Written Answers Nos. 752-771
752. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if a visa application (details supplied) has been received; the status of the application; when a decision will be reached in view of the urgency and circumstances of the applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14345/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that the Join Family (Non-EEA nat.)(spouse) visa applications referred to were created on 05 August 2025. The applications were received in the Dublin Visa Office on 12 August 2025 where they await 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 these applications 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/
The date published on the website is the oldest date of application currently being processed under a given category. However, it should be noted that the Visa team continue to process and make decisions on applications received after the published processing date. If a particular application takes longer to consider this may result in the published processing date remaining unchanged. I can assure you that this does not indicate the processing of these applications has halted overall.
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 people concerned can now directly check the status of their visa applications on the Immigration Service’s Customer Service Portal. They can register for, or log in to their existing accounts, 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.
753. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether it is Departmental policy or practice that Ministers are not provided with the substance of correspondence that may constitute a protected disclosure; if so, the legal basis for such a policy; and whether, where correspondence is subsequently determined not to be a protected disclosure, the Minister is then provided with the content of that correspondence. [14352/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra754. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration how the statutory suspending authority functions of a Minister are exercised in circumstances where correspondence raising serious allegations is not provided to the Minister on the basis that it may constitute a protected disclosure; and whether any guidance exists to ensure that the Minister’s discretion is not unintentionally fettered in such situations [14353/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra755. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration what procedures and timelines apply to internal reviews of protected disclosure assessment decisions within the Department; whether there are target timeframes for completion; and how procedural fairness is ensured for reporting persons during such reviews [14354/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 753, 754 and 755 together.
My Department complies with the Statutory Guidance for Public Bodies and Prescribed Persons in relation to the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 (as amended), which was published by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation in 2023. Section 10.4 of the Guidance relates to the internal procedures for a system of review. It specifies that the role of the reviewer should not be to re-investigate the matter in question but to address the specific issues the applicant feels have received insufficient consideration.
Each internal review request is treated on a case-by-case basis. While there is no statutory time limit for an internal review, my Department endeavours to conclude such reviews within three months. However, this is dependent on the complexity of each case. Where reviews go beyond the three-month timeframe the reporting person is provided with quarterly updates.
Reports of wrongdoing addressed to a Minister are required to be transmitted to the Office of the Protected Disclosures Commissioner (OPDC). This complies with Section 8(3)(a) of the Act. The OPDC decides who should be responsible for the assessment and follow-up of such correspondence.
Where correspondence is not considered a protected disclosure, it is treated as standard correspondence.
The Minister is updated on reports of wrongdoing in line with the relevant legislation. The statutory suspending functions of a Minister are not impeded by the protected disclosures procedures.
756. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the amount spent on providing a tax free payment under the accommodation recognition payment for housing Ukrainians in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14375/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra757. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the amount that has been spent providing a tax free payment to house Ukrainians in 2025 under the Accommodation Recognition Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14379/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 756 and 757 together.
I propose to take PQs 14379/26 and 14375/26 together.
The Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) is a monthly payment of €600 available to a host providing accommodation to a person or people who arrived in Ireland under the EU Temporary Protection Directive. The ARP scheme is provided in Part 2 of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022.
From the scheme’s launch in July 2022 to 17 February 2026, approx. €438m has been paid to over 27,500 hosts for hosting over 63,500 Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection.
Approximately 42,000 beneficiaries of temporary protection from Ukraine are currently being hosted in 23,500 accommodations with the support of the scheme, at a monthly cost of €14.5m.
The table below provides figures for expenditure on the Accommodation Recognition Payment in 2024 and 2025.
|
Year |
Total Expenditure* |
|
Total Expenditure in 2024 |
€141.5m |
|
Total Expenditure in 2025 |
€186.5m |
*Figures have been rounded to the nearest €500,000.
758. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide a list of all State agencies within his Department that allocate programme and project funding to section 39, section 56 and section 10 organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14395/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed that the Irish Prison Service allocate programme and project funding to Section 39 & Section 10 organisations. Details of funding provided in 2025 have been set out in the table below.
|
Organisation |
Description of Services Provided |
Funding Provided (2025) |
|
Bedford Row |
Prison Visitor Centre and family supports - Limerick |
€185,000 |
|
Society of St Vincent de Paul – Dublin & Laois |
Prison Visitor Centres in Wheatfield, Cloverhill and Mountjoy Campus, Midlands & Portlaoise |
€172,748 |
|
Roscommon LEADER Partnership |
Visitor Centre in Castlerea |
€33,400 |
|
Gaisce |
Prisoner Services |
€19,160 |
|
Navan Travellers Workshop |
Traveller Peer Support in Wheatfield |
€29,889 |
|
Solas Project |
Engagement with young offenders in Wheatfield and Mountjoy |
€55,000 |
|
St Stephens Green Trust |
Travellers in Prison Initiative |
€25,000 |
|
National Traveller Women’s Forum |
Peer Support in Dochas Centre |
€20,000 |
|
Tipperary Rural Travellers Project |
Peer Support in Midlands & Limerick Prison |
€60,000 |
|
Irish Penal Reform Trust |
Irish Penal Reform Trust |
€188,864 |
|
Association for Criminal Justice Research and Development |
IPS contribution towards annual administration funding |
€30,000 |
|
Irish Red Cross |
Community-based Health and First Aid in 12 prisons |
€455,690 |
|
IASIO/ TOSU |
Prisoner Services Community Return - Agency Supports |
€2,401,589 |
|
Alternatives to Violence (AVP) |
Alternatives to Violence Programme (AVP) |
€64,994 |
|
Samaritans |
Listener Scheme in 12 prisons |
€163,211 |
|
Care After Prison |
Community Return - Agency Supports |
€235,000 |
|
Cork Alliance |
Community Return - Agency Supports |
€130,092 |
|
PALLS Limerick |
Community Return - Agency Supports |
€56,500 |
|
Focus Ireland |
Prison In-Reach Service to prevent homelessness upon release |
€197,434 |
|
MQI |
National Prison-Based Addiction Counselling Service across the estate, offering one-to-one counselling, group therapy, and harm reduction for substance misuse |
€899,902 |
|
Dublin Rape Crisis Centre |
Offer Counselling to vulnerable prisoners aimed at preventing harm and healing trauma |
€60,250 |
|
Rape Crisis Midwest |
Offer Counselling to vulnerable prisoners aimed at preventing harm and healing trauma |
€45,000 |
|
|
TOTAL |
€5,528,723 |
I am further informed that none of the other State Agencies under the aegis of my Department provide programme or project funding to Section 39, Section 56 and Section 10 organisations.
759. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the State agencies within his Department that have made provision for the pension auto enrolment payment as part of their allocation to funded organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14413/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings Authority (NAERSA) is responsible for the administration of the Auto-Enrolment Retirement Savings System.
The retirement savings system is specifically for employees who do not already have a workplace pension scheme or similar. It does not apply to civil or public servants as they are automatically enrolled in a civil and public service pension plan on commencement of their employment.
My Department and the agencies under its aegis provide funding to a range of organisations including community and voluntary sector organisations. These organisations provide vital services in many areas across the justice sector including youth justice services, crime prevention, supporting victims of crime, migrant integration and community safety.
I am informed that Cuan has allocated €600k in its budget to fund the employer contribution element of the pension auto enrolment for DSGBV funded services.
Further, in 2026 the Probation Service will provide funding of just over €22m to Community Based Organisations (CBOs). In allocating this funding, the Probation Service has made arrangements to cover increased costs associated with the delivery of services, including pension enrolment.
For other areas in my Department where small numbers of employees meet the eligibility criteria for pension auto enrolment, I can confirm that these costs will be met from within the allocation.
760. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will provide this Deputy with a copy of a document (details supplied). [14491/26]
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.
My Department treats contractual arrangements and processes with contracted properties as confidential and commercially sensitive. The Department considers that publishing contractual details would impact the State's ability to achieve best value for money, and overall compliance with contracts, across the accommodation system.
My Department is committed to fulfilling all of its obligations under the Freedom of Information Act 2014 including ensuring that those seeking records are dealt with in an open and transparent manner.
Each decision processed by this Department is considered on its own merit and independent of other decisions. This policy ensures that each decision is based on the Act and in consideration of the particulars of the records being requested. The application of a particular provision of the Act will always depend on the particulars of the case at hand. This approach is consistent with the position of the Office of the Information Commissioner (OIC), which notes that it does not consider its binding decisions to set precedents for any other cases.
761. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the efforts being made to provide the necessary resources to address the gap between policy and practice identified in the Study on Familicide and Domestic and Family Violence Deaths, July 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14531/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is progressing recommendations arising from the independent Study on Familicide and Domestic & Family Violence Deaths Reviews which were prioritised following a consultation process that took place in 2024. The consultations involved three dedicated groups; a cross functional Interdepartmental Group, an Advisory Group of relevant NGOs, and a family consultation group made up of the bereaved families of victims of familicide and domestic homicide who shared their experiences of the criminal justice system.
One of the key priorities identified by the consultation groups, in respect of guardianship rights, is advancing. In April of last year, I secured Cabinet approval for drafting of legislation that will, in certain situations, remove guardianship rights from individuals convicted of killing their partner or the other parent of their child. The primary aim of the proposed legislative changes under the General Scheme of the Guardianship of Infants (Amendment) Bill 2025 is the promotion of child protection and welfare. The Court will be required to consider in these cases whether a revocation of guardianship would be in the best interests of the child. Drafting of this legislation, which is a Programme for Government commitment, is underway.
In addition, further scoping is being carried out, in partnership with relevant stakeholders, in relation to the Study’s recommendations for the establishment of Multi-Agency Critical Planning and Response (MACPAR) teams in each Garda region to support close family members of victims in the most competent, caring and efficient way in the future. Their purpose will be to co-ordinate agency critical incident responses and develop protocols to ensure that there is a consistency in responses across the country following incidents of domestic homicide or familicide.
My Department is also developing a Domestic Homicide Review model for Ireland as per the recommendations made in the Study. The purpose of these reviews is to identify the circumstances surrounding the death, lessons to be learned, and to make recommendations to improve systemic responses to those in need or at risk, in order to help prevent similar deaths in future. I have directed that this work be prioritised. It is anticipated that the scope of the Domestic Homicide Review process will include cases where children have died by, or through, the actions of a relative, where the cause and context of the death appears to be as a result of violence, abuse or neglect, as well as cases where the death of a child has, or appears to have, resulted from violence by someone to whom the deceased was not related but which occurred during an incident of domestic or family violence.
In this regard, my Department is liaising with the Department of Children, Disability and Equality as lead Department for the Child Death Review process, given the potential similarities of the two mechanisms, both aimed at attempting to draw learnings on how state agencies have performed their functions, in the interests of developing effective law and policy to better protect children in future.
762. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide the most recent statistics on the number and rate of self-harm episodes recorded in Irish prisons, broken down by gender and prison estate. [14566/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra763. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the rate of self-harm among female prisoners compared to male prisoners in the most recent Irish Prison Service self-harm assessment data. [14567/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra764. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the protocols that are in place for comprehensive screening of mental health and self-harm risk at committal, including ADHD and autism; and how continuity of care is ensured for those who repeatedly self-harm or are transferred or released. [14568/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra765. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of individuals engaged in repeated self-harm in the latest reporting period; and the specific support services (including psychological and counselling services) that are provided to support these prisoners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14569/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 762, 763, 764 and 765 together.
The Irish Prison Service (IPS) has advised that all those committed to prison are subject to a comprehensive medical assessment by the Prison Healthcare team. A key component of this is a mental health assessment, including history of self-harm. Where necessary, the person is referred to an in-reach Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist or IPS Psychologist, or both. Psychiatric and/or psychological assessment and treatment is provided as clinically indicated.
Furthermore, the Prison Psychology Service arrange for assessment where neurodiversity may be a key part of the persons presentation. Often, imprisonment is an opportunity to provide assessment and diagnosis for someone who has not yet been diagnosed, and may be the first time the person has been stable enough to engage with the services required to assess, diagnose and engage therapeutically.
In circumstances where a specific need has been identified and ongoing treatment is required on release, I am advised that the IPS and in-reach services will take all reasonable steps to ensure that the necessary links are made with community services prior to release. In relation to self-harm, there are a number of referral routes. If the person also has a psychiatric diagnosis and is engaging with the National Forensic Mental Health Service, a direct referral to secondary or inpatient mental health services can be made. If the person does not have a psychiatric diagnosis, the referral pathway may be made through the Prison Healthcare team to Primary Care services in the person’s locality. Other referral pathways include the National Counselling Service, addiction services, prison-specific after care services and similar.
The IPS and HSE continue to engage in relation to improved care pathways from prison to community across all areas of clinical need through ‘Sharing the Vision’ and the ‘High-Level Taskforce on Mental Health and Addiction Challenges of persons interacting with the Criminal Justice System’.
The IPS published its’ fifth and sixth annual Self-Harm Assessment and Data Analysis Reports on Monday 26th January 2026. These reports provide a comprehensive overview of self-harm incidents across the prison estate during the period 2022 to 2024 reporting periods. These reports include the specific breakdown data the Deputy is seeking. The data for 2025 is still being collected and analysed, and therefore is not yet available. The annual person-based rate of self-harm (per 100) for 2024, broken down by prison, is available in the attached table. Gender breakdowns for the same reporting period are available in Table 2 (page 24) in the published 2024 report on Self-Harm in Irish Prisons. These reports are published on the IPS website (www.irishprisons.ie). The reports provide important insights into the complex factors associated with self-harm in custody, including mental ill-health, addiction, trauma, and stressors linked to imprisonment.
The IPS’s partnership with the HSE, the National Suicide Research Foundation, and the Samaritans remains central to ensuring that people in custody receive timely, compassionate support. Every incident of self harm represents a person in distress, and the IPS remains fully committed to creating safer, more supportive environments across the prison estate. I am advised that the Irish Prison Service continues to prioritise suicide and self-harm prevention through multidisciplinary working, enhanced staff training, improved information-sharing and early identification of risk. [<ahref="https:/data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/debates/questions/supportingDocumentation/2026-02-24_pq762-24-02-2025_en.docx">PQanswer</a>]
766. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of Gardaí who applied for an extension to continue working after full service was completed in each of the past three years who were refused, by rank and division and by the reason they were refused, in tabular form. [14579/26]
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.
Gardaí of all ranks who reach the compulsory retirement age can apply to remain in employment. For the Deputy's information, in September 2024 the Government increased the mandatory retirement age for Gardaí from 60 to 62. This means that Gardaí who wish to work on to 62 may do so without applying for an extension. Government took this decision on foot of a request from the Garda Commissioner and the Garda Associations.
All applications for extensions are subject to eligibility criteria and the provisions of S.I. No. 335/1951, Garda Síochána (Retirement) (No.2) Regulations, 1951; i.e. if the Commissioner is satisfied that it is in the interests of the efficiency of An Garda Síochána that the age at which any such member would retire should be extended because of the possession by that member of some special qualification or experience.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the table below sets out the number of Gardaí who applied for an extension to continue working after full service was completed in each of the past three years and who were refused, by rank, as of 19 February 2026.
Divisional data is not provided as this could lead to the identification of individual members.
|
Rank |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
2026 |
Total |
|
Chief Superintendent |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
3 |
|
Superintendent |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
|
Inspector |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
Sergeant |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
4 |
|
Garda |
1 |
7 |
1 |
0 |
9 |
|
Total |
6 |
9 |
3 |
2 |
20
|
767. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration in cases where an international protection applicant authorises their local TD to seek updates on an application on their behalf, the evidence of authorisation that is required in order to facilitate the request and ensure a reply is provided to the TD. [14589/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that, having regard to the provisions of section 26 of the International Protection Act as regards the protection of the identity of an applicant, and the independent role of both the International Protection Office and the International Protections Appeals Tribunal, the long standing practice has been not to disclose information in relation to an application to persons other than the applicant's legal representative.
An applicant for such protection status, or their legal representative, can contact either the International Protection Office (IPO) or the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) directly, as appropriate if they wish to receive an?update on the status of their case.
768. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of deportation orders currently unenforced, and the reasons; the length of time people typically remain after a final decision; the actions to decrease the number of appeals, while still protecting due process. [14591/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is a central priority for me that Ireland’s immigration system is robust and rules based. The enforcement aspects of our laws, including deportation orders, are an essential requirement for the system to work effectively and to ensure that there is confidence in the application of our legislation in this area.
Deportations are costly and complex to enforce. It is the preferred option to return people voluntarily and my Department has a voluntary return programme to assist people to return prior to the issuance of a deportation order. A person can only avail of voluntary return before a deportation order is issued and I have increased resources into this programme to enable individuals who wish to return before a deportation order is issued to them.
If a person does not remove themselves from the State following the issuance of a deportation order, they will be removed, and my Department has taken action to significantly improve immigration enforcement measures and increase removals.
The number of deportation orders signed in 2024 (2,403) increased by 180% compared to 2023 (857). In 2025, 4,700 deportation orders were signed, an increase of 96% compared to 2024.
In 2024, 1,122 people departed from the State under various mechanisms (i.e. enforced deportation, voluntary return etc.). In 2025, 2,111 people had their departure confirmed through these pathways, an increase of 88% compared to 2024.
In 2025, six charter flight operations removed 205 people from the State. Of these, five operations to non-EU destinations removed 182 people who were subject to deportation orders and one operation removed 23 EU citizens on grounds of criminality.
The enforcement of deportation orders is an operational matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), and my Department works closely with the GNIB to progress arrangements for the removal of people subject to deportation orders. If a person issued with a deportation order does not leave the State independently then they are required to present to the GNIB in accordance with the conditions of their deportation order.
As Ireland does not operate routine exit checks at Irish borders, it is not possible to confirm in all instances that a person has departed the State. A person is only recorded as being deported when their deportation has been enforced by An Garda Síochána or when officials have been provided with evidence that they have left Ireland.
While over 300 of the people subject to deportation orders above have confirmed they have left the State independently since 2020, it is the case that a significantly larger number of individuals who were subject to Deportation Orders have left the State without notifying the relevant authorities.
I am informed that the Garda National Immigration Bureau has reviewed a large sample of cases of people subject to deportation orders; their inquiries suggest a very significant number of these individuals have left the State.
It is not possible to provide the length of time people typically remain after a deportation order has issued in cases where the individual has not informed the immigration authorities of their departure. Establishing an average time in cases where this information is available would require a manual examination of each individual's record; such an examination would be voluminous in nature, require a significant amount of staff time and resources.
Under Section 3(11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) a deportation order may be revoked or amended. Where an individual seeks to have a deportation order revoked consideration is given to whether there is compelling new information or material change in circumstances which were not previously put forward, nor capable of being put forward, when the original decision was made. Such consideration does not suspend the enforcement of a deportation order that has not been revoked.
The tables below detail the number of deportation orders signed, as well as the number enforced, from 2021 to 2025.
Table 1. Deportation orders signed from 2021 to 2025
|
Year |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Deportation orders signed |
33 |
549 |
859 |
2,403 |
4,700 |
*Please note, figures are correct at time of issue, however, all statistics may be subject to data cleansing.
Table 2. Deportation Enforcement 2021 to 2025
|
Year |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Enforced Deportations |
5 |
24 |
51 |
134 |
185 |
|
Removed by Charter |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
182 |
|
Otherwise Confirmed Deportation (1) |
33 |
93 |
28 |
28 |
67 |
|
Total Deportations |
38 |
117 |
79 |
162 |
434 |
|
Other Removals (2) |
46 |
39 |
24 |
26 |
61 |
|
Number of Voluntary Returns |
132 |
91 |
215 |
934 |
1,616 |
|
Total Removed |
216 |
247 |
318 |
1,122 |
2,111 |
*Please note, figures are correct at time of issue, however, all statistics may be subject to data cleansing.
** During the COVID- 19 Pandemic there was a moratorium on deportations. This was effective during the latter part of 2020, 2021 and for the first 8 months of 2022. During the moratorium only people who whose presence in Ireland would be contrary to the public interest were deported. This moratorium was lifted in July 2022.
1. Otherwise confirmed deportations is where it has been confirmed a person has left the state following receipt of a deportation order without being escorted.
2. Other removals include Dublin III Transfer Orders of International Protection applicants to another EU State and EU Removal Orders for the return of EU Citizens under the Free Movement Regulations (these orders are made on grounds of criminality) and people who are deemed inadmissible under the International Protection Act.
769. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether he has engaged at policy level with the Courts Service regarding the standardisation of offence classification and structured reporting of prosecutions and convictions for the purpose of criminal justice policy evaluation; and whether legislative amendment to the Courts Service Act 1998 is under consideration in this regard [14601/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra770. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether the adequacy of data capture, offence classification, and structured reporting across the criminal justice system has been assessed within his Department; and if so, to outline any reform measures under consideration [14602/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra771. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether he considers the current absence of centrally reportable conviction and sentencing data for offences under the Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 compatible with evidence-based criminal justice policy development; and whether legislative or administrative reform is under consideration in this regard [14604/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 769, 770 and 771 together.
My Department has been advised by the Courts Service that, in the District Court, there is a shared and agreed set of offence codes in use between An Garda Síochána and the Courts Service. This common coding framework supports consistency in case classification, improves data quality and streamlines reporting across organisations.
In the Circuit Court, offence codes are not currently used for a number of reasons. These include reliance on legacy systems and the fact that the principal prosecutor in the Circuit Court is the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) who do not operate using the same offence code framework. As such, offence coding has not formed part of the established process to date.
There is an ongoing initiative across the criminal justice system, involving all relevant agencies, to progress a more consistent, sector-wide approach to offence coding. The shared objective is for all relevant agencies to adopt and use common offence codes. Achieving this requires coordinated system and process changes across multiple bodies, and will therefore be delivered on a phased basis.
In parallel, the Courts Service is progressing a ten-year modernisation programme, including the phased implementation of a new Unified Case Management System (UCMS). The UCMS enhances the quality, structure and consistency of data recorded in relation to court activity. It has already been deployed in the High Court, Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and Circuit Family, with further rollouts planned, and is intended to extend to criminal jurisdictions.
This project will provide a strong foundation for improved structured data capture, including offence-related information. As these reforms are implemented, the overall quality, consistency and completeness of offence data will continue to improve, strengthening the evidence base available to inform policy development and operational planning. No requirement for legislative reform to further this work has been identified.
