Tuesday, 25 Apr 2023

Written Answers Nos. 377-401

Departmental Schemes

Questions (377)

Sean Fleming

Question:

377. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19475/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Treatment Benefit Scheme provides dental, optical and aural services to insured workers, the self-employed, retired people and their dependent spouse/partner who have the required number of social insurance (PRSI) contributions.

In order to qualify, a person needs to have at least 260 PRSI contributions paid at either Class A, E, H, P or S, since first starting work, and also have 39 contributions paid or credited in the relevant contribution year on which the claim is based.

The person concerned does not currently qualify for treatment benefit as he paid a class of PRSI contribution which is not reckonable for treatment benefit.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Appeals

Questions (378)

Anne Rabbitte

Question:

378. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) can expect a decision from the officer in relation to an appeal lodged for the carer's allowance; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19546/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 14 December 2022. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were returned to the Appeals Office on 20 April 2023 and referred the same day to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if necessary, hold an oral hearing.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Appeals

Questions (379)

Anne Rabbitte

Question:

379. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) can expect a decision from the officer in relation to an appeal lodged for a carer's allowance; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19547/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 10 February 2023. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Social Protection. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 1 March 2023.

The case was referred on 16 March 2023 to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if necessary, hold an oral hearing.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Appeals

Questions (380)

Anne Rabbitte

Question:

380. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) can expect a decision from the officer in relation to a financial appeal lodged for a disability allowance; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19548/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was received in that office on 11 January 2023. A letter issued to the person on 7 February 2023 requesting the grounds for the delay in submitting the appeal application as it had been submitted outside the statutory limit of 21 days following the decision being appealed. The appeal and grounds for the late appeal application were submitted to the Appeals Office on 16 February 2023 and, following consideration, the appeal was registered in the Appeals Office on 9 March 2023.

It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When these papers have been received from the Department, the case in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if necessary, hold an oral appeal hearing.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Benefits

Questions (381)

Richard Bruton

Question:

381. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will outline how working part-time hours affects a person’s entitlement to jobseeker's allowance; how it affects entitlement to jobseeker's benefit; and the number of claimants in each case who receive payment while working part-time. [19553/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The main social welfare schemes for people who are unable to find full-time employment are the social insurance contribution-based Jobseeker's Benefit and the means-tested Jobseeker's Allowance. These schemes allow a person to work up to three days per week, where they are fully unemployed for at least four in any seven consecutive days. Among the qualifying conditions for both schemes are that a person must be available for and genuinely seeking full-time work.

Employees who are working up to 3 days per week may receive Jobseeker's Benefit for the days of unemployment. The amount of Jobseeker's Benefit paid is based on a 5-day week. This means that for each day that a person is employed, 1/5th of the normal rate of Jobseeker's Benefit is deducted from their payment.

Jobseeker's Allowance is a mean-tested social assistance payment for unemployed people who have either not paid enough social insurance contributions to qualify for Jobseeker's Benefit or have exhausted their Jobseeker's Benefit entitlement and are seeking full-time work. Earnings from employment are assessed as part of the means assessment. Where a claimant or their spouse or partner has earnings from insurable employment and they are working up to 3 days per week, earnings less PRSI deductions, superannuation, the pension levy and trade union subscriptions are assessed as means. For each person, there is a maximum income disregard of €60 per week or up to €20 for each day of unemployment and the balance is then assessed at 60%.

If a person leaves their job or reduces their days of employment they may be regarded as having deprived themselves of an income. In these circumstances they may be disqualified from payment for up to 9 weeks as they have reduced their days of employment voluntarily. However, as all cases are decided individually, based on the facts provided by the person, the Deciding Officer may find that the reason for the reduction in days of employment is reasonable. The person is still required to satisfy all of the qualifying conditions to receive the payment, including being capable of work, available for full-time work and genuinely seeking work.

The number of casual Jobseeker’s Benefit recipients working part-time for March 2023 was 5,947. The number of casual Jobseeker’s Allowance recipients working part-time for March 2023 was 17,389.

If the Deputy has a specific case in mind, the person concerned should be advised to contact their local Intreo Centre to discuss the appropriate support for their particular circumstances.

I trust that this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Benefits

Questions (382)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

382. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of carer's allowance for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19559/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

Carer's allowance is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that as a result they require that level of care.

A means review in this case was carried out on 2 February 2023. The rate of payment to the person concerned has now been updated to full-rate Carer's Allowance with effect from 19 January 2023. This payment plus arrears due will be paid to their nominated account on 27 April 2023.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Benefits

Questions (383, 384)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

383. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will remove the means test for carer’s allowance, given the vital role played by carers and the significant contribution they make to the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19591/23]

Brendan Griffin

Question:

384. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will increase the carer’s allowance income threshold for carers, given the significant increase in the cost of living; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19593/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

I propose to take Questions Nos. 383 and 384 together.

The Government acknowledges the important role that family carers play and is fully committed to supporting carers in that role. This commitment is recognised in both the Programme for Government and the National Carers’ Strategy.

The key role of my Department is to provide income supports where an income need may arise due to unemployment, illness/disability and caring responsibilities. The payments provided are an income support to people who cannot earn, or can only earn a limited income, and who have no other means or resources to rely upon.The main income supports to carers provided by my department are Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit, Domiciliary Care Allowance and the Carer’s Support Grant. Spending in 2023 is expected to amount to almost €1.6 billion on these payments.

Carer’s Allowance is primarily aimed at carers on low incomes who look after people in need of full-time care and attention. The two principal conditions for receipt of Carer’s Allowance are that full time care and attention is required and being provided, and that the applied means test is satisfied. The application of the means test ensures that the limited resources available can be targeted at those with the greatest income need.

Removal of the means assessment for Carer’s Allowance, as the Deputy proposes, would not only change the nature of the scheme from a targeted income maintenance support for those most in need and providing full-time care it would, in effect, create a new universal social protection scheme. This would give rise to a very significant annual cost and could only be considered within a wider budgetary context.

A more generous means assessment for Carer’s Allowance has been called for over successive Budgets by organisations representing carers and as part of Budget 2022 I announced significant improvements to the means test for Carer’s Allowance. These were the first changes to the means test in 14 years.

• For carers who work, the weekly income disregard was increased from €332.50 to €350 for a single person, and from €665 to €750 for carers with a spouse/partner.

• The capital and savings disregard for the Carer’s Allowance means assessment was increased from €20,000 to €50,000, aligning it with that which applies for Disability Allowance. These are the highest disregards in the social welfare system.

In addition to Carer's Allowance, my department also provides a non-means tested payment to carers in the form of Carer’s Benefit. The Carer's Benefit payment is an entitlement based on social insurance contributions. It is a weekly payment made to insured people who may be required to leave the workforce or reduce their working hours to care for a person(s) in need of full-time care. It is payable for a period of 2 years (104 weeks) for each care recipient and may be claimed over separate periods up to a total of two years. Carer’s Benefit is paid at a rate of €237 a week for one care recipient.

Furthermore, the Carer's Support Grant - which I increased to its highest-ever rate of €1,850 - is available to carers who are not on a social welfare payment. For those providing ongoing care and attention for a child aged under 16 with a severe disability, Domiciliary Care Allowance is available and is also not means-tested. As part of Budget 2023, I increased the monthly payment by €21 to its current rate of €330.00.

As part of Budget 2023, I announced further improvements to payments for carers including:

• A €12 increase in the maximum rate of Carer’s Allowance and Carer’s Benefit with proportionate increases for people receiving a reduced rate.

• The Half-rate Carer’s Allowance is now disregarded in the means assessment for Fuel Allowance.

• A double payment for carers paid in October 2022 benefitting over 118,000 carers.

• A €500 payment for people receiving Carer’s Support Grant paid in November 2022.

• Carers received the Christmas Bonus Double Payment.

In February, the Government announced a further Cost-of-Living lump sum €200 payment for those in receipt of weekly social payments, including carers, which will be paid this week.

Finally, I have committed to carrying out a broad review of means testing this year. Changes to any of the schemes on foot of this review will only be done in the context of ensuring the most effective and targeted use of public funds that are required to provide income support on a broad societal level.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Question No. 384 answered with Question No. 383.

Departmental Contracts

Questions (385)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

385. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection the number and total value of contracts her Department has had over the past 12 months with KPMG; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20040/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Department has had one contract with KPMG over the last 12 months to the value of €336,405.

I am satisfied that the contract awarded was subject to a rigorous assessment of need and was compliant with EU Directives and national legislation and guidelines.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Courts Staff

Questions (386)

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Question:

386. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 1146 of 18 January 2023, when it is expected that an appointment will be made to the role of County Registrar at the Courts Service in Dundalk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18922/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

Under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in exercising its functions. However, I wish to assure the Deputy that any County Registrar vacancy which has arisen in recent years has been filled.

The Courts Service Act 1998 sets out the nature of the relationship between the Courts Service and the County Registrar. The post of County Registrar is a statutory officer appointed by the Government, with a number of different roles, including under-sheriff and returning officer functions. When such posts become vacant, arrangements are made with the Courts Service and the Public Appointments Service to run an open recruitment competition to identify suitable persons for recommendation to Government for appointment.

Having enquired into the matter, I can confirm that a competition has been run through the Public Appointments Service to fill this vacancy. This competition is now complete and an appointment will be made to the position in the near future.

Further information on such competitions is available on the public jobs website (www.publicjobs.ie).

International Protection

Questions (387)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

387. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice if international protection applicants have their records checked for criminal convictions; if so, the databases they are checked against; the countries that take part in those databases; how long the process takes; the process if an international protection applicant is found to have a criminal conviction; if they are allowed to remain in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18927/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The State is required to examine the application of anyone who presents at the borders of the State, or is in the State, and indicates that they wish to make an application for international protection. This is in accordance with our obligations under international and EU asylum law and the Government takes those commitments very seriously.

My Department takes all necessary steps to manage the international protection process efficiently and effectively, while ensuring the integrity of those processes is maintained at all times.

At the commencement of the international protection process, each applicant has their fingerprints checked against the Eurodac system which allows officials to establish if the applicant has previously applied for international protection in another Member State.

The Deputy should also note that every person who enters the State will go through a SIS check. SIS is a centralised secure database used by European countries for maintaining information (alerts) related to border security and law enforcement. The integration of SIS into national systems means that automatic alerts are generated in real-time in instances where, for example, a Garda member or Immigration Officer encounters a person who is wanted for, or has been involved in, a serious crime in another jurisdiction.

The Deputy might wish to note that any person being considered for a grant of status (refugee status, subsidiary protection or permission to remain) will have a character and conduct check (including checks for criminality) carried out in respect of them before any such status is conferred on them.

An Garda Síochána notify my Department of matters which may be relevant to its examination of an application for international protection and any such matter raised will be given due and appropriate consideration in the statutory processes.

In relation to persons seeking international protection who have committed a crime outside the state, this may or may not be material to their international protection claim. If a person has committed a serious crime in their country of origin, this can form a basis for having them ‘excluded’ from being declared a refugee or from gaining subsidiary protection status in the State. Similarly, a person granted a refugee or a subsidiary protection status can have their status revoked in certain prescribed circumstances, as set out in section 52 of the International Protection Act 2015.

An Garda Síochána

Questions (388)

Paul Donnelly

Question:

388. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice the number of unmarked Garda vans in each Garda division as of 17 April 2023, in tabular form. [18953/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I have contacted An Garda Síochána for the information requested by the Deputy but regretfully this information was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.

An Garda Síochána

Questions (389)

Paul Donnelly

Question:

389. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice the number of times that gardaí have objected to the renewal of pub licences in each Garda district in Dublin due to public order concerns in 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [18954/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

Management of the courts, operational matters and logistical functions are the responsibility of the judiciary and Courts Service, which are independent in exercising their functions under the Courts Service Act 1998 and given the separation of powers in the Constitution. The Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas at: [e-mail].

Figures of this nature are recorded by the Courts Service. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to the Courts Service for direct reply.

An Garda Síochána

Questions (390)

Paul Donnelly

Question:

390. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice when each of the boats currently in the Garda water unit are next scheduled to be replaced, in tabular form. [18955/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

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 direct role in these matters.

I am assured, however, that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review to ensure their optimum use in light of identified operational needs and emerging crime trends.

I can assure the Deputy that 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 I am informed that €10m has been allocated for investment in the Garda fleet.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda Water Unit is a national resource based at Santry Garda Station, Dublin Metropolitan Region and Garycastle, Athlone, Co. Westmeath and is under the direction and control of Assistant Commissioner, Organised and Serious Crime and the operational control of Chief Superintendent, Operational Support Services.

The unit provides a full dive and marine capability throughout the State and responds to requests for assistance from within An Garda Síochána and relevant agencies.

I am informed that the Unit currently has 2 patrol boats, 4 rigid inflatable boats (RIB’s) and 6 inflatable boats. The boats allocated to the unit have met the present requirements of the Garda Water Unit to date and the equipment fitted on the boats is regularly serviced and upgraded when necessary.

I am further informed that financial sanction and the Request for Tender (RFT) has been advertised for the replacement of four rigid inflatable boats and it is envisaged the purchase will be completed in 2023. I am advised that currently there are no plans to replace the patrol boats.

Closed-Circuit Television Systems

Questions (391)

Paul Donnelly

Question:

391. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 520 of 14 February 2023, if he has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities to answer the question. [18956/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The Deputy is referring to Parliamentary Questions No. 520 of 14 February and 526 of 7 March 2023 seeking the estimated amount that An Garda Síochána has spent on sending out poor quality CCTV images to external companies in order to get the image quality improved in the years 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023 in tabular form; and if any of these companies are located outside of the State.

As the Deputy will appreciate, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. As Minister for Justice, I have no role in these matters.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that where appropriate, An Garda Síochána can employ external third party companies to get the image quality improved on CCTV images. In the event that such third party companies are engaged, this would occur at investigation level through relevant divisions. I understand that due to the manner in which such costs are recorded, it is not possible to provide the figures as requested.

I am also advised that the Electronic Media Unit within ICT is focused on the delivery of support for applications in the forensic retrieval of mobile phones and CCTV data, supporting evidence gathering and compilation of evidence. The unit provides some limited capability to the organisation centrally and at divisional level for enhancement of CCTV footage in house.

I am informed there are companies where CCTV images are sent for enhancement located outside the State. However, it is not possible to provide the names of these companies as it is considered operationally sensitive and cannot be disclosed for security reasons.

Defibrillators Provision

Questions (392)

Paul Donnelly

Question:

392. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 461 of 24 January 2023, if he has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities to answer the question. [18957/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The Deputy is referring to Parliamentary Questions No. 461 of 24 January 2023, 521 of 14 February 2023, 514 of 7 March 2023 and 572 of 28 March 2023 seeking the estimated full-year cost of installing two defibrillators in each Garda station that is opened on a 24-7 basis; and the number of Garda stations that currently have a defibrillator installed.

As the Deputy will appreciate, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. As Minister for Justice, I have no role in these matters.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the estimated cost of installing two defibrillators units in each Garda station that is opened on a 24/7 basis would be in the region of €500,000.

It is worth noting that the above figure is based on the cost of the unit only and there may also be some additional costs, for example, the provision of a power source if not available within the required vicinity, training and maintenance. This would vary on a case-by-case basis.

While there is no An Garda Síochána policy regarding defibrillators in Garda Stations, I can inform the Deputy that records held by An Garda Síochána indicate that the Procurement Section of An Garda Síochána has purchased 79 Defibrillators / AEDs units between 2018 to date.

As recently stated by the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD, enhanced community response is critical to improving cardiac arrest survival rates. This is recognised in the National Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Strategy (OHCA) “Putting Survival at the Heart of the Community” (2019).

According to Minister Donnelly the Governance Implementation Group for the Strategy have agreed their Priority Action Plan for 2023, and have continued a strong emphasis on strengthening the links of the Chain of Survival in the Irish community including the training, equipping and deploying high numbers of uniformed first responders including members of An Garda Síochána, retained fire services, GPs and off-duty ambulance staff.

I also understand from Minister Donnelly that an Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) Registry is currently in development.

Immigration Status

Questions (393)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Question:

393. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Justice how many successful applicants there are for the scheme for long-term undocumented migrants; the number of applicants in total; the number that were refused as they arrived later than the cut-off point; and if there are plans to assist those who missed the cut-off point by less than six months. [19004/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The General Scheme for the Regularisation of Long Term Undocumented Migrants closed on 31 July 2022. This once in a generation scheme was designed to give long-term undocumented people without a current permission to remain in the State the chance to regularise their status, access the labour market and begin their path to citizenship.

6,548 applications were submitted in respect of 8,311 people under the scheme. Of these 5,654 (86%) were Single Applications and 894 (14%) Family Applications. As of 11 April 2023, 4,302 applications have been granted, 592 applications have been refused, and 93 applications have been withdrawn by the applicants for various reasons. These applications equate to 6,386 people of which 5,589 people were granted, 685 people refused and 112 people withdrew from the process.

My Department had significant engagement with the NGOs in this sector before and during the timeframe for applications and also widely advertised the scheme in advance of and during the 6 month window it was open. Additionally, a targeted media campaign was launched during the final weeks of the scheme.

Applicants to the scheme were required to submit their application online only and the online facility closed at midnight on the 31 July 2022 and consequently no late applications were received.

For those who did not qualify for the scheme or did not apply for the scheme, and who remain resident in the State without an immigration permission, I encourage them to contact the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) of 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. In all cases, people must engage with the authorities if they wish to be permitted to remain here legally.

The Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) examines each application to remain in the State on a case-by-case basis and has consistently urged anyone in this position to come forward if they wish to apply to regularise their immigration position in the State.

Policing of Events

Questions (394)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

394. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Justice the total cost to the State of providing security for the visit of the US President; and for a breakdown of this cost in as detailed a manner as possible. [19028/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The Deputy will appreciate that high level visits to Ireland are of significant importance in the development and maintenance of our relations with other States. Such visits are to be welcomed and offer important opportunities to us, as a small outward-looking State, for positive engagement with partners.

In terms of the cost associated with the visit to Ireland of President Biden, the Deputy will appreciate that there is an obligation on the State to take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of every visiting dignitary, in line with risk assessment. Similar measures and courtesies are as a matter of course also extended to Ireland, when members of Government travel on official visits to other States.

I am sure the Deputy will also appreciate, given the short time frame since the Presidential visit to Ireland, that the Garda authorities are not in a position to provide final costs of the visit yet, as invoices, travel and subsistence requests, and other such like requests are yet to be received. The final figures will become more clear in the coming months as payments are processed to completion.

I am also sure the Deputy and indeed the House will agree that An Garda Síochána should be commended for the flexibility and professionalism demonstrated in dealing with what was an extremely complex, dynamic and indeed highly challenging operation.

Policing of Events

Questions (395)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

395. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Justice the number of additional gardaí seconded to Dublin, Louth and Mayo (or other) to provide security for the visit of the US President. [19029/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I have contacted An Garda Síochána for the information requested by the Deputy but regretfully, this information was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.

Departmental Data

Questions (396, 397, 400, 426, 429, 430)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

396. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice when he will consult with the members of two groups (details supplied) who are frustrated by a lack of engagement in relation to the review of firearms legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19048/23]

Seán Canney

Question:

397. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Justice when he intends to meet with stakeholders following the report of the Firearms Expert Committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19059/23]

Holly Cairns

Question:

400. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice if he will engage with stakeholder groups (details supplied) concerning the Firearms Expert Committee: First Report. [19080/23]

Willie O'Dea

Question:

426. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Justice when he or the Firearms Expert Committee intend to consult with the firearm user groups or representative organisations of the almost quarter-of-a-million licensed firearms holders in Ireland, in relation to the comprehensive review of firearms licensing in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19512/23]

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

429. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19574/23]

Michael Lowry

Question:

430. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 164 of 29 March 2023, when he will make the reports by the Firearms Expect Committee available in full; when his Department will convene a broader consultation process with firearms stakeholders to address any recommended policy or legislative changes resulting from the committee’s final report and recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19577/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Justice

I propose to take Questions Nos. 396, 397, 400, 426, 429 and 430 together.

I can advise the Deputies that I established the Firearms Expert Committee (FEC) on a non-statutory basis with representation from stakeholders, my Department and An Garda Síochána.

The purpose of the FEC was to serve in an advisory capacity to me as Minister, providing guidance on a wide range of matters related to firearms licensing in the State. In line with its comprehensive terms of reference, which were made publicly available, the FEC was tasked with making recommendations on a range of firearms matters for my subsequent consideration, including carrying out an assessment of all types of firearms to determine their current use under the existing licensing system and their suitability for future licensing.

The Deputy may wish to know that the final meeting of the FEC took place on 3 March 2023, and that I received the final reports from the FEC which I published on Friday, 31 March 2023 on Gov.ie.

As I have emphasised throughout the process, any proposed changes to policy or legislation arising from any of the recommendations of the FEC will be subject to prior consultation with firearms stakeholders. Details of the consultation process are being finalised and will be publicised shortly. When this happens I will ensure that these details are communicated to stakeholder organisations so that they, and their members, can engage fully in the consultations. I would also encourage as many people and organisations as possible to engage with this process to make their views known.

Question No. 397 answered with Question No. 396.

An Garda Síochána

Questions (398)

Denise Mitchell

Question:

398. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice if there is an active animal welfare unit within An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19066/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

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 structure of Units and distribution of members distributed throughout the State. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there is no active animal welfare unit within An Garda Síochána. I am further informed that An Garda Síochána is compliant with the Animal Welfare Act 2013 and associated Statutory Instruments 106 of 2014 and 520 of 2014, and members have multiple powers in relation to animal welfare concerns.

The following Acts and local bye-laws enable Gardaí to search with or without warrant, to seize animals and arrest individuals in contravention of the Acts:

1. Animal Health and Welfare Act, 2013

2. Control of Horses Act, 1996

3. Control of Dogs Act, 1986.

There is ongoing liaison between Animal Health & Welfare Liaison Inspectors who are nominated in Garda Divisions, the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA), and veterinary surgeons employed by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine who may be called upon to assist members of An Garda Síochána in their duties. If seizing an animal, the local authority can provide members with contacts for horse pounds and dog wardens. Local animal charities are also eager to assist Gardaí when requested.

The Government is very conscious of the special place that animals hold in people’s lives. I can assure you that An Garda Síochána takes animal welfare matters 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.

Departmental Reviews

Questions (399)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

399. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the status of the review of the Special Criminal Court; the date that the final report is expected to be submitted; and the schedule of costs to date. [19074/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy is aware, in 2021 an expert group was established to carry out an independent review of the Offences Against the State Acts.

The Review Group is chaired by Mr Justice Michael Peart, former Judge of the Court of Appeal, and is tasked with examining all aspects of the Offences Against the State Acts having regard to the current threat posed by domestic/international terrorism and organised crime, the duty to deliver a fair and effective criminal justice system to ensure the protection of communities and the security of the State and Ireland’s obligations in relation to Constitutional and ECHR rights and international law.

The Terms of Reference for the Review Group also included a requirement that the review be undertaken in consultation with relevant stakeholders, statutory agencies and civil society organisations.

The Deputy will appreciate that the Review Group is independent in the performance of its work. I am however informed that the Review Group has, as part of its consultation process, had significant engagement with relevant stakeholders, statutory agencies and civil society organisations, including human rights organisations. Expenditure associated with the Group's work to date is approximately €100,000.

I expect to receive the final report of the Review Group shortly.

Question No. 400 answered with Question No. 396.

An Garda Síochána

Questions (401)

Ivana Bacik

Question:

401. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Justice the number of full-time equivalent gardaí currently stationed at Kevin Street Garda Station, Irishtown Garda Station, Donnybrook Garda Station, Rathmines Garda Station, Terenure Garda Station, Sundrive Road Garda Station and Pearse Street Garda Station, in tabular form. [19110/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

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 responsibility for the recruitment, training and deployment of Garda members. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.

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

I can also assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to strengthening and supporting An Garda Síochána – and Budget 2023 provides funding to support the planned recruitment of up to 1,000 new Garda members. I can also assure the Deputy that I regularly engage with the Garda Commissioner to ensure that every possible support is in place to deliver on this level of recruitment.

The table below, provided to me by the Garda authorities, outlines the number of Gardaí stationed at Kevin Street Garda Station, Irishtown Garda Station, Donnybrook Garda Station, Rathmines Garda Station, Terenure Garda Station, Sundrive Road Garda Station and Pearse Street Garda Station as of 31 March 2023, the date for which latest figures are available.

Station	GD	SG	IN	SU	CS	Total
KEVIN STREET	118	25	7	3	1	154
IRISHTOWN	43	7	1			51
DONNYBROOK	91	12	2	1		106
RATHMINES	42	6	1			49
TERENURE	67	9	4			80
SUNDRIVE ROAD	49	2				51
PEARSE STREET	216	25	5	1		247

For the Deputy's information, detailed figures relating to the Garda workforce, including the breakdown of members assigned by Division and Station, is available publicly at the following link and updated regularly by my Department: www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/