Monday, 11 Sep 2023

Written Answers Nos. 1101-1120

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (1101)

Patrick Costello

Question:

1101. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the allocations of the 2023 community safety innovation fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37540/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will be aware, the Community Safety Innovation Fund was established in April 2021 by myself and the Minister for Public Expenditure to allow proceeds of crime to be directed into community projects to support community safety. The fund was allocated €2 million under Budget 2022.  

The funding was increased to €3 million for 2023, and the call for applications to the 2023 fund closed in May. Applications for the 2023 fund are currently being considered by officials in my Department and I look forward to seeing the projects that will emerge from this new round of funding in the coming weeks. It is anticipated that another round of funding will open for applicants in 2024.

The Community Safety Innovation Fund reflects the successes of An Garda Síochána and the Criminal Assets Bureau in identifying and seizing the ill-gotten gains of criminals. Equally, people across Ireland are working tirelessly in their communities to prevent crime from taking hold and make their local areas safer. The fund seeks to recognise and combine both of these actions.

 

Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence

Questions (1102)

Patrick Costello

Question:

1102. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the breakdown, in tabular form over the past ten years, by county, of safe refuge accommodation places for victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37541/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy is aware, the Government will establish a statutory agency with a dedicated focus on Domestic Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.  

The agency will have a specific mandate to drive the implementation of the Zero Tolerance: Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence across Government, bringing the expertise and focus required to tackle this complex social issue. Pending establishment of the Agency, responsibility for domestic violence services continues to be managed by Tusla.

As this will continue to be the case until services formally transfer to the new DSGBV agency, I have referred the question posed by the Deputy to Tusla for direct reply.

 

Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence

Questions (1103)

Patrick Costello

Question:

1103. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice if, given the recent CSO data which outlined only "12% of people who experienced child sexual abuse disclosed it to gardaí" and only "5% of adults who experienced sexual violence as an adult and disclosed to gardaí", she will outline the measures she is taking to encourage victims of sexual violence to disclose details of these experiences to gardaí; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37542/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I want to assure the Deputy that combatting all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based remains a priority for me, for this Government and for the Garda Commissioner. 

As the Deputy will be aware, the Sexual Violence Survey 2022, commissioned and funded by my Department, focused on respondents’ experiences of a broad spectrum of sexual violence and harassment experienced in their lifetime.

We knew that this was an area that tended to be underreported and that the numbers we have had up to now, did not reflect the true extent of the problem.

We now have a better understanding of the full extent of this problem and we have a baseline to measure the impact of our work across Government going forward. The findings of the survey will also help us in developing policy and providing the necessary supports and services.

While it is true that historically, people may have felt unable to come forward to report sexual violence, I can assure the Deputy that the Garda Commissioner and I are committed to continuing to work hard to strengthen trust and confidence in the criminal justice system, so that victims are empowered and feel supported when reporting their experience.

Since taking office, I have prioritised the implementation of Supporting a Victims Journey, which is a very detailed plan to help victims and vulnerable witnesses in sexual violence cases. It aims to reduce the fear of re-victimisation as a result of how they might be treated by the investigation and court processes.

There is now a Divisional Protective Services Unit in each Garda Division, meaning specialised teams are in place nationwide to support and engage with victims of sexual violence.

An Garda Síochána have also introduced new mandatory domestic violence training, as well as training for using the ‘Risk Evaluation Tool’ to ensure all vulnerable victims receive the service and supports they need. 

Last year, I published our most ambitious DSGBV Strategy which sets out an ambitious five-year programme of reform to achieve a society which does not accept DSGBV and which seeks to provide the full range of supports for those who have suffered domestic and sexual violence.

My colleagues and I are committed to delivering on the goal of this strategy - a society that has zero tolerance for any form of domestic, sexual or gender based violence.

There are 144 actions for delivery by Government under the current implementation plan for the strategy, but the strategy also emphasises that it is for all of us to recognise and reject domestic and sexual violence in all its forms. This will ensure that all victims know that as a society we stand with them, that we, collectively, support them and that we condemn the abhorrent behaviour of the perpetrator.

I assure the Deputy that I will remain committed to working with colleagues to improve all aspects of the system so that no victims fear coming forward to report what has happened to them.

I also want to encourage people to report to An Garda Síochána and encourage anyone who has been the victim of sexual violence to please reach out for help. The national 24 hour helpline provides a free and confidential service for anyone who has been the victim of sexual violence at any time in their lives and further information on the range of support services available can be found at victimscharter.ie.

 

 

Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence

Questions (1104)

Patrick Costello

Question:

1104. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for a breakdown of the numbers of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence cases reported to gardaí over the past ten years which have led to a successful court prosecution; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37543/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I have sought the information requested by the Deputy from the Garda authorities, however, the information was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand. 

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51.

I would like to assure you that both Commissioner Harris and I are committed to combatting all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence and to ensuring that An Garda Síochána is resourced to provide support to victims of this terrible crime. As I am sure you are aware, the national roll out of Divisional Protective Service Units (DPSUs) was an action under Supporting a Victim's Journey, and it has now been completed. There is now a DPSU established in every Garda division across the country. This ensures that vulnerable victims of crimes, such as domestic abuse and sexual violence, presenting to Gardaí are met with a consistently high standard of specialist, sensitive, professional and expert assistance. This specialisation ensures that when victims of domestic and sexual violence present to Gardaí, at perhaps their most vulnerable moment, they are met with professional and expert assistance. I would like to assure you that while officers attached to DPSUs receive a range of specialist training, all Gardaí are trained as first responders so they are equipped to deal with victims, including of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.

On foot of your question, I contacted An Garda Síochána (AGS) to seek the specific information requested, which is presented in the table below.

The counts in the table below are a combination of the following:

The incident type is one of:

Coercive Control

Breach of Interim Barring Order

Breach of Protection Order

Breach of Barring Order

Breach of Safety Order

Domestic - No Offence Identified

Breach of Emergency Barring Order

Or is of any crime incident type, but with a recorded motive of ‘Domestic Abuse’. The number of those incidents that have at least one prosecution (charge or summons) is also shown.

	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018
Incidents	3,606	4,243	5,210	6,492	7,575	9,306
Incidents with Prosecutions	1,904	2,255	2,696	3,201	3,673	4,514
	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023*
Incidents	11,001	12,800	15,505	17,531	11,362
Incidents with Prosecutions	5,589	7,304	8,110	8,312	4,645

* Up to and including 10-Sep-2023

Additional Information

Incident counts are based on reported date and were collated based on PULSE data as of 1:30am on the 11th of September 2023.

Crime counting rules are not applied.

Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence

Questions (1105)

Patrick Costello

Question:

1105. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for a breakdown, in tabular form, of the number and rank of gardaí assigned to the divisional protective service units (DPSUs) in each of the 28 Garda divisions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37544/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I have sought the information requested by the Deputy from the Garda authorities, however, the information was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand. 

Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence

Questions (1106)

Patrick Costello

Question:

1106. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for a breakdown, in tabular form, of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence offences data for the past ten years, broken down by Garda station, to include, but not limited to: coercive control; breach of interim barring order; breach of protection order; breach of barring order; breach of safety order; domestic - no offence identified; breach of emergency barring order; and any incident type with a recorded motive of 'domestic abuse'; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37545/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I have sought the information requested by the Deputy from the Garda authorities, however, the information was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand. 

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51.

I refer to your Parliamentary Question 1106 of 10 September, 2023 requesting information in relation to a breakdown, in tabular form, of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence offences data for the past ten years, broken down by Garda station, to include, but not limited to: coercive control; breach of interim barring order; breach of protection order; breach of barring order; breach of safety order; domestic - no offence identified; breach of emergency barring order; and any incident type with a recorded motive of 'domestic abuse'. You will recall that I undertook to forward any relevant information to you when it was to hand.

Tackling domestic, sexual and gender-based violence and supporting vulnerable victims are priorities for Government, the Department of Justice, and the Garda Commissioner.

It is recognised that, historically, people may not have felt able to come forward to report such violence, for fear of retribution or because they did not have confidence that the system would support and protect them.

An Garda Síochána and my Department are working hard to strengthen trust and confidence in the criminal justice system so that victims feel empowered to come forward.

My Department has also worked with criminal justice agencies and civil society frontline partners on national awareness raising campaigns and to co-design our most ambitious domestic, sexual and gender based violence strategy.

Gardaí now have Divisional Protective Services Units in each division, so specialised teams nationwide follow up with vulnerable victims in these most difficult cases.

The offence of coercive control was introduced in section 39 of the Domestic Violence Act 2018. Creating a specific offence of coercive control sent a clear, consistent message that non-violent control in an intimate relationship is criminal.

The prosecutions and convictions to date for this offence will hopefully encourage anyone who may be a victim of this crime to come forward and seek help. For those who perpetrate this crime, the message is also clear – you cannot act with impunity. It is hoped that as more convictions follow, other victims of coercive control will feel confident to come forward.

As part of delivering on the commitments under the Third National Strategy, I am further strengthening the law to combat all forms of domestic, sexual and gender based violence. Recently, I brought forward legislation which includes increasing the penalties for assault causing harm, introducing the standalone offence of non-fatal strangulation and I am progressing a new Sexual Offences Bill which will, among other things, better support victims.

Work also continues to implement Supporting a Victim’s Journey, to reform the criminal justice system at every point a victim comes into contact with it.

On foot of your question, I contacted An Garda Síochána (AGS) to seek the specific information requested, which is presented in the table below.

To determine the number of Domestic Abuse incidents reported in a given timeframe a number of criteria are applied. The counts in the table below are a combination of the following:

The incident type is one of:

Coercive Control

Breach of Interim Barring Order

Breach of Protection Order

Breach of Barring Order

Breach of Safety Order

Domestic - No Offence Identified

Breach of Emergency Barring Order

Or is of any incident type, but with a recorded motive of ‘Domestic Abuse’.

Counts of incidents reported per year are given in the table attached.

Road Traffic Offences

Questions (1107)

Patrick Costello

Question:

1107. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the breakdown, in tabular form, over the past ten years by Garda station and division, of the number of road traffic offences such as, but not limited to, speeding; careless driving; dangerous driving; using your mobile phone while driving; drink driving; drug driving;and dangerously defective driving; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37546/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the recording of traffic offences. As Minister for Justice, I have no direct role in these matters.

Road traffic legislation is enforced as part of the day-to-day duties of members of An Garda Síochána, as well as through a programme of high-visibility road safety and enforcement operations, carried out in partnership with other State agencies, including Government Departments, the Road Safety Authority, the National Roads Authority, and the community, in order to make our roads safer for all. 

I am informed by the Garda authorities that  the tables below set out the information requested by the Deputy. I am advised that the Garda authorities are unable to provide the information by Garda station for operational reasons. All information is operational and may be subject to change. 

The table below provides a yearly breakdown of the Fixed Charge Notices issued for speeding by Division from 2014 up to 29/08/2023.

Division	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023*
Cavan/Monaghan	7703	6126	6105	5102	4165	4486	5732	4964	5204	4094
Clare	6059	3434	5752	5457	5680	4536	4924	4993	4345	2526
Cork City	7894	6709	5009	4917	3203	4092	7164	12250	10449	5340
Cork North	10281	8331	7977	4553	5078	4940	6607	6316	7409	3467
Cork West	4709	5974	4683	3365	5464	4849	3444	4034	4571	1882
D.M.R. Eastern	7755	5648	4273	4007	3439	4400	5529	4024	4526	2163
D.M.R. North Central	3002	5161	2849	4354	3064	3325	4010	3688	2479	1661
D.M.R. Northern	9799	10748	10827	10502	8179	8668	11682	9672	7245	3323
D.M.R. South Central	7515	5572	5582	4743	3723	3014	2736	2648	2729	1388
D.M.R. Southern	2650	3128	2233	1530	1623	1535	3438	3690	4601	3141
D.M.R. Western	15974	22054	11343	7464	2742	3302	12895	8704	8639	5565
Donegal	4744	4758	4285	3108	2887	3344	3743	3715	3808	2003
Galway	13719	13117	9276	9820	9039	9476	13815	10625	12456	6260
Kerry	5514	4215	5577	3236	3552	4108	3846	4043	3331	2644
Kildare	15522	17510	15475	13821	14863	12830	12700	15623	11132	6292
Kilkenny/Carlow	9955	9611	7227	5694	5266	5060	5079	6102	4313	3707
Laois/Offaly	7243	3929	4714	5232	4665	5335	6723	8706	6544	4450
Limerick	17035	20867	11776	9527	10793	10908	8543	9253	9130	5315
Louth	5132	3971	2480	2321	2383	2318	4798	4901	3836	2728
Mayo/Roscommon/Longford	8973	5870	8100	8418	5770	8488	8341	6524	5161	3047
Meath	5621	4853	3290	4799	5728	3309	8350	7082	5825	3474
Sligo/Leitrim	8440	5529	4556	3556	3175	3123	1910	3143	2173	1440
Tipperary	8776	8662	7499	4088	3779	3536	6665	8175	12881	12414
Waterford	7166	8119	5960	3021	5197	5023	5521	5954	5328	3573
Westmeath	9107	8793	2873	3572	2452	3469	4847	5400	7448	4670
Wexford	8212	9162	6789	6718	4635	4492	5124	5157	4416	3234
Wicklow	8240	6050	5179	5290	5569	5174	13097	10465	5722	3626

* 2023 figures cover the period from 01/01/2023 to 29/08/2023

Figures are based on incidents which occurred from 01/01/2014 to 29/08/2023, inclusive.  All information contained in this report is based upon operational data from the FCPS system as was available on 29/08/2023 and is liable to change.

The table below provides a yearly breakdown per division of the Fixed Charge Notices issued for using a mobile phone while driving by Division from 2014 up to 29/08/2023. 

Division	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023*
Cavan/Monaghan	787	888	832	1227	1136	992	642	299	324	132
Clare	1112	813	832	875	910	584	662	504	630	480
Cork City	2276	2013	1923	1829	1625	1333	1258	1539	1167	721
Cork North	1440	1507	1319	928	1142	1170	928	688	404	235
Cork West	1189	1290	1247	785	696	621	529	400	325	214
D.M.R. Eastern	1608	978	868	786	1078	980	685	429	450	258
D.M.R. North Central	823	609	404	551	684	584	570	602	625	357
D.M.R. Northern	1383	1302	1051	1061	932	1235	962	977	957	558
D.M.R. South Central	1042	916	770	615	973	1083	593	383	580	354
D.M.R. Southern	1353	1326	900	827	1113	1029	669	491	582	304
D.M.R. Western	2860	2143	1400	1257	1678	1599	1571	1214	1213	637
Donegal	380	464	400	372	460	613	578	525	344	251
Galway	3600	3392	3000	3349	2732	2253	1534	802	736	953
Kerry	720	595	1285	875	1078	1119	806	978	805	813
Kildare	1592	1126	1613	1610	1591	1244	1601	2355	1487	924
Kilkenny/Carlow	933	839	1031	876	1429	1122	1338	1289	514	551
Laois/Offaly	963	600	684	1611	1344	1041	814	1263	771	482
Limerick	1251	1127	2693	2630	2524	2264	942	921	886	837
Louth	399	521	481	597	630	439	846	588	447	429
Mayo/Roscommon/Longford	1364	1259	1036	1167	1431	1934	1328	1453	1206	648
Meath	961	731	712	595	641	698	1250	1517	1095	443
Sligo/Leitrim	380	378	321	569	682	745	237	346	171	130
Tipperary	619	594	597	535	716	745	796	906	602	412
Waterford	784	655	448	514	1024	805	1090	1321	845	348
Westmeath	950	867	545	606	443	351	355	577	335	308
Wexford	887	1277	1216	1311	1620	1584	1237	863	709	472
Wicklow	784	565	513	544	862	939	657	611	399	323

* 2023 figures cover the period from 01/01/2023 to 29/08/2023

Figures are based on incidents which occurred from 01/01/2014 to 29/08/2023, inclusive. All information contained in this report is based upon operational data from the FCPS system as was available on 29/08/2023 and is liable to change.

The table below provides a yearly breakdown of the number of incidents of type ‘Intoxicated Driving a Vehicle’ and ‘Intoxicated In Charge of a Vehicle’ where alcohol was a known intoxicant from 2014 up to 29/08/2023.

Division	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023*
Cavan/Monaghan	295	296	355	367	330	290	224	237	276	149
Clare	178	158	171	164	141	114	99	86	105	91
Cork City	328	296	312	313	273	232	191	214	233	178
Cork North	262	248	273	277	264	229	182	151	199	141
Cork West	178	189	195	199	182	169	110	93	131	87
D.M.R. Eastern	124	113	95	119	124	111	97	82	102	68
D.M.R. North Central	141	134	184	141	136	141	116	105	125	83
D.M.R. Northern	359	339	340	297	292	261	255	224	246	125
D.M.R. South Central	121	143	124	133	137	88	99	90	125

Road Traffic Offences

Questions (1108)

Patrick Costello

Question:

1108. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the number of breath tests that were recorded on An Garda Síochána's Pulse computer system; the number of alcohol testing devices used each month for the years 2018 to 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37547/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I am advised by the Garda authorities that the outcomes of breath tests are only recorded on the PULSE system in the case of Mandatory Intoxication Testing (MIT) checkpoints, and at the scene of road traffic collisions.

I am further advised that the table below shows the yearly breakdown of the number of breath tests carried out at the scene of MIT checkpoints. It also contains subsequent tests at the station:

2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023*
314,471	316,075	105,263	89,244	150,670	88,734

*2023 figures cover the time period from 1 January 2023 to 31 July 2023

I am also advised that the table below provides a yearly breakdown of the number of breath tests carried out at the scene of road traffic collisions. Road traffic collisions are of the type Fatal, Serious Injury, Non-Serious Injury and Material Damage Only collisions.

2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023*
6,824	6,986	5,067	5,858	6,748	3,446

*2023 figures cover the time period from 1 January 2023 to 31 July 2023.

The above figures are based on incidents which occurred from 1 January 2018 to 31 July 2023, inclusive. All information contained in this report was collated by the Garda Síochána Analysis Service and is based upon operational data from the Pulse system as was available on 16 August 2023 and is liable to change.

I am further advised by the Garda authorities that in relation to the number of alcohol testing devices reportedly used each month, this data is held by the Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS), and An Garda Síochána are unable to provide it.

An Garda Síochána

Questions (1109)

Patrick Costello

Question:

1109. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the breakdown, in tabular form, over the past ten years, of the number of speed vans operated by a company (details supplied) on behalf of An Garda Síochána, by Garda station and division; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37548/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I have sought the information requested by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána, and will contact him again when this is to hand.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51

I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 1109 of 11 September 2023 where you sought: “for an update on the breakdown, in tabular form, over the past ten years, of the number of speed vans operated by a company (details supplied) on behalf of An Garda Síochána, by Garda station and division; and if she will make a statement on the matter.”

As you will recall, I had sought the information you requested from the Garda authorities, and undertook to contact you again once the information was to hand.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that GoSafe is currently operating 54 Safety Camera Vehicles from 15 Depots Nationwide. While the Garda authorities do not have the specific information in the requested format the table below gives the number of GoSafe vans nationwide for the years requested.

Year	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017*	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
GoSafe Camera Vans	46	53	49	49	90	52	63	55	55	55	54

*New vehicles were purchased to replace part of the existing fleet for the transition to the new Safety Camera Contract. There was a period of parallel running with all vehicles included in the Fleet Insurance of that year.

Earlier this year, I allocated an additional €1.2 million to An Gardaí Síochána for mobile safety camera deployments and monitoring hours for the duration of 2023. This additional funding will see GoSafe provide an extra 1,500 hours of monitoring every month until the end of the year, a 20% increase.

Also as part of Budget 2024, €3.6m additional funding has been allocated for GoSafe speed cameras, continuing the increased level of 9,000 hours a month announced last month through the whole of 2024.

Further information on speed safety cameras can be found on the Garda website at the following link: https://garda.ie/en/roads-policing/safety-cameras/

An Garda Síochána

Questions (1110)

Patrick Costello

Question:

1110. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the breakdown, in tabular form, over the past ten years, of the number of An Garda Síochána vehicles fitted with Puma automatic number plate recognition detection equipment, by Garda station and division; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37549/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible by law for the management of An Garda Síochána, including the equipping of Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.

However, to be of assistance I sought the information requested by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána and have been advised that An Garda Síochána do not use Puma automatic number plate recognition detection equipment.

Road Traffic Accidents

Questions (1111)

Patrick Costello

Question:

1111. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the breakdown, in tabular form, over the past ten years, by Garda station and division, for the number of road traffic deaths; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37550/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will be aware, the Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical agency, is responsible for the compilation and publication of a number of Roads Safety Authority of Ireland related tables including the number of road deaths (fatalities) on the roads in Ireland between each year. However, it is worth noting that figures by county are currently only available between 2001 and 2021.

To be of assistance the CSO total 'Road Fatalities' statistics can be accessed at data.cso.ie/table/ROA11  and as of 11 July 2023 covers 2000 - May 2023.

Further statistics, data on 'Persons Killed and Injured' by county can be accessed at -data.cso.ie/table/ROA15 and as of 11 July 2023 covers 2001 - 2021.

Prison Service

Questions (1112)

Patrick Costello

Question:

1112. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice the latest status of the unpublished Dóchas prison reports by the Inspector of Prisons; when such reports will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37578/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

Based on legal advice I am not in a position to publish, at this time, a three day monitoring report (August 2020) or a section 31(2) (February 2022) report received from the Inspector of Prisons in relation to the Dóchas Centre.

I also requested a report from the then inspector in relation to matters arising from the section 31(2) investigation and this report is currently being considered in conjunction with the earlier reports. 

The report of the Inspector of Prisons Covid-19 Thematic Inspection of the Dóchás Centre was published on 28 April 2022  to Gov.ie and is available at the following link  (gov.ie - COVID-19 Thematic Inspections of Prisons: 28 April 2022 (gov.ie).

An Garda Síochána

Questions (1113)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

1113. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if he and or his Department have ever developed a green paper in respect of amending the upper age threshold for a Garda trainee recruit cap; and if so, if he will publish that paper. [37676/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business, including the recruitment of Garda members and staff under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended).

The position in relation to the maximum recruitment age for An Garda Síochána is that the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland considered the issue and recommended that the age limit be scrapped. 

I can assure the Deputy that the related issues of the maximum entry age of 35 and the mandatory retirement age of 60 are kept under review by my Department, in consultation with the Garda Commissioner.

Visa Applications

Questions (1114)

Maurice Quinlivan

Question:

1114. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Justice for an update on a person (details supplied) and their application to remain in Ireland as the spouse of an Irish national; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37704/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

An application for a Spouse of Irish National (SOIN) permission was received from the person referred to by the Deputy on 23 August 2022 and continues to be processed.

To be fair to all applicants, applications are dealt with in chronological order by date received. My Department endeavours to process applications as quickly as possible. However, processing times may vary due to a number of factors, such as the number of applications on hand, individual circumstances, the complexity of applications, whether further information is required, and the resources available.

Additionally, the Domestic Residence and Permissions Division of my Department are currently receiving very high levels of applications across several of their immigration schemes, which is causing some delays. The Division are working hard to finalise applications as quickly as possible and appreciate customers’ patience as they deal with this increase.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by email 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 email service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Visa Applications

Questions (1115)

Maurice Quinlivan

Question:

1115. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Justice for an update on a person (detail supplied) and their application to the Embassy in Delhi on family reunification; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37716/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The visa application referred to by the Deputy was refused by the Visa Office in New Delhi. The reasons for this decision was set out in the refusal letter sent to the applicant on 9 February 2023. An appeal of this decision was received on 9 March 2023.

All visa applicants are advised that the onus is on them to provide as much information in support of their application as they feel is necessary. Guidelines in this regard are posted on our website. Applicants that meticulously follow these guidelines have an improved prospect of receiving a positive decision at first instance.

It should be noted that visa appeals are dealt with in strict chronological order. Processing times can change during the year, for example before holiday periods or for study applications prior to a new college year.

A decision will be issued to the applicant as soon as full consideration has been given by a Visa Appeals Officer.

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 ([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 Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.

An Garda Síochána

Questions (1116)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

1116. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if she and or her officials and or the Garda Commissioner have engaged with officials in Northern Ireland in respect of a recent release of data in error by the police service of Northern Ireland; and if she has been briefed in respect of the security risk posed by the data release in this jurisdiction. [37730/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy is aware, on 8 August the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) experienced a data breach, which is being treated as a critical incident.

As the Deputy will be aware, there is very close and ongoing co-operation between An Garda Síochána and the PSNI. I am informed that contact was made at an early point in this incident and this remains the case as the situation continues to be assessed. 

The security situation on the island of Ireland remains a top priority for the Government and An Garda Síochána, who keep matters under continuing review , in close cooperation with their colleagues in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. I am regularly briefed by the Commissioner, who keeps me informed of the situation.

Naturalisation Applications

Questions (1117)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

1117. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Justice to provide an update on the naturalisation application by a person (details supplied); and the timeframe in which they are likely to receive a decision. [37774/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy has been approved and they should receive an invitation to the next citizenship Ceremony.

I am please to say that the next Citizenship Ceremonies will take place on 2 October 2023 at the Convention Centre Dublin (CCD) and a further ceremonies in December 2023.

Further information on Citizenship Ceremonies is published on my Department’s website here: irishimmigration.ie/how-to-become-a-citizen/citizenship-ceremonies/ 

Please also note that the onus is on all non-EEA nationals to keep their immigration permission up to date at all times whilst they are residing in the State. It is also important that you ensure you have a valid permission to remain in the State on the date of the ceremony.

Visa Applications

Questions (1118)

Mick Barry

Question:

1118. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Justice the number of outstanding visa applications with the embassy in Abu Dhabi; the number from those leaving Sudan; the average time to process applications from those leaving Sudan; if extra resources will be allocated to the embassy in Abu Dhabi to process applications in a timely manner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37779/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I can advise the Deputy that all applications from those ordinarily resident in Sudan but applying through a third country are processed by the Abu Dhabi Visa Office (ADVO).

It is not possible to provide all the figures to the Deputy as requested, as they are not held by my Department in the manner sought. However, I can advise the Deputy that decision times within the ADVO are typically within the timeframes published on the website i.e. Visit visa processing time – approximately 4 weeks, Study – 4-8 weeks, Employment – 4-8 weeks and Join Family – up to 24 weeks.

The tables below set out the average processing times for particular visa categories for all applications received by the ADVO and for applications received from Sudanese applicants for the period 15 April 2023 to 7 September 2023.  

Table 1 – Average processing time for applications processed, at 1st instance, in the Abu Dhabi VO

Visa Type	Sub category	Avg processing time
Type C	N/A	21 days
Type D	Study	27 days
Type D	Employment	22 days
Type D	Join Family	90 days

Table 2 - Average processing time for applications processed, at 1st instance, in the Abu Dhabi VO for Sudanese nationals 

Visa Type	Sub category	Avg processing time
Type C	N/A	26 days
Type D	Study	27.5 days
Type D	Employment	44 days
Type D	Join Family	20 days

An Garda Síochána

Questions (1119, 1121)

Réada Cronin

Question:

1119. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Justice how many fully-trained specialist interviewers there are within An Garda Síochána at present, in the context of the Barnahus Model of child welfare and abuse; the Garda divisions they are located in; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37786/23]

Réada Cronin

Question:

1121. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Justice how many specialist interviewers have been trained through An Garda Síochána’s training programme since 2020; how many are gardaí and how many are social workers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37790/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1119 and 1121 together.

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 can also 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, with the unprecedented allocation provided in Budget 2023 of over €2 billion.

The table below, provided to me by the Garda authorities, outlines the number of Gardaí who have received specialist interview training from 2020 up to 16 August 2023.

Year	Gardaí	Social Workers
2020	39	*
2021	46	0
2022	38	0
2023	53	14

*I am advised that as the figure is low and as this information is related to a partner agency, it cannot be disclosed as it may identify individuals involved.

As the Deputy may be aware, Barnahus brings together forensic, child protection, medical, therapeutic and policing services in a child-centred way, when sexual abuse has occurred or is suspected. It is informed by international best practice, and is based on the Icelandic ‘Barnahus’ model.

The model will ensure close coordination and cooperation between key services, and support families in caring for their child throughout a difficult process, when fully developed as a national service.

It will also improve the efficiency and effectiveness of child sexual abuse services for the benefit of children who have suffered from sexual abuse and the families trying to support them, when fully developed as a national service.

I am informed that a pilot service in Galway was launched in September 2019. Since January 2022 services in Galway are operational in a bespoke centre on the outskirts of Galway city, which allows relevant agencies to provide services for children under one roof.

This project seeks to support the expansion of the Barnahus model of service, adapted to an Irish context. In addition to the dedicated centre in Galway, two further locations in the East and South will provide national coverage and access for victims and families to the service.

I am advised, by the Garda authorities, that there are currently 95 trained active specialist victim interviewers nationwide. The table below outlines the number of interviewers, broken down by Division.

Per Division;

Cavan/Monaghan	3
Clare	1
Cork City	3
Cork County	5
Donegal	4
DMR North	4
DMR North Central	6
DMR West	5
DMR South Central	6
DMR South	3
DMR East	3
Galway	5
Kerry	2
Waterford/Kilkenny/Carlow	6
Portlaoise/Offaly/Kildare	5
Limerick	2
Louth	2
Mayo/Longford/Roscommon	8
Meath/Westmeath	6
Sligo/Leitrim	3
Tipperary	3
Wexford	3
Wicklow	3
National Offices	4

An Garda Síochána

Questions (1120)

Réada Cronin

Question:

1120. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Justice how many section 16 interviews took place in 2022; how many were conducted jointly by members of An Garda Síochána with a Tusla social worker; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37787/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will appreciate, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business, including the direction of investigation priorities for the organisation and the management of the PULSE system.

To be of assistance, I contacted the Garda authorities in relation to the information sought by the Deputy and I am advised that the information requested is not recorded in a structured manner on PULSE. As a result the information requested by the Deputy can not be reported on and I am unable to provide the requested statistics.