Written Answers Nos. 116-135
116. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice when a decision will be made on an application for Irish citizenship (details supplied); the reason for the delay in processing the application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8239/24]
View answerThe naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department.
This application was received 5 July 2023. Clarification was requested in relation to details provided on the application. Citizenship Division has received this clarification and processing of the application has resumed.
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.
Finally, I can advise the Deputy that the Citizenship Division of my Department continues to communicate regularly with all applicants to keep them informed as to updates on processing times and arrangements.
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: IMoireachtasmail@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.
117. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of front-line gardaí trained to drive in emergency situations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8174/24]
View answerI 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.
118. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice how a person (details supplied) was appointed as a State solicitor and then as a judge when there were serious complaints to two separate school boards of management; the vetting system for State solicitors and judges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8180/24]
View answerAs I have indicated previously, I intend to make no further comment on the matter until the case is finalised and sentencing completed.
119. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice if she is aware of the significant delays impacting working applicants on securing GNIB renewal appointments in Cork county and city; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8317/24]
View answerAn Garda Síochána has oversight of the first registration and renewal of immigration residence permissions for non-EU/EEA/UK nationals residing outside of the Dublin area. I have no role in regard to the scheduling of these appointments. The waiting time for appointments outside of Dublin is dependent on the demand for registrations in each office, and fluctuates based on seasonal demands and other variations.
My Department's Registration Office in Burgh Quay is responsible for registering immigration permissions for customers residing in the Dublin area only.
The Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland (COFPI) recommended that immigration administrative functions should transfer from the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) to the Department of Justice. My Department and An Garda Síochána have engaged intensively on the scope of immigration operations to transfer to the Department.
A roadmap is being developed to set out the future transfer of work relating to the nationwide registration and renewal of residence permissions (outside of Dublin) from An Garda Síochána to the Registration Office of my Department.
120. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide, in tabular form, the number of arrests effected in the vicinity of the Curragh Camp and firing range, specifically arising from road closures associated with the Curragh Camp and firing range, for January to December 2024 and to date in 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8398/24]
View answerI am advised by the Garda authorities that there is no structured field in the PULSE system that will identify that an arrest was specifically arising from road closures in a particular location.
An arrest will generally be associated with a crime incident, which in turn will have an associated location. The Garda authorities further advise that there were 28 arrests recorded since 1 January 2023 to date, in which the originating incident location was identified as ‘Curragh Camp’ or ‘The Curragh’.
The most common arrest reason given was ‘Driving while under the influence of alcohol/drugs’. The Garda authorities further advise that following a review of incident narratives, there is no indication in any case that arrests were made specifically arising from road closures.
121. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a licence is required to import goods into Ireland (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8135/24]
View answerImporters of controlled wood into Ireland are required to be registered with my Department as Professional Operators and each such import is inspected by my Department at the point of entry into Ireland.
The Plant Health Regulation EU PHR 2016/2031 among other things sets out the phytosanitary requirements for the importation of a range of plants and plant products including wood into the EU from Third Countries including Canada.
Phytosanitary measures are in place for a range of different coniferous and hardwood species imported from Canada into the EU. Controlled wood must be inspected by the Canadian National Plant Protection Organisation prior to export and certified by the issue of a Phytosanitary Certificate to attest to the fact that the wood is free from harmful organisms and meets the requirements of the importing country.
122. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the schemes available to compensate farmers who have suffered substantial losses due to ash dieback; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8125/24]
View answerA detailed Ash dieback action plan is being prepared by Minister of State, Senator Pippa Hackett for submission to Cabinet for approval in the very near future. This will outline comprehensive actions by my Department to deal with the issue of ash dieback. Detailed deliberations are taking place to ensure an efficient, appropriate and proportionate response.
As part of the Forest Strategy Implementation plan, the Minister is establishing a Forestry Strategy Consultative Committee (FSCC) to support this work. Members of the FSCC have been selected from a broad range of relevant stakeholders. This Committee will establish a range of sub-groups to inform its activities, and in this regard will convene a specific subgroup which will work as a task force to ensure a greater level of engagement and action on ash dieback and other forest health matters.
In July 2023 my Department launched the Reconstitution scheme for Ash Dieback under the new Programme 2023-27 with the following enhanced features:
• 100% increase in the site clearance grant rate, from €1,000 to €2,000.
• Enhanced replanting grant rates under the new Forestry Programme 2023-2027;Those applicants whose sites are still in premium will continue to receive the premium due for the remaining years;
• In addition, for those in receipt of farmer rate of premium, a top up premium equal to the difference between the equivalent forestry type and the existing premium will be paid. This will be calculated for the remaining years left in premium and paid in a single sum.
My Department continues to issue approvals under the Reconstitution scheme. Representing almost 1250 hectares, 319 approvals have issued, demonstrating increased demand for this scheme. I would urge ash owners who have not yet availed of the scheme to assist them in clearing their sites and replanting, to do so now. They will not be disadvantaged in relation to any further initiatives under the action plan.
123. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of a campaign (details supplied) in light of stark hen harrier decline; if he will give a Government commitment to the protection of this bird of prey before it is too late; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8183/24]
View answerI am aware of the "Save the Skydancer" campaign.
Hen Harrier numbers have declined in recent years and while the reasons behind this decline are numerous and complex, I recognise that concerns exist in relation to agriculture and that there are also significant concerns in relation to forests and forest management.
To this end, my officials working on agriculture related matters and my forestry officials have been actively engaging with the Hen Harrier Threat Response Plan process since its outset, and are members of the Inter-Departmental Committee and the Consultative Committee, both chaired by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. There are a range of detailed forestry and agriculture related actions in the draft plan to support the conservation of the species.
I look forward to the finalisation of this Plan, which will point out a range of deliverable actions for the agriculture, renewable energy and forestry sectors in order to restore the Hen Harrier population.
The protection of the Hen harrier requires a whole of Government approach and I am committed to doing whatever I can to safeguard this species.
124. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of two complaints (details supplied) submitted to his office; if he will ensure that his Department processes these complaints as a matter of urgency, taking the necessary actions for animal welfare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8187/24]
View answerMy Department has received and acknowledged the letters in question and they have been forwarded to the relevant officials for appropriate follow up action and reply.
The export of animals plays an important role in Irish agriculture by providing alternative market outlets for farmers. The trade in and the export of animals is a private commercial activity but it is heavily regulated by European and Irish national law which my Department enforces. All live export shipments from Ireland are conducted in full compliance with legislative requirements.
The Department takes its responsibilities in the matters of regulating this trade, and of protecting animal welfare, very seriously. It exercises close oversight, and deploys considerable resources to the area of animal welfare in general, including in respect of animals being transported.
125. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his Department’s position on banning the use of shock collars for dog training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8211/24]
View answerThe use of remotely controlled electronic shock collars in dogs and cats has been banned in several European countries on the grounds of animal welfare. The question of whether the use of these devices on dogs and cats ought to be banned in Ireland is under consideration within my Department following consultations with the Advisory Council for Companion Animal Welfare (ACCAW), which advises me on such matters.
To further inform the decision making process my Department has conducted a public consultation. This consultation relates only to the use of electronic shock collars which are operated by a hand-held remote control. It does not relate to the use of collars which are part of a fencing/containment system to prevent straying or to anti-bark collars.
The deadline for submissions to my Department in relation to this consultation was the 16th of February, 2024. Officials in my Department will now consider and reflect on the submissions received.
126. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department is considering the introduction of qualifications and associated regulations with regard to dog trainers operating in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8212/24]
View answerAt present there are no plans within my Department to introduce qualifications and associated regulations with regard to dog trainers operating in Ireland.
127. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his Department’s position with regard to the development of a national microchipping database for dogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8214/24]
View answerMy Department is responsible for S.I. No 63/2015, the Microchipping of Dogs Regulation 2015 and S.I. 427/2015 - Microchipping of Dogs (Amendment) Regulations 2015. Under these Regulations, all dogs over 12 weeks of age (or younger if sold before 12 weeks) must be microchipped.
It is illegal to sell/supply a dog that is not microchipped. The microchip number must be registered; this helps to ensure the traceability of a dog that strays and improves the chance of return to owner if a dog is stolen.
Under the current system, there are four microchip databases in Ireland, run by private operators. These companies are authorised by my Department to register owner details for dog microchips.
As specified in the Regulation, the database operators must provide details of microchips they hold to Europetnet, an umbrella group of associations across Europe which register owner information in relation to uniquely identified dogs. When a chip number registered to one of the four authorised databases in Ireland is entered into the publicly accessible search tool, Europetnet will state which affiliated database the chip is registered to. This enables follow-up with the relevant database.
The question of a centralised national database for dog microchips remains under consideration by my Department. A recently announced proposed regulation at EU level to improve the traceability of dogs and cats includes a proposal for each member state to establish a national microchip database for dogs and cats inter-operable with similar databases in other Member States. These proposals are currently being assessed and considered.
128. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his Department’s position with regard to the development of a centralised database for the use of dog wardens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8215/24]
View answerMy Department is responsible for S.I. No 63/2015, the Microchipping of Dogs Regulation 2015 and S.I. 427/2015 - Microchipping of Dogs (Amendment) Regulations 2015. Under these Regulations, all dogs over 12 weeks of age (or younger if sold before 12 weeks) must be microchipped.
It is illegal to sell/supply a dog that is not microchipped. The microchip number must be registered; this helps to ensure the traceability of a dog that strays and improves the chance of return to owner if a dog is stolen.
Under the current system, there are four microchip databases in Ireland, run by private operators. These companies are authorised by my Department to register owner details for dog microchips.
As specified in the Regulation, the database operators must provide details of microchips they hold to Europetnet, an umbrella group of associations across Europe which register owner information in relation to uniquely identified dogs. When a chip number registered to one of the four authorised databases in Ireland is entered into the publicly accessible search tool, Europetnet will state which affiliated database the chip is registered to. This enables necessary follow-up by dog wardens with the relevant databases.
The question of a centralised national database for dog microchips remains under consideration by my Department. A recently announced proposed regulation at EU level to improve the traceability of dogs and cats includes a proposal for each member state to establish a national microchip database for dogs and cats inter-operable with similar databases in other Member States. These proposals are currently being assessed and considered
129. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 47 of 14 December 2023, the status of plans for the introduction of measures to protect the sprat fishery, which is concentrated within the six-nautical-mile zone; the total amount of sprat caught in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8217/24]
View answerFurther to my response to Parliamentary Question No. 47 of 14th December 2023, I can advise that I have launched a Public Consultation regarding trawling activity within the six nautical mile zone and the baselines.
Five years ago, in December 2018, a transition to a ban on vessels over 18 metres trawling in inshore waters, inside the six nautical mile zone and the baselines, was announced following a previous public consultation. A significant part of the objective of this measure was to manage the fishing effort on sprat stocks which are primarily targeted within inshore waters. This ban had a strong support base but was overturned following legal challenge. In view of changes in activity and issues concerning the marine space since then, I think it is important that this issue is reviewed and reflected on in an open, inclusive process. The Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) has advised that a provisional figure of 3,403 tonnes of sprat was landed into Ireland in 2023.
To inform my review of trawling activity inside the six nautical mile zone, I launched a public consultation on February 13th which will last for 8 weeks. This consultation will close at 1pm on April 12th.
To inform the consultation, up-to-date scientific and economic advice from the Marine Institute and Bord Iascaigh Mhara on trawling in the waters inside the six nautical miles has been published along with a consultation paper which sets out potential options and provides information on issues to consider
I am conscious of the dependence of our inshore fleet, compared to larger vessels, on fishing resources within the six nautical mile zone. Other issues that need to be reflected on include balancing the management of our fisheries with the needs of the marine ecosystem but also the changes that have come with Brexit, the Energy Crisis and the Climate Crisis. The policy context is greatly changed from 2018. I encourage all interested parties to read the consultation documents and to reflect on those in making any submissions.
130. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on a payment (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8352/24]
View answerThe person named is among ACRES participants that have not yet received their 2023 advance payment.
The Deputy will be aware that on 9th February 2024 I announced that an interim payment will be paid to some 25,500 ACRES participants who have not yet received their advance payment.
Subsequently, on Wednesday last 14th February, I announced that the rate of the interim payment will be €4,000 to participants in ACRES general and €5,000 to those in the Co-operation Project (CP) stream with the intention to have this interim payment delivered to those farmers affected across ACRES General and Co-operation by the end of this month.
ACRES balancing payments, which will issue in June for ACRES Tranche 1 participants, will consider the interim payments already made to the relevant participants. In the intervening period, my officials will continue with the payment process as a key priority.
131. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when a respite centre for adults will be provided in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8188/24]
View answer133. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when a respite centre for adults will be provided in County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8190/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 131 and 133 together.
As these questions refer to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible. The Deputy will likely be aware that the industrial action by certain Forsa grades in the HSE has been suspended. The HSE has indicated that they have recommenced issuing replies to questions but there is a significant backlog of PQs and Reps to be responded to and has advised that they are working to get through these as soon as possible while at the same time managing the volume of current PQs and Reps.
132. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when a respite centre for children will be provided in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8189/24]
View answer134. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when a respite centre for children will be provided in County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8191/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 134 together.
As these questions refer to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible. The Deputy will likely be aware that the industrial action by certain Forsa grades in the HSE has been suspended. The HSE has indicated that they have recommenced issuing replies to questions but there is a significant backlog of PQs and Reps to be responded to and has advised that they are working to get through these as soon as possible while at the same time managing the volume of current PQs and Reps.
135. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is aware that the lift in the recently opened library in Portlaoise is not suitable for most wheelchair users; if he is also aware that the chief executive officer of Laois County Council has effectively stated that no further consideration is to be given to this serious oversight; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8192/24]
View answerThis is a matter for my cabinet colleague, the Minister for Rural and Community Development.
