Jan O'Sullivan
Question:152. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to increase the number of Garda in the Limerick city district; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28413/18]
View answerGarda Deployment
Questions (152)
Written answers
The Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of personnel 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 am informed by the Commissioner that on 31 May 2018, the latest date for which figures are readily available, the strength of the Limerick Division was 564, of whom 308 and 136 Gardaí were assigned to the Henry Street and Roxboro Road Districts respectively. There are also 26 Garda Reserves and 54 civilians attached to the Division. When appropriate, the work of local Gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Armed Support Units, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.
This Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and to deter crime. To achieve this the Government has put in place a plan for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. We are making real, tangible progress on achieving this goal.
I am informed by the Commissioner that since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, just over 1,960 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, of whom 63 members have been assigned to the Limerick Division, 10 of whom were allocated to the Henry Street and Roxboro Road Districts from the latest attestation on the 15 June 2018. Garda numbers, taking account of retirements, increased to 13,551 at the end of 2017 – a net increase of over 600 since the end of 2016.
I am pleased that funding is in place to maintain this high level of investment in the Garda workforce to ensure that the vision of an overall workforce of 21,000 by 2021 remains on track. This year a further 800 new Garda Recruits will enter the Garda College; some 400 of whom have already done so. In total, 800 Garda trainees are scheduled to attest during the year, 400 of whom have attested to date. Further, Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, are on track to reach 14,000 by the end of 2018.
In addition to the investment in more Gardaí, a further 500 civilians will also be recruited to fill critical skills gaps across the organisation and to facilitate the redeployment of Gardaí from administrative and technical duties to front-line operational duties. There are plans to strengthen the Garda Reserve with new Reserves expected to commence training in 2018.
This focus on investment in personnel is critical. We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the Commissioner with the resources needed to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí. Undoubtedly, the ongoing recruitment process will support all Garda activities and enhance visibility within our communities and will enable the Commissioner to provide additional resources across every Garda Division, including the Limerick Division, as new Garda recruits continue to come on stream.
Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service Administration
Questions (153)
James Browne
Question:153. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will request the INIS to engage with a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28432/18]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that correspondence from Unit 2, Residence Division issued to the person concerned on 20 June 2018.
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.
Ministerial Meetings
Questions (154)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:154. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will meet with a person (details supplied) in view of the delay in the case. [28450/18]
View answerWritten answers
As outlined in my recent response to Parliamentary Question 528 of 12 June 2018, my Department wrote to the person in question on 6 June 2018 to provide them with an update in relation to his request for a meeting.
The Deputy will appreciate that I, as Minister, have no role in relation to the management of Garda investigations or, indeed, the prosecution or trial of alleged offences. This is a long-standing principle of our system of justice. The role of An Garda Síochána is to investigate alleged offences, to gather whatever evidence may be available and to submit a report to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Any information in relation to possible criminal acts should be provided directly to An Garda Síochána for investigation. The question of whether or not a particular person should be prosecuted and for what criminal offence is the responsibility of the DPP, who is completely independent in carrying out her functions.
Similarly, the Courts, subject only to the Constitution and the law, are independent in the exercise of their judicial functions and the conduct of any court case is a matter entirely for the presiding judge. It is not open to me to comment or intervene in any way in relation to how particular proceedings are conducted or, indeed, on the outcome of such proceedings.
If someone is not satisfied with the manner in which their complaints have been handled by An Garda Síochána, then it is open to them to contact the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Office (GSOC). GSOC, as you are no doubt aware, is the independent body charged with receiving complaints from the public concerning members of An Garda Síochána.
Unfortunately, it is not open to me to intervene in this case in the manner the person in question is seeking. It is An Garda Síochána, specifically the Garda Commissioner and his management team, who are responsible for investigating all forms of alleged criminality in the State in the first instance and not the Minister for Justice and Equality. Accordingly, I cannot accede to this particular meeting request.
Notwithstanding the above, it is, of course, open to the person in question to seek independent legal advice in relation to their concerns, if they so wish.
Garda Data
Questions (155, 156, 157)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:155. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda sergeants in each of the Cork Garda divisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28462/18]
View answerAindrias Moynihan
Question:156. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of vacancies for Garda sergeant positions in each of the Cork Garda divisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28463/18]
View answerAindrias Moynihan
Question:157. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of vacant Garda sergeant positions in each of the Cork Garda divisions by those vacant 0 to 6, 6 to 12 and greater than 12 months, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28464/18]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 155 to 157, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the distribution of personnel is a matter for the Garda Commissioner and I, as Minister have no direct role in the matter. I am assured by the Commissioner that Garda personnel assigned throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategies, are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda Resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public.
Appointments to the rank of Sergeant are a matter for the Commissioner under section 14 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005.
I am advised by the Commissioner that the overall strength of the Sergeant rank was 1,845 as of 31 May 2018, the latest date for which figures are available. I am further advised by the Commissioner that there is currently a competition in train for promotion to the rank of Sergeant with the aim of bringing the strength to 2,000 as agreed under the Employment Control Framework. I am assured by the Commissioner that following completion of these competitions the needs of all Garda Divisions including the Cork Divisions will be fully considered when determining the allocation of Sergeants.
For the Deputy’s information I have set out below in tabular form the number of Garda Sergeants in each of the Cork Divisions, on 31 December 2016, 30 June 2017, 31 December 2017 and on 31 May 2018 the latest date for which figures are currently available.
Cork Divisions Sergeant Strength
|
Division |
31 December 2016 |
30 June 2017 |
31 December 2017 |
31 May 2018 |
|
Cork North |
46 |
48 |
46 |
45 |
|
Cork West |
44 |
44 |
44 |
43 |
|
Cork City |
101 |
97 |
95 |
92 |
Garda Stations
Questions (158)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:158. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the opening hours of a Garda station (details supplied); his plans to increase the opening hours of the station; if there are works planned to make the station more accessible to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28465/18]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is primarily responsible for operational decisions in respect of the effective and efficient use of resources available to An Garda Síochána including the opening hours of Garda stations and I, as Minister, have no role in relation to the matter.
I understand that Garda management keeps 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 am advised by the Garda authorities that the opening hours of Ballincollig Garda Station, subject to availability, are Monday to Saturday 12pm to 8pm; and Sunday 12pm to 2pm.
Ballincollig Garda Station forms part of the Cork City Division. I am informed by the Commissioner that the number of Gardaí assigned to that Division on 31 May 2018, the latest date for which information is readily available, was 678, of whom 19 were assigned to Ballincollig Garda Station. There are also 42 Garda Reserves and 71 Garda civilian staff attached to the Division. When appropriate, the work of local Gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Armed Support Units, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.
As the Deputy will be aware, the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close co-operation with the Office of Public Works (OPW), which has the responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation.
I understand from An Garda Síochána that the OPW has recently commenced an access survey on Ballincollig Garda Station and that the OPW has advised that following the survey, a decision will be made on what works, if any, may be undertaken to improve public access at the station.
Prison Service Staff
Questions (159)
Clare Daly
Question:159. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the rationale for his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 129 of 20 June 2018 in view of the fact that the statutory responsibility outlined under the IPS's own material states that it rests with the campus governor rather than the operational governor. [28478/18]
View answerWritten answers
The duties of a prison governor are set out in the Prison Rules, 2007. Section 75(1) states that “Subject to the directions of the Minister and the Director General, the Governor shall be responsible for the management of the prison of which he or she is responsible.” Furthermore, Section 75(7) states that “A Governor shall comply with any directions of the Minister or the Director General or such persons as may be designated by the Minister or the Director General.”
I wish to advise the Deputy that the Irish Prison Service, having re-examined PQ 129 of 20 June 2018 on the basis of the clarification provided in the Deputy's question, have informed me that the information sought is as set out below. Any confusion caused by the initial misinterpretation of the Deputy's question is regretted.
Statutory responsibility for Portlaoise prison was held by Campus Governor Martin Mullen from 29 July 2012 to 12 December, 2016. From 13 December, 2016 to 30 December, 2016 statutory responsibility rested with the lead operational Governor Daniel Robbins. Ethel Gavin was appointed acting Campus Governor from 31 December, 2016 and held statutory responsibility for Portlaoise prison until 2 June 2018 when it transferred to Governor John Farrell who continues to hold this position.
Insurance Fraud
Questions (160)
John Brassil
Question:160. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to the set up an insurance fraud unit in An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28507/18]
View answerWritten answers
Recommendation 26 of the ‘Report on the Cost of Motor Insurance’, published in January 2017, relates to exploring the potential for further cooperation between the insurance sector and An Garda Síochána in relation to insurance fraud investigation. Specifically, this involves considering the feasibility of establishing a specialised and dedicated insurance fraud unit within An Garda Síochána, funded by industry.
The Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) has engaged with Insurance Ireland, submitting a mechanism for further cooperation and a costed proposal to Insurance Ireland in the latter half of 2017. Insurance Ireland has agreed to explore the proposal further, subject to a full cost benefit analysis, to be carried out by Insurance Ireland’s Chief Financial Officers Working Group. The intention would be that such a dedicated Garda unit would be funded by Insurance Ireland members and non-members alike, i.e. all entities writing non-life insurance business in Ireland.
Further progress on this recommendation is dependent upon the outcome of this cost benefit analysis, which is currently awaited. As I have previously informed the House, Insurance Ireland has indicated that it expects to be in a position to provide an update in this regard by the end of June 2018.
Any proposed agreed mechanism will, of course, ultimately be subject to the approval of the Garda Commissioner and myself, as Minister for Justice and Equality.
Irish Prison Service
Questions (161)
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:161. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of category A complaints received in 2017 and to date in 2018 that were upheld, not upheld, not proven, terminated or incomplete, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28511/18]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised by my officials in the Irish Prison Service that the information requested by the Deputy in relation to the number of category A complaints received in 2017 and to date in 2018 that were upheld, not upheld, not proven, terminated or incomplete is contained in the tables attached
All prisoners have the right to make a complaint at any time and all complaints are treated with the utmost seriousness. Complaints can vary in nature. Some may relate to, for example, conditions of accommodation, quality of food or access to services. Other complaints can be more serious such as allegations of assault, mistreatment or intimidation.
Under the Irish Prison Service Complaints System there are 6 categories of complaints depending on the seriousness of the complaint. The most serious being Category A Complaints which are investigated by persons outside the Prison Service.
Category A complaints are complaints alleging assault or use of excessive force against a prisoner, or ill treatment, racial abuse, discrimination, intimidation, threats or any other conduct against a prisoner of a nature and gravity likely to bring discredit on the Irish Prison Service.
Table A
|
No. of Cat A complaints received |
Investigation Completed |
Ongoing |
Unfounded |
Withdrawn |
Re- categorised |
|
|
2017 |
70 |
61 |
0 |
8 |
0 |
1 |
|
2018 (1.1.18 to 26.6.18) |
41 |
12 |
22 |
3 |
4 |
0 |
Table B
|
Investigation Completed |
Upheld |
Not Upheld |
Not Proved |
Part Upheld |
|
|
2017 |
61 |
6 |
53 |
0 |
2 |
|
2018 (1.1.18 to 26.6.18) |
12 |
1 |
9 |
2 |
0 |
Prison Education Service
Questions (162)
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:162. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 515 of 12 June 2018, the reason for the significant drop in the majority of prisons from January to April 2018; if he will report on the very low rates of participation in Mountjoy male and Wheatfield prisons; the measures being undertaken to promote and increase participation in education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28512/18]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that education services are available in all Irish Prisons and are provided in partnership with the Education and Training Boards and a range of other educational agencies. Broad programmes of education are provided which generally follow an adult education approach. The Department of Education and Skills funds an allocation of 220 whole-time teacher equivalents to the prisons through the ETBs. A Joint IPS/ETBI Education Strategy 2016-2018 was launched in June 2016.
The aim of the Education Service is to deliver a high quality, broad, flexible programme of education that helps prisoners cope with their sentence, achieve personal development, prepare for life after release and establish an appetite and capacity for life-long learning.
The attached table shows the recorded education participation rates for each Prison Education Centre from January to May of 2018. These show that there had been decreases in the participation rates in some establishments in January to April this year, but participation levels have increased again in May. The primary reasons for the decreases in March and April are the Easter break which occurred at the end of March and into the first week of April; the suspension of some classes due to the unavailability of discipline staff and increasing numbers of protection prisoners in custody. There were also some closures of Prison Education Centres due to Storm Emma at the end of February.
In Mountjoy male prison, the drop in numbers participating in education is linked directly to the increasing number of prisoners on protection and the fact that by April all prisoners on both A and B wing were on protection. In response to this significant development, the timetable was overhauled in order to provide the same educational opportunities to those on protection as was being provided to other prisoners. This means that education is provided to non-protection prisoners only in the morning and to protection prisoners only in the afternoon. While this change makes education available to all, it has resulted in a notable reduction in overall participation levels, as many protection prisoners are unwilling to mix freely with each other.
The Progression Unit (Mountjoy West) allows increasing numbers of prisoners to attend external training programmes on a day release basis. These are not counted in the participation rates for Mountjoy Prison Education Centre. There is also high participation in work and training activities, which is not included in the education participation statistics.
In the Progression Unit Education Centre, modules have been developed to better prepare people for the World of Work: QQI Health and Safety Awareness, Work Experience, Customer Services Occupational First Aid, Career Preparation, Self-Employment Skills, Money Management, Soft Skills, Cooking on a budget and Manual Handling.
Participation levels in education in Wheatfield Prison Education centre have been heavily impacted by full and partial closures from January to April this year due to officer shortages and as a result of nationally mandated closures due to adverse weather conditions. Wheatfield Prison Education Centre offers a comprehensive and dynamic curriculum, QQI, State Examination, Creative Arts and Holistic programmes and aims for a high level of student participation. In spite of restrictions due to unavailability of discipline staff, many students completed state exams, QQI and music examinations this year. In 2018, Wheatfield Prison Education Centre recruited new teachers to expand the curriculum. In order to boost participation levels, extra-curricular activities are offered one afternoon each month, a Wellness and Mental Health Week was hosted and frequent Musical events are also hosted for the student body. Interviews of prospective students take place on an ongoing basis and students are recruited directly from prison landings and workshops and student mentoring also takes place on some landings. A separate school is provided for the segregated landings in Wheatfield i.e. North-Three School.
The current successful recruitment campaign for new prison officers will enable the Irish Prison Service to increase its staff complement and will greatly reduce the number of occasions on which classes have to be suspended due to the unavailability of discipline staff.
The Irish Prison Service has also put Regime Management Plans in place to manage staff detail when there is a shortfall in the number of staff on duty. This is designed to minimise the impact on prisoners engaged in structured activity including education.
The Prison Education Service works as part of the multi-disciplinary team in each prison to promote education participation, provide a relevant curriculum for students and to prepare them for the transition back to the community.
|
Education Unit |
Jan-18 |
Feb-18 |
Mar-18 |
Apr-18 |
May-18 |
|
Arbour Hill |
70.9% |
50.0% |
52.6% |
46.8% |
65.5% |
|
Castlerea |
45.5% |
33.1% |
33.6% |
33.8% |
32.7% |
|
Cloverhill |
22.9% |
19.0% |
17.2% |
17.1% |
26.3% |
|
Cork |
46.0% |
38.6% |
34.7% |
32.9% |
49.7% |
|
Dochas |
54.0% |
39.5% |
36.9% |
46.2% |
63.3% |
|
Limerick |
43.7% |
36.5% |
33.9% |
33.9% |
44.7% |
|
Loughan |
81.7% |
59.7% |
61.2% |
58.5% |
80.1% |
|
Midlands |
37.8% |
27.4% |
25.0% |
26.5% |
36.1% |
|
Mountjoy |
19.8% |
19.5% |
16.7% |
18.0% |
27.8% |
|
Portlaoise |
50.2% |
44.2% |
42.1% |
35.9% |
50.3% |
|
Shelton Abbey |
55.7% |
42.3% |
42.6% |
45.7% |
56.6% |
|
MJ West |
58.1% |
42.5% |
47.0% |
49.5% |
56.7% |
|
Wheatfield |
23.8% |
19.4% |
15.2% |
19.6% |
27.4% |
Garda Station Refurbishment
Questions (163)
Alan Kelly
Question:163. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when Stepaside Garda station will open and will be providing a full 24 hour service; the number of full time gardaí and Garda vehicles that will be assigned to the station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28517/18]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy will appreciate that the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the Office of Public Works (OPW), which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. This includes identifying and progressing any necessary remedial or refurbishment works required at individual stations. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for a Partnership Government commits to a pilot scheme to reopen 6 Garda stations to determine possible positive impacts on criminal activity, with special emphasis on burglaries, theft and public order.
The Garda Commissioner's final report on the matter, which is available on my Department's website, recommends that Stepaside Garda Station be reopened, along with stations in Bawnboy, Co. Cavan, Ballinspittle, Co. Cork, Donard, Co. Wicklow, Leighlinbridge, Co. Carlow and Rush, Co. Dublin.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that a brief of requirements was provided to the OPW in relation to the reopening of each of these 6 stations and that the Garda authorities requested the OPW to undertake technical surveys to determine the works which would be required to enable the stations to reopen.
I understand that the OPW has concluded the necessary technical surveys and advised the Commissioner accordingly. The Commissioner is currently considering the matter.
It is not possible to say at this stage when the six stations will reopen as this depends on a number of factors, but my officials are engaging on an on-going basis with An Garda Síochána and the OPW as they progress these very important projects.
Insofar as concerns the resources to be allocated to Garda stations reopened under the pilot programme, as the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel and vehicles and I have no role in the matter.
Immigration Status
Questions (164)
Bernard Durkan
Question:164. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in the consideration of an application pursuant to section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 as amended and all other applicable legislation in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28561/18]
View answerWritten answers
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 all other applicable legislation, in advance of a final decision being made.
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.
Immigration Status
Questions (165)
Bernard Durkan
Question:165. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in the consideration of an application pursuant to section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 as amended and all other applicable legislation in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28562/18]
View answerWritten answers
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 all other applicable legislation, in advance of a final decision being made.
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.
Immigration Status
Questions (166)
Bernard Durkan
Question:166. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 118 of 22 February 2018, if contact from the INIS has now been made with a person (details supplied) with particular reference to updating their stamp 4 status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28563/18]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that contact has been made with the applicant through their solicitor on the 17 April 2018. INIS are now awaiting further information before a final decision can be made on the person's permission to remain.
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.
Garda Investigations
Questions (167)
Bernard Durkan
Question:167. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if there are further developments arising from the assault of a person (details supplied); if the perpetrator has been apprehended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28566/18]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy will appreciate that I, as Minister, have no direct role in the manner in which Garda investigations are conducted. This is solely a matter for the Garda authorities.
However, to be of assistance I have asked the Garda authorities for a report on the matters referred to and I will contact the Deputy directly when the report is to hand.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
Immigration Policy
Questions (168)
Bernard Durkan
Question:168. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the procedure to be followed by a person (details supplied) that is requesting another person to join them here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28567/18]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised by the Irish Nationalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that Congolese nationals are required to hold an Irish visa to travel to Ireland. As with all other visa required nationals, visa applications are considered on their own merits and in accordance with the requirements for the particular visa type applied for.
Comprehensive guidelines and information on the documentation needed for each type of application can be found on the INIS website www.inis.gov.ie.
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.
Immigration Status
Questions (169)
Bernard Durkan
Question:169. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in the determination of an update of stamp 4 in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28569/18]
View answerWritten answers
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 all other applicable legislation, in advance of a final decision being made.
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.
Leave to Remain
Questions (170)
Bernard Durkan
Question:170. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in the consideration of an application for permission to remain in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28571/18]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that correspondence from Unit 2, Residence Division issued to the legal representative of the person concerned on 13 June 2018. The legal representative of the person concerned has indicated that the person concerned intends to submit an application for permission to remain to a different area within INIS.
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.
Naturalisation Applications
Questions (171)
Bernard Durkan
Question:171. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current and expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28572/18]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the processing of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy, which was received 20 January 2017, is still under consideration and has not yet reached a conclusion. The application will be submitted to me as expeditiously as possible.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. While most straightforward cases are now processed within six months, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.
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.