelicensing/aquaculturelicencedecisions/mayo/61T9306DeterminationofLicenceforIFI111217.pdf.
The Determination noted that the site was not located in a Natura Area, i.e. in a Special Area of Conservation, and, in accordance with the licensing process in place at the time, an Appropriate Assessment was not carried out.
In accordance with Section 40 of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997, it was open to any person aggrieved by the decision on the application to make an appeal to the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board, within one month of the date of publication of the decision. No appeals were lodged at the time in respect of the decision to grant the licence and a licence was subsequently issued for a period of ten years, commencing on 7th December 2017.
163. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the current official operational capacity of Oberstown Detention Campus; the number of beds actually available for remand, as of 20 June 2025; how this compares with demand on 20 June 2024, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34909/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOberstown Children Detention Campus is the State’s sole detention centre for children. The maximum occupancy in Oberstown is set by the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality by way of a certificate made under the Children Act 2001.
This certificate is currently set at 46 (40 boys and 6 girls). Places can be used to accommodate both children on detention orders and children on remanded orders.
The certificate on the 20th June 2024 was the same as that of the 20th June 2025 – a maximum total of 46 - 40 beds for boys and 6 for girls.
The occupancy on the 20th June 2024 and on the 20th June 2025 for boys was:
|
- |
Detention |
Remand |
Total |
|
20/06/2024 |
21 |
14 |
35 |
|
20/06/2025 |
29 |
10 |
39 |
There were no girls on Campus on either date.
164. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the planned timeline for the transposition of the EU Pay Transparency Directive; the measures being taken to ensure employers will have adequate time and sufficient information to properly prepare for the changes; the supports that will be available to employers for carrying out job evaluation projects linked to the Directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34980/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Pay Transparency Directive (officially known as Directive (EU) 2023/970 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 May 2023 to strengthen the application of the principle of equal pay for equal work or work of equal value between men and women through pay transparency and enforcement mechanisms) came into force in June 2023. Member States have three years from that date to transpose it into national law, i.e. by June 2026.
Ireland's Gender Pay Gap Information Act 2021 already complies with the basic requirements of the Directive. The implementation of this Act and associated regulations require employers to report their gender pay gap each year, and the measures that are being taken to eliminate or reduce the gap.
Department officials are currently examining the best approach to transpose the other elements of this Directive into Irish law. This Directive is crucial to empower workers, and especially women, to enforce their right to equal pay through a set of binding measures on pay transparency, to strengthen the transparency of pay systems, to improve public understanding of the relevant legal concepts, and to enhance enforcement of the rights and obligations relating to equal pay.
The Department is also aware of the need to ensure that employers are aware of their obligations under the Directive. There will be opportunities in the near future for stakeholders, particularly employers, to engage with the Department on issues such as available supports, as we move into the next phases of the transposition process.
165. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if he will introduce statutory leave entitlements for those undergoing fertility treatment such as IVF, and for those who experience early miscarriage, in light of the emotional, physical and financial burden involved; if he will support the passage and implementation of the Organisation of Working Time (Reproductive Health Related Leave) Bill 2021, which proposes dedicated leave of ten days for fertility treatment and 20 days for early miscarriage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34573/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recognise the enormous, personal impact that pregnancy loss has on expectant parents and I wish to extend my sympathies to all parents who have suffered such a tragic loss. I am also conscious of the pressures that are experienced by those undergoing fertility treatment.
My officials are examining the findings of a qualitative research study to examine the workplace experiences of parents coping with pregnancy loss with an aim to informing potential supports. The study, ‘PLACES | Pregnancy Loss (under 24 weeks) in Workplaces: Informing Policymakers on Support Mechanisms’, examines whether policy interventions are required at a national level to support these bereaved parents in the workplace. The study focuses on people who experience pregnancy loss prior to 24 weeks’ gestation, as people who have a pregnancy loss after 24 weeks’ gestation can avail of full maternity leave and paternity leave entitlements.
Officials in my Department are also in the process of developing the next National Strategy for Women and Girls, and the research will also inform this work. They will also engage with officials in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with regard to the issues raised in the Organisation of Working Time (Reproductive Health) Bill 2021.
Family leave provisions are kept under review to ensure that they are appropriate to the needs of working parents.
