Written Answers Nos. 643-662
643. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the way in which his Department’s annual amount for contingent liability is set; the factors considered when setting contingent liability; if forecasting is undertaken regarding setting future amounts; the contingent liability figure for his Department for 2020; and if the contingent has been utilised to date in 2020. [36905/20]
View answerThis Department was formally established under the transfer of functions order dated 21 October 2020 with the functions transferring from the Department of Education. The Department of Education and Skills 2019 Appropriation Accounts disclosed three categories of contingent liabilities, none of which are relevant to this Department. My Department will as part of the 2020 Appropriation Account process determine what contingent liabilities, if any, need to be disclosed in the notes to the 2020 Appropriation Accounts.
644. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a matter in relation to the refusal of a SUSI grant application by a person (details supplied) will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37095/20]
View answerAs part of a comprehensive customer service and communications strategy provided by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI), to ensure that all necessary avenues are open to applicants to receive the information they need, a dedicated email and phone line service is provided by SUSI for Oireachtas members. This was established to meet an identified need for applicants who choose to engage the assistance of their public representatives in making enquiries about their grant applications.
This service, which was set up at the behest of Oireachtas members, complements the established channels provided by SUSI which include online application tracking, a dedicated website, a telephone helpdesk, email and social media, including Facebook and Twitter. Enquiries may be emailed direct to SUSI at oireachtas@susi.ie. Staff in SUSI are responding to email queries within a matter of days.
In general, for student grant purposes, students are categorised according to their circumstances either as students dependent on parents or a legal guardian, or as independent mature students.
A student may be assessed as an independent student (i.e. assessed without reference to parental income and address) if he/she has attained the age of 23 on the 1st of January of the year of first entry to an approved course, and is not ordinarily resident with his/her parents from the previous 1st October. Otherwise, he/she would be assessed as a dependent student, i.e. assessed with reference to parental income and address.
A student’s status for grant purposes is defined at their first point of entry to an approved further or higher education course or at their point of re-entry to an approved course following a break in studies of at least three years, and continues to apply for the duration of their studies.
However, there are points at which a student may reclassify from a dependent student to an independent student. These are where he/she:
- Progresses from further education to higher education.
- Is returning following a 3 year break in studies.
- Is returning as a"second chance" student after a five year break in studies.
The decision on eligibility for student grant applications is a matter for the centralised grant awarding authority, SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland).
Applicants who do not meet the criteria to be assessed as an independent student for grant purposes, or who cannot supply the necessary documentation to establish independent living for the required period, may still apply to SUSI to have their grant eligibility assessed as a dependent student. The relevant information, including details of parental income, would be required by SUSI to determine grant eligibility as a dependent student.
Further information regarding class of applicant (independent or dependent) and the types of documentation accepted as evidence of living independently from parents is available from SUSI’s website: https://susi.ie/eligibility/applicant-class/
With regard to the specific application, I have been advised by my officials that the student in question submitted an application to SUSI on 15th July 2020. Subsequently a checklist letter was sent to the student requesting evidence of independent residence for 2019 and 2020, evidence of residency and evidence of previous and current education. The documentation received by SUSI re independent residence were deemed insufficient to confirm independent residence and a letter advising ineligibility was sent to the student on 14th October 2020. SUSI received a Notice of Appeal from the student on 2nd November 2020 and the application is currently queued for review by the Appeals Officer who undertakes to respond to all Appeals in writing within 30 days of receipt.
Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down in writing by an appeals officer in SUSI and remains of the view that the scheme has not been interpreted correctly in his/her case, an appeal may be submitted to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board within the required timeframe (i.e. not later than 30 days after the notification of the determination of the appeals officer to the applicant). Such appeals can be made by the appellant on line via www.studentgrantappeals.ie.
In line with the Programme for Government, I recently announced plans to review the SUSI scheme. It is intended that the Review will commence before the end of 2020, and will report in Summer 2021. Stakeholders will be consulted as part of the Review process, and it is intended that the future direction of the SUSI scheme will be guided by the outcome of the Review.
The existing rules reflect the fact that very significant numbers of third-level students move out of home to go to college and continue to be supported by their parents, where their parents have sufficient means, while in full-time education. Therefore, any proposed changes would need careful consideration. The forthcoming Review of the SUSI scheme provides a suitable means to do so.
Apart from the Student Grant Scheme, students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. This Fund assists students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Details of this fund are available from the Access Office in the third level institution attended.
In addition, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may be claimed in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education. Further information on this tax relief is available from a student’s local Tax Office or from the Revenue Commissioners website, www.revenue.ie.
645. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the supports in place for refunding of student accommodation which has not been used (details supplied) due to universities operating online during the Covid-19 pandemic period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37096/20]
View answerI am conscious of the challenges faced by students in relation to student accommodation this year due to financial pressures and the blended learning format of the 2020/21 academic year. Throughout the last number of months my Department has been engaging with representatives from the higher education sector to address the challenges faced by students in this difficult time. My Department, in consultation with these key stakeholders will continue to monitor the situation relating to student accommodation closely.
Refund or cancellation policies in student accommodation should be set out in the license agreement signed at the beginning of the academic year. In the first instance students should engage with their accommodation provider to see if an arrangement can be reached in regard to a refund.
If this is not possible, under the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2019 students have access to the Dispute Resolution Services of the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB).
I have asked our higher education institutions, where they have accommodation, to try to show flexibility in terms of its use for the coming academic year, as well as flexibility with regard to cancellations and refunds. I would hope that that private providers will show the same flexibility, however it is not within my remit to issue instruction in relation to the private rental market.
I am very conscious of the impact of the pandemic has had on our students. To ensure the safety of our students and staff in further and higher education, the majority of college will be online for this semester and we will provide financial assistance through a once off €50 million fund. My officials and I are developing the process on how this once-off fund will operate for submission to Government prior to commencement. Further details will be available for students shortly.
646. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps he is taking to remove barriers for those with disabilities that may not be able to work full-time from accessing apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37105/20]
View answerAt present all national apprenticeships are structured on a full-time basis. Information is sought at the point of registration on any additional supports that may be needed due to disability. Education and training providers offer learning and other supports to apprentices during their training and many employers also provide accommodations in the workplace to apprentices with disabilities. Currently a total of 535 apprentices have reported one or more disabilities, and are receiving additional supports.
SOLAS conducted a review on Pathways to Participation in Apprenticeship which was published in 2018. It highlighted 5 areas for action and implementing the actions outlined in the report is ongoing. Initiatives underway include:
- A total of 300 learners availed of dedicated pre-apprenticeship training in 2019, growing to 580 places in 2020.
- SOLAS, in partnership with the HEA and with the support of the Apprenticeship Council, intends to continue developing access pathways with all providers, including TU Dublin, during 2020 and into the 2020-2021 academic year.
- 963 Employers have registered with www.apprenticejobs.ie which is designed to increase visibility of opportunities for all potential apprentices.
- Broader approaches to widening access to apprenticeships also include developing links between Youthreach and Community Training Centre (CTC) provision.
- The roll out of the 2020 Generation Apprenticeship competition at second level with 156 second level schools, Youthreach Centres and Community Training Centres
In accordance with the Programme for Government, a new Action Plan for Apprenticeship is in development to cover the period 2021-2025 with a target of 10,000 apprenticeship registrations per annum by 2025. The plan will also set out how the apprentice population more closely reflect the general population and offer targeted supports for under-represented groups, including those with disabilities. Stakeholder submissions and a review of the current position of the Pathways findings and recommendations will be used to inform the new action plan which is due to be finalised by year end.
647. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice the guidelines in place for property viewings, both vacant and occupied, under level 5 restrictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36758/20]
View answer648. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice if the guidelines in place for viewings of tenant occupied properties in which the sitting tenants are categorised as at risk or at high risk for Covid-19 will be clarified; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36759/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 647 and 648 together.
The Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA) is the statutory body established under the Property Services (Regulation) Act 2011, with responsibility to licence and regulate property services providers (auctioneers, estate agents, letting agents and property management agents).
On 19 May 2020, the PRSA in association with the Institute of Professional Auctioneers & Valuers (IPAV) and the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) issued the Joint Sector Protocols to all Property Services Providers (PSPs). The Protocol is intended to ensure strict precautions are taken to provide the highest standards of safety in the sales, lettings, valuations and managements of properties in the best interest of clients, consumers, employees, employers and those who are categorised as being at risk or at high risk of Covid-19.
This document gives detailed guidelines for consideration prior to arranging a viewing of a property, what happens during a viewing, post viewing tasks and what to do when a rental agreement is reached including:
- Confirm whether respective client is cocooning or in an at risk category and if so, identify any additional precautionary measures that may be required.
- Agree with the owner/occupier that they will not be in the property at the time of viewing.
- Agree with owner/occupier and note all touch points in the dwelling for the property service provider (PSP) to sanitise after viewing (e.g. door handles, light switches etc.).
- Agree with owner/occupier the use of official Covid-19 signage at locations throughout the property to act as a useful reminder to viewers to follow the HSE rules.
- Pre-booked private appointment viewings only.
- Contact viewer(s) in advance to confirm booking and advise of controls in place and that HSE Covid-19 official instructions must be adhered to during viewings.
- PSPs should ask viewers to remain a reasonable distance from the property (e.g. remain in car) until given permission by the PSP to enter the property .
On 23 October 2020, the PSRA in association with IPAV and SCSI issued the “Property Services Providers' Guidance to Implementing Plan for Living with Covid 19” to all PSPs. This document outlines that under Level 5 restrictions, viewings by the public of properties for sale are permitted by appointment only where:
- Confirmation provided of (a) proof of funds (b) property previously viewed online.
- Time restricted appointments with sufficient time allowed between appointments to avoid any potential cross over of viewers.
- Viewings by one party of two people from the same household is only permitted.
The following arrangements apply for property for rent:
- Properties to be viewed online
- No viewings in person permitted except:
- Where the potential tenant has been offered the property. Viewing of the property takes place prior to signing of the lease and payment of a security deposit.
- In emergency circumstances.
- In these circumstances, viewings by one party of two people from the same household is only permitted.
The full documents are available to view on the Property Services Regulatory Authority website at: www.psr.ie.
649. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice if her Department is on track to build staffing and ICT capacity to clear the existing backlog of international protection applications in order to commence the transition to the new planned asylum system here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36970/20]
View answerMy Department is committed to making further efficiencies in the international protection process. The Expert Advisory Group on the Provision of Support (including accommodation) to Persons in the International Protection Process led by Dr. Catherine Day, has made a number of recommendations related to the international protection process. These recommendations, along with all other recommendations relevant to the work of my Department will be actively considered by a Programme Board I have established for this purpose. Their work will feed into the development of the White Paper by the end of this year, in line with the Programme for Government commitment.
My objective is to have decisions on international protection applications and permission to remain considerations made as soon as is possible. This ensures that those who are found to be in need of our protection can receive it quickly and begin rebuilding their lives here with a sense of safety and security. For those found not to be in need of protection, we can offer them assistance to return to their home country.
The Programme for Government commits to processing applications for international protection at first instance with the aim to reduce median processing times to 9 months or below as soon as possible. It also commits to ensuring that additional resources designated for the International Protection Office (IPO) are deployed in the most efficient and effective way possible to increase the output of quality decisions. I was pleased to secure an additional €1.75m in Budget 2021 for the efficient functioning of the international protection system, which will help us to further improve processing times for applications.
Enhanced use of technology and ICT as part of the processing of applications are central to reducing waiting times for decisions. The IPO has already begun to hold virtual interviews with some applicants living outside of Dublin and has put in place a range of measures to create processing efficiencies across a number of work streams such as accelerated procedures, implementation of non-cooperation measures, and initiatives to speed up the return of completed questionnaires. Other options being explored include greater automation of the process including ICT improvements, revision of key documentation and greater use of remote interviewing.
Efforts to improve processing times have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has reduced the output of decisions considerably and has impacted on the target set by the IPO to make first instance decisions in the vast majority of cases within 9 months. COVID-19 has also impacted those applications at appeal stage.
The IPO’s main focus going forward is to get its processing system functioning as effectively and efficiently as possible, while adhering to all measures in place to combat the spread of COVID-19. However, it must be acknowledged that the processing of applications is complex and that each application deserves and receives an individual assessment.
650. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Justice the amount of additional ring-fenced funding to be provided to domestic violence services under Budget 2021 in order that services can respond adequately to increased incidence of domestic violence through Covid-19 and beyond; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37133/20]
View answer659. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Justice the additional ring-fenced funding to be provided by her Department to domestic violence services in Budget 2021 in order that services can respond adequately to the shadow pandemic of domestic violence through Covid-19 and beyond; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36347/20]
View answer675. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the exact amount of ring-fenced funding across all relevant Departments to be provided to domestic violence services in Budget 2021; and the additional funding that is being allocated in order that services can respond adequately to the shadow pandemic of domestic violence through Covid-19 and beyond. [36881/20]
View answer680. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Justice the amount of additional ring-fenced funding to be provided to domestic violence services in Budget 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36948/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 650, 659, 675 and 680 together.
Combatting domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is a priority for this Government and for me as Minister for Justice.
To date my Department has provided €327,590 in Covid specific funding to help organisations working to support victims of crime, including victims of domestic abuse and I have secured an additional €400,000 to continue this Covid specific support in 2021.
This Covid specific funding has provided additional resources, support, enforcement and services to key organisations in the area of domestic, sexual and gender based violence in response to the increased demand for services during the pandemic. This support is being maintained and increased in budget 2021.
As the Deputies may be aware, Tusla, the Child and Family Agency under the aegis of the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, has statutory responsibility for the care and protection of victims of Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence (DSGBV) and is the primary funder of organisations that deliver frontline services.
In relation to the more general funding for victims of crime, my Department provides funding to promote and assist the development of support services to victims of crime, which includes victims of domestic and sexual crime. In 2020 this funding amounted to €1.9 million and is being increased under Budget 2021 to €2.1 million.
In addition, funding of just over €2 million euro has been allocated to my Department under budget 2021 to combat domestic, sexual and gender-based violence and I have secured an additional €2.3 million to implement the O’Malley recommendations to support vulnerable victims, as set out in Supporting a Victims Journey - A plan to help victims and vulnerable witnesses in sexual violence cases, which I published last month.
651. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice the status of a review into the Irish Prison Service (details supplied) which has been ongoing since 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36160/20]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the Protected Disclosures Act was enacted in 2014 to allow employees to bring alleged wrongdoing to the attention of the appropriate authorities. The Act also affords very important protections to persons making protected disclosures.
I am sure that the Deputy will appreciate therefore that it would not be appropriate for me to comment on nor confirm the existence of any specific protected disclosure. The protection of those wishing to make a protected disclosure rightly prioritises the confidentiality of the process, which is central to the efficacy of that process. However, I can assure the Deputy that my officials are in ongoing communication with the named person.
652. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice the status of the dedicated family law courts complex at Hammond Lane; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36161/20]
View answerThe Programme for Government contains a commitment to build a new family law court building in Dublin and ensure that court facilities across the country are suitable for family law hearings, so that these hearings can be held separately from other cases.
The total capital budget for the Courts Service in 2020 is €66.017 million, €15.380 million of which will be allocated for courthouse capital works for a variety of courthouses around the country and which will also allow for ongoing preparatory work on a dedicated Dublin Family Court complex on Hammond Lane.
My Department has, working with the Courts Service, been able to secure sufficient additional funding to allow the Hammond Lane Project to go ahead. While not in a position to provide exact figures as the future project will have to go to public tender, it will deliver a modern fit for purpose family court for the citizens of Dublin. The OPW will present revised plans for such a facility to the Court Service Building Committee meeting scheduled for 12 December next. I am informed by the Court Service that it is expected that the final plans will be considered at the Courts Board meeting in January.
I am confident that the new Family Courts Project in Hammond Lane will be an important step towards reforming the family courts system in Ireland. Now that additional funding has been provided, I look forward to the commencement of this project shortly, following the deliberations of the Board of the Court Service, as appropriate.
653. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice the status of the review of legislation regarding owner management companies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36162/20]
View answerThe Multi-Unit Developments Act 2011 was enacted with the primary purposes of reforming the law relating to the ownership and management of common areas of multi-unit developments (MUDs) and facilitating the fair, efficient and effective management of owners’ management companies (OMCs). It is important to understand that the involvement of my department with this issue is limited, and derives only from its current responsibility for land and conveyancing law.
In the Programme for Government, the government has committed to conduct a review of the existing management company legislation. My department will engage with relevant departments in relation to advancing this matter.
654. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Justice the status of a naturalisation application by a person (details supplied). [36164/20]
View answerThe application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy, continues to be processed and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.
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 twelve 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.
If the person concerned has a query in respect of their application, they should contact the Citizenship Division of the Immigration Service of my Department at: citizenshipinfo@justice.ie.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to 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 is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
655. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Justice if she has considered the suspension of deportations of those that are working on the frontlines during the Covid-19 crisis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36263/20]
View answerI fully acknowledge the important contribution that migrants have made to health and social care and other essential services in Ireland during the pandemic and beyond.
Humanitarian factors, employment records and other elements are considered as part of the permission to remain process. Each case is examined in detail on its individual merits, taking all factors into account.
My objective is to have decisions on international protection applications and permission to remain considerations made as soon as is possible. This ensures that those who are found to be in need of protection can receive it quickly and begin rebuilding their lives here with a sense of safety and security.
For those found not to be in need of international protection, a detailed consideration of all aspects of their case will have been carried out before a decision is made to grant permission to remain in the State or to make a Deportation Order. This includes a full consideration of their private and family rights in accordance with the European Convention on Human Rights as well as consideration of their work situation, among other issues. If a Deportation Order is subsequently made, Section 3 (11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) allows an Order to be amended or revoked by making a request to me as Minister for Justice.
When a person receives a letter informing them of their negative international protection decision and informing them that they no longer have permission to remain in the State, they are required to confirm within 5 days if they will accept the option of voluntary return, for which the Department will provide assistance. To be clear, the person is not required to remove themselves from the State within 5 days – they are required to indicate an intent to do so. The time taken for relevant voluntary return arrangements to be made will take into account all factors, including Covid-19 restrictions and limitations to travel this has created. For the duration of Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions, I have asked my officials to review the issuing of these letters and this process is currently ongoing.
I encourage people to be as detailed as possible in their representations to me and my Department so that we can make fully informed decisions at the appropriate time.
While the execution of a Deportation Order is a matter for An Garda Síochána, I can assure the Deputy that my Department take a pragmatic approach to such matters in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic.
656. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice the date by which she expects to receive the completed study on familicide and domestic homicide reviews; and if she will publish the report immediately thereafter. [36312/20]
View answerThe introduction of legislation to provide for Domestic Homicide Reviews is an important commitment in the Programme for Government. An independent study commissioned by my Department into familicide and domestic homicide reviews is looking at international best practice in the conduct of domestic homicide reviews with a view to making recommendations in relation to their application in this jurisdiction. The study will be a key facet in delivering on this commitment.
Ms Maura Butler, who is a solicitor and has been a member of the Study’s Advisory Group since its establishment, agreed to take responsibility for leading completion of the study, following the sad and untimely death of Norah Gibbons, who was previously responsible. I met recently with Ms Butler to receive an update in relation to this work but I would stress the importance of recognising that the Advisory Group and their work is independent, and my Department is not involved in the work of the study nor is it a member of the Advisory Group.
I have asked Ms Butler to update me again on progress made later this month and I expect to receive the report from the Group before the end of the year. I look forward to examining the report in detail and I will consider any recommendations made as a priority.
In parallel to this study, An Garda Síochána is currently conducting a review of the investigation of certain homicides, which includes a number of domestic homicides, and is developing policies and procedures to inform the overall policing approach to domestic homicides.
657. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice if a national services development plan will commence in 2020; and if so, if it will be led by an organisation (details supplied) and its 38 frontline member services as the crucial first step in developing a comprehensive national response to domestic abuse and coercive control. [36328/20]
View answer660. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Justice if a national services development plan will commence in 2020; if so, if it will be led by an organisation (details supplied) and its 38 frontline member services as the crucial first step in developing a comprehensive national response to domestic abuse and coercive control that will work and that will be evidence based; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36354/20]
View answer683. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice her views on establishing a national development plan to address the sharp increase in women and children fleeing domestic violence during Covid-19 as outlined in the report by an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37102/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 657, 660 and 683 together.
Tackling domestic abuse, which includes coercive control, and providing structures that meet the needs of victims, is the collective aim of the Government and is a priority for me as Minister for Justice.
The Programme for Government commits to an audit of how responsibility for Domestic, Sexual and Gender based Violence (DSGBV) is segmented across different government agencies. The audit will be undertaken by an external consultant with meaningful involvement from relevant NGOs and service providers, as well as input from Departments and agencies.
The terms of reference for the audit have been finalised, and a procurement process to engage an independent person to undertake the audit has commenced with details available on my Department's website (www.justice.ie). It is intended that the audit will be completed within 3 months of commissioning and the findings of it will be presented to Government before the end of March 2021 in line with the commitment made.
The Deputies may also be aware that, over the last decade, work in this area has been conducted through successive DSGBV strategies. My Department coordinates the Second National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence 2016-2021, which is a whole-of-Government approach to delivering on the many actions necessary to address these matters fully.
The Strategy includes input from relevant community and voluntary groups as well as other stakeholders across the sector. This is achieved through a Monitoring Committee composed of stakeholders from all sectors working together in partnership; as well as ongoing cooperation between the Department and frontline services and industry partners. The Monitoring Committee and the NGOs represented on it are key partners for my Department in our work to tackle DSGBV and will be a primary focus of our consultations in the audit process. I can confirm for the Deputy that the organisation referred to is a member of the Monitoring Committee.
Overall, the Strategy aims to considerably strengthen the law and structures in Ireland targeting domestic, sexual and gender-based violence and considerable progress has been made in addressing these issues through the Strategy.
Without prejudice to the outcome of the audit, a review of the outstanding actions has been conducted to inform the forthcoming 3rd National Strategy on DSGBV, to be developed and agreed by Government before the end of 2021.
As part of the ensuring a national response to domestic violence, my Department in 2020 provided just over €2 million in funding to support training and awareness initiatives in relation to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence and €1.9 million euro in funding to support victims of crime, including victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. This year I have secured funding of over €2 million for combatting domestic, sexual and gender based violence and €2.1 million to support victims of crime. In addition, I have secured €2.3 million to implement Supporting a Victims Journey - A plan to help victims and vulnerable witnesses in sexual violence cases which I published last month.
‘Supporting a Victims Journey’ will be implemented as a priority and it includes the provision of specific training for all of the key personnel a victim comes into contact with during the course of their journey throughout the criminal justice system. Such personnel includes the Gardaí, the DPP, the judiciary and the legal profession. Engagement on development of training programmes for serving Gardaí, the legal professions and members of the judiciary who are participating in sexual offences investigations and trials has already started, and I expect this training will be further rolled out in 2021.
The Deputies may also be interested to know that the rollout of the Divisional Protective Services Units (DPSU) within An Garda Síochána is now complete with DPSUs in every Garda division across the country. The completion of the rollout of DPSUs means that specially trained officers are available nationwide who will be responsible for engagement with, and interviewing of, vulnerable victims. This will ensure that when vulnerable victims of crimes such as domestic abuse and sexual violence present to Gardaí, they are met with a consistently high standard of specialist professional and expert assistance.
658. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda stations without access to broadband. [36332/20]
View answerThe Deputy will appreciate that the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána, and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.
I have requested information from the Garda Commissioner in relation to this matter but it was unfortunately not possible to compile it in the time available.
I will write to the Deputy directly with the information requested, when it is available.
661. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice the reason for the delay in the issuance of a coroner's certificate, interim or otherwise, in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36359/20]
View answerAt the outset, I would like to convey my sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
Coroners are statutory officers exercising quasi-judicial functions, in relation to which they are completely independent. Neither I nor my department have any function in this regard. However, to be of assistance, officials from my department contacted the coroner concerned, and have received an assurance that a full death certificate will be issued to the family in the near future.
Individual families may wish to contact the relevant coroner for further details. All coroners’ contact details can be found on www.coroners.ie.
662. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice if her attention has been drawn to a report by an organisation (details supplied) showing a sharp increase in women and children fleeing domestic violence during Covid-19, including 3,450 women and 589 children that contacted a domestic violence service for the first time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36382/20]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that I very much share her concerns for those who have been impacted by domestic abuse during the Covid-19 pandemic. The increase in domestic abuse incidents during the pandemic has been born out in figures reported by frontline services, such as the one referred to by the Deputy, by statistics released by An Garda Síochána, by the courts and most recently by the Director of Public Prosecutions at the annual Prosecutors Conference.
Tackling domestic abuse and supporting victims is a key priority for me as Minister for Justice and for the Government as a whole. This is true in terms of commitments and additional resources made available during the pandemic and as regards the longer-term planning to ensure we have a comprehensive and holistic approach to the provision of services for victims of domestic, sexual and gender based violence and a system that support vulnerable victims at every point throughout the criminal justice system.
While for most people the advice was to ‘stay home, stay safe’, my Department recognised at he outset of the restriction on movement that for those for whom domestic abuse is a risk, home could be far from safe. In recognition of this, my Department developed an inter-agency plan to address and prioritise tackling domestic abuse during the pandemic, and is leading efforts to identify lessons which can be learned, with input from the community and voluntary sector.
During the pandemic my Department provided additional resources, support, enforcement and services to key organisations in the area of domestic, sexual and gender based violence in order for them to adapt and respond to the increased demand for services during this period. This support is maintained and increased in budget 2021 and I can assure the Deputy that domestic abuse was of primary consideration in the context of the move to level 5 in the National Framework for Living with Covid-19.
My Department initiated and continues to run the 'Still Here' public awareness campaign, in partnership with public sector organisations and the NGO sector. The ‘Still Here’ campaign is about getting the message out that services continue to be available to victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence and to spread the message that the COVID travel restrictions do not apply to victims of domestic abuse seeking help.
During the pandemic, An Garda Síochána have continuously attached the highest priority to domestic abuse through Operation Faoiseamh’, which is an active, ongoing operation and both the Courts Service and the Legal Aid Board are prioritising domestic abuse cases. The Legal Aid board has established a Helpline to ensure victims of domestic abuse get legal advice and representation in proceedings where required.
I want to reassure the Deputy, but more importantly to reassure anyone who is a victim, or at risk of, domestic or sexual abuse, that help continues to be available. An Garda Síochána, the Courts and other services, including the vital supports provided by our highly skilled and committed community and voluntary services are "Still Here" for them - regardless of the level of restriction the country is at.
It is important to note that primary responsibility for funding frontline services, including refuges for victims of domestic abuse, rests with Tusla and I understand that in addition to the €25.3 million of funding provided by Tusla for frontline services in 2020, an additional €2 million euro was provided in Covid specific funding.
In relation to funding more generally, in 2020, my Department committed almost €1.9 million to support services for victims of crime, including sexual and gender based violence. These services provide important information and support to victims of crime, including emotional support, court accompaniment, accompaniment to Garda interviews and to sexual assault treatment units, counselling and referral to other services. €2 million has been allocated to support such services for victims of crime in Budget 2021.
I have also secured just over €2 million euro in Budget 2021 for combatting domestic sexual and gender based violence and an additional €2.3 million to support the implementation of the O'Malley review which will support vulnerable victims, including victims of domestic, sexual and gender based violence.
I recently published Supporting A Victims Journey - A plan to help victims and vulnerable witnesses in sexual violence cases which is a detailed roadmap for the introduction of the recommendations contained in the O'Malley review which, when implemented, will protect vulnerable witnesses, during the investigation and prosecution of sexual offences. This work is being progressed as a priority under the Programme for Government commitments in consultation with our stakeholders.
As regards planning for the future, the Programme for Government commits to an audit of how domestic, sexual and gender based violence services are organised. Terms of reference have been agreed and the Department of Justice has commenced a procurement process to engage an independent consultant to undertake the audit. Candidates have 3 weeks to apply and the contract will be awarded before the end of the year with a requirement to conduct the audit within 3 months. The audit will include input from all stakeholders and will be presented before the end of March 2021 in line with the Programme for Government commitment.
Without prejudice to the outcome of the audit, the Programme for Government also commits to the development of the third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence, which will place a priority on prevention and reduction and will include a National Preventative Strategy. A review of the outstanding actions has been conducted to inform the forthcoming 3rd National Strategy on DSGBV, to be developed and agreed by Government before the end of 2021.
