Written Answers Nos. 772-791
772. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of Gardaí who have retired or left the force in Dublin DMR west in 2025, broken down by station, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14617/26]
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 including all operational policing and internal Garda HR matters. The Commissioner is independent in his functions under section 34 of the Act.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that as of 30 November 2025, the latest date for when figures are available, a total of 18 Gardaí had retired or left the service in Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) West. A breakdown of these figures by station is not available.
The Deputy may be interested to note that in 2025 the Garda Commissioner allocated 49 probationer Gardaí to DMR West and that to date in 2026 a further 18 probationer Gardaí have been allocated to DMR West.
773. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will simplify Garda vetting in order that once an individual is vetted their vetted status can be used by many organisations that require vetting, without the requirement for duplication of applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14618/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe primary purpose of vetting carried out by the Garda National Vetting Bureau (GNVB) is to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults. This requires a robust Garda vetting process that reassures the public, and in particular parents, that appropriate checks are conducted on people taking on positions of trust.
The Government is aware that concerns have been raised regarding certain aspects of the vetting process and I have listened carefully to the views of the sectors affected.
In this regard I'm conscious that aspects of the current vetting system result in a highly-segmented process. Furthermore, I believe that the vetting system should be updated to ensure that the burden of seeking vetting disclosures, particularly on volunteers and organisations working in their communities, is minimised to the greatest extent possible, while maintaining the present high standards.
Further to the work carried out by the Garda Vetting Review Group, steps are now being taken to implement a number of key changes to the vetting process that will ensure it remains robust and effective while improving the service to customers.
In practice, and subject to a general requirement that vetting be renewed every three years, it is envisaged that this will mean that when a person is vetted for the work they will be or are likely to be involved in as part of their employment or volunteering within identified risk categories, the person would not be required to repeat the process if they were to move to another role within the same risk category.
These changes will require amending legislation and updated technical systems to support the revised approach and will make the process more efficient for volunteers and organisations, without compromising the essential safeguards that protect those in our care.
The Garda National Vetting Bureau received 633,563 applications for vetting disclosures in 2025. The current processing time for 85% of vetting applications is 8/9 working days.
774. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if guidelines are in place in relation to the use of tasers on persons experiencing mental health crises, neurodivergent individuals, persons with intellectual disabilities, children and young people, older persons, and other vulnerable groups; if so, if he will publish such guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14640/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Garda Síochána's human rights based approach to policing provides guidance to Gardaí on how human rights are to be observed in the course of their work. An Garda Síochána's response to any incident involves a graduated policing response considering relevant legislation and public safety, with enforcement as a last resort. In carrying out their duties Gardaí, as far as practicable, consider non-physical means before resorting to the use of force in the resolution of incidents that they respond to.
The Garda Commissioner is responsible by law for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including the policies and guidelines in place within An Garda Síochána and publication of same.
I am assured by the Commissioner that eligible Gardaí are trained in the lawful use of conductive energy devices (CEDs), or "tasers" as they are commonly known.
Conductive Energy Devices are issued to specialist firearms and protection units. An Garda Síochána are also trialling the use of tasers by a limited number of front-line Gardaí in Dublin City and Waterford, where body worn cameras have already been deployed.
Each of the members in the pilot that is equipped with a CED has undertaken a comprehensive 3-day training course in the use of the CEDs before being authorised to carry these devices on operational duties. They have also attended an additional half day human rights awareness briefing.
The 3-day Taser Training Course is grounded in Irish Constitutional and European Convention on Human Rights principles and Garda policy, Garda Decision Making Model, Garda Code of Ethics in addition to practical training and assessments.
The CED pilot will aim to evaluate the operational, ethical, human rights, and community impacts of deploying CEDs as an additional tactical option within a graduated use of force framework, in order to prevent harm to Garda personnel and members of the public.
The fundamental principle underpinning the policy for use of CEDs is that any action taken which requires a member of An Garda Síochána to use a CED must comply with the fundamental principles of legality, necessity, proportionality and accountability.
These tactical options are available to Gardaí when faced with violence or the threat of violence when it is reasonable to believe that such violence or threat of violence may result in injury to themselves or others, including self-harm by an individual.
In order to ensure appropriate oversight any use of a taser will be referred to Fiosrú, the Office of the Police Ombudsman.
I have been advised by the Garda Authorities that a new overarching Use of Force Policy is being developed currently and is at an advanced stage. Once complete this will be made available on the Garda website.
The sub-Procedure documents relating to this policy will be restricted documents and will only be available internally. These would include guidelines as to the use of tasers. This is in line with internal Garda policy procedures.
Information on Garda use of force including the use of CEDs are published on the Garda website and in the Commissioners monthly report to the Policing and Community Safety Authority.
An Garda Síochána's Use of Force statistics can be found at the following link: www.garda.ie/en/information-centre/statistics/
While the Garda Commissioner's monthly reports to the PCSA can be found here: www.garda.ie/en/about-us/publications/general-reports/commissioner-s-monthly-reports-to-policing-and-community-safety-authority/
775. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of people who have been prosecuted under the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023, which came into effect on 1 November 2023, and is designed to significantly toughen penalties for assaulting on-duty emergency workers, explicitly including hospital staff, nurses and doctors [14653/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn assault on a member of An Garda Síochána, a prison officer, a member of the fire brigade, ambulance personnel, or a member of the Defence Forces is already an offence under section 19 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994.
Any person who assaults, or threatens to assault, a front-line worker in the execution of their duty is guilty of an offence. An amendment was made to section 19 of the 1994 Act through section 63 of the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023. That amendment increased the maximum sentence for assaulting or threatening to assault a Garda or other on-duty emergency worker, from 7 to 12 years.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) decides whether or not someone should be prosecuted, and what crime they should be prosecuted for. The DPP is fully independent in the execution of her functions, under the Prosecution of Offences Act 1974.
As Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, I have no role in the operations, functions, oversight or governance of the Office of the DPP and am unable to provide any information or statistics relating to the Director's work as a result.
776. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Question No. 431 of 17 July 2025, to provide a detailed progress update on the Programme for Government commitment to introduce amendments to modernise the Prohibition of Incitement to Racial Religious or National Hatred Act ,1989; if the Government is no longer including provisions on hate speech to bring Ireland in line with EU requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14659/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government and I are determined to stamp out hate-motivated crimes and protect vulnerable communities.
Ireland was at the forefront of tackling incitement to hatred through the introduction of legislation, namely the Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act, in 1989. It is an offence to incite hatred based on a person’s race, colour, nationality, religion, ethnic or national origin, membership of the travelling community or sexual orientation.
Legislation for tougher sentences for crimes motivated by hate was brought in by the Criminal Justice (Hate Offences) Act 2024. This legislation provides for increased prison sentences for certain crimes, where they are proven to be motivated by hatred, or where hatred is demonstrated. For example, the legislation ensures that assault aggravated by hatred, or damage to property aggravated by hatred, will attract higher prison sentences. Where hatred is not proven, a person can still be charged with assault or damage to property.
This legislation seeks to protect people targeted because of certain identity characteristics, namely - race; colour; nationality; religion; national or ethnic origin; descent; disability; gender; sex characteristics and sexual orientation.
The Government and I are satisfied that Ireland has fully transposed Council Framework Decision 2008/913/JHA on combating certain forms and expressions of racism and xenophobia through existing Irish law, in a manner appropriate and tailored to the domestic legal system and consistent with Article 40.6 of the Constitution, which protects freedom of expression. The existing framework, including the Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act 1989, the Criminal Justice (Hate Offences) Act 2024 and relevant common law principles, is considered sufficient to address incitement to hatred, including conduct occurring online.
777. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will review correspondence (details supplied); the status of the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14747/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that the Join Family (Non-EEA nat.)(spouse) visa application referred to was created on 20 October 2025. Supporting documentation was received in the Abuja Visa Office on 26 November 2025 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.
I can advise the Deputy that requests to expedite an existing visa application or for an emergency visa can be made through my Department's Customer Service Portal, at: [portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/]
Expediting a visa application is usually confined to time-sensitive instances, such as, if a family member has been hospitalised, in a life-threatening situation, or in the unfortunate event of a bereavement. Each request is considered on its merits; the person concerned should also engage with the relevant Embassy of Ireland, explaining the nature of the emergency and provide any documentary evidence that may be available to them. A full list of Irish embassies is available at: www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/embassies/
Emergency visa applications and requests will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis but will, wherever possible, be processed speedily and sympathetically. In order to be fair to all those who have applied, not all requests to expedite an application can be granted.
Processing times and decisions at the Overseas Visa Offices can be checked at:
www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-offices/
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.
778. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of bicycles which were reported stolen in Dublin in each of the years 2023 to 2025; the number of prosecutions which were brought for bicycle theft in 2025; the number of stolen bicycles that were recovered, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14821/26]
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.
I would encourage anyone who has been a victim of crime, be it bicycle theft or otherwise, to report it by contacting their local Garda Station and An Garda Síochána will investigate the matter.
I note that according provisional crime figures released this week by An Garda Síochána bicycle thefts are down by 4% nationally.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the tables below set out the number of bicycles which were reported stolen in Dublin in each of the years 2023 to 2025 and the number of charges, summons, cautions or youth referrals arising.
Number of bicycles which were reported stolen in Dublin in each of the years 2023 to 2025.
|
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
3,293 |
2,888 |
2,790 |
Number of charges, summons, cautions or youth referrals during the same period that were associated with any incident of bicycle theft.
|
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
365 |
282 |
315 |
Garda authorities have also provided details of the number of vehicles 'found’, ‘recovered’ or ‘seized’ in each of these years. This data set refers to bicycles and other vehicles and cannot be linked to incidents of bicycle theft.
|
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
1,564 |
1,514 |
1,186
|
779. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the total amount of fees paid out annually by his Department to legal firms over the past four years and to date in 2026 on appeals made under the International Protection Appeals Tribunal; to list the legal firms that were paid out in fees in each such year, in tabular form. [14834/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Legal Aid Board is the statutory body responsible for the provision of civil legal aid and advice to persons of modest means in the State, in accordance with the provisions of the Civil Legal Aid Act 1995 and the Civil Legal Aid Regulations 1996 to 2021.
Section 3(3) of the Act provides that the Board shall, subject to the provisions of the Act, be independent in the exercise of its functions. However, to be of assistance to the Deputy I have had enquiries made with the Legal Aid Board on foot of which the following information is provided.
Civil legal aid and advice is provided primarily through a network of law centres by solicitors employed by the Legal Aid Board. There are 34 full time and 3 part-time law centres and specialised units. Specific law centres in Dublin, Cork and Galway currently include an international protection speciality. International protection is one of many services provided by those law centres. The Legal Aid Board also engages private solicitors to provide services in international protection cases. A substantial portion of the Board’s international protection cases are handled by private practitioners.
The Board established and maintains a panel of solicitors who are willing to provide services to persons who have been granted legal services for the purpose of: advice and/or representation in relation to an application under the International Protection Act 2015 for asylum, subsidiary protection and permission to remain; and for all relevant matters covered by the International Protection Act 2015, the Refugee Act 1996 and the Immigration Act 1999. Since 2017, referrals to private solicitors have generally occurred at the outset of the international protection process to ensure applicants receive legal advice at the earliest stage. Prior to the commencement of the Act, referrals more typically took place at the appeals stage.
The table below, as provided by the Legal Aid Board, provides the annual expenditure in relation to the provision of legal aid and advice in the area of international protection for private solicitors contracted through the Legal Aid Board’s Solicitors Panel for International Protection Matters. The Legal Aid Board have indicated that it is not possible to provide a breakdown of these fees to indicate what amount was paid for appeals because, as noted above, files are generally referred to private practitioners at the outset of the international protection process and the practitioner may submit their claim form at the end of the process for all the stages that they assisted the client.
|
Year |
Expenditure for private solicitors contracted through the Legal Aid Board’s Solicitors Panel for International Protection Matters |
|
2022 |
€1,412,658 |
|
2023 |
€2,600,253 |
|
2024 |
€3,902,575 |
|
2025 |
€4,953,527 |
|
2026 (To end of January) |
€ 258,702
|
The Legal Aid Board has indicated that, within the timeframe of the request, it was not possible to provide a list of the solicitors who received payments for legal services from the Legal Aid Board during that period and the total amount paid to each named provider annually. The Legal Aid Board has indicated that a request for information relating to third parties would have to be considered in line with their obligations under section 37 of the Freedom of Information Act, 2014.
780. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current status of the HAP25 Afghan Community Sponsorship Programme; whether the 50 places approved for Afghans in need of protection in 2026 have now been opened for applications; the reason for the delay; when the programme will formally open for 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14838/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the 2025 Humanitarian Admissions Programme has closed for applications.
The Humanitarian Admissions Programme prioritises at-risk individuals such as human rights defenders, women’s rights activists, LGBTQ+ individuals, judiciary, and journalists, for admission to Ireland as programme refugees.
This is managed within the remit of the Irish Refugee Protection Programme in my Department. Over 700 people from Afghanistan have been admitted to Ireland under this programme since its inception in 2021.
The 2025 Programme is now complete, and arrangements are being made by department officials to facilitate the arrivals of the remaining successful applicants.
It is expected that the remaining successful applicants under the 2025 Programme will arrive in Ireland in the coming weeks.
The 2026 Humanitarian Admission Programme will commence in the second half of 2026 and will be aligned with the EU Resettlement and Humanitarian Admission Framework Regulation, a Regulation that is part of the Migration Pact.
The Department remains committed to welcoming 50 persons to Ireland under humanitarian admissions during 2026.
781. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of prisoners currently in prison who have previously served time in prison. [14846/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Prison Service that a snapshot analysis of the prison population is conducted on the last day of each month. The most recent analysis was conducted on the 31 January 2026 and it is this analysis which has been used to provide the information requested by the Deputy.
On the 31 January 2026, the total number of people in custody was 5,731. Of these, 3,773 previously served time in prison.
782. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of children admitted to women's refuges in the State in each of the past ten years and to date in 2026. [14847/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCombatting all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) and ensuring that victims and survivors have access to the support and care they need is a priority for me. Since its establishment in 2024, Cuan has been working to accelerate the delivery of safe accommodation across the country, in line with the Government’s Zero Tolerance Strategy on DSGBV and currently funds 78 DSGBV organisations nationally, including 20 domestic violence refuges.
Cuan does not hold comprehensive data on the number of children admitted to women’s refuges over the past ten years, as this largely predates the Agency's establishment. As previously noted to the Deputy, indicative data submitted by Cuan's funded service on a range services to be delivered in 2025 projected the number of children to be accommodated in domestic violence refuges would be 1,914. Projected figures for 2026 are not yet available.
783. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of persons arrested, prosecuted, and convicted of human trafficking in the State in each of the past ten years and to date in 2026. [14848/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra784. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of reports of human trafficking received by An Garda Síochána in each of the past ten years and to date in 2026. [14849/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra786. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his Department is aware of any instances of trafficking for organ harvesting in the State over the past decade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14851/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 783, 784 and 786 together.
The prevention, detection and prosecution of the crime of human trafficking is a priority for me and for this Government.
Significant measures have been taken to combat human trafficking, to create a more victim-centred approach to identifying and supporting victims; to raise public awareness and provide training to relevant people including professionals to detect, understand and combat human trafficking.
I have sought information from An Garda Síochána and the Courts Service in relation to the Deputy's queries, however it has not been received on time.
I will contact the Deputy directly once it is available.
785. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if they have undertaken to examine the rate of child trafficking in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14850/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe prevention, detection and prosecution of the crime of human trafficking, including child trafficking is a priority for me and the Government. The incidence of identified child trafficking cases is monitored on an ongoing basis through data compiled by An Garda Síochána and my Department. In 2024, 10 minors were identified out of a total of 67 victims of human trafficking. In 2025, 18 minors were identified out of a total of 114 victims.
While the absolute number of identified child victims increased, the proportion of children among all identified victims of human trafficking has remained broadly consistent at approximately 15 to 16 percent. As with all human trafficking data, these figures reflect persons formally identified through the State’s National Referral Mechanism for victims of trafficking.
In order to further strengthen the evidence base, my Department is seeking to undertake specific research into child trafficking under the 2026 Research Ireland Public Service Fellowship. This research will examine the incidence of child trafficking in the Irish context, including for both sexual and criminal exploitation purposes, and will identify methods for defining and collecting data in relation to child trafficking. The findings of this research will inform future policy and operational responses.
A range of measures have been taken to combat human trafficking and to strengthen the State’s victim centred approach to identification and support, including raising awareness and providing targeted training to front-line professionals. In 2023, the Third National Action Plan to prevent and combat human trafficking (2023-2027) was launched. The plan includes key actions in respect of the training of front-line workers, strengthening anti-trafficking screening measures at point of entry to the State and establishing dedicated accommodation for victims of trafficking who have been trafficked for sexual exploitation.
The identification and protection of child trafficking victims in Ireland is a key priority. While the majority of actions in the new National Action Plan on Human Trafficking relate to both adult and child victims, there are a number of child-specific measures included under each of the Plan’s pillars.
These include to:
• Ensure that all professionals in contact with children, and working on child related matters, are qualified in dealing with and recognising victims of trafficking and act in the child’s best interest;
• Enhance capabilities to locate children who are missing, including those who have run away from State care, and may be vulnerable to human trafficking;
• Consider how best to collect and utilise data from across vulnerable groups identified to be at risk of human trafficking, including unaccompanied children; and
• Strengthen protections for trafficked children in the criminal justice system.
787. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of Garda callouts to instances of domestic violence in each county in the State, in each of the past five years, in tabular form. [14852/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCombatting all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) remains an absolute priority for this Government, for me as Minister, and for the Garda Commissioner.
'Zero Tolerance,' the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV), set out an ambitious five-year programme of reform to achieve a society which does not accept DSGBV or the attitudes which underpin these crimes.
An Garda Síochána prioritise and proactively respond to incidents of domestic abuse. The nationwide roll out of Divisional Protective Service Units (DPSUs) ensures that when victims of crimes such as domestic abuse and sexual violence present to Gardaí, they are met with a consistently high standard of specialist, sensitive, professional and expert assistance.
I can confirm that there is now a DPSU in every Garda Division.
I have sought the information requested by the Deputy regarding the number of Garda callouts to instances of domestic violence in each county in the State, in each of the past five years.
Unfortunately this information has not been received on time, however I will write to the Deputy directly once it is available.
788. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of Gardaí who were assaulted while on duty in each of the past ten years and to date in 2026, in tabular form. [14853/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Regrettably, this was not available in time and I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.
789. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the amount of cash and assets seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau in each of the past 12 years; and the total amount returned to the Exchequer by CAB in the same period. [14854/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCAB is a multi-agency statutory body established under the Criminal Assets Bureau Act 1996. The Bureau’s remit is to target a person's assets, wherever situated, which derive, or are suspected to derive, directly or indirectly, from criminal conduct.
I am advised by CAB that the table below sets out the amount of cash and other financial assets frozen (such as cryptocurrency) and economic value of assets for the period 2014 - 2024. The figures in respect of jewellery, property, vehicles, designer goods, livestock and other are based on the estimated value placed by the Bureau on the asset at the time of making the application to the Court under section 2(1) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 1996.
It is important to note that following the completion of investigations and hearings, all assets listed may not equate in returns to the Exchequer.
The figures for 2025 are not yet available and will be published in the respective annual report. CAB annual reports are available to view at: https://www.cab.ie/annual-reports/
|
Year |
Jewellery |
Property |
Vehicle |
Financial* |
Designer Goods |
Live stock |
Other |
Total |
|
2014 |
17,000 |
447,000 |
76,500 |
6,219,682 |
|
|
|
6,760,182 |
|
2015 |
20,950 |
100,528 |
72,300 |
747,301 |
|
|
|
941,079 |
|
2016 |
38,350 |
|
106,345 |
498,368 |
|
|
|
643,063 |
|
2017 |
126,270 |
2,449,013 |
838,960 |
3,576,661 |
|
29,636 |
|
7,020,539 |
|
2018 |
112,150 |
2,082,855 |
59,750 |
6,018,832 |
|
|
119,995 |
8,393,582 |
|
2019 |
185,730 |
7,844,134 |
1,838,798 |
54,650,944 |
58,875 |
|
407,069 |
64,985,550 |
|
2020 |
226,520 |
3,798,716 |
254,687 |
1,430,739 |
49,344 |
|
54,200 |
5,814,206 |
|
2021 |
107,231 |
954,178 |
1,078,760 |
911,659 |
13,700 |
|
3,000 |
3,068,528 |
|
2022 |
222,350 |
1,270,144 |
412,589 |
3,218,391 |
31,495 |
|
29,630 |
5,184,599 |
|
2023 |
171,645 |
5,277,635 |
378,708 |
1,858,788 |
144,796 |
|
150 |
7,831,722 |
|
2024 |
9,000 |
1,421,295 |
276,502 |
10,889,099 |
3,000 |
|
11,000 |
12,609,896 |
*Financial includes cash seized and cryptocurrency/financial assets frozen in financial institutions.
The table below provided by CAB outlines the value of returns to the Exchequer for the period 2014 - 2024.
The figures for 2025 are unavailable pending the publication of the respective annual report.
|
Year |
Total sent to Exchequer from Section 4(1) & 4A |
Taxes and Interest Collected |
Social Welfare Recoveries |
|
2014 |
467,152.37 |
€3,017,000.00 |
€335,911.00 |
|
2015 |
1,642,962.29 |
€2,038,000.00 |
€185,354.32 |
|
2016 |
1,412,920.41 |
€2,106,000.00 |
€297,430.12 |
|
2017 |
1,698,721.08 |
€2,374,000.00 |
€319,720.31 |
|
2018 |
2,271,799.92 |
€3,097,000.00 |
€302,673.36 |
|
2019 |
1,559,726.31 |
€2,206,000.00 |
€324,055.73 |
|
2020 |
1,838,507.25 |
€2,138,000.00 |
€317,236.57 |
|
2021 |
1,143,834.14 |
€4,041,000.00 |
€364,827.81 |
|
2022 |
2,065,265.03 |
€3,827,000.00 |
€445,423.00 |
|
2023 |
2,219,486.00 |
€5,792,000.00 |
€639,910.26 |
|
2024 |
3,117,637.00 |
€13,369,000.00 |
€566,219.00 |
|
Total |
19,438,011.08 |
44,005,000.00 |
4,098,761.48
|
790. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of persons arrested for fraud offences in each of the past ten years and to date in 2026, in tabular form. [14855/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to taking measures to combat and prevent fraud and cybercrime. There is close cooperation across the whole of Government on this issue, including between An Garda Síochána and the National Cyber Security Centre.
An Garda Síochána Analysis Service conducted a search of Custody Logs in PULSE where the Arrest Reason was given as ‘Fraud/Economic Crime’ for the 2016 to 2025 period.
The count of unique custody logs/arrests and the count of unique persons arrested each year as follows:
|
Year of Arrest |
Number of Arrests |
Number of Unique Persons |
|
2016 |
1,103 |
952 |
|
2017 |
1,062 |
941 |
|
2018 |
1,087 |
964 |
|
2019 |
1,320 |
1,163 |
|
2020 |
1,637 |
1,456 |
|
2021 |
1,802 |
1,575 |
|
2022 |
1,507 |
1,372 |
|
2023 |
1,534 |
1,380 |
|
2024 |
1,630 |
1,460 |
|
2025 |
1,800 |
1,610 |
The Garda authorities have further advised that all members of An Garda Síochána can investigate crimes of a fraudulent nature and many members throughout the country have received specialist training in this area of crime investigation.
791. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of drug finds in each prison for each of the past ten years; the estimated value of these drugs finds in each prison for each of the past ten years; the number of persons who have been convicted for these drugs finds in each prison for each of the past ten years; and the number of Irish Prison Service staff who have been convicted for these finds in each prison for each of the past five years.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14856/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra792. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of phones and illegal contraband which have been found in each prison for each of the past five years; the number of persons who have been convicted for these drugs finds in each prison for each of the past ten years; and the number of Irish Prison Service staff who have been convicted for these finds in each prison for each of the past ten years respectively. [14857/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 791 and 792 together.
I can advise the Deputy that the Irish Prison Service (IPS), together with An Garda Síochána, have completed several very successful collaborative operations in the past year, delivering significant results, including multiple arrests and prosecutions linked to attempts to introduce drugs and other contraband into prisons by drone or throw-over.
This intelligence-led, multi-agency co-operation is effectively detecting and disrupting attempted delivery of contraband into prisons, and improving communication pathways regarding supply, availability, typology and impact of illicit substances in prisons.
The prevention of access to contraband within prisons will always be a high priority for the IPS. IPS staff work tirelessly to take steps to prevent access to contraband and to reduce the flow of illicit substances into our prisons. The IPS has committed to continuing to invest in new technologies and measures to support efforts to keep contraband out of prisons. This includes security measures such as the installation of nets over exercise yards, vigilant observation of prisoners by staff, enhanced CCTV monitoring, the stricter control of visits, the use of random drug testing and daily targeted searches.
It is the case that over 70% of people committed to prison have issues with substance abuse. All prisoners on committal are assessed and a treatment plan is agreed for those who wish to address their substance abuse issues while in prison custody.
In relation to the data sought in the Deputy's questions, the tables for contraband and drugs statistics from 2015-2024 by Prison are available on the IPS website. Total figures for contraband and drugs statistics for 2025 are outlined in the table below. I am advised that a finalised 2025 table, broken down per prison, will be published on the IPS website in due course.
2025 Table of Contraband & Drug Seizures
|
Total Number of Mobile Phones Seized |
Total Number of Drugs Seizures |
Total Number of Weapons Seized |
Total Arrests by Gardai |
|
1647 |
1163 |
441 |
84 |
The IPS does not collate statistics on the value of drug finds. Any suspected drug seizure is passed to An Garda Síochána for investigation. The IPS have further advised that it does not hold centralised data in respect of those who have been convicted for possession of drugs in prisons.
