Written Answers Nos. 409-432
409. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration his views on departmental reviews of the temporary release of persons convicted of certain offences and section 29 of the Judicial Council Act 2019. [53301/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraA review of minimum sentences was carried out by my Department in accordance section 29 of the Judicial Council Act 2019.
The resulting report, which was laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas in May 2024, recommended the repeal of statutory provisions which provide that persons sentenced to the presumptive minimum term of imprisonment for various offences are ineligible for temporary release and parole.
This recommendation will be kept under review in the context of my Department's legislative programme.
410. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration in relation to the proposed payments to asylum seekers to leave the State, the protections in place to prevent re-entry by those who have received payment to leave the State; the protections in place to avoid this payment being used as a draw to the State, encouraging more asylum seekers to travel here to receive this payment; if such persons are found not to be genuine asylum seekers, the reason the State will not just deport them without having to pay them money to leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53318/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is a central priority for me that Ireland’s immigration system is robust and rules based. Returning people who do not have permission to remain in Ireland is undertaken through voluntary returns and deportation. Both types of returns are essential for the system to work effectively and to ensure that there is confidence in the application of our legislation in this area.
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. It is important to note that a person can only avail of voluntary return before a deportation order is issued. In 2024, 934 people left Ireland by way of voluntary return. This year 1,212 people have left up to 3 October 2025, which is an increase of 106% compared to the same period in 2024.
A person who is intending to avail of voluntary return can arrange their return independently or they can be assisted with travel costs, financial aid and administrative support by my Department or through my Department’s partner, the UN’s International Organisation for Migration (IOM). The option of voluntary return is not offered to those convicted of serious criminality.
The voluntary return service comprises of pre-departure counselling, organising travel arrangements and the payment of a reintegration grant.
Part of the voluntary return process is reintegration assistance. The current level of reintegration assistance offered is up to €1,200 per person and €2,000 per family unit. Last week, I announced that for a limited time, people who were in the International Protection process before 28 September 2025, will be offered increased reintegration assistance if they choose to avail of voluntary return at an earlier stage in the process. Anyone who enters the country and applies for International Protection after this date, will not be eligible for the enhanced reintegration supports.
This means if a person decides to opt for voluntary return up to receiving a first instance decision or before appealing a negative first instance decision their assistance will be increased to €2,500 per person to a maximum of €10,000 per family unit. If they are in the appeals process and decide to voluntary return up to an appeal decision issuing their assistance will increase, but to the lower amount of €1,500 per person and to a maximum of €6,000 per family unit. If they receive a final decision on their application, assistance will only increase for families to a maximum of €3,000 per family unit.
Increasing reintegration assistance for those at an earlier stage in the process is aimed at reducing the costs to the State and pressure on the system from the high numbers of applications received in 2023 and 2024.
My officials have reviewed a wide range of arrangements across the EU and the higher levels of support are considered to be generally in line with EU norms in this area. I will be carefully monitoring this incentive to ensure it is working effectively and as intended which is to reduce costs to the State and alleviate pressure on the migration system. The higher level of grants will only be available to those in the process before 28 September 2025. It will not be available to those who apply after this date.
There are strict safeguards in place for reintegration assistance it can only be availed of once and only provided when the person’s departure from the State is confirmed. The reintegration allowance is administered only in the country of return and my Department can stop the payment if it believes the allowance is at risk of being misused.
People leaving under the voluntary programme are required to provide my officials with documentary evidence that they have left within three days of their arrival in their home country. This can include evidence of flight tickets, boarding passes, the bio-data page of their passports and the re-entry stamp in their passport with the passport number clearly shown.
In many instances, those availing of voluntary return will also be met by officials from my Department or by IOM, to ensure that their return journey is facilitated through Dublin Airport and that their departure is confirmed.
Further information and evidence will be requested if the supporting documentation submitted is not sufficient to confirm that the person has left the State. People who do not submit the required documentation within the timeframes are advised that their cases will be reverted for further processing which may result in a deportation order issuing if the person is not confirmed to have left the State.
I can assure the Deputy, in the vast majority of cases, the costs of removing people by enforced deportation would be significantly higher than by voluntary return. When people leave under the voluntary return programme they are cooperating and do not need to be detained prior to departure, or escorted by members of An Garda Síochána on the flight. It is in everyone’s best interest that people avail of the option to voluntary return when offered as an alternative to deportation.
411. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Question No.1560 from 8 September 2025, if he has received the necessary information in order to answer this question. [53355/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that Parliamentary Question No. 1560 of 8 September 2025 sought the number of Gardai, by rank attached to Meath-Westmeath divisional protective services bureau, in tabular form.
I can confirm that the reply to the Deputy's follow on Parliamentary Question, No. 448 of 7 October 2025, has issued from my office to the Deputy.
412. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of unmarked cars and vans attached to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) as of 30 September 2025; the number of new cars and vans added to GNIB fleet in 2024 and to-date in 2025; and the number of cars and vans withdrawn from GNIB fleet during the same period, in tabular form. [53356/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána under Section 33 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024. This includes all operational policing matters, such as the allocation and deployment of Garda resources, and determining the manner in which Garda resources are to be distributed and stationed throughout the State. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, as of 30 September 2025, there were 3,678 vehicles attached to the Garda fleet. This represents an increase of over 18% since the end of December 2020.
Garda authorities have provided the below table which shows the number of Cars and Vans attached to GNIB and the number of Cars and Vans allocated to and removed from GNIB fleet in 2024 and in 2025 as at 30 September 2025.
Cars and Vans attached to GNIB as at 30 September 2025
|
- |
Cars |
Vans |
|
As at 30.09.25 |
33 |
3 |
Cars and Vans allocated to and removed from GNIB fleet in 2024 and in 2025 as at 30 September 2025
|
- |
Allocated 2024 |
Removed 2024 |
Allocated 2025 |
Removed 2025 |
|
Cars |
0 |
0 |
4 |
1 |
|
Vans |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
All vehicles attached to GNIB are unmarked. The purchase and allocation of vehicles by An Garda Síochána is made on the basis of identified operational demands, the availability of resources and is reviewed on a continual basis.
413. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of juvenile liaison officers across each Garda district for each of the years 2020 to 2025. [53370/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraJuvenile Liaison Officers (JLOs) are sworn members of An Garda Síochána and are appointed at Divisional level on full time JLO duties.
The Garda National Youth Diversion Bureau has responsibility for the selection, training, support and ongoing liaison with a network of Juvenile Liaison Officers in every Garda Community Engagement Area.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that, as of 31 August 2025, there were 115 JLOs based throughout the country who are tasked with supporting the Director in the administration, consideration as to suitability, caution, monitoring and implementation of the Youth Diversion Programme.
The number of JLOs in each Division from 2020 to 31 August 2025 is in the below table:
|
Division |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
CLARE |
2 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
- |
- |
|
TIPPERARY |
3 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
- |
- |
|
CLARE/TIPPERARY |
- |
- |
- |
- |
5
|
5
|
|
CORK CITY
|
7 |
7 |
7 |
7
|
7
|
7
|
|
CORK NORTH |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
- |
- |
|
CORK WEST |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
- |
- |
|
CORK COUNTY
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
5
|
5
|
|
DMR EAST
|
6 |
6 |
5 |
5
|
6
|
6
|
|
DMR NORTH
|
7 |
8 |
13 |
14
|
14
|
14
|
|
DMR NORTH CENTRAL
|
4 |
4 |
4 |
1
|
4
|
4
|
|
DMR SOUTH
|
10 |
9 |
10 |
10
|
8
|
9
|
|
DMR SOUTH CENTRAL
|
5 |
5 |
4 |
4
|
5
|
5
|
|
DMR WEST
|
9 |
11 |
10 |
10
|
11
|
11
|
|
DONEGAL
|
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3
|
3
|
|
GALWAY
|
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4
|
4
|
|
KERRY
|
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4
|
3
|
|
KILDARE
|
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3
|
-
|
|
KILDARE/CARLOW |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
3 |
|
KILKENNY/CARLOW
|
2 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
2
|
-
|
|
LAOIS / OFFALY
|
3 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
3
|
3
|
|
LIMERICK
|
6 |
6 |
6 |
6
|
6
|
6
|
|
LOUTH |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
- |
- |
|
CAVAN/MONAGHAN |
2 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
- |
- |
|
LOUTH/CAVAN/MONAGHAN
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
5
|
5
|
|
MAYO |
2 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
- |
- |
|
ROSCOMMON/LONGFORD |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
- |
- |
|
MAYO/ROSCOMMON/LONGFORD
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
4
|
4
|
|
MEATH |
3 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
- |
- |
|
WESTMEATH |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
- |
- |
|
MEATH/WESTMEATH
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
5
|
5
|
|
SLIGO/LEITRIM
|
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1
|
1
|
|
WATERFORD
|
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4
|
-
|
|
WATERFORD/KILKENNY |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
5 |
|
WEXFORD |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
- |
- |
|
WICKLOW |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
- |
- |
|
WEXFORD/WICKLOW
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
6
|
7
|
|
Total
|
109 |
108 |
109 |
110
|
115
|
115
|
It should be noted that with the completion of the rollout of the Garda Operating Model to all Garda Divisions, stations are now aligned to Community Engagement Functional Areas. The term 'district' is no longer in operational use.
It should also be noted that several Divisions have amalgamated in the period referenced by the Deputy and this is reflected in the table above.
414. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the name, location and staffing allocation in each youth diversion project in the country in 2025. [53371/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to improving outcomes for young people at risk of a life of criminality through investment in evidence-based youth justice services.
Youth Diversion Projects (YDPs) are community-based multi-agency crime prevention initiatives, which seek to divert young people who have become involved in crime or antisocial behaviour and to support wider preventative work within the community and with families at risk. They provide an invaluable support to complement the work of An Garda Síochána in addressing youth crime and protecting local communities and I was very pleased to secure additional funding to underpin their nationwide coverage in Budget 2026.
I can advise that a total of 548.90 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) Youth Justice Workers are currently employed in YDPs nationwide.
The following table outlines the names of the individual projects, location and their staffing allocation.
|
Location |
Total YDP workers (FTE) |
|
ABLE, Ballyfermot ,Dublin 10 |
7.00 |
|
ACORN, Edenderry,Co. Offaly |
4.25 |
|
ALF, Athlone,Co. Westmeath |
4.00 |
|
Athy, Athy ,Co. Kildare |
4.30 |
|
Balbriggan (North Fingal) |
8.00 |
|
BALL, Balbriggan,Co. Dublin |
3.00 |
|
Ballymun Youth Block (BYB), Ballymun,Dublin 11 |
6.56 |
|
Bandon, Bandon,Co. Cork |
4.00 |
|
BEAT, Blanchardstown,Dublin 15 |
7.00 |
|
Boyne, Drogheda,Co. Louth |
5.00 |
|
Bradóg (MOST), Rotunda,Dublin 1 |
9.40 |
|
Bray New Directions, Bray,Co. Wicklow |
4.00 |
|
Bridge, Celbridge,Co. Kildare |
3.80 |
|
Brú, Crumlin ,Dublin 12 |
3.00 |
|
CABLE, Drogheda,Co. Louth |
7.00 |
|
CASTLE, Carrickmines,Dublin 18 |
2.73 |
|
Castlebar Youth Action Project (CYAP), Castlebar,Co. Mayo |
3.00 |
|
Cavan 365, Cavan,Co. Cavan |
7.00 |
|
Claremorris, Claremorris,Co. Mayo |
3.00 |
|
CLAY, Crumlin ,Dublin 12 |
4.00 |
|
Cloyne Mobile Diversion (extension of Mallow YDP), Charleville/Middleton,Co. Cork |
5.00 |
|
CODY, Ballyfermot,Dublin 10 |
7.00 |
|
COMPASS, Kilkenny,Co. Kilkenny |
2.00 |
|
Cork City East (Douglas West, HERON, MAY), Douglas and Carrigaline and Mahon,Cork |
9.00 |
|
Cork City Northside (FAYRE, GAP, Knocknaheeny), Farranree and The Glen and Knocknaheeney,Cork |
13.00 |
|
Cork City South (BAP, TACT), Ballincollig and Togher, Co. Cork |
8.00 |
|
Corrib (Galway City and West (BÁN and Meas)), Galway,Co. Galway |
8.00 |
|
CYD, Clonmel,Co. Tipperary |
3.00 |
|
DAY, Dungarvan,Co. Waterford |
3.00 |
|
DEN (Nenagh), Nenagh ,Co. Tipperary |
3.00 |
|
Donegal (Donegal Division), Falcarragh,Co. Donegal |
11.00 |
|
Donnycarney, Donnycarney,Dublin 5 |
3.00 |
|
Dublin City South (DÁN, KRIB and Liberties), Dublin 8 |
10.00 |
|
East Tallaght (APT & KEY K(1)), Tallaght,Dublin 24 |
10.00 |
|
EDGE, Carrick on Suir,Co. Tipperary |
3.00 |
|
Ennis Youth, Ennis,Co. Clare |
3.00 |
|
EYE, Mullingar,Co. Westmeath |
4.00 |
|
Feabhas, Cobh,Co. Cork |
2.00 |
|
Finglas Youth Service, Finglas South,Dublin 11 |
14.73 |
|
Fusion, Tullamore,Co. Offaly |
4.00 |
|
GRAFT, Clondalkin,Dublin 22 |
3.00 |
|
HAY, Summerhill,Dublin 1 |
9.00 |
|
High Voltage, Dundalk ,Co. Louth |
3.00 |
|
HUB, Carlow,Co. Carlow |
5.00 |
|
Janus Justice, Limerick,Co. Limerick |
3.65 |
|
JETS, Swords,Co. Dublin |
8.00 |
|
Junction, Ballinasloe,Co. Galway |
6.00 |
|
KEEP (Kilmore West), Tralee,Co. Kerry |
11.00 |
|
Kerry KEY Service, Kilmore West,Dublin 5 |
17.00 |
|
Kilrush, Ennis,Co. Clare |
2.00 |
|
LAB, Dun Laoghaire,Co. Dublin |
6.43 |
|
LEAP, Longford,Co. Longford |
8.00 |
|
LIFE (Rathkeale and West Limerick), Rathkeale and Newcastle West,Co. Limerick |
11.00 |
|
Limerick Youth Service, Ballynanty,Limerick |
10.10 |
|
LOOP (Laois (BLOCK and PORT)), Portlaoise,Co. Laois |
8.00 |
|
Mallow, Mallow,Co. Cork |
2.50 |
|
MNYP, Monaghan,Co. Monaghan |
10.00 |
|
MOYROSS (CCYDG), Moyross,Limerick |
3.00 |
|
Naas, Naas,Co. Kildare |
5.50 |
|
North Bay, Donaghmede,Dublin 5 |
5.00 |
|
NOW (YEW), Ballyboden,Dublin 16 |
9.00 |
|
NYPD, Navan,Co. Meath |
7.80 |
|
ORB (Blanchardstown Merger of ORB and WEB), Blanchardstown,Dublin 15 |
9.00 |
|
PACT, Ferrybank,Waterford |
3.00 |
|
RAD, Roscommon,Co. Roscommon |
6.00 |
|
RAY, Roscrea,Co. Tipperary |
3.41 |
|
RUA/TRY, ,Dublin 8/12 |
13.34 |
|
SAFE, Wexford,Co. Wexford |
3.50 |
|
SAY, Sandyford,Dublin 18 |
2.73 |
|
SEM (LAR: NYPD Extension), Navan,Co. Meath |
7.00 |
|
Slaney, Enniscorthy,Co. Wexford |
4.00 |
|
SMART, Trim,Co. Meath |
5.61 |
|
Southside Youth Initiative, Limerick,Co. Limerick |
6.00 |
|
Step Up (Cabra Step Up), Cabra ,Dublin 7 |
4.70 |
|
SUB, Birr,Co. Offaly |
2.80 |
|
SWAN, Dunne Street,Dublin 1 |
10.54 |
|
SWAY, Waterford,Co. Waterford |
3.00 |
|
SWIFT, Clondalkin,Dublin 22 |
4.00 |
|
TAR, Tipperary,Co. Tipperary |
2.00 |
|
TEAM, Dundalk ,Co. Louth |
4.00 |
|
The CAN (Curragh Newbridge), Newbridge,Co. Kildare |
4.00 |
|
Treo Nua, Tuam,Co. Galway |
4.00 |
|
Treóin, New Ross,Co. Wexford |
3.80 |
|
TYRE, Tramore,Co. Waterford |
3.00 |
|
UCAN, Lucan,Co. Dublin |
6.55 |
|
Valley, Clondalkin,Dublin 22 |
3.00 |
|
WAY, Wicklow,Co. Wicklow |
13.00 |
|
West Cork, West Cork,Co. Cork |
8.00 |
|
West Tallaght (Boost, JAY & KEY F(2)), Tallaght,Dublin 24 |
12.80 |
|
Woodale, Darndale,Dublin 17 |
5.37 |
|
YAB, Ballina,Co. Mayo |
3.00 |
|
YAPSL, Sligo,Co. Sligo |
6.00 |
|
Youghal, Youghal,Co. Cork |
2.00 |
|
|
548.90 |
415. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to list the location of each probation service team across the country, and the staffing allocation per grade, for each service in 2025. [53372/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra416. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to list the location of each probation service team in Dublin, and the staffing allocation per grade, for each service in 2020 to 2025. [53373/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 415 and 416 together.
It has not been possible to collate the information requested by the Deputy in the time available. I will write to the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.
417. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the share of offenders that are offered restorative justice/practice as part of their sentencing in 2024, and to date in 2025. [53374/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed that the Courts Service is not in a position to supply the information requested by the Deputy as the consideration or offer of restorative justice by a judge is not recorded on their case management system.
Furthermore, in cases where restorative justice is part of the court outcome, this is recorded only as an “unusual result”, so a report on the number of cases where restorative justice took place cannot be produced.
I can advise the Deputy that in 2024 there were 129 referrals from the courts to the Probation Service for a restorative justice intervention. Equivalent data for 2025 is yet to be compiled.
I remain committed to progressing and implementing policies aimed at increasing the use of community sanctions that reduce offending, divert people away from imprisonment, and provide effective rehabilitation. Restorative justice is a key component of this work.
In April 2025, I approved the publication of the Probation Service restorative justice plan, ‘Restoring Relationships: Repairing Harm and Empowering Voices through Restorative Justice’. This plan aims to promote awareness and support increased use of restorative justice across the system. The plan also details how the Probation Service is further driving the integration of restorative justice into all its services.
Through its national Restorative Justice and Victim Services Unit (RJVSU), the Probation Service supports the integration of Restorative Justice models into client work. This includes victim empathy programmes, family/restorative conferences, reparation projects, and victim-offender dialogues. The RJVSU also provides training to Probation teams and supports CBO's in delivering restorative justice programmes.
Currently the Probation Service funds five CBO's to provide dedicated restorative justice programmes across 18 counties.
These are:
• Restorative Justice Services - Dublin, Meath, Wicklow and Kildare
• Restorative Justice in the Community - Tipperary, Laois, Offaly and Westmeath, Carlow, Kilkenny
• Le Chéile - Limerick, Cork, Clare and Kerry
• Cornmarket Project – Wexford
• Tuam Community Training Centre - Galway, Mayo, and Roscommon
In addition to the named projects, restorative practice approaches are used by all CBO's in their work with clients, so as to promote respectful relationships and address the harm caused by offending.
In 2024, €20 million of funding was provided for the continued development of 50 community based organisations, €1 million of which supported the development of capacity in CBO's that facilitate restorative justice services.
In Budget 2025, the Probation Service received a total budget of over €60 million to fund an expansion of crime-diversion programmes including restorative justice programmes and community-based alternatives to imprisonment.
The Service is currently inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from community-based organisations interested in employing dedicated Restorative Justice project workers to deliver restorative justice services in the Donegal, Sligo, Louth, Cavan and Monaghan areas. This will further support the availability of RJ interventions nationwide.
418. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the actions he intends to take regarding concerns that there was never a proper and thorough investigation into the 1975 bombing of Dublin airport (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53380/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra419. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the engagements he has had with British authorities regarding the 1975 bombing of Dublin Airport (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53381/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 418 and 419 together.
The bombing of Dublin Airport on 29 November 1975, which was carried out without warning, was a callous attack that killed one person and left eight others injured. It is deeply regrettable, as the fiftieth anniversary of this attack approaches next month, that, to date, no person has been held responsible.
Of course any new evidence that may come to light, from whatever source, whether that be the public, other police services or their own investigations, will be pursued by An Garda Síochána.
As the Deputy may be aware, the Dublin Airport Bombing is one of the cases under review by Operation Denton, part of the UK Kenova review. Operation Denton is an analytical review by the independent Kenova Investigation Team into the activities of a group of individuals known as the Glenanne Gang in Northern Ireland. It includes in its terms of reference consideration of whether the review of the cases associated with the Glennane Gang suggests that there were wider issues of collusion beyond those already established.
In 2022, to deliver on the Government’s strong desire and that of An Garda Síochána to cooperate with Operation Denton to the maximum extent possible, my predecessor took extraordinary measures to create a dedicated co-operation mechanism to enable the identification and transfer of relevant Garda materials to Operation Denton. This assistance has been acknowledged, including by Sir Iain Livingstone, the head of the Kenova review, who referenced the high level of co-operation being received from An Garda Síochána and the ongoing support of the Irish Government.
The publication of Operation Denton's report is anticipated in the coming months. I sincerely hope that its findings will shed new light on the Dublin Airport Bombing.
I can assure the Deputy that the Government is fully committed to seeking out the truth behind this appalling event and other unresolved Troubles-related incidents in this jurisdiction. This is reflected in the Programme for Government which clearly states that we will “Play our full part in legacy processes and address the legacy of the conflict in this jurisdiction.”
As the Deputy will be aware, the Government at its meeting on 1 October formally approved the Joint Framework on the Legacy of the Troubles agreed with the British Government and announced on 19 September last. As part of this, the Government has committed to facilitating the cooperation of the relevant Irish authorities with the UK Legacy Commission, once established, to the fullest extent possible. The UK Government also commits to reciprocal cooperation by the UK authorities with investigations, inquests and inquiries on the same basis and in the same spirit.
As recognised in the Joint Framework investigations into Troubles-related incidents should be victim-centred. To further support this objective, the Garda Commissioner has committed to the establishment by the end of this year of a dedicated unit as a central point of contact for victims and families in relation to Troubles-related investigations undertaken by An Garda Síochána. An Garda Síochána has also committed, where possible, to endeavour to answer questions that a family may have in relation to the investigation of a Troubles-related incident and provide a report to the family.
The provision of a family report may not prejudice an ongoing criminal investigation or prosecution. I am committed to keeping these arrangements under review.
In conclusion, I can assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to seeking out the truth behind these appalling events. To that end both the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, and I, will continue to raise unresolved legacy cases with the British Government and highlight the need for their authorities to cooperate with processes in this jurisdiction.
420. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the timeframe for when he expects to receive guidelines from the Judicial Committee established in July 2024, further to a review of the role of expert reports in the family law process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53388/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is fully committed to reforming the family justice system in Ireland and as part of the Family Justice Strategy 2022-2025, which was published in November 2022. 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 will be achieved through the implementation of over 50 actions across nine goals. Various actions in the Strategy have already been competed, including the publication of a wide-ranging review into the role of expert reports in the family law process on 13 June 2024.
The Review sets out 20 ambitious recommendations for reform, the implementation of which will, amongst other things, promote consistency and common standards in hearing the voice of the child and safeguarding their best interests. They include a recommendation to produce guidelines on the commissioning, content and use of welfare reports.
The Chief Justice has established a Judicial Committee to develop guidelines on the commissioning, content and use of welfare reports chaired by the Honourable Ms Justice Nuala Jackson of the High Court. The Committee is being supported by my Department and is expected to conclude its work shortly.
Once fully implemented, the recommendations in the Review will improve the quality of expert reports in family law proceedings, standardising practises relating to how they are developed in situations where they are required. They will support the judiciary in their decision making and ensure that children are at the centre of our efforts to improve outcomes for them and their families.
421. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the status of the six recommendations to address the issues linked to actions within the Family Justice Strategy, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53389/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra422. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the status of recommendations with the Parental Alienation Research Report and Policy Paper, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53390/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 421 and 422 together.
My Department committed to undertake both a public consultation and independent research on the topic of parental alienation. The findings of both were analysed and, arising from this, Departmental officials developed a policy paper on how to address the issue.
Both the paper and the report recognise that parental alienation is a highly contested and divisive concept. While there is little concrete information on the exact extent of accusations of parental alienation within the Irish courts, the research report found that, similar to other courts internationally, there appears to be increasing claims of parental alienation in family law proceedings. It appears to arise particularly in custody and access disputes and in cases where allegations of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence feature.
Despite the highly contested nature of the concept, there was consensus in the public consultation that the means to address parental alienation lie in improvements to the Irish family courts and family justice system. Reflecting on this, the policy paper puts forward six recommendations to address the issue of parental alienation, which are also linked to actions within the Family Justice Strategy.
They centre on progressing elements of family justice reform, building the system’s capacity to adequately hear the voice of children, and improve the knowledge, skills and experience of all those involved in order to make the best determinations in relation to each case on its own merits. This is especially important in high-conflict cases, in which allegations of parental alienation can often arise.
The status of the recommendations in the Parental Alienation Policy Paper can be read in the table provided.
|
Recommendation |
Status |
|
Recommendation 1: Give priority to children’s voices being heard and considered by the court and support them in their journey through the system. |
In October 2024, my Department established a Voice of the Child Working Group with membership comprising both statutory and voluntary stakeholders in the family justice system. The group is taking forward some of the recommendations in the Review of Expert Reports, including the development of the Children’s Court Advocate Pilot Project and the development of a Voice of the Child report template and guidelines. As part of its work, the Voice of the Child Working Group recently commissioned a consultation with children and young people to inform the development of the pilot and the report template and guidelines. The envisaged role of a Children’s Court Advocate is to support children in their journey through private family law proceedings, providing information and ensuring their voice is heard. €3 million was allocated to implement some of the recommendations of the Review in Budget 2025 and part of that will go towards funding the pilot. A request for tender to commission a service to run the pilot concluded on 15 September 2025. Subject to the completion of the procurement process, the pilot is expected to be established by the end of the year. |
|
Recommendation 2: Examine how these reports are conducted, what they contain and how assessors are appointed. Provide additional training for those tasked with compiling assessments, particularly in relation to the dynamics of family breakdown.
|
On 13 June 2024, a wide-ranging review into the role of expert reports in the family law process was published. The Review sets out 20 ambitious recommendations for reform, the implementation of which will, amongst other things, promote consistency and common standards in hearing the voice of the child and safeguarding their best interests. The Chief Justice has established a Judicial Committee to develop guidelines on the commissioning, content and use of welfare reports chaired by the Honourable Ms Justice Nuala Jackson of the High Court. The Committee is being supported by my Department and is expected to conclude its work shortly. The Family Justice Training Working Group was established in July 2024. The role of the Group is to: - Research the minimum standards and recommended training required for professions working in the family justice area; - Identify professional development opportunities to address identified gaps relevant to profession/relevant to all where appropriate; and - Engage with educational and professional bodies and associations to develop and implement training across professions in core family justice areas e.g. child-centred approach, dispute resolution, trauma-informed practice to review existing training needs for those working within family justice and to develop effective and relevant training programmes. The group has met on a number of occasions, and its work to identify the necessary standards and areas of training for family justice is continuing. |
|
Recommendation 3: Review assessment tools currently available to the courts, with a view to making recommendations to improve them, as well as identifying how to assist judges in considering issues on a case-by-case basis. |
As noted above, a review of expert reports was published by the Department in June 2024 and the Family Justice Training Working Group was established in July 2024. The Judicial Council who are responsible for providing training for judges are a member of the group. As part of the Family Courts Act 2024, dedicated judges will be listed for family law cases. This will be an important element of reform to provide enhanced skills and greater space for consideration of issues on a case-by-case basis. An implementation plan for the Act will be published in January 2026 and engagement with the Judicial Studies Committee of the Judicial Council will be required as part of the implementation process. |
|
Recommendation 4: Support and extend family support services, including ADR, and make them more accessible.
|
Work on developing a directory of services, initially for the Dublin area, which will assist parents in finding relevant information and support is at an advanced stage. Work on increasing awareness and promotion of ADR among professionals, families and service users is ongoing. In particular, the Courts Service family law information hub provides detailed information for court users on many aspects of family law proceedings, as well as signposting people to services including mediation. The Legal Aid Board has also initiated a call back service for its Family Mediation Service. In delivering another action in the Family Justice Strategy, the Legal Aid Board has established a panel of private mediators to supplement its in-house family mediators to deliver an expanded service across the country. |
|
Recommendation 5: Improve the training and awareness amongst legal professionals and others involved in high-conflict proceedings to increase their understanding of concepts and descriptors associated with behaviours of parents and children in these situations. |
As noted above, the Family Justice Training Working Group was established in July 2024. The Judicial Council is a member of the group. |
|
Recommendation 6: Actions should be implemented with regards to establishing, and in some areas improving, data collection on family justice issues. |
The Department is currently undertaking an in-depth data mapping exercise and a policy paper will be developed with recommendations on how family justice data collection can be improved. A tender process for a Family Law Reporting Project closed on 15 September 2025 and the bids are currently being evaluated. The overall aim of the Project is to enhance transparency both for the public about family law proceedings and confidence in the judicial determination of family law disputes, while continuing to ensure the privacy of those proceedings for children and families. The systematic reports on aspects of family law cases that the Project will produce and publish will further public understanding and awareness of, and confidence in, the judicial determination of family law disputes. It is expected that the project will run for three years. |
423. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will report on the work of the Family Justice Strategy 2022 - 2025, a Family Justice Training Working Group; the status of the review into existing training needs for those working within family justice; the timeframe in which he intends effective and relevant training programmes will be developed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53391/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Family Justice Strategy 2022-2025 is the ambitious programme of reform developed by my Department which sets out a vision for a system refocused on the needs and rights of children, who are central to many family justice matters.
As the strategy was developed, my Department listened to and acknowledged the many issues and concerns about how the current system operates. The actions stress the centrality of children to many family justice matters, and the need to ensure their best interests are considered in conjunction with their constitutional rights. The actions within the Strategy are aimed at ensuring the family justice system works better for all those engaged with it but particularly for those who need additional supports and protection.
Goal 5 of the Family Justice Strategy includes a commitment to establish a Working Group to:
1. Research the minimum standards and recommended training required for professions working in the family justice area;
2. Identify professional development opportunities to address identified gaps relevant to profession/relevant to all where appropriate; and
3. Engage with educational and professional bodies and associations to develop and implement training across professions in core family justice areas e.g. child-centred approach, dispute resolution, trauma-informed practice to review existing training needs for those working within family justice and to develop effective and relevant training programmes.
This Working Group was established in July 2024 and comprises membership from key government departments, state agencies and legal professional bodies. It has meet on a number of occasions. In advance of the Group’s next meeting, which is planned to take place in the near future, a draft paper informed by the work of the Group examining the minimum standards and recommended training is currently being prepared by my officials for the Working Group’s consideration.
424. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will report on the work of the Voice of the Child working group; the timeframe in which he expects Voice of the Child guidelines will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53392/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn October 2024, my Department established a Voice of the Child Working Group with membership comprising both statutory and voluntary stakeholders in the family justice system. The group was set up in line with the commitment in Goal One of the Family Justice Strategy, that of “supporting children”. The group is taking forward some of the recommendations in the Review of Expert Reports, including the development of the Children’s Court Advocate Pilot Project and the development of a Voice of the Child report template and guidelines.
As part of its work, the Voice of the Child Working Group recently commissioned a consultation with children and young people to inform the development of the pilot and the report template and guidelines. The Working Group is currently considering the feedback from the consultation.
The envisaged role of a Children’s Court Advocate is to support children in their journey through private family law proceedings, providing information and ensuring their voice is heard. €3 million was allocated for reform of the process in Budget 2025 and part of that will go towards funding the pilot. A request for tender to commission a service to run the pilot concluded on 15 September 2025. Subject to the completion of the procurement process, the pilot is expected to be established by the end of the year.
The aim of the Voice of the Child Report Template and Guidelines is to ensure consistency of approach by experts in facilitating children to have their voices heard. The Working Group has made significant progress on drafting the template and guidelines and a Working Group meeting to progress this work further is scheduled for later this month. Once ready, options to test the guidelines and template, including through the Court Advocate Pilot Project, will be explored, informed by engagement with the judiciary.
425. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he is aware that a person seeking employment which requires a disclosure from the National Vetting Bureau is obliged to make individual applications in the case of each position applied for; if he has considered reviewing the potential for improved efficiencies for the applicant and relevant agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53394/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra444. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will outline the recommendations of the report of the Garda Vetting Review Group; his response to the recommendations; the time frame in which he intends to implement such; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53702/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 425 and 444 together.
The primary purpose of vetting carried out by An Garda Síochána under the provisions of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 - 2016 is to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults.
I believe the many organisations nationwide whose work focuses on the safety, enjoyment and comfort of children and vulnerable people understand that they must take all reasonable steps to ensure that only suitable people are recruited and employed. I know they take this responsibility very seriously.
This requires a robust Garda vetting process that reassures the public, and in particular parents, that appropriate checks are conducted on people taking on positions of trust.
I am aware that organisations and groups have raised a number of issues with the current process, in particular the requirement for multiple re-vettings. My Department is working to consider solutions to these matters. The Garda Vetting Review Group was tasked with ensuring that any changes to the vetting process keep it robust, efficient and effective while improving the service it provides. The membership of the group included the Gardaí, officials from my Department, from Tusla, and from other relevant stakeholders.
The Group’s primary focus has been to examine the means of strengthening the vetting legislation in a workable and effective manner, while seeking to balance this with issues that have arisen regarding the re-vetting period and the transfer of vetting across other similar activities, for example with sports teams.
I have been updated on the Group's work and have decided that a number of key recommendations should now be implemented, in consultation with all relevant partners. It is my objective to ensure the vetting system is fit for purpose, robust and - to the greatest extent possible - efficient and future-proofed to continue to protect our children and vulnerable adults.
426. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to detail, per venue and by county, the number of beds for accommodating Ukrainians in receipt of temporary protection which the State has contracted for in each month of 2025 to date, and the corresponding occupancy number for each of those venues for each month listed, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53436/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs of 30 September, the total number of BOTPs in State-contracted accommodation is 21,783. Currently contracted accommodation capacity includes beds in hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels, self-catering accommodation and certain other repurposed settings.
My department does not publicly detail the number of beds, occupancy or contracted capacity of accommodation centres in the interest of the privacy and security of residents and providers.
The tables at the link below set out the number of active contracts in each county and the total number of Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection in each county for each month of 2025 thus far.
In addition, my department regularly publishes information at County and Local Authority level on the gov.ie website; [Accommodation of Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs)].
I would like to note to the Deputy that the figures below do not account for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection in 90-day Designated Accommodation Centres (DACs). Information in respect of this accommodation can be found at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-justice-home-affairs-and-migration/publications/designated-accommodation-centres/
427. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to detail, per venue and by county, the number of beds for accommodating international protection applicants which the State has contracted for in each month of 2025 to date, and the corresponding occupancy number for each of those venues for each month listed, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53437/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe State is currently accommodating almost 33,000 people in over 320 International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres around the country, 9,500 of whom are children.
Since 2024, once a centre is in operation, IPAS has not published details of the capacity or occupancy of our accommodation centres.
This is due to both safety and security concerns, and to protect the privacy of international protection (IP) applicants in line with legal obligations under the International Protection Act 2015. As such, specific tables of occupancy by centre can't be provided.
For the Deputy's information, the number of IPAS centres and residents per local electoral area, is set out in the table at the link below. Data is available from the end of 2024, and up to September 2025.
Over 45,000 people claimed IP from 2022 to 2024, exceeding the total number claiming in the preceding 16 years, placing profound and sustained pressure on the State’s responsibility to source viable accommodation for new arrivals over the last three years.
As we respond to changing trends in 2025, and work toward a more stable and sustainable accommodation system in this sector, accommodation is being developed and delivered through a range of channels, with a focus on developing more State-owned accommodation.
This is part of wider reform of the international protection processing system itself. Reforming and speeding up processing of applications should over time help to reduce the scale of the demand for accommodation.
IPAS releases weekly statistics in relation to IP applicants accommodated by IPAS. This includes a per county breakdown of where IP applicants are residing and a wide range of other details including gender and nationality.
These statistics are located on the Gov.ie website:
www.gov.ie/en/international-protection-accommodation-services-ipas/publications/facts-and-figures/
428. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will outline the recourse available to a person under the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015 with regard to making a complaint in respect of legal practitioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53459/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Legal Services Regulatory Authority (LSRA) is an independent body responsible for the regulation of the legal professions under the provisions of the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015. Subject to the 2015 Act, the Authority is independent in the performance of its functions. Part 6 of the Act provides for an independent complaints and professional conduct regime for legal practitioners, whether solicitors or barristers. It also provides for informal resolution of disputes where this is possible.
The LSRA began receiving and investigating complaints about legal practitioners in 2019. Members of the public may submit complaints about alleged professional misconduct by legal practitioners, inadequate legal services or excessive costs to the Legal Services Regulatory Authority. Further information on the complaints procedure can be found on the LSRA website at [www.lsra.ie] .
Details about how to make a complaint and a complaint application form can be obtained from the Legal Services Regulatory Authority at www.lsra.ie, by email at complaints@lsra.ie, by phone at 01-8592911 or by post to:
Complaints and Resolutions Unit,
Legal Services Regulatory Authority,
P.O. Box 12906,
Dublin 2.
429. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the progress of developing a new National Cyber Security Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53494/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s second National Cyber Security Strategy 2019-2024 set out 20 collaborative measures with the aim of meeting a range of objectives. These included improving the ability of the State to respond to and manage cyber security incidents and improving the resilience and security of public sector IT systems to better protect data and the services that our people rely upon. A Mid-Term Review of the Strategy published in May 2023 saw the inclusion of 18 new measures to be met within its lifetime. An report on that is close to completion and I expect to publish it shortly alongside a public consultation.
The Mid-Term Review laid the groundwork for the preparation of a successor strategy which is underway in my Department. This next strategy will also fulfil the State’s obligations as set out in the revised EU Network and Information Security Directive (NIS2 Directive) alongside other national commitments relating to cyber security such as those contained in the Programme for Government and the National Development Plan.
Officials in my Department are currently consulting with the National Cyber Security Centre as well as relevant Government Departments and Agencies on developing this strategy. The next steps will involve targeted engagement with industry, academia and other key stakeholders on cyber security along with a web-based public consultation. My objective is to have the strategy finalised by the end of the year.
430. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the counties in which the bail supervision service operates; the number of persons which have been able to access the service, by county, for each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53537/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Bail Supervision Scheme (BSS) offers courts an alternative option to detaining a young person who comes before them. It provides for the possibility of granting bail with intensive supervision. By reducing the need for remand places, this also provides an opportunity to focus on developing successful community resources designed to prevent young people being detained in a youth justice facility and reduce the risk of them going further down the path of criminality.
The BSS currently serves the Children Courts in Dublin, Limerick and Cork (Table 1 below refers). The scheme uses Multisystemic Therapy (MST) to support families of young people, who appear before the court and receive bail with conditions, to adhere to these conditions prior to subsequent court appearances.
In 2019, an evaluation of the BSS was published by the then Department of Children and Youth Affairs (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/publications/evaluation-of-the-bail-supervision-scheme-for-children-pilot-scheme/). The pilot scheme had been based out of the Dublin Children Court and as a result of the positive impact of BSS, as identified in this evaluation, the scheme was expanded to Limerick and Cork Children Courts.
Recognising that the BSS plays a valuable role in diverting young people away from criminality and ultimately detention, I have asked my officials to explore how the scheme might be rolled out nationally.
Table 1 Bail Supervision Scheme 2019 - 2024
|
Year |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
Location |
Dublin |
Dublin |
Dublin Limerick |
Dublin Limerick Cork |
Dublin Limerick Cork |
Dublin Limerick Cork |
|
Number of young people/families |
31 |
27 |
25 |
56 |
65 |
74 |
431. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the amount of money the State spent in 2024 and 2025 on taxi journeys for International protection applicants; and the details of the most expensive taxi journey. [53553/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe State is legally obliged to offer accommodation and basic supports to people applying for international protection.
Over 32,000 people are currently resident in over 320 IPAS accommodation centres nationwide.
Costs of accommodating a person in international protection accommodation centres include a range of elements, including accommodation, food, security, staffing, and ancillary costs like security, insurance and utilities and transport costs.
The IPAS system involves groups of residents arriving, leaving and moving to different centres each week, for a range of reasons. Transport is required as part of some resident moves, and also can be provided for specific urgent needs, e.g. travel to urgent medical care appointments where public transport is not practicable.
IPAS centres are located in all parts of the country. In some cases, a taxi journey for a smaller group of people may be the most economical option, or may be required when short notice or out of hours transfer is needed.
Taxi costs in 2024 were €906,222. Costs in 2025 have been reduced significantly. €228,107 was spent on taxis from 1 January 2025 to 1 June 2025.
Direct costs paid by accommodation centre management are not included in these figures.
The data requested by the Deputy with respect to individual taxi journeys is not collated and is not available for publication.
In relation to service providers contracted by the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) to provide accommodation and related services to International Protection (IP) applicants, the Department publishes reports on all payments over €20,000.
These are published, once per quarter, on gov.ie here: [Purchase Orders for €20,000 or above. (www.gov.ie/en/collection/dfdadb-department-of-children-and-youth-affairs-purchase-orders-for-20000-o/)].
432. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration when a citizenship application for a person (details supplied) will be completed, in view that it is almost 30 months since the application was first lodged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53560/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the Deputy has been in contact with my Department's Immigration Oireachtas service regarding the person cited and a status update was recently provided. This application continues to be processed by the citizenship division of my Department.
I am aware that extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants, particularly considering the current processing times. I want to assure anyone who has an application for naturalisation submitted, that the Citizenship Division is doing everything possible to progress applications as quickly as possible.
I expect that going forward, the majority of applicants will continue to receive a decision within one year, however, it is important to note that no two naturalisation applications are the same and some take longer than others to process.
Given the importance of citizenship, robust and comprehensive checks must take place on each application. Unfortunately, some international checks can take a considerable amount of time and these are largely outside of the control of the Immigration Service.
Citizenship Division have also taken a significant number of steps to speed up the process for applicants. These included introducing an online digital application, online payments, and the introduction of eVetting. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that these changes are dramatically reducing processing times.
The length of time taken to process an application has dropped from 15 months in 2023, to 8 months in 2024.
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: [www.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.
