Written Answers Nos. 614-633
614. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the total number of English language schools in the State that could have been subject to inspection by immigration officials in each of the past five years, and in 2025 to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65132/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn order for a non-EEA national student to register for a stamp 2 permission they must enrol and commence a course of study from the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP).
Education providers were required to have met certain standards and requirements to have their programmes included on the ILEP and be accredited by recognised Irish awarding bodies. Providers must remain in compliance with the relevant criteria to retain a listing on the ILEP. Instances of non-compliance may result in removal from the ILEP.
My Department monitors activities and conducts inspections to determine ongoing compliance with immigration requirements and ILEP criteria. Any education provider may be subject to unannounced inspections, on-line monitoring, or random spot checks to ensure its compliance with ILEP criteria, and this includes the maintenance of records and reports. These may be requested by my Department at any time and failure to do so can result in the removal of a provider from the ILEP.
The number of English Language schools that potentially could have been subject to physical inspections in 2025 was 86. The table below shows the number of in-person inspections carried out by my Department from 2020, up to 31 October 2025. Inspections are only one piece of a suite of compliance and monitoring activities.
|
Year |
Compliance inspections |
|
2020 |
7 |
|
2021 |
0* |
|
2022 |
2 |
|
2023 |
3 |
|
2024 |
2** |
|
2025 (to date) |
4 |
* It was necessary to halt inspections during the pandemic due to the public health restrictions. However, monitoring activities still continued, involving routine or specific requests for records and information relating to compliance with requirements and sector-wide surveys.
**Up to and including 2024, the Garda National Immigration Bureau carried out further inspections for counties within their remit before the transfer of registration functions to my Department was complete.
Once a provider is listed on the ILEP, they are required to notify ISD of matters such as, but not limited to, any changes to the ownership of the school, change in locations or additional centres, changes to their academic management or teachers, and student capacity numbers.
ILEP is currently being superseded by TrustEd Ireland, the international education mark launched in September 2024 by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. TrustEd Ireland is a new statutory quality mark and part of a suite of legislative measures designed to further protect international learners.
Once the ILEP is discontinued, only education providers granted authorisation to use the TrustEd Ireland mark will be eligible to recruit students from outside the EEA to English language programmes, foundation programmes and higher education programmes leading to awards within the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).
The new mark will be awarded to higher education and English language education providers who have demonstrated that they meet national standards to ensure a quality experience for international learners from pre-enrolment through to the completion of their programme of education and training. Applications are currently being reviewed for the first application cycle, which closed in March 2025. Decisions are scheduled to issue in December 2025.
615. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Question No. 702 of 12 November 2025, for an update on the publication of the inspection into Cork Prison. [65137/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that the report in question has been noted by Cabinet.
The Irish Prison Service is expected to submit an action plan in response to the recommendations made in this report and the Inspector of Prisons has requested that the inspection report and action plan are published at the same time.
The Department is liaising with the Irish Prison Service and the Inspector of Prisons to progress publication of both documents.
616. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to examine the case for a review of gaps in legislation handling abuse outlined in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65194/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI fully understand that sibling sexual abuse is a highly damaging crime.
Through the implementation of 'Supporting a Victim’s Journey', the Government and I remain committed to ongoing reform aimed at reducing the re-traumatisation of victims and ensuring that every step of the legal process - from reporting to trial - reflects a victim-centred and trauma-aware approach.
There is a comprehensive legal framework in place to address the issue of sexual abuse and exploitation of vulnerable persons.
The Punishment of Incest Act, which was updated in 2019, criminalises sexual intercourse between family members, including half-brothers and half-sisters. More broadly, sexual acts with children are a criminal offence under the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2006.
The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act enacted in 2017, is a wide-ranging piece of legislation, which significantly enhanced the laws combatting the sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children.
The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2019 made further amendments to the 2017 Act to provide for specified minimum penalties for repeat sexual offenders. This applies where a person is convicted on indictment of a sexual offence and sentenced to five years or more in prison. If that person commits a subsequent sexual offence within 10 years of their first conviction, the court must impose a minimum jail term of not less than three quarters of the maximum term for the sexual offence in question.
If the maximum term is life imprisonment, then the term imposed must be a minimum of 10 years. This can be disregarded where the court feels it would be disproportionate in all the circumstances of the case; it also does not apply to child offenders.
The Sex Offenders (Amendment) Act 2023 strengthened our already robust system for monitoring sex offenders on release from prison and provides for changes to the notification requirements for sex offenders.
While there are currently no plans to create a specific statutory offence, all legislation is kept under continual review, to ensure it addresses emerging issues and aligns with constitutional requirements.
In relation to the sentencing proposals raised, sentencing and mitigation is a matter for the individual Judge in a particular case. The Judicial Council was established in 2019, pursuant to the Judicial Council Act 2019, to promote judicial independence as well as to ensure public confidence in the administration of justice. The Council is an independent body whose members are all judges in Ireland.
Under the Judicial Council Act, a Sentencing Guidelines and Information Committee was established in 2020. Its functions include the preparation of draft sentencing guidelines and the monitoring of the operation of those guidelines, together with the collation of information on sentences imposed by the courts and the dissemination of that information to judges and others.
In 2023, the Judicial Council Sentencing Committee published its Guideline Development Procedure, which can be accessed on the Council's website. This document, informed by the legislative framework and best practice in other jurisdictions, sets out the procedure that the Committee will follow in developing sentencing guidelines.
The Programme for Government 2025 - Securing Ireland's Future has a commitment to "provide a new power to the Minister to ask the Judicial Council to draw up sentencing guidelines for a particular crime area within a certain timeframe". In July, the Government approved the drafting of a General Scheme to amend the Judicial Council Act 2019. A General Scheme is currently being drafted which will, among other matters, seek to provide for the Programme for Government commitment.
617. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will introduce legislation to ban the depiction of strangulation in pornography as has been done in the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65200/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraNon-fatal strangulation became a specific standalone offence with the commencement of the relevant provisions of the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023. The evidence shows that strangulation is often an indicator of further, potentially lethal violence, and this legislation reflects the seriousness of this conduct.
While there are currently no plans to introduce the legislation referred to by the Deputy, all legislation is kept under review and I will consider any changes necessary to ensure it remains effective, proportionate, and fully compliant with due process and the Constitution.
I am aware of the concerns surrounding the ease of access to violence and extreme content online. Such material can have harmful impacts, particularly on young people, including distorting healthy sexual development and contributing to misogynistic attitudes.
Responsibility for addressing these issues is shared across Government, including my Department, the Department of Communications Culture and Sport, and Coimisiún na Meán, which has lead responsibility for online safety regulation.
Cuan, the statutory domestic, sexual, and gender based violence agency, is coordinating implementation of the Zero Tolerance Strategy. Actions focus on prevention and cultural change, and include developing a pornography literacy strategy, delivering public education and awareness initiatives on online safety, and highlighting the harms of pornography and its role in reinforcing misogyny and violence against women, and measures to ensure online platforms are accountable for regulated content.
Development of the Fourth National DSGBV Strategy will begin by mid-2026 and will be informed by a review and evaluation of the 2025-2026 Implementation Plan of the Third National Strategy, which was launched in June and which runs until the end of 2026. Further actions to address the harms caused by violent pornography will be considered in the development of that Strategy.
618. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration when the new family courts complex is expected to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65201/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe construction of a purpose-built family law courts complex at Hammond Lane is a key priority for the Courts Service and is included in the National Development Plan. Planning permission for the Dublin Family Courts complex was granted by the Commissioners of Public Works in April 2024.
The Dublin Family Courts Complex will be delivered by way of Public Private Partnership; it is being procured by the National Development Finance Agency in conjunction with the Office of Public Works using the competitive dialogue procurement procedure pursuant to EU and national procurement law. Subject to the successful completion of the procurement process in 2026, the current timescale envisages that construction is expected to commence in early 2027.
619. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the measures his Department is taking to address anti-social behaviour in towns and villages across Cork; and whether additional funding will be made available for community safety partnerships and youth diversion programmes in the county. [65224/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to tackling anti-social behaviour and crime and to build safer streets and stronger communities through a number of ongoing measures.
From An Garda Síochána's perspective, a long-term strategic approach to tackling anti-social behaviour in communities assists in addressing potential problems before they arise. An Garda Síochána work collaboratively with Local Authorities, community leaders and groups to find solutions to problems associated with anti-social behaviour. Furthermore, I can assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána will always be on hand to respond to serious incidents, implement local policing plans as necessary and provide crime prevention advice to address the needs of the communities they serve.
Local Community Safety Partnerships (LCSP) represent a significant step towards a more collaborative, responsive, and locally driven model of public safety. They will bring together a broad range of relevant stakeholders to address community safety issues in their area which will include residents, local councillors, community representatives business and education representatives, and a range of public services including the HSE, Tusla, An Garda Síochána and the local authority. A core part of their work will be to draft a Community Safety Plan tailored to the community's needs.
Investment in youth justice services remains a key priority for this Government, and I am committed to ensuring children engaged in criminality, and those at risk of becoming involved in criminality, are supported to desist from offending behaviour. A significant allocation of €7.3 million in additional core exchequer funding for Youth Justice measures was announced as part of Budget 2026. This represents an increase of more than 20% on the €36 million allocated in Budget 2025. Allocations to individual Youth Diversion Projects (YDPs) are still being considered in light of their 2026 annual plan submissions for funding.
The Youth Justice Strategy 2021 – 2027 commits to extending the YDP network. There are now 94 YDP projects operating nationwide, making these critical interventions available to young people at risk of engaging in criminal activity no matter where they live in Ireland. Co. Cork is serviced by a number of YDPs, namely: Bandon YDP; Cloyne Mobile YDP; Cork City East YDP; Cork City Northside YDP; Cork City South YDP; Feabhas YDP; Mallow YDP; West Cork YDP; and Youghal YDP.
The programmes offered by YDPs provide participants between the ages of 12 and 17 years with suitable activities to facilitate their personal development. They promote civic responsibility and encourage pro-social behaviour in their communities. In addition, the programmes aim to improve educational outcomes and long-term employability prospects.
These opportunities are intended to allow young people to reflect on and challenge their past behaviour. They help to enhance participant's capacity to regulate their emotions and resolve conflict. In addition, the programmes support the development of positive and appropriate relationships with peers.
The Strategy also commits to extend the remit of the YDP network to provide dedicated Family Support, Early Intervention, and Harder-to-Reach programmes throughout the State.
These interventions are designed to support specific groups. First, they target the immediate family members of participants. Second, they focus on children aged between 8 and 11 years who are at risk of coming to the attention of law enforcement once they reach the age of criminal responsibility. In addition, they address the needs of prolific young offenders who present to YDPs and youth related services with complex needs.
620. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration his Department’s and An Garda Síochána's plans for the future use of a Garda station (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65225/25]
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. Works on the Estate are undertaken by the OPW in cooperation with the Garda Authorities. This includes identifying and progressing any provisions for new stations or upgrading works. As Minister, I have no direct role in such matters.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that there are currently no approved plans in place to carry out works at this station however I am informed that a business case, proposing the renovation and strategic repurposing of Glantane Garda Station, has been submitted to Garda Estate Management.
621. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether the compensation for victims of crime covers funeral costs; and if not, whether there is a scheme to cover funeral costs in these circumstances and whether multiple claims can be made. [65250/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme is in place to help those who have suffered personal injuries as a result of a violent crime committed against them. The Scheme is administered by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal which is independent in making decisions on individual applications and in its decisions on appeals.
The Scheme continues to play an important and significant role in providing practical support by way of monetary compensation to victims of violent crime. The Tribunal will consider claims for compensation under the Scheme from:
• The injured person (the victim);
• Persons claiming on behalf of the victim in circumstances where they are responsible for the victim’s maintenance, and they have experienced material losses as a result of the victim’s injuries;
• Dependents of the victim in fatal cases where the victim has died, including costs of funeral and burial expenses.
622. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the net change in gardaí stationed in Kildare after intake 251, accounting for retirements and other departures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65286/25]
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, which includes the distribution and stationing of all Garda personnel, including the allocation of newly attested Gardaí throughout the State. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
Newly attested Gardaí are allocated to specially designated training stations which have the required training and development structures and resources in place, including trained Garda tutors and access to a permanently appointed supervisory Sergeant who is thoroughly familiar with their responsibilities under the training programme. It must also be noted that the allocation of newly attested Gardai must take account of their ongoing development and training needs.
As well as increasing the number of Gardaí in our communities the allocation of newly attested Gardaí from Templemore allows for currently serving Garda members to move on transfer to other Divisions across the country and into specialist units.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that in the latest attestation held on 11 November there were 16 probationer Gardaí allocated to the Kildare/Carlow Division.
In the interest of transparency, An Garda Síochána publishes information in relation to the allocation of Gardaí nationally, including a breakdown of Garda divisions and stations. This can be found at the following link: www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/human-resources-and-people-development/garda-hr-directorate/garda-strength-breakdown-2025/.
In order to access data on Gardaí assigned to stations in Kildare the Deputy should select the most recently available date and then select the file titled ‘Garda Members by Division District Station to the most recent date".
The Deputy can also use the link provided to access information on the allocation of probationer Garda members nationally, including a breakdown of those assigned to allocated to the Kildare/Carlow Division. In order to access this data the Deputy should select the current month and access the file titled “Allocation of Probationer Gardaí by Division and Station 2015 to the most recent date”for a breakdown of total Probationer Gardaí numbers by Garda station going back to 2015.
623. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to urgently examine and provide an update in relation to a case (details supplied) as the lack of clarification is causing much upset; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65303/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that the Join Family (Irish nat.)(spouse) visa application referred to was created on 26 July 2024. Supporting documentation was received in the Tehran office on 01 September 2024. The application was received in the Dublin Visa Office on 20 September 2024 where it awaits examination and processing.
My Department's business target for join family visa applications is 12 months. It must be made clear that these are business targets for the immigration service and some applications can take longer than others. The business target reflects the detailed and often complex assessment that is required to be carried out in relation to applications for family reunification.
While I acknowledge the personal difficulties an applicant might be experiencing; it is not possible to give a definitive date as to when this application will be finalised. All applications are processed in chronological order, based on date order of receipt.
While every effort is made to process applications as soon as possible, processing times will vary having regard to the volume and complexity of applications, the possible need for the Immigration Service Delivery function of my Department to investigate, inquire into, or seek further information, and the resources available.
The current processing times for Dublin visa decisions is available here: www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/.
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. 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.
I am acutely aware that join family applications are very important for the people impacted. I understand that people are eager to have their families join them in Ireland, and I am committed to improving the service my Department provides.
The person concerned can now directly check the status of their visa application on the Immigration Service’s Customer Service Portal. They can register for, or log in to their existing account, at: https://portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/.
As an Oireachtas member, you can also request the status of individual immigration cases by e-mail, using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process.
624. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his Department is drafting amending legislation for Guardianship of Infants (Amendment) Bill 2025; if so, when the proposed amendment will go to Cabinet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65312/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 1 April 2025, I secured Government approval for the referral of the Scheme of the Guardianship of Infants (Amendment) Bill for pre-legislative scrutiny, and for the formal drafting of a Bill once pre-legislative scrutiny is complete. The General Scheme has been published and is available on Gov.ie: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-justice/press-releases/minister-jim-ocallaghan-secures-cabinet-approval-of-the-general-scheme-of-the-guardianship-of-infants-amendment-bill-2025.
The General Scheme of the Guardianship of Infants (Amendment) Bill 2025, was referred to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for pre-legislative scrutiny (PLS) on 19 May, and my officials engaged with the Joint Committee. On 24 September 2025 the Joint Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration published its report on PLS of the General Scheme of the Guardianship of Infants (Amendment) Bill 2025. The Committee made 30 recommendations in relation to the General Scheme.
Drafting of the Bill is ongoing between the Department and the Office of Parliamentary Counsel to the Government. The Bill is on the priority list for publication in this session.
The proposed legislation delivers on the Programme for Government commitment to “examine proposals to remove guardianship rights from those convicted of killing their partners or a parent of their child”. It upholds a fundamental principle that those convicted of the most serious crimes should not retain automatic legal authority over the children they have left behind. The proposal to legislate is also part of ongoing work to implement appropriate recommendations from the Study on Familicide and Domestic and Family Violence Death Reviews.
625. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the status of the IPAS contract for a facility (details supplied); his views that the High Court order quashing the Section 5 Declaration renders the current use of the site as unauthorised development under the Planning and Development Acts; and if he will instruct his Department to terminate the contract immediately given the facility no longer possesses the requisite planning permission to operate as an IPAS accommodation centre. [65360/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra626. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if a socio-economic impact assessment was conducted prior to the establishment of an IPAS centre at a location (details supplied); if he is aware that the contract has directly precipitated the closure of the hotel, golf course, and leisure facilities with the loss of 48 local jobs, removing a vital economic driver and community hub; and the steps his Department will take to mitigate the degradation of the 300-year-old manor house, a protected structure which is currently facing dereliction due to the cessation of commercial operations at the site. [65361/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra627. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the legal basis upon which his Department or the International Protection Accommodation Service entered into a contractual arrangement relating to the use of a location (details supplied); and if his Department sought legal advice on the enforceability of such a contract in circumstances where the Section 5 determination has now been quashed by the High Court. [65362/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra628. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the legal status and validity of any IPAS contract or accommodation agreement connected with a location (details supplied) in view of the High Court’s decision to quash the Section 5 process; and if his Department is now exposed to termination penalties, compensation, or other financial liabilities. [65363/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra629. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if the procurement process used by IPAS in relation to a facility (details supplied) complied fully with national and EU procurement rules; and if his Department carried out due diligence on planning status before entering into any contract. [65364/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra630. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his Department or IPAS had authority to enter into any binding contract or agreement prior to the planning status being definitively established (details supplied). [65365/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra631. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration when his Department notified Tipperary County Council and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage of its plans to contract for accommodation use at a location (details supplied); and if planning vulnerabilities were raised in any correspondence. [65366/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra632. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the timeframe of engagement, negotiation and contractual agreement between his Department or IPAS and the owners or operators of a facility (details supplied) including dates of contract signing, commencement, review, and any termination or variation clauses that can be invoked following the High Court ruling. [65367/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra633. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the projected cost to the State arising from the quashing of the Section 5 decision, including contract payments already made, termination or compensation costs, legal fees, and any other liabilities. [65368/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra634. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the changes his Department plans to implement in its contracting and accommodation selection processes to prevent the State entering into legally vulnerable agreements in the future. [65369/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 625 to 634, inclusive, together.
The accommodation centre at Dundrum House, County Tipperary, has been providing accommodation under contract to the Department since 2022, for people fleeing the war in Ukraine and people applying for international protection.
I am advised that Dundrum House Hotel ceased operating as a hotel a decade ago, in 2015. The golf course and other businesses have remained in operation throughout the use of the site for State accommodation. I understand that they have closed quite recently in connection with a commercial dispute to which my Department is not a party.
Some areas of this property have been contracted to provide State-supported accommodation for people from Ukraine since 2022 and to international protection applicants since 2024.
In relation to the most recent contract with the Department, while detailed contractual information is considered confidential and commercially sensitive, a lot of information has been shared with local elected representatives and stakeholders in relation to this process.
The contract was agreed in April 2025, following a detailed appraisal and due diligence process. This includes checks on the provider, and a review of the compliance with building and other regulatory matters overseen by the Local Authority. All matters relating to fire, building or planning regulations at an IPAS accommodation centre are between the Local Authority and the property owner or provider.
As part of all appraisals, the Department requires confirmation, issued by the Local Authority, that the property's use as international protection accommodation is covered by the conditions of the Planning and Development Act and relevant exemptions for this purpose.
Confirmation of this planning exemption was provided to this Department as part of its appraisal for this accommodation contract.
Tipperary County Council have acknowledged within court proceedings over recent months that the granting of a planning exemption to the property in January 2025 had an administrative flaw in the process. On 17 November 2025 the Court made final orders in this matter.
The accommodation provider at Dundrum House has made a new application to the local authority for confirmation of the planning exemption and this is currently with An Coimisiún Pleanála for review.
The Department is now actively reviewing the implication of these matters in the context of the existing contract, and the nearly 200 people and families who are accommodated at Dundrum House at this time.
I will ensure that the Deputy and all other local elected representatives are kept informed of any updates or developments in this matter.
