Written Answers Nos. 363-377
363. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason that there are no undergraduate physiotherapy courses in Cork, UCC and MTU; if he will provide funding to set up such a course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7188/22]
View answerHigher Education Institutions are autonomous bodies within the meaning of the Universities Act 1997, the Institutes of Technology Acts 1992 to 2006, and the Technological Universities Act 2018. As such they are autonomous in relation to their administrative and academic affairs, and the courses offered by any institution, and the level at which they are offered, are a matter for the individual institutions to determine.
It is my understanding that while there are no physiotherapy courses offered at undergraduate level in Cork, a masters in physiotherapy is offered in University College Cork. My department is engaging across government on workforce planning and will respond accordingly to any issues arising around skills needs and places available within our higher and further education institutions nationwide.
364. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of higher education institutions and further education providers which are compliant with the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) WCAG 2.1 standards as is mandatory for mobile applications and websites under European Union and Irish legislation. [7202/22]
View answerMy department has recently published a number of policy documents which articulate policy responses for key groups, including persons with disabilities. The Further Education and Training Strategy 2020-2024 includes plans to target priority groups who have diverse needs, such as people with disabilities. The 10 year Adult Literacy for Life Strategy (2021-30), which was launched last September, outlines a cross-Government approach to reduce the number of adults in Ireland who have unmet literacy, numeracy and digital skills needs. People with a disability are one of the key target groups within the strategy.
Further and higher education institutions are autonomous bodies and are therefore responsible for ensuring compliance with all relevant procedures and standards, including with regard to the WCAG 2.1 Standard.
365. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide a breakdown of Departmental civil servants and State agency employees under his remit, respectively working in County Wexford and their respective Departmental section in tabular form. [7236/22]
View answerI can confirm that there are no civil servants employed by the Further and Higher Education; Research; Innovation and Science in county Wexford.
The following tabular statement gives details of civil servants employed by aegis bodies under the remit of my Department.
|
Department Office |
Location |
No. |
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Skillnet Ireland |
Wexford |
2 |
366. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress made by his Department in respect of its targets and goals set out in the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development under the policy remit of his Department; if these targets and goals will be met by their respective deadlines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7280/22]
View answerA renewed focus is currently being given to progress Ireland’s commitment to Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. Substantial progress has been achieved in recent months in respect of reviewing Ireland’s implementation of Agenda 2030 and identifying key priorities and actions for inclusion in the next National Implementation Plan. It is intended that the draft Plan will be made available shortly and form the basis of discussion at the next SDG National Stakeholder Forum. This will allow for a final round of input from stakeholders prior to finalisation and publication.
Ireland has adopted a ‘whole-of-Government’ approach to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with each Minister having responsibility for implementing individual SDG targets related to their functions.
I have also included below details of the goals my Department is responsible for, and the progress made in implementing these goals.
1. Under the Sustainable Development Goals Policy Map, a number of Education strategies and plans have been identified as key to implementing SDG 4 – Quality Education which spans ensuring:-
- equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university (4.3)
- increasing youth and adults who have skills for employment and entrepreneurship (4.4)
- gender disparities are eliminated and equal access to all levels of education (4.5)
- all youth and substantial proportion of adults achieve literacy and numeracy (4.6)
- all learners acquire skills, knowledge to promote sustainable development (4.7)
a. National Plan for Equity of Access to Higher Education 2015-2021 (SDG 4.3, 4.5)
The Third National Plan for Equity of Access to Higher Education 2015-2021 ended in 2021. The development of the new Strategic Action Plan for Equity, Participation and Success in Higher Education, which will span over the period 2022 – 2026, is at an advanced stage. The plan is being developed collaboratively between my Department and the Higher Education Authority.
The plan has involved significant consultation with interested stakeholders, including higher education institutions, students, individuals and representatives of priority groups.
This approach of the Plan will be rooted strongly in partnership approaches, across Government, institutions and communities. It will focus on improving the learning experience and success of learners and seek to enhance support for people who are under-represented in the learner population in higher education. I will be bringing the final Plan to Government in advance of publication in the coming months.
b. Further Education and Training (SDG 4.3, 4.4, 4.6)
In the Further Education and Training (FET) sector, and in line with SDG 4.3, fostering inclusion is one of the three core pillars of the FET Strategy 2020-2024. Work is continuing across the sector to enhance the inclusivity, accessibility and flexibility of FET provision. Within their annual service planning processes, the Education and Training Boards (ETBs) consider the needs of the most marginalised groups and how these are being addressed within their provision. In the area of fostering inclusion, there have been two significant developments, namely the development of the Framework for Universal Design for Learning in FET and the launch of the new 10 year adult literacy, numeracy and digital literacy strategy, Adult Literacy for Life. Both developments are significant and will help to enable every citizen to participate fully in society.
The Mitigating Against Educational Disadvantage Fund (MAEDF) aims to provide funding to support educationally disadvantage learners in accessing and participating in community education. The fund was first made available in 2020 with €5.8m granted comprising over 500 community education projects funded through the 16 ETBs. In light of the great successes of the MAEDF in 2020, and in recognition of the continuing challenges in relation to the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, a further €6.85 million was granted under this Fund again in 2021, comprising over 1,000 initiatives. The projects funded varied from projects to help support online learning, connect communities and providing social supports to the most disadvantaged eCollege has also been expanded, and eCollege courses have been temporarily made available free of charge as additional supports to those impacted by Covid-19.
c. National Skills Strategy 2025 (SDG 4.4, 4.5)
- The National Skills Strategy 2016-2025 (NSS) was published in 2016 and makes recommendations in the skills arena for the period to 2025.
- The Strategy sets out a wide range of actions under six key objectives aimed at improving the development, supply and use of skills over the next decade. The objectives are:
1. Education and training providers will place a stronger focus on providing skills development opportunities that are relevant to the needs of learners, society and the economy.
2. Employers will participate actively in the development of skills and make effective use of skills in their organisations to improve productivity and competitiveness.
3. The quality of teaching and learning at all stages of education will be continually enhanced and evaluated.
4. People across Ireland will engage more in lifelong learning.
5. There will be a specific focus on active inclusion to support participation in education and training and the labour market.
6. We will support an increase in the supply of skills to the labour market.
Since the publication of the NSS in 2016, the changes that were anticipated for the future world of work have accelerated, including those around Industry 4.0, automation and digitisation. The new technologies and new skills associated with these trends bring with them requirements in relation to upskilling and reskilling for those in employment and those seeking employment, as well as requirements in relation to the content of tertiary education. It is timely to review and revitalise the skills strategy, architecture and overarching approach for Ireland in order to ensure that our skills framework continues to be fit for purpose and to work on the basis of partnership with industry in driving forward the skills agenda and responding to the challenges that face us as our economy reopens and recovers
d. National Strategy on Education for Sustainable Development (SDG 4.7)
The National Strategy on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) 2014-2020 has now expired but significant progress was made over the period, spanning early childhood education to higher education and beyond, and a report is being compiled in this respect. Achievements included:-
- the introduction of additional undergraduate and postgraduate programmes relevant to sustainable development;
- the integration of sustainable development criteria in initial teacher education programmes;
- increased participation in the Green Campus programme among higher education institutions;
- increased pipeline of research and researchers with expertise on the SDGs and Sustainability achieved, through research funding calls with a specific focus on these areas.
Building on the success of the existing strategy, the Department, together with the Department of Education are jointly developing a new strategy for ESD to 2030, aligned to the UNESCO Framework for ESD for 2030 and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 4.7. As well as being a target in itself, ESD is also considered a key enabler for achieving all 17 SDGs. A public consultation process to inform ESD to 2030 took place between April - June 2021, in addition to targeted stakeholder consultation in Autumn 2021. The new strategy will aim to extend ESD to the informal and non-formal education sectors, raise awareness, increase youth participation and links with communities. Development will be overseen by the ESD Advisory Group. It is envisaged that a new strategy and accompanying implementation plan for ESD to 2030 will be published in Spring 2022.
2. Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science - Statement of Strategy 2021-2023
The SDG Implementation Plan calls for a reference in Statements of Strategy where Departments have lead responsibility to implement SDG goals. The Department’s new Statement of Strategy 2021-2023 includes a clear commitment to sustainability and embeds goals and actions throughout that are aligned with the SDG Goals and Targets, where the Department is named as a lead of stakeholder department.
3. Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation, including through a focus on high-value added and labour-intensive sectors (SDG 8.2)
Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending (SDG 9.5).
My Department’s Statement of Strategy is a clear articulation of the Government’s commitment to support and strengthen the national research and innovation ecosystem and position Ireland as a leading knowledge-driven economy. Innovation 2020, Ireland’s national strategy for research and development, science and technology has come to a conclusion but its vision for Ireland to become a Global Innovation Leader driving a strong sustainable economy and a better society continues to be valid today.
The development of a new national strategy for research and innovation (R&I) is a key commitment in the Government’s Economic Recovery Plan 2021, which sets out the “dual ambition of placing research, development and innovation at the heart of addressing Ireland’s economic and societal challenges, and building capacity and capability across the research and innovation system to move R&I up the value chain.”
Development is ongoing, but the next strategy will set a vision and ambition for Ireland’s R&I system with ambitious national strategic goals and objectives out to 2027. This will enable agility and responsiveness over the full period of the strategy and a strong focus on delivery and reform.
The Programme for Government commits to creating better opportunities through education and research and ensuring that Ireland is a global leader in research and innovation across the arts, humanities, social sciences and STEM. Research and innovation will be fundamental to addressing our economic and social challenges such as climate change, digitalisation and public health and as such the new strategy will be aligned with the SDGs.
4. Climate Action (SDG 13)
Climate Action features prominently in the Department’s new Statement of Strategy 2021-2023. The Department is also contributing actively to the preparation of the new Climate Action Plan. The research and innovation sectors will play an important role, including advancing innovative and technological solutions that will in turn be critical to enable sectors across the economy to meet the ambitious targets set for 2030 and 2050. There will also be a key role for the tertiary education sector to ensure reskilling and upskilling for climate action, including new skills required in the green transition such as retrofitting.
In terms of progress made, Springboard+ and the Human Capital Initiative (HCI) has provided significant funding for courses that include a focus on the environment, climate change and sustainability.
Under Springboard+ 2021, 310 places were provided on fourteen courses that focus on the environment, climate change and sustainability. Courses range from Corporate Environmental Planning, to Near Zero Energy Buildings and Energy Infrastructure and are offered in 11 different institutions. A new round of Springboard+ 2022 courses are due to be launched in Q2 2022, and the call for proposals included sustainability and the low carbon economy as an area of focus for courses under the call.
Under HCI Pillar 1 2021, 247 places were provided on 12 courses that focus on the environment, climate change and sustainability. Courses range from Post Graduate Diploma’s in Sustainable Energy Systems to Post Graduate Diploma’s in Wind Energy and are offered in 8 different institutions.
HCI Pillar 2 funding has targeted 25 additional places on the following course on TCD B.Sc. in Environmental Engineering or (depending on pathway taken) B.Sc. in Applied Environmental Science. The academic rationale for the course is to uniquely combine the expertise of two Schools (Natural Sciences and Engineering) towards preparing graduates to tackle the global challenges of the world as set out in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
I and my Department are committed to making progress on the SDGs and will continue in our programmes of work as set out above in order to advance this important agenda.
367. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of electric vehicle charging points that are available for use by staff across all carparks provided for use by his Department throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7383/22]
View answercan confirm to the Deputy that my Department commenced moving headquarters into existing State owned office space in September 2021. In the past week the Office of Public Works assigned 10 car parking spaces to my Department based on square footage and occupancy rates. Of these 10 spaces, none are currently equipped with electric vehicle charging points.
368. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Justice the status of the criminal justice (community sanctions) Bill; the timeline for its passage through the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7117/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Criminal Justice (Community Sanctions) Bill 2014 seeks to update the Probation of Offenders Act 1907 .
The aim of the new Bill is to provide a modern statement of the law governing community sanctions and the role of the Probation Service in the criminal justice system. It will facilitate the effective and efficient use of community sanctions by the courts and will ensure that the courts have a wide range of appropriate options for dealing with persons who have committed minor offences.
The legislation also takes account of the interests of victims of crime by making it a statutory requirement for the courts to have regard to the interests of victims when making decisions about community sanctions.
While the original heads were approved by Government in 2014 they are currently being reviewed in context of the penal policy review underway in my Department.
The policy review of the General Scheme of the Criminal Justice (Community Sanctions) Bill 2014 in consultation with the Probation Service and the Prison Service, is due for completion in the second quarter of this year.
369. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Justice if she plans to review the Fines Act 2010 and the Fines (Payment and Recovery) Act 2014 to determine if they require amendment to reduce committal rates for defaults on court-ordered fines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7118/22]
View answerThe Fines (Payment and Recovery) Act 2014 came into force on 11 January 2016. It provides for alternative orders to imprisonment in the event that a court imposed fine is not paid.
The Act was introduced to help address the high level of short-term prison sentences for the non-payment of court imposed fines. In 2015, prior to commencement of the Act, there were 9,883 committals to prison for non-payment of fines. By 2019 this had fallen to only 861; a reduction of 91%. I am satisfied therefore that in terms of reducing committal rates, the 2014 Act has achieved that objective.
That said, the fine collection system provided for in the 2014 Act has proven cumbersome to operate and it is currently being reviewed by a High Level Group chaired by my Department with a view to bringing forward proposals to streamline the system.
370. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Justice if her Department is tracking the progress of the removal of Covid-19 restrictions in Irish prisons; the details of the restrictions that have been removed across the prison estate and in each prison particularly in regard to the removal of legal and family visitation restrictions in prisons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7119/22]
View answerThe Irish Prison Service is committed to the provision of safe, secure and humane custody for people who are sent to prison in this State. Covid-19 in a prison setting presents significant challenges for prison management in terms of controlling the spread of the virus amongst staff and prisoners, and the provision of appropriate medical treatment to affected persons.
Everyone involved in the Prison Service has worked tirelessly to ensure effective infection control measures are in place while at the same time continuing to provide a range of rehabilitative support services for prisoners in custody.
The Prison Service has continued to review and modify Covid restrictions throughout the pandemic. Restrictive measures have been modified in line with the various announcements made by Government and in line with advice from Public Health/HSE and the Irish Prison Service National Infection Control Team.In 2021, the unwinding of restrictions was linked to the roll out of the Covid-19 vaccination programme in prisons. As a result of the successful roll out of the programme to all prisons, the Service was able to unwind a significant amount of measures in all locations with the exception of Cloverhill Prison which did not have a critical mass of prisoners vaccinated at the time.
In October 2021, following the latest advice from Government, the Prison Service commenced a significant unwinding of measures in line with similar action taken in the community.
This included:
- the recommencement of physical visits in all locations (except Cloverhill Prison),
- the removal on the restriction preventing the mixing of prisoners from different areas within the prison,
- the return of constructive activities to full capacity,
- the recommencement of prisoner temporary release programmes, and
- the resumption of religious services.
The resumption of these services was contingent on the continuation of a number of infection control measures to ensure the health and safety of both staff/service providers and prisoners.
A number of other restrictions were retained at that time including the continued suspension of non-essential prison visits, the continued suspension of group gatherings including award ceremonies and presentations, the continued need to maintain social distancing and the wearing of face coverings in line with both public health guidance and Government restrictions in place in the community.
More recently, following a short two week suspension in January 2022, the Prison Service confirmed that all physical family visits would recommence on 24 January, 2022.
The Prison Service is continuing to work towards the full restoration of physical visits to pre-pandemic levels on a phased basis. Prisoners are currently entitled to receive one thirty minute physical visit every fortnight and on the weeks that they are not receiving a physical family visit, prisoners are able to avail of a video visit. Prisoners may also choose to avail of a video visit instead of a physical visit if they prefer.
The number of visitors permitted on a visit will increase to three persons with effect from 14 February 2022 and the Prison Service will review these arrangements at the beginning of March with a view to restoring weekly physical visits, subject to the availability of resources and the risk of infection.
While I understand that physical visits for legal representatives to those in the custody of the Irish Prison Service have been maintained throughout the pandemic , I am advised that some logistical difficulties have arisen in that regard on occasion.
The Irish Prison Service has continued to engage with the Law Society throughout the pandemic to provide information on the restrictions in prisons which may have impacted on physical visits, especially during Covid-19 outbreak situations, and I am advised that the Service has encouraged solicitors, where possible, to use the video visit system for consultations with clients.
I am assured by the Irish Prison Service that every effort has been made, and continues to be made, to ensure that solicitors can meet with their clients across the prison estate.
In addition to the measures set out above, a recent review of restrictive measures by the Service has seen a number of other restrictions eased. Work and Training and Education are returning to pre-pandemic capacity. Arrangements are being made for the return of a number of in-reach service providers to prisons on a priority basis and the Service has commenced planning for the recommencement of the National Drug Treatment Programme in Mountjoy Prison.
The Irish Prison Service has been managing a number of Covid-19 outbreaks in prisons since November 2021 which have resulted in a significant number of prisoners and staff testing positive for the virus.
The Prison Service introduced a Covid-19 Contingency Plan which is implemented during an outbreak of the virus within a prison. The Service is currently revising this Plan and the procedures for the management of outbreaks which will eliminate the need for widespread restrictions and mass testing and ensure that restrictions are limited to the areas impacted by the outbreak.
The Service intends to continue to review remaining restrictions on an ongoing basis and the unwinding of these measures will be determined by the level of risk posed to prisons at that time and taking account of Government decisions.
371. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Justice if the Government is on track to meet the Programme for Government deadline for the ratification and implementation of the United Nations Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture within 18 months of the formation of the Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7120/22]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, Ireland signed the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture (OPCAT) but has yet to ratify this treaty.
Ireland has, of course, already signed and ratified the Convention itself. The Protocol provides for the establishment of bodies known as National Preventive Mechanisms (NPMs) which would inspect facilities where people can be held involuntarily.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to ratify OPCAT and my Department is leading on the development of the legislation needed to facilitate the introduction of a multiple institution NPM model in this State which will allow for the ratification of OPCAT.
Whilst meeting the timeline in the Programme for Government to allow for the ratification of OPCAT has proved challenging due to the complexities of this legislation and its cross-departmental nature, I am pleased to advise that the General Scheme of the Inspection of Places of Detention Bill is currently being drafted and I expect to be in a position to submit it to Government in the first quarter of this year. If approved, it will then be referred for drafting in the normal course.
372. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide an update on the operation of the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) (Amendment) Act 2015; the number of prosecutions and convictions that have been initiated and secured under the provisions of the Act; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7139/22]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) (Amendment) Act 2015 amends the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act 2005 to create three new offences of:
- Public Provocation to commit a Terrorist Offence
- Recruitment for Terrorism
- Training for Terrorism
These offences can carry sentences of up to 10 years imprisonment. The Act also allows Ireland to ratify the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism, and the Deputy will also be aware that it is my intention that ratification should proceed to take place. I have contacted the Courts Service in relation to information sought by the Deputy. I will be in further contact with the Deputy when a response is to hand.
373. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Justice when the Prison (Amendment) Rules 2020 S.I. No. 250/2020 will be repealed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7257/22]
View answerThe Prison Service are committed to the provision of safe, secure and humane custody for people who are sent to prison in this State. Covid-19 in a prison setting presents significant challenges for prison management in terms of controlling the spread of the virus amongst staff and prisoners, and the provision of appropriate medical treatment to affected persons.
In 2020 the Prison Rules were amended so that changes to visits, physical recreation, exercise or training in prisons could be made as necessary to prevent or limit the spread of an infectious disease as specified by the Infectious Diseases Regulations 1981.
Everyone involved in the Prison Service has worked tirelessly to ensure effective infection control measures are in place while at the same time continuing to provide a range of rehabilitative support services for prisoners in custody.
The Prison Service has continued to review and modify Covid restrictions throughout the pandemic. Restrictive measures have been modified in line with the various announcements made by Government and in line with advice from Public Health/HSE and the Irish Prison Service National Infection Control Team.In 2021, the unwinding of restrictions was linked to the roll out of the Covid-19 vaccination programme in prisons. As a result of the successful roll out of the programme to all prisons, the Service was able to unwind a significant amount of measures in all locations with the exception of Cloverhill Prison which did not have a critical mass of prisoners vaccinated at the time.
In October 2021, following the latest advice from Government, the Prison Service commenced a significant unwinding of measures in line with similar action taken in the community.
This included:
- the recommencement of physical visits in all locations (except Cloverhill Prison),
- the removal on the restriction preventing the mixing of prisoners from different areas within the prison,
- the return of constructive activities to full capacity,
- the recommencement of prisoner temporary release programmes, and
- the resumption of religious services.
The resumption of these services was contingent on the continuation of a number of infection control measures to ensure the health and safety of both staff/service providers and prisoners.
A number of other restrictions were retained at that time including the continued suspension of non-essential prison visits, the continued suspension of group gatherings including award ceremonies and presentations, the continued need to maintain social distancing and the wearing of face coverings in line with both public health guidance and Government restrictions in place in the community.
More recently, following a short two week suspension in January 2022, the Prison Service confirmed that all physical family visits would recommence on 24 January, 2022.
The Prison Service is continuing to work towards the full restoration of physical visits to pre-pandemic levels on a phased basis. Prisoners are currently entitled to receive one thirty minute physical visit every fortnight and on the weeks that they are not receiving a physical family visit, prisoners are able to avail of a video visit. Prisoners may also choose to avail of a video visit instead of a physical visit if they prefer.
The number of visitors permitted on a visit will increase to three persons with effect from 14 February 2022 and the Prison Service will review these arrangements at the beginning of March with a view to restoring weekly physical visits, subject to the availability of resources and the risk of infection.
In addition to the measures set out above, a recent review of restrictive measures by the Service has seen a number of other restrictions eased. Work and Training and Education are returning to pre-pandemic capacity. Arrangements are being made for the return of a number of in-reach service providers to prisons on a priority basis and the Service has commenced planning for the recommencement of the National Drug Treatment Programme in Mountjoy Prison.
The Irish Prison Service has been managing a number of Covid-19 outbreaks in prisons since November 2021 which have resulted in a significant number of prisoners and staff testing positive for the virus.
The Prison Service introduced a Covid-19 Contingency Plan which is implemented during an outbreak of the virus within a prison. The Service is currently revising this Plan and the procedures for the management of outbreaks which will eliminate the need for widespread restrictions and mass testing and ensure that restrictions are limited to the areas impacted by the outbreak.
The Service will keep under ongoing review any remaining infection control restrictions, including those permitted under S.I. No. 250/2020. The unwinding of any remaining restrictions will be determined by the level of risk posed to prisons and will take into account Government decisions.
374. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Justice the number of secure residential addiction treatment and rehabilitation places currently available for men and women offenders respectively, in tabular form; and if she is satisfied that the number of such places available is sufficient having regard to the need to address the numbers of offenders committed to prison upon conviction for short sentences in respect of minor addiction-related offence. [7258/22]
View answer375. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Justice the number of secure residential addiction treatment and rehabilitation places currently available for offenders in each province of Ireland and in Dublin in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7259/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 374 and 375 together.
I can advise the Deputy that the Irish Prison Service does not provide or administer any secure residential addiction treatment and rehabilitation places for offenders within the state.
However, prior to the onset of the pandemic, the Prison Service previously operated a National Drug Treatment Programme, which was located within the Medical Unit of Mountjoy Prison. The Programme was temporarily suspended on foot of the pandemic.
There were nine places available on this programme and any prisoner who wished to detoxify and address issues with addiction could seek admission to the programme. Prisoners who were accepted on to the programme were transferred to Mountjoy Prison and accommodated in the Medical Unit for the duration of their treatment.
This was an eight week programme that allowed prisoners to complete a methadone detoxification and subsequently engage in structured group work interventions which were provided by Coolmine, Ballymun Youth Action Project, Ana Liffey Drug Project and Merchants Quay Ireland.
The programme included daily group work and educational and fitness activities were also provided. Prisoners were also seen by an addiction counsellor for a weekly session. It is intended that this programme will recommence as soon as can be arranged.
In addition, the Prison Service continues to provide a healthcare service to prisoners with addictions on a structured, safe and professional basis in line with international best practice and seeks to construct a range of programmes, support services and through-care options for prisoners demonstrating a commitment to addressing substance misuse issues.
In line with the National Drug Strategy, the Irish Prison Service has an agreed protocol with the HSE for the seamless transition of prisoners engaging in drug treatment while in custody to community drug treatment settings.
376. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Justice the timeline on the implementation of the high-level taskforce implementation plan on the mental health and addiction challenges of persons interacting with the criminal justice system; her plans to divert persons with mental health and or addiction issues away from the criminal justice system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7260/22]
View answerI am pleased to say that considerable progress has been made on meeting the Programme for Government commitment to establish a high-level cross Departmental and cross agency Taskforce to consider the mental health and addiction challenges of those imprisoned, and primary care support on release.
Last April, the Minister for Health and I, together with Minister of State Frank Feighan and Minister of State Mary Butler, established a High Level Taskforce to consider the mental health and addiction challenges of persons interacting with the criminal justice system.
The Taskforce has already met on eight occasions and has established three expert subgroups on diversion, capacity issues in the Prison Service and National Forensic Mental Health Services, and community issues including through-care from release. Each of the subgroups is comprised of relevant experts, and chaired by high ranking officials from the criminal justice sector, with the health leads represented and contributing to all. The subgroups have each met on at least nine occasions. The Chair of the Taskforce has also held meetings with subgroup chairs, and officials from both Departments on an ad hoc basis.
The interim report from the Taskforce was completed and submitted for the information of the Minister for Health and I on 22 November 2021.
The Taskforce has also received presentations from the Irish Penal Reform Trust and Crowe Consulting on the comprehensive Health Needs Analysis embarked on by the Prison Service.
In addition, a meeting with the Mental Health Commission also took place on 2 December 2021. The Taskforce also met with the Chair of Prison Visiting Committees and the Inspector of Prisons on 3 February 2022.
A key commitment of the terms of reference of the Taskforce is the delivery of a high-level implementation plan for any required actions arising from the groups work. The Taskforce has taken three thematic focuses which it considers capture the entirety of an individual’s interactions with the criminal justice system. These are:
1. diversion of individuals with mental health difficulties and addiction/dual diagnosis issues away from the criminal justice system,
2. the capacity of the Irish Prison Service and the National Forensic Mental Health Service, and
3. community issues including through care from custody.
In examining issues and performance across each of these themes, the Taskforce hopes to be able to make positive changes at each point, before formal engagement in the criminal system, supporting rehabilitation of those in custody and ensuring the most successful reintegration into society.
The Taskforce is aiming to provide this high level implementation plan for its recommendations early in 2022.
377. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice the progress made by her Department in respect of its targets and goals set out in the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development under the policy remit of her Department; if these targets and goals will be met by their respective deadlines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7283/22]
View answerI would be pleased to give an update on the progress made towards achieving each of my Department's sustainable development goals and will write directly to the Deputy with a detailed account.
