Written Answers Nos. 833-852
833. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the measures his Department is exploring or implementing to tackle the growing threat of extremism in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34570/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland, like every other democratic state, is not immune from the threat of extremism.
This is an area which An Garda Síochána monitors closely with a view to countering identified threats through investigations and interventions to disrupt the threat posed. Gardaí work closely with counterparts internationally to share intelligence, monitor trends, develop best practice and assess response requirements.
While the rights of people with regard to freedom of speech and the right to protest must be - and are - respected, people do not have the right to act in a way that is unlawful causing others to fear for their safety, or in a way that threatens public order. When people go beyond what is lawful, and put others in danger, An Garda Síochána will protect the public and uphold the law.
Extremist activity can manifest both online and in the real world.
There is no doubt that the online environment enables the spread of extremist content and also facilitates increased transnational collaboration among like-minded individuals and groups. The manifestation of online disinformation and incitement to violent action in the physical world is of particular concern to my Department and An Garda Síochána and part of the Garda response to such incidents is to investigate the role of online activity.
In addition to our counter-terrorist legislation framework there is a range of other legislation which may be relevant in dealing with extremism in a given scenario. This includes the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act and Public Order legislation. Under the Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act, it is an offence to incite hatred against persons on account of certain identity characteristics. Additionally, the Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences) Act criminalises the dissemination of exactly the kind of unlawful activity, offline and online, which often informs or encourages violent extremism.
The Garda Síochána role in respect of countering these threats is part of the wider whole-of-Government responsibility with regard to addressing the rise in extremism.
The Government and relevant state bodies also engage regularly with international partners on the evolving nature of extremism in various ideologies, to develop our understanding and evolution of the threat posed. In particular, the EU Knowledge Hub on the Prevention of Radicalisation brings together practitioners, policymakers and researchers working on prevention across Europe.
Experts and practitioners from my Department, An Garda Síochána, the Irish Prison Service, the Probation Service, other Government Departments and from civil society are active participants in the work of the Group, which aims to foster collaboration to address the challenges of radicalisation, emphasising an integrated, policy-driven approach and a whole-of-society perspective.
834. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the numbers of Gardaí actively deployed to roads policing, by division, for each quarter since 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34586/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Garda Síochána publishes information in relation to the allocation of Gardaí nationally. This includes a breakdown of Gardaí assigned to roads policing units from 2009 to the end of March 2026, the latest date for which figures are available. The data for 2026 can be found at the following link:
www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/human-resources-and-people-development/garda-hr-directorate/garda-strength-breakdown-2026/garda-strength-breakdown-2026.html
Information for previous years can be found at the following link:
www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/human-resources-and-people-development/garda-hr-directorate/garda-strength-breakdown-2025/december-2025.html
The Deputy should select the most recently available date and then select the file titled ‘Roads policing by division to the most recent date" to access a breakdown of Garda members assigned to roads policing.
It should be noted that road traffic laws are enforced by Gardaí assigned to Roads Policing and as part of the day-to-day duties of uniformed Gardaí nationwide. This includes a programme of high-visibility road safety and enforcement operations carried out in partnership with other state agencies.
835. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for an update in relation to the development of the online digital evidence device management storage system allowing members to upload footage of traffic incidents; the implementing timeline on this; the cost; when it is likely to be launched; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34593/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government outlines the commitment to creating safer roads for everyone in Ireland. While the development and implementation of road traffic legislation and policy falls within the remit of the Minister for Transport, road traffic laws are enforced by Gardaí in Roads Policing and as part of the day-to-day duties of uniformed Gardaí nationwide.
Increased numbers of Gardaí and enhanced Garda visibility will form an important pillar to help deliver the Department of Justice’s actions in support for the National Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030.
As part of An Garda Síochána’s ongoing commitment to road safety, an online Traffic Watch reporting form has been available since August 2024. It is a partnership approach with all road users to improve driver behaviour, reduce the number of road collisions and prevent fatalities. More information on the Traffic Watch Reporting Form is available on the Garda website: [www.garda.ie/en/roads-policing/traffic-watch/]
An Garda Síochána have also committed to delivering a system which will enable the public to report and upload video footage via on online portal, and such a system would include video from road users regarding road traffic offences.
This will require the development of a Digital Evidence Management System (DEMS) to store, manage and process any footage received. The procurement of the DEMS forms part of the wider procurement project for body worn cameras currently ongoing with An Garda Síochána. The portal will not be live until after completion of this procurement process and the national roll out of body worn cameras.
Capital funding for DEMS and the Body-Worn Cameras programme was prioritised and allocated through the National Development Plan for An Garda Síochána.
A pilot rollout of BWCs started in 2024 and is ongoing. There are now 600 Body Worn Cameras in use across the five proof-of-concept stations including 3 Dublin stations. Over 800 Gardaí are trained in the use of body worn cameras across the four Divisions where the Proof of Concept is operational.
The next step is in progress to move from POC to the establishment of a full programme for procuring and implementing a National Body Worn Solution with a secure local Digital Evidence Management Solution (DEMS) for An Garda Síochána. It will provide secure digital sharing and the capability to extend to other recording devices, once an Enterprise DEMS has been rolled out in a later phase.
836. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide the number of detections, fixed charge notices issued, prosecutions initiated and fines paid for issues such as speeding, mobile phone usage, seat belt offences, drink/drug driving, insurance/documentation offences, careless/dangerous driving offences etc.; broken down by Garda district and month, since 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34594/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána under Section 33 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, which includes all operational policing matters. I play no role in these independent functions.
Road traffic legislation is enforced as part of the day-to-day duties of members of An Garda Síochána, as well as through a programme of high-visibility road safety and enforcement operations carried out in partnership with other state agencies, in order to make our roads safer for all.
An Garda Síochána publishes statistics on road policing enforcement, including the number of fixed charge penalty notices issued by offence, at the following link:
Data is updated quarterly and is available for the years 2019 - 2025 at present.
Prosecutions are a matter for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) who is independent in the performance of her functions. As such the DPP are not a body under my remit and I have no role in the operations, functions, oversight or governance of the Office of the Director.
Management of the courts, operational matters and logistical functions are the responsibility of the judiciary and Courts Service, which are independent in exercising their functions under the Courts Service Act 1998 and given the separation of powers in the Constitution.
As Minister, I have no role in these matters. The Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas: oireachtasenquiries@courts.ie.
837. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration when will a decision will be made regarding International Protection Accommodation Centres currently based in hotels; when they will return to their original purpose; if there will be a list available of such hotels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34654/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland provides accommodation and other basic supports to people seeking international protection, as is required by law.
The State is currently accommodating over 33,000 people in over 300 International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres around the country. Accommodation is provided in a range of settings, including former tourism accommodation.
Alongside other reforms underway across the international protection system, the Programme for Government commits to reducing the use of former hotels for international protection accommodation, and to providing more State-owned accommodation.
Developing more State-owned options will assist in reducing the current degree of reliance on commercial provision in this sector. The purchase of the Citywest Hotel and Convention Centre in 2025 was an important step in this strategy, and increased State-owned beds to 4,000 in 2025, compared to 900 in early 2024.
The Department is taking action across all aspects of the international protection accommodation system to improve value for money, strengthen governance and compliance, and renegotiate contracts with providers.
Through increased inspections and application of a new rate-card to contracts, costs have been reduced on renewed and new contracts, and 22 contracts were terminated in 2025.
While commissioning emergency commercial accommodation will continue to be necessary in the short to medium term, it is being contracted on a short-term basis, which will enable the State to decommission this capacity as State-owned beds increase, contracts expire, or demand fluctuates.
Ireland has opted in to the EU Asylum and Migration Pact which is due to enter operation in mid-2026. Reforming and speeding up processing of applications should serve over time to reduce the scale of the demand for international protection accommodation seen in recent years.
838. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Question No. 377 of 26 March 2026, if he will provide the number of instances in which a juvenile liaison officer has utilised the restorative justice mechanism with a case in 2025 and to date in 2026; and the Garda districts in which this option was utilised. [34664/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPart 4 of the Children Act 2001 provides the statutory basis for the Garda Diversion Programme. The intention is to divert children and young people who have engaged in criminal behaviour away from the criminal justice system and towards more positive life choices. All children who commit criminal offences are considered for admission to the Garda Diversion Programme. Each case is assessed, and the Director of the Garda Diversion Programme decides if the case is suitable, or not, for inclusion.
Section 26 of the Act provides for the presence of a victim at a formal caution, where the young person accepts responsibility for their offending behaviour.
Where the Director of the Diversion programme directs that a restorative caution be administered, it is an opportunity for a child's behaviour to be addressed in a way that holds the child accountable, while ensuring that the victim experiences validation and recognition for the harm.
By validating the victim's experience and by reintegrating the child back into their community, restorative justice is associated with more positive outcomes for the victim and better outcomes for the offender with a lower risk of reoffending.
This process is facilitated by Garda Juvenile Liaison Officers (JLO) appointed at Divisional level on full time JLO duties. The Garda National Youth Diversion Bureau has responsibility for the selection, training, support and ongoing liaison with a network of Juvenile Liaison Officers in every Garda Community Engagement Area.
I am informed by Garda authorities that the below table contains the number of restorative cautions administered in 2025.
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Recommendation |
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Section 26 Restorative Caution |
I am further advised by An Garda Síochána that 2026 figures will be available from PULSE in early 2027.
The Garda authorities do not publicise these details by Division, as to do so may inadvertently risk exposing the identity of those involved.
840. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to expedite a work visa (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34784/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, my Department is unable to publish any information that would identify any person as being an international protection applicant. This is a separate matter to the law dealing with data protection matters more generally.
My officials and I are legally obliged, under Section 26 of the International Protection Act 2015, to ensure that the identity of any person who applies for international protection is kept confidential. Section 26(1) sets out that:
“the Minister and the Tribunal and their respective officers shall take all practicable steps to ensure that the identity of applicants is kept confidential”.
As I am sure you will appreciate, these confidentiality requirements are especially important for an asylum-seeker, whose claim inherently supposes a fear of persecution by the authorities of their home country and whose situation, or that of their family or friends still living in the country from which they have sought protection, can be jeopardised if the protection of their personal information is not ensured.
However, I have outlined details on how labour market permission works for international protection applicants below.
Labour market access permission for international protection applicants gives eligible applicants the opportunity to work and helps them to integrate into Irish society while providing for themselves and their families outside of the State’s directly provided services and supports. It also helps people to plan and prepare for their future in Ireland if they receive a positive decision on their application for international protection.
Under the European Communities (Reception Conditions) Regulations 2018 (S.I. No. 230 of 2018), people are eligible to apply for labour market access permission if:
• They are an international protection applicant; and
• They have waited at least 5 months from their “Application Received” date for their first instance recommendation; and
• They are cooperating with the international protection process – delays in receiving a recommendation must not be attributable to the applicant.
Following that, a person may be issued a permission for labour market access if, at 6 months, they have not yet received a first instance recommendation. This permission is valid for 12 months and may be renewed until a final decision is made on the person's international protection application.
Applicants can direct any queries in relation to Labour Market Access eligibility to the Labour Market Access Unit of this Department at Lmauqueries@justice.ie.
841. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will clarify whether he and/or his officials, in conjunction with An Garda Síochána’s leadership team, will consider the development of a child and youth impact assessment in respect of the use of taser and incapacitant spray; and if he will clarify the protocol in respect of the use of same on persons under the age of 18. [34834/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
An Garda Síochána's human rights based approach to policing provides general guidance to Gardaí on how human rights are to be observed in the course of their work. Their 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. We must rely on Garda operational management and frontline Gardaí to use their discretion and judgment.
I am assured by the Commissioner that Gardaí are trained in the lawful use of incapacitant spray and Conductive Energy Devices (also known as “tasers”).
A detailed policy document in relation to the use of incapacitant spray has been developed by An Garda Síochána and is publicly available on their website. This can be found at the following link: www.garda.ie/en/about-us/publications/policy-documents/
The Deputy should select the file titled 'Incapacitant Spray Policy'.
The fundamental principle underpinning this policy is that any action taken which requires a member of An Garda Síochána to use an incapacitant spray must comply with the fundamental principles of legality, necessity, proportionality and accountability.
Conductive Energy Devices (or Tasers) are issued to specialist firearms and protection units. An Garda Síochána are also trialing the use of Tasers by a limited number of frontline Gardaí in Dublin City and Waterford where body worn cameras have already been deployed. The purpose of the pilot is to evaluate the use this equipment, particularly as a de-escalation measure for frontline Gardaí. Again, I have been assured that all Gardaí issued with Tasers have been adequately trained in their use.
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.
A new overarching Use of Force Policy is being developed currently by An Garda Síochána 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 CEDs. This is in line with internal Garda policy procedures.
Information on Garda use of force including the use of incapacitant spray, ASP Baton and CEDs are published on the Garda website and in the Commissioner's 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/
842. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Question No. 423 of 7 October 2025, if he will report on the work of the Family Justice Strategy 2022 - 2025, a Family Justice Training Working Group; the status of the review into existing training needs for those working within family justice; the timeframe in which he intends effective and relevant training programmes will be developed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34870/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Family Justice Strategy 2022-2025 is the ambitious programme of reform developed by my Department which sets out a vision for a system refocused on the needs and rights of children, who are central to many family justice matters. Many key actions have been completed and a final report on the implementation of Strategy is in development.
As the strategy was developed, my Department listened to and acknowledged the many issues and concerns about how the current system operates. The actions stress the centrality of children to many family justice matters, and the need to ensure their best interests are considered in conjunction with their constitutional rights. The actions within the Strategy are aimed at ensuring the family justice system works better for all those engaged with it, but particularly for those who need additional supports and protection.
Goal 5 of the Family Justice Strategy includes a commitment to establish a Working Group to:
• Research the minimum standards and recommended training required for professions working in the family justice area;
• Identify professional development opportunities to address identified gaps relevant to profession/relevant to all where appropriate; and
• Engage with educational and professional bodies and associations to develop and implement training across professions in core family justice areas e.g. child-centred approach, dispute resolution, trauma-informed practice to review existing training needs for those working within family justice and to develop effective and relevant training programmes.
This Working Group was established in July 2024 and comprises membership from key government departments, state agencies and legal professional bodies. The Group examined minimum training standards and proposed a recommended training approach. The recommendations were discussed at the Family Justice Development Forum in January this year and work on implementing the approach has commenced. A first step will be to develop key training videos and to establish a Family Justice Training Hub.
843. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Question No. 424 of 7 October 2025, if he will report on the work of the Voice of the Child working group; the timeframe in which he expects Voice of the Child guidelines will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34871/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn October 2024, my Department established a Voice of the Child Working Group with membership comprising both statutory and voluntary stakeholders in the family justice system. The group was set up in line with the commitment in Goal One of the Family Justice Strategy, that of “supporting children”. The group is taking forward some of the recommendations in the Review of Expert Reports, including the development of a Voice of the Child report template and guidelines and the development of the Children’s Court Advocate Pilot Project.
As part of its work, the Voice of the Child Working Group commissioned a consultation with children and young people to inform the development of the pilot and the report template and guidelines. The aim of the Voice of the Child Report Template and Guidelines is to ensure consistency of approach by experts in supporting children to have their voices heard. The Working Group has made significant progress on drafting the template and guidelines, which are now at design stage and expected to be published in the coming months.
The Children’s Court Advocate Pilot Project will be established in two locations, Waterford and Clonmel in the coming months. The pilot will test a new way of hearing the voice of children in private family law cases and will provide regulation of assessors and consistency of practice. It will be a free service for children and their families. Running alongside the Pilot Project will be a comprehensive evaluation to assess its effectiveness in improving how the voice of the child is heard and considered in private family law proceedings.
844. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the engagement his Department has had with a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34926/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that I cannot comment on whether my Department does or does not engage with any named individual, or provide information publicly which could identify an individual or could potentially make public personal information for any individual.
845. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration with respect of the Immigration Service, the factors or circumstances that have led to later applications, including those from 2025, being decided ahead of earlier applications that remain pending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34995/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra846. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration with respect of the Immigration Service, are there specific criteria or internal processes that explain why some 2024 applications have not progressed beyond Stage 2; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34996/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra847. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration with respect of the Immigration Service, to confirm if there is a defined queueing system in place; if so, the way is it being applied where chronological order does not appear to be followed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34997/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 847, 845 and 846 together.
I understand the Deputy has clarified that his question related to Join Family visas.
I 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.
While processing times can vary across the different Visa Offices and Irish Embassies, the majority of visas are processed within stated target times. In respect of join family visa applications, the majority receive a first instance decision within the 12 month business target.
Processing times and decisions at the Visa Offices in Dublin and overseas can be checked at the following link: www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions
It should be noted that 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.
The current processing times of applications for “join family” visas varies depending on the circumstances when the application is made. 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 applications separately from the above process, and for those here on General Employment Permits, they will generally receive a first instance decision within the 12 month business target.
Applications are generally taken for processing in chronological order. However, as advised, the time required to process any individual application can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the case, the level of verification required, and the individual circumstances involved. As a result, some more recently submitted applications may receive a decision before earlier applications.
I understand that extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants, and I want to assure anyone who has made an application for a visa that my Department is doing everything possible to progress these applications as quickly as possible.
849. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the basis on which the current levy arising from public expenditure overruns is being calculated and applied to his Department’s Vote; whether any categories of expenditure, including pay, pensions or staffing-related costs, are exempt from the levy within his Department; and if he will provide a breakdown of the areas against which the levy is being applied. [35085/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn April, Government agreed that additional funding of €646 million will be provided to the Department of Education and Youth in 2026. It was further agreed that €446 million of this additional funding will be provided by way of a levy from 2027, calculated on the current expenditure REV 2026 allocations of Votes other than the Department of Education and Youth.
My Department has been advised by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitisation that the levy will apply to current expenditure in the Justice Vote Group in 2027 and that the Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Group pay is being protected in the distribution of the levy.
My Department will be engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitisation in relation to the application of the levy across the Vote Group and the efficiencies and reforms required to ensure this.
850. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for an update on the banning of the use of scramblers in public places; whether the Gardaí have sufficient powers to enforce this legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35134/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra851. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the key performance indicators in place to monitor the effectiveness of the banning of the use of scramblers in public places; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35136/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 850 and 851 together.
Our road safety strategy takes a whole of Government approach and is a shared responsibility. Development and implementation of road traffic legislation and policy falls within the remit of my colleague Darragh O'Brien TD, the Minister for Transport, and the vital role of enforcing road traffic laws is carried out by An Garda Síochána.
Gardaí have significant legislative powers to combat the antisocial and dangerous misuse of scramblers, quad bikes, e-scooters and other such vehicles including under the Road Traffic Act 1961, the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997, and the Criminal Law Act 1997 and the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023. I am assured that An Garda Síochána continues to adopt a proactive approach in addressing the illegal use of scramblers, quads, e-bikes and e-scooters.
Garda enforcement of road traffic legislation is undertaken not only by dedicated Roads Policing personnel, but regularly by all Garda members. A Garda Spontaneous Pursuits Policy was introduced in 2024. This policy aims to provide direction to Gardaí who in the course of their duties, engage in the use of pursuit tactics and pursuit management in order to reduce the risk associated with pursuits and stopping of subject vehicles.
With regard to key performance indicators following the ban on driving scramblers in public places, it should be noted that the ban has only been in effect since the beginning April. It should be noted however that tackling dangerous driver behaviours and promoting compliance with road traffic laws will continue to be addressed through road safety education and public awareness campaigns and the enforcement of road traffic laws.
852. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the measures currently in place between An Garda Síochána, local authorities and animal welfare agencies to address illegal sulky racing on public places and roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35142/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSulky racing and related issues are primarily animal welfare-related. Legislation concerning animal welfare and its implementation fall within the remit of my cabinet colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Mr. Martin Heydon TD.
Responsibility for drafting new or amending existing road traffic legislation for horse drawn vehicles rests with the Department of Transport and my colleague there, the Minister for Transport, Darrah O’Brien TD.
With regard to any criminality related to sulky racing, including road traffic and safety violations, the Garda Commissioner is responsible by law for the direction and control of An Garda Síochána, including all operational policing matters. In this regard, all road users are subject to road traffic legislation and I would encourage anyone who has knowledge of a criminal act, or believes that a criminal act may have occurred, to contact their local Garda station to report this by dialling 999 or 112.
An Garda Síochána work with local authorities and animal welfare organisations to address concerns and enforce relevant legislation. They handle reports of animal neglect and cruelty, and also deal with stray horses and related public safety issues.
For your information, members of An Garda Síochána have multiple powers in relation to animal welfare concerns. The below Acts and local bye laws enable Gardaí to search with or without a warrant, to seize animals and arrest individuals in contravention of the Acts:
• Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013
• Control of Horses Act 1996
• Control of Dogs Act 1986
An Garda Síochána has Animal Health & Welfare Liaison Inspectors nominated in each Garda Division. They liaise with the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA), and veterinary surgeons employed by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine to assist members of An Garda Síochána in their duties.
If seizing an animal, the Local Authority can provide Gardaí with contacts for horse pounds and dog wardens. Local animal charities also assist Gardaí when requested.
