Written Answers Nos. 5-19
5. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Taoiseach the number of persons released from jail that went on to commit an offence again within three years of their release; the proportion of the number of released prisoners they represented, in each of the past five years, by category of offence, and by period within which the subsequent crime was committed, in tabular form; the way in which the rate of recidivism here compares with other EU countries. [34831/23]
View answerThe exact information requested by the Deputy is not available. The Central Statistics Office compiles official statistics on one-year and three-year Prison Reoffending on an annual basis. The most recent statistics of prison reoffending published on the 11thJuly 2023 covers the one year reoffending rates of individuals released from custody in 2020 and the three year reoffending rates of individuals released in 2017. More recent estimates covering the years 2018 onwards (three-year rates) and 2021 onwards (one-year rates) cannot be calculated until the periods of time in which re-offences can take place (three and one year after release) plus additional time for related court proceedings leading to a conviction has elapsed. Comparisons of reoffending rates with other countries in the EU or the UK are not available due to national differences in the methodology of calculating reoffending. In the absence of a European Statistical regulation to standardise a methodology, countries statistics on reoffending use varying time periods and different thresholds for reoffending events. The tables below provide the most recent statistics of Prison Reoffending for reference years 2017 (three-year) and 2020 (one-year).
· Table 1.1 Three-year custodial reoffending from 2011-2017.
In 2017 1,593 of 2,604 (61%) of individuals released from custody during the reference year reoffended within three years of release.
· Table 1.2 One-year custodial reoffending from 2011-2020.
In 2020, 1,137 of 2,747 (41%) of individuals released from custody during the reference year reoffended within one year of release.
|
Table 1.1 Individuals released1 from custody 2011 - 2017 classified by 3-year re-offending indicator |
|||||||
|
3-year re-offending indicator |
|||||||
|
Re-offender |
Non re-offender |
Total individuals released |
|||||
|
Release Year |
Number |
% |
Number |
% |
Number |
||
|
2011 |
2,559 |
68 |
1,218 |
32 |
3,777 |
||
|
2012 |
2,724 |
65 |
1,463 |
35 |
4,187 |
||
|
2013 |
2,054 |
60 |
1,400 |
40 |
3,454 |
||
|
2014 |
1,845 |
60 |
1,229 |
40 |
3,074 |
||
|
2015 |
1,607 |
62 |
999 |
38 |
2,606 |
||
|
2016 |
1,636 |
62 |
990 |
38 |
2,626 |
||
|
2017 |
1,593 |
61 |
1,011 |
39 |
2,604 |
||
|
1 A released individual is classified to have re-offended if prison or PULSE records indicate the individual re-entered custody or committed a convicted incident within 3 years of their release. |
|||||||
|
Table 1.2 Individuals released from custody 2011 - 2020 classified by 1-year and 3-year re-offending indicator |
|||||||
|
Re-offending indicator |
|||||||
|
1-year rate |
3-year rate |
Total individuals released |
|||||
|
Release Year |
Number |
% |
Number |
% |
Number |
||
|
2011 |
2,041 |
54 |
2,559 |
68 |
3,776 |
||
|
2012 |
2,071 |
50 |
2,724 |
65 |
4,184 |
||
|
2013 |
1,561 |
45 |
2,054 |
60 |
3,453 |
||
|
2014 |
1,365 |
44 |
1,845 |
60 |
3,072 |
||
|
2015 |
1,230 |
47 |
1,607 |
62 |
2,602 |
||
|
2016 |
1,272 |
48 |
1,636 |
62 |
2,626 |
||
|
2017 |
1,226 |
47 |
1,593 |
61 |
2,604 |
||
|
2020 |
1,137 |
41 |
n/a |
n/a |
2,747 |
||
|
2018 |
1,323 |
48 |
n/a |
n/a |
2,783 |
||
|
2019 |
1,794 |
45 |
n/a |
n/a |
4,026 |
||
|
1 A released individual is classified to have re-offended if prison or PULSE records indicate the individual re-entered custody or committed a convicted incident within 1 or 3 years of their release depending on the re-offending indicator chosen. |
|||||||
Footnote: Further tables of reoffending rates classified by offence group available on request
6. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Taoiseach if he will advise when the NESC report on just transition for the farming sector will be launched. [35498/23]
View answerThe National Economic and Social Council (NESC) published Report 162 ‘Just Transition in Agriculture and Land Use’ on 11th July 2023.
The report examines how Ireland can achieve a just transition in the agricultural and land-use sector, in keeping with our national climate objectives. The report details a portfolio of recommendations that can enable a transition that is socially inclusive and equitable, economically viable, and environmentally robust.
The report can be found on NESC’s website: www.nesc.ie/publications/exploring-a-just-transition-in-agriculture-and-land-use .
7. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Taoiseach if the criminalisation records of individuals convicted of historical homosexual offences belonging to the Attorney General were transferred to the National Archives. [35776/23]
View answer9. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Taoiseach if the Attorney General has deposited all his files with 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. [36236/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 9 together.
Almost the entirety of the Attorney General’s prosecuting function under Article 30.3 of the Constitution, was transferred to the Director of Public Prosecutions by the Prosecution of Offences Act 1974. Legal records of the Attorney General’s Office are stored in compliance with the Office’s obligations under the National Archives Act 1986, as amended. Setting aside records held by the Chief State Solicitor’s Office, records in excess of 30 years old are transferred to the National Archives in accordance with the 1986 Act, where they are available for inspection by the public. The transfer of records to the National Archives is subject to exceptions as outlined in the 1986 Act. For example, in accordance with section 8(4) of the Act, records may be certified as not being appropriate for inspection by the public where such inspection would be contrary to the public interest, or might cause distress or danger to living persons. Records which are so certified are retained by the Office of the Attorney General and reviewed periodically, in accordance with the 1986 Act.
8. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Taoiseach the action his Department has taken to honour the programme for Government pledge to ensure that Government Departments and public bodies take positive steps, including the use of correct pronouns and, where possible, making improvements on official forms, to assist non-binary people. [35837/23]
View answerThe Department of the Taoiseach is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all colleagues feel respected, valued and included and to comply with Civil Service Quality Customer Service guiding principles. Given its role at the centre, the Department of the Taoiseach does not provide services directly to the public which require the use of official forms.
10. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach if his Department, and all agencies under the remit of his Department, have their telephone contact details on their websites and on other media platforms; and if all stationery and headed notepaper used in correspondence with the public contain relevant phone contact details, taking into account that everybody is not in a position to correspond by e-mail. [36704/23]
View answerThe main telephone number for the Department is 01 6194000 and this is made clear on the Department's website, through the Department's various entries in publicly available telephone directories, and through Internet search engines. All headed notepaper used in correspondence includes relevant phone contact details.
The National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO), the only body under the aegis of my Department, display their telephone number on their website and other media platforms as well as their headed notepaper and stationery.
11. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Taoiseach if he will provide an overview of the Shared Island programme since its launch in 2020; the funding provided to each project; and the initiatives supported. [37049/23]
View answerAs provided for in the Programme for Government, we are progressing the Shared Island initiative, to benefit the whole island by working with all communities and traditions for a shared future, underpinned by the Good Friday Agreement.
The Government has so far allocated almost €250m from the Shared Island Fund for all-island projects. With this resourcing we are moving ahead with long-standing commitments and new investments that meet the objectives on Shared Island under the Programme for Government and the revised National Development Plan.
On 20 June, the Government announced that a further €56m had been allocated from the Shared Island Fund, to move forward with a range of substantial cross-border investments. The major project is the commitment of €44.5m for construction of a new teaching building at Ulster University’s campus in Derry. Allocations were also agreed by Government for new all-island projects on the bioeconomy, to provide respite care for children diagnosed with cancer, and to complete the tender for the Narrow Water Bridge.
We also continue to progress the Shared Island Dialogue series with almost 3,000 citizens and civic representatives participating to date. The dialogues are considering how, in practical ways we can better share this island into the future. Most recently, a dialogue was held on 16 June at Dublin City University on the role of education in connecting communities across the island of Ireland. 150 education, civil society and political representatives from North and South participated.
On 20 June, Government also announced the establishment of a new Youth Forum as part of the Shared Island initiative. This will commence in September and hear from young people across all communities on their vision and values for the future of this island.
The Shared Island unit is commissioning a wide-ranging research programme, providing high-quality evidence and analysis on the whole island, and the opportunities and challenges around deepening cooperation and connections in the years ahead. There have been more than 20 publications to date, with work undertaken by research partners including the National Economic and Social Council, Economic and Social Research Institute, Standing Conference on Teacher Education North South, and Irish Research Council.
A full list of Shared Island Fund allocations to date is provided in tabular format below and further information on all elements of the initiative is available at www.gov.ie/sharedisland .
Tabular information:
|
Shared Island Fund allocations (€m) as at May 2023 |
€m |
|
Phases 2 and 3 of the Ulster Canal restoration contribution Taken forward by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage |
47 |
|
Narrow Water Bridge preparing and completing project tender Taken forward by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage |
5 |
|
North South Research Programme contribution (funding rounds 1 and 2, 2022-2027) Taken forward by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science |
50 |
|
All-Island Co-Centres for Research and Innovation contribution Taken forward by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science |
20 |
|
Electric Vehicle charging point scheme for Sports Clubs across the island Taken forward by the Minister for Transport |
15 |
|
Shared Island dimension to Community Climate Action Programme Taken forward by the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications |
3 |
|
Shared Island Local Authority development funding scheme Taken forward by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage |
5 |
|
All-island biodiversity actions on peatlands restoration and biosecurity Taken forward by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage |
11 |
|
Shared Island Civic Society Fund contribution Taken forward by the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs |
2 |
|
Shared Island dimension to Creative Ireland and cultural heritage projects Taken forward by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media |
8 |
|
All-Island arts capital investment projects Taken forward by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media |
7.4 |
|
Cross-border tourism brand collaboration and marketing initiative Taken forward by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media |
7.6 |
|
Cross-border innovation hub Taken forward by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage |
12 |
|
Ulster University Derry campus teaching building Taken forward by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science |
44.5 |
|
All-island bioeconomy demonstrator facilities Taken forward by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine |
7 |
|
Respite therapeutic centre for children diagnosed with cancer and their families Taken forward by the Minister for Health |
2.5 |
|
Total |
€247m |
12. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he and-or his officials have composed a green paper on the topic of a united Ireland in the past ten years to date. [36164/23]
View answerThe principle of consent and the possibility of change in the constitutional status of Northern Ireland are fundamental elements of the Good Friday Agreement, endorsed by the people of this island, North and South.
The approach of any Irish Government in relation to Irish unity is guided by Article 3 of the Constitution, as amended by the people in 1998.
The Government respects and affirms everyone’s right to make the case for the constitutional future for Northern Ireland they wish to see - whether they are nationalist, unionist or do not identify with either tradition.
In the event of a future referendum within the consent provisions of the Good Friday Agreement, the Government would make all necessary preparations in accordance with the terms of the Constitution and the principles and procedures of the Agreement.
A green paper on a united Ireland has not previously been prepared or published by this or previous Governments during the timer period under reference.
The Government acknowledges the important work of the Oireachtas, including the work of the Seanad Public Consultation Committee on the Constitutional Future of the Island of Ireland, which has sought to take an inclusive approach to potential constitutional futures on this island.
The Government’s focus at this time is on getting all the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement operating again, and to see our North/South and East/West relationships repaired and re-invigorated, after the challenges of recent years. Our Shared Island initiative is contributing to that, working with all communities and political traditions to deliver tangible benefits for the whole island and build consensus around a shared future on the island, underpinned by the Good Friday Agreement.
13. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the commitments made by Ireland under the remit of his Department at COP26 and COP27, respectively; the progress made to date on actioning those, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36883/23]
View answerThe Government is actively involved in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. It is the primary multilateral process for driving international action on climate change.
At COP26 and at COP27, we made a number of commitments, for implementation by the Department of Foreign Affair, which contribute to the global effort to address climate change. These commitments specifically aim to support and fund vulnerable developing countries to address the impacts of climate change and to protect the marine environment. All have been met, as set out below.
|
Commitment |
Progress |
|
COP26, Glasgow, 2021 |
|
|
Because the Ocean Declaration, committing Ireland’s support for climate adaptation and mitigation in the ocean. |
In line with Ireland’s commitment to this Declaration, the Department of Foreign Affairs has increased its support for climate adaptation and mitigation in the ocean. |
|
€1 million to the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility to support Caribbean populations living and earning their livelihoods from the Ocean in the direct aftermath of a disaster. |
This financial commitment was disbursed in 2021. |
|
€700,000 to the World Bank PROBLUE Trust Fund which supports the sustainable and integrated development of marine and coastal resources in developing countries. |
This financial commitment was disbursed in 2022 and reflects Ireland’s progress under its commitment to the Because the Ocean Declaration. |
|
€400,000 for the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) for livelihood development for the coastal community in Tanga-Pemba seascape in Tanzania. This will be delivered in partnership with Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association and Ocean Hub Africa and will also support the conservation of coastal and marine biodiversity and ecosystem services as part of the Great Blue Wall Initiative. |
This financial commitment was disbursed in 2021 and reflects Ireland’s progress under its commitment to the Because the Ocean Declaration. |
|
€1 million to the National Adaptation Plan Global Network to support national-level adaptation in developing countries. |
This financial commitment was disbursed in 2021. |
|
€2.5 million to the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF), to support adaptation activities in some of the world’s most climate vulnerable countries. |
This financial commitment was disbursed in 2021. |
|
COP27, Sharm el-Sheikh, 2022 |
|
|
Ireland re-affirmed its pledge of €4 million between 2022-2025 to the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF), which aims to improve the capacity of vulnerable countries to predict and adapt to climate change and extreme weather events. |
Ireland’s first payment of €1.2 million to the SOFF was made in 2022 and Ireland is an active member of SOFF’s Steering Committee. |
|
€1 million to the Special Climate Change Fund to support adaptation action in Small Island Developing States. |
This financial commitment was disbursed in 2022. |
|
€2 million to the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF), to support adaptation activities in some of the world’s most climate vulnerable countries. |
This financial commitment was disbursed in 2022. |
|
€2 million to the African Development Bank for activities supporting adaptation in African countries. |
This financial commitment was disbursed in 2022. Through its membership of the African Development Bank, Ireland engages in the policy and programming of the Bank. |
14. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs how he will ensure that the cluster munitions agreed by the USA to be given to Ukraine for use will not be transported through Shannon Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35648/23]
View answer39. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will set out the measures he has taken to ensure that Ireland does not facilitate the transit of cluster munitions through Irish airports, ports or airspace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36000/23]
View answer64. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline, pursuant to the Convention on Cluster Munitions, the safeguards and procedures in place to prevent the transfer of cluster munitions through Shannon Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37171/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 14, 39 and 64 together.
Ireland has held a strong and unwavering commitment to the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) since its adoption in Dublin in 2008. Along with over 100 States Parties to the CCM, we maintain our position that these weapons are by their nature, indiscriminate and imprecise. As such, Ireland will continue to uphold our obligation not to facilitate the carriage of such munitions either on military or civil aircraft.
Foreign military aircraft are permitted to land in the State only if they meet strict conditions, including that the aircraft be unarmed, and carry no arms, ammunition or explosives; that it is not engaged in intelligence gathering; and that it does not form part of a military operation or exercise.
There is also a long-standing process in place concerning the carriage of munitions of war on civil aircraft in Irish sovereign territory. Under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders 1973 and 1989, it is expressly prohibited for civil aircraft to carry munitions of war in Irish sovereign territory, without being granted an exemption to do so from the Minister for Transport.
In considering any application for such an exemption in respect of munitions of war, the Department of Transport consults with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Justice to determine if there are foreign policy or security considerations to take into account. The process is robust and includes advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs in respect of international humanitarian law, Ireland’s international obligations and our wider arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation policy.
15. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress to date in the establishment of the 2023 Election Observation Roster competition; when same will be advertised; if it is intended that the Public Appointments Service will be used to recruit for the competition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35661/23]
View answerThe Department of Foreign Affairs maintains and administers a voluntary roster of suitably skilled and vetted individuals who are available to participate at short notice in election observation missions, organised by the European Union (EU) and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).
The current international Election Observation Roster was established for a period of five years, from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2023. The Department is currently engaging with the Public Appointments Service in relation to preparations for the next Roster, which will run for five years from the date of its establishment.
The Department is now accepting applications for membership of the new Roster. On 19 July, the Department shared the application form and guidance note with all those who had expressed an interest in applying to be a member. These documents are also available on request to electionrecruitment2023@dfa.ie. The deadline for submission of completed application forms is 5.30pm on 10 August 2023.
Further information is available on the Department of Foreign Affairs website, at: Election observation - Department of Foreign Affairs (irishaid.ie)
16. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport application by a person (details supplied) will be reviewed and expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35711/23]
View answer17. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport application by a person (details supplied) will be reviewed and expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35716/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 17 together.
With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued passports to the applicants. I encourage the Deputy to advise his constituents of the advantages of using the substantially more efficient online service, which is now used by more than 90% of applicants worldwide.
18. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on a foreign birth registry application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35736/23]
View answer19. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for an update on a foreign births registry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35737/23]
View answer21. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for an update on a foreign births registry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35739/23]
View answer22. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for an update on a foreign births registry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35740/23]
View answer29. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 125 of 13 June 2023, if a passport application by a person (details supplied) will be reviewed and expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35889/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 18, 19, 21, 22 and 29 together.
With regard to the specific Foreign Birth Registration applications about which the Deputies have enquired, these applications have been approved and FBR certificates will issue to the applicants shortly.
