Catherine Callaghan
Question:6. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the progress on developing a new national cybersecurity strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49231/25]
Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions
Cybersecurity Policy
I thank Deputy Callaghan for her question. She has identified an area of our national security and national defence that needs to be accentuated and taken much more seriously in light of recent developments in the world. A number of weeks ago, we saw cyberattacks on airports throughout Europe. It had a bit of an impact on Ireland, but what they are indicative of is that cybersecurity is extremely essential in our country at present.
Ireland’s second national cybersecurity strategy, for the years 2019 to 2024, set out 20 collaborative measures with the aim of meeting a range of objectives. These included improving the ability of the State to respond to and manage cybersecurity incidents and improving the resilience and security of public sector IT systems to better protect data and the services that our people rely upon. A mid-term review of the strategy published in May 2023 saw the inclusion of a further 18 new measures to be met within its lifetime. An end-of-strategy report is close to completion and I expect to publish it shortly alongside a public consultation.
It is also important to point out that I hope to bring significant legislation before the House in the near future, namely, the national cybersecurity Bill, for which we got permission last year to proceed to drafting. That is going to set out the official statutory basis for our cybersecurity system in Ireland. In a European context, it will seek to transpose the NIS2 directive alongside other national commitments relating to cybersecurity, such as those contained in the programme for Government and the national development plan. Officials in my Department are consulting the National Cyber Security Centre. I had the opportunity to visit the centre recently. It is very advanced in terms of its technology and sophistication. Having met the people there, I am very confident that there are good people in charge of cybersecurity in this country.
I thank the Minister for his answer. As we all know and as he said, cyber-resilience is really critical in this modern world. We need robust cybersecurity to protect our digital systems and data from unauthorised access and misuse and from theft and damage due to the increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks. Cyberattacks are increasing in frequency, complexity and destructiveness and can compromise our critical infrastructure across geographical borders without even being present in this jurisdiction. That is the real threat that we are facing as a nation. The national cybersecurity strategy the Minister outlined is the vision and the roadmap for how to effectively enhance cybersecurity and resilience across public bodies, essential services, businesses and households. I recently had a quick look at the Defence Forces' cyberdefence strategy for 2024 to 2027, and I was very impressed by their ambition to ensure that their strategy delivered cyber capabilities that could prevent, monitor, detect, defend against and recover from cyberattacks. Does the overall national cybersecurity strategy that is being currently developed have the same ambition for collective resilience? Will it be ready by the end of 2025?
It does have the same ambition. It is important to note that we do not try to divide up Ireland's protections into different spheres, whether it is the Defence Forces or what comes within the ambit of the Department of justice. Huge collaboration is ongoing across Government. At present, my Department is engaging with key stakeholders, including the Departments of foreign affairs, Defence and enterprise, trade and employment, to ensure alignment with a range of related national strategies such as the digital and AI strategy and the maritime strategy.
As the Deputy identified, these are now significant threats, not just to Departments and Government agencies, but also to the private sector. One of the consequences of the legislation that I will be bringing before the House in the near future is that, when enacted, it will impose obligations, not just on State agencies to be prepared, but on certain types of those in the private sector to be prepared as well. A cyberattack on a State agency can have enormously detrimental consequences. Similarly, a cyberattack on a private enterprise can have devastating consequences for Irish consumers.
In the Department of justice, we know An Garda Síochána leads the domestic intelligence and national security operations, while the NCSE manages cybersecurity. In the Department of Defence, the Defence Forces handle external and military intelligence. In the Department of the Taoiseach, the national security secretariat provides strategic oversight and co-ordination. Will the Minister please outline the current level of collaboration between these three Departments? Is he confident that their collective cyber-resilience is sufficient to ensure that the proposed new national cybersecurity strategy will effectively protect the State and its agencies from nation state actors, for example, Russian military hackers and cybercriminal adversaries, those groups that are financially motivated to carry out cyberattacks for profit, of which Wizard Spider, which was responsible for the HSE attack, is a prime example.
In fairness, I think this Government is the first to set up a national security committee that meets frequently in respect of security issues affecting the State. There is collaboration across Government. There is a recognition that, when it comes to national security and protecting ourselves from cyber threats, there has to be an aligned, agreed response from the State. I would not like the impression to be created that there are separate agencies doing their own things such as the Defence Forces, An Garda Síochána and the National Cyber Security Centre. There is collaboration through the Government to ensure that we have a national system of cyberdefence that is effective in protecting the State.
The National Cyber Security Centre was provided with very significant resources in the budget two days ago. I managed to secure a significant increase in the amount of resources for the National Cyber Security Centre. Regrettably, that is necessary. The reason it is necessary is because there are increasing threats to our cyber networks from malign actors.
An Garda Síochána
Keira Keogh
Question:7. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for an update on changes to the Garda vetting system being considered by the Government; the proposed changes to re-vetting requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53675/25]
The Garda vetting review group recently submitted its report to the Minister. Will the Minister provide an update on the changes to the Garda vetting system being considered by the Government, especially the proposed changes to the re-vetting requirements, as we know a lot of people are very frustrated with the delays that have been caused, especially in NGOs and sporting groups?
I thank the Deputy. I am aware of the concerns people have in respect of delays in Garda vetting. It is important to emphasise at the outset that the primary purpose of vetting carried out by An Garda Síochána under the national vetting bureau Acts is to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults. Many organisations nationwide whose work focuses on the safety, enjoyment and comfort of children and vulnerable people understand that they must take all reasonable steps to ensure that only suitable people are recruited and employed. I know the Garda takes this responsibility very seriously. This requires a robust Garda vetting process that reassures the public, and particularly parents, that appropriate checks are conducted on people taking on positions of trust.
I am aware from talking to TDs, organisations and groups that there are a number of concerns about and issues with the current process, in particular the requirement for multiple re-vettings. My Department is working to consider solutions to these matters. The Garda vetting review group was tasked with ensuring that any changes to the vetting process kept it robust, efficient and effective while improving the service it provided. The membership of the group included gardaí, officials from my Department and Tusla, and other relevant stakeholders. The group’s primary focus has been to examine the means of strengthening the vetting legislation in a workable and effective manner, while seeking to balance this with issues that have arisen regarding the re-vetting period and the transfer of vetting across other similar activities, for example, with sports teams.
I have been updated on the group's work and have decided that a number of key recommendations should now be implemented, in consultation with all relevant partners. It is my objective to ensure the vetting system is fit for purpose and, to the greatest extent possible, efficient and future-proofed to continue to protect our children.
I have received recommendations and am working on them. The issues require me to engage with An Garda Síochána to ensure that it can process applications in the manner I would like it to.
As Chair of the Joint Committee on Children and Equality, and somebody who has worked with children her whole life, I join the Minister in wanting to ensure that our Garda vetting process is robust and that we are protecting our vulnerable children and adults. At the same time, it is great to hear that the report has made it to the Minister's desk. The review was initiated in 2021. Volunteers are frustrated. If they work with a GAA group one weekend and a drama group the next, they must be vetted repeatedly. I know that multiple Deputies have come in over recent months looking for updates and wondering if we can lean into our technology and come up with a common-sense and streamlined solution, similar to the process for the Passport Office whereby people can apply online once. We could provide a Garda vetting card that would apply for three years. That way, at least people would not be delayed in starting work or working with vulnerable groups.
I agree that many efficiencies could be introduced into the system. I am trying to urge those efficiencies at present. For instance, if people are vetted to train a hurling team, why can they not rely on that vetting when they come to coach a soccer team a year later? We need to ensure that those sensible efficiencies are permissible in the system.
I know there are issues in respect of wet signatures for vetting. There is an issue in that the Garda does not accept digital signatures for national vetting. I am trying to engage with the Garda on that issue. The Garda thinks that the use of digital signatures adds risk to the vetting process such that it becomes susceptible to disputes regarding the signatory's identity or intent, or whether the document was tampered with after signing. If anything goes wrong, the Garda will be responsible if it vetted somebody who turns out to be a threat. I can understand from its perspective the caution with which it is approaching the issue. However, it is a matter I want advanced.
I know it is easy for someone such as me to come in and offer a simple solution. I appreciate that the response is not so simple. At the moment, however, a lot of unnecessary duplication is happening. Multiple checks are being carried out into the same people to verify the same information. One of the key problems is that people who are trying to start a job can come into financial difficulty when that job is delayed. There are times when people who are looking for a new employee cannot wait for the Garda vetting process. They lose the chance to hire someone who may be a key staff member. Anything we can do to speed up the process would be welcome. From 2021 to 2025 is a long period. The frustration has been ongoing for longer than that. I appreciate the Minister's work. I hope we can get an efficient solution sooner rather than later.
The Deputy is right to urge that the process be sped up. Irrespective of any changes that are introduced to the process, it must operate faster. It is unfair that people who are seeking jobs or seeking to be vetted for sporting or recreational purposes must wait for lengthy periods.
The Deputy is also correct to identify that this is progressing quite slowly. The report was commissioned in 2021. We need to make a decision and change the process. We do not want to be talking about the issue another year from now. We must ensure that a faster system is put in place while at the same time ensuring that the fundamental requirement of protecting children is maintained. Those two objectives are compatible. We can have a faster system while ensuring that children's welfare is not threatened. That is something I am working on and would like to see achieved as soon as possible.
Legislative Measures
Paul McAuliffe
Question:8. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if there are targeted measures in place to reduce the prevalence of illegal fireworks both nationally and locally, and particularly in Dublin North-West; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54149/25]
Will the Minister of State make a statement to the House on targeted measures that may be put in place to reduce the prevalence of illegal fireworks, locally and nationally?
I thank the Deputy for the question. We are well aware of the misery and distress the use of illegal fireworks can cause around this time of year. We also hear and see enough to know that they pose a real risk to the health and safety of young people and to the elderly and vulnerable. They also terrify family pets, service dogs and other animals.
Our Department runs an annual awareness campaign that seeks to inform and educate the public about the serious dangers associated with fireworks and the penalties people can face for selling or using them. The Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, was pleased to launch that campaign two weeks ago at the Dublin Fire Brigade Training Centre.
In addition to this awareness raising work in the run up to Hallowe'en, very good work is undertaken by local authorities and community groups to organise safe, fun events for children and young people in our communities around Hallowe'en. The Deputy will be familiar with the Finglas Fright Night and the Otherworld Hallowe'en Festival in Ballymun. I also very much welcome the return of the Big Scream festival in Dublin’s north inner city and the Bram Stoker festival supported by Dublin City Council.
An Garda Síochána's Operation Tombola combats the illegal importation, sale and use of fireworks through a nationwide policing plan focused on the prevention and detection of the sale of fireworks and associated public order and antisocial behaviour issues during the Hallowe'en period. The operation encompasses all aspects of the policing of the Hallowe'en period each year. It combats the importation, sale and distribution of illegal fireworks through intelligence-led operations, searches and seizures, as well as focusing on preventing associated public disorder and antisocial behaviour. Over the past decade, under Operation Tombola, the Garda has carried out 1,218 fireworks seizures.
I thank the Minister of State. He is correct that we are heading into the autumn season and Hallowe'en festivities. Increasingly every year, that season opens earlier. I heard reports in late August of this year of fireworks being used in my area.
The Minister of State outlined the impact that fireworks had on animals, family pets, livestock and so on. They have an impact on other children as well, who feel less safe, particularly on Hallowe'en night. There is also a danger to people because, effectively, these are unregulated illegal products. They pose a danger.
Are the penalties in place, particularly for importation and sale, sufficient? They currently stand at €10,000 or up to five years' imprisonment. If one were to go to any part of Dublin in the next couple of weeks, one would not know that fireworks were illegal. I accept it is a complicated matter but I believe we need to review the penalties involved.
I accept what the Deputy said about the season starting earlier and earlier each year, which is regrettable. That is true of the community in which I live, which is a rural part of Limerick. Some elderly neighbours were very put out by it.
Under Operation Tombola, the Garda has carried out 1,218 fireworks seizures to an estimated value of €225,000. These seizures have undoubtedly contributed to reducing the harm associated with the illegal use of fireworks. The penalties for importing, selling or using unlicensed fireworks are significant and Part 6 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 provides the Garda with the power to arrest people found with unlicensed fireworks and sets out significant penalties on conviction, as the Deputy alluded to, including fines up to €10,000 or up to five years' imprisonment for possession with intent to sell or supply.
There is some amount of regulation in the area. I will write to the Deputy after this session to inform him what we have in the area of regulation.
I would welcome that correspondence. I point out the considerable work of Dublin Fire Brigade in trying to dissuade people. I also acknowledge the work of the local authorities, particularly Dublin City Council, in respect of pro-social activity. I encourage anybody in the city to come to either the Finglas Fright Night or the Ballymun Otherworld festival. They are fantastic family-fun events that are packed with culture and lots of local community celebrations. They are very positive. They have effectively eliminated bonfires in our area by providing an alternative.
The issue of fireworks is complex. We do not necessarily want to be displacing significant amounts of Garda time, which we know is under pressure in a range of other areas.
It is a difficult situation for people to accept, namely that something is illegal and the law is being broken in such a significant way. Perhaps a review by the Department of this area is required.
I would like to make the point to the Deputy that we are in the process of establishing local community safety partnerships throughout the country. That is a step up or ramping up of the former joint policing committees. I know the Deputy is aware that 36 community safety partnerships will be stood up. They are in the process. Some are up and running and some have had their first meeting. Many of the local authorities are in the process of finally pulling together and populating them. They will have broader stakeholder and community representation than the previous joint policing committees, so there will be opportunities for residents' associations, community groups, local authority members and members of An Garda Síochána to all play a meaningful role. They will be supported by full-time administrative staff, funded by the Department of justice and working with our local authorities. That will be another very important forum to deal with this issue.
Visa Applications
Matt Carthy
Question:9. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will introduce measures to reduce the number of stamp 2 visa permissions granted annually in view of the pressures on student accommodation and housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54041/25]
A number of weeks ago I raised with the Minister the Government's approach to stamp 2 residency permits in respect of student visas as they are known and whether or not there are any plans for the Government to examine these types of residency permits as part of the overall management of migration. In particular, given the pressures on housing and on student accommodation, is it the Government's intention to introduce measures to reduce the number of stamp 2 visas granted annually?
I thank the Deputy. The programme for Government contains a commitment to publish a national migration and integration strategy detailing how the Government will meet the demands and opportunities facing Ireland’s society. My Department is currently working on that with other Departments with the aim of having it published in 2026. Looking at the international student sector will obviously form part of that work.
For many years, Ireland has welcomed international students who travel here to pursue courses of study across a wide range of subject areas. This provides economic and other benefits to Ireland, as well as to the students themselves.
It makes sense that our overall strategic approach to migration would take account of this aspect of our immigration arrangements. I can say that this area is already undergoing revised certification arrangements. Currently, for non-EEA students to be eligible for immigration permission here they must be completing a course listed on what is known as the interim list of eligible programmes, ILEP, which is issued by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
The ILEP is being replaced by TrustEd which will be administered by Quality and Qualifications Ireland, a statutory body under the aegis of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. TrustEd is now Ireland's new statutory quality mark and is part of a range of measures designed to protect international students and ensure high standards are met in the provision of education.
My Department will continue to work closely with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, and other relevant Departments in framing policy in this area and will engage with education providers, both public and private, in developing this aspect of our national migration and integration strategy.
Of course international students are an important part of the dynamic within out third level sector. However, as with all areas there needs to be management of it and it seems to me there is none at the moment. The number of these stamp 2 residency permissions more than doubled between 2021 and 2024, with more than 60,000 of them granted.
Then there are anomalies in the system. According to the Economic and Social Research Institute's, ESRI's, most recent report on migration and asylum, 45% of first residency permits issued in 2023 were for education. It is the most common reason for issuing permits to non-EEA nationals while employment accounts for only 27%. When we consider Ireland has 1.25% of the EU's population but allocates 7.15% of all permits for education purposes in the EU, we can be seen how there are anomalies there. The question is: does Government take cognisance of the student accommodation crisis when allocating these visas as to whether or not it will impact on that crisis?
I thank the Deputy for his acknowledgement of the fact that international students do make a contribution. They contribute in so many ways to our country. The Government is looking at student visas in the context of our national migration and immigration strategy.
For the purpose of clarity with regard to the issue of total registrations, there can be multiple registrations during a year, so the number of total registrations is not entirely indicative of the number of students but it is a reasonable guide.
When looking at the broader framework, it is important that we look at students, namely the number of students coming here, the types of courses they are studying and the benefit people and academic institutions are getting from that and that we take an overall broader look which takes all aspects of this into account. There is no point in saying anything but that the students do make a great contribution in so many ways to Ireland and that is important to recognise.
Absolutely, that point is not in dispute. That is why these visa allocations should be based on educational and societal benefits. I fear that in many cases the international students are being used to make up for the funding shortfall in third level institutions. They are seen as a mechanism by which money can be made - money which the universities are starved of.
Second, there is this new private sector, namely English language schools with very high proportions of students coming from countries outside of the EEA. Anecdotally at least, some of those visas are being used to allow people to work in sectors that would not otherwise be able to get people on employment permits. Has the Department carried out any analysis of that and is that part of what it plans to examine? We need to get the balance right here and we need to be cognisant, particularly of the student accommodation crisis, and the educational value we receive by having international students in our society.
It is important to examine the regulation in this area. There is quite a bit of regulation in this area. There is an allowance of 20 hours that a student can work during term time and that increases to 40 hours. It is very important that is monitored and correctly enforced.
We have changed the requirements for students in terms of the income they would have to have to sustain themselves when they come into the country, so they are able to pursue their courses when they come. It is important that we have monitoring of the private providers in different areas to ensure there is compliance and that students are attending and that if they are not attending courses that it is notified. Students must remain within the conditions under which they have entered Ireland. That includes any work they are allowed legally to do in addition to their studies, and that is monitored.
Court Accommodation
William Aird
Question:10. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Question No. 58 of 3 July 2025, if he will commit to ensuring that funding is made available to complete the new courthouse for Portlaoise, County Laois; the expected delivery of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53872/25]
I thank the Minister for the opportunity to raise the issue of a new courthouse for County Laois. They requirement for a new courthouse has long been recognised. The National Development Plan, NDP, 2018-2027 identified the need for new courthouses in a number of locations with substandard facilities, including in my hometown of Portlaoise. The current facilities in Portlaoise are substandard and require updated, modernised, efficient, accessible courthouse facilities for Laois. They are just not fit for purpose at the moment.
I thank the Deputy for his question about the courthouse in Portlaoise. At the outset, in the area of provision of funding and services for the courts, it is important to note we secured an increase of €11 million, or 8.3%, in funding, for day-to-day court operations and the development of services in budget 2026.
As the Deputy will also be aware, the Government is supporting the Courts Service to progress its ten year modernisation programme to deliver digitally-enabled services designed make the courts system operate much more effectively. This programme is having significant positive impacts. The Government is also ensuring we have more judges available because courthouses on their own are not of much use unless there are judges to administer justice.
Insofar as capital works are concerned, the courts have benefited over a number of years from investment in new and refurbished courthouses at several locations nationally and this is continuing under the current NDP. The Courts Service purchased a site for a new courthouse in County Laois in 2020. Further progress with the Portlaoise project will depend on ultimate allocations under the revised NDP funding. There are a range of projects to be delivered across the justice sector, not just in the area of courts but also in the area of Garda stations.
I am pleased to state that the construction of a new Garda divisional headquarters in Portlaoise is under way.
Within the overall framework, my expectation is that development of the new courthouse in Portlaoise will form part of the latter phase of the current national development plan. The precise details remain to be settled. There is significant demand for the construction of courthouses throughout the country. Deputy Aird very eloquently advanced the cause of Portlaoise. Others have advanced the cause of other places. It is in the national development plan, but in the latter stage.
I thank the Minister for his response and his commitment to meet a group of stakeholders to discuss the urgent need for a courthouse in Portlaoise. The immediate priority is clear. We need funding for the development of the new courthouse in Portlaoise and a clear and definite timeframe for commencement and completion. As the Minister mentioned, an important first step has already been taken. I was a member of Laois County Council when it purchased the site in Kylekiproe almost five years ago to ensure that it would be available to the Department when it gave the green light for the courthouse to be built. The next step must be to secure funding. I acknowledge the strong focus on regenerating Main Street in Portlaoise to create a town where there is a sense that people live and do business there. I tabled this question in order to discover if we could progress matters. Moving the courthouse would open the door to a more accessible, pedestrian-friendly town centre, revitalising the heart of Portlaoise and encouraging new economic growth. I heard from legal professionals and members of the Garda and the Irish Prison Service. They all said the same thing, namely-----
Thank you, Deputy.
-----that the existing courthouse is no longer fit for purpose. It causes congestion, which has a negative effect on businesses and residents in the town. There is a lack of privacy and dignity for those attending the court-----
Deputy, you should conclude.
I will conclude by referring to the serious security conditions.
You will get a chance to come back in again.
I agree with Deputy Aird. Courthouses can have a positive impact on a town or city. The Leas-Cheann Comhairle will know the impact a new courthouse can have on a city like Kilkenny. They attract people who come as witnesses and members of the legal profession. There is a buzz around a town in which there is a busy courthouse. I appreciate the economic benefits of a vibrant courthouse although that is not the purpose of the administration of justice. The Deputy believes, as do many people, that Portlaoise requires a new courthouse. I am advised that there are currently 13 staff in Portlaoise courthouse. That relates to district 15, in addition to special courts. Portlaoise court sits 13 days per month. The remaining sittings in district 15 take place in Tullamore. Portlaoise is a vibrant town. I understand why legal practitioners and representatives such as Deputy Aird want a new courthouse there. It is in the plan. I cannot give a commitment as to when the project will start.
Will the Minister acknowledge that the Midlands Prison is located in Portlaoise? He knows what happens in a courthouse, and the logistics involved in bringing prisoners down from a prison of that size twice a week. That is why I asked if it can be done. As the Minister stated, the site has been secured. The need is obvious and the benefits are evident. I urge the Minister to prioritise the immediate provision of funding in order that the construction of a new courthouse in Portlaoise can commence without delay. We must deliver a courthouse that meets the needs of the 21st century. I emphasise the fact that the Midlands Prison is located in Portlaoise. I thank all the people who work there caring for those in that facility every day of the week. Friends of mine work there. From a logistics point of view, vans, security and gardaí are needed. If there was a new facility, we would need less than a quarter of staff who currently accompany the prisoners from the Midlands Prison. That is why there is an urgent case to make today.
I agree with the Deputy. We need to develop a situation where prison officers are not used frequently throughout the day for the purpose of transporting prisoners from prisons to courts. I will bring forward legislation later this year, in the form of a miscellaneous provisions Bill, in which we will seek to give effect to that for many more remote hearings. People can have their hearings from the prison where they are being held on remand rather than being transferred by prison officers to a courthouse for that purpose. It makes sense if there is a strong prison, like the Midlands Prison in Portlaoise, to ensure that here is a correspondingly suitable courthouse in the vicinity. There is a courthouse in Portlaoise. The Deputy has urged eloquently that it needs to be upgraded, refurbished or replaced. I will take that on board. When it comes to the national development plan and capital projects relating to courthouses and Garda stations, there are many Deputies who are as eloquent and committed as Deputy Aird in making requests. They say to me that the projects in their areas need to prioritised. I cannot prioritise them all, but I hear what the Deputy is saying.
No one but us in Portlaoise has anything like the Midlands Prison, in which there are 1,500 prisoners.
Prison Service
Naoise Ó Muirí
Question:11. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the plans his Department has to increase prison capacity in line with the country’s rising population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54032/25]
Following Deputy Aird's question about courts, I am looking for more prison spaces for guilty people.
Our population has risen significantly over the past 20 years but our prison capacity has not risen on a corresponding basis. There is a requirement to ensure that we have more prison spaces. This does not mean that I or the Government believe the solution to all antisocial or criminal behaviour is incarceration. We recognise, however, that prisons need a greater number of spaces because of the increased level of detection, the increase in the population and the increase in the type of criminal activities the Houses of the Oireachtas have designated as criminal acts.
Since 2022, capacity across the prison estate has been increased by 380 new spaces. The target is to deliver 1,595 individual prison spaces by 2031. A record capital investment of €495 million is being provided to the Irish Prison Service over the next five years which will provide for the largest investment in the prison estate in the history of the State. This includes a new prison on the site of the old Cork prison, a new block in Wheatfield, both of which I visited, an additional block extension at the Midlands Prison, which I hope to visit soon, and additional spaces at Castlerea, Mountjoy and Dóchas.
It is important to point out that a new mental health therapeutic centre is also planned for Mountjoy. I thank the Minister for Health for her co-operation in that respect.
In consultation with the Minister for Finance, I secured an exemption under the infrastructure guidelines to allow for the delivery of 960 new places to be accelerated. This is expected to speed up delivery timelines by 12 to 18 months. The Prison Service has a very good record when it comes to building on time and on budget. The estate section of the Irish Prison Service is very good.
I fully agree that incarceration is not always the answer. At the same time, we need to ensure that there are places in our prisons for those who commit offences. We also need to ensure that they know this. We have a great body of prison officers. They are some of the best people in our country. They work really hard and diligently on our behalf. I know many of them personally. We need to make sure the places in which they work are the best possible, are upgraded and not overcrowded. A fear people have is that they might see people going in and out of courts and perhaps not getting the sentences they should. That is a different issue. I want to ensure that there are places for those who are found guilty and to whom sentences are handed down. I also want to ensure that they remain in prison and serve out their sentences in full, particularly as they were found guilty, and that they will not be let out because we do not have the space for them.
I agree with the Deputy. There are certain types of offenders who have been convicted and who require incarceration. The justice system has directed that they be incarcerated, and the Irish Prison Service does not have an option. It must take in people on whom the courts have imposed custodial sentences.
Since I became Minister, I have visited seven prisons.
I am extremely impressed at the work that goes on in prisons throughout the country. The Irish Prison Service does an excellent job, as does the Probation Service and other services that operate within our prison system. They are challenging visits. I always make sure I have an opportunity to speak to staff and the prisoners as well. A lot of good work is being done to prepare individuals for coming out of prison. Those individuals have already been judged by the justice system. It is not our job to judge them again; the system has judged them, but we want to try to ensure that as well as their penalty being served, they are prepared for release into the community. There is excellent work being done to ensure people are so prepared.
I thank the Minister for his response. His colleagues, the two Ministers of State, have been very helpful in dealing with any queries and issues I have with the Department. I thank the Minister for his work since he came in, as well as his diligence, especially on this key issue. When people commit offences we need to ensure there are places for them, but we also need to ensure there is outreach and that when people come out of our prisons they are fully back in as members of our society. As I said, the question I ask pertained specifically to the increase in population and the need for prison spaces in line with that. I do not think anybody would say that would not be required. As the Minister has set out, our national development plan, which is our plan for the country, deals with that. The number of spaces that are to be there by 2031 is 1,595 and I fully welcome that.
The Deputy recognises our population is increasing at such a rate it is inevitable we are going to have to increase the number of prison units available. Last year our population increased by 98,000 and this year it is probably going to somewhere similar. When the population increases we expect there is going to be an increase in the prison population as well because there is going to be an increase in criminal activity and in detection and conviction. On the prisons themselves, the big challenge I and my colleagues face is the prisons suffer from overcapacity. There is approximately 117% capacity in prisons at present. That means there are many prisoners who are sleeping on mattresses on floors. I am committed to ending that. The way to end that though is not releasing prisoners, but building more units so they can have more dignified places in which they are accommodated when in the prison system. That is something we need to expedite and we are committed to do so.
Question No. 12 taken with Written Answers.
An Garda Síochána
Catherine Callaghan
Question:13. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for the progress that has been made on the national roll-out of the See Something, Say Something initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54168/25]
I ask the Minister to offer a report on the progress that has been made on the national roll-out of the See Something, Say Something initiative, as outlined in the programme for Government.
I thank the Deputy for her question. As colleagues are aware, the Garda National Community Engagement Bureau operates See Something, Say Something. It is an initiative that uses a text messaging system to allow members of the public to alert the Garda to any issue that might be of concern. It is a very positive development. Technology can be used very effectively for the purpose of keeping communities safe. We all see, maybe, WhatsApp groups in communities. That sharing of information is beneficial to ensure there is greater awareness of any safety issue in an area. Pursuant to this scheme, members of the public can use any mobile phone to immediately report a crime or any incident of anti-social behaviour by simply texting a brief account of the incident and the location to a short code number. This is a free text message which will be received by the sergeant on duty in the local station and the report acted upon. It also allows for the public to report incidents anonymously. It is a very positive measure because it enables gardaí to be provided with information spontaneously and on a very immediate basis. It is impossible for us to ensure we have a garda on every street corner or in every village, but using communication methods in this way is very helpful to ensuring gardaí are informed of threats in the area.
The Deputy may be aware a successful pilot scheme was operated in Kerry in 2019. An Garda Síochána purchased the rights to the system, as well as the short code that is the number used by the public. The initiative has since been replicated in Swords in 2020 and in Drogheda and Longford town since 2023.
Decisions related to the expansion of the initiative will be for the Garda Commissioner. I understand that the feasibility of scaling the initiative to other areas is being explored. This will be subject to an evaluation of the operation of the existing schemes.
I thank the Minister very much for his answer. As he says, See Something, Say Something is a really good initiative. The national roll-out of it is committed to in the programme for Government. It is a community initiative which enables the public to text details of illegal dumping, antisocial behaviour and other incidents directly to the authorities, as the Minister said. It is designed to support crime prevention and community safety. The initiative has been warmly received in all the locations it has been introduced in so far, with An Garda Síochána in Louth in particular noting that the service provided a welcome means of communicating with the public and with enhancing the services ongoing community engagement. The Minister can therefore imagine why I would like to see this initiative effectively rolled out to my constituents, and indeed to the Leas-Cheann Comhairle’s as well, in Carlow and Kilkenny. According to the Meath experience of the initiative, it seems the local community safety partnerships are seen as the best way to roll out the initiative at present. The LCSPs in Carlow and Kilkenny should be coming online at the end of the month and I wonder whether the Minister would support a call to see this initiative being made an early priority for all local community safety partnerships.
I thank the Deputy. I certainly think this is the type of initiative local community safety partnerships should be considering. As she will be aware, they are being rolled out. I approved the membership of a whole series of them over a week ago and I want to see those local community safety partnerships up and running in communities as quickly as possible. The type of technology we are talking about with this initiative is very simple. It is just providing information to An Garda Síochána in respect of incidents around the country. I am very pleased the scheme is operating in each of the four Garda regions. I understand the feasibility of scaling the initiative to other areas is being explored by the Garda. It will be subject to an evaluation of the existing schemes with a view to informing future policy and a possible expanded roll-out. However, we can all agree the more information provided to An Garda Síochána and indeed the general public in respect of threatening or antisocial behaviour, the easier it will be to combat that because Garda resources can then be focused on it.
I thank the Minister. As already outlined, the initiative has been enormously successful. While I commend the Minister's ambition in expanding community policing across the country it is important to note there is still a real need for more community gardaí in our rural towns and villages who are as visible and contactable as possible, as far as the people they serve are concerned. Of the most recent graduate class from Templemore, only one has been stationed in Carlow, with zero new graduates coming to Kilkenny. That said, I accept there is another class graduating from Templemore next week and Garda numbers are being built up across the country and it is important to acknowledge that. It is really important links to An Garda Síochána such as the See Something, Say Something initiative provide a means of ensuring the Garda and local communities feel connected. Many people in Carlow and Kilkenny will recall a time where practically every village had a local garda. We know that time has passed, but using a service such as this we can re-establish the presence of An Garda Síochána in the day-to-day rhythms of rural life in Ireland. Even if people never use this service, knowing it is there provides significant comfort, security agus síocháin to our citizens. What steps will the Minister be able to take to ensure See Something, Say Something is rolled out as soon as possible to constituents in Carlow and Kilkenny?
I will certainly speak to the Garda Commissioner in respect of it. I am aware of the point the Deputy makes about community gardaí. Obviously this type of technology is no replacement for them, but it is of great assistance to them and complements the work being done by them. I assure the Deputy that the Leas-Cheann Comhairle, Deputy Cleere and the Minister of State, Deputy Murnane O'Connor, have also been on to me about wanting more Garda resources in Carlow-Kilkenny. As Deputy Callaghan indicated, there was a large group of individuals who came out of Templemore recently. It is not for me to determine where new recruits are allocated, but it has been made loud and clear in respect of all constituencies that all TDs want to see as many new recruits coming into areas as possible. I believe when we are down in Templemore again in November we will be close to seeing approximately 200, or maybe just less than 200, new recruits coming out. That is going to be very positive.
If we can get a constant stream of approximately 200 new recruits from each intake, we will be in a strong position to ensure more community gardaí around the country.
International Protection
Louis O'Hara
Question:14. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the action he will take in relation profiteering in the international protection accommodation sector, including in the context of significant concerns raised in the Comptroller and Auditor General's annual report about the spending of public money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53889/25]
Will the Minister of State outline actions he is going to take in relation to profiteering in the international protection accommodation sector, especially in the aftermath of significant concerns raised in the Comptroller and Auditor General's report about the spending of public money?
I thank the Deputy. My Department is taking action across all aspects of international protection accommodation to provide value for money, strengthen governance and compliance, and renegotiate contracts with providers. This forms part of the overall reform of the international protection system that is already working to speed up processing of applications and move from commercial provision to State provision. These reforms will help to drive down costs and curtail the growth seen over recent years in the accommodation system.
The Department has worked closely with the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General in carrying out an extensive review of costs and processes within the international protection accommodation system. A report on this matter was published last week as part of the C and AG’s annual report for 2024. All recommendations in the report have been accepted and implemented by the Department, with implementation of one recommendation being further developed into early 2026. The report looked at overall processes and sampled 20 IPAS contracts. It acknowledged the extensive challenges posed to the State in sourcing accommodation during the unprecedented surge in applications from 2022 to 2024. During that period, over 45,000 international protection applicants arrived in Ireland. Prior to this, there were 8,000 or 9,000 in a typical three-year period. Today’s standards of pre-contract assessments and negotiations could not be applied to accommodation that had to be sourced during the period from 2022 to 2024.
While applications this year have decreased, they remain high compared to pre-2022 norms. However, they have given us sufficient space to put in place greater controls over IPAS and the accommodation portfolio. A range of updated systems and procedures have been put in place and are already having an impact. IPAS has improved its processes for appraisal, validation, contracting and payments. A new rate-card pricing structure is being applied to all new and renewing contracts, which has led to savings of over €52 million on 104 contracts. This reform within the accommodation system is on track for continued process improvement and costs savings as we move into 2026.
This review is a damning indictment of the Government's failure to address profiteering and cost overruns within the IPAS system. The report outlines evidence of private operators overcharging for the provision of accommodation, including companies charging for beds that were not provided and charging VAT in circumstances where accommodation is exempt from VAT, signed contracts and proof of ownership going missing and no copies of leases. There seem to have been no records kept whatsoever in many cases. One operator overcharged the State to the tune of €7.4 million in respect of VAT, yet still has a Government contract. The report outlined that in this case the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration has stated recovery of the remaining VAT overcharged is under review. Does the Minister of State take responsibility for this blatant abuse of taxpayers' money? What actions has he taken to ensure that this money is returned to the State? Will there be a review of all IPAS accommodation contracts?
The Department has accepted the recommendations of the Comptroller and Auditor General's report and has put in place a set of updated processes and standards which will appraise offers and manage and oversee contracts. Extensive new checks and balances have been put in place to ensure high standards of oversight on invoicing. Queries and irregularities have been identified through a checklist process. These have been reviewed and recoupments made to the Department.
Treatment of VAT is a matter between the relevant providers and Revenue. As discussed in the report, there is variance in how different aspects of IPAS may have applied that.
In relation to food accommodation and other subheadings, within payments to one provider group issues relating to VAT charges arose and were reviewed. My officials understand that this provider has completed a self-correction exercise with the Revenue on the matter and that no funds are outstanding to the State. The Department continues to conduct ongoing process improvements in relation to management and oversight of invoices and all related tax matters.
The Minister of State has thrown around a lot of blame instead of accepting that he and his Department are responsible for this waste of taxpayers' money. Where is the oversight on the part of the Department? I fear the report has revealed only a fraction of what has been happening. The Minister of State needs to get to grips with the issue and put an end to the squandering of public money.
The Minister of State stated that contracts are reviewed when they have concluded. Why is there no review during the lifetime of the contracts, especially when the Minister of State has been provided with this kind of evidence? It should be obvious that where there is evidence of mismanagement of taxpayers' money, contracts should be ended. Given the level of mismanagement revealed, does the Department intend to review all IPAS accommodation contracts to ensure there is no further abuse of taxpayers' money?
The Department is always vigilant about taxpayers' money and it is important to note we have achieved €52 million in savings in terms of contracts this year. There is a new rate card in place delivering real savings. One of the most important things we are doing is moving to State-owned, which will bring a real saving in terms of taxpayers' money. When the migration pact comes in, we will be moving to a shorter timeframe in terms of processing people, which will also save money. We are determined to reduce the overall number coming in and that, again, will help save taxpayers' money.
Legislative Measures
Paul Lawless
Question:15. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he has raised the implications of the proposed EU legislation on hate speech at an EU level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37589/25]
Is it the Minister's intention to reintroduce the hate speech legislation brought forward by his predecessor in the previous Dáil that was a such dramatic failure?
No, but I will give the Deputy an overview of why that is the answer. I am fairly satisfied that Ireland has transposed the European Council framework decision on combating certain forms and expressions of racism and xenophobia in a manner appropriate and tailored to the domestic system of law in Ireland. I assure Members of the House that Ireland's position has been communicated to the European Commission. That position is that the framework decision is fully transposed in Irish legislation in a manner appropriate and tailored to the domestic system of criminal law and procedure, and is in line with Article 40.6 of the Constitution, which expressly respects and protects the right to freedom of expression and of people to express their views freely.
The Deputy will be aware that last year the House enacted legislation to provide for tougher sentences for crimes motivated by hate. That was the Criminal Justice (Hate Offences) Act 2024. This was sensible legislation that provided for increased prison sentences for certain crimes where they are proven to be motivated by hatred or where hatred is demonstrated. For approximately 36 years, we have had the Prohibition of Incitement To Hatred Act 1989. That provides general protections in respect of those who seek to incite violence and hatred against others because of their inherent characteristics. Combining those two statutory provisions and taking into account the common law operating in Ireland, particularly the common law principles in respect of aiding and abetting, I am satisfied the Council framework decision has been fully transposed into Irish law. Notwithstanding the fact that it is transposed into Irish law, there is a responsibility on all of us to ensure the type of hate-filled messages we hear, regrettably frequently, are challenged and called out. We do not always need a guard or court available to challenge somebody on their behaviour.
I welcome the Minister's response and the sea change in the Government's approach to the hate speech legislation. His predecessor, Deputy McEntee, was a big proponent and driver of this hate speech legislation, so I commend the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, on what he is doing. This House should always protect freedom of speech. We saw in Germany recently that pro-Palestinian protesters were treated in the harshest way possible. In this country, people's views of and sympathies towards the Palestinian people are very different.
In relation to the movements from the European Union, is the message from this Government that it is in compliance and will not be co-operating with any diktat in relation to hate speech legislation?
I want to dispute the Deputy's categorisation of my colleague, the Minister, Deputy McEntee, in terms of her role in the previous Government. It was the policy of the previous Government and the previous Government made a decision to change that policy. It is unfair of the Deputy to focus on her individually.
In regard to challenging hate speech, it is important to point out that, as I said earlier, simply because there is not new legislation being put in place does not mean there is not legislation in place. Since 1989 we have had the Prohibition of Incitement To Hatred Act. It exists in our law. We have a common law that provides for circumstances where aiding and abetting of criminal offences is also a criminal offence. The law covers this area.
I also make the point that there is a responsibility on all of us to try to challenge hate speech. Although hate speech may not result in everyone being brought before the courts, we should be able to ensure that we do not tolerate people engaging in hate speech which is designed to undermine or upset others. There are two ways of looking at this. We can look at it from the strict legal point of view or from a societal point of view. From the latter point of view, we should certainly all be challenging hate speech.
We abhor hate and I firmly believe that we should all speak respectfully. However, the previous Government set out essentially to define what hate would be. That is obviously a dangerous road to go down. There is movement throughout the European Union to push hate speech laws. Is the Minister saying today that is not going to happen and we are in compliance and we are going to say "No" to Europe on this matter?
I have answered that already. I said we have fully transposed the Council decision. It is part of Irish law. We fully transposed it. There are no further steps for Ireland to take. However, I believe we all have a responsibility to ensure we challenge hate speech. Irrespective of whether it is challenged in the courts or by the Garda, we have a responsibility to challenge it.
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