Wednesday, 20 Sep 2023

Written Answers Nos. 701-720

Immigration Status

Questions (701)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

701. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice if an application by persons (details supplied) will be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40269/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I am informed that the persons referred to by the Deputy have no pending applications with the Immigration Service.

However, it remains open to the persons concerned to apply for a change of immigration status if they meet the criteria for doing so. Further information on the criteria for changing immigration permission, including instructions on how to change permission are available on the Immigration Service website at:

www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/changing-your-immigration-permission/

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

Family Reunification

Questions (702)

Pauline Tully

Question:

702. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Justice the timeframe from application to issue of a long-stay (join family) visa under the International Protection Act 2015 for international protection beneficiaries. [40299/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

Family reunification as provided for in S56 of the International Protection Act 2015, allows people granted International Protection to apply for certain family members to join them in the State.

The current average processing time is 10 months. Processing time can vary depending on the nature of the application and the documentation supplied.

Information on how to apply for family reunification as provided for in S56 of the International Protection Act 2015 is available on my Department's website here: www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-join-family-in-ireland/family-reunification-of-international-protection-holders/

International Protection

Questions (703)

Niall Collins

Question:

703. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice if a decision (details supplied) will be reconsidered, given that the reasons cited for refusal are incorrect; if she will confirm with this Deputy that this case is being reviewed as a result of the information being furnished; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40314/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I can advise the Deputy that the person referred to made an application to the Afghan Admission Programme on 10 February 2022.

In order to be considered eligible for the Programme each Proposer and Beneficiary must meet certain eligibility criteria, which are set out in the Guidance for Submission of an Application document, posted on the Afghan Admission Programme Information Page on the Department’s website. Upon examination, it was found that the application did not meet the criteria for the scheme and it was subsequently deemed to be ineligible on that basis. The reasons for this decision were set out in a letter issued to the Proposer. The Department is satisfied that the grounds cited for refusal are valid.

Departmental Reports

Questions (704)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

704. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice to provide a list of all studies, research and reports commissioned by her Department that were outsourced, in each year since the formation of this Government, in tabular form; the names of the companies to which each study, research and report was outsourced; the total cost for each; the number of reports finalised and presented to her that have yet to be released by her Department; the dates on which any such reports yet to be released were first provided to her; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40375/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

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

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51

I refer to your Parliamentary Question No. 704 which was for answer on 20 September 2023 and which asked: To ask the Minister to provide a list of all studies, research and reports commissioned by her Department that were outsourced, in each year since the formation of this Government, in tabular form; the names of the companies to which each study, research and report was outsourced; the total cost for each; the number of reports finalised and presented to her that have yet to be released by her Department; the dates on which any such reports yet to be released were first provided to her; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

You will recall that at the time, I undertook to seek the information requested and revert to you. The Deputy may wish to note that not all reports or reviews commissioned by my Department are submitted directly to me. In many cases they are commissioned to support work being done by officials within my Department. Details of research and reports that were outsourced in each year since the formation of this Government are provided in tabular form below.

Project	Vendor	Cost	Year Contracted	Year Completed	Publication Status
Project	Vendor	Cost	Year Contracted	Year Completed	Publication Status
Review of Part 4 of the Sexual Offences Act 2017	Saoirse Enright (legal research services) Maura Butler	€4,638* Nil*	2020	Ongoing	N/A
Still Here Campaign Evaluation Report	Coyne	€2,583	2020	2020	For internal use
Abhaile Service -Governance Review 2021	Deloitte	€30,688	2021	2022	For internal use
Modernising Staffing and Court Management Practices in Ireland Towards a More Responsive and Resilient Justice System	OECD	€130,000	2021	2023	Published
The Finance & Governance Review Dublin District Coroners’ Office	Crowe Ireland	€16,790	2021	2022	For internal use
Analysis of the non-governmental organisation supports available to all victims of crime including victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence and human trafficking within the criminal justice system that are funded by the Department of Justice.	Prof. Michael Breen	€12,117	2021	2021	Due to be published. Date TBC.
Mapping of the current provision of training for members of An Garda Síochána, legal professionals, front line staff and others who are engaging with victims of sexual crime and vulnerable witnesses in a professional capacity	Connect the Dots	€19,956	2021	2021	For internal use
Review of the current position in relation to human trafficking in Ireland.	Prof. Michael Breen	€4,500	2021	2021	Shared with stakeholders.
Evaluation of the Local Community Safety Partnership Pilots over 3 site (In progress)	Centre for Effective Services	€189,948*	2021	Ongoing	N/A
Domestic Violence Intervention Programmes: An International Rapid Evidence review (Part 1)	European network for the Work With Perpetrators (WWP EN)	€19,773	2021	2022	Not published
A Review of the Processing of Sexual Offences in Ireland: Stakeholder Experiences (O' Malley Part 1)	National University of Ireland Galway	€16,912	2021	2022	Under review
A Review of the Processing of Sexual Offences in Ireland: Stakeholder Experiences (O'Malley Part 2)	University College Dublin	€45,498*	2022	Ongoing	N/A
Approaches to the Concept of Parental Alienation in Other Jurisdictions	Research Matters	€30,750	2021	2023	Published
Evaluation of Youth Diversion Projects	Research Matters	€108,953	2021	2023	Published
Youth – Joint Agency Response to Crime (Y-JARC) Evaluation.	Sagaciti Consulting Ltd	€30,665	2021	2021	Shared with stakeholders
Evaluation of ACER (Initial Pilot Sites).	Sagaciti Consulting Ltd	€30,689	2021	2022	Internal use
Evaluation of ACER (Regional Sites).	Sector 3 Consulting Ltd	€29,305	2021	2022	Internal use
An international comparison of the prosecution of crime – the role of police services	Mageean Law	€31,980	2021	2021	This research has been incorporated into the Final Report of the High Level Review Group on the Role of An Garda Síochána in the Public Prosecution System. It is intended to publish the Report once approved by Government
An economic analysis of models or approaches to controlling and reducing litigation costs in Ireland.	Indecon International Consultants	€168,326	2021	2023	Due to be published. Date TBC
Methodological Note on the Gambling Market in Ireland	Maynooth University	€7,977	2021	2021	Internal use
A Rapid Evidence Review of Knife Crime	Maynooth University	€18,177	2021	2021	Internal use
An Evidence Review of Behavioural Economics	Technological University Dublin	€24,354	2021	2022	Published
Understanding and Addressing Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) – Direction Setting	National University of Ireland Galway	€28,994	2021	2022	Published
Scoping Paper on Longitudinal Analysis of People who Offend	Trinity College Dublin	€30,655	2021	2022	Not published
Understanding reoffending: Push factors and preventative responses. A Rapid Evidence Review	Portsmouth University	€25,830	2021	2022	Published
Research on the operation of the provisions of the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964 relating to guardianship of children whose parents are not married or in a civil partnership	National University of Ireland Galway	€29,224	2021	2023	Not published. Research will inform a review to be carried out by Department.
Exploring the experiences of International Protection Applicants (and other stakeholders) of access to the labour market	IPSOS	€117,926	2021	2023	Due to be published. Date TBC
Qualitative Review of The Criminal Justice (Community Service) (Amendment) Act 2011 (Custodial Sentencing)	South East Technical University	€30,750*	2022	Ongoing	N/A
Fireworks omnibus	Coyne	€6,795	2022	2022	Internal use
Ethnic Monitoring in the Criminal Justice System	Maynooth University	€9,210*	2022	Ongoing	N/A
Criminal Justice Public Attitude Survey	Behaviour and Attitudes Ltd.	€80,565	2022	2023	Due to be published. Date TBC
Domestic Violence Intervention Programmes: Mapping perpetrator programmes (Part 2)	European Network for the Work with Perpetrators (WWP EN)	€24,866*	2022	Ongoing	N/A
Civil Legal Aid Review: Focus groups with hard to reach groups	Quality Matters	€24,660	2022	2023	Due to be published in 2024
Civil Legal Aid Review – Stakeholder Submissions Report	Mr Finn Keyes, BL	€3,165	2023	2023	Due to be published. Date TBC
Civil Legal Aid Review – Stakeholder Submissions Report	Ms Hilary Hogan	€3,809	2023	2023	Due to be published. Date TBC
Analysis of differential treatment of marital and non-marital families in legislation related to family, marriage, guardianship, and domestic violence legislation	Sean Aherne BL	€6,302	2023	2023	Internal use
Analysis of differential treatment of marital and non-marital families in criminal legislation.	Gemma McLoughlin - Burke BL	€6,301	2023	2023	Internal use
Analysis of differential treatment of marital and non-marital families in Immigration, citizenship and international protection legislation	Róisin Á Costello BL	€3,153	2023	2023	Internal use
Analysis of differential treatment of marital and non-marital families in succession, property, and insolvency legislation.	Peter Hamilton BL	€2,909	2023	2023	Internal use
Qualitative Research	IPSOS	€28,659	2023	2023	Internal use
Department of Justice Operating Model Review	PA Consulting	€98,400	2023	2023	Published
Audit of DOJ Social Media channels	Social Media Manager Ireland	€800	2023	2023	Internal use

*Where a project is ongoing, the costs outlined are costs to date.

There is one report submitted to me which I intend to publish; the Criminal Justice Public Attitude Survey 2022. This was submitted to me on 3rd November 2023.

Crime Data

Questions (705)

Paul Donnelly

Question:

705. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice the number of aggravated burglaries reported to gardaí in the K district within the DMR in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [40395/23]

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 all crime statistics. The CSO produces these statistics using data recorded on An Garda Síochána’s PULSE system and makes regular releases under reservation in relation to various crime statistics. The CSO also continues to work with An Garda Síochána to address quality issues in the underlying sources used to compile the statistics.

The CSO publish statistics for recorded crime including Aggravated Burglary at Garda Divisional level from Q1 of 2003 through Q1 of 2023 at the following location:

data.cso.ie/table/CJQ06

Crime Prevention

Questions (706)

Paul Donnelly

Question:

706. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice if she will report on Garda Operation Satailt; and the number of persons arrested and charged under this operation. [40396/23]

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 all Garda policing operations. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that Operation Satailt was established in the Dublin Metropolitan Region (North Division) in June, 2023. The aim of Operation Satailt is focussed on the identification of those profiting from the proceeds of crime, in particular drug supply, money laundering and economic crimes.

This operation has been supported by the Financial Crimes Unit at the Office of the DPP.

To date, 18 persons, aged 18 to 53 years old, have been prosecuted and have appeared before Dublin District Courts charged with 82 offences relating to money laundering, theft, and possession of drugs for sale or supply.

During the course of the Operation, Gardaí have also seized cash, high value clothing, jewellery and vehicles.

Departmental Staff

Questions (707)

Paul Donnelly

Question:

707. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice the number of full-time staff, by grade, working in the border management unit of her Department as of 12 September 2023, in tabular form. [40397/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The information requested by the Deputy regarding the number of full-time staff, by grade, working in the border management unit of my Department as of 12 September 2023, is set out in the below table.

Grade	Full-time equivalent staff
Principal Officer	1
Assistant Principal	1
Administrative Officer	3
Higher Executive Officer	4.8
Executive Officer	18
Clerical Officer	136
Total	163.8

Naturalisation Applications

Questions (708)

Colm Burke

Question:

708. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice to clarify how those who made applications for Irish citizenship by naturalisation earlier in 2023 have received their decision and have now been invited to the next citizenship ceremony in Dublin on 2 October, while those with applications for Irish citizenship by naturalisation who applied prior to 2022 are still awaiting a decision; the reason this delay has occurred for earlier applications; the action that her Department is taking to improve the timeframe for applications such as these; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40421/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

My Department is focused on continually identifying ways of improving the naturalisation process for applicants and reducing any backlog as soon as possible. Through adding staff, but also through digitising and streamlining services, processing rates have increased by over 30 percent against pre-pandemic figures.

Earlier this year the Citizenship Division of my Department wrote to all applicants explaining that, as improvements are made to the processing system, there may seem to be variation in how files are processed i.e. how long it takes to register, process and grant decisions.

A key feature of the new process is that applications are registered within a matter of weeks of receipt rather than months. As such the benefit of this approach will be felt by new applications rather than older ones. The new process also allows for earlier referral for e-vetting. While new applicants have benefitted from this, at the same time in the region of 13,000 older applicants have also been sent the same new e-vetting link.

While new applicants are benefitting from these enhancements at an earlier stage in their application, the new processes will ultimately help reduce the time it takes to process all applications. For example, it is expected that the vast majority of applications received in 2022 will be naturalised is less time than the current average processing time of 19 months

Citizenship Division’s current policy remains to process applications within sequence wherever possible, however, new processes must be tested to ensure they work. As part of this testing process a range of 2023 files were processed to conclusion earlier this year which has resulted in 1,036 applications from 2023 being naturalised. In the region of 13,000 applications have been received to date in 2023. For reference purposes, of the files received in 2021, 7,497 files have been naturalised to date along with 2,739 files from 2022.

As a result of the changes being implemented across Citizenship the vast majority of outstanding files from 2021 and 2022 (around 15,000 files) are now in the final stages of processing. These case are being prioritised for conclusion, however, every application is different and therefore some may take longer to process than others.

The changes to processing arrangements have also resulted in the finalisation of the vast majority of the backlog in Minor files and additional Citizenship Ceremonies to give applicants more opportunities to be naturalised.

Immigration Status

Questions (709)

Colm Burke

Question:

709. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice if a person (details supplied) will be permitted to apply for citizenship in February 2024 rather than May 2024, as they arrived into Ireland in February 2021 where they were given the join spouse stamp at Dublin Airport and were told to register at Burgh Quay, which remained closed until May 2021 due to the pandemic, and given that if they had lived outside of Dublin, it would have been possible for them to register at their local Garda station immediately, rather than being delayed for three months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40445/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The person concerned can use the date of their landing stamp, if their next registered immigration permission is reckonable as qualifying residency as set down in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship 1956 Act.

Question No. 710 answered with Question No. 668.

Visa Applications

Questions (711)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

711. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice if she will ensure that a visa application (details supplied) will be processed as a matter of urgency as the delay has cost the person their job and is having a very real and negative impact on their mental and physical health; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40552/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

An application for an extension of student conditions was received from the person referred to by the Deputy on 13 July 2023 and continues to be processed.

The Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G) is designed to allow graduates of Irish universities an opportunity to obtain graduate level employment and an employment permit from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. It is expected that those graduates will obtain such employment and employment permits within the time frame of their Stamp 1G immigration permission.

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.

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 (712)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

712. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice to indicate if and when a visa is likely to issue in the case of a person (details supplied) who has been awaiting decision for a number of weeks, who is employment permit approved and whose employer requires their assistance as soon as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40555/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I can advise the Deputy that the application referred to was created on the 19 July 2023. Supporting documentation was received in the New Delhi office on the 26 July 2023, where it awaits examination and processing. It is not possible to give a definitive date as to when this application will be finalised. All applications are processed in chronological order, based on date order of receipt. While every effort is made to process applications as soon as possible, processing times will vary having regard to the volume and complexity of applications, the possible need for the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) function of the Department to investigate, inquire into, or seek further information, and the resources available. The applicant will be notified as soon as a decision has been reached by a Visa Officer. Processing times and decisions at the Overseas Visa Offices can be checked at the following link:www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/#decisions It should also be noted that the granting of a work permit by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) has no bearing on whether a visa will be subsequently granted. There are two very distinct application processes with different checks and procedures in place in each respective Department. 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.

Family Support Services

Questions (713)

Paul Murphy

Question:

713. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if she is aware of the huge financial burden placed on those using a service (details supplied) for supervised visits with their children; if she will provide the State support needed to ensure money is not a barrier for parents who want to see their children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40572/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The facilitation of contact between a child and their non-resident parent, where safe and appropriate, is central to family life in order to establish and/or build positive child-parent relationships. Expenses arising in the context of the resolution of private family law and other civil disputes are matters for the parties. Child and family services and related policy areas which fall within the remit of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

An Garda Síochána

Questions (714)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

714. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of community gardaí in the DMR each year from 2020 to 2023, broken down by division; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40582/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

Community policing is fundamental to the new Garda Operating Model recommended by the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland and currently being rolled out under 'A Policing Service for Our Future', the Government's implementation plan for the Commission's recommendations.

I want to emphasise that community policing is at the heart of An Garda Síochána, and that all Gardaí have a role to play in community policing in the course of carrying out their duties.

As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is by law is responsible for the management of An Garda Síochána, including for the distribution of Garda members between the different Garda units and Divisions. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.

I am however assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review to ensure their optimal use.

The Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda Síochána is central to this policy. Funding has been provided for up to 1,000 new Gardaí this year and we are seeing more Garda recruits enter Templemore every 11 weeks.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that a member of An Garda Síochána can be deemed to be a ‘Community Garda’ where that member is allocated to a Community Policing Team (CPT) and is responsible and accountable for applying a problem–solving approach to appropriate crime and policing quality of life issues in a specified geographic area through partnership and engagement.

I am also advised that in some rural areas, the existing personnel will form CPTs. They will have dual functions as first responders and community policing members. Additionally, CPTs will be augmented by Community Support Gardaí who will perform frontline duties and will be assigned a particular Community Policing Area to support dedicated Community Gardaí.

I understand that each Division will have a number of CPTs assigned to it, consisting of an Inspector, Sergeant and Community Policing Gardaí. CPTs will prioritise engagement with communities for the delivery of long-term sustainable solutions to community needs.

The table below, which was provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of Community Gardaí assigned to each Division within the DMR at the end of December 2020 up to the end of December 2022, and at the 31 August 2023, the latest date for when figures are available. This information is operational and may be subject to change.

Community Gardaí	2020	2021	2022	Aug 2023
D.M.R. EAST	21	24	29	29
D.M.R. NORTH	26	61	64	69
D.M.R. NORTH CENTRAL	71	66	40	29
D.M.R. SOUTH	53	58	48	46
D.M.R. SOUTH CENTRAL	57	54	44	50
D.M.R. WEST	86	66	61	61

The Deputy will wish to be aware that in the interest of transparency, detailed statistics on Garda workforce numbers are published on gov.ie and are updated regularly by my Department from information provided by An Garda Síochána. The statistics can be accessed using the following link:

www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/

An Garda Síochána

Questions (715)

Seán Crowe

Question:

715. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Justice if Operation Tombola will commence in September this year; whether additional resources will be allocated to police the sale and misuse of fireworks, particularly in built-up areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40598/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

By way of background, because fireworks are explosives, they are regulated under national and EU legislation and can only be imported into the country under licence and stored and sold in accordance with explosives law.

Government policy restricts the availability of all hazardous fireworks to the general public. Licences under the Explosives Act are issued by my Department only for the importation of fireworks which are to be used in organised displays conducted by professional and competent operators.

Part 6 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 gives An Garda Síochána the power to make arrests in relation to the possession of unlicensed fireworks. Penalties include a fine of up to €10,000 and up to five years imprisonment if convicted of having fireworks in your possession with intent to sell or supply. Igniting fireworks or throwing an ignited firework at a person or property is also liable to the same severe penalty. These penalties demonstrate the seriousness attached to breaches of the legislation governing the importation and use of fireworks.

I am very aware of the distressing impact the improper use of fireworks has on our communities. I know the fear and distress fireworks being set off cause, in particular, our elderly family members and neighbours and people with sensory challenges and other vulnerabilities. They also have a terrible impact on guide dogs, pets and other animals and livestock.

That is why every year as Halloween approaches, my Department runs a safety campaign aimed at ensuring the public is aware of the dangers of illegal fireworks and bonfires.

This year’s campaign will again emphasise the distressing impact the improper use of fireworks has on communities and both wild and domestic animals. Highlighting the damaging and life changing consequences these dangers can pose, not only to those who directly use illegal fireworks, but also innocent bystanders to whom the improper use of fireworks can cause serious distress and injury, the campaign urges people to consider those who are indirectly impacted by their actions over this Halloween period. The campaign also seeks to remind the public of the serious penalties that can be imposed for the misuse of illegal fireworks.

I intend to launch this year's awareness raising campaign next week in collaboration with An Garda Síochána, the Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA), Irish Guide Dogs and Dublin Fire Brigade.

Further each year in the run up to Halloween, additional efforts are made by An Garda Síochána to combat the illegal importation, sale and use of fireworks, under what is known as Operation Tombola. Operation Tombola is a National Operation. I have requested details of the activities to be undertaken as part of Operation Tombola in 2023 from An Garda Síochána. Unfortunately, these details were not available in the time allowed but I will write to the Deputy directly once further information is available.

Visa Applications

Questions (716)

Matt Shanahan

Question:

716. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Justice to review a hardship case (details supplied) of a person whose travel plans faced significant disruption because of the sudden decision of the Department of Justice to implement a visa requirement for Bolivian nationals travelling to Ireland, effective 12 September 2023; if she will assess this particular situation and determine whether any exceptions or alternative solutions can be provided to mitigate the hardship faced by individuals caught unaware of this sudden change; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40644/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I can advise the Deputy that officials from the Visa area of my Department made contact with the person referred to on Friday 15 September 2023, with a view to assisting with their intended travel to the State.

In relation to Bolivian nationals who had made plans to travel to Ireland before the visa requirement came into force on 12 September 2023 and who can show evidence of booking and payment for travel which is scheduled to take place on or before the 12th October, the visa office will endeavour to accommodate customers in any of the following circumstances:

1. A critical medical case involving a family member being seriously ill or undergoing medical treatment.

2. Visiting for a significant family event – a birth, wedding or funeral.

3. Taking up a place obtained in a third-level institution on an undergraduate or post graduate degree course.

4. Holding an employment permit for Ireland and can provide evidence of the permit issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

5. Travelling for business and can provide confirmation from the enterprise in question of the arrangements for the visit.

Any person that believes that they fall into any of the above categories and has a scheduled arrival in the State on or before 12 October 2023 should email [e-mail] with the subject line “Bolivia - Emergency Travel Required”. A member of the Visa Customer Service Team will respond to them as soon as possible.

With the exception of the categories outlined above, all other Bolivian nationals intending on travelling to the State are asked to complete the online visa application form which is available at the following link:

www.visas.inis.gov.ie/avats/OnlineHome.aspx.

Further information and advice on the application process for Bolivian nationals can be found at the following link:

www.irishimmigration.ie/update-for-bolivian-visa-customers/

An Garda Síochána

Questions (717)

Alan Kelly

Question:

717. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice if there are plans to issue front-line gardaí with PAVA spray instead of CS spray. [40667/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

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

I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that the health and safety of Gardaí is of paramount and ongoing concern, so all operational and protective equipment is kept under constant review. We have had a largely unarmed police service for 100 years, protecting people in their moments of greatest need, relying centrally on the principle of consent. However, it is vital that An Garda Síochána have at their disposal the necessary tools to ensure the safety of the public at large, and the safety of Garda members themselves in the course of their duties.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that there are currently no plans to issue frontline Gardaí with PAVA spray. As they Deputy will be aware, Gardaí are issued with pepper spray, however, the criteria applied to the use of less lethal weapons, such as pepper spray, is, intentionally strict so as to limit their use in daily operations.

Prison Service

Questions (718)

Alan Kelly

Question:

718. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice the number of recruit prison officers recruited for the Irish Prison Service in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023; and the number of prison officers who left the Irish Prison Service during this period, in tabular form. [40668/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The recruitment of Recruit Prison Officers by the Irish Prison Service has been ongoing since 2017 and has regard to such factors as organisational needs and exit levels. To support the operation of the prison estate and ensure that the organisation can continue to provide important rehabilitative services to those in our care in a safe and secure manner, the Irish Prison Service was allocated an additional staffing package of a €6.5m under Budget 2023.

It is expected that by year end up to 250 Recruit Prison Officers will have been recruited in total and I can inform the Deputy that from the beginning of the year to 4 September 2023 a total of 133 Recruit Prison Officers have been recruited.

I can further inform the Deputy that the Public Appointments Service on behalf of the Irish Prison Service are currently running a recruitment competition for Recruit Prison Officers which will close to applicants on 28 September 2023. Further details on this campaign can be found on www.publicjobs.ie and www.irishprisons.ie.

The information requested by the Deputy in respect of the number of Recruit Prison Officers who have joined the Irish Prison Service and the number of Prison Officers who have left the Irish Prison Service from 2021 to date is provided in the tables below.

Number of Recruit Prison Officers recruited in 2021	Number of Recruit Prison Officers recruited in 2022	Number of Recruit Prison Officers recruited in 2023 to date
133	128	133

Number of Prison Officers who left the Irish Prison Service in 2021	Number of Prison Officers who left the Irish Prison Service in 2022	Number of Prison Officers who left the Irish Prison Service in 2023 to date
*76	*59	*50

* These figures include retirements and all other forms of exit.

An Garda Síochána

Questions (719)

Alan Kelly

Question:

719. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí and full-time civilian staff based in each of the four Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau satellite hubs as of 14 September 2023, in tabular form. [40669/23]

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

I can inform the Deputy that there are 65 Garda members assigned to the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau, as of the end of August 2023. The work of these Garda members is supported by 6 Garda Staff who are also assigned to the Bureau.

I have requested the number of Gardaí and full-time civilian staff based at each of the four GNCCB Satellite Hubs and I will contact the Deputy directly once this information is to hand.

An Garda Síochána

Questions (720)

Alan Kelly

Question:

720. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice the number of standard motorcycles held for gardaí within the Tipperary division in 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [40670/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The Deputy will be aware that, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes the management of the Garda Fleet. The allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Commissioner, in light of identified operational demands. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that the information requested by the Deputy is contained in the table below.

Tipperary Division	Cars	Vans	Motorcycles	4 x 4	*Others	Total
31/12/2022	59	14	4	2	0	79
31/08/2023	58	14	3	2	0	77

*The category 'Others' refers to MPV, SUV, Minibus and/or Prisoner Conveyance Vehicles.

Information supplied is operational and subject to change.

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

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