Written Answers Nos. 552-571
552. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of first-year enrolments and the number of graduations, respectively in dentistry in each of the years 2006 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46367/21]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is available in the table below. The numbers provided are those recorded on the HEA's Student Records System (SRS) and include enrolments in and graduates from graduate-entry dentistry as well as undergraduate dentistry.
|
Year |
1st Year Enrolments |
Graduates |
|
2006/2007 |
65 |
|
|
2007/2008 |
83 |
75 |
|
2008/2009 |
93 |
72 |
|
2009/2010 |
88 |
68 |
|
2010/2011 |
91 |
70 |
|
2011/2012 |
92 |
74 |
|
2012/2013 |
85 |
85 |
|
2013/2014 |
90 |
75 |
|
2014/2015 |
100 |
85 |
|
2015/2016 |
97 |
76 |
|
2016/2017 |
97 |
79 |
|
2017/2018 |
96 |
78 |
|
2018/2019 |
106 |
95 |
|
2019/2020 |
113 |
89 |
|
2020/2021 |
114 |
553. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the dedicated email addresses for Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas to contact the CAO; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46399/21]
View answerThe CAO process applications for undergraduate, and some postgraduate, courses on behalf of the Higher Education Institutions. Decisions on admissions are made by the HEIs who then instruct the CAO to make offers to successful candidates. Neither I nor my Department have a role in the operation of the CAO.
I understand that the current process for queries to the CAO is via the general enquiry function on the CAO website. If the Deputy sees the need for a further process, I would be happy to engage on the matter.
554. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will report on his ongoing work with the Department of Health on workforce planning for the health service and the way the numbers studying in the healthcare area can continue to be increased in 2021 and beyond; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46434/21]
View answerMy Department is strongly committed to supporting the health of the population through the provision of graduates with the key competencies and skills to be effective in the health workforce, and support a range of clinical teams in our health services.
In both 2020 and 2021, in response to the extraordinary circumstances faced by Leaving Certificate students, and in order to offset the particular pressures faced by these students, I ensured that additional places on a wide range of higher education courses were made available in the higher education system. This ensured that more students than ever before could be offered a place in a third level course. These included additional places in nursing, medicine, pharmacy and a number of other health-related courses.
The Programme for Government commits the Department of Health to working with the education sectors, regulators, and professional bodies to improve the availability of health professionals and reform their training to support integrated care across the entire health service. My Department and I will continue to engage to ensure that we can continue to deliver graduates with the skills necessary to support our healthcare system and support the strategic workforce planning by the health sector.
555. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the supports that are being given to higher institutes of education to support students during the housing crises; if his Department will commence nine month modular-type homes on or off-campus in cities such as Limerick in which there is huge demand for accommodation; and if any capital infrastructure is planned to erect modular homes for students. [46497/21]
View answerThe National Student Accommodation Strategy is designed to ensure that there is an increased level of supply of purpose built student accommodation to reduce the demand for accommodation in the private rental sector by both domestic and international students attending our Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Several of the actions in this strategy centre around ensuring that HEIs have access to low-cost financing in order to support their building of student accommodation.
One of these actions involved the introduction of legislation to empower the Housing Finance Agency (HFA) to lend directly to HEIs for the development of student accommodation. This legislation was commenced in 2017, and so far three universities - TCD, UCC and UCD have had a total of €157 million in loans approved by the HFA, which will provide more than 1,400 new student bed spaces.
In June I, along with my colleagues the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, announced that €75 million of financing had been successfully sourced for the Council of Europe Bank for the building of student accommodation in universities.
Housing For All, the Government's recently announce plan for housing, contains a commitment to support technological universities to develop purpose-built student accommodation where such a requirement exists, through access to appropriate financing, and a specific action in relation to legislating to allow for Technological Universities to borrow from the Housing Finance Agency. My officials and I will continue to work with colleagues in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to advance this.
My Department, together with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, is also engaging with all the universities, including the technological universities, to explore further options which may be available to increase the availability of student accommodation.
557. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the support that will be given to third-level educational institutions to reconvene in-person classes safely for the upcoming academic year. [46587/21]
View answerFollowing Government approval, I published A Safe Return: Plan for a safe return to on-site Further and Higher Education and Research in 2021/22 on June 15th. The Safe Return Plan can be accessed at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/bcd91-a-safe-return-to-on-site-further-and-higher-education-and-research/.
The plan, which emerged following extensive and productive discussions between university representatives, public health and other relevant stakeholders, provided a framework for higher education institutions to proceed with planning for a return to onsite campus learning that would be in line with public health guidance. In that context, institutions and providers progressed with their own detailed planning and work for a comprehensive return to on-site activity.
To support the further and higher education student and sector, €105 million in additional COVID support funding was allocated to assist third level sector to safely reopen in September 2021. The package includes financial support for further and higher education to return on-site safely and in line with public health advice, and additional student supports for students in further and higher education. €21 million of this funding will be allocated to provide specific extra supports for students including an extra €3m for student mental health, an extra €10m for the Student Assistance Fund which provides financial supports to students experiencing financial difficulties while in college, and €8m for the Mitigating Educational Disadvantage Fund which supports and engages disadvantaged learners. This builds on significant supports for the sector and students throughout 2020.
The sector has now moved into the implementation phase with all students having resumed onsite activity. Launching on the 27th September, the Department has worked with the HSE to establish a number of pop-up vaccination centres across 15 different institutions. The clinics will provide first or second doses and will be provided to students and staff as walk-in clinics during Vaccination Week. The aim is to maximise vaccine uptake in those who have not yet availed of vaccination, including international students.
In addition, following engagement between my Department and the HSE, free face masks will be available to staff and students
The safety, sustainability and continuity of the return to campus are of paramount importance and my Department will continue to work with the Chief Medical Officer and the Health Service Executive to that end.
558. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will publish the findings of the independent consultants appointed by the European Commission to assess the Cassells report in advance of Budget 2022 next month; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46600/21]
View answerMy Department's Statement of Strategy, which I published on 8 March last, contains a commitment to put in place a sustainable funding model for the higher education. This is essential in ensuring that our higher education institutions can effectively meet high standards of quality and performance, and achieve critical outcomes for our economy and society.
The report referred to in the Deputy's question was commissioned under the European Commission's Structural Reform Support Programme in November 2019. The final report deliverable was agreed between the Commission (DG Reform) and it's consultants at the end of May 2021.
Following its completion my Department has commenced its examination of the report's analysis, findings, conclusions and recommendations in order to develop proposals for Government to seek to meet the commitment contained in its Statement of Strategy. Once this examination is concluded the report will be submitted to Government for consideration in advance of its publication (pending agreement with the European Commission as the contracting authority).
Budgetary discussions in relation to higher education provision for 2022 are ongoing and I will continue to work towards increased investment in Higher Education for 2022 and beyond.
559. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will put in place measures that would see colleges refund students who are being forced to take lectures online given that vaccination rates amongst persons over 18 years of age are high; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46618/21]
View answerFollowing Government approval, I published A Safe Return: Plan for a safe return to on-site Further and Higher Education and Research in 2021/22 on June 15th. The Safe Return Plan can be accessed at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/bcd91-a-safe-return-to-on-site-further-and-higher-education-and-research/.
The plan, which emerged following extensive and productive discussions between university representatives, public health and other relevant stakeholders, provided a framework for higher education institutions to proceed with planning for a return to onsite campus learning that would be in line with public health guidance. In that context, institutions and providers are currently progressing with their own detailed planning and work for a comprehensive return to on-site activity.
I am very much aware of the difficulties facing students and in July I secured Government approval for €105 million for the third level sector to safely reopen in September 2021. The package will include financial support for further and higher education to return on-site safely and in line with public health advice, and additional student supports for students in further and higher education.
€21 million of this funding will be allocated to provide specific extra supports for students including an extra €3m for student mental health, an extra €10m for the Student Assistance Fund which provides financial supports to students experiencing financial difficulties while in college, and €8m for the Mitigating Educational Disadvantage Fund which supports and engages disadvantaged learners.
In considering fees, it is important to note that the State currently provides very substantial financial support to undergraduate students in higher education towards the cost of their studies. Under the Department’s Free Fees Initiative (FFI), the Exchequer provides funding toward the tuition fee costs of eligible undergraduate higher education students. All students eligible for the scheme receive state support whereby the Exchequer pays the cost of tuition fees exclusive of the student contribution.
Third level institutions are autonomous entities responsible for their own day-to-day operations, management and administration. Any determination as to the level of fees to be charged is a matter for them in light of their own particular conditions and circumstances, and there are no current plans for the Department to provide advice in such matters.
Notwithstanding the above there is a real requirement in these exceptional times to have a responsive approach to student needs wherever possible and it is important to acknowledge that HEIs have to date shown enormous willingness to be responsive in numerous ways. I would encourage all institutions to engage with students in relation to any issues, including course delivery and fees.
560. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the case of a student (details supplied) will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46623/21]
View answerThe CAO process applications for undergraduate courses on behalf of the Higher Education Institutions. Decisions on admissions are made by the HEIs who then instruct the CAO to make offers to successful candidates. Neither I nor my Department have a role in the operation of the CAO, and it is not within our remit to determine CAO points levels, which are determined by the grades received by students, the number of applicants for a course and the number of places available.
I know how difficult a time it has been for students and parents, and we appreciate how disappointing it can be not to receive an offer for your course of choice, but we would like to stress the range of options available both in further education and training and apprenticeships, but also in pathways in higher education. For those whose route into higher education may not be what they originally planned, there are many pathways available in the further and higher education system.
561. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has any plans to standardise university Covid-19 restrictions to national public health measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46727/21]
View answerThe Safe Return Plan for further and higher education, which was agreed following extensive discussions between sectoral representatives, institutions, public health, students, staff and other stakeholders was published on the 15th June. The Safe Return Plan can be accessed at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/bcd91-a-safe-return-to-on-site-further-and-higher-education-and-research/.
The plan, which emerged following extensive and productive discussions between university representatives, public health and other relevant stakeholders, provided a comprehensive framework for higher education institutions to proceed with planning to safely return to significant on-campus learning, teaching, research and a broader student experience fully supported by public health authorities through the implementation of a comprehensive and extensive suite of precautionary measures.
The sector is committed to ensuring that onsite operations are conducted in such a manner as to manage any risk to individual and public health through adherence to the prevailing regulations, guidance, and advice. The approach that the sector has taken is supported by the Chief Medical Officer. In addition, public health recently provided clarification to the sector on public health advice to support the sector in the implementation of its plans for a safe return and to assist its engagement with staff and students in that regard.
The Plan and the approach taken fully recognises the autonomy and diversity of the higher and further education sector, and recognises that institutions will develop and implement their own plans for returning on-site, in line with their local context and physical infrastructure.
The implementation of these plans are being realised with all returning students having resumed onsite activity and first year students commencing this week. The safety, sustainability and continuity of the return to campus are of paramount importance and my Department will continue to work with the Chief Medical Officer and the Health Service Executive to that end.
562. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice her position on offences related to non-fatal strangulation; if her attention has been drawn to reforms in Northern Ireland in relation to same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45940/21]
View answerMy Department is aware of the work in Northern Ireland and of the public consultation the Justice Ministry in Northern Ireland has conducted. Officials of my Department are in contact with their counterparts in Northern Ireland in relation to this ongoing work.
It is important to note that there is modern legislation in this jurisdiction that covers non-fatal strangulation, while Northern Ireland still relies solely on section 21 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.
Under section 2 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 (Assault), a person who, without lawful excuse, intentionally or recklessly directly or indirectly applies force to or causes an impact on the body of another, without the consent of the other, is guilty of the offence of assault. A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding €2,500 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both.
Under section 3 (Assault causing harm) of that Act, a person who assaults another causing him or her harm is guilty of an offence. A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable—
(a) on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to a fine not exceeding €2,500 or to both, or
(b) on conviction on indictment to a fine or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or to both.
“Harm” is defined as harm to body or mind and includes pain and unconsciousness.
The question of the introduction of a standalone offence of non-fatal strangulation in this jurisdiction is currently being examined by my Department. Amongst the issues to be considered is whether there is a possibility that the creation of a standalone offence could cast doubt on the applicability of the 1997 general provision to other specific acts. Any legislative intervention in this area must, as the Deputy will understand, avoid any unintended consequences.
563. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Justice if she has considered fast-tracking citizenship applications of those applicants who worked on the front lines during the Covid-19 crisis as has been done in France; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46011/21]
View answerI recognise and acknowledge the crucial role frontline workers are continuing to play in responding to the threat of COVID-19. They work in a challenging environment and deal with vulnerable people on a daily basis. Their exceptional commitment has been particularly clear throughout the pandemic, during which they have been playing a key role in preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
However, 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 category of employment of the applicant. 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.
I am deeply conscious of how important the granting of naturalisation is to those who apply for it and my Department has continued to accept and process citizenship applications throughout the pandemic and at all levels of public health restrictions. However, processing rates have been negatively impacted by the necessary health and safety related restrictions imposed and it has not been possible to hold in-person citizenship ceremonies since March 2020.
Regrettably, there are just over 22,200 applications currently on hand. These applications are at various stages of processing, ranging from those just received to those where a decision has been made and are "ceremony ready".
For applicants that were in the final stages of processing, in January, my Department opened a temporary system to enable these applicants to complete their naturalisation process by signing a statutory declaration of loyalty. Since then, my Department has delivered on its commitment to communicate with 6,500 applicants by the end of June, inviting them to complete the final steps required prior to the granting of a certificate of naturalisation.
As of 15 September 2021, 6,167 certificates of naturalisation have been issued so far this year and a significant number of healthcare and other frontline workers have and benefitted from these new arrangements. A further 1,000 people have paid the statutory fee and will receive their certificates in the coming weeks.
Since 13 September, the staff of the Citizenship Division of my Department have returned to the office on a new attendance pattern that will see a gain of approximately 500 production hours per week due to increased footfall on-site. To further address the volume of applications on hand, additional staff are being assigned to the citizenship team; and a number of digitisation measures have been introduced to increase efficiency in the process, including eTax clearance, eVetting and online payments.
The end result of the digitisation process will be to free up more staff to focus on processing applications in a timely and efficient manner, to improve service to our customers and reduce waiting times. Based on this, my objective is to achieve an improved decision making timeframe of 6-9 months for a majority of applications during 2022.
564. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice when a stamp 1G visa will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46017/21]
View answerI can confirm that an application for a Stamp 1G permission from the person referred to by the Deputy has been approved. They can expect to receive their new Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card within the next 10 working days.
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.
565. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Justice the status of a maintenance enforcement application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46049/21]
View answerMy Department acts as the Central Authority in Ireland for the recovery of maintenance from abroad.
My officials are dealing with the case referred to by the Deputy. However, I hope you will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me, as Minister, to comment on any individual case.
566. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Justice the number of fixed charge notices which have been issued by An Garda Síochána using the new statutory instrument for dangerous overtaking of cyclists since the law was introduced in November 2019 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46066/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including the enforcement of road traffic legislation. As Minister for Justice, I have no direct role in these matters.
Fixed Charge Notices can be issued for offences related to overtaking or attempting to overtake in a manner which endangers or causes inconvenience to a cyclist. I am informed by the Garda authorities that 47 Fixed Charge Notices have been issued for these offences since the law was introduced in November 2019.
I am advised that these figures are based on incidents which occurred from 12 November 2019 to 23 September 2021, inclusive. I am further informed that these figures are based upon operational data from the Fixed Charge Processing System as was available on 24 September 2021, and are liable to change.
567. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Justice if she will consider issuing flexible visa entry arrangements for persons (details supplied) in view of a significant investment in a tourism and history project by them. [46079/21]
View answerThe persons referred to by the Deputy are US nationals and therefore are visa exempt. They do not require a visa to enter the State for periods of up to 90 days.
However, in order to work in Ireland, a non-EEA national, unless they are exempted, must hold an Atypical Working Scheme (AWS) permission granted by my Department or a valid employment permit issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE).
Any non EU/EEA nationals who wish to remain in the State for longer than 90 days must register with their local immigration office and apply for permission to remain before their initial permission to remain expires. Full details of the registration process can be found at: www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/how-to-register-your-immigration-permission-for-the-first-time/requirements-and-documents-needed/.
If their application for a new immigration permission is granted and they are successfully registered they will receive an Irish Residence Permit card by post, which is proof that they are legally in the State. The IRP card will indicate the stamp/permission granted, the conditions attaching to that permission and the expiry date of the permission. Once the IRP card is in date it will allow the holder to travel freely from and return to the State.
Depending on the type of permission granted, some applicants will have to pay a registration fee of €300. They will be advised of any fee at the time of registration and will be required to pay by credit or debit card at their registration appointment.
In Dublin, the registration office is at 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2. If they are residing outside Dublin, the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) operates a network of registration offices throughout the country. They must register at the registration office nearest to where they live. They can find their nearest Garda station here: www.garda.ie/en/contact-us/station-directory/.
568. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice if all freedom of information requests received by her Department for the duration of this Government have been dealt with comprehensively and accurately; and if she or any Departmental officials have expressed any concerns regarding the way in which freedom of information requests have been handled during the same period. [46084/21]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that I am committed to fulfilling all obligations under the Freedom of Information Act 2014 and I am satisfied that my Department strives at all times to respond accurately and fully to all requests received.
In the period from June 2020 to end August 2021, my Department has received 1,059 requests and 1,000 decisions have been made.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the restrictions on office attendance during COVID-19 have had some impact on response times, particularly in accessing physical files and hard copy records. The Freedom of Information team followed the guidance of the FOI Central Policy Unit in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in how to provide continuity of services to the greatest extent possible and engaged proactively with requesters where appropriate in an attempt to meet their needs and provide them with the information sought.
Arising from my Department’s commitment to respond effectively to all Freedom of Information requests, an overall examination of processes and procedures in early 2020 included a review of the current model in place for dealing with requests and the updating and publication of the disclosure logs. Additional methods of monitoring our performance include monthly reports to the Management Board of the numbers of requests on hand and decisions made.
In addition, similar to a number of other Departments, a Freedom of Information Review Committee has been established within my Department. The Committee’s role includes determining whether individual Freedom of Information requests and internal reviews have followed all the proper processes and procedures. I am satisfied that this extra level of review has contributed further to ensuring that my Department maintains high and consistent standards in processing and managing FOI requests.
The Freedom of Information team routinely receives and indeed welcomes suggestions and comments from staff and stakeholders. Any feedback from staff and from our external customers regarding Freedom of Information procedures is taken into consideration and informs the continuous review of our FOI processes.
569. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice if an appointment will be made to a facility (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46133/21]
View answerEveryone in custody is provided with healthcare services based on an equivalence of care to that which is provided under the General Medical Scheme in the community.
Those services are based on a primary care model which includes general practitioner services made available to all those in custody.
In respect of the specific case referenced by the Deputy, I understand that the Irish Prison Service recently held a national competition to recruit Prison Doctors to fill positions across the entire prison estate. Unfortunately, they were unsuccessful in recruiting a General Practitioner posting for Castlerea Prison.
I am advised that the Prison Service will shortly return to the market to recruit additional Prison Doctors and consideration is being given to advertise specifically for a General Practitioner to work at Castlerea Prison.
The Deputy will wish to be aware that the Prison Service is currently meeting its requirement for the provision of GP services at Castlerea Prison by employing locum GP’s who are engaged by way of a contract agreement with a provider of those services.
This arrangement has been challenging on occasion and the locum providers have not been able to supply a locum GP placement to Castlerea at all times, however I understand that this situation is reflective of the difficulties which are being experienced nationally in other clinical settings in terms of securing locum GP cover.
570. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the current average processing time for applications for citizenship; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46189/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, a number of unforeseen issues have negatively impacted the processing of citizenship applications in recent years. A High Court case, which was subsequently successfully appealed to the Court of Appeal, resulted in significant delays in 2019, and the loss of over six months processing time. Additionally, the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted on staff attendance in the office over the last 18 months and a significant backlog has built up regarding the granting of citizenships due to the inability to hold in person ceremonies during this time.
As a result, regrettably, the current average processing time for applications is 23 months and there are just over 22,200 applications currently on hand. These applications are at various stages of processing, ranging from those just received to those where a decision has been made and are "ceremony ready".
I am deeply conscious of how important the granting of naturalisation is to those who apply for it and my Department has continued to accept and process citizenship applications throughout the pandemic and at all levels of public health restrictions. However, the combined impact of the 2019 Jones judgment and the necessary health and safety related restrictions imposed as a result of the Covid-19 disruption has resulted in the processing timeline for standard applications increasing.
Aside from these specific issues, 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 my Department.
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.
For applicants that were in the final stages of processing, in January, my Department opened a temporary system to enable these applicants to complete their naturalisation process by signing a statutory declaration of loyalty. Since then, my Department has delivered on its commitment to communicate with 6,500 applicants by the end of June, inviting them to complete the final steps required prior to the granting of a certificate of naturalisation.
As of 15 September 2021, 6,167 certificates of naturalisation have been issued so far this year and a further 1,000 people have paid the statutory fee and will receive their certificates in the coming weeks.
The Citizenship Division of my Department has prioritised bringing the oldest applications on hand to conclusion and a significant number of these applicants have received their certificates of naturalisation since the introduction of the temporary process.
Since 13 September, the staff of the Citizenship Division of my Department have returned to the office on a new attendance pattern that will see a gain of approximately 500 production hours per week due to increased footfall on-site. To further address the volume of applications on hand, additional staff are being assigned to the citizenship team; and a number of digitisation measures have been introduced to increase efficiency in the process, including eTax clearance, eVetting and online payments.
The end result of the digitisation process will be to free up more staff to focus on processing applications in a timely and efficient manner, to improve service to our customers and reduce waiting times. Based on this, my objective is to achieve an improved decision making timeframe of 6-9 months for a majority of applications during 2022.
571. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 533 of 15 September 2021, if tenders for the courses and training provided were issued; if so, the persons who responded; the criteria by which the course provider was ultimately chosen; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46205/21]
View answerMy Department is committed to supporting the development of all its staff in line with our HR Strategy and the wider People Strategy for the civil service, and looks for opportunities to support and invest in its people. The provision of training and development programmes has been identified as a key strategic action to enable the civil service to meet its strategic people priorities, namely: be an employer of choice, build the workforce of the future, and build support and value people developers.
It is important to note that the Department does not go to the market to procure development supports in all cases. Specific individual development needs are identified on an ongoing basis through performance management. Small scale individual needs can be met by a range of providers on a one-off basis. The Common Purpose Meridian Programme was identified as an offering in this regard, in providing an environment for senior leaders to engage with other learners from across the public, private and NGO sectors to develop key change management and leadership development skillsets.
