Robert Troy
Question:391. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice to positively support an application (details supplied) to the DSGBV funding call under four applications: and when a decision may be made. [55932/23]
View answerDomestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence
Questions (391)
Written answers
As the Deputy is aware, the Government will establish Cuan, the statutory agency with a dedicated focus on Domestic Sexual and Gender-Based Violence next month.
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 DSGBV services, including the provision and funding of refuge spaces, continues to be channeled through Tusla.
I have referred the question posed by the Deputy to Tusla for direct reply.
International Protection
Questions (392)
Carol Nolan
Question:392. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice to provide the data her Department holds with respect to the number of persons who have applied for international protection in Ireland but who were subsequently found to have made previous applications for international protection following a fingerprint search of the Eurodac database, or through an information exchange with relevant UK agencies or through the use of the Schengen information system; the countries or territories where these previous applications were made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55937/23]
View answerWritten answers
Unfortunately it has not been possible to collate the requested information in the time requested. I will revert to the Deputy when the information is available.
International Protection
Questions (393)
Carol Nolan
Question:393. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice to provide details on the UNHCR training offered to staff members within her Department who provide international protection services, including the content of any modules offered; if international protection staff can issue decisions in the absence of UNCHR training; the names and positions of the persons within the UNCHR who have provided this training; the costs incurred for the provision of this training from the date it was first offered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55941/23]
View answerWritten answers
My Department takes all necessary steps to manage the international protection process efficiently and effectively, while ensuring the integrity of those processes is maintained at all times.
In July this year, I published a report on the international protection modernisation programme for 2023 and 2024. This programme is implementing measures to improve efficiencies and throughput as well as improving the application, interview and decision-making process for international protection applicants. This will ensure those who are entitled to international protection to rebuild their lives here are given status, while also ensuring faster decision making in respect of those who do not meet the criteria.
As part of the modernisation programme, one of the priority areas of focus for the IPO is to recruit both civil servants and panel members, to increase case processing. The number of panel members recruited in the IPO has increased during 2023 to 184 at the end of November, an increase of 229% on the 56 active panel members overall in 2021 and a 142% increase on the 76 panel members active at the end of November 2022. Additional panel members will be also be sought to boost the panel that conducts International Protection interviews. Over the course of the last year, the IPO has tripled the number of monthly determinations to over 1,000 in November, and plans to deliver at least 14,000 decisions in 2024, a further increase of almost 5,000 cases.
The complex nature of the International Protection Act 2015 requires in-depth training and the IPO works closely with the UNHCR in developing and delivering this training to its staff and panel members. The IPO has a comprehensive training programme in place for all caseworkers and panel members involved in interviewing applicants and considering international protection applications. The training sets out the International, European and national context of protection and the legal framework within which we work. This is delivered in conjunction with the with UNHCR Dublin office. The training currently takes over 6 full days and covers inter alia
- An Introduction to International Protection
- International, European & National context
- The Legal framework in place in Ireland
- An overview of the IPO
- Intercultural Awareness
- Overview of refugee and subsidiary protection definitions and credibility analysis.
- Considering nationality, statelessness & Article 1E
- Assessments of Facts and Circumstances including Credibility
- Well founded Fear, objective basis, persecution.
- Convention Grounds – Race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, political opinion
- Subsidiary Protection – Serious harm
- Permission to remain
- State Protection
- Internal Protection Alternative
- Exclusion Clauses
- Interviewing techniques
- Specific claims including vulnerable applicants, SGBV, SOGI, Trafficking, Children
- Interviewing vulnerable applicants
- Administrative Law & Judicial review
- Working with interpreters
- Data Protection
- Interview set up/practicalities
- Report Template and Practice note
- Case Management and style guide
- Role of panel members
- Country of Origin Information and its use
- Case Study exercise
Refugee Status Determination/International Protection Training has always been delivered by the UNHCR for staff/panel members in the IPO (from 31/12/2016 onwards) and for the IPO’s predecessor the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC) – (November 2000 – 30/12/2016.) International Protection Officers can only make recommendations on applicant cases having fully completed the above training and having undergone required mentoring with their Case Processing Unit.
Funding from the Department to the UNHCR for 2022/23 amounts to €310,904 and covers a range of supports to the Department including quality review assistance, training, and other advice.
The year 2023 saw the biggest ever training programme undertaken in the IPO with some 298 staff and panel members trained in during 2023 over 7 training sessions. The cost of venue hire for training (due to large numbers being trained) in 2023 was €56,654.21. Please note the Department does not provide individual names of trainers for reasons of privacy and confidentiality.
Female Genital Mutilation
Questions (394)
Carol Nolan
Question:394. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice the number of applications for asylum that have included grounds relating to female genital mutilation that have been made from 2012 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55955/23]
View answerWritten answers
The International Protection Office (IPO) of my Department is responsible for examining all international protection applications received and, under the International Protection Act 2015, each application is assessed individually on its merits.
An applicant’s gender must be taken into account when assessing persecution. Section 7(2)(f) of the International Protection Act 2015 provides that “acts of a gender-specific or child specific nature” are examples of acts which may amount to persecution. The IPO considers that FGM is persecutory in nature. FGM violates a series of well-established human rights principles, including the principles of equality and non-discrimination on the basis of sex, the right to life when the procedure results in death, and the right to freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, as well as the rights of the child.
In determining claims for international protection involving FGM, the IPO is guided by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Guidance Note on Refugee Claims relating to Female Genital Mutilation.
Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) provided training on gender-based violence to IPO panel members and caseworkers during 2023. Training will be run on an annual basis into the future and as needs arise.
When an applicant applies for international protection, they are provided with comprehensive information in relation to the international protection process in a language which they may reasonably be expected to understand. The information leaflets are available in a wide selection of languages and interpreters are available to assist the applicants in completing the initial application. Applicants are also provided with information regarding the availability of legal advice and information on how to contact the UNHCR and other support organisations.
All adult applicants are interviewed separately and are entitled to have a legal advisor accompany them at interview. This allows female applicants to have the opportunity to present their own case and therefore have the opportunity to maintain the confidentiality of that case.
Female applicants are generally interviewed by female caseworkers, subject to the availability of a female caseworker. Where a gender-related issue has been highlighted in the information provided by a female applicant in their questionnaire, a female interviewer will be assigned to the case where possible and the IPO will endeavour to ensure that the interview is serviced by a female interpreter.
In the event that gender-specific issues arise in the course of the interview, the caseworker will generally offer an opportunity to the applicant to adjourn the interview and to reschedule with a female interviewer. The same occurs with interpreters.
The IPO did not keep any statistics on this matter prior to 2017. The IPO’s recording system only captures the primary reason for which a determination was made. Since 2017, 305 cases have been considered in the IPO where FGM was recorded as the primary reason for the protection claim. It is very likely that FGM was considered as a secondary reason in a number of cases, and while it would have contributed to the decision made, that was not recorded. Actual figures for cases with an FGM element are therefore likely to be considerably higher than the 305 figure quoted above.
I am satisfied that all international protection applications, including those which cite grounds of a gender-specific nature, are examined fairly, sensitively and impartially by fully trained caseworkers and contracted panel members in accordance with all relevant guidelines and also in accordance with applicable laws and case-law.
Prison Service
Questions (395)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:395. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice the progress made with the review of remission entitlements for prisoners; the timeline for the completion and publication of the review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55978/23]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Review of Policy Options for Prison and Penal Reform 2022-2024, there is a commitment to conduct a review of remission and temporary release to improve rehabilitation and reduce reoffending and overcrowding in prisons.
As the Deputy will be aware, prisoners sentenced to a definite term generally qualify for one quarter remission on the basis of good behaviour. In the current system, in certain cases of particularly good behaviour, prisoners may apply to the Minister for Justice for enhanced remission, the current rate of which is up to 33% of a determinate sentence. Where a prisoner is found to have committed a breach of prison discipline, such as assaults, intentionally or recklessly damaging property, the detention of any person against their will, escape or absconding, a loss of remission (up to 14 days) can be imposed by the Governor.
The review commenced in Q3 2022 and work is at an advanced stage.
Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla
Questions (396)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:396. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Dlí agus Cirt cén céatadán de bhuiséad fógraíochta a Roinne do 2023 atá caite go dtí seo i mbliana ar fhógraíocht a dhéanamh sna meáin Ghaeilge agus an bhféadfadh sé a dheimhniú go mbainfear amach roimh dheireadh na bliana an céatadán 5% a leagtar síos in Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [56002/23]
View answerWritten answers
Maidir le hAlt 10.1B d’Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla, 2003, arna leasú, tá mo Roinnse tar éis bheith ag obair leis an ngníomhaireacht atá ar conradh chun 5% den bhuiséad fógraíochta a leithroinnt ar mheáin Ghaeilge, mar a cheanglaítear le forálacha Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla, 2003, arna leasú. Le linn na bhfeachtas tosaigh, thug an ghníomhaireacht roinnt deacrachtaí faoi deara maidir le fardal leordhóthanach meán Gaeilge a dhéanfadh éascaíocht ar an sprioc sin a bhaint amach a bheith ar fáil. Dá ainneoin sin, tá 3.2% san iomlán bainte amach le meáin Ghaeilge go nuige seo, agus tá mo Roinnse ag gabháil i gcónaí d’fheachtais ghníomhacha ar ceart go gcuideoidís leis an gcéatadán sin a ardú.
Cuirfidh mo Roinnse, i gcomhréir le ceanglais dlí, tuarascáil mhionsonraithe ar fáil d’Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga ar an ngíomhaíocht fógraíochta i nGaeilge i 2023 in am do sprioc Mhárta 2024.
Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla
Questions (397, 399)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:397. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Dlí agus Cirt cén céatadán de bhuiséad fógraíochta 2023 na gcomhlachtaí poiblí a thagann faoi scáth a Roinne atá caite go dtí seo i mbliana ar fhógraíocht a dhéanamh sna meáin Ghaeilge agus an bhféadfadh sé a dheimhniú go mbainfidh na comhlachtaí sin amach roimh dheireadh na bliana an céatadán 5% a leagtar sios in Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [56020/23]
View answerÉamon Ó Cuív
Question:399. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Dlí agus Cirt cén céatadán de bhuiséad fógraíochta 2023 na gcomhlachtaí poiblí a thagann faoi scáth a Roinne atá caite go dtí seo i mbliana ar fhógraíocht i nGaeilge agus an bhféadfadh sé a dheimhniú go mbainfidh na comhlachtaí sin amach roimh dheireadh na bliana seo an céatadán 20% a leagtar sios in Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [56056/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 397 and 399 together.
Níorbh fhéidir an t-eolas a chur i dtoll a chéile san achar iarrtha ama. Rachaidh mé i dteagmháil leis an Teachta go díreach a luaithe a bheidh an t-eolas ar fáil.
Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla
Questions (398)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:398. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Dlí agus Cirt cén céatadán de bhuiséad fógraíochta a Roinne do 2023 atá caite go dtí seo i mbliana ar fhógraíocht a dhéanamh i nGaeilge agus an bhféadfadh sé a dheimhniú go mbainfear amach roimh dheireadh na bliana an céatadán 20% a leagtar síos in Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [56038/23]
View answerWritten answers
Mar is eol don Teachta, foráiltear le hAlt 10.1A d’Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla, 2003, arna leasú, nach foláir gur i nGaeilge a bheidh 20% ar a laghad d’fhógraíocht. Tá treoir úsáideach ina leith sin curtha ar fáil, chomh maith, ag an gCoimisinéir Teanga.
Is féidir liom a chur in iúl don Teachta go dtuigeann mo Roinnse an gá atá leis an sprioc sin a bhaint amach agus, chuige sin, déantar monatóireacht ar ghníomhaíocht fógraíochta thar chainéil meáin shóisialta, agus déantar an ghníomhaíocht sin a thomhas. Tá áthas orm a thuairisciú go gcomhlíonann 25.1% den ghíomhaíocht fógraíochta sin go nuige seo ceanglas Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla, 2003, arna leasú, mar fhógraíocht ‘arna déanamh i nGaeilge’.
Is féidir liom a chur in iúl don Teachta, thairis sin, go gcuirfidh mo Roinnse, i gcomhréir le ceanglais dlí, tuarascáil mhionsonraithe ar fáil d’Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga ar an ngíomhaíocht fógraíochta i nGaeilge i 2023 in am do sprioc Mhárta 2024. Táim muiníneach, de bharr na ngníomhartha thuas, gur féidir linn an ceanglas 20% dár gcuid fógraíochta a dhéanamh i nGaeilge a bhaint amach.
Question No. 399 answered with Question No. 397.
Departmental Policies
Questions (400)
John Lahart
Question:400. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Justice the main policy achievements of her Department since 27 June 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56114/23]
View answerWritten answers
Justice Plan 2023, published earlier this year, builds on the work outlined in Justice Plans 2021 and 2022, and outlines a wide range of actions under the Department's five strategic goals, which are:
- Tackle crime, enhance national security and transform policing
- Improve access to justice and modernise the courts system
- Strengthen community safety, reduce reoffending, support victims and combat domestic, sexual and gender based violence
- Deliver a fair immigration system for a digital age
- Accelerate innovation, digital transformation and climate action across the justice sector
Under Justice Plan 2023, I am progressing a suite of policy and legislative reforms which are priorities for me as Minister, in line with the commitments set out in the Programme for Government. Some of the priority achievements of the Department since the formation of the Government are set out below. There has been unprecedented increased investment in support of An Garda Síochána. I have increased investment into An Garda Síochána to the highest ever level. This has allowed for sustained, ongoing investment into Garda recruitment after the forced closure of the Garda College during Covid-19.
Budget 2024 provides for funding for:
- 800-1000 Garda recruits
- A 25% increase in the overtime budget
- A 66% increase in the training allowance (to €305 per week) to support recruitment
- €6 million provided for Garda wellbeing initiatives, additional medical costs and over 2,500 units of body armour.
- A new national centre of excellence in Dublin for the Garda Dog Unit, with the planned expansion to all Garda regions on a phased basis involving 50 handlers with access to100 dogs of different capabilities.
To support recruitment we are:
- Increasing the Garda training allowance by 66% (to €305 per week)
- Increasing the age of entry into the Gardaí to from 35 to 50
- Providing €6m for Garda well-being initiatives, additional medical costs and over 2,500 units of body armour.
This investment has enabled:
- Over 13,000 mobility devices - the highest ever – allowing Gardaí to conduct policing tasks outside of the station
- Over 3,400 Garda vehicles – the largest fleet of vehicles in the organisation’s history and a 31% increase since 2015
- Increased welfare and mental health supports
- Major investment in new and refurbished stations
- And a new, more practical operational uniform.
On domestic, sexual and sender based violence, I published the Government’s Zero Tolerance plan to tackle domestic, sexual and gender based violence (DSGBV) in June 2022. This is an ambitious, five year plan and its publication was accompanied by a detailed implementation plan covering the first 18 months, with yearly implementation plans thereafter. This will ensure the strategy is a living document and emerging issues can be incorporated. There is a huge body of work underway. Key achievements include:
- An additional €10m in funding secured in Budget 2024 to combat DSGBV.
- Enacted the Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Agency Act 2023, which establishes a dedicated State body to support and co-ordinate the implementation of Governmental DSGBV strategies and policies, support and oversee the delivery of refuge places, fund relevant service providers, develop and monitor new standards for funded services, carry out awareness campaigns, and conduct research to support the evaluation and development of further policy in this area.
- Enacted the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill which contains measures targeting violent and organised crime, violence against Gardaí and also has a particular focus on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence:
- increasing the maximum penalty for assault causing harm – one of the most commonly prosecuted violent offences – from 5 years to 10 years.
- introducing a new standalone offence of non-fatal strangulation, which can be a precursor to murder in domestic abuse situations. These changes will give judges a wider range of sentencing options to consider when addressing the more serious of assault causing harm and domestic abuse cases.
- introducing a standalone offence of stalking and strengthening the law around harassment. While any person can be a victim of stalking or harassment, they are again common behaviours in domestic abuse situations. It introduces a new stalking offence defined in terms of causing either a fear of violence, or serious alarm and distress that has a substantial impact on a person’s day-to-day activities
The Bill also provides for the making of civil orders restraining stalking conduct. These orders form an important first step in addressing stalking behaviour as they do not require the level of proof associated with the criminal offences. Not only are they easier to get than a criminal conviction, they provide a means for victims who don’t want to criminalise the stalker, and encourages engagement with Gardaí at an early stage. It will also ensure the protection of the identity of alleged victims of harassment and stalking in court proceedings. The background to this provision is that offences like harassment and stalking already impinge on a person’s privacy and personal life. Preventing public identification of victims online or in the media (unless they choose to waive their right to anonymity) is to prevent putting victims at further risk of invasion of their privacy, re-traumatisation or causing them further harm. The Bill will extend the restriction on alleged perpetrators carrying out their own cross-examinations of victims to a wider range of offences than at present (sexual offences), including those including violence, coercive control, stalking and harassment.
The Sex Offenders (Amendment) Act 2023 was signed into law by the President on 5th April 2023 and provides for stronger supervision of sex offender post release. Other key elements include:
- The doubling of the overall number of refuge units over the lifetime of the Strategy. To achieve this we are working with all stakeholders to put in place the necessary structures and supports to accelerate the delivery of additional refuge accommodation year on year. Development of up to 36 refuge units is under way in Wexford, Dundalk and Navan. There will be 98 refuge units in priority locations delivered by end 2025 along with a further 19 additional and upgraded units by the end of the strategy.
- The Sexual Violence Survey 2022 was published by the CSO providing high quality national prevalence data on sexual violence.
- Awareness campaigns on intimate image abuse, victims of crime and consent have been rolled out. Many of the actions in the Strategy are focused enhanced support for victims. The provision of legal aid and legal advice, trauma-informed training, and national awareness campaigns are all provided for.
- I am working to bring the important new Family Courts Bill 2022 through these Houses. This will establish new dedicated Family Courts within the existing court structures and put families at the centre of the family justice system - this Bill completed Second Stage in the Seanad in February.
On anti-social behaviour, my Department has worked to reduce instances of anti-social behaviour and help people to be safe and feel safe in their local communities. These include:
- setting up an expert forum on anti-social behaviour;
- establishing Local Community Partnerships including in Dublin North Inner City, Waterford and Longford:
- ongoing funding and implementation of the Youth Justice Strategy 2021 -2027
- creating a criminal offence in respect of adults who groom children into criminality;
Prisons and penal reform:
- Progressing plans to deliver 400 additional prison spaces to provide for 620 additional prisoners.
- Implementing the recommendations contained in the Review of Policy options for Prison and Penal Reform 2022-2024 to ensure appropriate and proportionate use of imprisonment and community sanctions in a manner which best facilitates rehabilitation and reintegration.
- together with the Minister for Health, Deputy Donnelly I published the Health Needs Assessment for the Irish Prison Service in May 2023 - this is the first comprehensive health assessment undertaken for the Irish Prison Service and sets out 60 recommendations for the optimal development of healthcare services in the Prison Service. It is primarily focused on strengthening delivery of IPS Healthcare services across a range of areas and on improving governance in IPS healthcare services.
- Prison Education Taskforce – established in May 2023 and co-Chaired by my Department and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. The aim of the taskforce is to ensure that education and training opportunities are available to prisoners, supporting their rehabilitation and access to employment post-release.
I have introduced and am committed to enacting significant legislation. Since my appointment the following important reforms have been implemented:
- Enacted Coco’s Law to criminalise distribution of intimate images without consent.
- Enacted the Civil Law Miscellaneous Provisions Act to rebalance the duty of care and increase personal responsibility for trips and falls, in order to lower insurance premiums.
- Enacted the Perjury Bill to establish a statutory criminal offence for perjury as part of our plan to lower insurance premiums.
- Signed an order to bring into the new personal injuries guidelines under the Judicial Council Act.
- Enacted a law to remove reporting restrictions which prevented parents from speaking publicly about their deceased child in cases where the child was unlawfully killed.
- Enacted measures to introduce pre-trial hearing to ensure that victims are less likely to face stressful unexpected delays and adjournments to trial start dates.
- Enacted a new law on Garda operating model to more front-line Gardaí, increased visibility, and a wider range of policing services for people in their local area.
- Enacted new regulations to provide for legal aid to the families of the 48 victims and new legislation for a revised jury selection process for the Dublin Coroner, in relation to the new inquests into the Stardust fire tragedy.
- Enacted and commenced the Communications (Retention of Data) (Amendment) Act 2022 which will facilitate necessary access to certain communications data to protect national security and tackle serious crime.
- Enacted and commenced the Garda Síochána (Amendment) Act 2022, the legislation has clarified the legal basis of the court presenter system and avoided a potential backlog of cases in District Courts across the State.
- Amended the Criminal Justice Act 1984 (Treatment of Persons in Custody in Garda Síochána Stations) with the (Amendment) Regulations 2023, to provide for the participation in and attendance of authorised officers of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) at Garda interviews.
- Enacted the Garda Síochána (Compensation) Act 2022 to replace the existing Garda compensation scheme with a new statutory scheme that will reduce the waiting times and costs associated with claims for malicious injury to Gardaí or their family members.
- Enacted the Criminal Justice (Mutual Recognition of Custodial Sentences) Act 2023 on the mutual recognition of custodial sentences, which provides for the transfer of sentenced persons between EU member states. The Act also amends and updates the existing legislation underpinning transfers for non-EU states, including the United Kingdom.
- Enacted the Smuggling of Persons Act on 15 December 2021 to prevent and combat the smuggling of persons and, for those purposes, to facilitate cooperation with other states.
- Enacted the Recording Devices Bill to provide for Body worn cameras to protect Garda members, Automatic Number Plate Recognition to detect crime and greater use of CCTV.
Other key initiatives include:
- Domestic violence refuge accommodation was brought under the Minister for Justice for the first time and considerable progress has been made to date towards establishing a new DSGBV Agency, which will be up and running in January 2024. The new Agency will commission and fund DSGBV services, put in place national service standards, lead on research and awareness-raising, and coordinate all Government actions set out in the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence. The Government’s target is to double the number of refuge spaces in the lifetime of the Third National Strategy.
- A once in a generation scheme to regularise the status of long term undocumented migrant was successfully introduced.
- The development of a new Immigration Services Website that is customer orientated with information available in video format and in various languages.
- The report on the International Protection Modernisation Programme for 2023 and 2024 was published. This programme is implementing measures to improve efficiencies and throughput as well as improving the application, interview and decision-making process for applicants seeking international protection. This will give status to those who are entitled to international protection to rebuild their lives here, while also ensuring faster decision making in respect of those who do not meet the criteria.
- Reforms to the international protection process will continue in 2024. Approximately €34m was allocated in budget 2024 to the International Protection Office (IPO) and the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) to continue to scale up processing.
- The IPO expects to have approximately 400 staff by the end of 2023, an increase of 95% over 2022, and will make approximately 9,000 decisions this year, more than double that made last year. This increase in processing capacity is aimed at ensuring that those in need of protection receive that status without undue delay, while those that do not qualify are advised of this in good time.
- Introduced a new accelerated decision process for applicants from recognised ‘safe countries of origin’ in November 2022. Since its introduction most applicants from safe countries of origin have received a first instance decision in less than 3 months, which is a significant reduction from a norm of 17 to 24 months in previous years. All applications are examined fully and individually on their merits, including those from countries which are designated as safe countries of origin.
- The processing time for each case is different as case types and circumstances vary considerably. In addition nearly 14% of cases at the IPO this year relate to applicants from designated safe countries of origin. These particular first-instance decisions are made in under three months under an accelerated process. The IPO also works with UNHCR to expedite applications from a number of countries experiencing conflict such as Afghanistan, Syria and Yemen.
- Continue to participate in the negotiation of EU measures related to asylum and migration in particular, the EU Pact on Asylum and Migration.
- Published the Review of Policy options for Prison and Penal Reform 2022-2024 which aims to make Ireland a safer place by ensuring appropriate and proportionate use of imprisonment and community sanctions in a manner which best facilitates rehabilitation and reintegration.
- The Report of the Judicial Planning Working Group was published which recommended a substantial increase in judicial numbers, with 44 additional judges to be appointed in two phases. There is a current legislative provision for 198 judicial posts. These include a first tranche of 24 additional judges, which were approved by Government on 21 February, with a further 20 planned following an assessment of impact of the first tranche of judges. As of 1 November 2023, 22 of the 24 additional judges have been appointed. The remaining two have been nominated and are expected to be appointed in the coming weeks. The Report outlines that the indicators monitored as part of the impact assessment should be capable of capturing improvements in efficiency and effectiveness and have regard to increased caseloads, changing demographics, economic conditions, and the impact of new legislation as well as improvements from the implementation of modernisation measures. The Department is in the process of establishing an implementation programme, to conduct that assessment.
- The Irish Citizenship and Nationality Regulations 2023 were signed into law to allow for applications for naturalisation to be made online for the first time in Ireland.
- The reckonable residence requirement for naturalisation for children born in the State was reduced from 5 years to 3 years under the Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023, thus allowing children born here to obtain citizenship more quickly.
- Ireland opted-into the Regulation establishing a European Union Asylum Agency, and Ireland became a fully-fledged member of the Agency in August 2023.
- I established the Judicial Planning Working Group, which reported to Government in February 2023. It considered the number and type of judges required to ensure the efficient administration of Justice over the next five years in the first instance, but also with a view to the medium to long term. A substantial increase in judicial numbers over the coming years was recommended, starting early in 2023 with a phased approach. In total, it recommended that 44 additional Judges be appointed in two phases. As of 4 December, 22 of the 24 additional Judges part of the first phase have been appointed and the remaining two have been nominated and are expected to be appointed in the coming days. An Implementation Steering Group has been established in June 2023 to monitor the implementation of the report’s other recommendations.
- A new Planning and Environment Division of the High Court has been established. This is in line with the commitment contained in the Programme for Government and the Housing for All strategy and its establishment has involved extensive engagement between my Department, the Courts Service and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage as well as consultation across other Departments.
- Following the approval of additional judicial resources by Government arising from the recommendations of the Judicial Planning Working Group earlier in 2023, the new High Court Division has now three judges assigned to planning matters and proceedings relate to the wide suite of national and European law that applies in respect of planning and the environment. Urgent cases such as proceedings which concern large-scale projects of strategic importance, or matters of significant environmental impact, are to be given priority.
- The ongoing work of the Civil Legal Aid Review Group, which is reviewing the current operation of the Civil Legal Aid Scheme, including how flexible and responsive the Scheme is to the needs of those it is intended to serve. While the work of the Group is ongoing, it has completed a series of consultation processes to inform its detailed deliberations.
- 2023 has seen the first full year of implementation of the Family Justice Strategy. Notable achievements under the Strategy include the completion of the Policy Review on Parental Alienation and the development of a new family law information hub by the Courts Service.
Visa Applications
Questions (401)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:401. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice to provide an update on a visa application submitted by a person (details supplied) on 5 July 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56176/23]
View answerWritten answers
The person referred to by the Deputy was granted an extension of their Stamp 1G immigration permission (Third Level Graduate Programme) for a period of 6 months by letter dated 08 November 2023. This permission is valid until 08 May 2024 and has been granted to afford the person an opportunity to acquire an employment permit during this time.
The person concerned should now make arrangements to register the Stamp 1G immigration permission granted with their local immigration office, if they have not already done so.
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 INISOireachtasMail@justice.ie, 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.
Prison Service
Questions (402)
Brendan Griffin
Question:402. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice the average cost of keeping a prisoner in 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56190/23]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised by my officials in the Irish Prison Service that the average cost of keeping a person in prison this year is not yet available but will be included in the 2023 Irish Prison Service Annual Report which will be published in 2024.
The average annual cost of an available, staffed prison space during the calendar year 2022 was €84,067, a 4.6% increase on the 2021 cost of €80,335.
This figure includes all elements of net expenditure incurred by the Irish Prison Service Vote within the year, (such as salaries, utilities/maintenance, ICT, services provided to people in custody including education, healthcare, work training etc.) and excludes capital expenditure on buildings and vehicle purchases.
The main reasons for the increase over the 2021 figure is due to increased variable costs arising from increases in payroll costs as a result of National Wage Agreements, increased numbers in custody and increased capacity.
Prison Service
Questions (403)
Brendan Griffin
Question:403. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice the number of unused cells per prison; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56191/23]
View answerWritten answers
I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Irish Prison Service. Unfortunately, it has not been possible to collate the information requested 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 recent Parliamentary Question Number 294 for written answer on Thursday 14th December 2023 in which you asked the Minister the number of unused cells per prison. You will recall it was not possible to provide the information requested at the time and I undertook to write to the Deputy directly when the information was available.
I can advise the Deputy that the Irish Prison Service currently have a total of 20 unused Operational Cells across the prison estate. The breakdown of these is as follows;
|
Prison |
Mountjoy Female |
Wheatfield Prison |
Castlerea Prison |
Portlaoise |
|
Number of unused cells |
6 |
10 |
4 |
6 |
There are a number of cells across the prison estate designated under Rule 18 of the Prison Rules 2007 for a specific purpose which may not always be occupied but have to be kept available in the event that they are needed.
In Wheatfield six cells are out of order due to an ongoing maintenance issue and 4 are not used for operational issues related to a prisoner housed in that area.
Four cells are currently out of use in Castlerea as they do not meet current health and safety requirements and they are currently undergoing remedial works to bring them back into operation.
The six cells in the Mountjoy female prison are currently being upgraded as part of a planned programme to enhance these double occupancy rooms with new windows, lighting, toilets and tiling.
In Portlaoise Prison, the presence of gang and subversive prisoners mean some landings have unused cells, six cells are currently not being used because other categories cannot be mixed with the occupants for safety and operational reasons.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Government has made significant capital funding available to the Irish Prison Service in order to enhance the existing prison infrastructure and to provide additional capacity.
In recent years, works have been completed to modernise the Mountjoy complex, a new prison was constructed in Cork and additional prisoner accommodation was provided in the Midlands Prison and Limerick Prison.
Prison Service
Questions (404)
Brendan Griffin
Question:404. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice her plans for more prison places to keep pace with population growth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56192/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware the Irish Prison Service does not have the option of refusing committals and must accept all people committed by the Courts Service. The prison system is under increasing pressure with factors such as ongoing population growth.
I can advise the Deputy that the Irish Prison Service and my Department are committed to providing safe and secure custody for all people committed to prison while ensuring a safe working environment for staff. Officials in the Irish Prison Service and the Department are continuously working to identify short, medium and longer term proposals to help manage the current capacity issues in our prisons.
Where the number of prisoners exceeds the maximum capacity in any prison, my officials in the Irish Prison Service make every effort to deal with this through a combination of inter-prison transfers and structured temporary release. Decisions in relation to temporary release are considered on a case by case basis and the safety of the public is paramount when those decisions are made.
In addition, a Prison Overcrowding Response Group has been established, with officials from across the Department, the Irish Prison Service, Probation Service, Courts Service, and An Garda Síochána. This group is currently examining proposals to address overcrowding.
While focused on rehabilitation and reducing offending, we also need to continue to invest in our prison estate, to ensure that it is modern and fit for purpose and that it has the capacity to accommodate those committed to prison by the courts.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Government has made available significant capital funding to the Irish Prison Service in order to enhance the existing prison infrastructure and to provide additional capacity.
In recent years, works have been completed to modernise the Mountjoy complex, a new prison was constructed in Cork and additional prisoner accommodation was provided in the Midlands Prison.
Furthermore, the Training Unit in Mountjoy was reopened providing an additional 96 spaces and the opening of new male accommodation in Limerick in late 2022 has provided an additional 90 cell spaces. The new standalone female prison in Limerick is now providing an additional 22 female spaces, bringing additional capacity across the estate to in excess of 200 spaces.
In recognition of the increased pressure the prison estate is facing, plans have also been outlined for 4 capital projects at Castlerea, Cloverhill, the Midlands and Mountjoy prisons to deliver a maximum of 620 additional spaces. I am continuing to engage with the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to progress an agreed schedule of capital builds, including the delivery of additional Prison space.
Prison Service
Questions (405)
Brendan Griffin
Question:405. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice the number of electronic tags currently in use for convicted persons, the locations of these; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56193/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy may be aware that electronic monitoring is provided for in the Criminal Justice Act 2006 in respect of people who are on temporary release and people with Restriction of Movement Orders. It is also provided for in the Sex Offenders (Amendment) Act 2023 for a convicted sex offender who is subject to a post-release supervision order or where a sex offender order includes a condition restricting the offender's movement, post release. In addition, the Bail Act 1997, as amended includes provisions for electronic monitoring where appropriate, for those charged with a serious offence or those appealing against a sentence of imprisonment imposed by the District Court and who are admitted to bail on entering into a recognisance setting out the conditions of electronic monitoring.
To date, only the provisions in relation to prisoners on temporary release have been commenced, and following a pilot in 2010, a programme was implemented in 2013 whereby 151 prisoners were electronically monitored. However, electronic tagging is not currently being used due to cost considerations and its limited use.
Having said that, the Deputy may wish to know that a Working Group has been established to inform an approach to the operationalisation of electronic monitoring of offenders. The Group is chaired by the Department of Justice and includes representatives of the Courts Service, the Probation Service, the Irish Prison Service and An Garda Síochána. The Group is due to provide me with an update on its deliberations shortly.
Prison Service
Questions (406)
Brendan Griffin
Question:406. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice the total number of Irish Prison Service personnel for each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56194/23]
View answerWritten answers
The allocation of staffing across the Irish Prison Service estate is based on the security and operational needs of each individual prison. The number of staff required is influenced by factors including, in particular, the numbers in custody, category of those in custody and their regimes and a range of other factors, including the risks and needs associated with specific areas and particular offenders.
The Irish Prison Service continually monitors the staffing requirements of, and vacancies that arise in, the organisation and recruitment or promotion campaigns are put in place as required. Vacancies can arise as a result of multiple factors including internal and external mobility, promotions and retirements.
The total number of Irish Prison Service personnel for each the past five years (as at 31 December of each year) and for the current staffing position, as at 30 November 2023, is outlined in the table below.
|
- |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
TOTAL IPS HEADCOUNT |
3,299 |
3,431 |
3,482 |
3,496 |
3,515 |
,572 |
An Garda Síochána
Questions (407)
Brendan Griffin
Question:407. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice the total number of Garda vehicles for each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56195/23]
View answerWritten answers
The unprecedented allocation of over €2 billion for 2023 and €2.3 billion for 2024 to An Garda Síochána demonstrates the Government's commitment to ensuring An Garda Síochána has provision for the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and personnel it needs to carry out vital policing work.
As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the purchase, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
However, I can inform the Deputy that as of 30 November there were 3,447 vehicles attached to the Garda fleet which represents an increase of almost 11% since the end of 2020, and is the highest number of vehicles attached to the Garda fleet ever.
I am advised that the purchase and allocation of vehicles is made on the basis of identified operational demands and the availability of resources. The allocation of Garda vehicles is monitored and reviewed on a continual basis to ensure the best match with operational requirements.
The table below, which was provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of vehicles attached to the Garda fleet at the end of December 2019 up to 2022, and as of 30 November 2023.
|
Garda Fleet |
Cars |
Vans |
Motorcycles |
4 x 4 |
*Others |
Total |
|
30/11/2023 |
2,625 |
531 |
136 |
102 |
53 |
3,447 |
|
31/12/2022 |
2,517 |
514 |
129 |
99 |
53 |
3,312 |
|
31/12/2021 |
2,451 |
506 |
128 |
101 |
54 |
3,240 |
|
31/12/2020 |
2,348 |
496 |
127 |
88 |
53 |
3,112 |
|
31/12/2019 |
2,044 |
500 |
116 |
81 |
53 |
2,794 |
*The category 'others' refers to MPV, SUV, Minibus or Prisoner Conveyance Vehicles
The Deputy may also wish to be aware that An Garda Síochána publishes information on Garda fleet, including a Divisional/District monthly breakdown, on the Garda website at:
www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/finance-services/finance-fleet-management.html
An Garda Síochána
Questions (408)
Brendan Griffin
Question:408. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice the number of tasers currently available to Garda; her plans in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56196/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes the provision of equipment and the allocation of resources to specialist units. As Minister, I have no role in this matter.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that it is the policy of An Garda Síochána not to make any public statement regarding operational and security matters that would disclose sensitive information regarding the operational deployment capabilities of An Garda Síochána. This includes the number of tasers and firearms available to An Garda Síochána.
Following the scenes of violent disorder in Dublin on 23 November, the Garda Commissioner, in consultation with his senior management team, has moved quickly to strengthen some aspects of the equipment used in policing serious public order incidents. These include the deployment of tasers to an increased number of appropriately trained and qualified Gardaí, among other measures such as the deployment of stronger incapacitant spray to all Gardaí and he is considering the provision of smaller round shields to public order units which are already equipped with long and medium shields.
Public Transport
Questions (409)
Brendan Griffin
Question:409. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice the number of reported assaults on public transport vehicles and in public transport properties in 2019, 2022 and 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56197/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána including all operational policing matters.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that it is not possible to provide an accurate number of reported assaults on public transport as the PULSE system does not have a specific location type for public transport providers.
I am assured that a range of regional and local operations have been put in place by Gardaí to prevent and detect criminal activity on public transport. For example, Operation Saul is implemented across the Dublin Region. The aim of Operation Saul is to provide a safe environment for commuters utilising all public transport services in the DMR together with reassuring the citizens, visitors and the business community in Dublin is a safe place in which to visit, socialise, conduct business and enjoy all its amenities.
Operation Saul involves the effective management and planned delivery of all working resources in the DMR to ensure the delivery both an overt and covert policing response on board Bus, Luas, Dart and Train services to effectively tackle anti-social behaviour, public order and criminal activity, on a daily basis.
On Thursday 16 November 2023, a day of action was held in Dublin in collaboration with the Rail Safety Partnership under the auspices of Operational Saul. The operational objective of the operation was achieved by co-ordinating and managing resources in the DMR to deliver both an overt and covert policing response on board Bus, Luas, Dart and Train services, and at Transport Centres within the DMR.
Routine patrols by members assigned to beat, pedal cycle and mobile patrols at Luas, Bus, Dart and Train Stops were key to achieving the objectives on the day. This strategy constitutes a focused and driven proactive policing operation to counteract criminals and reinforce good public relations. Each Division appointed an Inspectors to co-ordinated policing activities on the day. The operation was a success with a number of arrests and prosecutions arising out of the joint operation.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (410)
Brendan Griffin
Question:410. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí who retired in 2023 and the average age of retirement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56198/23]
View answerWritten answers
I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Unfortunately, the information was not received in time. I will contact the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 410 of 14 December 2023 where you sought: “To ask the Minister for Justice the number of Gardaí who retired in 2023 and the average age of retirement; and if she will make a statement on the matter.”
As you will recall, I sought the information you requested from the Garda authorities and undertook to contact you again once the information was to hand.
The Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities – and strengthening An Garda Síochána is at the core of that. We will continue to provide An Garda Síochána with the resources it needs to ensure communities around Ireland are safe and feel safe.
The unprecedented allocation of over €2 billion for 2023 and a further €2.31 billion for 2024 to An Garda Síochána demonstrates the Government's commitment to ensuring An Garda Síochána has provision for the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and personnel it needs to carry out vital policing work.
This level of funding is providing for a steady pipeline of new Gardaí, with new recruits entering the Garda College approximately every 11 weeks.
The closure of the Garda College for much of 2020 and 2021 as a result of COVID-19 had a significant impact on Garda numbers. Since the end of the pandemic, the number of recruits has accelerated. A total of 637 trainees entered the training college so far in 2023. Another class is due to enter Templemore in December putting An Garda Síochána on track for between 700 and 800 new recruits into the college this year.
As you 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. As Minister, I have no role in such matters. I am however assured that the Commissioner keeps the allocation of these resources under continued review, in line with crime and population trends, to ensure their optimum use.
At the end of November 2023, there were 13,882 Garda members across the country. This represents an increase of over 8% since 2015. In addition, the civilianisation programme has freed up almost 900 Garda members from back office work for front line policing work since 2015.
388 new Gardaí have attested so far this year, including the 151 trainees who attested on the 15 December. These new trainees will be deployed for policing duties over the Christmas period and will return to the college to complete their studies at a later date.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that has been 308 retirements from An Garda Síochána in 2023, up to 12 December 2023. This includes Voluntary, Compulsory Retirements and Cost Neutral Early Retirements.
I am further advised that the average age of retirement is 57 Years of age.
I trust this information is of assistance.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (411)
Brendan Griffin
Question:411. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice when she expects a decision will be reached on historic cases (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56200/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, a detailed application for posthumous Presidential pardons for the two individuals referenced by the Deputy was submitted by the Castleisland District Heritage incorporating the Michael O’Donohue Memorial Project in December 2021.
An internal review within the Department with regard to the application has been completed and an independent expert in trial law was engaged to further examine and review the case of the two individuals in question. This independent expert review of the case has been completed and is now under consideration and a decision on how best to proceed will be taken in due course.
Visa Applications
Questions (412)
Bernard Durkan
Question:412. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the current/expected residency status for Stamp 4 renewal in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56267/23]
View answerWritten answers
An application for a Spouse of Irish National (SOIN) permission from the person referred to by the Deputy was deemed incomplete by the Domestic Residence and Permissions Division of my Department. This decision was relayed to the person concerned by letter dated 06 September 2023.
As such, the person concerned has no valid immigration permission to remain in the State.
It is important that persons keep their immigration permission up to date if they wish to continue to reside in the State. Where a person remains resident in the State without an immigration permission, I encourage them to contact the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) or their local immigration office and to take all the appropriate steps to regularise their status.
Any application submitted should explain their current circumstances and future intentions in the State and provide any documentation they feel will support their application.
In all cases, people must engage with the authorities if they wish to be permitted to remain here legally.
The Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) examines each application to remain in the State on a case-by-case basis and has consistently urged anyone in this position to come forward if they wish to apply to regularise their immigration position in the State.
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 INISOireachtasMail@justice.ie, 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.
Immigration Status
Questions (413)
Bernard Durkan
Question:413. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the current/expected position in regard to naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56268/23]
View answerWritten answers
The naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department.
I understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants and my Department has been working hard to clear backlogs.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. However, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.
My Department is taking a number of steps to speed up the processing of applications and a number of digitisation measures have been introduced to increase efficiency in the process, including eVetting and online payments.
My Department has recently moved from paper to online based citizenship applications. This is one of a number of measures introduced in an effort to optimise the application process and enhance the overall customer service experience. As part of the new online process customers are issued with an acknowledgment on submission of the online application. The forms provide a seamless application process and help guide applicants through what is required for an application.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: INISOireachtasMail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
Appointments to State Boards
Questions (414)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Question:414. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide the number of public servants servicing on State boards since 2006 in an independent capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55910/23]
View answerWritten answers
It is not possible to provide the information requested by the Deputy in the required time. The information is currently being compiled and I will forward it to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
The number of Public Servants on State Boards since 2006.