Written Answers Nos. 434-456
434. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration when a decision on a visa application by a medical doctor (details supplied) who wishes to reside in Ireland will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18123/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that the Join Family visa application referred to was created on 01 January 2025. Supporting documentation was received in the Dublin Visa Office on 22 January 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.
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 are 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 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.
435. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number and rank of Gardaí that have undergone pursuit driving training at a training facility outside of the jurisdiction in the past three years to date; and the location of the training and associated costs. [18139/26]
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.
436. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the short and medium-term plans for the continuation of the Ukrainian accommodation scheme; to provide details on the most suitable contact point for property owners currently engaged in the scheme. [18141/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) was introduced to recognise the contribution of members of the public who have opened their homes to provide accommodation to people displaced by the war in Ukraine. The scheme is administered by the Department of Social Protection on my behalf.
From the scheme’s launch on 26 July 2022 to 1 March 2026, over €438m has been paid to almost 28,000 hosts under the Accommodation Recognition Payment for hosting over 64,000 beneficiaries of temporary protection. Over 42,000 beneficiaries of temporary protection are currently accommodated with the support of the scheme.
The scheme is currently in place until 31 March 2026, but it may be extended in accordance with the governing legislation. It is my intention to seek Oireachtas approval to extend the scheme for a further year to 31 March 2027 to align with the timeframe for the Temporary Protection Directive and to allow for an orderly wind-down of the scheme in advance of the end of the application of that EU Directive to the war in Ukraine
Queries regarding the policy and legislation underpinning the scheme can be directed to my Department at UKRRecognitionPayment@justice.ie. For application-related queries, please contact the Department of Social Protection by phone at 0818 70 80 90 or by email at ARP@welfare.ie. Further information is available at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-justice-home-affairs-and-migration/publications/accommodation-recognition-payment-scheme-your-questions-answered/.
437. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration when a citizenship application (details supplied) will be completed, and a decision reached given it is 34 months since the application was first lodged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18151/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe naturalisation application referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department.
I understand that extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants. I want to assure anyone who has an application for naturalisation submitted that the Citizenship Division of my Department is doing everything possible to progress applications as quickly as possible.
It is important to note, however, that no two naturalisation applications are the same and some take longer than others to process. Given the importance of citizenship, robust and comprehensive checks must take place on each application. Unfortunately, some checks, such as international checks, can take a considerable amount of time and these are largely outside of the control of the Immigration Service.
For that reason, while, I expect that going forward, that most applicants will receive a decision within one year, this cannot be guaranteed in the case of applications made in any specific year.
Citizenship Division have taken a significant number of steps to improve up the process for applicants. These included introducing an online digital application, online payments, and the introduction of eVetting. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that these changes are reducing processing times.
Applicants can now directly check the status of their immigration application on the Immigration Service’s Customer Service Portal. They can register for, or log in to their existing account, at: 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.
438. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for a detailed update in relation to strategies or initiatives his Department is taking to tackle increasing online misinformation and cyber-crimes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17213/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is responsible for developing policy in relation to cybercrime and coordinating a range of different cyber initiatives at national and international level. The Government is also committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to fight all types of crime, including cybercrime. The 2026 allocation provides a record budget of over €2.74 billion to An Garda Síochána.
An Garda Síochána are continually engaged in the detection and prosecution of relevant criminal offences relating to cybercrime. Cybercrime and online fraud can cause not only devastating financial problems, but can also cause mental stress for those affected.
An Garda Síochána also continue to engage with telecommunications service providers regarding online scams and the identification of those involved in them.
The Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau (GNCCB) provide presentations to community, business and educational groups on a regular basis, relating to cyber enabled crimes, cyber dependent crimes and online information. The GNCCB also take part in cyber security events across Ireland, speaking to attendees on all issues relating to cyber crime.
The GNCCB have also published 2 booklets for the assistance of the public:
• Cyber Crime Risks and Prevention Tips;
• Social Media User Safety Guide.
Both are available for download on the Garda website and have been printed for distribution at Community Engagement events.
Access to digital evidence, wherever it may be located, is fundamental to tackling cybercrime. Within my Department, work is well advanced to implement the EU e-Evidence Package. This is comprised of Directive (EU) 2023/1544 and Regulation (EU) 2023/1543, which sets out a cross-border framework for accessing electronic evidence (subscriber, traffic and content data) held by online and electronic communications service providers during specific criminal investigations in the EU.
Once implemented, this will allow authorities in one EU Member State to issue an order to produce electronic evidence to a service provider based in another EU Member State. Implementation of this package will have a major impact on Ireland and other EU Member State’s ability to ensure effective access to digital evidence in tackling serious crime, including cybercrime.
Ireland also remains committed to the ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on Cybercrime (‘Budapest Convention’). A significant number of requirements of the Convention have already been met by the Criminal Justice (Offences Relating to Information Systems) Act 2017. The remaining articles of the Convention will be addressed by two legislative projects that are currently being progressed.
The Department of Culture, Communications and Sport has primary responsibility for Online Safety. The Online Services and Media Regulation Act was introduced and Coimisiún na Meán established to regulate online media, including enforcing rules about how online services or platforms should deal with harmful and illegal content on their services.
Coimisiún na Meán introduced and enforces a binding online safety code for video-sharing platforms, which set out obligations for online services to protect users from and tackle the availability of defined categories of harmful online content. Coimisiún na Meán is also key to the enforcement of the Digital Services Act (DSA) in Ireland. The DSA is EU-wide legislation which requires online services to take steps to make the internet safer for users by addressing harmful or illegal content on their sites.
439. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to address the delay for spouses of critical skills employment permit holders receiving their visas; the reason for the delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18214/26]
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.
If a non-EEA national is moving to Ireland because they have been granted a Critical Skills Employment Permit, they can apply for “join family” visas at the same time as their own employment visa. When these visas are applied for together, they are processed in tandem and typically receive a first instance decision within the 10-12 week business target.
People who make a “join family” visa application separately from the above process will generally receive a first instance decision within the 12 month business target.
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.
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 and is currently live in 40 countries, with South Africa added in January 2026. 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.
440. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide an update on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17920/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the meeting of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs on the 27th January 2026 to discuss the case of the Mary Kate vessel, I met personally with Mr. Gaffney and others on the 5th February.
At that meeting I outlined to Mr. Gaffney that the competent authority with regards to vessel safety in Ireland is the Marine Survey Office in the Department of Transport. I will share the concerns regarding the integrity of the certification process undertaken by the German authorities in respect of this particular vessel with Minister O'Brien, and explore whether these issues can be raised by Ireland with both the relevant German ministry and with DGMOVE.
I will bring this matter to the attention of Commissioner Costas Kadis shortly and I will raise Mr. Gaffney’s concerns during meetings with the German Minister and Dutch Minister at the earliest opportunity.
441. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the appeal procedure for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17973/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe standard appeal procedures will apply in this case. My Department has carried out a review and issued a letter to the applicant on 24 February 2026 upholding the initial decision.
This letter also advised of the applicant's right to appeal the decision to the Agriculture Appeals Office, which operates independently of my Department. If the applicant wishes to do so, they must submit their appeal in writing using the prescribed Notice of Appeal Form, within 3 months of the date of the decision letter. The appeal may be submitted using the online appeal portal on the Agriculture Appeals Office website at this link: www.agriappeals.gov.ie/submitanagricultureappeal/. Alternatively, the Notice of Appeal form can be downloaded at the same web link, or obtained directly from the Agriculture Appeals Office, by telephoning: 057 866 7167.
It is also advised in the Notice of Appeal form that an applicant should set out all of the grounds on which they intend to rely in their appeal, and that they should upload/enclose a copy of my Department’s decision letter along with any supporting documentation they consider relevant to their appeal.
442. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of, and the reason for delay in publishing the 2024 Horse Racing Ireland's annual report and financial statement. [17983/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial state body established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, and is responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
Section 13 of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001 and the Code of Practice for Governance of State Bodies 2016 require the annual financial statements of HRI to be audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG). In line with Circular 24/2021 relating to the timely production and submission of accounts, the financial statements must be submitted to my Department within one month of the audit certificate being issued by the Comptroller and Auditor General and should be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas within two months of such statements being received by my Department.
The C&AG audit of HRI’s 2024 financial statements was signed off on 12th November 2025. The 2024 Annual Report and Financial Statement was received by my Department on 10 December 2025, noted by Government on 5 February 2026 and laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas on 12 February 2026.
443. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a breakdown, by weight, by month, by origin of the amount of beef imported into Ireland for the years 2023, 2024 and 2025. [18003/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe table below details the volume in tonnes of beef imported to Ireland on a monthly basis for full years 2023, 2024 and 2025, as reported by EUROSTAT trade statistics. It should be noted that figures for 2025 are preliminary estimates and are subject to revision.
|
|
January |
February |
March |
April |
May |
June |
July |
August |
September |
October |
November |
December |
|
|
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
|
2023 |
2,832 |
3,129 |
3,123 |
2,957 |
2,770 |
2,977 |
2,775 |
2,771 |
2,866 |
3,487 |
4,301 |
2,706 |
|
2024 |
3,129 |
2,575 |
2,792 |
2,766 |
2,939 |
2,795 |
2,743 |
3,017 |
3,056 |
2,927 |
2,989 |
2,523 |
|
2025 |
2,689 |
2,615 |
2,778 |
2,334 |
3,186 |
3,453 |
3,726 |
3,312 |
4,004 |
4,525 |
4,354 |
4,091 |
The full breakdown by month and origin for full years 2023, 2024, and 2025, is provided in the spreadsheet attached.
Further information on agri-food sector trade can be found in chapter six of the Annual Review and Outlook for Agriculture, Food and the Marine 2024-2025, my Department's annual economic publication.
444. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a breakdown by weight, by month of the amount of Irish cattle slaughtered and processed in Irish meat processing plants for the years 2023, 2024 and 2025. [18004/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have included the information requested in the attached table. This includes the number of adult cattle (>12 months of age) slaughtered in Department Approved Beef Plants each month for years 2023 to 2025, with the average cold carcass weight for each carcass.
|
2023 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2025 |
|
|
|
|
Number* |
Average carcase weight** |
|
Number* |
Average carcase weight** |
|
Number* |
Average carcase weight** |
|
Jan |
146156 |
312 |
Jan |
158468 |
305 |
Jan |
156416 |
302 |
|
Feb |
137933 |
316 |
Feb |
153098 |
315 |
Feb |
151508 |
307 |
|
Mar |
141420 |
319 |
Mar |
137619 |
310 |
Mar |
150210 |
309 |
|
Apr |
122545 |
321 |
Apr |
143184 |
313 |
Apr |
151742 |
312 |
|
May |
145316 |
323 |
May |
142036 |
318 |
May |
127711 |
319 |
|
Jun |
141681 |
332 |
Jun |
120635 |
323 |
Jun |
122229 |
327 |
|
Jul |
137472 |
338 |
Jul |
149521 |
323 |
Jul |
111942 |
326 |
|
Aug |
154497 |
326 |
Aug |
143505 |
323 |
Aug |
108483 |
333 |
|
Sept |
145242 |
317 |
Sept |
162618 |
318 |
Sept |
128491 |
334 |
|
Oct |
167076 |
315 |
Oct |
179453 |
310 |
Oct |
128219 |
322 |
|
Nov |
173492 |
292 |
Nov |
165896 |
304 |
Nov |
127823 |
314 |
|
Dec |
136430 |
300 |
Dec |
140610 |
298 |
Dec |
122272 |
322 |
|
Annual |
1749260 |
317 |
Annual |
1796643 |
312 |
Annual |
1587046 |
316 |
*Number = Bovines aged >12 months slaughtered in DAFM Approved plants
** Average cold carcase weight kg
445. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a breakdown by weight, by month, by destination of the amount of beef exported from Ireland for the years 2023, 2024 and 2025. [18005/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra|
Year |
January |
February |
March |
April |
May |
June |
July |
August |
September |
October |
November |
December |
|
|
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
|
2023 |
37,192 |
37,760 |
44,235 |
34,035 |
36,947 |
40,366 |
36,329 |
40,102 |
42,532 |
47,032 |
48,214 |
39,700 |
|
2024 |
40,349 |
39,828 |
43,629 |
39,036 |
40,372 |
39,433 |
38,275 |
37,931 |
42,648 |
45,134 |
43,041 |
39,326 |
|
2025 |
38,602 |
39,126 |
43,047 |
40,523 |
40,397 |
41,285 |
33,839 |
31,271 |
37,674 |
38,739 |
38,418 |
38,929 |
446. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of greyhounds that retired from racing in each of the past five years. [18006/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra447. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of retired greyhounds rehomed versus euthanised annually over the past five years. [18007/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra448. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures in place to ensure the welfare of greyhounds after retirement from racing. [18008/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra449. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of greyhounds which received veterinary care funded by the State in each of the past five years. [18009/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra450. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether there are official inspections or audits of greyhound rehoming facilities; and the outcomes of those inspections in the past three years. [18010/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra451. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of greyhounds which are currently registered with a charity (details supplied); the number which have retired; and the number which have been adopted in the past 12 months. [18011/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra452. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the oversight which exist to ensure that greyhounds not required for racing are not inappropriately euthanised. [18012/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra453. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reporting mechanisms which exist for tracking the welfare outcomes of retired racing greyhounds. [18013/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra454. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of greyhounds which are currently in long-term care awaiting adoption; and the average length of time they remain in such care. [18014/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra455. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether there are initiatives to improve adoption rates of retired greyhounds nationally. [18015/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra456. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether funding allocations for greyhound welfare have increased or decreased over the past five years. [18016/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra457. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the mechanisms which exist for whistleblowers or inspectors to report welfare concerns in the greyhound racing sector. [18017/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra459. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proportion of retired greyhounds which are rehomed domestically versus exported abroad. [18019/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra460. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps which are being taken to educate the public on adopting retired racing greyhounds. [18020/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra461. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the annual amount of public funding that flows specifically to a stadium (details supplied) for racing operations. [18021/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra462. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether a stadium (details supplied) has received any one-off government grants in the past five years; and the purposes of those grants. [18022/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra463. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which State funds at a stadium (details supplied) is audited and reported, including transparency regarding welfare allocations. [18023/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra464. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether a stadium (details supplied) contributes financially to independent greyhound rehoming organizations or welfare initiatives in County Kildare. [18024/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra465. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide details of any Government oversight specific to a stadium (details supplied), including inspections, reporting, or compliance requirements. [18025/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra466. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will confirm that public funding to a stadium (details supplied) is not disproportionately higher than to other tracks; and to provide comparative figures if available. [18026/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 446, 447, 448, 449, 450, 451, 452, 453, 454, 455, 456, 457, 459, 460, 461, 462, 463, 464, 465 and 466 together.
Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) is a commercial state body established under the Greyhound Industry Act 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. RCÉ is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The questions raised by the Deputy are operational matters for RCÉ and, therefore, the questions have been referred to that body for direct reply.
