Written Answers Nos. 871-890
875. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Social Protection when his Department last reviewed the explanations and phrasing used on both the Department’s website and the Citizens Information website regarding communications to carers and prospective carers about relinquishing their entitlement to the State pension (contributory) when providing care; the outcome of that review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12789/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government acknowledges the important role that carers play in Irish society and is fully committed to supporting them in that role. Accordingly, carers are not excluded from access to the State Pension (Contributory). Once a person has met the minimum requirement of 520 paid contributions, the State Pension (Contributory) system gives significant recognition to those whose work history includes extended periods in a full-time caring role and provides a range of measures to recognise caring periods outside of paid employment, such as the Homemaker’s Scheme, the HomeCaring Periods Scheme and Long-Term Carers Contribution Periods.
If the Deputy has a concern about a particular explanation or phrasing on the Department’s website or the Citizen’s Information website, please forward the details and I will have it reviewed by my officials and updated as necessary.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
876. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people currently in receipt of the Bereaved Partner’s (Contributory) Pension and the Bereaved Partner’s (Non-Contributory) Pension, in tabular form; the number of additional applications received for both pensions following changes to the rules in July 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12792/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs of 31 January 2026, there were 127,896 people in receipt of Bereaved Partner’s (Contributory) Pension and 957 people in receipt of Bereaved Partner’s (Non-Contributory) Pension. The number of claims registered for Bereaved Partner’s (Contributory) Pension and Bereaved Partner’s (Non-Contributory) Pension for 2024 and 2025 is shown below.
|
|
Bereaved Partner's Pension (Contributory) - Claims Registered |
Bereaved Partner's Pension (Non-Contributory) - Claims Registered |
|
2024 |
8,568 |
489 |
|
2025 |
9,016 |
417 |
877. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of recipients of the Bereaved Partner’s (Contributory) Pension who are also in receipt of a child support payment; the number of children, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12793/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Bereaved Partner’s (Contributory) Pension (BCP) is a weekly payment to the partner of a deceased person. To qualify for BCP, either a person or their deceased partner must have enough PRSI contributions. The pension is payable regardless of other income.
Recipients of Bereaved Partner’s Contributory Pension, January 2026.
|
Scheme |
Count of Recipients |
Recipients with a Supported Child Payment |
Supported Children |
|
Bereaved Partner's (Contributory) Pension Only |
127,896 |
7,513 |
12,261 |
878. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of recipients of the Bereaved Partner’s (Contributory) Pension or the Bereaved Partner’s (Non-Contributory) Pension who are also in receipt of a carer’s payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12794/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Bereaved Partner’s (Contributory) Pension (BCP) is a weekly payment to the partner of a deceased person. To qualify for BCP, either a person or their deceased partner must have enough PRSI contributions. The pension is payable regardless of other income.
A Bereaved Partner's (Non-Contributory) Pension (BNCP) is a means-tested payment paid to a surviving partner without dependent children. It is paid to a bereaved partner who does not qualify for the PRSI-based Bereaved Partner’s (Contributory) Pension.
Carer's Allowance is a weekly social welfare payment to people who care for someone because of their age, disability, or illness (including mental illness). Carer's Benefit is paid to people who leave work or reduce their hours to care for a person in need of full-time care. Domiciliary Care Allowance is a monthly payment for a child aged under 16 with a severe disability.
Table 1. Recipients of Bereaved Partner’s (Contributory) Pension and Caregiving Schemes, January 2026.
|
Scheme |
Count of recipients |
|
Bereaved Partner's (Contributory) Pension Only |
125,279 |
|
BCP and Carer's Allowance |
2,369 |
|
BCP and Carer's Benefit |
2 |
|
BCP and Domiciliary Care Allowance |
246 |
|
Bereaved Partner's (Contributory) Pension - Total |
127,896 |
Table 2. Recipients of Bereaved Partner’s (Non-Contributory) Pension and Caregiving Schemes, January 2026.
|
Scheme |
Count of recipients |
|
Bereaved Partner's (Non-Contributory) Pension Only |
833 |
|
BCNP and Carer's Allowance |
123 |
|
BCNP and Carer's Benefit |
0 |
|
Bereaved Partner's (Non-Contributory) Pension - Total |
956
|
879. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people in receipt of the one parent family payment who are widowed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12795/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhere a Bereaved Partner suffers the loss of their spouse/qualified cohabitant and meets the qualifying criteria, they can make an application for the Bereaved Partner’s (Contributory) Pension (BPCP).
Where a person is under the age of 66 and does not qualify for BPCP, they may be eligible for the Bereaved Partner’s (Non Contributory) Pension (BPNCP) if they meet the means criteria. However BPNCP does not include a child support payment, so any Bereaved Partner with dependent children who do not qualify for BPCP may be eligible for the One Parent Family Payment, which does include a child support payment.
At the end of January 2026, there were 231 recipients of the One Parent Family Payment had the status of widowed.
880. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Social Protection the options available to a person (details supplied) in obtaining a public services card needed to process a passport application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12796/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSAFE Registration is the process used by my department to verify a person’s identity, following this process, a person receives their Public Services Card (PSC).
SAFE Registration can be completed by attending an in-person appointment at a local Intreo/PSC Centre, or by using the online MyGovID-Verify your Identity service, if aged 16 and over, the holder of a valid Irish passport and have an address on the island of Ireland.
As the person concerned does not have an Irish passport and was not born in Ireland, they should make an appointment at their local Intreo/PSC Centre, and bring with them their birth certificate, any type of photographic identity evidence they hold, and proof of their address. In the absence of valid photographic identity documents, the person concerned should bring with them any expired passport or identity card they may hold, and any other evidence such as correspondence from a government department, to help verify their identity. The person’s photo and signature will be captured at the appointment. An officer will review the evidence presented at the appointment and if found to be in order, a public services card will issue, by post, in 7 to 10 working days.
The person should also bring their mobile phone to the appointment, if they have one, to have it verified. This will allow the person to set up a MyGovID verified account at any future date, so that they can access online public services.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
881. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the measures being developed to support businesses affected by retail crime, including legislative reforms and anti-theft support schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12810/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government takes any risk to retailers and retail staff very seriously. I am acutely aware of the personal and economic impact that retail crime is having on businesses, shop workers and communities. I recognise that shoplifting and organised retail crime pose a significant threat to the economic welfare of Irish retailers and that retail theft is not a victimless crime.
The Programme for Government commits to publishing a Retail Crime Strategy with targeted actions to reduce retail crime and support affected businesses.
Work on preparing this Strategy is well underway. My officials are considering suggestions made for this strategy following my engagement with the retail community and they are also researching how other jurisdictions are tackling these matters.
In October 2025, my Department organised a targeted stakeholder engagement event with members of the Retail Forum which focused on discussions about what the strategy may contain and provided an opportunity for stakeholders to inform its ongoing development.
A coordinated approach across sectors will be required if strong, tangible actions are to be identified, implemented and achieved within the context of the Retail Crime Strategy.
The Programme for Government also makes a number of other commitments in relation to retail crime, many of which will be examined in the context of the Retail Crime Strategy. These include:
• Support Garda Operations to tackle retail crime including through the use of organised crime and proceeds of crime legislation.
• Examine the introduction of a specific offence of assaulting a retail worker.
• Tackle the practice of “retail defamation”.
• Improve data sharing between retailers and Gardaí.
• Introduce a new grant scheme for anti-theft and prevention measures.
• Expand the use of community sanctions for retail crime.
• Update the Public Order Acts to allow a prolific offender to be excluded from a retail premises for a certain period of time.
There are also a number of ongoing initiatives to address the issue of retail crime and these include:
• Supporting and resourcing ‘Operation Táirge’ which is a dedicated Garda operation aimed at detecting and preventing organised retail crime;
• Supporting An Garda Síochána: Budget 2026 provides a record allocation of €2.74 billion to An Garda Síochána which will support the continued recruitment of Gardaí and staff.
Supports for retailers affected by retail crime falls under my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke. The Department of Enterprise holds a Retail Forum on a quarterly basis with retailers and representative bodies, which provides an opportunity to discuss key issues of importance with stakeholders in the sector. An Garda Síochána also provide an update on retail crime matters at each forum.
882. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of new unmarked Garda vans that came into the fleet during 2025 and to-date in 2026; the number of unmarked Garda vans withdrawn from the fleet during this period, in tabular form. [11603/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána under section 33 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, which includes the procurement of Garda equipment throughout the State.
The table below has been provided to me by the Garda authorities and outlines the number of unmarked vans allocated to and removed from the Garda Fleet in 2025 and 2026 as of 31 January 2026.
|
Unmarked Vans |
Allocated |
Removed |
|
2025 |
25 |
6 |
|
2026 as at 31.01.26 |
1 |
0 |
883. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of Gardai by rank attached to DMR West Divisional Drugs Unit as of 9 February 2026; if he will provide same figures as of 31 December 2023, in tabular form. [11604/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTackling drug dealing and targeting the work of organised crime groups, who inflict intimidation, violence and misery on families and communities, is a top priority for the Government and my Department.
The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution and stationing of Garda personnel throughout the State under Section 33 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 and is independent in his functions under Section 34 of the Act.
The table below has been provided to me by the Garda Authorities and it sets out the strength of the DMR West Divisional Drugs Unit.
|
Rank |
Sergeant |
Garda |
|
Strength as of 31 December 2025 (latest available) |
4 |
20 |
|
Strength as of 31 December 2023 |
4 |
23 |
884. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration his approach to pet theft; whether pet theft is currently considered to be property theft; if the theft of domestic animals and pets is specifically legislated for; and if he is considering reform of legislation on pet theft [11623/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is very conscious of the special place that pets hold in people’s lives, as companions and as a comfort to many.
I recognise that pet theft is an incredibly cruel crime which can cause significant emotional distress to pet owners and their families. It is also a crime which often affects, and is indeed often targeted against, older and particularly vulnerable people, for whom their pet is of huge emotional importance.
The seriousness with which the Government views the issue is reflected in the heavy penalties that can apply to pet theft, with prison sentences of up to ten years for theft and for handling of stolen pets and up to five years for possession of a stolen pet. If a burglary is involved, the sentence may be up to 14 years of imprisonment. When imposing sentences, judges are not limited to considering the monetary value of a pet. The sentimental value and the emotional distress to the victim caused by the offence can be and are taken into account.
I am assured that An Garda Síochána considers the theft of pets as a serious incident and fully investigates all complaints brought to their attention.
The Government and An Garda Síochána are dedicated to preventing the theft of companion animals through a range of measures including microchipping of dogs and awareness campaigns which are led by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in conjunction with the Department of Rural and Community Development.
If the work being undertaken by my Government colleagues on this important issue identifies or establishes any evidence-based recommendations for an amendment to criminal legislation, officials in my Department will work collaboratively to establish the best way forward.
885. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the percentage increase in Garda numbers in the Dublin Metropolitan Region North over the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11626/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs and Budget 2026 provides unprecedented funding of €2.74 billion to support recruitment and staffing. This will support recruitment of up to 1,000 Gardai, 200 more Garda staff and additional members of the Garda Reserve.
Over 11,100 people applied to join An Garda Síochána in 2025 and I am informed by Garda authorities that 794 trainees entered the Garda College last year, the highest number since 2018. I am determined to ensure that we have a steady pipeline of new recruits into the Garda college so that we can see more Gardaí assigned to the Dublin Metropolitan Region North Division and, indeed, all around the country.
The table below sets out the Garda strength in the DMR North over the past five years, including the percentage change during this period.
|
D.M.R. NORTH |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
%Difference 2021 - 2025 |
|
Total |
778 |
767 |
779 |
778 |
761 |
-2.2% |
I am further informed by the Garda authorities that 489 Probationer Gardaí have been assigned to stations in DMR North since 2015, including 130 to Coolock, 122 to Ballymun, and 84 to Raheny. DMR North has been allocated almost 9% of the total number of Probationer Gardaí assigned throughout the country during this period.
39 Probationers were assigned to the Division in 2025. In addition, while not reflected in table above 7 Probationers were assigned to DMR North during the most recent attestation from the Garda College earlier this month.
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, which includes all operational policing matters, as the allocation and deployment of Garda resources throughout the state. Under Section 34(1) of the Policing Security and Community Safety Act 2024, the Garda Commissioner is independent in the performance of his functions. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
886. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 774 and 775 of 4 February 2026, whether his Department is aware of a matter (details supplied); and if this will be taken into account in his Department's decision on whether the contract should be renewed, in line with his commitment to continue to improve governance and compliance;; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11633/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe State has held a contract with a provider at this location since 2023 for the provision of international protection accommodation.
The contract at the centre is not being renewed by the State and will end on 30 April 2026.
The Department doesn’t routinely publish details of individual contractual processes, but non-renewal of contracts can be related to performance under the contract, regulatory requirements, overall demand for accommodation across the sector, or value for money.
Centre management were informed of the non-renewal on 10 February, and IPAS teams are informing residents, and making arrangements to transfer residents to alternative IPAS accommodation before the closure date of 30 April 2026.
I appreciate that relocating can be very disruptive for people. The IPAS resident welfare team liaise with centre management and residents to identify particular considerations, such as people with medical needs or people sitting exams.
While IPAS teams recognise that people may be integrating into the community, attending education or working, given the dispersed nature of our available accommodation options, new accommodation may not be available in the same area.
887. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide an update on the IPAS accommodation centre at Kippure, County Wicklow; the full breakdown of costs on an annual basis since it was first used; if he will report on the recent planning decision that refused an application for the retention of works at the site and its impact on the future use of the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11655/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraKippure Holiday Village in Co. Wicklow is currently contracted by the Department to provide accommodation for people seeking international protection.
The Department is aware of ongoing engagement between the provider and the local authority in relation to a number of planning matters at this property, and that these matters are currently before the courts.
The Department is informed that the planning matters at this site are related to parts of the property that are not contracted to provide IPAS accommodation.
All regulatory matters, including those related to planning, are between the local authority and the accommodation service provider.
Availability of IPAS accommodation remains under pressure, and though numbers of applications have reduced since 2024, more than 1,000 people are making applications each month.
Kippure Holiday Village will continue to accommodate people seeking international protection until the relevant proceeding are concluded. Any action required as a result of the outcome will be followed up without delay.
Details of contractual arrangements in relation to International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) accommodation centres are treated confidential and commercially sensitive.
However, there is full transparency from the Department in terms of providers receiving payments, with details of all payments over €20,000 and the recipients published quarterly online at gov.ie here: [Purchase Orders for €20,000 or above.]
888. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to outline the process undertaken by his Department when an IPAS accommodation centre is subject to planning enforcement action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11656/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are 311 IPAS Accommodation Centres in operation nationwide, accommodating over 33,000 people who have applied for international protection.
Due to the increase in applications seen from 2022 onward, most of these accommodation centres are commercially provided, under contract to the Department.
In the case of all contracted IPAS accommodation centres, all planning matters are between the local authority and the accommodation service provider.
The contracted provider remains responsible for meeting all aspects of building regulatory matters, compliance and service provision at the property.
The Department works closely with local authorities nationwide, and while enforcement orders in relation to IPAS centres are uncommon, the Department will comply with any planning enforcement orders made.
In some instances, a provider may seek to appeal a matter before the courts. In these cases, the Department and/or the local authority must allow for conclusion of court proceedings, before progressing any further action required.
With respect to potential for contract renewals, the provision of accommodation for international protection applicants is demand-led, which remains high, and each premises is considered on a case-by-case basis to decide if the contract will be renewed as it approaches its end date.
At potential renewal stage, consideration will be given to the current and projected demand for accommodation, the provider's performance under contract, and compliance with standards and legal obligations, including planning and building regulations.
All contracts that are being renewed, and any new contract entered into since 2025, must be accompanied by the appropriate documentation to verify their compliance with the relevant planning regulations.
The Government is increasing the proportion of State-owned accommodation in this sector, and any planning or regulatory matters relating to State-owned centres are progressed between the Department and the relevant local authority.
889. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if the extended Travel Confirmation Notice, currently valid from 8 December 2025 to 28 February 2026, for individuals awaiting the processing of their IRP applications, will be extended into March 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11663/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Registration Office of my Department has been experiencing a high demand for both first time registration appointments and immigration permission renewal applications.
I understand that the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants. I can assure the Deputy that my Department is doing everything possible to facilitate as many customers as possible and I am working with officials to ensure that increased processing capacity is put in place to address the high demand.
The Registration Office provide a live application processing date, which is updated every Monday, and is available at the following link: [www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/how-to-renew-your-current-permission/renewing-your-registration-permission-if-you-live-in-the-republic-of-ireland/#processing]
As the Deputy will be aware, the arrangements made for people awaiting a renewal of their Irish Residence Permit (IRP) who are intending to travel has been extended to the end of February 2026. Further information can be found at: [www.irishimmigration.ie/isd-announce-extension-to-travel-confirmation-notice/]
There are currently no plans to extend this notice beyond 28 February 2026.
890. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to advise when an application (details supplied) will be determined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11705/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that the Join Family (Irish nat.)(other) visa application referred to was created on 01 December 2024. Supporting documentation was received in the New Delhi Visa Office on 24 December 2024 where it awaits examination and processing.
My Department's business target for join family visa applications is 12 months. It must be made clear that these are business targets for the immigration service and some applications can take longer than others. The business target reflects the detailed and often complex assessment that is required to be carried out in relation to applications for family reunification.
While I acknowledge the personal difficulties an applicant might be experiencing; it is not possible to give a definitive date as to when this application will be finalised. All applications are processed in chronological order, based on date order of receipt.
While every effort is made to process applications as soon as possible, processing times will vary having regard to the volume and complexity of applications, the possible need for the Immigration Service Delivery function of my Department to investigate, inquire into, or seek further information, and the resources available.
The current processing times for Dublin visa decisions is available here:
www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/
I am acutely aware that join family applications are very important for the people impacted. I understand that people are eager to have their families join them in Ireland, and I am committed to improving the service my Department provides.
The person concerned can now directly check the status of their visa application on the Immigration Service’s Customer Service Portal. They can register for, or log in to their existing account, at:
www.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.
