Written Answers Nos. 833-852
833. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the net number of Garda members assigned to DMR north in each year since 2022, having regard to recruitment, retirements and all other departures from the force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64515/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána under section 33 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, which includes the allocation and deployment of Garda resources throughout the state.
An Garda Síochána publishes information in relation to the allocation of Garda personnel nationally, including a breakdown of Gardaí and Garda Staff assigned by division and station. These figures reflect the number of Gardaí assigned to any given Garda division, including DMR North since 2022 and incorporate all allocations and departures to the division. Figures for the end of July 2026, the latest available, and for previous years, that can be viewed by accessing the data for December 2025 can be found at the following links:
2010-2025
www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/human-resources-and-people-development/garda-hr-directorate/garda-strength-breakdown-2025/garda-strength-breakdown-2025.html
2026
www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/human-resources-and-people-development/garda-hr-directorate/garda-strength-breakdown-2026/july-2026.html
834. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if an IPAS inspection of Dolcain House accommodation centre, Monastery Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 (report reference IPPSI0073) has been carried out since the most recently published inspection report dated 1 August 2025; if so, the date on which any such inspection was carried; when the resulting report will be published; if not, when the next inspection of the centre is scheduled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64559/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll IPAS accommodation centres are inspected each year, either by HIQA, by Department officials, or by external inspectors commissioned by the Department. The inspection regime, along with a range of other key quality and compliance actions, has been stepped up over the last year, as the Department works to improve standards and value for money across the IPAS system.
The inspections examine the quality of the accommodation services, looking at food quality, fire safety, appropriate signage and information for residents, the condition of communal areas and sleeping quarters and adherence to hygiene and other health and safety measures. Centres are inspected at intervals every year and all inspections are unannounced. These inspections also check on whether centres are fulfilling their overall contractual obligations. Inspection reports are published either on HIQA.ie or gov.ie.
Where any centre, following an inspection, has areas of partial or non-compliance identified, a bespoke compliance plan is agreed, noting the specific and time-bound measures which will be taken in order to ensure full compliance.
Since the most recent published inspection report (August 2025) at the centre referenced, Department officials conducted a targeted follow-up visit to the centre in March 2026.
Follow-up inspections are targeted oversight activities undertaken to assess specific matters and do not constitute full routine inspections. Accordingly, they do not give rise to a standard inspection report and, in line with established practice, reports arising from such visits are not published.
The next routine inspection of this centre is scheduled to take place before the end of 2026. As inspections are conducted on an unannounced basis to support effective oversight, the precise date of the inspection is not disclosed in advance. Following completion of the inspection, any report arising will be processed and published in accordance with the Department's established inspection reporting and publication procedures.
The Department remains committed to the ongoing monitoring and oversight of accommodation centres to help ensure that appropriate standards are maintained across the International Protection Accommodation Service estate.
835. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the average cost per bed, per night in designated IPAS accommodation centres; the average cost per bed, per night in those centres where contracts are due to expire in 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030 and after, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64557/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra836. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current number of IPAS accommodation centres; the number with capacity for residents in ranges of 50, from 1-50, 51-100 and so on; and the number therein with contracts due to expire in 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030 and after, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64556/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra837. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current number of designated IPAS accommodation centres within each local authority area or nearest comparable geographic area for which figures are available; the total number of IPAS accomodation spaces within each area; the average capacity rate per area; the average cost per bed per night in each area; and the corresponding figures for the years 2020-2025, in tabular form. [64555/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 835, 836 and 837 together.
I regret that the information requested in your questions could not be provided within the timeframe available. I will respond when the data is available.
838. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will review correspondence (details supplied); the status of the Community Safety Fund application in question; and the expected timeframe for a decision. [64564/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirst opened in 2022, the Community Safety Fund (CSF) is an important and effective means of achieving stronger, safer communities. It ensures that the proceeds of crime seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and An Garda Síochána are re-invested back into communities to enhance safety and security where people live. 127 projects across Ireland have been successful in securing funding through the Community Safety Fund to date.
Details on the timetable for the 2026 CSF Funding Call are outlined below:
|
|
Stages |
Date / Indicative period |
|
1 |
Launch of Call |
13 April 2026 |
|
2 |
Deadline for submitting applications |
18 May 2026 |
|
3 |
Notification of results to applicants |
October 2026 |
|
4 |
Sign-off of grant agreements |
November 2026 |
|
5 |
Commencement of projects |
December 2026 |
This year’s fund, totalling €4.75 million, represents a significant increase on the initial allocation of €2 million in 2022.
The guidance document for the funding call can be found at the following link:
assets.gov.ie/static/documents/564ce32b/2026_Community_Safety_Fund_Guidance_Document_.pdf
A Selection Committee within my Department, including an independent panel member from outside the Department, will review all submitted CSF applications and assess each application in accordance with the published award criteria. Final recommendations on the award of grants will be made by the Selection Committee and submitted to me for approval. As this is a competitive grant process, applications will be assessed against the published criteria and established appraisal process.
As set out in the above timetable, it is intended to announce successful projects in the coming weeks.
839. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his Department will expedite a stamp 4 IRP renewal for a person (details supplied). [64543/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Minister that the application referred to was refused on 07 August 2026. Correspondence issued to the applicant which outlines the reasons for this refusal.
The person referred to is advised to make an appointment to register with the Registration Division of my Department.
The person referred to will need to book an appointment using the Customer Service Portal at the following link: portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/
The appointment system on the Customer Service Portal is the only means of securing an appointment. With the portal, customers can select and book appointment slots to register for the first time. They can also reschedule or cancel if necessary.
Please be aware that the Registration Office is currently experiencing an exceptionally high demand for first time registration appointments and they are aware that appointment availability is severely limited. Immigration Service Delivery apologises for any inconvenience or stress this may cause. Customers are advised to monitor the Customer Service Portal for any available appointments that may come up due to cancellations. If customers have an emergency, they can submit a query to the Registration Office via the portal and should provide evidence of same.
Further information and guidance on registering a permission is available on our website, as well as a FAQ section: www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/
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.
840. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current position regarding the former provision of court sittings in Tipperary Town; whether the Courts Service has considered the restoration of court sittings in the town; and the criteria which would have to be satisfied for their restoration. [64572/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra841. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the capital investment undertaken at Carrick-on-Suir and Cashel courthouses in each of the past ten years; the works currently planned for each courthouse; whether either building has been assessed for refurbishment or redevelopment; and the estimated cost of identified works. [64571/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 840 and 841 together.
Under the Courts Service Act 1998, the provision and management of court accommodation is a matter for the Courts Service, which is independent in the exercise of its functions. To be of assistance to the Deputy, my officials have made enquiries with the Courts Service in relation to the information requested.
The Courts Service has advised that concerns regarding the infrastructure and suitability of court venues in District 21, including Carrick-on-Suir and Cashel, were raised in 2025. Engagement has since taken place with relevant stakeholders to identify potential impacts and operational considerations arising from any changes to court sittings in the district.
Carrick-on-Suir Courthouse and Cashel Courthouse are both owned by the local authority. Recent expenditure at both venues, in coordination with the OPW, has focused on minor repairs and maintenance as issues arise.
At present, there is no major capital redevelopment project under consideration for either courthouse. While the National Development Plan provides the overall framework for capital investment in the Courts Service estate, these courthouses are not identified as specific projects within it. Any future works at either venue would have to be considered in the context of the broader Courts Service estate, competing national priorities, available capital funding, and the required planning, business case and appraisal processes. I am advised that the Courts Service will continue to keep the condition and operational suitability of both venues under review.
As of 1 September 2025, all court sittings for Tipperary Town Court are being held in Thurles. To date, no suitable premises for a courthouse in Tipperary town has been found. I am informed that the District Court in Cashel currently sits three times per month, the District Court for Tipperary Town sits three times per month in Thurles, and the District Court in Carrick-on-Suir sits twice per month.
842. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of persons who, having been detained in Oberstown as children, subsequently entered the adult prison system in each of the past ten years. [64630/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra843. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the average number of previous convictions held by a child prior to receiving a first detention order in Oberstown in each of the past ten years; and the highest number of previous convictions recorded before a first detention order in each year. [64628/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra847. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the reoffending rate among children who received detention orders and were released from Oberstown in each of the past ten years; and the percentage who subsequently received further convictions. [64622/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra850. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of occasions in each of the past ten years on which a child charged with a serious offence was not detained due to a lack of available accommodation in Oberstown. [64640/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 842, 843, 847 and 850 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.
844. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of persons aged under 18 years who received detention orders in each of the past ten years, broken down by age, gender and offence type. [64620/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraManagement of the courts and operational matters are the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in the exercise of its functions under the Courts Service Act 1998.
To be of assistance, I have referred the Deputy's question to the Courts Service for direct reply.
845. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of persons aged under 18 years who were convicted of a criminal offence in each of the past ten years, broken down by year and by offence category. [64618/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraManagement of the courts and operational matters are the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in the exercise of its functions under the Courts Service Act 1998.
To be of assistance, I have referred the Deputy's question to the Courts Service for direct reply.
846. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of persons aged under 18 years-of-age who had accumulated more than ten convictions, more than 20 convictions and more than 30 convictions in each of the past ten years. [64623/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraManagement of the courts and operational matters are the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in the exercise of its functions under the Courts Service Act 1998.
To be of assistance, I have referred the Deputy's question to the Courts Service for direct reply.
848. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of persons aged under 18 years who appeared before the Children's Court in each of the past ten years; the number of individual children involved; and the number of cases heard. [64616/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraManagement of the courts and operational matters are the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in the exercise of its functions under the Courts Service Act 1998.
To be of assistance, I have referred the Deputy's question to the Courts Service for direct reply.
849. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the highest number of convictions accumulated by a person under 18 years-of-age in each of the past ten years; and the number of such persons who received detention orders. [64643/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraManagement of the courts and operational matters are the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in the exercise of its functions under the Courts Service Act 1998.
To be of assistance, I have referred the Deputy's question to the Courts Service for direct reply.
851. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the status of the effectiveness of Operation Tara in tackling street-level drug dealing; the number of arrests and charges made; the quantity and value of drugs seized under the operation to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64664/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have requested the information sought from the Garda authorities, regrettably this was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy again once the information is to hand.
852. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for an update on the effectiveness of Operation Táirge in tackling retail theft; the number of arrests and charges made under the operation to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64663/26]
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.
