Sorca Clarke
Ceist:533. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of Garda public order unit vans allocated to each Garda division as of 29 June 2026, in tabular form. [50787/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (533)
Freagraí scríofa
The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána under Section 33 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, which includes all operational policing matters, such as the distribution and deployment of the Garda fleet across the State. The Commissioner is independent in his functions under Section 34 of the Act.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, as of 30 June 2026, there were 3,810 vehicles attached to the Garda fleet.
The Garda authorities have provided the table below which provides the number of vans allocated to the Public Order Unit by Garda division. This figure relates to Public Order vans attached to Divisions within each Garda Region only and does not include those attached to the National Public Order Unit.
|
Division |
Number of vans |
|
Southern Region |
8 |
|
Eastern Region |
8 |
|
North Western Region |
6 |
|
DMR |
1 |
|
TOTAL |
23 |
The purchase and allocation of vehicles by An Garda Síochána is made on the basis of identified operational demands, the availability of resources, and is reviewed on a continual basis.
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (534)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:534. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the estimated cost in 2027 if 1,250 new recruit Gardaí were recruited. [50788/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Regrettably, this was not available in time and I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (535)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:535. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of standard motorcycle courses held for Gardaí within Mayo-Roscommon and Longford division in 2025 and to-date in 2026; the number of Gardaí that applied for each of those courses; and the number of places that were available in each of those courses, in tabular form. [50789/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Regrettably, this was not available in time and I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.
Departmental Policies
Ceisteanna (536)
Shane Moynihan
Ceist:536. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the main policy achievements of his Department since 22 January 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50806/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am proud of the considerable progress by my Department on a broad range of policy, operational and legislative initiatives since my appointment as Minister in January 2025. I look forward to continuing this work on my priorities, in line with the commitments set out in the Programme for Government.
Delivering on the commitments laid out in the Programme for Government is a priority for me as Minister, my Department and my colleagues, Ministers of State Colm Brophy and Catherine Ardagh. Working with them, I want to ensure that our justice system is modern, efficient, and responsive to the needs of all of our people. I want a justice system that serves the fundamental need of all people to feel safe and secure in their homes and in their communities.
I was pleased to publish the new Statement of Strategy for my Department for 2025–2028 in November last year. The Strategy aligns with the Programme for Government, sets out my Department’s strategic direction to 2028 and will further the work towards our shared vision of a safe, fair and inclusive Ireland.
I have previously answered Parliamentary Questions on the achievements of my Department since the formation of the Government, most recently Question. 461 of 28 May 2026. Some of the key achievements of my Department since 28 May 2026 are set out below.
Garda Recruitment and Operations
My first priority as Minister for Justice is to get more Gardaí out onto our streets preventing the commission of crime through high visibility patrols. Increased recruitment and appropriate civilianisation where possible are vital to achieving this as is modern technology and equipment and active management of Garda resources. The Programme for Government commits to recruiting at least 5,000 Gardaí over the lifetime of the Government, and we are very close to surpassing the previous record high of 14,600 Gardaí from March 2020.
Recruitment into An Garda Síochána has gathered real momentum. In 2025, 794 new recruits were welcomed into the Garda College in Templemore. This is the highest number recruited since 2018. Over 200 trainee Gardai entered Templemore in May, bringing the total number of current trainees to over 600. An Garda Síochána also recently held their latest recruitment drive which closed on 3 June, with over 4,000 applications received. This competition will help to ensure that we maintain the steady pipeline of new recruits.
I also introduced the Garda Síochána (Powers) Bill and the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) (Amendment) Bill, which will provide additional powers to An Garda Síochána in relation to search warrants and use of facial recognition technology in certain circumstances. The Powers Bill successfully completed all stages in the Seanad on 17 June. The (Recording Devices) (Amendment) Bill completed its passage through the Dáil on the 13 May 2026 and completed its passage through the Seanad on the 23 June 2026. It will now return to the Dáil for one further date in order for that House to consider a small number of amendments made in the Seanad.
The project to rollout Body Worn Cameras to all Gardaí has progressed to procurement stage. Significant progress has been made on major developments of new garda stations in Portlaoise, Macroom, Clonmel, Bailieborough and Newcastle West.
Domestic, Sexual, and Gender-Based Violence Strategy
Combatting all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) has been a central priority for me since taking office.
In June 2025, I published the final implementation plan of the five-year ‘Zero Tolerance’ National DSGBV Strategy setting out the delivery targets and collective action to end 2026. The plan contains 95 specific actions across the four pillars of the Istanbul Convention.
Amongst the key deliverables are actions already underway in respect of significant legislative reform including:
• Prioritising the drafting of the Guardianship of Infants and Child Care (Amendment) Bill that will, in certain situations, allow for the removal of guardianship rights from individuals convicted of killing the other parent or guardian of their child; The Bill completed all stages in the Dáil on 17 June 2026 and in the Seanad on 30 June. It is anticipated that the Bill will complete its passage through the Oireachtas on the 15 July.
• The Miscellaneous Provisions Bill completed all Seanad stages on 2 July. This Bill will limit the disclosure of counselling records in rape and sexual assault cases.
• Banning sex for rent under the Criminal Law and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025; These provisions are included in the aforementioned Miscellaneous Provisions Bill which completed all Seanad stages on 02 July.
• Introducing the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences, Domestic Violence, and International Instruments) Bill 2025 which will, inter alia, change the threshold from a subjective to an objective test for establishing consent in rape and sexual assault cases;
• The Criminal Justice (Domestic Violence Register) Bill 2026 completed all Seanad stages on 25 June. The Bill will bring greater transparency and accountability for serious offenders.
• Establishing the necessary legislative basis to provide for Operation Encompass, which will enable An Garda Síochána to share information with schools when a child has been exposed to domestic violence.
As part of the Zero Tolerance Strategy, Government committed to doubling domestic violence accommodation capacity in Ireland by the end of 2026 from 141 to 282 family units.
By the end of 2026, it is envisaged to have 94 safe homes and 193 refuge units completed, bringing total safe accommodation to 287, with 50 further refuge units under construction. I am continuing to work with Cuan, my Department and the Department of Housing to ensure we are exhausting all measures to increase the pace of delivery for this much needed additional capacity.
Immigration
It is also a central priority for me to ensure that our immigration system is robust and rules based.
My Department has taken action to significantly improve immigration enforcement measures and increase removals. This includes the renewed use of chartered deportation and removal flights. In 2025, 4,700 deportation orders were signed, an increase of 96% compared to 2024, while 2,111 people had their departure confirmed under various mechanisms (i.e. enforced deportation, voluntary return etc.), an increase of 88% compared to 2024. To June 5 2026, 2,108 deportation orders have been signed, an increase of 9% on 2025.
International Protection
The EU Migration and Asylum Pact came into effect on June 12, 2026, as did the International Protection Act 2026. The Pact is a new EU framework to manage migration and asylum for the long-term. The overall objective of the Pact is to provide a fair, sustainable and efficient asylum procedure.
New applicants are now required to attend Citywest Reception Centre for screening, which includes identity, criminality, health and vulnerability checks. Applicants are provided with legal counselling and may avail of free legal aid. They are triaged into the correct procedural pathway. The first interviews will take place before the end of June. Case processing will be more efficient through use of a new fully digital system, and cases will be decided quickly in the vast majority of cases. The new appeals body, TARA, is resourced to hear appeals within specific timelines, and immigration officers and the Garda National Immigration Bureau are prepared to return those whose application is unsuccessful or who do not have the right to remain during an appeal.
Ultimately, improved, faster processing will result in decreasing annual costs by reducing the time an applicant remains in the system.
State Owned Accommodation
I am committed to reforming Ireland’s international protection system to ensure its efficiency and robustness. A stable and sustainable accommodation network is a central element of that reform and a key PfG commitment. State-owned centres are part of the Government’s long-term plan to reduce the reliance on private accommodation providers resulting in better value for money of public funds and a more efficient international protection system. The purchase of the Citywest Hotel last year June was a significant step in achieving this.
The viability of other properties that could be utilised as state-owned accommodation is currently being accessed.
A coherent and sustainable response to the ending of the Temporary Protection Directive
On 26 May 2026, Government approved measures to support those displaced by the war in Ukraine to transition from Temporary Protection status in line with the EU Council recommendation for a co-ordinated approach to transition people out of Temporary Protection across the EU.
Ireland intends to continue to support people fleeing the war in Ukraine who are Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection.
Since the adoption of the Government Decision on 26 May 2026, significant progress has been made in implementing these measures. This includes the development of a new Temporary Permission Transition Scheme for eligible beneficiaries of temporary protection, phased withdrawal of state-contracted commercial accommodation in tandem with protections for those who have specific vulnerabilities, the development of voluntary return arrangements as well as strengthening of information and engagement supports through partners such as the Irish Red Cross and the International Organisation for Migration.
Delivery of these measures is being overseen through established cross-Government governance structures. These include the Senior Officials Group on Justice, divisions within my department and through regular whole-of-government engagement, local authorities, the European Commission and other stakeholders. Progress is monitored on an ongoing basis, with implementation milestones and emerging risks kept under review to ensure that Ireland’s response remains coordinated, sustainable and aligned with developments at EU level.
Community Safety
The National Office for Community Safety established in April 2025 is a central coordinating body to the new whole of government, collaborative, problem-solving approach to community safety as envisaged by the Commission for the Future of Policing in Ireland (CoFPI).
Last June, I signed regulations to allow for Local Community Safety Partnerships to begin their work across the country. These regulations provide for a total of 36 Local Community Safety Partnerships to be established across every Local Authority. At a local level, community safety partnerships will play a major role in enhancing community safety nationwide in collaboration with An Garda Síochána, local residents, businesses and state agencies. I secured an additional €2.5 million in Budget 2026 to support the establishment of all 36 Local Community Safety Partnerships across the country.
Members have been appointed to all 36 of these Safety Partnerships and the Partnerships are working to develop Local Community Safety Plans for their local areas.
Improvements to international judicial cooperation
Bilateral agreements between Ireland and the United Arab Emirates on extradition and mutual legal assistance (MLA) in criminal matters entered into force on 18 May 2025. The bilateral MLA and extradition treaties will ensure that criminals cannot evade the law. They will also serve to mitigate the harm caused by any perception that criminals can evade the law and benefit from the ill-gotten gains of criminal activity abroad, which itself diminishes the trust and confidence of citizens in the rule of law.
I have also received Cabinet approval to publish the Criminal Justice (International Cooperation on Electronic Evidence and Other Matters) Bill 2026. The Bill, which is currently progressing through the Houses of the Oireachtas, will establish a new Office of Director of Criminal Justice International Cooperation, to allow Ireland to meet the requirements of the EU e-Evidence package. The package will make it faster and easier for law enforcement and judicial authorities across the EU, to obtain electronic evidence from service providers as part of criminal investigations. It is expected that all stages of consideration of the Bill will be completed this week.
Criminal Law and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026
In December 2025, I secured Government approval to publish the Criminal Law and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026. The Bill, now titled the Criminal Law, Civil Law and Defence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026, was passed by the Dáil on 10 June 2026 and passed Seanad Report and Final Stages on 2 July 2026. It will return to the Dáil for a final vote on amendments introduced in the Seanad on 15 July.
The Bill responds to a range of pressing challenges for the justice system. Among other provisions, it includes measures to:
• criminalise the highly exploitative behaviour commonly known as ‘sex for rent’;
• reform the law in relation to the disclosure of personal records in sexual offences trials, including by providing for a presumption of non-disclosure in relation to counselling notes and other sensitive personal records ;
• mandate greater consideration of community service orders as an alternative to imprisonment in a wider range of suitable cases;
• provide that prison officers may carry and deploy incapacitant spray in the course of their duties insofar as may be authorised by the Minister under the Prison Rules;
• enable the use of more advanced DNA analysis in missing persons cases;
• further facilitate video link hearings in the criminal courts by enabling bail bonds and suspended sentence bonds to be taken by Gardai and prison officers respectively;
• establish a permanent regulatory basis under which licenced premises may provide outdoor seating on public land;
• amend the Schedule to the Bail Act 1997 to add offences relating to forced marriage or coercive control, offences relating to witness intimidation, and offences of failing to comply with notification requirements under the Sex Offenders Act 2001;
• provide for an application-based legislative scheme for the disregard of certain historical convictions relating to consensual sexual activity between men;
• amend the Prisons Act 2015 to provide that, where two years or less of the applicable prison term remains to be served, a person may be taken from prison for the purpose of effecting a deportation or removal order;
• amend the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 to facilitate the use of the PPSN as a unique identifier for the criminal justice system;
• provide an enabling basis for electronic document transmission in criminal proceedings and in international co-operation proceedings, and for electronic statements of truth in lieu of affidavits or statutory declarations in such proceedings;
• amend the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 to provide members of An Garda Siochana with a limited power, in specified public order circumstances, to direct a person to remove a face covering;
• amend the Misuse of Drugs Act 1984 to provide a statutory basis for the admissibility, as certificate evidence in criminal proceedings, of the results of presumptive drug tests administered by members of An Garda Síochána;
• extend Ireland’s Passenger Name Record Data regime to include “intra-EU” flights flight routes between Ireland and the EU – in addition to extra-EU flights (routes between Ireland and countries outside the EU). The regime is underpinned by the EU PNR Directive (Directive 2016/681) and mandates the collection of PNR data from airlines and processing by national Passenger Information Units, in order to detect suspicious travel patterns and identify criminals and terrorists.
Omagh Inquiry
The International Co-operation (Omagh Bombing Inquiry) Act 2026 came into effect on 15 June 2026 in advance of the start of the Inquiry’s evidential hearings in September.
The commencement of the legislation is another major step in delivering on the PfG commitment to facilitate and support the Inquiry and adds to the suite of measures already implemented. Those measures include the Memorandum of Understanding with the Inquiry which has been in operation for over 12 months and under which a large volume of documentary materials has been disclosed. That work continues at pace. The measures also initiatives to support the disclosure of personal data to the Inquiry including the Data Protection Regulations that I signed last November.
Family Justice
The ongoing reform of the Family Justice system, for the benefit of families and children, is another of my key priorities.
Work has commenced on the implementation of the Family Courts Act 2024. The Act introduces changes to the current delivery of family justice, including the introduction of specialist family law judges assigned and operating within new family court divisions. I recently announced details of the Implementation Plan for the Family Justice Act that will result in some of the most significant reforms of the family justice system in the history of the State.
In June 2026, I launched a nationwide survey to learn more about professionals providing Voice of the Child and Welfare Reports in private family law proceedings to assist with the development and establishment of a panel of assessors. The establishment of a panel was another key recommendation in the Review of Expert Reports in the Family Law Process.
Prisons and penal reform
Irish Prison Service (IPS) is delivering one of the most significant capital programmes in the justice sector, reflecting the Government’s commitment to increase prison capacity and modernise the estate in line with population growth, with an overall target of delivering over 1,500 spaces by 2031. This includes a large extension to the existing Cork Prison on the site of the old, decommissioned Cork Prison, a new block in Wheatfield, an additional block extension at Midlands prison, and additional spaces at Castlerea, Mountjoy, Cloverhill, Portlaoise, Limerick and the Dóchas centre.
To accelerate delivery for this plan, I sought and secured an exemption from the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for six major projects (960 prison spaces) to move straight to Approval Gate 2 - Pre-Tender Approval of the Infrastructure Guidelines. This decision is expected to bring forward delivery timelines on those six projects by 12 to 18 months, while freeing up internal capacity within IPS to advance the wider programme. This acceleration reflects the priority placed by Government on strengthening the prison system’s resilience and providing safe, secure and humane accommodation. Since 2024, 258 spaces have been constructed across the Prison Estate, with 126 constructed in 2024, 106 constructed in 2025 and 26 constructed so far in 2026 with a plan to build another 39 spaces by the end of the year.
In June 2026, I published a Policy Review of the Criminal Justice (Community Sanctions) Bill 2014. The purpose of the proposed Bill is to update the Probation of Offenders Act 1907 with modern provisions dealing with community sanctions and the role of the Probation Service in the criminal justice system. The Policy Review was jointly undertaken by my Department and the Probation Service. It proposes changes to the 2014 Bill’s General Scheme to reflect more recent developments in Irish penal policy, and it recommends several changes to pre-sentencing practice, while retaining the 2014 provisions around reparation orders and the discontinuation of the Court Poor Box. My Department will now progress work in relation to the revision of the General Scheme of the Criminal Justice (Community Sanctions) Bill 2014.
The Criminal Law, Civil Law and Defence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026, which completed all Seanad stages on 2 July and is due to return to the Dáil on 15 July for a final vote on the Seanad amendments, includes amendments to the Criminal Justice (Community Service) Act 1983 aimed at encouraging greater use of community service orders (CSOs). The amendments will oblige the courts to consider a CSO in lieu of a prison sentence of up to 24 months’ duration (the current such threshold being 12 months) and to give reasons where they consider that a CSO should not be imposed in such a case. A court will also be able to order up to 480 hours of community service (the current statutory maximum being 240 hours).
A key recommendation of the High-Level Taskforce (HLTF) on mental health and addiction was the establishment of a Community Access Support Team (CAST) to divert those experiencing situational trauma or a mental health crisis away from the criminal justice system, and towards the healthcare system. The CAST project commenced in January 2025 and is a partnership pilot between An Garda Síochána and the Mental Health Services of HSE Mid-West Community Healthcare which is currently being trialled in the Limerick Garda Division.
This has resulted in multiple diversions from arrest and subsequent detentions under Section 12 of the Mental Health Act 2001 to the benefit of individual patients and increased public safety. An evaluation of CAST has recently been completed by the University of Limerick.
Counter-terrorism
Last June, I received Cabinet approval to strengthen Ireland’s counter-terrorism laws with the publication of the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) (Amendment) Bill 2025. The Terrorist Offences Bill will allow for the prosecution of a broader range of terrorist activities in light of the evolving nature of terrorism. These include terrorist acts with a cross-border element, and cyber-attacks where the aim is to cause widespread harm. The Bill will bring Ireland’s counter-terrorism laws into line with those of other EU member states. This alignment will facilitate Ireland’s participation in enhanced counter-terrorism networks across the EU, enabling An Garda Síochána to tap into those networks to respond to both domestic and cross-border terrorist threats. On 30 June, the Bill successfully completed its passage through both Houses of the Oireachtas. It will now be presented to the President for signing and promulgation.
Substance Misuse
Ceisteanna (537)
Mark Ward
Ceist:537. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of people who have been charged under the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Act 2010 for the misuses of nitrous oxide; the number of people that have been charged under the same Act specifically for the sale, importation, exportation or advertisement of nitrous oxide in each of the years 2020 to date, by year, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50812/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Act 2010 aims to prevent of the misuse of dangerous or otherwise harmful psychoactive substances and provides for 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, including but not limited to nitrous oxide, 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.
I am advised, by the Garda authorities, that nitrous oxide is not specifically captured under a structured field on the Garda PULSE system. As a result An Garda Síochána are not in a position to provide the number of people who have been charged for the misuses of nitrous oxide or the number of people that have been charged specifically for the sale, importation, exportation or advertisement of nitrous oxide.
Revenue Customs Officers are responsible for monitoring and seizing importations of nitrous oxide into the State.
The HSE and An Garda Síochána remain aware of the issues surrounding nitrous oxide misuse, and the HSE continues to support awareness of the associated health risks among young people, parents and youth organisations.
Substance Misuse
Ceisteanna (538)
Mark Ward
Ceist:538. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the steps he will take in relation to nitrous oxide following the publication of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Drugs Use Final Report; his views on the report’s recommendations relating to nitrous oxide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50814/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 Joint Committee on Drugs Use has examined the recommendations made by the Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use and have recently published their final report. The report makes a number of specific recommendations related to the misuse of nitrous oxide. These recommendations will need to be carefully considered by all relevant stakeholders including the Department of Health and my Department.
I must emphasise however that 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 Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Act 2010 aims to prevent the misuse of dangerous or otherwise harmful psychoactive substances and provides for 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.
Furthermore, 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.
Road Safety
Ceisteanna (539)
George Lawlor
Ceist:539. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of motorists caught exceeding the speed limit on a static camera at a location (details supplied) from 27 May 2026 to 27 June 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50859/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Whether it is fixed cameras, average speed cameras or GoSafe vans, the use of technology is a vital component of reducing speeding on our roads.
Road safety cameras are intended to be, first and foremost, a tool to support safety, prevention and behavioural change across the road network.
The aim of an enhanced use of cameras across Ireland is to encourage safer driving practices, reduce collisions and protect road users by promoting compliance with speed limits.
Nine static speed safety cameras are in operation across the country since 2024. The locations of these cameras were selected based on fatal and serious injury collision data from the preceding seven years and speed data, as well as feedback from stakeholders.
The Garda authorities have provided the below table which shows a breakdown of the number of fixed charge notices issued for speed detections at the following static speed camera location.
|
General Description |
May 2026 |
June 2026 |
Total |
|
Static Camera - N25 Ballynamona Glenmore Kilkenny |
3,472 |
3,627 |
7,099 |
Figures are based on incidents which occurred from 1 May 2025 to 30 June 2026, inclusive. All information contained in this report is based upon operational data from the FCPS system as was available on 6 July 2026 and is liable to change.
In respect of our national road network, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in collaboration with the relevant local authorities, are responsible for roads engineering and maintenance and for setting speed limits and erecting road signage.
Road Safety
Ceisteanna (540, 541, 542, 543)
Joanna Byrne
Ceist:540. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the engagement he has undertaken to date with the Department of Transport and An Garda Síochána on powers of seizure and detention in relation to Graces Law ; and whether he has undertaken any direct engagement with Gardaí in County Louth on the matter. [50929/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraJoanna Byrne
Ceist:541. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of scramblers, quad bikes, and e-scooters that have been seized or detained in County Louth for the years 2024 to 2026 respectively [50930/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraJoanna Byrne
Ceist:542. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of complaints received by An Garda Síochána from members of the public in relation to scramblers, quad bikes and e scooters being used in residential areas across County Louth, for the years 2025 to 2026 respectively. [50931/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraJoanna Byrne
Ceist:543. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of cases in County Louth involving the seizure of scramblers, quad bikes and e scooters which resulted in a prosecution file being prepared by An Gardaí Síochána for the years 2025 to 2026 respectively. [50932/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 540, 541, 542 and 543 together.
On 1 April, the Road Traffic (Control of Certain Vehicles) Regulations 2026, known as Grace's Law, were signed into law by the Minister for Transport. These regulations prohibit the use of an off-road motorcycle, such as a scrambler or a quadbike, in any place, except on private land. They impose a requirement of consent where restricted vehicles are used on private land and will make enforcement easier.
The seriousness with which the Government views this issue is reflected in the fact the use of scramblers is now explicitly an offence, assisting An Garda Síochána operationally by ensuring that members no longer have to form a reasonable belief about dangerous use of the vehicle.
The ban on the use of scramblers in public places has only been in effect since the beginning April and as such data on prosecutions and convictions made under this legislation are not yet available.
Gardaí also have additional, and significant, legislative powers to combat the antisocial and dangerous misuse of scramblers, quad bikes, e-scooters and other such vehicles including under the Road Traffic Act 1961, the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997, and the Criminal Law Act 1997 and the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023.
I am assured that An Garda Síochána continues to adopt a proactive approach in addressing the illegal use of scramblers, and have been informed of a substantial increase in the seizure of these types of vehicles during the first quarter of 2026 when measured against the full year 2025.
Garda authorities report scrambler and quad bike seizures, at 94 and 17 incidents respectively for the first quarter of this year, are tracking well ahead of 2025 full-year figures of 159 and 40. The table below sets out the number of seizures of mechanically propelled vehicles nationally since 2024. Data is not available at a Divisional level.
|
Incidents when vehicles were seized or detained |
2024 |
2025 |
Q1 2026 |
|
e-scooters |
310 |
931 |
754 |
|
Scramblers |
165 |
159 |
94 |
|
Quad bikes |
39 |
40 |
17 |
|
e-bikes |
144 |
237 |
140 |
An Garda Síochána respond to all calls for service and calls are routed through a regional control room and prioritised for response.
The CSO as the national statistics agency publish information on recorded crime. While there is no specific category for scrambler, e-scooter and quad bike, these offences generally fall under public order and other social code offences in addition to dangerous / negligent acts. Datasets providing figures on recorded crime incidents by Garda Station/ Division, type of offence and year/quarter can be accessed on the CSO website at the following link: [https://data.cso.ie/].
I must be clear and state that while I do meet with and engage regularly with the Commissioner, as well as Gardaí around the country, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for directing Garda members and for the operational response to crime in any location.
Question No. 541 answered with Question No. 540.
Question No. 542 answered with Question No. 540.
Question No. 543 answered with Question No. 540.
Visa Applications
Ceisteanna (544)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:544. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will expedite an application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50933/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can advise the Deputy that the Join Family visa application referred to was created on 5 December 2024. Supporting documentation was received in the Bangkok office on 6 January 2025. The application was received in the Dublin Visa Office on 17 January 2025 where it awaits examination and processing.
My Department's business target for join family visa applications is 12 months. It must be made clear that these are business targets for the immigration service and some applications can take longer than others. The business target reflects the detailed and often complex assessment that is required to be carried out in relation to applications for family reunification.
While I acknowledge the personal difficulties an applicant might be experiencing, it is not possible to give a definitive date as to when this application will be finalised. All applications are processed in chronological order, based on date order of receipt.
While every effort is made to process applications as soon as possible, processing times will vary having regard to the volume and complexity of applications, the possible need for the Immigration Service Delivery function of my Department to investigate, inquire into, or seek further information, and the resources available.
The current processing times for Dublin visa decisions are available here: www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/.
The date published on the website is the oldest date of application currently being processed under a given category. However, it should be noted that the Visa team continue to process and make decisions on applications received after the published processing date. If a particular application takes longer to consider this may result in the published processing date remaining unchanged. I can assure you that this does not indicate the processing of these applications has halted overall.
I am acutely aware that join family applications are very important for the people impacted. I understand that people are eager to have their families join them in Ireland, and I am committed to improving the service my Department provides.
The person concerned can now directly check the status of their visa application on the Immigration Service’s Customer Service Portal. They can register for, or log in to their existing account, at: www.portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/.
As an Oireachtas member, you can also request the status of individual immigration cases by e-mail, using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process.
Citizenship Applications
Ceisteanna (545)
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Ceist:545. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the reason a citizenship application by a person (details supplied) has not received a decision, despite initially applying 20 months ago, and having found no offences or criminal charges following a subject access report from the Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50949/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The naturalisation application referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department.
I understand that extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants. I want to assure anyone who has an application for naturalisation submitted that the Citizenship Division of my Department is doing everything possible to progress applications as quickly as possible.
It is important to note, however, that no two naturalisation applications are the same and some take longer than others to process. Given the importance of citizenship, robust and comprehensive checks must take place on each application. Unfortunately, some checks, such as international checks, can take a considerable amount of time and these are largely outside of the control of the Immigration Service.
For that reason, while, I expect that going forward, that most applicants will receive a decision within one year, this cannot be guaranteed in the case of applications made in any specific year.
Citizenship Division have taken a significant number of steps to improve the process for applicants. These included introducing an online digital application, online payments, and the introduction of eVetting. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that these changes are reducing processing times.
Applicants can now directly check the status of their immigration application on the Immigration Service’s Customer Service Portal. They can register for, or log in to their existing account, at: https://portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/.
As an Oireachtas member, you can also request the status of individual immigration cases by e-mail, using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process.
International Protection
Ceisteanna (546)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:546. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration his plans for additional IPAS accommodation centres in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50990/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department receives regular offers of accommodation from prospective providers. All offers of accommodation are reviewed by the Department under a standard appraisal procedure.
I can confirm that there are currently no properties in Co. Donegal under consideration by the Department to provide international protection accommodation.
Residency Permits
Ceisteanna (547, 552, 555)
Robert O'Donoghue
Ceist:547. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 497, 498, 499, 500, 536 and 537 of 23 June 2026, if he is aware that many applicants awaiting renewal of their Irish Residence Permit continue to experience processing times significantly in excess of those stated in the recent parliamentary replies, in which he indicated that online renewal applications are generally processed within six–eight weeks and that no application category exceeds 16 weeks; whether he will clarify the basis on which these processing timeframes were provided, given that many applicants continue to report waiting considerably longer without receiving a decision (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50994/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Denise Mitchell
Ceist:552. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the percentage of Stamp 4 renewal applications that are being processed within the estimated ten-to-twelve-week period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51085/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Roderic O'Gorman
Ceist:555. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his Department has plans to increase resources to immigration service delivery in order to rectify delays in the processing of Stamp 4 visas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51128/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 547, 552 and 555 together.
The Registration Office of my Department continues to experience 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 17 weeks. I can advise that the processing times referred to in previous Parliamentary Questions were accurate at the time of issue.
The Registration Office provide a live application processing date broken down by stamp category, which is updated every Monday, and is available on the Immigration Service website 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.
The Registration Office has issued a notice to employers regarding the employment of someone awaiting renewal. If an employee’s Irish Residence Permit (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.
This provides a 24 week window for applicants to obtain a new IRP card.
It is also open to any person to request to have their renewal application expedited due to extenuating circumstances, and they can do so by contacting the Registration team of the Department via the Customer Service Portal. They will need to explain their circumstances and the urgent need to travel. All such requests are considered on a case by case basis.
Applicants can now directly check the status of their immigration application on the Immigration Service’s Customer Service Portal. They can register for, or log in to their existing account, at
https://portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/
The information requested on the percentage of stamp 4 renewal applications processed within 10-12 weeks is not readily available. To source this information would require the manual examination of each individual stamp 4 renewal processed. Such an examination would require a disproportionate amount of time to compile and would deflect resources from processing applications.
Legislative Measures
Ceisteanna (548, 549, 550, 551)
Ken O'Flynn
Ceist:548. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the status of the general scheme of the European Public Prosecutor's Office Bill; the date on which the general scheme was or will be brought to Government; whether the stated commitment to publish enabling legislation in the first half of 2026 has been met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51042/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraKen O'Flynn
Ceist:549. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the expected date on which the State will formally accede to the European Public Prosecutor's Office; the steps that remain to be completed before accession; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51043/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraKen O'Flynn
Ceist:550. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of requests for judicial cooperation or mutual legal assistance received from the European Public Prosecutor's Office in each of the years 2021 to 2025 and to date in 2026; the number of those requests granted in full, granted in part, or refused; the average time taken by the State to respond; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51044/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraKen O'Flynn
Ceist:551. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the response of the Department to public comments by the incoming European Chief Prosecutor describing the State as a jurisdiction in which shell companies are being established for the purposes of VAT fraud and money laundering; the assessment the Department has made of the State's exposure to organised crime arising from continued non-participation in the European Public Prosecutor's Office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51045/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 548, 549, 550 and 551 together.
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) was established in 2017 under the EU's enhanced cooperation measure to investigate and prosecute crimes against the financial interest of the European Union. These crimes are as set out in Directive (EU) 2017/1371 of the European Parliament and of the Council, on the fight against fraud to the Union’s financial interests by means of criminal law, otherwise known as the PIF Directive.
Ireland decided not to opt in to the EPPO Regulation at that time, given that it represented a departure from our common law model of investigation and prosecution. However, Ireland has transposed the PIF Directive and the full suite of measures to investigate and prosecute PIF offences are available to Irish authorities under our domestic structures.
Drafting of the General Scheme of the Bill to enable Ireland to participate in EPPO is currently progressing. This follows preparatory work already conducted relating to the development of the preferred operating model for an EPPO Regional Office for Ireland, including identification of the resources, human and financial, required to deliver the model. Development of the model was the subject of significant engagement with relevant stakeholders.
Following completion of the General Scheme, formal Government approval will be sought to opt in to the EPPO Regulation and to undertake related processes, including seeking Oireachtas approval.
While the operational model has been identified, development of a General Scheme gives rise to a range of complex legal and technical issues, having regard to Ireland’s common law system and how EPPO will navigate within it. It is expected to be 2027 before the legislation will be completed.
In the meantime, co-operation with the EPPO as a non-participating Member State is working well, with legislative changes required to facilitate Ireland’s co-operation with the EPPO being fully operational since 1 November, 2023. This was effected by way of amendments to the Criminal Justice (Mutual Assistance) Act 2008, which enables Ireland-EPPO co-operation, by creating a legal framework for EPPO to make requests for assistance directly to the State. Since then, there has been ongoing positive engagement with EPPO in relation to the processing of mutual legal assistance requests.
The Central Authority for Mutual Assistance in my Department is the contact point for the European Public Prosecutor’s Office. I am advised that all EPPO requests received are handled in accordance with the legislation and are given priority attention.
I can assure the Deputy that Irish officials enjoy a positive and collaborative working relationship with EPPO, and it is intended that this will continue as the work on the legislative and operational aspects of Ireland’s future participation in the EPPO progresses. The Irish Government remains fully committed to protecting the Union’s financial interests and to providing every support possible to EPPO, as it carries out its very important work.
While it would not be appropriate to provide details of individual EPPO cases, I can advise the Deputy that the Central Authority has received in excess of 60 requests from the EPPO since 2021, 42 of which have been processed to completion.
Question No. 549 answered with Question No. 548.
Question No. 550 answered with Question No. 548.
Question No. 551 answered with Question No. 548.
Question No. 552 answered with Question No. 547.