Written Answers Nos. 933-952
933. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the current position in regard to residency status in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12586/24]
View answerMy Department is unable to publish any information that would identify any person as being an international protection applicant. This is a separate matter to the law dealing with data protection matters more generally.
My officials and I are legally obliged, under Section 26 of the International Protection Act 2015, to ensure that the identity of any person who applies for international protection is kept confidential. Section 26(1) sets out that:
“the Minister and the Tribunal and their respective officers shall take all practicable steps to ensure that the identity of applicants is kept confidential”.
As I am sure you will appreciate, these confidentiality requirements are especially important for an asylum-seeker, whose claim inherently supposes a fear of persecution by the authorities of their home country and whose situation, or that of their family or friends still living in the country from which they have sought protection, can be jeopardised if the protection of their personal information is not ensured.
An applicant for such protection status, or their legal representative, should contact either the International Protection Office (IPO) or the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) directly, as appropriate if they wish to receive an update on the status of their case.
The International Protection Office may be contacted: by email to info@ipo.gov.ie; by telephone to the IPO Customer Service Centre at 01 6028000 or in writing to Customer Service Centre, International Protection Office, 79-83 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2.
The International Protection Appeals Tribunal may be contacted either: by email to info@protectionappeals.ie; by telephone at 01-4748400 (or Lo-Call 1890 201 458), or in writing to Corporate Services Division, The International Protection Appeals Tribunal, 6-7 Hanover Street East, Dublin D02 W320.
Both the International Protection Office (IPO) and the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) are fully independent in deciding whether or not to grant international protection. Each application is examined individually on its own merits, in line with national and international asylum law. They are also bound by confidentiality provisions in respect of applicants as set out in the International Protection 2015 Act.
934. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the current residency status in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12588/24]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that the person referred to does not hold an immigration permission to remain or work in the State, and therefore if they are working in the State, they are doing so illegally.I can advise the Deputy that the person referred to is the subject of a Deportation Order (DO) and that it is open to any individual to make representations under Section 3(11) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, requesting to have their DO revoked. The applicant may complete form 3.11 to have their DO revoked, pursuant to the provisions of section 3(11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended). Form 3.11 is available at the following link:view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.irishimmigration.ie%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F08%2FForm-3-11-2023.docx&wdOrigin=BROWSELINKAll representations and documentation submitted on this form should set out any new or changed circumstances that were not previously presented. They must also complete a criminal declaration form which is available at the following link:.view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.irishimmigration.ie%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F08%2FCriminality-Declaration-Form-2023.docx&wdOrigin=BROWSELINKBoth forms must be sent either by email to repatadmin@justice.ie or by post toRepatriation Division,Immigration Service,Department of Justice,13-14 Burgh Quay,Dublin 2,D02 XK70Ireland.Once their application is processed, they will be informed of the outcome of their request. The outcome of that request will be that the existing DO will either be 'affirmed' or 'revoked'. If their application is successful, they will receive a letter stating that their DO has been revoked along with a copy of the revocation order. If they are currently residing in the State and do not hold an alternative immigration permission, they will also receive a letter granting them permission to reside in the State.In the meantime they remain legally obliged to comply with any reporting requirements placed on them by the Garda National Immigration Bureau.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: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary 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.
935. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 462 on 13 February 2024, if she has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities to have this PQ answered. [12600/24]
View answerI note that the Deputy previously asked for the number of Gardaí, by rank, attached to the Garda Water Unit as of 2 February 2024 and the same figures as of 1 March 2021. At the time I requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Unfortunately, the information was not received in time.
As the Deputy will be aware the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes the allocation of Garda members to a given Division, District, Station or specialist unit. As Minister I have no role in this and cannot seek to direct the Commissioner in relation this process.I am assured that the Commissioner keeps the allocation of these resources under continued review to ensure their optimum use. Among the factors considered are population statistics, crime trends and operational policing demands.
The Garda authorities have informed me that the number of Gardaí assigned to the Water Unit for the time periods requested are fewer than 10. As the Deputy may already be aware, further data is not released by An Garda Síochána for counts of fewer than 10 for data protection and security reasons.
936. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice the number of new vehicles added to the Garda roads policing unit fleet in 2023 and to-date in 2024; the number of vehicles withdrawn from the Garda roads policing unit fleet during the same period, in tabular form. [12601/24]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including the purchase, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
The unprecedented allocation of over €2.35 billion for 2024 to An Garda Síochána 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.
There are now over 3,400 vehicles in the Garda fleet, the highest ever and a 31% increase since 2015.
The table below, which was provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of vehicles added and removed from the Roads Policing fleet in 2023 and 2024.
|
- |
2023 |
2024 |
|
New Vehicles Added |
26 |
4 |
|
Vehicles Removed |
33 |
0 |
I am further advised that, as of 14 March 2024, the latest date for when figures are available, there were a total of 329 vehicles assigned to Roads Policing.
It is important to note that road traffic legislation is enforced as part of the day-to-day duties of members of An Garda Síochána, as well as through a programme of high-visibility road safety and enforcement operations carried out in partnership with other state agencies, in order to make our roads safer for all. All frontline Gardaí contribute to policing our roads and keeping them safe and, on average, 25% of roads policing enforcement is carried out by regular members, with the exception of drug/drink driving checks, 75% of which are carried out by regular members.
I am informed that the allocation of vehicles is made on the basis of identified operational demands and the availability of resources.
I am also informed that the allocation of vehicles is monitored and reviewed on a continual basis to ensure the best match with operational requirements.
937. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice the number of protection orders, safety orders and barring orders that were granted in 2023, in tabular form. [12635/24]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, management 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: oireachtasenquiries@courts.ie.
To be of assistance I have referred the Deputy's queries to the Courts Service for direct reply.
938. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if a citizenship application number can be sent to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12638/24]
View answerI am advised that the Immigration Oireachtas Mail unit of my Department has provided the information requested by the Deputy.
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: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. 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.
939. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the cultural audit of the IPS 2023 scheduled for 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12675/24]
View answerI am advised by officials in the Irish Prison Service that further to a procurement process in Q4 of 2023 an independent organisation has been appointed to undertake the audit and this is due to take place during 2024. The scope of service required includes a focused culture survey for all staff, focus groups with staff and further consultation as required.
940. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 1015 of 17 January 2023, when a citizenship application by a person (details supplied) will be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12680/24]
View answerThe naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department.
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.
I understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants and my Department has been working hard to clear backlogs.
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.
My Department has recently moved from paper to online based citizenship applications. This is one of a number of measures introduced in an effort to optimise the application process and enhance the overall customer service experience. As part of the new online process, customers are issued with an acknowledgment on submission of the online application. The forms provide a seamless application process and help guide applicants through what is required for an application.
In a little over two years the Citizenship Division of my Department has gone from processing around 12,000 applications a year to processing over 20,000 applications. This 66% increase in processing has been achieved through digitising and streamlining processes.
Finally, I can advise the Deputy that the Citizenship Division of my Department continues to communicate regularly with all applicants to keep them informed as to updates on processing times and arrangements.
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: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. 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.
941. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the resources that were allocated in 2023 by An Garda Síochána to providing daily security outside the Russian Embassy; the cost of this security; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12692/24]
View answerThe Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which is given the force of law in the State by the Diplomatic Relations and Immunities Act 1967, places on the receiving State a special duty to take all appropriate steps to protect the premises of a diplomatic mission against any intrusion or damage and to prevent any disturbance of the peace of the mission or impairment of its dignity.
An Garda Síochána keeps under review the situation with regard to the protection of diplomatic missions in the State and provides an appropriate policing response. The Deputy will understand that it is not the practice for sound reasons of security, to comment on specific security measures in place in respect of diplomatic missions in the State, nor their costs.
942. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice if she will publish a list of the NGOs funded by her Department; and the level the funding each NGO received in the past three years, in tabular form. [12724/24]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware my Department provides funding to community and voluntary sector organisations which are providing vital services in many areas across the justice sector including youth justice services, crime prevention, supporting victims of crime, in particular Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence, and community safety.
A breakdown of the funding provided by my Department in the timeframe requested is provided in the table below.
It is important to note that an individual organisation may receive funding from more than one category. There may be some other organisations due to receive funding in 2024 but are not listed as first payments have not yet been made.
943. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice the number of engagements, including online meetings, webinars, briefings and in-person meetings that she or officials from her Department and bodies under the aegis of her Department have had with an organisation (details supplied) including its representatives from 1 January 2019 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12744/24]
View answerI and officials in my Department and bodies under its aegis have engaged with representatives of the National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI) on more than 20 occasions over the time period referenced by the Deputy, both formally and informally. Meeting with representatives of NWCI arises routinely as part of engagement with key stakeholders in the areas of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (DSGBV) strategy, Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), and legislative reform, particularly in the criminal and family law areas.
I can inform the Deputy that I met with NWCI in July 2020 and was briefed on the work and priorities of NWCI and in particular, on matters in relation to violence against women and girls, and women and leadership across the justice sector.
I attended the launch of the report of the National Observatory on Violence Against Women and Girls webinar in December 2021 and senior officials of my Department participated in these events in 2022 and 2023.
I am informed that Minister Humphreys met with NWCI during the All-island Women's Forum Webinar on 30 September 2021 and I am informed that the former Secretary General met with them in August 2019.
In June 2022 I met with NWCI to discuss their campaign 'Beyond Exploitation, Defending the human right not to be sold for sex'.
The NWCI, along with other key stakeholders, has participated in a range of meetings convened by my Department to monitor implementation of current DSGBV strategy including the establishment of Cuan, the new statutory DSGBV agency, and with Safe Ireland in relation to DSGBV issues. In addition to this there were a number of engagements with my Department in relation to hate speech consultations and the Beyond Exploitation campaign - Ireland’s civil society campaign for equality and freedom from sexual exploitation, a survivor-led and survivor-informed campaign.
In its role as the chair of the Irish National Observatory of Violence Against Women, NWCI were represented on the Sexual Violence Survey Liaison Group. This survey was chaired by the Central Statistics Office under the auspices of my Department.
In June and December of 2023 NWCI attended meetings of the Family Justice Development Forum and in March 2024 my Department participated in research being undertaken by NWCI on the issue of ‘sex for rent’.
Finally, I am informed that the CEO of the Parole Board also met the NWCI to discuss the Parole Board’s proposed victim engagement process.
944. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice the number of prosecutions for perjury in civil actions in each year from 2010 to date; the number of convictions in each year; the number of such prosecutions which arose from personal injuries actions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12752/24]
View answerManagement of the courts, along with related 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 through 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: oireachtasenquiries@courts.ie
To be of assistance I have referred the Deputy's question to the Courts Service for reply.
945. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice when a person (details supplied) will receive their naturalisation certificate following their citizenship ceremony which took place on 18 December 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12766/24]
View answerI am advised by the Citizenship Division of my Department that a Naturalisation Certificate was issued to the person referred to by the Deputy on 20 February 2024.
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: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. 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.
946. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Justice the timeline for the transfer and the scope of immigration operations that will transfer from the Garda National Immigration Bureau to her Department; when she expects the first registration and renewal of immigration residence permissions for non-EU/EEA nationals residing outside of the Dublin area to migrate to an online registration system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12771/24]
View answerThe Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland (COFPI) recommended that immigration administrative functions should transfer from the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) to the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) function of the Department of Justice.
In late 2023, ISD took over the distribution of all Irish Residence Permit cards nationwide, which relieved the GNIB of this duty. I would also advise the Deputy that, with effect from January 2024, the Department took on additional functions at Dublin airport in respect of initial processing of International Protection applicants. This includes carrying out a preliminary interview and fingerprinting of applicants.
My Department and An Garda Síochána have engaged intensively on the scope of further immigration operations to transfer to the Department and a roadmap outlining the functions for transfer is being finalised.
This will set out the timeline for the transfer of work relating to the nationwide first registration and renewal (outside of Dublin) of residence permissions from An Garda Síochána to the Registration Office of my Department. All first registrations require in-person attendance while renewals will be done online.
I expect to be in a position to make further announcements in this regard in the near future.
947. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of detective inspector posts filled within Kildare Garda division in 2023 and to-date in 2024, in tabular form. [12789/24]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes the allocation of Garda members to a given Division, District, Station or specialist unit. As Minister I have no role in this and cannot seek to direct the Commissioner in relation this process.
I am assured that the Commissioner keeps the allocation of these resources under continued review to ensure their optimum use. Among the factors considered are population statistics, crime trends and operational policing demands.
I have requested from Garda authorities the number of detective inspector posts filled within Kildare Garda Division during the time frame outlined by the Deputy. I am advised that the numbers in 2023 and to-date in 2024 are fewer than 10. As the Deputy may already be aware, further data is not released by An Garda Síochána for counts of fewer than 10 for data protection and security reasons.
948. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the amount that An Garda Síochána spent on replacement of public order unit equipment in 2023 and to-date in 2024, in tabular form. [12790/24]
View answerI have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Unfortunately, the information was not received in time. I will contact the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.
949. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the amount that An Garda Síochána spent on hiring out external veterinary services in 2023 and to-date in 2024; and the amount paid to each provider in the years in question, in tabular form. [12791/24]
View answerAs 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, which includes the provision of health care for the dogs and horses in both the Garda Mounted Unit and the Garda Dog Unit. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that during 2023 a total of €154,470 was spent on hiring out external veterinary services, and a total of €40,305 has been spent in 2024 to date.
The table below is a breakdown of the amounts paid to each provider within each year.
|
Vendor Name |
2023 |
2024 |
Grand Total |
|
AAA VET CARE LTD |
€3,592.60 |
€0.00 |
€3,592.60 |
|
ADVANCED EQUINE DENTISTRY |
€900.00 |
€900.00 |
€1,800.00 |
|
AIRPORT BOARDING KENNELS |
€720.00 |
€0.00 |
€720.00 |
|
ANGLESEA STREET IMPREST A/C |
€242.00 |
€200.00 |
€442.00 |
|
BERNEY BROTHERS SADDLERY |
€520.00 |
€0.00 |
€520.00 |
|
CANINE COUNTRY CLUB |
€4,835.01 |
€2,425.00 |
€7,260.01 |
|
CASTLE VETERINARY CLINIC |
€2,029.70 |
€0.00 |
€2,029.70 |
|
COOLOCK VETERINARY CLINIC |
€11,810.56 |
€192.70 |
€12,003.26 |
|
CRESCENT VETERINARY CLINIC |
€712.83 |
€0.00 |
€712.83 |
|
CVS (IRELAND) VETERINARY SERVICES NO 2 |
€7,154.74 |
€4,453.07 |
€11,607.81 |
|
DECLAN DOLAN T/A BEST KENNELS & CATTERY |
€2,340.00 |
€2,135.00 |
€4,475.00 |
|
DRUMMONDS LTD |
€1,905.44 |
€1,630.18 |
€3,535.62 |
|
EQUIFORM LIMITIED |
€36,891.97 |
€15,723.95 |
€52,615.92 |
|
EXECUTIVE K9 SOLUTIONS LTD |
€6,435.97 |
€0.00 |
€6,435.97 |
|
EXTREMUS DOG TRAINING LTD |
€2,382.77 |
€0.00 |
€2,382.77 |
|
HENRY STREET IMPREST ACCOUNT |
€2,440.00 |
€500.00 |
€2,940.00 |
|
HIGHFIELD VETERINARY |
€2,905.29 |
€540.77 |
€3,446.06 |
|
HOOFPRINTS INNOVATIONS LTD |
€982.26 |
€0.00 |
€982.26 |
|
HOP ISLAND EQUESTRIAN CENTRE |
€80.00 |
€0.00 |
€80.00 |
|
INDEPENDENT VETCARE IRELAND LTD |
€80.77 |
€0.00 |
€80.77 |
|
LISADELL EQUINE HOSPITAL |
€12,699.34 |
€4,733.27 |
€17,432.61 |
|
NUTGROVE VETERINARY HOSPITAL ULC |
€5,030.41 |
€0.00 |
€5,030.41 |
|
PETER BARNWALL |
€15,000.00 |
€0.00 |
€15,000.00 |
|
PETER JOSEPH MCKENNA |
€3,400.00 |
€0.00 |
€3,400.00 |
|
RYCOLL KENNELS LTD |
€420.00 |
€0.00 |
€420.00 |
|
SERENGETI LTD |
€1,007.45 |
€0.00 |
€1,007.45 |
|
STAFF OFFICE IMPREST ACCOUNT |
€9,804.51 |
€300.00 |
€10,104.51 |
|
THOROUGHBRED REMEDIES IRL LTD |
€8,077.34 |
€2,966.41 |
€11,043.75 |
|
UCD VET HOSPITAL |
€775.01 |
€0.00 |
€775.01 |
|
VET PARTNERS PRACTICES IRELAND LTD |
€1,850.11 |
€2,679.85 |
€4,529.96 |
|
VETERINARY CLINIC RATOATH |
€0.00 |
€102.50 |
€102.50 |
|
VETERINARY SPECIALISTS IRELAND |
€498.43 |
€0.00 |
€498.43 |
|
WOOFYS KENNELS |
€6,945.00 |
€822.00 |
€7,767.00 |
|
Grand Total |
€154,469.51 |
€40,304.70 |
€194,774.21 |
950. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the progress to date in determination of the appeals for visas in the case of the family (details supplied); when the appeals can expect to be finalised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12807/24]
View answerThe visa applications referred to by the Deputy were refused by the Visa Office in Dublin. The reasons for these decisions were set out in the refusal letters sent to the applicants on 24 January 2023. Appeals of these decisions were received on 08 March 2023.
All visa applicants are advised that the onus is on them to provide as much information in support of their application as they feel is necessary. Guidelines in this regard are posted on our website. Applicants that follow these guidelines have an improved prospect of receiving a positive decision at first instance.
It should be noted that visa appeals are dealt with in strict chronological order. Processing times and decisions at the Dublin Visa Office can be checked at the following link which is updated each Tuesday:
www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/.
Processing times can change during the year, for example before holiday periods or for study applications prior to a new college year.
A decision will be issued to the applicants as soon as full consideration has been given by a Visa Appeals Officer.
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: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary 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.
951. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice when a naturalisation certificate will issue to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12830/24]
View answerI am advised by the Citizenship Division of my Department that a Naturalisation Certificate was issued to the person referred to by the Deputy on 25 February 2024.
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: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. 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.
952. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Justice if advice will be provided for persons (details supplied) in respect of their current status within the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12919/24]
View answerAs Minister, I do not comment on individual STEP applications, however, my Department has recently engaged with the representatives of those concerned in this regard.
The Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) was introduced by the Irish Government in 2012 to allow for innovative entrepreneurs to apply for permission to establish their business and reside in Ireland on a full time basis. The Programme enables non-EEA nationals outside of the State and their families who commit to establishing a high potential start-up business in Ireland to acquire a secure residency status in the State. The programme is particularly aimed at start-up enterprises in the priority innovation area.
However, I can advise the Deputy that a Stamp 1 immigration permission is granted to a non-EEA national based on their employment permit having first been granted by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE). Their immigration permission is therefore linked to their employment permit.
Any non-EEA national with an employment permit, who has ceased to be in employment, for any reason, must advise the Employment Permits Unit of DETE and Unit B, Domestic Residence and Permissions Division of my Department of the change in their circumstances.
The person concerned can write to the Immigration Service by post or email at the contact details below to request the permission letter. Upon examination of the request, Domestic Residence and Permissions Division will, if necessary, issue a temporary permission to remain in the State, which would allow the person concerned to seek a further employment permit.
However, they will not be able to start a new employment without first having been issued with an updated work permit from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
The spouse of the person cited may also seek an employment permit.
Email: DRPCustomerservice@justice.ie
Postal Address:
Unit B – Domestic Residence and Permissions DivisionImmigration Service DeliveryDepartment of Justice13-14 Burgh QuayDublin 2 D02 XK70Ireland
