Robert O'Donoghue
Ceist:495. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Social Protection to review the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47661/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraHousing Schemes
Ceisteanna (495)
Freagraí scríofa
The Rent Supplement (RS) scheme provides short-term income support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source.
Supports from my department are not intended to cover circumstances where another Government Department or Agency has the primary responsibility. The responsibility for the provision of rent support to those with long-term housing need rests with the local authorities. Persons with long-term housing need should contact their local authority where information is available about suitable housing supports including the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP).
The person concerned has been in receipt of RS since April 2017. Department records indicate that the Community Welfare Officer (CWO) who made a house visit to the person, assisted them with the completion of their initial application for RS, and also with the application for Social Housing support. The onus was on the person to send the Housing Support application to the relevant local authority together with any supporting documents required. The Department cannot confirm if the application was submitted.
The person should contact Fingal County Council if they require access to a previously submitted housing application.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
Social Welfare Payments
Ceisteanna (496)
Ryan O'Meara
Ceist:496. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Social Protection if a pensioner and former coal miner can now apply for the disablement benefit payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47676/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Disablement Benefit is a compensatory scheme for persons who have suffered a loss of faculty due to injury arising out of and in their insurable employment. All qualifying criteria for Disablement Benefit must be satisfied for receipt of the scheme.
Disablement Benefit can be paid in addition to any other Social Welfare payment including State Pension Contributory and Non Contributory payments.
In 2010, an agreement was reached by my Department with the National Coal Miners Group Committee that a mechanism would be put in place to deal with current or potential entitlements for former miners who suffer from pneumoconiosis, in accordance with the existing terms of the occupational injuries benefit scheme.
This agreement is still in place and therefore, the Department continues to consider applications accordingly.
All claims must meet the criteria for disablement benefit before they can be referred to the Chief Medical Officer of my Department. These include, the insurability of employment must be established (the person must have been employed as a miner on or after 1 May 1967) and the disease must have developed on or after 1 May 1967.
The Chief Medical Officer must then be satisfied that there is evidence of pneumoconiosis.
The person concerned can make an application for Disablement Benefit and their claim will be processed in accordance with current guidelines.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Residency Permits
Ceisteanna (497, 498, 499, 500, 536, 537)
Colm Burke
Ceist:497. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the action is being taken by his Department to improve upon current timelines for the processing of Irish residency permit renewal applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48029/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraColm Burke
Ceist:498. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the measures being undertaken by his Department to ensure that there is sufficient staffing numbers to process Irish residency permit renewal applications, in view of significant delays currently being experienced by applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48030/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraColm Burke
Ceist:499. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if consideration would be given to the provision of clear guidance for employers, landlords, and financial institutions confirming that a pending Irish residency permit renewal application with acknowledgement email and OREG number would be treated as valid proof of status, so the burden of the delay in the processing of an Irish residency permit renewal application does not fall on individual applicants thus not impacting on their employment whilst the application is being processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48031/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraRobert O'Donoghue
Ceist:500. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current average processing time for online Stamp 4 renewal applications; the number of renewal applications currently awaiting decision; the measures being taken to address processing backlogs within immigration service delivery; whether consideration has been given to introducing an expedited or compassionate processing pathway for applicants facing urgent travel, family or employment circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48086/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:536. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he is aware of the delays in processing applications for visa renewals and IRP cards (details supplied); his plans to address the backlog issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47615/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraRichard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:537. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration his views on the delays in processing IRP renewal applications, for example for Russian nationals who are legally living and working here; if he will clarify the steps he is taking to address these serious matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47616/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 497, 498, 499, 500, 536 and 537 together.
The Registration Office of my Department is currently experiencing an exceptionally high demand for first time registration appointments and immigration permission renewal applications.
I understand that the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants, and I can assure the Deputy that my Department is exploring every avenue available to facilitate as many customers as possible and to increase processing capacity.
The Registration Office is open seven days a week to facilitate customers to process both first time registration appointments and online renewals. Additional staff have been assigned to this work, which has now begun to reduce the processing time for renewals. For certain categories of renewals, the processing time is now approximately 6 - 8 weeks from the time of initial application, with no category exceeding a wait time of 16 weeks.
The Registration Office provide a live application processing date broken down by stamp category, which is updated every Monday, and is available at the following link: www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/how-to-renew-your-current-permission/renewing-your-registration-permission-if-you-live-in-the-republic-of-ireland/.
In order to ensure a fair and equitable service, renewals are processed in order of date submitted. If the application is approved, the person concerned can expect to receive their new Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card within the following 10-15 working days.
The Registration Office has also issued a notice to employers regarding the legality of employing someone awaiting renewal. This notice can be found here: www.irishimmigration.ie/notice-to-employers-regarding-employees-awaiting-renewal-of-their-irp-card/.
If an employee’s IRP card has expired and they are unable to obtain a new one by the expiry date of their current IRP card, they are still legally permitted to remain in the State on their existing IRP card for a maximum of 12 weeks. This 12 week provision is subject to the employee providing proof that they have applied to renew their permission, including when changing stamp category, prior to their current IRP card expiring.
Applicants can now 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 https://portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/.
It is also open to any person to request to have their renewal application expedited due to extenuating circumstances, and they can do so by contacting the Registration team of my Department via the Customer Service Portal. They will need to explain their circumstances and the urgent need to travel and will be required to submit proof of travel, for example a flight booking and the reason of the emergency. All such requests are considered on a case by case basis.
Question No. 498 answered with Question No. 497.
Question No. 499 answered with Question No. 497.
Question No. 500 answered with Question No. 497.
Prison Service
Ceisteanna (501)
Cormac Devlin
Ceist:501. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the breakdown from the Irish Prison Service of the percentages of prisoner and staff legal claims by sanitisation, trips, slips, falls and sexual assaults, over the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46822/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Following the Supreme Court judgment in Simpson v The Governor of Mountjoy Prison & Others [November 2019] a Settlement Scheme was devised by the State Claims Agency [January 2020] with a view to minimising Court involvement in similar claims.
Under the terms of the Settlement Scheme, offers of damages and measured legal costs are made to qualifying claimants. To date a total of 2,817 claims have been received under the Settlement Scheme. Table 1 below sets out the status of the claims received since the Settlement Scheme was established.
Table 1: Status of claims received under the Settlement Scheme
|
Status of Case |
Number of Cases |
|
Claims Under Investigation |
2 |
|
Claims Under Litigation |
134 |
|
Claims Being Concluded |
1 |
|
Claims Being Finalised |
5 |
|
Claims Closed |
2675 |
|
Total |
2817 |
*Correct to 15 June 2026
The State Claims Agency [the National Treasury Management Agency] has delegated authority to manage the majority of personal injury and third-party property damage claims against the State and State authorities.
Table 2 below provides a breakdown of the percentage of claims received by the State Claims Agency [Prisoner/Staff Member] over the past ten years involving slips trips and falls, lack of in-cell sanitation, and sexual assaults. The information contained within Table 2 was extracted from the National Incident Management System (NIMS). The data is correct as of 01/06/2026.
Table 2: IPS claims received by prisoners/staff members in the period 2016-2025
|
Claim type |
Prisoner |
Staff Member |
Grand Total |
|
Lack-of-in cell sanitation |
73.0% |
0% |
63.5% |
|
Slips, Trips, Falls |
6.8% |
26.4% |
9.4% |
|
Sexual Assault |
0.1% |
1.1% |
0.2% |
|
Other* |
20.0% |
72.5% |
26.9% |
|
Grand Total |
100.0% |
100.0% |
100.0% |
* Other includes all other claims by Staff Members (for example, claims involving violence harassment and aggression, manual/people handling, exposure to biological hazards and crashes/collisions).
In addition to the claims received by the State Claims Agency, the Irish Prison Service received 5 claims involving allegations of sexual assault [3 prisoner claims; 2 staff member claims] over the past ten year period. These claims fall outside the statutory remit of the State Claims Agency as they involve allegations against Prison Officers [as per section 7(1)(b) of the National Treasury Management Agency (Amendment) Act 2000].
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal administers a scheme of compensation for personal injuries criminally inflicted on Prison Officers.
Since 1990, an occupational Scheme of Compensation for Personal Injuries Criminally Inflicted on Prison Officers is in place for prison officers who suffer personal injuries due to a violent crime experienced in the course of their duties. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal administers this Scheme as well as the Scheme of Compensation for Personal Injuries Criminally Inflicted.
The administrative processes underpinning both Schemes is the same and the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal makes decisions in relation to both Schemes. Further details of awards made under both Schemes and other statistics are published annually and are available at www.gov.ie/en/criminal-injuries-compensation-scheme/publications/what-the-criminal-injuries-compensation-scheme-is/.
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (502)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:502. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of new unmarked Garda vans added to the Meath-Westmeath division in each of the years of 2024, 2025 and to-date in 2026; the number of unmarked Garda vans withdrawn from this division during the same period, in tabular form. [46840/26]
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 the distribution and deployment of the Garda fleet across the State. The Commissioner is independent in his functions under Section 34 of the Act.
Garda authorities have provided the table below which sets out the number of unmarked vans allocated to and removed from the Meath-Westmeath Division in 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026.
|
|
Allocations |
Removals |
|
2024 |
1 |
0 |
|
2025 |
0 |
2 |
|
2026 |
0 |
0 |
I am informed that the purchase and allocation of vehicles by An Garda Síochána is made on the basis of identified operational demands, the availability of resources, and is reviewed on a continual basis.
International Protection
Ceisteanna (503)
Marie Sherlock
Ceist:503. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the process for procuring the representative service as required and described in chapter two of the International Protection Act 2026; the value of the tender; the period that it was open for; the number of applications received to perform that role; and the name of the organisation appointed to provide the service and their skills and background. [46918/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The International Protection Act 2026 introduces a structured, statutory framework for the appointment and role of a child representative for unaccompanied minors. The provisions are materially stronger and more explicit than under the 2015 Act, and are aligned with the EU Pact requirements.
Every unaccompanied minor applying for international protection is assigned a representative in line with their best interests. The legislation requires the representative to represent, assist and act on behalf of the unaccompanied minor, safeguarding the best interests and well-being of the child.
Specifically, the process is designed to ensure that minors have the support they need with clear, accessible information about the international protection process, and are given meaningful opportunities to express their views in a manner appropriate to their age, development, and individual needs.
Under the Act, the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration is responsible for appointing the representatives required, and an information booklet for organisations interested in applying was prepared, setting out the required delivery of services. The contract was advertised on Immigration Service Delivery’s website and on Activelink. A total of seven applications were submitted and reviewed by an evaluation panel.
Upon reviewing the criteria set out in the information booklet, AllPro Services was identified as the strongest applicant for this role. The value of the contract cannot be disclosed at this time as it is commercially sensitive.
AllPro confirmed previous relevant experience in a number of locations, including responding to emergency welfare presentations involving underage homeless individuals and vulnerable young people. Child representatives are CORU registered, provide cover across the country and are available to attend airport or port as necessary with a very short timeframe.
This contract is in place for an initial six months, during which time a comprehensive evaluation will take place. This evaluation will inform discussions on how the programme should continue.
Sentencing Policy
Ceisteanna (504, 505, 506, 507)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:504. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of orders granted under Rule 59 of the Prison Rules in 2024 and 2025; whether a circular or other guidance document exists regarding the procedure for the enhanced remission process under Rule 59, by year, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46948/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMatt Carthy
Ceist:505. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the policy in place to ensure fair procedures and consistency across the prison estate for the decision-making process under Rule 59 of the Prison Rules; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46949/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMatt Carthy
Ceist:506. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the information provided to the applicant where he makes a negative decision under Rule 59 of the Prison Rules, having considered the matters contained in subparagraph (f); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46950/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMatt Carthy
Ceist:507. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the appeals mechanism that exists following a decision made under Rule 59 of the Prison Rules; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46951/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 504, 505, 506 and 507 together.
Rule 59 of Statutory Instrument No 252 of 2007 (the Prison Rules), as amended by Statutory Instrument No 385 of 2014, govern the awarding of remission. In summary, prisoners sentenced to a term of imprisonment, with the exception of prisoners without a determined sentence, for example life sentence prisoners, qualify for one quarter remission on the basis of good behaviour.
In addition, prisoners who have engaged in authorised structured activity may apply to receive enhanced remission of greater than one quarter but not exceeding one third of their sentence, as may be determined by the Minister. In order to grant a prisoner enhanced remission, the Minister must be satisfied that the prisoner is less likely to re-offend and is better able to re-integrate into the community.
Information in relation to enhanced remission is contained in the Prisoner Information Booklet, which is provided to every prisoner on committal. Prisoners are also advised to contact their Class Officer for further information, if required.
A prisoner can apply to the Minister by completing an enhanced remission application form, which is available in all prisons. An acknowledgement letter is then sent to the prisoner informing them of receipt of their application and an approximate date on which a decision will be made on the enhanced remission application. Once a decision is made, a letter is sent to the prisoner informing them of the decision and the reasons for that decision.
When considering applications for enhanced remission, the Minister shall have regard to:
• the manner and extent to which the prisoner has engaged constructively in authorised structured activity;
• the manner and extent to which the prisoner has taken steps to address his or her offending behaviour;
• the nature and gravity of the offence to which the sentence of imprisonment being served by the prisoner relates;
• the sentence of imprisonment concerned and any recommendations of the court that imposed the sentence;
• the period of the sentence served by the prisoner;
• the potential threat to the safety and security of members of the public (including the victim of the offence to which the sentence of imprisonment being served by the prisoner relates);
• any offence of which the prisoner was convicted before being convicted of the offence to which the sentence of imprisonment being served by him or her relates;
• the conduct of the prisoner while in custody or during a period of temporary release;
• any report or recommendation made by the Governor, the Garda Síochána, Probation Officer or any other person whom the Minister considers would be of assistance in enabling him or her to make a decision on such an application.
There is no appeal mechanism following a decision made by the Minister under Rule 59 of the Prison Rules, however, a prisoner can reapply for enhanced remission by submitting a new application.
The information requested by the Deputy is outlined in the table below:
|
|
|
|
|
Enhanced Remission Applications |
|
Year |
Applications Received |
Decisions Made |
Applications Approved |
|
|
2024 |
400* |
278 |
87 |
|
|
2025 |
351** |
265 |
105 |
|
*No decision made/required on 122 applications as prisoners no longer in custody / submitted application early.
** No decision made/required on 86 applications as prisoners no longer in custody / submitted application early.
Question No. 505 answered with Question No. 504.
Question No. 506 answered with Question No. 504.
Question No. 507 answered with Question No. 504.
Ukraine War
Ceisteanna (508)
James Geoghegan
Ceist:508. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to review matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46952/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Minister O'Callaghan and I recently obtained Government approval for a number of measures to transition Ukraine Accommodation Supports and Temporary Protection. All information relating to these measures can be found at www.gov.ie/en/department-of-justice-home-affairs-and-migration/campaigns/ukraine-updates-en
The approved measures are 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 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.
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.
This alternative 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 of minimum yearly earnings, 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.
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.
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.
The Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) scheme, the tax-free payment scheme for hosts accommodating beneficiaries of temporary protection, will end on 31 March 2027. In line with the Government decision of 26 May 2026, I intend to reduce the monthly payment rate to €400 from September 2026, returning it to its original rate when the scheme was launched in 2022. Before doing so, the necessary statutory tasks will be completed to obtain the consent of the Ministers for Social Protection and for Public Expenditure and to again seek Oireachtas approval to make the required order. The objective is to enable an orderly and gradual winding down of the scheme with due regard to all those involved.
For further information on the scheme, please visit www.gov.ie/en/department-of-justice-home-affairs-and-migration/publications/accommodation-recognition-payment-scheme-your-questions-answered/.
Coordinated work between the 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.
Departmental Funding
Ceisteanna (509)
Mark Ward
Ceist:509. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if funding for community prison links workers will be transferred from the Department of Justice; Home Affairs and Migration to the HSE; the timeline this will happen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47008/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department acts only as a conduit for prison-link projects and I am advised that they are currently funded chiefly by the Department of Health. The Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration has no role in monitoring the projects, dealing with funding requests, or looking at any of their day-to-day activities.
The Deputy may wish to put a question to the Minister for Health in this regard.
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (510, 549)
Paul Lawless
Ceist:510. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the measures being taken to reduce Garda vetting application waiting times and support local clubs (details supplied) who are experiencing difficulties due to volunteers awaiting vetting approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47027/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraRobert O'Donoghue
Ceist:549. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the steps being taken to address delays in the Garda vetting process, particularly for the Early Education and Childcare Sectors, where providers report waiting up to eight weeks for vetting clearance for new employees; whether consideration has been given to introducing alternative interim measures, such as recognising a valid Garda vetting disclosure obtained through another regulated employer or service, pending completion of a new vetting application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47756/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 510 and 549 together.
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. This includes all operational matters, such as Garda vetting applications which are an operational matter for the Garda National Vetting Bureau under the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012 (as amended).
The primary purpose of vetting carried out by the Garda National Vetting Bureau is to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults. This requires a robust Garda vetting process that reassures the public, and in particular parents, that appropriate checks are conducted on people taking on positions of trust.
Responsibility for policy in relation to the childcare and childminding sector rests with the Department of Children, Disability and Equality. That Department, together with Tusla, engages directly with the Garda National Vetting Bureau on operational matters affecting the sector.
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that from 1 January to 31 March 2026, the Garda National Vetting Bureau received 176,093 and completed 158,989 vetting applications. In 2025 Garda National Vetting Bureau received 633,563 and completed 596,975 vetting applications.
I am aware that concerns have been raised regarding certain aspects of the Garda vetting process and I have listened carefully to the views of affected sectors. Further to the work of an Interdepartmental Vetting Review Group, I have directed that steps be taken to implement a number of key changes, specifically in relation to re-vetting and the portability of vetting.
These changes will require amending legislation and updated technical systems to support the revised approach, to make the process more efficient for volunteers and organisations, without compromising the essential safeguards that protect vulnerable individuals.
My Department is actively engaging with the Garda National Vetting Bureau on the detailed work of developing the necessary legislative and technical steps to meet these goals in a way that is workable in practice. This includes an assessment of appropriate models for an expansion of digital service delivery, which is a very significant project that will necessarily take time to fully scope and implement.
Naturalisation Applications
Ceisteanna (511, 512)
Roderic O'Gorman
Ceist:511. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if the previous discretionary process whereby applicants for naturalisation have residency reckoned from their date of arrival in the State, instead of the date they were granted status, will apply to persons who applied for naturalisation before 8 December 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47086/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraRoderic O'Gorman
Ceist:512. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his attention has been drawn to the fact that refugees who applied for citizenship prior to 8 December 2025 have been sent a letter from the citizenship unit advising them to submit "compelling reasons"; the reason the previous practice of refugees applying for citizenship three years from the date of their asylum application should apply to them; the “compelling reasons” the Department would consider to be in this instance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47087/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 511 and 512 together.
Effective from 8 December 2025, refugees are generally required to have five years of reckonable residence in the State to meet the eligibility criteria for citizenship. Applications for citizenship submitted prior to 8 December 2025 will continue to be assessed in accordance with the previous residency requirement of three years, while applications submitted on and after that date are assessed under the revised policy of five years.
Under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, time spent in the State as an applicant for International Protection is not reckonable residence towards becoming an Irish citizen (as stated in section 16A(1)(c)). Only once an individual has been granted an International Protection declaration and who has accrued the required period of reckonable residence in the State can they generally be considered for Irish citizenship.
Since 2025, Citizenship Division has been reviewing the previous discretionary practice of waiving any shortfall of reckonable residence after the date of grant of international protection by looking at an applicant’s date of arrival in the State. This review is being done following legal advice. As part of this process Citizenship Division wrote to all applicants asking them to provide any submissions they wished the Minister to consider in determining whether any or all the statutory conditions for the issue of a Certificate of naturalisation be waived, particularly any shortfall in reckonable residence.
Question No. 512 answered with Question No. 511.
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (513)
Cian O'Callaghan
Ceist:513. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the reason the GSOC Report made under Section 102(5) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 by the former Minister for Justice in April 2014, has not yet been provided to a family (details supplied); if he will commit to releasing this report in the public interest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47180/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can advise Deputy that under Section 173 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, Fiosrú (which replaced GSOC) is independent in the performance of its functions.
I am informed that the matter referred to is currently before the Courts and it would not be appropriate for me to comment.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (514)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:514. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of nationals of countries outside the UK, EU or EEA who were resident in the State and who were naturalised as Irish citizens in each of the years from 2011 to 2025 and to date in 2026. [47215/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
All applications for a certificate of naturalisation are assessed individually based on the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended.
Applicants are required to have 5 years reckonable residence in the State prior to making an application, except for spouses of Irish nationals where the requirement is 3 years. In all cases, the final 12 months must be continuous residence in the State with up to 70 days allowed to facilitate foreign travel for business, family or holiday purposes.
The number of people who received a certificate of naturalisation from 2011 to 2025, excluding UK and EU and EEA nationals, is outlined in the table below.
Applicants must attend a citizenship ceremony before they will receive a naturalisation certificate. The first ceremonies of 2026 are taking place this week, as such, the information for 2026 is not available.
Table 1. Nationals of countries outside the UK, EU or EEA naturalised as Irish citizens 2011-2025
|
Year |
Total number of people |
|
2011 |
6,196 |
|
2022 |
9,528 |
|
2023 |
13,830 |
|
2024 |
18,042 |
|
2025 |
23,147 |
* Please note, figures are correct at time of issue, however, all statistics may be subject to data cleansing.