Written Answers Nos. 392-411
392. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of firearm certificates issued, broken down by county, between 2020 and 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67274/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra393. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of firearm certificates refused, broken down by county, between 2020 and 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67275/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 392 and 393 together.
While the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration is the competent authority for the import and export of firearms, An Garda Síochána has a range of functions with regard to the operation of firearms legislation - including the issuing of firearms certificates and authorisations - and remains the competent authority for the licensing of firearms within the State.
The Firearms (Firearm Certificates for Non-Residents) Act 2000 gives the authority for granting licences to Superintendents of An Garda Síochána. Superintendents, when considering firearms licence applications, are considered 'persona designata' and cannot have their decision-making process fettered in any way. As such, neither I as Minister, nor my Department has any role in the issuing or otherwise of firearms certificates.
I am advised by An Garda Síochána that the attached table provides figures for the number of firearms certificates issued by Garda Division between 2020 and 2025, and the total number of refusals for each year. A breakdown of refusals by Garda Division is not possible due to low volumes and the need for excessive redaction.
[<a skillset//data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/debates/questions/supportingDocumentation/2025-12-02_pq-392_en.docx">Firearms Certificates</a>]
394. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether a company is currently operating an International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centre, either at a location (details supplied), or at any other location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67321/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has a contract with a provider to provide international protection accommodation at this location.
Detailed contractual arrangements in relation to International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) accommodation centres are confidential and commercially sensitive. However, quarterly reports on all payments over €20,000 are published online and are available on gov.ie here: www.gov.ie/en/collection/dfdadb-department-of-children-and-youth-affairs-purchase-orders-for-20000-o/.
395. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the reason for the delays in publishing a report (details supplied), given the length of time he has had it; and to consider the impact this is having on the much-delayed inquest into a person’s death in prison; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67323/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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.
396. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration his views on the merits of creating legislation that would limit the ability of professional photographers to take photos at funerals; if any research has been carried out by his Department in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67366/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for clarifying that this matter refers to ‘photographers taking photos for the purpose of publishing by media outlets’. The use of imagery in broadcast, VOD or online media is the responsibility of Coimisiún na Meán, which falls under the remit of the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.
I am not aware of any research having been carried out by my Department in relation to legislating to limit the ability of professional photographers to take photos at funerals and it is not a matter that is under consideration.
The Press Council’s Code is a set of principles which member publications agree to uphold in the material they publish, and in the behaviour of their journalists.
Principle 5.3 of the Code provide that sympathy and discretion must be shown at all times in seeking information in situations of personal grief or shock. In publishing such information, the feelings of grieving families should be taken into account.
Complaints in relation to journalistic behaviour, articles and photographs published by members of the Press Council, can be made to the Press Ombudsman.
Images of individuals constitute “personal data” under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The capturing of a person's image and its subsequent use constitutes processing of personal data within the meaning of the GDPR. As with any processing of personal data, the recording of identifiable images of persons must have a legal basis under the data protection legislative frameworks. Individuals have a right to have their personal data processed in a manner that complies with data protection law.
However, the GDPR expressly recognises the need for Member States to take account of the importance of the right to freedom of expression and information in the context of data protection. In accordance with Article 85 GDPR, Section 43 of the Data Protection Act 2018 provides in Irish law for exemptions to a range of provisions of the GDPR for processing for the purpose of exercising the right to freedom of expression and information, including processing for journalistic purposes.
Anyone who has concerns in relation to a breach of the GDPR, should contact to the Data Protection Commission.
397. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to assist in a case where the citizenship division has not issued a woman with their invitation for their graduation ceremony for a fourth time since 2024, even though they were informed that they have. [67371/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the Deputy has been in contact with my Department's Immigration Oireachtas service and that this is now resolved.
398. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether he will support legislation to summarily dismiss any application for asylum received from persons who had arrived in Ireland via the United Kingdom, or to prohibit any such individuals from submitting an application, since by definition they are in breach of the Dublin Convention and are not entitled to asylum in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67427/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am fully committed to ensuring that Ireland’s International Protection system is robust, and rules based, and that our borders are protected.
The State is required to examine the application of anyone who presents at the borders of the State, or is in the State, and indicates that they wish to make an application for international protection. This is in accordance with our obligations under international and EU asylum law and the Government takes those commitments seriously.
Dublin III Regulations determine the EU country responsible for examining an asylum application and, following the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the EU, no longer apply to the UK.
However, the International Protection Act 2015, Section 21(2)(a) provides that an application for international protection is inadmissible where one or more of the following circumstances applies in relation to the person who is the subject of the application:
* Another member State has granted refugee status or subsidiary protection status to the person;
* A country other than a Member State is, in accordance with Section 21(15) of the 2015 Act, a first country of asylum for the person;
* The person arrived in the State from a safe third country that is, in accordance with Subsection 17, a safe country for the person.
Following the withdrawal of the UK from the EU, a new arrangement for reciprocal returns of international protection applicants between Ireland and the UK was agreed. However a High Court judgment subsequently identified legal issues with the process concerning the designation in Irish law of safe third countries.
The issues raised by the judgment were addressed by the Courts, Civil Law, Criminal Law and Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2024 and, following an analysis required as under the Act, I designated the UK as a safe third country for returns under S.I. No. 73/2025 - International Protection Act 2015 (Safe Third Country) Order 2025 with effect from 11 March 2025.
Arrangements for re-operationalising the agreement, on foot of the re- designation of the UK as a safe third country, are being put in place in consultation with the UK.
Ireland and the United Kingdom (UK) share a long history and common interest in the effective operation of the Common Travel Area (CTA) and work together to prevent any abuses of the CTA.
My Department chairs a CTA forum with the UK Home Office which acts as a steering committee for the ongoing work of protecting the CTA in relation to free movement of its citizens between both countries while at the same time ensuring that the CTA is not abused by those not entitled to avail of it. The Forum meets twice yearly but also meets in sub-group format to address particular elements of Ireland/UK co-operation, bringing together relevant subject matter expertise in areas such as asylum and border management.
More broadly, there is extensive engagement and cooperation at all levels between my Department officials and their Home Office counterparts, as well as significant operational cooperation between the Gardaí, UK Border Force, UK policing services and the Police Service of Northern Ireland. This strong practical engagement and cooperation serves the mutual interests of both Ireland and the UK and will continue.
399. Deputy Ann Graves asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the supports in place for male victims of domestic violence in Fingal, County Dublin. [67435/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraCombatting 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 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.
400. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the type of training provided to staff within his Department in the use of, or understanding of artificial intelligence; if a programme is planned for all staff on their obligations under the EU Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67467/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department adheres to the Guidelines for the Responsible Use of AI in the Public Service issued in May 2025, as well as cybersecurity guidance issued by the National Cyber Security Centre in June 2023.
There are two Civil Service specific eLearning programmes on AI, which are available on OneLearning. These are ‘AI in the Public Service’, which is included as part of compliance training for all staff, and ‘Navigating the Guidelines for the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Service’ which staff in my Department are encouraged to complete. Specialist units, including the National Cyber Security Centre, have access to additional and specific subject matter training and expertise.
Specific staff training has also been provided to staff in connection with the deployment of the AI enabled Digital Contact Centre (DCC) in Immigration Service Delivery. Additionally, officials from my Department have attended seminars and conferences on AI and been approved to undertake additional relevant training in this area.
An AI policy and governance framework, aligned with national guidance, is currently being developed in my Department. As part of this work, my Department is assessing the obligations arising under the EU Artificial Intelligence Act. A staff training programme will be developed once the regulatory requirements are finalised.
401. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of drivers caught or suspected of not having motor insurance per annum from 2020, to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67490/25]
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. As Minister, I play no role in these independent functions.
In the interest of transparency, An Garda Síochána publishes information in relation to figures relating to Roads Policing Offences and Activity nationwide. This can be found at the following link:
www.garda.ie/en/roads-policing/statistics/roads%20policing%20offences%20by%20region%20and%20division/.
The Deputy should select the file titled ‘Roads Policing Q3 2025" for a breakdown of the most recent published statistics. Annual reports for the period 2020 to 2024 are also available.
Page ten of these reports provides data relating to incidents where a vehicle was detained by Gardaí for the reason of ‘a driver without an approved policy of insurance’.
The final page of the reports details the number of charges and summonses created for the offences of 'No Insurance (Owner)' and 'No Insurance (User)'.
402. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration his plans to ensure continuity of support following the expiry of the accommodation recognition payment scheme in March 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67534/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Accommodation Recognition Payment is a tax-free monthly payment available to those providing accommodation to people who arrived in Ireland under the EU Temporary Protection Directive since March 2022. The scheme, which was introduced in July 2022, is provided for under Part 2 of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022.
The original scheme termination date was set as 31 March 2023 to align with the duration of temporary protection under Council Directive 2001/55/EC of 20 July 2001, as activated by Council Decision (EU) 2022/382 of 4 March 2022 (www.eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32022D0382) To date, the scheme has been extended three times to align with previous extensions of the Temporary Protection Directive (TPD), most recently to 31 March 2026. The scheme may be further extended by Ministerial Order, subject to Oireachtas approval and consultation with relevant Ministers.
The monthly contribution rate was originally set at €400 from 4 March 2022. It was then increased to €800 from 1 December 2022 to coincide with the introduction of the ‘Offer a Home’ scheme. The rate was subsequently reduced to €600 from 1 June 2025. This change was one of several measures introduced by my Department to ensure that such temporary and timebound supports for temporary protection beneficiaries from Ukraine are proportionate and equitable.
The future of the ARP will be considered further in the context of the extension of TPD to March 2027 and planning across Government for a coordinated approach to transitioning out of temporary protection having regard to the Council Recommendation of 4 June 2025 in this regard.
403. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration when full opening hours will resume at a facility (details supplied); when the carpark adjacent to the facility will be reopened; if he will commit to ensuring full access for members at the earliest opportunity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67562/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department is aware that the leisure centre at the Citywest Hotel and Convention centre complex is a valued local amenity with approximately 3,000 members.
Following the purchase of the complex, the Department contracted the current provider to oversee the management and provision of service for the gym and the existing workforce was maintained under the transitional agreement.
Due to the public disorder outside of the Citywest Hotel and Convention Centre campus, access had to be restricted to the campus for residents, staff, and members of the public accessing services including the leisure centre and restaurant. This measure was taken to protect the safety of all people who may be on the campus. Members of the leisure centre were informed about the access restrictions by the management.
Access to the Leisure Centre was restored to members on a reduced hours basis from Tuesday November 11. Current opening hours are 6am – 6pm Monday to Friday and 8am – 6pm Saturday to Sunday. Under the current measures, the Leisure Centre is open three hours longer than usual at weekends - closing one hour later, at 5pm, on Saturdays and two hours later, at 6pm, on Sundays.
Security huts have been put in place at the entrance to the Citywest campus and at various locations on site, including at the designated car park for members accessing the Leisure Centre. Additional lighting and CCTV have been put in place both in the Leisure Centre car park and along the main route through the campus.
The Department is working closely with An Garda Síochána and keeping security arrangements at the campus under review, including a possible return to previous opening hours of the Leisure Centre and parking arrangements.
While security concerns and assessments are ongoing, the Leisure Centre will operate under the current arrangements. Local public representatives and community members will be kept informed if there is any update for members and people living in the locality.
404. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the total amount spent on leasing a facility (details supplied) for the accommodation of migrants in each of the years prior to the government's purchasing of the property. [67604/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe property to which the Deputy refers has been leased by the state since 2022 as a transit hub and accommodation centre for those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine and people seeking international protection.
Details of payments made to specific providers for specific locations are not publicly supplied by my Department as such details are commercially sensitive. However, the Deputy may wish to note that payments over €20,000 to suppliers of the Department generally, including accommodation providers, are periodically published officially. The most recent figures are published at the URL www.gov.ie/en/collection/dfdadb-department-of-children-and-youth-affairs-purchase-orders-for-20000-o/.
405. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the amount paid for the purchase of a facility (details supplied) in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67605/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraCabinet approval for the State purchase of the Citywest Hotel and Convention Centre for international protection accommodation was secured this year on 17 June 2025 and the sale was completed in August 2025.
The full purchase price for the Citywest centre (including VAT) was €148,253,530 which is in line with the Government decision of 17 June 2025.
The purchase of the site is a key part of the Government’s strategy to develop more State-owned accommodation, building a stable and sustainable accommodation system for people seeking international protection, and reducing reliance on commercial centres.
The purchase was approved following an extensive due diligence process, including appropriate survey, legal review and independent valuation, in line with the Government Infrastructure Guidelines. These guidelines set out the value for money guidelines for the evaluation, planning and management of public investment projects, including purchase or acquisitions of assets or shareholdings, in Ireland.
Compared to the costs of the previous leasing model, the savings to the State will pay back the purchase price within 4 years.
This estimate is based on expenditure in 2024 under the previous leasing model for accommodation for people from Ukraine and international protection at this location. It also includes consideration of the ongoing running costs to the State of providing accommodation at the site after the purchase.
The purchase model represents prudent financial sense for the State in this regard, while also delivering a permanent State asset.
406. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the amount spent on the accommodation of persons seeking international protection and refugees in each of the past fifteen years and to date in 2025. [67606/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has been unable to provide a response to this question within the prescribed timeframe. A response will issue directly to the Deputy in the coming days.
407. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he considered how the equity of care between unaccompanied children seeking international protection and Irish resident children in the care system will be dealt with in the International Protection Bill 2025. [67618/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra408. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration how unaccompanied children seeking international protection will be cared for and accommodated in the implementation of the EU Pact on migration and asylum. [67619/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 407 and 408 together.
Ireland has opted in to the EU Asylum and Migration Pact which is due to enter operation in 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.
The General Scheme of a new International Protection Bill to give effect to the measures of the Pact was approved by Government on 29 April 2025. As the Deputy is aware, the Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration recently conducted pre-legislative scrutiny of the General Scheme. The drafting of the Bill is well advanced. It is expected that the Bill will be published by the end of the year. Enactment of the Bill and commencement of the Act is required by 11 June 2026.
The measures of the Pact, in particular, the Reception Conditions Directive (Directive (EU) 2024/1346), the Asylum Procedures Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2024/1348), and the Asylum and Migration Management Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2024/1351) set out safeguards and procedural guarantees for unaccompanied minors in the international protection process. These requirements will be given effect in the International Protection Bill. The Bill will also provide for appropriate alignment with the Screening Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2024/1356). As required by the Pact measures, the Bill will make provision for the appointment of representatives to assist and safeguard the interests of unaccompanied minors.
My Department is working closely with the Department of Children, Disability and Equality and Tusla on matters relating to unaccompanied minors in the international protection process to ensure that our national legislation and operational practices will accord with requirements under the Pact and ensure the appropriate care and protection of unaccompanied minors.
409. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the actions being taken to address the lengthy waiting times for Irish residence permit registration appointments at the Burgh Quay registration office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67621/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Registration Office of my Department is currently experiencing an exceptionally high demand for first time registration appointments and are aware that appointment availability is severely limited.
I understand that the extended wait times to secure an appointment can be frustrating for applicants. I can assure the Deputy that my Department is doing everything possible to facilitate as many customers as possible.
New appointment slots are being released on a rolling 90-day basis, with additional slots being made available where capacity is identified and as any cancellations/reschedules are made. The Registration Office has also extended opening hours and are now open seven days a week to meet this demand. It is anticipated that further measures to increase the availability of appointments will be taken in the coming weeks.
Applicants are advised to monitor the dedicated booking appointment system via the Customer Service Portal at www.portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/, for any available appointments that may come up due to cancellations.
If customers have successfully booked an appointment, but wish to amend the date, they can do so via the reschedule option to any other available date. Please be aware that given the current exceptional demand it is not possible to accommodate requests for an earlier appointment.
My Department has put in place an interim solution for people awaiting a renewal of their immigration permission and for people awaiting a first time registration who wish to travel over the Christmas period. More information is available at www.irishimmigration.ie/isd-announces-initiative-to-facilitate-customers-travelling-at-christmas-2/.
410. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of each category of Garda driving and motorcycle courses for Garda personnel held in Garda headquarters; the number of Gardaí per class; the length of time each course runs for, in the years of 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form. [67639/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing the administration and business of An Garda Síochána, including the training of Gardaí.
I have consulted with the Garda Authorities and have been advised that there were no driving or motorcycle courses for Garda personnel held in Garda headquarters in 2024 or year to date in 2025. The frequency of all courses is governed by the operational requirements of An Garda Síochána.
An Garda Síochána has two Driver Training Schools, both of which are under the remit of the Garda College. One is based in the Garda College in Templemore and the other is attached to Garda HQ.
I am also informed by the Garda authorities that there is a five-level suite of competency based driving (CBD) courses, with each level specifically catering for the required knowledge base, skill set and operational requirements of Gardaí.
CBD Level 1 consists of a one-day assessment programme. Gardaí who successfully complete CBD Level 1 are deemed competent to carry out non-response driving functions and routine driving functions commensurate to the role.
CBD Level 2 is a two-week Competency Based Driving Course aimed at front-line Garda Drivers. This course contains Road Craft techniques and emergency response driving.
CBD Level 3 is an addition to the CBD2 course and is of three weeks duration. This course has a requirement for a higher skill set of driving to facilitate the driving of higher powered vehicles. I am advised that Competency Based Driving Level 3 is the highest level of training given to operational Gardaí.
I understand that following the publication of the Garda Spontaneous Pursuit Policy, a pursuit training course is now in development. Level 2 and Level 3 courses include instructions on response driving. The current Garda policy on Spontaneous Pursuits provides that CBD2 and CBD3 drivers may be authorised by the Serious Incident Dispatcher to initiate a pursuit dependant on the threat and risk assessed at the time.
The more specialised levels CBD4 and CBD5 are only delivered to Gardaí undergoing the selection process to become Garda Driving Instructors.
411. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration his plans to extend Valerie's Law to include domestic violence and coercive control. [67700/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 1 April 2025, I secured Government approval for the referral of the Scheme of the Guardianship of Infants (Amendment) Bill 2025 and for its formal drafting, once pre-legislative scrutiny was complete.
The Bill, was referred to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for pre-legislative scrutiny on 19 May, and on the 24 September the Committee published its report and made 30 recommendations. Drafting of this Bill is ongoing between the Department and the Office of Parliamentary Counsel and it is on the priority list for publication in this session.
The proposed legislation will deliver 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 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.
The Bill seeks to address the particular situation where a guardian has been killed or incapacitated by another guardian of the child - the result may be that the convicted guardian is the only effective guardian of the child. This situation is distinct from situations where a guardian may have committed offences against another guardian, but that guardian is not killed or incapacitated as result.
