Wednesday, 24 Feb 2021

Written Answers Nos. 679-700

Third Level Examinations

Questions (679)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

679. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to a petition by students (details supplied); if clarity will be provided in respect of the way in which apprentice trades will take exams in 2021; and his plans in respect of the practical elements of education they have not been able to undertake in the context of public health advice and the ongoing pandemic. [9987/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

Following the 6 January 2021 Government advice to minimise movement, off-the-job training for craft apprentices moved to primarily online delivery.

SOLAS and the HEA are actively working with sectorial stakeholders to find an alternative assessment approach for craft apprentices due to take their assessments in the coming weeks. The exact timing of phase assessments will be confirmed once agreed. Updates on the current situation are available on www.apprenticeship.ie as well as direct communication to employers and apprentices from SOLAS via text message and email.

Third Level Fees

Questions (680)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

680. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if funding is available under the funding allocated for third level courses through the July stimulus package for a course (details supplied). [10001/21]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

Under the July stimulus package an additional funding allocation of €47.5m was provided for Higher Education skills-related programmes. The higher education elements of the July stimulus package were in three broad areas – further support for Springboard+ and HCI Pillar 1 (€10m), Funding for Postgraduate provision (€22.5m), and the provision of modular courses(€15m).

The Professional Master of Education (Primary Teaching) did not fall into the categories of courses eligible for funding under the July Stimulus Initiative. However, in Budget 2021, enhanced SUSI grant supports for postgraduate students were announced, including an increase in the postgraduate fee grant from €2,000 to €3,500 coupled with an increase in the income threshold for eligibility for this fee grant. Students enrolled on PME programmes can apply for support from the Student Assistance Fund through the Access Office in the HEI in which they are enrolled. A review of the Student Grant Scheme administered by SUSI was announced in December 2020, and the Terms of Reference for this review include examining supports for postgraduate students.

Access to Higher Education

Questions (681)

Cormac Devlin

Question:

681. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied); if the higher education access route application process will be reviewed to ensure applicants are given every opportunity to correct minor errors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10021/21]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The HEAR scheme is operated by the Irish Universities Association (IUA) who set the policy criteria for the scheme. Admissions under the schemes are regulated by the higher education institutions themselves. Each institution determines its own admissions policy in relation to the schemes, the number of places they reserve and the allocation of those places. Applications to both schemes are submitted to the Central Applications Office (CAO) who coordinate the scheme for participating institutions.

As such, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science has no role in the policy criteria or administration of the scheme.

According to the HEAR handbook of 2021, HEAR uses a review and appeals process to make sure that all HEAR applicants are treated fairly and the assessment procedures have been applied consistently. Further information on the review and appeals process is available at www.accesscollege.ie/hear/making-an-application/hear-review-and-appeals/

Access to Higher Education

Questions (682)

Cormac Devlin

Question:

682. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10022/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

Education and Training Boards (ETBs) provide a wide range of courses to meet the needs of both individuals and employers. Each ETB determines the provision and location of particular courses and in doing so takes a range of factors into consideration. A full list of Further Education and Training (FET) courses are available at www.fetchcourses.ie.

I would encourage the individual in question to make an appointment with the Adult Education Guidance Service (AEGS) in their local ETB; in this instance Dublin and Dun Laoghaire ETB. The AEGS provides guidance and information to FET learners and potential learners before, during and after training and can go through the various FET options and supports available to them. This service is confidential and free of charge.

Education Data

Questions (683)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

683. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of students enrolled in professional masters of education course by public and private colleges, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10082/21]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

Data on PME enrolments by institution is available in the attached table in respect of publicly funded higher education institutions (HEIs). As this data is taken from the HEA's Student Records System, it does not contain data on private institutions. Enrolment data from these institutions is not available to my Department.

Higher Education Institution	2017/2018	2018/2019	2019/2020
Cork IT	33	28	30
Dublin City University	322	335	337
Limerick IT	20	27	26
Mary Immaculate College, Limerick	128	136	130
Maynooth University	318	313	331
National College of Art and Design	34	31	35
National University of Ireland, Galway	315	328	338
St. Angela's College of Home Economics, Sligo			68
Trinity College Dublin	118	135	145
University College Cork	249	257	249
University College Dublin	239	256	233
University of Limerick	136	140	160
Total	1,912	1,986	2,082

Brexit Issues

Questions (684, 685, 686)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

684. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to the recent decision by the Scottish Government to change the fees status of higher level Irish students in Scotland from home to rest of UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10120/21]

Thomas Pringle

Question:

685. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on whether the recent decision by the Scottish Government to change the fees status of higher level Irish students in Scotland from home to rest of UK is in breach of the Common Travel Area agreement (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10121/21]

Thomas Pringle

Question:

686. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has raised the recent decision by the Scottish Government to change the fees status of higher level Irish students in Scotland from home to rest of UK with his counterpart in the UK Government in order to address the negative consequences this will have for Irish students studying in the UK regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10122/21]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

I propose to take Questions Nos. 684 to 686, inclusive, together.

Until 31st December 2020, Scotland applied an exemption for EU students from outside the UK for its fee regime for higher education students. This facilitated the 'free fees' regime for Scottish students, and EU (including Irish students) while at the same time charging fees to students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

As a consequence of the UK departure from the EU, Scotland has legal advice confirming that this arrangement can no longer apply, having regard to domestic UK legislation. However, while Scotland opted to charge EU students the higher full international fee, Irish students will be treated on the same basis as UK students from outside Scotland. This means that they will be liable are now liable for fees of up to £9,250 per annum. This revised arrangement does not impact on Irish students who are already pursuing their higher education studies in Scottish higher education institutions.

The Government has engaged with the Scottish Government about these issues, and in a welcome development, the Scottish Authorities have set aside the residency requirements and allowing immediate access to student loans from the Student Awards Agency Scotland.

The Deputy should also note that I recently amended the Student Support Act 2011 which will ensure that eligible Irish students can take their SUSI grant should they choose to study in an approved institution in the UK.

Health and Safety Regulations

Questions (687)

Maurice Quinlivan

Question:

687. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the issuing of Safepass registration cards under current restrictions is not being conducted and that some construction workers are unable to work as passes are out of date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10175/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013, craft and general construction workers, persons undertaking on-site security work and persons or classes of persons as may be prescribed by the Minister are required to hold a safety awareness registration card (Safe Pass card). In March 2020 the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation amended these regulations to extend the expiry dates of valid Safe Pass cards due to expire after the 1st March 2020 for the duration of the Covid-19 emergency period.

Provision of Safe Pass courses had been suspended for the second time in two years with the shutdown of the construction sector in January. Given the continuation of essential construction activity, SOLAS who administer the Safe Pass Programme have been advised that limited resumption of Safe Pass training may take place to meet the needs of new workers accessing critical projects. Training activity should be in accordance with the COVID safety arrangements developed by SOLAS and limited to the level absolutely necessary and time-critical. In addition the following requirements are to be met by SOLAS:-

1. ensure training is limited to workers engaged in essential construction work,

2. ensure training is limited to those not currently holding valid cards, and

3. approve the running of Safe Pass courses on a case by case basis based on 1 and 2 – training providers must inform SOLAS in advance of their plans to run a course and demonstrate the immediate requirement for the training.

SOLAS is continuing to work on the development of an alternative delivery model which is equitable with existing Safe Pass, CSCS and QSCS course delivery, in being accessible to all eligible workers, providing real time course participant supports and ensuring assessment integrity.

Local Development Companies

Questions (688)

Bríd Smith

Question:

688. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will intervene with the WWETB, Waterford Wexford Education and Training Board, to ensure that help is being provided to the new board of an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10192/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

My officials have made contact with Waterford Wexford Education and Training Board (WWETB) in relation to this matter and I understand that there is an ongoing process between the two organisations. I would hope that both can work together positively to reach a resolution.

Research Funding

Questions (689)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

689. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on the development of a national public genomics programme given that €66 million in funding has already been given to a private company engaged in the collection and analysis of DNA without assurances of future access to the database; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10246/21]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

As Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, my Department has overall responsibility for national research and innovation policy. However, other departments have specific responsibility for research and innovation strategy related to their policy remits.

Responsibility for policy relating to genomics research falls under the remit of the Department of Health. The Health Research Board (HRB) in their new Strategy 2021-2025 launched last week state that they will ‘Take a leading role to convene stakeholders to progress the design, development and implementation of national shared, high-cost research infrastructures, including in the areas of biobanking and genomic research’.

My Department is broadly supportive of a national genomics programme and welcomes the opportunity to input and assist in such activities as outlined in the HRB Strategy, as appropriate. In particular, as the national foundation for investment in research in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), which falls under the remit of my Department, recognises that there is a need and strongly supports the introduction of a national strategy/national public genomics programme.

My understanding is that the €66 million in funding mentioned by the Deputy relates to a consortium investment led by the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF), which is managed by the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) and as such is not under the remit of my Department.

Student Accommodation

Questions (690)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

690. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the expenditure by higher education institutions on constructing student accommodation since 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10247/21]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The information requested by the Deputy is not held in my Department. Expenditure on construction of student accommodation is a matter for the Higher Education Institutions themselves, in line with their institutional autonomy.

Third Level Examinations

Questions (691)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

691. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will request SOLAS to provide clear information to phase 6 electrical students in TUD, Tallaght, on their upcoming exams; if these exams will take place online as opposed to in-house in view of the amount of learning time missed and lack of ability to conduct practical aspects of the course material; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10314/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

Following the 6 January 2021 Government advice to minimise movement, off-the-job training for craft apprentices moved to primarily online delivery.

SOLAS and the HEA are actively working with sectorial stakeholders to find an alternative assessment approach for craft apprentices due to take their assessments in the coming weeks. The exact timing of phase assessments will be confirmed once agreed. Updates on the current situation are available on www.apprenticeship.ie as well as direct communication to employers and apprentices from SOLAS via text message and email.

Student Universal Support Ireland

Questions (692)

Aindrias Moynihan

Question:

692. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress being made on the review of the SUSI scheme; the changes that have been identified; if the new criteria for the scheme will be available to students making their applications in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10410/21]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The principal support provided by the Department in financial terms is the Student Grant Scheme. Under the terms of the Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.

The Programme for Government contains commitments to, among other things, review SUSI eligibility criteria, adjacency rates and postgraduate grant supports.

The review of the Student Grant Scheme has just commenced and is due to report in Summer 2021. My Department is overseeing the implementation of the review through a steering group with student representation as well as representation from SUSI. Stakeholders in the student grant system will be invited to provide contributions via a formal submission process in the coming weeks.

The Student Grant Scheme and Student Support Regulations for the 2021/22 academic year will be published towards the end of March/early April 2021. The opening of SUSI's online grant application system will coincide with the publication of the scheme. Grant applications are submitted online via www.susi.ie. Further information in relation to student grant assistance is also available from this website. The telephone number for SUSI’s Helpdesk is 0761 087 874.

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. Information on the fund is available through the Access Office in the third level institution attended, and is administered on a confidential discretionary basis.

In addition, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may also be available 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.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (693)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

693. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the amount his Department has expended to date regarding awareness raising campaigns of Covid-19 in national newspapers, regional newspapers, national radio, regional and local radio stations and across social media platforms; and the amount committed to expend under any current contracts or agreements with same in tabular form. [10474/21]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

My Department has expended €6251.24 in support of the "Keep it Small, Keep it Safe, Keep your Distance" social media campaign in 2020. There are no current commitments for further campaigns.

Education Data

Questions (694)

Gary Gannon

Question:

694. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department has data on the practice of higher education institutions running non-accredited courses; if so, if he will provide same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10578/21]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

My Department does not hold or collect the type of data in question.

Higher Education Institutions are autonomous bodies and are responsible for their own day-to-day management and operational affairs including in relation to their academic affairs and the development of their educational offerings.

Departmental Offices

Questions (695)

Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

695. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Justice the facilities available in her Department to facilitate breastfeeding breaks in accordance with WHO guidelines of two years for women in the workplace and as part of the National Strategy for Women and Girls 2017-2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9376/21]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I wish to advise the Deputy that the Department of Justice has ten buildings in its estate. All of the buildings have a dedicated restroom, which may be used by staff for breastfeeding and expressing breast milk.

Crime Data

Questions (696)

Claire Kerrane

Question:

696. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Justice the number of knives seized by An Garda Síochána in each of the years 2018 to 2020, by Garda division. [9398/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Justice

The Deputy will appreciate that the Garda Commissioner is responsible, by law, for the management and administration 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 question and will write to the Deputy directly with the information sought, when it is available.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51.

SUBSTANTIVE ANSWER: I refer to Parliamentary Question Number 696 for answer on 24 February 2021, in which you requested the number of knives seized by An Garda Síochána in each of the years 2018 to 2020.

You will recall that the information could not be obtained in the time available and I undertook to consult with An Garda Síochána and contact you again when the information was available.

I share your concern on the issue of knife crime and indeed all violent assaults. We are familiar with the problems in neighbouring jurisdictions in this regard and the Government is determined to ensure that similar problems do not develop here in Ireland as any stabbing incident has the potential to cause irreparable physical harm and/or tragic consequences.

I published the Justice Plan 2021 on 22 February this year, which included an action to review Garda powers in relation to dangerous weapons, including knives, to ensure they have the necessary legal tools to protect our communities.

There is a comprehensive and robust legal framework in place with respect to knife crime, including heavy penalties for breaches of the laws concerned. Under the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, the maximum penalty for a conviction for possessing a knife in a public place without good reason or lawful authority was increased from one to five years.

My Department is keeping the law in relation to sentencing for knife crimes, as well as all other policies around knife crimes, such as targeted interventions, under review. This includes considering approaches adopted in other jurisdictions to reduce violent crime, including knife crime.

Knives, knife crime, and crime in general, are classified differently across jurisdictions so accurate comparisons are not readily available. With that in mind, it should be noted that research in the UK points to tougher sentencing, generally, not being seen as an effective strategy for reducing knife crime.

The Commissioner and I have discussed drawing lessons from international examples, such as Scotland and London. Although their challenges were significant and perhaps greater than ours, we can still learn from their approach.

The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the management of An Garda Síochána. However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and I am informed by An Garda Síochána that a query was run against the PULSE database on 1st February 2021 to identify any object of sub-type ‘knife’ linked as ‘seized’ with any incident reported nationwide since 01/01/2018. The total count of objects of type per Garda Region and Division is as follows for the past 3 years:

Region	Division	2018	2019	2020
Dublin Region		899	960	998
Dublin Region	D.M.R. Eastern	66	77	74
Dublin Region	D.M.R. Western	169	194	190
Dublin Region	D.M.R. Northern	184	168	145
Dublin Region	D.M.R. Southern	96	129	133
Dublin Region	D.M.R. North Central	189	185	200
Dublin Region	D.M.R. South Central	195	207	256
Eastern Region (NEW)		370	353	420
Eastern Region (NEW)	Meath Division	49	53	64
Eastern Region (NEW)	Kildare Division	64	52	72
Eastern Region (NEW)	Wexford Division	36	48	43
Eastern Region (NEW)	Wicklow Division	29	24	40
Eastern Region (NEW)	Laois/ Offaly	71	47	59
Eastern Region (NEW)	Waterford Division	66	49	73
Eastern Region (NEW)	Westmeath Division	23	45	25
Eastern Region (NEW)	Kilkenny/ Carlow	32	35	44
North Western Region		297	450	381
North Western Region	Mayo	25	48	34
North Western Region	Donegal	28	43	45
North Western Region	Louth Division	87	109	77
North Western Region	Galway Division	48	89	84
North Western Region	Sligo/ Leitrim	42	39	50
North Western Region	Cavan/ Monaghan	29	53	60
North Western Region	Roscommon/ Longford	38	69	31
Southern Region (NEW)		365	379	444
Southern Region (NEW)	Clare	37	28	39
Southern Region (NEW)	Kerry	39	37	28
Southern Region (NEW)	Limerick	86	74	86
Southern Region (NEW)	Cork City	101	121	172
Southern Region (NEW)	Cork West	26	16	15
Southern Region (NEW)	Tipperary	35	47	57
Southern Region (NEW)	Cork North	41	56	47
National		1931	2142	2243

Figures are based upon operational data from the PULSE system as was available at 01:30 on 01/02/2021 and are liable to change.

I hope this information is of assistance.

Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service

Questions (697)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

697. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice when the INIS system will reopen for appointments given the website does not indicate the length of time it will be until new applications will be processed only that previously booked applications will be treated first; the other options open to persons currently waiting to obtain their visas given that some have been waiting since October 2020 and are experiencing distress as a result; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9412/21]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

Due to the public health restrictions currently in place under Level 5 of the Government's Framework for Restrictive Measures in Response to Covid-19, the Registration Office in Burgh Quay has been closed since 23 December 2020, until further notice.

To ensure that people do not fall out of permission during the Covid-19 pandemic, six automatic extensions of immigration permissions have been provided, the most recent to 20 April 2021. The renewal of permission is on the same basis as the existing permission and the same conditions attach. This automatic extension applies in the case of the person referred to by the Deputy.

The requirement to register an immigration permission in person, for those living in Dublin, will not arise until the Registration Office reopens in line with the Government’s Roadmap. First time registrations require the taking of biometric information (fingerprints) so it is not possible to do these registrations online.

Customers residing in Dublin, who had appointments cancelled for a first-time registration and who provided a valid email address when making their appointment, will be contacted by the Immigration Service of my Department and given a new appointment date.

Registrations outside of the Dublin area are processed by the Garda National Immigration Bureau through the Garda Station network. Information on the contact details for all the registration offices outside Dublin is available at: https://www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/office-of-corporate-communications/news-media/reopening-of-registration-offices.html.

Further updates will be provided on the Immigration Service website when available at: http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/COVID-19-updates-and-announcements.

Stardust Fire

Questions (698, 748)

Seán Haughey

Question:

698. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide legal aid to the families of the Stardust fire victims in order that the inquests into the deaths of their loved ones can commence as soon as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9454/21]

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

748. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if she will meet and engage with the legal representatives of the families who lost loved ones in the Stardust tragedy to ensure that there are no further delays in starting the Stardust inquest; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10568/21]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I propose to take Questions Nos. 698 and 748 together.

This Government is committed to ensuring that the inquests into the Stardust will commence as soon as possible, having regard to public health guidelines, and that the families concerned will receive the supports they need in terms of legal aid.

Extensive work has been undertaken to deliver on these objectives. Government funding has been allocated for the new inquests to cover a number of areas including legal aid for the families, the facilities and equipment for the public facing elements of the inquest at the RDS, advice to the Coroner and related costs. Budget 2021 included an allocation of up to €8m to cover such costs and all costs will be fully published upon conclusion of the inquests.

My Department has engaged extensively over a number of months with the legal representative of many of the Stardust families as well as exploring all available avenues to ensure that the families receive the best support in terms of their legal costs. That process has now concluded and the legal representative, the Coroner and the Legal Aid Board have been advised accordingly. The Coroner has processed the requests by the families for legal support and the Legal Aid Board will process the applications on hand immediately. Although the legislation provides for the payment of legal aid at the end of the inquest, the Department has committed to facilitating the making of payments one month in arrears.

The timing of the inquests is a matter for the Senior Dublin Coroner, Dr Myra Cullinane, who has already begun her work on this inquest. Three pre-inquest hearings have already taken place. Some delays have been unavoidable with Covid-19 restrictions. The Coroners Society of Ireland agreed that all inquests in the State were not to be held in January given public health considerations under Level 5 restrictions.

The Department has developed a website for the inquests (https://www.stardustfireinquests.ie/) and assigned additional resources to the office of the Dublin Coroner to support the Coroner in her work. A dedicated socially-distanced courtroom is currently being built and is almost complete, and the Coroner has visited the new courtroom earlier this week. Provision for viewing the hearings virtually has also been made.

The public facing elements of the inquest are expected to commence in Spring 2021, as originally committed to, public health guidance permitting.

Naturalisation Applications

Questions (699)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

699. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if the question regarding court cases pending for naturalisation applications is a reference to criminal and civil cases; if not, if it is limited to criminal cases only; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9499/21]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation under the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements, not only within the State but also at European Union as well as international level. It is therefore important that appropriate procedures are in place to ensure that the integrity of the regime for granting Irish citizenship through the naturalisation process is held in high regard both at home and internationally.

It is essential that my Department and I have the fullest range of information available to us in order to make fully informed decisions on naturalisation applications. This is important not only to ensure the integrity of the process, but also in the best interests of the applicant, in ensuring that all relevant matters are considered.

In order to approve an application for a certificate of naturalisation, the applicant must satisfy the criterion of good character. To assist, a report is sought from the National Vetting Bureau (with the applicant’s consent) and this report is considered, along with the entirety of the information related to the application.

It is incumbent on all applicants to disclose during the application process any information related to character and the application form requires detailed information from the applicant in this regard.

As the Deputy will appreciate, it would be premature to make a decision on the grant of a certificate of naturalisation where the outcome of a court case, either Civil or Criminal, is pending at the time of the decision as it could be of fundamental importance to that decision and the good character of the applicant.

Prison Visiting Committees

Questions (700)

Niall Collins

Question:

700. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice if there are vacancies on the prison visiting committee; where such vacancies are advertised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9525/21]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

Appointments to Prison Visiting Committees are made in accordance the Prison (Visiting Committees) Act, 1925 as applied by section 4 of the Prisons Act, 1970 and are generally made for a period not exceeding three years, but members may be considered for re-appointment.

The legislation provides that the membership of each Visiting Committee shall consist of not fewer than six, and not more than twelve, responsible persons. At present, the number of appointees to the Visiting Committees in Cloverhill, the Dóchas Centre, Loughan House and Shelton Abbey is below the minimum.

Appointments are made by me, in my capacity as Minister, on foot of representations either from local representatives or from individuals nominating themselves. All applications for appointment are individually assessed and are subject to Garda clearance.

The Deputy may be aware that there is a commitment in the Programme for Government to review the existing functions, powers, appointment procedures and reporting processes for Prison Visiting Committees. Work in this regard has commenced, and is progressing in my Department.