Written Answers Nos. 106-125
106. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will establish a historical investigations unit to allow for independent police investigation into unresolved deaths and incidents of torture or ill treatment as proposed by the Irish Council for Civil Liberties and the Committee on the Administration of Justice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68323/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Historical Investigation Unit structure was a proposal contained in the Stormont House Agreement specific to Northern Ireland.
In this jurisdiction, the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, led by the Assistant Commissioner for Organised and Serious Crime, holds a national investigative remit and is specialised in the area of major crime investigation. It undertakes and supports investigations on the direction of the Garda Commissioner.
The Deputy will also be aware that the expertise of the Serious Crime Review Team (SCRT), established in 2007 to provide for independent review of historical investigations, including homicides, is available where appropriate. These reviews constitute an independent examination of evidence and other material, gathered during investigation and to ensure that it conforms to approved standards; that the investigation has been thorough, conducted with integrity and objectivity; and to identify further investigative opportunities. The remit of the SCRT is broad and would include reviews of Troubles-related cases, where appropriate.
I am assured that, in circumstances where historic offences have not been resolved, the investigations remain open and the Garda authorities will, and do, follow up fully, on any new evidence or information that becomes available to them, whether that comes from the public, from other police services or from their own investigations.
I can also assure the Deputy that the Government is determined to fulfil our shared responsibilities as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement. The Programme for Government explicitly states our commitment to play our full part in legacy processes and to address the legacy of the conflict in this jurisdiction. As the Deputy will be aware, the Government at its meeting on 1 October formally approved the Joint Framework on the Legacy of the Troubles agreed with the British Government and announced on 19 September last. As part of this, the Government has committed to facilitating the cooperation of the relevant Irish authorities with the UK Legacy Commission, once established, to the fullest extent possible. The UK Government also commits to reciprocal cooperation by the UK authorities with investigations, inquests and inquiries on the same basis and in the same spirit.
As recognised in the Joint Framework investigations into Troubles-related incidents should be victim-centred. To further support this objective, the Garda Commissioner has committed to the establishment by the end of this year of a dedicated unit as a central point of contact for victims and families in relation to Troubles-related investigations undertaken by An Garda Síochána.
As I set out in my reply of 26 November 2025 to the Deputy, there is no intention that the unit will be an investigative unit. The investigation of Troubles-related cases will continue to be undertaken by the relevant Garda Division in which the incident occurred with the support of national units as required. This is the most appropriate and effective approach in this jurisdiction. An Garda Síochána has also committed, where possible, to endeavour to answer questions that a family may have in relation to the investigation of a Troubles-related incident and provide a report to the family. The provision of a family report may not prejudice an ongoing criminal investigation or prosecution. I am committed to keeping these arrangements under review.
107. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the timeframe in which he intends to establish a register of domestic abusers. [68506/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraCombatting all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is a core priority for me and for Government. The Zero Tolerance Strategy sets out our determination to ensure that those affected by these crimes receive strong protection, clear pathways to justice and the supports they need.
Strengthening the legislative framework is an essential part of delivering on these commitments. In October, I secured Government approval to progress the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences, Domestic Violence and International Instruments) Bill 2025 which includes measures to allow perpetrators of domestic violence to be included on a new register of domestic violence judgments run by the courts.
This new law, Jennie's Law, named after Jennifer Poole, will allow those convicted of domestic violence against a partner or former partner, to be included on this public Register of Judgments. The General Scheme is being referred to the Justice Committee for pre-legislative scrutiny and, when its report is received, work on finalising the Bill will be prioritised.
108. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if there will be a Garda recruitment campaign in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68432/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraGetting more Gardaí on our streets to prevent and detect crime is my first priority as Minister. This Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs, with Budget 2026 providing unprecedented funding of €2.59 billion to support recruitment and staffing.
In order to provide a steady pipeline of Garda trainees over the coming years, it is intended that Garda recruitment campaigns will run annually.
My Department continues to engage with An Garda Síochána and Public Jobs with regard to the appropriate timing for the next Garda Recruitment campaign. The timing of Garda recruitment competitions is a matter for the Garda Commissioner working with publicjobs. Competitions are held with a view to ensuring that there is a constant stream of candidates available to enter the Garda College.
An Garda Síochána and my Department are confident there is a sufficient pipeline of candidates available for intakes to the Garda College in early 2026. An Garda Síochána are also continuing to progress works in the Garda College to maximise capacity for Garda Trainee intakes in 2026.
Interest in a career as a Garda is high, with over 11,000 applications received over the two competitions this year.
794 trainees have also entered the Garda College this year, the highest number since 2018.
Significant measures have been made to boost recruitment and retention including by increasing the Garda trainee allowance to €354 per week; increasing the age of entry from 35 to 50; and raising the mandatory retirement age to 62.
The Government has provided the funding to allow for sustained recruitment and, as I have outlined, is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs.
109. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the status of the rollout of the Garda health diversion scheme for people found in possession of drugs for personal use; when this diversion model will formally commence; and the monitoring and oversight mechanisms that will be in place to ensure it is applied consistently and fairly across all Garda divisions. [68439/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department recognises that possession of illicit drugs for personal use must necessarily be viewed as a public health issue, and not just as a matter for the criminal justice system. Additionally, while punishment for those who commit crime is a central element of our justice system, the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders is at the core of our penal system. For these reasons, my Department is taking an active role in responding to the Citizens’ Assembly on Drug Use recommendation that the State introduce 'a comprehensive health-led response to possession of drugs for personal use'.a
The Department of Health together with my Department, the Health Service Executive and An Garda Síochána, are now finalising a Health Diversion Scheme.
The Scheme, which is in line with Recommendation 17 of the Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use, will provide a health-led response to possession for personal use. It will facilitate members of An Garda Síochána to connect participants with health services, thereby providing a pathway to treatment and recovery in cases of problematic drug use.
The Programme for Government endorses the health-led approach and commits to implementing the Health Diversion Scheme. The Minister of State for the National Drugs Strategy and I have agreed the scheme will commence on an administrative basis, and An Garda Síochána and the Director of Public Prosecutions are currently finalising the scheme’s operational details, prior to commencement at a national level.
The scheme will be reviewed after one year to ensure it is meeting its aims and to make any necessary changes. A comprehensive process evaluation framework has been developed to undertake this review.
I am informed that An Garda Síochána, in consultation with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, are in the process of drafting policy and procedure documents in respect of the Health Referral Scheme.
The policy and procedure documents will outline how the scheme will be implemented. It is anticipated that the scheme will be rolled out to all Garda Divisions simultaneously. The monitoring and oversight mechanisms that shall be in place to provide assurance that the Health Referral Scheme is applied consistently and fairly across all Garda divisions will be outlined in the relevant documents also.
110. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he has considered the rights of the child in devising barriers to family reunification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68246/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra132. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he has considered whether raising the income limits for family reunification will worsen labour shortages in critical areas like healthcare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68249/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 110 and 132 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, last week Minister O’Callaghan and I announced a number of new policies and legislative changes to strengthen Ireland’s migration and asylum system.
We published the review of the non-EEA Family Reunification Policy, which has remained largely unchanged since 2013, and sets out how Irish citizens and most non-EEA Irish residents may apply to bring non-EEA family members to live with them in Ireland. The majority of these changes took immediate effect, with longer term measures to be introduced as soon as operational considerations allow.
The policy limits family reunification to immediate family members only.
I can advise the Deputy that the income requirements for healthcare workers on General Employment Permits remain unchanged. They must have a gross income in excess of €30,000 in the previous year to sponsor a spouse or partner, and a gross income in excess of €44,300 to sponsor one child. The income thresholds, as before, are indexed against the Working Family Payment (WFP) based on the number of children a sponsor wishes to bring. This means that the threshold to sponsor one child will rise to €50,200 in January 2026. For such applicants, the requirement to produce financial records has reduced from two years to one year, to align with the existing one year waiting period.
An important consideration in all family reunification applications is the ability of the sponsor to demonstrate a clear capacity to provide for their family members if they are to be granted a permission to come to Ireland. New conditions will also be introduced as soon as operational considerations allow to ensure sponsors have suitable private accommodation for their family before they arrive in Ireland.
The purpose of the revised Policy is not to deter people from integrating or making applications, but to ensure that people who are sponsoring an application have sufficient resources to provide for their family, without the reliance on state funds. The policy also aims to ensure that the needs and welfare of children are considered when determining the eligibility of a sponsor.
The revised policy can be accessed on my Departments website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-justice-home-affairs-and-migration/publications/revised-non-eea-family-reunification-policy-and-final-report-on-the-review-of-the-policy/.
111. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if members of An Garda Síochána receive training in relation to the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020 (Coco's Law); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68339/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020, also known as Coco’s Law, was enacted in 2021. This Act provides for offences relating to the recording, distribution or publication of intimate images and for the anonymity of victims of those offences; and for an offence involving the distribution, publication or sending of threatening or grossly offensive communications.
The Act creates a serious offence of distribution or publication of an intimate image without consent with intent to cause harm to the victim, attracting a maximum penalty of up to 7 years imprisonment. The Act makes it an offence to threaten to distribute or publish such an image. It also provides for a strict liability offence, with a lower penalty, for engaging in the recording, distribution or publication of an intimate image without consent, with no requirement to prove an intention to cause harm.
The 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.
To be of assistance to the Deputy, my officials have sought information on training in relation to the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020 from An Garda Síochána. An Garda Síochána have advised that training in this area is firstly delivered to trainee gardaí who are undergoing the Bachelor of Arts in Applied Policing, which is accredited by the University of Limerick.
I am further advised that training in Coco’s Law is delivered to the wider organisation through the CPD (Continuous Professional Developmental) Core Programme. The CPD Core Programme provides a consistent approach to CPD training and the delivery of training nationwide ensuring the consistency and uniformity of training and service delivery.
Finally, Gardaí undergoing the Schools Programme are also trained in the relation to Coco’s Law which allows them to incorporate this training into the talks delivered by these Gardaí to schools across the country.
112. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will revise the general scheme of the International Protection Bill 2025 to strengthen the independent human rights monitoring mechanism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68503/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra144. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will revise the general scheme of the International Protection Bill 2025 to ensure that there is no possibility of detention of vulnerable people; if he will set out explicitly in the Bill alternatives to detention to ensure that detention indeed represents a last resort, as required by the EU pact; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68502/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 112 and 144 together.
The General Scheme of a new International Protection Bill to give effect to measures of the EU Migration and Asylum Pact was approved by Government on 29 April 2025. The Report of the Joint Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration on Pre-Legislative Scrutiny of the General Scheme was published on 1 December.
I intend to seek Government approval in the coming weeks for publication of the Bill. It is expected that the Bill will be published by the end of the year.
The International Protection Bill will provide for the establishment of an independent monitoring mechanism as provided for in the Screening Regulation and Asylum Procedures Regulation. The Bill will provide for the mechanism’s functions to be conferred on an individual Chief Inspector of Asylum Border Procedures. The Bill will make clear provision for the functions and powers of the Chief Inspector in line with the independent monitoring mechanism provided for in the Screening Regulation and Asylum Procedures Regulation.
Initial steps are being taken toward the establishment of the Chief Inspector post, and funding has been allocated in the 2026 Estimates to that end.
Provision will be made for detention of applicants for international protection in accordance with the 2024 Reception Conditions Directive and the other Pact measures, in the limited circumstances envisaged in those measures, and with the required safeguards.
The EU Migration and Asylum Pact has been designed to establish a common approach to migration and asylum that is based on solidarity, responsibility, and, importantly, respect for human rights.
113. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for an update on Garda numbers in Carlow and Kilkenny. [68329/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Garda Commissioner is responsible under section 33 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, which includes the distribution and stationing of Garda personnel throughout the State. The Commissioner is independent in his functions under section 34 of the Act and, as Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
In the interest of transparency, information in relation to the allocation of Gardaí by Division, Station and rank, including for Carlow and Kilkenny, 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 “Garda Members by Division District Station 2009 to the most recent date” for a breakdown of total Garda numbers by Garda station going back to 2009.
114. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the way in which processing times for visa applications, citizenship applications and stamp applications at his Department are being improved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67897/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand the Deputy has clarified that his question relates to join family and employment visas.
I 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 process certain visa applications in Irish Embassies abroad under delegated sanction from my Department.
I can assure the Deputy that while processing times can vary across the different Visa Offices and Irish Embassies, the majority of visas are processed within stated target times. Most short-term and employment visa applications are determined in a matter of weeks.
The current processing times of applications for join family visas varies depending on the circumstances when the application is made. If a non-EEA national is moving to Ireland because they have been granted a Critical Skills Employment Permit they can apply for join family visas at the same time as their own employment visa. When these visas are applied for together, they are processed in tandem and are typically completed in under eight weeks. My Department aims to process join family visa applications made in other circumstances within 12 months.
I can assure the Deputy the majority of join family visas receive a first instance decision within the 12 month business target. In the first nine months of 2025 the average processing time for a join family application was approximately 100 days.
It should be noted that some applications can take considerably longer. Processing times for all 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. Verifying an application is an important part of our immigration system and the checks involved can take time to complete.
In 2025, to the end of September, my Department has received 9,790 employment visa applications, granted 8,682 applications, and refused 1,272. It should be noted that decisions issued in any year may relate to applications which were received in previous years due to the time taken to process applications.
These figures include employment visas sought on the basis of being issued an Employment Permit issued by Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and Atypical Working Scheme Permissions issued by my Department.
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.
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.
Processing times and decisions at the Dublin Visa Office and the Overseas Visa Offices can be checked at the following link: www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/
115. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the way in which he plans to address the issue of age verification for unaccompanied minors who arrive in Ireland and seek international protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68447/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware 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. 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 and 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 and 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.
Additionally, the International Protection Bill, will propose that the determining authority – the replacement for the International Protection Office - will arrange and be responsible for the management of age assessments. The new legislation will set out in far greater detail how age is to be assessed and provide for regulations governing the standards, qualifications of personnel and so on for the purposes of that process.
My Department works closely with Tusla in relation to all matters concerning minors, and is engaging with Tusla to design the new mechanism envisaged under the proposed legislation, and to bring it into effect ahead of the commencement of the EU Asylum and Migration Pact.
116. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration his Department’s plans for the designation of further countries as safe countries of origin, for the purposes of international protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68266/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that under section 72 of the International Protection Act, I, as Minister for Justice may make an order designating a country as a safe country of origin.
A country may only be designated as a safe country of origin where satisfied it can be shown that there:
* is generally and consistently no persecution;
* no torture or inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; and
* no threat by reason of indiscriminate violence in situations of international or internal armed conflict.
Ireland currently has fifteen countries designated as safe countries of origin: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Georgia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Serbia, South Africa, Botswana, Algeria, Brazil, Egypt, India, Malawi and Morocco.
I will continue to keep the list of safe countries under review.
As the Deputy will be aware, Ireland has opted in to the EU Migration and Asylum Pact , a new EU framework to manage migration and asylum for the long-term. The overall objective of the Pact is to provide a fair, sustainable and efficient asylum procedure. This will be done through convergence in asylum practices across the EU.
The Asylum Procedure Regulation (Regulation 2024/1348) makes provision for the designation of safe countries of origin at European Union level. Common designation of safe countries of origin at Union level should ensure that the safe country of origin concept is applied by all Member States in a uniform manner in relation to applicants whose countries of origin are designated as safe at Union level. The Proposal does not propose to amend Article 64 of the Asylum Procedure Regulation. Therefore, the right of Member States to designate additional countries outside the common list will continue.
117. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide an update on a domestic violence refuge in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67256/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraCombatting all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, and ensuring that victims and survivors receive the support and care they need, is an absolute priority for me. Since its establishment last year, Cuan has been working to accelerate the delivery of safe emergency accommodation across the country.
Working with services and partners, Cuan assessed progress to date and identified actions to speed up delivery and bring additional safe emergency accommodation on stream as quickly as possible to meet the needs of those fleeing violence.
On foot of this review, completed in spring 2025, the following will be delivered by the end of 2026:
• 52 new family refuge units
• 45 new safe homes
• 50 additional units under construction
At the outset of the Zero Tolerance strategy, there were 49 safe homes in place. By the end of 2026, it is expected that there will be 94 safe homes, and 193 refuge units completed, bringing total safe accommodation to 287 units, with a further 50 refuge units under construction.
In County Roscommon, plans are underway for the development of an eight-unit purpose-built refuge and work is progressing on this. Cuan have established a local Stakeholder Group to lead and support the development of the accommodation - this group includes representation from Roscommon Safe Link, Roscommon County Council, Cuan, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Housing Agency and Sonas. I am informed that site feasibility is being completed on a potential site.
Safe Home accommodation was developed in the county with two safe homes becoming operational in July of this year. Roscommon Safe Link received additional funding from Cuan for the development and delivery of these safe homes.
118. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will consider reviewing the Garda vetting process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68330/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe primary purpose of vetting carried out by the Garda National Vetting Bureau (GNVB) is to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults. This requires a robust Garda vetting process that reassures the public, and in particular parents, that appropriate checks are conducted on people taking on positions of trust.
The Garda Vetting Review Group was established with a primary focus to deliberate and formulate recommendations to strengthen the vetting legislation in an effective manner.
The Garda Vetting Review Group was tasked with ensuring that any changes to the vetting process ensure it remains robust, efficient and effective while improving the service to customers. This group included members of the National Vetting Bureau in An Garda Síochána, officials from my Department, Tusla and other relevant stakeholders.
The Group’s primary focus has been to examine the means of strengthening the vetting legislation in a workable and effective manner, while seeking to balance this with issues that have arisen regarding the re-vetting period and the transfer of vetting across other similar activities, for example with sports teams.
While the Group has not agreed a formal report, an update on its work was submitted to me and work is being undertaken to implement a number of key recommendations, in consultation with all relevant partners.
It is my aim to ensure the vetting system is fit for purpose, robust and future-proofed to the greatest extent possible, to continue to protect our children and vulnerable adults.
119. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of recruits he expects to graduate at the next passing out ceremony in the Garda College in Templemore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68305/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra133. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration when the next passing out ceremony will take place in the Garda College in Templemore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68304/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 133 together.
Getting more Gardaí on our streets to prevent and detect crime is my first priority as Minister for Justice, Home Affairs, and Migration. This Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs, with Budget 2026 providing unprecedented funding of €2.59 billion to support recruitment and staffing.
At the end of October, the total Garda personnel strength stood at over 18,000, which included 14,290 Garda Members, 3,487 Staff, and 291 Reserves. I will continue to support An Garda Síochána to increase this number further so that we can see more Gardaí assigned all across the country.
170 Garda recruits entered Templemore on 9 June 2025 as part of Intake 252. Intake 252 are expected to pass out of Templemore in February 2026.
120. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for an update on his work to tackle anti-social behaviour in communities. [68333/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to the principle that everyone, wherever they live in Ireland, should feel safe and be safe. Building safe and secure communities across the country by investing in An Garda Síochána is a top priority for this Government. I want every part of the country to be a safe space for people to live and work in.
Anti-social behaviour is a broad term often used to describe a range of actions and behaviours that violate social norms in specific contexts. I am conscious of the very damaging impact on the quality of life it can have in our communities.
The Government is committed to tackling the scourge of anti-social behaviour and crime to build safer streets and stronger communities through a number of ongoing measures, including:
• Getting more Gardaí on our streets through increased recruitment;
• The introduction of Local Community Safety Partnerships around the country, to develop tailored Community Safety Plans for every area;
• Continued expansion of youth justice and youth diversion measures;
• New laws which criminalise the grooming of children into a life of crime;
• The deployment of body-worn cameras, with nationwide roll-out to follow the current pilot project;
• Proposing solutions to public order and anti-social behaviour through the Local Leadership Programme which brings together local stakeholders in a structured manner;
• Over €4 million allocated to 42 projects through the Community Safety Fund, which re-invests the proceeds of crime into local safety projects.
A number of actions are also contained in the Programme for Government to reduce instances of anti-social behaviour. These include a commitment to enact legislation to combat anti-social behaviour through enhanced use of Anti-Social Behaviour Warnings and Anti-Social Behaviour Orders. Work to progress these commitments has commenced.
Local Community Safety Partnerships (LCSP) represent a significant step towards a more collaborative, responsive, and locally driven model of public safety. They will bring together a broad range of relevant stakeholders to address community safety issues in their area which will include residents, local councillors, community representatives business and education representatives, and a range of public services including the HSE, Tusla, An Garda Síochána and the local authority. A core part of their work will be to draft a Community Safety Plan tailored to the community's needs.
The Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, which I commenced on Wednesday 2 April, provides for the establishment of Local Community Safety Partnerships 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.
A number of administrative steps need to be undertaken to facilitate the establishment of a Local Community Safety Partnership in a given area, including nomination of proposed members by local authorities and statutory bodies, and the appointment of all members by myself as Minister.
Over 20 Partnerships have had members appointed, with a significant number of LCSPs already holding their first meetings. I expect to approve membership of the remaining Partnerships in the coming weeks.
121. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the steps his Department is taking to ensure the legal aid system provides equitable access for low-income individuals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68171/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Legal Aid Board is the statutory, independent body responsible for the provision of civil legal aid and advice to qualifying individuals. The civil legal aid scheme has two parts: a legal advice element and a legal representation element. Eligibility for the scheme is determined by reference to a financial assessment and the merits of the case being taken.
The Scheme covers a range of legal issues, including family law, childcare, and other civil matters. In addition, while legal representation is not available for certain matters relating to employment and housing, legal advice can be provided, subject to eligibility criteria being met.
In June 2022, a Civil Legal Aid Review Group under the chairmanship of former Chief Justice Frank Clarke, SC, was established to review the current operation of the Civil Legal Aid Scheme. The outputs of the review were published in July 2025 and contained recommendations relating to the income threshold, allowances and other financial aspects of the Scheme.
Since the overall available income eligibility threshold is influenced by the level of deductible allowances, any changes must be considered in the round and the potential implications that such changes might have on the operation of the Scheme. While the Review highlights the need for comprehensive legal aid reform, it also recognises that the current legal aid system must function effectively in the meantime. A critical aspect of any implementation will therefore be the careful sequencing of reforms. Many of them would need to work in parallel with other ongoing reforms in the civil justice system.
Having a civil legal aid scheme and a Legal Aid Board which is equipped to meet the changing needs of society is critical to ensuring access to justice, particularly for those who have very modest means. I was pleased to announce, as part of Budget 2026 measures for the justice sector, additional funding of €8 million for the Legal Aid Board. This increase of 12.5% in funding will support a programme of modernisation and increased access to justice for clients of the Board. The detailed application of this funding will now be the subject of further engagement between my Department and the Board.
The recommendations will also have to be considered with due regard to the findings from Ireland’s first legal needs survey, recently completed with the support of the European Commission and the OECD. This survey will provide invaluable insights into the extent of legal need in Ireland. While preliminary results of the survey have been released on gov.ie, further analysis will be required before the full results are published.
I have asked my officials to examine the recommendations, particularly in light of these developments. I will revert to Government in due course with proposals to reform the Scheme.
122. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the details of his new immigration plans which he brought before Cabinet recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68424/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that last week I secured government approval to introduce new policies and legislative changes to strengthen Ireland’s migration and asylum system to ensure it is rules-based, efficient and more aligned with EU Member States. These reforms also include a thorough review of the family reunification policy, developed with Minister of State Colm Brophy.
The Family Reunification Policy sets out how Irish citizens and most non-EEA Irish residents may apply to bring family members to live with them in Ireland.
This Policy sets the criteria, which has remained largely unchanged since 2013, for those wishing to bring family members from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) to join them in Ireland. The majority of the changes in the review of that Policy took effect for new applicants from 26 November. These include :
Family reunification will be limited to immediate family members only, defined as spouses/partners, minor children, dependent parents and dependent adult children with a serious medical condition.
The following will apply -
• People sponsoring applications will need to continue to demonstrate a clear financial capacity to provide for their family members if they are to be granted a permission to come to Ireland.
• Tightening the existing Policy on how and when the Minister may waive certain criteria in exceptional circumstances.
• Giving permission to work for 16-18 year old dependents of General and Critical Skills Employment Permit Holders.
• A reduced effective waiting period before an application can be made by General Employment Permit holders, by reducing financial records requirement from two years to one year to align with the one year waiting period before an application can be made
New conditions will also be introduced as soon as operational considerations allow, to require certain sponsors to have suitable private accommodation for their family before that family arrives in Ireland, that applications must be made while their family members are outside the State and for an application fee to be introduced.
I also intend to make a number of changes to the rules on the granting of citizenship.
The former policy of granting citizenship to all beneficiaries of international protection after a time period of three years will no longer apply. In general, the time a successful international protection applicant must wait to apply for citizenship will be extended from 3 to 5 years in line with most other citizenship applications. They will also be required to pay citizenship application fees.
I also propose to introduce additional eligibility criteria so that people seeking citizenship should be generally self-sufficient and should not owe a debt to the State for a defined period leading up to an application. Officials in my Department will work with the Attorney General’s Office and Department of Social Protection to develop this proposal.
It is also proposed to exclude residency accrual for naturalisation purposes for those who are residing in Ireland on temporary permissions including Temporary Protection under the Temporary Protection Directive. This is simply intended as a clarification of existing policy which ensures that temporary permissions do not accrue reckonable residence in Ireland.
Currently, there is an application fee of €175 and a certification fee of €950 following a positive decision. The State has not increased the fees for naturalisation applications since 2011. These fees will be reviewed in the context of changes undertaken by other EU countries.
I will also clearly define what constitutes “good character”, which often relates to criminal behaviour. This will clarify the application process for applicants, and the decision-making process for officials.
Changes to International Protection Act 2015 will allow for additional powers to revoke refugee status where a person is found to be a danger to the security of the State or has been convicted of a serious crime. Residents of international protection accommodation will be required to make a financial contribution to their accommodation according to income levels and Family Reunification for those granted International Protection status will take the self-sufficiency of the sponsor into account.
These new policies and legislative changes are designed to strengthen the system integrity, enhance clarity for applicants, and ensure that migration pathways remain fair, transparent and sustainable.
123. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the way in which his Department's Statement of Strategy 2025–2028 will deliver on community safety, particularly in relation to Garda recruitment, retention, and visibility in both urban and rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68391/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraA visible Garda presence is important to deter and detect crime and to help people feel safe in communities. The unprecedented allocation of over €2.59 billion in Budget 2026 demonstrates our commitment to ensuring An Garda Síochána has provision for the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and personnel it needs to carry out vital policing work.
The greatest demand from the public to me as Minister, is for more Gardaí on our streets, in our villages and in our towns. The people want to see more Gardaí throughout their communities, which is a testament to the community policing ethos of the service.
I am conscious of the damaging impact on the quality-of-life which crime can have in our communities. The Government is committed to tackling crime and to building safer streets and stronger communities through a number of ongoing measures, including:
• The introduction of Local Community Safety Partnerships around the country, to develop tailored Community Safety Plans for every area;
• Continued expansion of youth justice and youth diversion measures;
• The deployment of body-worn cameras for Gardaí in Dublin City Centre, Waterford, and Limerick with nationwide roll-out to follow;
• New laws which criminalise the grooming of children into a life of crime;
• Providing the funding necessary to enhance the equipment available to An Garda Síochána.
Interest in a career as a Garda is high, with over 11,000 applications received over the two competitions this year. Recruitment into An Garda Síochána is now gathering real momentum. I was delighted to see 223 Gardaí enter Templemore earlier this month, the largest single intake in over a decade. This was the second intake of 200 or more this year.
The actions we have taken are having tangible results and I am confident more Gardaí will be available to the Commissioner in the coming years.
A number of administrative steps need to be undertaken to facilitate the establishment of a Local Community Safety Partnership in a given area, including nomination of proposed members by local authorities and statutory bodies, and the appointment of all members by myself as Minister.
I have appointed members to 20 Local Community Safety Partnerships and I expect to be making further appointments in the coming weeks.
124. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the progress his Department is making in establishing a domestic violence register, under ‘Jennie’s Law’; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68146/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraCombatting all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is a core priority for me and for Government. The Zero Tolerance Strategy sets out our determination to ensure that those affected by these crimes receive strong protection, clear pathways to justice and the supports they need.
Strengthening the legislative framework is an essential part of delivering on these commitments. In October, I secured Government approval to progress the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences, Domestic Violence and International Instruments) Bill 2025 which includes measures to allow perpetrators of domestic violence be included on a new register of domestic violence judgments, administered by the courts. This new law, Jennie's Law, named after Jennifer Poole, will allow those convicted of domestic violence against a partner or former partner, to be included on this public Register of Judgments.
The General Scheme is being referred to the Justice Committee for pre-legislative scrutiny and, when its report is received, work on finalising the Bill will be prioritised.
125. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will provide an update on plans to open a dedicated refuge centre for women and children who are victims of domestic violence in north County Dublin, given the current lack of such facilities in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68349/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraCombatting all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) and ensuring that victims and survivors have access to the support and services they need remain absolute priorities. One of the overarching goals of this Government's 'Zero Tolerance' Strategy to address DSGBV is ensuring that everyone who needs safe accommodation can access it.
Cuan, the DSGBV agency, is responsible for coordinating all actions set out in the Zero Tolerance strategy. It works in partnership with the local front-line service providers, local authorities, the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage and the Housing Agency and has streamlined processes in order to accelerate the delivery of domestic violence refuges.
There is a range of DSGBV services and emergency accommodation across Dublin city and county that serve all residents regardless of where they live. The national awareness campaign 'Always Here' provides a searchable directory of support services in Dublin, including refuges, one-to-one support, outreach, helplines and more: www.alwayshere.ie/support-services-dublin/.
For example, Aoibhneas https://aoibhneas.ie/services/ are based in north Dublin, but their services are available to anyone. Aoibhneas provides 24-hour emergency accommodation through its refuge, which currently has 10 self-contained studio units. Aoibhneas is currently developing a new 13-unit domestic violence refuge in Balbriggan, Co. Dublin. A stakeholder group has been established to support this refuge development. Cuan continues to engage with key stakeholders including Aoibhneas, the Dept of Housing, the Housing Agency and Fingal County Council, on the development of a refuge in this area.
The Deputy may wish to note that in October, a new nine-unit refuge was opened in Dublin 4 by Sonas Domestic Violence Charity, with funding from Cuan, to provide accommodation for up to 36 families per year and up to 62 people at one time. Additionally, Sonas is preparing to launch a 9-unit refuge in Dublin 22 before the end of the year, also supported by Cuan funding. This will accommodate a similar number of families as the refuge in Dublin 4.
This Government remains committed to safe accommodation capacity nationwide and Cuan is continuing to monitor activity across all DSGBV funded services, in order to identify areas where increases in service provision are most needed.
