Cathal Crowe
Ceist:674. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Question No. 748 of 18 November 2025, if he will clarify his response (details supplied). [65934/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraParliamentary Questions
Ceisteanna (674)
Freagraí scríofa
I can clarify that the previous parliamentary question response, which related to my plans to bring forward measures to codify the existing law on judicial review, referred to 'technical grounds' in the context of technical administrative or procedural matters in the course of judicial review proceedings, as opposed to questions which are technical scientific matters in themselves.
As such, the streamlining is intended to address legal technicalities, for example, where a complex project may be halted as a result of a simple procedural or similar error, which was not in itself material to the decision being challenged.
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (675)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:675. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the age profile of the Garda vehicle fleet within the Kerry Division; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65962/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the resources needed to keep people safe. This is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of over €2.59 billion in Budget 2026. This is allowing for sustained investment in recruitment, equipment, technology, and vehicles.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the current age profile of the Garda vehicle fleet within the Kerry Division is broken down in the table below:
|
Age |
Number of Vehicles |
Percentage |
|
<1 year |
13 |
16% |
|
1-2 years |
8 |
9.9% |
|
2-4 years |
11 |
13.6% |
|
4 - 6 years |
24 |
29.6% |
|
6+ years |
25 |
30.9% |
|
Total |
81 |
100% |
The Garda authorities have further advised all vehicles are operated up to the manufacturers durability limits or uneconomic repair, irrespective of age. A comprehensive service repair and maintenance programme is in place to ensure that all vehicles are operating to manufacturers specifications.
The responsibility for the efficient deployment of all official Garda vehicles in each Division is assigned to the Divisional Officer, who may allocate vehicles between stations as required by operational circumstances. The allocation of these vehicles is monitored and reviewed on a continual basis.
An Garda Síochána publishes detailed information on the Garda fleet from 2008 to date, including a Divisional/District monthly breakdown. Monthly Fleet reports are currently available from 2020 to October 2025. This is publicly available on their website at the following link:
[www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/finance-services/finance-fleet-management.html]
Departmental Staff
Ceisteanna (676)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:676. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of former secretary general’s, retired civil servants, directors of service, retired city/county managers or those of a similar grade in his Department that have subsequently served on State boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65998/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department works in conjunction with the Public Appointments Service and State Boards in relation to the appointment of suitably qualified and experienced people, who apply through the open competitive process, to serve the boards of State Agencies.
In making appointments to State boards, my Department ensures compliance with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies (2016), with particular attention to the Annex on Gender Balance, Diversity and Inclusion (2020), in addition to the Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards (2015).
The specific information requested by the Deputy is not held by my Department as it is not possible to be definitive about the employment of a person serving on a State Board, other than where they represent the Minister.
More information on the State Boards under the aegis of my Department, and their membership, can be accessed at the following website [membership.stateboards.ie/en/department/Department%20of%20Justice/].
Coroners Service
Ceisteanna (677)
Louis O'Hara
Ceist:677. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration when an inquest will be scheduled into the death of a person (details supplied); the reason he has not released the report in relation to the circumstances surrounding the death of this person to the Coroner’s Office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66021/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I recognise the significance and sensitivity of the coronial investigation process for loved ones of the bereaved and that delays in coronial investigations can cause distress for families of the deceased. However, it is important to note that coronial investigations are the responsibility of coroners, who are independent of my Department in the exercise of their statutory investigative function, and neither I, as Minister, nor my Department, can interfere with a coroner in the exercise of their functions.
I can confirm that the Office of the Inspector of Prisons (OIP) Death in Custody report referred to by the Deputy has been received by my Department and is receiving due attention to ensure that it can be published as soon as is possible pending legal advice.
Departmental Inquiries
Ceisteanna (678)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:678. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he or his Department have received representation from a person (details supplied); and to provide an update on any engagement with their case to date. [66032/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can advise the Deputy that my Department has corresponded with the person cited.
I am acutely aware of the grave humanitarian crisis in Gaza and my Department continues to work closely with our colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to ensure a coordinated national response to this volatile and evolving situation. This includes working with Irish citizens and their families who may require visa assistance.
Visa applications from Palestine are received by the Embassy of Ireland in Tel Aviv who process certain visa applications under delegated sanction on behalf of my Department. Officials in my Department’s Visa Division are in regular contact with the Embassy regarding visa applications from residents of Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon. Both Departments work together to ensure visa applications Palestinian nationals who meet the criteria to be granted a visa are, wherever possible, processed as swiftly as possible.
If any Deputy or Senator wishes to seek assistance with Irish visa applications they can contact my Department by email using the Oireachtas Mail facility at IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie
Citizenship Applications
Ceisteanna (679)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:679. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will provide an update on an application for citizenship for an urgent case (details supplied); if he has engaged with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade on this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66039/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The naturalisation application referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department.
Applicants can now directly check the status of their immigration 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/
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.
Local Community Safety Partnerships
Ceisteanna (680)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:680. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide an update on the establishment of the community safety partnership in County Galway, for which no update is forthcoming from the council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66040/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, which I commenced on Wednesday 2 April 2025, provides for the establishment of Local Community Safety Partnerships (LCSP) within each local authority area.
The regulations for these Safety Partnerships came into operation on Monday 30 June. 36 Partnerships are in the process of being established in local authority areas across the country.
I appointed members to Galway County Local Community Safety Partnership on 12 November 2025 and I understand they expect to hold their inaugural meeting on 3 December 2025.
Local Community Safety Partnerships replace and build upon the good work previously undertaken by Joint Policing Committees (JPCs) and will bring together a broader range of relevant stakeholders to address community safety issues in their area. Local Community Safety Partnerships will have a maximum of 30 members and membership will include local councillors; An Garda Síochána; HSE; Tusla; local authority executive; business; education; local residents and community representatives, including representatives of youth, new communities, and the voluntary sector.
Local Community Safety Partnerships (LCSP) represent a significant step towards a more collaborative, responsive, and locally driven model of public safety and will play a major role in enhancing public safety alongside An Garda Síochána, residents, businesses and state agencies.
Visa Applications
Ceisteanna (681)
Louis O'Hara
Ceist:681. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if a visa extension application can be urgently processed (details supplied);; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66060/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can advise the Deputy that the Atypical Working Scheme (AWS) permission was granted to the person cited to allow for the completion of the Clinical Adaptation process, or to sit the RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland) Aptitude Test, and to subsequently apply for an Employment Permit. This permission does not permit the holder to work in the State until an Employment Permit has been granted.
The person referred to by the Deputy must leave the State before expiry of the six month permission granted, if an Employment Permit has not been issued in this timeframe. A pending employment permit application is not grounds to renew a permission. Any person who has left the State may continue to seek employment and return to the State once an employment permit has been granted.
Matters relating to employment permits do not fall within the remit of my Department and are a matter for the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment. Further information relating to employment permits can be found on that Department's website, [www.enterprise.gov.ie].
As an Oireachtas member, the Deputy 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.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (682, 683, 690)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:682. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the amount his Department and any body under his aegis have spent on the services of a company (details supplied), by year and organisation in the years 2020 to 1 November 2025, in tabular form. [66083/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAlan Kelly
Ceist:683. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the amount his Department and any body under his aegis have spent on the services of a company (details supplied), by year and organisation in the years 2020 to 1 November 2025, in tabular form. [66101/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:690. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the total value of all contracts awarded to a company (details supplied), and its consortium partners, for interpretation services in each of the past five years; the quality control and accountability mechanisms built into these contracts; and the penalties that apply to the provider in the event of substandard performance leading to a miscarriage of justice. [66227/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 682, 683 and 690 together.
Public procurement is governed by EU and national rules and my Department ensures that appropriate procedures are followed for procurement activity. Departments are obliged to ensure that public procurement is discharged in line with the standard accounting and procurement rules and that contract prices represent best value for money.
My Department’s policy and practise to use national procurement frameworks where they are available, including for external interpretation and translation services. The use of these frameworks helps to ensure that the aggregate purchasing power of the State is utilised to achieve value for money outcomes.
My Department uses the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) Framework for Multi-Language Interpretation services. As stated in the OGP documentation for this framework, suppliers were chosen after an extensive quality of service evaluation carried out by a team of experienced interpretation services experts from across the public sector.
Operational matters regarding the management of interpreters in court, including payment and training and the introduction and provision of quality assurance processes to assess interpreter performance is a matter for the Courts Service. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.
I can confirm that my Department has not engaged the services of the Association of Translators and Interpreters Ireland during the time period specified. I am informed that the agencies under the aegis of my Department have also not engaged this company.
Details of my Department and its agencies’ expenditure on the services of Translation.ie are provided in the below tables.
I am informed that it has not been possible for An Garda Síochána or the Probation Service to supply the information requested within the timeline provided. I will forward this information directly to the Deputy when it is available.
Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration
|
Year |
Expenditure |
|
2020 |
€154 |
|
2021 |
€406 |
|
2022 |
€2,726 |
|
2023 |
€2,990 |
|
2024 |
€110,060 |
|
2025* |
€142,322 |
|
Total |
€258,659 |
Courts Service of Ireland
|
Year |
Expenditure |
|
2020 |
€1,092,436 |
|
2021 |
€1,535,283 |
|
2022 |
€1,929,591 |
|
2023 |
€2,083,969 |
|
2024 |
€3,456,121 |
|
2025* |
€3,795,711 |
|
Total |
€13,893,112 |
Legal Aid Board
|
Year |
Expenditure |
|
2020 |
€300,572 |
|
2021 |
€158,775 |
|
2022 |
€647,064 |
|
2023 |
€1,243,541 |
|
2024 |
€418,772 |
|
2025* |
€9,551 |
|
Total |
€2,778,275 |
Fiosrú
|
Year |
Expenditure |
|
2020 |
€0 |
|
2021 |
€0 |
|
2022 |
€0 |
|
2023 |
€0 |
|
2024 |
€0 |
|
2025* |
€553 |
|
Total |
€553 |
Irish Prison Service
|
Year |
Expenditure |
|
2020 |
€4,972 |
|
2021 |
€906 |
|
2022 |
€0 |
|
2023 |
€0 |
|
2024 |
€0 |
|
2025* |
€0 |
|
Total |
€5,879 |
Parole Board
|
Year |
Expenditure |
|
2020 |
€0 |
|
2021 |
€0 |
|
2022 |
€0 |
|
2023 |
€346 |
|
2024 |
€282 |
|
2025* |
€713 |
|
Total |
€1,342 |
*To 01/11/2025
Question No. 683 answered with Question No. 682.
Departmental Advertising
Ceisteanna (684)
Emer Currie
Ceist:684. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his Department is considering proposals to carry out a media campaign on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66134/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Garda Commissioner is responsible for all operational policing matters, including responses by An Garda Síochána to emergency calls and providing information to the public on how to report crime or contact An Garda Síochána.
Under the Communications Regulation (Amendment) Act 2007, responsibility for the 999 or Emergency Call Answering Service contract falls under the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications.
An Garda Síochána have published advice on their website encouraging members of the public to always call 112 or 999 in an emergency. An emergency is any incident which requires an immediate Garda response, for example:
• A danger to life
• Risk of serious injury
• Crime in progress or about to happen
• Offender still at scene or has just left.
Gardaí advise that in all other circumstances when reporting a crime, members of the public should contact their local Garda Station, details of which are published online in the Garda Station Directory. Anyone with information regarding a crime can also ring the Garda Confidential Telephone Number 1800 666 111.
Calls for service, whether received through a local Garda station or the 112/999 ECAS system, are routed through the Regional Control Centres and prioritised for response. Higher priority calls will always take priority over lower priority calls.
Gardaí aim is to answer 80% of 999 calls within 7 seconds and deploy resources immediately giving an estimated time of arrival. An Garda Síochána will take appropriate steps to deal with all incidents and ensure that emergency and life threatening calls receive priority. They will endeavour to get to callers within 15 minutes in urban locations and as soon as possible, given the distance to be travelled, in more rural areas.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (685)
Máire Devine
Ceist:685. Deputy Máire Devine asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration in relation to “Coco’s Law”, the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020, the number of prosecutions taken, and number of convictions under this law, by offence name, number of prosecutions taken, number of convictions, average length of sentence and disposition of sentence (whether suspended and so on), by county, and year since the law’s inception to date, in tabular form. [66160/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Prosecutions 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 information from the Courts Service and it is set out in the attached document.
International Protection
Ceisteanna (686, 687)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:686. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the average processing time of applications for international protection in the years 2020 to date in 2025; by quarter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66175/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMatt Carthy
Ceist:687. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of applications for international protection in the years 2020 to date in 2025; by quarter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66176/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 686 and 687 together.
I am fully committed to ensuring that Ireland’s International Protection system is robust, and rules based, and that our borders are protected.
The number of International Protection applications have been rising over the past number of years, reaching 18,500 in 2024. This year, we are beginning to see application numbers noticeably reduce with 33% fewer compared with the same period in 2024.
There has been a significant increase in investment into the international protection system which, combined with digitisation and process reengineering, has facilitated a major increase in processing capacity.
In 2024, the International Protection Office (IPO) delivered over 14,000 first decisions compared to over 8,500 in 2023, while the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) closed around 3,100 appeals in 2024 compared to over 1,700 in 2023.
In 2025, to the end of Q3, there has been a 51% increase in the total number of first decisions when compared to the same period in 2024. The IPAT has also increased the number of appeals completed to date in 2025 by 44% over the full year figure for 2024 with ongoing recruitment of Tribunal Members to increase its decision-making capacity.
The table below shows the number of applications for international protection in the years 2020 to date in 2025, by quarter.
|
Year |
Quarter |
Number of Applications |
|
2020 |
Qtr 1 |
729 |
|
|
Qtr 2 |
87 |
|
|
Qtr 3 |
397 |
|
|
Qtr 4 |
352 |
|
2021 |
Qtr 1 |
367 |
|
|
Qtr 2 |
360 |
|
|
Qtr 3 |
749 |
|
|
Qtr 4 |
1,171 |
|
2022 |
Qtr 1 |
2,172 |
|
|
Qtr 2 |
4,318 |
|
|
Qtr 3 |
3,455 |
|
|
Qtr 4 |
3,698 |
|
2023 |
Qtr 1 |
2,993 |
|
|
Qtr 2 |
2,475 |
|
|
Qtr 3 |
3,434 |
|
|
Qtr 4 |
4,369 |
|
2024 |
Qtr 1 |
5,161 |
|
|
Qtr 2 |
5,436 |
|
|
Qtr 3 |
4,986 |
|
|
Qtr 4 |
2,971 |
|
2025 |
Qtr 1 |
3,023 |
|
|
Qtr 2 |
3,020 |
|
|
Qtr 3 |
3,546 |
|
|
Qtr 4* |
1,965 |
*Q4 2025 to COB Nov 19 2025
The table below shows the overall median processing time in months of applications for international protection in the years 2020 to 19 November 2025, by quarter.
|
Year |
Quarter |
Median |
|
2020 |
Qtr 1 |
16 |
|
2020 |
Qtr 2 |
17 |
|
2020 |
Qtr 3 |
19 |
|
2020 |
Qtr 4 |
20 |
|
2021 |
Qtr 1 |
22 |
|
2021 |
Qtr 2 |
27 |
|
2021 |
Qtr 3 |
23 |
|
2021 |
Qtr 4 |
22 |
|
2022 |
Qtr 1 |
26 |
|
2022 |
Qtr 2 |
22 |
|
2022 |
Qtr 3 |
13 |
|
2022 |
Qtr 4 |
9 |
|
2023 |
Qtr 1 |
10 |
|
2023 |
Qtr 2 |
12 |
|
2023 |
Qtr 3 |
14 |
|
2023 |
Qtr 4 |
16 |
|
2024 |
Qtr 1 |
16 |
|
2024 |
Qtr 2 |
17 |
|
2024 |
Qtr 3 |
15 |
|
2024 |
Qtr 4 |
15 |
|
2025 |
Qtr 1 |
14 |
|
2025 |
Qtr 2 |
14 |
|
2025 |
Qtr 3 |
14 |
|
2025 |
Qtr 4* |
15 |
*up to 19 November 2025
Accelerated processing was introduced in November 2022, and it now applies to those from designated safe countries of origin, applicants who have received protection elsewhere in Europe and those from a country with a particularly high number of applications.
The table below shows the median processing time in months of applications for international protection under the accelerated procedure in the years 2022 to date in 2025, by quarter.
|
Accelerated Procedure |
|
|
|
Year |
Quarter |
Median |
|
2022 |
Qtr 4 |
1 |
|
2023 |
Qtr 1 |
2 |
|
2023 |
Qtr 2 |
2 |
|
2023 |
Qtr 3 |
2 |
|
2023 |
Qtr 4 |
2 |
|
2024 |
Qtr 1 |
3 |
|
2024 |
Qtr 2 |
2 |
|
2024 |
Qtr 3 |
2 |
|
2024 |
Qtr 4 |
3 |
|
2025 |
Qtr 1 |
4 |
|
2025 |
Qtr 2 |
4 |
|
2025 |
Qtr 3 |
3 |
|
2025 |
Qtr 4* |
2 |
*up to 19 November 2025
Please note that figures are correct at time of issue, however, all statistics may be subject to data cleansing.
My Department also continues to focus on preparing for the EU Migration and Asylum Pact in advance of June 2026. The Pact will provide a fair, sustainable and efficient asylum procedure. This will be achieved through convergence in asylum practices across the EU including standardised processing times for decisions: six months for a standard procedure, three months for accelerated and border procedures and two months for processing applicants who have applied for protection elsewhere in Europe.
The General Scheme of a new International Protection Bill to give effect to the measures of the EU Migration and Asylum Pact was approved by Government on 29 April 2025. The General Scheme has been published and referred to the Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for pre-legislative scrutiny. The drafting of the Bill is underway. Enactment of the Bill and commencement of the Act is required by 11 June 2026.
Question No. 687 answered with Question No. 686.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (688, 689)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:688. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the average processing times for appeals to the International Appeals Protection Tribunal in the years 2020 to date in 2025; by quarter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66177/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMatt Carthy
Ceist:689. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of appeals to the International Appeals Protection Tribunal in the years 2020 to date in 2025; by quarter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66178/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 688 and 689 together.
There has been a significant increase in investment into the international protection system which, combined with digitisation and process reengineering, has facilitated a major increase in processing capacity.
There remains is a strong commitment to resource the Tribunal through its budget and staffing. This has been particularly evident in the past two years with the Tribunal budget increasing by 95% since 2023 and administrative staff doubling in capacity. Recent competitions have also seen part time tribunal members increasing from 89 to 143 and whole-time members from 6 to 9.
In 2024, the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) closed around 3,100 appeals compared to over 1,700 in 2023. To date in 2025, the IPAT has increased the number of appeals completed by 78% over the full year figure for 2024.
The table below shows International Protection Appeals Tribunal appeals accepted for each quarter from 2020 to Q3 2025.
|
Year |
Q1 |
Q2 |
Q3 |
Q4 |
|
2020 |
526 |
20 |
440 |
269 |
|
2021 |
233 |
196 |
141 |
186 |
|
2022 |
168 |
238 |
461 |
308 |
|
2023 |
769 |
1,016 |
1,523 |
1,461 |
|
2024 |
1,643 |
1,761 |
2,380 |
3,030 |
|
2025 |
3,325 |
3,521 |
3,955 |
- |
The table below shows International Protection Appeals Tribunal median processing times in months for each quarter from 2020 to Q3 2025.
|
Year |
Q1 |
Q2 |
Q3 |
Q4 |
|
2020 |
6.0 |
9.2 |
10.8 |
12.2 |
|
2021 |
14.8 |
16.2 |
13.1 |
13.8 |
|
2022 |
14.6 |
12.8 |
10.2 |
4.0 |
|
2023 |
5.7 |
5.8 |
5.6 |
6.9 |
|
2024 |
8.5 |
10 |
11.3 |
12.8 |
|
2025 |
14.5 |
15.6 |
16.1 |
- |
*All data provide is correct at time of issue and may be subject to data cleansing.
Question No. 689 answered with Question No. 688.
Question No. 690 answered with Question No. 682.
Legislative Measures
Ceisteanna (691)
John Clendennen
Ceist:691. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the process and timeline for giving effect to amendments to the Personal Injuries Guidelines; if he will commit to formal stakeholder consultation in advance of publication of the Bill; if the general scheme will be referred for pre-legislative scrutiny by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66256/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On the 17 September, as required by section 7 of the Judicial Council Act 2019, I laid the revised personal injury guidelines before the Houses of the Oireachtas.
Prior to the laying of the documents, I consulted Ministerial colleagues and the Attorney General in relation to the proposed increase in award amounts contained in the Judicial Council’s proposals. While there were concerns that any delay in the adoption of new guidelines could lead to the courts being invited to depart from the guidelines and to seek higher awards reflecting the effect of inflation, to be applied at the discretion of the Court, I was also conscious of concerns raised in relation to potential inflationary pressures.
Therefore, it is my intention not to bring a Resolution before the Houses seeking the approval of the guidelines at this time. In effect, this means that the amended Guidelines cannot come into effect and the existing Guidelines will remain in place. In addition, I have received Government approval to draft a general scheme of a Bill to amend the Judicial Council Act 2019 to make reviews of the Personal Injuries Guidelines more comprehensive and transparent. The General Scheme of the Bill will be referred for Pre-Legislative Scrutiny.
Departmental Funding
Ceisteanna (692)
Ged Nash
Ceist:692. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the reason the community probation team did not award funding, following an expression of interest process, to a project (details supplied) to continue its established Drugs Court partnership in Drogheda; if he will review the decision or alternatively provide additional funding to the group to continue its trusted Drugs Court partnership work in the community; his views that the decision following the expression of interest process runs contrary to the principles established by his Departments-sponsored Drogheda Implementation Board of supporting sustained community-based interventions, developing established trusted relationships, and investment in local services in Drogheda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66292/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Following its establishment in 2021, the extended term of the Drogheda Implementation Board came to an end on 31 December 2024.
The Board was established to oversee the implementation of the report ‘Drogheda: Building a Bridge to a Better Future’ and is an example of how the government is prioritising building stronger, safer communities.
During its term significant progress was made on the 74 recommendations as set out in the Drogheda Report Implementation Plan. These recommendations fell under two general headings:
• the need for improved inter-agency cooperation in the administration and delivery of services in Drogheda;
• the need to resource services or provide additional services in the area.
Over the lifetime of the Board 70 posts were created in response to the Drogheda Report Implementation Plan; 23 of these are permanent posts while a number of others are funded on a long -term basis by a variety of government departments and statutory agencies. In addition, over €31m was committed in funding either to support these posts or for capital projects.
Several actions from the Implementation Plan related specifically to The Red Door project, and the delivery of services to the community through that project. Amongst other interventions delivered by a variety of agencies, my Department resourced a Drug Court Liaison Worker and administrative supports from October 2021 to October 2025 through The Red Door Project on a temporary basis.
The Probation Service recently opened an Expression of Interest (EOI) process for the delivery of community based supports to the Co Louth Probation Service team. The closing date for receipt of applications was 17 October 2025.
The EOI contained a number of specific requirements from the successful organisation, including to work with the Louth Probation Service team to deliver services within the Drug Treatment Court model.
I understand that the process has concluded and that a preferred service provider was selected by the Probation Service.
Departmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (693)
Albert Dolan
Ceist:693. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide the Department’s annual expenditure on State Claims Agency costs for the years 2020–2025. [66363/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Details of my Department’s (Vote 24)
|
Year |
Expenditure |
|
2020 |
€9,111,818 |
|
2021 |
€11,583,406 |
|
2022 |
€15,033,462 |
|
2023 |
€10,650,091 |
|
2024 |
€13,241,440 |
|
2025* |
€2,209,380 |
*to November 2025