Tuesday, 23 Jan 2024

Written Answers Nos. 443-454

An Garda Síochána

Questions (443, 444, 445)

Paul McAuliffe

Question:

443. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí stationed in Finglas for past five years broken down per unit, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2608/24]

Paul McAuliffe

Question:

444. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí stationed in Ballymun for past five years broken down per unit, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2609/24]

Paul McAuliffe

Question:

445. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí stationed in Santry for past five years broken down per unit, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2610/24]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I propose to take Questions Nos. 443, 444 and 445 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of Garda business, including the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff. Under Section 33 of the Act, the Commissioner determines the distribution and stationing of the Garda Síochána throughout the State. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.

I am 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.

To be of assistance I sought the information requested by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána and have been advised that the figures in the tables below set out the number of Garda members assigned to Finglas, Ballymun and Santry by rank at end December 2019 up to end November 2023, the latest date for which figures are available.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that for operational security reasons they are unable to disclose details of Garda members assigned to specialist units.

Finglas Station	Garda	Sergeant	Inspector	Total
2019	94	9	1	104
2020	86	7	2	95
2021	89	7	2	98
2022	89	13	2	104
2023*	86	12	2	100

Finglas Station	Garda	Sergeant	Inspector	Total
2019	94	9	1	104
2020	86	7	2	95
2021	89	7	2	98
2022	89	13	2	104
2023*	86	12	2	100

Santry Station	Garda	Sergeant	Inspector	Total
2019	61	8	1	70
2020	76	12	1	89
2021	75	12	1	88
2022	67	13	3	83
2023*	55	13	3	71

ccessed using the following link:

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

Figures supplied are operational and subject to change.

I am further advised that, for operational and security reasons, a breakdown of staffing levels by unit is unavailable.

Question No. 444 answered with Question No. 443.

Question No. 445 answered with Question No. 443.

Immigration Policy

Questions (446)

Dara Calleary

Question:

446. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice the current status of IIP applications that were submitted in advance of the February 2023 deadline; and the timeline for sports clubs that have submitted valid applications to be informed about the success or otherwise of their applications. [2620/24]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will be aware, the Government agreed to close the Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) to further applications from 15 February 2023.

As Minister, I do not comment on individual IIP applications, however, my Department’s IIP Unit is committed to ensuring that all applications will be examined on their own merits and will endeavour to conclude all decisions in a timely manner.

I can advise the Deputy that updated information in relation to the winding down of the Programme and the processing of applications has recently been published on my Department’s website and an updated FAQ is now available also. Both are available at the following link: www.irishimmigration.ie/processing-of-iip-applications-on-hand-following-the-closure-of-the-programme/

There has been an unprecedented level of applications to the programme in recent years and it is hoped in the coming months that we will be in a better position to understand the impact this will have on the likely timeframes within which final decisions on projects will be made. As the position becomes clearer, we will seek to communicate how we anticipate projects will progress and we will make every effort to share that information in as timely a manner as possible.

I am advised that this IIP Unit are committed to exploring any new ways of working that could expedite the examination of project applications and reduce the overall timeframe for decisions.

Official Travel

Questions (447)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

447. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide a schedule of official flights and costs of same taken by her in 2023; if a schedule will be provided of all hotels she stayed in in 2023, including hotel name and cost per night while on official State business; and if the same information will be provided in respect of all accompanying staff and advisors. [2648/24]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The table below sets out details of my official travel in 2023 and therefore relates to the period June 1 to December 31, 2023.

Date	Name	Purpose of Travel	Flight Details	Flight Cost	Accommodation	Cost Per room Per Night
18.06.23	Minister McEntee	British Irish Intergovernmental Conference	Dublin-London Government Jet	N/A	Sea Containers Hotel	£259 (GBP)
18.06.23	Minister’s Private Secretary	British Irish Intergovernmental Conference	Dub-London Gatwick Ryanair	€186.39	Sea Containers Hotel	£259 (GBP)
18.06.23	Minister’s Adviser	British Irish Intergovernmental Conference	Dublin-London Government Jet	N/A	Sea Containers Hotel	£259 (GBP)
18.06.23	Department Official	British Irish Intergovernmental Conference	Dublin-London Ryanair	€172.02	Sea Containers Hotel	£259 (GBP)
18.06.23	Department Official	Official Meetings	Dublin-London Aer Lingus	€215.98	Sea Containers Hotel	£259 (GBP)
19.06.23	Minister McEntee	British Irish Intergovernmental Conference	London-DublinGovernment Jet	N/A
19.06.23	Minister’s Private Secretary	British Irish Intergovernmental Conference	London-DublinBritish Airways	€219.81
19.06.23	Minister’s Adviser	British Irish Intergovernmental Conference	London-DublinGovernment Jet	N/A
19.06.23	Department Official	Official Meetings	London-Dublin Aer Lingus	€206.07
19.06.23	Department Official	Irish Intergovernmental Conference	London-Dublin British Airways	€246.92
19.07.23	Minister McEntee	Informal JHA Logrono	Dublin-Barcelona, Aer Lingus	€96.97	Barcelona Airport Hotel	€161.32
19.07.23	Minister’s Private Secretary	Informal JHA Logrono	Dublin-Barcelona, Aer Lingus	€96.97	Barcelona Airport Hotel	€161.32
19.07.23	Minister’s Adviser	Informal JHA Logrono	Dublin-Barcelona, Aer Lingus	€96.97	Barcelona Airport Hotel	€161.32
19-24.07.23	Department Official x2	Informal JHA Logrono	Dublin-BilbaoAer Lingus	€763.44	Hotel AC La Rioja by Marriot	N/A(19/20.07) Cost met by Spanish EU Presidency
20.07.23	Minister McEntee	Informal JHA Logrono	Barcelona-Bilbao Vueling	€69.99
20.07.23	Minister’s Private Secretary	Informal JHA Logrono	Barcelona-Bilbao Vueling	€69.99
20.07.23	Minister’s Adviser	Informal JHA Logrono	Barcelona-Bilbao Vueling	€69.99
21.07.23	Minister McEntee	Informal JHA Logrono	Bilbao-DublinAer Lingus	€152.44
21.07.23	Minister’s Private Secretary	Informal JHA Logrono	Bilbao-DublinAer Lingus	€152.44
21.07.23	Minister’s Adviser	Informal JHA Logrono	Bilbao-DublinAer Lingus	€152.44
21.07.23	Department Official		Bilbao-MalagaVueling Airlines	€299.99
25.07.23	Minister McEntee	Garda Station andMayo Women’s Support Services visit			The Ellison Hotel Mayo	€125
25.07.23	Minister’s Private Secretary	Garda Station andMayo Women’s Support Services visit			The Ellison Hotel Mayo	€125
25.07.23	Minister’s Adviser	Garda Station andMayo Women’s Support Services visit			The Ellison Hotel Mayo	€125
27-28. 09.23	Minister McEntee	JHA Brussels	Dublin-Brussels-DublinAer Lingus	€192.39	Marriot Brussels	€304
27-28. 09.23	Minister’s Private Secretary	JHA Brussels	Dublin-Brussels-DublinAer Lingus	€192.39	Marriot Brussels	€304
27-28. 09.23	Minister’s Adviser	JHA Brussels	Dublin-Brussels-DublinAer Lingus	€192.39	Marriot Brussels	€304
27-28.09.23	Department Official	JHA Brussels	Dublin-Brussels-Dublin Aer Lingus	€173.41	Renaissance Hotel Brussels	€317.50
17.10.23	Minister McEntee	Limerick Prison Opening Event			Kilmurray Lodge Limerick	€144
17.10.23	Minister’s Private Secretary	Limerick Prison Opening Event			Kilmurray Lodge Limerick	€144
17.10.23	Minister’s Adviser	Limerick Prison Opening Event			Kilmurray Lodge Limerick	€144
18.10.23	Minister McEntee	JHA Luxembourg	Dublin-Brussels Aer Lingus	€204.24	Hotel le Royal Luxembourg	€275
18.10.23	Minister’s Private Secretary	JHA Luxembourg	Dublin-Brussels Aer Lingus	€204.24	Hotel le Royal Luxembourg	€275
18.10.23	Minister’s Adviser	JHA Luxembourg	Dublin-Brussels Aer Lingus	€204.24	Hotel le Royal Luxembourg	€275
18-20.10.23	Department Official	JHA Luxembourg	Dublin-Lux Luxair	€233.98	Hotel le Royal Luxembourg	€550
19.10.23	Minister McEntee	JHA Luxembourg	Brussels-Dublin Ryanair	€184.37
19.10.23	Minister’s Private Secretary	JHA Luxembourg	Brussels-Dublin Ryanair	€184.37
19.10.23	Minister’s Adviser	JHA Luxembourg	Brussels-Dublin Ryanair	€184.37
20.10.23	Department Official x 2	JHA Luxembourg	Lux-Ams-Dub	€372.32
02.11.23	Minister McEntee	Garda Station andGalway Rape Crisis Centre Visits			Dean Hotel Galway	€169
02.11.23	Minister’s Private Secretary	Garda Station andGalway Rape Crisis Centre Visits			Dean Hotel Galway	€169
02.11.23	Minister’s Adviser	Garda Station andGalway Rape Crisis Centre Visits			Dean Hotel Galway	€169

Visa Applications

Questions (448)

Niall Collins

Question:

448. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice if a visa appeal lodged almost two years by a person (details supplied) who has been granted a work permit will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2726/24]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The visa application referred to by the Deputy was refused by the Visa Office on 31 October 2022. The reasons for this decision were set out in the refusal letter sent to the applicant on 02 November 2022. An appeal of this decision was received on 28 November 2022.All visa applicants are advised that the onus is on them to provide as much information in support of their application as they feel is necessary. Guidelines in this regard are posted on our website. Applicants that meticulously follow these guidelines have an improved prospect of receiving a positive decision at first instance.It should be noted that visa appeals are dealt with in strict chronological order. Processing times and decisions at the Dublin Visa Office can be checked at the following link which is updated each Tuesday:www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/Processing times can change during the year, for example before holiday periods or for study applications prior to a new college year.

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

Departmental Data

Questions (449, 450, 451)

Michael Moynihan

Question:

449. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice to outline in tabular form the number of fixed penalty notices for speeding that were issued per county in the years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2871/24]

Michael Moynihan

Question:

450. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice to outline in tabular form the number of fixed penalty notices for speeding that were paid per county in the years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2872/24]

Michael Moynihan

Question:

451. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice to outline in tabular form the number of fixed penalty notices for speeding that went to summons stage per county in the years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2873/24]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I propose to take Questions Nos. 449, 450 and 451 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, which includes the enforcement of road traffic legislation and the recording of information on Garda IT systems. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.

The table below, which was provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of Fixed Charge Notices issued for speeding by Division for the years 2019 up to 31 December 2023.

Division	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Clare/Tipperary	8072	11589	13168	17226	21594
Cork City	4092	7164	12250	10449	8168
Cork North	4940	6607	6316	7409	4938
Cork West	4849	3444	4034	4571	3074
D.M.R. Eastern	4400	5529	4024	4526	3031
D.M.R. North Central	3325	4010	3688	2479	2502
D.M.R. Northern	8668	11682	9672	7245	5564
D.M.R. South Central	3014	2736	2648	2729	1949
D.M.R. Southern	1535	3438	3690	4601	4413
D.M.R. Western	3302	12895	8704	8639	7914
Donegal	3344	3743	3715	3808	3173
Galway	9476	13815	10625	12456	9174
Kerry	4108	3846	4043	3331	3889
Kildare	12830	12700	15623	11132	9779
Kilkenny/Carlow	5060	5079	6102	4313	5519
Laois/Offaly	5335	6723	8706	6544	6219
Limerick	10908	8543	9253	9130	7599
Louth/Cavan/Monaghan	6804	10530	9865	9040	10460
Mayo/Roscommon/Longford	8488	8341	6524	5161	5050
Meath/Westmeath	6778	13197	12482	13273	12304
Sligo/Leitrim	3123	1910	3143	2173	2252
Waterford	5023	5521	5954	5328	5245
Wexford	4492	5124	5157	4416	4730
Wicklow	5174	13097	10465	5722	5469
Total	137140	181263	179851	165701	154009

Figures are based on incidents which occurred from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2023 inclusive. All information contained in this report is based upon operational data from the FCPS system as was available on 19 January 2024 and is liable to change.

The table below provides a breakdown of the Fixed Charge Notices paid for speeding by Division for the years 2019 up to 31 December 2023.

Division	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Clare/Tipperary	6627	10023	11452	13587	15459
Cork City	3557	6337	10838	8887	6672
Cork North	4304	5884	5612	6424	4082
Cork West	4228	3078	3667	4027	2575
D.M.R. Eastern	3922	4945	3623	4098	2577
D.M.R. North Central	2399	2892	2640	1821	1634
D.M.R. Northern	7010	9647	8019	5957	4321
D.M.R. South Central	2590	2215	2182	2237	1535
D.M.R. Southern	1290	2912	3167	3928	3576
D.M.R. Western	2779	10521	7287	7109	6242
Donegal	2732	3234	3224	3282	2519
Galway	8039	12192	9251	10434	7321
Kerry	3439	3310	3606	2885	3234
Kildare	10606	10907	13289	9512	7789
Kilkenny/Carlow	4301	4467	5369	3691	4469
Laois/Offaly	4533	5728	7633	5629	5001
Limerick	9195	7264	7783	7540	5988
Louth/Cavan/Monaghan	5677	8882	8229	7530	8052
Mayo/Roscommon/Longford	7403	7301	5738	4492	4123
Meath/Westmeath	5790	11264	10489	11047	9685
Sligo/Leitrim	2693	1707	2791	1902	1885
Waterford	4325	4770	5246	4659	4420
Wexford	3880	4360	4422	3819	3807
Wicklow	4461	11392	9064	4889	4287
Total	115780	155232	154621	139386	121253

Figures are based on incidents which occurred from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2023 inclusive. All information contained in this report is based upon operational data from the FCPS system as was available on 19 January 2024 and is liable to change.

The table below provides a breakdown of the Fixed Charge Notices with an offence status of ‘Summons Ready’, ‘Manual Summons’, ‘Company Summons’ or ‘Sent to Courts’ from 2019 up to 31 December 2023.

Division	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Clare/Tipperary	1187	1283	1394	2925	4078
Cork City	431	652	1107	1269	967
Cork North	498	577	578	789	550
Cork West	466	241	263	404	280
D.M.R. Eastern	376	457	306	352	282
D.M.R. North Central	736	900	831	518	552
D.M.R. Northern	1327	1594	1309	1017	650
D.M.R. South Central	342	385	370	396	268
D.M.R. Southern	184	405	407	562	588
D.M.R. Western	420	1822	1124	1223	1089
Donegal	471	393	368	421	355
Galway	1115	1255	1018	1385	1104
Kerry	547	390	351	347	421
Kildare	1735	1399	1863	1265	1190
Kilkenny/Carlow	620	485	613	506	653
Laois/Offaly	648	787	849	704	717
Limerick	1375	1043	1168	1263	1043
Louth/Cavan/Monaghan	906	1313	1321	1201	1411
Mayo/Roscommon/Longford	839	806	601	519	479
Meath/Westmeath	785	1534	1558	1750	1657
Sligo/Leitrim	344	153	243	182	209
Waterford	555	617	563	551	523
Wexford	468	565	552	449	548
Wicklow	546	1311	1099	641	643
Total	16921	20367	19856	20639	20257

Figures are based on incidents which occurred from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2023 inclusive. All information contained in this report is based upon operational data from the FCPS system as was available on 19 January 2024 and is liable to change.

Budget 2024 provides for 800-1000 new Garda recruits. Growing the strength of An Garda Síochána to 15,000 and beyond will allow the further expansion of specialist units, including the roads policing unit.

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

As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the allocation and efficient use of Garda resources. This includes responsibility for personnel matters and the distribution of personnel across the various Garda Divisions. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.

I am 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.

It is important to note that while a number of Gardaí are assigned to Roads Policing Units, all frontline Gardaí contribute to policing our roads and keeping them safe. On average 25% of roads policing enforcement is carried by regular members, with the exception of drug/drink driving checks, 75% of which are carried out by regular members.

Road safety is a shared responsibility which this Government takes very seriously. We have all been shocked by the recent loss of life on our road after many years of progress in making our roads safer.

An Garda Síochána conducted an intensive Christmas Road Safety operation over the Christmas period (1 December – 4 January) involving 8,199 checkpoints, 4,679 of which were for Mandatory Intoxicant Testing. 818 people were arrested during this period on suspicion of driving under the influence of an intoxicant.

Question No. 450 answered with Question No. 449.

Question No. 451 answered with Question No. 449.

Penalty Points System

Questions (452)

Michael Moynihan

Question:

452. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice to outline in tabular form the number of fixed penalty notices for speeding that went to summons stage and were served per county in the years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2874/24]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

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

An Garda Síochána

Questions (453)

Alan Kelly

Question:

453. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice the number of CBD Level 3 Training courses held for gardaí within the Tipperary division in 2022 and 2023, in tabular form. [2944/24]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy is aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána, including training and HR matters. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.

I am advised by Garda authorities that CBD3 Level 3 Training courses are not held for specific Garda Divisions. The Level 3 course is aimed towards specialist units who have, due to their role, a requirement for a higher skill set, including a need to drive higher powered vehicles.

I made enquiries with the Garda authorities in relation to the number of members from the Tipperary Division trained in CBD Level 3. I am advised that the numbers trained in 2022 and 2023 are fewer than 10. As the Deputy may already be aware, data is not released by An Garda Síochána for counts fewer than 10 for data protection and security reasons.

An Garda Síochána

Questions (454)

Alan Kelly

Question:

454. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice if each Garda division has large property seizure holding capacity to hold property items pending legal proceedings; and the average size of the holding capacity, per division, in tabular form. [2945/24]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

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