Paul Lawless
Ceist:707. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the amount paid out for IPAS accommodation in each of the past 15 years, in tabular form. [45763/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraInternational Protection
Ceisteanna (707)
Freagraí scríofa
Providing reception conditions to people who are applying for international protection is part of EU and Irish law, and people are entitled to accommodation for the duration of their application process.
The State is currently accommodating over 33,000 people seeking international protection in 305 International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres around the country.
The allocation for IPAS accommodation and supports for 2025 was €1.27 billion and this has reduced to €1.1 billion for accommodation and supports in 2026. This is the first time in five years that the budget for international protection accommodation and supports is less than the previous year.
From 2022 to the end of 2024, there was a sudden and sustained increase in numbers of people applying for international protection in Ireland. This came during the same period as the arrival of over 120,000 people fleeing the war in Ukraine. The increased arrivals from 2022 onward placed profound pressure on supply of accommodation across this sector.
The table below outlines the total spend on IPAS accommodation in commercial and State-owned accommodation since 2021. Please note the 2025 figure is provisional pending completion of the 2025 Appropriation Accounts.
Table 1: Total spend on IPAS accommodation in commercial and State-owned accommodation since 2010.
|
2010 |
€79,000,000* |
|
2011 |
€69,500,000* |
|
2012 |
€62,330,000* |
|
2013 |
€55,228,000* |
|
2014 |
€53,217,000* |
|
2015 |
€57,025,000* |
|
2016 |
€64,137,000* |
|
2017 |
€67,359,000* |
|
2018 |
€77,993,000* |
|
2019 |
€129.408,000 |
|
2020 |
€183,215,000 |
|
2021 |
€190,856,000 |
|
2022 |
€356,554,000 |
|
2023 |
€651,756,000 |
|
2024 |
€1,005,000,000 |
|
2025 |
€1.2 Billion |
* data sourced from previously published Departmental records.
The costs outlined above pertain to accommodation for international protection applicants, including transport, facilities management, utilities and other related costs.
The new International Protection Act 2026 gives effect to the measures of the EU Migration and Asylum Pact and was passed into law last month. The new rules came into effect on 12 June. Reforming and speeding up processing of applications should also serve over time to reduce the scale of the demand for international protection accommodation.
The Department is working to increase the amount of State-owned international protection accommodation and creating a more stable and sustainable accommodation system. As developing these more sustainable state-owned accommodation system options will take time, the commissioning of emergency commercial accommodation will continue to be a feature in the short to medium term.
International Protection
Ceisteanna (708, 709, 710)
Mark Wall
Ceist:708. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the Government’s plans for future immigration pathways for Ukrainian nationals currently residing in Ireland under the Temporary Protection Directive; whether consideration will be given to counting time spent under temporary protection towards residency requirements for long-term residence or other permissions; if employment history and tax contributions will be recognised in this context; when further details on long-term arrangements are expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45770/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMark Wall
Ceist:709. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he has assessed the potential impact of income thresholds and housing requirements for Ukrainians transitioning from temporary protection to another immigration status; whether flexibility or exemptions will be provided for those who may struggle to meet such criteria despite being employed and integrated; if specific provisions are being considered for vulnerable groups including single parents, large families, pensioners, students and carers; if special consideration will be given to individuals from occupied or frontline regions who cannot safely return; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45771/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMark Wall
Ceist:710. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the consultation that has taken place with Ukrainian community organisations regarding future immigration arrangements for beneficiaries of temporary protection; whether any equality, human rights or socio-economic impact assessments have been undertaken and if such assessments will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45772/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 708, 709 and 710 together.
I have received government approval for measures to transition Ukraine Accommodation Supports and Temporary Protection.
The measures have been approved by government, in line with the EU Council recommendation for a co-ordinated approach to transition people out of Temporary Protection across the EU. However, it is important to note that temporary protection is still active. Ireland will continue to support people from Ukraine under temporary protection, to include those who are vulnerable or have barriers to independence.
The Government decision of 26 November 2025 approved legislative changes to clarify Ireland’s citizenship and asylum rules surrounding temporary permissions in Ireland to include those who are residing in Ireland on the basis of Temporary Protection. The timing and impact of the exclusion of time spent under Temporary Protection from the calculation of reckonable residence will be carefully considered alongside the provision to be made in Ireland and other EU Member States for persons moving from Temporary Protection to other residence permissions or return arrangements.
In recognition of the valuable contribution many people who have come from Ukraine since the outbreak of the war have made, Ireland will introduce an alternative permission to live and work here.
This permission will be granted for a period of up to two years, renewable for periods of two years thereafter, with time on the permission counting towards naturalisation. Eligibility criteria will apply, including a requirement to be earning a minimum of €29,432 per year, have independent accommodation, and be resident in Ireland for a period of one year as a beneficiary of temporary protection prior to the opening of the application process. More information on these criteria can be found at [Ukraine Updates (EN)].
An applicant must demonstrate that they have been in employment or self-employment for a period of six months prior to the application and demonstrate that they will earn an annual gross salary of €29,432.
While equality, human rights and socio-economic impacts are taken into consideration during policy development, it is important to note that the alternative permission is not intended to replace Temporary Protection, but to provide an alternative permission for those who are eligible and who wish to remain in Ireland beyond its protection. Persons who are unable to satisfy the eligibility criteria will continue to be entitled to and benefit from the Temporary Protection Status while the Temporary Protection Directive remains in effect.
Additionally, the Government has approved the phase out of State-funded accommodation that has been provided to people from Ukraine who arrived pre–March 2024 and have been in receipt of accommodation on an ongoing basis.
Ireland’s State-funded accommodation model for people from Ukraine is in excess of that offered across the EU and is in excess of what is available to other people living in Ireland.
The changes to the accommodation model will be introduced on a phased basis, with information and support provided to residents.
Ongoing supports for people with particular circumstances that would make it difficult for them to manage in independent accommodation will be provided.
Individuals will be asked to self-declare their need for continued accommodation and provide evidence to support such a requirement, by providing documentary evidence of their circumstances.
There are about 16,000 people in commercial State-supported accommodation and over 40,000 people in subsidised accommodation in private homes. ?
The number of people who fled the war in Ukraine living in State-provided accommodation has reduced considerably over recent years, as people source their own accommodation or move away. The Government has actively supported these moves to independence and greater integration.
Temporary protection is in place until March 2027. Further extensions of the application of this Directive in respect of the war in Ukraine are being considered and will be agreed at EU level. Beneficiaries of temporary protection will remain entitled to this protection while the Directive is in effect.
Ireland is not currently implementing a voluntary returns programme to Ukraine. Subject to proposals at the EU-level, my department will support the development of a voluntary return and reintegration programme for beneficiaries who wish to return to Ukraine, subject to safety conditions.
Coordinated work between my department, Irish Red Cross, the International Organisation for Migration and other relevant advocates and stakeholders will ensure that individuals can make decisions about their future options in Ireland with as much clarity as possible.
Question No. 709 answered with Question No. 708.
Question No. 710 answered with Question No. 708.
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (711)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:711. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of additional Gardaí who have been allocated to a town (details supplied), not the Garda division more widely, since 2020. [45790/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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 allocation of members. The Commissioner is independent in his functions under Section 34 of the Act.
An Garda Síochána publishes information in relation to the allocation of Gardaí nationally, including a breakdown of Garda divisions and stations nationwide. Historical data on the allocation of Gardaí 2006 - 2025, and probationer Gardaí from 2015 - 2025, along with the same sheets for 2026 can be found here:www.garda.ie/en/information-centre/garda-statistics/human%20resources/
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.
Since 2015 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 across the state facilitates consequential transfers of Garda members, for example transfers to another Division closer to where the Garda member resides.
Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence
Ceisteanna (712)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:712. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide an update on the provision of a refuge for County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45791/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government and I continue to prioritise action to address domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV). Under Budget 2026, funding of almost €80 million has been provided to support Cuan, frontline organisations working in the DSGBV sector and implementation of the Zero Tolerance Strategy. This additional investment will support the acceleration of safe accommodation delivery and strengthen supports available to victims and survivors.
Since being established in January 2024, Cuan has advanced significant work in expanding safe accommodation capacity for victims of domestic violence and their families. Cuan is working closely with a range of stakeholders, including domestic violence services, Approved Housing Bodies, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Housing Agency and local authorities, in order to support local action and the delivery of safe accommodation and related services.
A suitable site has been identified in Roscommon town, and Roscommon County Council is working to secure the site for refuge development. Initial site investigations are underway to complete essential site surveys, following a procurement process.
An Expression of Interest process is ongoing, and proceeding well, to identify an Approved Housing Body (AHB) partner for Roscommon Safe Link, the local domestic violence service provider, as they do not have AHB status.
Cuan is also working closely with Roscommon Safe Link to increase the number of safe homes operating in county Roscommon. A suitable property has been secured and will become operational in the coming weeks. This will increase the number of safe homes in county Roscommon to three.
Legal Aid
Ceisteanna (713)
Paul Lawless
Ceist:713. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the analysis that has been conducted by his Department to determine the number of solicitors in the country intending to withdraw from servicing free legal aid cases when his Department introduces the new flat rate for such cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45805/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I fully recognise the critical 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.
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.
I can assure the Deputy that my only objective in making reforms to this scheme 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.
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.
Moreover, the review that informed this change looked at more than 350,000 District Court cases which took place during 2022 and 2023 to inform the process.
My Department has been engaging extensively with relevant stakeholders, including legal professionals and their representative bodies, on the proposed changes to the scheme. As well as previous meetings with officials, submissions from representative bodies have been invited, received and considered. I met with the Bar Council on 27 May and with the Law Society on 29 May and have considered the submissions made at those meetings.
My officials will continue to engage constructively with the representative bodies to deliver a reformed criminal legal aid system that works for all stakeholders; is efficient and effective; and provides value for money for the taxpayer.
Immigration Policy
Ceisteanna (714)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Ceist:714. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will seek a full exemption under article 62 of the AMMR (relocation quotas) due to the pressures currently been placed on housing demand, schools and hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45928/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, the International Protection Act 2026 gives effect to the EU Migration and Asylum Pact and came into effect on 12 June 2026.
The EU Migration and Asylum Pact has been designed to establish a common approach to migration and asylum that is partly based on the concepts of solidarity and responsibility amongst Member States.
The Asylum and Migration Management Regulation (AMMR) introduces a permanent, mandatory solidarity mechanism that will operate annually and be coordinated by the European Commission.
Under the Solidarity Mechanism, Member States must either accept relocations of asylum applicants from other Member States or pledge contributions to the Annual Solidarity Pool according to their fair share, based on 50% share of population and 50% share of GDP.
In the first Annual Migration Management Cycle, Ireland was deemed ‘At Risk of Migratory Pressure’ and will have priority access to an EU Migration Support Toolbox.
Deduction of solidarity contribution under Article 62 is available particularly for Member States facing significant migratory situation pursuant to Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/2323.
The first ‘Solidarity Pool’ has been agreed by the EU, and Ireland will not be accepting relocations due to pressures on our current system. Ireland will make an expected payment of up to €9.26 million in 2027 as a support to countries under the most extreme pressure.
Legal Aid
Ceisteanna (715)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:715. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of staff, by role, including solicitors, paralegals, mediators, administrative and other staff employed by the Legal Aid Board currently and in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45948/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Unfortunately, it has not been possible in the time available to obtain the information requested by the Deputy. I will write to the Deputy directly when the information is received from the Legal Aid Board.
State Bodies
Ceisteanna (716)
Seán Kyne
Ceist:716. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide an update on the establishment of a mediation council of Ireland as provided under the Mediation Act 2017; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45958/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The formation of the Mediation Council of Ireland is a key component of the Mediation Act 2017 and the overall development of mediation throughout Ireland. The Council will play an important role in promoting public awareness of mediation, maintaining and developing mediation standards (including continuous professional development) and establishing a national register of mediators.
Before a Ministerial Order can be made to designate a body as the Mediation Council of Ireland, the Mediation Council will first need to be established in its full membership of not less than eleven members, of which six, including the chair, must be public interest members. The Council must also act under its own agreed terms of association, as intended by the Oireachtas under the relevant legislation. To that end, a plenary meeting of the sector was held in early 2024, with the support of the Legal Aid Board, and with senior officials from my Department in attendance. This meeting agreed a clear direction that the mediation sector can work towards, along with support from my Department.
A Mediation Council Shadow Group was convened by the Legal Aid Board with the support of my Department to work towards the establishment of a Mediation Council of Ireland. The first meeting of the Shadow Group took place on 20 June 2024 and its work remains ongoing.
The agreed terms of reference provided that the group would principally work to establish a body as envisaged by Section 12 of the Mediation Act, 2017.
The terms of reference further provided that the Group would:
• review and agree arrangements for research;
• consider how to maintain and develop standards in the provision of mediation, to include a system of CPD training;
• develop a common Code of Practice, with potential input and involvement as needed from other statutory bodies;
• consider how a Register of Mediators could be established, maintained and would operate;
• consider and agree the criteria for the eleven members of the Council (and be reflective of the criteria set out in the Schedule to the Act); and,
• seek to work with the Department with the aim of bringing forward the case for an alternative funding model.
I look forward to seeing the outputs from the Mediation Council Shadow Group, including views on revised legislative provisions to facilitate establishment, and, in due course, the formal establishment and recognition of the Mediation Council of Ireland.
Agriculture Schemes
Ceisteanna (717, 721)
Ryan O'Meara
Ceist:717. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the work of developing a carbon farming framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44938/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraRyan O'Meara
Ceist:721. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on developing a carbon farming framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44936/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 717 and 721 together.
At EU level, the publication of the Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming (CRCF) Regulation (EU/2024/3012) is creating the first EU-wide voluntary framework for certifying carbon removals and carbon farming across the EU and this is welcome.
In tandem with developments at EU level, I am committed to developing a National Carbon Farming Framework to provide guidance to farmers, landowners and foresters on the overarching principles needed to develop carbon farming in Ireland.
At an early stage, I identified a strong need for stakeholder engagement to inform the development of this new policy area. My Department has held two public consultations and several stakeholder engagement events on Carbon Farming.
I recently published a draft set of principles entitled “Carbon Farming - Developments at European Union level and Principles to develop Carbon Farming in Ireland”. This document was informed by extensive input from stakeholders who highlighted their support for the continued development of a National Carbon Farming Framework.
To continue the momentum on stakeholder engagement, the first meeting of the Carbon Farming Stakeholder Group was held on 5th June 2026.
While the conditions seem to be right for Ireland to develop Carbon Farming, there are still many unknowns, especially in terms of how much value will be placed on different ecosystem services and how the market will evolve, both in the short and longer term. I remain committed to continuing this work and delivering a National Carbon Farming Framework.
Agriculture Industry
Ceisteanna (718)
Roderic O'Gorman
Ceist:718. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide information on the number of commercial egg farms nationwide; the percentage breakdown of enriched cage systems, barn systems, free-range operations and organic operations, with approximate overall numbers of birds in each of the four systems; the size (as in bird population) of the five largest operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44929/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The following table sets out details of the egg production systems for 2025:
|
Production Type |
No of Farms |
Max Bird Places |
|
Production Type |
No of Farms |
Max Bird Places |
|
Organic |
40 |
142,961 |
|
Free Range |
188 |
1,939,312 |
|
Barn |
30 |
1,100,556 |
|
Enriched Caged |
30 |
1,063,200 |
|
Total |
288 |
4,246,029 |
In 2025, around 17% of hens were situated in the five largest egg production operations.
Agriculture Industry
Ceisteanna (719)
Roderic O'Gorman
Ceist:719. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide information on the average size of the outdoor access area available to the hens on free-range farms; if there is a minimum outdoor space requirement set down by his Department for all free-range egg farms; if all organic egg farms provide outdoor access to the birds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44930/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The stocking density of free range hens is provided for in Annex II (1) (c) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/2465. This Regulation sets down the prescribed area in order for eggs to be classified as free range and states that the maximum stocking density of open-air runs must not be greater than 2,500 hens per hectare of ground available to the hens or one hen per 4m2 at all times. However, where at least 10m2 per hen is available and where rotation is practised and hens are given even access to the whole area over the flock’s life, each paddock used must at any time assure at least 2.5m2 per hen.
Irish free range egg production facilities generally have 4m2 of space for hens to roam.
With regards to organic poultry, continuous daytime open air access shall be provided from as early an age as practically possible and whenever physiological and physical conditions allow, except where temporary restrictions have been imposed on the basis of EU legislation.
Agriculture Industry
Ceisteanna (720)
Roderic O'Gorman
Ceist:720. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the practice of beak-trimming is used on commercial egg farms in Ireland; if so, the extent and the number of producers using this practice; the age at which beak-trimming takes place; the method in which the beaks are trimmed; if beak trimming is carried out by a veterinary professional, or by a farm worker; if by a farm worker, the specific training the farm workers receives in order to carry out this procedure; if anaesthetic or analgesia is used on the chicks prior to the trimming of their beaks; if there are commercial egg farms in the country which have a no-beak-trimming policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44931/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There is detailed EU and Irish legislation on the protection of laying hens which sets out a number of requirements for the housing and management of table egg layers. The legislation allows for beak trimming of birds, under certain conditions, to prevent feather pecking.
The practice of beak-trimming is not carried out on commercial egg farms in Ireland because birds for this sector are imported as day old chicks from Great Britain where beak trimming has already been carried out on the birds prior to their arrival here.
Only organic egg layer flocks have a no-beak trimming policy because this is a specific requirement of the EU organic legislation.
Question No. 721 answered with Question No. 717.