Written Answers Nos. 66-80
66. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she supports a request (details supplied) for the urgent recruitment of two community gardaí in County Wicklow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20133/16]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and Districts, and I as Minister have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keep this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.
I have been informed that there are 15 dedicated Community Gardaí assigned to the Wicklow Garda Division. The distribution of Gardaí and Community Gardaí throughout the Division on the 31 May 2016, the latest date for which figures are readily available, is set out in the following table.
Of course, it is the case that all Gardaí have a role to play in addressing community policing issues as and when the need arises. In that sense, community policing involves far more than a single unit within An Garda Síochána, a point highlighted by the Garda Inspectorate in their third report entitled "Policing in Ireland - Looking Forward" in which they stated that community policing is a fundamental policing philosophy and that there is a strong foundation for it in Ireland.
The Programme for a Partnership Government recognises that community policing is the embodiment of An Garda Síochána, providing a means of recognising that every community – both urban and rural – has its own concerns and expectations. It commits the Government to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime. Key to achieving this goal is the commitment in the Programme to continue the ongoing accelerated Garda recruitment programme with a view to increasing Garda numbers to 15,000 as well as doubling the Garda Reserve and increasing the number of civilian staff so as to free-up Gardaí for front-line policing. Community policing, and all other Garda activities, will undoubtedly benefit from the resources now coming on stream through the accelerated Garda recruitment programme.
The Garda Commissioner's Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021, published on 9 June 2016, places a strong emphasis on developing and supporting the community policing ethos of the organisation and enhancing the current delivery model so that Gardaí spend more time in the community, gaining public confidence and trust and providing a greater sense of security. I welcome in particular the proposal to establish local Community Policing Teams (CPTs) headed by an Inspector and made up of Gardaí from across a range of areas to work with the community to prevent and detect crime. The CPTs will take proactive measures to prevent crime from happening in the area. This will entail a combination of crime prevention advice, targeting and disrupting criminals through operations and patrols, and where possible diverting people from committing crime. I also welcome the proposal to establish Community Safety Fora in every District comprising local Gardaí, local communities and key stakeholders. The implementation of these initiatives has started and will be rolled out nationwide.
WICKLOW GARDA DIVISION 31 May 2016
|
DISTRICT |
STATION |
Comm Gardaí |
TOTAL |
|
BALTINGLASS |
1 |
34 |
|
|
BLESSINGTON |
1 |
22 |
|
|
CARNEW |
4 |
||
|
DUNLAVIN |
2 |
||
|
SHILLELAGH |
1 |
||
|
BALTINGLASS |
TINAHELY |
2 |
|
|
BALTINGLASS Total |
65 |
||
|
BRAY |
7 |
116 |
|
|
ENNISKERRY |
3 |
||
|
GREYSTONES |
2 |
26 |
|
|
BRAY |
NEWTOWNMOUNTKENNEDY |
3 |
|
|
BRAY Total |
148 |
||
|
ARKLOW |
4 |
33 |
|
|
ASHFORD |
9 |
||
|
AUGHRIM |
2 |
||
|
AVOCA |
2 |
||
|
RATHDRUM |
4 |
||
|
ROUNDWOOD |
3 |
||
|
WICKLOW |
WICKLOW |
43 |
|
|
Wicklow Total 15 |
96 |
||
|
WICKLOW DIVISION TOTAL |
309 |
67. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when she will put the arrangements in place to appoint the new Private Security Appeals Board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20328/16]
View answerThe Private Security Appeal Board (PSAB) is an independent body established under the Private Security Services Act 2004, as amended, to consider appeals against decisions of the Private Security Authority. The PSAB is, in accordance with provisions of the 2004 Act, independent in the performance of its functions. I wish to inform the Deputy that the necessary arrangements are currently in train to appoint a new Board following the expiration of the term of appointment of the previous Appeal Board.
68. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will establish a commission of investigation into An Garda Síochána conduct prior to the death of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20403/16]
View answerThe particular case to which the Deputy refers was amongst those considered under the Independent Review Mechanism established for the independent review of certain allegations of Garda misconduct, or inadequacies in the investigation of certain allegations. Following an examination of the case referred to in the Deputy's question by one of the counsel appointed to the Independent Review Mechanism, I received a recommendation of the outcome of that review. A letter setting out the outcome and recommendation was issued to the complainant last December. The recommendation made by counsel was that I should take no further action in this case. I should mention, however, that my predecessor referred aspects of this particular case to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission and I understand that investigation has not concluded.
It is important that a number of facts are clearly understood in relation to the Independent Review Mechanism.
Firstly, counsel were independent and it was open to them to make any recommendation that they saw fit. Furthermore, I have repeatedly emphasised that the Independent Review Mechanism was not a Commission of Inquiry or Investigation and it was not designed to make findings. Its purpose was to triage the allegations to see whether further action was needed and what that action would be. In the present case their recommendation was that no further action should be taken.
It is also important that I emphasise, yet again, that appropriate steps were taken to ensure that nothing arose which might in any way have detracted from the integrity of the review mechanism, including issues of conflict of interest. Arrangements were put in place to ensure that if there was any conflict, or potential conflict, the conflicted counsel not only was not involved in the particular complaint, but also was not aware of which counsel was reviewing it. This is normal professional conduct and there were sufficient counsel on the Panel to ensure the practicality of this. Whatever steps were necessary in this regard were taken to ensure there was no conflict of interest.
I should also mention that a civil action has been initiated against the State in respect of issues raised in the complaint. In the circumstances it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on any particulars of this matter.
69. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when she will open the dedicated facility to accommodate persons who have been detained for immigration related matters; if she is aware of and her views on the criticisms that the Council of Europe, Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment has in its successive reports on Ireland (details supplied); if she has opened the facility mentioned; the details of its staff, including their qualifications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20169/16]
View answerI am aware of the recommendation of the Council of Europe, Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment on this matter and steps are being taken to address the issues raised.
I should point out that the Garda National Immigration Bureau, which has responsibility for removals from the State of non-nationals, makes every effort to keep the period of detention to a minimum and to return the person concerned on the next available flight. In general, detention is used sparingly in relation to immigration related matters. Where possible, persons are served with a notice under section 14 of the Immigration Act 2004 which provides for the issue of a written instruction setting out reporting and residence conditions to a non-national who does not have permission to be in the State. This is used in certain low risk cases as an alternative to detention prior to return. Persons held on immigration related matters, including those with deportation orders are, unless the subject of a conviction, in general kept apart from convicted persons while in detention and are treated the same as remand prisoners and are subject to the same regime and receive the same privileges as this grouping.
Section 78 of the International Protection Act 2015 inserts a new section 5 into the Immigration Act 1999 which includes a provision permitting a person to be detained for up to 12 hours in facilities at the port from which he or she is to be returned, thus further reducing the need for detention in a prison or Garda station.
Plans are being progressed for the provision of a dedicated immigration detention facility at Dublin Airport. I am informed that plans for the facility have been drawn up and agreement reached with the Office of Public Works and the Dublin Airport Authority for the necessary redevelopment work to be carried out. This redevelopment will be completed as soon as possible within the next 12 months and will replace the existing Garda Station at the airport, provide office accommodation for Gardaí and civilians as well as providing a modern detention facility.
70. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 64 and 65 of 28 June 2016, if she is aware that the European Court has held that a member state may not plead internal circumstances such as resources in order to justify a failure to comply with obligations and time limits resulting from Community law; her plans to address the delays in issuing certificates of applications for residence permits for family members of European citizens as a result; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20172/16]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that the primary consideration of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department is to process applications for residence permits by family members of EU citizens exercising free movement rights in compliance with the requirements of Community law.
It is important, however, to put the scale and complexity of the applications on hands and the current operating environment into perspective. As set out in my response to the Deputy on 28 June, a range of actions have been taken by INIS to address the difficulties that have arisen in this area due to the unprecedented increase in applications since 2014, including the allocation of additional resources and ongoing overtime. Arising from this strategy, over 3,000 applications have been processed in the first six months of this year. This represents a 45% increase on the number of applications processed over the same period in 2015. However, with such an unprecedented growth in applications it is inevitable that there will be significant pressures and processing times will be impacted.
I would also remind the Deputy that INIS has serious concerns that a significant number of applications are indicative of potential abuse of the Common Travel Area (CTA). In that regard, the process demands detailed robust investigation and fair procedures. While INIS is committed to processing applications with the objective of achieving the highest possible level of efficiency for applicants, this must be balanced with safeguarding the integrity of the operation of the CTA and the State's immigration system.
71. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal is fully staffed and working at full capacity to review claims and appeals. [20187/16]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that I expect the process of making appointments to the Tribunal to be finalised in the near future.
72. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to support proposals to issue a moratorium on house repossessions; her plans to establish a special court to deal with the issue of mortgage arrears and mortgage debt; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20248/16]
View answerAs the Deputy will know, the commitments in the Programme for Government, including those relating to mortgage arrears, are under active consideration by the Government as part of the Government's housing strategy. An action programme will be announced in the coming weeks.
The Deputy will be aware that the proposal for a moratorium on house repossessions was included in the range of recommendations in a recent Report of the Oireachtas Committee on Housing and Homelessness. The recommendation was that, subject to the advice of the Attorney General, the Government should introduce legislation for a moratorium on home repossessions until such time as the Government’s proposals in relation to housing and homelessness are in place. I can confirm that this recommendation, together with the Committee's other recommendations, is being considered by the Government in the context of the formulation of its action plan.
The Deputy will be aware from my response to question 28 of 22 June that the Government is already preparing a range of measures to support people in mortgage arrears. In particular, intensive work has been done on preparing a new scheme to provide distressed homeowners with access to independent legal and financial aid and advice to help resolve their mortgage arrears. Intensive work on implementing this Aid and Advice Scheme has been under way across Government Departments and other relevant bodies. This work has been led by my Department and by the Department of Social Protection, with the participation of the Insolvency Service Ireland, the Legal Aid Board, the Citizens’ Information Board and the Money and Budgeting Service (MABS). It builds on a network of Dedicated Mortgage Arrears Advisers established in MABS offices across the country which was announced in December 2015.
MABS will act as a single gateway to the new Scheme for those who are deep in debt and at risk of losing their homes due to mortgage arrears. MABS advisers will advise these borrowers on options for returning to solvency and remaining in their homes as far as possible. This may involve obtaining financial advice from a Personal Insolvency Practitioner or accountant and legal aid and advice from a solicitor. The Scheme will also provide for support for insolvent borrowers in repossession proceedings under a new ‘duty solicitor’ service operated by the Legal Aid Board. Work on implementation is almost complete and I expect the Scheme to become operational in the near future.
73. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of full-time gardaí in An Garda Síochána's Tipperary division; the number due to retire in 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20249/16]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and Districts, and I as Minister have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keep this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.
I have been informed that there are 351 Gardaí assigned to the Tipperary Garda Division. The distribution of Gardaí throughout the Division on the 31 May 2016, the latest date for which figures are readily available, is set out in the following table. I have requested the Commissioner to indicate if any of these members are work sharing and I will write to the Deputy when this information is to hand.
I have also been informed that there are 20 members of An Garda Síochána eligible to retire in the Tipperary Division in 2016 as at 5 July. It is important to note that the number of Gardaí eligible for retirement is not an indicator of the number of Gardaí who will actually retire in a particular year. Members of An Garda Síochána who joined the organisation prior to 1 April 2004 may retire on full pension once they have served for at least 30 years and they have reached 50 years of age. Members of An Garda Síochána who joined the organisation on or after 1 April 2004 may retire on full pension once they have served at least 30 years and have reached 55 years of age. All Gardaí must retire when they reach 60 years of age.
As the Deputy will be aware, when the financial crisis hit, the Government of the time introduced a moratorium on recruitment and the four year National Recovery Plan, published in 2010, envisaged a steady reduction in Garda numbers. Thankfully, in a recovering economy, we were able to reopen the Garda College in September 2014, and a total of 851 Garda trainees have been recruited with a further 300 planned to be recruited during the remainder of this year. So far 534 of the new Garda trainees have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream uniform duties nationwide with another 150 more planned to attest in November. Of these, 16 newly attested members have been assigned to the Tipperary Garda Division.
I can assure the Deputy that projected departures from An Garda Síochána are kept under continuing review and the level of recruitment adjusted as necessary in order to achieve the desired strength of An Garda Síochána. I am advised, based on a thorough analysis of the data, that the Garda authorities project retirements overall this year to be around the 300 mark with similar projections for the coming years. Taking account of the projected retirements for this year and the number of new recruits who will attest I expect Garda numbers to reach the 13,000 mark by the end of this year. We must, I believe, endeavour to make more rapid progress than this to reach our target of 15,000 and I am engaging with my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, in relation to increasing the planned annual intake this year and in coming years.
Tipperary Garda Division 31 May 2016
|
DISTRICT |
STATION |
Gda |
Sgt |
Insp |
Supt |
C/Supt. |
TOTAL |
|
ARDFINNAN |
1 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
BALLYPOREEN |
1 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
CAHIR |
41 |
7 |
1 |
|
|
49 |
|
|
CASHEL |
10 |
2 |
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
CAHIR |
CLOGHEEN |
1 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
CAHIR Total |
54 |
9 |
1 |
|
|
64 |
|
|
CARRICK-ON-SUIR |
14 |
1 |
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
CLONMEL |
40 |
9 |
1 |
1 |
|
51 |
|
|
FETHARD |
1 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
KILSHEELAN |
1 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
CLONMEL |
MULLINAHONE |
1 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
CLONMEL Total |
57 |
10 |
1 |
1 |
|
69 |
|
|
BORRISOKANE |
2 |
2 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
CLOUGHJORDAN |
1 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
LORRHA |
1 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
MONEYGALL |
1 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
NENAGH |
32 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
|
39 |
|
|
NEWPORT |
10 |
1 |
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
PORTROE |
1 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
ROSCREA |
15 |
1 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
NENAGH |
TOOMEVARA |
1 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
NENAGH Total |
64 |
9 |
1 |
1 |
|
75 |
|
|
BALLINGARRY SOUTH |
1 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
BORRISOLEIGH |
1 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
KILLENAULE |
3 |
1 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
TEMPLEMORE |
21 |
1 |
|
|
|
22 |
|
|
TEMPLETUOHY |
1 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
THURLES |
THURLES |
61 |
10 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
75 |
|
THURLES Total |
88 |
12 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
104 |
|
|
CAPPAWHITE |
1 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
GOLDEN |
1 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
TIPPERARY |
TIPPERARY TOWN |
29 |
7 |
|
1 |
|
37 |
|
TIPPERARY Total |
31 |
7 |
|
1 |
|
39 |
|
|
Tipperary Division Total |
294 |
47 |
5 |
4 |
1 |
351 |
74. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the procedure to be followed to facilitate an application for refugee and asylum status for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20271/16]
View answerIf the person whose details were supplied has made an application for asylum or subsidiary protection in the State, the Deputy will be aware that it is not the practice to comment on such applications until they have fully completed the protection process. This is in accordance with Section 19(1) of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) which provides for the protection of the identity of protection applicants.
75. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which options are available to persons (details supplied) to obtain leave to remain or otherwise facilitate their application for residency given that they have established relationships and have integrated with the local community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20272/16]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that if the persons concerned have made applications for asylum or subsidiary protection in the State, the Deputy will be aware that it is not the practice to comment on such applications until they have fully completed the protection process. This is in accordance with Section 19(1) of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) which provides for the protection of the identity of protection applicants.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility 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 from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
76. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the current and potential residency status of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20273/16]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that if the person concerned has made an application for asylum or subsidiary protection in the State, the Deputy will be aware that it is not the practice to comment on such applications until they have fully completed the protection process. This is in accordance with Section 19(1) of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) which provides for the protection of the identity of protection applicants.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility 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 from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
77. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will facilitate an extension of time within which a person (details supplied) can make an application to renew a stamp 4 due to the difficulties in obtaining relevant documentation. [20274/16]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned held an immigration permission which expired on 24 June, 2016.
I am generally aware that foreign nationals living in the State can encounter difficulties in the area of obtaining or renewing passports particularly when there is no embassy or consulate here to assist. As you will appreciate, the conditions under which a national passport is issued or renewed is essentially a matter between the citizen and the national government.
As the current immigration permission of the person concerned has expired, they should apply for renewal of this permission with the Garda National Immigration Bureau and provide evidence that they have been in contact with their embassy for consular assistance.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by email using the Oireachtas Mail facility 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 email service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
78. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the means whereby persons (details supplied) can regularise their residency status; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20275/16]
View answerI am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the persons concerned are the subject of Deportation Orders signed on 21 June 2016. These Orders require the persons concerned to remove themselves from the State and remain outside the State.
However, if new information or circumstances have come to light, which has a direct bearing on their case, and which have arisen since the original Deportation Order was made, there remains the option of a request that I use my discretion, pursuant to Section 3(11) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) to revoke the Deportation Orders. However I wish to make clear that such a request would require substantial grounds to be successful. In the mean-time, the Deportation Orders remain valid and in place. The enforcement of the Deportation Orders remain a matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility 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 from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
79. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the procedure to be followed to facilitate naturalisation for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20276/16]
View answerAs the person referred to by the Deputy will be eighteen years of age next September it will be open to her to apply for a certificate of naturalisation using the Form 8 application, which is the appropriate application form for a certificate of naturalisation by a person of full age.
Section 15 of the Act provides that the Minister may, in her absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation provided certain statutory conditions are fulfilled. The conditions are that the applicant must -
- be of full age
- be of good character
- have had one year's continuous residency in the State immediately before the date of application and, during the eight years immediately preceding that period, have had a further total residence in the State amounting to four years
- intend in good faith to continue to reside in the State after naturalisation
- have, before a judge of the District Court in open court, in a citizenship ceremony or in such manner as the Minister, for special reasons, allows -
(i) made a declaration, in the prescribed manner, of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State, and
(ii) undertaken to faithfully observe the laws of the State and to respect its democratic values.
It is open to any individual to lodge an application for citizenship if and when they are in a position to meet all the statutory requirements. An on-line residency calculator is available on the website www.inis.gov.ie which may be of assistance in establishing if the residency requirements are met.
The Deputy may wish to note that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been established specifically 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 from INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
80. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the current and expected position in respect of residency for persons (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20278/16]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that, in response to a notification pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), written representations have been submitted on behalf of certain family members.
These representations, together with all other information and documentation on file, will be fully considered, under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, in advance of a final decision being made.
A minor child of the persons concerned is the subject of a separate asylum or subsidiary protection application in the State. The Deputy will be aware that it is not the practice to comment on such applications until they have fully completed the protection process. This is in accordance with Section 19(1) of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) which provides for the protection of the identity of protection applicants.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility 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 from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
