Written Answers Nos. 208-222
208. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if and when a join spouse visa will be considered in the case of a person (details supplied); when documentation such as proof of Irish citizenship, original and translated marriage certificate and copies of state marriage certificate are likely to be returned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38350/18]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the visa application referred to was refused by the Visa Office in Dublin on 6 February 2017. An appeal was subsequently made and refused on 26 July 2017. This decision was communicated to the applicant.
No further applications have been made. If one is made, the applicant should bear in mind the original refusal reasons communicated to her and be in a position to address them.
Original documents, such as a marriage certificate, are returned to applicants as a matter of course. INIS have reviewed the visa application file and have identified an original translation of the marriage certificate which has now been returned. All other certificates on file are photocopies.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to 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 INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited. In addition, applicants may themselves e-mail queries directly to INIS (visamail@justice.ie).
209. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a person (details supplied) will receive a GNIB card. [38360/18]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service of this Department that their records indicate that the IRP card for the person was printed on 12/07/2018 and would have been posted to the address on record in the week beginning 16/7/2018.
I am further advised that there is no record of this correspondence being returned by An Post as undelivered.
I would recommend the person to contact the Registration Office at burghquayregoffice@justice.ie to confirm non receipt of the IRP card and to request the issue of a replacement card, if appropriate.
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.
210. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons in 2018 who have been refused accommodation in the Reception and Integration Agency’s accommodation portfolio due to the lack of bed space; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38394/18]
View answerThe Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) has been working actively to find solutions to the increased demand for its accommodation over the past months.
To meet the steady increase in demand, RIA has added a net 646 beds to its portfolio over the last twelve months, including by opening of new centres in Lisdoonvarna and Moate. However, in recent weeks demand has spiked and the number of people arriving in Ireland applying for international protection has increased even further.
Due to this spike, full capacity was reached and RIA had to prioritise accommodation for families and other vulnerable persons who presented and were unable to offer immediate accommodation services to some people. The numbers who did not initially receive an offer of accommodation are relatively small and RIA has been working to meet their needs and indeed many have since been offered accommodation. Further efforts to provide accommodation to international protection applicants will involve the opening of new accommodation centres.
It is an extremely rare event for a person not to be offered accommodation in Ireland on arrival.
To address current and future needs, advertisements have been placed in the national media seeking additional accommodation that must be fully compliant with the recommendations of the McMahon report. Quite separate to this, it is also engaged in an open competitive process to establish a framework of accommodation centres from which we can draw down accommodation as and when needed over the coming years.
At the present time (September 2018), the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) has contracted approximately 5,800 beds, almost all of which are fully occupied. It is currently accommodating some 600 persons in accommodation who have been granted a permission to remain in Ireland (and therefore are technically ineligible for free accommodation in Accommodation Centres). Some of these have recently received a decision while others have received decisions several months and indeed a couple of years ago.
The Reception and Integration Agency has provided funding to NGOs to provide house-finding and support services to these residents to obtain permanent homes in the community. RIA also works with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government on this issue.
211. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the cost of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38404/18]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland was published on Tuesday last, 18 September. The report addresses all aspects of policing in Ireland and provides a comprehensive blueprint for the transformation of An Garda Síochána. I will be consulting with the Commissioner and the Departments and Agencies concerned with the Report over the coming period and will be bringing a High Level Implementation Plan to Government in December for approval.
A budget of €1.5 million was approved for the Commission on its establishment and expenditure to the end of August 2018 was approximately €1.4 million. The final costs will of course be published in my Department's Appropriation Account for 2018.
212. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the MacLochlainn commission of investigation report will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38415/18]
View answerThe MacLochlainn Commission of Investigation was established in August 2014 under the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004 to investigate and report on certain matters relative to the fatal shooting of Mr Ronan MacLochlainn by members of An Garda Síochána in the course of an attempted armed robbery of a Securicor van in Co. Wicklow in May 1998.
The final report of the MacLochlainn Commission was presented to my Department by the Sole Member, Mary Rose Gearty SC, on 28 June 2018.
In keeping with my obligations under section 38 of the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004, I am examining the report and consulting as required, in particular with the Office of the Attorney General and Director of Public Prosecutions, to ensure that publication would not prejudice any criminal proceedings.
I expect to be in a position to complete this process in the near future, with a view to arranging for publication of the report as soon as possible, in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
213. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the waiting time for probate to be considered once submitted to the Dublin Probate Office's principal probate registry; if the office is fully staffed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38431/18]
View answerThe 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 processing times for applications to the Principal Probate Registry in Dublin are as follows:
- 5 weeks – applications from solicitors
- 12 weeks – personal applications
The Courts Service has advised that the Principal Probate Registry is fully staffed and that waiting times have reduced and are in line with the normal waiting times for work of this nature.
The Deputy may wish to be aware that the Report of the Probate Services Review Group was approved by the Courts Service Board on 23 April 2018 and makes a number of recommendations in relation to
- Improvements to existing business processes (some of which are already underway);
- Communication with the District Probate Registries;
- Re-allocation of functions and
- ICT efficiencies including the development of online filing functionality, through an eprobate system and electronic data exchange with the Revenue Commissioners.
Work has now commenced on planning for the implementation of these recommendations, including amendments to the Rules of the Superior Courts and changes in work practices and processes.
214. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the appointment of a person (details supplied) as a peace commissioner; the length of time this appointment process will take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38446/18]
View answer215. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the nomination of a person (details supplied) as a peace commissioner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38449/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 214 and 215 together.
The applications for appointment to the Office of Peace Commissioner referred to in the questions are currently being considered in line with standard procedures. When this consideration is complete, I will make a decision and the person concerned will then be informed. Appointments are made at the discretion of the Minister for Justice and Equality with regard to the needs of particular areas. In general terms, an applicant, who may otherwise be suitable, may not be appointed if no such need arises.
216. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of a citizenship application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38468/18]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy has not been refused. It is currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation, such as good character and lawful residence. A letter issued to the person concerned on 3 September 2018 requesting certain information specifically related to identity and the use of differing forenames on various documents and forms of identification. However, while a reply has been received, the documentation requested in this letter is still outstanding.
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.
217. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the recent changes introduced by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service by which re-entry visas can now only be made via postal applications have caused great concern to many non-EU nationals; the reason the GNIB card will not suffice for the non-EU re-entry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38469/18]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service of this Department that non-nationals from visa required countries require a re-entry visa if they wish to leave and return to Ireland during the period of their registration. Up to 3 September 2018 customers had the option of submitting their application for a re-entry visa by post, or in person. In person applications were made by appointment, with appointments being made available 3 weeks in advance.
I am further advised that the change was introduced in order to improve efficiency and enhance the service to customers. As a face to face meeting is not required to issue a re-entry visa, applications are now dealt with by post and these applications are usually processed within 3 to 4 weeks. Customers with urgent travel needs can continue to make an emergency appointment for a re-entry visa and their application will be dealt with within 24 hours with additional appointments are being made available in this regard.
The requirements for registration of immigration permissions and visa and re-entry visa requirements are kept under regular review.
218. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the expenditure savings that are earmarked for his Department for 2019 that are not accounted for in the mid-year expenditure report or are not included in the fiscal space calculations for 2019. [38490/18]
View answerThe Mid-Year Expenditure Report (MYER) set out the starting baseline in relation to the gross voted expenditure for 2019. The technical pre-Budget position for 2019 in respect of current expenditure is the current expenditure allocation for this year set out in the Revised Estimates for 2018 (REV 2018). The figures set out in the MYER do not include expenditure savings targets specifically earmarked for my Department.
The capital provision set out in the MYER is consistent with the allocation for 2019 published in the National Development Plan.
The expenditure requirements for 2019 are being evaluated in the context of the estimates process currently underway and will be published in due course.
219. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the details of the 111 Garda stations not connected to the Garda network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38546/18]
View answer220. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 222 of 12 July 2018, the detail of each Garda station that does not have access to the Internet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38547/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 219 and 220 together.
There has been unprecedented investment in An Garda Síochána in recent years, in support of the Government’s commitment to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime.
€1.65 billion has been allocated to the Garda Vote for 2018. This is an increase of approximately 2% over the allocation for 2017.
Further, the Deputy will be aware that the Programme for a Partnership Government recognises that Gardaí must have the modern technology and resources necessary to detect and investigate crime and to prevent loss and harm to citizens and their property on a 24/7 basis.
In support of this, €342 million, including €217 million in additional funding under the Capital Plan 2016-2021, is being invested in Garda ICT infrastructure between 2016 and 2021 to enable An Garda Síochána to deploy the latest cutting-edge technologies in delivering professional policing and security services for the community. This investment will allow delivery of a broad range of projects associated with the Garda Modernisation and Renewal Programme.
The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána as well as for decisions in relation to the allocation and management of Garda equipment and resources, including in relation to ICT. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
There are 565 operational Garda stations in the State. I am informed by the Garda authorities that broadband networks and services are used to connect stations to the Garda network for official purposes. All connections to Garda stations are managed in Telecommunications Division to ensure the speed of the network connection meets the requirements of the particular location.
I am further informed by the Garda authorities that a project to enhance network access to rural Garda stations is being progressed under the Modernisation and Renewal Programme.
I understand that 111 stations are currently not connected to the Garda network. I have been advised by the Garda authorities that for operational reasons a list of the 111 stations concerned cannot be provided.
However I can update the Deputy that of this total, I am informed that arrangements for connection of 34 stations are nearing completion. Options are being explored to provide members attached to the remaining stations not yet networked with local access to Garda ICT services. This includes an assessment of the availability or otherwise of local broadband services and/or the provision of mobile technology.
Finally, it is important to note that any member attached to a currently unconnected Garda station can access PULSE at their local district station. Members attached to non-networked locations can also contact the Garda Information Services Centre (GISC) or an associated networked station if required.
221. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the crime statistics and information being provided by An Garda Síochána to the Central Statistics Office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38560/18]
View answerIt is vitally important for a number of reasons, but particularly for the management of criminal justice policy and Garda operations, that we have regular publication of CSO crime statistics to allow for a targeted response to crime. As the Deputy will be aware, the Central Statistics Office (CSO) formally recommenced the publication of Crime Statistics on 28 March 2018 with a designation of 'Under Reservation'.
While it is clear that there is a body of work to be done to ensure that the CSO can stand over the figures they release as a true and accurate reflection of the level of criminality in our society, I am confident that the work being done by An Garda Síochána, in conjunction with the CSO and the Policing Authority, will soon return the recorded crime statistics to the higher 'Official' standard expected of our crime statistics.
I understand that this matter will also be addressed at the next public meeting of the Policing Authority and An Garda Síochána on Thursday, 27 September 2018 and I look forward to hearing the outcome of those discussions.
222. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if Ministers, ministerial advisers or officials in his Department have ever used private email to communicate on departmental issues between one another or with other persons or organisations; if so, the reason; if so, if he will publish these emails; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38564/18]
View answerMy Department has a clear policy in which staff are directed not to use third-party or web-based email accounts to send or receive Departmental information, not least because the method is much less secure than Departmental systems.
Thus it is not the practice amongst officials within my Department, nor is it my practice nor that of my advisors, to use personal email accounts for Departmental business.
However, the issue of personal email accounts for work-related business may on rare occasions arise out of necessity, for example where ICT systems are inaccessible.
