Written Answers Nos. 661-680
661. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Social Protection the take up to date of the concession of free travel to those medically unfit to drive; and the number of children who will benefit from free travel. [51914/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Free Travel scheme provides free travel on the main public transport services and on private transport services operating the Free Travel scheme. There are over 1.1 million customers with direct eligibility for Free Travel.
As part of Budget 2024, Free Travel was extended to people who are medically certified as unfit to drive.
From 29th July 2024, the measure extended access to the Free Travel scheme to:
• people who have never been medically fit to drive due to a disability; and
• drivers who have a license and have been deemed medically unfit to drive for a period of one year or longer.
There is no requirement to satisfy a means test or that the person be in receipt of a Social Protection payment to qualify for Free Travel for those medically unfit to drive.
Application forms are available to download online at www.gov.ie/ft. Alternatively, application forms are available from any Intreo Centre, or by contacting the Free Travel Section by telephone at 0818 200 400 or by email at freetravelqueries@welfare.ie. Information in relation to Free Travel is also available on the Citizen's Information website.
3,478 customers are benefiting from this extension to the Free Travel scheme at end August 2025 (see table by county in the attached document).
Currently 288 children under the age of 16 are entitled to the Free Travel scheme.
Earlier this month, my colleague, the Minister for Transport launched the TFI Child Leap Card, extending free travel on all TFI services to children between 5 to 8 years of age. This measure was announced as part of the Budget 2025 package of measures and delivers on the Programme for Government commitment to make public transport more affordable and accessible for families.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
FTM Awarded by County Up to 31/08/2025
|
Carlow |
24 |
|
Cavan |
31 |
|
Clare |
68 |
|
Cork |
364 |
|
Donegal |
92 |
|
Dublin |
1340 |
|
Galway |
172 |
|
Kerry |
64 |
|
Kildare |
183 |
|
Kilkenny |
36 |
|
Laois |
55 |
|
Leitrim |
22 |
|
Limerick |
116 |
|
Longford |
24 |
|
Louth |
104 |
|
Mayo |
82 |
|
Meath |
137 |
|
Monaghan |
24 |
|
Offaly |
41 |
|
Roscommon |
31 |
|
Sligo |
54 |
|
Tipperary |
93 |
|
Waterford |
80 |
|
Westmeath |
42 |
|
Wexford |
84 |
|
Wicklow |
115 |
|
Grand Total |
3478 |
662. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of children on child benefit payments; and the way that number has been affected by the extension of payments to those in full-time education up to their 19th birthday. [51915/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraChild Benefit is a monthly payment to the parents or guardians of children under 16. You can also receive Child Benefit for children aged 16, 17 and 18 if they are in full-time education or full-time training, or have a disability and cannot support themselves.
The scheme was expanded in May 2024 to include children up to the month of their 19th birthday who are in full-time education. At the end of August 2025, there were 1,273,141 children on a Child Benefit claim. Of these, approximately 65,000 were aged 18.
663. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection his views on his Department increasing the allowance for pensioners over the age of 80. [51926/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Over 80 allowance is an increase of €10 per week on the basic pension rate, which is automatically awarded to qualified pensioners on attaining 80 years of age. Those aged 80 or over in receipt of the Carer's Allowance will also receive the Over 80 allowance. Only one such allowance is payable in respect of each primary payment. At the end of August 2025, 203,469 people were in receipt of this payment.
There are also a range of secondary payments available to pensioners, where applicable:
• A pensioner who is living alone can receive the Living-Alone Increase of €22 in addition to the primary social welfare payment.
• The Free Travel Scheme is available to people over 66 years, to carers and to people in receipt of certain disability type payments.
• The Household Benefits Package is a supplementary payment to assist with the cost of electricity or gas bill. It also includes a TV licence.
• Fuel Allowance is a payment to help with the cost of home heating during the winter months. It is paid to only one person in a household.
• Telephone Support Allowance when a person is in receipt of a qualifying payment AND the Living Alone Increase AND the Fuel Allowance.
• The Increase for Living on a Specified Island - or Island Allowance off the coast of Ireland - is an increase of €20 in the weekly rate of certain social welfare payments.
The rate of primary and secondary payments to pensioners, and their adequacy, are considered in the context of the annual budgetary process. In doing so, the Government considers evidence from a wide range of sources, including agencies such as the CSO, and also research submitted by advocacy groups such as the Vincentian Partnership for Social Justice, who measure the “Minimum Essential Standard of Living (MESL)”.
Any change to the rate payable for the over 80’s allowance will have to be considered in an overall budgetary context.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
664. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will provide clarification on the payment under the hot meals suppliers programme to specific schools (details supplied) in counties Leitrim and Roscommon. [51933/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe objective of the School Meals Programme is to provide regular, nutritious food to children to support them in taking full advantage of the education provided to them. The programme is an important component of policies to encourage school attendance and extra educational achievement.
The status of the schools for the 2025/26 year stated by the deputy above are as follows:
|
Aughawillan NS |
Claim Awarded and payment has issued |
|
Kilnagross NS |
Claim Awarded and payment has issued |
|
Drumlea NS |
Claim Awarded and payment has issued |
|
Ballinamore NS |
Pending - Awaiting further Information |
|
Strabaggan NS |
Claim Awarded and payment has issued |
|
Kingsland Boyle NS |
Claim Awarded and payment has issued |
|
Drumboylan NS |
Pending - Awaiting further Information |
|
Frenchpark NS |
No application received to date |
My Department provides the funding to the schools in two tranches. The first payment is made after the school submits a fully completed application and their claim is processed. The second payment issues in the first week in January.
The primary relationship is between the school and supplier. The school meals funding is paid into a dedicated bank account held by the school for The School Meals Programme. The supplier invoices are paid by the school from this account. The payment of these invoices is a matter for the school.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
665. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Social Protection if his Department is reviewing the housing assistance payment and rent supplement rules to ensure victims of domestic violence are not penalised or displaced in tenancy disputes where barring or exclusion orders are in place. [52037/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe accommodation needs of victims of domestic violence are met through a joined-up service delivery model provided by Tusla with the close involvement of the various housing authorities nationwide.
The Rent Supplement scheme is administered by my Department. Access to Rent Supplement can be provided on referral by Tusla or by prescribed Tusla-funded service providers. This provides victims of domestic violence with a fast track approval and screening process with a simplified means test to get immediate access to Rent Supplement so that they are not prevented from leaving their home because of financial concerns.
The standard Rent Supplement means test does not apply to these applicants for an initial three-month period. After three months, a further three-month extension may be provided, subject to the usual Rent Supplement means assessment.
After six months, if the tenant has a long-term housing need, they can apply to their local housing authority for social housing supports and, if eligible, will be able to access the Housing Assistance Payment. As the Deputy may be aware, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is responsible for the Housing Assistance Payment.
It is worth noting that the Residential Tenancies Board are available to provide a dispute resolution service to tenants and landlords.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
666. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps he will take to ensure that workers subject to auto-enrolment for pensions will be entitled to make decisions about where their pension fund is invested; if there are ethical investment protocols; if workers will get to set the parameters of the way in which the investment is applied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52154/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra667. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will ensure there is not an additional cost on charities from the pension auto-enrolment policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52155/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra668. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will commit to safeguarding funding from central Government for charitable organisations and registered charities in relation to costs associated with the pension auto-enrolment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52156/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 666 to 668, inclusive, together.
The introduction of a pensions auto-enrolment (AE) system is a Programme for Government commitment, and one of my key priorities as Minister for Social Protection. The aim of introducing an AE system is to address the pension coverage gap that exists in Ireland, and to help provide for better retirement incomes for workers. The new system will be called 'My Future Fund' and it will launch from 1st January 2026.
The investment approach and rules are set out clearly at Part 4 of the Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings System Act 2024. In line with that, there will be three investment strategies - lower, medium and higher risk - available to participants. The investment objective of each these funds will be defined by reference to a specific ESMA (European Securities and Markets Authority) rating or an acceptable alternative scale and methodology used for the purpose of indicating the level of risk applicable.
All participants will initially be brought into the default strategy, which will involve moving their invested assets from the higher risk strategy to the medium risk strategy and then to the lower risk strategy, according to a defined age-driven timeline set out in Section 70 of the Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings System Act 2024. The participants are placed in the higher risk strategy when the time before the participant reaches the State pension age of 66 years is more than 15 years. A participant is then moved to the medium risk strategy when the time before the participant reaches State pension age is 15 years or less but more than 5 years. Alternatively, they may be placed here from the start if they already satisfy the age requirements. Finally, they are moved to the lower risk strategy when the time before the participant reaches State pension age is 5 years or less. Again, alternatively, they may be placed here from the start if they already satisfy the age requirements. Most participants are expected to stay in the default strategy. However, they will have the option of choosing any one of the three funds at any time.
While all investments must be made in accordance with the prudent person rule, and in the best long term interests of the participants in the scheme, each of the investment strategies will have specific ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) requirements, as set out in Sections 74 and 75 of the Act. Section 74 requires investment management providers to take into account the long-term impact of investment decisions on environmental, social and governance factors. Section 75 is also of particular note as it provides for a number of provisions that must be included in contracts with investment management providers relating to environmental and other matters. These include that investment management service providers must:
• make provision in their risk management system to take account of risks arising from environmental, social and governance factors;
• conduct, at intervals of not more than 3 years, an assessment of the risks arising from environmental, social and governance factors, and report to the National Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings Authority on the assessment; and
• prepare, and from time to time revise, a statement describing how considerations arising from environmental, social and governance factors affect its investment decisions.
In the future, consideration may be given by the Board of the National Automatic Retirement Savings Authority to expanding investment options as part of the review of the system required by Section 43 of the Act. This in line with the typical trajectory of how retirement savings providers develop, whereby they generally start off with a limited number of investment options and gradually expand to alternative offerings such as green funds once their asset base sufficiently develops to ensure that such options can be provided in a cost-effective manner.
With regard to charitable organisations, employees of such organisations may be auto enrolled provided they meet eligibility requirements or such employees may opt in if that is not the case and they are not already contributing to a pension through that employment. Therefore, such organisations may face additional costs due to AE. However, it is important to note that AE will be a transformative scheme for many workers in Ireland who can now be sure that they will have some additional security in retirement above and beyond the State Pension. It would not be fair to the employees of charitable organisations if they were excluded from this landmark reform.
It should also be noted that my Department has been engaging with employers, including those in the community and voluntary sector, since the release of the AE 'strawman' public consultation in 2018. Its impending implementation has also been well flagged since the publication of the previous Programme for Government in 2020. Employers have been given a substantial lead-in period to budget appropriately for its introduction, including through budget negotiation with a sponsor where appropriate.
Finally, it is worth mentioning that the design of the AE system provides for phasing in of the contribution rates over a decade, starting at a very low 1.5% of gross earnings for the first three years. For community and voluntary organisations (and employers more generally), this approach gives very clear certainty as to the rates that will be applicable so as to facilitate the gradual absorption of these labour costs.
I hope this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
669. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of Garda cars and vans attached to Limerick Garda division as of 19 September 2025; If he will provide same figures as of 30 September 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51118/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Garda authorities that, as of 31 August 2025, there were 3,675 vehicles attached to the Garda fleet. This represents an increase of over 18% since the end of December 2020.
In the interest of transparency, An Garda Síochána publishes information on the Garda fleet. For the Deputy’s information, detailed statistics relating to the Garda Fleet are publicly available on the Garda website at the following link:
https://www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/finance-services/finance-fleet-management.html
The Deputy should select Finance Fleet Management and access the file titled “Fleet Management Report August 2025” for a breakdown of Garda vehicles as at 31 August 2025, the latest date for when figures are available. Figures for September 2022 are also available by following the link provided.
The Garda Commissioner is responsible under Section 33 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 for the distribution and deployment of the Garda fleet across the State. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
670. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of additional Gardaí assigned to Cork city and county since January 2024, by station. [51164/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the interest of transparency, An Garda Síochána publishes data on the allocation of Gardaí by Division, Station and rank. This can be found at the following link:
https://www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/human-resources-and-people-development/garda-hr-directorate/garda-strength-breakdown-2025/
The Deputy should select the Garda Workforce figures for the latest available month and access the file titled “Garda members by Division District Station 2009 to present” for a breakdown of Gardaí by Garda station going back to 2009.
In relation to the number of Probationer Gardaí assigned to a Division from the Garda College, the Deputy should choose the sheet titled 'Allocation of Probationer Gardaí by Division and Station 2015 to present'.
154 new Gardaí attested from the Garda College on 22 August 2025 and have been assigned to stations across the country. This cohort was the largest allocation of probationer Gardaí to Regions outside of Dublin in the past year, including 25 Probationer who were assigned to Garda Divisions Cork City and County.
The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution and stationing of Garda personnel throughout the State under Section 33 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024.
671. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will provide an update on the implementation of the National Action Plan Against Racism; and the steps being taken to ensure its impact is felt at community levels. [51245/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government recognises the importance of meaningful action to address racism and its impacts in Ireland. The 5-year National Action Plan Against Racism, or NAPAR, represents a whole-of-Government approach to achieving this, as racism is a cross-cutting issue that necessitates action by Government, public bodies, private bodies, communities and individuals.
The National Action Plan Against Racism (NAPAR): Second Implementation Report 2024 was recently published on the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration’s website. It is available here:
https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-justice-home-affairs-and-migration/publications/national-action-plan-against-racism-second-implementation-report-2024/
This is the second iteration of the Implementation Report for the 2024 period and was published alongside a data report on the impact of the NAPAR.
Department officials continue to meet and work with a wide range of other Government departments and public sector bodies to progress the implementation of relevant actions under NAPAR for 2025.
The Ireland Against Racism Fund (IARF), launched in May 2023, and is an important element in supporting the implementation of the NAPAR.
The overall objective of this fund is to provide funding for national and regional projects, as well as local initiatives, that aim to combat racism and foster racial equality and community cohesion. 57 projects amounting to €2.4 million have been funded under the scheme to date.
A funding call for the 2025 IARF has recently closed, and successful candidates will receive funding grants in the coming months.
672. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the timeline of the implementation of regulations for periodic payment orders indexation rates (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51288/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, a Working Group on the Indexation rate for Periodic Payment Orders, to advise on an appropriate index, was established following a High Court determination that the index used in primary legislation was unworkable. As part of a two-stage process, the primary legislation governing PPOs has been amended to allow for the Minister for Justice to set the rate by way of secondary legislation.
The recommendations of the Working Group that the Periodic Payment Index should comprise a combination of harmonised index of consumer prices (HICP) and Annual Rate of Change (ARC) in nominal hourly health earnings for the health sector were subsequently approved. Drafting of the necessary Regulations is at an advanced stage and I hope to be able to bring the Regulations into operation shortly.
673. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the steps his Department are taking to alleviate the backlog in visa applications, particularly for de facto partners of Irish nationals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51302/25]
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. All preclearance applications for De Facto partners of Irish nationals are considered by the Dublin Visa Office.
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 eight months of 2025, my Department's Visa Division received approximately 151,000 visa applications and has issued over 134,000 decisions. This reflects an increase in applications of 5% compared to the same period in 2024. My officials are working to meet the increased level of demand, and over 5,500 additional visa decisions have issued in the first eight months of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024.
I can advise the Deputy that preclearance programmes for De Facto partners of Irish nationals and of non-EEA nationals who hold a Critical Skills Employment Permit or Hosting Agreements were introduced in 2019. The number of preclearance applications for De Facto partners has increased from 287 in 2023, to 371 in 2024. In the first eight months of 2025, 245 preclearance applications for De Facto partners have been received.
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 or preclearance that my Department is doing everything possible to progress these applications as quickly as possible. Staffing levels are kept under ongoing review having regard to demands placed on my Department’s Immigration Service Delivery function generally. This year additional resources and staff have been assigned to my Department’s Visa Division in response to the growing demand for these services.
The current processing times of applications for join family visas varies depending on the circumstances when the application is made. If a non-EEA national is moving to Ireland because they have been granted a Critical Skills Employment Permit they can apply for join family visas at the same time as their own employment visa. When these visas are applied for together, they are processed in tandem and are typically completed in under eight weeks. My Department aims to process join family visa applications made in other circumstances within 12 months.
I can assure the Deputy the majority of join family visas receive a first instance decision within the 12 month business target; in the first eight months of 2025 the average processing time for a join family application was 100 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.
Where an application is of poor quality or where essential documentation is missing, it will inevitably add substantial additional time to the decision making process. My Department’s website https://www.irishimmigration.ie/ and the online application AVATS system provides clear guidelines to assist the applicant in making good quality and complete applications.
Visa and preclearance applications provide legal avenues for people moving to Ireland for employment, study and family reasons and also to facilitate visitors who wish to travel for business and/or tourism. It is important to recall these applications are screening processes, designed to establish that the person has a legitimate reason to come to Ireland prior to travel. Verifying an application is an important part of our immigration system and the checks involved can take time to complete. The vast majority of visa applications are determined in a matter of weeks. However, some applications, in particular those to join family members here, can take considerably longer.
The requirement to make an application for preclearance applies to both visa and non-visa required non-EEA De Facto partners of Irish nationals. If the person is from a visa required country the visa and preclearance application are considered together. In order to be eligible for a De Facto permission the De Facto partners must be able to demonstrate sufficient evidence of their relationship, including, cohabitation of 2 years or more together, evidence of financial inter-dependence and detailed information of their relationship history. Further details regarding the preclearance programmes are available at the following link:
https://www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-join-family-in-ireland/
The current processing times for visa and preclearance applications decisions are available here:
www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/
Please note, the date published on the website is the oldest date of application currently being processed under a given category. However, it should be noted that the Visa team continue to process and make decisions on applications received after the published processing date. At this time, the oldest date of preclearance applications is 01 August 2024 for an application sponsored by an Irish national.
If a particular application takes longer to consider this may result in the published processing date remaining unchanged. I can assure you that this does not indicate the processing of these applications has halted overall.
674. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the estimated cost per modular unit at the time of project initiation in June 2022; the revised estimates subsequently adopted; the current average cost; and to set out the principal factors accounting for the increase, with an estimate of the contribution of each factor to the final cost. [51320/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn June 2022, the Government authorised the roll-out of the Rapid Build Homes Programme to provide homes for those displaced by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This programme was an emergency response to the accommodation needs of people fleeing the war in Ukraine. Sanction was initially obtained for 500 units to accommodate 2,000 BOTPs. This was subsequently revised to 700 units in 2023 with an estimated cost of €237.4m.
The urgent need and dynamic nature of the programme meant that as sites became available and suitability assessments carried out, the number of units was further revised to 654. Costs have developed in real time with the increases reflecting significant challenges through the nature of the project itself, and also the wider economic and supply chain environment. As ‘Housing for All’ sites were excluded from the Programme to the greatest extent possible, many of the sites provided proved to be challenging and sub-optimal for site development works. In addition, owing to the constraints of sites ultimately delivered, economies of scale proved challenging to realise. This resulted in significant additional costs to the overall programme.
The final average cost per home will comprise capital and other costs. The capital costs include significant work that was required to enable and prepare each of the 11 sites, to ensure the provision of necessary infrastructure and services and also the manufacture, delivery, installation and commissioning of the modular homes complete with fittings, furnishings and equipment. The other costs include all necessary technical advice required and various other non-capital costs over the course of the Programme. It is expected that the final account for the overall Programme will be concluded over the coming weeks. The estimated Rapid Build programme cost is currently €285.3m, an average cost per units (including groundworks) of €436k.
While the cost increases have been significant, the indications are that deploying rapid build homes to house 2,640 people will deliver significant savings for the State within five years compared to other forms of accommodation.
Each of the developed sites has been future proofed and accordingly can be used for further housing needs as the expected life span of the units is approximately 60 years. As Government policy continues to evolve in relation to the Ukraine response and International Protection, a multi-stakeholder process is underway to determine the long-term strategy for the sites, following the Temporary Protection Directive. Other options for long-term use will also be considered.
675. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the average waiting time for a join family visa (category B), by month, from January 2019 to August 2025 for those whose family reside in Pakistan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51325/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra676. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the average waiting time for a join family visa (category B), by month, from January 2019 to August 2025, for those whose family reside in India; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51326/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra677. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the reason there is a difference in waiting time for a join family visa (category B) for those whose family reside in Pakistan and India; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51327/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 675 to 677, inclusive, together.
I can advise the Deputy that there are currently seven overseas Visa Offices in addition to the Visa Office in Dublin. They are located in Abuja, Beijing, London, Moscow, Ankara, Abu Dhabi and New Delhi. Most join family visa applications made by residents of India are considered by the Visa Office in New Delhi. All join family visa applications made by residents of Pakistan are considered by the Dublin Visa Office.
The current processing times of applications for join family visas varies depending on the circumstances when the application is made. If a non-EEA national is moving to Ireland because they have been granted a Critical Skills Employment Permit they can apply for join family visas at the same time as their own employment visa. When these visas are applied for together, they are processed in tandem and are typically completed in under eight weeks. My Department aims to process join family visa applications made in other circumstances within 12 months.
My Department does not collate average processing times in the manner requested but I can assure the Deputy that while processing times can vary across the different Visa Offices the majority of join family visas receive a first instance decision within the 12 month business target; in the first eight months of 2025 the average processing time for a join family application was 100 days. However, some applications can take considerably longer.
I can advise the Deputy that currently the New Delhi Visa Office’s target processing times for join family visas sponsored by a Category B sponsor is 60 working days for a first instance decision.
At this time the Dublin Visa Office is considering applications in this category received from 07 February 2024, the date published on the website of the Dublin Visa Office is the oldest date of application currently being processed under a given category. However, it should be noted that the Visa team continue to process and make decisions on applications received after the published processing date. If a particular application takes longer to consider this may result in the published processing date remaining unchanged. I can assure you that this does not indicate the processing of these applications has halted overall. Processing times and decisions at the Dublin Visa Office and the Overseas Visa Offices can be checked at the following link:
https://www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/
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.
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 eight months of 2025, my Department's Visa Division received approximately 151,000 visa applications and has issued over 134,000 decisions. This reflects an increase in applications of 5% compared to the same period in 2024. My officials are working to meet the increased level of demand, and over 5,500 additional visa decisions have issued in the first eight months of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024.
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. Staffing levels are kept under ongoing review having regard to demands placed on my Department’s Immigration Service Delivery function generally. This year additional resources and staff have been assigned to my Department’s Visa Division in response to the growing demand for these services.
678. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for an update on the development of a new family justice strategy to succeed the current strategy, which concludes in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51338/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe first Family Justice Strategy was published in November 2022 for the period 2022-2025. This ambitious Strategy outlines the steps needed to create a more efficient and user-friendly family justice system that puts the family and children at the centre of its work. This is being achieved through the implementation of over 50 actions across nine goals, with timelines for delivery up to the end of 2025.
A number of these actions have already been completed, with a mid-term progress report published in September 2024. The Progress Report can be read here: https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/progress-report-on-the-family-justice-strategy-2022-2025.pdf
The Family Justice Implementation Group is leading in the implementation of the Family Justice Strategy and comprises representatives of the Department of Justice, the Courts Service, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, the Legal Aid Board, the Judiciary at District, Circuit and High Court level, and of the County Registrars Association.
While many actions in the current strategy have been achieved, much remains to be done to deliver on others, including preparing for the implementation of the Family Courts Act 2024 and ensuring that our reforms are child-centred and promote their constitutional rights to have their voice heard in certain proceedings. I have asked my officials to continue working to deliver on the current strategy, before commencing work on its successor in due course.
679. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his Department is aware of the current delays associated with new citizens receiving their certificates of naturalisation; if consideration has been given to an arrangement for individuals who have recently received their citizenship to be able to register to vote in advance of receiving their naturalisation certificates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51343/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll certificates of naturalisation for attendees of a citizenship ceremony are issued via registered post. Applicants can expect to receive their certificate within around a month of the date of the ceremony.
With regards to the matters raised, the Deputy will appreciate that electoral matters are not my Department's responsibility. However, my Department is doing everything possible to ensure that new citizens receive their certificates as soon as possible.
By not issuing certificates on the day of the ceremonies, my Department has been able to simplify the administrative steps required to be completed on the day. This in turn has made it possible to significantly increase the number of attendees who can attend any one day of ceremonies, and to reduce the time it takes for people to complete the naturalisation process.
These steps are part of an overall programme of work to speed up the naturalisation process for applicants. This includes introducing an online digital application, online payments, and the introduction of eVetting.
My Department held 24 citizenship ceremonies last year, an increase from 15 held in 2023, and 6 in 2022. My Department has already held 19 ceremonies this year and will continue to hold more ceremonies on a regular basis.
In just over two years the Citizenship Division of my Department has gone from processing around 12,000 applications a year to processing over 20,000 applications in 2023 and more than 31,000 decisions in 2024.
680. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of files referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions regarding individuals involved in the disorder in Dublin city centre on 23 November 2023. [51352/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraGarda authorities have advised there have been 98 people arrested in relation to their alleged offending in the disorder in Dublin city centre on 23 November 2023. Of those 98, 76 have been charged with offences. A further 10 juveniles were dealt with under the Garda Youth Diversion Programme.
46 investigation files have been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in relation to individuals suspected of involvement in the disorder on the 23 November 2023.
11 additional files are currently being finalised by the investigation team and will be forwarded to the Office of the DPP in due course.
Garda authorities also advise that not all incidents require a file to be forwarded to the Office of the DPP and that in respect of certain minor offences, An Garda Síochána will bring cases before the District Court.
In total 28 people have been convicted to date, which includes 5 Circuit Court convictions and 23 District Court convictions.
