Written Answers Nos. 562-583
562. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda mountain bikes attached to each Garda district in the Cavan-Monaghan division as of 22 March 2022; if she will provide the same figures as of 31 March 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16121/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes the distribution of resources across the various Garda Divisions. As Minister, I have no direct role in this matter.
The resources provided by the Government to An Garda Síochána have reached unprecedented levels of more than €2 billion in Budget 2022, which includes €12 million for investment in the Garda fleet.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána recognise the need to be visible and accessible in communities but are also conscious of taking necessary actions to reduce their carbon footprint. In Budget 2022, the government announced that An Garda Síochána would purchase an additional 100 mountain bikes. There will also be a focus on an increased numbers of Electrical Vehicles as part of an overall fleet management strategy.
I am advised by the Garda Authorities that the Cavan/Monaghan Division have 12 Garda mountain bikes allocated to the Division as follows:
- Bailieborough District – 2 Garda Mountain Bikes
- Cavan District – 4 Garda Mountain Bikes
- Carrickmacross District – 4 Garda Mountain Bikes
- Monaghan District – 2 Garda Mountain Bikes
I am further advised that the current allocation is consistent with that allocated to the Division in March 2020.
563. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Justice the number of vehicles seized by An Garda Síochána for having no tax under section 41(C) of the Road Traffic Act 1994 in 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16122/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the recording of traffic offences, collisions and seizures of vehicles. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
For the Deputy's information, the table below, which has been provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of vehicles seized for having no tax under section 41(C) of the Road Traffic Act 1994 for 2021 and to date in 2022.
|
2021 |
2022* |
|
11,696 |
2,676 |
* 2022 figures cover the time period from 01/01/2022 to the 24/03/2022.
Figures are based on incidents which occurred from 01/01/2021 to 24/03/2022, inclusive. All information contained in this report is based upon operational data from the PULSE system as was available on 25/03/2022 and is liable to change.
564. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice if a recently naturalised Irish citizen is permitted to apply for citizenship elsewhere without jeopardising their Irish citizenship. [16137/22]
View answerThe granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. Ireland recognises dual nationality.
Irish citizens are not required to renounce their Irish citizenship when becoming a dual citizen of another State. However, the law in some countries may require them renounce their Irish citizenship before they can become a citizen there.
Persons applying for dual citizenship should check the legislation of the country that they are applying to and confirm whether their Irish citizenship rights are protected. For example, the law in some countries provides for the automatic termination of its citizenship or nationality if you acquire another citizenship or nationality.
Any person who holds dual citizenship, can apply for Permission to Remain in Ireland Without Condition (Stamp 6), and have their non-Irish passport stamped with that permission.
565. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice the number of retainers her Department has with outside organisations; and the cost of each retainer in tabular form. [16155/22]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that my Department does not have any outside organisations on a retainer basis.
566. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide the number of Irish Prison services staff who have been subject to safety orders, barring orders or protection orders since 2017, in tabular form. [16220/22]
View answerI am advised by the Director General of the Irish Prison Service that the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour applies to employees of the Irish Prison Service.
This Code forms part of the terms of employment of all civil servants who are obliged to adhere to it at all times.
Under the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour, an employee who is convicted of a criminal offence or given the benefit of the Probation Act when charged with a criminal offence, must report that fact to their Personnel Officer to consider whether there are implications for their official position. This requirement does not apply to civil orders of the type referred to.
567. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Justice the status of a citizenship application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16298/22]
View answerThe application for naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy, continues to be 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 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.
Documentation was requested from the person concerned on 23 March 2022. The application will be further processed on receipt of this documentation. It is also open to the person concerned to continue to engage with the US embassy to secure a visa appointment.
In addition, the combined impact of the 2019 High Court judgment in the Jones case and the necessary health restrictions arising from the pandemic, has unfortunately resulted in the processing time for standard applications increasing.
However, my Department is taking a number of steps to speed up the processing of applications and a number of digitisation measures have also 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.
In 2021, my Department issued 11,512 citizenship decisions, which is the highest number of decisions made since 2015, and reflects positively the significant changes undertaken to date. Additional staff have also been assigned to the citizenship team.
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.
568. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice if a contract for works on Leighlinbridge Garda station has been awarded by the Office of Public Works; if a date for when the rural station in County Carlow will be reopened is available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11270/22]
View answerI have requested information from An Garda Síochána in order to respond to the Deputy's query, however, the information was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy again once the information is received from the Garda Authorities.
571. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice if she will consider allowing all persons in direct provision to work given the new refugee programme for those fleeing war in Ukraine; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14565/22]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the EU Temporary Protection Directive (2001/55/EC) has been activated for the first time in response to the Ukraine crisis. The Directive is an emergency provision designed to quickly and humanely respond to the mass displacement of Ukrainian people by Russian aggression.
Those eligible for Temporary Protection (granted initially for one year, but renewable) will have immediate access to the labour market, social welfare, accommodation and other State supports as necessary. A whole-of-Government response is being mobilised to implement the practical arrangements to give effect to these commitments.
The Directive has legal effect under Section 60 of the International Protection Act 2015. Section 60 (14) of the 2015 Act provides that temporary protection cannot be applied to a person who is an international protection applicant.
Therefore, while those who are eligible for Temporary Protection under the EU Council Decision have a right to apply for International Protection separately under the International Protection Act, 2015, it is not possible for them to benefit from Temporary Protection if they have a current application for International Protection.
As the Deputy will also be aware, international protection applicants are not required to apply for an employment permit from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to legally obtain employment in the State. This applies to all international protection applicants, including those residing in State provided accommodation.
The European Communities (Reception Conditions) (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. No. 52 of 2021) reduced the waiting period for labour market access for international protection applicants to 6 months and extended the validity of a labour market access permission to 12 months, with effect from 9 February 2021. The European Communities (Reception Conditions) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2021 (S.I. No. 178 of 2021) provided for access to the labour market for international protection applicants who are subject to the Dublin III Regulation procedure and came into operation on 15 April 2021.
Up to and including 1 March 2022, a total of 10,378 applications have been received by my Department for a labour market access permission. Of these applications, approximately three quarters (7,624) have been granted and 2,232 have been refused, with a further 340 applications pending. The pending figure includes applications which have not yet reached the 6 months criterion, and those where the return of requested supporting documents is awaited and may therefore ultimately become granted applications. A further 182 applications have been deemed closed.
A total of 4,255 people granted a permission have returned an LMA5 form to my Department to indicate they had become either employed or self-employed. Of these, 2,976 resided in State-provided accommodation.
572. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Justice if she will report on the provision of a new immigration unit at Shannon Airport which is being developed in conjunction with the OPW and the Shannon Group; when it is expected that works will commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16311/22]
View answerMy Department is responsible for immigration controls and permissions at Dublin Airport. Immigration duties at all other airports and ports of entry to the State, including Shannon Airport, are the responsibility of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB). My Department is therefore not involved in the development of the new immigration unit referred to by the Deputy.
However, to be of assistance, I have forwarded the Deputy’s query to An Garda Síochána and the Office of Public Works for their attention and direct reply.
573. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice the processes that are being put in place to allow partners of Ukrainian citizens who are non-Ukrainian citizens and non-EEA citizens apply for refugee status and associated entitlements for Ukrainian refugees. [16337/22]
View answerThe EU Temporary Protection Directive (2001/55/EC) has been activated for the first time in response to the Ukraine crisis. Ireland participates in this measure, which has been given legal effect under Section 60 of the International Protection Act 2015.
Those eligible for Temporary Protection (granted initially for one year, but renewable) will have immediate access to the labour market, social welfare, accommodation and other State supports as necessary.
Under the Council Implementing Decision (EU 2022/382), those who have fled Ukraine can avail of a temporary protection to reside in Ireland if they meet one of the following criteria:
a) They are a Ukrainian national who was residing in Ukraine before 24 February 2022;
b) They are a national of a third country (other than Ukraine) or stateless person who would have benefited from international protection (for example: Refugee status) or an equivalent national protection status in Ukraine and were residing there before 24 February 2022;
c) They are a family member* of people covered by a) and b) above, where their family already existed in Ukraine at the time of events leading to the mass influx prior to 24 February*Family members include a spouse or partner, unmarried minor children of either of them, and their other close dependent family relatives who have been living with them as part of the family unit.
Temporary protection also applies to people who were residing in Ukraine before 24 February 2022 with a permanent Ukrainian residence permit, who cannot safely return to their country of origin. Other people who were legally residing in Ukraine without a permanent residence permit will be assisted to return to their country of origin, if it is safe for them to do so.
On 25 February, I announced the immediate lifting of visa requirements for Ukrainian nationals. This has streamlined and supported the swift exit of both the Ukrainian family members of Irish citizens, and the family members of people from Ukraine who are resident in Ireland. It applies as an emergency measure to all Ukrainians travelling to Ireland and is a humanitarian response to the rapidly evolving situation in Ukraine.
Non-EEA family members of Ukrainian citizens, if they are a visa required national, will require a visa to travel to Ireland. However, in view of the circumstances, an application will be accepted for consideration if submitted from a country which is not the applicant's normal country of residence. Such applications will be dealt with speedily and sympathetically.
574. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 635 of 22 February 2022, if she has received further information from An Garda Síochána regarding the new operational uniform; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16354/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will recall, I sought the information requested from the Garda authorities and undertook to contact the Deputy again once the information was to hand.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is the Accounting Officer for the Garda Vote and is responsible in law for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. As Minister, I have no direct role in such decisions.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that a two-stage tender competition was conducted by An Garda Síochána in conjunction with the Office of Government Procurement (OGP). The contract was awarded to James Boylan Safety Ltd. This followed the standard pre-contract award verification of their tax status by An Garda Síochána.
Contracting authorities are obliged to publish contract award notices on both the eTenders website www.etenders.gov.ie and the Official Journal of the EU (OJEU) for all contracts above certain thresholds. The published contract award notice of the contract in question lists a total value of just over €16 million, excluding VAT, over the possible six-year contract term.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the provision of a further breakdown in costs may not give the necessary due regard to commercial sensitivity and the need to avoid compromising the rights or competitive situation of those involved.
575. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons to date that have applied for the current undocumented scheme; and the breakdown of those within the international protection strand and the more general scheme. [16357/22]
View answer584. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice the number of applications received by her Department under the undocumented scheme to 25 March 2022, analysed by county; the number of applications that have been processed; the number that have been successful, unsuccessful and pending a decision, respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16618/22]
View answer596. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which work continues in upgrading the status of undocumented immigrants or immigrants whose permission to remain has expired; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16716/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 575, 584 and 596 together.
The Regularisation of Long Term Undocumented Migrants Scheme opened for applications on 31 January 2022. Applications will be accepted for six months until 31 July 2022, when the scheme will close. The scheme is open to those who do not have a current permission to reside in the State and will enable eligible applicants to remain and reside in the State and to regularise their residency status.
As of 25 March 2022, my Department has received 3,698 applications, in respect of 4,615 people and a breakdown by county of applicants is provide below. This is a very positive start to the Scheme and I encourage anyone who may be eligible to apply.
Applications by County
|
County |
Applicants |
|
Co. Carlow |
46 |
|
Co. Cavan |
86 |
|
Co. Clare |
141 |
|
Co. Cork |
257 |
|
Co. Donegal |
60 |
|
Co. Dublin |
2089 |
|
Co. Galway |
381 |
|
Co. Kerry |
52 |
|
Co. Kildare |
160 |
|
Co. Kilkenny |
26 |
|
Co. Laois |
52 |
|
Co. Leitrim |
15 |
|
Co. Limerick |
192 |
|
Co. Longford |
58 |
|
Co. Louth |
170 |
|
Co. Mayo |
67 |
|
Co. Meath |
243 |
|
Co. Monaghan |
39 |
|
Co. Offaly |
35 |
|
Co. Roscommon |
93 |
|
Co. Sligo |
35 |
|
Co. Tipperary |
79 |
|
Co. Waterford |
67 |
|
Co. Westmeath |
77 |
|
Co. Wexford |
36 |
|
Co. Wicklow |
56 |
|
Cork City |
1 |
|
Limerick City |
2 |
|
Grand Total |
4615 |
Additionally, the Scheme includes a parallel process to implement the recommendation included in the Report of the Expert Advisory Group. Applicants who have an outstanding international protection application and have been in the asylum process for a minimum of two years can apply for consideration under a separate strand of the Scheme.
My Department has written to approximately 4,000 potentially eligible applicants to this strand of the scheme inviting them to apply. As of 28 March 2022, my Department has received 1,231 applications under this strand, which remains open until 7 August 2022
Full details regarding the qualifying criteria, a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document and the required documentation for the Scheme is available on my Department's website at www.irishimmigration.ie/regularisation-of-long-term-undocumented-migrant-scheme/ and for the international protection strand on the website of the International Protection Office at: www.ipo.gov.ie/en/ipo/pages/whatsnew.
Anyone who is resident in the State without permission and who does not meet the terms of the published schemes is encouraged to contact my Department or their local immigration office and to take all appropriate steps to regularise their status. Any application submitted should explain their current circumstances and future intentions in the State and provide any documentation they feel will support their application.
A full consideration of all aspects of their case will be carried out before a decision is made to grant permission to remain in the State or to make a Deportation Order. This will include a consideration of their private and family life rights, in accordance with the European Convention on Human Rights.
In all cases, people must engage with the authorities if they wish to be permitted to remain here legally. A pragmatic approach is taken in relation to each case, which is considered on its individual merits.
576. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice the external consultancy organisation or provider which delivered diversity and inclusion training within her Department in each of the years 2018 to 2021 and to date in 2022; the costs associated with such services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16379/22]
View answerIt has not been possible to collate the information requested in the time allowed. I will revert to the Deputy directly when the information is to hand.
577. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Justice if she has any law reform plans in relation to the rights of cohabiting couples, specifically the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16439/22]
View answerThe Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 made provision for a cohabitants' redress scheme, providing protection for financially dependent long-term cohabitants on the ending of a relationship, whether through death or separation.
While all legislation is kept under ongoing review, I have no plans at present to bring forward any amendments to the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 in relation to the rights of cohabiting couples.
578. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Justice the avenues available to Afghan refugees who wish to have their family members join them from Afghanistan in Ireland in view that in the direct provision system they do not qualify for a programme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16456/22]
View answer579. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Justice if consideration will be given to extending a programme (details supplied) to allow Afghan refugees in direct provision to apply; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16457/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 578 and 579 together.
In response to the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, I opened the special Afghan Admission Programme for applications on 16 December 2021. The Programme closed for applications on 11 March 2022.
The Programme enabled current or former Afghan nationals living legally in Ireland to apply to have certain close family members come to live with them in Ireland. There is no prohibition on a resettled refugee making an application under the Programme, as long as they can meet the requirement of providing accommodation and supports for their family member(s). If they are still living in accommodation provided by the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth they will unfortunately not meet this requirement.
As the Deputy will appreciate, no immigration programme can be unlimited in scope, therefore, in line with policy considerations, certain conditions must apply. The Programme has been developed to allow as many families as possible the opportunity to have some family members join them here in Ireland.
The Afghan Admission Programme is additional to the current suite of immigration schemes and should not be viewed in isolation. Many people are already availing of these other avenues, and will continue to do so. Since the beginning of August 2021, a total of 133 join family visas have been approved for Afghan nationals and 64 family reunification applications.
580. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí allocated to counties Carlow, Kilkenny and Waterford over the past five years; the number of Garda stations closed in each of the past five years in each county; and the number of personnel attached to each special unit such as serious crime, drugs and others [16463/22]
View answerThe Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs, with an unprecedented allocation provided in Budget 2022 of over €2 billion. This includes funding for the recruitment of up to an additional 800 Garda members and up to 400 Garda staff. It should be noted that many of the Garda members to be recruited will be drawn from the recent Garda recruitment competition which closed on 16 March. I welcome the strong interest in this campaign, with over 10,000 applications received.
Additionally, over 800 Garda members have also been redeployed in recent years from administrative duties to frontline policing roles where their expertise can be utilised fully. The continual commitment to this policy of redeployment has impacted and will continue to impact positively on local communities across the country, contributing to a more visible police presence.
As the Deputy will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, which includes decisions on the deployment of personnel among the various Garda Divisions. The Deputy will appreciate that, as Minister, I have no direct role in these operational, policing matters.
I am assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of policing priorities and crime trends, to ensure their optimum use. The full complement of resources fluctuates on an ongoing basis and where a deficiency in resources is identified, the matter is considered fully and addressed accordingly.
I understand that it is a matter for the Divisional Chief Superintendent to determine the optimum distribution of duties among the personnel available to them, having regard to the profile of each area within the division and its specific needs.
In the interests of transparency, detailed information in relation to Garda numbers is available on my Department’s website. This information is updated every month with the latest data provided by An Garda Síochána, and includes the number of Gardaí by station across the whole country.
The information can be found at the following link: www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/An_Garda_Siochana_facts_and_figures
The Deputy also sought details in relation to the number of Garda personnel attached to Garda specialist units. I hope the Deputy will appreciate that, for security reasons, An Garda Síochána does not provide this information by Garda Division. However, I can provide divisional information on the number of Garda members assigned to the Kilkenny/Carlow and Waterford Divisional Drugs Units for 2018 and for each subsequent year up to and including 28 February 2022. This information is set out in the following tables, which have been provided to me by the Garda authorities:
|
Kilkenny/Carlow Division |
Inspector |
Sergeant |
Garda |
Total |
|
Dec-18 |
0 |
1 |
4 |
5 |
|
Dec-19 |
0 |
1 |
4 |
5 |
|
Dec-20 |
0 |
1 |
6 |
7 |
|
Dec-21 |
0 |
2 |
9 |
11 |
|
Feb-22 |
0 |
2 |
6 |
8 |
|
Waterford Division |
Inspector |
Sergeant |
Garda |
Total |
|
Dec-18 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
6 |
|
Dec-19 |
0 |
1 |
14 |
15 |
|
Dec-20 |
0 |
1 |
13 |
14 |
|
Dec-21 |
0 |
1 |
16 |
17 |
|
Feb-22 |
0 |
1 |
12 |
13 |
As regards the number of Garda stations closed in the Kilkenny/Carlow and Waterford Divisions in each of the past 5 years, I have been informed by the Garda authorities that there are currently 25 operational Garda stations in Kilkenny/Carlow Division and 14 Garda stations operational in Waterford Division. I am further informed that no Garda stations were closed in these divisions from 2018 to date.
581. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if arrangements have been made to provide a reception centre for Ukrainian refugees arriving at Rosslare Europort that allow for a family and child friendly environment for the seven to eight hours that it is taking for the processing of paperwork for those arriving at the port; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16218/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the EU Temporary Protection Directive (2001/55/EC) has been activated in response to the Ukraine crisis. Ireland participates in this measure, which is given legal effect under Section 60 of the International Protection Act 2015.
Those eligible for Temporary Protection (granted initially for one year, but renewable) will have immediate access to the labour market, social welfare, accommodation and other State supports as necessary. A whole-of-Government response is being mobilised to implement the practical arrangements to give effect to these commitments.
My Department is responsible for immigration controls and permissions at Dublin Airport. Immigration duties at all other airports and ports of entry to the State, including Rosslare Europort, are the responsibility of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).
So far, approximately 80 per cent of people who have entered the State having fled Ukraine have been welcomed at Dublin Airport. Rosslare Europort currently accounts for approximately 8 per cent of all arrivals.
As a result of the large numbers of Ukrainians arriving via Dublin Airport beneficiaries of temporary protection are being provided with their permission letter on arrival in the 'one-stop-shop' established by my Department for that purpose, to ensure early access to all necessary supports.
Arrangements have also now been put in place to provide permission letters to those who arrived at Dublin Airport prior to 9 March (when permission letters started to issue) and to those who have arrived at other ports of entry to the State, including Rosslare Europort.
For people who are staying in State provided accommodation, staff from my Department are visiting these accommodation locations and will provide permission letters there.
Alternatively, permission letters can be obtained by visiting the Ukraine Support Centre in Cork Street, Dublin 8. There, people can also receive assistance from the Department of Social Protection to obtain PPSN numbers, social welfare income supports, and to receive referrals to other State services.
Arrangements are also being put in place that will allow people to obtain their permission letters from the Ukraine Support Centres in Cork City and in Limerick. Further details on this will be announced shortly.
Approximately 10,000 temporary protection permission letters have been issued by my Department since the EU Directive was activated on 4 March.
Representatives from the Citizens Information Service are also available in the Ukraine Support Centres to help people from Ukraine with enquiries of a more general nature. Community Welfare Officers are also present to assist with applications for financial support. Interpretation services are available at the Centres.
Any person arriving from Ukraine can also attend any of the Department’ of Social Protection's Intreo Centres, located around the country, to register for a PPS Number and apply for income supports.
A centralised Government information portal is available at: www.gov.ie/ukraine, which is regularly updated. My Department’s Irish Immigration website also contains a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page, which can be viewed at: www.irishimmigration.ie/faqs-for-ukraine-nationals-and-residents-of-ukraine/.
582. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice the initiatives that are being taken to tackle dog theft; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16556/22]
View answerPet theft is an incredibly cruel crime which causes huge trauma for pet owners all over the country. I fully appreciate the strong emotional attachment we all have to our pets and that theft not only leads to their loss in our lives, but also a high level of concern for their welfare. It is also a crime which often affects, and is indeed often targeted against, older and particularly vulnerable people, for whom their pet is of huge emotional importance.
It is important to emphasise that theft offences already apply to this crime, and can carry very heavy penalties. The Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001 provides for a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment in the case of offences of theft and handling of stolen property; while a maximum sentence of 5 years imprisonment is provided for the offence of possession of stolen property.
When imposing sentence, judges are not limited to considering the monetary value of a pet – the emotional distress to the victim caused by the offence is absolutely relevant and can be, and is, taken into account where appropriate. However, I acknowledge that the existing offence considers the offence as being one against property rather than a person or an animal and I am committed to examining the options to address the issue, including, if necessary, making legislative changes.
From an enforcement perspective, An Garda Síochána takes this issue very seriously and has conducted several important actions against those responsible. Gardaí have also disseminated information through the national Crime Prevention Officer Network regarding keeping animals secure and preventing these forms of theft. The Garda National Crime Prevention Unit's advice on pet safety, which is in line with the advice from animal welfare groups and animal insurance companies about keeping animals safe, can be viewed on the Garda website.
I would like to emphasise the importance of microchipping. Every dog must be microchipped by the time it reaches 12 weeks of age, or earlier if it is sold or moved from its place of birth (Microchipping of Dogs Regulation 2015), and the microchip must be registered with an authorised database. Microchipping of all dogs protects the animals’ welfare, and assists with speedy identification of lost or stolen dogs and their owners. It is an offence to keep a dog over 12 weeks that has not been chipped and it is an offence to sell such a dog. Microchips can be easily checked at vets and by Gardaí. They are by far and away the most effective means of tracking and identifying dogs.
The Department of Agriculture have also made regulations covering the advertising for sale of animals under the Animal Welfare (Sale or Supply of Pets Regulations) 2019.
583. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Justice the timeframe for the review of the arms licensing laws to be completed; the purpose of the review; if consultation with relevant stakeholders such as farming organisations and an organisation (details supplied) has taken place; if not, her plans to meet with relevant stakeholders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16588/22]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the new Justice Plan 2022 contains a commitment to undertake an expansive review to modernise firearms and explosives legislation.
Within the plan, Action 34.3 outlines a commitment to identify all outstanding issues requiring overdue reform in the management and processing of firearms licensing, register of firearms dealers and inspections. It also commits to the production of a roadmap for addressing issues identified, including new legislative framework.
I am pleased to report that work in regard to this action is progressing well. I anticipate that by the second quarter of this year a determination will be made in terms of the medium term policy and legislative changes required, as well as a timeline agreed for the further development of legislation.
I have instructed a delivery date for the relevant roadmap to be completed by the end of this year.
I should be clear in stating that in advance of the finalisation of any potential amendments, I will of course be consulting with all relevant stakeholders in due course and hope to be in a position to provide greater detail in relation to all of this work in the coming weeks .
This review is proceeding in tandem with plans to establish a Firearms Expert Committee, on a non-statutory basis, which it is intended will bring forward recommendations on which type of firearms should be licensable in the State and for what purposes. An invitation for expressions of interest in relation to the membership of this Committee is expected to issue in the coming days.
