Written Answers Nos. 634-653
635. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to his Department’s published collection of “Purchase Orders Issued Over €20,000 in Value” (details supplied), to confirm if his Department holds equivalent purchase-order/payment data for the years 2012 to 2015; and if so, to publish same online in the interests of completeness and transparency. [65374/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, my Department has published purchase orders with a value over €20,000 on gov.ie since 2016.
The National Archives Record Retention Schedule for Records Common to all Departments of State requires retention of purchase orders for 6 years after the end of the financial year, as referenced in the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997.
I am informed that for the years 2012-2015 it would not be practical or feasible for officials to retrospectively compile all purchase orders for publication.
636. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of Gardaí assigned to roads policing units in the month of October 2025 by Garda division; the number currently in roads policing units nationwide; the number of additional assignments to RPUs between 2024 and to date in 2025, by Garda division; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65380/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraRoad safety is a shared responsibility. The whole of Government response is led by the Department of Transport and is taken very seriously across Government. Ongoing enforcement is a very important aspect of the Road Safety Strategy, be that by Gardaí themselves, mobile, static and average speed cameras or other technology being deployed.
An Garda Síochána plays a vital role in enforcing road traffic law and in making our roads safer for all road users, including vulnerable road users. Road traffic laws are enforced by Gardaí assigned to Roads Policing and as part of the day-to-day duties of uniformed Gardaí nationwide. This includes a programme of high-visibility road safety and enforcement operations carried out in partnership with other state agencies.
In the interest of transparency, information in relation to the allocation of Gardaí assigned to Road Policing Units by Division, is publicly available and 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/.
The Deputy should select the most recent month and access the file titled “Roads Policing by Division 2009 to the most recent date” for a breakdown of total Roads Policing Gardaí by Division going back to 2009.
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.
637. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current number of vehicles assigned to roads policing units by Garda divisions; and the number of additional vehicles added to the RPU fleet in October and to date in November 2025. [65381/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Garda authorities that, as of 21 November 2025, there were 303 vehicles attached to the Garda Road Policing Unit.
The Garda authorities have provided the attached table which shows the number of Roads Policing Vehicles by Division.
An additional eight vehicles have been added to the Road Policing Unit in October 2025. No additional vehicles have been added to the Roads Policing Unit to date in November 2025, as of 21 November 2025.
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.
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.
|
Division |
No. of Roads Policing Vehicles |
|
DMR East |
4 |
|
DMR North |
5 |
|
DMR North Central |
8 |
|
DMR South |
4 |
|
DMR South Central |
3 |
|
DMR Traffic |
50 |
|
DMR West |
5 |
|
Kildare Carlow |
12 |
|
Laois Offaly |
10 |
|
Meath Westmeath |
16 |
|
Waterford Kilkenny |
17 |
|
Wexford Wicklow |
17 |
|
Donegal |
12 |
|
Galway |
15 |
|
Louth Cavan Monaghan |
21 |
|
Mayo Roscommon Longford |
19 |
|
Sligo Leitrim |
6 |
|
GNRPB |
1 |
|
Clare Tipperary |
19 |
|
Cork City |
17 |
|
Cork County |
20 |
|
Kerry |
9 |
|
Limerick |
13 |
|
Total |
303 |
638. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current processing time for join family visa applications submitted via the Abu Dhabi office; if updated processing timeframes are provided to those who have surpassed the initial indicated timeframe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65412/25]
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 processes certain visa applications in Irish Embassies abroad under delegated sanction from my Department.
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 nine months of 2025, my Department's Visa Division received approximately 166,000 visa applications and has issued over 153,000 decisions. This reflects an increase in applications of 5.5% compared to the same period in 2024. My officials are working to meet the increased level of demand, and over 8,200 additional visa decisions have issued in the first nine months of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024.
My Department aims to process join family visa applications within 12 months. While processing times can vary across the different Visa Offices I can assure the Deputy the majority of join family visas receive a first instance decision within the 12 month business target.
In 2025 (up to 31 October), the Abu Dhabi Visa Office received a total of 771 visa applications across the various Join Family categories, and issued a total of 605 first instance decisions.
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.
Processing times for 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.
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.
The table below shows the current target processing times for complete visa applications submitted to the Abu Dhabi Visa Office.
|
Visa Category |
Processing Time (From date of receipt of the application in the Abu Dhabi Visa Office) |
|
Visit Family/Friend |
6 to 8 weeks |
|
Tourist |
Approx. 12 weeks |
|
Business/Conference etc. |
Approx. 4 weeks |
|
Employment |
4 to 8 weeks |
|
Study |
4 to 8 weeks |
|
Join Family |
Up to 12 months |
Processing times and decisions at the Abu Dhabi Visa Office can be checked at the following link: www.ireland.ie/en/uae/abudhabi/services/visas/weekly-decision-reports/#visa-processing-times
Given the volume of visa applications received it is not practicable to contact applicants to provide status updates on individual applications but applicants can now directly check the status of their application on the Immigration Service’s Customer Service Portal. They can register for, or log in to their existing account, at: portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/
639. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of occasions to date in 2025 where Garda members have requested the assistance of the Garda water cannons. [65449/25]
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 use of Garda equipment throughout the State.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that as of 20 November 2025, Gardaí have requested the assistance of a Garda water cannon on eight occasions during 2025.
640. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of competitions held in 2024 and to-date in 2025 for sworn Gardaí to apply to join the divisional protective services bureau; and the number of Gardai, by rank that applied in each competition to join the bureau, in tabular form. [65450/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraCombatting all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence remains an absolute priority for this Government, for my Department and for the Garda Commissioner.
The nationwide roll out of Divisional Protective Service Units (DPSUs) - which ensures that when vulnerable victims of crimes such as domestic abuse and sexual violence present to Gardaí, they are met with a consistently high standard of specialist, sensitive, professional and expert assistance - was an action under both the 'Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland' and ‘Supporting a Victim's Journey’. There is now a DPSU in every Garda division across the country.
In relation to the Deputy's questions concerning the number of competitions held in 2024 and to-date in 2025 for sworn Gardaí to apply to join DPSUs and the number of Gardai, by rank that applied in each competition to join the bureaus, An Garda Síochána has provided my Department with the information sought, which is outlined in the tables below.
2024
|
Division/Bureau |
Garda |
Sergeant |
Inspector |
|
Garda National Protective Services Bureau |
158 |
35 |
6 |
|
DMR South |
23 |
5 |
N/A |
|
Clare/Tipperary |
16 |
4 |
N/A |
|
Cork County |
19 |
N/A |
N/A |
2025
|
Division/Bureau |
Garda |
Sergeant |
Inspector |
|
Laois/Offaly |
13 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Meath/Westmeath |
11 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Wicklow/Wexford |
N/A |
4 |
N/A |
An Garda Síochána has further advised that three further Divisional competitions have been approved for DPSU, in respect of DMR South, Donegal and Mayo/Roscommon/Longford. The advertisements for these competitions are currently being drafted.
641. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of new Garda cars and vans that were added to the Garda fleet in the Sligo-Leitrim division in 2023, 2024 and to-date in 2025; and the number of Garda cars and vans withdrawn from this division in the same period, in tabular form. [65451/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Regrettably, this was not available in time and I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.
642. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of Garda cars and motorcycles attached to DMR north roads policing unit as of 18 November 2025; and if he will provide same figures as of 30 November 2022, in tabular form. [65452/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, which includes the allocation and deployment of Garda resources throughout the State.
The unprecedented allocation of over €2.59 billion to the Garda Vote under Budget 2026 demonstrates the Government's commitment to ensuring An Garda Síochána has provision for the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and personnel it needs to carry out vital policing work.
On 31 October 2025, there were 3,695 vehicles in 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 Garda cars and motorcycles attached to DMR North Roads Policing unit.
|
|
Cars |
Motorcycles |
Total |
|
As at 30 Nov 2022 |
5 |
0 |
5 |
|
As at 18 Nov 2025 |
5 |
0 |
5 |
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.
643. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the Garda divisions that currently have forensic collision investigation unit marked vans within their fleet, in tabular form. [65453/25]
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 allocation of resources and equipment throughout the State.
The table below has been provided to me by the Garda authorities and outlines the number of Forensic Collision Investigation Unit vans in the Garda fleet as of 31 October 2025.
|
Division |
Marked |
Unmarked |
Total |
|
WATERFORD/KILKENNY |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
DMR TRAFFIC |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
MEATH/WESTMEATH |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
KERRY |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
GALWAY |
0 |
2 |
2 |
|
MAYO/ROSCOMMON/LONGFORD |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
LIMERICK |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
CLARE/TIPPERARY |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
CORK CITY |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
TOTAL |
2 |
10 |
12 |
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.
644. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of Gardaí currently assigned to road policing in each district, in each of the past five years. [65518/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the interest of transparency, information in relation to the allocation of Gardaí assigned to Road Policing units by Division, is publicly available and 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/
The Deputy should select the current month and access the file titled “Road Policing by Division 2009 to the most recent date” for a breakdown of total Garda numbers by Division going back to 2009.
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.
645. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of persons who have been arrested for drink driving and drug driving, by district in each of the past five years. [65519/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for all operational policing matters, including the enforcement of road traffic legislation.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the following tables provide a count of arrests for drink driving and arrests for drug driving over the past five years from 2021 to 31 October 2025.
Arrests for Drink Driving
|
Division |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025* |
|
Clare/Tipperary |
292 |
330 |
338 |
245 |
200 |
|
Cork City |
222 |
252 |
261 |
244 |
201 |
|
Cork County |
260 |
346 |
343 |
373 |
290 |
|
D.M.R. Eastern |
84 |
104 |
88 |
78 |
70 |
|
D.M.R. North Central |
108 |
129 |
121 |
114 |
123 |
|
D.M.R. Northern |
233 |
260 |
204 |
194 |
166 |
|
D.M.R. South Central |
91 |
126 |
95 |
136 |
125 |
|
D.M.R. Southern |
150 |
184 |
159 |
118 |
142 |
|
D.M.R. Western |
262 |
305 |
266 |
275 |
223 |
|
Donegal |
243 |
315 |
264 |
255 |
223 |
|
Galway |
271 |
329 |
335 |
353 |
288 |
|
Kerry |
173 |
198 |
218 |
231 |
186 |
|
Kildare/Carlow |
274 |
350 |
364 |
303 |
270 |
|
Laois/Offaly |
127 |
146 |
170 |
176 |
127 |
|
Limerick |
164 |
187 |
150 |
150 |
116 |
|
Louth/Cavan/Monaghan |
408 |
463 |
393 |
373 |
322 |
|
Mayo/Roscommon/Longford |
260 |
280 |
246 |
276 |
219 |
|
Meath/Westmeath |
295 |
369 |
294 |
250 |
239 |
|
Sligo/Leitrim |
115 |
129 |
116 |
91 |
104 |
|
Waterford/Kilkenny |
206 |
259 |
258 |
226 |
176 |
|
Wexford/Wicklow |
224 |
243 |
250 |
262 |
196 |
|
Grand Total |
4,462 |
5,304 |
4,933 |
4,723 |
4,006 |
*2025 = 1 January 2025 to 31 October 2025
Arrests for Drug Driving
|
Division |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025* |
|
Clare/Tipperary |
101 |
98 |
93 |
100 |
119 |
|
Cork City |
84 |
52 |
75 |
130 |
93 |
|
Cork County |
257 |
204 |
197 |
209 |
160 |
|
D.M.R. Eastern |
78 |
46 |
37 |
30 |
25 |
|
D.M.R. North Central |
147 |
122 |
98 |
122 |
153 |
|
D.M.R. Northern |
180 |
142 |
89 |
64 |
61 |
|
D.M.R. South Central |
133 |
90 |
88 |
113 |
88 |
|
D.M.R. Southern |
160 |
172 |
121 |
65 |
75 |
|
D.M.R. Western |
306 |
281 |
187 |
186 |
148 |
|
Donegal |
263 |
145 |
158 |
181 |
162 |
|
Galway |
84 |
74 |
142 |
139 |
206 |
|
Kerry |
58 |
81 |
107 |
124 |
127 |
|
Kildare/Carlow |
260 |
222 |
232 |
182 |
220 |
|
Laois/Offaly |
73 |
70 |
80 |
78 |
65 |
|
Limerick |
160 |
93 |
123 |
131 |
99 |
|
Louth/Cavan/Monaghan |
223 |
208 |
158 |
162 |
128 |
|
Mayo/Roscommon/Longford |
100 |
104 |
163 |
156 |
116 |
|
Meath/Westmeath |
138 |
129 |
171 |
99 |
98 |
|
Sligo/Leitrim |
113 |
59 |
81 |
120 |
135 |
|
Waterford/Kilkenny |
222 |
149 |
158 |
185 |
150 |
|
Wexford/Wicklow |
146 |
118 |
108 |
143 |
173 |
|
Grand Total |
3,286 |
2,659 |
2,666 |
2,719 |
2,601 |
*2025 = 1 January 2025 to 31 October 2025
It should be noted that some Intoxicated Driving incidents on PULSE involve an arrest for both alcohol and drugs so not all figures above relate to distinct PULSE incidents.
646. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of persons who have been arrested for speeding, by district, in each of the past five years. [65520/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the interest of transparency, An Garda Síochána publish information relating to speeding and other road traffic offences for the years requested on their website. An Garda Síochána provide monthly and quarterly figures for the national, regional and divisional levels for the following offences:
• Fixed Charge Notices (FCNs) for offences relating to:
• Mobile Phones;
• Seatbelts;
• Speeding Overall;
• Speeding Intercept (Garda issued);
• Speeding Non-Intercept (Speed Camera Van Operator);
• Learner Drivers Unaccompanied;
• Learner Drivers Non-Display of L Plate.
• Vehicles detained under Section 41 of the Roads Traffic Act
• Mandatory Intoxicant Testing (MIT) Checkpoints conducted as well as the number of breath tests (alcohol) and oral fluid tests (drugs) conducted at MIT Checkpoints.
• The number of Summonses and Charges issued for the Owner or User of a Vehicle having No Insurance.
This information can be found at the following link:
www.garda.ie/en/roads-policing/statistics/roads%20policing%20offences%20by%20region%20and%20division/
The Deputy can select the “Roads Policing” file for the time period required, which includes a data sheet titled “Fixed Charge Notices – Speed”.
647. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of persons who have been before the courts for drink driving, and drug driving, by court district, in each of the past five years. [65521/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraManagement of the courts, operational matters and logistical functions are the responsibility of the judiciary and Courts Service, which are independent in exercising their functions under the Courts Service Act 1998 and the Constitution.
The collation of data on prosecutions appearing before the courts is a function of the Courts Service.
To be of assistance, I have referred your question to the Courts Service for their direct reply. The Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas: oireachtasenquiries@courts.ie.
648. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he is aware that all longer-term supported transitional housing options for victims and survivors of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence have been removed, including the previous 18-month Sonas model; if he will outline when, the reason and by whom this decision was taken; and how this aligns with the commitment under Pillar 2 of the Zero Tolerance Strategy to provide both short- and long-term domestic sexual and gender-based violence accommodation. [65580/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra649. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his Department has carried out any assessment of the impact that limiting accommodation supports to short stays in refuges and 12-week “safe home” placements will have on the ability of victims and survivors, particularly women with children, to safely exit abusive situations; and if he will publish any risk or policy assessments informing this change. [65581/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra650. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he has considered evidence from frontline domestic sexual and gender-based violence providers that the removal of transitional housing is deterring victims from leaving abusive partners due to the heightened risk of homelessness; and the immediate actions he will take to address this risk and support safe exits. [65582/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra654. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether any woman has been required to leave a domestic violence specialised refuge or safe accommodation placement after a period of 12-weeks due to Government accommodation policies; if so, the number affected in the past 12-months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65599/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 648, 649, 650 and 654 together.
Combatting all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) and ensuring that victims and survivors receive the support and care they need is an absolute priority for me. Cuan, the statutory domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) agency is committed to providing safe and accessible accommodation and support services for victims and survivors of DSGBV.
As the Deputy's question relates to work being carried out under the remit of Cuan, I have referred it to the Agency for direct response.
651. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to list all written or oral representations made to the Government by or on behalf of the European Commission from 1 January 2025 to date calling on the State to adopt so-called "hate-speech" legislation; to summarise the contents of those representations and any responses which were issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65588/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government is determined to stamp out hate-motivated crimes and we are determined to protect vulnerable communities. Ireland was at the forefront of tackling incitement to hatred through the introduction of legislation, namely the Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act, in 1989. It is an offence to incite hatred based on a person’s race, colour, nationality, religion, ethnic or national origins, membership of the travelling community or sexual orientation.
The information sought by the Deputy, regarding written or oral representations made to the Government by the European Commission in the context of the transposition of Council Framework Decision [2008/913/JHA] of 28 November 2008 on combating certain forms and expressions of racism and xenophobia by means of criminal law, is outlined below.
On 7 May 2025 the European Commission issued a written Reasoned Opinion outlining the provisions of the Framework Decision that in their opinion Ireland had not adequately transposed. The Reasoned Opinion focused specifically on certain elements of Articles 1, 4, 8 and 9 relating, among other things, to criminalising public incitement to violence against a group or a member of such group based on certain characteristics, as well as condoning or denying international humanitarian law crimes such as genocide or crimes against humanity.
On 8 May 2025, an online meeting took place between officials of the European Commission and my officials to discuss the Reasoned Opinion. It provided an opportunity for the European Commission to elaborate on the legal arguments supporting the view that Ireland had not adequately transposed the Framework Decision.
On 14 October 2025, my Department and European Commission officials participated in an online discussion regarding Ireland’s response to the Reasoned Opinion, which issued to the Commission on 8 July. Ireland’s response to the Reasoned Opinion expressed reservations with regard to the Commission's analysis of the perceived shortcomings of the current Irish implementation, in particular, that sufficient weight has not been given to Ireland’s position that the provisions in the Framework are effectively transposed by existing Irish constitutional, statute and common law.
In this context, officials of the European Commission thanked the Department for the additional information and relevant Irish legal provisions, provided in the response to the Reasoned Opinion in support of the position that Ireland has indeed fully transposed all elements of the Directive, and indicated they are currently considering the response.
652. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to state the number of Ukrainian men between the ages of 18 and 30 who have applied for temporary protection in Ireland in each month from January 2025 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65597/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraBeneficiaries of Temporary Protection hold temporary permission to remain in Ireland, renewable annually for as long as the Directive remains in force.
On 15 July 2025, the Justice and Home Affairs Council extended Temporary Protection by a year until March 2027, providing certainty for beneficiaries who can continue to avail of the protections that the Directive provides.
Under Article 2, the Temporary Protection Directive applies to the following groups of people who have had to flee Ukraine due to the invasion by Russia:
a) Ukrainian nationals who were residing in Ukraine before 24 February 2022;
b) Nationals of a third country (other than Ukraine) or a stateless person who would have benefited from international protection (for example: Refugee status) or an equivalent national protection status in Ukraine and were residing there before 24 February 2022;
c) Family members of persons covered by a) and b), where their family already existed in Ukraine, prior to 24 February.
In common with most other European countries, Ireland seen an increase in arrivals from Ukraine in recent months. One of the factors contributing to this rise appears to be changes in Ukrainian law which now permit men aged 18 to 22 to leave Ukraine. The highest number of temporary protection beneficiaries in Ireland continues to be women and children.
My Department continues to work with relevant authorities across the EU to monitor trends.
The number of Ukrainian men between the ages of 18 and 30 years who have applied for temporary protection in Ireland in each month from January 2025 to date is as follows:
|
Year 2025 |
Number of males aged between 18 and 30 years who applied for temporary protection |
|
January |
114 |
|
February |
100 |
|
March |
100 |
|
April |
93 |
|
May |
80 |
|
June |
120 |
|
July |
154 |
|
August |
124 |
|
September |
839 |
|
October |
740 |
|
November* |
183 |
*to close of business on 16/11/2025
Please note all figures are correct at time of issue and may be subject to data cleansing.
653. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to state the total number of prosecutions taken, and the total number of convictions secured, for alleged breaches of Section 137 of the Electoral Act 1992 since its commencement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65598/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraProsecutions are a matter for the Director of Public Prosecutions, who is fully independent in her functions. As Minister, I have no role in the operations, functions, governance or oversight of the Office of the DPP and, as a result, I am unable to provide any information or statistics relating to the Director's work.
The management of the courts, operational matters and logistical functions are the responsibility of the judiciary and Courts Service, which are independent in exercising their functions under the Courts Service Act 1998 and the Constitution. However, to be of assistance to the Deputy I have sought the requested information from the Courts Service but am advised that there is no specific offence code for alleged breeches of Section 137 of the Electoral Act 1992, nor any offence codes under the Electoral Act. As a result, it is not possible to collate data on the number of prosecutions and convictions in this instance.
