Written Answers Nos. 245-254
245. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when disability allowance or equivalent illness payment, including supplementary welfare, will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46027/23]
View answerIn order to qualify for Illness Benefit, a person must have a total of 104 PRSI contributions paid since they first entered employment. They also must have 39 contributions paid or credited in the relevant tax year, currently 2021, or 26 paid contributions in the relevant tax year and the previous tax year.
The person concerned made an application for Illness Benefit from 23rd September 2023. They only have 87 contributions paid and therefore do not satisfy the conditions for receipt of Illness Benefit.
The basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) provides immediate assistance for those in need who are awaiting the outcome of a claim or an appeal for a primary social welfare payment or do not qualify for payment under other schemes. Payments are means-tested and made at the discretion of the Designated Persons (DP) administering the scheme, taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case.
According to Departmental records, the person concerned applied for a basic SWA on 4th October 2023. In assessing the claim, the DP sought the following information:
• Verification of address (photocopy of lease/rent book or utility bill)
• Up to date medical certificate
• Verification from course provider stating date last paid and if still registered for the course
When this information is received, the person’s claim will be progressed and they will be advised of the outcome in writing.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
246. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice in light of the current backlog in citizenship applications, her plans to allow for the taking of declarations and undertakings in naturalisation applications other than in citizenship ceremonies, as provided for in the Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45812/23]
View answerCitizenship ceremonies were first introduced in 2011 and mark the transition to Irish citizenship by new citizens in a dignified and celebratory manner with the appropriate solemnity such a landmark event deserves. The ceremonies have been universally well received and contribute in no small measure to the continuing integration of our new citizens.
The provisions referred to by the Deputy of the Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023 (applications under section 15 and 15A) facilitate the Minister in dispensing with the requirement to attend a ceremony and allow the applicant to make the declaration and give the undertaking in such manner as the Minister may specify (in this case, on affidavit). This process will be considered where the Minister is of the opinion that it is appropriate to do so in the interests of ensuring that such applications are dealt with in an efficient manner.
My Department is aware that delays in processing times are frustrating and disruptive for applicants, and are working hard to improve the position. A suite of measures – including additional staffing – has been introduced in Citizenship Division of late in order to reduce processing times and eliminate current backlogs. In addition, citizenship ceremonies scheduled for December this year will bring to 17 the total of ceremonies held in 2023, with plans for increasing numbers of ceremonies in 2024.
The Deputy may also wish to note that, as part of the move away from a paper based processing system, online application and payment options have been introduced with effect from Monday 16th October. The digitalisation of the process will enable application forms to be submitted online and supporting documentation uploaded concurrently, along with an online payment function. This development will have a significant impact on processing efficiency and simplify the application process for applicants.
247. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Justice for an update on an application for citizenship for a person (details supplied); the timeline for completion of same; the reason for the delays in processing applications for naturalisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45836/23]
View answerThe naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department.
I understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants and my Department has been working hard to clear backlogs.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. However, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.
My Department is taking a number of steps to speed up the processing of applications and a number of digitisation measures have been introduced to increase efficiency in the process, including eVetting and online payments.
This week, my Department moved from paper based applications to online forms for all new applications going forward. Online applications will make the process easier for customers, allowing them to easily fill in the relevant forms, upload the required documents, make payments and submit. The forms will provide a seamless application process and will help guide applicants through what is required for an application.
The end result of the digitisation process will be the freeing up of more staff to focus on processing applications in a timely and efficient manner, improving service to our customers and reduction of waiting times.
Finally, I can advise the Deputy that the Citizenship Division of my Department intends to regularly communicate with all applicants on a quarterly basis into the future, to keep them updated on the status of their application.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: INISOireachtasMail@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. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
248. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice when electronic filing with the central office of the courts service will be available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45872/23]
View answerThe Deputy will appreciate that the management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service. I can, however, assure him that the Department fully supports the Courts Service in its work to create an environment where justice can be administered efficiently and accessibly for all citizens.
The Government have invested substantial additional resources into the Courts Service in recent years to support its ongoing 10-year Modernisation Programme.
This is reflected in Budget 2024, as €183 million was allocated for the Courts vote, including capital funding of €67 million. This builds on significant investment in recent years, with a total allocation of €176.5 million in 2023, and €164m in 2022.
I am pleased to say that the support of electronic filing with the Central Office of the High Court is one of the key goals of the Courts Service Modernisation Programme.
The move to support such electronic filing requires two steps. The first is a replacement of a 30 year-old digital case management system used within the office and the second is to establish an online portal to facilitate e-filings.
At the start of October this year, the first step was taken with the replacement of the old case management system with a new modernised system capable of integrating with an online portal.
The development of the online portal is underway and is scheduled for its initial launch in Q1 2024.
This launch will initially support the e-filing of a limited set of case types only, and once tried and tested, will expand incrementally to a broad range of case types.
249. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice to confirm the current status and provide an update on an application for citizenship (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45913/23]
View answerThe naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department.
I understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants and my Department has been working hard to clear backlogs.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. However, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.
My Department is taking a number of steps to speed up the processing of applications and a number of digitisation measures have been introduced to increase efficiency in the process, including eVetting and online payments.
This week, my Department moved from paper based applications to online forms for all new applications going forward. Online applications will make the process easier for customers, allowing them to easily fill in the relevant forms, upload the required documents, make payments and submit. The forms will provide a seamless application process and will help guide applicants through what is required for an application.
The end result of the digitisation process will be the freeing up of more staff to focus on processing applications in a timely and efficient manner, improving service to our customers and reduction of waiting times.
Finally, I can advise the Deputy that the Citizenship Division of my Department intends to regularly communicate with all applicants on a quarterly basis into the future, to keep them updated on the status of their application.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: INISOireachtasMail@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. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
250. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí of any rank that have resigned in 2023, by rank and by month, in tabular form. [45952/23]
View answer251. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí of any rank that have resigned for the years 2013 to 14 October 2023, by year, in tabular form. [45953/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 250 and 251 together.
The unprecedented allocation of over €2.3 billion to An Garda Síochána in 2023 and 2024, up 23 per cent since 2020, demonstrates the Government's commitment to ensuring An Garda Síochána has provision for the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and personnel it needs to carry out vital policing work.
This level of funding is providing for a steady pipeline of new Gardaí, with a new batch of recruits entering the Garda College approximately every 11 weeks this year. Thanks to the funding provided in last week's Budget, this recruitment activity will continue through 2024 with a view to recruiting between 800 and 1000 Gardaí next year.
There has been an acceleration in the number of recruits entering Templemore. This follows the closure of the Garda College during the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite the very challenging recruitment situation, against a background of record full employment, it is notable that An Garda Síochána continue to attract a large number of quality candidates who want to join the service.
As the Deputy will be aware, by law the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration of An Garda Síochána, including the distribution of Garda members between the various Garda Divisions. I have no role in these operational matters.
I understand the development of a recruitment and retention strategy is a priority for An Garda Síochána. As of the end of August 2023, there were 13,910 Garda members across the country. This represents an increase of almost 9% since 2015. In addition, the civilianisation programme has freed up almost 900 Garda members from back office work for front line policing work since 2015.
I am advised that the table below, which was provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of Garda members who have resigned by rank at the end of September 2023, the latest date for when figures are available.
|
Month |
Garda |
Sergeant |
Inspector |
Total |
|
January |
11 |
1 |
|
12 |
|
February |
13 |
1 |
|
14 |
|
March |
11 |
|
|
11 |
|
April |
5 |
1 |
|
6 |
|
May |
20 |
|
|
20 |
|
June |
9 |
1 |
|
10 |
|
July |
13 |
|
1 |
14 |
|
August |
8 |
|
|
8 |
|
September |
18 |
1 |
|
19 |
|
Total |
108 |
5 |
1 |
114 |
The table below sets out the number of Garda resignations from 2013 up to 2022, and at the end of September 2023
|
Year |
Resignations |
|
2013 |
26 |
|
2014 |
27 |
|
2015 |
20 |
|
2016 |
24 |
|
2017 |
41 |
|
2018 |
77 |
|
2019 |
72 |
|
2020 |
70 |
|
2021 |
94 |
|
2022 |
109 |
|
2023 (end September) |
114 |
|
Total |
674 |
These figures are operational and may be subject to change.
252. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Justice if she will introduce a family reunification scheme for Irish citizens and residents with family members trapped in Gaza. [45973/23]
View answerMy Department is working closely with colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs to ensure a coordinated national response to this volatile and evolving situation including in their work to evacuate Irish citizens and their families who may require visa assistance.
253. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice her views on the recent ESRI survey which indicated that lotteries and scratch games make up the two highest rates of gambling participation in Ireland; if these figures are of concern to her; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45976/23]
View answerI note and welcome the Economic and Social Research Institute’s report on problem gambling, published on 5 October 2023.
Reform of gambling legislation, licensing and regulation is a priority for the Government and my Department. The Programme for Government includes a clear commitment to reform gambling legislation, with a focus on public safety and well-being from both an online and in-person perspective.
The Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 sets out the framework and legislative basis for the establishment of a new, independent statutory body – Údarás Rialála Cearrbhachais na hÉireann, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland – and for a robust regulatory and licensing regime to regulate gambling in-person and online including lotteries and other similar gambling activities permitted under the Bill and for the regulation of gambling advertising, websites and apps.
At its core, this legislation is a public health measure aimed at protecting our citizens from gambling harm, including younger people and those more vulnerable in our communities. My officials and I have engaged in extensive consultation with representatives from the industry, the charity sector, related sectors and as well as with professionals working in the area of problem gambling, persons adversely affected by the consequences of gambling and those with lived experience of problem gambling. The Bill completed Committee Stage in Dáil Éireann on 11 July and is awaiting Report Stage.
The ESRI Report notes that the National Lottery is the largest provider of lotteries and scratch cards in the State and that charities, sports clubs and other local causes provide the remainder of lotteries and scratch cards.
As the Deputy will be aware, the National Lottery and its activities comes under the remit of the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. While the National Lottery will not fall under the remit of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, the operation of the National Lottery is subject to the provisions of the National Lottery Act 2013 and is already regulated by its own dedicated regulator - the Regulator of the National Lottery.
254. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the current and expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46013/23]
View answerThe person referred to by the Deputy submitted an application for a Change of Status, which was received on 30 March 2023.
To be fair to all applicants, applications are dealt with in chronological order by date received. My Department endeavours to process applications as quickly as possible. However, processing times may vary due to a number of factors, such as the number of applications on hands, individual circumstances, the complexity of applications, whether further information is required, and the resources available.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas mail facility (inisoireachtasmail@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 questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
