Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1383. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice the status of an application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18307/21]
View answerCitizenship Applications
Questions (1383)
Written answers
An application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy on 7 June 2019. Documentation was requested by letter dated 7 April 2021. The application will progress further upon receipt of this requested documentation.
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.
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 at INISOireachtasMail@justice.ie, 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 Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
Question No. 1384 answered with Question No. 1358.
Gambling Sector
Questions (1385, 1388, 1416, 1425)
Neale Richmond
Question:1385. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Justice if she has considered limiting the advertisements for gambling on both television and radio; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18336/21]
View answer
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:1388. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice if her Department plans to regulate advertisements for gambling whether online or otherwise; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18413/21]
View answer
Dara Calleary
Question:1416. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice her plans to regulate the advertising of online gambling; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19043/21]
View answer
Thomas Gould
Question:1425. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice her plans to bring forward legislation to regulate gambling advertising. [19316/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1385, 1388, 1416 and 1425 together.
The Programme for Government gives a clear commitment to establish a gambling regulator focused on public safety and well-being, covering gambling online and in person, and the powers to regulate advertising both online and through more traditional mediums. The Justice Plan 2021, identifies the enactment of legislation to license and regulate the gambling industry as a key objective.
As outlined in the Justice Plan 2021, I expect to be in a position to publish the Scheme of the Bill in Q3 2021, and will seek Government approval for the drafting of the Bill on that basis.
The details of how a new gambling regulator might operate specific advertising regulations for the gambling industry, will be informed by the Report of the Inter-Departmental Working Group on the Future Licencing and Regulation of Gambling, approved by Government on 20 March 2019.
At present, the general regulation of advertising in the media is a matter for the Advertising Standards Authority of Ireland and the Broadcasting Authoring of Ireland. Gambling operators (including those holding a licence issued by the Revenue Commissioners, a District Court licence or Garda permit) and the National Lottery are entitled to advertise their products under current law. Such advertisements should be truthful and not mislead any potential customer.
Public Procurement Contracts
Questions (1386)
Catherine Murphy
Question:1386. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the date on which alleged procurement irregularities involving the Irish Prison Service and a company (details supplied) was first drawn to the attention of the Secretary General of her Department; the action which was taken on foot of same; the dates of the action; if contracts and work outside of a tender or procurement process continued to be awarded to the company following the matter being brought to her Department’s attention; if any irregularities have been confirmed on foot of same; if so, the nature and extent of same; if an external report is completed or pending on the matter, if drafts of the report have been completed; the cost of the report; and when it will be published. [18367/21]
View answerWritten answers
I would like to inform the Deputy that correspondence was received on 13 September 2019 in relation to alleged procurement irregularities involving the Irish Prison Service and a named company. The correspondence was forwarded to my Department’s Internal Audit Unit for examination. I am informed that following examination and communication with the correspondent, an investigation in relation to the complaint commenced in March 2020.
I understand that the contract in question was awarded following an EU-wide tender competition conducted in 2013/2014 for the provision of a facilities management service to the Irish Prison Service. I further understand that in November 2017, in advance of the expiration of the contract, the Irish Prison Service engaged with the Office of Government Procurement to conduct a new tender competition for the provision of facilities management across the prison estate for a period of 5 years, with the option of an extension for a further two years. The Invitation to Tender and Contract as awarded acknowledged that the scope of service required could not be fully defined due to the demand-led nature of the service sought, and due to potential legislative, regulatory and other changes that might occur over the contract period.
I am informed that this was a complex and lengthy tender process involving protracted engagement with a number of parties including the Office of Government Procurement, the Chief State Solicitor's Office and technical consultants in order to finalise the new contract award in 2020.
Due to the protracted and complex nature of the tender evaluation process, I understand that the contract continued in operation up to date of the new contract award in 2020. This was in order to ensure continuity of service provision for the prison estate and involved works ranging from commissioning and maintenance of mechanical and electrical and associated plant and systems, repairs, renewals and upgrades, general, reactive and planned preventative maintenance etc.
I am informed that the independent investigation into the allegations has not yet been completed, however, it is understood to be at an advanced stage and is expected to be finalised later this year. I understand that the complainant has been provided with relevant updates in relation to the investigation.
Protected Disclosures
Questions (1387)
Catherine Murphy
Question:1387. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 150 and 151 of 25 March 2021, the number of potential protected disclosures made to the Irish Prison Service by staff in each of the years 2017 to 2020 and to date in 2021, which have been assessed as not a protected disclosure; the number closed following investigation; and the number which are ongoing investigations. [18371/21]
View answerWritten answers
Overall responsibility for the policy and procedures of the Irish Prison Service Protected Disclosure Policy rests with the Director General. I am informed that in line with the Act, day-to-day responsibility for the policy and procedures is delegated to the Director of Corporate Services, or her/his nominee and day-to-day responsibility for the administration of the policy and procedures is delegated to the Protected Disclosures Manager, or her/his nominee.
As the Deputy may be aware, the Protected Disclosures Assessor is an independent, external expert appointed by the Irish Prison Service to conduct an assessment. I understand that when a disclosure of an alleged relevant wrongdoing is made, the Protected Disclosures Manager will arrange for the Protected Disclosures Assessor to undertake an initial assessment of the disclosure under these Procedures as soon as possible.
I am informed that this process involves an initial assessment of the disclosure to determine whether or not it should be treated as a protected disclosure, having regard to a number of relevant matters. If the Assessor concludes that the disclosure should be treated as a protected disclosure, the Protected Disclosures Manager will notify the worker who made the disclosure that an investigation will be undertaken by the External Investigator. Any allegations of wrongdoing deemed by the Assessor to be outside the scope of the Act are addressed or investigated under the appropriate process.
Since 2018 when the Irish Prison Service introduced its own Protected Disclosures Policy, a total of 22 allegations were received for detailed examination.
Of these 22 allegations of wrongdoing received, following examination by the independent Protected Disclosures Assessor:
- Nine did not require further external detailed assessment and were either transferred to be dealt with by a more appropriate body such as Garda Síochána, the Office of the Inspector of Prisons, or my Department, or were closed in preliminary stages.
- One further allegation was assessed as not being a protected disclosure and was closed.
- Seven protected disclosure investigations are now completed and closed.
- Five protected disclosure cases are ongoing.
A breakdown of the information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below:
|
Total 2018 4 |
Total 2019 8 |
Total 2020 9 |
Total 2021 1 |
- |
|
0 |
0 |
1 |
- |
Allegation assessed as not being a protected disclosure |
|
2 |
1 |
5 |
1 |
Allegations transferred to an appropriate body for investigation (An Garda Síochána, the Office of the Inspector of Prisons or the Department of Justice) |
|
2 |
4 |
1 |
- |
Protected disclosure investigations completed and closed |
|
0 |
3 |
2 |
- |
Protected disclosure investigations ongoing |
Question No. 1389 answered with Question No. 1373.
Question No. 1388 answered with Question No. 1385.
Criminal Assets Bureau
Questions (1390)
Francis Noel Duffy
Question:1390. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Justice the amount seized by Criminal Assets Bureau linked to organised drug crimes in Tallaght, Dublin 24 since 2018; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18500/21]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) is a multi-agency statutory body established under the Criminal Assets Bureau Act, 1996. The Bureau’s remit is to target the assets, wherever situated, of persons which derive or are suspected to derive, directly or indirectly, from criminal conduct.
Since its inception, the Bureau has conducted investigations into individuals and Organised Criminal Groups involved in various types of crime, including money laundering and the sale and supply of controlled drugs. The Bureau, however, does not record statistics in relation to a specific crime type in any given area.
With regard to the details of the activities of the Bureau, these are reported on each year in its Annual Report. These Annual Reports can be found at www.cab.ie .
CAB have advised that the figures for 2020 are not available at present and will be published in their annual report once finalised.
Naturalisation Applications
Questions (1391)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:1391. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Justice the number of naturalisation applications made by UK citizens in each of the years 2014 to 2020, in tabular form; the average length of time the process has taken over the same time period in tabular form; her plans to provide an expedited service for UK citizens who have lived in Ireland for a prolonged period of time, that is, for over ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18512/21]
View answerWritten answers
The information requested by the Deputy can be found in the attached spreadsheet.
All applications for a certificate of naturalisation are processed and assessed individually in accordance with the legislation. There are no provisions to apply different criteria depending on the nationality of the applicant or the length of time they have resided in the state. All applicants are required to meet minimum periods of reckonable residence and standard checks are carried out as part of the overall process to maintain its integrity.
In general, the current target is that it should take around 12 months for a standard application for a certificate of naturalisation to be processed from the date it is received to the date a decision is made. However, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process.
Processing timescales can be impacted by incomplete applications having to be returned; further documentation being required from the applicant; where the payment of the required certificate fee is awaited; or if the applicant has not been engaging with the Immigration Service.
In some instances, the input of several government agencies, both within and outside the jurisdiction is needed and the request and receipt of information from these sources can result in delays in processing some applications. Issues can also arise at the final stage of the naturalisation process, for example, where additional information comes to light which is required to be considered before a final decision is taken.
I am conscious that a significant backlog has built up regarding the granting of citizenships due to the inability to hold in person ceremonies during Covid-19. On 18 January 2021, I was pleased to announce a temporary system that enables citizenship applicants to complete their naturalisation process by signing a statutory declaration of loyalty.
My department achieved the target of communicating with 4,000 people by the end of March 2021. Around 1,200 people have received their Irish citizenship in the 10 weeks since I opened the temporary statutory declaration process. A further 1,159 people have returned their signed statutory declarations and the Immigration Service will be sending them their certificates of naturalisation in the coming weeks.
It has also been decided to extend the statutory declaration process to a further 2,500 people and by the end of June, it is expected that 6,500 people will have been given the opportunity to complete their Irish citizenship.
It remains my intention that large scale ceremonies will recommence once circumstances allow. In-person ceremonies have been provisionally scheduled to resume in December 2021, subject to the safety of all involved being assured.
Plans for the digitalisation of the naturalisation process are well advanced, in line with my recent announcement to significantly modernise the Justice Sector through increased digital and ICT investment.
The end result of the digitisation process will be to free up additional resources to focus on enhanced customer service delivery, ensuring the integrity of the process is protected and processing applications in a timely and efficient manner.
|
PQ 18512-21 |
|
- |
Applications Received |
Average processing time for decisions reached in Calendar Year |
||
|
Year |
UK Nationals |
Total Applications |
UK Nationals |
All Decisions |
|
2014 |
47 |
15,418 |
6.7 |
5.3 |
|
2015 |
73 |
12,656 |
7.1 |
6.8 |
|
2016 |
569 |
13,018 |
4.2 |
5.8 |
|
2017 |
860 |
11,777 |
5.5 |
7.4 |
|
2018 |
1233 |
12,867 |
8.8 |
10.4 |
|
2019 |
1736 |
12,281 |
10.4 |
11.6 |
|
2020 |
1071 |
10,138 |
10.8 |
13.5 |
* The average processing time where the number of applications in a category is small (as in the case of the UK in 2014 and 2015 can be skewed by a small number of applications that are more complex.
Visa Applications
Questions (1392)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:1392. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice when the suspension on accepting new visa and preclearance applications will be lifted; the reason for this suspension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18513/21]
View answerWritten answers
The decision to temporarily cease accepting new visa/preclearance applications, with the exception of Priority or Emergency applications, applies to all countries and has been in place since 29 January 2021. Applications that were received prior to 29 January 2021, will continue to be processed. However, unless the application meets the Emergency or Priority criteria, a visa or preclearance approval letter will not issue until such time as these restrictions have been lifted.
These measures are designed to support our current public health restrictions on movement, including into and out of Ireland. The increased travel restrictions, along with the mandatory hotel quarantine measures introduced as part of the Government’s efforts to interrupt the transmission of COVID-19, means that travel may not be possible and even if possible is not advisable unless absolutely essential.
The framework for these restrictive measures is set out in the Government’s Resilience and Recovery: Plan for Living with COVID 19. These measures have now been extended to at least 5 May 2021.
When making such decisions, the Government considers the expert public health advices of NPHET to tackle the disease. The situation will continue to be reviewed in consultation with the relevant authorities in the coming weeks.
Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service
Questions (1393)
Denis Naughten
Question:1393. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 1278 of 24 March 2020, when the current 880 active cases were received by the INIS; the initiatives which are in place to tackle the backlog by month in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18582/21]
View answerWritten answers
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to applications for permission under the Zambrano judgment (related to decisions under a scheme whereby a non-EEA national who is the biological parent of a minor dependent Irish Citizen Child living in Ireland, can be granted residency rights in Ireland) is not readily available for the entire period in question. Collating this information would require a disproportionate and inordinate amount of staff resources and time, which could not be justified in the current circumstances where there are other significant demands on resources.
However, I can confirm that the vast majority of these cases (over 77%), were made since 2019 and 52% were made since 2020. Over 680 of these applications are currently being actively processed by staff of the Immigration Service, where they have written out to applicants seeking additional documents, DNA evidence etc.
All applications received in Residence Unit 4 in the Immigration Service of my Department are processed in chronological order. If the applicant submits all of the relevant documentation along with a completed application form, their application can be processed quickly when reached, as long as there are no queries regarding the parentage of the Irish citizen child. To uphold the integrity of the immigration system, all cases are examined individually on their own merits.
To speed up the processing of applications, and as a result of the limitations on staff attendance at the office during this time, Residence Unit 4 commenced accepting applications via email in April 2020. Non-EEA parents of Irish citizen children who hold a current valid immigration permission and are residing in the Dublin Metropolitan area can also now submit their application to be registered as the parent of an Irish citizen child through the online registration portal at: https://inisonline.jahs.ie/user/login.
Non EEA parents of Irish citizen children who currently do not hold a valid immigration permission to remain in the State, continue to be required to apply for permission under the Zambrano judgment by submitting the completed application form with all the required documentation to Unit 4, Domestic Residence and Permissions Division, Immigration Service Delivery, Dublin 2, DO2 XK70.
Cross-Border Co-operation
Questions (1394)
Neale Richmond
Question:1394. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Justice the way that cross-Border policing and cooperation between the Police Service of Northern Ireland and An Garda Síochána has been operating since the end of the Brexit transition period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18603/21]
View answerWritten answers
On 24 December 2020, the EU and UK negotiating teams reached agreement in principle on a Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), which came into effect from the end of the transition period, 31 December 2020. The Agreement includes cooperation on law enforcement and criminal justice. In particular, the EU and the UK have agreed to establish a new framework for law enforcement and judicial cooperation in criminal matters. This will allow for strong cooperation between national police and judicial authorities, including with respect to mutual legal assistance and extradition.
A range of measures has been put into effect to ensure the relationship between Ireland and the United Kingdom in the Justice and Home Affairs field will remain strong and that co-operation is maintained in the public interest.
The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner is responsible, by law, for the management of An Garda Síochána, including matters relating to cooperation with law enforcement in other jurisdictions. As Minister, I do not have direct responsibility for such arrangements.
I am however informed by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána has not experienced any adverse effect to its border policing operations since the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December 2020.
There continues to be ongoing cooperation between An Garda Síochána and the PSNI at an operational level in relation to national security issues, organised crime and general policing along the border.
The Cross Border Joint Agency Task Force also continues to enjoy high levels of co-operation and operational activity between all the Law Enforcement Agencies in tackling organised and cross jurisdictional crime. This collaborative effort continues to effectively achieve the shared objectives of An Garda Síochána and the PSNI in keeping our communities safe.
Legal Aid
Questions (1395)
Kathleen Funchion
Question:1395. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Justice the cost of free legal aid annually in relation to cases of possession of illegal drugs for personal use and in cases of petty crimes associated with drug use. [18607/21]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised that the detailed breakdown of information requested by the Deputy is not available due to the manner in which information in relation to the grant of criminal legal aid is compiled by the Courts Service.
Garda Reserve
Questions (1396)
Johnny Guirke
Question:1396. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Justice the status of the strategic review of the Garda reserve due in 2019; the schedule for the recommencement of recruitment to the Garda reserve which was suspended pending the review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18608/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Garda Commissioner is responsible, by law, for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff. As Minister, I have no direct role in such decisions.
The Deputy may wish to note that, earlier this year, 72 Garda Reserves attested upon completion of their training. Members of the Reserve already work full time jobs but willingly give their free time to An Garda Síochána in order to strengthen their local communities. As of 12 April 2021, which is the most recent data available, the total number of serving Garda Reserves nationally is now 476.
The report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland concluded that the Garda Reserve programme is not utilised to its full potential. The Commission recommended that future recruitment to the Garda Reserve should be paused, pending the outcome of a comprehensive strategic review, in order to examine how best to structure the Garda Reserve to meet the needs of An Garda Síochána. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the final draft of the Garda Reserve Strategy is currently being reviewed within the organisation.
Once the Garda Reserve Strategy is approved, an implementation plan will be put in place and consideration to recommence recruitment to the Garda Reserve will be given in line with workforce planning requirements.
Courts Service
Questions (1397)
John McGuinness
Question:1397. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice the number of judges attached to each court in the judicial system; the number of vacancies in each court waiting to be filled; the process by which it is decided to increase the number of judges at any given time; the number of cases in each court waiting to be processed; the reforms of the judicial system that she is considering; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18635/21]
View answerWritten answers
Under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts, including the provision of accommodation for court sittings, is the responsibility of the Courts Service which is independent in its functions. However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made regarding insolvency cases in the Circuit Court.
The number of Judges assigned to each jurisdiction, as set out in legislation, is set out in the Table underneath.
|
Jurisdiction |
Description |
|
Supreme Court (10 posts) |
Chief Justice and 9 ordinary judges |
|
Court of Appeal (16 posts) |
President and 15 ordinary judges |
|
High Court (38 posts) |
President and 37 ordinary judgesPlus 2 additional judges * |
|
Circuit Court (38 posts) |
President and 37 ordinary judgesPlus 2 serving specialist judges** |
|
District Court (64 posts) |
President plus 63 ordinary judges |
*The Garda Síochána Act 2005 and the Courts (No. 2) Act, 1997 permit the number of High Court judges to be exceeded by one in each instance that a High Court judge is appointed as Chair of GSOC or as a member of the Law Reform Commission.
**In the Circuit Court the appointment of 2 specialist judges is provided for under the Personal Insolvency Act, 2012.
It is a priority of this Government to ensure access to justice for each person who needs it, including investing in technology to make justice more efficient and maintaining adequate judicial resources within the courts. To that end the Government will continue to ensure any existing and future vacancies are filled as expediently as possible in line with all legislative requirements. As at 20 April 2021, of the 166 posts there are four judicial vacancies in the Courts as follows: 2 Supreme Court (one Supreme Court position to be filled shortly following the nomination for appointment of Gerard Hogan on 20 April), 1 Circuit Court and 1 District Court. There are no vacancies in the Court of Appeal or High Court. Of these vacancies, it has been agreed with the Chief Justice to maintain one vacancy on the Supreme Court, given the additional judges assigned to the Court of Appeal in recent years, and the process for filling the two other vacancies has commenced.
Consideration of requests for additional judicial resources are carried out in consultation with the Judiciary, Courts Service and Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. All cases made are subject to appropriate scrutiny, having regard to the level of demand for the Court Service, the existing resources in place, the impact on other areas of the criminal justice system and value for money considerations etc. The Government agreed yesterday to increase the number of judges in the High Court by 5 to ensure sufficient resources are available to the Courts to address areas of immediate need within the Court, in particular the pressures on criminal justice arising from Covid; the fact that Ireland recently joined the Schengen Information System to enable sharing of criminal information across borders and the particular issues arising in terms of strategic infrastructure development. This is one of the largest increases in judges approved in recent memory, the first increase in High Court Judges to be made since 2015, and a very significant investment by the State in judicial resources.
I was also pleased to receive Government approval yesterday for the establishment of a Working Group in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government to consider the number of and type of judges required to ensure the efficient administration of justice over the next five years. I have also commissioned the OECD to prepare an independent review of the judicial resource needs, including benchmarks against international comparators, so that we have the numbers, skills, and processes to ensure access to justice over the next five years. I expect these processes to be complete within the year.
The Courts Service is currently in the process of compiling data regarding caseloads, which I will share as soon as this information becomes available, and I will continue to engage with the Courts to prioritise this process. Given the pandemic and the preparations of the Justice Sectoral Plan for Covid recovery it is essential that our policy responses, and our resource decisions, are based on good data. I conveyed this message directly to the Court Service CEO and her management team when I met with them on their plans for dealing with Court backlogs and recovery from Covid on 8th April, including rolling out of further remotely-enabled court facilities. In the last month the Court Service, with the support of my Department, has increased the number of jury trials; held court settings in new venues such as Croke Park for the first time; held additional sittings over Easter. It is also refining plans for increasing Court business in a manner that is safe for the citizen and staff and which will address the backlogs. This is an area I continue to monitor closely with the Court Service. All additional requests for funding and resourcing for this work have been fully met to date. Indeed Budget 2021 saw an allocation of almost €160 million for the Courts Service. This included €8 million for the initial phase of a Courts Modernisation Programme along with an additional provision of €5.7m for COVID measures to enable court sittings take place in a socially distanced and safe environment.
The recently published Justice Plan 2021 outlines how, working with the judiciary and the courts, my Department will introduce the most significant series of reforms in the last 100 years to how our civil courts operate, with a focus on the needs of the user of the court system. A new Family Court system, investment in building a new court at Hammond Lane, and new procedures to improve the experience of families at a time of difficulty are being progressed. There are specific plans outlined to ensure the justice sector is more reflective of modern Irish society by improving the diversity of the judiciary, the courts service and the professions by opening up pathways to working in the legal sector. I am also preparing a significant reform of the judicial appointments system to include the establishment of a new Judicial Appointments Commission, and it is proposed that the relevant Bill will be published in this Dáil term. This, combined with the work of the Judicial Council to bring forward guidelines for judicial work and skills, will further enhance the standing our judicial system at home and abroad and support our strong and independent judiciary, one of the successes of our State.
Visa Applications
Questions (1398)
Gerald Nash
Question:1398. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Justice the status of the reopening of visa application centres and mandatory biometric enrolment for applicants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18709/21]
View answerWritten answers
As part of Government efforts to tackle the pandemic, on 27 January 2021, I signed an Order that imposes new visa requirements on passport holders from a number of South American countries and South Africa.
In addition to the new requirements, the Immigration Service of my department also took the decision to temporarily cease accepting new visa/preclearance applications with the exception of the Priority/Emergency case types, details of which can be found on the Immigration Service website at: www.inis.gov.ie . This process is effective from close of business on 29 January 2021, and applies to all countries.
These measures have now been extended to at least 5 May 2021, and the situation will continue to be reviewed in consultation with the relevant authorities in the coming weeks.
Increasing travel restrictions and the measures introduced as part of the Government’s efforts to interrupt the transmission of COVID-19 means that travel may not be possible and even if possible is not advisable unless absolutely essential. It is currently against the law for any person (regardless of nationality or passport) to travel within Ireland for non-essential purposes and people can be fined for doing so.
The Visa Application Centres (VACs) are not currently closed, but are only accepting applications that fit the list of Priority/Emergency criteria. The VACs are also subject to local restrictions imposed by the authorities in the relevant country. Mandatory biometrics are only taken in a very small number of countries including China, Hong Kong, India, Pakistan and Nigeria.
Any resumption of services is subject to current health and safety advice in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Immigration Service intends to resume accepting all other application types as soon as safety concerns abate.
Citizenship Applications
Questions (1399)
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill
Question:1399. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Justice the timeline for the citizenship application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18755/21]
View answerWritten answers
An application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy on 18 September 2018. This application is currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible. If any further documentation is required, it will be requested from the person in due course.
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. However, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at INISOireachtasMail@justice.ie, 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 Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
Courts Service
Questions (1400)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:1400. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice the number of outstanding cases and the likely timeframe to address the backlog of cases in the Dublin District and Circuit Civil Court Office. [18758/21]
View answerWritten answers
Under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in exercising its functions. Furthermore, the scheduling of individual court cases and the allocation of court business are entirely matters for the Presidents of the Courts and the presiding judges who are, under the Constitution, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions.
However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had inquiries made with the Courts Service who have advised me that it is currently in the process of compiling data regarding caseloads. I will share this information as soon as it is available and I will continue to engage with the Courts to prioritise this process. Given the pandemic and the preparations of the Justice Sectoral Plan for Covid recovery it is essential that our policy responses, and our resource decisions, are based on good data. I conveyed this message directly to the Court Service CEO and her management team when I met with them on their plans for dealing with Court backlogs and recovery from Covid on 8th April.
The Courts Service continue to work with the Judiciary to prioritise business and the holding of courts to address areas of most concern. Urgent family law cases, including domestic violence cases, have been dealt with at all times during the current period of Level 5 restrictions. Consent orders have also continued to be made when parties to such cases applied to Court.
Through staggering of court lists, positive callovers of cases on hand and the introduction of new people management procedures, the Courts began to operate at near full capacity in the Summer and Autumn of last year and good progress had been made in dealing with arrears that built up during restrictions. I understand that the Courts Service expects similar results will be possible once current restrictions ease and continues to work closely with the Judiciary to identify areas of work that require particular attention and schedule as much work as possible during current restrictions.
The Judiciary and the Courts Service have worked closely and innovated through the use of technology to maintain the highest level of court activity possible, including through the use of remote courts. Family law proceedings have been heard remotely in Clare, Cork, Donegal, Dublin, Louth, Monaghan, Sligo, Tipperary and Westmeath. Videolink facilities will be rolled out to 43 additional courtrooms across the country this year in order to assist in addressing the current caseload, reducing backlogs and ensuring that remote hearings are held in every county of the country.
With greater use of technology in virtual courts and by the implementation of Covid-19 people management procedures, the Courts in Dublin and elsewhere have endeavoured to proceed with as many civil cases as possible. Dublin District Civil Court made over 300 orders in the first quarter of the year and those cases that could not be heard have now been given dates from April to September.
The Dublin Circuit Civil Court has seen extensive use of virtual hearings for infant rules and insolvency matters so these matters have not been greatly impacted during lockdown. Approximately 440 trials which were cancelled have now been rescheduled from April through the Summer and into Autumn. Mental health appeals, nursing home support scheme applications and other urgent matters including licensing matters and injunctions are being granted hearing dates including physical hearings when required.
This work has been possible because of the support of this Government, which is committed to ensuring adequate resources for the courts in order to maintain access to justice for all citizens. This commitment was reinforced recently with the highest ever budgetary allocation for the Justice sector including €158.8 million for the Courts Service. This included €8 million for the new Courts Modernisation Programme along with an additional provision of €5.7m for COVID measures to enable court sittings take place in a socially distanced and safe environment. A significant priority for my Department and the Courts Service in the years ahead will be to significantly invest in digital technology, to transform the experience of practitioners and of court users.
Visa Applications
Questions (1401)
Mary Lou McDonald
Question:1401. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice when face-to-face interviews for visas will recommence; and the procedure in place for those applying for visas during level 5 restrictions. [18770/21]
View answerWritten answers
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.
The ability to register an immigration permission in person, for those living in Dublin, is unfortunately not possible until the Registration Office reopens in line with the Government’s Roadmap.
To ensure that people do not fall out of permission during the Covid-19 pandemic, seven automatic extensions of immigration permissions have been provided, the most recent to 20 September 2021. The renewal of permission is on the same basis as the existing permission and the same conditions attach.
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.