Written Answers Nos. 117-131
117. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of appeals in progress under each social protection payment for 0 to 6 months, 6 to 12 months and 12 months plus, in tabular form; the number of appeals decisions for each payment that were accepted and declined last month, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54189/23]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that significant efforts and resources have been devoted to improvements in the appeal process in recent years. As a result, average appeal processing times have generally improved between 2018 and 2022 from 30 weeks for an oral hearing in 2018 to 26 weeks in 2022, and from 24.8 weeks for a summary decision in 2018 to 15 weeks in 2022. The average time for all appeals finalised in 2022 was 14.9 weeks.
Improvements in appeals processing times are a priority for the Chief Appeals Officer. A significant Appeals Modernisation Project is currently underway the goal of which is to streamline and enhance the end-to-end appeals process for the customer, the Social Welfare Appeals Office and business areas across the Department.
The desire to process appeals quickly has to be balanced with the competing demand to ensure that decisions are consistent and of high quality and made in accordance with the legislative provisions and the general principles of fair procedures and natural justice.
There are a number of reasons why an appeal might be recorded in the figures below as being in progress for over 6 months. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Social Protection. The Department may be actively engaging with the claimant with a view to revising the original decision and documentation may still be outstanding. If an original decision has been revised and not notified to the Appeals Office it may still be inadvertently recorded as in progress. The new integrated Appeals IT system recently implemented will in time address this issue.
The Appeals Office may also be engaging with the appellant by way of an oral hearing. Appeals involving an oral hearing by their nature take longer. Arrangements are made for the hearing to take place and adequate notice is given to parties who are invited to attend.
There is active engagement between the Appeals Office and the Department to ensure that the appeals process operates efficiently and that where the Deciding Officer's decision is not revised in favour of the appellant that the appeal file papers are provided as quickly as possible to the Appeals Office for consideration by an Appeals Officer.
The first table below provides as of 1 December 2023 Appeals in progress for 0-6 Months, 6-12 Months and 12 Months plus.
The second table provides Appeal Decision outcomes of either favourable or unfavourable for each payment for the month of November 2023.
|
Appeals in Progress as of 01/12/2023 |
|||
|
Scheme |
0-6 Months |
6-12 Months |
> 12 Months |
|
Blind Pension |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
Back to Work Family Dividend |
6 |
4 |
1 |
|
Carer's Allowance |
1039 |
66 |
14 |
|
Carer's Benefit |
81 |
3 |
1 |
|
Child Benefit |
153 |
56 |
39 |
|
Disability Allowance |
1,611 |
65 |
39 |
|
Illness Benefit |
266 |
55 |
67 |
|
Domiciliary Care Allowance |
613 |
53 |
19 |
|
Deserted Wives Benefit |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Farm Assist |
23 |
6 |
7 |
|
Working Family Payment |
393 |
96 |
33 |
|
Homemakers |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
402 |
24 |
8 |
|
Jobseeker's Benefit Over 65 |
26 |
6 |
9 |
|
Jobseeker's Benefit Self Employed |
23 |
4 |
10 |
|
Jobseeker's Transition |
47 |
14 |
15 |
|
Liable Relative |
0 |
7 |
0 |
|
Maternity Benefit |
22 |
1 |
0 |
|
State Pension Contributory |
271 |
46 |
20 |
|
State Pension Non-Contributory |
129 |
20 |
25 |
|
Occupational Injury Benefit |
61 |
15 |
5 |
|
Guardians Payment Contributory |
16 |
2 |
2 |
|
One Parent Family Payment |
150 |
30 |
40 |
|
Guardians Payment Non Contributory |
6 |
2 |
0 |
|
Parents Benefit |
18 |
1 |
0 |
|
Paternity Benefit |
6 |
0 |
0 |
|
Partial Capacity Benefit |
53 |
3 |
1 |
|
Pandemic Unemployment Payment |
10 |
16 |
41 |
|
Jobseeker's Means |
217 |
44 |
54 |
|
Recoverable Benefits |
2 |
1 |
1 |
|
Care's Support Grant |
120 |
5 |
2 |
|
Insurability - Scope Section |
21 |
10 |
49 |
|
Supplementary Welfare Allowance |
225 |
117 |
135 |
|
Treatment Benefit |
37 |
2 |
1 |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance |
932 |
194 |
143 |
|
Jobseeker's Benefit |
526 |
91 |
85 |
|
Widows Contributory Pension |
18 |
5 |
3 |
|
Widows Non Contributory Pension |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Widowed Parent Grant |
3 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total |
7530 |
1066 |
870 |
|
Appeal Outcomes for November 2023 |
||
|
Scheme |
Favourable |
Unfavourable |
|
Blind Pension |
0 |
0 |
|
Back to Work Family Dividend |
0 |
0 |
|
Carer's Allowance |
90 |
136 |
|
Carer's Benefit |
8 |
3 |
|
Child Benefit |
7 |
10 |
|
Disability Allowance |
227 |
194 |
|
Illness Benefit |
6 |
7 |
|
Domiciliary Care Allowance |
86 |
43 |
|
Deserted Wives Benefit |
0 |
0 |
|
Farm Assist |
2 |
4 |
|
Family Income Supplement |
43 |
6 |
|
Homemakers |
0 |
0 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
69 |
29 |
|
Jobseeker's Benefit Over 65 |
1 |
7 |
|
Jobseeker's Benefit Self Employed |
0 |
1 |
|
Jobseeker's Transition |
3 |
4 |
|
Liable Relative |
0 |
0 |
|
Maternity Benefit |
1 |
10 |
|
State Pension Contributory |
17 |
19 |
|
State Pension Non Contributory |
8 |
10 |
|
Occupational Injury Benefit |
6 |
2 |
|
Guardians Payment Contributory |
3 |
4 |
|
One Parent Family Payment |
7 |
3 |
|
Guardians Payment Non Contributory |
0 |
0 |
|
Parents Benefit |
1 |
2 |
|
Paternity Benefit |
1 |
0 |
|
Partial Capacity Benefit |
2 |
6 |
|
Pandemic Unemployment Payment |
3 |
1 |
|
Jobseekers Means |
12 |
15 |
|
Recoverable Benefits |
0 |
0 |
|
Carer's Support Grant |
6 |
9 |
|
Insurability - Scope Section |
0 |
0 |
|
Supplementary Welfare Allowance |
17 |
47 |
|
Treatment Benefit |
13 |
1 |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance |
36 |
52 |
|
Jobseeker's Benefit |
31 |
19 |
|
Widows Contributory Pension |
0 |
5 |
|
Widows Non Contributory Pension |
0 |
0 |
|
Widowed Parent Grant |
0 |
1 |
|
Total |
706 |
652 |
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
118. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice what schemes are available to Palestinians who are now Irish citizens for their families in Gaza to be evacuated to join them in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53927/23]
View answer119. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if there are plans to assist families in Gaza to be evacuated from the region to join their families already living here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53928/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 118 and 119 together.
I am acutely aware of the grave humanitarian crisis in Gaza and my Department is working closely with colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to ensure a co-ordinated national response to this volatile and evolving situation. This includes their work to evacuate Irish citizens and their families who may require visa assistance.
Where visa applicants are missing important information, such as proof of identity and familial relationships, there is active engagement with the applicants to gather the required documents to ensure that the Visa Division of my Department have everything needed progress these applications.
Any person that wishes to make a visa application to travel to Ireland can do so online at:www.visas.inis.gov.ie/avats/OnlineHome.aspx Further information in relation to the making of a visa application can be found on my Department’s immigration website at:www.irishimmigration.ie
I can also advise that in relation to Long Stay Join Family visa applications, these applications are processed in accordance with the guidelines set out in the Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification. This policy document may be accessed at the following link:www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Policy-document-on-Non-EEA-family-reunification.pdf
120. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Justice when members of prison visiting committees will receive their travel expenses after each prison visit; the reason for the delay in making the payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53951/23]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that the Prisons (Visiting Committees) Act 1925 provided for the statutory establishment of Prison Visiting Committees for each prison. Rules relating to the specific functions and operation of such Committees are set out in the Prisons (Visiting Committees) Order 1925, and the Prisons (Visiting Committees) Order 1972.
Appointments to Prison Visiting Committees are made by the Minister for Justice. Each appointment to a visiting committee is for a period of three years. Committee members are paid a per diem payment of €142.50 per prison visited and vouched travel expenses of up to €30.
The Deputy may be aware that the National Shared Service Office introduced a new Travel and Subsistence system across the Civil Service and the Irish Prison went live on this system on 12th June 2023. At the early stage of the go-live process, a technical issue arose relating to the vouched travel expenses for the Visiting Committee members. The issue was brought to the attention of the NSSO and was resolved promptly. Any delay that was experienced by Visiting Committee members as a result is regretted.
121. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 120 and 122 of 22 November 2023, the average cost of effecting an EU removal/return in 2023 in accordance with EU legislation, specifying the breakdown of average costs associated with flights, accommodation, administration, and other relevant costs, in tabular form. [53979/23]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that there have been 21 removals effected under Section 20(b) of the European Communities Freedom of Movement of Persons Regulations 2015 during 2023.
The associated flight costs are €29,989.92. This includes the flight costs of escorts from the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB). Subsistence or accommodation costs for members of the GNIB are met under standard travel and subsistence rates under the Garda vote. Persons who are removed under these Regulations are usually removed from prison.
The average flight cost for each returnee and their escorts from the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) is €1,428 per return.
Any administration costs are met by the repatriation unit of Immigration Service Delivery, who consider the cases for removal, and organise flights and travel documents where appropriate.
122. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice if the State considers those living in Northern Ireland who are eligible to Irish citizenship as enshrined in the Good Friday Agreement to be Irish from birth. [54040/23]
View answerUnder Article 1 (vi) of the Good Friday Agreement, the British and Irish Governments "recognise the birthright of all the people of Northern Ireland to identify themselves and be accepted as Irish or British, or both, as they may so choose, and accordingly confirm that their right to hold both British and Irish citizenship is accepted by both Governments and would not be affected by any future change in the status of Northern Ireland."
In Annex 2 to the Agreement, the British and Irish Governments declare that it is their joint understanding that the term "the people of Northern Ireland" in paragraph (vi) of Article 1 of this Agreement means, for the purposes of giving effect to this provision, all persons born in Northern Ireland and having, at the time of their birth, at least one parent who is a British citizen, an Irish citizen or is otherwise entitled to reside in Northern Ireland without any restriction on their period of residence.
Article 9. 2.1° of the Constitution provides "Notwithstanding any other provision of this Constitution, a person born in the island of Ireland, which includes its islands and seas, who does not have, at the time of the birth of that person, at least one parent who is an Irish citizen or entitled to be an Irish citizen is not entitled to Irish citizenship or nationality, unless provided for by law."
Sections 6 and 6A of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 set out the detailed provisions on the entitlement and acquisition of Irish citizenship by persons born on the Island of Ireland and give effect to the provisions of the Good Friday Agreement and the Constitution.
123. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons that failed to pay fines imposed by the courts in each of the years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023; the number that had an attachment order, a recovery order or community service order made against them as a result; the number of persons imprisoned for failure to pay such fines, by year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54046/23]
View answerManagement of the courts, operational matters and logistical functions are the responsibility of the judiciary and Courts Service, which are independent in exercising their functions under the Courts Service Act 1998 and given the separation of powers in the Constitution. The Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas at: oireachtasenquiries@courts.ie.
Figures of this nature are recorded by the Courts Service. Therefore, I have referred your question to the Courts Service for their direct reply.
124. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Justice the value and number of unpaid fines in each of the years 2019 to 2022 and to date in 2023; the value and number of fines imposed by the courts in each of the years; the steps being taken to recover unpaid fines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54047/23]
View answerManagement of the courts, operational matters and logistical functions are the responsibility of the judiciary and Courts Service, which are independent in exercising their functions under the Courts Service Act 1998 and given the separation of powers in the Constitution. The Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas at: oireachtasenquiries@courts.ie.
Figures of this nature are recorded by the Courts Service. Therefore, I have referred your question to the Courts Service for their direct reply.
125. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Justice the offence categories in respect of which fines were imposed by the courts in each of the years 2019 to 2022 and to date in 2023; the offence categories in respect of which fines were imposed but were not paid in the same period, by the number and value in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54048/23]
View answerManagement of the courts, operational matters and logistical functions are the responsibility of the judiciary and Courts Service, which are independent in exercising their functions under the Courts Service Act 1998 and given the separation of powers in the Constitution. The Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas at: oireachtasenquiries@courts.ie.
Figures of this nature are recorded by the Courts Service. Therefore, I have referred your question to the Courts Service for their direct reply.
126. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice when the visa applications for the family of a person (details supplied) are expected to be finalised; if all efforts will be made to process this visa as soon as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54053/23]
View answerThe persons referred to by the Deputy created on-line Join Family visa applications on 13 August 2023. The supporting documentation and relevant fees were applied on 16 August 2023 in the Hanoi visa office. These visa applications were received in our Dublin Visa Office on 28 August 2023. These applications are currently awaiting comprehensive examination.
Long Stay Join Family visa applications are processed in accordance with the guidelines set out in the Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification. This policy document may be accessed at the following link: www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Policy-document-on-Non-EEA-family-reunification.pdf This Policy Document contains a stated business target that visa applications for family reunification for immediate family members of Irish citizens and Category A sponsors, such as Critical Skills Employment Permit Holders, should be dealt with within 6 months of application. A 12 month target will apply for applications to join Category B sponsors, such as Non Critical Skills Employment Permit Holders or Stamp 4 holders not covered by other more favourable arrangements. However, it must be made clear that these are business targets for the immigration service. The business target reflects the detailed and often complex assessment that is required to be carried out in relation to applications for family reunification.
It is noted from the details supplied by the Deputy that one of the applicants has received an offer from a 3rd level institution in the State. If this is an offer of employment and the person referred to has an Employment Permit issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) they should withdraw their current Join Family application and apply for a Type D Employment Visa, which are processed in an expedited manner.
If the offer is in the form of a hosting agreement they do not require an Employment Permit. In this case they should withdraw their current Join Family application, apply for a Type D Employment/Scientific Researcher, and provide a contract of employment and a copy of the hosting agreement from the 3rd level institution to the visa office.
In both cases, they should also flag the Join Family applications for the other members of the family with the visa office so that they may be processed simultaneously.
The applicant is advised to make direct contact with the visa office if they require further information, quoting the relevant visa application number, and supplying all details of their offer. The visa office can be contacted at:
travelrequest@justice.ie
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.
127. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the progress to date in determining an application for naturalisation (details supplied); when the application will be finalised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54069/23]
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.
In October, my Department moved from paper based applications to online forms for all new adult 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 communicate regularly 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.
128. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Justice the main policy achievements of her Department in 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54080/23]
View answerThrough the Justice Plan I am progressing a suite of policy and legislative reforms which are priorities for me as Minister, in line with the commitments set out in the Programme for Government. Some of the priority achievements of my Department are set out below.
Unprecedented investment in support of An Garda Síochána
Budget 2024 provides for funding to support the recruitment of between 800-1000 new members in 2024, with 700-800 due to enter the Garda college this year.
• The roll-out of Garda mobile devices is now complete so that every Garda has real-time access to a series of apps, eliminating paperwork and allowing them to carry out their front-line duties far more efficiently.
• Over 3,400 Garda vehicles – the highest ever and a 31% increase since 2015Major investment in new and refurbished stations.
• Earlier this year a further €10 million for Garda overtime in Dublin. This additional allocation is being spent, to provide consistent high visibility policing in the capital.
• An additional €4.4 million was recently allocated for the purchase of 95 extra Garda cars and vans by the end of this year
Legislation to deal with serious offences
I have introduced a number of new laws to support the prevention and detection of crime in 2023. These include:
• Doubling the maximum sentence for assault causing harm to 10 years;
• Increasing the maximum sentence for conspiracy to murder from 10 years to life;
• Increasing the maximum sentence for assaulting a Garda or emergency worker from 7 to 12 years.
• Measures to improve the post release supervision of sex offenders and provide for electronic tagging
• Making stalking a standalone criminal offence, with a sentence of up to 10 years;
• A new offence of non-fatal strangulation or non-fatal suffocation with a maximum sentence of up to ten years. Non-fatal strangulation is a common feature of domestic abuse, overwhelmingly perpetrated by men against women, and is a strong predictor of the potential for more serious violence.
• Providing for civil orders restraining stalking type behaviour. These orders form an important first step in addressing stalking behaviour and protecting victims as they do not require the level of proof associated with criminal offences; and
• Providing a legal basis for Ireland’s cooperation with the European Public Prosecutors Office (EPPO)
I developed legislation which has been signed into law to will allow Gardaí roll out bodycams starting in Dublin city centre next year.
Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence
Tackling domestic, sexual and gender based violence has been a top priority for me and my Department has been leading the Zero Tolerance strategy to tackle domestic, sexual and gender based violence (DSGBV), an ambitious, five-year plan. There is a huge body of work underway and key achievements include:
• Enacted the Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Agency Act 2023, which establishes a dedicated State body to support and co-ordinate the implementation of Governmental DSGBV strategies and policies, support and oversee the delivery of refuge places, fund relevant service providers, develop and monitor new standards for funded services, carry out awareness campaigns, and conduct research to support the evaluation and development of further policy in this area.
• Secured an additional €12m in funding in Budget 2024 to combat DSGBV, a record 25% increase.
Anti Social Behaviour
My Department has worked to reduce instances of anti-social behaviour and help people to be safe and feel safe in their local communities. These include:
• setting up an expert forum on anti-social behaviour;
• establishing Local Community Partnerships including in Dublin North Inner City, Waterford and Longford;
• ongoing funding and implementation of the Youth Justice Strategy 2021 -2027
• creating a criminal offence in respect of adults who groom children into criminality;
Prisons and penal reform
• Progressing plans to deliver 400 additional prison spaces to provide for 620 additional prisoners
• Implementing the recommendations contained in the Review of Policy options for Prison and Penal Reform 2022-2024 to ensure appropriate and proportionate use of imprisonment and community sanctions in a manner which best facilitates rehabilitation and reintegration.
• together with Minister Donnelly I published the Health Needs Assessment for the Irish Prison Service in May 2023 - this is the first comprehensive health assessment undertaken for the Irish Prison Service and sets out 60 recommendations for the optimal development of healthcare services in the Prison Service. It is primarily focused on strengthening delivery of IPS Healthcare services across a range of areas and on improving governance in IPS healthcare services.
• Prison Education Taskforce – established in May 2023 and co-Chaired by my Department and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. The aim of the taskforce is to ensure that education and training opportunities are available to prisoners, supporting their rehabilitation and access to employment post-release.
Broader legislative reform
As the Deputy will be aware, number of very important pieces of legislation have been enacted including:
• I commenced the Communications (Retention of Data) (Amendment) Act 2022 which is facilitating necessary access to certain communications data to protect national security and tackle serious crime.
• Amended the Criminal Justice Act 1984 (Treatment of Persons in Custody in Garda Síochána Stations) with the (Amendment) Regulations 2023, to provide for the participation in and attendance of authorised officers of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) at Garda interviews.
• Commenced the Sex Offenders (Amendment) Act 2023 in November, to improve the supervision of sext offenders post release.
• I have on 10th April 2023 replaced the existing Garda compensation scheme with a new statutory scheme that is reducing the waiting times and costs associated with claims for malicious injury to Gardaí or their family members.
• Enacted the Criminal Justice (Mutual Recognition of Custodial Sentences) Act 2023 on the mutual recognition of custodial sentences, which provides for the transfer of sentenced persons between EU member states. The Act also amends and updates the existing legislation underpinning transfers for non-EU states, including the United Kingdom.
• I am working to bring the important new Family Courts Bill 2022 through these Houses. This will establish new dedicated Family Courts within the existing court structures and put families at the centre of the family justice system - this Bill completed Second Stage in the Seanad in February.
• Other key initiatives include:
• The International Protection Office has also developed a Modernisation Strategy for 2023/2024. The International Protection Office has further increased its output throughout 2023, while significantly accelerating certain categories of cases, and continually improving the quality of decision making.
• The Irish Citizenship and Nationality Regulations 2023 were signed into law to allow for applications for naturalisation to be made online for the first time in Ireland.
• The reckonable residence requirement for naturalisation for children born in the State was reduced from 5 years to 3 years under the Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023, thus allowing children born here to obtain citizenship more quickly
• Ireland opted-into the Regulation establishing a European Union Asylum Agency, and Ireland became a fully-fledged member of the Agency in August 2023.
• Publication of the General Scheme of the Defamation (Amendment) Bill in March 2023.
• I established the Judicial Planning Working Group, which reported to Government in February 2023. It considered the number and type of judges required to ensure the efficient administration of Justice over the next five years in the first instance, but also with a view to the medium to long term. A substantial increase in judicial numbers over the coming years was recommended, starting early in 2023 with a phased approach. In total, it recommended that 44 additional Judges be appointed in two phases. As of 4 December, 22 of the 24 additional Judges part of the first phase have been appointed and the remaining two have been nominated and are expected to be appointed in the coming days. An Implementation Steering Group has been established in June 2023 to monitor the implementation of the report’s other recommendations.
• A new Planning and Environment Division of the High Court has been established, with a ceremonial first sitting planned for 11 December 2023. This is in line with the commitment contained in the Programme for Government and the Housing for All strategy and its establishment has involved extensive engagement between my Department, the Courts Service and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage as well as consultation across other Departments.
• Following the approval of additional judicial resources by Government arising from the recommendations of the Judicial Planning Working Group earlier in 2023, the new High Court Division has now three judges assigned to planning matters and proceedings relate to the wide suite of national and European law that applies in respect of planning and the environment. Urgent cases such as proceedings which concern large-scale projects of strategic importance, or matters of significant environmental impact, are to be given priority.
• The ongoing work of the Civil Legal Aid Review Group, which is reviewing the current operation of the Civil Legal Aid Scheme, including how flexible and responsive the Scheme is to the needs of those it is intended to serve. While the work of the Group is ongoing, it has completed a series of consultation processes to inform its detailed deliberations.
• 2023 has seen the first full year of implementation of the Family Justice Strategy. Notable achievements under the Strategy include the completion of the Policy Review on Parental Alienation and the development of a new family law information hub by the Courts Service
129. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Justice if she can provide an update on a visa application for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54083/23]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that based on the information supplied, it has unfortunately not been possible to identify a visa application for the person referred to. If more information can be provided I will ask the Visa office of my Department to re-examine your request and provide an update on the relevant application.
Information that would be of assistance in identifying the relevant application includes:
• First / given name of applicant
• Family / surname of applicant
• Date of birth of applicant
• Visa Application number
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.
130. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Justice the status of the review taking place in relation to the income thresholds at which people can apply for family reunification; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54088/23]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that the position in regard to applications for family reunification is set out in the Policy Document for Non-EEA Family Reunification, which is available on my Department's website. The policy document sets out the rationale for applying resource requirements as part of the overall assessment of whether to approve an application for family reunification. In general terms, the sponsor must demonstrate their capacity to provide for their family member(s) if they are to be granted a permission to come to Ireland.
As a guideline, sponsors, regardless of occupation, must have a gross income in excess of that applied by the Department of Social Protection (DSP) in assessing eligibility for the Working Family Payment (formerly Family Income Supplement). In examining such applications, my Department applies the DSP income levels current at the time of assessment.
The policy, which was last amended in 2016, is currently under review. The review, which is at an advanced stage, is examining a range of matters relating to applications for family reunification including the nature and suitability of current income thresholds.
131. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide the date on which a trial commenced giving academics access to the Land Commission records on a case-by-case basis; the number of academics that have requested access; and the number that have been granted access on a monthly basis since the trial began. [53954/23]
View answerMy Officials in the Records Branch inform me that the decision to grant academics access to Land Commission Records on a case by case basis was taken in or around November 2022.
I am informed that there have been nine requests for access since that time and all nine have been granted. However, only six of the nine academics accepted the invite to attend Records Branch.
