Written Answers Nos. 165-184
165. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of persons who were unable to access emergency domestic violence accommodation due to capacity constraints in each of the past three years; and his views on plans to increase refuge capacity. [44275/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra170. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the amount of funding allocated to domestic violence refuge and support services in each of the past five years; the number of refuge spaces currently available; and the extent to which current provision meets national targets. [44274/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 165 and 170 together.
This Government has taken unprecedented actions to confront the scourge of domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence (DSGBV). This includes increasing funding to almost €80 million under Budget 2026, to support Cuan and services working to tackle DSGBV and the implementation of the Zero Tolerance Strategy. The increased funding for Cuan and community organisations that support victims and survivors will accelerate the delivery of safe accommodation, while also providing stronger supports for victims.
Cuan, established in 2024, is the statutory agency responsible for the coordination and implementation of the Government’s response to DSGBV and funds 78 DSGBV organisations nationally, including 20 domestic violence refuges. Cuan has provided the following levels of funding to organisations for the provision of DSGBV services, including refuges and support services as follows:
• €52.3m in 2024;
• €58.7m in 2025;
• the provisional allocation for 2026 is €69m.
Prior to the establishment of Cuan, data was not held on a directly comparable basis across the period in question due to changes in administrative and reporting structures in the area, including the consolidation of previously dispersed policy and funding functions that was distributed across a range of bodies including this Department and Tusla.
Cuan is collaborating with various stakeholders, including domestic violence services, Approved Housing Bodies, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Housing Agency and Local Authorities to facilitate local action and support service development and delivery of safe accommodation and ancillary services. Furthermore, Cuan aims to explore additional opportunities for developing DV accommodation, especially in areas where such facilities are currently lacking, while also considering interim refuges and alternative accommodation for those fleeing domestic violence.
At the start of the zero-tolerance strategy, there were 49 safe homes and 141 DV refuge units in place. By the end of 2026, the target is to increase this to 94 safe homes,193 refuge units, with an additional 50 units under construction. All refuges scheduled to open in 2026 are on track, including 12 units in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown expected to be operational in Q3 2026.
I am advised that Cuan does not collect data on the number of people who have sought refuge, the number of requests for safe accommodation refused, or the current occupancy rate of safe accommodation as this information is difficult for services to consistently validate and report. Occupancy levels fluctuate on a day-to-day basis, making real time collection and reporting challenging. In addition, many support services do not have the capacity to gather this information.
Through development of the National Service Development Plan (NSDP), Cuan is collaborating with services and stakeholders to strengthen data collection processes. An essential element to the NSDP is the establishment of robust monitoring structures for service delivery and outcomes. This monitoring process will identify critical areas for service and sector development.
166. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of Garda stations that are not currently open on a full-time basis; the operating hours of each such station. [44224/26]
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 such as the opening hours of Garda stations. The Commissioner is independent in his functions under Section 34 of the Act.
The Garda Commissioner publishes full details of Garda stations including their opening hours in the Station Directory at the following link: Station Directory - Garda. The Deputy should select the relevant Garda Division and review the information using either the map or the list feature.
It is important to emphasise that An Garda Síochána do not police on a station basis, but rather on a Divisional basis. Gardaí see stations as locations within communities for people to attend, and for resources to be accommodated. Policing for an area will be delivered using all resources in a Community Engagement area, supported by all Divisional resources and units.
167. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the reasons for the delay in processing family reunification applications; if he is aware of the increasing frustration among the working immigrant community in Ireland at the seemingly endless and increasing delays, the lack of regular and accurate updates on processing times, more transparent communication with applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44271/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that my Department currently operates seven overseas Visa Offices in addition to the Visa Office in Dublin. These are located in Abuja, Beijing, London, Moscow, Ankara, Abu Dhabi and New Delhi. In addition, staff of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade process certain visa applications in Irish Embassies abroad under delegated authority from my Department.
I can assure the Deputy that while processing times can vary across the different Visa Offices and Irish Embassies, the majority of visas are processed within stated target times.
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 are typically completed in under eight weeks. My Department aims to process join family visa applications made in other circumstances within 12 months.
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.
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.
My Department is currently examining ways to provide applicants with clearer information regarding processing times. In this regard, work is underway to provide expected processing times for visa applications on the Immigration Service Delivery website.
In December 2025, the Immigration Service of my Department introduced online payment functionality to my Department's online visa system. This allows applicants to pay visa fees as part of the online application process. The initiative is being rolled out on a phased basis and is currently live in 40 countries, with South Africa added in January 2026. This reduces the administrative burden on Irish Missions and visa teams, and allows visa officers to dedicate more time to core application processing and decision-making, contributing to improved processing efficiency over time.
In 2025, approximately 206,000 visa applications, of all types, were received by the Visa Division of my Department. This reflects an increase of 2% compared to 2024, with over 3,900 additional applications received. This follows a 21% increase in applications in 2024 compared to 2023. In the first three months of 2026, my Department's Visa Division received approximately 43,000 visa applications and has issued almost 36,000 decisions.
Processing times and decisions at the Dublin Visa Office and the Overseas Visa Offices can be checked at the following link: https://www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/
168. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of applications for domestic violence protection orders, safety orders and barring orders made in each of the past five years; the number granted; and if he will provide a county-by-county breakdown. [44272/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraManagement 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.
The Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas: oireachtasenquiries@courts.ie
I have referred the question to the Court Services for their direct reply.
169. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of domestic violence incidents reported to An Garda Síochána in each of the past five years; the number that resulted in criminal proceedings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44273/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCombatting all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, and ensuring that victims and survivors are fully supported, remain absolute priorities for this Government. These commitments underpin the Third National Strategy on DSGBV and a key element of achieving the Strategy’s aims is through robust legislation.
An Garda Síochána prioritise and proactively respond to reported incidents of domestic abuse, including cases of coercive control. The nationwide roll out of Divisional Protective Service Units (DPSUs) ensures that when victims of crimes such as domestic abuse and sexual violence present to Gardaí, they are met with a consistently high standard of specialist, sensitive, professional and expert assistance.
An Garda Síochána have advised that the attached tables break down the number of domestic abuse incidents reported as well as the number of charges and summons arising out of domestic abuse incidents in each of the part five years including Q1 of 2026.
171. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the supports that are available to businesses or charities to assist migrant workers to learn English or Irish in their workplace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44313/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department administers a number of annual and multi-annual funding calls to assist community groups and NGOs supporting migrant integration, which can include the provision of language classes.
The Integration Fund supports communities across Ireland to play a greater role in promoting the integration of migrants, with a specific focus on international protection applicants for Scheme A. In the latest iteration of the fund in 2025, a minimum of 20% of Scheme A funding was ringfenced for projects offering English-language lessons.
The Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) 2021–2027 is an EU fund that aims to boost national capacities and improve procedures for migration management. AMIF supports NGOs to deliver early integration programmes which can include English-language training. These measures are designed to help migrants from outside the EU to participate more actively in society.
The European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) Integration and Employment of Migrants (IEM) fund is aimed at migrants who are experiencing barriers to participation and employment because of language difficulties, lack of training and social exclusion. The IEM fund supports a number of NGOs in Ireland to deliver measures, including language training, intended to assist migrants in improving their prospects of employment.
172. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration when he expects to commence the Court Proceedings (Delays) Act 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44314/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra173. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he accepts that the continuing failure to commence the Court Proceedings (Delays) Act 2024 risks depriving persons affected by excessive court delay of the very remedy established by the Oireachtas two years ago and for him to account for the delays in recruiting the necessary staff to enforce the legislation. [44320/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 172 and 173 together.
The Court Proceedings (Delays) Act 2024 provides parties with a right to conclusion of proceedings within a reasonable time and for compensation where that right is breached, via an independent assessment process.
Arrangements to operationalise the requirements of the Act are currently being finalised with a view to the Act being commenced shortly.
An important step in operationalising the Act is the recruitment process for personnel necessary to give effect to the Act. That process is at an advanced stage (including the posts of Chief Assessor and Court Delays Assessors, recently advertised through the public appointments service). As Minister, I look forward to seeing that process concluding soon, with the necessary appointments made thereafter.
174. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of Garda vehicles currently out of service due to maintenance issues, by Garda division; the average repair time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44350/26]
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, such as the distribution, deployment, maintenance and repair arrangements of the Garda fleet across the State. The Commissioner is independent in his functions under Section 34 of the Act.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that records are maintained in relation to vehicle maintenance and repairs. However, the operational status of Garda vehicles is not static and can change frequently as vehicles enter and leave maintenance programmes, undergo inspections, or await parts and repairs.
For this reason, a reliable and accurate figure for the current number of Garda vehicles out of service due to maintenance issues, broken down by Garda Division, is not available.
Garda authorities have also advised that repair time information is not recorded in a format that would allow for the calculation of a meaningful average repair time by Garda Division. Repair durations can vary significantly depending on the nature and complexity of the work required, the availability of parts and the type of vehicle involved.
175. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his Department owns, holds a lease or holds any other beneficial interest in a property (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44361/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI regret it has not been possible to prepare a response in the time available.
I will write to the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.
176. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to urgently examine a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44393/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile I cannot comment on individual cases, I can confirm to the Deputy that officials in my department are aware of this case and it is receiving attention.
In order to protect the privacy of people residing in International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) accommodation, the department does not provide operational information about relocations between IPAS centres.
During their period in IPAS accommodation, people may have to move to alternative centres for a variety of reasons, including family needs, renovations, regulatory or compliance issues at their accommodation, and pressures on capacity within the system overall.
If IPAS residents have any concerns in relation to any element of their accommodation, they can contact IPAS directly via a dedicated helpdesk at ipasinbox@justice.ie.
177. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the evidence that exists that Ireland has the capacity to absorb any additional obligations under the EU Migration and Asylum Pact; whether different minimum/maximum scenarios have been considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44442/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra178. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the assessment that has been conducted regarding the cumulative impact of the EU Migration and Asylum Pact on housing demand, accommodation requirements and public services in Ireland versus pre-existing law; if the Government has published any projections regarding the likely financial cost of implementing the pact over the next five-to-ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44443/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra179. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the measurable benefits that will accrue to Irish citizens because of Ireland’s participation in the EU Migration and Asylum Pact; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44444/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra180. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the point at which the Government would conclude that Ireland’s accommodation and service capacity has been exceeded vis-a-vis our capacity to service our own population in terms of permitted international protection and non-essential immigration employment levels; the autonomy that exists in this regard after the EU Migration and Asylum Pact is implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44445/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 177, 178, 179 and 180 together.
It is a central priority of this Government that our immigration laws are robust and enforced.
The International Protection Act 2026 is the most comprehensive reform of immigration law in the history of the State. It will implement the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum. The overall objective of the Pact is to provide a fair, sustainable and efficient asylum procedure and will be achieved through convergence in asylum practices across the EU.
Having a common system across the EU makes sure that all applicants are treated the same in every Member State with no incentive to move from one to another. If Ireland had not opted into the Pact, it is likely that we would face higher levels of secondary movement, slower processing and a less efficient returns system. This would result in applicants staying in the system for much longer, at much greater cost to the State, in terms of the provision of accommodation and other supports.
While projections for future levels of international protections applications are uncertain and impacted by a range of factors, the introduction of the Pact is expected to better respond, firstly by reducing secondary movement through the EU, and secondly through the increased use of significantly accelerated processes.
In relation to processing costs to the State, this will be settled annually in the course of engagement on the Estimates process, as is currently the case. In the medium to long-term this investment will show a return in the form of decreasing annual costs because of the improved, faster processing it will enable, thereby reducing the time an applicant remains in the system, and reducing significant accommodation and other costs.
Finally, the Programme for Government contains a commitment to publish a National Migration and Integration Strategy detailing how Government intends to meet the demands and the opportunities facing Ireland’s society and economy over the next decade.
My Department is currently working collaboratively with a wide range of other Government departments to develop this strategy with the aim to publish Ireland’s first overarching whole-of-government National Migration and Integration Strategy later this year.
The scope of the Strategy will include issues such as labour market needs, legal pathways, international education and planning for public service provision including housing, amongst other issues relating to migration.
181. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration when the regulations prescribing the minimum level of income required by sponsors pursuant to section 205 (6) (a) and the regulations pursuant to section 205(6)(b) will be published in regard to the International Protection Act 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44451/26]
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. At the same time, 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 want to firstly clarify that any international protection family reunification applications that were submitted under the provisions of the International Protection Act 2015, will continue to be assessed under those provisions.
The Deputy will note with the new International Protection Act 2026, that following their grant of international protection, sponsors will not be entitled to seek family reunification for a defined period of 2 years. As Minister, I am making regulations under section 212, for the purposes of section 205(6), and these will be published shortly.
Reflecting the challenges facing those who have been granted international protection, a number of exemptions are provided in relation to the self-sufficiency criteria. The purpose of this is to allow for a short period of reliance on state supports where an applicant is otherwise unable to provide for themselves without redress to those supports. Furthermore, minors are exempt from the income thresholds, as well as allowing for the exercise of discretion on all of the criteria in dealing with applications for family reunification from unaccompanied minors.
This approach reflects the Government's objective of supporting positive integration outcomes for both sponsors and their family members. In that context, my Department invests in a range of integration measures, including community led initiatives, to support the inclusion of migrants and their families in Irish society.
182. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to reconsider the relocation of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44466/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile I cannot comment on individual cases, I can confirm to the Deputy that officials in my Department are aware of this case and it is receiving attention.
During their period in IPAS accommodation, people may have to move to alternative centres for a variety of reasons, including family needs, renovations, regulatory or compliance issues at their accommodation, and pressures on capacity within the system overall.
In order to protect the privacy of people resident in International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) accommodation, the Department does not provide detailed information about relocations between IPAS centres.
if any IPAS resident has a concern in relation to any element of their accommodation, they can contact IPAS directly via a dedicated helpdesk at ipasinbox@justice.ie.
183. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the reason County Galway has only received one of the 193 new probationer Gardaí assigned to stations across the country, as reported by his Department on 1 May 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44505/26]
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 the distribution and stationing of Garda personnel throughout the State.
I regularly engage with the Commissioner on policing matters, including the resourcing needs of An Garda Síochána. I can assure the Deputy that this 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. The Garda Vote in Budget 2026 saw unprecedented funding of €2.74 billion to support sustained investment in recruitment, equipment, technology, and vehicles.
This funding is supporting ongoing recruitment of Garda members and staff. Since 2015, when the Garda College reopened to training, the Galway Division has had 96 Probationer Gardaí assigned. It is also important to note that the assignment of probationer Gardaí is only part of the picture and that the allocation of probationer Gardaí to a Division facilitates consequential transfers of Garda members, for example transfers to another Division closer to where the Garda member resides.
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.
Getting more Gardaí on our streets to prevent and detect crime and to ensure that people are safe and feel safe, is my first priority as Minister. Large cohorts of probationer Gardaí are now regularly attesting from the Garda College.
This year's recruitment campaign closed on 3 June, with strong interest again. The momentum we have in Garda recruitment is providing a strong pipeline of recruits, and the more Gardaí that attest, the more resources the Commissioner will have to assign to communities in Galway, and across the country.
184. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Question No. 501 of 20 November 2025, if he will give an update on the current position regarding an investigation into the Belturbet bombing of December 1972; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44572/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe murder of two innocent young people in Belturbet in December 1972 was an appalling act of brutality. The perpetrators of this bombing demonstrated a callous disregard for human life and it is a source of great regret that, in spite of a comprehensive investigation, it has not been possible for those responsible to be prosecuted for their crimes to date.
As the Deputy is aware, in recent years a comprehensive review of the investigation was carried out by An Garda Síochána which identified a number of lines of inquiry. In 2022, a Senior Investigating Officer was appointed to lead the investigation from the incident room at Ballyconnell Garda Station from where it continues to be coordinated. I am informed by the Garda Authorities that this investigation is ongoing and that liaison with the authorities in Northern Ireland continues in this respect. I am assured by the Garda Authorities that their work continues with the aim of bringing the perpetrators to justice.
At the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference on 30 April last, I raised the Belturbet Bombing with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and underlined the need for continued co-operation by the UK authorities with the investigation. I will continue to raise the bombing and the All-Party Motions with the British Government.
The Belturbet Bombing is one of a number of incidents that occurred in this jurisdiction which were examined by Operation Denton, part of the UK Kenova structures. It is my understanding that publication of the final Operation Denton report continues to be delayed due to legal issues. It is my hope that these issues can be resolved promptly to allow for its publication.
