Written Answers Nos. 853-872
853. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether he will provide an update on the work of the Firearms Forum established by his Department, including the number of meetings held to date and the matters discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35153/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra854. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the reason discussion of inconsistencies in the application and administration of firearms legislation was ruled out of order at the most recent firearms stakeholder meeting held in Kilmainham; whether this matter was raised by stakeholder representatives at the meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35154/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra855. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the reason no terms of reference have been published or circulated for the Firearms Forum; whether formal terms of reference have been agreed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35189/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra859. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the reason there is no set membership or published criteria for membership of the firearms forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35226/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra860. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether he has sought a report from An Garda Síochána regarding the consistency of firearms licensing decision-making practices nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35227/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 853, 854, 855, 859 and 860 together.
My Department holds meetings with individual firearms organisations on request and engages with firearms stakeholders, including representative firearms organisations, in various ways. An Garda Síochána also meet with firearms stakeholder organisations in respect of relevant matters, and officials from my Department liaise regularly with the Firearms Policy Unit of An Garda Síochána on firearms-related matters.
Throughout 2025 and into this year, my Department organised a series of exploratory engagements with firearms stakeholders in Wicklow, Limerick, Carrick-on-Shannon, Mullingar, and Kilmainham. The purpose of these meetings is to provide a mechanism for ongoing engagement with firearms stakeholders from a broad range of areas within the firearms community, ensuring their valuable insights in specific areas of firearms can be considered in any future policy and legislative changes that may arise.
I can advise that ongoing engagement has continued with firearms stakeholders; the most recent engagement took place on 28 April 2026, where more than 20 representatives of the firearms community and firearms stakeholder organisations attended a meeting with Department officials. This was the fourth in a series of meetings that have taken place; other meetings also took place on 18 September, 1 December 2025, and 29 January 2026.
The stakeholders attending these meetings include several from representative organisations, experts in technical areas of firearms and members of An Garda Síochána’s Firearms Policy Unit.
I am aware that there was a wide breadth of issues relating to the application and administration of firearms legislation raised at these meetings and it is intended to address these matters further through the next phase of engagement.
My officials and I have also met variously with representative organisations, including the IFA Countryside, Target Shooting Ireland (Olympic Shooters) and the NARGC (National Association of Regional Games Councils). In these and other engagements, we have confirmed our support for more regular and structured engagement between policy makers and firearms users than has taken place since the last meeting of the Firearms Consultative Panel (FCP) in 2019. I can advise that engagement with firearms stakeholders has been positive and is ongoing.
Reform of the firearms licensing system has been under consideration for a number of years, and extensive consultation has been undertaken. The administration of firearms licensing is complex, governed by both national and European legislation, to which each Member State must adhere. Careful consideration must be given to the potential implications of any contemplated change. It is intended to continue with this proactive and open engagement which has taken place so far and a further consultation phase is planned with official firearms representative organisations over the coming months, to discuss the findings of the recent engagements.
Stakeholder organisations have been encouraged to make submissions to the meetings, engage with other stakeholders, and contribute. I would encourage any firearms stakeholder organisation that would like to participate in the upcoming consultation to engage with my Department on the matter.
In relation to firearms certificates, I would point out that An Garda Síochána has responsibility for a range of functions with regard to the operation of firearms legislation and is the competent authority for the issuing of firearms certificates and authorisations within the State. My Department is the competent authority for the maintenance of the Register of Firearms Dealers and the import and export (within the EU) of firearms and ammunition.
The Firearms (Firearm Certificates for Non-Residents) Act 2000 gives the authority for granting licences to Superintendents of An Garda Síochána. Superintendents, when considering firearms licence applications, are considered 'persona designata' and cannot have their decision-making process fettered in any way. Neither I nor my Department have any role in the issuing or otherwise of firearms certificates.
856. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of Juvenile Liaison Officers attached to Kildare-Carlow Division as of 6 May 2026; if he will provide the same figures as of 31 December 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35213/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Garda authorities that there are four Juvenile Liaison Officers (JLOs) assigned to the Kildare/Carlow Division as of March 2026, the latest date for which figures are available.
As Kildare/Carlow was established in 2025 as part of the Garda operating model a directly comparable historical breakdown is not available. However, as of 31 December 2024 there were three JLOs assigned to Kildare Division and two assigned to the Kilkenny/Carlow Division.
857. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of 4x4 vehicles currently in the Kildare-Carlow Garda Fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35214/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to fight crime and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda organisation is central to this policy.
Information in relation to the Garda fleet, including the number of 4x4 vehicles currently assigned in the Kildare/Carlow Division, is publicly available and can be found at the following link:
www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/finance-services/finance-fleet-management.html
The Deputy should select Finance Fleet Management and access the file titled “Fleet Management Report to the most recent date” for a breakdown of vehicles currently assigned to Roads Policing Units.
858. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the reason Palestinian nationals remain subject to visa requirements to enter the State while Israeli citizens may travel to Ireland without a visa; the number of visa applications from Palestinian nationals that have been approved and refused in each of the past five years, in tabular form; whether his Department has reviewed the operation of the visa system for Palestinians in light of the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the West Bank; whether any changes or humanitarian measures are being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35224/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that where possible, my Department processes applications from eligible Palestinian nationals as swiftly as possible. Visa applications from Palestine are received by the Embassy of Ireland in Tel Aviv, which processes certain visa applications under delegated sanction on behalf of my Department.
Officials in my Department’s Visa Division are in regular contact with the Embassy regarding visa applications from residents of Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon. Both Departments work together to ensure visa applications from Palestinian nationals who meet the criteria to be granted a visa are, wherever possible, processed as swiftly as possible.
The table below details the number of visa applications from Palestinian nationals as requested by the Deputy.
Table 1. Visa applications from Palestinian nationals 2021-2026 (to 30/04/26).
|
Year |
Received |
Granted |
Refused |
|
2021 |
145 |
105 |
28 |
|
2022 |
388 |
273 |
103 |
|
2023 |
429 |
317 |
67 |
|
2024 |
742 |
463 |
186 |
|
2025 |
1,002 |
555 |
198 |
|
2026 (to 30/04/26) |
165 |
109 |
196 |
At present, Palestinian nationals are visa required for Ireland, the UK and Schengen. Visa requirements for travel to Ireland are kept under ongoing review in consultation with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. In considering any changes to the visa regime, a range of factors need to be considered, including facilitation of legitimate travel and trade, as well as the integrity of the immigration system. There are currently no plans to change the visa status of either Israeli or Palestinian nationals.
861. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the security screening process that will be in place for participants, management and supporters of Israel when they visit Ireland to play in the Aviva stadium on 4 October 2026; and if he intends to arrest any person who is reported or known to be an active participant in genocide in Gaza. [35228/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that Israeli citizens are not visa required for Ireland and therefore do not need to apply to the Immigration Service of my Department for a visa prior to travel.
As with all non-EEA nationals seeking entry to the State, an Immigration Officer must determine whether that person should be granted leave to land in accordance with the Immigration Act 2004. In performing their duties, an Officer is required to consider all of the relevant circumstances of the individual at the time.
Section 4(3) of the Immigration Act 2004 sets out the grounds on which a person may be refused permission to enter the State. These include, but are not limited to, previous criminal convictions and where a person's entry into, or presence in, the State could pose a threat to national security or be contrary to public policy.
The organisation and deployment of policing resources for major sporting events is an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner and local Garda management. As Minister I have no role in such operational decisions.
An Garda Síochána have extensive experience policing major sporting events.
Garda management will, as always, undertake a thorough risk assessment and put in place an appropriate policing plan tailored to the specific event, ensuring public safety and the security of all attendees.
I am satisfied that An Garda Síochána have the necessary expertise, training and resources to discharge their duties effectively.
862. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide statistics on the number of firearms used in recorded crimes in each of the past years; and to further provide a breakdown of the assessed source of the firearms. [35231/26]
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.
864. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the percentage by citizenship of all prisoners currently held in Irish prisons. [35315/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Irish Prison Service that it does not collate the data in the format requested by the Deputy. It collates and publishes information regarding the number of persons in custody by Nationality Group on its website (www.irishprisons.ie). This information can be found in the Information Centre under Statistics & Information, Monthly Information Note.
The latest figures available are outlined in the table below:
|
Nationality Group in Custody on 31 March 2026 |
|
|
|
|
Number |
Percentage |
|
African |
186 |
3.16 |
|
Asian |
81 |
1.38 |
|
British |
128 |
2.17 |
|
Central American |
2 |
0.03 |
|
European Union |
504 |
8.56 |
|
Irish |
4,819 |
81.83 |
|
Middle East |
20 |
0.34 |
|
North American |
18 |
0.31 |
|
Other European |
72 |
1.22 |
|
South American |
58 |
0.98 |
|
The Caribbean |
1 |
0.02 |
|
Total |
5,889 |
100 |
865. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the levels of co-ordination on national cybersecurity across all Government Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35316/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCoordination across all Government Departments is essential to the advancement of Ireland’s national cyber security. My Department engages with other Government Departments on an ongoing basis through bilateral engagement and through established coordination mechanisms.
By way of example, the drafting and implementation of the third National Cyber Security Strategy, requires a whole-of-Government approach to facilitate cooperation and collaboration on measures to secure our digital infrastructure, enhance our resilience to cyber security threats, and build capacity at home and abroad to create a safer cyber environment.
To deliver the Strategy, an Inter-Departmental Committee has been established, chaired by my Department, with representation from the Department of Climate, Communications and Sport, the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, the Department of Defence, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, the Department of Education and Youth and the Department of the Taoiseach. This Committee will enable effective coordination on the implementation of the Strategy going forward.
Another strategic initiative which ensures effective coordination on matters relating to national cyber security across all Government Departments is GOVCore. The Cyber CORE project is co-funded by the EU and my Department and is designed to elevate and strengthen Ireland’s cybersecurity landscape. The project’s mission is to establish, mature and maintain efficient and effective cyber Co-ordination groups (COREs) across the Government, Energy, Digital, Health, Local Government, Transport, and Education sectors. Each CORE is tailored to the unique needs of each specific sector.
GOVCore’s membership consists of cyber security professionals from across government departments and agencies and specifically focuses on enhancing the protection of government systems and sensitive information, as well as preparing for and responding to emerging cyber threats that target government system or other critical national infrastructure. GovCORE members meet frequently to share cyber intelligence, best practice and lessons learned with other members and are supported by secretariat from the NCSC, which serves as the lead government agency on cyber security.
866. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a list of all capital projects including fishery harbour, forestry, agri-food and other infrastructure projects delivered under the remit of his Department, and bodies under its aegis, which have been completed on time and within budget in the Wicklow Wexford constituency in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33975/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to inform the Deputy that my Department had one capital project in the Wicklow/Wexford constituency in the past five years. In 2025, Johnstown Castle Bus stop was completed on time and within budget, in conjunction with the Office of Public Works (OPW).
As regards the 13 State Bodies under the aegis of my Department, the information requested is an operational matter for the State Bodies themselves. I have referred the Deputy’s question to the Agencies and have requested that a response should issue within 10 days.
867. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether there is any public information available regarding the level of EU agricultural funding going to large farmers in Ireland. [34002/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with EU Regulations 1306/2013 and 2116/2021, my Department is required to ensure the annual ex-post publication of all beneficiaries of CAP funding, both legal and non-legal persons, by 31 May each year for the preceding financial year. The database was published on 26th May in 2025 on the Department’s website and is available to all for public viewing via the following link: https://capben-ui.apps.services.agriculture.gov.ie/.
My Department's Annual Review and Outlook, Chapter two also includes the same analysis of CAP supports: https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/1376a3ff/ARO_2024-2025_Full_Text.pdf.
The specific information on CAP payments made to farmers on holdings in excess of 100 hectares requested by the Deputy is not readily available and will be forwarded as soon as possible.
868. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a list of all capital projects including fishery harbour, forestry, agri-food and other infrastructure projects delivered under the remit of his Department, and bodies under its aegis, which have been completed on time and within budget in Fingal in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34062/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to inform the Deputy that the information requested, in relation to all capital projects delivered under the remit of my Department in Fingal, in each of the past five years, is set out in the attached table.
As regards the 13 State Bodies under the aegis of my Department, the information requested is an operational matter for the State Bodies themselves. I have referred the Deputy’s question to the Agencies and have requested that a response should issue within 10 days.
869. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question 883 of 28 April 2026, the timeline for his Department's response and subsequent publication of the report commissioned by his Department in December 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34065/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Protection of the Native Irish Honey Bee Bill 2021, which seeks to ban the importation of non-native honey bees, is a Private Members Bill and is currently before Dáil Éireann, Second Stage. Progression of the Bill through Dáil Éireann is subject to the procedures of the Oireachtas.
My Department is currently finalising the overall response to the research report produced by National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG) and this is expected to conclude shortly.
870. Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a list of all capital projects including fishery harbour, forestry, agri-food and other infrastructure projects delivered under the remit of his Department, and bodies under its aegis, which have been completed on time and within budget in Longford in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34092/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to inform the Deputy that there have been no capital projects, delivered under the remit of my Department in Longford, in the past five years.
As regards the 13 State Bodies under the aegis of my Department, the information requested is an operational matter for the State Bodies themselves. I have referred the Deputy’s question to the Agencies and have requested that a response should issue within 10 days.
871. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress that has been made to date regarding the submission from an organisation to curb dog attacks on sheep and lambs (details supplied); his views that more is required than just advising dog owners to be more responsible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34225/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue of livestock worrying has been evident as a huge concern in the farming community for many years now.
Legislative and policy responsibility for the Control of Dogs Acts transferred to my Department on 01 June 2025 and for the Dog Breeding Establishments Act on 01 August 2025. This fulfilled a Programme for Government commitment to centralise all legislation and policy in relation to the control of dogs, dog welfare and dog breeding establishments rests with my Department.
I am determined to ensure the critical issue of livestock worrying is understood by dog owners, and ensure that dog owners understand their responsibility and the significant damage a dog can do to a flock if uncontrolled. In February this year, my Department commenced a media awareness campaign urging dog owners to take due care and act responsibly in any instances where there may be a risk to livestock, particularly sheep, during the critical lambing season. My Department will engage in wide-ranging awareness campaigns across relevant platforms throughout 2026, on issues around responsible dog ownership, including sheep worrying.
It is important to note, however, that Local Authorities, through the Dog Warden Service, have responsibility for all operational matters under the Control of Dogs Acts, including enforcement. This includes the powers to seize dogs, impose on-the-spot fines and take court proceedings against owners.
The hiring of dog wardens is also a matter for each Local Authority. Funding of €2m was made available to Local Authorities by the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) in 2025 to facilitate the hiring of additional wardens. This funding will not necessarily cover the full cost of hiring additional dog wardens but is meant as a contribution towards same. My Department has committed to continuing this level of funding in 2026, making a further €2m available to Local Authorities to assist with the employment of dog wardens.
Additionally, capital funding to the value of €2m, to be used for the improvement of dog warden facilities and equipment, dog pounds, public signage, dog walking facilities in public parks, etc was made available to Local Authorities by DRCD in 2023 and 2024, and again by my Department in 2025 under the Dog Control Support Initiative.
In 2024, the Dog Control Stakeholder Group was established to review the Control of Dogs Acts and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act. Its remit is to consider policy and legislative matters in relation to those Acts and consider any need for legislative change. The stakeholder group comprises members with a broad range of expertise including academics, veterinary surgeons, local authorities, farming interests, charities working in the field and animal welfare experts.
I am committed to reviewing all legislative, enforcement and engagement issues relating to the control of dogs and in this regard I will be guided by the recommendations of the Dog Control Stakeholder Group. The stakeholder group is now nearing the end of its work and I expect their report to be submitted to me very shortly.
872. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans for Sulky racing (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34234/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the incident referred to by the Deputy. Animal welfare is a key priority for me as Minister and for the Government. My Department strongly condemns the mistreatment of any animal and takes the matter of animal welfare most seriously. Neglect of or causing unnecessary suffering to animals is not acceptable in our society.
My Department is committed to the continued robust enforcement of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, which provides a modern framework for regulating and applying standards in the area of animal health and welfare. In this regard, my Department and authorised officers appointed under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, including An Garda Síochána, Customs agents, local authorities and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) undertake appropriate enforcement action, where breaches or shortcomings are identified.
The welfare of equines is protected by legislation and there is a commitment in the Programme for Government to prioritise equine welfare and to build on existing inspectorate supports across the country, ensuring a consistent approach to dealing with horse welfare. It must be emphasised that primary responsibility for the health and welfare of equines lies with the owner or keeper.
In December 2025, my Department provided funding of almost €6.5 million to 94 animal welfare charities throughout the country, under the Animal Welfare Grants programme. Of that figure, just over €4 million was awarded to charities involved in the care and welfare of horses.
It is important to note that the use of sulkies on public roads specifically, as with the use of all vehicles, including animal-drawn vehicles, is governed by the relevant provisions of the Roads and Road Traffic Acts. Matters in connection with this legislation would be a matter for the Minister for Transport. In addition, the drivers of all vehicles used on public roads, including horse-drawn carriages, are required to comply with road traffic legislation and to behave in a safe manner paying due care to other road users. The enforcement of such road traffic legislation is a matter for An Garda Síochána.
My Department operates a confidential animal welfare helpline through which members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect for investigation. The dedicated email address and helpline in place for reporting suspected cases of animal welfare are:
Helpline Phone No: 01 607 2379.
Email address: animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie.
