Written Answers Nos. 51-70
51. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether any assessment has been made of the risk that the proposed changes to the criminal legal aid scheme could result in reduced participation by solicitors in criminal legal aid work; the implications of any such reduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35606/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra65. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the assessments that have been carried out on the potential impact of the proposed changes to the criminal legal aid scheme on access to legal representation and the constitutional right to a fair trial; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35605/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 51 and 65 together.
It is important to recall that the Programme for Government contains three commitments in relation to criminal legal aid. The first is to reform the operation of the criminal legal aid scheme. The second is to restore the fees. And the third is to enact the Criminal Justice (Legal Aid) Bill. It is my intention to fulfil all three commitments.
I want to say clearly that I fully recognise the crucial role played by the legal professions in the effective administration of criminal justice, and equally that the Criminal Legal Aid scheme is fundamental to upholding the constitutional and human right to a legal defence. I can assure the Deputy that my only objective in making these reforms is to make the system more effective and efficient while ensuring that those accused of crimes are provided with the legal representation to which they are constitutionally entitled.
The reform of the criminal legal aid fee structure in the District Court will not affect the ability of legal professionals to engage in criminal legal aid work. Neither is it intended to reduce the cost to the State of providing criminal legal aid. Rather, it will improve efficiencies, reduce unnecessary adjournments, simplify the administration of criminal legal aid, speed up case resolution and enable faster payments to practitioners. Furthermore, the new flat fee will be set at a rate that provides for full restoration of the so-called FEMPI cuts in line with the Programme for Government commitment.
For cases in the District Court, regardless of the number of appearances, a set fee will be payable to solicitors, replacing the current appearance-based sliding scale. The new structure will also provide for a full separate set fee for each defendant in court on a given day. This reform will be a major improvement on the current fee structure.
In considering the need for reform, it is important to note that, while criminal case volumes in the District Court have decreased, expenditure on criminal legal aid in the District Court has nearly doubled, from €19 million in 2015 to €37 million in 2024. My Department reviewed more than 350,000 District Court cases which took place during 2022 and 2023. The reforms aim to address structural issues identified during this review, such as unnecessary adjournments resulting from the payment per appearance model.
My Department has been engaging extensively with relevant stakeholders, including legal professionals and their representative bodies, on the proposed changes to the scheme. Officials from my Department met with the Bar Council and Law Society in May, July and October 2025, and again in March 2026 and I have written to the two bodies recently offering to meet with them to discuss my proposals.
52. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he would consider changes to protect the rights of non-verbal children in the legal process such as the automatic appointment of advocates to represent the child in any investigation or legal process and specialist training for gardaí and legal professionals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35572/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to family law, the Family Justice Strategy 2022-2025 is an ambitious programme of reform which sets out a vision for a system refocused on the needs and rights of children, who are central to many family justice matters.
In 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 the Children’s Court Advocate Pilot Project and the development of a Voice of the Child report template and guidelines.
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 and they 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 achieving its aim of improving how the voice of the child is heard and considered in private family law proceedings. Both the guidelines and the pilot recognise the specific right of children with a disability to express their views freely on all matters affecting them, and to provide assistance to children with a disability in order to exercise that right as provided for under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
My Department has also undertaken a series of reforms under Supporting a Victims Journey to ensure the criminal justice system is more victim centred. These include the establishment of a course in the University of Limerick to train intermediaries to assist vulnerable victims with communication difficulties, including children, in navigating the justice system.
It is important to note that Guardian ad litem (GAL) appointments are made under the Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act 2015, the responsibility for which now rests with the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality. The Government is committed to delivering a consistent, high-quality, and child-centred Guardian ad litem National Service that strengthens children’s rights and ensures their voices are central in court decisions.
53. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he is concerned that the recent International Protection Act’s two-year waiting period, and financial restrictions for family reunification, may be in breach of the Refugee Convention and of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights regarding the right to family life; if he is planning any additional legislative measures to expedite family reunification requests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35602/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMigration plays an important role in Ireland's economic, social, and community life. For those granted international protection, the ability to reunite with close family members can be a significant factor in supporting stability and integration.
As the Deputy will be aware, Ireland has seen a significant rise in numbers of international protection applicants over the last few years.
Family reunification policy must operate within the context of finite public resources. The State has a responsibility to manage migration in the interests of the economic and social wellbeing of the country, and the importance of encouraging independence and self-sufficiency from an integration perspective.
I introduced family reunification provisions into the International Protection Act 2026 that reflect those aims and that will more closely align with other EU Member States. The provisions have been carefully developed to ensure that they are compliant with all relevant constitutional and ECHR obligations.
The International Protection Act 2026, including the provisions on family reunification, will be enacted on 12 June.
54. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration when he plans to commence Part 5 of the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Act 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35128/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Act 2023 provides for a new regime for the authorisation and operation of CCTV schemes. Part 5 of that Act, when commenced, will introduce these new arrangements.
There is a requirement under that Act for the Garda Commissioner to develop a Code of Practice for CCTV which will set out the procedures to be followed and I am advised that this work is at an advanced stage.
As part of developing this new Code of Practice, An Garda Síochána consulted with the bodies listed in Part 8 of the Act and conducted a public consultation to seek submissions for any views or observations on the draft Code of Practice for Part 5. This consultation period ended on 24 February 2026. The Garda Commissioner may, upon review of the submissions received, make any amendments he considers necessary to the draft Code.
Prior to commencement, an amendment is also required to the transitional arrangements in section 7 of the 2023 Act, for existing CCTV applications. That amendment has been included in the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) (Amendment) Bill and is currently before the Houses of the Oireachtas.
I expect that the new CCTV provisions set out in Part 5 will be commenced this summer.
55. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will outline the issues discussed at the most recent cross-Border police conference on organised and serious crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35704/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra74. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the outcome of the most recent discussions he has had with the Minister for Justice in the Northern Ireland Executive in relation to effectively tackling cross-Border crime; if it is proposed to introduce new initiatives to strengthen existing collaboration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35705/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 55 and 74 together.
On 2 March of this year I attended the Cross Border Police Conference on Organised and Serious Crime in Co. Cavan together with Naomi Long MLA, Minister for Justice in the Northern Ireland Executive, the Garda Commissioner, the Chief Constable of the PSNI, senior officers from all the agencies and senior officials from Department of Justice Northern Ireland and my own Department.
This is an annual event, aimed at enhancing understanding and cooperation between law enforcement agencies on both sides of the border, particularly in relation to cross border organised criminality and related issues.
The objectives of the Conference include sharing experiences, identifying effective approaches and recommending actions to the Joint Agency Task Force aimed at enhancing cross-border working relationships to enhance our collective ability to tackle organised crime.
The theme of the conference was: ‘Tackling the Business Model of Organised Crime: One Threat – Shared Responsibility’ . The message of the conference was clear in this regard. If we are to effectively tackle organised crime, we must address its entire business model – the ways it identifies demand, creates supply lines, generates profits and then reinvests those profits. Topics that were explored under this theme include ‘People’, ‘Finance’ and ‘Technology’ and ‘Merchandise’.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the specific matters discussed at the Conference are sensitive and operational in nature, however I can advise the Deputy that robust and fruitful discussions around tackling cross border criminality and cross border co-operation between law enforcement agencies North and South took place. The conference also heard about actions taken on foot of last year's conference.
The occasion also provided a useful opportunity for members of the Joint Agency Task Force, established under the Fresh Start Agreement, to come together, allowing for detailed consideration of the necessary improvements and innovations, including international co-operation, which can be taken to strengthen the effectiveness of the Task Force.
While the work of the Task Force is reviewed as part of the annual cross border conference on organised crime, there is ongoing multi-agency engagement in relation to operations to tackle cross border crime, reflecting the fact that policing in the border region has always presented particular challenges and these necessitate a collaborative approach to policing with law enforcement agencies north and south of the border.
Also discussed were learnings from recent successes of the task force, updates regarding Operation Tara, and discussion of the Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Bill 2024 which is currently making its was through the Oireachtas.
56. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will provide an updateon future funding of the CAST pilot in Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35711/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraA key recommendation of the High Level Task Force on mental health and addiction was the establishment of a Community Access Support Team (CAST) to divert those experiencing situational trauma or a mental health crisis away from the criminal justice system and towards the healthcare system. The CAST project is a partnership pilot between An Garda Síochána, and the Mental Health Services of HSE Mid-West Community Healthcare, which is currently being trialled in the Limerick Garda Division.
The CAST team are working to enhance diversionary practices for those experiencing crisis and situational trauma leading to mental health difficulties, with the shared goal of providing a compassionate and effective response to people in distress. The pilot became operational in January 2025 and is generally understood to have made a significant contribution towards has been beneficial for vulnerable people in Limerick.
As part of the original workplan, an evaluation of CAST will be finalised this year which will provide an evidence base that will help inform next steps, including any potential rollout of this model of care as appropriate nationally in the future. The recommendations from the evaluation will be considered by my Department and the Department of Health alongside key stakeholders.
57. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to confirm that each of the prisons have a system in place which provides a full health check to a prisoner when admitted including screening for HIV, Hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35667/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been advised by officials in the Irish Prison Service that all people committed to prison undergo a comprehensive medical assessment on committal. People are asked about their history and risk factors for HIV, Hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections and can be offered testing for these conditions if appropriate. Infectious disease screening is available on request in all prisons and is managed within prison primary care in line with General Medical Service practices in the community. The majority of all infectious disease care in prisons, as within the community, is provided by primary care teams. Conditions which exceed the capacity of any primary care team, including prison primary care team can be referred for secondary/tertiary care via the HSE.
There are weekly consultant-led in-reach Genito-urinary medicine and Infectious Disease (GUIDe) clinics at Cloverhill and Wheatfield Prisons. There is also a weekly in-reach nurse-led hepatology clinic at Cloverhill, Wheatfield and Mountjoy Prisons and Dóchas Centre dealing largely with Hepatitis diagnosis and management. A nurse led in-reach service for Hepatitis is provided to Cork Prison every three to six weeks, and Limerick Prison on an ‘as required’ basis. There is an in-reach nurse-led HIV clinic every three to six months on an ‘as required’ basis at the Dóchas Centre.
As such, the only closed prisons without this in-reach service at present are Arbour Hill, Castlerea, Midlands and Portlaoise Prisons. The introduction of a permanent GP to Castlerea Prison recently will enhance the provision of care for prisoners with infectious diseases and the need for this service in Arbour Hill Prison is deemed low at the current time. In-reach services are currently unavailable to people in custody in Midlands and Portlaoise Prisons as this service is not available through Portlaoise General Hospital at the current time. Work is ongoing to consider alternatives in these prison locations.
The Irish Prison Service is cognisant of the risks that infectious diseases pose in a custodial setting and has established a number of forums which support the management of infectious diseases. The National Infection Prevention and Control Team is responsible for the monitoring of serious infections among people in custody and potential outbreaks in prisons. They provide expert advice on the diagnosis and management of infectious diseases, including HIV, Hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections. They develop Standard Operating Procedures aimed at improving prison hygiene and infection prevention measures to enhance the safety of staff and people in custody. This team have excellent relationships with counterparts in the HSE and wider Public Health arena and are in regular communication regarding emerging national and international trends and associated resource requirements.
In addition, the National Infection Control and Surveillance Committee is a multi-disciplinary group representing healthcare, operational staff and staff representatives. The purpose of the Committee is to act in an advisory, auditing and reporting capacity to develop best practices in relation to all aspects of infection control management.
In relation to staff training, both prison officers and healthcare staff receive infectious disease training as part of their induction training and regular updates are incorporated as part of the Continual Professional Development programme for prison healthcare staff.
Finally, in relation to peer to peer support initiatives, Red Cross volunteers within prisons have collaborated with prison primary care on a number of screening projects. These include supporting HIV screening, Hep C screening and screening for TB infection among the prison population. This peer-to-peer model has proven invaluable in increasing the level of participation in screening initiatives. Peer-to-peer engagement assists with reducing the stigma attached to screening for infectious diseases and communication to the prison population is through seven different languages. This peer-to-peer initiative is now embedded in the workings and culture of the Irish Prison Service and plays a key role in the promotion of infectious disease screening in prisons.
Given the increased prevalence of infectious diseases amongst the prison population and the risks associated with the spread of infectious diseases in a custodial environment, prison primary care teams are vigilant around the diagnosis and management of HIV, Hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections.
The Irish Prison Service is satisfied that there is an adequate level of infectious disease care available to people in custody and that there are appropriate safeguards in place for early detection should the needs of people in custody or the risks posed by infectious diseases increase.
58. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the plans there are to expand the Garda presence in Blessington, County Wicklow, given the large population growth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35713/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra61. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for an update on the Garda numbers in Cork county, in particular the Midleton District. [35714/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra62. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current number of members of An Garda Síochána; the overall number at the end of 2023, 2024 and 2025; and the equivalent figures for civilian support staff. [35702/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 58, 61 and 62 together.
Under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution and stationing of Gardaí and Garda staff throughout the State. I engage regularly with the Commissioner and I am assured that the resourcing of each Garda Division is fully considered within the overall context of the needs and requirements of Garda Divisions throughout the country.
As Minister, it is my role to support the Commissioner in ensuring he has the funding he needs for vital policing work, and this Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs. Budget 2026 provides unprecedented funding of €2.74 billion to support recruitment and staffing. This will support recruitment of up to 1,000 Gardai, 200 more Garda staff and additional members of the Garda Reserve.
Earlier this week An Garda Síochána launched their latest recruitment drive. This competition will help to ensure that we maintain the steady pipeline of new recruits. I encourage anyone with an interest in a career as a Garda member to apply through publicjobs.
I am determined to ensure that new recruits regularly enter the Garda college so that we can see more Gardaí assigned all around the country.
An Garda Síochána publishes information in relation to the allocation of Garda personnel nationally, including a breakdown of Garda divisions and stations nationwide. This includes a breakdown of Garda Members and Staff assigned by Garda Station from 2010 to the end of March 2026, the latest date for which figures are available. This can be found at the following links:
2026 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
2014-2025 www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/human-resources-and-people-development/garda-hr-directorate/garda-strength-breakdown-2025/garda-strength-breakdown-2025.html
59. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration when the local community safety plan for County Kildare is expected to be developed and adopted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35670/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, which I commenced in April 2025, provides for the establishment of 36 Local Community Safety Partnerships within each local authority area.
Under section 116 of the Act, Safety Partnerships, once established, are independent, community-led bodies mandated to design tailored safety plans based on local priorities.
They make their own decisions as to their day-to-day activity, operating in accordance with Statutory Regulations and having regard to Guidance from the National Office for Community Safety. Queries relating to their work should be directed to the relevant Safety Partnership.
35 Local Community Safety Partnerships are fully established and have held their inaugural meeting and elected their Chair and vice-chair.
The inaugural meeting of Kildare Local Community Safety Partnership was held on 13 March 2026 at which they elected their Chair, Cllr Angela Feeney, and Vice Chair, Mr Mario Obijiaku.
The National Office for Community Safety, an Office of my Department, has responsibility for providing training, guidance and support to Safety Partnerships. Along with regular information sessions held with coordinators and administrators, the National Office has issued a comprehensive guidance document for the establishment and operation of Safety Partnerships to Chief Executives of local authorities and their staff. The National Office have also produced a Guide for Developing, Delivering and Reviewing a Local Community Safety Plan which has been shared with Safety Partnership Chairs and staff.
60. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of new gardaí who have graduated to date in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35610/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that, following two attestations, 360 probationer Gardaí have been assigned across the country so far in 2026.
The Deputy may also be interested to note that An Garda Síochána publishes information in relation to the allocation of Gardaí nationally. This includes a breakdown of Probationer Gardaí assigned by Garda Stations from 2015 to the March 2026, the latest date for which figures are available and which includes the group that attested in February. This can be found at the following links:
Data for 2015-2025:
www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/human-resources-and-people-development/garda-hr-directorate/garda-strength-breakdown-2025/
Data for 2026:
www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/human-resources-and-people-development/garda-hr-directorate/garda-strength-breakdown-2026/march-2026.html
The Deputy should select the most recently available date and then select the file titled ‘Allocation of Probationer Gardaí by Division and Station 2015 to the most recent date' to access a breakdown of Gardaí assigned by station.
Earlier this week An Garda Síochána launched their latest recruitment drive. This competition will help to ensure that we maintain the steady pipeline of new recruits into the Garda college so that we can see more Gardaí assigned all around the country. I encourage anyone with an interest in a career as a Garda member to apply through publicjobs.
63. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of complaints received by his Department or An Garda Síochána relating to alleged immigration-related fraud, false enrolment documentation or non-refund of fees involving English language education providers or associated recruitment agents in each of the past five years, in tabular form; the number of investigations or enforcement actions initiated arising from such complaints; the protections currently available for international students affected in such circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35709/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can assure the Deputy that there are robust verification measures in place for applications for the registration and renewal of immigration residence permissions.
Each applicant for an immigration permission is required to supply a comprehensive list of documentation. All documents submitted are checked and validated by officials in my Department for each application.
If there are concerns regarding an application, officials may directly contact employers, education providers, medical insurance providers, or any other relevant providers to verify the validity of a document provided, and may also arrange for an in-person renewal to assess original copies of documents before completing the application in the case of an online renewal.
If Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) of my Department become aware that someone has presented fraudulent documentation relating to their registration or online renewal, then ISD will investigate each individual case accordingly. In such instances, their registration will be refused and details will be provided to An Garda Síochána.
In relation to International students from outside the EU/EEA, they are granted a student residence permission where they have enrolled on, and commenced a course listed on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP), or eligible programmes offered by providers with authorisation to use the new TrustEd Education mark awarded by the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI).
The ILEP requirements stipulate that an education providers' policies and procedures for refunds must include provisions for refund arrangements for students. These provisions must specify the maximum time from receipt of a refund request to the issue of a refund.
In the case of a visa refusal or refusal of entry into Ireland, the fees, less any pre-indicated handling charge, must be returned to the student within 20 working days of the request being communicated to the provider. The policy must also set out any circumstances under which the student is not eligible for a refund and the name and contact details for the person(s) responsible for operating the refunds system. Any portion of fees/administrative charges retained by the provider must be advised to the student prior to purchase and must be fair and proportionate. The basis for any such deductions must be advised to the student prior to purchase.
When a student is enrolling with an education provider, they should check the refund policy before paying any fees. Complaints against an education provider should be handled in line with their grievance and complaints policy in the first instance.
My Department monitors compliance and any education provider may be subject to unannounced inspections, on-line monitoring, or random spot checks to ensure its compliance with ILEP criteria.
My Department will investigate when there is evidence that a provider is not acting in line with their published and agreed to policies. Any complaint can be made directly to the ILEP Unit in my Department at internationaleducationproviders@justice.ie
To retain a listing on the ILEP, providers are required to keep within the criteria laid down in the www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/EL-Prog-Criteria-21-March-2025.pdfAny education provider who does not adhere to ILEP criteria, or whose programme(s) no longer meet the criteria, may be removed from the ILEP.
ILEP is currently being superseded by TrustEd Ireland, the international education mark launched in September 2024 by QQI and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. TrustEd Ireland is a new statutory quality mark and part of a suite of legislative measures designed to further protect international learners.
Once the ILEP is discontinued, only education providers which are granted authorisation to use the TrustEd Ireland mark provided by QQI will be eligible to recruit non-EU/EEA students to English language programmes, foundation programmes and higher education programmes leading to awards within the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).
The data requested by the Deputy in relation to the number of complaints received is not readily available. To source this information would require the examination of each individual compliant received over the last five years. Such an examination would require a disproportionate amount of time to compile and would deflect resources from investigating complaints, delivering first-time registration appointments and processing applications for immigration permission renewals.
My Department does not comment on the number of investigations currently underway, however, I can inform the Deputy that a total of 23 English Language schools have been removed from the ILEP since 2018.
Schools have been removed from the ILEP due to a school's closure, schools not offering ILEP accredited programmes, schools providing false or misleading information, and schools found to be in breach of other ILEP requirements.
66. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether there is scope for a member of the uniformed services to apply for an extension of their service beyond the mandatory retirement age of 62; if not, if he would consider introducing criteria to accommodate same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35786/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2024 the Government increased the mandatory retirement age for members of An Garda Síochána to 62 through the Courts, Civil Law, Criminal Law and Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2024 and subsequent regulations. That Act also provided for the increase in the mandatory retirement age of permanent members of the Defence Forces, firefighters and prison officers from 60 to 62. The increase was also facilitated with amendments to the relevant pension legislation.
Since these changes have been introduced a significant number of Gardaí have availed of the option to continue working until the age of 62 and An Garda Síochána has benefited from the extended contribution of experienced personnel. These changes have also provided a greater opportunity for skills and knowledge transfer to new recruits.
The Deputy may be interested to note that the Garda Commissioner, with my consent, may extend the age of retirement of a Garda member where this is in the interests of the efficiency of An Garda Síochána due to special qualifications or experience possessed by that member.
This allows any Garda member to make an application to the Commissioner, through their line management, seeking an extension of their service, potentially up to the age of 65. I can confirm that I have already consented to a number of such requests allowing Garda members to continue to serve beyond the age of 62.
The Civil Service Regulation Act 1956 (Retirement of Prison Officers) Regulations 2024 were made pursuant to this power and specified a maximum retirement age of 62 years for prison officers with effect from 19 August 2024.
I can advise the Deputy that while there are currently no plans to increase the mandatory retirement age of Gardaí and prison officers further, these matters are kept under review.
Other uniformed services including the Defence forces and firefighters do not fall under my remit as Minister for Justice, so I am unable to provide any information on arrangements for those services.
67. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of recruits he expects to graduate at the next passing out ceremony in the Garda College in Templemore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35699/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government is resolute in its support of An Garda Síochána. We want to build safe and secure communities, and a well-resourced policing service is critical to achieving that.
In Budget 2026, an unprecedented sum of €2.74 billion was allocated which is allowing for sustained investment in recruitment, technology and equipment.
The next attestation is due to take place 24 July 2026. The number of recruits who will graduate on that date is yet to be determined.
The Garda authorities have provided the following data for intakes to the college which will result in attestations across 2026:
|
- |
Intake Date |
Intake Number |
Attestation Date |
Attestation number |
|
Intake 252 |
09-Jun-25 |
170 |
6 Feb 2026 |
167 |
|
Intake 253 |
25-Aug-25 |
200 |
1 May 2026 |
193 |
|
Intake 254 |
17-Nov-25 |
223 |
24 Jul 2026 |
TBC |
|
Intake 261 |
09-Feb-26 |
215 |
16 Oct 26 |
TBC |
|
Intake 262 |
04-May-26 |
201 |
TBC |
TBC |
Along with the Commissioner, I launched a new Garda recruitment campaign earlier this week. The competition will run from 11 May 2026 and remain open until 3 June 2026 at 3pm. I would encourage anyone considering a career in An Garda Síochána to apply.
69. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide an update on the practice of his Department purchasing residential units for the purpose of accommodating international protection applicants (details supplied); when this practice began; the number of properties in his Department’s portfolio; the number of IP applicants currently accommodated in such accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34343/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe International Protection Accommodation Service is currently accommodating over 33,000 residents in 305 international protection accommodation centres around the country.
Currently over 88% of accommodation capacity is provided through commercial providers. In contracting or purchasing accommodation over recent years, despite significant pressures on accommodation supply, the Department has worked to avoid competing with the residential property market.
The great majority of IPAS accommodation capacity, whether contracted or State-owned, is located in group settings in larger properties, like former hotels, guesthouses, commercial and institutional buildings. A small proportion of more vulnerable applicants may be accommodated in smaller scale properties.
In line with the Programme for Government 2025 the State is working to develop more State-owned international protection accommodation and reduce reliance on commercially contracted accommodation.
37 in-community properties were purchased by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for the accommodation of more vulnerable applicants, for whom group accommodation would not be suitable.
34 of these properties are being deployed to meet the needs of vulnerable cohorts of applicants. Three of these properties are currently under review for alternative uses outside of international protection accommodation.
Breakdown of type of property:
|
Type of Property |
Number |
|
One Bed Apartment |
1 |
|
Two Bed Apartment |
5 |
|
Two Bed House |
4 |
|
Three Bed House |
20 |
|
Four Bed House |
5 |
|
10 Bed |
1 |
|
12 Bed |
1 |
|
Total |
37 |
Since 2024, IPAS has not published details of the specific locations, resident profile, and occupancy of our accommodation centres. This is to preserve the privacy, safety and wellbeing of residents and staff.
70. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the progress he has made on his commitment to look at using the lands in Dromard, Clonmore, to expand the facilities of the Garda Training College in Limerick. [35701/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government makes a number of commitments in relation to training capacity at the Garda Training College, which are to:
• Continue to support and expand the Garda Training College in Templemore as the main and primary Garda Training college;
• Consider the establishment of a second Garda training college;
• Consider allowing Garda trainees to undergo part of their training course in regionally based Universities or Technological Universities.
While the training college in Templemore is the primary centre for training Gardaí, we can all acknowledge its capacity limitations and that is why work is under way to increase capacity in the short term with the support of the Office of Public Works, OPW. It is anticipated that additional capacity will become available this year.
An Garda Síochána has no plans to develop facilities on the land referenced by the Deputy. However, the Garda Training Review Group has been established to identify delivery options to increase the scale and capacity of high-quality education, training and continuous professional development in An Garda Síochána. This will help ensure that the skills needs of the organisation are met over the next decade.
A former Secretary General is Chair of the group with senior officials representing the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, An Garda Síochána , the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, the Office of Public Works and the Higher Education Authority.
The Group which met for the first time on 30 January, has met six times subsequently to progress its work. I have requested that the work of the group be completed by summer 2026.
