Written Answers Nos. 573-592
574. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Question No. 226 of 24 June 2026 and 682 of 16 June 2026, whether other individuals are currently under consideration for a travel ban of the kind recently imposed on two Israeli ministers; the number of persons currently under consideration for such a ban; and to give a breakdown by nationality and country of residence. [51356/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI do not comment on operational border or security matters that may be under consideration.
575. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Question No’s 320 of 14 November 2023 and 364 of 2 February 2023, whether the policy referred to has been finalised and published; and, if not, when it is expected to be completed and published. [51357/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Prison Service are continuing to work towards finalising a policy document for the management of prisoners who identify as transgender and have extended the project to consider the supports for gender diversity in the prison environment more broadly.
This work has included consultation with a wide spectrum of stakeholders, consideration of submissions received from interest groups, consultation with the Office of the Inspector of Prisons, and consideration of guidelines published by the Committee for Prevention of Torture, and Inhumane or Degrading Treatment & Punishment (CPT). The IPS are continuing to engage with other prison jurisdictions to gain learning and insight into their policies and experiences in order to inform the mapping of practical steps necessary to implement the policy before finalising the document.
As background for the Deputy, Prison Rules, 2007 (S.I. No. 252/2007) set out the minimum rules and regulations on all aspects of life in prisons in Ireland, including admission, accommodation, visiting rights, health, discipline, education, and so forth. Much of the daily operation of prisons is guided by the Prison Rules. The Prison Service is responsible for the safe and secure custody of all persons held in prison.
Where a court makes an order committing a person to a prison, the Irish Prison Service must accept that person into custody in whichever prison is specified by the court. While all prisoners committed are accommodated in accordance with their legal gender, it should be noted that Irish prisons are not legally defined as 'male' or 'female' prisons. However, Prison Rule 52 provides for male and female prisoners to be accommodated in separate areas. Given this, for operational reasons, some prisons are referred to as male or female prisons.
On arrival in prison, all prisoners are brought to the reception/committal unit of the prison, where there is an opportunity to provide details as part of the committal interview process.
As part of that process and in assessing the needs of a prisoner, the Prison Governor will consider the risks posed to the prisoner themselves and any level of risk to other prisoners. This risk assessment will determine the regime necessary to ensure the safety of all prisoners and may include the accommodation of the prisoner on a restricted regime under Rule 63 of the Prison Rules. The Governor may also make a recommendation on the appropriate placement within the prison system, taking into consideration good order, security and operational issues, protection issues, available accommodation and the healthcare needs of the prisoner, as well as the safety and security of other prisoners and staff.
576. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of Garda vetting applications received regarding social housing applications in 2026; the number of applications yet to be processed; and the average time it takes to return a vetting result. [51384/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána under section 34 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024. This includes all operational matters such as the process for local authorities to obtain criminal record checks for local authority housing applicants.
I have contacted the Garda authorities and have been advised that this process remains decentralised (the responsibility of the local Superintendent), as provided for under section 15 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1997. As such, records are not held centrally and the information requested is not available.
For the Deputy's information, section 15 provides for local authorities to obtain criminal record checks in respect of persons applying for housing, including persons the authority believes may have been engaged in anti-social behaviour.
To be clear, no individual who applies for social housing in Ireland is subject to Garda vetting. The purpose of vetting under the National Vetting Bureau Acts is to act as an important component of safeguarding the most vulnerable members of society i.e. children and vulnerable adults. However, a local authority may seek information in relation to any person seeking a house from specified persons under section 15 of the 1997 Act, including An Garda Síochána, or from another local authority.
577. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether, in line with the recommendation of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) to Ireland in July 2025, in which it recommended the establishment of open prisons for women (details supplied), the Government has plans to establish an open prison for women, similar to Shelton Abbey and Loughan House; and if no such plans exist, to provide an explanation for this decision and how it aligns with Ireland's human rights obligations. [51405/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am conscious that women offenders represent a particularly vulnerable group within the prison system and work is ongoing to address their specific needs within the criminal justice system.
The Programme for Government 2025 commits to considering the need for an open prison for women, and the Future Prison Capacity Working Group was established in July 2024 to consider the future capacity needs of prisons, including the types and locations of capacity required, including in relation to women's prisons.
26 new spaces were constructed for women this year in the Dóchas Centre, and these are now fully operational. The overall IPS capital plan out to 2031 aims to deliver a further 150 prison spaces for women.
While the prison building programme does not currently include provision for the construction of an open prison for women, I will keep the issue under review, particularly in the context of the development of future prison capital plans.
578. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of visa applications currently awaiting decision, broken down by visa category; the average time such applications have been awaiting determination; and the steps being taken to reduce any backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51415/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra579. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the extent to which average visa processing times have changed between 2024, 2025 and 2026 for each visa category; the reasons for any increases or decreases; and the measures being taken to address processing delays where they exist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51416/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra580. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the average processing time for visa applications in each visa category in 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026; and if he will provide the shortest, longest and median processing times recorded for each category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51417/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 578, 579 and 580 together.
It has not been possible to collate the information requested by the Deputy in the time available. I will write to the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.
581. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the estimated first and full-year costs of hiring an additional 500, 1,000 and 1,500 Gardaí, in tabular form. [51436/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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.
582. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the estimated first and full-year cost of doubling the funding for youth justice interventions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51439/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am very pleased that this Government has, in recent years, significantly increased the funding for youth justice initiatives. The budget allocation for Youth Justice measures has almost doubled from 2020 to 2026, with a total allocation for youth justice measures of €43 million in 2026, inclusive of Exchequer and Dormant Accounts Funding.
There are currently 92 Youth Diversion Projects (YDPs) and 4 Targeted YDPs operating across the country. The estimated full-year cost of a new YDP, comprised of all the elements provided for under the Youth Justice Strategy 2021-2027 (12-17 intervention, Early Intervention, Family Support and Harder-to-Reach programmes) is €400,000.
The minimum core ‘package’ for a YDP now includes two Youth Justice Workers, together with what may be appropriate in the specific locality: a family support youth justice worker, an early intervention youth justice worker, an outreach youth justice worker to engage with harder-to-reach young people, and a team leader where the number of other staff requires such a post. The Department funds these posts based on the needs, size and population base of each YDP catchment area, and as feasible given the per annum budget allocation. Therefore, the actual cost of establishing new YDP projects varies from €200,000 to €400,000. There may also be additional start-up costs in the first year, which also vary based on the particular needs of each YDP.
The average annual cost of a Targeted YDP, which are projects that aim to address the needs of children who are hard to reach, engaged in serious and prolific offending, and may not be deemed suitable for engagement with a YDP, was €650,016 in 2026. Targeted YDPs require, on average, 51% more funding as compared to a standard YDP, due to their more intensive programmes and provision of wraparound supports.
Given the above variance in funding needs and the structure of each YDP it is not possible to determine the first-year and full-year costs of doubling the number of youth justice interventions however the doubling of the 2026 Youth Justice Intervention funding allocation would amount to approximately €86m.
Current funding allocated to YDPs enables the employment of dedicated Youth Justice Workers (currently 572 FTE posts, operating nationwide) who support children and young people engaged, or at risk of becoming engaged in the criminal justice system. Every young person in Ireland now has access to a youth diversion service, thereby ensuring the Garda National Youth Diversion Bureau can consider diversion, and connect with a Youth Diversion Project and specialist supports offered by these Projects, for all children who need these interventions across the State.
583. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the total number of staff in the International Protection Office and International Protection Appeals Tribunal; if his Department plans to increase the number of staff in each following the introduction of the EU Migration and Asylum Pact; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51441/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra584. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the estimated first and full-year cost of increasing the number of staff in the International Protection Office and International Protection Appeals Tribunal by 10%, in tabular form. [51442/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra587. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the targeted recruitment for the International Protection Office and appeals tribunal, following the introduction of the EU Migration and Asylum Pact; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51445/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 583, 584 and 587 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the International Protection Act 2026 gives effect to the EU Migration and Asylum Pact and came into effect on 12 June 2026.
The Pact provides a fair, sustainable and efficient asylum procedure. This will be achieved through convergence in asylum practices across the EU including standardised processing times for decisions: six months for a standard procedure, three months for accelerated and border procedures and two months for processing applicants who have applied for protection elsewhere in Europe.
Having a common system across the EU makes sure that all applicants are treated the same in every Member State with no incentive to move from one to another. If Ireland had not opted into the Pact, it is likely that we would face higher levels of secondary movement, slower processing and a less efficient returns system. This would result in applicants staying in the system for much longer, at much greater cost to the State, in terms of the provision of accommodation and other supports.
There has been significant investment in staff across the entire international protection process in recent years and this has increased with the introduction of the Pact.
As of 30 June 2026, the International Protection Office (IPO) has 635 staff, an increase of 200% since 2022. In addition, 158 case processing panel members are also contracted by the IPO.
There has also been a substantial increase in resourcing to IPAT with the Tribunal budget having increased by 107% since 2023. There are currently 6 whole-time Tribunal Members and 138 part-time Tribunal Members.
With the introduction of the Pact, my Department has been actively recruiting for additional whole-time and part-time decision makers; a competition for whole-time Appeals Officers has recently concluded and a panel of successful candidates has been created. Whole time member appointments are due to be made from this panel shortly. In addition, a part time Appeals Officers competition is in progress. The successful Appeals Officers from these competitions will be assigned to the new international protection appeals body, the Tribunal for Asylum and Returns Appeals (TARA) which was established on June 12. Some successful candidates may be assigned to the IPAT.
There is currently sanction for the appointment of 30 whole time decision makers, combining whole-time members in the IPAT and whole-time appeals officers in TARA. With 6 whole-time IPAT members currently, the remaining 24 posts are intended to be filled from the competition that recently concluded. There is a sanction for the appointment of 200 part-time decision makers, combining part time IPAT members and part time appeals officers in TARA. With 138 part time members of IPAT currently, the remaining 62 posts are intended to be filled through the current competition.
It should be noted that the International Protection Appeals Tribunal will continue in existence to process appeals relating to applications under the International Protection Act 2015.
Recruitment and appointments are continuing across all the above functions and staffing levels there will be kept under review having regard to trends in application numbers and requirements across the international protection process.
While projections for future levels of international protections applications are uncertain and impacted by a range of factors, the introduction of the Pact is expected to better respond, firstly by reducing secondary movement through the EU, and secondly through the increased use of significantly accelerated processes.
An increase of 10% of the current staffing for the IPO and IPAT would cost in the region of €4.2m per annum.
585. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the financial supports available to victims of crime and witnesses to cover the costs of travel to court and for accommodation where they are required to be available to attend court for a period of days; the annual budgetary allocation for these supports; if these supports are available in a consistent manner across the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51443/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information sought by the Deputy has been requested from An Garda Síochána and I will revert directly to Deputy once it has been received.
586. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the total funding set aside by his Department to allow for the introduction of the EU Migration and Asylum Pact; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51444/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra588. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the estimated cost associated with the creation of a new appeals tribunal following the introduction of the EU Migration and Asylum Pact; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51446/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra592. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the total budget allocated to the new Tribunal for Asylum and Returns Appeals (TARA); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51455/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 586, 588 and 592 together.
It has not been possible to collate the information requested by the Deputy in the time available. I will write to the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.
589. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the estimated first and full-year cost of a 10% increase in the funding for legal aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51450/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFor clarification purposes, Criminal Legal Aid and Civil Legal Aid are separate services and it is presumed that the Deputy is referring to Criminal Legal Aid in this instance. Under the Criminal Justice (Legal Aid) Act 1962, it is the Courts, through the judiciary, that are responsible for the granting of legal aid.
The Criminal Legal Aid Scheme is demand-led and it is for the courts to decide in any given case if legal aid is to be granted, therefore it is not possible to accurately predict the cost of the Scheme in any given year. However, I can advise that the total criminal legal aid expenditure for 2025 was €120.6 million including appearance fees and other fees and expenses.
As the Deputy will be aware, I introduced an 8% increase in criminal legal aid fees payable to solicitors and barristers in the Circuit Court and higher courts from 1 July 2026. This represents a full restoration of the so-called FEMPI cuts in line with the Programme for Government commitment. I also introduced a flat fee of €520 for District Court criminal cases under the criminal legal aid scheme. This figure represents the current fee paid for five appearances in the District Court plus an 8% increase.
590. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the estimated annual cost of increasing the funding to promote and assist the development of support services to victims of crime by 10%. [51453/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraEach year, my Department provides funding to organisations that deliver support services to victims of crime. Under Budget 2026, €3.8 million was allocated to 10 specialist victim support organisations. In addition, a further €480,000 was allocated to meet existing commitments under prior funding agreements for training, research and advocacy for victims of crime.
The organisations funded include general victim support services, specialist organisations supporting particular categories of victims, and organisations providing dedicated services to victims of human trafficking. This funding supports the provision and development of services for victims of crime, including information on victims' rights, practical and emotional support, court accompaniment, advocacy and referral to other appropriate services.
A 10% increase in the 2026 allocation of €3.8 million would amount to an additional €380,000 per annum, bringing the total allocation to €4.18 million.
However, this figure is an illustrative estimate only. Annual allocations under the Victims of Crime Fund are determined through the Estimates and Budget process and are subject to the availability of resources, Government priorities, existing funding commitments and the assessment of funding applications received. Accordingly, the level of funding allocated in any given year may be higher or lower than the illustrative amount set out above.
591. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the cost of running the Garda Training College for one year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51454/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána under Section 33 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024. In addition the Commissioner is the Accounting Officer for the Garda Vote and is responsible for the Garda budget under Section 72 (1) of the Act. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.
The full year cost for the operation of the Garda College is included in the published appropriation account for Vote 20, An Garda Síochána, on the Comptroller and Auditor General’s website. The accounts for 2024, the latest available, can be found at the following link:
www.audit.gov.ie/en/publications/appropriation-accounts/appropriation-accounts-2024/.
The Garda College is accounted under subhead A.13 in the appropriation account, with an outturn of €43.693 million in 2024.
