Written Answers Nos. 536-555
536. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the position regarding the implementation or review of the 38 recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Assisted Dying (details supplied). [68100/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue of assisted dying is very complex, requiring careful consideration of medical, ethical and cultural issues. It also gives rise to challenging issues in the areas of criminal justice and constitutional law.
The Joint Committee on Assisted Dying was established in January 2023 to consider and make recommendations for legislative and policy change in relation to assisted dying. The Committee published its Final Report on 20 March 2024. The Committee’s report recommends that the Government introduce legislation to allow for assisted dying in certain restricted circumstances. On 23 October 2024, the Dáil voted by 76 to 53 to note the Committee’s Report.
It is a matter for Government, on foot of the Dáil vote, to determine how to progress this issue, including with regard to which Department will take a lead role in relation to it. No decision has been taken, as of yet, as regards any proposed legislative, or other actions, to be taken.
537. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to clarify if online prize-competition operators marketing to Irish consumers are required to comply with Irish gambling legislation when they are registered in other jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom. [68098/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra538. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether he or his Department have considered amending the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 due to regulatory gaps in respect of online prize competitions, which target consumers through social media platforms operating in the State, whilst being registered for business purposes outside of the State. [68097/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra539. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) has guidelines setting out what constitutes a sufficient skill element for competition to fall outside the definition of a regulated game or lottery. [68096/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra540. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if the inclusion of a skill-based question is sufficient in itself, to place an online paid-entry prize competition outside the licensing requirements of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. [68094/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra541. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he and his Department are satisfied that the current Gambling Regulation Act 2024 adequately covers online prize-competition companies (details supplied) who are registered in other jurisdictions and operate in the State on a charge per entry basis, to use a skill-based question and subsequently select winners by random draw. [68093/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 537, 538, 539, 540 and 541 together.
The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 (the Act) establishes a comprehensive framework for the licensing and regulation of betting, gaming and certain lotteries, including activities provided online to persons in the State. The Act establishes an independent agency to regulate the gambling sector, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), and ensures that the Authority can appropriately respond to ongoing and future developments in the gambling sector.
The Act also provides a streamlined and coherent licensing framework that reflects the nature of gambling in the State. At its core, the Act is a public health measure aimed at protecting citizens from gambling harm, particularly children, young people, and those in our communities who are more vulnerable. The Act seeks to ensure that gambling is conducted in a fair and open manner, that operators can function with certainty, that children are protected and safeguards are in place to address problem gambling, including gambling advertising, and that gambling is not a source of, or support for, crime.
The GRAI was established on a statutory basis in March 2025. The provisions relating to the various gambling sectors are being commenced on a phased basis to enable the development of the necessary regulatory, licensing and compliance framework, including guidance and codes of practice where appropriate.
The first phase, licensing of the betting sector, commenced on 5 February 2026. Work on commencing provisions relating to gaming is currently being undertaken by the GRAI and my Department.
Online competitions may be licensed under section 86 of the Act as a gaming activity where participation requires a person to make some sort of payment and complete a task with some element of skill in order to participate and win a prize. Such competitions may also be licensed under section 87 as a lottery, where participation requires payment and the completion of a task, such as selecting numbers, similar to bingo or a traditional lottery. Sections 86 and 87 provide that the GRAI may specify which games or lottery products may be provided under each licence type.
The application of the Act to a particular online prize competition will depend on the facts of the case and on whether the activity falls within the definitions and licensing requirements set out in the Act.
The GRAI is independent in the performance of its functions. Whether a competition contains a sufficient element of genuine skill, as opposed to chance, is a matter for the GRAI to determine in the first instance in the exercise of its statutory functions. Similarly, the publication of guidelines in respect of gambling activities is a matter for the GRAI.
Under the Act, anyone offering a gambling service in Ireland must hold a GRAI licence, irrespective of where they are registered. A person, including a company, who provides a gambling activity without a licence in this jurisdiction will be guilty of an offence and is liable, on summary conviction, to a class A fine, or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, or both; or, on conviction on indictment, to a fine or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 8 years, or both.
Pursuant to section 75 of the Act the GRAI may apply to court for an order directing the cessation of the prohibited gambling activity and a suite of other orders including blocking the Internet service provider and various orders in respect of blocking bank transactions
The Act contains a comprehensive suite of advertising measures and provides the GRAI with significant powers to regulate the advertising of gambling services on social media and other video-sharing platforms. These provisions generally apply to licensed operators.
Section 146 provides that gambling advertising on social media or video-sharing services is permitted only where a person has an account on the social media platform or service and has subscribed to a licensee's account. Section 149 provides for a watershed prohibiting gambling advertising between 5:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. on audio-visual, on-demand media services, on-demand sound services, and broadcasters.
Section 144 provides for a wide-ranging power to allow the GRAI to prescribe the times, places, and events where gambling advertising may be broadcast, displayed, or published, and to specify the frequency and duration of such advertising.
Under section 33, the GRAI must monitor and review the implementation of the Act, including the adequacy of its functions and national and international developments relating to gambling. It may also consider existing and emerging gambling practices to identify issues of concern and make recommendations to my Department.
542. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether he is aware of the number of petrol bombings in Cork in recent months; and the action he intends to take. [68130/26]
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.
545. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the budget that was allocated to the Digitalisation of Justice Conference being organised by his Department as part of Ireland's EU presidency. [68162/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with the Programme for Government, my Department is committed to playing its part in delivering a successful Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which began on 01 July. This will continue to be a significant undertaking for Ireland over the remaining months of our Presidency.
The conference on the digitalisation of justice, jointly organised by the Irish Presidency and the European Commission, aims to advance practical cooperation and innovation in justice systems across the EU. Its primary goal is to showcase and promote concrete digital solutions, including AI tools, that are being developed according to the Digital Justice@2030 Strategy adopted by the Commission last year.
This event will bring together over one-hundred policymakers, representatives of Member States, justice professionals, legal practitioners and other relevant stakeholders to exchange best practices, identify challenges, and foster commitments for further action. By facilitating dialogue between key actors, the conference seeks to strengthen interoperability, efficiency, and accessibility of justice systems in the EU, ultimately contributing to a more connected and resilient European area of justice.
My Department has set in place a budget allocation of €62,000 for this event. This figure is based on estimated costs, and the actual cost remains subject to change pending the final confirmation of the programme and number of attendees.
The overall costs of the Irish Presidency will not be known until 2027, once all the work is complete and all invoices have been received and processed. All Presidency related expenditure is being monitored carefully and any costs arising will be subject to prudent financial planning to ensure value for money.
546. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether any arrangements exist between the Department and the Protected Disclosures Commissioner whereby information concerning systemic governance failures identified through protected disclosures may be notified to the Department while preserving the confidentiality requirements of the Protected Disclosures Act 2014. [68153/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra547. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the procedures in place prior to 1 January 2023 for the assessment and follow-up of protected disclosures made directly to the Minister under section 8 of the Protected Disclosures Act 2014; the procedures currently in place following commencement of the Protected Disclosures (Amendment) Act 2022; and the extent to which information arising from protected disclosures continues to inform the Department's exercise of governance and oversight functions in respect of bodies under the Minister's aegis. [68141/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 546 and 547 together.
My Department complies with the provisions of the Protected Disclosures Act and the Statutory Guidance for public bodies in its management of protected disclosures.
Members of the Oireachtas made a decision in 2014 to depoliticise and remove politicians from the investigation of complaints surrounding wrongdoing in the workplace of state agencies. That resulted in the passing of the Protected Disclosures Act 2014. The Act was put in place to support and protect people with concerns about actions or omissions in their workplace to speak up, confidentially and safely.
In enacting the Protected Disclosures (Amendment) Act 2022, the Oireachtas made amendments to a number of areas of the 2014 Act, including removing Ministers from the follow-up and investigation of protected disclosures. The 2022 Act also created the Office of the Protected Disclosures Commissioner.
Section 8(3) of the Act, as amended, requires Ministers to transmit reports of wrongdoing to the Protected Disclosures Commissioner, without having considered the report, the information, or any allegation.
Under the Act, the role of the Protected Disclosures Commissioner is to send reports of wrongdoing to the appropriate organisation for assessment and follow-up in accordance with the Act.
I am satisfied that there are robust structures, policies and procedures in place across the criminal justice sector to ensure the effective management of protected disclosures, to provide support to people who make disclosures under the Act, and to ensure the effective overall governance and effectiveness of our sector and our essential services.
A review of the operation of the Protected Disclosures Act is due to take place in the coming year. I understand this will be progressed under the auspices of the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation (DPEIPSRD), which has overall policy responsibility for protected disclosures legislation, and will include a public consultation, which all stakeholders are encouraged to participate in.
548. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the total number of submissions received by the Garda Protected Disclosures Unit since it was established; the total number of submissions that were assessed as protected disclosures; the total number of protected disclosures that were upheld; and the total number of upheld protected disclosures that lead to recommendations being issued. [68180/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Protected Disclosures Acts 2014 and 2022 were put in place to support and protect people with concerns about actions or omissions in their workplace to speak up, confidentially and safely.
Under the Protected Disclosures Act 2014, Garda members and Garda staff may confidentially disclose allegations of wrongdoing through established mechanisms within An Garda Síochána, or to Fiosrú, as a prescribed person under section 7 of that Act.
An Garda Síochána (and Fiosrú) are operationally independent and both bodies have their own mechanisms in place for the receipt, assessment, and management of protected disclosures received.
An Garda Síochána’s Annual Reports on Protected Disclosures are published on the Garda website in line with the statutory reporting framework established by the Act. These can be accessed at the following link: www.garda.ie/en/about-us/publications/annual%20reports/an-garda-siochana-annual-reports/.
549. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the reason he ruled out mediation in the criminal legal aid dispute on the basis of ongoing judicial review proceedings, given that mediation can take place alongside court proceedings. [68175/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra558. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration given the disruption resulting from the criminal legal aid dispute, if he will now enter into direct negotiations with the representative bodies concerned or agree to independent mediation; the specific outstanding issues which, in his view, prevent resolution of the dispute; the steps he will take to ensure that access to legal representation and the rights of defendants and victims are protected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68368/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 549 and 558 together.
The reform of the criminal legal aid fee structure in the District Court is designed to improve efficiencies, reduce unnecessary adjournments, simplify the administration of criminal legal aid, speed up case resolution and enable faster payments to practitioners. Since the commencement of the new system, and as of 25 September, almost 2,200 new certificates (invoices for payment) for legal aid have issued with an approximate total value of €1.14 million in the District Court alone.
It should be noted that, 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 Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration has no involvement in the granting of free legal aid or the assignment of solicitors. These matters are handled entirely by the courts. Under the Courts Service Act 1998, the management and administration of the courts is a matter for the Courts Service, while the allocation of court business, the scheduling of cases and the management of court lists are matters for the Judiciary, in particular the Presidents of the Courts.
Of the cases concluded under the new system, since 1st July 2026, 75% concluded with one appearance only in court and 99% of concluded cases were finalised within five appearances. Previously, where a case concluded in one appearance, the solicitor was paid approximately €240. Now they are paid €520.
There has been constructive engagement between officials in my Department and the Law Society and Bar Council in relation to the changes to the scheme since October 2025. Submissions from representative bodies have also been invited, received, and considered. I responded to a letter from the Law Society requesting mediation on 15 September and clarified that I do not believe it would be appropriate to participate in a mediation process concerning the revised scheme given that the new Regulations underpinning the scheme are the subject of Judicial Review proceedings and the High Court has already heard the arguments in relation to their lawfulness.
I understand that judgment will be delivered in this matter on 13 October, and the outcome should bring greater clarity and certainty for all stakeholders regarding the legal framework governing the reforms and any future implementation measures. In the meantime, my Department will continue to keep the operation of the new scheme under review.
550. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of residents of International Protection Accommodation Service IPAS accommodation who have been victims of fatal violent incidents while residing in such accommodation since 2015; the number of incidents in each centre. [68317/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra551. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of deaths of residents in International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) accommodation that were recorded as homicides, suspected homicides, murders, manslaughters or deaths arising from criminal acts since 2015 and the location and date of each incident. [68321/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra553. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of residents accommodated in International Protection Accommodation Service centres who have died as a result of homicide or murder while residing in State-provided international protection accommodation; and to provide a breakdown by year, accommodation centre, age, sex and nationality of the deceased. [68323/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 550, 551 and 553 together.
Any death of a resident in International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) accommodation is a tragic event for their family, friends and neighbours, and also for the accommodation centre staff who know them.
The Department publishes information on deaths of people staying in IPAS centres on www.gov.ie/en/international-protection-accommodation-services-ipas/publications/statistics-on-deaths-of-international-protection-accommodation-service-residents/ with the most recent publication reporting on the period to January-June 2026.
www.gov.ie/en/international-protection-accommodation-services-ipas/publications/statistics-on-deaths-of-international-protection-accommodation-service-residents/
The data provided shows that 10 residents died in the period from January to June 2026. In 2025, 23 IPAS residents died, in 2024, 15 IPAS residents died and in 2023, 9 residents died. It is relevant to note that from 2023 to 2024, the number of people resident in IPAS increased by more than 25%.
The statistical breakdown of deaths and information on cause of death is grouped to protect the identity of the people concerned and their families. Where the cause of death is not publicly available or has not been confirmed by the General Registration Office (GRO), it is noted as “Not Available”. The Department does not have any input into the process of reporting or recording of deaths by the GRO.
This publication is in line with the Department's policy on 'Recording & Reporting of Deaths of Residents in International Protection and Accommodation Centres’, a copy of which is published on Gov.ie, as follows: https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/policy-on-the-recording-reporting-of-deaths-of-residents-in-international-protection-a.pdf.
https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/policy-on-the-recording-reporting-of-deaths-of-residents-in-international-protection-a.pdf.
552. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the research, analysis or comparative assessment was undertaken by his Department in determining that the qualifying period of reckonable residence for naturalisation should be increased from five years to eight years; and if an assessment was carried out of the potential impact of this change on persons already lawfully resident in the State. [68191/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government contains a commitment to continue implementing a firmer and more sustainable migration system that protects the integrity of the State's immigration framework.
My Department closely monitors developments in this area and, through its policy function, regularly assesses the effectiveness and appropriateness of existing frameworks to ensure they remain proportionate, fit for purpose and aligned with Government policy objectives.
In that context, proposals to strengthen and modernise the naturalisation and citizenship framework have been considered by Government and are now being progressed.
The Government has considered whether five years remains the most appropriate period for establishing the durable connection to the State that citizenship is intended to recognise.
The current residence requirement has remained substantially unchanged since the framework was established in the mid-20th century, despite profound changes in migration patterns, labour mobility and international travel. It is therefore reasonable to reassess whether a threshold designed in 1956 remains appropriate in 2026.
Citizenship represents the fullest expression of membership of Irish society. It is therefore important that the legislative framework governing access to citizenship is robust, fair and sustainable.
The proposed changes are not intended to restrict integration or exclude migrants from Irish society. Rather, they are designed to ensure that citizenship reflects a genuine and enduring connection to Ireland, an understanding of the State and its institutions, and an ongoing commitment to Irish society.
The residence period requirements in other EU Member States were considered in determining the revision to residency period requirements contained in the Bill. In this regard it is important to note that the proposed amendments relate solely to the conditions for acquiring citizenship. They do not affect a person's entitlement to reside, work, study, establish a business or build a life in Ireland in accordance with the terms of their immigration permission.
554. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the evidence base for raising the marriage/civil partnership residency requirement from three years to five, separately from the general increase in reckonable residence from five to eight. [68181/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra581. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to PQ68181/26, if consideration was given to the effect of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2026 on Irish citizens themselves — not just on the foreign-national spouse — of retroactively extending the timeline for their own husband, wife, or partner to become a citizen of this country. [68182/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 554 and 581 together.
Government considers that citizenship by naturalisation is one of the most significant legal statuses that the State can confer and should reflect a sustained and meaningful connection to Ireland.
The proposed amendments seek to ensure greater consistency across the naturalisation framework and to strengthen the link between citizenship and demonstrated residence, integration and compliance with the law.
While marriage to an Irish citizen remains an important factor and continues to be recognised in the legislation, the Government considers it appropriate that all applicants for citizenship by naturalisation demonstrate their own substantial connection to the State.
The proposals do not affect a person's entitlement to reside in Ireland with their Irish spouse or civil partner.
Rather, they concern the separate issue of eligibility for Irish citizenship by naturalisation. The objective is to ensure that citizenship reflects a durable connection to Ireland and is granted on the basis of clear, transparent and consistent criteria.
The Government considers that the revised residence requirements strike an appropriate balance between recognising the special position of spouses and civil partners of Irish citizens and ensuring that citizenship reflects a substantial period of lawful residence and integration within Irish society.
The dedicated naturalisation pathway for spouses and civil partners of Irish citizens will remain in place.
555. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the projects that have received funding under the Ireland Against Racism Fund in each year since 2023, including the name of each recipient organisation; the amount awarded; the purpose of the project; the county or counties in which it operates and the amount actually drawn down to date; the mechanisms in place to assess the effectiveness and outcomes of projects supported by the €3.9 million allocated under the fund, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68360/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Ireland Against Racism Fund (IARF) supports projects that promote racial equality, foster inclusion and help combat racism at local, regional and national level.
Details of the projects funded under the Ireland Against Racism Fund since 2023, including the recipient organisation, amount awarded, project name and location, are set out in the table attached. All amounts listed have been drawn down in full.
My department has a range of mechanisms in place to monitor and assess the effectiveness of projects supported under the Fund. All funded organisations are required to submit a final project report and supporting documentation on completion of their project. These reports are reviewed by Department officials to assess project performance, the extent to which stated objectives and outcomes were achieved, and whether funding was utilised in accordance with the approved application.
Any funding identified as underspent or not used for the approved purposes is subject to recoupment by my department.
In addition, expenditure under the Fund is subject to both internal and external audit processes. Funded projects may be examined by my department’s Internal Audit Unit and by the Comptroller and Auditor General as part of their oversight and assurance functions.
