Tuesday, 11 Oct 2016

Written Answers Nos. 21 - 40

Departmental Staff

Questions (21)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

21. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 175 of 16 September 2016, the reason her Department breached the terms and conditions of its own regulations in an office notice 04/2013 when implementing same; and if the conditions have been breached with regard to her Department's customer service charter, the address which is offered to persons affected by these alleged breaches. [29252/16]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

As indicated to the Deputy previously, the management of staff and issues arising is a matter for my Department's Secretary General and his officials. I do not have a role in this regard.

However, I am advised by my officials that they have been in correspondence with the individual concerned and their legal representative and have responded in relation to the matters at issue.

Probate Applications

Questions (22)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

22. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the action which can be taken with regard to backlogs in the probate system; her attention to the fact that current applications are taking on average five months, which is too long for many families; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29272/16]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

The Probate Office is an office of the High Court and management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service which is independent in exercising its functions under the Courts Service Act 1998.

However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that the current waiting time for Grants of Representation is 16 weeks for applications lodged by a solicitor and 24 weeks for personal applications.

Where a person elects to apply for a Grant without the assistance of a solicitor the process requires significant support from the Probate Office and is more resource intensive. The Probate Office is actively involved in preparing the necessary paperwork and in servicing queries from the applicants by way of telephone, e-mail or post. Each personal applicant is required to attend at the Probate Office in person by prior appointment to complete the application process.

All applications for Grants of Representation in deceased persons' estates are made on foot of a number of mandatory legal documents which must be furnished by the applicants and these require detailed checking by the Probate Office to ensure that the estate of the deceased person is administered correctly and in accordance with the law. All applications are assessed on the basis of the date on which they are lodged, an approach which provides fairness and equity to all applicants. Priority can only be given to probate applications where it is considered that extenuating circumstances so warrant. In such circumstances it is open to applicants to bring the matter to the attention of the Probate Office.

The backlogs in the probate system are a cause for concern and a review of the probate system is being carried out at present. A report will issue with recommendations for the modernisation of the process before the end of 2016 to the Senior Management Team of the Courts Service and to the Courts Service Board. In the meantime, the Courts Service is assigning an additional member of staff to the Probate Office to assist in dealing with the high volume of work of the Office.

Residency Permits

Questions (23)

Noel Rock

Question:

23. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of a person waiting on a GNIB card (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29290/16]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that INIS wrote to the person concerned on 4 October 2016 informing them that, following detailed consideration of the complex circumstances pertaining to their case, it has been decided to grant them, as an exceptional measure, permission to reside in the state for 1 year. The permission is under Stamp 4 conditions which allows the person concerned to reside and work in the State without the need for a work permit.

INIS has informed the person concerned in writing that they are now required to report to the INIS Registration Office, 13/14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 to register that permission. I am further informed that INIS have emphasised that attendance at this office is by appointment only. In that regard, the person concerned should see https://burghquayregistrationoffice.inis.gov.ie/ for further information on making an appointment.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS 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.

Cross-Border Co-operation

Questions (24)

Noel Rock

Question:

24. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the actions the cross-Border crime agency has taken to combat illicit trade, specifically with regard to tobacco smuggling and fuel laundering; the agency’s plans to address these issues in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29306/16]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

The Joint Agency Task Force was one of the important commitments under the 'Fresh Start' Agreement to tackle cross-border organised crime, including that linked to paramilitarism. The Joint Agency Task Force is led by the police and revenue services and brings together the relevant law enforcement agencies to better co-ordinate strategic and operational actions against cross-border organised crime.

The Task Force involves senior officers from An Garda Síochána, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), the Revenue Commissioners and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC); it also includes the Criminal Assets Bureau and UK National Crime Agency as well as other interested law enforcement services (such as environmental protection agencies and immigration services).

The Joint Agency Task Force has been operational and active since the start of this year. The six priority areas for the Joint Agency Task Force include rural crime, child sexual exploitation, financial crime, illicit drugs, excise fraud and human trafficking.

I received the first six-monthly report on its work at my meeting with the Northern Ireland Minister of Justice, Claire Sugden MLA on 4 July. The report illustrates the positive and proactive approach that the Joint Agency Task Force has taken over its first six months and is available on my Department's website.

I am further assured that at an operational level the partner agencies are working on delivering results across the priority areas.

I am also informed by Revenue, who have primary responsibility for tackling fuel and tobacco fraud in this jurisdiction, that action against excise fraud is being supported and reinforced by the establishment of the Joint Agency Task Force. In this regard, there has been ongoing collaboration during 2016 between the partner agencies including, for example, a recent successful joint investigation which culminated in the seizure of large quantities of product on both sides of the border and arrests made. This matter remains under investigation at this time.

I am satisfied that ongoing collaboration between the partner agencies in the Joint Agency Task Force will support ongoing and effective actions to tackle all forms of cross-border crime, including tobacco and fuel fraud.

Visa Applications

Questions (25)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

25. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if there is a waiver in place to facilitate the application for a visa for a spouse for persons with limited financial means, or any other means of assisting those with low incomes in certain circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29329/16]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

I understand the Deputy's question may refer to applications for a certificate of naturalisation rather than visas. The fees to be paid by an applicant for a certificate of naturalisation are governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 569 of 2011). The application fee, stipulated as €175, is payable on application for a certificate of naturalisation. A certification fee is payable on the issue of a certificate of naturalisation. The standard certification fee is set at €950, while a reduced fee of €200 applies in the case of an application made on behalf of a minor or in certain cases where the application is made by a widow, widower or surviving civil partner of an Irish citizen. In the case of recognised refugees and stateless persons the certification fee is nil. There is no provision for the discretionary waiver of fees.

The standard fees payable by an applicant are designed to reflect the effort and cost involved in processing applications for a certificate of naturalisation. I might also add that following the grant of citizenship it is no longer necessary for the person to register their presence in the State with the Garda National Immigration Bureau which requires the payment of a fee of €300 per registration.

The Deputy will be aware that formal citizenship ceremonies have been introduced at no extra cost to applicants. These have been universally well received by participants as the ceremonies provide a sense of dignity and occasion that serves to underscore the importance to both the State and the applicant of the granting of Irish citizenship.

All of the fees payable under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 are kept under ongoing review by my Department; however, there are no plans to reduce or abolish these fees.

Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission Remit

Questions (26)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

26. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to extend the powers of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29332/16]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) has a hugely important role in ensuring that public confidence in the Garda Síochána is safeguarded, and has extensive powers under the 2005 Act to enable it to carry out its responsibilities.

Significant changes were made to the powers of GSOC in the last two years including making GSOC a designated body for receiving protected disclosures.

The Deputy is no doubt aware of comments from GSOC's Chairperson when she appeared before the Justice and Equality Committee recently. I am pleased that the Committee has had the opportunity to hear the Chairperson's views on how matters might be improved. Judge Mary Ellen Ring has been the Chairperson of GSOC for a year and has made a significant contribution to ensuring confidence in GSOC's oversight role.

In general terms the Chairperson called for changes to Part 4 of the Garda Síochána Act, which deals with the investigation of complaints, in order, as she saw it, to allow GSOC to function more effectively. The Chairperson also referred to minor service issues that she felt should be managed by Garda line management rather than GSOC. She also sought changes to the powers of GSOC to require the Garda Commissioner to provide it with information and documents in the context of investigations.

Given the on-going focus on Garda accountability and governance, the recent comments of the Chairperson, which reflect discussions that have taken place with Department officials, are an important input to the consideration of what further changes may be required to maintain and enhance confidence in the handling of complaints where members of An Garda Síochána are concerned. I am committed to ensuring that we have in place the most effective possible mechanism for the investigation of complaints and I intend to meet in the near future with the Chairperson of GSOC in the context of considering what further changes are desirable.

Community Alert Programme

Questions (27)

Robert Troy

Question:

27. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will facilitate making a grant available to communities who wish to set up their own community text alert scheme. [29364/16]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

As part of its Community Policing ethos, An Garda Síochána engages with a wide range of local groups including in excess of 3,700 Neighbourhood Watch and Community Alert groups countrywide. The Garda Text Alert Scheme is a particularly successful example of Community Policing in action with over 960 local groups in operation, involving in excess of 164,000 subscribers. I understand that every Garda Division, rural and urban, now offers the Text Alert service. Guidelines for the establishment and operation of such partnership initiatives, including Text Alert groups have been published by An Garda Síochána.

For many years my Department has provided funding for the administration of the Community Alert Programme, including the work of regional development officers who play a key role in helping to establish local groups, including Text Alert Groups. Community Alert operates as a partnership between Muintir na Tire and An Garda Síochána and I was very pleased to secure more than a doubling of the funding available to my Department for such initiatives in 2016.

In addition to the essential funding to support the national and regional administration of Community Alert programme, I was particularly pleased to announce recently the provision of €100,000 for a rebate of costs incurred by local Text Alert Groups in 2016. While the costs of running a Text Alert Group are generally quite modest, it is only right that we recognise the considerable efforts involved in organising such groups and make a contribution to the costs which have, up to now, been borne entirely from voluntary contributions. This funding will cover the cost of approximately 1.6 million text messages for the distribution of important crime prevention and community safety advice. The rebate scheme is available to all Text Alert Groups registered with An Garda Síochána. It is being administered by Muintir na Tire and details of the scheme can be accessed on their website, www.muintir.ie.

I intend to keep the question of funding for local crime prevention initiatives under review with a view to continuing to support Text Alert into the future, and taking into account the views of the Garda authorities.

Direct Provision System

Questions (28)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

28. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the progress being made on her commitment in February 2015 to allow asylum seekers living in direct provision to have their complaints independently examined by the Ombusdman and the Ombudsman for Children in line with the recommendations of the 2015 working group report, Improvements to the Protection Process, including Direct Provision and Supports to Asylum Seekers (details supplied); her views on the lack of action on this commitment in principle and the timeline of actions for ensuring that children living in direct provision have access to the services of the Ombudsman for Children. [29406/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality

Work is underway to extend the remit of the Ombudsman and the Ombudsman for Children to cover services delivered to persons living in Direct Provision, including children. Extending the remit of both Ombudsmen requires a legislative change. The matter has been referred to the Office of the Attorney General for advice on implementation of the legislative change.

The Reception & Integration Agency (RIA) made arrangements for representatives from the Offices of both Ombudsmen to make presentations on the work of those Offices to accommodation centre staff and State service providers during the Autumn series of regional Inter-Agency meetings. Further dedicated sessions will be held with the Offices of both Ombudsmen which will provide more detail and guidance on best practice in the management of complaints.

Direct Provision policy itself is structured through mainstream State services. That is, health services are provided directly by HSE; education is provided directly through local schools; community welfare supports are provided through the Community Welfare Services; and child welfare and associated supports are provided by local Tusla teams. Residents of RIA accommodation centres engage with these services in the same way as Irish citizens and therefore have the same rights to appeal decisions or make complaints through the relevant Departmental channels and through the relevant Ombudsmen where appropriate and necessary.

In addition, RIA has administrative arrangements in place with both Ombudsman Offices, through the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS), to assist and provide information on matters brought to its attention by those Offices.

Immigration Controls

Questions (29)

Noel Rock

Question:

29. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when the necessary equipment will be installed in Dublin Airport for biometric information to be obtained from those travelling here from outside the EU. [29418/16]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

Section 11 of the Immigration Act 2004 provides for the requirement that a person landing in the State shall be in possession of a valid passport or other equivalent document and that they shall furnish to an immigration officer such information as the immigration officer may reasonably require. This section also applies to any non-EEA national travelling within the Common Travel Area.

The border management systems in use at Dublin Airport currently have the capability to capture and verify biometric information from relevant travellers. Biometric information may be extracted from the computer chip contained within biometric passports, or e-Passports. Such information is also designed for use with facial recognition applications, such as the Automatic Border Control (ABC) gates currently being piloted at Dublin Airport. A procurement to expand the use of ABC gates is expected to be conducted before the end of this year.

Immigration Officers at Dublin Airport can also check biometrics captured during the visa application process abroad. In addition, in cases where a person seeks international protection or asylum at Dublin Airport, their fingerprint biometrics are also captured electronically and compared to those held on the European asylum database (EURODAC) and national databases.

The technology, including the appropriate use of biometrics, is kept under regular review at Dublin Airport taking into account emerging technologies, changes at EU and international level and changing circumstances so that such systems support the key role of immigration officers in protecting the State's borders.

Visa Applications

Questions (30)

Peter Burke

Question:

30. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will expedite a visa application for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29424/16]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

I 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 the person concerned.

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.

There are a large number of cases awaiting a decision under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 on whether or not to make a deportation order; therefore it is not possible to expedite a particular case ahead of others unless there are exceptional and urgent reasons for doing so. If the person concerned is currently in employment, they are doing so illegally. It is an offence for a non-EEA national to work in the State without permission to do so.

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.

Liquor Licensing Laws

Questions (31)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

31. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if her attention has been drawn to a practice whereby alcohol is being served free of charge to customers in certain services; if a licence is required to provide alcohol free of charge where a customer avails of a service (details supplied); if there will be any amendment in the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill relating to this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29433/16]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

As the Deputy will appreciate, I am not in a position in my capacity as Minister for Justice and Equality to provide legal advice in relation to such a matter in response to a Parliamentary Question. I can, however, confirm that the sale or supply of intoxicating liquor without an appropriate licence under the Licensing Acts is generally an offence. And while a bona fide gift may not amount to a sale, it should be noted that section 62 of the Licensing Act 1872 provides that for the purpose of proving that the sale or consumption of intoxicating liquor took place, it is not necessary to show that any money was actually paid if the court is satisfied that a transaction in the nature of a sale took place. Enforcement of licensing law law is, of course, a matter for An Garda Siochana.

As regards the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill, for which my colleague the Minister for Health, Simon Harris TD, is the sponsoring Minister and which is currently awaiting Committee Stage in the Seanad, the position is that the Bill contains a provision which will allow the Minister for Health to restrict the sale or supply of intoxicating liquor at a reduced price or free of charge on the purchase of any other product or service.

Court Accommodation Refurbishment

Questions (32)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

32. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when it is envisaged the court building in Kilcock will be reopened following ongoing renovations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29481/16]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

As the Deputy will be aware, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts, including the provision of accommodation for court sittings, is the responsibility of the Courts Service which is independent in exercising its functions.

However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that the courthouse in Kilcock is currently closed as there are a number of issues with the building regarding facilities, health and safety and security. I am advised that the Courts Service is currently considering these issues and is not able to state when the building will reopen at this time.

Health and Safety Regulations

Questions (33)

Joan Burton

Question:

33. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality with regard to the health and safety framework of each commercial and non-commercial State agency, when the health and safety policy of each was last reviewed; when the safety statement of each was last reviewed; if each body has a health and safety committee and when this was last elected; if each has a health and safety representative and when this person was last elected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29566/16]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

I want to assure the Deputy that my Department takes very seriously its obligations under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005 and is working to strengthen the safety culture within the organisation and in the Agencies under its aegis to ensure that all employees are aware of the importance of health and safety and are committed to continuous improvement.

The remit of my Department and its agencies/services includes personnel located in multiple locations across the country but does not have any commercial State Bodies under its aegis. The Department is in the process of recruiting an external safety expert to advise and manage the development of a Safety Management System, both for Department offices and agencies under the aegis of the Justice Vote. This will enable us to building on existing practices in a more planned, professional and systemic way.

Departmental Agencies Staff Data

Questions (34)

Joan Burton

Question:

34. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the gifts or hospitality given to employees to attend overseas sporting or musical events during 2015 in respect of all commercial and non-commercial agencies; the locations of such visits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29567/16]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

I am informed that no gifts or hospitality, such as those referred to in her question, have been given to the staff of the agencies under the remit of my Department. My Department does not have any Commercial State Bodies under its aegis.

Probate Applications

Questions (35)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

35. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number and grade of staff allocated to the Probate Office; and the number of individual probate applications they have dealt with during each of the past five years. [29608/16]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

As the Deputy may be aware, the Probate Office is an office of the High Court and management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service which is independent in exercising its functions under the Courts Service Act 1998. However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has provided the following information on the staff in the Probate Office:

Probate Office Staff:

2 Principal Officers

1 Assistant Principal

7 Higher Executive Officers (1 recently appointed)

2 Executive Officers

5 Clerical Officers

Information on probate applications resolved and grants issued is in the public domain and may be accessed on the Courts Service website in the published Annual Reports at www.courts.ie.

Refugee Resettlement Programme

Questions (36)

Mick Barry

Question:

36. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to when she spoke at the UN summit on refugees and migrants in New York when she indicated the Government will have resettled 870 migrants by the end of 2016, the reason for the disparity between this figure and the Government's commitment to accept 4,000 people from Syria; and the way the figure of 4,000 can be both achieved and surpassed. [29706/16]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

I can inform the deputy there is no disparity in the figures quoted. The Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP) which was established by Government Decision on 10 September, 2015 pledged to accept a total of 4,000 persons, through a combination of the EU relocation mechanism established by two EU Council Decisions in 2015 to assist Italy and Greece, and the UNHCR-led refugee resettlement programme currently focused on resettling refugees from camps in Jordan and Lebanon. This was made up of 520 under resettlement and 2,622 under the EU Relocation programme. A further 260 has been approved by Government under Resettlement with the balance of the allocation to be decided.

By the end of this year the full complement of 520 will be resettled with a further 360 due to arrive under relocation bringing the total to 880.

While the relocation programme from Greece has been slower to progress due to on the ground logistical challenges there, following constant engagement and visits from my officials, significant numbers of asylum seekers are now beginning to arrive in Ireland from Greece. The intention is to sustain the pace of intakes throughout 2017 at the levels required to allow Ireland to meets its commitments within the timeframe envisaged by the Programme. This will of course depend on the continued cooperation of the Greek and Italian authorities in the process of selecting and assessing persons for assignment to Ireland. The rate of progress on resettlement is European wide. Recent figures indicate that per head of population, Ireland’s response to date places us 8th out of the 31 countries participating in the programmes.

Legal Aid Service Data

Questions (37)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

37. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the top earning free criminal legal aid solicitors, and their earnings, for each of the years 2012 to 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29711/16]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

The Criminal Justice (Legal Aid) Act 1962 provides that free legal aid may be granted, in certain circumstances, for the defence of persons of insufficient means in criminal proceedings. Under the Act, the grant of legal aid entitles the applicant to the services of a solicitor and, in certain circumstances, up to two counsel, in the preparation and conduct of their defence or appeal. The granting of criminal legal aid and the assignment of solicitors and/or counsel are matters for the Court and, as such, are the responsibility of the judiciary.

I can inform the Deputy that my Department is currently preparing new legislation to update the law relating to the granting of criminal legal aid and to give effect to commitments contained in the Programme for Government. These commitments include the transfer of the operation of the system of criminal legal aid to the Legal Aid Board, introducing powers to secure contributions from defendants, more rigorous means testing and stronger sanctions against abuses.

The ten highest earning solicitors under the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme for each of the years 2012 to 2015 and the amount each solicitor was paid are as follows:

2012

Frank Buttimer - €714,865

Cahir O'Higgins - €673,922

Michael E Hanahoe - €529,445

Yvonne Bambury - €495,039

John M. Quinn - €472,113

Michael J Staines - €455,954

Edmund J. Burke - €444,613

John E Feaheny - €429,040

Ronald J. Lynam - €425,113

Sarah Ryan - €388,739

2013

Frank Buttimer - €757,679

Cahir O'Higgins - 575,966

Yvonne Bambury - €544,605

Michael E. Hanahoe - €438,205

John M. Quinn - €416,702

Edmund J. Burke - €406,430

Michael Hennessy - €399,490

Aine M. Flynn - €390,180

Tracy Horan - €365,254

Michael Kelleher - €332,432

2014

Frank Buttimer - €709,668

John M. Quinn - €554,524

Cahir O'Higgins - €457,063

Michael Hennessy - €394,633

Edmund J. Burke - €345,916

Anthony Collier - €330,391

Yvonne Bambury - €329,048

Ronald J. Lynam - €325,634

Kenneth Cunningham - €323,762

Michael Kelleher - €303,737

2015

Frank Buttimer - €548,449

Michael J. Staines - €454,611

Cahir O'Higgins - €454,173

Michael Hennessy - €429.492

Edmund J. Burke - €348,311

John M. Quinn - €340,601

Kenneth Cunningham - €339,480

John E. Feaheny - €318,890

Ronald J. Lyham - €309,021

Yvonne Bambury - €307,920

Garda Investigations

Questions (38)

Micheál Martin

Question:

38. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she or her Department is concerned about the recent reports - weekend of 25 September - of allegations of sex abuse in Waterford being known well before arrests were made; if her Department will examine the complaints; if she will discuss the complaints with the Garda Commissioner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29752/16]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

I can assure the Deputy that I am very mindful of the serious impact of sexual crimes on victims and their families, particularly where young persons are involved and I am aware of the recent reports to which he refers.

As I have previously advised the Deputy, I have recently received correspondence expressing concerns in relation to the case referred to and have, in the first instance, sought the views of the Garda Commissioner on the issues raised. Subsequent to this, I have in recent days received further detailed correspondence on behalf of one of the victims in relation to these matters and I have also forwarded this to the Commissioner and asked that it be fully considered. On receipt of a report from the Commissioner I expect to be in a position to consider this matter further.

Organised Crime

Questions (39)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

39. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to meet her Spanish and Dutch counterparts to discuss strengthening ties in tackling organised crime; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29762/16]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

As the Deputy will be aware, on the 9th and 10th of June this year I held bilateral discussions with my Ministerial counterparts from Spain, the Netherlands and Belgium in the margins of the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council in Luxembourg.

The purpose of these meetings was to discuss bilateral cooperation in the field of home affairs and in particular police cooperation against organised crime groups operating in both countries.

High levels of cooperation have been maintained and recent operational activities involving An Garda Síochána and their Spanish colleagues clearly demonstrate the close liaison An Garda Siochána has in place with other law enforcement agencies internationally.

I can assure the Deputy that the Garda authorities and the Government are absolutely determined that Irish criminals will not escape justice by fleeing this jurisdiction or by seeking to conduct their criminal activities from abroad.

The transnational dimension to much organised crime activity is well recognised and is reflected in the development of the European systems providing for cooperation amongst the Member States in tackling serious transnational crime.

Through these systems, An Garda Síochána maintains close liaison with other law enforcement agencies throughout Europe and through Europol, exchanging information and intelligence as appropriate.

I will continue to maintain contact with my JHA colleagues in relation to criminal justice matters including cooperation in tackling serious and organised crime across the EU through the meetings of the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council, the next of which will take place in Luxembourg later this week.

Refugee Resettlement Programme

Questions (40)

Darragh O'Brien

Question:

40. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the commitments that the Government has made in terms of accepting refugees and unaccompanied minors to Ireland; the number of persons to date who have been accepted to Ireland under the various resettlement and relocation programmes and the number of unaccompanied minors who have arrived here, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29770/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality

The Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP) was established by Government Decision on 10 September 2015 as a direct response to the humanitarian crisis that developed in Southern Europe as a consequence of mass migration from areas of conflict in the Middle East and Africa. Under this programme, the Government has pledged to accept a total of 4,000 persons into the State by the end of 2017, through a combination of the EU relocation mechanism established by two EU Council Decisions in 2015 to assist Italy and Greece, and the UNHCR-led refugee resettlement programme currently focused on resettling refugees from camps in Lebanon.

Under the resettlement part of the Programme, 520 refugees are to be resettled in Ireland by the end of 2016. To date, 486 refugees have been admitted to the State and a further 14 are scheduled to arrive today. Sufficient cases were selected during a mission to Lebanon earlier this year to ensure that the full quota of 520 will be taken in during 2016, ahead of schedule. In addition, the Government recently announced that it is extending the resettlement programme to take in a further 260 refugees from Lebanon in 2017.

Under relocation, Ireland has to date taken in 69 Syrians from Greece, mostly families and a further 40 people are scheduled to arrive this month. A further 63 people have been assessed and cleared for arrival and arrangements for their travel to the State are currently being made. Last week, IRPP officials interviewed a group of 71 people in Athens who, once cleared for travel, are expected to arrive in November. Further missions are scheduled for November and December and by the end of 2016 it is expected that Ireland will have accepted up to 400 people through the relocation pledge system. The intention is to sustain the pace of intakes throughout 2017 at the levels required to allow Ireland to meets its commitments within the timeframe envisaged by the Programme. The figures are summarised in the following table, as requested by the Deputy.

In announcing the Programme, the Government recognised the importance of addressing the position of unaccompanied children. The relocation of unaccompanied minors is a complex and sensitive process, involving various aspects of European and domestic law, and any actions taken in relation to this vulnerable group must have the principle of the best interests of the child and the prospect of family reunification at their centre. Ireland is committed to relocating unaccompanied minors and is actively working to overcome the barriers that have presented themselves in this regard. Ireland has thus far been able to transfer one unaccompanied minor from Greece. Further efforts were made to identify unaccompanied minors for relocation by Tusla officials who took part in a mission to Greece last week and these efforts will continue.

Table - Arrivals to Date

IRPP Programme	Numbers admitted (as of 11 Oct 2016)	Unaccompanied Minors admitted (as of 11 Oct 2016)
Resettlement	500*	0
Relocation	69	1

* subject to scheduled arrival of 14 persons today