Written Answers Nos. 185-204
185. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the average processing time of applications and appeals for international protection by quarter in each of the years 2020 to date in 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44575/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere has been a significant increase in investment into the international protection system over the last number of years which, combined with digitisation and process reengineering, has facilitated a major increase in processing capacity and demonstrates a strong commitment to reducing cases on hand.
In 2025, the International Protection Office (IPO) delivered over 20,200 first decisions compared to approximately 14,100 in 2024, a 44% increase. The International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) more than doubled the number of appeals closed from 3,100 in 2024 to nearly 6,300 in 2025. As of 31 May, IPAT has closed 3,932 appeals this year and is on track to significantly exceed the number of appeals closed in 2025.
To date in 2026 the median processing time for IPO first instance decisions is 12 months (accelerated cases are processed in 2 months, while standard cases are processed in 16 months).
The median processing time for International Protection appeals is 13.6 months. The median processing time under the accelerated procedure is 7.0 months and 16.4 months for all other appeals.
The table below shows the overall median processing time in months for international protection first instance decisions in the years 2020 to present, by quarter.
|
Year |
Q1 |
Q2 |
Q3 |
Q4 |
|
Year |
Q1 |
Q2 |
Q3 |
Q4 |
|
2020 |
16 |
17 |
19 |
20 |
|
2021 |
22 |
27 |
23 |
22 |
|
2022 |
26 |
22 |
13 |
9 |
|
2023 |
10 |
12 |
14 |
16 |
|
2024 |
16 |
17 |
15 |
15 |
|
2025 |
14 |
14 |
14 |
14 |
|
2026 |
12 |
|
|
|
Accelerated processing was introduced in November 2022, and it now applies to those from designated safe countries of origin, applicants who have received protection elsewhere in Europe and those from a country with a particularly high number of applications.
The table below shows the median processing time in months for first instance international protection decisions under the accelerated procedure in the years 2022 to present, by quarter.
Please note figures are correct at time of issue and may be subject to data cleansing.
|
Year |
Q1 |
Q2 |
Q3 |
Q4 |
|
Year |
Q1 |
Q2 |
Q3 |
Q4 |
|
2022 |
- |
- |
- |
1 |
|
2023 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
2024 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
|
2025 |
4 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
|
2026 |
3 |
|
|
|
All IPO first instance decisions other than Refugee Status grants can be appealed to the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT).
The table below shows International Protection Appeals Tribunal median processing times in months for each quarter from 2020 to present.
|
Year |
Q1 |
Q2 |
Q3 |
Q4 |
|
Year |
Q1 |
Q2 |
Q3 |
Q4 |
|
2020 |
6 |
9 |
11 |
12 |
|
2021 |
15 |
16 |
13 |
14 |
|
2022 |
15 |
13 |
10 |
4 |
|
2023 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
7 |
|
2024 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
13 |
|
2025 |
14 |
15 |
16 |
15 |
|
2026 |
11 |
|
|
|
Please note figures are correct at time of issue and may be subject to data cleansing.
As the Deputy will be aware, the International Protection Act will commence on 12 June 2026 and gives effect to the EU Migration and Asylum Pact.
The Pact will provide a fair, sustainable and efficient asylum procedure. This will be achieved through convergence in asylum practices across the EU including standardised processing times for decisions: six months for a standard procedure, three months for accelerated and border procedures and two months for processing applicants who have applied for protection elsewhere in Europe.
Faster processing will mean that applicants spend less time in International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) accommodation, and this will significantly reduce the cost of the asylum system to the State. Faster decision-making will also mean that successful applicants will be granted international protection sooner, and those whose applications are refused can be returned to their country of origin sooner.
186. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of EU citizens subject to re-entry bans to the State in each of the past ten years; the average duration of the bans imposed in each year, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44576/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra187. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of EU citizens who have been refused entry to Ireland in each of the past five years on the basis that they had previously been issued with a re-entry ban; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44577/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 186 and 187 together.
Under the European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) Regulations 2015, which transposes the Free Movement Directive (Directive 2004/38/EC) into Irish law, orders can be made for both the removal and exclusion of citizens of the European Union, European Economic Area and Switzerland. Such orders can be made on the grounds of public policy, public security or public health; legally, such orders must not be disproportionate and an individual assessment of factors such as length of residence in the country, integration (e.g. work history), age, health etc. must be carried out.
I can advise the Deputy that on Sunday 24 May 2026, removal orders were enforced against 22 Polish citizens and 12 Lithuanian citizens who were removed from Ireland by charter flight. Since the recommencement of charter flights last year, this was the third EU removal charter flight. An operation in October 2025 removed 23 Romanian citizens, while another charter in January 2026 removed 17 Polish citizens and 16 Lithuanian citizens. These removal orders were made in accordance with the Free Movement Directive on grounds of criminality and re-entry bans of up to 10 years have been applied to prevent return to Ireland.
I understand the Deputy has agreed to limit the scope of his request to data from 2020 onwards.
The table below details the number of removal orders which have been enforced under the European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) Regulations 2015 from 2020, up to 08 June 2026, and the average duration of enforced exclusion orders.
|
Year |
Orders signed under the Directive |
Orders enforced |
Average period of Exclusion Order |
|
2020 |
33 |
32 |
4.7 years |
|
2021 |
40 |
42 |
5.3 years |
|
2022 |
58 |
37 |
4.6 years |
|
2023 |
19 |
21 |
3.7 years |
|
2024 |
24 |
18 |
3.4 years |
|
2025 |
158 |
56 |
3.8 years |
|
2026 (to 08 June) |
81 |
89 |
6.2 years |
* Please note, figures are correct at time of issue, however, all statistics may be subject to data cleansing.
Removal Orders enforced in any given year may have been made in prior years. There may be a time lag between the making of a Removal Order and its enforcement in circumstances such as where the subject is continuing to serve a period of imprisonment.
When issued with such an order, the person concerned is required to remove themselves from the State. Many people comply with this and leave the country without informing my Department; as such it is not always possible to record these departures definitively.
The Border Management Unit (BMU) of my Department has responsibility for frontline immigration duties at Dublin Airport only. Frontline immigration duties at other airports and ports of entry are the responsibility of An Garda Síochána.
I can inform the Deputy that no EU citizens have been refused leave to land by the BMU at Dublin Airport in the past 5 years on the basis that they had been previously issued with a re-entry ban.
188. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of people issued with a deportation order and the number of persons deported by the State, respectively, in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44578/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is a central priority for me that Ireland’s immigration system is robust and rules based. The enforcement aspects of our laws, including deportation orders, are an essential requirement for the system to work effectively and to ensure that there is confidence in the application of our legislation in this area.
Deportations are costly and complex to enforce. It is the preferred option to return people voluntarily and my Department has a voluntary return programme to assist people to return prior to the issuance of a deportation order. A person can only avail of voluntary return before a deportation order is issued and I have increased resources into this programme to enable individuals who wish to return before a deportation order is issued to them.
If a person does not remove themselves from the State following the issuance of a deportation order, they will be removed, and my Department has taken action to significantly improve immigration enforcement measures and increase removals.
The number of deportation orders signed in 2024 (2,403) increased by 180% compared to 2023 (857). In 2025, 4,700 deportation orders were signed, an increase of 96% compared to 2024. 2,108 deportation orders have been signed up to 05 June 2026.
In 2024, 1,122 people departed from the State under various mechanisms (i.e. enforced deportation, voluntary return etc.). In 2025, 2,111 people had their departure confirmed through these pathways, an increase of 88% compared to 2024. Up to 05 June 2026, 977 people have departed the State through these pathways.
In 2025, six charter flight operations removed 205 people from the State. Of these, five operations to non-EU destinations removed 182 people who were subject to deportation orders and one operation removed 23 EU citizens on grounds of criminality.
Three charter operations to date in 2026 have seen the removal of 130 people from the State, including 67 EU citizens who were removed on grounds of criminality.
The tables below detail the number of deportation orders signed, as well as the number enforced, from 2020 to 05 June 2026.
Table 1. Deportation orders signed from 2020 to 05 June 2026
|
Year |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
2026 (up to 05 June) |
|
Deportation orders signed |
598 |
33 |
549 |
859 |
2,403 |
4,700 |
2,108 |
*Please note, figures are correct at time of issue, however, all statistics may be subject to data cleansing.
Table 2. Deportation Enforcement 2020 to 05 June 2026
|
Year |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
2026 (up to 05 June) |
|
Enforced Deportations |
42 |
5 |
24 |
51 |
134 |
185 |
123 |
|
Removed by Charter |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
182 |
62 |
|
Otherwise Confirmed Deportation (1) |
97 |
33 |
93 |
28 |
28 |
67 |
30 |
|
Total Deportations |
139 |
38 |
117 |
79 |
162 |
434 |
215 |
|
Other Removals (2) |
40 |
46 |
39 |
24 |
26 |
61 |
92 |
|
Number of Voluntary Returns |
201 |
132 |
91 |
215 |
934 |
1,616 |
670 |
|
Total Removed |
380 |
216 |
247 |
318 |
1,122 |
2,111 |
977 |
*Please note, figures are correct at time of issue, however, all statistics may be subject to data cleansing.
** During the COVID- 19 Pandemic there was a moratorium on deportations. This was effective during the latter part of 2020, 2021 and for the first 8 months of 2022. During the moratorium only people who whose presence in Ireland would be contrary to the public interest were deported. This moratorium was lifted in July 2022.
*** A deportation order effected in any year may relate to an order signed in a previous year.
1. Otherwise confirmed deportations is where it has been confirmed a person has left the state following receipt of a deportation order without being escorted.
2. Other removals include Dublin III Transfer Orders of International Protection applicants to another EU State and EU Removal Orders for the return of EU Citizens under the Free Movement Regulations (these orders are made on grounds of criminality) and people who are deemed inadmissible under the International Protection Act.
The enforcement of deportation orders is an operational matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), and my Department works closely with the GNIB to progress arrangements for the removal of people subject to deportation orders. If a person issued with a deportation order does not leave the State independently then they are required to present to the GNIB in accordance with the conditions of their deportation order.
It is the case that a significant number of individuals who were subject to deportation orders have left the State without notifying the relevant authorities; however, as there are no routine exit checks at Irish borders, it is not possible to definitely provide the number of people who have or have not complied with an order. I am, however, informed that the GNIB has reviewed a large sample of cases of people subject to deportation orders; their inquiries suggest a very significant number of these individuals have left the State.
189. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of staff currently employed by the International Protection Office and the International Protection Appeals Tribunal, by grade and by function, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44580/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra190. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current number of vacancies in each of the agencies involved in the end to-end asylum process, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44581/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra191. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current average duration of employment of staff in each of the agencies involved in the end-to-end asylum process, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44582/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 189, 190 and 191 together.
It has not been possible to collate the information requested by the Deputy in the time available.
I will write to the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.
192. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current number of Garda members assigned to roads policing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44585/26]
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 assigned to roads policing.
As Minister, it is my role to support the Commissioner in ensuring he has the resources he needs. Budget 2026 provides unprecedented funding of €2.74 billion to support recruitment and staffing.
An Garda Síochána publishes information in relation to the allocation of Gardaí nationally. This includes a breakdown of the number of Gardaí assigned to roads policing by Division as of 30 April 2026, the latest date for when figures are available.
The information can be found at the following link:
https://www.garda.ie/en/information-centre/garda-statistics/human%20resources/
The Deputy should select the statistics for 2026, April 2026 and then select the file titled ‘Roads Policing by Division" to access a breakdown of Garda member assigned to Roads Policing.
I can also assure the Deputy that road traffic laws are enforced by both Roads Policing personnel and as part of the day-to-day duties of uniformed Gardaí nationwide. This includes a programme of high-visibility road safety and enforcement operations carried out in partnership with other state agencies. In addition all uniform Garda members are to be deployed on high visibility roads policing operations, of 30 minutes duration, in each tour of duty.
193. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers participating in organic farming schemes in each county; the change in participation levels over the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44225/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of farmers in the Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) by county is as follows:
|
County |
Number of Farmers (2026) |
|
Carlow |
50 |
|
Cavan |
293 |
|
Clare |
316 |
|
Cork |
541 |
|
Donegal |
521 |
|
Dublin |
21 |
|
Galway |
436 |
|
Kerry |
421 |
|
Kildare |
88 |
|
Kilkenny |
83 |
|
Laois |
80 |
|
Leitrim |
282 |
|
Limerick |
203 |
|
Longford |
110 |
|
Louth |
31 |
|
Mayo |
472 |
|
Meath |
108 |
|
Monaghan |
83 |
|
Offaly |
114 |
|
Roscommon |
439 |
|
Sligo |
229 |
|
Tipperary |
221 |
|
Waterford |
65 |
|
Westmeath |
138 |
|
Wexford |
106 |
|
Wicklow |
121 |
|
Total |
5572 |
The total number of new participants accepted each year into the Organic Farming Scheme is as follows:
|
Year |
No. of New Participants |
|
2023 |
1800 |
|
2024 |
942 |
|
2025 |
570 |
|
2026 |
260 |
Organic farming is acknowledged within the EU as delivering a high level of environmental performance, contributing to soil health, water quality, biodiversity, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
In Budget 2026 I allocated €58.6 million for OFS to support farmers in the production of organic food.
194. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the first-time verification funding scheme for Connemara pony foals is intended to support the full cost of DNA typing and verification for eligible foals born during the year; the reason for an additional charge after 15 September when foal registration remains open until 31 December; if funding can be used to offset these additional costs for breeders who remain eligible under the scheme; if the Department will consider reviewing the scheme to ensure that breeders who complete registration later in the year are not financially disadvantaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44317/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe first-time verification of Connemara ponies (as referred to) is a project submitted by the Connemara Pony Breeders Society (CPBS) under the General Programme of the 2026 Equine Technical Support and Equine Breeding Scheme (ETS). This has been an annual competitive scheme and is subject to budgetary allowances. Funding under this programme is to support equine breed societies in the sport horse sector to develop breed initiatives to meet their breeding objectives and this can include DNA testing for parentage verification.
The operation of this scheme is subject to the provisions of Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/2472 of 14 December 2022 which declares certain categories of aid in the agricultural and forestry sectors and in rural areas compatible with the internal market. Article 27 of this Regulation refers that the rate for "tests performed by or on behalf of third parties, to determine the genetic quality or yield of livestock" shall be limited to 70%. Therefore, the maximum rate of funding which could be awarded to the CPBS for this project was 70%. It is a matter for the CPBS to determine how they obtain the matching funds for this project.
As an annual scheme, all projects must be completed and claimed for within the year. The Terms and Condition of the ETS scheme can be found on the following link [Equine Technical Support and Equine Breeding Schemes]. The onus is on each project promoter to comply with these Terms and Conditions which involves managing the roll out of the project and ensuring valid claims are submitted in time to ensure payment. The deadline for submission of completed claims for DNA type projects is 7 December 2026. Therefore, it is a matter for the CPBS to determine various deadlines for submission of DNA samples by breeders to them to allow for laboratory processing time and also set the respective registration fees.
The setting of fees for services provided by breed societies is not a matter for my Department.
195. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of attacks on livestock by dogs reported in each of the past five years; the compensation paid where applicable; and whether additional measures are being considered to address the issue. [44349/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraEach year my Department collects and collates statistics from local authorities in relation to dog control services, with 2024 representing the most recent full year for which statistics are available. These statistics include the number of attacks on livestock by dogs. Records for livestock attacks by dogs only started being recorded in 2022.The number of attacks on livestock by dogs reported for the years 2022 to 2024 inclusive are provided in tabular form in the attached table. Statistics relating to dog control since 2010 are published and available on: www.gov.ie/en/collection/879d4c-dog-control-statistics/
The issue of compensation for livestock losses or injury due to dog attacks, is a civil matter between the flock owner and the owner(s) of the dog(s) responsible for the attack. Section 21(1) of the Control of Dogs Act 1986 states "The owner of a dog shall be liable in damages for damage caused in an attack on any person by the dog and for injury done by it to any livestock". In such cases the provisions of the Civil Liability Act, 1961 shall apply accordingly.
Livestock attacks have a profound impact on farmers and rural communities. I fully recognise the gravity of this issue. I believe robust traceability measures are central to ensuring that dog owners can be held accountable where their animals are involved.
In February, my Department commenced a media awareness campaign urging dog owners to act responsibly in any instances where there may be a risk to livestock, particularly sheep, in the critical lambing season for the sheep farming community. Responsible dog ownership including effective control of dogs in a countryside setting is an important matter. I am personally invested in making a difference in this area.
I have recently received the report of the Dog Control Stakeholder Group, which I am considering, including any recommendations in relation to dog control legislation.
196. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the improvements that have been made to processing times in relation to aquaculture licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44477/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraApplications for aquaculture licences are considered by my Department in accordance with the provisions of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997, the Foreshore Act 1933 (as amended) and applicable national and EU legislation. The licensing process is complex and involves consultation with a wide range of scientific and technical advisors, in addition to various Statutory Consultees. The legislation also provides for a period of public consultation.
The length of time taken to process an aquaculture licence application varies depending on a number of factors including location, species, scale and intensity of production, statutory status of sites and potential visual impact. My Department also takes full account of all scientific and technical advice, in addition to all issues identified during the public and statutory consultation phases.
Further factors that can impact the time taken to process an application can include; the requirement for an Appropriate Assessment and whether the application is required to be accompanied by an Environmental Impact Assessment Report; the need for additional underwater or archaeological assessments, etc. Decisions in respect of aquaculture licence applications are only taken following the fullest consideration of all consultations and public interest elements of each application, including environmental considerations.
My Department has allocated funding under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) to enable the Marine Institute to recruit two additional technical experts to focus solely on the completion of Appropriate Assessments for Aquaculture Licensing. This resource will be targeted to deal with those applications on hand, and those anticipated to be received in the coming years. Additionally, my Department has engaged the services of an external environmental consultant to assist with clearing the current back log of Appropriate Assessments, as appropriate.
Every effort is being made by my Department to expedite the determination of all outstanding applications, having regard to the complexities involved and the need to fully comply with all relevant national and EU legislation.
197. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the project undertaken by Galway City Council to repair the slipway in Salthill that allows wheelchair access to the beach; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44500/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe responsibility for the development and maintenance of Local Authority owned piers, harbours and slipways rests with each Local Authority in the first instance and its parent Department, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, thereafter. Accordingly, Salthill is under the remit of Galway City Council and the responsibility to facilitate wheelchair access to the beach rests with the Council.
While my Department as part of its annual Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme, does provide limited discretionary funding to coastal Local Authorities for the implementation of small-scale projects focused on the development and repair of piers, harbours, and slipways under their ownership such projects must support the core objectives of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in supporting the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
198. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position Ireland will take on forthcoming EU proposals on food labelling, particularly in light of concerns about the potential impact on traditional Irish products and producers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44573/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraClarity is required from the Deputy in relation to which EU proposals he is referring to. Subject to receiving this clarity, a considered reply can be supplied or the PQ may transfer to the Department of Health, who are the lead Department in relation to food labelling.
199. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine regarding the proposed levy of €26 million on his Department by Minister Jack Chambers, if he will confirm whether it will be drawn down on the operational budget of his Department or on the schemes paid to farmers. [44616/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation has written to my Department regarding a proposed expenditure levy of €26 million to be applied in 2027. The proposed levy will be based on my Department's current expenditure allocation for 2026, with capital expenditure exempted from the levy.
I am currently examining the specific implications of the levy and I will be engaging with Minister Chambers and his Department officials as part of the 2027 Budget Estimates process.
200. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will urgently review the case of a person (details supplied); the status of the HSE needs assessment application; if the assessment will be expedited given the circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44499/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question refers to the service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
201. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the average and median waiting times for initial contact, initial assessment and commencement of intervention for children referred to children’s disability network team, for those serving CDNT 11, in each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44206/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
202. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of childcare providers that have closed in each of the past three years, by county; the reasons identified for such closures; and the measures being taken to ensure adequate childcare capacity is maintained. [44227/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department is currently collating the information requested and a reply will issue directly to the Deputy in due course.
203. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to provide an update on the number of residential places provided (details supplied) in each of the years 2023. 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026, by tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44284/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly.
204. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of private companies funded by her Department for the provision of residential care for individuals with intellectual disabilities or acquired brain injuries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44285/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly.
