Tuesday, 21 Mar 2023

Written Answers Nos. 1098-1117

Child Protection

Questions (1099)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

1099. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice when he will introduce the Criminal Justice (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Bill 2022 which was due to be published at the end of 2022; and if he is satisfied that the State is meeting its international legal obligations to children as it has still not ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography. [13658/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The Government is firmly committed to ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

In consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, several legislative measures have been implemented which were necessary to ensure that Ireland is in compliance with the obligations of the Optional Protocol. Enactment of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 and the Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Act 2017 were significant steps on the pathway to the ratification of the Optional Protocol.

Further smaller legislative amendments relating to the extra-territorial jurisdiction requirements under Article 3.1 will ensure that the State is in compliance with certain outstanding aspects of the Protocol. These amendments have been included in the General Scheme of the Criminal Justice (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Bill 2022, which underwent pre-legislative scrutiny in December. The Report on Pre-Legislative Scrutiny by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice was published on 8 March and can be found at www.oireachtas.ie/en/committees/33/justice/.

The Report is being reviewed by my Department and all recommendations therein are being carefully considered. I expect to be in a position to publish the text of the Bill in the coming weeks. Once enacted, Ireland should be in a position to ratify the Second Optional Protocol.

Immigration Status

Questions (1100)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

1100. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice the status of an application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13660/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department, with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation. It 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.

The median processing time for applications now currently stands at 19 months. I understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants and my Department has been working hard to clear backlogs.

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.

However, my Department is taking a number of steps to speed up the processing of applications 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.

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: [e-mail], 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.

Departmental Policies

Questions (1101)

Holly Cairns

Question:

1101. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice if he has engaged with the relevant stakeholders in relation to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice Report on an Examination of the Present Approach to Sanctions for Possession of Certain Amounts of Drugs for Personal Use recommendation that 'the practice of cultivation of currently illicit substances at a modest, non-profit level be examined in light of above recommendations in order to regulate such activity'; if so, the steps that will be taken regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13716/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The Deputy may be aware that the Department of Health leads on Government policy in the area of drugs, and this policy is guided by the national drugs and alcohol strategy "Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery - a health-led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland 2017-2025". This strategy represents a whole-of-Government response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland. The implementation of the strategy is led by the Minister for Health and the Minister of State with responsibility for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy. However, the strategy includes actions for all stakeholders, including my Department and An Garda Síochána.

The strategy recognises the need for a balanced health-led approach - reducing demand, while also reducing access to illegal drugs - and is aimed at reducing the number of people criminalised for the possession of drugs for personal use. While this strategy supports vulnerable people who use drugs, it is also matched with strengthened enforcement measures across Government to tackle the supply of illegal drugs.

The Misuse of Drugs Acts and associated Regulations are the main laws regulating illicit substances, including controls relating to: cultivation, licensing, possession, administration, supply, record-keeping, prescription-writing, destruction and safe custody. The Acts establish offences and penalties to the practice of cultivation of currently illicit substances. As Minister for Justice I am not responsible for this legislation.

I can inform the Deputy that officials in my Department engage with all stakeholders under the structures of the drugs strategy, namely the National Oversight Committee, chaired by the Minister of State with responsibility for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, the Standing Sub-Committee, and associated working groups.

I welcome the recent Government agreement to establish a Citizens’ Assembly on Drug Use to consider the legislative, policy and operational changes the State could make to significantly reduce the harmful impacts of illicit drugs on individuals, families, communities and wider society.

Domestic Violence

Questions (1102)

Holly Cairns

Question:

1102. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice the steps he is taking in response to the Joint Committee on Justice Report on Women's Shelters and Domestic Abuse Refuges recommendation that funding for domestic violence services should be significantly increased (details supplied). [13717/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will be aware, in June of last year Government launched Zero Tolerance, the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.Reflecting the Government’s commitment to make this the most ambitious Strategy to date, and in particular to make a real impact on the provision of refuge units and other associated support services, will require additional expenditure. The overall cost of implementing the entire Strategy is estimated to be in the region of €363m.In line with the priority which we are attaching to tackling domestic, sexual and gender based violence, we will double the number of refuge spaces over the lifetime of the strategy, bringing it to 280. This will be the fastest ever expansion of refuge spaces.The government has agreed to prioritise the delivery of 98 refuge spaces in Sligo, Cavan/Monaghan, Cork City, North Cork, West Cork, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, Westmeath, Portlaoise, Balbriggan Longford, Carlow and Offaly. In the initial phase of this work, we expect to have delivered 24 places in Wexford, Dundalk and Navan in 2024.This Strategy also sets a target to increase the number of Safe Homes. In 2022, an additional 12 Safe Homes were put in place with a further increase from 32 to 50 expected by the end of 2023.In addition, and by putting in place the correct structures to deliver additional refuge accommodation, we will accelerate the number of refuge spaces that can be opened each year.Already work undertaken implementing the Strategy has prepared the way for this, including through the development of agreed processes and approaches to ensure we have the highest standard of refuge accommodation, delivered in the most efficient way. In addition, under Budget 2023 a significant increase of almost €7 million was secured for organisations funded by Tusla to address acute service demands in existing services throughout the country, and for investment in new services as outlined in the Strategy.The funding also strengthens the nationwide supports, and will help to maintain the momentum in implementing the ambitious goals set out in the national strategy.In total, Tusla has been allocated €37m for funding DSGBV services. Separate to this, my own Department has allocated €6.09m for measures to tackle DSGBV, including through awareness-raising campaigns and funding for perpetrator programmes and has also allocated an additional €5.8m in funding to promote and assist the development of specific support services for victims of crime within the criminal justice system, which includes victims of domestic and sexual crime.Taken together with the ambitious plans for the development of refuge accommodation over the life of the Strategy, I am confident that the substantially increased investment in this critical area will make a real and lasting impact on the experience of victims of DSGBV.As the Deputy will also be aware, a new statutory Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence agency, under the aegis of the Department of Justice, is being established. The new Agency will ensure a permanent and dedicated focus on implementation and supports for Government and the sector in our work to combat DSGBV and support victims of these horrific crimes.The Agency will have a specific mandate to drive the implementation of the Zero Tolerance: Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence across Government, bringing the expertise and focus required to tackle this complex social issue and I secured Government approval for legislation to establish the Agency in late February.

Female Genital Mutilation

Questions (1103, 1105)

Holly Cairns

Question:

1103. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice if he will outline the procedures in place to protect girls living in Ireland who are identified as being at risk of female genital mutilation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13718/23]

Holly Cairns

Question:

1105. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice the mechanism that is in place to ensure coordination and cooperation between Government Departments, State agencies and NGOs with respect to addressing female genital mutilation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13720/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1103 and 1105 together.

This Government is committed to combatting all forms of domestic sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) and to supporting those who are victims of these terrible crimes. Our whole of Government third national strategy specifically and rightly recognises female genital mutilation (FGM) as a form of DSGBV and contains actions to enhance our response to it.

As the Deputy is no doubt aware, our response to FGM is primarily a health-led response and in September 2012 the then Minister for Health signed the commencement order for the Criminal Justice (Female Genital Mutilation) Act 2012. As the long-title of the Act explains, this important piece of legislation creates an offence of female genital mutilation and provides for other offences related to female genital mutilation for the better protection of girls and women.

I have been informed by my colleague the Minister for Health, that the Health Service Executive's National Social Inclusion Office plays a key role in responding to the health needs of service users from marginalised communities, including those from diverse ethnic, cultural and religious communities. Ireland has two national strategies that outline actions to ensure the healthcare provided is effective, easily accessed and culturally competent.

The Second National Intercultural Health Strategy commits to providing training to increase the knowledge and competence of healthcare providers, in relation to appropriate care and protection for FGM survivors and women and girls at risk nationwide. It also outlines how Ireland should provide appropriate support to survivors of FGM, including counselling and access to specialised health services.

The Third National DSGBV Strategy recognises the need to ensure that all actions aimed at preventing DSGBV, protecting victims, improving prosecutions and coordinating polices should be advanced using an intersectional approach. This will allow for a more holistic understanding of an individual and their positioning in societal hierarchies that seeks to ease binary understandings and account for the complexities of life, especially regarding the needs of more excluded identity groups (that include Travellers, other ethnic minorities, migrants, individuals with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ communities and others). An intersectional approach to DSGBV recognises that DSGBV is a problem that requires consideration of all parts of an individual’s identity to ensure equality of outcome for all.

The Strategy commits to put in place special health support services required by victims/survivors of FGM. To fulfil this action, our health service will commence a mapping exercise of current service provision with a view to identifying gaps in the current provision to victims/survivors of FGM. This mapping will include consultation with relevant community support organisations and will include looking at the needs assessment of staff.

Both statutory services and community and voluntary services currently provide support for victims of FGM, this includes care planning, specialised medical care and counselling and sexual and reproductive health outreach.

In addition, under the Strategy there are a number of actions focused at raising public awareness of DSGBV with a view to prevention and with a view to signposting victims and potential victims to help and support. All such campaigns will include a focus on reaching marginalised and harder to reach communities.

Female Genital Mutilation

Questions (1104)

Holly Cairns

Question:

1104. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice if fear, risk or experience of female genital mutilation is considered as a ground for asylum by the International Protection Office, in line with the requirement under the Istanbul Convention on preventing and combatting violence against women and domestic violence to interpret the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees in a gender-sensitive manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13719/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The International Protection Office (IPO) of my Department is responsible for examining all international protection applications received. The staff of the IPO (the Chief International Protection Officer and the International Protection Officers) are independent by law in the exercise of their international protection functions.

Under the International Protection Act 2015, each application is assessed individually on its merits. All applicants for international protection are carefully interviewed and their cases are individually assessed by experienced caseworkers. The circumstances of each individual case is assessed having regard to both the subjective elements (the applicant’s own account or personal history) and objective elements (up-to-date information on the applicant’s country or place of origin). The IPO also has specially trained caseworkers to process cases from unaccompanied minors.

An applicant’s gender must be taken into account when assessing persecution. Section 7(2)(f) of the International Protection Act 2015 provides that “acts of a gender-specific or child specific nature” are examples of acts which may amount to persecution. The IPO considers that female genital mutilation (FGM) is persecutory in nature. Gender may determine the form persecution takes and can include inter alia:

- FGM

- Forced/early marriage

- Sexual and gender-based violence

It may also be the reason why a person faces persecution. Section 8(3)(b) of the International Protection Act 2015 provides that: “Gender-related aspects, including gender identity, shall be given due consideration for the purposes of determining membership of a particular social group or identifying a characteristic of such a group”.

Section 28(4)(c) provides that the assessment by an international protection officer of an application shall take into account "the individual position and personal circumstances of the applicant, including factors such as background, gender and age, so as to assess whether on the basis of the applicant's personal circumstances, the acts to which the applicant has been or could be exposed would amount to persecution or serious harm."

When assessing applications for international protection involving gender-related persecution, the International Protection Office (IPO) has regard to the UNHCR’s Guidelines on International Protection No. 1: Gender-Related Persecution within the context of Article 1A(2) of the 1951 Convention and/or its 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees.

The principle of non-refoulement also applies to all decisions made on international protection applications. Under international human rights law, the principle of non-refoulement guarantees that no one should be returned to a country where they would face torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and other irreparable harm.

I am satisfied that all international protection applications, including those which cite grounds of a gender-specific nature (such as a fear of FGM), are examined fairly, sensitively and impartially by fully trained caseworkers and contracted panel members in accordance with all relevant UNHCR and European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) guidelines and also in accordance with applicable laws and case-law.

Question No. 1105 answered with Question No. 1103.

Question No. 1106 answered with Question No. 1096.

Departmental Records

Questions (1107)

Patrick Costello

Question:

1107. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice if he will release all his Departmental files to the National Archives regarding the High Court, Supreme Court and European Court of Human Rights cases in relation to proposals for gay law reform which resulted in a landmark judgement and decriminalisation thirty years ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13750/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I have requested the information sought by the Deputy and will contact him again when this is to hand.

Immigration Policy

Questions (1108)

Colm Burke

Question:

1108. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice if his Department has plans to remove the visa requirement for Peruvians entering Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13768/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

Peru remains on the list of visa required countries for Ireland. There is a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Lima, Peru to assist in making an application for a visa to Ireland and my Department has also extended the multi-entry visa option for up to 5 years for all visa required countries, including Peru. These measures should assist in timely processing of visa applications and more flexible visa arrangements for Peruvian citizens travelling to Ireland.

In general, the decision to impose a visa requirement is based on a variety of factors including the risk of irregular immigration, public policy and security, tourism and trade and the Common Travel Area. While there is no immediate proposal to lift the visa requirement on Peru, this matter is being kept under active review.

Family Reunification

Questions (1109)

Pa Daly

Question:

1109. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice if he will make a statement on applications for family reunification for programme refugees, including the number of staff he has allocated specifically to their processing. [13794/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

Family reunification as provided for in the International Protection Act 2015, gives certain family members of a qualified person, the sponsor, an immigration permission allowing them to enter, remain and reside in the State with the sponsor. Applications for family reunification must be made by the sponsor within 12 months of them being granted an International Protection permission and are subject to the provisions of the International Protection Act 2015.

The Family Reunification Unit (FRU) of my Department currently has 8 staff assigned across all grades with a whole time equivalent of 6.3. The staffing levels in the unit are kept under constant review and additional staff have been assigned to the team, as required.

Non EEA nationals legally resident in Ireland, and considering family reunification, and who do not meet the criteria as provided for in the International Protection Act 2015, should also be aware of my Department’s “Policy on Non-EEA Family Reunification in Ireland”, available here: www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Policy-document-on-Non-EEA-family-reunification.pdf.

This policy document sets out the criteria and specific requirements for any person considering making an application to be joined by family members in the State.

An Garda Síochána

Questions (1110)

Alan Farrell

Question:

1110. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Justice if he will provide the number of knives seized by gardaí in each county, in each of the years 2016 to 2022 and to date in 2023, respectively, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13802/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Justice

I am very conscious of the effect that knife crime can have on the quality of life for local communities the Government is determined to tackle this issue.

The Expert Forum on Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB), which I am pleased to chair, is examining a broad range of issues to address the factors which give rise to ASB, including knife crime. The knife crime sub-group of the ASB Forum has examined existing data and possible approaches to community responses, as well as the legislative position. I have been briefed on the work of the sub-group and the question of what further measures might be progressed is subject to consultation with relevant stakeholders.

There is also a comprehensive and robust legal framework in place in Ireland with respect to knife crime, including heavy penalties for breaches of the laws concerned. The maximum penalty in the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990 for a conviction for possessing a knife in a public place without good reason or lawful authority was increased from one to five years in an amendment introduced via the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009.

As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business, including all operational policing matters. As Minister, I play no role in these independent functions.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the 2016 - 2018 increase in recorded seizures is due in large part to the introduction of the Property and Exhibit Management System (PEMS) in 2016, which improved the level of recording of all objects seized, including knives. More recently, the increases in seizures are also due to proactive policing operations, particularly during 2020 with the increased Garda presence due to COVID-19.

To be of assistance to the Deputy, I have contacted the Garda Authorities for the information requested and I have been advised that a search of the PULSE database was conducted on 16 March 2023 to identify any object of sub-type ‘knife’ linked as ‘seized’ with any incident reported nationwide since 01/01/2016. The attachment shows the number of knives seized by An Garda Síochána by Garda Division. Figures marked with an asterisk denotes incidences of less than 10.

Knife Seizures

Data Protection

Questions (1111)

Seán Canney

Question:

1111. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Justice if he will commission a fully independent review of how to strengthen and reform the Data Protection Commission to ensure that it is fit for purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13814/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The Programme for Government commits to ‘recognise the domestic and international importance of data protection in Ireland’ and states that the Government ‘will ensure that Ireland delivers on its responsibilities under the General Data Protection Regulation’.

The Government is very conscious of the commitment to deliver effective data protection regulation and protection of the data privacy rights of EU citizens, which is critical to the development and growth of our digital economy. My Department’s role is to ensure that the Data Protection Commission, which is independent in its functions, continues to have the resources required to fulfil its important, statutory obligations.

In line with this commitment, on 27 July 2022, Minister McEntee announced that the Government had approved commencement of the process to appoint two additional Commissioners to support the evolving organisational structure, governance and business needs of the Data Protection Commission.

At the time, Minister McEntee also asked the DPC to undertake a review of governance structures, staffing arrangements and processes. This review is being carried out to support the work to be performed by the new three person Commission model. The review is ongoing.

An Garda Síochána

Questions (1112)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

1112. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice if the Garda Reserve Strategy 2021 to 2025 guidelines are being implemented as outlined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13828/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

Established in 2006, the Garda Reserve represents a real opportunity for anyone wishing to support policing and give something back to their communities. The Reserve reinforces An Garda Síochána's essential community links, and provides the capacity to draw on additional resources to assist in policing.

I would like to acknowledge the important contribution made by all members of the Reserve who volunteer their time for the community's benefit.

As part of the government’s plan to modernise and strengthen An Garda Síochána, A Policing Service for our Future, the Garda Commissioner has developed a Garda Reserve Strategy 2021-2025, which provides a roadmap for the development of this important service.

The Strategy published in October 2021 is informed by an internal review of the Reserve, and sets out key commitments including recruitment, training and development, deployment, governance and evaluation. A priority is a new recruitment campaign, which I understand will be held Q4 2023 or Q1 2024, and on foot of which new reservists will be appointed.

The campaign will target a broad and inclusive range of candidates, in keeping with the Reserve's role as a visible form of community engagement. The Department of Justice is currently engaging with An Garda Síochána on revisions to the regulations governing the Reserve ahead of the commencement of this recruitment process.

Consideration is also being given by An Garda Síochána to ensuring that the Garda Reserve can serve as a pathway to future recruitment competitions for Garda members, where individuals have a desire to progress to that position.

The Strategy further aims to ensure that members of the Reserve are fully supported by local Garda management and that the role is recognised and promoted throughout the organisation.

The Garda Commissioner has established an Implementation Group and Oversight Committee to ensure the Strategy delivers on its objectives, and I look forward to working with him to increase the number of members of the Reserve and in realising its full potential as a resource to policing and in providing a pathway to full-time membership of An Garda Síochána, including from minority communities.

I am assured An Garda Síochána are committed to reinforcing organisational capacity to manage the Garda Reserve. This will be done through the introduction of streamlined processes and procedures, which will support the revised Garda Reserve Policy document and embed the role of the Reserve Garda within the organisation.

I am also advised that a briefing pack is being developed that will be available for all Garda personnel to increase organisational awareness of the Garda Reserve. An internal communications strategy will also be developed to support new processes and procedures as they are implemented, and it is intended that Reserve forums will be reintroduced, to recognise their voluntary contribution and good work.

Departmental Staff

Questions (1113)

Ivana Bacik

Question:

1113. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Justice the number of staff employed by the Irish Immigration Service; and his plans to appoint additional staffing. [13829/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

There are currently 866 staff employed in Immigration Service Delivery which includes 234 staff in the International Protection Office. The Deputy will be aware that Government has committed additional funding of nearly €18m to increase staffing in the International Protection Office. There are constraints however in terms of recruitment in the broader labour market currently and in order to ensure that the immediate priorities in International Protection can be met c.40 staff are being transferred to IPO from elsewhere in ISD immediately. In the interim every effort is being made to recruit additional staff in collaboration with the Public Appointments Service.

Question No. 1114 answered with Question No. 1038.

An Garda Síochána

Questions (1115, 1117)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

1115. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda Reserves that are currently active in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13833/23]

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

1117. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda Reserves hired each year in County Meath since 2018, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13846/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1115 and 1117 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business under section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended). This includes responsibility for the recruitment, training and deployment of Garda members and members of the Garda Reserve. As Minister I have no direct role in these matters.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that as of 28 February 2023, the Garda Reserve strength is 371 members, of which 16 are assigned to Meath Division.

I am further advised that additional Garda Reserves were recruited into the Meath area in 2021. However, as this number is less than 10 An Garda Síochána do not provide the total figure for data protection reasons.

As part of the Government’s plan to modernise and strengthen An Garda Síochána, A Policing Service for our Future (APSFF), the Garda Commissioner has developed a Garda Reserve Strategy 2021-2025, which provides a roadmap for the development of this important service.

The Strategy published in October 2021, and available on the Garda website, is informed by an internal review of the Reserve, and sets out key commitments including recruitment, training and development, deployment, governance and evaluation. The Strategy aims to ensure that members of the Reserve are fully supported by local Garda management and that the role is recognised and promoted throughout the organisation.

The Garda Commissioner has established an implementation group and oversight committee to ensure the Strategy delivers on its objectives, and I look forward to working with him to increase the number of members of the Reserve and in realising its full potential as a resource to policing and in providing a pathway to full-time membership of An Garda Síochána, including from minority communities.

A priority is a new recruitment campaign, which I understand will be held Q4 2023 or Q1 2024, and on foot of which new reservists will be appointed.

I understand that the campaign will target a broad and inclusive range of candidates, in keeping with the Reserve's role as a visible form of community engagement. The Department of Justice is currently engaging with An Garda Síochána on revisions to the regulations governing the Reserve ahead of the commencement of this recruitment process.

I can assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána continues to provide support and flexibility to Reserve Gardaí carrying out their functions in a voluntary capacity.

For the Deputy's information, detailed statistics on Garda Reserve numbers are published on gov.ie and are updated regularly by my Department from information provided by An Garda Síochána. The statistics can be accessed using the following link:

www.gov.ie/en/publication/2e11c-garda-reserve/

Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence

Questions (1116)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

1116. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice if the programme for Government commitment to introduce domestic homicide reviews legislation can be delivered as he has yet to publish the study on familicide and domestic homicide reviews submitted to him in the summer of 2022; and if he remains committed to the zero tolerance policy as set out in the Third Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence. [13835/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy is aware, an independent study was commissioned by my Department into familicide and domestic homicide reviews.

This independent research involved consultations with a wide range of stakeholders including family members of victims, state agencies and non-governmental organisations, with a view to making recommendations to improve the State's response to familicide and domestic homicide.

Given the sensitivities involved, it also required the study lead to pay particular attention to the fair procedures part of the process which involved allowing any person or organisation who might be affected by the contents of the draft report (including the families concerned) to be given an opportunity to reply to the contents of the report.

The final report continues to be considered by officials in my Department and I intend to publish the report as soon as this examination and analysis is complete.

The Deputy will appreciate that, due to the gravity of the subject matter and the impact on victims' families, thorough examination is necessary before publication.

I can assure the Deputy that tackling domestic, sexual, and gender based violence, and providing supports for victims is a priority for me as Minister for Justice.

I am deeply committed to delivering on the commitments made under Zero Tolerance, the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence. The strategy is an ambitious five-year programme of reform to achieve a society which does not accept DSGBV or the attitudes which underpin it.

Work is advancing in a number of areas, across my Department and others, to progress the various actions under the strategy. In addition, at the end of February, I secured Government approval for the drafting of legislation to set up the new DSGBV agency which will be tasked with ensuring the delivery of excellent services to victims of DSGBV, and with driving and coordinating the implementation of the Zero Tolerance strategy across Government. It will bring the dedicated and expert focus that is needed to tackle this serious and complex societal issue.

Question No. 1117 answered with Question No. 1115.