Written Answers Nos. 21-40
21. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to outline the efforts being made to tackle prison overcrowding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49850/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am acutely aware of the capacity constraints in our prisons and the resulting challenges faced by those who work and live in our prisons. The Irish Prison Service (IPS) must accept into custody all people committed to prison by the courts and has no control over the numbers committed to custody at any given time.
I am pursuing a dual approach to address the issue of prison overcrowding by both increasing prison capacity and pursuing further measures to support increased use of non-custodial sanctions.
Since 2024, 258 spaces have been constructed across the prison estate, with 126 delivered in 2024, 106 in 2025 and 26 spaces finished so far in 2026. A further 39 spaces will come on stream this year, and 70 in 2027.
In addition, Government has allocated funding for a significant building programme in the prison estate. On conclusion of the NDP Review in July 2025, I secured a record capital investment of €528 million from 2026 to 2030, of which €495 million is being invested in building projects to further increase capacity, with an overall target of delivering over 1,500 spaces by 2031.
This will include a large extension to the existing Cork Prison, a new block in Wheatfield, and an additional block extension at Midlands prison. This is in addition to spaces created at Castlerea, Mountjoy and the Dóchas Centre.
Measures to support non-custodial sanctions are also important. Legislative changes, including increasing the maximum community service hours to 480 and requiring the judiciary to consider community service for sentences of two years or less, are included in the Criminal Law, Civil Law and Defence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026 which is currently before the Seanad.
Budget 2026 also provides for a 13% increase in funding for the Probation Service. This additional funding will be used to increase the use of supervised community sanctions in the criminal courts, expand restorative justice services, and expand supervised temporary release schemes nationally.
The Programme for Government commits to implement electronic tagging for appropriate categories of people, including those on temporary release and on bail. Under Budget 2026, I secured funding of €2.1 million for the project and a pilot is expected to be operational in 2026.
22. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of new Gardaí who have graduated to date in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48935/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraGetting more Gardaí on our streets is my first priority as Minister. This Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs, with Budget 2026 providing unprecedented funding of over €2.74 billion.
At the end of May, total Garda personnel stood at over 18,200, which included 14,621 Gardaí, 3,498 Garda Staff, and 295 Reserves.
Following two attestations this year, 360 probationer Gardaí have been assigned across the country. I look forward to seeing large numbers attesting from the Garda college in the remaining two attestations due to take place later this year, the first of which will be held in July. 223 and 215 trainees entered the college in intakes in November of last year and February this year so I expect to see in excess of 200 Gardaí attesting in each of the upcoming attestations.
The number of Gardaí available to the Commissioner will continue to increase over the coming months as trainees currently in Templemore complete their training and attest from the Garda College. We are now regularly seeing groups of over 200 trainees entering Templemore. The most recent intake of 201 trainees on 4 May was the fourth intake in a row with 200 or more recruits entering the college.
Overall, just under 800 trainees entered the Garda College in 2025, the highest number since 2018. 619 Probationer Gardaí also attested from the College last year.
These numbers are of course very welcome and encouraging, but I will continue to support An Garda Síochána to increase this number further so we can see more Gardaí assigned all across the country.
The most recent recruitment competition, which closed on 3 June 2026, attracted 4,115 applications. This brings the total applications received in the three Garda recruitment competitions that have been held since February 2025 to over 15,000.
These applicants will provide a strong pipeline of recruits for the coming months and into next year. With this pipeline, and as the rate of recruitment continues apace, we will soon see the largest ever number of Gardaí working in the State.
23. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his Department has assessed the need to increase the number of roadside speed cameras operating under the remit of An Garda Síochána in order to address dangerous speeding on Irish roads; whether consideration has been given to the potential risk of attacks on speed enforcement vans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49848/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSpeeding remains one of the greatest risk factors on our roads. Speed reduces the time people have to react and makes collisions much more likely. It also makes it more likely that when collisions happen, they will lead to death or very serious injuries.
Whether it is fixed cameras, average speed cameras or GoSafe vans, we need to use technology to work to reduce speeding on our roads. An Garda Síochána has contributed to making our roads safer through the use of mobile safety cameras, using service provider GoSafe to operate them on its behalf, enforcement cameras operated using marked Garda vehicles, and static speed cameras. GoSafe vans are only located in areas where it is safe to do so, following assessment by GoSafe and An Garda Síochána. Any person who intentionally damages a safety camera van, or assaults a van's operator, can be charged and prosecuted.
The increased deployment of safety cameras in the coming years is a key action to be delivered under Action 6 of the Phase 2 Action Plan, as part of the all-of-Government Road Safety Strategy and is also a commitment in the Programme for Government.
The National Safety Camera Strategy was published on 29 April by Minister of State Canney in the Department of Transport. This Strategy provides the framework for the increased deployment of cameras across the network, in both urban and rural locations, to assist with the enforcement of a wide range of road traffic offences.
The Strategy sets out a partnership approach for camera deployment and enforcement between An Garda Síochána, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and the National Transport Authority (NTA). The Strategy focuses on speeding, red light running, and bus lane infringements, with flexibility for the enforcement of other types of offence in future.
I am glad to report that speed camera enforcement has been increasing. There are now five average safety cameras and nine static safety cameras in operation across the network. In addition, there are also 9,000 hours of AGS GoSafe monitoring carried out on our roads each month. This has increased from 7,500 hours in 2024.
This year, from 1 January, An Garda Síochána introduced 390 new safety camera zones, including 55 community request safety camera zones, bringing the total to 1,901 safety camera zones nationwide.
It is important to emphasise that checkpoints and enforcement can only be part of the solution. The use of improved technology, additional speed cameras and enhanced data sharing are also helping to ensure a multi-faceted approach to road safety enforcement in Ireland.
Crucially, as a community, we also need to look to ourselves and those closest to us to challenge poor behaviour on our roads.
I want to repeat the message to everyone to please slow down and protect everyone on our roads. No matter how you use the road, please exercise extreme caution and stay safe. Reckless behaviour, selfish choices, excess speed, drink and drug driving, distracted driving, not wearing a seatbelt: these choices, these behaviours on our roads lead inevitably to death, destruction and despair.
24. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration his plans for enabling Ukrainians who wish to do so, to remain in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49381/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland intends to continue to support people from Ukraine who are beneficiaries of temporary protection. This will continue for as long as the Temporary Protection Directive is in place.
I have recently received government approval for measures to transition Ukraine Accommodation Supports and Temporary Protection, in line with the EU Council recommendation for a co-ordinated approach across Member States.
In recognition of the valuable contribution made by many coming from Ukraine since the outbreak of the war and for those who wish to rescind their temporary protection status, Ireland will introduce an alternative permission for those who are eligible to live and work here independently. This permission will be granted for a period of up to two years, renewable for periods of two years thereafter. Time on this permission will count towards naturalisation.
The Government has also approved the phase out of state-funded accommodation that has been provided to people from Ukraine who arrived pre–March 2024, and have been in receipt of accommodation on an ongoing basis. Ireland’s state-funded accommodation model for people from Ukraine is in excess of that offered across the EU and is in excess of what is available to other people living in Ireland.
Ongoing supports for people with personal circumstances that may lead to them experiencing difficulties with independence will be provided. In such cases, individuals will be asked to state their claim to have a continued accommodation requirement. They will be asked to provide evidence to support their claim. This will be through the provision of supporting documentation, where applicable.
Coordinated work between my Department, Irish Red Cross, the International Organisation for Migration, and other relevant advocates and stakeholders will ensure that individuals can make decisions about their future options in Ireland with as much clarity as possible.
25. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide an update on plans for the future use of the Wicklow Court House building; if his Department has considered disposing of the premises for community use; the maintenance currently ongoing at the building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49886/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraManagement of the courts and operational matters, including matters pertaining to the maintenance and use of court buildings, are the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in the exercise of its functions under the Courts Service Act 1998.
The size, geographical spread and age of the Courts estate means that its renovation, maintenance and management is a multi-annual programme which requires work to be phased and progressed based on delivery capacity, and affordability.
I am advised by the Courts Service that Wicklow courthouse has been closed due to health and safety reasons since September 2010. Work was completed on the roof of the Courthouse in 2025, the purpose of which was to address the dry rot which has spread through adjoining buildings.
While funding has not been included in this phase of the National Development Plan for the renovation of Wicklow Courthouse, funding has been allocated for preparatory and planning work necessary to inform the business cases needed for projects involving the renovation and development of courthouses in Wicklow.
The Courts Service has further advised that, while open to making the Courthouse available for community usage, it is not currently possible to do so due to health and safety reasons. The Courts Service has not received any applications in relation to the disposal of Wicklow Courthouse for community, or any other use. However, the Courts Service has liaised with Wicklow County Council and made the adjoining former library building available to the council.
Court business continues to be transacted in Bray Court Office and Arklow for district court matters on a scheduled basis. The main court venue in the County of Wicklow is currently located at the Civic Centre in Bray. The court office for the county is also located in the same premises. This is a modern premises which was purposely fitted out in 2006. A variety of other Government services are also located in the same complex.
26. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the role of his Department or agencies under the auspices of his Department in cases in which the State is the victim of online hacks, scams or cyber frauds; the cases in which the State has been so impacted in the past 18 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49546/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that State bodies have a duty to take steps to secure their systems and protect them from cyber attacks including online scams and cyber frauds which may undermine their cyber security.
An Garda Síochána are continually engaged in the detection and prosecution of criminal offences relating to cybercrime.
An Garda Síochána also continue to engage with telecommunications service providers regarding online scams and the identification of those involved in them.
The Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau (GNCCB) provide presentations to community, business and educational groups on a regular basis, relating to cyber enabled crimes, cyber dependent crimes and online information. The GNCCB also take part in cyber security events across Ireland, speaking to attendees on all issues relating to cyber crime.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which comes under the remit of my Department holds the lead role in the management of major cyber security incidents across government. This includes a role of monitoring ongoing threats to the network and information systems of public bodies and supporting those bodies who have been the subject of a cyber security incident.
The NCSC regularly publishes alerts, advisories and guidance documents on a range of cyber security related topics to assist in raising cyber security awareness.
There are existing information sharing arrangements between NCSC and An Garda Síochána to share cyber intelligence. Both organisations also work together to promote awareness of cyber risks among businesses and individuals.
The Deputy will also appreciate that for operational and security reasons it would not be appropriate for my Department to comment on the detail of specific investigations particularly those affecting state infrastructure as this could compromise the ongoing resilience of the State’s critical infrastructure.
27. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will confirm whether the proposed reforms will create a presumption of non-disclosure of counselling records in rape and sexual offence trials; the legal test that will apply before any such records can be disclosed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49374/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra66. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current status of legislative provisions to restrict the disclosure of counselling notes in rape and sexual offence trials; the expected timeline for enactment and commencement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49371/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 66 together.
The Government recognises the deep distress that can be caused to victims and survivors by the disclosure of counselling records in criminal proceedings and is committed to minimising intrusion into their privacy to the greatest extent possible, while ensuring compliance with constitutional requirements, including the right to a fair trial and the presumption of innocence.
The Criminal Law and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026 contains significant reforms to strengthen protections for counselling records. The Bill is currently at committee stage in the Seanad and is continuing through the legislative process. It is hoped the Bill will be enacted before the summer recess begins. Subject to the completion of that process, it is my intention that the relevant provisions will be commenced as soon as practicable following enactment.
The Bill provides for the deletion of the waiver provision currently contained in section 19A of the Criminal Evidence Act 1992, as amended by the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017, thereby ensuring that no disclosure will take place without a disclosure hearing. The Government has also approved further amendments to introduce a statutory presumption of non-disclosure and to strengthen protections for other sensitive personal records.
Under the proposed framework, counselling records will not be disclosed unless a court, following a disclosure hearing, is satisfied that disclosure is necessary in the interests of justice or to avoid an unfair trial. The court will be required to balance the privacy and dignity rights of the complainant against the accused person’s constitutional right to a fair trial. Disclosure will therefore be the exception rather than the rule, and will only arise where a judge determines that the statutory threshold has been met and that disclosure is strictly necessary.
28. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide an update on the forthcoming Code of Practice on Public CCTV; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49375/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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. I am advised by the Garda authorities that the Code of Practice is at an advanced stage, however matters related to policy and procedures also have to be progressed.
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 year.
29. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration his plans to implement the recommendation in the ‘An Assessment of the Efficacy of Bail Laws in Ireland’ that Section 33 of the Domestic Violence Act 2018 - breach of a domestic violence court order be added as a scheduled offence to the Bail Act 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49291/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe report completed by Mr Lorcan Staines SC ‘An Assessment of the Efficacy of Bail Laws in Ireland’ was published by my Department in November 2025.
While bail laws in Ireland are comprehensive and the Bail Act 1997 has been revised and strengthened several times, this examination of our bail laws and subsequent proposals underlines the need for additional actions to be considered, to ensure the criminal justice system effectively mitigates against risks that may be associated with individuals on bail. A number of the recommendations are under active consideration, or already in the process of being implemented, across my Department.
It is proposed that a further Memorandum for the Government will be brought on any further implementation of the recommendations in due course.
The Criminal Law, Civil Law and Defence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026, which was passed by Dáil Éireann on 10 June and is currently before the Seanad, provides for additional offences to be considered “serious offences” for the purposes of the Bail Act 1997.
The Bill amends the Schedule to the Bail Act 1997 to add the offence of intimidation of witnesses, jurors and others under section 41 of the Criminal Justice Act 1999, the offence of failing to comply with notification requirements under section 12 of the Sex Offenders Act 2001, and the offences of coercive control and forced marriage under sections 38 and 39 of the Domestic Violence Act 2018 to the Schedule. This would allow a court to refuse bail to persons charged with the offences where the court considers it necessary to prevent the person from committing a serious offence.
Regarding a specific amendment to Section 33 which covers a breach of multiple different types of domestic violence orders, a core component is the urgency that can typically surround them. By increasing the penalty for a breach of such an order, the threshold for obtaining such an order in the first place will be increased, giving rise to a risk of reluctance on the part of the court to grant the order.
With that said, I am committed to keeping our bail laws under review and any further useful amendments that are identified will be introduced as appropriate in order to strengthen the protection for victims of domestic violence.
Any potential amendments will be considered along with the wider ongoing reforms being undertaken to tackle DSGBV including any implementation of the recommendations of An Assessment of the Efficacy of Bail Laws in Ireland’.
These amendments will help ensure that bail laws remain fit for purpose and will enhance the criminal justice system’s ability to effectively mitigate against the risks that might be posed by those on bail.
30. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the proposed process and timeline for the two new prisons in the Glen. [49365/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am acutely aware of the capacity constraints in our prisons and the challenges faced by those who work and live in our prisons as a result.
Since 2024, 258 spaces have been constructed across the prison estate, with 126 coming on stream in 2024,106 in 2025 and 26 finished so far in 2026. There are plans to build another 39 spaces in 2026 and 70 in 2027. In addition, Government has allocated funding for a significant building programme across the prison estate.
I have secured a record capital investment of €528 million for the Irish Prison Service (IPS) over the next 5 years, of which €495 million will be invested to deliver one of the most significant capital building programmes in the justice sector, with an overall target of delivering over 1,500 prison spaces by 2031. This building programme includes a large extension to the existing Cork Prison on the site of the old, decommissioned Cork Prison in the Glen area.
I have also sought and secured an exemption from the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for 6 projects (960 prison spaces) to move straight to Approval Gate 2 – Pre Tender Approval of the Infrastructure Guidelines, a measure which is expected to speed up the delivery of these projects by 12 to 18 months. This also frees up capacity within Irish Prison Service (IPS) to progress projects.
The proposed project for the extension to the existing Cork Prison is a part of this accelerated delivery programme. In terms of timelines, the project is still at an early stage, but is progressing: the consultancy for demolition has been awarded, this will help prepare the tender package for demolition. Demolition works are planned for the coming year with the project build expected to be completed in 2031.
The facility on the old decommissioned Cork Prison site will be a large extension of the existing prison and will provide prison spaces for approximately 100 women and 230 men. This intended approach will ensure efficiencies with the design and the practical operations of the new facility in parallel with the existing prison.
As the project’s planning process commences with relevant authorities, it should be emphasised that this project is at a preliminary stage and that there will be stakeholder engagement as part of the overall planning process and regular communication to the Department on progress of the project as per previous builds including the new Cork prison.
31. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether consideration is being given to expanding the use of CCTV in public areas where concerns have been raised regarding anti-social behaviour and public safety in north Dublin; the supports available to local authorities and community groups for such projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49383/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCommunity 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. 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 introduction or rollout of individual community CCTV schemes should be sought from the relevant local authority.
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 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 later this year.
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 (Safety Partnerships) 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 includes 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 Safety Partnerships focuses on concerns identified and prioritised by local people and must 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. The National Office has delivered clear guidance to the Local Community Safety Partnerships on their daily operations, alongside separate, tailored guidance on how to develop these Local Community Safety Plans.
The inaugural meeting of Dublin North Central Local Community Safety Partnership was held on 21 January 2026 where they elected their Chair Cllr John Lyons and Vice Chair Cllr. Alison Field.
The inaugural meeting of the Fingal North Local Community Safety Partnership was also held on 21 January 2026 where they elected their Chair, Cllr Corina Johnston, and Vice Chair, Maggie McDonagh.
Contact details for Local Community Safety Partnerships are available at this link.
https://justicegovie.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/45c092b0ff534dd48bce257bbe7a7dc0
32. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for an update on recruitment of members of An Garda Síochána; and to set out his recruitment targets for the remaining years of this Government, for both members and civilian staff. [49765/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government commits to examining a range of further measures to enable An Garda Síochána recruit 5,000 members across the term of this Government.
The Garda Vote in Budget 2026 includes unprecedented funding of €2.74 billion which will support the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff.
At the end of May, total Garda personnel stood at over 18,200, which included 14,621 Gardaí, 3,498 Garda Staff, and 295 Reserves. I will continue to support An Garda Síochána to increase this number further so that we can see more Gardaí assigned all across the country.
Significant measures have been made to boost recruitment and retention including by increasing the Garda trainee allowance to €354 per week; increasing the age of entry from 35 to 50; and raising the mandatory retirement age to 62.
Overall, just under 800 trainees entered the Garda College in 2025, the highest number since 2018. 619 Probationer Gardaí also attested from the College last year.
Following two attestations this year, 360 probationer Gardaí have been assigned across the country. I look forward to seeing large numbers attesting from the Garda college in the remaining two attestations due to take place later this year, the first of which will be held in July. 223 and 215 trainees entered the college in intakes in November of last year and February this year so I expect to see in excess of 200 Gardaí attesting in each of the upcoming attestations.
The number of Gardaí available to the Commissioner will continue to increase over the coming months as trainees currently in Templemore complete their training and attest from the Garda College. We are now regularly seeing groups of over 200 trainees entering Templemore. The most recent intake of 201 trainees on 4 May was the fourth intake in a row with 200 or more recruits entering the college.
The most recent recruitment competition, which closed on 3 June 2026, attracted 4,115 applications. This brings the total applications received in the three Garda recruitment competitions that have been held since February 2025 to over 15,000.
This demonstrates that there is a strong and sustained interest in a career as a Garda amongst the public and further recruitment competitions will be run to ensure that there is a steady pipeline of new recruits ready to enter the Garda College.
The Garda authorities have advised that, in line with the Programme for Government, An Garda Síochána will continue to recruit Garda staff, embark upon the next phase of modernisation and specialisation, therein releasing Garda members from activity not requiring their powers and policing experience.
33. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he has engaged with the Law Society of Ireland following the commencement of industrial action by some solicitors; whether the changes to the legal aid structure will go ahead as planned on 1 July 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49235/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI welcome the opportunity to explain the changes to the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme in the District Court that I signed into law on Monday and that come into effect on Wednesday 1 July. At the outset, I would like to acknowledge the critical role played by the legal professions in the effective administration of criminal justice and that Criminal Legal Aid is essential in upholding the right to a legal defence.
I have progressed the Programme for Government commitments in relation to Criminal Legal Aid, of which there are three. The first is to reform the operation of the criminal legal aid scheme. The second is to restore the fees which were cut during the economic crisis. And the third is to enact the Criminal Justice (Legal Aid) Bill. The changes I am making to the fee structure address the first two commitments and I intend to progress the new legislation over the next year. The Bill will reform the overall system of legal aid; strengthening the provisions around eligibility and transferring responsibility for the operation of the system to the Legal Aid Board.
While it is regrettable that some criminal practitioners have withdrawn their services, Department officials have been engaging extensively with relevant stakeholders, including legal professionals and their representative bodies on the proposed changes. I met with the Bar Council on 27 May and with the Law Society on 29 May. Officials from my Department also met with the Law Society on 16 and 18 June to discuss the reform of the criminal legal aid scheme.
I can assure the Deputy that my officials will keep the operation of the new system under review over the coming months. This will allow any emerging issues to be identified without delay and addressed where necessary. The objective of these reforms is to provide a fair, sustainable and efficient framework for the delivery of criminal legal aid while maintaining access to high-quality legal representation.
34. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to the recent Government decision to wind down the use of commercial accommodation contracts for persons fleeing the war in Ukraine, the future plans for State-funded modular accommodation developments (details supplied); whether occupancy levels at such sites are expected to reduce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41557/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe rapid build modular units, including those in the location referred to by the Deputy, were built to accommodate Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection fleeing the war in Ukraine. In total there are 654 units across 11 locations, accommodating 2,640 people in family units of four with children.
Future use of these units following the end of the Temporary has always been an integral element of the rapid build project in order to provide value to the State and local communities.
As well as having a long lifespan of 60 years, the sites were built with future use in mind with all necessary infrastructure to support long term residency and a finished to enhance the local area.
To determine the long-term strategy for the sites post TPD, a multi-stakeholder process commenced in March 2025, chaired by officials from my department and including representation from the Office of Public Works (OPW) and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH). In tandem with the consideration of the feasibility of potential future uses, this work involves exploring planning regularisation at each site. To date, there has been no final decision made on long term future use, as discussions are ongoing with the need to explore all potential options within the local areas. However, these options include Social Housing and lower cost affordable housing such as Cost Rental.
One of the first steps to securing planning regularisation is to ensure that all sites are zoned as residential where this is not currently the case. I understand that the Local Authorities are in the process of completing this phase in their Local Development Plans under a variation process. Work is also underway to determine the appropriate planning application process for each of the sites.
While current rapid build residents will not be required to vacate this accommodation until March 2027, they are free to apply for the new Temporary Protection Transitional Scheme in August. To meet the conditions of the scheme, they must surrender their unit and leave their state provided accommodation in line with those in commercial accommodation. To date, full occupancy has been maintained with over 90 units re-allocated since the sites have been occupied. We will continue to do so with eligible families to avoid having vacant units as developments and plans for their long-term future use have been finalised.
35. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current number of domestic violence refuge spaces within the State; the number of safe home units; and the number of each he intends to be operational by years end. [49802/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government has taken unprecedented actions to confront the scourge of domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence (DSGBV).
This includes increasing funding to almost €80 million under Budget 2026, to support Cuan and services working to tackle DSGBV and the implementation of the Zero Tolerance Strategy.
The increased funding for Cuan and community organisations that support victims and survivors will accelerate the delivery of safe accommodation, while also providing stronger supports for victims.
Cuan is collaborating with various stakeholders, including domestic violence services, Approved Housing Bodies, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Housing Agency and Local Authorities to facilitate local action and support service development and delivery of safe accommodation and ancillary services.
At the onset of the zero-tolerance strategy, there were 49 safe homes and 141 DV refuge units in place. There are currently 181 domestic violence refuge units – which includes nine new units in Dublin south - and 60 safe home units, bringing the total safe accommodation at present to 241.
By the end of this year, it is envisaged to have 193 refuge units completed and 94 safe homes, bringing total safe accommodation to 287, with 50 further refuge units under construction.
This includes 12 units in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown expected to be operational in Q3 2026.
Cuan remains committed to collaborating with key stakeholder to explore additional opportunities for developing DV accommodation, especially in areas where such facilities are currently lacking, while also considering interim refuges and alternative accommodation for those fleeing domestic violence.
36. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of prosecutions under the Criminal Justice (Engagement of Children in Criminal Activity) Act 2024 since its commencement in May 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49370/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTackling the criminal grooming of children requires a combined approach of early community intervention, targeted youth services, and robust legislation.
The Government’s Youth Justice Strategy 2021-2027 creates a whole of Government framework to address the challenges around children and young adult’s involvement in the Criminal Justice System. It assesses how we can stop young people from becoming recurring adult offenders.
Among the key actions within the Strategy is targeting harder-to-reach groups, including those subject to grooming and coercive control by criminals.
The Greentown Programme aims to disrupt the grooming of children into network-related criminal activity by adults and provides children with meaningful and practical routes out of these networks.
It is made up of four strands – an intensive family programme to help with parenting and general family functioning, providing young people with pro-social opportunities, supporting communities to withstand gang and network influences, and targeting groomers and disrupting their networks.
Support is provided from An Garda Síochána and expert youth justice services specialising in family support and engaging with hard-to-reach young people. Individuals who are considered Harder-to-Reach are engaged in prolific serious offending and may also be engaging in network-related criminal activity.
The extension of the programme has reduced the influence of criminal networks on children at risk of involvement in crime and improved the likelihood of pro-social outcomes for children who are already involved in criminal networks. Learnings from this Programme are being disseminated across the Youth Diversion Project network.
In addition the Criminal Justice (Engagement of Children in Criminal Activity) Act 2024 makes it an offence for an adult to:
• Compel, coerce, direct or deceive a child for the purpose of engaging in criminal activity.
• Induce, invite, aid, abet, counsel or procure a child to engage in criminal activity
Those found guilty of these offences may face imprisonment of up to 12 months on summary conviction and up to five years on indictment.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that 14 proceedings (charge/summons) have been initiated since the commencement of the Act on 24 May 2024.
37. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the plans for increasing the Garda training allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49294/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraGetting more Gardaí on our streets to prevent and detect crime is my first priority as Minister.
The Programme for Government commits to examining a range of further measures to enable An Garda Síochána recruit 5,000 members over the term of this Government.
This Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs and Budget 2026 provides unprecedented funding of €2.74 billion to the organisation to support it, including in relation to recruitment and staffing.
The Garda Trainee allowance has almost doubled since 2023 from €184 to €354 per week. The most recent increase from €305 to €354 took effect on 1 October 2024.
Insofar as further increases to the allowance are concerned, these will be considered in the normal course and in the context of the overall Garda recruitment situation.
It is worth highlighting that the most recent Garda Trainee recruitment campaign ran from 11 May until 3 June 2026. Over, 4,100 applications were received during this period, demonstrating that a strong interest in An Garda Síochána persists amongst the public.
It is clear that recruitment into An Garda Síochána has consistent momentum. Cohorts of over 200 trainees are now entering Templemore regularly. In the first intake of this year, 215 recruits entered Templemore and a further 201 Trainees entered the College on Monday, 4 May 2026.
38. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he intends to introduce any new legislation in relation to the dismissal of serving members of An Garda Síochána who have criminal convictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49341/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe vast majority of Gardaí serve with integrity and work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.
All matters relating to the internal discipline of the Garda organisation, and whether disciplinary action up to and including dismissal should be taken against Gardaí, are solely the responsibility of the Commissioner. As Minister, I play no role in these independent functions.
There are robust procedures in place to allow the Garda Commissioner to deal with misconduct and other such matters and the Commissioner is committed to ensuring that the highest levels of integrity are maintained by Gardaí. The Conduct Regulations provide a mechanism to determine breaches of conduct/standards of professional behaviour. The regulations provide a number of disciplinary sanctions; dismissal is one of the sanctions available for gross misconduct.
Section 51 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 introduces an express statutory power for the Garda Commissioner to dismiss a member of An Garda Síochána where the Commissioner is satisfied that dismissal is necessary in the public interest.
This provision strengthens the Commissioner’s position by placing the power of public interest dismissal on a clear legislative footing, separate from and additional to the conduct process under the Conduct Regulations. Of course, this provision is subject to statutory procedures and safeguards.
I commenced the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act in April last year and all legislation is kept under continual review. However, there are no plans at the moment to change either section 51 of the Act, which deals with dismissal, or Section 50, which deals with appointment and suspensions of people below the rank of Chief Superintendent. Similarly, there are no plans to amend the Conduct regulations given they were only recently introduced.
39. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration his plans for managing work and education visas to ensure immigration numbers are sustainable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49293/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government contains a commitment to publish a National Migration and Integration Strategy detailing how Government intends to meet the demands and the opportunities facing Ireland’s society and economy over the next decade.
My Department is currently working collaboratively with a wide range of other Government departments to develop this strategy with the aim to publish Ireland’s first overarching whole-of-government National Migration and Integration Strategy later this year.
As part of this strategic approach, I am reviewing the area of student permissions. 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.
The scope of the Strategy will also include issues such as labour market needs, legal pathways, international education and planning for public service provision including housing, amongst other issues relating to migration.
To that end, a Strategic Migration Policy Group (SMPG) was established in December 2024 to support that work which now consists of ten Government Departments, meeting at senior official level.
The key objective of the Strategy and the SMPG is to develop a whole-of-government approach to migration policy that is coherent across Departments and responsive in seeking to address Ireland’s current and future demographic, economic and social policy needs.
More broadly, capacity-based planning for Government services is a matter for each Department in its area of responsibility, be that Health, Education, Housing or any other sector, whether the demand for those services increases or declines in line with demographic changes, and whether those demographic changes arise from natural increases or declines in population or from immigration or emigration.
The Government considers such matters at a central level in initiatives such as the National Development Plan and National Planning Framework, and via consideration at appropriate Cabinet Committees of capacity planning measures.
40. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will reform the scheme for civil legal aid so that social welfare, employment, discrimination and landlord/tenant law are included; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49379/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra57. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will increase funding for the Legal Aid Board to reduce waiting times, increase the income limit and provide access to justice for people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49378/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 57 together.
In June 2022, a Civil Legal Aid Review Group under the chairmanship of former Chief Justice Frank Clarke, SC, was established to review the current operation of the Civil Legal Aid Scheme. The outputs of the review were published in July 2025 and contained recommendations relating to eligibility for the Scheme, including income threshold and allowances, as well as recommendations aimed at improving access to justice for people.
The Review also made recommendations extending the scheme to legal issues which are currently heard before tribunals. Any changes must be considered with regard to the potential implications that they might have on the operation of the Scheme, as well as forms of legal support available through different forums, such as administrative tribunals and other services.
Officials in the Department are examining the recommendations and are working closely with the Legal Aid Board to ensure any proposed reforms are developed as part of the annual budgetary Estimates process and take account of potential implications on the operation of the Scheme and broader government policy.
The recommendations from the Review will also have to be considered with due regard to the findings from Ireland’s first Legal Needs Survey, recently completed with the support of the European Commission and the OECD. This survey will provide invaluable insights into the extent of legal needs in Ireland. While preliminary results of the survey have been released on gov.ie., further analysis is underway, with the Department working closely with the OECD on final outputs.
The Legal Aid Board provides a very important service to those who need its support in matters of civil dispute and in more general matters of civil law and operational practice. Given its wide remit and national reach my Department will continue to engage closely with the Legal Aid Board to ensure it has the resources necessary to meet its most immediate needs and the additional demands it will face going forward.
Funding to the Board has increased in recent years, from €53 million in 2023, to €59 million in 2024, €64 million in 2025, and to €73 million in 2026. Funding for 2027 is being considered as part of the Estimates process in the usual way.
