Thursday, 14 Dec 2023

Written Answers Nos. 367-390

Social Welfare Payments

Questions (367)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

367. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated full year cost of increasing the current young jobseeker’s rate of €129.70 by €1 per week. [55968/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The estimated full year cost of increasing Jobseeker's Allowance and Supplementary Welfare Allowance for those aged under 25, on age-related reduced rates, by €1 per week is €0.8 million.  This cost includes a proportionate increase for Qualified Adults. 

This costing is subject to change in light of emerging trends and subsequent revision of the estimated number of beneficiaries.

Social Welfare Payments

Questions (368)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

368. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated full year cost of including the working family payment as a qualifying payment for fuel allowance. [55970/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Fuel Allowance is a payment of €33 per week for 28 weeks (a total of €924 each year) from late September to April, at an estimated cost of €412 million in 2023.  The purpose of this payment is to assist these households with their energy costs.  Only one allowance is paid per household.

The Fuel Allowance is paid to social welfare recipients such as pensioners, people with disabilities, lone parents and the long-term unemployed in recognition of their long-term financial dependence on their social welfare payment for all or most of their income.  

The estimated cost of including the Working Family Payment as a qualifying payment for Fuel Allowance is €22 million.  This is based on 24,000 additional households qualifying for Fuel Allowance at a weekly rate of €33 and a 28-week fuel season.

Any further widening of the qualifying criteria for accessing the fuel allowance scheme can only be considered while taking account of the overall policy and budgetary situation.

I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Payments

Questions (369)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

369. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated full year cost of increasing the annual carers support grant by €1. [55971/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The estimated full year cost of increasing the Carer's Support by €1 is €0.2m.

It should be noted that this costing is subject to change in the context of emerging trends and associated revision of the estimated numbers of recipients. 

Social Welfare Payments

Questions (370)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

370. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated full year cost of increasing child benefit by €1. [55972/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The estimated full year cost of increasing Child Benefit by €1 is €14.9m.

It should be noted that this costing is subject to change in the context of emerging trends and associated revision of the estimated numbers of recipients for 2024. 

Social Welfare Benefits

Questions (371)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

371. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection to outline the new rules for the granting of paid contributions to long-term carers; whether there is a minimum number of paid contributions from employment or self-employment required before a person can be granted long-term caring paid credits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55980/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

This Government acknowledges the important role that family carers play and is fully committed to supporting them in that role.  Accordingly, the current State Pension (Contributory) system provides measures including PRSI credits, Homemaking Disregards and HomeCaring Periods to recognise caring periods of up to 20 years outside of paid employment in the calculation of a payment rate. 

Despite these measures, some long-term carers of incapacitated dependants may still face barriers in accessing the State Pension Contributory.  They may for example have difficulty establishing the minimum number of 10 year’s paid contributions.

In September 2022, I announced a series of landmark reforms to the State Pension system in response to the recommendations from the Pensions Commission.  This set of measures represents the biggest ever structural reform of the Irish State Pension system. 

One of the key measures to be introduced is enhanced State Pension provision for people who have been caring for incapacitated dependents for 20 years or more.  Long-term carer's contributions can be awarded to a person who has cared for an incapacitated person for a period of 20 years or more.  These contributions will be treated the same as paid contributions for State Pension (Contributory) entitlement only and can be used to satisfy the minimum 520 contributions condition.

Long-term carer's contributions will be available to individuals who reach State Pension age from 1 January 2024 and will also be available to people currently over pension age.  Individuals will be able to apply for these contributions and receive a State Pension (Contributory) or enhanced pension from 1st January 2024 where eligible.  Legislation to enact this measure is currently in the latter stages of the legislative process. 

In September, my Department launched an online system for people to register for long term caring contributions.  This will facilitate the expeditious processing of these contributions upon enactment of the legislation.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Benefits

Questions (372)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

372. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection when the increased disregard of income for the carer’s allowance will come into operation, which will see the first €450 of income for a single person and €900 for a couple disregarded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55981/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Government acknowledges the valuable role that family carers play and is fully committed to supporting carers in that role. This commitment is recognised in both the Programme for Government and the National Carers’ Strategy.

The main income supports to carers provided by my department are Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit, Domiciliary Care Allowance and the Carer’s Support Grant. Spending in 2023 is expected to amount to almost €1.6 billion on these payments. 

The Carer’s Allowance is the main scheme by which my department provides income support to carers in the community. Some 95,598 people are supported by this payment.

As part of Budget 2024, the weekly income disregard will be increased from €350 to €450 for a single person, and from €750 to €900 for carers with a spouse/partner. These new disregards will operate from 6 June 2024.

This amounts to cumulative increases to the disregards of €117.50 for a single carer and €235 for a carer who is part of couple, during my time as Minister for Social Protection. It is also worth noting that the capital and savings disregard for the Carer’s Allowance means assessment was also increased last year from €20,000 to €50,000. 

Furthermore, I introduced the following additional supports for Carers as part of Budget 2024:-

• In November a €400 a lump sum was paid to people receiving the Carer's Support Grant.

• Last week a Christmas Bonus Double Payment was paid to people in receipt of Carer's Allowance and Carer’s Benefit.

• From January 2024 there will be an increase of €12 in maximum personal rate of weekly carers payments, with proportionate increases for qualified adults and those on reduced rates with an additional €4 increase per child.

• Also, in January 2024 there will be an additional once-off double Cost of Living Support Payment which will be paid to qualifying Social Protection recipients including carers.

• I am also increasing the rate of payment for Domiciliary Care Allowance from by €10 from January 2024.

• I am satisfied that all of these measures will make a real and measurable difference to people who are caring for loved ones. In particular raising the general weekly income disregard will mean that more people who are caring will become eligible for Carer's Allowance.

• I trust that this clarifies this matter for the Deputy.

Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla

Questions (373, 374, 375, 376)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

373. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Coimirce Sóisialaí cén céatadán de bhuiséad fógraíochta a Roinne do 2023 atá caite go dtí seo i mbliana ar fhógraíocht a dhéanamh sna meáin Ghaeilge agus an bhféadfadh sí a dheimhniú go mbainfear amach roimh dheireadh na bliana an céatadán 5% a leagtar síos in Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [56005/23]

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

374. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Coimirce Sóisialaí cén céatadán de bhuiséad fógraíochta 2023 na gcomhlachtaí poiblí a thagann faoi scáth a Roinne atá caite go dtí seo i mbliana ar fhógraíocht a dhéanamh sna meáin Ghaeilge agus an bhféadfadh sí a dheimhniú go mbainfidh na comhlachtaí sin amach roimh dheireadh na bliana an céatadán 5% a leagtar sios in Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [56023/23]

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

375. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Coimirce Sóisialaí cén céatadán de bhuiséad fógraíochta a Roinne do 2023 atá caite go dtí seo i mbliana ar fhógraíocht a dhéanamh i nGaeilge agus an bhféadfadh sí a dheimhniú go mbainfear amach roimh dheireadh na bliana an céatadán 20% a leagtar síos in Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [56041/23]

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

376. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Coimirce Sóisialaí cén céatadán de bhuiséad fógraíochta 2023 na gcomhlachtaí poiblí a thagann faoi scáth a Roinne atá caite go dtí seo i mbliana ar fhógraíocht i nGaeilge agus an bhféadfadh sí a dheimhniú go mbainfidh na comhlachtaí sin amach roimh dheireadh na bliana seo an céatadán 20% a leagtar sios in Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [56059/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

I propose to take Questions Nos. 373 to 376, inclusive, together.

My Department is committed to delivering on the requirements under the Official Languages (Amendment) Act, 2021.  We are working to reach the 20% ad placement and 5% monies spent rules set out in Section 10 of the amended act, within the available advertising space.

All campaigns are developed and targeted carefully in collaboration with our creative and media buying agencies, using the best mix of media formats to ensure that the Department’s messages reach members of the public effectively, while ensuring value for money with the intention of reaching these Irish language targets.

My Department, and agencies under its remit are committed to increasing advertising expenditure on the Irish language for our respective advertising campaigns.  In accordance with the amended Act,  all information on our Irish language advertising compliance for 2023 will be compiled for submission to An Coimisinéir Teanga in March 2024. 

Question No. 374 answered with Question No. 373.

Question No. 375 answered with Question No. 373.

Question No. 376 answered with Question No. 373.

Departmental Policies

Questions (377)

John Lahart

Question:

377. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Social Protection the main policy achievements of her Department since 27 June 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56117/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

My Department has delivered significant policy achievements since June 2020.  At that time, the country was in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic and this Department introduced the Pandemic Unemployment Payment in response to the unprecedented disruption to the labour market caused by Covid-19.  Some 29.7 million PUP payments issued at a cost of over €9.2 billion while 880,000 people received payment under the scheme.  PUP recipients transitioned to standard jobseeker terms and the scheme was closed on 31st May 2022.  

In February 2021, in line with the Programme for Government commitment, a Benefit Payment for 65-year-olds was introduced.  This provides a benefit payment, based on an individual’s PRSI record, for employed or self-employed people who are aged between 65 and 66 and who were required to or chose to retire at 65 years.

At the beginning of the Ukrainian crisis in 2022, my Department was at the forefront in providing support to those Ukrainians fleeing from the conflict.  This support is ongoing since, with the priority for the Department being the allocation of PPSNs and the provision of income supports. 

Legislation is to be published shortly that provides that child maintenance payments will be disregarded in the means test for social welfare payments; the "efforts to seek maintenance" requirement will also be removed from One-Parent Family Payment and Jobseeker's Transitional Payment; and the liable relative provisions will be discontinued.  These are significant policy changes which will be of great benefit to lone parents. I hope to bring this legislation through the Oireachtas early in Spring session.

I also launched a public consultation process for a proposed new Pay-Related Benefit for Jobseekers, which represents a major reform of Ireland’s Welfare System for jobseekers.  Pay-Related Benefit would link a person’s jobseeker’s payment to their previous earnings and work history and is the norm in European countries.  I hope to bring the General Scheme of a Bill to Government shortly.

Successive Social Protection Budgets in 2022 and 2023 have been significantly larger than previous years and introduced increases and additional supports across all core social welfare payments.

The Social Protection Budget for 2024 is the largest in the history of the State. Budget 2024 will provide almost €2.3 billion in measures to assist households with the cost of living.  This includes across-the-board increases of €12 per week in all core payments and will be combined with a series of lump sum payments for carers, people with disabilities, working families as well as those living alone on low incomes.

Last week there was Christmas Bonus paid in December to 1.3 million welfare recipients and for the first time this will be followed by a January Cost of Living Bonus, which will also support pensioners, carers, people with disabilities, jobseekers, and families. 

Some of the key budget increases also include a €300 cost of living lump sum to all households getting the Fuel Allowance, a double payment of Child Benefit to support all families with children under 18, a €400 lump sum for people getting the Carer's Support Grant, the same amount for people getting Disability Allowance, Blind Pension or Invalidity Pension and a €100 cost of living bonus for people getting an Increase for a Qualified Child (to be paid per qualified child).

Recently, I announced changes to the State Pension (Contributory) that are being introduced in January 2024.  These changes include improved access to state pensions provision for long-term carers.  These changes will see carers receive the equivalent of paid contributions for caring periods of over 20 years to cover gaps in their contribution record needed to obtain the State Pension (Contributory).  This acknowledges the important role family carers play in Irish society. 

The Government has decided that the State Pension age is remaining at 66 years of age but to facilitate those that which to defer their State Pension (Contributory), they will be able to do so on foot of the legislative changes.  Committee and final stages of this legislation occurred on Tuesday last (12th December). 

Fuel Poverty

Questions (378)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

378. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been brought to research into energy hardship experienced by cancer patients with life-limiting diagnoses (details supplied); the steps she is taking to address this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56154/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

My Department has responsibility for the Household Benefits Package, the Fuel Allowance and the Additional Needs Payments, all of which are referenced in the document referred to by the Deputy.

The Household Benefits Package comprises the electricity or gas allowance, and the free television licence.  The Department of Social Protection will spend approximately €285 million this year on Household Benefits Package for over 511,000 customers. 

People over the age of 70 receive the Household Benefits Package, with one package provided per household.  The package is also available to people living in the State aged 66-69 years who are in receipt of certain social welfare payments or who satisfy a means test.  The package is available to some people under the age of 66 who are in receipt of certain welfare type payments. 

It is important to note that, in general, access to the Household Benefits Package for those aged under 66 is a secondary benefit linked to a person being in receipt of certain primary social protection payments such as Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, Carer’s Allowance, Blind Pension and Partial Capacity Benefit.  As many illnesses or physical conditions have an impact ranging from mild to severe, entitlement to these social welfare schemes is not provided on the basis of a diagnosis but on the basis of the impact of that diagnosis on the individual concerned and, in the case of Disability and Carer's allowance, to an assessment of their means.  In this way, resources can be targeted to people in most need.

The Fuel Allowance is a payment of €33 per week for 28 weeks (a total of €924 each year) from late September to April, at an estimated cost of €412 million in 2023.  The purpose of this payment is to assist these households with their energy costs.  Only one allowance is paid per household.

The criteria for Fuel Allowance are framed in order to direct limited resources in as targeted a manner as possible.  This ensures that the Fuel Allowance payment goes to those who are more vulnerable to fuel poverty including those reliant on social protection payments for longer periods and who are unlikely to have additional resources of their own.

My Department provides Additional Needs Payments as part of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme for people who have essential expenses, which they cannot meet from their own resources. 

Under the scheme, a Heating Supplement may be paid to assist people in certain circumstances that have exceptional heating costs due to ill health, infirmity or a medical condition and are unable to meet those costs out of household income. Heating supplement is not restricted to the fuel season and can be paid throughout the year.  The Department also provides Additional Needs Payments, where appropriate, to people who face difficulties in meeting fuel bills. 

The decision process involves consideration of the need presented and the ability of the person and their household to meet that need.  This entails an assessment, as opposed to a specific means test, of an applicant’s weekly household income, their savings and investments, their outgoings and the type of assistance needed.  Other State supports that may already be available to the person are also considered.  This ensures that support is provided to people with the greatest financial need.

There is no provision for an exemption of a medical condition from the decision process.  However, any person who considers that they may have an entitlement to an Additional Needs Payment is encouraged to contact their local community welfare service.  There is a National Community Welfare Contact Centre in place - 0818-607080 - which will direct callers to the appropriate office.  In addition, applications can be made online via www.mywelfare.ie

Social Welfare Payments

Questions (379)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

379. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the correct level of jobseeker’s allowance payable in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56264/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Person Concerned is in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance since 15th November 2023

Their Current Rate is :

Personal Rate : €220.00 + Qualified Adult €146.00 + Qualified Child €42.00 = Total €408.00

Means from the Qualified Adults employment were assessed at €280.00, these are deducted weekly.

Total Payable weekly to The Person Concerned is €128.00.

Social Welfare Payments

Questions (380)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

380. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection whether an exceptional needs payment might be made available to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56265/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

There is a range of supports provided by the Community Welfare Service (CWS) under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme. These supports can consist of a basic weekly payment, a weekly or monthly supplement in respect of certain expenses, as well as single Additional Needs Payments (ANPs).

The Department may make an ANP to help meet essential expenditure which an eligible person could not reasonably be expected to meet from their weekly income. This is an overarching term used to refer to Exceptional Needs Payments (ENPs) and Urgent Needs Payments (UNPs), and certain supplements to assist with ongoing or recurring costs that cannot be met from a person’s own resources, and which are deemed to be necessary. ANPs are administered by Designated Persons (DP) in the Community Welfare Service considering the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case.

Departmental records show that the persons concerned have not made an application for assistance under the SWA scheme. If they are experiencing financial difficulties they can apply for assistance by completing a SWA1 form and providing all relevant documents in support of their application. For convenience, an application pack has been posted to each of the persons concerned. On receipt of a completed application form and supporting documentation, the claim/s will be assessed, and the person/s will be advised of the outcome in writing. Alternatively, if the persons concerned  have a verified MyGovID account they can apply for an ANP at www.MyWelfare.ie. 

Further information on all of my Department’s schemes and payments is available at www.gov.ie.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy. 

Social Welfare Payments

Questions (381)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

381. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason for review of carer’s allowance in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56266/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

Carer's allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that as a result they require that level of care.

An application for CA was received from the person concerned on 28 November 2023.

Additional information in relation to the person’s application was requested by a Deciding Officer (DO) on 4 December 2023.

Once the information is received, the application will be processed without delay and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.

The person concerned did have a previous CA claim in relation to same caree, which was stopped as per their own request to the Department on 26 September 2022 as they had taken up full-time employment at that time.

A letter issued to the person concerned to advise that they were no longer entitled to CA with effect from 12 October 2022 and that the last payment would issue on 6 October 2022.  The person concerned was notified of this on 6 October 2022, the reasons for it and of their right of review/appeal.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Payments

Questions (382)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

382. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision might be made in respect of an application for disability allowance in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56269/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

Disability Allowance (DA) is a weekly allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged 16 or over and under the age of 66. This disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to a medical assessment, means test and Habitual Residency conditions.

I confirm that my Department received an application for DA from the person concerned on 30 November 2023.  The processing time for individual DA claims may vary in accordance with their relative complexity in terms of the three main qualifying criteria, the person’s circumstances and the information they provide in support of their claim. 

As their initial application did not contain all the information required to make a decision on entitlement, an information request letter was sent to the person concerned on 11 December 2023 to supply this supporting documentation.  This is required to determine their eligibility for DA.  The information request letter allows the person concerned 21 days to provide the required information in order to determine the eligibility for DA. 

On receipt of this information, a decision will be made and they will be notified directly of the outcome. 

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy. 

Social Welfare Payments

Questions (383)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

383. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection whether a person (details supplied) qualifies for an exceptional needs payment, submitted via this office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56278/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme, my Department may make an Additional Needs Payment (ANP) to help meet essential expenditure which an eligible person could not reasonably be expected to meet from their weekly income.  This is an overarching term used to refer to Exceptional Needs Payments (ENPs) and Urgent Needs Payments (UNPs), and certain supplements to assist with ongoing or recurring costs that cannot be met from a person’s own resources, and which are deemed to be necessary.  ANPs are administered by Designated Persons in the Community Welfare Service considering the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case.

According to the records of my Department, the person concerned applied for an ANP to assist with rent arrears.  A request for the following information in support of the claim has issued to the person:

• Letter from landlord confirming a repayment plan for the arrears has been agreed.

• Copy of rent arrears.

• Verification of address, e.g., copy of lease/rent book or utility bill.

Separately, the person concerned has indicated that she wishes to apply for Rent Supplement (RS) which is a short-term income support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source.  The scheme ensures that for those who were renting, but whose circumstances have changed due to temporary loss of employment, can continue to meet their rental commitments.

Amongst other qualifying criteria, a RS applicant must have been living in private rented housing for a period of 183 days within the previous 12 months of the date of their application.

Persons with a long-term housing need should contact their local authority where information is available regarding suitable housing supports including the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP).

The following documentation has been requested from the person concerned in support of their claim:

• RS1 form completed by person concerned and their landlord.

• Proof of rent for 6 out of the past 12 months.

• Tenancy agreement.

• Two utility bills.

• Six-months statement for all financial accounts held.

• Proof of ownership from the landlord.

When the necessary information has been received, the person’s ANP and RS applications will be assessed promptly, and they will be advised of the outcome in writing.

I trust this clarifies the matter.

Appointments to State Boards

Questions (384)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

384. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide the number of public servants servicing on State boards since 2006 in an independent capacity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55910/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

It has not been possible to collate the information requested in the time allowed. I will write to the Deputy directly when the information is to hand. 

International Protection

Questions (385)

Seán Canney

Question:

385. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Justice the number of asylum seekers who are now in the State; the projected number of asylum seekers expected to come to the State over the next 12 months [54572/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The State is required to examine the application of anyone who presents at the borders of the State, or is in the State, and indicates that they wish to make an application for international protection. This is in accordance with our obligations under international and EU asylum law and the Government takes those commitments very seriously. 

The number of international protection applications in 2022 was 13,650, a significant increase on recent years. It represents a 186% increase on the number received in 2019, the most recent year in which application numbers were not impacted by Covid-19. There were 11,850 applications made by November 30 2023. Any projection of possible arrival figures is unreliable.

Evidence from the UNHCR shows that the number of displaced persons internationally remains high. Underpinning this are a range of factors that drive individuals to seek protection.  In these circumstances any projection of possible arrival figures in Ireland would not be reliable.

There are currently 17,524 (as of cob 30th Nov) applications pending at different stages at the IPO, of which less than 2% (1.88%) have been pending for more than 2 years. At the IPAT there were 3,343 appeals pending as of close of business on 1 December 2023.In July this year, I published a report on the international protection modernisation programme for 2023 and 2024. This programme is implementing measures to improve efficiencies and throughput as well as improving the application, interview and decision-making process for applicants. This will give status to those who are entitled to international protection to rebuild their lives here, while also ensuring faster decision making in respect of those who do not meet the criteria.

As part of this modernisation programme, I also signed a regulation in November 2022 to introduce an accelerated procedure for international protection applicants from designated safe countries of origin. These applicants now typically receive a first instance decision in less than three months, which is a significant reduction from a norm of 22 to 26 months early last year.

Reforms to the international protection process will continue in 2024. Approximately €34m was allocated in budget 2024 to the International Protection Office (IPO) and the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) to continue to scale up processing.

Domestic Violence

Questions (386, 387, 388)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

386. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the progress made on establishing a refuge for victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence in Cavan. [55879/23]

Niamh Smyth

Question:

387. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice if she has had discussions with Cavan County Council on a proposed site for a refuge in the county and for an update on the progress on selecting a site. [55880/23]

Niamh Smyth

Question:

388. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice when she expects a refuge in Cavan to be operational. [55881/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I propose to take Questions Nos. 386 to 388, inclusive, together.

A key goal of the Zero Tolerance Strategy to address domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV), is ensuring that everyone who needs a refuge space will get one, and I am committed to working with my Government colleagues and those working in the sector to achieve this.

As the deputy is aware, the Government will establish Cuan, the statutory agency dedicated to combatting DSGBV in Ireland next month.

The agency will have a specific mandate to drive the implementation of the Zero Tolerance Strategy across Government, bringing the expertise and focus required to tackle this complex social issue.

Pending establishment of the Agency, responsibility for DSGBV services, including the provision and funding of refuge spaces, continues to be channeled through Tusla.

I have referred the question posed by the Deputy to Tusla for direct reply.

Question No. 387 answered with Question No. 386.

Question No. 388 answered with Question No. 386.

Domestic Violence

Questions (389)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

389. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice if Ireland is on track to provide a refuge in every county over the lifetime of the current Zero Tolerance strategy. [55882/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

Legislation providing for the establishment of the statutory domestic, sexual and gender based violence (DSGBV) agency completed its passage through the Houses of the Oireachtas last month.

The agency, which will be called Cuan, will fall under the remit of my Department and will be dedicated to tackling and reducing DSGBV and supporting victims and survivors.

The Agency is expected to become operational by the end of January 2024.

In addition to coordinating and reporting on the delivery of Government strategies relating to DSGBV (including the current National Strategy, Zero Tolerance), the Agency will support and oversee the delivery of safe and accessible refuge accommodation, and ensure the delivery of excellent services to victims of DSGBV (including helpline and other supports).

A key priority under the Zero Tolerance strategy is the doubling the number of refuge places over the lifetime of the strategy to 280 spaces.

Development of up to 36 refuge units is underway in Wexford, Dundalk and Navan to be delivered by end 2024.

There will be 98 refuge units in priority locations delivered by end 2025 along with a further 19 additional and upgraded units by the end of the strategy.

The priority locations identified are:  

- Sligo (8 family places)

- Cavan/Monaghan (8 family places)

- Cork city (12 family places – 6 new, 6 replacement)

- North Cork (5 family places)

- West Cork (5 family places)

- Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown (10 family places)

- Westmeath (8 family places – four new, four replacements) Portlaoise (8 family places)

- Balbriggan (10 family places)

- Longford (8 family places)

- Carlow (8 family places)

- Offaly (8 family places)

Engagement is ongoing to identify lead providers and sites in each of the priority locations with providers identified in most locations, and sites identified in many others.

In addition, an interdepartmental group is developing and progressing agreed processes and approaches to ensure we have the highest standard of refuge accommodation, delivered in the most efficient way.

This will result in a more streamlined process for capital funding applications for new refuges, and it has always been envisaged that the provision of new refuge spaces would accelerate as we progress through the lifetime of the Zero Tolerance strategy.

An Garda Síochána

Questions (390)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

390. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Justice the number of garda stations in Mayo; the total number of gardaí since 2006, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55917/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The unprecedented allocation of over €2.3 billion to An Garda Síochána for 2024 demonstrates the Government's commitment to ensuring Gardaí have provision for the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and personnel it needs to carry out vital policing work. This includes funding for up to 900 new Gardaí and a 66% increase in the Garda training allowance to €305.

As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the distribution of Garda members between the various Garda stations. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.

I am however, assured by the Garda Commissioner that this distribution is kept under review in light of emerging crime trends and policing needs.

As the Deputy is aware Mayo Division was amalgamated with Roscommon/Longford Division under the new Operating Model. I am advised that at the end of October 2023, the latest date for when figures are available, there were 604 Garda members and 107 Garda staff assigned to Mayo/Roscommon/Longford Division.

The table below which was provided to me by the Garda authorities sets out the number of Garda members assigned to Mayo Division from 2006 up to the end of December 2021. 

Mayo Division	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021
Total Gardaí	279	313	331	309	311	309	300	307	298	303	300	323	339	339	343	330

The table below sets out the number of Gardaí assigned to Mayo/Roscommon/Division at the end of December 2022  and as of 31 October 2023, the latest date for when figures are available. 

Mayo/Roscommon/Longford Division	2022	Oct-23
Total Gardaí	616	604

The information in the attachment below sets out the number of Gardaí by station assigned to Mayo Division from 2009 up to the end of December 2021 and Mayo/Roscommon/Longford Division at the end of 2022 and as of 31 October 2023. 

All information is operational and may be subject to change.

Further detailed information in relation to the allocation of Gardaí by Division and Station can be found at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/

See also the following link:

Gardaí