Tuesday, 18 Apr 2023

Written Answers Nos. 1007-1024

An Garda Síochána

Questions (1007)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

1007. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí who have been assaulted while on duty in each of the past five years, and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [17769/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

We are all immensely grateful to members of our police service for their outstanding dedication and commitment to serving the public and for the important role that they play in our society.

For the most part, the relationship between Gardaí and the public is one built on very significant trust. We only have to look to the fact that An Garda Síochána is a largely unarmed, and yet hugely effective, community policing service.

As the Deputy will be aware, an assault on a member of An Garda Síochána, a prison officer, a member of the fire brigade, ambulance personnel, or a member of the Defence Forces is already an offence under section 19 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994.

A person convicted of such an offence is currently liable to a fine, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 years, or both. The latter penalty was increased from a maximum term of 5 years in 2006.

However, the Government is committed to taking further action to protect Gardaí and frontline workers as necessary.  To that end, I intend to bring forward an amendment to the Public Order Act to increase the maximum penalty available for assaulting a peace officer to 12 years.

These changes will send a very clear message that attacks on frontline workers will not be tolerated, and will be dealt with robustly.

The table below, furnished to me by the Garda authorities, outlines the number of Gardaí who have been assaulted while on active duty in the State in each year of the past five years and to date in 2023, as requested by the Deputy. 

Number of Gardaí who reported sustaining an occupational injury as a result of being assaulted 2018 to Date (as of 14/04/2023)

Year	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Number	224	265	223	266	305	67

An Garda Síochána

Questions (1008)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

1008. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí who have taken stress leave in each of the past five years, and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [17770/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I can assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána is committed to protecting the health, safety and welfare of all Garda members and Garda staff.

I also want to make it clear that I am very aware of how stressful and difficult the work of members of An Garda Síochána can be. We only have to look at the fatal incidents to see how, in the face of the most tragic and distressing circumstances, Gardaí continue to perform their vital role in the community. There are therefore, very properly, a number of support systems in place to help Gardaí address issues of stress and mental health, including an Employee Assistance Service as well as, trauma counselling and peer support.

Last year An Garda Síochána launched 'Keeping Our People Supported', the Health and Wellbeing Strategy Statement and Action Plan 2021-2023. This plan identified three key goals to improve the health and welfare of Gardaí.

These goals were to identify, communicate and enhance existing resources to promote health, wellbeing and work ability across the organisation, to develop partnerships with key stakeholders inside and outside the organisation in order to to build capacity, and to provide support and advice.

A new wellbeing app KOPS ("Keeping Our People Supported") was launched as part of the strategy. The app makes support available to members of An Garda Síochána on a 24/7 basis and can be accessed on any mobile device. It was created to ensure members who may be distressed and in need of urgent assistance can access the supports available to them at any time. 

In terms of sick leave, the Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including staffing and personnel matters. As Minister I have no direct role in this regard. 

I am advised, however, that absences recorded on the organisation's Sickness Absence Management System are split into three categories: ordinary illness, occupational injury/illness arising from duty, and critical illness.  Each of these categories have sub-categories, with 'mental health' included as a sub-category of ordinary illness.

I am further informed that there is currently no sub-category recording absences due to stress, anxiety or depression but in some cases, this is recorded under the mental health sub-category or in the comments field against another sub-category. 

An Garda Síochána provided the below table using the mental health sub-category for the number of members recorded as taking sickness absence due to mental health illness.

2023 to date (01.01.2023 – 11.04.2023)	23 Members
2022	50 Members
2021	47 Members
2020	51 Members
2019	54 Members
2018	58 Members

 

It is important to note that there is no guarantee that all absences due to stress, anxiety or depression have been recorded under he mental health sub-category, and that the data acquired from the annual Commissioner reports are correct at the time each yearly report is compiled. 

An Garda Síochána

Questions (1009)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

1009. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice the number of ongoing investigations into bullying within the gardaí. [17771/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business under section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended). The Commissioner is also responsible for the maintenance of Garda discipline under the Garda Síochána (Discipline) Regulations 2007 (as amended). As Minister, I have no role in internal Garda human resources matters, or the investigation of any complaints.

To be of assistance to the Deputy I have contacted the Garda authorities and have been advised that as of 17 April, there are 20 active bullying/harassment cases within An Garda Síochána. 

Departmental Staff

Questions (1010)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

1010. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice the number of Departmental staff currently on sick or stress leave; and the number who took stress or sick leave in each of the past five years, and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [17783/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

It has not been possible to collate the information requested by the Deputy in the time allowed. I will write to the Deputy directly when the information is to hand.

Departmental Staff

Questions (1011)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

1011. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice the number of allegations of bullying made by departmental staff against departmental staff in each of the past five years, and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if he will detail what actions are being taken by his Department to investigate the allegations, or if they are being investigated. [17801/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

My Department's Dignity at Work policy aims to promote respect, dignity, safety, and equality in the workplace. This policy provides information to staff on the steps they may take and the recommended procedures to follow if they believe that they have been bullied, harassed, or sexually harassed. My Department adheres to this Civil Service-wide policy in relation to allegations of bullying and the procedures for dealing with such allegations. 

As requested by the Deputy the table below sets out the the number of individuals who have been subject to allegations of bullying by year. 

Year	Allegations of Bullying
2018	2
2019	3
2020	1
2021	4
2022	2
2023 (to date)	0

Departmental Staff

Questions (1012)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

1012. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice the number of Departmental staff dismissed in each of the past ten years, and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [17819/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

Compliance with the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour is a condition of employment within the Department of Justice. When a concern arises about the conduct or performance of an individual, their line manager will initially address it as a management issue through discussion and appropriate assistance.

If no resolution is reached, or, where more serious circumstances arise, the Civil Service Disciplinary Code (Circular 19/2016) is applied. This Code outlines the procedure for dealing with disciplinary matters, including grounds for dismissal in the Civil Service and is available online at:

hr.per.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/Circular-19-of-2016-Civil-Service-Disciplinary-Code.pdf

New entrants to the Civil Service are appointed on the basis of a one-year probationary contract. If the new entrant does not reach the required standards during this period, the termination of their contract is carefully considered. The legislative provisions governing probation are set out in the Civil Service Regulation Act 1956 (as amended).

In the time period specified by the Deputy, there have been fourteen dismissals from my Department, as outlined in the table below. Of these, eleven were dismissed during the probation period. The majority of these were terminated due to the unsuccessful completion of probation, while a small number were terminated for other reasons, during the probation period.

Year	Number of Staff Dismissed
2013	1
2014	0
2015	1
2016	1
2017	2
2018	4
2019	0
2020	5
2021	0
2022	0
2023	0

Gambling Sector

Questions (1013)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

1013. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if he will provide a schedule of organisations his Department funds in the context of supporting persons seeking support with a gambling addiction. [17830/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Justice

Funding and administration of addiction treatment and support services falls within the remit of the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive.

Neither I nor my Department have any role in, or responsibility for, funding of supports for people with a gambling addiction.

Gambling Sector

Questions (1014)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

1014. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if he will provide a schedule of bookmakers that have made submissions and or lobbied him and or his Department on the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022. [17832/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Justice

As the Deputy will be aware, the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 was published on 2 December 2022. The Bill sets out the framework and legislative basis for the establishment of a new, independent statutory body – Údarás Rialála Cearrbhachais na hÉireann, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland - and for a robust regulatory and licensing regime to regulate gambling in-person and online, and for the regulation of gambling advertising, websites and apps.

The Bill completed Second Stage in the Dáil on Tuesday, 6 December 2022 and my Department is currently preparing amendments to the Bill for Committee Stage which is expected to take place in the coming months.

Once enacted, the provisions of the Bill will affect a wide range of stakeholders in the gambling, charity, advertising, and broadcasting sectors, as well as other parties. In this context, the Deputy will appreciate that stakeholder engagement is an important aspect of informing and developing new legislation. Hearing the views of all stakeholders in respect of legislative proposals which will affect them is a key aspect of a robust, transparent and democratic legislative process. As such, my Department has received correspondence including submissions, from or on behalf of the following stakeholders following publication of the Bill:

• Boylesports;

• Capital Entertainment and Leisure;

• Entain;

• European Gaming and Betting Association

• Flutter;

• International Betting Integrity Association;

• Irish Bookmakers Association;

• Racecourse Media Group;

• AsIAm;

• Alzheimer Society of Ireland;

• Beaumont Hospital Foundation;

• BelongTo;

• Care Trust (supporting CRC, Rehab, A Lust for Life, and HUGG (Healing Untold Grief Groups));

• Charities Institute Ireland (Please see note below);

• Children’s Books Ireland;

• Congregation of the Holy Spirit;

• Cork Simon Community;

• Croí, West of Ireland Cardiac and Stroke Foundation;

• Down Syndrome Centre;

• Early Childhood Ireland;

• National Breast Cancer Research Institute;

• Enable Ireland;

• Family Carers Ireland;

• Fighting Blindness;

• Focus Ireland;

• Galway Simon Community;

• Hope Foundation;

• Irish Heart Foundation;

• Jack and Jill Foundation;

• Make-A-Wish Foundation;

• Marie Keating Foundation;

• Mercy Hospital Foundation;

• National Breast Cancer Research Institute;

• National College of Ireland;

• Oxfam Ireland;

• Plan International Ireland;

• Respond;

• Society of St. Vincent de Paul;

• Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland;

• Spinal Injuries Ireland;

• St Francis Hospice Dublin;

• St. Joseph’s Foundation;

• St. Michael’s House;

• Tallaght University Hospital Foundation;

• Tasc; and

• Trócaire.

I can also confirm that I, and officials from my Department, have met with individuals and representatives of the following organisations to hear their views on the Bill:

• Boylesports;

• Entain;

• Flutter;

• Greyhound Racing Ireland;

• Horse Racing Ireland;

• Irish Bookmakers Association;

• QuinnBet;

• The Alzheimer Society of Ireland;

• Beaumont Hospital Foundation;

• Charities Institute Ireland (Please see note below);

• Congregation of the Holy Spirit;

• Cork Simon Community;

• Croí, the West of Ireland Cardiac & Stroke Foundation;

• Enable Ireland Disability Services;

• Fighting Blindness;

• Galway Simon Community;

• Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation;

• Make-A-Wish Ireland;

• National College of Ireland;

• Spinal Injuries Ireland;

• St Francis Hospice Dublin;

• Trócaire;

• The Institute of Public Health;

• Gambling Awareness Trust;

• Extern (Problem Gambling) Ireland;

• Prof. Colin O’Gara - Head of Addiction Services, Saint John of God Hospital;

• Sky TV; and

• McCann FitzGerald.

 

Note: The Charities Institute Ireland represent the following organisations: 

 

• As I Am,

• Belong To LGBTQ+ Youth Ireland;

• Early Childhood Ireland;

• Family Carers Ireland;

• The Hope Foundation;

• Irish Heart Foundation;

• Mercy University Hospital Foundation;

• National Breast Cancer Research Institute;

• Outhouse CLG;

• Oxfam Ireland;

• Respond;

• St. Joseph's Foundation; and

• St. Michael's House.

Probation and Welfare Service

Questions (1015)

Paul McAuliffe

Question:

1015. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Justice if a report has been commissioned by his Department for victims of child sex abuse carried out by members of the Probation Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17859/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I can inform the Deputy no such report has been commissioned. 

I would encourage anyone who has been a victim of any kind of sexual assault to reach out for help and support and to report the matter to An Garda Síochána. There are specialist Garda members in every Garda Division, trained to ensure that any victim presenting to Gardaí are met with a consistently high standard of specialist, sensitive, professional and expert assistance.

There are also a range of victim support services available and many are listed on the Victims Charter website at www.victimscharter.ie. Rape crisis centres throughout the country also offer advice and support services to victims of rape and sexual assault and operate a national 24-hour helpline which can be contacted at 1800 77 88 88. The HSE also have a National Counselling Service - www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/4/mental-health-services/national-counselling-service/

Citizenship Applications

Questions (1016)

Michael Collins

Question:

1016. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Justice the way a person (details supplied) can expedite Irish citizenship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17881/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. All applications for a certificate of naturalisation are processed and assessed individually in accordance with the provisions of the Act.

A determination on whether an applicant satisfies the statutory criteria for naturalisation can only be made after an application is received. There are no provisions to apply different criteria depending on the category of the applicant, or any intended purpose of naturalisation.

Applicants are required to have 5 years reckonable residence in the State prior to making an application, except for spouses of Irish nationals where the requirement is 3 years. In both cases, the final 12 months must be continuous residence in the State.

You have stated that the person has resided in the State for a period of 52 years and based on that it appears as though she may qualify. However an application for citizenship can only be assessed when an application is made and the required supporting documentation are provided and relevant checks finalised.

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.

The Immigration services website www.irishimmigration.ie is updated on an ongoing basis in relation to immigration and citizenship matters and detailed information on Irish citizenship and the naturalisation process, along with the relevant application forms, probably a Form 8 in this instance,  and guidance notes, are available on my Department's Irish Immigration website at: www.irishimmigration.ie/how-to-become-a-citizen/.

Citizenship Applications

Questions (1017)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

1017. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice the status of an application by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17938/23]

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.

Citizenship Applications

Questions (1018)

Michael Lowry

Question:

1018. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Justice if his Department will assist a person (details supplied) who is attempting to apply for citizenship but does not meet the 150 points needed on the 'scorecard' system for assessing their identification and residence history; if his Department can furnish guidelines of what extra information is required from a person to make up the deficit in points to enable the applicant to meet the necessary threshold of 150 scorecard points; if his Department will accept a sworn affidavit; if so, what is required in a sworn affidavit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17986/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I am aware that for some applicants the scorecard may not have adequately addressed their individual circumstances. In such cases and where the applicant has justifiable reasons for not reaching the 150 points target required, the Citizenship Division of the Department may accept a sworn affidavit, which could help the applicant make up the deficit in points to enable them to meet the necessary threshold.  

However, the affidavit will not be accepted in lieu of all appropriate proofs and supplementary documentation which will still need to be provided to support the affidavit. Where submitting an affidavit, the applicant will still be required to meet the majority of the points requirement for naturalisation with documentary proofs. 

The Citizenship Division advise all applicants to provide as much information as possible in support of their application, bearing in mind also that each application will be assessed on its own merits.

If at any stage during the application process additional information or clarification is required from an applicant, the Division will contact the applicant directly requesting same.

Visa Applications

Questions (1019)

James Lawless

Question:

1019. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Justice to examine a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18027/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

For those fleeing Russian aggression in Ukraine, they may be entitled to register for Temporary Protection (TP). In accordance with the Council Implementing Decision (EU 2022/382), Temporary Protection in Ireland applies to the following groups of people who have had to flee Ukraine due to the invasion by Russia:

• Ukrainian nationals who were residing in Ukraine before 24 February 2022;

• Nationals of a third country (other than Ukraine) or a 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;

• Family members of persons covered by a) and b), where their family already existed in Ukraine, prior to 24 February.

Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BoTP) do not require an employment permit. BoTP's have immediate access to the labour market, along with access to social welfare, accommodation and other State supports. 

If the Ukrainian nationals referred to already have Temporary Protection in a Member State it is possible for them to relocate to another Member State. The European Commission has published guidelines for Member States regarding Temporary Protection for those fleeing Ukraine. 

eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52022XC0321%2803%29&qid=1647940863274

According to these guidelines, Temporary Protection can be withdrawn in the first Member State after it is registered in the second Member State. 

If the people concerned do not meet the criteria for Temporary Protection they must apply for an Employment Permit from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment before travelling to the State for employment purposes. As they are Ukrainian nationals, they would not require a visa from my Department before travelling to the State.

An Garda Síochána

Questions (1020)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

1020. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if all Garda members within roads policing units are fully trained in reading tachographs within HGV vehicles. [18048/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business, including the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff, under section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended). As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that all personnel attached to Garda Roads Policing Units receive basic training in the reading of analogue tachograph charts and there are a substantial number of offences that may be detected from the examination of same relating to the use of tachographs.

In addition, I am advised that dedicated personnel within these units have received additional training in respect of the examination and analysis of digital tachographs. I am also advised that each Divisional Roads Policing Unit has been provided with specialised equipment to allow for the downloading of data from digital tachographs and to aid in the identification of tachograph related offences. Any such member may give evidence in relation to driver hours and rest periods, however, if a more detailed analysis of tachograph charts / digital tachographs is required, regarding journeys, speed etc., this is carried out by personnel attached to the Forensic Science Laboratory.

I am informed that An Garda Síochána, with the assistance of the Road Safety Authority, provide ongoing training to all Roads Policing members in relation to the examination of HGV’s. This training is incorporated in the induction seminar provided to all new members of Roads Policing Units and also forms part of the instruction provided at the annual seminar provided to all roads policing members.

While the restrictions imposed by COVID have restricted the ability to conduct these seminars, I understand they will be recommenced as soon as restrictions permit.

An Garda Síochána

Questions (1021)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

1021. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of new marked Garda vans that came into the fleet in 2022 and to-date in 2023, in tabular form; and the number of marked vans withdrawn from the fleet during the same period. [18049/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The the Government is committed to ensuring An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to deliver a modern, fit-for-purpose, policing service. Budget 2023 provides funding of €2.14 billion for An Garda Síochána, of which €10m has been allocated for investment in the Garda fleet.

As 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 purchase, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.

I am however assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use. 

The table below, which was provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out  the number of marked Garda vans allocated to and removed from the Garda Fleet in 2022 and in 2023 up to 31 March. 

Marked Garda Vans	2022	2023 up to 31 March
ALLOCATED	15	0
REMOVED	21	1

 

I am also advised by the Garda authorities that at 31 March 2023, the latest date for which figure are available, there were 3,381 vehicles attached to the Garda fleet.

This represents an increase of 2% since end December 2022, when there were 3,312 vehicles attached to the Garda fleet.

The Deputy may also wish to be aware that An Garda Síochána publish information on Garda fleet, including a Divisional/District monthly breakdown, on their website at: 

www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/finance-services/finance-fleet-management.html 

An Garda Síochána

Questions (1022)

Mark Ward

Question:

1022. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Justice the number of young people who have entered Garda diversion programmes from 2019 to date; where these programmes are in operation; if follow up data is collected on those leaving the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18052/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Justice

As the Deputy may be aware, Youth Diversion Projects (YDPs) are community based, multi-agency youth crime prevention initiatives which primarily seek to divert young people who have been, or are at risk of becoming, involved in anti-social and/or criminal behaviour.

There are currently over 100 YDPs in operation and the intention of this year’s Justice Plan, under the Youth Justice Strategy, is to provide full geographic availability of youth diversion services throughout the State by end-2023. These projects provide an invaluable support to complement the work of An Garda Síochána in addressing youth crime and protect local communities.

The table below sets out the details of new YDP participants for each year from 2019 to 2022. 2023 figures will not be available until next year.

YDP Participants	2019	2020	2021	2022*
Commencements	1,433	1,100	1,160	1,790

* Participant numbers taken from 2022 Annual Reports are provisional and subject to change

For the information of the Deputy, the table appended to this answer gives a breakdown of YDPs nationwide currently receiving funding from my Department, as of the end of 2022, and their locations. 

I can advise the Deputy that follow-up data was collected for YDP participants reported under the European Social Fund: The Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning (ESF PEIL) 2014-2020, but are no longer required under the new ESF Employment, Inclusion, Skills and Training

Programme (ESF+ EIST). 

I can also advise the Deputy that my Department has a dedicated youth justice partnership with the internationally recognised REPPP team (Research Evidence into Policy Programmes and Practice) at the University of Limerick which is guiding the development of programmes and practices within the framework of the Youth Justice Strategy. This includes the REPPP Action Research Project which aims to co-design and implement new guidance on effective practitioner and young person relationships in Youth Diversion Projects (YDPs). This has been done using 16 YDP sites nationwide and involving them in a trial process over 2 years. REPPP is also providing dedicated research and expert support, including best practice support for the nationwide project network (to roll out expanded and additional YDPs to fully ensure national coverage), facilitated by the REPPP project team.

Legislative Measures

Questions (1023)

Seán Canney

Question:

1023. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Justice if he intends to update the laws on hearsay to match those of other jurisdictions to ensure that juries are allowed to hear of fears expressed by a person prior to their death and that these statements are not ruled as inadmissible due to rules on hearsay in trials; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18071/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy may be aware, the Law Reform Commission published a report in 2016 entitled 'Consolidation and Reform of Aspects of the Law of Evidence' which broadly recommended that hearsay evidence should only be admissible, either in civil or criminal proceedings, under the exceptions already established by the Courts.

In light of the above, I can advise the Deputy that the matter is not subject to any further consideration at this time. 

Departmental Regulations

Questions (1024)

Seán Canney

Question:

1024. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Justice if he will amend the necessary regulations to ensure that someone convicted of murder or manslaughter does not benefit in any financial way from the estate of the victim of the crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18072/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy may be aware, an independent study has been commissioned by my Department into familicide and domestic homicide reviews.  The final report is being considered by officials in the Department and I intend to publish the report as soon as this examination and analysis is complete. 

The recommendations of this report will be taken into consideration in the context of any future legislative reform that may progress in the area referred to by the Deputy.  As the Deputy will be aware, examination of this area of the law gives rises to the need to consider a range of complex legal issues.