Written Answers Nos. 401-420
403. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection the gross expenditure in the most recent full year available on working family payment, one-parent family payment, jobseeker’s transitional payment and the child support payment, in tabular form. [46772/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe table below sets out the 2025 Provisional Outturn for Working Family Payment, One Parent Family Payment and Jobseeker's Allowance.
A few notes on the figures:
• They are provisional until the accounts are signed off by the C&AG later in the year.
• Child support Payments are included in the expenditure on each scheme. In 2026, the CSP will support over 300,000 children.
• In recent years, Jobseeker's Transitional Payment is included in expenditure for Jobseeker's Allowance, which is listed below. At the end of December 2025 there were approximately 18,200 recipients of Jobseeker's Transitional Payment.
|
Scheme |
2025 Provisional Outturn (€m rounded) |
|
Working Family Payment |
468 |
|
One Parent Family Payment |
756 |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance |
1,752 |
•
404. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection the average annual amount received per recipient household under working family payment, one-parent family payment, jobseeker’s transitional payment, and the child support payment, in tabular form. [46773/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra405. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection the distribution of payments received under working family payment, one-parent family payment, jobseeker’s transitional payment; and the child support payment, by number of qualified children and payment band, in tabular form. [46774/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra406. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection the maximum annual amount received by any household under working family payment, one-parent family payment, jobseeker’s transitional payment, and the child support payment, in tabular form. [46775/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 404, 405 and 406 together.
The Child Support Payment, formerly known as the Increase for a Qualified Child, is not a standalone payment but is a top-up on an underlying payment. It is payable across a range of payments including Pensions, Illness Disability and Caring, and Working Age Income Supports. The Child Support Payment is paid in respect of each eligible child, with a higher rate payable for children over 12. Accordingly, persons with more, and older, qualifying children will receive higher payment amounts.
Working Family Payment pays 60% of the difference between a person’s earnings and the thresholds set for the payment relative to family size, with a minimum weekly payment of €20. The thresholds for Working Family Payment increase in line with the number of children. The rates of Working Family Payment are therefore relative to both the number of children in the family, and the recipient’s earnings. Jobseeker’s Transitional Payment is administered as a form of Jobseeker’s Allowance, and expenditure and payments on Jobseeker’s Transitional Payment are not separately identifiable from Jobseeker’s Allowance.
It is not possible to report on the payments nor expenditure relating solely to the Child Support Payment. The banded gross payment amounts issued in respect of Working Family Payment, Jobseeker’s Allowance, and One Parent Family Payment, in 2025 at the individual level. This is based on gross payments only; it includes arrears payments that issued in 2025, and has not been adjusted for any overpayments, repayments, etc, and should not be understood to reflect the expenditure on these schemes. Payment values also include any additional allowances which were paid with the primary payment, such as the Child Support Payment, Fuel Allowance, etc.
|
Gross Payment Received (2025) |
Working Family Payment |
One Parent Family Payment |
Jobseeker's Allowance |
|
0-999 |
3,845 |
647 |
17,984 |
|
1,000-4,999 |
20,570 |
4,201 |
63,618 |
|
5,000-9,999 |
21,632 |
5,869 |
48,069 |
|
10,000-14,999 |
12,635 |
8,552 |
53,637 |
|
15,000-19,999 |
4,351 |
20,257 |
15,542 |
|
20,000-24,999 |
949 |
9,904 |
7,580 |
|
25,000+ |
202 |
2,196 |
5,104
|
Average payment values are published by my Department in its quarterly statistical report, which is available through gov.ie/dsp/statistics. These values are also based on gross payment values. The table below sets out the quarterly average for each quarter in 2025.
|
2025 |
Working Family Payment |
One Parent Family Payment |
Jobseeker's Allowance |
|
Q1 |
€194 |
€324 |
€268 |
|
Q2 |
€186 |
€324 |
€266 |
|
Q3 |
€180 |
€325 |
€269 |
|
Q4 |
€188 |
€378 |
€305
|
407. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the total number of asylum applications in the State for the years 2020 to date in 2026; and the number of applications accepted and refused for the same period, in tabular form. [46430/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am fully committed to ensuring that Ireland’s International Protection system is robust, and rules based, and that our borders are protected.
The number of International Protection applications have been rising over the past number of years, reaching 18,500 in 2024. In 2025, application numbers reduced by approximately a third.
There has been a significantly increased investment into the international protection system to improve efficiencies and throughput as well as enhancing the application, interview and decision-making process for applicants.
The International Protection Act 2026 gives effect to the EU Migration and Asylum Pact and came into effect on 12 June 2026.
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.
The below tables details the number of applications made from 2020 to 2025. Figures for 2026 are not currently available. I will write to the Deputy when that data is available.
|
Year of Application |
Total |
|
2020 |
1,565 |
|
2021 |
2,647 |
|
2022 |
13,642 |
|
2023 |
13,271 |
|
2024 |
18,553 |
|
2025 |
13,146 |
The below tables details the number of first instance decisions made from 2020 to 2025. Figures for 2026 are not currently available. I will write to the Deputy when that data is available.
|
First instance decisions |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Granted (RS, SP, PTR) |
725 |
1,521 |
3,537 |
3,235 |
3,906 |
3,743 |
|
Percentage |
32.17% |
61.78% |
71.86% |
36.79% |
28.07% |
18.55% |
|
Refused / withdrew / inadmissible/ Dormant |
1,529 |
941 |
1,385 |
5,558 |
10,010 |
16,434 |
|
Percentage |
67.83% |
38.22 |
28.14% |
63.21% |
71.93% |
81.45% |
Please note, figures are correct at time of issue, however, all statistics may be subject to data cleansing.
408. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for an update on the commitment in the Programme for Government to introduce stronger laws to combat the spiking of drinks and related offences. [46469/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSpiking is a crime that preys on vulnerability, that undermines consent and that can have devastating consequences for victims. As Minister I am committed to fostering a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence (DSGBV).
Spiking a person’s drink or spiking someone by injection are, in effect, poisoning, and are criminal offences under the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997, that can result in a three-year prison term.
Section 12 applies to anyone who intentionally or recklessly administers a substance which is capable of interfering substantially with another person’s bodily functions, which explicitly includes inducing unconsciousness or sleep. A person guilty of the offence of poisoning may be subject to a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment.
Depending on the nature of the substance that is administered, it may be possible to charge a perpetrator with endangerment under Section 13 of the Non-Fatal Offences against the Person Act 1997. This provides that it is an offence to intentionally or recklessly engage in conduct which creates a substantial risk of death or serious harm to another. The offence of endangerment carries a maximum penalty of seven years imprisonment.
Where the drugging took place for the purposes of committing a substantive offence, the perpetrator may also be charged with that substantive offence (e.g. such as rape or sexual assault, theft etc.), or where that offence was not completed, an attempt to commit a substantive offence.
While a complex area of law, an attempt in general terms can be considered to be committed where a person takes sufficiently proximate steps towards the commission of the offence, with intent to complete the crime.
An Garda Síochána takes all reports of spiking seriously and thoroughly investigates to determine the exact nature of each incident including results of toxicology reports in each case.
I would advise any victims of similar incidents or any form of spiking to come forward and report to local Gardaí.
As regards other initiatives to combat the spiking of drinks, last year, the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport launched a new, ‘Safe & Sound’ safety training initiative which includes new policy templates for a wide range of businesses in the Night-Time Economy such as pubs, restaurants, hotels, nightclubs, theatres, cultural venues, festivals, gyms, taxi services, and more.
The free online training is currently available in the nine Night-Time Economy Pilot areas (Dublin City, Cork City, Limerick City, Galway City, Kilkenny City, Drogheda, Sligo, Buncrana, and Longford Town), and delves into the various aspects of vulnerability after dark. It is specifically tailored and developed for those working at night, providing workers with an increased awareness of their responsibilities and duty of care, and training in actions that must be taken to reduce identified risks. The online training offers a number of express 30-minute modules which includes drink spiking prevention and response strategies.
More broadly, the Implementation Group for the Report of the Night-Time Economy has been in place since 2022 and was established to oversee the implementation of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce recommendations. There are a range of actions in the Night-Time Economy Taskforce Report aimed at tackling the challenges to a safe Night Time Economy.
This year the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport formed a dedicated Night-Time Economy subgroup on safety to further progress the recommendations in the Taskforce Report. The subgroup includes membership from the HSE, my Department, the Department of Health, An Garda Síochána and the Dublin Night-Time Advisor and Longford Night-Time Advisor.
The work of the group will aim to examine and develop initiatives and strategies that improve and enhance public safety to support a safe, welcoming and inclusive night-time environment for those enjoying a night out and for people working in the Night-Time Economy.
409. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the position regarding an ongoing immigration review (details supplied); the reasons for the delay in the case and lack of a determination; the implications of prolonged uncertainty for an Irish citizen child and her primary carer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46480/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that the application cited is with the EU Treaty Rights Division of my Department for consideration.
While every effort is made to issue a decision on each application as soon as possible, current processing times may vary having regard to the complexity of the application. The applicant concerned can be assured that there will be no avoidable delay in having their case brought to finality.
It is also open to the person cited to submit an application on the basis of the parentage of an Irish Citizen child. This can be done whilst they await an outcome in respect of their review. Details of submitting an application on this basis can be found at www.irishimmigration.ie/my-situation-has-changed-since-i-arrived-in-ireland/the-parent-of-an-irish-citizen-child/ .
Customers can directly check the status of their immigration application on the Immigration Service’s Customer Service Portal. They can register for, or log in to their existing account, at www.portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/ .
As an Oireachtas member, the Deputy can also request the status of individual immigration cases by e-mail, using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process.
410. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if crime statistics for assaults using knives are available for 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46541/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration does not collate or publish crime statistics. That responsibility rests with the Central Statistics Office (CSO), established under the Statistics Act 1993. Under section 13 of the Statistics Act 1993, the Central Statistics Office (CSO) is fully independent in its role of issuing statistics.
Recorded crime statistics are published quarterly and are available from the CSO website at [www.cso.ie/en/statistics/crimeandjustice/].
I can assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to ensuring that communities are safe and tackling knife crime remains an important part of that work.
Ireland has a comprehensive and robust legal framework in place to address knife crime, with penalties for knife-related offences strengthened in recent years. In 2024, legislation increased the maximum penalty for offences including possession of a knife with intent to cause injury, trespassing with a knife and producing a knife to unlawfully intimidate another person from five years to seven years imprisonment. In addition, the Government doubled the maximum penalty for assault causing harm to ten years imprisonment in 2023.
An Garda Síochána's report on Knife Related Crime for 2015-2024 provides detailed analysis of incidents involving the use and/ or possession of a knife. The report shows that assaults causing harm involving a knife accounted for, on average, less than 7% of all assault causing harm incidents over the past decade. The analysis also identified a 40% reduction in robberies involving a knife in retail spaces and a 35% reduction in robberies involving a knife in public spaces since 2020.
The report is publicly available on the Garda website and I am informed by Garda authorities that it will be updated later in 2026. The report can be viewed at the below link:
[www.garda.ie/en/about-us/publications/general-reports/knife-related-crime-2015-to-2024.pdf] .
An Garda Síochána continues to undertake a range of proactive measures to tackle assaults in public places, including those involving knives. This is informed by a pro-arrest, early-investigation and high-visibility policing approach.
Tackling knife crime requires a sustained, evidence-based approach that addresses wider issues such as anti-social behaviour, street violence and youth offending. The Department is supporting this work through youth justice measures and through the establishment of Local Community Safety Partnerships, which bring together a broad range of stakeholders including local communities, youth, education, new and minority communities, the business community and public services and An Garda Síochána to address community safety issues at local level.
The deputy may also be interested to note that An Garda Síochána are currently developing a new Crime Prevention and Reduction Strategy 2026-2029. Knife related crime will be encompassed with all violent crime within this new strategy.
411. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to expedite a family reunification visa application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46562/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that the Join Family visa application referred to was created on 26 April 2025. Supporting documentation was received on 22 May 2025. The application was received in the Dublin Visa office on 13 June 2025 where it awaits examination and processing.
My Department's business target for join family visa applications is 12 months. It must be made clear that these are business targets for the immigration service and some applications can take longer than others. The business target reflects the detailed and often complex assessment that is required to be carried out in relation to applications for family reunification.
While I acknowledge the personal difficulties an applicant might be experiencing, it is not possible to give a definitive date as to when this application will be finalised. All applications are processed in chronological order, based on date order of receipt.
While every effort is made to process applications as soon as possible, processing times will vary having regard to the volume and complexity of applications, the possible need for the Immigration Service Delivery function of my Department to investigate, inquire into, or seek further information, and the resources available.
Processing times and decisions at the Dublin Visa Office can be checked at the following link:
www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/ .
I am acutely aware that join family applications are very important for the people impacted. I understand that people are eager to have their families join them in Ireland, and I am committed to improving the service my Department provides.
The person concerned can now directly check the status of their visa application on the Immigration Service’s Customer Service Portal. They can register or log in to their existing account at: www.portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/ .
As an Oireachtas member, you can also request the status of individual immigration cases by e-mail, using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process.
412. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether there are plans to expand the community CCTV grant aid scheme to address gaps in coverage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46703/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra413. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the level of funding allocated under the community CCTV grant aid scheme in 2024, 2025 and to-date in 2026; the number of successful applications from County Mayo within that period; and whether additional funding will be made available to support towns seeking to improve public safety. [46704/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra415. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration his plans to introduce a more consistent national framework for the installation and maintenance of CCTV systems in towns across Ireland; and the measures being taken to support local authorities in delivering such infrastructure. [46707/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra417. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he is engaging with other Departments and local authorities to improve public safety in town centres, particularly in relation to lighting, urban design, and community safety initiatives; and if he will outline any current or planned strategies. [46709/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 412, 413, 415 and 417 together.
Community safety is a top priority for my Department and everyone has the right to be safe and to feel safe in their communities.
CCTV in public places has a role in giving people a greater sense of security. It can also be effective in deterring criminal activity and antisocial behaviour and assists with the investigation of crime.
Since 2017 my Department has administered a grant-aid scheme supporting groups wishing to establish a community-based CCTV system in their area, which provides grants of up to €40,000 for capital expenditure and up to €5,000 for maintenance.
This scheme was extended in 2019 to cover not only new CCTV systems, but to also provide funding for the extension or upgrade of existing CCTV systems which are incomplete or obsolete. Grants of over €968,000 have been approved to date for 36 Community CCTV schemes.
The consideration and operation of community CCTV by local authorities is a matter for the local authority concerned. As Minister, I have no role in local authorities and updates on the rollout of individual community CCTV schemes should be sought from the relevant local authority.
To-date, the following local authorities have availed of funding to operate community CCTV schemes: Carlow, Kerry, Kilkenny, Laois, Leitrim, Limerick, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Monaghan, Sligo, Wexford and Wicklow.
The attached table shows the amount of funding provided to CCTV schemes, by county, including Mayo, and by year from 2017 to-date in 2026. Please note there were no payments issued in 2017, 2025 and 2026.
The 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. 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 for any views or observations on the draft Code of Practice.
Prior to commencement, an amendment is 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.
With respect to engagement with local authorities to improve public safety in town centres, the 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. As Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration I have appointed members to all 36 of these Safety Partnerships.
Local Community Safety Partnerships (LCSP) have been established across the country to provide a more inclusive, community-led and multi-agency approach to local safety. They bring together a broad range of relevant stakeholders to address community safety issues in their area which will include residents, local councillors, community representatives, business and education representatives, and a range of public services including the HSE, Tusla, An Garda Síochána and the local authority. Each LCSP will focus on concerns identified and prioritised by local people and will develop and implement its own tailored community safety plan.
The National Office for Community Safety, an office of my Department, is providing support and guidance to local authorities on their operation.
|
Summary of Funded CCTV Schemes by County and by Year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
County |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
Total |
|
Wexford |
51,795 |
|
|
16,802 |
|
|
19,318 |
87,914 |
|
Leitrim |
20,000 |
20,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
40,000 |
|
Wicklow |
20,000 |
|
|
45,000 |
|
20,000 |
5,000 |
90,000 |
|
Limerick |
|
167,289 |
|
|
|
167,287 |
|
334,575 |
|
Carlow |
|
12,542 |
|
22,542 |
|
|
|
35,084 |
|
Sligo |
|
4,418 |
|
|
9,418 |
|
|
13,835 |
|
Laois |
|
22,969 |
22,725 |
|
|
|
30,693 |
76,388 |
|
Kilkenny |
|
|
15,500 |
|
|
10,500 |
|
26,000 |
|
Louth |
|
|
64,383 |
|
|
|
14,758 |
79,141 |
|
Monaghan |
|
|
25,000 |
|
|
|
20,000 |
45,000 |
|
Kerry |
|
|
|
47,877 |
|
|
47,877 |
95,754 |
|
Longford |
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
20,000 |
40,000 |
|
Mayo |
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
Total |
91,795 |
227,217 |
127,608 |
157,220 |
9,418 |
197,787 |
157,647 |
968,691 |
414. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of Garda personnel currently assigned to Ballina Garda Station; the way in which this compares with previous years. [46706/26]
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. 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, along with the same sheet 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.
416. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the supports available to victims of assault in cases where prosecutions do not proceed, including where mental health issues arise in relation to the alleged perpetrator; and if additional supports are being considered in such circumstances. [46708/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Act 2017, which transposed the EU Victims’ Rights Directive into Irish law, sets out a framework of rights and entitlements for victims. This includes access to information, support services, and protection measures.
My Department continues to provide significant funding to organisations providing advocacy, counselling, accompaniment and practical supports to victims and their families. Under Budget 2026 more than €4.3 million has been allocated for this purpose.
These supports are available irrespective of whether a prosecution proceeds or results in a conviction. Victims may continue to access counselling, information and advocacy services where a case does not proceed, including in circumstances where issues relating to the mental health of an alleged perpetrator arise.
Earlier this month, the Council of the European Union and European Parliament formally adopted an amending Victims’ Rights Directive. Ireland actively engaged in negotiations on this Directive, aiming to ensure at EU level that supports for victims are further entrenched. In many respects, the enhanced provisions reflect practices that are already in place nationally under existing legislation and policy.
Ireland will be obliged to transpose the new Directive into Irish law by mid-2028. Officials in my Department will, as a matter of standard practice, review our victims’ rights legislation and policies during the transposition process. It is anticipated that this process will include consideration of whether additional guidelines or protocols are required to further improve cooperation and coordination in realising victims’ rights.
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme is also in place to help those who have suffered personal injuries because of a violent crime committed against them. The Scheme is administered by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal which is independent in making decisions on individual applications and in its decisions on appeals.
I recognise that such situations can be particularly difficult and distressing for victims. My Department keeps the adequacy of victim supports under ongoing review, including though engagement with the Victims Forum, a mechanism for state, social and community groups to discuss how best to work together to meet the needs of victims, and will continue to consider measures that may strengthen the assistance available to victims of crime and help them recover from the impact of offending.
Coming forward to report a crime can be a traumatic experience for victims and I am determined to do everything in my power to ensure that the criminal justice system empowers victims to have the confidence to report an offence, knowing they will be supported, informed, and treated respectfully for the entirety of the difficult journey they have to face.
Significant work has already been undertaken to improve victims’ experiences, including through the implementation of ‘Supporting a Victims Journey’; a detailed implementation plan to give effect to the recommendations made in the O'Malley Review, which was published in 2020.
Additionally, the 'Victims of Crime – Know Your Rights' campaign was launched in April of 2023 to inform victims of what to expect, what their legal rights are and the supports available at every step in the process when they engage with the justice system. The campaign directs people to the VictimsCharter.ie website, which sets out an individual's rights in an easily accessible manner and helps victims of crime to locate services and supports.
418. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the total number of instances where a fee of €300 was paid for the issuing of an IRP card, including both registration and renewal, in 2025; and the total income from this activity. [46730/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card provides a person with a secure immigration document that includes individual biometrics indicators protected by a sophisticated encryption system and showing the holders’ immigration status in the State.
The issuance of the IRP card is the final act of a legal and administrative process involving consideration of the applicant’s particular circumstances and reason for wishing to reside in the State, by a number of different Units in Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) of my Department. The registration fee of €300 is designed to reflect the totality of that effort and cost in processing immigration residence permissions. These costs are above and beyond the cost of the physical production of the card itself.
It is normal practice throughout EU Member States to charge a fee for immigration services. The current registration fee has remained unchanged since 2012 and is subject to a range of exemptions insofar as certain groups of applicants are concerned.
An applicant is exempted from the fee if they:
• A minor under 18 at the time of registration
• A spouse, widow or widower of an Irish citizen
• A civil partner or surviving civil partner of an Irish citizen
• A spouse or dependent of an EU national who has a residence permit
• A Programme Refugee or a person granted Refugee Status under Section 47(1) of the International Protection Act 2015
• A person granted Subsidiary Protection under Section 47(4) of the International Protection Act 2015
• A person granted Permission to Remain under Section 49(4)(a) of the International Protection Act 2015
• A family member reunited with a recognised refugee in Ireland under Section 56 of the International Protection Act 2015
• A person who has been granted a change of permission due to domestic violence
Since 13 January 2025, all nationwide first-time registrations of Irish immigration residence permissions are the responsibility of the Registration Office of ISD of my Department. Furthermore, since November 2024, all renewals of immigration permissions transferred to ISD and are done using my Department’s online platform, meaning that applicants from across the country no longer have to attend in person at their local Garda Station.
I can inform the Deputy that the total revenue generated for both first time registrations and immigration permission renewals in 2025 was €79,022,400 in relation to 263,408 instances where the registration fee was paid.
Please note, figures are correct at time of issue, however, all statistics may be subject to data cleansing.
419. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current and capital annual budget allocated for the Fishery Harbour Centre and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme for each of the years 2025 and 2026; the estimated cost of increasing this budget by 5% and 10% respectively, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46408/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department owns, operates, develops and maintains six designated State-owned Fishery Harbour Centres, located at Castletownbere, Dingle, Dunmore East, Howth, Killybegs and Ros An Mhíl. My Department also has responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of North Harbour at Cape Clear, as well as the maintenance of a small number of specific piers, lights and beacons throughout Ireland.
Hence, every year, my Department allocates funding under the Fishery Harbour Centre and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme, which contains details of the capital projects planned for each Fishery Harbour Centre, North Harbour, along with those other piers, lights and beacons that the Department has responsibility for.
The programme also includes provisions for our Local Authority Marine Infrastructure Scheme. This scheme provides funding to coastal Local Authorities for a wide range of shovel-ready capital projects, such as pier repairs, slipway upgrades, safety improvements and enhancement of marine leisure facilities.
The Fishery Harbour Centre and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme is an annual capital investment programme. Fishery Harbour Centres do not receive exchequer funding for operational costs, apart from a small number of clerical staff. Current expenditure for the day-to-day operations, staffing, and routine maintenance of these centres is mainly self-financed through commercial revenue generated directly by the harbours, primarily via harbour dues and property rentals and supplemented by cash reserves.
The table below details the capital funding allocated to the programme for each of the years 2025 and 2026, including the cost of increasing each of those years’ allocations by 5% and 10% respectively. The Carryover figure represents my Department's allocation of unspent funds to the programme from the previous fiscal year approved during the Revised Estimates Process.
Capital Funding Allocations & Projected Increases (2025–2026)
|
Year |
Initial Budget Allocation |
REV 2 Carryover Allocation |
Fishery Harbour Centre Fund |
Total Budget Allocation |
Projected 5% Increase |
Projected 10% Increase |
|
2025 |
€26 million |
€1.3 million |
€0.45 million |
€27.75 million |
€29.14 million |
€30.53 million |
|
2026 |
€20 million |
€7 million |
€0 |
€27 million |
€28.35 million |
€29.70 million |
420. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total current and capital annual budget allocated by his Department to the Marine Institute for each of the years 2025 and 2026; if he will provide a breakdown of any additional co-funding or external program funding channelled through his Department to the institute in those years; the projected cost of increasing this overall budget allocation by 5% and 10% respectively, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46409/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe funding allocated by my Department provides for the current and capital costs of the Marine Institute (MI) to enable it to perform its core functions. This includes research and data collection underpinning the Common Fisheries Policy; co-coordinating, promoting and assisting in marine research and development and providing such services related to marine research and development that facilitate marine economic development while protecting the marine environment.
The funding allocated by my Department to the Marine Institute is as follows, figures are taken from the Revised book of estimates published following annual budget process:
The funding allocated by my Department to the Marine Institute for 2025 was €45,063,000 and is €45,438,000 for 2026.
|
Increase of |
|
|
|
Budget 2026 |
5%, |
10% |
|
€45,438,000 |
€47,709,900 |
€49,981,800 |
As well as the allocation provided by my Department, the Seafood Development Programme co-funded by the Government and the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) channels financial resources to support the Common Fisheries Policy, the EU Maritime policy and the EU agenda for international ocean governance. Funding from this fund provided to the MI for 2025 was €3,995,000 and the allocation for 2026 is €3,755,000.
