Written Answers Nos. 343-362
343. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will advise on a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied) in relation to the tendering process for the hot school meals programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48362/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the School Meals Scheme my Department provides the funding for the meals directly to the school and it is the responsibility of each school board to administer the Scheme for their school including managing the procurement process.
All public spending must comply with procurement rules. The Schools Procurement Unit under the Department of Education and Youth, provides guidance to schools for all procurement including the School Meals Scheme. In conjunction with my Department they have provided webinars and frequently asked questions to support schools through their procurement process including the evaluation of tenders.
The recent refinements to the procurement system, which underpin the Scheme, strengthens it by ensuring consistent standards across all participating schools. They also reflect the combined input of several Government Departments and State agencies, ensuring that schools and providers operate safely and compliantly across areas such as food safety, health and safety, fire safety, and building regulations.
No new legislation has been introduced or application of the law changed.
Taste assessment, or food sampling is not part of the marking of tender evaluations. Food preferences vary from person to person therefore schools follow the programme’s Nutritional Standards, developed by expert dietitians ensures consistency, quality, and appropriate nutritional balance.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
344. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal will receive a decision on their appeal for domiciliary care allowance; if the appeal can be expedited given the circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48398/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence, has decided to allow the appeal of the person concerned by way of a summary decision.
The person concerned will be notified of the Appeals Officer’s decision in the coming days.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
345. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection if he intends to address the issue where those in receipt of the widow’s pension cannot avail of illness benefit in Budget 2027; the reason such a restriction is in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48413/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIllness Benefit is the primary short term income support provided by my Department to those who are unable to work due to illness of any type and who are covered by social insurance.
Eligibility for Illness Benefit depends on the person’s PRSI record and class. People must have made the required number of contributions under PRSI classes A, E, H or P to qualify.
The Widow’s/Widower’s/Surviving Civil Partner’s Pension was renamed the Bereaved Partner’s Pension on 21 July 2025, the date of enactment of the Social Welfare (Bereaved Partner’s Pension and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2025. This Act extends eligibility to a qualified cohabitant of the deceased person. The pension is a weekly payment to those who have lost their spouse, civil partner or qualified cohabitant and are covered by social insurance.
There is a general principle of one person, one payment, which applies across the social welfare system. Given the contingency-based nature of this system, it can happen that a person may experience more than one contingency at the same time but, generally, they can receive only one payment. This principle is common to social security systems across the world. Illness Benefit and the Bereaved Partner's Pension are, generally, not payable concurrently.
However, if a person is getting a reduced rate of Bereaved Partner’s (Contributory) Pension, they may also get a reduced rate of Illness Benefit, so that the combined amount of both payments reaches the maximum rate of Illness Benefit to which they would otherwise be entitled.
With regard to additional supports, my Department also provides an Additional Needs Payment under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme to help meet essential expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income. This includes certain supplements to assist with ongoing or recurring costs that cannot be met from a person’s own resources and are deemed to be necessary.
My Department will continue to keep its range of supports under review to ensure that they meet their overall objectives. Any changes to the current system would need to be considered in an overall policy and budgetary context, taking account of social insurance contribution rates and the overall sustainability of the Social Insurance Fund.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
346. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of complaints made by his Department to social media or online marketing companies about specific online posts or accounts for each year from 2020 to 2025, and to date in 2026. [48619/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department has published its Social Media Terms and Conditions of Engagement which is available at https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-social-protection/organisation-information/social-media-terms-and-conditions-of-engagement/
In this document we make it clear that we will not engage with any commentary that is deemed inappropriate, defamatory, offensive, abusive, threatening or libellous and that we reserve the right to block users and may report such commentary to the relevant social media platform.
We do not keep a registry of complaints to social media or online marketing companies.
347. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Social Protection for an update on the Programme for Government commitment to examine pension arrangements for foster carers; the progress made to date in this regard; the timeframe for bringing forward any proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48635/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMatters relating to foster care are the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality.
This Government acknowledges the very important role of all carers, including foster carers, and remains fully committed to supporting them.
Once the minimum requirement of 10 years' paid contributions is met, the State Pension (Contributory) system provides a range of measures to recognise caring periods outside of paid employment, such as PRSI credits, Homemaking Disregards and HomeCaring Periods. Homemaking Disregards and HomeCaring Periods recognise caring periods of up to 20 years outside of paid employment in the calculation of a payment rate. Foster carers are entitled to benefit from these measures on the same basis as other family carers and parents. Questions of equity would arise if access to pension benefits was afforded any of these groups, including foster parents/carers on a preferential basis.
Since January 2024, Long-Term Carer's Contributions can be awarded to a person who has cared for an incapacitated person for a period of 20 years or more. These contributions are treated the same as paid contributions for State Pension (Contributory) entitlement only and can be used to fill any gaps in a person's contribution record, including satisfying the minimum 10-years' paid contributions required for eligibility.
Foster carers who have cared for an incapacitated dependent or dependents for over 20 years also benefit from this provision.
These measures assist foster carers to access the State pension system and recognise the years spent caring for children in the same way as biological or adoptive parents, while ensuring that the system remains sustainable.
Any future changes to State Pension system would have to be considered in the overall policy and budgetary context, including the sustainability of the Social Insurance Fund.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
348. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Social Protection to consider making changes (details supplied) to the carer’s benefit payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48721/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government recognises the vital role that family carers play and remains committed to supporting them, as reflected in the Programme for Government.
Carer's Benefit is a payment made by my Department to insured people who leave the workforce or reduce their hours to care for someone in need of full-time care. It is payable for a maximum period of 104 weeks for each person being cared for. There are currently 4,900 people in receipt of Carer's Benefit and expenditure on the scheme is estimated to exceed €76 million this year.
Carer’s Allowance is a means-tested payment, and the legislation provides for a 12-week continuation period after the person being cared for has been permanently admitted to long-term residential care. This reflects the fact that Carer’s Allowance is an income-support payment for people providing full-time care where caring is expected to last for at least a year.
Unlike Carer's Allowance, a person may qualify for Carer’s Benefit for a period of six weeks for example, and the care need does not have to be long-term in nature. Once the person being cared for enters long-term residential care, the qualifying condition of providing care is no longer met. Extending Carer’s Benefit would be a significant policy change and would need to be considered in an overall budgetary and carer policy context having regard to the sustainability of the Social Insurance Fund and it's impact on employers.
349. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Social Protection when the comprehensive review of means tests across the social welfare system, committed to in the Programme for Government, will be completed and published; whether specific reforms to income disregards, capital assessments and cliff edges are planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48818/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is conducting a review of means testing within the social protection system.
The aim is to examine various means-tested schemes and identify any issues related to their respective means tests. With over 140 schemes and services, many of which are means-tested, this is a complex and detailed task.
It is my intention that the review's findings will inform decisions regarding potential changes to means testing in future Budgets.
The review is currently with senior management of the Department for review and I expect that it will be submitted to me shortly.
Due to the complexity of the review, I will carefully and thoroughly evaluate it to determine the best way to utilise its findings and identify those that may warrant further consideration.
However, any prospective changes to means-testing arrangements will need to be evaluated and considered within the overall policy and budgetary context.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
350. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the estimated cost to his Department and each agency for which he is responsible arising from Ireland’s Presidency of the European Council; the line items or events for which a cost is expected to arise; the estimated cost for each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48363/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the estimates process for Budget 2026, my Department was allocated €5 million in respect of Presidency related costs. Of this, approximately €3.6m will be allocated to cover staffing costs, including in relation to an increased number of personnel seconded to the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union for 2026. The remaining €1.4m will cover the cost of hosting Presidency specific events in Ireland and Brussels, as well as additional travel and related costs for officials travelling to Brussels to attend and chair meetings. The substantial allocation reflects the scope of the intensive work involved across a broad range of subjects. My Department is responsible for a larger number of working parties and other council preparatory bodies than most other Departments, with the exception of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
An Garda Síochána will be responsible for the safety and security of all events hosted in Ireland during our Presidency, which will include 22 Ministerial level events, a meeting of the 27 EU Heads of State, and a meeting of the 47 Heads of State who make up the wider European Political Community as part of an overall programme of some 250 events.
This is a very significant undertaking and will involve significant additional overtime and related costs, additional training and equipment costs, as well as a requirement for the purchase of additional fleet and other specialist equipment. In addition, An Garda Síochána also has an increased presence in Brussels, with two additional members seconded to the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the EU for 2026, and will incur additional travel and related costs for officials travelling to Brussels to attend and chair meetings. An Garda Síochána has been allocated €125 million for Presidency-related costs.
The Judicial Council will host one conference as part of the Presidency in collaboration with the European Judicial Training Network (EJTN). The cost of the conference will be divided among a number of Government departments, the Judicial Council and the EJTN. Currently, it is estimated that the cost to the Judicial Council will be in the region of €33,200.
I have also been advised that the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) will host of number of cyber related events during the Presidency, some in collaboration with the Department of Defence and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. These events are expected to cost in the region of €300,000, which includes a large-scale Conference for up to 1,000 people.
I can assure the Deputy that all Presidency related expenditure is being monitored carefully and that any costs arising will be subject to prudent financial planning to ensure value for money.
351. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he plans his own legislation to combat nitrous oxide misuse in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48391/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn January, I was pleased to respond to the Sale of Nitrous Oxide and Related Products Bill 2025, tabled by the Deputy and I thank him for his work on the Bill. However, as the Deputy may be aware, I have no role in scheduling private member's bills or in providing updates on their progress.
I explained at the time that the use of the timed amendment proposed by Deputy Murnane O'Connor, was to allow for engagement across relevant Departments and An Garda Síochána in order to determine the extent to which this legislation can be moved forward, in particular, in light of EU developments in the area. That engagement is ongoing.
The classification of substances under the Misuse of Drugs Acts is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Health. Nitrous oxide has a number of legitimate uses, particularly in the medical and catering industries, and it is for this reason that it is not under the Misuse of Drugs Acts, nor is it the intention to classify it as a substance under those Acts.
However, the challenge, as with any substance open to misuse, is to regulate its supply chain effectively without unduly penalising legitimate enterprise.
I want to confirm to the Deputy that the Government is not currently intending to introduce its own legislation on this matter. However the Deputy may be interested to note that I am advised by my colleague Minister Burke at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment that from February 2027, nitrous oxide will be subject to EU classification harmonisation and will be designated as a substance that is potentially harmful to human reproductive health and the nervous system. This reclassification is not merely a technical change; it is the trigger for further regulatory action. The European Commission has also published a draft amendment to the Regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) that would restrict the placing on the market of nitrogen oxide for supply to the general public, subject to narrowly defined derogations.
In April 2026, the REACH Committee voted to proceed with the restriction on placing on the market of nitrous oxide based on its reprotoxic characteristics, with strict derogations for legitimate uses already approved under EU law, such as food safety law. It is expected that the final restriction Regulation will be formally adopted and published later this year and will come into force in February 2027.
I am very aware of the issues raised in connection with nitrous oxide, as well as the potential negative health implications of the misuse of this product. The health issues related to nitrous oxide are proper to the Department of Health, the HSE and the Health Products Regulatory Authority and I understand that the HPRA has previously issued advisories on the misuse of this substance.
I want to commend the ongoing work of the HSE and community groups in responding to the rise in nitrous oxide misuse. Through public awareness campaigns, harm reduction advice, and engagement with at-risk groups, they are working to mitigate the very real health risks. The HSE actively monitors usage trends and runs targeted awareness campaigns. A key part of this strategy includes the dissemination of a harm reduction factsheet, detailing risks, effects, and advice, to Drug and Alcohol Task Forces, student unions, and at festivals. Parents are also supported with information through various formats, including the drugs.ie website. This multi-faceted approach is delivered in collaboration with Task Forces across the country, aligning with recommendations from the European drugs agency.
The misuse of nitrous oxide is already addressed under several pieces of legislation.
The purpose of the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Act 2010 includes the prevention of the misuse of dangerous or otherwise harmful psychoactive substances and the provision of offences relating to the sale, importation, exportation or advertisement of those substances. The Act provides that a person who sells, or who imports or exports, a psychoactive substance knowing or being reckless as to whether that substance is being acquired or supplied for human consumption shall be guilty of an offence.
That legislation also provides An Garda Síochána with powers in relation to the issuing of prohibition notices to a person engaged in selling, importing, exporting, or advertising nitrous oxide, or any psychoactive substance, for human consumption. Where a person fails to comply with such a notice, a member of An Garda Síochána can apply to the District Court for a closure order. The 2010 Act also provides a member of An Garda Síochána with powers of entry, search, seizure and detention, powers to search persons and vehicles and powers of arrest for obstruction where, with reasonable cause, they suspect a person of committing an offence under the Act.
352. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the reason a person (details supplied) can obtain copies of their immigration stamps which were on an old passport and has since been lost, such stamps being needed for a citizenship application, given that they have been refused a statement of reckonable residence by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48393/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that my Department has no record of the person concerned submitting a request for a statement of reckonable residency.
Such statements are usually provided for citizenship applications for minors. If the applicant concerned has not retained copies of any evidence of their previous permissions, Citizenship will be able to access permission details once the person's citizenship application is submitted. A covering letter outlining the applicant’s situation may be of assistance.
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.
353. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if there are proposals to use a facility (details supplied) as a IPAS accommodation; and if he plans to engage with the local community about future plans for this facility. [48435/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's International Protection Procurement Service (IPPS) has not received an offer of accommodation at this location and is not examining this property for use as international protection accommodation.
354. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether an assessment has been made of the risk that the proposed changes to the criminal legal aid scheme, which could result in reduced participation by solicitors in criminal legal aid work; the implications of any such reduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48436/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is important to recall that the Programme for Government contains three commitments in relation to Criminal Legal Aid. The first is to reform the operation of the Criminal Legal Aid scheme. The second is to restore the fees. And the third is to enact the Criminal Justice (Legal Aid) Bill. It is my intention to fulfil all three commitments.
I want to say clearly that I fully recognise the crucial 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. I can assure the Deputy that my only objective in making these reforms 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.
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. Furthermore, the new flat fee will be set at a rate that provides for full restoration of the so-called FEMPI cuts in line with the Programme for Government commitment.
For cases in the District Court, regardless of the number of appearances, a set fee will be payable to solicitors, replacing the current appearance-based sliding scale. The new structure will also provide for a full separate set fee for each defendant in court on a given day. This reform will be a major improvement on the current fee structure.
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. My Department reviewed more than 350,000 District Court cases which took place during 2022 and 2023. The reforms aim to address structural issues identified during this review, such as unnecessary adjournments resulting from the payment per appearance model.
I recently met with the Bar Council on 27 May and with the Law Society on 29 May. Additionally, my officials have been engaging extensively with relevant stakeholders, including legal professionals and their representative bodies on the proposed changes. Submissions from representative bodies were also invited, received, and considered.
Officials from my Department met with the Law Society on Tuesday and Thursday last week to discuss the reform of the criminal legal aid scheme. The engagement was constructive and my Department remains open to further engagement in advance of the new arrangements coming into effect on 1 July.
Finally, the Deputy may wish to know that there has been an increase in the number of practitioners over the last three years on Criminal Legal Aid panels, as follows:
|
Year |
No of Solicitors |
No of Barristers |
|
2023 |
672 |
740 |
|
2024 |
695 |
712 |
|
2025 |
825 |
760 |
I also wish to assure the Deputy that my officials will keep the scheme and its operation under regular review, to ensure effective oversight and that those in need of criminal legal aid are properly represented in our courts.
355. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of Gardaí trained and deployed in specialist units for cyber-crime and serious and organised crime within Kildare-Carlow Division; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48463/26]
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.
The table below has been provided to me by the Garda authorities and outlines the number of members deployed in cyber-crime and serious and organised crime in the Kildare Carlow Division:
|
D/Supt |
Inspector |
Sergeant |
Garda |
Total: |
|
1 |
3 |
13 |
97 |
114 |
It should be noted that all members of An Garda Síochána can investigate crimes of any nature and many members throughout the country have received specialist training in specific areas of crime investigation.
356. Deputy Máire Devine asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the service level agreement targets for processing times for Irish residence permit applications; the average processing time for IRP applications in 2024; the current average processing time; the longest processing time in 2024; the current longest processing time; whether his Department handling these applications requires additional personnel; whether the 12-week period an IRP applicant is permitted to remain in the state after their permit's expiry will be extended given the extreme delays applicants are currently experiencing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48469/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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/.
While my Department endeavours to process applications as quickly as possible, processing times may vary due to a number of factors, such as the number of applications on hand, individual circumstances, the complexity of applications, whether further information is required, and peak application periods.
If an 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. 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 is subject to the applicant submitting their renewal application prior to their current IRP card expiring. Further information on this notice can be found here: www.irishimmigration.ie/notice-to-employers-regarding-employees-awaiting-renewal-of-their-irp-card/.
In addition, customers may submit their renewal applications up to 12 weeks prior to expiry of permission, to allow sufficient time for an application to be reached and processed prior to a current permission expiring.
There are no plans to amend these provisions as suggested by the Deputy.
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 www.portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/.
As the Deputy may be aware, since 13 January 2025, all nationwide first-time registrations of Irish immigration residence permissions are the responsibility of the Registration Office of Immigration Service Delivery (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.
As a result, the average processing time for renewals in 2024 is not readily available.
357. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration in relation to the application of a person (details supplied), can he provide clarity on what is meant by "evidence of activities in the State for a continuous period of five years"; the activities that can provide this evidence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48471/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn order to qualify for permanent residence under the European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) Regulations 2015, an applicant must demonstrate that they have resided in the State with their Union citizen or UK national partner in accordance with the Regulations for a continuous period of five years.
Evidence of activities in the State refers to how the Union Citizen is exercising their rights through employment, self employment, studies and sufficient resources. Examples of the type of proof for each are set out on the checklist on the EUTR3 form, but may include documents such as payslips, bank statements, letter from college and medical insurance.
In the case referred to by the Deputy, the applicant was asked on 13 January 2026 to provide evidence of the UK national's activities in the State for a continuous period of 5 years, together with proof of address for both parties for 2021. As the requested proofs of address were not provided, it was proposed to refuse the application and the application was subsequently refused on 4 June 2026.
The applicant was also advised of their right to seek a review of the decision in accordance with Regulation 19 of the 2015 Regulations.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department 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 Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
358. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the status of an application (details supplied) to the Stardust recognition payment scheme for survivors; the length of time processing takes for an average application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48522/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 16 February, I announced the details of the Stardust Recognition Payment Scheme. The scheme is available to all survivor beneficiaries of the original Stardust Victims Compensation Tribunal established in 1985.
The Stardust Recognition Scheme can be accessed online at www.stardustrecognitionpayment.ie/.and applications can be made online or by post. A Stardust Recognition Payment Helpline is available during office hours for those who wish to request an application form to be sent to their home address.
Since the Stardust Recognition Payment Scheme opened in February this year, over 450 people have applied. The Scheme will be open for applications until 5pm on 17 August 2026.
Completed applications are reviewed by the Stardust Recognition Payment Unit for completeness. In making an application, applicants consent to providing any relevant information requested by the Stardust Recognition Payment Unit that is required to validate their application. Once all criteria are met, the applicant is then contacted to finalise arrangements and information for payment.
I can confirm to you that the Stardust Recognition Payment Unit are following up with the individual concerned to progress their application.
I would also like to advise that, as of 23 June 2026, the validation process for 44 applications has concluded and been authorised for payment. Those applicants can expect payment to their designated bank account in the coming days and shall be notified. Further applications are proceeding towards final validation and I expect this number to increase in the coming weeks.
359. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to reopen the Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) with all the correct protocols in place (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48590/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) was introduced in 2012 at a time when Ireland was seeking to attract inward investment and stimulate economic activity.
The Deputy will be aware that the IIP was closed to new applications with effect from 15 February 2023. The decision to close the programme followed a comprehensive review and reflected wider policy considerations, including recommendations at European level regarding residency by investment schemes. In line with that Government decision, which provided inter alia for the orderly wind-down of the programme, my Department has continued to process applications for immigration permissions in respect of approved investments i.e. investments in project proposals which were submitted prior to the closure of the programme and which have been subsequently approved by the IIP Independent Evaluation Committee.
The Government remains committed to attracting foreign direct investment and supporting economic development across the country. However, the State's approach is focused on sustainable investment, job creation and enterprise development through a range of established channels, including the work of agencies such as IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland.
At present, there are no plans to reintroduce the IIP or establish a scheme to replace it.
360. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of complaints made by his Department to social media or online marketing companies about specific online posts or accounts for each year from 2020 to 2025, and to date in 2026. [48617/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that my Department used the Facebook reporting system on three occasions during this period. All three of these reports were made in 2025.
No other complaints were made in respect of my Department's social media accounts.
361. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of study visa applications received, approved and refused in respect of students enrolling in English language education programmes in each of the years 2023, 2024 and 2025 and to date in 2026, by principal country of origin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48713/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra362. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the extent of engagement between his Department and representative bodies in the English language education sector regarding student visa processing; the timeline for implementation of the TrustEd accreditation framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48714/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 361 and 362 together.
I understand that the Deputy has agreed to narrow the scope of his PQ, and has agreed to the top 7 countries of origin.
The figures requested by Deputy are set out in the tables below. It should be noted that my department does not collate information on the type of course being undertaken. The tables below are for all study visas including those attending fee paying secondary schools, English language coursed and third level institutions.
Table 1. Study Visas Received, Refused and Granted.
|
Visa Type |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
2026 (up to 31/05/2026) |
|
Type C Study Visas Received |
1,083 |
1,452 |
1,045 |
528 |
|
Type D Study Visas Received |
24,159 |
31,104 |
26,254 |
4,572 |
|
Type C Study Visas Refused |
154 |
157 |
220 |
142 |
|
Type D Study Visas Refused |
5,511 |
7,849 |
10,309 |
3,131 |
|
Type C Study Visas Granted |
917 |
1,266 |
761 |
223 |
|
Type D Study Visas Granted |
17,071 |
20,015 |
17,260 |
2,071 |
Please note, figures are correct at time of issue, however, all statistics may be subject to data cleansing.
* A decision made in a particular year may relate to an application received in a previous year.
* The above figures are for decisions at first instance only. An applicant that receives a negative decision may appeal and be subsequently granted at appeal. These figures are not included.
Table 2. Top Seven Nationalities for Study Visas Received. Figures for 2026 are up to 31/05.
|
|
Nationality |
Count |
Nationality |
Count |
Nationality |
Count |
Nationality |
Count |
|
|
2023 |
2023 |
2024 |
2024 |
2025 |
2025 |
2026 |
2026 |
|
1 |
India |
10,488 |
India |
13,684 |
India |
11,135 |
India |
1,401 |
|
2 |
China |
3,999 |
China |
3,996 |
China |
3,435 |
Pakistan |
854 |
|
3 |
Turkey |
2,346 |
Pakistan |
2,745 |
Pakistan |
2,700 |
China |
552 |
|
4 |
Pakistan |
1,425 |
Turkey |
1,840 |
Mongolia |
1,170 |
Nigeria |
434 |
|
5 |
Mongolia |
1,176 |
Mongolia |
1,794 |
Nigeria |
1,111 |
Russia |
254 |
|
6 |
Nigeria |
1,054 |
Nigeria |
1,074 |
Turkey |
960 |
Turkey |
149 |
|
7 |
Russia |
556 |
Kenya |
745 |
Myanmar |
494 |
Mongolia |
148 |
* Please note, figures are correct at time of issue, however, all statistics may be subject to data cleansing.
The Programme for Government 2025 contains a commitment to publish a National Migration and Integration Strategy detailing how we intend to meet the demands and the opportunities facing Ireland’s society and economy over the next decade. My Department is working with other Government departments to develop this strategy with the aim to publish Ireland’s first overarching whole-of-government National Migration and Integration Strategy in 2026.
As part of this strategic approach, I am reviewing the area of student permissions, with a particular focus on English Language students. This work is aimed at ensuring that the system remains robust and rules-based, supports high-quality education providers, and continues to offer a positive experience for genuine students coming to Ireland. Ireland welcomes international students who wish to travel here in order to pursue a course of study, thereby providing economic and other benefits to Ireland, as well of course as to the students themselves.
At Government level, the administration and management of international student programmes is within the remit of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS), with my Department having responsibility for visa and related residency policies.
I have met with the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS), James Lawless, to discuss this work and explore how our departments can continue to collaborate effectively on this work. I hope to bring forward proposals in this area in the coming months.
Responsibility for the implementation of the TrustEd Ireland scheme rests with Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI). Accordingly, questions regarding implementation timelines should be addressed to QQI. More information on TrustEd Ireland can be found at the following link: https://www.qqi.ie/what-we-do/quality-assurance-of-education-and-training/what-is-trusted-ireland.
