Written Answers Nos. 931-950
937. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current status of the regulations required to implement a functional periodic payment order framework; the reasons the anticipated Q4 2025 timeline has not been met; the revised timeline for signature and commencement of the regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12700/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPeriodic Payment Orders (PPOs) are an alternative to lump sum awards as a method of paying compensation to catastrophically injured people. Instead of receiving compensation in one tranche, a payment is made annually on an agreed date. The annual payment amount is calculated to meet the cost of permanent and long-term care and treatment. An indexation rate is applied to the annual payment amount to ensure that the amount keeps pace with inflation.
A Working Group on the Indexation rate for Periodic Payment Orders, to advise on an appropriate index, was established following a High Court determination that the index used in primary legislation was unworkable. As part of a two-stage process, the primary legislation governing PPOs has been amended to allow for the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to set the rate by way of secondary legislation.
The recommendations of the Working Group that the Periodic Payment Index should comprise a combination of harmonised index of consumer prices (HICP) and Annual Rate of Change (ARC) in nominal hourly health earnings for the health sector were subsequently approved. Drafting of the necessary regulations is at an advanced stage and I hope to be able to bring the regulations into operation shortly.
938. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his attention has been drawn to specific delays in the Dublin regional office related to processing times for visitor visas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12719/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that my Department currently operates seven overseas Visa Offices in addition to the Visa Office in Dublin. These are located in Abuja, Beijing, London, Moscow, Ankara, Abu Dhabi and New Delhi. In addition, staff of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade process certain visa applications in Irish Embassies abroad under delegated authority 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. However, 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.
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 applications as quickly as possible.
In 2025, approximately 206,000 visa applications, of all types, were received by the Visa Division of my Department. This reflects an increase of 2% compared to 2024, with over 3,900 additional applications received. This follows a 21% increase in applications in 2024 compared to 2023. My officials are working to meet the increased level of demand, and over 8,700 additional visa decisions have issued in 2025, compared to 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/]
In December 2025, the Immigration Service of my Department introduced online payment functionality to my Department's online visa system. This allows applicants to pay visa fees as part of the online application process. The initiative is being rolled out on a phased basis, initially with 39 countries. This reduces the administrative burden on Irish Missions and visa teams, and allows visa officers to dedicate more time to core application processing and decision-making, contributing to improved processing efficiency over time.
939. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his attention has been brought to concerns related to the International Protection Bill 2026 related to the definition of legal counselling; the actions he will take to address these concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12720/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra940. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will provide for additional funding for the Legal Aid Board in the context of their involvement with legal counselling services under the proposed changes as set out in the International Protection Bill 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12721/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 939 and 940 together.
My Department continues to focus on preparing for the EU Migration and Asylum Pact in advance of June 2026. The Pact will provide a fair, sustainable and efficient asylum procedure.
Officials in my Department continue to engage with key stakeholders including civil society organisations on the International Protection Bill 2026.
It is my intention to bring forward amendments to the International Protection Bill 2026 to make provision for the provision of legal counselling to applicants for international protection, as required by the 2024 Asylum Procedures Regulation and the 2024 Asylum and Migration Management Regulation, and in accordance with the requirements of those Regulations.
It should be noted that the Legal Aid Board will continue to provide independent legal advice and representation to applicants for international protection under the Pact and will continue to be supported in fulfilling this role.
It is also important to point out that legal counselling as provided for in the Pact measures will be provided to applicants in addition to any legal assistance and representation that applicants may obtain. The Pact measures do not require legal counselling to be provided only by qualified lawyers.
Legal counselling is to be provided as an additional service to inform applicants of asylum procedures, their rights, and what to expect from the process. It will be provided from the earliest possible stages after an application for international protection is made and shall be available to an applicant throughout the process.
Applicants will remain entitled to apply for civil legal aid, including access to legal advice and representation. The eligibility of international protection applicants for legal advice and legal aid is provided for under the Civil Legal Aid Act 1995 and regulations made under that Act. That is why specific provisions for legal aid do not appear in the International Protection Bill, nor indeed in the International Protection Act 2015.
Applicants will have the opportunity to avail of legal counselling on an in-person basis. On-line services may be made available as a complementary or initial source of information for an applicant should they wish to avail of them.
My Department and the Legal Aid Board are currently analysing how to restructure the provision of information, legal advice and legal representation to meet the requirements of the Pact.
Funding is provided annually to the Legal Aid Board and given its statutory independence, it is a matter for the Legal Aid Board and its management team to allocate their allotted funding as they deem appropriate. I can confirm for the Deputy that the total funding allocated to the Legal Aid Board for 2026 amounts to €73,084,000. This is an increase of €8.973 million (14%) on the organisation’s funding allocation for 2025, which was set at €64,111,000.
941. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his attention has been brought to concerns related to the International Protection Bill 2026 related to the definition of family reunification; the actions he will take to address these concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12722/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMigration plays an important role in Ireland's economic, social, and community life, and for those granted international protection, the ability to reunite with close family members can be a significant factor in supporting stability and integration. At the same time, family reunification policy must operate within the context of finite public resources, the State's responsibility to manage migration in the interests of the economic and social wellbeing of the country, and the importance of encouraging independence and self-sufficiency from an integration perspective. Ireland has seen unprecedented numbers of international protection applicants over the last few years.
I will introduce family reunification provisions into the International Protection Bill at Committee Stage this week that reflect those aims and that will more closely align with other EU Member States. The provisions have been carefully developed to ensure that they are compliant with all relevant constitutional and ECHR obligations.
Deputies will note that those granted International Protection will not be entitled to seek family reunification for a defined period of 2 years following their grant of international protection. I am also proposing to introduce a range of conditions relating to self-sufficiency, alongside the imposition of a waiting period before any such application can be made.
Reflecting the challenges facing those who have been granted international protection, a number of exemptions are provided in relation to the self-sufficiency criteria. The purpose of this is to allow for a short period of reliance on state supports where an applicant is otherwise unable to provide for himself or herself without redress to those supports. Furthermore, I propose to exempt minors from the income thresholds, as well as allowing for the exercise of discretion on all of the criteria in dealing with applications for family reunification from unaccompanied minors.
This approach reflects the Government's objective of supporting positive integration outcomes for both sponsors and their family members. In that context, my Department invests in a range of integration measures, including community led initiatives, to support the inclusion of migrants and their families in Irish society.
942. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the position regarding any engagement he had with the Irish Refugee Council or any other related organisation in relation to the drafting of the International Protection Bill 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12723/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra943. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he proposes to engage with the Irish Refugee Council or any other related organisation in relation to the progression of the International Protection Bill 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12724/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 942 and 943 together.
It is a central priority for me as Minister for Justice that our immigrations laws are robust and enforced.
The EU Migration and Asylum Pact is 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 practises across the EU.
The Pact is designed to create a more unified approach to managing migration flows across the EU while ensuring respect for human rights. It is a package of new and existing legislative measures which will reform the Common European Asylum System.
Officials in my Department continue to engage with key stakeholders including civil society organisations on the International Protection Bill 2026.
As part of this work several meetings between officials of my Department and civil society organisations, including the Irish Refugee Council, have taken place to allow for opportunities to discuss the Bill with the latest being held on 11 February 2026. Due to a demanding schedule I am not in a position to attend each engagement but have done so when my schedule allowed.
My officials and I have also received and responded to written submissions from numerous organisations in relation to the International Protection Bill 2026.
944. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration where the IPAS applicants in a hotel (details supplied) in Monaghan ended up being placed; and if any of these residents obtained long-term housing from any State body. [12758/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department can confirm that this property was previously offered to the State as a potential accommodation centre, but this offer was not accepted.
945. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current number of IPAS persons and families still living in IPAS centres who have gained citizenship in Ireland. [12759/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe State is currently accommodating over 33,000 people in 311 International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres around the country, over 9,800 of whom are children.
Under EU and Irish law, accommodation is provided to people for the duration of their application for international protection.
The Department does not routinely collate data with respect to the number of Irish citizens living in International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) accommodation. The vast majority of people in IPAS accommodation are applying for international protection, or have recently completed their application, and are not Irish citizens.
When a person completes their international protection application and receives a positive decision, they have a legal status that allows them to remain in Ireland.
People who are granted status to remain also gain access to the full range of housing supports available to all Irish residents, which are not available to people going through the application process.
Currently, there are almost 5,000 people in IPAS accommodation nationwide that have a legal status allowing them to remain in Ireland. This is not a static number of people; approximately 11,000 people with status have moved out of IPAS accommodation since 2022, and approximately 4,000 of these during 2025.
There is a need for people with status to transition to living independently in our communities, improving their integration into our society while also creating space within IPAS accommodation for newer arrivals.
To help people move from IPAS accommodation to find housing options in the community, IPAS has a team that works in collaboration with DePaul Ireland, the Peter McVerry Trust, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and Local Authorities.
It is essential that IPAS maintains enough accommodation to meet the needs of new applicants, who have a legal entitlement to IPAS accommodation, do not have immediate access to the labour market, and do not have access to standard housing benefits or standard social welfare entitlements.
946. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to outline residency and citizenship pathways for a non-Irish spouse of a returning Irish citizen, and processing timelines. [12786/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that where a non-Irish national spouse or de-facto partner of an Irish citizen wishes to reside in the State, they may be required to apply for a visa to enter Ireland, depending on their nationality. Information on visa requirements and how to apply is available on my Department's Immigration Service Delivery web site at: [www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-join-family-in-ireland/joining-an-irish-national/join-family-visa/]
My Department's business target for join family visa applications is 12 months. While processing times can vary across the different Visa Offices and Irish Embassies and depending on the individual circumstances of each case, the majority of visas are processed within stated target times.
Following arrival in the State, a non-Irish spouse or de-facto partner of an Irish national can apply for immigration permission to reside in Ireland with their spouse or partner. Further information is available at: [www.irishimmigration.ie/my-situation-has-changed-since-i-arrived-in-ireland/spouse-civil-partner-of-irish-national-scheme/]
The Registration Office of my Department is currently experiencing an exceptionally high demand for first time registration appointments and registration renewals. My Department continues to take measures to increase processing capacity and facilitate customers as quickly as possible.
All applications for a certificate of naturalisation are assessed individually based on the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. Section 15A of the Act sets out the conditions that apply where an application is based on being the spouse or civil partner of an Irish citizen. These include that the couple have been married or in a civil partnership for at three years, are living together, and the applicant has 3 years residence on the island of Ireland, including one year of continuous residence immediately prior to applying.
The current processing time for naturalisation applications is approximately one year, although this can vary depending on the individual circumstances of the case.
Detailed information on how to apply for naturalisation and other resources is available at: https://www.irishimmigration.ie/how-to-become-a-citizen/
947. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to consider implementing regulations to provide for independent oversight of section 32 and 47 assessors in family law proceedings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12843/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra948. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to consider the creation of a reporting mechanism for family law proceedings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12844/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 947 and 948 together.
An independent research report was published in May 2025, on the operation of the in-camera rule in family law proceedings. The report contains 21 recommendations, a number of which related to the promotion of greater transparency, while ensuring that the privacy of those seeking the court’s help, as well as any children about whom proceedings relate, is protected. Officials from my Department are developing policy proposals for reform based on the findings and recommendations of the report.
Related to that, my Department has also recently awarded the tender for the Private Family Law Reporting Project to the Child Law Project. The overall aim of the Project, which will be delivered over three years, is to provide transparency for the public, while ensuring that children’s and parents’ rights to privacy are upheld. It will also increase awareness and understanding of family law proceedings, while building confidence and trust in the judicial determination of such disputes.
The Programme for Government commits to ensuring proper regulation and funding for Voice of the Child and Welfare Reports, giving children a voice in legal proceedings that affect them. On foot of the publication, in June 2024, of a wide-ranging review into the role of expert reports in the family law process, there has been significant progress in implementing its 20 ambitious recommendations for reform.
In October 2024, my Department established a Voice of the Child Working Group with membership comprising both statutory and voluntary stakeholders in the family justice system. The group was set up in line with the commitment in Goal One of the Family Justice Strategy, that of “supporting children”. The group is taking forward some of the recommendations in the Review of Expert Reports, including the development of a Children’s Court Advocate Pilot Project and the development of a voice of the child report template and guidelines.
The envisaged role of a Children’s Court Advocate is to support children in their journey through private family law proceedings, providing information and ensuring their voice is heard. €2.5 million was allocated for reform of the process in Budget 2026 and part of that will go towards funding the pilot.
The Children’s Court Advocate pilot will commence in early 2026 and will initially be rolled out in two locations, Waterford and Clonmel. The service will be free of charge for children and their families. Running alongside the Pilot Project will be a comprehensive evaluation to assess its effectiveness in achieving its aim of improving how the voice of the child is heard and considered in private family law proceedings.
The aim of the Voice of the Child Report Template and Guidelines is to ensure consistency of approach by experts in supporting children to have their voices heard. The Working Group has made significant progress on drafting the template and guidelines and I expect them to be published in the coming months.
The Chief Justice has established a Judicial Committee to develop guidelines on the commissioning, content, and use of welfare reports, chaired by the Honourable Ms Justice Nuala Jackson of the High Court. The Committee is being supported by my Department and the guidelines are expected to be published shortly.
My officials have begun scoping work on establishing a panel of assessors.
Once fully implemented, the recommendations in the Review of Expert Reports will improve the quality of expert reports in family law proceedings, standardising practises relating to how they are developed in situations where they are required. They will support the judiciary in their decision making and ensure that children are at the centre of our efforts to improve outcomes for them and their families.
949. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Question No. 800 of 4 February 2026, if he will request the Legal Aid Board to provide the number of internal audits conducted since 2020 with respect to its centres at locations (details supplied); if in the interest of transparency the Legal Aid Board will publish these audits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12845/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra950. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Question No. 800 of 4 February 2026, to confirm that there is no specific reference to international protection or prevention of abuse of the system of any part of the legal aid provision in either the Performance Delivery Agreement 2025 or the Oversight Agreement 2023-2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12846/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra951. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Question No. 800 of 4 February 2026, the number of international protection applications to the Legal Aid Board for each of the past five years; the number of applicants who paid a contribution as required under the Legal Services International Protection and Permission to Remain application document and as outlined in in S.l. No. 346 of 2013 - Civil Legal Aid Regulations 2013, which amends the Civil Legal Aid Regulations 1996; the number of applicants whose contribution was waived and under what basis the waiver was granted; the total amount of monies that were received by the Legal Aid Board from this specific regulation and how was that money used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12847/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 949, 950 and 951 together.
The Legal Aid Board (LAB) is the statutory, independent body responsible for the provision of civil legal aid and advice to persons of modest means. This includes the provision of legal aid and advice to international protection applicants.
International protection applicants who meet the financial eligibility criteria can avail of the services of LAB. The Legal Aid Board:
• provides legal assistance and advice in respect of their application.
• advises applicants in relation to the completion of their International Protection Questionnaire (if not already completed) including any grounds that the applicant may wish to set out for the purpose of requesting that the Minister should give them permission to remain in the State.
• assists the applicant in the preparation for the international protection interview and in preparing any written representations to the Minister.
• in the case of a negative recommendation on their application, provides representation for the applicant in any appeal they may take to the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT).
Detailed information on civil legal aid services and advice provided to international protection applicants can be found on the Legal Aid Board website at: [www.legalaidboard.ie/our-legal-aid-service/how-we-can-help-you/international-protection/]
There are several oversight measures in place to ensure the appropriate operation of the system and the Legal Aid Board strictly operates in accordance with the provisions of the Civil Legal Aid Act 1995 together with the Civil Legal Aid Regulations 1996-2021.
The Annual Performance Delivery Agreement between the Legal Aid Board and my Department sets out the specific objectives, outputs, priorities, and performance indicators to be delivered by the Legal Aid Board in a given year, within its approved funding. It provides a structured basis for monitoring delivery, accountability for public expenditure, and alignment with Government and Departmental priorities, while respecting the Board’s statutory independence.
The Oversight Agreement defines the governance and accountability framework between the Department and the Legal Aid Board. Its purpose is to clarify roles, responsibilities, reporting arrangements, and assurance mechanisms, ensuring effective oversight, transparency, and compliance with public sector governance requirements, without encroaching on the Board’s operational or decision-making independence. The Deputy will see that both of these agreements are published on my Department’s website.
The Legal Aid Board operates a layered system of oversight combining statutory eligibility controls, defined service scope, panel management, financial audit, and cost-recovery powers, supplemented by the aforementioned formal governance and performance oversight from my Department. In the area of international protection, dedicated service structures, client obligations, and inter-agency coordination provide additional safeguards to ensure that legal aid is used appropriately, proportionately, and in accordance with law, while protecting access to justice for those entitled to it.
I am informed that the Legal Aid Board operates a comprehensive and risk-based internal audit programme, approved by its Audit and Risk Committee, which provides independent assurance across all aspects of service delivery and corporate support functions, including financial management, governance, controls, compliance, and value for money. Findings and recommendations arising from internal audit are systematically tracked, reported to senior management and the Board, and are subject to formal follow-up to ensure timely implementation.
In addition to its internal assurance framework, the Legal Aid Board is subject to regular and robust external scrutiny. Its annual financial statements are audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General, with the results reported to the Oireachtas, and the Board engages fully with the Public Accounts Committee as required. The Board is also subject to regular external audits by my Department.
Taken together, these layered arrangements provide a strong and integrated system of assurance, ensuring transparency, accountability for public funds, and compliance with statutory and governance requirements, while supporting continuous improvement across the organisation.
The table below shows the number of internal audits conducted since 2020.
|
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
2026* |
|
12 |
8 |
19 |
23 |
10 |
11 |
4 (ongoing) |
*to 13 February 2026
The table below shows the total number of applications for legal services related to international protection from 2021 to 2025. The Legal Aid Board has noted that they generally do not provide legal aid services for judicial review proceedings.
|
Year |
Applications for legal services for international protection |
|
2021 |
1,464 |
|
2022 |
6,858 |
|
2023 |
9,918 |
|
2024 |
11,689 |
|
2025 |
8,534 |
The Legal Aid Board have indicated that 2,024 applicants for services related to their application for international protection paid a contribution in 2025. The total amount collected in contributions from applicants for international protection in 2025 was €20,240. The Legal Aid Board have confirmed that income from all sources, including all client contributions, is used together with its grant in aid from the Department, for general service delivery.
In 2025, 7,382 applicants were granted a waiver of their contribution. Please note that there is not a direct correlation between the year an application was made and the year a decision was made on whether to grant a waiver.
The Legal Aid Board has indicated that, under the provisions of Section 29 (2) (b) of the Civil Legal Aid Act 1995 (as amended by Section 80 of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2008) it is open to the Board to waive legal aid contributions in certain circumstances.
The Legal Aid Board has indicated that every application for a waiver of a financial contribution must be considered on its own merits and will generally only be granted in circumstances where it is considered that it is appropriate to grant a waiver in those particular circumstances.
